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 8
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Dr. Swift assumed the duties of the pastorate immediately, the Church having then a membership of a little over six hundred, but he did not enter upon his pulpit ministrations until the following September.
Several of the older members of the Church and congre- gation recognized in Dr. Swift a man so much like their former beloved pastor, Dr. Thurston, that they at once welcomed him to their affections, and gave to him their hearty coopera- tion in his pastoral work. The black eye so full of life, the erect figure, the pleasant smile, carried them back to their younger days when, with strengthened faith and glowing zeal, they listened to Dr. Thurston as he presented the great truths of the gospel.
Dr. Swift, in his sermon on Sunday morning, November 16, 1902, - the Sixtieth Anniversary of the organization of
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the Church, - made allusion to the very interesting docu- ments he had been reading, and especially the accounts of the JUBILEE in 1892. He noted some of the contrasts between " THEN " and " NOW," saying in part:
At the Jubilee in 1892, six of the original seventy members were living, and five were present at the exercises. Today, one only (Mrs. Elizabeth V. Carr), is living. She is present this morning, and no one would suspect, from her looks, that she had attained to the dignity of an " only survivor."
Then the Church was entering upon its fifth pastorate, now the seventh is fairly begun. In the sixty years of the life of the Church, the average length of the pastorates has been nine years, Dr. Thurston having been pastor for over twenty years, and the pulpit being vacant for an aggregate of six years.
The building is the same as that in which the Jubilee exercises were held, but it has been recently redecorated, refitted, beautified.
The record of membership for the fifty years to 1892 was, 70 at the organization, 1,092 added, 656 removed, leaving 506 members at the Jubilee. Since then, 238 have been added and 129 removed, so that the present membership is 613.
One fact, which makes a strong impression upon the mind of a Westerner, is the length of service rendered by so many of those who have held important positions in the Church. One thinks of the twenty years' pastorate of Dr. Thurston - whose widow still abides with us, with her unfailing interest in the work and with blessing for church and pastor; of the thirty-five years which Mr. Buck has labored as missionary; of the two church treasurers, Mr. Henry H. Fish and Mr. Richard B. Borden, whose terms of service cover the entire life of the Church; of the fifteen years which Mr. E. T. Marvell served as clerk and treasurer of the Society; of Mr. Lyman W. Deane's thirty- five years in charge of the music; of the twenty-five years in which Mr. E. A. Vandoorn was janitor.
But I promised not to preach an historical sermon, and I dare not go further in this fascinating story. Who can estimate what it all means? Sixty years of life as a part of the working force of the king- dom of God! Sixty years of work and worship and fellowship in pulpit and in pew; at superintendent's desk and in teacher's chair; at the central building and at the chapel; at the door of the Lord's house and at the furnace door; guiding the spiritual life and directing the financial affairs; as officers; on committees; in the ranks.
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It is the personal side of it all, that comes back with greatest power. We honor the men and the women - stalwarts they were - who guided the first years of the Church's life, and who have never lacked successors. Their mighty influence, from strong lives and tactful words, have now become history, not only in the records of the Church, but in
" lives made better by their presence."
1902. November 21. Ere a week had passed, " the per- sonal side of it all " was forced home to pastor and people in the sudden death of one of its strong men and officials, Col. Thomas J. Borden, who died November 21, 1902, after an illness of but a few days. Of native stock, a worthy son of a worthy sire, a foremost citizen, a strong life of great influence in business and social circles, in practical christian living, in morals and in religion, his death was a shock to the community, and to the Church whose welfare and growth he had sought to foster and maintain for more than fifty years. On December 4, the midweek prayer-meeting took the form of a " service in memory of Colonel Borden.". Remarks were made by the pastor, Deacons C. J. Holmes and N. R. Earl, and Messrs. Andrew Borden and C. V. S. Remington.
The following tribute adopted by the church committee on December 3, was read, and on motion it was voted " to accept and record the same on the church records," as the expression of its feelings of regret and sorrow at this dispen- sation of Divine Providence:
Meeting to-day as a church committee, we are constrained to place on record our deep sense of the loss which we have sustained, in the death of Mr. THOMAS J. BORDEN, our fellow member and deacon of the Central Church. Yet in our great loss, we would be guided by the words of St. Paul and " sorrow not even as others which have no hope," for we are sure that the term of his earthly service has merged into the higher service of heaven.
The story of the remaining period of Dr. Swift's pastorate to the present time - July 1, 1905 - is well and clearly told -
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by selections from the " reports of the pastor and deacons," made at the annual meetings in April of each year respectively, 1903-04-05.
Referring to our associate workers abroad, this statement is made:
1903. January. Our missionary representative in China, Rev. George W. Hinman, with the approval of the Prudential Committee of the American Board, has accepted an invitation from the United Society of Christian Endeavor to act as their General Secretary in China, in the interest of the Christian Endeavor work. This step involves the severing of the special relation existing between Mr. Hin- man and wife, and the Central Church. The Prudential Committee have asked us to give our approval of the proposed plan. While, under the circumstances, we are constrained to give the desired approval, we do so only with the sincerest regret at the severing of the very pleasant and helpful relations which we, as a Church, have had with Mr. and Mrs. Hinman. The personal feature of our work together has appealed to us all. The visits of our " pastor in China " and his wife, to our Church and their names on the calendar, have helped to make the work a real one, and have been a stimulus to our prayers and gifts.
1903. The report of the pastor and deacons, for the year ending March, says:
The record of attendance upon the various services is on the whole encouraging. We recommend that a Missionary Committee of Fifteen be chosen at this meeting, who shall have the direction of all the mis- sionary activities of all departments of the Church. The events of the year deserving special mention are the following:
The calling and installing of a new pastor; the re-decorating and re-furnishing of the auditorium, for which purpose the Beneficent Society raised about $1,600.00; the interest of the members of the Church in the new Young Men's Christian Association building, for which generous sums were given by our members, and in furnishing which the ladies raised over $300.00, and the Christian Endeavor Society, $125.00; the change in the times of holding the communion service, and the bimonthly business meetings; the enlarging of the board of Deacons from four to eight; and the adoption of a new " Form of Admission and Covenant." (See Supplement.) But the fact which comes most definitely to all our minds, a fact which the
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figures of the clerk can only tabulate but cannot fully express, is the almost irreparable losses which have come to the Church in the twenty- three deaths reported, among whom was our loved and honored missionary. Who are to take their places?
RESOLUTIONS ADOPTED ON THE DEATH OF OUR MISSIONARY, REV. EDWIN A. BUCK.
1903. April 30. Inasmuch as it has pleased the great Head of the Church to take to the eternal home [March 9, 1903] our honored mis- sionary, REV. EDWIN A. BUCK, we are led to put on record this expres- sion of our love and esteem:
For thirty-five years Mr. Buck gave his time and strength, faith- fully and fruitfully, for the welfare of this city. The expressions of grief at his death and the words of love and regard for him, have come from so many classes of people and have been so spontaneous and hearty, that they indicate a rare combination of qualities of mind and heart. The most marked elements, perhaps, in his character were kindness, integrity, unselfishness; but always he was as simple as a child, always accessible, and apparently almost unconscious of his power for good. His kindness and assistance to young men - many now no longer young - are remembered with warmest gratitude; his unfailing interest in their welfare; his words of encouragement; his wise advice. He was a friend of the friendless, a helper of the helpless, and a comfort to the comfortless. In such qualities as these, coupled with that strong and deepening faith in God of which he so often spoke, we are to find the explanation of the fruitfulness of his work. Such a character and such a work are a rich heritage for all who knew him, but especially for the Church with which all his service was so closely associated. We extend to his family this new expression of our sympathy, and would share with them, both the sorrow and the hope which belong to those who sorrow not without hope.
" A hand almighty to defend, An ear for every call, An honored life, a peaceful end, And heaven to crown it all."
1904. From the report of pastor and deacons, April 18:
We have no hesitation in placing " progress " at the head of the year's report. Our membership remains practically unchanged. It is interesting to note, of the twenty-four new members, four are
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teaching in the Bible school and two are ushers. The revision of the roll of members has been begun, but waits a " more convenient season " for its completion. As regards Sunday services, there is no reason for anything but reasonable satisfaction. The benevolences have been maintained at their " alive " level of other years. We have no (for- eign) missionary of our own yet; but we wait the discovery of the man of destiny, to resume that personal relation with the foreign field which was of such value to us. We record with much gratitude the large attendance and deep interest at the special meetings of Passion Week. One does not realize what an eventful year the one just closed has been until the events are grouped together. Items of special interest are :
1. The appointment of the Committee of Fifteen, and the in- auguration of the " Progress of the Kingdom " meetings on the first Thursday evening of each month.
2. The union into the "Central Church Bible School " of the morning and noon schools. Many were reluctant to have the change, but to the majority, conditions seemed to make it inevitable, and results have justified the new arrangement.
3. The organization of the " Young Pilgrims " for the boys and girls from nine years old to high-school age. The " Pilgrims " meet for an hour each Wednesday afternoon.
4. The special interest among the young people of the Bible school centering on the service of " witnessing day." The conviction that some special work was required grew out of the fact that many members of our school, christians at heart, seem to need a more posi- tive decision for Christ, and a public committal to the christian life. The propounding yesterday of the names of eighteen of the young people to be received into the Church in May, bears eloquent witness to the fact that the influence was not temporary.
An item of material progress is worthy of mention. In November (1903) the parlors were supplied with a new and beautiful upright piano of largest size. It was the gift of one of our deacons, Mr. Henry H. Earl, and was another token of his liberality and thoughtful consideration for the welfare of our beloved Zion. We all appreciate most heartily this latest expression of his love for the church. It found a fre- quent use at the social entertainments and parish suppers during the winter.
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The piano in former use, a gift when the church was first built and furnished, was put in thorough repair and trans- ferred to the Primary Department room of the Bible school.
From the Missionary Committee's annual report, April 18, 1904:
Our first work was the reorganization of the missionary concert, with a line of work mapped out for the year, with printed programs, and speakers, - men and women secured beforehand. The re- sponses from those assigned parts, the attendance, and the expressions of approval from those who have attended, encouraged us to believe that the present plan, is, for us, the solution of the missionary concert. (See Supplement for complete programs for the years 1903-04 and 1904-05.)
In connection with the committee of the Christian Endeavor Society, we have had the pleasure of installing a missionary library of choice works on missions, home and foreign.
Monday evening, June 13, 1904. Regular business meeting: - After the usual business had been concluded, the subject of a " Church History " was brought before the meeting for consideration, resulting in the appointment of Mrs. William Carr, Mrs. Eli Thurston, and Mrs. Charles J. Holmes as a committee to consider the matter, and if deemed expedient, to gather material for such a history. (See Supple- ment for record of vote, report, etc.)
Early in the year, much thought was given to the selection of a foreign missionary to be supported by the Church, in place of Mr. and Mrs. Hinman. The choice fell upon Mr. Edward Scribner Cobb, of Newton Centre, Mass., who was under appointment from the American Board, to Niigata, a city central on the west coast of Japan.
In August, voted, "that we approve the recommendation of the Missionary Committee in relation to our foreign work; that we accept the suggestion of the American Board that Mr. and Mrs. Ed- ward Scribner Cobb be our representatives in the work in Japan; and that the Church call an ecclesiastical council for the ordination of Mr. Cobb." The pastor and Deacon Newton R. Earl were appointed a committee to arrange for the services.
The following is a copy of the letter missive sent to churches and individuals to attend the ordination services of Mr. Cobb:
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THE CENTRAL CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, FALL RIVER.
TO THE ---- CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH,
Greeting :
Whereas, Mr. Edward Scribner Cobb, a member of this Church; believing that the Lord has called him to the ministry of the Word, desires ordination, in view of special work now before him, - namely, "foreign missionary work," - and trusts that he has obtained the preparation of mind and heart necessary to qualify him for its sacred duties; we therefore affectionately request you to be present by pastor and delegate in an ecclesiastical council hereby called, to meet in our place of worship on Thursday, September 29, 1904, at three o'clock P.M., which shall review our proceedings, make necessary examination, and, if the result be favorable, proceed with us to his ordination, and extend to him the fellowship of the Congregational ministers and churches.
Wishing you grace, mercy, and peace,
C. F. SWIFT, Pastor, N. R. EARL, Deacon, Committee.
SEPTEMBER 12, 1904.
At the church business meeting, September 26, it was voted " to receive by letter Mr. E. S. Cobb and Miss Florence Brooks (now Mrs. E. S. Cobb) into membership of the Church, they to be publicly received at the ordination service of Mr. Cobb." "
The pastor was commissioned to send on behalf of the Church a telegram of congratulation to Mr. and Mrs. Cobb, the same to reach them at the time of their wedding reception, on the afternoon of September 27, 1904.
Mr. Cobb was present at the midweek service of September 22, and gave an informal talk about his work. On Tuesday, September 27, Mr. Cobb was married to Miss Florence Brooks, of New York City. They came here the following Thursday for the ordination of Mr. Cobb. The sermon was preached by Dr. George William Knox, of Union Theological Seminary, and other parts were taken by Rev. James L. Barton, D.D .; Rev. William Cobb (father of the candidate); Rev. W. W.
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Adams, D.D., and our pastor, Rev. Clarence F. Swift, D.D. A church and parish gathering was held the following Friday evening at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Arba N. Lincoln, when many availed themselves of the opportunity to meet our missionaries. After this pleasant introduction, Mr. and Mrs. Cobb went to Grinnell, Iowa, to attend the annual meeting of the American Board, and from there started on their long journey to Japan, reaching Niigata in the latter part of November.
It was proposed by the pastor, that a letter be sent each month to our foreign representatives, and the following ladies were asked to assume the responsibility for the year 1905: January and July, Mrs. A. N. Lincoln; February and August, Mrs. George S. Eddy; March and September, Miss Carrie L. Borden; April and October, Miss Anna C. Holmes; May and November, Mrs. R. B. Borden; June and December, Mrs. N. R. Earl. The church calendars are forwarded at the end of each month, while Dr. Swift and Mrs. Swift write at fre- quent intervals.
The letters received from Mr. and Mrs. Cobb are read at some evening service. By these methods a strong bond of helpful interest is maintained between the home and foreign departments of our church work. y
We record our increasing satisfaction with the plan for monthly concerts. At each meeting there have been two papers, one on some phase of Japanese life; one on some phase of missionary effort; and news and items from both foreign and home fields are given by Mr. H. H. Earl and Mrs. C. F. Swift. The response received from those asked to take topics, the care in preparing them, the attendance and interest in the meetings, entirely justify us in continuing to believe that " the present plan is for us the solution of the problem of the missionary concert."
A ten-volume set of books on Japan has been added to the missionary library.
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CENTRAL CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH FALL RIVER, MASS
PASTORS
REV. SAMUEL WASHBURN APRIL 24 1844 -JANUARY 2.1849
REV. ELI THURSTON, D.D. MARCH 21,1849 DECEMBER 20,1869
REV. MICHAEL BURNHAM 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 KNICHT OCTOBER 20.1897 JANUARY 3.1902
MEMORIAL BRONZE TABLET List of Pastors of Central Congregational Church A.D. 1844-1902
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1905. From the report of pastor and deacons, April 17:
In preparing this report, we are supposed to take a survey of all the departments of the church life, to note the events of unusual importance, to interpret the facts and figures given in the more formal reports and to record general impressions, - all for the sake of a clearer vision of the past and a wiser outlook for the future.
Foremost among the events of the year just past is the calling, ordain- ing, and bidding Godspeed to our new co-workers in the foreign field, Rev. and Mrs. Edward Scribner Cobb, who are now at work in Niigata, Japan.
Last September (1904) we began using our much-talked-of and long-delayed new hymn book, the " Church Hymnary," published by Maynard, Merrill & Co., New York.
At Christmas time, the leaders of the Bible school conducted us into the good old ways, and we had a genuine big Christmas-tree, with the emphasis put on giving to others rather than getting.
In February (1905) Rev. Washington Gladden, D.D., of Columbus, Ohio, moderator of the National Council, visited the Congregational churches of the city, and gave an address in our church.
Memorial Bronze Tablet
In the original construction of the New Church edifice (1874-75), a beautiful marble and gray sandstone TABLET - " IN MEMORIAM " - was placed in the front finish of the pastor's room, as a tribute to the Rev. Samuel Washburn and Rev. Eli Thurston, D.D., the first pastors of the Church. A description of the same is given in the Annals of 1874-75.
No other public record was placed upon the walls of the auditorium, until in March, 1905, there appeared a Memorial Bronze Tablet, about thirty by forty inches in size, affixed to the north wall, near the northeast entrance to the pastor's room, and containing a LIST OF ALL THE PASTORS from 1844 to 1902, with the dates of their installation and the termina- tion of their official service.
The accompanying reproduction of the Tablet will not only
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preserve the record for easy reference, but will also convey a clearer conception of it than many words of description.
It was the gift of Deacon Henry H. Earl, who, inspired by his loyalty to the Central Church, and his desire that this part of its history should be preserved for future use and reference, had designed this memorial and by permission of the proper officials had erected the same at his own expense.
Pastor's report continued :
Mention should be made of the unusual success, this year, of the parish suppers and the entertainments planned in connection with them. The character of the entertainments and the attendance have been very gratifying to those in charge.
A comparison of the last three years with the eleven years just preceding them shows some interesting facts. During the eleven years from 1891 to 1902, the average additions were twenty-five; for the last three years, 1902-1905, thirty. For the eleven years, the average losses were fourteen; for the three years, twenty-eight, just double the number. The present total membership is five hundred and seventy-eight.
The Standing Committee has made a beginning in the revision of our roll by placing forty names on a "Reserved List." These are people who have been, in one way or another, entirely lost to the Church. They are still technically members, and may be reinstated at any time; but their names will not be printed as members, nor counted in our total, nor permitted to swell pretensions or our responsi- bilities.
The revised " Parish Directory " to May 1, 1905, was completed and issued about the middle of June.
The spiritual interest has been marked and wholesome during the latter weeks of the church year (to April), both in the Bible schools and the Church at large. The results as seen in the members added and the applications for membership, justify us in feeling and expressing a genuine though not unqualified satisfaction.
Finally, we have every reason for keeping on with the work given us to do, with endeavor and prayer and faith and hope.
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CENTRAL CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH Auditorium (looking east)
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Celebration of the Semi-Centennial of Central Church November 16, 1892
Reference has already been made, in the preceding Annals, to the SEMI-CENTENNIAL of CENTRAL CHURCH, which was celebrated on November 13, 1892, - the Sabbath nearest to the anniversary date.
A copy is herewith inserted of the letter of invitation, the full program, and other papers, poems, letters, etc., giving added information, incidents, and sketches, alike useful and necessary to complete the picture of the past of Central Church, its pastors, its members, its activities, its social and spiritual life.
[COPY OF CIRCULAR LETTER]
1842 CENTRAL CHURCH, FALL RIVER 1892
SEMI-CENTENNIAL
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
The Central Church of Fall River, Mass., completes FIFTY YEARS of its existence on the sixteenth day of November next, A.D. 1892.
They have been years of varied experience, of great spiritual growth to many souls, and of unwearied toil in many branches of christian labor and usefulness.
It is proposed to hold the day in remembrance by simple and appropri- ate services on the preceding Sabbath, November 13, 1892.
The program, as at present outlined, provides for a special sermon in the morning by the pastor, Rev. Wm. Walker Jubb; the reading of his- torical papers relating to the church, the home and the mission Sunday schools, in the afternoon; and brief addresses from former pastors and others, in the evening.
It will greatly add to the interest of the occasion to have a full attend- ance of all members, past and present, and you are cordially invited to make such arrangements as will secure your presence at these services.
In behalf of the Church,
GEO. O. LATHROP, Clerk.
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[COPY OF PROGRAM]
1842-1892
SEMI-CENTENNIAL OF THE CENTRAL CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH FALL RIVER, MASS.
NOVEMBER THIRTEENTH, 1892
Order of Services
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