USA > Massachusetts > Berkshire County > History of Berkshire County, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of its prominent men, Volume II pt 1 > Part 24
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There is a peculiar custom in Lenox of coming to a public meeting very tardily, and the elderly men often smile as they come into a parish meeting, perhaps three quarters of an hour after it is called, and wisely utter a sort of local aphorism to the effect that " it is always three o'clock till it's four." This curious custom probably owes its origin to the wretched condition of the highways in the olden times. Under date of November 25th, 1777, is the following record: " Noted that the Silver- men shall for the future, open Town-meetings in one hour after the time specified in the warrant."
Scarcely any one thing more distinctly marks the progress of the town, which may be taken as a fair type of a New England village, than the present excellent condition of its roads.
Once, as we have seen, swine were allowed to run at large. The office of pound- keeper was no sinecure, and rams were kept out of the streets for only two months in the year. Within the memory of the liv- ing the Pittsfield road avoided by a long detour a deep morass between the court house and the meeting house, and later it phinged boldly through the swamp by the aid of sunken logs.
The first step toward that " Village Improvement," which is now so warmly encouraged, was the planting of trees. In 1928 a proposal was made to extend a row of maples up to the church sidewalks, but this was probably more for protection than for beauty. Aslucas 1539 the Masse- chusells Eagle, then published here, made a strong plea for cleaner
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streets. "Nothing," it said. "is more common than for those who clean their houses and yards to empty their dirt, garbage, decaying vegetables, and clam shells into the street. Traders empty their straw, decayed fruit. etc., in the same place." Truly, there were some drawbacks even in the good old times.
It does not appear. except from tradition, that slaves were ever owned in Lenox, but there is an odd entry in the town records that shows that slavery was a prevailing institution in the north. It was probably entered in the book on the arrival of a colored stranger, in order to define her position in society.
"Kinderhook, November Ist, 1792. This is to sartifie that I give my Nigar woman. Gin, lief to hier herself to who she like.
"WILLIAM KLOW. ? " Recorded from original,
" ELDAD LEWIS."
There was a custom here. however, that was afterward denounced as ernel, and done away. It was the selling of the poor at public auction. March Sth, 1791. " Summa Wood set up at Vendue, no bid being taken from any one out of Lenox. to be bound out by Selectmen till 18. Struck off to Lemuel Collins for $3." May 5th. 1794. " Nathan Curtis and wife set up at public Vendue. Food, clothing. fire wood, physic, etc .. to be provided for them in sickness or in health. and all funeral expenses to be met in case one or both should die." One saving clanse was add- ed-" Not to be separated."
A hundred years ago one of the first duties of a New England town was to build a church and hire a " learned minister of the Gospel." At the first recorded meeting of the proprietors of Lenox, held after the in- corporation of the district. August 3d. 1765, at the house of Israel Dewey. "It was Put to vote whether the Proprietors would build a Meeting House on the Minister Lott No. 1. as near the Dwelling House of Israel Dewey as a convenient Place can be found. The vote Passed in the affirmative." A committee was chosen "To Build said Meeting House," and another " To Procure some meet Person to Preach the Gas pel on Probation for Settling in the Gospel Ministry in said District " It was then " Put to vote whether this Meeting Shall Be Removed To The Meeting House Spot Proposed and the whole Propriety Set Down a Stake for the center of the Meeting House. The vote passed in the affirmative."
" Being removed to said spot. a Stake was fixed Down with Stones about it North of said Dewey's House, and thirty three feet South-East- erly of a Large Pine Tree marked M. It was Put to vote whether the Proprietors would Establish said stake for the center of the Meeting House. The vote unanimously passed in the affirmative."
Here was a scene for a painter. On the pleasant hillside overlook. ing this beautiful valley. in their quaint costumes, stood every man of the little propriety. With heads uncovered and bowed they stronylol
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the spot chosen for their sanctuary and with reverence and thanksgiving "Set Down a Stake for the center of the Meeting House." No sooner was this ceremony concluded than with characteristic prompiness it was "voted that the Comtter Immediately as fast as they Conveniently can, go forward in Building the Meeting House so far as till the outside be Civered and Glazed the Doors Hung and the Lower Floor Lid."
After this manifestation of zeal and unanimity, the card reader of the records is not a little surprised to find in the minutes of the next meeting that it was voted to " Reconsider all Their former votes That were Passe Resepting Building a Meeting House and the Place for Set- ing the same." There is here an appearance of unexpected fickliness. But the next entry, taken in connection with an ancient dead that has been discovered in the town archives. dispels our doubts, and shows that the first site was abandoned only because a better one had been most generously presented to the town. .. It was Put to vote whether the Proprietors would build a Meeting House on the Piece of Land seques tered for that Purpose by the Heirs of Rerd. Peter Reynolds, and Lying on the East End of the Mountain. The vote Passt in the affirmative." The manner of this " sequestration " is tare if not unique in legal his- tory, and is a bright example of the way in which honest and loving children delight to execute a father's will, though bound by no compul sion. It is shown by the following brief extract from the dead, which was drawn a year later :
"To all People to whom these Presents shall come-Greeting-Know ve that we, Samuel Reynolds of Somers, Peter Reynolds, John Reynolds, Sumcon Field and Margaret Field of Enfield all in the County of Haritord and Colony of Connecticut in New England, for, and in consideration of the love, goodwill and auretion we have and bear to the Town and People of Lenox in the County of Berkshire and Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England, Have given and granted, and by these Presents do freely, clearly and absolutely, give and grant unto the Town and people of said Lenox, their heirs and assigns ---
" Three Acres of Land lying and being in the Township of Lenox aforesaid for the use, benefit, and improvement of siting a Meeting House thereon, a Burying Yard or Lot &c., for the benefit and utility of the People and Town of Lenox atore. said forever, or so long as it shall be used and improved for the purposes aforesaid.
" In Witness whereof We have hereunto set our hands and Seals the sand day of September in the tenth year of the reign of our Soverign Lord George the third of Great Britain &c .; King, Annoq: Dom: 1770-
" Received and Recorded from the original
"M. HOPKINS, Reg'r."
The question of a site thus happily settled, the committee were in- structed to build a .. Meeting House 46 feet long, and 36 feet wide and a Sutable Heightth." Until this was completed, in 175, religious meet- ings were held at private houses or in the open air.
"The first stated minister so far as can now be ascertained." says Mr. Taft, "was Rev. Elijah Mason, of Saybrook. Ct., who preached
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fourteen Sabbaths prior to December 20th, 1766." Rev. James Richards of New Concord, N. Y., preached sixteen Sabbaths, beginning in Jane. 1767. Both these men preached as " Probationers," and neither was ul- timately settled. Dr. Shepard states that the church was organized in 1769 by Rev. Samuel Hopkins, of Great Barrington. Dr. Shepard also states that the church, at the time of its organization, consisted of nine male members, bearing the names Tracy, Stanly. Hinsdale, Steel, Bacon. Collins, Landers. Andrus, and Richards. The proprietors, in 177, in- vited Mr. Peter Starr to become their minister, but no action appeals to have been taken by the church. Afterward sich action was taken that Mr. Samuel Munson was ordained. November 8th. 1770, on a salary of 945. to be ultimately increased to 560 and his firewood annually. He also received the lands that had been set apart for the first minister. Eighty years later his successor, Dr. Shepard, said of him : " He was a graduate of Yale College in 1763, and was a man of good abilities and ardent piety, sound in the faith, and zealons in promoting the e inse of the Redeemer. He lived. however, in troubleus times. The Revolutionary war occasioned very bitter animosities among the people : and sabse quently what is called the . Shays Insurrection" was productive of unich evil in the town. Such was the state of the church that for seven years the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper was not administered to its mem. bers." Disaffection on the part of a minority of the church, and the ill health of Mr. Munson, led to his dismissal in 1793. He returned to New Haven, where he died in 1914. His house stood on the knoll now ocen pied by the residence of Mr. John E. Parsons. Rev. Samael Shopand, a native of Chatham, Conn., and a graduate of Yale College, the secomi pastor of the church, was ordained April 30th, 1795. The ordination services were held in the open air, as the old meeting house " was so lim- ited in its dimensions, and in such a state of decay." The connection thus formed continued unbroken until the death of Dr. Shepard, in 181G. Under his care the church came to have a vigorous existence, and about 800 persons were added to it during his ministry. During this time Dr. Shepard baptized 969 persons, of whom 679 were infants. Dr. Shepard was vice president of Williams College. As a preacher he possessed in- common power. He carried his manuscript in a note case in his left hand. Some of his best sermons were strictly extemporaneous. On special occasions his thoughts came like a rushing torrent, and were always expressed in appropriate language. His voice was lond, but mellow, flexible, and of rare compass. His eloquence will long continue to echo in the churches of Berkshire. Notwithstanding its defects the old meeting house was used for a number of years after Dr. Shepard's settlement. The present house was built under a vote of the town, passed April 1Sth. 1803, and was dedicated January Ist. 1806.
Rev. Henry Neill, the third pastor of the church, a native of Phila delphia, and a graduate of Amherst College, was installed in 1816, and
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HISTORY OF BERKSHIRE COUNTY.
dismissed in 1854 to accept a call to the Fort Street Presbyterian Church, in Detroit. Mich.
Rev. Edmund K. Alden, a native of Randolph, Mass., and a graduate of Amherst College, was installed in 1854, and dismissed in 1850 to accept a call to the Phillips Church, in Boston.
Rev. Renben S. Kendall was graduated at Illinois College, in 1839. installed March 29th, 1800, received a salary of 8900 a year, with use of parsonage, and resigned his pastorate in 1865.
The church was now without a settled pastor for a long time, but coll tracts were made from year to year with Rev. George Muir Smith, until June 5th, 1871. In December, 1871, Rev. S. H. Tolman was unanimously called to become pastor of the church, and was installed early in 1872. Mr. Colman died suddenly in 1873, and the church and society resolved " That Mr. Tolman has won our confidence and regard. We live learned to respect and esteem him for his soundness in the Faith, his earnestness and zeal in The Master's service. his uniform gentleness, courtesy and kindness."
In 1874 Rev. C. H. Parkhurst, of Northampton, Mass., a graduate of Amherst College. was installed pastor, and served most faithfully until he was dismissed, in 1880, to accept a call to the Madison Avenue Pres byterian Church of New York city. During his pastorate a heavy parish debt was removed, important alterations were made in the church build. ing. a chapel was built for evening service, and the old creed of the church was greatly simplified. The present pastor, Rev. R. De Witt Mallary, of Brooklyn, succeeded Dr. Parkhurst in 1880.
As may have been inferred from the record of public action in relig ions matters, there was originally a union between town and church. The Congregational church was then by law the town church. and all persons were taxed for its support, no one being allowed to vote unless he was a member of the church. Gradually the number of those belong ing to other denominations increased, and being unhappily unable to consider the differences between them non-essential. Baptists. Methodists. and Episcopalians found it unpleasant, and dermed it unjust that they should be compelled to unite in the support of the "Orthodox" com munion. The first plan devised for their relief was that each person not belonging to the Congregational society could have his church tax remit . ted by annually presenting a certificate of membership in some other de- nomination. To procure these certificates was often dithienlt, always unpleasant ; and in 1783 it was voted : " That the Baptists in this town shall be excused from paying Minister's rates, without producing certifi- cates annually." In 1793, mainly through the exertions of Mr. Azariah Egleston, the Lenox Episcopal Society was formed, and the next year the following plan for adjusting the whole matter was reported by a com mittee of four men, presumably representing the four denominations :
"That each of those Denominations (except the Congregation Mas shal mi nually among themselves respectively, choose some suitable person as & Commantee,
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who shall ascertain who of the Inhabitants of the said Town belong to his Denem. ination, and make a list of their names, and report the same to the Annual April meetings, accompanied by a certificate of the following tenor, viz: ' I certify that the names borne on this list are of the Denominations of Christians called -- ---- , and that they do generally attend on the instructions of Teachers of that Denomination,' and upon the said list so reported, and accepted by the said Denominations in town meeting, all such persons born on said Lists shall be omitted in the then next Minister's Tax."
This report was adopted, and in that year 40 Episcopalians. 25 Bap- tists, and 11 Methodists were relieved from the minister's fix.
The first recorded meeting of the Lenox Episcopal Association was held on December 26th. 1753. and an agreement was made " with Mr. Daniel Burhans of Lanesborough, a regularly ordained Episcopal deacon. to officiate in his publie character as their Teacher." Mr. Egleston was the first treasurer. The next extract shows that the training of children has improved since "ye olden time." "April 13th, 1795. As of late rude Boys and others have much disturbed the Congregation in time of public worship, voted to chose a suitable person to preserve order and decency in the hours of public Devotion. Mr. Daniel Williams chosen." A letter written by Mr. Burhans is still preserved and a considerable ex- tract from it is presented, for it throws a pleasant light on the manners and the temper of the time.
" In 1796 the parish were desirous to celebrate Christmas. Mr. Egleston, who had seen much of the world, and was a gentleman of refinement and good taste, look it upon himself to adorn his own house and the Court house-for we had no church edifice-with evergreens and other fixtures suitable to the occasion. He also invited a number of ladies and gentlemen, not only of Lenox, but in the neighboring towns and that without any reference to their religious creed; and especially the Congre- gational (?) clergyman of the town, who, by the way, was a young man professedly very liberal and friendly to the church, but having been only recently settled and limitedly acquainted with the fashionable and well informed members of society. Fond of story telling, he often committed himself, and as this celebration was within a very short time after the close of the controversy between Mr. Van Schaack and the Presbyterian (that is Congregationalists) of Pittsfield, these very respectfully at. tended divine service, from which the invited guests repaired to Mr. Egleston's to dine. In due time more than one hundred were seated at a sumptuous and well spread table, over which were tastefully suspended wreaths, chaplets, and festoons of ever- greens with the leaves of ivy (the laurel probably styled the ivy in Berkshire) curious- ly wrought into various forms. The windows, mirrors, and other parts of the room were similarly adorned. I had the honor of the right hand of Mr. Egleston, next to Mr. Henry Van Schaack, Chandler Williams, with some eight or ten gentlemen from Pittsfield. On the left, the Rev. Mr. Shepard, the young clergyman above mentioned. next General Pepoon and an equal number from Stockbridge. The dinner was served in a superb, cheerful, very derent and respectable manner. All hearts " fel: it good to be there.' After a few appropriate sentiments were expressed with a beverage of good old Madeira, Mr. Shepard expressed our gratitude in irne Puritan style. The Fragments were gathered, the cloth removed and the board crowned with a dessert more like a table in Central America than New England. The ladies
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HISTORY OF BERKSHIRE COUNTY.
soon retired. Repartees and story telling commenced. But all kind and gentleman- like-and although about the time that party politics were at the zenith of Federal and anti-Federal strife, and religious views floated more in the brain than in the heart, no allusion was made to disturb even the most sensitive. In the midst of this calm a gentleman remarked within the hearing of the Rev. Mr. Shepard that amongst all the decorations he had ever seen, with evergreens, he had never seen the ivy leaves so beautifully arranged as the present. Mr. Shepard, with a sarcastic smile, turned to the gentleman and pointing to a festoon near him, teplhed, with an elevated tone of voice, ' whenever I see ivy I always think of the following angedate' Every ear was open and every eye was turned towards him. He proceeded with an inde- finable expression in his countenance.
" Our deacon in C-h-m in C-t-t, a wealthy farmer, who kept a large Rock of sheep, returning home one afternoon, a day or two before Christmas, met one pi his neighbors, a churchman, with a load of ivy. After passing the customary saluta- tions, the farmer said, 'Pray, sir what in the world are you going to do with so much of that ivy?' 'Why,' replied the churchman, looking up to him, ' Why, didn't you know that Christmas is coming and we are going to keep it this year! This is to dress our church.' 'Well, neighbor,' responded the deacon, 'one thing I know, ivy will porson and kill sheep, but it may answer well enough for goats."
" And Mr. Shepard broke out in a loud laugh. But not even a smile of appro- bation from a single individual, but a silent frown pervaded every countenance. After a short pause, Mr. Van Schaack arose, and after a few remarks, pointing out the impropriety of personalities in an association like the present, said that he had been highly gratified that the festival so deeply interesting to all and especially to Epis- copalians, had been celebrated thus far in mutual congratulations and the inter- change of kind and Christian feeling. He trusted the gentleman's anecdote of ever- greens, although apparently applied to members of the Episcopal Church, would not by them be so considered, ' and,' said he, 'that we may close this delightful inter- view with the hospitalities we have enjoyed, I will, with the approbation of the gentlemen, state an occurrence which took place during the American Revolution " The universal response was, 'Go on! Proceed"
" Soon after the arrival of troops from France, three gentlemen, strangers to each other, called one mid day at a public house for refreshments. Each took his room and called for dinner. From their costume and address the landlord thought them all clergymen; and, on inquiry, finding them all such, he proposed that they should dine together at one table, to which they cordially assented, After the customary introduction, they found to their mutual surprise that they were not only clergymen, but were ministers of three of the most distinguished denominations in christendom -the Romanist, the English Church and the Presbyterian. But they were soon cronies and hailed each other as brethren. Dinner was soon announced and each took his seat and silently said his grace. The dinner was served in good style and cheer; and after the cloth was removed, the Romanist remarked that as they had providentially met, with Christian courtesy had enjoyed a social dinner and were soon to part, probably not again to meet in this world, he proposed a bottle of wine, to which the Churchman cordially assented. The wine was produced and the Romanist filled his glass, calling on his companions for a sentiment. But they both refused, saying, 'You called for the wine, give the first toast ' ' Well, gemiemen. I give you the pope.' They hung down their heads, saying, ' we are Protest ints' 'I
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know it, but the present company is excepted.' With a faltering voice they uttered, ' the pope!' The Churchman then with a smile took the bottle, and saying, 'Gentle- men, fill your glasses,' took up his own and gave ' King George the Third, Defender of the Faith!' Both of their glasses were placed on the table. 'This is intolerable.' said the Presbyterian, turning to the Romanist, with his blue eyes half closed. ' United as we are in war with that tyrant, to defend our religious and civil liberties, to be now called upon to drink his health. Never!' The Romanist whispered some- thing in his ear, and turning to the Chinchinan, said, with Jesuitical cunning, . I move an amendment; leave out the words ' Defender of the Faith.' 'With all my heart,' was the reply, 'I give you simply, King George' The words were easily whispered, the wine was drank, and the glasses refilled. The Presbyterian raised his glass and with downcast eyes and a tremendous wice said, 'Gentlemen, i gave you the Devil.' Astounded, the other gentlemen replaced their glasses upon the table. exclaming, 'What! we, who have renounced the Devil and all his works in holy bap- tism, drink his health? No, sir, we protest?" The innkeeper interfered, saying 'Gentlemen, I must think that you are under obligations to drink the Presbyterian's toast. He has drunk the Pope, the head of the Roman Church, and King George, the head of the English Church, and when he now gives the head of his own church, common politeness requires that you in your turn should join him.' The toast was drunk with a hearty laugh and the new friends soon parted in good cheer, wishing each other good luck in the name of the Lord. "And so.' concluded Mr. Van Schaack, 'let us part on the level of friendship.' After every demonstration of kindest feeling, the party at Major Egleston's arose all glad of heart and departed."
In 1799 Rev. Mr. Burhans removed to Connectient. In hope of his return no pastor was settled. but Rev. Mr. Thatcher and Rev. Ezra Brad. ley were engaged successively to " supply the Desk " in his absence. Mr. Burhans. however, did not return, and in 1804 the society united with the church of Great Barrington to " support Rev. Samnel Griswold at $450 pr anum, to perform divine service, one half the time in rotation at each Cure."
In 1805 the society was legally incorporated by an act of the General Court. as the Protestant Episcopal Society of Lenox. The present church was erected in 1816. Mr. Griswold was dismissed in 1815.
From 1820 to 1825 Rev. Aaron Humphrey officiated. being engaged. however, in some years for only one fourth of the Sundays.
The next record is as follows :
"Rev. Benj. C. C. Parker came here December 16th, 1826 Went to Mr. Quincy's to board at two dollars per week. He is to officiate in this church, for a salary at the rate of five hundred dollars a year, and the Society are to furnish him with wood, pay Mr. Quincy for his board and deduct it from his salary."
Mr. Parker was engaged from year to year until 1833, and he was fol- lowed by Rer. S. P. Parker, who was rector until 1841. After him came Rev. George Waters, who was succeeded in 1852 by Rev. Dr. Pynchon, late president of Trinity College. Rev. W. H. Brooks was here in 1855-6, and after him. Dr. S. P. Parker returned and preached until 1859. His successor was Rev. J. A. Penniman, who resigned his charge in 1860, and was followed by Rev. H. A. Yardley, afterward professor of
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HISTORY OF BERKSHIRE COUNTY.
theology in Middletown, Com. Rer Justin Field succeeded Mr. Yard- ley in 1862, and is still pastor. In 1873 the church was enlarged by the addition of a transept, and action is now being taken that will probably result in the erection of a new, commodious, and elegant building.
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