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 3
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1864. In 1864, the subject of districting the Church, in order to its better welfare, was brought to the attention of the Church by the pastor. It was decided that a division should be made, and each district be put under the watch and care of one or more members of the Church. The Church was divided into six districts of resident members, and a seventh of members living out of the city. A committee of three, one male and two females, was chosen for each district, to serve three months. The annual report for 1865, a year later, says, " The system of church visitation by its committees has
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succeeded beyond the expectations of the most sanguine, and we can but hope has already accomplished great good, and promises to be an instrumentality of lasting benefit."
1866. In the report for 1866, is an out-looking suggestion which bore fruit some years later, to wit:
Every cause, every enterprise, whether secular or sacred, needs at times something which shall break up the monotony of its course, throw it out of the stereotyped routine it has been pursuing, and inspire with fresh interest those who are laboring in its behalf. God in his providence has so arranged that there is an unusual amount of young life in this Church. It is intelligent, it is earnest, and it is capa- ble of accomplishing vast results for Christ and his kingdom in this place. It needs developing to a great extent; it is dormant. Some- thing needs to be done, to turn it to a speedy account in the growth, usefulness, and aggressiveness of this Church. Is it a reconsecration of ourselves to God, and a fresh baptism of the Spirit? Let us set about it in earnest and never tire or rest till it be accomplished. Is it a change in its ministrations of the Word? Let no man stand in the way of the prosperity and efficiency of this precious Heaven-favored Church. Is it To BUILD A NEW TEMPLE to the honor and praise of God, which shall by its attractions and superior accommodations invite every loiterer and idler to enter its gates and to bear part in its services, exclaiming " How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts " ? Then let us rise up and build, inscribing on every stone, tile, and timber, " Holiness to the Lord." Whether it be one, or all, or something different, from either of these things which is needed, let us inquire first among ourselves, and principally of God, and what- ever the response, let every man stand in his lot, and be willing to bear his part, so that God may make this Church a power and praise in this place.
1867. On April 14, there came a much-regretted break in official service, recorded as follows:
The undersigned takes this opportunity to present his thanks to this Church for the confidence which elected him to the office of treas- urer for more than twenty-four years, and desires that some other person may be selected to fill the office, as it will not be possible for him to attend to its duties the coming year.
HENRY H. FISH.
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£
HENRY H. FISH Church Treasurer, A.D. 1843-1867
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The Church accepted the resignation, and voted " that the thanks of the Church be and hereby are tendered to Mr. Fish, who has so long and acceptably filled the position of treasurer of this Church." Mr. Richard B. Borden was unanimously elected to fill the vacancy, and continues to hold the office to the present time (1905).
1868. Instead of the usual preparatory lecture in May, the evening service was made a social meeting in which all present were invited to take part, by relating their experience of the love of Christ in their hearts. This was a service so unusual as to be thought worthy of mention in the church records.
1869. Early in the year the pastor brought to the atten- tion of the Church the observance of a day of fasting and prayer. Much discussion followed, resulting in a vote " that the Bible class room should be opened every afternoon the ensuing week, at three o'clock, that any of the Church who choose may meet together for prayer."
April. Extracts from the last annual report of Dr. Thurston :
A true picture of the Church at this time would exhibit a goodly number whose walk is exemplary, whose labors in various directions are abundant, earnest, and persistent. The picture would also show a larger number who seem sadly indifferent to the spiritual interests of Zion; are inconstant in their attendance upon the stated appoint- ments of the Church, and the ordinances of God's house; seldom cheer us by their words, and too often fail to encourage us, even by their presence. There is but one thing we need, to make this Church a great power for good. It is not material resources, it is not social position and influence; these God has given her. She needs only the baptism of the Holy Ghost, to consecrate these gifts and graces to the cause of Christ and the saving of men, and she will have "all things and abound." May the great Head of the Church give us grace to enter upon a new year in a new and better spirit, that such happy results may flow through, and crown the year.
In June, congregational singing without a choir was intro- duced, and a new hymn book, "Songs for the Sanctuary,"
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was selected for use by the congregation. The Society pur- chased the books, and placed two copies in each pew, with fifty in the vestry for use in the evening prayer-meetings. Voted, in September, " that the pastor request the congrega- tion, in the service of singing on the Sabbath, to rise when the organ begins to play the last line of the tune to be sung, that each one may be ready to sing the first word of the hymn." This vote has never been rescinded.
Death of Dr. Thurston
December 19-20, 1869. The saddest time of all the year to Central Church, came at midnight of this day, when Dr. Thurston was called from the church militant to the church triumphant.
In consequence of the death of the pastor, the communion service was postponed from the first to the second Sabbath in January, at which time Rev. Dr. Thayer, of Newport, kindly offered to officiate.
Action of the Church
1870. January 10. The regular meeting of the Church was held, with Deacon Nathan Durfee in the chair. After sing- ing, and prayer by Rev. E. A. Buck, and the reading of the records, all routine business was laid on the table. The chair- man addressed the members present, suggesting that " in view of the loss this Church has sustained in the death of its beloved pastor - its deep sympathy with his bereaved family, and in recognition of the kind words, and offices of love given by others at the time of his death and funeral, it would doubtless be in consonance with their feelings that a series of resolutions should be prepared expressive of the same." It was then voted " that the deacons, with Rev. E. A. Buck, be a committee to draft resolutions."
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Resolutions on the Death of Dr. Thurston
The committee reported the following resolutions, which were accepted, and ordered to be spread upon the records.
It having pleased the great Head of the Church to remove from us and take to his heavenly mansion our late beloved pastor,
Resolved, That although, in obedience to human and christian instincts and by encouragement of Christ's example, we sorrow and weep at our loss, we will strive not to sorrow for the christian dead, but rather weep for the sins that unfit us to follow him.
Resolved, That we regard the death of our pastor, in the vigor of his manhood, and apparently in the full tide of his usefulness, to be for him a triumph and a glory, and that we hear a voice from heaven saying, " Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from hence- forth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them."
Resolved, That the life and holy example of our late pastor have faithfully taught us that we are not our own, that we belong to God our Creator, and to Jesus Christ our Saviour; that God has made us for his own glory, and Christ has redeemed us for a yet higher accom- plishment of the same end; that our place is that of servants, and the gospel calls us to our work; and that our present affliction shall be an incentive to new courage, and an earnest of future honor.
Resolved, That we will especially remember the teachings drawn from God's Holy Word, so often, so faithfully, and so appropriately repeated, that we should dwell together in unity, in brotherly love, and in christian affection, and that whosoever will be chiefest shall be servant of all.
Resolved, That we deeply sympathize with the afflicted family of our deceased pastor, and assure them, that while our own hearts beat in sympathy with theirs, our prayers shall be, that they may be sup- ported and comforted by the God of all consolation, by the remem- brance of the excellencies of the departed husband and father, and the hope of a reunion as an unbroken family in heaven.
Resolved, That the thanks of this Church be given to Dr. W. W. Adams for the kind and christian sympathy manifested, and the services rendered to us after the decease and at the burial of our pastor.
Resolved, That our thanks be given to the First Congregational Church and society, for their fraternal kindness in closing their church,
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and meeting with us in a memorial service on the Sabbath succeeding the death of our pastor.
Resolved, That our thanks be given to Rev. P. B. Haughwout for the words of christian love and fellowship spoken by him at the funeral of his friend and our pastor.
Resolved, That the thanks of this Church be given to Rev. Dr. Sweet- ser, for his prompt response to our call to address us at the funeral of our pastor, and for his faithful words of exhortation; that we look up from our sorrow, with joyfulness and thanksgiving that God had so long blessed us with such a faithful preacher and pastor.
Resolved, That Rev. Dr. Thayer has our hearty and sincere thanks for his very appropriate and impressive services in connection with the burial of our pastor, for his ministrations on the following Sabbath, for his sympathy with us as a Church of God, and for his kind offer to perform other ministerial service.
Voted, That the Church assume the expenses incurred at the funeral arrangements and burial of our pastor.
Voted, That the Church recommend to the Society the continuance of our late pastor's salary to his family to the close of the pastoral year.
The following resolutions offered by Brother Charles J. Holmes were adopted and ordered to be recorded:
Resolved, That the Church has learned with pleasure of the prompt action of its deacons, in purchasing a lot in Oak Grove Cemetery for the burial of our late pastor.
Resolved, That as the Society is the financial body which provides all funds for the support of the ministry, the Church do recommend that the Society assume the expense of the burial lot, and also that they procure a suitable monument, in a proper time, to be placed thereon.
Resolved, That as the Society is composed only of gentlemen, and many of the ladies and children of the congregation would be pleased to contribute for the expense of the burial lot and monument, the Church recommend that the Society offer an opportunity to all to contribute such sums as may please them, either in sealed or open envelopes, marked " Pastor's Monument,"- all monies so contributed to be kept sacredly separate for this purpose.
The Society adopted the recommendations of the Church.
Rev. MICHAEL BURNHAM, D.D. Third Pastor, A. D. 1870-1882
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Rev. Michael Burnham, D.D. Third Pastor, A.D. 1870 - 1882
1870. With a solemn sense of the new responsibilities and duties devolving upon the Church, a committee for supplying the pulpit was appointed on January 17, 1870, consisting of the deacons, with Charles J. Holmes, Henry H. Fish, Robert K. Remington, and Thomas J. Borden. This committee so successfully fulfilled its duties, that less than five months expired before the Church and Society united heartily in extending to the REV. MICHAEL BURNHAM, who was then com- pleting his studies at Andover Theological Seminary, a call to become pastor at a salary of twenty-five hundred dollars. The signers of the formal call were Deacon Nathan Durfee, Henry H. Fish, and Thomas J. Borden, on behalf of the Church, and John H. Boone and Asa Eames, on behalf of the Society.
Mr. Burnham accepted the call, but requested that for his own rest and recuperation, the ordination services be deferred until October. During the early autumn, extensive repairs were made upon the interior of the church edifice, the exterior having been recently repainted, and the steeple, which had been damaged by the memorable gale of September, 1869, hav- ing been repaired. Preaching services were discontinued for a period of five weeks, while the whole interior of the building was thoroughly cleaned, the auditorium and halls repainted, frescoed, and partially recarpeted. The zeal of the people in lightening the expense of this undertaking is shown by the record that the ladies made the new carpets and repaired and refitted the old ones, and that " a member of the Society gener- ously volunteered to paint the pews."
To a united Church of over three hundred members, and to a thoroughly renovated house of worship came the young clergyman, zealous for service in this his first parish. He was cordially approved by the ecclesiastical council, which
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had been regularly convened, and was ordained and installed on the evening of Tuesday, October 25, 1870, the order of services being as follows: Singing, "Joyful be the hours to-day "; reading of record of council, Rev. A. E. Dunning, Boston, one of Mr. Burnham's classmates; prayer, Rev. Thatcher Thayer, D.D., Newport; reading of Scripture, Mr. Terry; prayer; singing, " Jerusalem, the glorious "; sermon, Prof. J. H. Seelye, Amherst; singing, " With heavenly power, O Lord, defend him whom we now to thee commend "; or- daining prayer and laying on of hands, Rev. W. W. Adams, Fall River; charge to pastor, Rev. J. M. Bacon, Essex, Mr. Burnham's former pastor; right hand of fellowship, Rev. A. E. Dunning; charge to people, Rev. Thatcher Thayer, D.D .; singing, " We bid thee welcome in the name of Jesus, our exalted Head "; prayer, Rev. Isaac Dunham, Westport; benediction, pastor. Owing to an accident to his train, Pro- fessor Seelye was unable to be present, and the sermon was therefore necessarily omitted.
It may be of interest to note, that at a church meeting in April, 1870, one of the brethren called attention to the fact that it had become somewhat common for church members to indulge in card-playing at their social gatherings, and, as he believed such a practice not in accordance with the teachings of Christ, he offered this resolution, "That this Church dis- countenance the use of cards altogether." The resolution was lost by a tie vote, but upon being modified to read, " Resolved, that the Church does not approve of card-playing in all its forms," it was unanimously adopted.
1871. The last formal action of the Church under Dr. Thurston's leadership had provided for a revision of the Church roll. The committee then appointed completed its work, and early in 1871 published a church manual according to the usual form, but which contained, in addition to the revised chronological list of members, the new feature of an alpha- betical list of living members.
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1872. January ushered in a year memorable in spiritual blessing, the ingathering to the fold of the Church being ex- ceeded on only three other occasions to the present day. We quote from the pastor's annual report :
Who shall say that God's providences with this Church during the past three years of its history have not prepared the way for receiv- ing the blessing he has given us in spiritual things? We shall not for- get that third Sabbath evening in January, when there were eight who came forward to express a desire to know and live for Christ. It was the beginning of a glorious season, and many among us, of your sons and daughters and brothers and sisters, are to-night rejoicing in the hope of forgiveness. The interest in religion in the Sabbath school has been quite general and it has reached some in our congregation. And still the work goes on. This revival has been characterized by quietness, and disposition among those who have indulged hope, to lead others to Christ. God is with us. God is willing to remain with us. See how he has wrought in our meetings for prayer! See how he is still working! Let us never receive his rebuke hereafter for indifference. We have to report also, and report gladly, a growing disposition on the part of the young men to assist in our meetings for conference and prayer.
At the annual meeting, 1872, the Church appointed a com- mittee of three ladies, Mrs. S. Angier Chace, Mrs. Thomas J. Borden, and Mrs. William B. Durfee, " to attend to cases of sickness and destitution in the Church," a service which had previously been rendered quietly but very faithfully and ac- ceptably by the senior deacon. This committee, changed and enlarged in membership from time to time, and later known as the " Relief Committee," has continued through all the sub- sequent years. It has been notable for the length of term which its members have served, and as the Church has doubled in size since its first appointment, it has found opportunities for its ministry constantly increasing. But the ladies who have held this sacred trust have ever given glad and devoted service to the needy ones in our Church fellowship.
At the same meeting a Sabbath-school society was organ-
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ized. This movement was the result of a desire that the Church assume the responsibility of the Pleasant Street Mis- sion School, and that it also extend its influence by organizing and maintaining Sabbath schools in other parts of the city. Further particulars of the Sabbath school work are given in the pages following, but we may note in passing, that during the following few years one and another of the brethren re- quested of the Church formal leave of absence from the after- noon Sabbath service, that they might engage in Sabbath school or Young Men's Christian Association work in other sections of the city.
In April, 1872, the parsonage and lot on Walnut Street were presented to the Central Congregational Society, the house having been recently built by means of voluntary contribu- tions from certain members of the Church. It was occupied by Mr. Burnham's family, and later by that of Dr. Mix, until its sale, July 13, 1886.
1873. It was in January, 1873, that the First and Central churches first held union services during the " week of prayer," and such an observance was several times repeated in subse- quent years.
1874. An item in the Society's records for 1874, suggests the appropriateness of here explaining the change which had been brought about in the manner of holding church property. The ownership of the old church was originally vested in the pew-holders, upon whom the board of assessors made assess- ments for the regular expenses of the Society. As some of the members owned large numbers of pews and personally rented them, still being subject to assessments upon them, this method of conducting the finances became after a time complicated and unsatisfactory. Especially, as the dis- cussion of a new building suggested a possible future sale of the old church, it was thought desirable that the pews be sold to the Society or voluntarily deeded to it. An experimental five-year plan, which was adopted in 1867, proved the advan-
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tage of such action, so that when the new church was being built the pew-holders generally relinquished their owner- ship. Some members, however, clung to the old idea of owning their pews, and several years were required to bring about the desired change in its completeness. In April, 1874, the assessors reported that only four pews remained as private property. The last one of these was conveyed to the Society in the same year in which the old church was sold. The own- ership of the new church has, from the first, been vested in the Society, and money for the running expenses has been raised by an annual rental of pews, supplemented by volun- tary contributions.
1820217
1875. On February 3, the Church was privileged to partici- pate in the ordination of one of its own sons, Rev. William N. T. Dean, who had for eight years been a member of Central Church, and who was, on the above date, installed as pastor over the Congregational Church in Somerset, Mass. Mr. Dean received his education at Bangor Theological Seminary, graduating in 1873, and at the Union Theological Seminary, New York City, where he took special courses in 1873-74. He has held pastorates in Somerset, Norton, Orange, Oxford, and Whately, Mass., the latter of which he has held since April 1, 1900.
Other sons who entered the ministry were Rev. William J. Batt and Rev. Nathaniel G. Bonney.
Mr. Batt was born in Fall River, graduated from Brown University in 1855, and from Andover Theological Seminary in 1858. He filled pastorates at Stoneham, New Bedford, and Leominster, Mass., and in 1885 was appointed chaplain of the Massachusetts Reformatory at Concord Junction, Mass., a position which he has ever since filled with marked success. He has served as president of the National Chaplains' Asso- ciation since 1897.
Mr. Bonney was a student at Brown University, and gradu- ated from Andover Theological Seminary in 1862. He was
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pastor at Peru, Mass., Poquonnock, Falls Village, East Hart- ford, and Hanover, Conn., and died at Hartford, Conn., April 12, 1883. He assisted Rev. Dr. Thurston in his pulpit work in the winter of 1863-64, and was the author of various published sermons and historical sketches.
1875. At the annual meeting in April, an effort to increase the hospitality of the Church was made, by the appointment of a committee of ten, " to attend upon strangers who come among us, with a view to making their home with us," and the custom of appointing such a committee was continued for nine consecutive years.
Also, it was voted, " that the term of office of one deacon shall expire at the close of each year, in the order of seniority in office, and the vacancy shall be filled by election at the annual meeting. This rule shall not apply to the two present senior deacons."
The month of May was marked by the ordination to the christian ministry, under the auspices of the Church, of Rev. Robert F. Gordon, formerly of Scotland, who at the time was serving as leader in the Sabbath school work at Globe Village, in which certain members of the Church were especially interested.
. We honor the memory of him who was the first chosen deacon of Central Church - DEACON BENJAMIN EARL - and who, through thirty-one years of its history, had failed but once, and that because of absence from the city, to attend to supplying the communion table. Deacon Earl resigned that especial duty in September, 1875. The service was then per- formed by Deacon Kilburn until his decease, in 1884, when it devolved upon Deacon Holmes, who has served to the present day. Thus the preparation of the communion table has been in charge of but three deacons during a period of sixty-one years. While we give the official record of this labor of love, we would also mention with appreciation, the large share which the deacons' wives have had in its accomplishment. The silver and linen have always received their personal care,
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Thomas J. Borden
Robert K. Remington Wm. H. Jennings
Holder B. Durfee BUILDING COMMITTEE OF SECOND CHURCH EDIFICE Central Congregational Church, Fall River, Mass. A.D. 1874-1875
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and we feel that in the early days, when it was customary to do much of the work in the home, there must have been a special blessing which came from the preparation for this feast of our Lord's appointing.
We have now come to the time when the Church bade fare- well to the meeting house on Bedford Street, in which it had worshiped since its earliest days, and formally entered a beautiful new edifice on Rock Street. On December 12, 1875, the people assembled in large numbers to take leave of the " Old Church " building. The pastor preached from the text found in II Peter 3: 1, " I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance," reviewing the history of the Church, and pay- ing tribute to its former pastors, and to those who had helped to sustain it.
The inception of a desire for a larger and more substantial house of worship carries us back to Dr. Thurston's ministry, and, if the story of its realization were fully written, it would include tales of patient toil and devotion, through times of financial discouragement and great distress of heart. Dr. Thurston had time and again urged his people to " build for the Lord a house of stone and mortar," and the initial steps were already taken, a site selected, and a subscription list opened, when financial depression and Dr. Thurston's sudden death checked the work.
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