History of Middlesex County, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. III, Part 197

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) ed
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & co
Number of Pages: 1278

USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > History of Middlesex County, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. III > Part 197

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The reason given in the notice for the step about to be taken was that "it will be most for the peace and happiness " of the parties concerned.

From this time on to April 4, 1806, various meet- ings were held concerning the proposed meeting- house, and it was then voted, (April 4,) to "take measures to form ourselves into a Religious Society as soon as possible." At the same meeting, a com- mittee of fifteen choseu for the purpose reported that, " We, the subscribers, wishing to form ourselves into a regular Religious Society, have for many years past been satisfied with the services of the Rev. Asa Pack- ard as a minister of the Gospel, and are still wishing him to be our minister, feeling ourselves able and willing to make him a reasonable compensation for his services in the ministry with us."

A committee was appointed "to wait upon the Rev. Asa Packard and request him to supply the pul- pit in the new Meeting-House."

1 By J. V. Juckman.

829

MARLBOROUGH.

May 12, 1806, a petition was presented to the selectmen asking that they would call a town-meet- ing "to see whether the town will consent that the subscribers, together with such others as may join them, shall be incorporated into a Religious Society, by such name as the Legislature of the Common- wealth may direct."

A petition to the General Court was also drawn up, setting forth that the subscribers "had at great ex- pense erected a convenient building for purposes of Public Worship; that they had employed a Public Teacher, who coustantly preaches in said building; that they believed that the cause of religion and good morals would be advanced by their incorpora- tion into a religious society," and that therefore "your petitioners pray that they may be incorporated as aforesaid, with such privileges and immunities as appertain and belong to Parishes :- and as in duty bound will ever pray."

This petition was signed by George Williams and one hundred and ten others.

There were now two branches of the church in Marlborough, and it seems that they were harmonions in all their proceedings, for when a town-meeting was called for the purpose of effecting a union of the two, by paying all expenses incurred by the new society, each branch voted that " we do not, either of us, mean to oppose or interrupt the other branch of this church, in the enjoyment of the special ordinances of the Gospel, or the settlement of a Gospel Minis- ter," and that they would oppose any such measure as that proposed, on the ground that it would " neith- er contribute to their honor, their peace, nor their happiness, nor be consistent with either."

Various efforts were made by the town to bring the two sections together, but to no purpose. The "Pe- titioners " considered that they were entitled to ex- istence as a separate society, because they had been recognized as such by "The unanimous voice of a very respectable ecclesiastical council, mutually closeu by the two branches of the Church of Christ in Marlborough," and because they had "a teacher of their own choice, and a meeting-house," which they had "occupied more than one year."

The town threw every obstacle in the way, but finally the " petitioners " were successful, for Febru- ary 20, 1808, the " Act of Incorporation " passed the House of Representatives, and February 22d, the Sen- ate, and "The Second Parish of Marlborough," com- monly known as the Unitarian Parish, had a legal existence with "all the privileges and immunities accorded to other parishes."

The first parish meeting under the "Act of Incor- poration " was held March 8, 1808. At this meeting, all necessary parish officers were chosen and meas- ures were taken to dedicate their meeting-house aud sell the pews therein.

The Rev. Asa Packard formally accepted the invi- tation to become the pastor of the new society, and

the relation was sustained until he resigued the pas- torate in 1819.

During his pastorate, the society received from Mr. Ephraim Brigham the gift of a lot of land now known as the "Brigham Cemetery,"-the donor giving as a reason for the gift, his " being moved thereunto by respect for the remains of my honored and beloved parents which were deposited there because infected with small pox."

In 1819, the Rev. Mr. Packard was succeeded by the Rev. Seth Alden, who remained pastor of the so- ciety till 1834, when the Rev. William Morse became his successor.

In 1837, the ladies of the parish met and organized a society for benevolent purposes, and mutual im- provement. For many years, they met in private houses, and accomplished much good for the parish. Finally, they gave up this plau, and held their meet- ings in the vestry of the church, until, in 1880, they were installed in sumptuous quarters contained in au addition to the church built for the purpose by the wealthy, public-spirited men and women of the par- ish. The society is to-day known as "The Ladies' General Charitable Society," and is a powerful factor in the management of parish affairs.

The Rev. Mr. Morse was succeeded in 1844 by the Rev. Horatio Alger. Under his administration, the parish received a gift of five hundred dollars ($500), from Mrs. Elizabeth Phelps, the same to be devoted to the establishment of a library. The collection of books thus formed was increased by a gift of 200 vol- umes from Henry Rice, Esq., of Boston. Many ad- ditions have been made since that time, until, at the present day, it contains more than 3000 well-selected volumes, illustrating nearly every department of English literature.

In 1855, the society took a decided stand against the " Institution of Slavery," and declared that they would "decline all such connection with other churches calling themselves Christian, as shall impli- cate us in any degree or in any way in the guilt of upholding and perpetuating slavery."

The Rev. Mr. Alger resigned his pastorate in 1859, and was succeeded in 1861 by the Rev. W. C. Tenney, whose services as pastor ended in 1864.

In 1865, the Rev. Eugene De Normandie assumed charge of the parish, and served as pastor till 1869. During this time the church was thoroughly " remod- elled and rebuilt."

The Rev. Calvin Stebbins followed Mr. De Nor- mandie in 1869. A new parsonage was built for his use by voluntary contributions from several members of the parish.

In 1872, the parish voted to admit women over eighteen years of age as members, with all the pri- vileges enjoyed by mien.

The services of the Rev. Mr. Stebbins were discon- tinued in 1872. From that year to the present time the parish has been under the charge of Rev. J. H.

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HISTORY OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

Wiggin, 1872-1875; Rev. R. A. Griffin, 1877-1888; and Rev. Edward F. Hayward, the present pastor, who began his term of service in 1889.

Such, in brief, is the history of the Unitarian Par- ish of Marlboro'. It is to-day a highly prosperous society, holding in its possession a " Ministerial Fuud " amounting to six thousand six hundred dollars ($6600), given by many of the earlier members of the parish; a fund for the maintenance of the Brigham cemetery, known as the Gibbon Fund; a fine church and organ, and a spacious common. All these, together with the parsonage before mentioned, show the generosity of the noble men and women, who have been enrolled in its membership.

Connected with the society is a flourishing Sunday- school, consisting of nearly two hundred members, under charge of S. H. Howe, Esq., who has been for many years its efficient superintendent.

The expenses of the parish, with the single excep- tion of a poll-tax, assessed on voting members, arc all met by voluntary contributions. Up to 1875, parish expenses were met by taxation, but at that time all pew-holders donated their pews to the society, and from that date the seats in the church have all been "free."

During the eighty-two years of its legal existence the society has never seen a time when its men and women were not ready and willing, each and all, to maintain the honor and dignity of "The Second Parish of Marlborough."

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.1-The history of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Marlborough is unique. The seed of Methodism in this vicinity was sown by Rev. George Pickering in 1798. Under his preaching one Phineas Sawyer was converted, and he at once established meetings in his house and factory, in the village of Feltonville, in the north part of Marlborough (now Hudson).

The first Methodist Society in Marlborough was organized under the name of "The First Methodist Society in Marlborough," March 18, 1821, with Dan- iel Stratton, president, Lewis Jewell, vice-president, and Solomon Weeks, clerk. For a time the society held its meetings in barns and groves. From 1821 to 1832 preachers from the Needham Circuit supplied, and in 1832 the Marlborough Circuit was formed. In 1827 a church edifice was built in a secluded spot now known as "Gospel Hill," about equi-distant from Marlborough Centre, Feltonville and Stow, and this location was selected to accommodate the three vil- lages. The building was dedicated March 5, 1828, by the now famous Rev. E. K. Avery.

Amid great persecution the society prospered and became noted. In 1851 a violent contention arose over the question of removing the place of worship to either Marlborough Centre, Feltonville or Rockbot- tom, the latter being a village in Stow. The contest

waxed hot, and after several tentative decisions the final vote by agreement was taken December 27, 1852, and resulted in deciding, hy a bare majority, in remain- ing on "Gospel Hill," and in "repairing the present building." " From the heat of the debates," or from other cause, the building took fire during that night and was reduced to ashes. Thus the struggle ended, and the several factions were freed, and separated in peace.

Steps were at once taken to erect a church edifice in Marlborough Centre, and the present edifice was dedicated with a sermon by Rev. Joseph Cummings, D.D., October 19, 1853. Favored with some of the most popular preachers in the " connection " the so- ciety has prospered.

In 1887, under the pastorate of Rev. P. C. Sloper, the church edifice was remodeled. The church and parsonage are valued at $16,000.

The present othiciary of the church is as follows :

Pastor, Rev. Ernest P. Herrick; Sunday-school superintendent, John Boggs; organist, Harry Gib- son ; chorister, James H. Warner.

Trustees, E. Stowe, C. B. Greenwood, W. W. Hol- yoke, J. W. Baird, G. W. Holyoke, John Boggs, Luther L. Tarbell.

President, C. B. Greenwood ; clerk, Luther L. Tar- bell; treasurer, E. Stowe.

Stewards, W. W. Holyoke, H. E. Rice, Thomas Robb, C. L. Perry, E. B. Clark, Hiram Greenwood, G. W. Holyoke, Mrs. W. S. Frost, Mrs. C. B. Greenwood, H. O. Pendleton.

Treasurer, W. W. Holyoke.

THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH was organized April 14, 1868, with the following constituent members :

Mr. and Mrs. C. M. Angier, Mr. and Mrs. H. Bel- knap, Mr. and Mrs. W. D. Walker, Mr. and Mrs. H. C. Gates, Miss Lizzie A. Crocker, Mrs. M. A. Dad- mun, Miss Nancy A. Leger, Miss E. M. Gates, Frank HI. Lowell, Robert A. Marshall, Edward P. Richard- son, Marshall G. Richards, Miss Lucy Trask, Mrs. William Allen and Mrs. A. F. Brigham.

This meeting was held at the house of Mr. W. D. Walker. Previous to this time, however, baptism services had been held in the town by Father Fritz, the Baptist State Missionary. The first prayer-meet- ing was held at the house of Mr. W. D. Walker, in July, 1866. July 15, 1867, an informal or temporary organization was etfected, with W. D. Walker a com- mittee on pulpit supply and man-of-all-work; M. G. Richards, solicitor of funds; F. Il. Lowell, treasurer ; E. P. Richardson, clerk; and C. C. Curtis was an- thorized to secure the use of Sons of Temperance Ilall as the temporary place of worship.

The first public services were held July 21, 1867, and a sermon preached by Rev. D. F. Lamson, of Northborough, Mass.

May 16, 1868, a call to the first pastorate of the church was voted to M. R. Deming, who was then acting as pulpit supply, and at a meeting held June 6th it was reported that the call was accepted. A

1 By L. L. Tarbell.

831

MARLBOROUGH.

council for ordination met in the Universalist Church, Marlboro', June 18th, and, after examination, Mr. Deming was regularly ordained and installed as pas- tor. He remained until June 2, 1871. The first dea- cons of the church were E. P. Richardson and Charles Angier.

The pastors siuce Mr. Deming have been as fol- lows : Rev. J. T. Burhoe, J. H. Barrows, L. W. Frick and the present efficient pastor, Rev. Charles Ran- som Powers.

Definite action relative to securing a house of wor- ship was takeu in 1869. It was then decided to pur- chase the present site of Fulton Hall, for which the sum of $1701 was paid. The old town hall, theu standing where the present one stauds, was sold at auction on March 9, 1869, and was struck off to pas- tor Deming for $1050. It was removed to its present position, raised a story and fitted up with two stores on the first floor, aud the upper part was finished and furnished uearly as it is now.

November 5, 1885, it was voted either to repair the old and outgrown Fulton Hall or build anew. Land was subsequently purchased on the corner of Wither- bee and Mechanic Streets, and the preseut fine church edifice erected. It was formally dedicated December 4, 1889.

THE CHURCH OF THE HOLY TRINITY.1 -- The rectors of St. Mark's Church, Southborough, were called upon from time to time to perform relig- ious offices for English Church families residing in Marlborough. Occasional services were held. While the Rev. F. L. Bush and the Rev. Pelhham Williams, S. T. D. were residing temporarily in Southborough, these services were quite regular. At one time an upper room in the building known as Marlborough Block was the gathering-place of the little band of worshippers. Later, when the Rev. Waldo Burnett became rector at Southborough, a store was rented under the old Fulton Hall, nearly opposite the Okl Colony Depot, and church services were held there every Sunday evening, excepting in mid-summer. This " Mission Room " was often uncomfortably crowded. Mr. and Mrs. J. M. Sears, of Southborough, offered to build a church, if the people would purchase a suitable lot.

Strenuous efforts were made, and the ground at the coruer of Main Street and Cotton Avenue was secured.

On November 17, 1887, the present beautiful church was opened and consecrated by the Right Rev. B. H. Paddock, D.D., the Bishop of Massachusetts. The Rev. Mr. Burnett then resigned the charge of the parish, and February 1, 1888, the Rev. Geo. S. Pine became the first resident reetor. The parish had been organized March 25, 1887, and was admitted into union with the Diocesan Convention, May 22, 1889. The present wardens are William M. Hamilton, and John T. Stewart. The church, on a prominent corner

of the Main Street, built in the early English style, from a desigu by Emerson, the well-known Boston architect, is an ornament to the town. Its interior is simple in coloring, but artistic in form. It has a rood screen of wrought-iron, a fine organ and beauti- ful chancel appointments. The music, a prominent feature of the services, is rendered by a well trained choir of men and boys under the direction of Mr. B. B. Gillette. Since the opening of the church there has been a steady growth in the parish. The average attendance at the services and iu the Sunday-school has more than doubled, the number of communicants has increased seventy-five per cent. and the parish is expanding itself more and more iu the field of good works.

UNIVERSALIST CHURCH.2-Unfortunately the early records of the First Universalist Church, of Marlboro', Mass., have been lost, so that much which would be of great interest to the present generation has passed into the sea of oblivion. A few scattered papers and documents, some of which are dated back over sixty years, give no glimpses of the beginning of the church history.

A society for worship was formed about the year 1825, and a church building was erected soon after. Probably no settled pastor was called for the first few years. The pulpit was supplied from Suuday to Sunday with preaching from a large number of min- isters, among which were many of the most prominent clergymen of that early day. In the year 1829, Rev. Thomas J. Greenwood received a call to become pastor of the church, at a salary of $500.

The call was accepted, and for fifteen years Mr. Greenwood ministered to the society, loved by his people, and respected by all. The pastorate was very successful, for the society grew constantly in numbers and wealth.

Following this pastorate is a period of several years, which, unfortunately is almost a blauk from the loss of the Church Record book. About all that is known is that there was a decline in interest and activity, which was followed by a period of dormancy.

In the year 1862 or '63, Rev. Sylvanus Cobb, D.D., was called to the pastorate, although he uever became a resident of Marlboro'. The scattered elements of the parish were brought together by him, and re-or- ganized, and a new period of prosperity began. Rev. W. A. Start, now the secretary of the Massachu- setts State Convention of Universalists, was Dr. Cobb's successor. His pastorate began March 19, 1865, and continued three years. During this period, the present church building was erected, the parish greatly strengthened, the congregation increased, and the Sunday-school built up to a membership of over three hundred. The Rev. S. T. Aldrich, followed Mr. Start, in a pastorate which was unfortunate, through the pastor's deflection from the faith, and attempt to

1 By Rev. George S. Pine.

2 By Rev. F. S. Rice.

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HISTORY OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

form an Independent Society, This movement was not a success, and in 1870, Rev. J. H. Weeks became the pastor. He continued two years, being succeeded by Rev. Ada C. Bowles, as non-resident pastor. These pastorates were uneventful, as was also that of Rev. Lorenza Haynes, which followed. Adverse con- ditions made the life of the society something of a struggle. Burdened with debt, and somewhat dis- heartened by its vicissitudes, for a time it was doubt- ful what would be the outcome. Patience and perse- verance, however, conquered, and in 1880, we find the church under the guidance of a former pastor, Rev. W. A. Start, State Missionary, renewed with hope and courage. The debt is lightened by the gen- erosity of friends, and particularly by the munificent gift of Miss Harriet Fay, a member of the church, since deceased. In 1881, Rev. James Taylor became the pastor, holding that position for two years. Rev. W. F. Dusseault followed him in a pastorate of five years, which was abundantly blesssed. The church is at present (1890) in charge of Rev. F. S. Rice, and is united and prosperous.

THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH OF THE IMMAC- ULATE CONCEPTION stands on Prospect Street. It is a handsome brick structure, an ornament to the town and creditable alike to the spirit of faith and gener- osity which placed it there. It is the largest church in Marlborough, its audience room seating some four- teen hundred. Its choir, under the direction of John Dalton (Prof. F. W. Riley, organist) is justly cele- brated for the excellent rendition of its church music. The pastor is Rev. P. A. McKenna. He came here as curate in 1870, and after some years' service as pastor in the adjoining town of Hudson, was trans- ferred back to Marlborough. His curate is Rev. John T. O'Brien, ordained June, 1889.

The Catholics of Marlborough were organized as a separate parish in January, 1864, when Rev. John A. Conlin was appointed resident pastor. Rev. Ed. Farrelly, pastor of Milford, celebrated the Sacrifice of the Mass, for the first time, in Marlborough, Saint Patrick's Day, 1851. Marlborough was then a miis- sion, and remained so under Father Farrelly's and Father John Walsh's administration until 1864.

The corner-stone of the first Catholic Church in Marlborough was laid August 1, 1854. Rev. Nicholas J. O' Brien preached the dedication sermon.

The contrast between the present numerous con- gregation and the one of that day is a fitting accom- paniment to the many other contrasts suggested by the celebration in Baltimore, November 10, 1889, of the Centenary of the appointment of Bishop Carroll, and also by the opening of the first Catholic Uni- versity at Washington, November 13th.

ST. MARY'S CHURCH (French Catholic) .- Pastor Rev. C. Caisse.

FRENCH1 EVANGELICAL CHURCH-The First French Evangelical Church (Protestant) has a brief history at this date; it has a history to make in the future.

In 1888 there was no Protestant French missionary located in Marlboro', and the Massachusets Home Missionary Society sent Mr. A. P. Blouin here to sell Bibles and Christian literature and converse with the Freuch people about the Gospel and the New Testa- ment. He came in August, 1888, and remained until March, 1889. Immediately following him came Mr. W. H. Parent, a student from Hartford Theological Seminary, a converted Roman Catholic lawyer. He preached in Forest Hall from March to September. On his return to the seminary, Rev. Edward Pelletier took his place and continues to preach the Gospel in the French language. The audiences grew so large that a church building soon became a necessity.

In the autumn of 1889 a fine lot of land on Lin- coln Street, costing $1000, was purchased by Mr. Samuel Boyd, and given to trustees, on which was to be built a French Church.

Money for the church building was solicited by Rev. A. F. Newton, from the Middlesex South, Mid- dlesex Union, and Worcester South Conferences. The churches and Sunday-schools contributed gener- ously, and the money was raised. In the summer of 1890 the foundation of rubble work was built, costing $530.

In October the erection of a beautiful Gothic Church, contracted for $3000, was commenced. The building is 32x49 feet, with an addition of a porch, 11 feet 9 inches by 27 feet 8 inches. Above this porch is a tower and steeple 72 feet high, crowned with a star, 18 inches in diameter. There is ample room for a parsonage in the rear of the church. The seating capacity is about 250. There are about 3000 French people within a mile of the church. Electric cars pass the church door.

The trustees of the society are Samuel Boyd, Dea- con J. E. Curtis, Deacon L. W. Baker, Theodore Meanor, D. A. Walker, F. L. Claflin and Rev. Joshua Coit, secretary of the Massachusetts Home Mission- ary Society. Rev. Edward Pelletier is the pastor.

CHAPTER LIX.

MARLBOROUGH-(Continued).

Educational-The Press-First National Bank-People's National Bank- Public Library-Water Works-Fire Department-Steam Railway.

EDUCATIONAL .- As early as 1696 the towu em- ployed a master "to read English once a day at least, also to write and cast accounts." Iu 1698 it was voted to build a school-house, and Jonathan Johnson was employed as teacher. In 1770, a con- tract was made for a second school-house, and in 1701, the town was fined for not keeping a school- master. In December of that year the town voted, "That Thomas Rice and Isaac Amsden doo go forth

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MARLBOROUGH.

with all speed convenient, in the town's name and behalf, to doo what they can to provide a school-mas- ter, qualified according to law, and to treat him with terms for the half year or a twelvemonth, as they shall think fit." In 1702, £7 were paid to John Holman, of Milton, "for teaching our children and youth in reading, writing, and casting accounts ; and also in Latin, as occasion is, and in doing the duty of school-master, four months."

In 1715, it was voted to build a new school-house, 24 feet by 18 feet. In 1718, £47 were appropriated for schools. At that day, and for years after, the schools were kept in different parts of the township, and frequently in private houses.

In 1745, it was " Voted, That the school shall be kept at the several parts of the town as heretofore." And Samuel Witt, Colonel Williams, Thomas Hap- good, Thomas Brigham, and Jotham Brigham, were chosen a committee " to order the schools as above."

In September, 1745, it was " Voted, That all those families that live more than a mile and a half from either of the two school-houses, where the school has been kept the past year, shall draw their propor- tion of money out of the school rate."

Samuel Brigham received £57 10s. old tenor, in full for keeping school two quarters in 1747.

March 13, 1748, " On the petition of Samuel Jones and others, at the north-westerly part of the town, it was put to vote, agreeably to said petition, whether the petitioners should have their proportional part of the school according to their pay, and it passed in the affirmative."

"Voted and chose a committee of seven mien, to apportion the school in six societies or squadrons, and the scholars to meet at the same school- houses, where the school has been lately kept, and to be settled accord- ing to the pay of each squadron, taking the north-westerly corner for one squadron.

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History of Middlesex County, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. III, Part 197

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) ed Publication date: 1890 Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & co Number of Pages: 1278

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) ed
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & co
Number of Pages: 1278