History of the Connecticut Valley in Massachusetts, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Vol. I, Part 65

Author: L.H. Everts & Co
Publication date: 1879
Publisher: Philadelphia : Louis H. Everts
Number of Pages: 700

USA > Massachusetts > History of the Connecticut Valley in Massachusetts, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Vol. I > Part 65

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The corner-stone was laid with the usual ceremonies on the 12th of July, 1877. It consists of a block of brownstone taken from a corner of the meeting-house destroyed in 1876, and beneath it was deposited a box containing sundry docu- ments appropriate to the occasion. The day chosen was most suitable, as it was on the 12th of July, 1661, two hundred and sixteen years previous, that the town of Northampton voted to crect its second meeting-house.

The new house extends 76 feet on Main Street by 113 on Centre, with a chapel 35 by 76 feet adjoining it in the rear. The cdifiee faces the south, with a tower at the southeastern corner. The tower is 18 feet square at the base, and rises 190 feet above the sidewalk. The main audience-room is 104 by 72 feet, with 126 pews, capable of seating six persons each. The floor is " bowled," rising two feet from pulpit to vestibule, and the pews are placed on a curve, commencing on a radius of 100 feet and decreasing as they approach the pulpit. The gallery extends across the front of the building over the vesti- bule, and contains 29 pews. About 1000 persons ean be seated comfortably within the audience-room. The preacher's plat- form, with desk, is at the rear end of the building, rising three feet from the floor. The whole interior of the meeting-house is handsomely finished in ash. Directly back of the pulpit is the organ, which presents a full front of displayed pipes finely decorated. It has 2126 pipes, with a full variety of stops. The choir-gallery has accommodations for about 20 persons, and is about one foot higher than the pulpit-platform. The building is lighted by gas, requiring 350 burners. The bell weighs 3179 pounds, and is upon the key of D. The clock is one of the best that modern seience affords, and was put in by the town.

The entire cost of the building, including furniture, fix- tures, and bell, was $62,900. The sum of $51,000 was appro- priated by the parish for building and heating apparatus. The committee expended for these purposes $50,900, or $100 less than the appropriation. The whole sum has been raised by private effort, with the exception of $27,250 received from insurance. The full amount was provided before the building was dedicated.

The first service in the new meeting-house was hield on Sunday morning, May 5, 1878. It had been intended that the communion should be the first service held in it, but cir- eumstances rendered it necessary that the exercises should be mainly financial. After closing up the building-accounts as far as possible, it was found that 85000 would be needed to pay all expenses and relieve the society from the burden of debt. Since the burning of the meeting-house the congrega- tion had occupied the town-hall for religious meetings, and it had been determined to make an effort to obtain the requisite amount at the last meeting held in the ball, on Sunday, April 28th. That day, however, was so stormy and the attendance so small that the matter was postponed. Hence it was brought up at the first meeting in the new house of worship. Appro- priate remarks were made by the pastor and various members of the congregation. Subscription-papers were circulated, and in a short time it was announced that the desired amount had been pledged.

The dedication services were held on Sunday evening, May 5th. The house was crowded, every pew was closely packed, the aisles were filled with chairs, and many persons were standing about the doors in the vestibule. The audience numbered at least 1500 persons. The pastors of the Edwards, Unitarian, Baptist, and Florence Congregational Churches occupied seats upon the platform. The exercises were opened by a voluntary upon the organ by J. L. Warriner, followed by the singing of the Doxology by the choir and the andi- enee. The divine blessing was invoked by Rev. C. B. Ferry, pastor of the Unitarian Church ; a select passage of Seripture was read by Rev. Gordon Hall, D.D., pastor of the Edwards Church ; the anthem, " Te Deum Laudamus," was announced

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HISTORY OF HAMPSHIRE COUNTY.

by Rev. Mr. Jefferson, pastor of the Baptist Church, and finely rendered by the choir ; a statement from the building committee was read by President Scelye, of Smith College; the choir then sang the sentence, " The Lord is in his holy temple ;" prayer was offered by Rev. E. G. Cobb, pastor of the Florence Congregational Church; an anthem was then sung by the choir ; then followed the dedication sermon, by Rev. Wm. S. Leavitt, pastor of the church; the dedication anthem was rendered by the choir; the prayer of dedication was offered by Rev. Mr. Leavitt; the hymn, " Jesus shall reign where'er the sun," was sung by the choir and the con- gregation ; and the whole closed by the benediction, pro- nounced by Dr. Hall.

The meeting-house was dedicated before the grading was completed or the walks laid about it. The parish accordingly voted in 1878 to appropriate $1700 for grading, eurbing, fencing, and laying walks, and appointed a committee for that purpose. This work was accomplished during the summer of that year, for a trifle less than the appropriation; thus com- pleting the whole and finishing the meeting-house within and without for the sum of $64,532. The building as a whole gives general satisfaction. It is a spacious, commodious, ele- gant structure, and will compare favorably with any of the more costly church edifices in this part of the State. The parish is to be especially congratulated upon obtaining so fine an edifice at such a reasonable cost, and, more than all, that it has been wholly paid for. The entire work has been carried through, from beginning to end, without accident to any per- son connected with it.

Other Churches .- Six churches have been organized by members from the First Church since its formation. All the churches in the several towns that have been incorporated within the limits of the original plantation have been off- shoots from this. The first, Southampton, was composed of 32 members, who took letters of dismission and recommenda- tion for that purpose from the First Church. It was estab- lished June, 1743. The second, Westhampton, was formed by 27 members, who were dismissed from this church with the design of being organized into a separate body. This church was formed Sept. 29, 1779. On the 13th of Novem- ber, 1785, 47 members of the First Church, having been regu- larly dismissed for that purpose, in connection with 25 mem- bers from other churches, organized a separate church at Easthampton. A few members of the First Church, inchid- ing one of the deacons, together with members of other churches in this vicinity, were, on the 23d of March, 1831, organized into a separate church, by the name of the " Ilanıp- shire Colony Church," to be located on the Bureau River, in the State of Illinois.

When the fourth meeting-house was ereeted in 1812 many members of the church were desirous of building two houses of worship and organizing a second Congregational society. The majority, however, preferred the erection of a large house, with the hope of retaining the whole population under the ministry of one clergyman. This expectation, however, was not realized, for in 1826, as has already been stated, the Uni- tarian Society was organized. In the summer of 1831 the parish numbered about 2800 souls, and the necessity for a division became apparent. Much discussion ensued, and Rev. Mr. Spencer, colleague pastor with Mr. Williams, strongly urged the measure. In 1832, 37 members obtained the con- sent of the First Church, were dismissed from it, and pro- ceeded to organize a new society under the name of the " Ed- wards Church."

Sunday-school .- The Sunday-school was established in 1815. The first meetings were held in the old town-hall, which stood east of the court-house. Mrs. Daniel Stebbins was the first superintendent, and for many years there were none but lady teachers. The school was held only in the summer, and was composed of pupils of both sexes, twelve years old and under.

At the close of the summer session each scholar received as a present a small book. In a few years the school became quite popular. It was then reorganized under a male superinten- dent, older pupils were admitted, and teachers of both sexes employed. About the same time the school was transferred to the meeting-house. There are no records of the Sabbath- school previous to 1834; if any existed prior to that date they have been lost. In 1853 the school was reorganized, and a constitution and by-laws adopted. It was then named the "Sabbath-school Society of the First Parish." A library has been connected with the school for many years, though the date of its commencement is not known. The parish makes an annual appropriation for its maintenance, and it now numbers, 804 volumes. In 1858 there were 315 members, with 41 teachers, in the school. During the year 1878 the whole number of scholars was 275, and the number of teachers 31.

The officers of the school for the ensuing year are Deacon Geo. L. Wright, Superintendent; Mrs. J. 11. Butler and Mrs. J. H. Searl, Assistant Superintendents; J. II. Searl, Secretary and Treasurer ; E. P. Copeland, Librarian and Chorister ; Deacon Daniel Kingsley, Mrs. J. II. Butler, and Mrs. J. II. Searl, Directors.

The following is a list of the elders and deacons since the organization of the church :

Elders .- John Strong, Preserved Clapp, Ebenezer Strong.

Deacons .- William Holton, Thomas Hanehett,* Medad Pomeroy, Jonathan Hunt, Nathaniel Phelps, John Clark, Thomas Sheldon, Ebenezer Wright, Samuel Allen, John Clark, Noah Cook, Ebenezer Pomeroy, Stephen Wright,} Ebenezer Hunt, Supply Kingsley, John Hawley, Jonathan Hunt, Aaron Cook, Josiah Clark, Elijah Clark, Moses Kings- ley,¿ Enos Wright, Solomon Allen,? Israel Clark, Luther Clark, Ebenezer S. Phelps, || Enos Clark, | Eliphalet Williams, Lewis Strong, " David S. Whitney, John P. Williston, Aaron Breck, Jared Clark, Daniel Kingsley, Haynes K. Stark- weather, ** Charles B. Kinsgley, W. P. Strickland, Wm. II. Nowell, Geo. L. Wright.

The number of church members, July, 1677, was 76; Sep- tember, 1706, 93; November, 1736, 620; January, 1832, 728; April, 1843, 515; June, 1860, 485; May, 1866, 508; April, 1875, 421.

THE EDWARDS CHURCH, NORTHAMPTON,

originated from a desire to strengthen the cause of evangelical religion in the town. Its originators were urged by two suc- cessive pastors of the First Church to commence this enterprise as a matter of duty. The town was growing, the parish church had become too large for the care of one pastor, and another organization of the same faith was imperatively demanded. Such was the argument used to induce certain members of the First Church to separate and form the Edwards Church.

Accordingly, 93 members (42 males and 51 females) applied for letters of dismission, which were granted in a Christian spirit, and they were organized into a church by a couneil con- vened Jan. 29, 1833, of which council Rev. Solomon Williams, pastor of the First Church, Northampton, President Hum- phrey, of Amherst College, and Dr. Ilawes, of Hartford, were members. The name Edwards Church was adopted in mem- ory of the distinguished Jonathan Edwards, whose preaching and theological writings gave fame to Northampton in this country and in Europe.

Before the close of the year the Edwards Church had erected for their house of worship a brick edifice, 83 feet in length and 54 in width, at a cost, including site, of $13,200. While this

* Removed to Westfield.

+ Removed to 2d Precinct, now Southampton.

# Removed to Chesterfield in 1794.

¿ Became a minister, and removed to New York in 1804.

1 Removed to Illinois in 1831.

" Dismissed to Edwards Church.

** Removed to California in 1876.

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HISTORY OF THE CONNECTICUT VALLEY.

was in process of erection, the new society were kindly invited to occupy the Baptist church edifice.

The Edwards Society were afflicted by the loss of their house of worship, May 19, 1870, when a fire from a burning build- ing adjacent communicated to it, and the ruin was complete. Under the necessity of building anew, the society removed from the corner of Main and South Streets to a location farther west on Main Street, corner of State, near to where the college buildings have since been erected. The new church was built in Romanesque style, brick, with stone trim- mings, containing an audience-room 72 feet by 64, 36 feet in height, capable of seating 940 persons. In the rear of the au- dience-room, and on the same level, is the chapel, 30 feet by 64, and 15 in height, over which are spacious and commodious parlors and other rooms for social purposes. The church is surmounted by a spire 184 feet in height. The tower on the corner is, at the base, 24 feet square, and in the second story is a room finished off and frescoed for a pastor's study. An organ was purchased of Steer & Turner for the audience-room, at an expense of $4850. The entire cost of the building com- plete, with furniture, organ, etc., at a time when labor and material were very expensive, was 882,152.

The first pastor of the Edwards Church was Rev. John Todd, D.D., afterward so well known in his connection with Pittsfield, and as an author of books for the young. Dr. Todd's pastorate was from Jan. 30, 1833, to Sept. 26, 1836. The second pastor was Rev. John Mitchell, installed Dee. 8, 1836, and dismissed Dec. 20, 1842, since deceased. The next pastor was Dr. E. P. Rogers, installed May 17, 1843, and dis- missed Nov. 24, 1846, at this date (1879) pastor of a Dutch church on Fifth Avenue, New York City, where he has min- istered many years. The fourth pastor was Dr. George E. Day, installed Jan. 12, 1848, and dismissed May 7, 1851. Dr. Day has for a number of years been connected with Yale Theological Seminary as Professor of Biblical Literature. The present pastor, Dr. Gordon Hall, was installed June 2, 1852, and is consequently near completing the twenty-seventh year of his ministry with this people.

This church has been favored with long and useful deacon- ships. The office was held by Thomas Napier from 1833 to 1845; Enos Clark, from 1833 to 1864; James Hibben, from 1834 to 1871 ; Lewis S. Hopkins, from 1841 to 1865; Chauncy Colton, from 1847 to 1871; J. Huntington Lyman, from 1864 to 1877. The present deacons are five : Wm. H. Stoddard, who has held the office since November, 1841 ; A. J. Lincoln, since July, 1864; S. E. Bridgman, Dr. Wm. II. Jones, and George Tucker, since January, 1876.

Mr. S. E. Bridgman has been superintendent of the Sab- bath-school for fifteen years. The present membership of the church is 380.

THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCHI.

A society for the support of the Baptist faith in Northamp- ton was organized April 30, 1824, with 11 members. Pre- viously, however, considerable missionary work had been done by Rev. Mr. Rand, of West Springfield, and other Bap- fist clergymen. As early as 1822, when there was no Baptist church within twelve miles, Mr. Benj. Willard, a graduate of Brown University, came here under the auspices of the Mas- sachusetts Baptist Missionary Society. From that time he made frequent visits, during which he preached in different neighborhoods, with tokens of divine favor. Many attended upon his ministry, and several were converted and united with the church in West Springfield. When they were baptized more than a thousand persons assembled at the river-side, who probably had never witnessed the administration of gospel baptism.

Nov. 12, 1823, Mr. Willard received ordination. The ser- vices were held in the First Congregational Church, then the only one in the place. The next year-April, 1824-he re- moved with his family to town. The following winter, under

the smile of God, they resorted to their Jordan several times, until the number here baptized increased to 10. Other ad- ditions from various sources were made at different times, till it was considered proper and desirable to organize a Baptist Church. For this purpose a meeting was called April 25, 1826, and there were present 12 brethren and 14 sisters, mem- bers of Baptist churches. They proceeded to adopt a decla- ration of faith and a church covenant, and chose two brethren to serve as deacons. Appropriate measures were immediately inaugurated to secure their public recognition as a church. Accordingly, an ecclesiastical council convened at Mr. Wil- Jard's house July 20th, which, after careful examination of their articles of faith and covenant, voted unanimously to re- ceive them into the sisterhood of the churches. The council also, after examination, by prayer and the imposition of hands, set apart J. Pomeroy and E. Ensign to the office of deacons. In the first letter to the Westfield Association this church re- ported 40 constituent members and 3 additions,-1 by baptism and 2 by letter. It asked for admission, and was received.

In bringing up the Baptist cause in Northampton to this state of progress, Mr. Willard and his associates encountered great opposition, not to say persecution. Instead of the fer- vent, hospitable embrace of Christian love, they were assailed by a bigoted, intolerant spirit at every point, and so strong and formidable was the opposition, at times, it threatened the extinction of the Baptist faith in the town. Their cause was so unpopular, and its supporters treated with such disrespect and obliged to hold their meetings in private houses, it was difficult to gain in members or pecuniary means. No person of any considerable wealth or social standing dared to join their ranks.

In 1828, in the absence of a suitable place for worship, special efforts were made to secure funds to erect a meeting- house. Several thousand dollars were raised by subscriptions and loans from friends abroad, and a building committee was appointed. Having procured a site, they erected a brick house at a cost of some $6000, which was dedicated July 8, 1829. A large audience assembled, 14 ministers, several of whom participated in the services. Prof. Chase, of Newton Theological Institution, preached the sermon.

In 1830, 14 members were received into the church from Amherst, with the understanding that they be a branch, hav- ing power to receive, discipline, and dismiss members, support public worship, and administer the ordinances, always return- ing to this church a statement of their proceedings when de- sired. In 1832 these members and others were dismissed, to constitute an independent church.

Mr. Willard resigned his pastorate Feb. 25, 1838, having served the church more or less fourteen years. During this period he was often absent, rendering missionary service, for months at a time. While he was away the house was seldom opened for worship. In 1833 it was occupied nearly a year by the Edwards Church.

Just how many accessions were made under Mr. Willard's ministry cannot be ascertained. Some were added by bap- tism, and some by letter and experience, so that at one time the church numbered nearly 60. Subsequently it was re- duced by deaths, exclusions, and dismissions ; there was seri- ous apprehension of its becoming extinet. In 1835 it numbered only 30. For two years after Mr. Willard's resignation it was pastorless. During this period, however, it was supplied more or less by different ministers.

In February, 1840, Rev. Abel Brown, Jr., from the State of New York, became pastor, and remained a year or more. He was characterized as a plain, hold, earnest preacher, fear- lessly assailing sin wherever he discovered it, whether in church or state. On intemperance and slavery he took an ad- vanced position, and wielded a mighty influence. His per- sistent, effective labors contributed largely to the formation of that strong anti-slavery sentiment which has ever since

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HISTORY OF HAMPSHIRE COUNTY.

prevailed in this town. A revival occurred during his pasto- rate, which added much to the pecuniary and numerical strength of the church. It received 24 by baptism.

Mr. Brown was succeeded by Rev. Wm. M. Doolittle, of Mount Pleasant, N. Y., who began his labors here May 16, 184] ; but his career was short. He died after a brief illness, Feb. 13, 1842, at the early age of twenty-seven, and just at the commencement of a revival. Six had already been baptized, and others were waiting. The sudden, mysterious removal of their pastor overwhelmed the little struggling church in disap- pointment. Mr. Doolittle was a shining laborer of the Lord, exhibited singular evidenees of future eminence and useful- ness. He was a faithful pastor, and as a preacher much beyond the average. Though he had labored here only a short time, he was much beloved by the church, and had gained publie confidence and respect to a remarkable degree. Ile was imme- diately succeeded in the pastorate by his brother, Rev. H. D. Doolittle, under whose judicious, earnest labors the revival already in progress increased in power. During the joint ministry of these brothers of nature and grace the church was greatly strengthened and encouraged. More than fifty were received by baptism, so that in 1844 it numbered 93; but many of them were non-resident. His health failing, Mr. Doolittle resigned Sept. 12, 1845, after a successful pastorate of more than three years. Though less talented than his brother, yet he was highly esteemed in the church and in the community. During the labors of the brothers Doolittle, the long-standing opposition and prejudice against the church were very perceptibly modified. Still, there were those who regarded it with disfavor and contempt.

Ilitherto the church had always been remarkable for its oneness and harmony, but, alas ! a new experience awaited it. In an effort to settle a pastor a serious difficulty sprung up, which for a time threatened its dissolution. Members became so alienated and opposed to each other that there was little hope of reconciliation. At length, however, by the wise counsel and harmonizing influence of a neighboring pastor, the difficulty was so adjusted that nearly all connected with the church resumed their walk with it, and co-operated in the support of the ministry.

The church, having been pastorless nearly seven months, extended a call to Rev. D. Crane, of Vermont, which was re- luetantly accepted. He entered upon his work here April 1, 1846, and remained more than twelve years. At first he had little to inspire hope or courage; the congregation and Sun- day-school were small, and there were but two society men who could be relied on to contribute for the support of the Baptist ministry. But he labored on with fidelity and self- sacrificing zeal. In the carly part of his pastorate the appro- priations which had been received from the Massachusetts Baptist Convention for a series of years were discontinued. Subsequently, the church and pastor were largely aided by the sympathy and timely contributions of numerous friends in the other denominations. During Mr. Crane's ministry many excellent members were lost by deaths and removals to other places, among them the two deacons, who went West with their families. Four special revivals occurred, which, though not remarkable in extent or power, were, nevertheless, of in- estimable value to the church. To it were added 162,-79 by baptism and 77 by letter and restoration. In the mean time 26 died, 46 were dismissed by letter, 17 excluded and dropped, leaving a gain of 73.

Fifteen hundred dollars were expended in alterations and repairs on their house of worship, $1000 of which was paid by the church and society; the rest was raised outside. The contributions to objects of benevolence during his pastorate averaged from $75 to $100 per year. He retired, leaving the church free from debt, united, and prosperous. Ilis fare- well sermon was preached June 6, 1858. While a resident in town, Mr. Crane labored to promote its educational as well

as its religious interests ; was ten times elected a member of the school committee, and for six years was superintendent of the public schools. Ile left the town with the confidence and kind wishes of the entire community.

Mr. Crane was followed by Rev. D. Burrows, of Chester, Vt., who began his labors with the church October, 1858, and closed them December, 1859. There were few accessions during his short pastorate, a gain of only two. Hle was es- teemed a good man, an able, instructive preacher, yet for some reasons the church and society failed to encourage and sustain him in his work.

From Mr. Burrows' resignation to May, 1861, the church had no pastor, but at that date called Rev. E. Jerome, who immediately commeneed his labors with them. He was a devoted Christian worker, a sound preacher, and faithful pas- tor. Under his ministry the church increased in strength and influence, though there was a loss of members, occa- sioned by an unusual number of erasures, exclusions, and dismissions. Through his efficiency extensive alterations and repairs in their meeting-house were accomplished. The health of his wife becoming impaired, Mr. Jerome resigned July, 1861, to the regret of all.

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History of the Connecticut Valley in Massachusetts, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers, Vol. I, Part 65

Author: L.H. Everts & Co Publication date: 1879 Publisher: Philadelphia : Louis H. Everts Number of Pages: 700

Author: L.H. Everts & Co
Publication date: 1879
Publisher: Philadelphia : Louis H. Everts
Number of Pages: 700