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 20
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His memory is precious.
" By nature he was great, by grace he was good."
Said Dr. Burnham at the funeral service, "The favorite chapter of Richard Borden's closing days, and one which he often called for to be read to him, was the twelfth chapter of Romans." "Sweet chapter - it touches the point exactly and tells the story, as I believe it," was his frequent comment.
The impress of his life is here. His spirit awaits us in the glad future. "Though dead he yet speaketh of the powers of practical godliness and sturdy manhood."
MRS. ABBY W. BORDEN, wife of Col. Richard Borden, was a strong woman, full of energy, resolute in action, keen in per- ception, faithful to duty. She entered with her husband into all the benevolent interests of our Church and city. She was a woman of exceptional ability, quiet in manner, cautious, looking upon both sides of a question before deciding upon it, and never wavering from her convictions. She loved life, and entered into all there was enjoyable in it.
She was the first president of our Ladies' Foreign Missionary Society. Her home was a specially hospitable one to all mis- sionaries from foreign lands, as well as to home missionaries, several of them making quite a visit at once, and all meeting with a hearty welcome. "Many of the children of mission- aries, sent to this country to be educated, strangers, and home- less in a peculiar sense, have found in Mrs. Borden a mother
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indeed. With many a one in our own city has she shared life's burdens. Many of God's ministering servants have been ministered unto by her, and have gone from her home re- freshed and strengthened for life's labors; they are scattered here and there, far and wide through all the world; their remembrance of her gracious kindness is like a benediction from heaven itself."
She was president of our Soldiers' Aid Society during the Civil War.
She was greatly interested in our new church building, and often said, " Build the spire so it will reach the sky."
She zealously engaged in all the activities of the Church, and was a constant attendant on the Sabbath services and evening meetings, until a serious illness prevented. In March, 1889, at the age of eighty-six years, she passed to her brighter home above.
Well can it be said of her, as Solomon said of a good woman:
She riseth while yet it is night, and giveth meat to her household and a portion to her maidens.
She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
Jesse Eddy
JESSE EDDY was a charter member of the Central Church, and was especially active on the early committees made necessary by the new organization. He was a man of sound judgment, kind in disposition, just in his dealings with his fellow men, and conscientious and helpful in all religious associations and duties. His piety was not ostentatious, but it was none the less real. His seat was seldom vacant in the public and social gatherings of the Church. His share of service in the conference and prayer-meetings was marked by a devout christian spirit, breathing a benediction on his fellow
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JESSE EDDY
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worshipers. He was an upright citizen, a good neighbor, an hospitable host.
Jesse Eddy was born in Northbridge, Mass., in 1801, and with his brother John commenced the manufacturing of cotton warp in Fall River in 1834. As buyer and seller of the goods he constantly traveled throughout New England, and in some parts of the West. He was called to Boston once a week, and there being no public conveyance, it was his custom to make the journey in his private carriage. The distance of fifty miles was covered in one day, and when dispatch made it necessary, the return was also made within the same twenty- four hours, relays of horses being furnished along the road. He was a true gentleman of the old school, gracious and urbane, in manner genial and courteous. His home was most hospitable, and one where all were made welcome.
His sturdy character as a citizen and thorough integrity in all public relations were recognized, and he was called upon to fill many positions of responsibility. He and his brother, in the early days of manufacturing in Fall River, held many gatherings with their employees during the long winter even- ings, at which topics of the day were fully discussed. To this encouragement and kind companionship is doubtless due the fact that many of the men rose in subsequent years to honorable and responsible positions in life.
Mr. Eddy was a man singularly unpretentious in his per- sonal relations, of generous, sympathetic, kindly bearing, a consistent and practical christian, one of the too rare exempli- fications of the truth that " he prayeth best, who loveth best all things, both great and small."
MRS. SARAH PAINE EDDY, wife of Jesse Eddy, was one of the charter members of our Church. She was assistant superin- tendent of its Sabbath school for many years, active and interested in all the church work, the benevolent society, the prayer-meetings, and the social gatherings in the homes of the
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parish. Strong in her own individuality, she exerted a power- ful influence in the fashioning of character and the life of the young people with whom she came in contact.
Her home was one of cheerful piety; her hand ever ready for every deed; her heart full of sympathy for others, in their sorrows and their joys. She was a mother in Israel, before whom not only her own children, but many others, rose up and called her blessed.
Henry H. Fish
HENRY H. FISH was the son of Isaac and Sarah Barker Fish, and was born in Providence, R. I., June 5, 1807. His early education was in the schools of Providence, Wrentham, Mass., and Plainfield, Conn. He was a clerk in various mercantile establishments in his youth, but finally came to Fall River in 1827, where he formed a partnership with W. H. Hawkins, and conducted a prosperous dry-goods business in the growing town. He was elected treasurer of the Fall River Savings Bank within a few years, and while holding this office was, in 1836, elected cashier of the Fall River National Bank. He was associated with the business interests of the city for nearly forty years.
He was much interested in music, and was largely instru- mental in forming the first military band, and in introducing the first organ; also in forming a society for the study and practice of church music.
Mr. Fish possessed one of those rare and beautiful natures, in which the elements were so blended as to make up a singu- larly harmonious and symmetrical whole, - so harmonious and so symmetrical that he never gave the impression of possessing peculiar or unusual traits. Yet one who knew him long and intimately has said, after thoughtful retrospection, " I don't remember that I ever saw a fault in Mr. Fish."
His services to the Central Church cannot be overestimated.
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For eighteen years he presided at its organ and led and trained the choir; through winter's cold and summer's heat, he un- failingly and regularly gave his time and strength to rehearsals and services, without money and without price.
This service was rendered with such cheerfulness, ability, and consecration, as to secure constant and utmost harmony in spirit among the singers, and a most acceptable and helpful contribution to this part of our public worship.
The Church endeavored from time to time and in various ways, by gifts and expressions of gratitude, to show its appre- ciation of the self-sacrifice and devotion of Mr. Fish, - but it has always realized that it could never repay the debt it owed him.
Mr. Fish lived his life and did his work in the most quiet and unassuming spirit, - never shrinking from the performance .
of any duty nor failing to do it well.
He was church treasurer for twenty-five years, resigning the office in 1867, because of absence from the city.
In the Sunday school, he was a valued and beloved teacher; in the prayer-meeting, his occasional prayers are remembered as remarkable for their humility and spirit of reverence; and in the sick-room and the house of mourning, his lovely spirit and warm sympathies made him a welcome and consoling visitor; his presence was often requested and often voluntarily given.
He was a true lover of nature, and by his own taste and labor transformed an uncultivated waste into a fruitful orchard and a garden of flowers.
The beauty and refinement of his nature was reflected in his face and expression, and all who saw him and heard him speak were drawn to him by his attractive personality. Much of his charm came, doubtless, from the amiable and fine qualities which were his natural endowment; but none who knew him failed to recognize that the mainspring of his life and the source of his influence was his devotion to Christ, and that his almost ideal character was the fruit of that devotion.
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His wife was the daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Amery Glazier, who were among the charter members of our Church.
MRS. ELIZA ANN FISH, wife of Henry H. Fish, was a woman of great intelligence, refinement, and grace of manner; keenly appreciative of all beauty and nobility, not only in the material order, but in the realm of the spirit.
She was a genial hostess, well read, and one who delighted to put into verse form, narratives of special events happening in the church or missionary gatherings, anniversaries, celebra- tions, etc. The Beneficent Society meetings often gave opportunity for the use of this gift, and our " Historical Sketches " afford apt illustrations of this talent of Mrs. Fish.
Robert Knight Remington
COMING to our city as a young lad, with his older brother Hale, from Providence, R. I., Robert K. Remington, a bright boy, full of fun, full of kindness to all, soon identified himself with the Central Church and Sabbath school. In those days, the city was quite small in population, and each knew the other so well that there seemed to be but one great family, each taking an active part with the others, in all matters of common interest. .
He became a christian in 1850, during one of the great revivals under Dr. Thurston, when so many of his friends and companions took their "stand for Jesus," and immediately he began his earnest, lifelong work in the cause of Christ.
He developed nobly, and was called to fill many different offices in the Church and Society. It is well remembered by some, of this same brother who in after life was so prominent in all kinds of christian work, such as church, Sabbath school, evangelistic, temperance and Young Men's Christian Asso- ciation, how, with fear and trembling, he responded to the
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call from our good Deacon Earl, to offer his first prayer in public in the small vestry of the old Central Church on Bedford Street. From that time, till the call came to " come up higher," he never faltered, but stood in his place, bearing testimony to the grace of God in his own case, and striving in all possible ways to bring others to " a knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus." "They that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever."
He became an honored man and a highly esteemed citizen, ready to take his own just part in all good work and works and with his whole being. "He grew as the flowers in the open field," strong, vigorous, helpful, active.
His special work in the church was with the young life, being superintendent of the Sabbath school for many years, - an office he filled with great acceptance at two several times, and for a series of years at each period of service.
He was a born leader, full of life, ambition and action, strong, and with ever-widening influence and power.
In his later years, he was specially identified with the Young Men's Christian Association, both at home, in the city, and in this and neighboring states. Jealous lest his Master should not be fully honored, he became a foremost leader in all its phases of work. His motto in life was, " Owe no man anything." He saw the bright side of life even in the midst of reverses.
He was one of the committee of four gentlemen chosen to prepare plans and build our present church edifice, - taking a particular interest and as his share of work and responsi- bility, the decorations of the interior, the audience room, parlors, etc. He gave the greater part of his time to the de- tails of this work, and when he saw any design which he felt was not quite right, or lacking in proper effect, he insisted upon its reconstruction or improvement. He not only gave his time, but in other ways filled out the trust given him most
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loyally and beneficently, his ambition being the making of a perfect building, a true and worthy " temple to the living God."
The fine " Jerusalem window " in the south parlor was the gift of Mr. Remington. He was broad spirited, and never tired in any undertaking, always finding a pleasant way out of unpleasant things. He was laid aside by a sudden and severe attack of pneumonia, which terminated fatally after only a week's illness. He entered into the Church Trium- phant, November 25, 1886, in the sixty-first year of his age. " His beaming face, his joyous spirit, his mirthful moods, will long linger with us to brighten our faces in remembrance of him, though we are sad at heart over his loss."
He married Miss Harriet M. Hill of this city for his first wife, who died December 12, 1848. He married, the second time, Miss Elizabeth A. Thatcher, of Middleboro, Mass., who with five children survived him.
Mrs. Mary L. Whelpley Towle, of Napa, Cal., an old-time friend and former member of this Church, on hearing of Mr. Remington's death, gave expression to her thoughts in the following lines:
In Memoriam
CROWNED
A message borne across the land and sea, And fraught with kindly, tender sympathy, Came in the too-familiar, mournful way, " The friend you knew and loved is dead to-day."
A touch of pain, - a little fall of tears, - And then a joy transcended all my fears; I thought of his abundant entrance where He no more needs our poor, imperfect care.
Then I went back to days and years agone, To his young manhood's bright, auspicious dawn; When intuitions, born of love and truth,
Deepened his yearnings at the fount of youth.
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* *
A christian gentleman, of truest mold, I well remember him in days of old. A father of the fatherless was he, A brother in a sense most brotherly.
How sweet the memory of the time, when we Caught the responsive tones of melody Breathed from his lips, and spirit all aflame With recognition of the " Precious Name."
Didst toll a knell for such a man as this Given an entrance into life and bliss? Didst cover him with a funereal pall, When heaven was his, and Christ his all in all?
We think the lilies were his winding-sheet, No cross or crescent at his head or feet; Only a crown and pillow for his rest, The last and tenderest of love's behest.
DECEMBER 9, 1886.
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Personal Sketches
SEXTONS
Prince G. Hayden Edward A. Vandoorn
THESE personal sketches would be incomplete without reference to two faithful servants of the Church, in the persons of Prince G. Hayden and Edward A. Vandoorn.
As sextons and care-takers of the church property, their united service covers nearly half a century of church history.
PRINCE G. HAYDEN was the sexton of the Old Church; and EDWARD A. VANDOORN, of the New Church.
Mr. Hayden was a charter member of the Central Church, poor and humble, without great mental gifts, but strong in the faith. The Bible was to him a holy book; the church, a holy place, the very gate of heaven. It was a privilege to minister even in the humblest capacity in the house of God.
Mr. Hayden was born in Nantucket, and acquired the neat and thrifty habits of that island people, celebrated for its sailors, its whale fisheries, and its strict sect of Quakers. Coming to Fall River, he very soon assumed the duties of sexton of the Old Church, which he held until his death, January 7, 1867, at the age of fifty-seven years. Not only did he perform his duties faithfully, but he developed a devout christian spirit, which manifested itself in the social meetings of the Church, and especially in private vocal prayer for his beloved Zion. The benches and corners of the " old vestry " oft echoed to his strong pleadings for spiritual guidance and for blessings on the Central Church. The pastor, at least, was encouraged and sustained by the faithful devotion of this pious soul.
Soon after the death of Mr. Hayden, MR. EDWARD A. VAN- DOORN was appointed sexton, and he served the remaining years in which the Old Church was occupied, and for a quarter
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century at the New Church. His failing health and strength then obliged him to retire from active service, but not to yield his interest in the Church and people, nor to be forgotten by them. The Church Society voted him a small annual pension for his remaining days, and, on his eightieth birthday, a sum of money was presented to him from remembering friends.
These tokens of appreciation have lifted the burdens of old age, brightened his thought and conversation, and cheered his declining days.
*
SUPPLEMENT
1
History of Central Church
Official Record and Related Papers
AT the regular monthly business meeting of the Central Church, held on Monday evening, June 13, 1904, the subject of a CHURCH HISTORY was discussed, and on motion, it was
Voted, To appoint a committee to consider the matter, and if deemed expedient to gather material for a Church History.
The chairman appointed Mrs. William Carr, Mrs. Eli Thurston, and Mrs. Charles J. Holmes as the committee.
Annual Church Meeting, April 17, 1905
REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON CHURCH HISTORY
The committee, Mrs. Elizabeth V. Carr, Mrs. Julia A. Thurston, and Mrs. Charles J. Holmes, appointed by vote of the Church on June 13, 1904, to prepare a sketch or history of the Church for the first sixty years of its existence, submit a report of progress.
They have called in such assistance as seemed necessary; have had the cordial cooperation of many interested persons; have diligently scrutinized the Church and local records; have selected much in- teresting material; and have drafted many articles, biographical sketches, narratives, incidents, etc. They have had frequent meetings, held many interviews for the acquisition of knowledge, and already have much of the sketch in hand and nearly ready for the printer.
The committee ask instruction as to the extent of its powers, - such as authority to print, to secure portraits, illustrations, etc., the methods of providing for the expense of the work, the size of the edi- tion, and the plan of circulation or distribution.
In behalf of the committee, Mrs. ELIZABETH V. CARR. FALL RIVER, April 17, 1905.
The report was read and accepted. On motion,
Voted, That the Committee on Church History have full power to proceed with the work in such manner as shall seem to it best; to secure a guarantee fund for publication, by subscription or donation as it may be able; and to provide for the sale and distribution of the edition.
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Supplement
Comment: It is expected that this work will be done without expense to the Church or Society, it being largely of individual interest at present, though of great importance and value for ecclesiastical archives in the future.
Circular
PUBLICATION FUND FOR CENTRAL CHURCH HISTORY
FALL RIVER, MASS., June 6, 1905.
To
The committee on the " History of the Central Church, 1842-1905," have about completed their labors. They have spent nearly a year in reviewing a great mass of records, reports, and other material, and feel that they have compiled a very valuable and interesting volume. It will be amply illustrated with portraits and views, the plates of which alone will cost nearly one hundred dollars. The next question con- fronting them is as to the Cost of printing the book. They estimate that they will want from eight hundred to a thousand dollars, for an edition of from three hundred to five hundred copies.
They are debarred by the "vote of the Church " from applying to the Church or Society for the funds; they see no other way open, there- fore, but to solicit VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS to pay for the work. Especially is this desirable, as they wish to make only a nominal selling price for the book, that ALL may have the privilege of owning a a copy.
This fund for publication should be secured AT ONCE, before the summer vacation.
It will greatly relieve the anxieties of the committee to know how the work is to be paid for; and the answers will also indicate whether the volume is of sufficient interest to the members of the congregation to secure its publication as prepared by the committee.
Will you kindly consider this matter, make as liberal a gift as you may judge necessary and proper, and notify C. J. HOLMES, treasurer of the fund, on or before June 20, of your answer.
Very respectfully,
Mrs. ELIZABETH V. CARR, Mrs. JULIA A. THURSTON, Mrs. CHARLES J. HOLMES, Committee.
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Subscribers to Publication Fund, June, 1905
Abbe, Alanson J.
Adam, Mrs. Dorcas J.
Anthony, Mrs. Arthur
Davenport, Mrs. Jessie A.
Baker, Charles A.
Davison, Mrs. Mary A. Davol, Mrs. Bradford D.
Batt, William M.
Deane, John M. Dow, Albert F.
Bamford, Mrs. Mary L.
Ball, Mrs. Ellen
Durfee, Holder B.
Blake, Mrs. Leslie
Durfee, Nathan
Borden, Andrew
Earl, Benjamin B.
Borden, Miss Anna H.
Earl, Henry H.
Borden, Mrs. Bertha V.
Earl, Newton R.
Borden, Miss Caroline
Fielden, John S. C.
Borden, Miss Carrie L.
Fuller, Elisha
Borden, Mrs. Charles A.
Gage, John P.
Borden, Charles N.
Gamble, Mrs. Eliza
Borden, Edward P.
Gardner, Mrs. Nellie B.
Borden, J. Edgar
Graham, Charles S.
Borden, Mrs. Mary E.
Greene, John
Borden, Matthew C. D.
Greenhalgh, Mrs. Jane B.
Hamilton, Arthur M.
Harley, Miss Esther B.
Harrison, Mrs. Mary
Hathaway, Edward E.
Brady, James Brady, James (for C. B. D.)
Hicks, Miss Maria R. Hills, George H. Holmes, Miss Anna C.
Brayton, John B.
Brigham, George S.
Holmes, Mrs. Anna S.
Brigham, James W.
Holmes, Charles J.
Brown, Eugene M.
Holmes, Miss Mary L.
Brown, Louise G.
Jackson, James F.
Buck, Augustus W. Buck, The Misses
Capen, Miss Ella M.
Carr, Mrs. William Chapin, Daniel A.
Chapin, Herbert Chase, Simeon B. Cook, Miss Sarah A.
Jennings, Mrs. Annie B. Jennings, Edward B. Lathrop, George O.
Lincoln, Arba N.
Lindsey, Mrs. Annie E.
Marshall, James Marshall, Robert Martin, James M.
Borden, Richard B.
Borden, Richard P.
Bowen, Joseph A.
Bowers, Mrs. Mary A.
Corey, Miss Harriet M. Cornell, Mrs. Emma C.
Barker, Mrs. Edith M.
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Supplement
Martin, James M., Jr. Marvell, Edward I.
Marvell, Edward T.
McCreery, Thomas H. McLeod, Mrs. George W.
Remington, Mrs. Robert K. Roberts, Miss Harriet A. Sears, Mrs. Georgianna Sharples, William E.
Simister, William H.
Mercer, Mrs. Agnes C. Moulton, Louis E.
Subscriber Sykes, Mrs. Betsey
Nickerson, Sylvanus
Thomas, Wm. F.
Osborn, James E.
Walmsley, Mrs. Robinson
Pearce, Earl F.
Wells, Charles H.
Rasmussen, Neils
Young, Elmer B.
Remington, C. V. S.
Young, John M.
Important Dates
Church organized
November 16, 1842
Society organized
January 20, 1843
First church edifice dedicated
April 24, 1844
Present church edifice dedicated
December 13, 1875
Chapel .first occupied .
January 17, 1892
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Pastors
Rev. SAMUEL WASHBURN, April 24, 1844 - January 2, 1849. Rev. ELI THURSTON, D.D., March 21, 1849 - December 20, 1869. Rev. MICHAEL BURNHAM, D.D., October 25, 1870 - April 30, 1882. Rev. ELDRIDGE MIX, D.D., September 27, 1882 - May 16, 1890. Rev. WILLIAM WALKER JUBB, ' September 29, 1891 - September 29, 1896. Rev. WILLIAM ALLEN KNIGHT, October 20, 1897 - January 3, 1902. Rev. CLARENCE F. SWIFT, D.D., July 16, 1902 -
Rev. EDWIN A. BUCK, Missionary, December 1, 1867 - March 9, 1903.
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CENTRAL CHURCH, FALL RIVER, MASS. First Edifice, Erected A.D. 1843-1844
DRAWN FROM SKETCHES AND SUGGESTIONS BY GEORGE DARLING, ARCHITECT
[No KNOWN PICTURE OR VIEW IS IN EXISTENCE]
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Parish Directory, May 1, 1905
Officers of Church and Society, 1905 - 1906
Pastor, Rev. CLARENCE F. SWIFT, D.D., 339 Lincoln Avenue. Pastor's Assistant, Mrs. MARY H. SMITH, 303 High Street.
Associate Workers Rev. EDWARD SCRIBNER COBB, Mrs. FLORENCE BROOKS COBB, Niigata, Japan.
Deacons
Charles J. Holmes,
Term expires 1909
Charles A. Baker,
"
1908
Henry H. Earl,
"
1907
George O. Lathrop,
" 1906
Newton R. Earl,
"
1906
James W. Brigham,
"
1908
Wilfred D. Fellows,
"
1907
Clinton V. S. Remington,
"
1909
Standing Committee
The Pastor, the Deacons, the Superintendent of the Bible School, the Church Clerk, Andrew Borden, and Charles H. Wells.
Church Clerk, Walter E. Dow, 92 New Boston Road. Church Treasurer, Richard B. Borden, 511 Rock Street.
Relief Committee Mrs. Charles J. Holmes, Chairman Mrs. Charles A. Baker, Miss Abby B. Wrightington, Mrs. William H. Jennings, Mrs. D. H. Cornell, Miss Maria R. Hicks, Mrs. George W. Smith.
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