USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Newburyport > History of the First Religious Society in Newburyport, Massachusetts > Part 8
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8
"The Sabbath School of the First Religious Society in Newbury- port was commenced in 1824. It was confined to the parish. The number of children at present (1831) is about 80, females and males in proportion of 3 to 1. The number of teachers is 14; ten ladies and four gentlemen. These four gentlemen superintend in rotation. The studies are various, the Bible, Abstract of Sacred History, the Geneva Catechism, Coleman's Catechism and Worcester's Scriptural Geography. The school assembles after services in the afternoon. The exercises are singing by the teachers and scholars accompanied by the organ, recitations interspersed with practical questions and useful observations, concluding with the Lord's prayer, read by the superintendent and repeated by the teachers and scholars. The
91
HISTORY OF THE FIRST RELIGIOUS SOCIETY
classes pass a monthly review before the minister of the parish who hears the recitations, addresses the scholars, reminds the teachers of their responsibilities and implores divine aid and blessing upon the school which has impressive and salutary effect."
Obviously the scholars in this school did not languish intellec- tually. Among the teachers were the Misses Hannah and Mary Jane Andrews, daughters of the Rev. John Andrews. These ladies are recorded as most faithful in attendance and so gifted and gracious in mind and heart that they were a great power in the school. The recorded average attendance for 1829 was "about 56, 1830 about 42, for 1831 about 31." Interest seems to have been lagging until Mr. Fox's influence was felt.
The school met in the front part of the church near the pulpit. "Beginning April 6th, 1829, Dr. Andrews gave a series of addresses or expositions on the ten commandments to the children and others interested."
The Rev. Thomas Fox, who succeeded Dr. Andrews in 1831, was especially successful in his relations with the school. Fond of children, devoted to education, that of girls as well as that of boys, a brilliant scholar and willing to devote much time to the young people of the parish, he interested them in geology, botany, mineral- ogy, took them for long walks and instituted the first Sunday-school picnics known in this vicinity.
At that time the organist and choir leader was Mr. T. B. White. He too devoted much time to the young people. He trained them to sing together until singing became an important part of the school program.
*"After the opening exercises the classes dispersed throughout the church. Mr. Fox provided cards on which a Bible verse and the verse of a hymn were printed. These were learned and repeated before the lesson, and the card given to the teacher who gave each child another to be learned and handed in the next Sunday.
"The Lord's supper was celebrated the first Sunday in each month directly after the morning service. After the formation of the school Mr. Fox set apart the afternoon of communion day for a special service for the children. The school gathered in the pews
*Miss Sarah Ann Emery.
92
THE CHURCH SCHOOL
around the pulpit and also formed the choir in the singing gallery. Mr. White played the organ. At these services Mr. Fox stood behind a desk placed on the communion table. After scripture reading and prayer and singing he preached a short, appropriate sermon, another song, benediction. These 'little sermons,' as they were called, were enjoyed by the older people and children flocked to hear them."
In the first year of Mr. Fox's pastorate there were 135 pupils in the Church school. The number increased in the following years. One of the daughters of Dr. Andrews, Miss Margaret, had been an invalid for many years. She recovered her health and became an efficient and much loved worker in the society. She was especially active in finding neglected children in the town and bringing them in to the school. If necessary they were supplied with suitable clothes.
Through the efforts of Mr. Fox a library of 200 books was provided for the children. New books were added to these from time to time until in 1858 the record says that "650 books belonged to the library 300 of which were missing." In this year there were 22 teachers and 93 scholars; the girls greatly outnumbered the boys. Reports regarding attendance at this time, and earlier, indicate that children occasionally shirked Sunday school. In one year the class of Miss Margaret Andrews is the only one to have a perfect record.
When Mr. Higginson came to the parish he interested himself in the school. He took the children on long walks, interested them in birds, flowers and other nature studies. * "His relation to his Sunday school and the children of the parish was apparently most affectionate. Always peculiarly fond of children, he lavished on his charges here a wealth of interest and care. There is a most touching dedication to a little fairy story which he wrote and published the year after giving up his work and while he was still living here in the town. He apparently sent all the children of the parish a copy of 'A Birthday in Fairyland,' and this was the dedication : 'I wrote this story, dear children, long before I had seen any of you, for a little niece of mine on her birthday ; but it is now printed for you, because I want to leave with you some memento of my love.' He preached a sermon for the children on the first Sunday of each
*The Rev. Laurence Hayward-Address delivered before the Women's Alliance.
93
HISTORY OF THE FIRST RELIGIOUS SOCIETY
month at the afternoon service that was then held, and, as you read the fairy story just mentioned you are sure that he could have appealed to the children-always a difficult art."
In June, 1859, this entry was made in the record book of the school : "This afternoon was devoted to the dedication of the vestry which has just been finished. The room was crowded and the exercises very interesting and pleasant." This vestry is now used as a ladies' parlor. It is over the front vestibule and was not finished until this time.
There are entries in the record book regarding contributions to the Children's Mission in Boston and to other causes. Such contributions have been continued to the present day.
One of the young men of the parish who was in sympathy with the aims of Mr. Higginson during his incumbency here was William H. Swasey. He was also a close friend of John Greenleaf Whittier. He became one of the leading citizens of Newburyport, and was especially interested in the Sunday school which he served as superintendent for several years. A letter from him to the school is preserved. It is dated December 29th, 1869 and is as follows:
"Dear Teachers and Scholars,
At this Christmas gathering of the Sunday school I wish as a token of the interest I feel in you that you accept from me this Melodeon that has so much aided us in our Sunday music. Hoping that an increased interest in our Sunday school by parents and other friends of our Society may lead to a greater prosperity than we have ever had, I remain truly
Your friend,
William H. Swasey."
Other superintendents who were leading and representative citizens of Newburyport were Albert W. Greenleaf, Capt. Luther Dame, George W. Brown, and H. B. Little.
Saturday editions of the Newburyport Herald carried religious notices as long ago as the pastorate of Mr. May. They indicate that afternoon services were discontinued then and the Sunday school held in the church at 2.30 in the afternoon. Mr. May is still re- membered by the older members of the parish who were then
94
THE CHURCH SCHOOL
children in the school. One of them remembers how delightfully he introduced Bronson Alcott, who visited the school, as Mr. Marsh. At that time every girl was reading "Little Women" and to meet a living character from such a book was thrilling.
Succeeding ministers have given time and thought to the school. For one year, beginning in September, 1923, Miss Annie Filoon of Newton, became parish assistant and was a most efficient and helpful worker in the school. Her management of the mission school in St. Peter's chapel was excellent. She organized several interesting girls' clubs and formed a group of women who sewed for the two hospitals of the city. In the Pleasant street church she helped to organize a young people's choir. Miss Filoon was succeeded by Miss Maizie Burpee of Boston, but the service of a parish assistant soon had to be discontinued for lack of funds to support it. Miss Bertha Greenleaf, of the parish, has carried on the work most efficiently.
At the present time there is an average attendance of seventy at the church school sessions, and an enrollment of ninety. The present superintendent is Mr. Edward Plumer. He succeeded Miss Evelyn Wright. Under both of these able leaders study and attendance have been well maintained.
At Thanksgiving time the children pack and distribute baskets of food to needy families in the parish and at Christmas many well filled stockings are distributed. There is an annual Christmas party and tree when each child receives at least one gift. An annual picnic is held in July.
The school celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1924. An anniversary sermon was preached on that Sunday morning by the Rev. Laurence Hayward to which many of the older members of the parish, once pupils in the school, listened with great interest. It is now in its second century, and is a strong and vigorous school. It studies the Beacon Course of Lessons; and is active in charities.
95
CHAPTER XIII AUXILIARY SOCIETIES
In the early days of the parish an association composed of some of its most conscientious members undertook to correct behavior throughout the town. At the present time three auxiliary societies, the Women's Alliance, the Laymen's League and the Young People's Religious Union, attempt the less ambitious ends of promoting the religious, social and cultural influence of the church, and contribute to its material support.
These societies are the inheritors of older societies or organiza- tions which, in their turn, seem to have been outgrowths of still older ones. It is possible that tenuous roots of these helpful agencies reach backward for two centuries, although no records of them are preserved.
After the first early efforts for wide-spread reformation the women seem to have been the first to organize. Their aims have always been practical. A Sewing Circle was organized very early; but the first recognition of it in the church books is on December 10th, 1858, when it was voted "that liberty be given the Ladies of the Sewing Circle to finish and furnish at their own expense a Vestry in the second story of the Tower of the Meeting house and that said Sewing Circle have liberty at their expense to put Gas into said meeting house." Although the women were permitted to pay for contemplated alterations a Proprietors' committee superin- tended them.
Another evidence of activity among the women is found in the following letter :
*"AN EXPRESSION OF THANKS FROM COMPANY I, 23rd MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY.
Headquarters Co. I, 23rd Massachusetts Regiment, New Berne, North Carolina, May 15th, 1862.
To the Ladies of the Unitarian Sewing Circle, and all other con- tributors :
We, the undersigned, in behalf of the soldiers of Company I, and all others enlisted from Newburyport in the 23rd regiment,
*Newburyport in the Civil War, by George W. Creasy.
97
HISTORY OF THE FIRST RELIGIOUS SOCIETY
return our heartfelt thanks for the very generous and bountifully filled box of hospital stores, etc., kindly sent us by the patriotic ladies and gentlemen of Newburyport. We assure you our hearts are melted with earnest gratitude at this sterling exhibition of thoughtfulness of us on your part, and the genuine token of sub- stantials which you have so generously forwarded to the sick and wounded now in our regiment from our beloved city. Our path lies along the rough thorns of privations and suffering, and the allevia- tion from pains and sickness which the contents of your box will in a great measure afford us, will remind us of the kind friends at home, and serve to make us stronger and more faithful in the duty we are called upon to perform in the great and holy cause in which we are now engaged. Although your generous donations will pass away, yet we shall never cease to remember with deep gratitude and pleasure your thoughtful and substantial remembrance of us.
We remain very truly, your obliged friends,
William J. Creasy
David P. Muzzey, Lieuts. of Co. I."
A long list of contributors to this box, which is so fully appreciated and acknowledged, contains many surnames long associated with this society and some that are still on the parish list.
By various stages, unrecorded, the women's societies of the parish developed into the more highly organized Women's Auxiliary in 1880. This, ten years later, became the Newburyport Branch of the National Alliance, or, at the present time, the General Alliance.
Such inherited institutions as church fairs, suppers, strawberry festivals and similar parish social heights are remembered by the oldest parishioners. Valuable as these festivals have been financially, in promoting friendships among members and in creating a variety of interests they have, perhaps, been outweighed by the constant attention given by the women to the tidiness, good taste and comfort of church appointment, their general care and supervision over church property, and their help in the church school and with the young people. Partly with money they have earned, partly with the income of legacies left to them they have given large sums for the improvement and upkeep of church property. Among their
98
AUXILIARY SOCIETIES
many benefactions are the recarpeting of the entire church, re- furnishing the parlor, renovating the parish hall and dining room and keeping up a supply of all things needful for the latter. They have answered with generous sums appeals of the American Unitar- ian Association, sent delegates to the May meetings in Boston, to the Isles of Shoals conferences and to the various Alliance confer- ences that are held within a reasonable distance of this city. They have contributed both money and service to Newburyport com- munity needs. Through the kindness of Unitarian ministers and women workers, who give their services as speakers at the monthly meetings, they have brought to the town many persons of unusual gifts and so have won a deservedly high reputation for the quality of their meetings. Guests are always welcomed and are often present.
The men of the parish have had their own societies. The earliest of which there seems to be any definite remembrance now was the Men's Club. This was organized in 1916, for "the promotion of the welfare of the church and the community, the discussion of subjects of interest, and the cultivation of pleasant social relations among its members." The last meeting of this club was held on February 4th, 1920. It voted then to become the John Lowell Chapter of the Laymen's League. The League holds its meetings on the first Wednesday of each month from May to October inclusive. After a supper, prepared by a committee of members, an address is given by a member or by an invited guest upon some subject of general interest. The meetings are most interesting and are well attended. This organization has maintained a continuous process of extending a helping hand to whatever projects engage the attention of the parish. It helped liberally in the installation of furnaces in the church ; it contributed toward a recent renovation of the parish dining room; it supported a preaching mission in October, 1927, inviting to the city as its leader the Rev. Horace Westwood, D. D. In countless ways it has promoted the interests of the parish.
The Young People's Religious Union was the immediate out- growth of the Church Club. The latter organization was founded early in the present century for the promotion of social activities.
99
HISTORY OF THE FIRST RELIGIOUS SOCIETY
Looking back upon the incomplete records of the Union there seems to be a disordered trail. Its first members have grown older. It can never retain the experience it has developed. Even with this handi- cap it has many substantial accomplishments to its credit.
It has helped the older societies in many ways and contributed such sums as it was able to raise to the various projects they have undertaken. Unaided it has given suppers and entertainments. A most successful entertainment was a drama, written by Miss Freda Castelhun, one of its members. Several times it has raised money to send delegates to the Isles of Shoals meetings; and usually dele- gates have been sent to the various conferences of the Union. Members have occupied the pulpit on Young People's Sundays with credit to themselves and profit to the congregation. About ten years ago it established the wayside pulpit. Thus it has gener- ously contributed to the healthful activities of the church.
100
CHAPTER XIV CONCLUSION
Much good fortune has come to the parish, and little that was bad. Generosity has marked its long succession of members. In 1737 the will of Capt. James Cornish contained the following clause : *"I give and bequeath to the third parish in Newbury whereof Rev. Mr. John Lowell is Pastor, Two hundred pounds in Passable Bills Credt. the interest of which sum to be disposed of to the poore of sd parish yearly, forever, by the head or overseers of the poore of sd parrish, as they shall think best and it is in memory of my deceased wife, Mary Cornish." A legacy was left long ago to provide shoes for orphans of the parish; other legacies have been left for special purposes. Thus Mrs. Helen B. Fowler left $16,000 to the society, the income to be used for the upkeep and repairs of the present church building on condition that the colonial architecture of the building be kept substantially as it is. Mr. William Swasey, besides giving many presents to the church or its auxiliary societies during his life time, left it a most substantial sum at his death and his home as a parsonage. This house was sold by the society. The latest bequest was that of Miss Georgianna Balch in 1932.
Silver for the communion service has been a favorite form of gifts. This service now consists of eight tankards and two plates. Four of the tankards were given before the departure of a third of the parish members to form the North church (now united with two others to form the Central church); two in 1743 and two in 1753. Two others are dated 1768, and may have been presented to the church after the separation which took place that year. Since one half the plate was given to the new church this parish must have owned at least eight tankards before the separation.
Two very large and handsome tankards were the gift of Capt. Peter LeBreton, ship-master and owner. They are said to have been a thank offering for a safe passage across the Atlantic. The church voted May 2nd, 1805, "that the thanks of this church be given to Capt. Peter LeBreton for his generous present of a pair of Silver Flaggons for the use of the communion table; and that the
*Copied from the oration of Henry Bailey Little at the 200th anniversary celebration of the Society.
101
HISTORY OF THE FIRST RELIGIOUS SOCIETY
Deacons be requested to present the same in the name of the church."
Persons belonging to the society have purchased by subscrip- tion other furnishings for the table, and there is a record of thanks "given to the Heirs of Mr. Joseph Titcomb for their present of a Silver Spoon for the Use of the Communion Table."
These are only a few of the many benefactions the society has received, but they are sufficient to prove that much whole-hearted allegiance has been given to it. Two large handsome plates were purchased by the society. It instructed its deacons to buy "two silver dishes of suitable size and on the best terms in their power for the use of the communion table." These plates are inscribed : "Property of the First Church, Oct. 30, 1805." Their price, according to the treasurer's book, was $100.
Soon after the Pleasant street church was built the young matrons of the society each contributed one, two, three or more silver dollars to be melted and fashioned into a baptismal font. The work was done by the famous Moulton firm of silversmiths of this city; and the font is another of the treasured possessions of the society.
In its turn the society has given much to many worthy causes, not in money only but in men and women of keen minds, good judgment and willing hands. On December 23rd, 1889, a collection was taken in six churches of the city for the Howard Benevolent Society. This society contributed $46.15, the second largest con- tribution of the day. It has loaned its meeting house for Fourth of July orations, for lectures and for many occasions of public interest.
The town celebrated the return of peace here in 1815; and in 1919 a large community congregation again assembled within its walls to listen to addresses of thankfulness and hope from ministers of the various churches. These are only a few instances of the hospitality the society has been happy to offer to the citizens of Newburyport. The parish makes an annual contribution to the American Unitarian Association, and supports the Hungarian parish of Komjatszeg.
The first entry in the church books regarding music was made in 1821. $150 was appropriated that year. Since then each year some appropriation has been made. Since the early 70's the appro- priations have been larger; and there are recorded thanks to volun-
102
CONCLUSION
teer choirs, to regularly appointed music committees; and occasion- ally an item refers to the service of some especial musician. More recently generous sums have been expended for music.
This society has not escaped the recent fate of many religious societies. The changed character of the population, deaths, and removals of old families from the city, and the almost mesmeric effect of the present epoch of marvels, which fills our days with new wonders, has tended to diminish the numbers of the society and the attendance at Sunday services. The easy cosmopolitanism of the age, with which travel, newspapers, books and radio endow almost everybody, is another cause for smaller congregations than formerly assembled here. The society is vital, however; it is reasonably large and it seems that a long future of usefulness lies before it.
103
MINISTERS OF THE PARISH
Rev. John Lowell Installed Jan. 19th, 1726 Died May 15th, 1767
Rev. Thomas Cary Installed May 11th, 1768 Died Nov. 24th, 1808
Rev. John Andrews .... Installed (associate pastor) Dec. 10th, 1788 Resigned (as pastor) May 5th, 1830
Rev. Thomas B. Fox Installed Aug. 3rd, 1831 Resigned April 1st, 1846
Rev. Thomas W. Higginson Installed Sept. 15th, 1847 Resigned Sept. 16th, 1849
Rev. Charles J. Bowen Installed Nov. 29th, 1850 Resigned June 10th, 1853
Rev. Artemas B. Muzzey Installed Sept. 3rd, 1857 Resigned Nov. 1st, 1864
Rev. Joseph May Installed July 21st, 1868 Resigned Dec. 15th, 1875
Rev. George L. Stowell Installed April 12th, 1877 Resigned Sept. 8, 1879
Rev. Daniel W. Morehouse Installed April 8th, 1881 Resigned Dec. 5th, 1887
Rev. Samuel C. Beane. Installed May 15th, 1888 Resigned March 25th, 1905
Rev. Laurence Hayward Installed Nov. 16th, 1905
104
ட்டு
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.