USA > Massachusetts > Franklin County > Shelburne > History and tradition of Shelburne, Massachusetts > Part 10
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V. Our Religious Heritage
CHURCHES
1
Shelburne Center Congregational Church
What memories are brought back to us as we glance at the white church on the hill with its spire reaching heavenward - the Shelburne Center Congregational Church! Have we ever paused to look back over the years and think of the origin of this church, situated amid the hills and still surrounded by rural life ? "Individuals die, and one generation follows anoth- er, but our church still lives."
Today as we ride over the Mohawk Trail at night, we revel at the beautiful sight and receive new in- spiration as we gaze upon the lighted church spire.
Looking back on the early pioneer days, it was to be expected that the church should be of first impor- tance, for the people were deeply religious and devoted to the Gospel. Every generation since has fully en- joyed religious freedom.
For the first few years these early settlers went more or less to Deerfield to enjoy religious privileges, under the ministry of Rev. Jonathan Ashley; and that town aided them for a short time, just previous to their incorporation, in supporting preaching among themselves.
However, as soon as there were a few log houses built, the settlers held their own meetings. The ear- liest records show that the first religious services in Shelburne were held at the home of Daniel Nims, the present residence of the Wheeler brothers. It may have been to this place that MIr. Lawson, living where S. W. Reynolds now lives, took his family on a sled drawn by a pair of steers; or that Martin Severance, from Shelburne Falls, took his family in a cart drawn by a large black bull with flowing mane and tail.
On March 13, 1769, the town of Shelburne voted to build a "round-log meeting house," which was located about one-half mile north of the present Con- gregational Church and a little south from the Town Cemetery on the hill. "Every one to do his equal part, or pay his money for building the same." John Taylor was chosen "to git us a minister to preach next sum- mer."
The exact date of the organization of the First Congregational Church cannot be ascertained with certainty. It is probable that it was formed about
1770, with twelve members. A few leaves of the earliest records of the church being lost, the circum- stances of its origin are not known.
In 1771 the town voted to repair the log meeting- house; to plaster up the cracks with mortar; to make a door, to obtain three windows, and to make a pulpit.
The second meetinghouse was built in 1773 with a frame structure, but was not entirely finished until 1785. The pews were the old-fashioned square or box pews - a board seat on three sides, and a door on the fourth. Over the high pulpit was the over- hanging sounding board. In the corners of the gal- leries were the negro departments. Pews were as- signed each year according to a person's property and standing, by a committee.
In 1786 the town voted "to provite a conch shell to notify the people of the time of public worship and to hire a person to sound it." It may be of inter- est to some to know that this conch shell is still in existence. It is in the possession of Mrs. Irene Nims Sampson of Decatur, Illinois.
A bell was provided in 1805, so undoubtedly the bel- fry and steeple were built at this time. On the steeple was a vane representing an angel with wings extended and blowing a trumpet. The figure was of copper and some seven feet in extent. On the steeple, too, was the great town clock with an enormous face. This was dated 1813.
There was no means of heating the church save by the old-fashioned foot-stoves until 1818. These were the days of two long sermons with an inter- mission and lunch time between. During this inter- lude the possessors of the stoves, the women folks, went to a neighboring house and procured fresh coals with which to warm themselves during the afternoon service! Many of the men, meanwhile, went to the nearby tavern for their afternoon warmth.
The minister preached wearing a great cloak, a muffler and red mittens. One could even see the vapor from his mouth. In spite of this he had no notes, and each sermon was two hours long!
After sixty years of use, this meetinghouse was torn down and a third meetinghouse was erected in 1832. After much controversy, and, indeed, after some of the lumber had been drawn on the hill, it was de- cided that for the best interests of all, the location of the new church should be where the present church now stands. The land was obtained from Poole Kel- logg. It has been said that it was purchased for $50, but the amount was never paid, for some thought it was his duty to donate the land.
This church was built with one large room and
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two smaller ones on the ground floor, and two flights of stairs, one on either side of the pulpit, leading to the audience room above. The singers (choir) occu- pied two long rows of seats on either side of the church. Later there was a gallery built at the north end for them.
There was some argument as to whether there should be a steeple. If there was one "it would reach to Heaven," and if not "it would look like Hell." However, a steeple was built on the south end, while a belfry was built at the north in a separate building. This church was heated by two wood-stoves in the basement. the pipes going to the opposite end of the church and up through the floor.
In 1845, while the people were gathered for wor- ship, the church accidentally caught fire from the over- heated pipes and was burned to the ground. How'- ever, the books and windows were saved. Since the bell was cracked, no attempt was made to save it. but later the molten mass was sold toward the pur- chase of the bell that now calls us to worship. On the day of the fire a Baptist minister was to speak from the pulpit. He is said to have remarked upon the wonderful coolness of the congregation as they sang to the end the hymn they had begun before they left the burning building. It was thought by some that the loss of the church was judgment upon them for allowing a Baptist preacher in the pulpit.
Our present church was immediately built and dedi- cated in December, 1845. From time to time a few changes have taken place. The long stone steps in front of the church have been replaced by the stone platform and two short flights of steps. Electric lights now replace the oil lamps. A furnace is now used for heating. The walls, originally papered, are now steel ceiled. The windows of plain glass, with green blinds. have been replaced by memorial windows. These win- dows are in memory of Doctor Packard. Fidelia and Pliny Fiske. D. O. Fiske. Miss Charity Skinner and Deacon and Mrs. Elam Kellogg. These were given by relatives and friends. There was also one given by Deacon and Mrs. C. E. Barnard and one by the children of the town.
A commodious vestry, used also for town meetings and public assemblages, was erected opposite the church building in 1847.
In 1854 Reverend T. Packard gave $400 for a minister's library. Major and Mrs. Ira Arms gave $250 toward a solid silver communion service, which was used until replaced by individual communion cups.
Mrs. Hattie Barnard was the donor of the beauti- ful chandelier which hung for many years in the church before the time of electricity. It was with much deep regret to many that this beautiful gift was not wired for electricity instead of being cast aside. In 1915 George E. Taylor presented the beautiful pipe organ.
Speaking of the organ reminds us of the changes that have taken place in church music. In olden times
it was customary to "line" or "deacon" the hymn as it was sung. When this custom was given up and instrumental music introduced, some people would go out of church. The bass viol was the first instrument used, and must have been the cause of much conten- tion ; at one time it disappeared and was later found in a Baptist brother's haymow. Other instruments later used were the violin, melodeon and organ. It seems that the disagreement about the singing gave rise to two opposing parties; sometimes one furnished the music, sometimes the other. The friction was so great that one of the earliest ministers regretted hav- ing come to town. This continued for many years and was not settled until congregational singing was introduced. the organist leading. Sometime later a choir was formed.
For many years the singers occupied the gallery ; later a place left of the pulpit was provided for them. Later still, when the large pipe organ was installed, they were given a place back of the pulpit.
About 1904 the Ladies' Aid and the Grange worked harmoniously for a new dining room in the vestry. Funds were solicited for this change. and with the aid of N. O. Newhall, a local carpenter, the building was raised and the present dining hall put under- neath. This crowded out two or three horse sheds and the place where the hearse was kept.
Mention should here be made of the imposing array of horse sheds that once surrounded the meetinghouse! And every shed was filled every Sunday! After horses had given way to automobiles, the horse sheds were no longer needed. Many thought the appearance of the church and the surroundings would be improved if the sheds were removed. During the year 1923 Walter E. Burnham worked untiringly to secure the deeds to the sheds from their owners. Then he made arrangements to have them taken down.
In December, 1916, during a high wind the church spire was blown off. It was not long, however, before it was replaced ; for the townspeople again rallied and the heavy expense was met. So all down through the years there have been those loyal to the support of the church and those who have made her interests their own.
THE SUNDAY SCHOOL
There is no record to be found of the early history of the Sunday School. The most authentic history has been given by MIrs. Prudence B. Smith, who said : - "I was visiting MIrs. Packard with several other young girls in May, 1815. Mr. Packard said that he had attended the State Gen. Association, and it was proposed to have what might be called Sunday School where young people and children might com- mit to memory scripture texts, and meet at some place and recite what had been learned."
As this seemed to meet the views of all interested. notice was given from the desk. that all who chose to do so, would meet in their respective schoolhouses and be prepared to recite scripture lessons, and teachers
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would meet them. All the first teachers were men. The studies were upon the character and attributes of God and were to be answered in scripture.
The first Sunday School was held in the school- house, near Mr. Edmund Skinner's, now occupied by Alvin Churchill, at 5 o'clock Sabbath afternoon. The lesson was wholly scriptural and committed to memory. Sometimes an original essay was read. When the first Sunday School was held in the meetinghouse there were four classes, two of boys, one under 12, and the other all over 12; the same with respect to the girls.
From the records kept by Dr. Packard, we gather the following: The Sunday School was revived in 1826 with Deacon Kellogg, Superintendent. There were about two hundred members at this time. In 1838 there were 258 while in 1842 there were 300 members, with an average attendance of 200. In 1847 the Sunday School began having its sessions in the vestry. The Sunday School continued to be strong into the early 1900's with different men as superin- tendent.
They were Asa Severance, Lyman Conant, James Jones, John Hardy, Reuben Nims, I. T. Fiske, Oscar Bardwell, George E. Taylor, Clinton Barnard, W. T. Peck, Z. D. Bardwell, Austin L. Peck, George H. Fiske, Ned Williams, Mrs. Austin Dodge, Luther Truesdell, Zerah Fiske, M. Owen Vincent and E. Albert Alvord.
About this time the sessions were again held in the church with the adult classes meeting in the body of the church, while the junior classes met in the gallery.
On January 1, 1913, a Primary and Junior Sunday School was formed under the direction of Mrs. D. P. Bardwell. The adult classes continued to meet in the church while the juniors marched out to the vestry. Mrs. Bardwell was its first superintendent and held office for eight years. Mrs. Hardy, a former minister's wife, told of Mrs. Bardwell's able and helpful leader- ship in the Primary Sunday School. She loved chil- dren and her church. Her work has been carried on with several leaders, whom we should mention - Hattie Allen Fiske, who was especially interested in the cradle-roll department; Mrs. Roger Peck who did much for the younger children ; Mrs. F. J. Duplis- sey, who kept the high school class together. At this time the total attendance was about fifty, with an average attendance of over forty. Other leaders were Mrs. John Geiger, Jr., Mrs. Elliot Taylor, Winfield Peck, Mrs. John Cress, Mrs. Carl Libby, Edward Moore, Mrs. Leland Wheeler, Mrs. Clifford Harris, Mrs. John Mowrey, and Edward Roberts.
Here we must mention that a Sunday School was held at the railroad station in Bardwell's Ferry for a number of years during the early Nineties. This was for the families in Bardwell's Ferry, both on the Conway and Shelburne sides of the river. It was separate from the church and primarily for the fam- ilies who had no way of getting to church. Later, for a short time, the Sunday School was held in the
Foxtown Schoolhouse Sunday afternoons and Mr. Goodrich was the leader.
Thursday night prayer meeting in the Foxtown Schoolhouse followed the discontinuation of the Sun- day School and was well attended. Every family liv- ing near the school carried a lamp!
MINISTERS
The Congregational Church has had a varied num- ber of pastors.
Rev. Robert Abercrombie was doubtless the first temporary preacher in Shelburne at a salary of twenty pounds. In 1770 Rev. John Marrett and Rev. John Wyeth were the ministers. Following them were Rev. Jonathan Bird in 1771, and Rev. Caleb Hotchkiss in 1772.
The first settled pastor was Rev. Robert Hubbard, who ministered to the people from 1773 until his death in 1788. He lived in the house now owned by the Raymond Helbigs. He was as strict in observance of the Sabbath as the Puritans. He was known for his frankness and imprudence of speech as the follow- ing anecdote relates.
It seems that Watson Freeman, a church member, was accused and tried by the church for stealing corn, and was acquitted. When he was called into the room to hear the decision, Mr. Hubbard, as modera- tor, said, "Well, brother Freeman, the church has cleared you, but for my part, I believe you stole that corn!" Some time later Mr. Freeman had a child baptized and in the baptismal prayer Mr. Hubbard prayed that the child might never put his hand to his neighbor's goods, as his father had done!
Rev. Jesse Townsend was the second pastor, preach- ing from 1792 to 1797. He was a very scholarly man and a great worker, who prepared many young men for college.
Perhaps Rev. Theophilus Packard is one of the best remembered, serving the church from 1799 to 1855. He built and lived in the house known as the Zenas Bardwell place, now occupied by Mrs. Dorothy Dyer. It was in this house that first resolutions were passed, recommending Amherst as a suitable place for a college. Rev. Packard instructed many schoolteachers and taught 31 students to prepare for the ministry.
For the first fifteen years Rev. Packard's yearly salary was $300 and his wood, which was drawn by men of the parish on an appointed day in winter. During the afternoon a hot flip of beer and rum was served, and at the close a warm supper at the parson- age - making this a joyous occasion. It was con- sidered a lack of courtesy if a mug of flip was not offered Mr. Packard when he visited his parishioners.
The fiftieth anniversary of Rev. Packard's ordina- tion in Shelburne was celebrated in 1849 and the sermon preached on the occasion was published. He died at the age of eighty-six in South Deerfield and was buried in the Center Cemetery. His stone bears the inscription: "To be spiritually minded in life and peace."
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In 1828, at the request of his father, Rev. Theophi- lus Packard, Jr., was asked by the church to become his father's colleague. and in the same year was ordained, being the fourth pastor. The crowd that attended this ordination was so great that the church galleries had to be propped. It was estimated that 700 people were present. He built a house just west of his father's, on the lot which is still known as the Packard lot. The following description is given of Rev. Theophilus Packard, Jr. :
"A typical example of the old time minister, austere in manner, scholarly, feared by the children, and respected by all." Mr. Packard was in the habit of keeping his horse harnessed all the time, day and night. His parishioners considering it cruelty remon- strated with him, but to no avail. Finally one Satur- day night the boys unharnessed the horse. On Sun- day morning the minister was unable to find his har- ness until he reached the church where he found it in the pulpit. During the Packard pastorate from 1799 to 1855, 400 new members were added to the church. The first church manual was issued on March 12. 1832.
In 1855 Rev. Richard S. Billings, a young man fresh from the theological seminary, was ordained at a salary of $700, an unheard-of sum for a minister. He was a highly educated man, with new thoughts and new ideas, and his sermons were marked by great intellectual force and very earnest spirituality. In 1855, eighty-seven united with the church. He re- mained in Shelburne for fifteen years.
The next pastor, Rev. Alfred F. Marsh, was installed in October. 1870. His was a very successful but short pastorate of about five years. The custom of a morning and afternoon Sunday service was given up at this time.
In December of the same year, Rev. George L. Clark. another recent graduate from the seminary. became Shelburne's pastor. During his first week in Shelburne he was married, ordained and installed. and officiated at the wedding of N. Elizabeth Stone and Daniel Packer Bardwell. The following summer the parsonage was built, and for seven happy years he occupied it. He, too. was beloved by his people and he never outlived his love for his first parish. His was a life of prayer and a service of love. The Chris- tian Endeavor of Shelburne was organized by Mr. Clark in June. 1882, and he was the first president. During Mr. Clark's stay in town, the meetings were held in the parsonage parlors for the half hour pre- ceding the regular prayer meeting. Since that time they have been held at the vestry.
Following Mr. Clark. Rev. Benson M. Frink was the preacher from 1884-1889. He was a very able minister, gifted in prayer and very interested in young people. He was very sympathetic and most devoted to his people, especially in times of sorrow. Mr. Frink issued a second manual in 1887.
In 1890 Rev. Albert L. Bradstreet was installed. This was a pastorate of only eighteen months.
The next pastor was Rev. Austin Dodge, who came to Shelburne in 1892, and was pastor for just four years. He was instrumental in bringing about more harmonious relations than had previously existed. During his pastorate, in the year 1894, there was a severe drought. Mr. Dodge wrote a poem entitled "Drouth," which was printed, to describe the disaster.
In 1896 Joseph A. Goodrich came to us and was ordained September 9, 1896. He is thus described by one of the parishioners: "A man beloved by every man, woman and child in the whole town; a man above reproach, without an enemy, and who lived near to God and devoted himself conscientiously to the welfare of this parish." He issued a third church manual in 1905. He organized the Union of Franklin County Ministers which held monthly meetings. He was prominent in the Congregational Conference. During the twelve years of Mr. Goodrich's pastorate, our church was one of the most active in the county and secured attendance of practically all the families of the town. He was one of the first ministers to have pulpit exchanges.
His successor was Rev. A. McDonald Paterson. who began his work here June 15, 1908. He was a very eloquent speaker, and preached with such vigor and sincerity that he kept the congregation awake and interested. He and his family left many warm friends in Shelburne.
In December. 1909, Rev. Adam Murrman became the pastor. Seldom has Shelburne had a minister with so thorough a knowledge of the Bible. He was an earnest worker in the weekly prayer meeting group. The following incident has been told: "While Mr. Murrman was officiating at the funeral of Ai Kellogg, Walter Carpenter, a war veteran, kept thumping his cane noisily to show his disgust at the remarks of the minister. Mr. Murrman concluded his eulogy by saying : 'He was a good smoker!' "
Succeeding Mr. Murrman was Rev. Waldo S. Burgess, who was ordained in September, 1911. This was his first church and he was married here. Because of poor health he resigned after two-and-a-half years. Then for several months the church was without a regular pastor. However, Rev. Samuel Walker, from the Falls, supplied the pulpit for a time.
On Feb. 1, 1915. Rev. Owen E. Hardy, a middle- aged man, became Shelburne's pastor. He labored faithfully in his chosen work and in the five years he was here 55 members were added to the church. He was well liked by the young people - a good all- round pastor. Prayer meetings in the homes were well attended.
Again the church was without a pastor. Rev. Ellery Clapp of Northampton and Rev. William Davenport of Colrain supplied most acceptably.
In September, 1920, Rev. George H. Coffin, Jr. became our pastor. He was a great lover of nature. While he was here "Old Home and Anniversary Week" was observed in August, 1921. His interests
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and efforts did much to make it a great success. This commemorated the 150th anniversary of the founding of the church.
Our next pastor was Rev. Herbert Laskey, who served the church in 1922 and 1923. It was his first parish and a stepping-stone to a bigger one. He was an energetic speaker.
His successor was Rev. Charles G. White, 1923- 1927. His neighborhood prayer meetings and after- noon forum hours in the homes were always interesting and helpful.
Next came Rev. Charles E. Martin, 1927-1929. He was very industrious and published the Shelburne Church l'isitor, a monthly newspaper containing news of the church and community. Both Mr. and Mrs. Martin were fond of walking and by this means made many neighborly calls. Both he and Rev. White worked unsparingly for the community.
From 1929 to 1936 Rev. Frank Hemenway was pastor. He was an older man, did much good spirit- ually and was very helpful in the town. He was gifted in always having a story to tell. Mrs. Hemen- way, in her quiet way, was much liked by all. Again in 1930 there was held an "Old Home Week" for three days.
Following Mr. Hemenway was Rev. Frederick J. Duplissey, who served as pastor from 1936-1942. He was granted a leave of absence until 1943 to serve as chaplain in the service of his country during World War II.
Again for a few months the pulpit was supplied by Rev. Glover Johnson of Mt. Hermon.
The church, not wishing to be without a settled minister any longer, finally called Rev. Walter Clark, Jr. in 1944. He completed his pastorate in June, 1947, to enter the teaching field.
After depending on very well-liked and able sup- plies from MIt. Hermon for a year, the church finally called Rev. Arthur Cook to take over the Shelburne pastorate in June, 1948. He was dismissed in June, 1949.
After depending on substitutes from MIt. Hermon, the members of the church called Rev. John Mowrey. He began his duties January 1, 1950.
There was also a Baptist church located in Shel- burne Center which stood in the south part of town, near the residence now occupied by Charles Kelley. When first organized in 1792, it was called the Deer- field and Shelburne Baptist Church. It was a Union church, consisting of members belonging to the two towns, and they held their meetings alternately in Deerfield and Shelburne.
The church met in 1832 and voted to divide the church into two bodies according to the residence of the members in the two towns; one was called the Deerfield Baptist Church and the other the Shelburne Baptist Church. Elder David Long was ordained as pastor of this church in 1792 and continued to serve until his death in 1831. He lived at the place now
occupied by Charles York. "Tradition tells us that he prepared his sermons for Sunday during the week, while tending a still which he owned, and with which he eked out the slender salary which the parish paid him." This was before Prohibition days. After his death preaching was supplied by Rev. Anthony Case, 1832, Rev. B. F. Remington, 1833-34, and Elder Dalrymple and others.
Among the old records it was interesting to note that in the year 1833 it was voted at the church meet- ing to raise $100 for the support of preaching for the ensuing year. People of those days were baptized in a nearby pond underneath an elm tree. This Baptist Church was dissolved by vote in 1839. The members joined either the Congregational Church or else went to the Falls to worship. The church was sold about 1845.
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