USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > Easthampton > History of Easthampton: its settlement and growth; its material, educational, and religious interests, together with a genealogical record of its original families > Part 3
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PAYSON WILLISTON."
This request was granted, and he was reluctantly dis- missed from the active, duties of the pastorate. During his ministry, he had met with a very encouraging degree of success in his noble work, and many souls had been given as seals of his ministry. But, though he no longer sustained the relation of pastor to his people, he was not idle. He loved them to the last, and was ever desirous of
31
CHURCHES.
promoting their welfare, and many remember with pleasure the visits and kind and fatherly counsel of their aged pas- tor, who still loved to share with them their joys and sorrows. "His closet, the sanctuary, the meeting for social prayer, were his loved retreats, and next to these the house of his friends." For several years he was the last survivor of his class, and for some time he was the oldest graduate of Yale College. But at last his mission on earth was ended, and on the 30th of January, 1856, he was called by the Great Head of the Church to come up higher. Though spared to the age of ninety-two years and seven months, yet he, too, must die, and " as a shock of corn fully ripe " he was gathered to his rest, while many friends missed him, and greatly lamented his loss.
His funeral sermon was preached by Rev. John Wood- bridge, D. D., from Prov. 13, 22 : " A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children." He has passed away, but " he being dead yet speaketh," and the influence of his life and teachings will remain yet many years, and future generations shall hear, and honor, the name of Rev. PAYSON WILLISTON.
The next pastor of the church was Rev. Wm. Bement, a native of Ashfield, and a graduate of Dartmouth College. He was ordained on the 16th of October, 1833, by the same council that dismissed Mr. Williston. This ordina- tion was one of the last examples of an ordination con- ducted after the manner of the fathers. The council assembled on the previous day, and held a prolonged public examination of the candidate, connecting devotional exercises therewith. A music teacher was on hand to prepare the choir for a great occasion. An hour before the ordination services, strings of carriages might be seen coming in from neighboring towns. The council, having assembled at an appointed place, marched in solemn pro-
32
HISTORY OF EASTHAMPTON.
cession to the meeting-house, where the waiting crowd, extending quite a distance from the front door, parted to the right and left and stood with uncovered heads until the reverend procession had passed through the broad aisle. After the conclusion of the public services, the council returned in like manner, to partake together of the. dinner provided for them, and the houses of the whole parish were open for the entertainment of strangers ..
On this occasion, the sermon was preached by Rev. Samuel Osgood, D. D .; the Charge to the Pastor was given by Rev. Payson Williston, D. D .; the Right Hand of Fellowship by Rev. Sumner G. Clapp ; the Address to the People by Rev .. Joseph Penny ; and the Closing Prayer by Rev. H. P. Chapin.
The pastorate of Mr. Bement extended over a period of nearly seventeen years, and was productive of great good to the church and people. He was a faithful pastor and preacher, never shunning to declare unto his flock the whole counsel of God. The fruits of his labors still remain. He was strongly attached to his people, a public parting from whom he could not endure. He therefore wrote. a most affectionate farewell address, which was read from the pulpit, about a month after his dismissal. Many will re- member the occasion, and the deep and tender solicitude for them, which breathed from every sentence of the address. He left the people with the unanimous assurance, on their part, " that his departure was neither anticipated or desired by them, that they esteem him highly in love, hold his services in most grateful remembrance, and cordially ap- prove of the views which he entertained of the Christian ministry, and of the efforts which he has made to extend the kingdom of the Redeemer."
During his ministry, an organization was formed, which took the name of the Young Men's Home Missionary
33
CHURCHES.
Society, which pledged itself to the support of Rev. Melzar Montague, a native of Westhampton, as a missionary in Wisconsin. Mr. Montague was ordained here, October 29, 1844, on which occasion a sermon was preached by Rev. Edward W. Hooker, D. D.
The third pastor in succession was Rev. Rollin S. Stone, a graduate of Yale College. He was installed as pastor of the church, Oct. 8, 1850, and dismissed at his own request, July 26, 1852. The sermon at his installation was preached by Rev. E. Y. Swift, now settled in Williamsburg. After his dismission, a call was extended to Rev. A. M. Colton to become pastor of the church, which he accepted, and was installed March 2, 1853, Rev. John Woodbridge, D. D., delivering a discourse from I Cor. 1, 23-4. Mr. Colton is a native of Georgia, Vt., a graduate of Yale College, and was formerly pastor of the Congregational Church in Amherst. He still labors with the people, by whom he is greatly respected and beloved. Two or three seasons of unusual religious interest have blessed the church during his pastorate, and many have been added to its numbers.
The following list shows the persons who have been deacons of the church since its organization, together with the time of their appointment, and the length of time which they held the office :---
Stephen Wright,
chosen 1786, served 21 years.
Benjamin Lyman,
1786,
12
Obadiah Janes,
1788,
19
Joel Parsons, .
1798,
15
Solomon Lyman,
1807,
18
Thaddeus Clapp,
1808,
33
Sylvester Lyman,
1813,
66
20
Julius Hannum,
1825,
7
Ithamar Clark, 3*
1832,
25
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HISTORY OF EASTHAMPTON.
Eleazer W. Hannum,
chosen 1833,.
Samuel Williston,
1841, served 11. years.
Luther Wright,
1857,
E. Alonzo Clark,
1857.
The present church edifice was built in 1836 and '7, from a plan drawn by William F. Pratt of Northampton. Mr. Pratt and Jason Clark were the contractors. The corner stone was laid June 9, 1836. The house was ded- icated March 16, 1837, on which occasion a sermon was preached from Acts 8, 49, by the pastor, Rev. Mr. Bement. Its dimensions are 80 by 50 feet, and it originally cost less than $6,000. In the autumn of 1844, owing partially to the increase of numbers, consequent upon the establishment of Williston Seminary, the church edifice was enlarged by the substitution of more capacious galleries. The building was also set back fifty feet, and at Mr. Williston's expense the spire remodeled, and built seventeen feet higher, and an organ and clock introduced. In 1865, it was removed from its original site to a location near by, and which, in some respects, was more desirable. At that time the whole interior was remodeled, the galleries lowered, the pews re- built, the walls neatly frescoed, a modern style of pulpit and furniture introduced, and an addition made in the rear of the house for the accommodation of the organ and choir. The repairs were made at a cost of more than $5,000.
The present number of church members is 253. The number in 1833, at the settlement of Mr. Bement, was 222.
In the year. 1818, efforts. were first made to establish a Sabbath School here. The project was opposed by some, on the ground that the children, if left to themselves, as they necessarily would be after the dismission of the school, would not conduct in, a manner becoming the sanctity of
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CHURCHES.
the day; and it also was thought to be an innovation to have a school on the Sabbath; but so earnest were the friends of the enterprise that opposition finally ceased, and a school organized in the district school house that stood at the junction of Park and Main streets.
Hon. Samuel Williston and Rev. Solomon Lyman, then in early life, were largely instrumental in its establishment here, and neither they nor any others who have bestowed their efforts in the behalf of this work have seen any reason to regret the exertions which they have made. The enter- prise gained in favor with the people, and has ever since been sustained. It has met with an encouraging degree of success during the thirty-eight years of its existence. A hearty co-operation on the part of the parents, not only by their sympathy, but by their presence, has been long felt by those engaged in the school to be an essential requi- site to the fullest degree of success.
The communion service which is in use by the church was the gift of Mrs. Tirzah, widow of Luther Clapp. She died August 13, 1811. In her will she bequeathed $300 to the church and town, $35.of, which, according to her direction, was expended in the purchase of a pall cloth, and the balance fell to the church. In 1846, a commodious brick parsonage was erected on one of the pleasantest sites. in the town at an expense of $3,000, the greater portion of which was built by Mr. Williston, though the society. relinquished to him the old parsonage ..
The church has been blessed with many revival sea- sons when the renewing and sanctifying influence of the Holy Spirit have descended abundantly, bringing blessings unspeakably great and precious to the church. Particularly worthy of note are those which occurred in the years 1789, 1806, '16, '23, '28, '31, '54, '58,
3.6
HISTORY OF EASTHAMPTON.
THE PAYSON CHURCH AND SOCIETY.
The large increase of the population of the town, conse- quent upon the establishment of Williston Seminary, and the removal of the button works from Haydenville to East- hampton, was thought to render it necessary that another house of worship should be erected. The first meeting for the organization of a second church was held July 8, 1852. - It was voted that the church should bear the name of the Payson Church. July 12, 1852, an invitation was extended to Rev. R. S. Stone to become the pastor of the new church and society, which was accepted. The church, consisting originally of 100 members, was organized Dec. 28th of the same year, and the church edifice dedicated in the evening of the same day. The dedication sermon was delivered by Dr. N. Adams of Boston. The services of installation were conducted as follows :- Sermon by Rev. Dr. Hitchcock of Amherst College, from Romans 9, 1-13. Charge to the pastor by Rev. Mr. Root of Williamsburg, Right Hand of Fellowship by Rev. Dr. Hall of North- ampton, Installing Prayer by Rev. Mr. Judd of Whately, Address to the people by Rev. Mr. Clapp of Brattleboro. Hon. Samuel Williston and Dr. Atherton Clark were chosen deacons. E. A. Hubbard served as church clerk until 1855, when C. B. Johnson, Esq., was chosen, and he has since held that office. Seth Warner was the first treasurer of the society, and has been the treasurer of the church from its formation. Lucius Preston has for a number of years filled the office of treasurer of the society.
The church at its commencement was very unfortunate in their house of worship. Three houses have been erected, of which two were destroyed by fire, and the third partially destroyed by the falling of the steeple. The first house,
37
CHURCHES.
which was erected in 1852, was burned on Sabbath morning, January 29, 1854, the fire having caught from the furnace. There was no insurance. The erection of the second building was commenced early the follow- ing spring, and September 1, 1854, when more than half finished, was again destroyed by fire. The walls and foundation were partially saved, but there was no insu- rance, and the loss was almost wholly borne by Mr. Wil- liston. Instead of being disheartened by these losses, the society, with an energy worthy of much praise, immediately commenced the erection of a third building, which was completed in 1855, and dedicated September 6th, of that year, on which occasion a sermon was preached by Rev. Mr. Stone, from Psalms 132, 8. The cost of this house, exclusive of bell, &c., was about $14,000, which was borne by Mr. Williston. In this, as in the first case, the bell, $560, was given by Mr. Seth Warner, the organ, $2,500, by Hon. H. G. Knight, and the furniture by the society. The house was of brick, 87 by 50 feet, with a tower pro- jection of 15 feet, and a pulpit recess of 9 feet. The spire was 163 feet in height, and of beautiful proportions. While its work of rebuilding was in progress the society held its meetings at the Town Hall. "The First church and society kindly invited their sister society to meet with them, but preferring to keep their pastor employed and their organization in good condition, and for the further reason that the house with both societies would be too. crowded, the invitation was, with many thanks, declined." When the second house was destroyed, the parsonage near- by was also burned. The pastor also sustained considera- ble loss by the destruction and damage to furniture, &c. While the third church edifice was being built, the society erected another parsonage of brick. It cost, besides the land and foundation, about $4,000. Mr. Williston and Mr. Knight each contributed $1,400 for this object.
38
HISTORY OF EASTHAMPTON.
1
Early in the morning of January 2, 1862, the tall spire of the church was blown down by a high wind. It fell upon the roof of the building, entirely demolishing it, and laying the interior in ruins. The organ and desk, however, escaped injury. The vestry remained unharmed, and in this room the congregation held their public services while the upper part was being rebuilt. At this time an addition was made to the building in the rear, to furnish a recess for the organ and choir behind the pulpit. " The dimen- sions of the present church edifice are as follows :- External length of the main body, 89 feet by 50 in width; height of spire, 163 feet; organ recess, 27 by 19 feet. The audi- ence room is 75 by 48, below, and in the gallery 87 by 48, adding the space above the porch. The total expense of building and rebuilding the church thus far cannot fall below $50,000. By far the larger part of this has been the immediate gift of one man, the son of a poor minister, the first pastor of the First church in this place."
Rev. Mr. Stone retained his connection as pastor of the church until January 21, 1863. During his ministry over the church, extending through a period of a little more than ten years, Mr. Stone labored with zeal and fidelity for their upbuilding. He was with them during all their reverses and discouragements, and shared these in sym- pathy with his people. His ministry was blessed in the hopeful conversion of many. The addition of converts averaged about one a month during this time, though at a little more than half the communion seasons there were no additions.
In the fall of the same year, the church and society ex- tended an invitation to Rev. S. T. Seelye, D. D., of Albany, to become their pastor. He accepted the invita- tion, and was installed October 14, 1863. Since that time he has continued to labor among the people, by whom
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CHURCHES.
he is held in high esteem. His labors have been blessed with much success, and many have been added to the church. Its present number of members is 345, of whom 113 are males, and 232 females. The additions during 1865 were 33 on profession and 10 by letter. The num- ber dismissed was 20, died 7, making a net gain of 16 during the year.
The following persons have been chosen to fill the office of deacon since the organization of the church :- Dr. Ath- erton Clark, Nov. 14, 1852; Samuel Williston, Nov. 14, 1852; Charles B. Johnson, Aug. 29, 1861; Ansel B. Lyman, Aug. 29, 1861; Seth Warner, June 2, 1864; E. A. Hubbard, June 2, 1864; E. H. Sawyer, March 1, 1866.
THE METHODIST CHURCH AND SOCIETY.
The establishment of the manufacturing business here brought into the town a number of persons connected with the Methodist denomination. The growth of the town, it was thought, would soon necessitate the erection of another house of worship. Rev. Mr. Potter, a preacher connected with the Methodist Conference, was engaged, and meetings were held on the Sabbath in the Town Hall. This was in the year 1850 or '51. The enterprise, however, did not meet with sufficient success to warrant the formation of a society, and after a time it was abandoned. Many of its friends became connected with the Payson church on its organization soon after. For ten years nothing more was done by this denomination. During the fall and winter of 1862, prayer meetings were established in private houses by a few individuals, which awakened considerable religious interest. This interest extended, and meetings were held in a hall provided for that purpose. During the progress of this work of grace, large numbers were awakened, and very many professed an interest in Christ.
40
HISTORY OF EASTHAMPTON.
The preliminary steps in the formation of a society were taken in the last of '62. Its organization was fully effected in April, 1863, when Rev. S. Jackson was appointed its first pastor. This new movement soon commended itself to public confidence, by the good it was accomplishing, particularly among those not hitherto reached by the other societies.
At a town meeting held in the fall of 1864, the town, with great liberality, donated to the society a piece of land in the center of the village, on which to erect a house of worship.
Late in the summer of 1865 they broke ground for the erection of a church, 50 by 80 feet, and the work of build- ing has been pushed forward with commendable rapidity, till the exterior is at present nearly completed. The style is somewhat unique in this section of the state, being the " pure early English Gothic," the style immediately fol- lowing the "Norman Gothic," and preceding the "deco- rated English Gothic," and " a favorite on account of its purity and simplicity." The estimated cost is $13,000. It is expected to be completed early in the ensuing fall. The society numbers about 350. The church membership is nearly 150.
In the spring of 1866, Rev. Mr. Jackson was called to labor elsewhere, and the church is now under the pas- toral care of Rev. Franklin Furber. Mr. Jackson was highly esteemed during his stay here, not only among his own people, but throughout the community.
CHAPTER III.
-
EDUCATIONAL INTERESTS.
PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
The first school which was taught in town, of which we have any reliable record, was at Pascommuck, in the year 1739. At that time, Northampton appropriated a sum of money for a school there. There is no account of any further appropriation until 1748. In this year, and in nearly every subsequent year, they gave money for schooling at Bartlett's Mill, and at Pascommuck. The wages of teachers in those times appear small in comparison with what teachers now receive. Six shillings a week were paid to Obadiah Janes, Philip Clark, Joel Parsons and others for keeping school in their own districts, when they boarded themselves. If the teacher lived out of the district more was sometimes paid. Then only the rudiments of educa- tion, as they are now considered, were taught. Perhaps, however, their education was as sufficient for the wants of those times as is ours for the wants of the present day. Science and literary culture were comparatively little ad- vanced, while popular education was, as it were, still in its infancy. At all events, this training prepared them to perform well their part in cherishing the liberties which the Pilgrim Fathers sought in coming to these shores.
At a meeting of the freeholders of Easthampton soon
4
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HISTORY OF EASTHAMPTON.
after its incorporation, £15 were raised for the use of schools, of which, at this time, there were probably but three. The same sum was annually appropriated until 1793, when it was increased to £20. Since that time the pecuniary provision for schools has more than kept pace with the increasing number of children.
In 1807 $200 were raised for the use of schools.
" 1820
220
66
" 1830
300
66
" 1840
360
" 1850
600
" 1860
1200
"$ 1865
2200
66
" 1866
3500
66
Besides the sum raised in 1866 for the support of schools, the sum of $3800 was appropriated for building new school houses.
In 1797 the town was first divided into school districts, of which there were four. Nashawannuck comprised that section of the town bounded on the south by Manhan river, and west by Saw-mill brook. The West district was bounded on the south by Manhan river, and east by Saw- mill brook. Pascommuck was bounded on the north by Manhan river, and on the west by Broad brook. The Center district comprised nearly all the remaining portion, though a few families in the extreme southeastern part were included in no district. At a later period the town was divided into six districts.
At first the management of the school was left entirely in the hands of the district, the money raised by the town being equitably apportioned to the several districts, and by them spent according to their discretion. Later, how- ever, a general committee was appointed, whose duty it was to examine teachers, and visit the schools to inquire
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EDUCATIONAL INTERESTS.
into their progress. The hiring of teachers, the disburse- ment of the money, and the ownership of the school houses were still in the hands of the district. In 1864, by vote of the town, the districts were abolished, and the whole control of the schools passed into the hands of the general committee, the town purchasing the school houses of the several districts. To this measure there was considerable opposition, and time will be required to show whether or not it was a wise course,
In the spring of 1864, it was voted to establish a high school, and a sum of money appropriated to purchase a site, and provide materials for the erection of a suitable building for this purpose, The building was completed in the summer of 1865, at a total cost of $15,000. It was dedicated August 29, 1865, The building is a very fine one, and an ornament to the place. It is capable of accommodating 212 scholars,
The rapid increase in the population of the town has called for the erection of several new school houses. During the past year, there were 12 schools held, with an aggregate attendance during the summer and fall terms of 518.
WILLISTON SEMINARY.
Any notice of the leading features in the history of Easthampton would not be complete without mention of the Seminary established there by the extraordinary munif- icence of the Hon. Samuel Williston.
" This Institution," says Mr. Luther Wright, in his Historical Sketch of Easthampton, " originated in a desire to extend the advantages of a thorough training in the elements of an English and classical education. The idea of such a school was suggested sometime before the close of 1840 ; but it was not fully and finally decided to found
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HISTORY OF EASTHAMPTON.
and locate it here till December of that year, or in January, 1841. In February following, it was incorporated with the power to hold $50,000 for educational purposes. It was opened for the admission of students Dec. 2, 1841.
" The founder of this Seminary and its early friends, hoped that the existence of such a school, of the high order they contemplated, would greatly promote the interests of Academical education in Western Massachusetts. It was not their aim merely to multiply Academies. These, such as they were, were already quite numerous enough in this region. But they had either a very small endowment, or none at all ; and were generally farmed or let out to teach- ers, who kept up schools, in the best way they could, through the year, or a part of it. There could seldom be any division of labor in teaching, for want of funds to pro- cure a suitable number of competent teachers. The minds of the teachers were often distracted by the many recita- tions they were obliged to hear, in a manner as unsatisfac- tory to themselves as to their pupils. And then, again, there was a lack of discipline in these Academies generally, so essential to the existence of a good school. It was not strange that the motive to have as large a number as pos- sible connected with the Academy-because the more students the more salary-should often have had too strong an influence in retaining scholars. And as no school can be distinguished for thoroughness of instruction unless equally marked in its character for strictness of discipline, it was deemed an object of great moment to the interests of education in this region that an academical institution should be established, with a sufficient endowment, on the one hand, to allow the employment of an adequate number of competent teachers, with the necessary divison of labor in teaching; and on the other hand, that these teachers should be independent in the control and government of
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EDUCATIONAL INTERESTS.
their pupils. Strictness in discipline, and thoroughness in instruction, with the word of God, were to constitute the true basis of the new institution. Its crowning excellence was to consist of a faithful application, on the part of the teachers, of the great principles of the Bible to the con- sciences, intellects and hearts of their pupils. Unless the above named objects were kept steadily in view by the teachers, and as steadily pursued, the. existence of the Seminary was not demanded. With these sure elements of prosperity, and amply endowed, as it may be, to enable the teachers to accomplish the designs in view, its estab- lishment was regarded, at the time it was founded, as an object of the highest importance. The fact, that, within a few years after it went into operation, thousands of our youth had availed themselves of its advantages, is evidence of the high estimation in which it was held by the public, and also of the wisdom of its establishment. Of these thou- sands, many have completed their collegiate course, many others are now in college, while several hundred more, having been greatly aided here in qualifying themselves as teachers in our common schools, have been and still are engaged in that important sphere of duty. One great object in view in the establishment of the Seminary, was to raise up and qualify common school teachers for their employment."
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