USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > Fall River > History, annals and sketches of the Central Church of Fall River, Massachusetts : A.D. 1842-A.D. 1905 : with portraits and views > Part 13
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The fortnightly suppers, with the evening gathering for entertainment and fellowship, were anticipated with pleasure by old and young.
In June, 1874, a very successful Strawberry Festival was given by this society, the total profits of which were $664.25.
In November, 1875, a committee of ladies was chosen by the society, to confer with the Building Committee of the new church in regard to furnishing the parlors. For this purpose the ladies had voted to appropriate the " Strawberry Festival Fund," after deducting one hundred and ten dollars for the furnishing of the new kitchen. The money was drawn Decem- ber 15, 1875, and amounted with interest to $734.83. It was expended as follows: Memorial tablet in church, $323.88; chairs and table for pulpit, $45.37; bookcase and extension tables, $221.90; marble-top table for parlor, $7.00; balance : to kitchen fund, $136.69.
The first meeting in the parlors of the new church was held in December, 1875, and was a delightful occasion. There
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were present many of the older members of the society, and many former co-workers, who had removed to other fields of labor.
Mr. and Mrs. Fish, though not able to be present, endeav- ored to atone for their absence by sending generous gifts of silver, even now in constant use, - silver teaspoons, silver forks, silver ice pitcher, and two silver cake baskets.
The history of the succeeding years is one of ever-increasing work. One sewing machine was entirely inadequate, and two more were added. The reports of need among the families visited by Mr. Buck served to renew our energies. Special afternoon meetings were frequently held, and the chief object of the society was to clothe the needy children who thronged the parlors.
Four hundred and sixty-six garments were distributed among forty-six families in 1878, and for several years the number was nearly as large. The ladies in office during these most arduous years were Mrs. Thomas J. Borden, as presi- dent, Mrs. Charles J. Holmes, vice-president, in 1877-78; Mrs. Charles A. Baker, president, Mrs. William Carr, vice- president, 1879-80.
The year 1880 proved an eventful one for this society, as Sunday, the first day of February, was set apart by the Church as the time for special effort to raise the debt remaining on the new church edifice. At the close of the morning service, Mrs. Charles A. Baker, the president, requested the ladies of the Beneficent Society to meet in the north parlor, to see what part, if any, they would take in the work. It was unanimously voted to assume one thousand dollars of the debt, to be paid in one year.
The ladies then set to work with energy to redeem this pledge. They decided to give a series of entertainments, beginning with a turkey supper, to be served in the old Central Church, February 10. Although but eight days were allowed for preparation, a supper which was pronounced by epicures
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to be " first class in every respect " was served, and netted two hundred dollars.
Five lectures, given gratuitously by Dr. Alexander McKen- zie, of Cambridge; Dr. William M. Taylor, of New York; Dr. Joseph T. Duryea, of Boston; Dr. Reuen Thomas, of Brookline; and Dr. Joseph Cook, swelled the fund to more than five hundred dollars.
The third and closing entertainment was a " Lawn Fête," held in June, on the grounds now occupied by the Bristol County Courthouse, but at that time belonging to the estate of Col. Richard Borden. Mrs. Borden not only gave the use of her grounds, but most generously opened and illuminated her house, thus adding much to the beauty and enjoyment of the occasion.
The management of this one supreme effort was given into the hands of Mrs. Alphonso S. Covel and Mrs. James C. Eddy. So successful were their plans and so well were they carried out by the various committees asked to assist them, that the proceeds, eight hundred and thirty-five dollars, added to the five hundred dollars already realized, enabled the society to redeem its pledge in less than six months.
'Twere long to tell what booths were there Bedecked with flowers and berries rare - Berries so luscious, large, and red, Were never plucked from strawberry bed; What courtly dames, what lasses fair,
Dispensed the rich and dainty fare; How music brought her magic art To charm the ear and cheer the heart! How " Punch and Judy " lent their aid To please each little lad and maid! All these attractions helped to make A great success of our Lawn Fête.
In 1881, a large box was sent to the sufferers by fire in Michigan; a communion service formerly used by the Church was given, and through the liberality of some of the members,
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was resilvered and sent to a church in Michigan, where it is, no doubt, doing service to-day.
For two years, an Indian girl was supported at the Hampton School, Virginia, and in 1889, in addition to the usual boxes sent to the West, two barrels went to Talladega College, with fifty dollars to help a girl there, finish her college course. Since that time the society has been constantly interested in south- ern education, and every year has sent one or more boxes to colored schools and colleges in the South.
In 1890, a floor was laid by the society in the tea and coffee rooms, and a sink and serving table supplied. The next year, the carpets being much worn, the ladies solicited the money and purchased carpets, window shades, and table covers for the parlors.
The meeting in December, 1902, was a memorable one as the day on which the society celebrated the TWENTY-FIFTH anni- versary of Mr. Buck's invaluable services as missionary among us, and also the FIFTIETH anniversary of its own organization.
Interesting papers giving the history of the society from its formation were read by Mrs. William Carr, Mrs. Thomas J. Borden, and Mrs. Charles J. Holmes.
A legacy of one hundred dollars, received in 1901, from the estate of Mrs. Philip D. Borden, long an earnest and active member of the society, was expended in buying silver forks, knives, and spoons. This relieved members from the neces- sity of each taking his own knife and fork to the suppers.
The following year a very efficient committee from the Beneficent Society solicited and raised from the ladies of the Church about sixteen hundred dollars for the purchase of new carpets for the church auditorium and the parlors. Since then the society has furnished the reception hall in the Young Men's Christian Association building, at an expense of three hundred dollars.
As a matter of course, the nature of the work and the meth- ods used to forward it, have somewhat changed with the
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changing years. The suppers are at present (1905) held every month and are prepared by a committee of ladies, each of whom gives one dollar in money, and also furnishes two loaves of cake and her portion of bread or rolls; the money for the relish is taken from the general fund of the society. At the suppers, those entertained (from seventy-five to one hundred and fifty) contribute a nominal fee. Of all the many methods tried, the present way of serving the supper has proved most satisfactory. The ladies having served once during the winter, are not called upon again that season, and the labor and expense is thus more evenly distributed.
In this connection there. should be mentioned with grati- tude, the kind and constant services of Mr. John Nowell, who for many years has assisted the ladies of the supper committee by carving the meats. In addition, when barrels or boxes are to be packed, Mr. Nowell is always on hand to do the packing, nailing up the cases, and shipping the goods to their destination, - an invaluable service, for which the ladies have frequently expressed their heart-felt thanks and appreciation.
Evening entertainments have for many years been provided by the young people, three or four being given during a winter.
The need for assistance among the families of the poor has decreased of late years, owing to the greater number of similar societies and the better administration of charity. We are still clothing the needy children of our own parish, often sewing for the Children's Home and sending every year, two or more barrels West and South.
During the sixty-two years of the existence of the society, it has raised and disbursed about fourteen thousand six hun- dred dollars, while the value of the thousands of garments made and given away would amount to much more than this sum; so that in all thirty-five thousand dollars would be a very conservative estimate of the amount of the society's benefactions up to the present time (1905).
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Central Church Sabbath School A.D. 1843 - 1905
THE Sabbath school of the Central Church was formally organized on September 4, 1845, at a meeting of those who were already its teachers, together with others connected with it. A committee was appointed, consisting of the pastor, Rev. Samuel Washburn, together with Frederic A. Fiske and Joseph A. Crane, to present to the Church a plan of organiza- tion for the Sabbath school, under the patronage, care, and guidance of the Church.
On the 8th of September, at a regular meeting of the Church, this committee reported a plan, which was accepted and adopted as the form of organization. The Church pledged its deep interest and cordial cooperation in measures for its welfare.
Probably the school had existed from the very beginning of the Church; for, in the Fall River Monitor of July 15, 1843, appeared the following notice : " The Sabbath school of Central Church will be held in the vestry of the Baptist Church at nine o'clock to-morrow morning." This was after the " Great Fire," when the Baptist (Temple) Church so cordially opened its doors to this congregation.
The first reference to the school in the church record is under the date of November 20, 1843, and reads:
Brothers Jesse Eddy, Orrin P. Gilbert, and Hale Remington, Sisters Almira Borden, Mrs. Wood, and Mrs. Glazier, were chosen a committee to procure scholars for the Sabbath-school, and to solicit punctual attendance from all its members, and also to devise ways and means to promote the interests of the school.
By the articles of the association, officers were elected semi- annually by all connected with the school and over eighteen years of age. This practice was continued until July 14, 1856, since which time they have been elected annually.
CENTRAL CHURCH CHAPEL Corner Rock and Bank Streets (interior view)
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Since January, 1884, when the school passed under the direct care of the Church, the superintendent and assistant superintendents have been elected by the Church at the annual meeting; and also since that time, the superintendent has been a member of the Standing Committee of the Church.
Among the rules of the Church, re-codified in 1884, the following statement concerning teachers is made:
It shall be expected of those who teach, that they shall give credible evidence of piety and of a good understanding of the Bible; of aptness to teach; and of a substantial agreement with the statements of doc- trine contained in this manual.
A library was considered, in the early days, as now, a valued feature of the school. Frederic A. Fiske, who was superin- tendent in 1846, recommended to the Church, at the annual meeting of that year, an increase of the library, and a pay- ment of the debt incurred by former purchases of books. It was voted that a collection be taken in the congregation to meet these expenses. This entry is interesting because it also shows the method of furnishing the school with necessary funds. At intervals, votes were passed authorizing the tak- ing of special collections for the needs of the school. Later the school received support from the Central Congregational Society, payments varying from one hundred dollars to three hundred dollars appearing in the records from 1873 to 1885. Since then the school has paid its expenses from its own collections.
It has always contributed to various causes brought before it by its officers; but during the last few years, a more definite effort has been made to create among the scholars, an intelli- gent interest in the work of missions at home and abroad. Among these, the most notable perhaps was the " Thanks- giving Offering," taken during each November, to supply bountiful dinners on New England's festival day to those in humble circumstances. From seventy-five to one hundred
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dollars was contributed annually for a series of years, and, under Rev. Mr. Buck's careful supervision, a large number of worthy recipients enjoyed a feast worthy of the day and its historic memories.
From the beginning of the school until 1857, so-called " penny collections " were taken up only once a month; and for the first ten years averaged less than ten dollars yearly. The amount collected during the first fifty years was about sixty-seven hundred dollars. Since that time nearly sixty- two hundred and fifty dollars have been received, making a total in round numbers of $12,950.00, contributed by the members of the school.
The library was replenished occasionally by collections, until the school received, in 1889, a legacy of one thousand dol- lars for the library, from Miss Sarah R. Stillwell. From this fund books have been purchased, as also a fine library case, and a large upright piano. By this gift of love, the school will be blessed for years to come.
The custom of presenting to the Church an annual report by the superintendent, was begun in 1846.
In 1853, the superintendent brought before the Church a new question book called " The Gospel Harmony," by Walter King. It was a question book without answers, and had been adopted by the school, subject to the sanction of the Church. The Church concurred in the action of the school and approved the book. This was long the basis of study and did much to shape the beliefs of the scholars.
The records for the years 1854 to 1860 indicate, in general, an increase in numbers, an unusual interest on the part of the scholars, and a readiness on the part of the congregation to become teachers.
Interest extended beyond our own parish to those outside, who were without instruction. About 1861, Charles A. Baker and Charles H. Dillingham organized a Sabbath school and conducted it for several years in the " Old Union Hall,"
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Stafford Road. Harrison A. Shorey and Edmund B. Dil- lingham engaged in similar work, in the schoolhouse on the " Fish Road." At about this time, Joseph A. Bowen took charge of the school held in the schoolhouse on the New Boston Road. After two or three years of service, he was succeeded by Robert K. Remington. In 1874, James C. Eddy and Massadore T. Bennett were active workers in a Sabbath school at Globe Village, using a large room over the office of the King Philip Mills.
On December 18, 1871, because the Church assumed the responsibility for the Pleasant Street Mission, a new organi- zation was formed, called the Central Church Sabbath-school Society, whose object was the maintenance of Sabbath schools in various parts of the city. The pastor was president, the superintendents of the several schools, vice-presidents, and the other officers and teachers, members of the society.
Each school in the society was to elect its own officers and regulate its own business affairs. All action was to be subject to the approval of the Church.
Our own home school was a part of this organization. Its last recorded report was in April, 1882.
In 1882, to show their appreciation of the devotion of Dr. Burnham, who was about to leave the pastorate of the Church, it was proposed to use all of the money contributed by the school on April 9, for the purchase of some gift or memorial for him. The sum of $86.56 was received, and with this fund a committee purchased books to the number of forty-six volumes.
The annual report of 1889 records the formation of a " Cabi- net " of fourteen members, including three of the Standing Committee of the Church, to have control of the school, sub- ject to the officers of the Church. The school was divided into departments, with a superintendent at the head of each. At this time direct contributions began to be made toward the support of the Church and the various boards of the denomi-
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nation. The object of this plan was to impress upon the scholars a feeling of closer relation with the Church.
This was a movement resulting in the organization of the school on its present basis, on June 7, 1901. The Central Congregational Bible school was then graded and divided into eight departments, - Primary, Junior, Intermediate, Senior, Adult, Normal, Home, and Chinese, each in charge of a super- visor, the whole governed by an executive committee and board of managers.
In addition to the study of the International Lessons, which were first adopted in January, 1874, graded supplemental work was introduced into the Primary and Junior depart- ments, and to some extent into the Intermediate and Senior departments. A certain amount of proficiency in the work is required for promotion, based on tests, - oral in the Pri- mary Department and written in the higher grades.
A fitting close to the year's work is Promotion Day, when the pupils are graduated with public exercises to upper grades. The Primary Department, consisting of children from three to nine years of age, has been a valued part of the school from the very first, and has always been sustained with unflagging interest.
The name of Mrs. Amy W. Braman is associated with its early days as superintendent, with Mrs. S. Angier Chace as assistant. Especially worthy of note is the long term of serv- ice of the present superintendent, Miss Abby B. Wrighting- ton, who, in 1857, became an assistant of Mrs. Braman, and has served for forty-eight years, constituting an unbroken service of remarkable length and value.
Recently a department of the Bible school, even younger than the Primary, has been added, namely, the Cradle Roll, composed of children less than three years of age. The first member was received May 20, 1903. Forty-five names have been on the roll, and at present the number is thirty-seven. By means of this class, the little ones, from their earliest consciousness, become identified with the Church.
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The Junior Department contains scholars from nine to thirteen years of age; the Intermediate, from thirteen to sev- enteen years; the Senior, from seventeen to twenty-one years; the Adult, all those over twenty-one years of age.
The Normal Department consists of those who wish to fit themselves to teach. This feature of the work, new to our school, is especially important, as it strengthens the teaching force.
The Home Department, consisting of those who cannot attend the sessions of the school, but study the lessons one- half hour weekly, began with twenty-eight members, which number has increased to forty-one in 1905.
Among the Sabbath schools of the city, ours alone has the privilege of working among the Chinese. A most eager com- pany of men are to be seen each Sabbath, not only learning the appointed lessons, but receiving lasting impressions of christian living. This class was formed in October, 1883, with seven pupils. The largest number attending at any one time has been twenty-nine.
Armenians and Syrians have received especial attention, a class being formed in 1890, with six members, some of whom were converts of our missionaries in Harpoot, Turkey. The total membership of the class was forty-five, twenty-eight being the largest attendance at any one time. At the close of the Sabbath-school hour, a prayer-meeting was held, which was led by members of the class. Rev. M. H. Hitchcock, a former missionary to Turkey, came to the city regularly to preach to the men in their native tongue. After twelve years of work, full of interest, the class lost in numbers through removals from the city, until, in June, 1902, the departure of the last members of the class closed this department of work.
One of the most important of recent events has been the union of the Mission school with the Home school, which took place November 8, 1903. This unified the Sabbath-school work, strengthened the teaching force, and promoted the
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general welfare. This union required an enlargement of the scope and purpose of the "Central Church Bible School," as indicated in its constitution and by-laws adopted in A.D. 1899. A revised constitution and by-laws was, therefore, adopted November 6, 1903 (see Supplement), embracing the most ad- vanced principles of organization and teaching, as expounded by Sunday-school leaders and institutes. Under this system the school is working compactly and effectively in all its departments.
Early records of the number of pupils enrolled are entirely lacking. Perhaps there were from one hundred to one hun- dred and fifty members. The school grew larger until, in 1867, we find in the first recorded report of the total enroll- ment, the number 414. The largest record was 726 in 1880. Since then the school has been smaller, the present member- ship of the united school being 416.
The first record of the hour of service is in 1851, when the time was changed from 1.30 P.M. to 9 A.M. Later it was at 1.30 again. In 1880, the hour was changed to 2.30 P.M., at which hour it was continued until October 12, 1890, when the time of meeting was changed to the close of the morning church service.
In 1880, it was voted to omit the sessions of the school during July and August, and such has been the custom ever since.
In early days the school met in the vestries of the Old Church, but later, in 1880, moved to the audience room on the main floor. It continued to meet here even after the New Church was in use, until October 30, 1881, when the front land on Bedford Street having been sold, it was necessary to re- move the old church edifice from its original foundations to the rear of the lot and face the building upon Rock Street.
The Infant Department then met in the south parlor of the New Church and the main school in the auditorium, with classes scattered through the pews and galleries. The change
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was only temporary. In September, 1882, the school returned to the audience room of the Old Church, whose pews had been removed, Chairs were used for seating the scholars in groups around their teachers.
A section of the old vestry was fitted up for the Infant Department, and the Bible class met in the "organ loft," from which the organ had been removed. Here all continued meeting until the sale of the Old Church in the spring of 1886. The main school then came once more to the parlors and auditorium of the New Church. At a later date the Primary Department also was transferred.
In 1891, the new chapel was completed, and it has ever since furnished a most attractive home for the school. The number of pupils in recent years has been so large that the various available rooms of the church also are in constant use. The natural beauty of this well-lighted chapel is enhanced by the wealth of plants, furnished by Mr. Clinton V. S. Reming- ton. Fine pictures, illustrative of the life of our Lord, adorn the walls. These features must inevitably have an uplifting influence on the lives of the scholars.
The class work of the school was rendered more successful in April, 1899, when heavy curtains, sliding on rods, were hung in the galleries. These curtains divide the space into small classrooms, but can be drawn aside for the general exercises. Later similar curtains were hung in the spaces beneath the galleries.
A much-appreciated addition to our equipment was the gift of one hundred copies of the new "American Standard Edition of the Bible," presented by Deacon Henry H. Earl in 1903.
A word about the social side of the school life may be of interest. The historian of the school (C. V. S. Remington), at the Semi-Centennial of the Church says:
There was this item in the records of July, 1850: " It was voted that the school observe Saturday, as a day of innocent amusement and
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recreation, and for that purpose to go to Bristol Ferry in the morning by steamer Canonicus and return in the afternoon by steamer Brad- jord Durfee." All of which doubtless was done, but the records are silent in regard to the results. . In succeeding years your historian remembers several excursions of this kind, but the records do not mention them; and, so far as I remember, there have been few in the history of the school.
Christmas-trees for the children have not been customary. An innovation was made, however, in 1904, when an immense tree was erected on the floor of the Chapel, and the children were invited to bring presents to hang upon it, to be distribu- ted later among needy families. It was an object lesson of the truth, " It is more blessed to give than to receive." The children of the Primary Department also trimmed a small tree, which was sent to the City Hospital.
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