USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Palmer > History of the town of Palmer, Massachusetts, early known as the Elbow tract : including records of the plantation, district and town 1716-1889 > Part 24
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In 1885 the church at Four Corners was disbanded, and a large part of the members joined the Bondsville church, which is now (1889) the only church of the denomination in Palmer. The pres- ent pastor is Rev. C. Virgin.
SECOND BAPTIST CHURCH.
The Second Baptist Church in Palmer was originally organized August 8, 1852; was incorporated by special act of the Legislature May 2, 1887.
This church was a colony from the Baptist Church at Three Rivers. The following twenty members took letters from the mother church for the purpose of starting a new interest at the thriving village near the Depot, where most of them resided : Sylvester Parks, Laura Parks, Lyman Chamberlain, Susan Cham- berlain, Mary J. Chamberlain, Dudley Calkins, Eunice Calkins, Levi Calkins, Sarah G. Calkins, Esther Calkins, Eliphalet Tenney, Susan Tenney, Lewis Tenney, Calista E. Tenney, Elizabeth A. Tenney, Elijah Valentine, Pamelia D. Valentine, Wilson Arnold, Francis L. Bissell, Mariah H. Bissell.
Sabbath services began to be held in a hall early in 1852, and among the first preachers were Rev. Dr. Pattison, Rev. Mr. Gunni- son, Rev. Judson Chaplin. In July of the same year a unanimous invitation was extended to Rev. Samuel A. Collins, Jun., to become the pastor. He accepted, and was publicly recognized Sept. 29 following.
During his pastorate, i. e., in 1853, steps were taken to build a house of worship; this was completed and dedicated in March, 1854, Rev. Dr. Ide of Springfield preaching the sermon. The house oc- cupies a commanding position near the railroad station ; first cost, $5,000. Mr. Collins resigned his charge in March, '54. He was
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succeeded by Mr. Andrew D. Bullock, a member of the Baptist Church in Taunton, who supplied the pulpit for one year as a licen- tiate. At the call of the church he was ordained April 11, 1855, Rev. Dr. Porter of Pittsfield preaching the sermon. Mr. Bullock resigned in 1860.
The pastors since 1860 have been :
Rev. G. Sherman Smith, from East Greenwich, R. I., who was pastor from August, 1860, to 1863.
Rev. E. M. Haynes, from West Haven, Vt., from June, 1866, to 1869.
Rev. J. H. Tilton, from Natick, R. I., from July, 1869, to 1870.
Rev. E. D. Daniels, from Leverett, from May, 1870, one year.
Rev. R. R. Riddell, from Sing Sing, N. Y., pastor from Feb., 1872, to the summer of '73.
Rev. E. A. Goddard, from Huntington, commenced his labors in June, 1874, and was dismissed May 11, 1876.
Rev. Philip Berry, who was joint pastor over this and the church at Three Rivers from April, 1877, to April, '78.
Rev. T. C. Russell was also joint pastor of the two churches from July, 1878, to 1881. He came to Palmer from Mansfield, Mass.
Rev. O. R. Hunt, from Springfield, preached two years, from January, 1883.
The present pastor, Rev. A. W. Weeks, came from Worcester, and commenced his labors in November, 1885.
UNION EVANGELICAL CHURCH.
A church, without denominational connection, composed of members who hold to the Evangelical doctrines, was organized at the village of Three Rivers April 27, 1876. The original number of communicants was 37. Their house of worship was erected in 1877.
The acting pastors of the church have been : Rev. T. A Leete, who came here from the First Congregational Church, and minis- tered during 1875-77; Rev. M. M. Tracy, a graduate of Amherst, 1860; Rev. F. W. Cobb, who has since died; Rev. C. D. Dudley, since deceased; Rev. W. L. Noyes, who supplied about a year and a half ; Rev. C. L. Ayer, who remained four and a half years ; G. W. Christie, who commenced his labors November, 1, 1888.
THE SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. [Prepared by O. P. ALLEN.]
The opening of the Boston & Albany railroad, about the year 1838, created a new village centre at the station. Business and
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population increased rapidly; the old centre began to show signs of age ; the village of Thorndike was becoming a power in social and civil affairs, and as a natural result the two new villages claimed a right to special religious privileges.
In 1847, an amicable division was effected, Rev. M. K. Cross remaining with the mother church, and fifty-four members with- drawing, with a view of forming a new church at the Depot Village.
The Second Church was organized April 1st, 1847, by an Eccle- siastical Council called for the purpose, with a membership of fifty-seven, which number was increased to sixty-nine before the close of the year. For nearly a year the church had no pastor, but the desk was supplied by Rev. Dr. Ely of Monson, and others. In January 1848, the church by unanimous vote extended a call to Mr. Thomas Wilson to become its pastor, and on Feb. 29, he was ordained and installed pastor. Mr. Wilson was born in Paisley, Scotland, June 15, 1822 ; he came with his father and family to Lowell in 1829. He fitted there in the high school for college, graduated at Dartmouth in 1844, and at Andover Theological Seminary in 1847. He remained with the church in Palmer until July 1st, 1852, when he asked for a dismissal on account of inade- . quate support.
During his pastorate forty-six members were added to the church. His ministry was a very successful one, and he left his first charge respected and beloved by all. He removed to Westford, Mass., where he was installed May 4th, 1853, and dismissed Feb. 13th, 1856. Then he received a call to become the pastor of the First Congregational Church in Stoughton, Mass., where he was installed March 13th, 1856, and dismissed Mar. 13th, 1876. On account of ill health he rested from ministerial labors for nearly a year ; then assumed the pastorate of the Congregational Church in Eaton, N. Y., Mar. 25th, 1877, where he is still laboring. After the re- tirement of Mr. Wilson, the church was without a pastor for some two years, but was able to secure the services of Rev. W. W. Belden, for most of the time. In Sept. 1854, the church extended a call to Rev. Joseph Vaill, D. D. of Somers, Ct., to become its pastor ; the call was accepted and on Dec. 7th, 1854, he was installed the second pastor. Dr. Vaill was born in Hadlyme, Ct., July 28th, 1790. He graduated at Yale in the class of 1811, and was ordained to the ministry Feb. 2d, 1814, and had his first settlement in Brim- field ; his second in Portland, Me., for three years ; after which he received a second call to Brimfield ; then for four years was a suc- cessful solicitor for Amherst College ; then was pastor in Somers, Ct., where he was installed Aug. 6, 1845. His pastorates covered
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thirty-seven years prior to his settlement in Palmer. After a pas- torate in Palmer of about thirteen years he was dismissed at his request, Feb. 12th, 1868. He was elected a Representative from the Palmer District to the Massachusetts Legislature and died in office Feb. 22d, 1869, leaving an honored name as a rich legacy to the people he loved so well. Dr. Vaill was a true gentleman of the old school, dignified, but with a heart full of sympathy and tender- ness. He was quick at repartee and enjoyed genuine wit in others. His memory is still gratefully cherished in the parish he presided over so long.
Rev. Bradford M. Fullerton was ordained and installed the third pastor Feb. 12th, 1868. Mr. Fullerton was born in Bridgeport, Ct., Apr. 15th, 1837. He graduated at Amherst in 1861, and at An- dover Theological Seminary in 1865. After graduating he was en- gaged in editorial work on the Worcester Transcript and the Hart- ford Post a few months each, and on the Norwich Bulletin two and one half years. After a successful pastorate of more than thirteen years he was dismissed at his request July 6, 1881. During his charge one hundred and ninety-five members were added to the church, largely the result of revivals. Besides his pastoral cares Mr. Fullerton took a large interest in public affairs, being for many years an efficient member of the school board. In his retirement the parish lost an efficient pastor and a man of scholarly attain- ments. Soon after leaving Palmer he accepted a call from the Trinitarian Congregational Church in Waltham, where he still officiates as pastor.
After Mr. Fullerton's resignation the church remained without a pastor for nearly two years, the desk being supplied by different preachers. Rev. Pleasant Hunter, Jun., the fourth pastor, was or- dained and installed June 7th, 1883. He was born in Wisebury, Md. He graduated at Boston University and at Hartford Theo- logical Seminary. After a pleasant pastorate of three years he was dismissed, at his request, July 25th, 1886, and became pastor of the Central Congregational Church in Newtonville, Mass., where he still remains. During his short pastorate Mr. Hunter won a large place in the hearts of his people and was allowed to go with keen regret.
Rev. Howard W. Pope, the fifth and present pastor, was installed Nov. 3d, 1886. He was born Jan. 21st, 1849, in New Haven, Ct. He graduated at Yale in 1871 and at Yale Theological School in 1874. He was ordained and installed pastor of the Congregational Church in Bridgeport, Ct., in 1874, where he remained until he ac- cepted a call to become pastor of the Congregational Church in
REV. THOMAS WILSON.
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Manchester, Ct., in 1881; from this church he was dismissed, at his request, in 1886.
The entire list of membership of this church since its organiza- tion is 437 ; the present membership is 183.
ยท The deacons of the church from its organization to the present time are as follows : Benjamin Converse, chosen April 9th, 1847 ; Lebeus Chapin, chosen April 9, 1847; Wilson Brainard, 1851; Calvin Nutting, 1851 ; Henry A. Moore, 1867; Freeman S. Foster, 1869; Hiram Converse, 1869; A. E. Park, 1883; George F. Brown, 1883; Wm. A. Brakenridge, 1887; Charles W. Bennett, 1887.
The clerks of the church have officiated as follows : A. V. Blanchard, 1847; Rev. Thomas Wilson, 1848 to 1852 ; S. H. Hall, 1852 to 1854 ; A. Blodget, 1854; Rev. J. Vaill, 1854 to 1868; Rev. B. M. Fullerton, 1868 to 1881; S. H. Hellyar, 1881 to 1885 ; Rev. P. Hunter, Jun., 1885 to 1886 ; O. P. Allen, 1886 to the present.
Beneficiaries. Collections in this church were first instituted April 20th, 1855, and from that time to 1878 were effected by special collectors, who were given specified portions of the town to canvass, the amount collected being small compared to the sum now devoted to charitable objects. In 1878 the envelope plan and weekly voluntary offerings was adopted and is still continued. These contributions are devoted to the different missionary socie- ties, home and foreign, and other charitable objects. Since 1878 the sum of nearly $7,000 has been contributed by the above plan, $1,500 of which was paid in 1888.
Connected with the church is the Ladies' Benevolent Society, which was organized in 1856, for the purpose of aiding various enterprises of a benevolent nature. It has raised and paid out for various worthy objects since its organization the sum of $5, 784.
The Sunday School. The Sunday school connected with the church was organized April 2d, 1852. It has an efficient corps of teachers and numbers two hundred, with an average attendance of one hundred and twenty-five. Its officers are elected annually by the church. The school has had these superintendents : Arza Blodgett, for 1852 ; Jonathan Webber, 1853-4 ; Azel Brakenridge, 1855 ; Henry A. Moore, 1856.
From 1857 the superintendents were chosen by the Sunday School, and as no records were kept, the list is not complete ; but during that interval of 17 years the following gentlemen occupied the position, viz .: W. C. Childs, Dr. Wm. Holbrook, Dr. E. B. Lyon, J. D. Blanchard, Dea. Freeman S. Foster, H. J. Lawrence, E. N. Montague, and possibly others.
Since 1873 the superintendents have been chosen by the church
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as follows : O. L. Strader, for 1874-5-6-7; F. B. Shepard, for 1878-9-80; H. K. Stoughton for 1881-2-3; O. P. Allen, for 1884- 5-6; L. E. Moore, 1887; J. B. Shaw, 1888-9.
A select library of 482 volumes is devoted to the use of the school. The Christian Endeavor Society. Connected also with the church, was organized Nov. 21st, 1886, with H. B. Knox as presi- dent. The society has been a success from the beginning, and has proved a valuable auxiliary to the church work. The society num- bers 72 active and two associate members. The present presiding officer is Dr. G. H. Wilkins.
The Ecclesiastical Society. Connected with the church, was organized April 30th, 1847, by thirty gentlemen, as follows : J. B. Blanchard, A. N. Dewey, Abner Allen, W. J. Blanchard, J. D. Blanchard, Franklin Blanchard, A. C. Billings, John Brooks, Daniel Converse, James Keith, J. P. Keep, Ephriam Allen, Benj. Converse, Hiram Converse, Lebeus Chapin, A. C. Merrick, John Bowles, S. L. Fleming, Lambert Allen, Abner Blodgett, Azel Brakenridge, Arza Blodgett, Isaac King, W. C. Childs, Harvey Smith, Cyrus Knox, A. V. Blanchard, C. Terry, Wilson Brainard, W. N. Prime. All the above are dead or removed from town, ex- cepting A. V. and Franklin Blanchard.
The Church Edifice. When the church was first organized meetings were held in McGilvray's hall in the Depot Village, then just starting into life and activity. It soon became apparent, however, that a more commodious place was imperatively needed. Two rival sites were offered as gifts on which to build a church ; one by Col. Cyrus Knox, near the present Woolrich's food factory, and the other by Capt. A. N. Dewey. The latter was chosen.
As early as October, 1846, a paper had been circulated for the purpose of obtaining subscriptions to 160 shares of stock at $25 per share for the building of a church. In a short time the whole amount was taken and about $2,500 paid in. The stockholders were to rent the church to the society at a rate of not more than 8 per cent. on the cost thereof, which amount was to be divided as a dividend among the stockholders.
The corner stone of the church was laid with appropriate cere- monies in the month of May, 1847, by Rev. Dr. Ely of Monson. The church was dedicated Wednesday, Dec. 22d, of the same year, "to the worship of God, by appropriate solemnities, viz .: Invo- cation and reading of the scriptures by Mr. Thomas Wilson (licen- tiate); introductory prayer by Rev. C. B. Kittridge of Monson; sermon by Rev. E. Russell of Springfield; dedicatory prayer and benediction by Rev. Dr. Ely, D.D., of Monson. The exercises were
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exceedingly interesting, and an additional zest was given to them from the fact that they occurred on a day hallowed by such sacred associations to every lover of the Puritans. The sermon on Psalm 96: 6, ' Honor and majesty are before him, strength and beauty are in His Sanctuary,' was characterized by that bold, vigorous and manly style for which the preacher is distinguished."
The company called "The Palmer Depot Church Corporation," which was outside of the church society had incurred something of a debt in the erection of the church, and in 1853 the building was sold at auction to satisfy a claim, and was bid off by D. F. McGil- vray for $2,475. In 1854 the church was purchased by the Eccle- siastical Society, by whom it has since been owned. The original cost of the church was $5,000. In 1870 the church was thoroughly remodeled at a cost of nearly $8,000, and was rededicated Feb. 23, 1871. A few years later a pipe organ was put in by subscription at a cost of $1,500. In 1886 the unsightly vestry was remodeled and put into tasteful shape at a cost of about $800. In 1876 a par- sonage was erected on the church grounds at an expense of $4,000.
THE ADVENT CHRISTIAN CHURCH.
This religious body was organized in 1874, with Elder H. H. Tucker as preacher. Meetings were held in McGilvray's hall. In 1875 a chapel was built on Park street, on land given for the pur- pose by Dr. E. G. Wood. It was dedicated Oct. 13, of that year. At present the church has no settled preacher, and services are maintained only a part of the time.
ST. PAUL'S UNIVERSALIST CHURCH.
The Universalists commenced holding regular Sabbath services at the Depot Village early in 1875, in charge of Rev. Benton Smith, missionary of the State Convention. The first meetings gathered in the parlors of a hotel, or at private houses. In 1875 Mr. M. W. French built Wales Hall Block, and meetings were held here till the house of worship was completed.
The church was organized May 28, 1876, by Rev. A. J. Patter- son, D. D., and consisted of twenty-one members.
The church edifice, standing on the corner of Central and Park streets, was dedicated May 12, 1880. It is built of Monson granite; its length is one hundred and eleven feet, breadth eighty feet. The main tower is one hundred and thirty feet in height, the other eighty feet. The auditorium, whose seating capacity, including the gallery, is four hundred and twenty, is neatly finished in black walnut, and all the furnishings are rich and tasteful. On the right
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of the pulpit is the choir gallery, on the left the chancel, and in the rear the organ.
At the rear of the building and directly connected with it is the chapel. Entrance to this from the outside may be had on both sides, and from the auditorium by two doors. On the lower floor are the chapel proper, the ladies' parlor, the pastor's cloak room and the library room. On the second floor are a large dressing room, a dining room seating a hundred, and a kitchen. Few churches can be found more complete and convenient in all their appointments than this.
The first pastor, Rev. C. H. Eaton, was settled June 29, 1877, and dismissed, after a four-years' pastorate, to take charge of Dr. Chapin's church in New York City. He was a graduate of Tuft's College and Theological Seminary. He was succeeded by Rev. E. A. Perry, also a graduate of Tuft's, who remained till 1885, when he removed to Fort Plains, N. Y. The present pastor, Rev. F. W. Betts, was settled in September, 1886. He received his theological education at the Clinton Liberal Institute, Canton, N. Y.
ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCHES.
Before 1850 the spiritual wants of the Catholics of Palmer were ministered to by Rev. John D. Brady and Rev. James A. Strain of Chicopee.
In 1850 Rev. William A. Blenkinsop succeeded Father Strain at Chicopee, and the next year was transferred to Springfield. His parish took in Northampton, Greenfield, Westfield, Chester Fac- tories, Holyoke, Amherst, Ware, Thorndike, Three Rivers, Palmer Depot, Monson, Indian Orchard, etc. Father Blenkinsop com- menced regular mission work at Palmer in 1851 or '52, but could visit his flock here not oftener than twice a month. Then worship was held first in the old dry-house of the Thorndike Manufacturing Company at Thorndike Village. For want of seats, his few hearers were obliged to remain standing during service. They next met for a time in Newton's Hall at Thorndike.
In 1854 Gamaliel Collins, Esq., in behalf of the Catholics, pur- chased the old Congregational Meeting-House at Palmer Centre, which was somewhat refitted and dedicated in 1855, Bishop Fitz- patrick of Boston performing the rites of consecration. Father Blenkinsop continued in charge and held worship at the Old Cen- tre for about a year. He was succeeded by Father Healy, who had residence at Ware and ministered to the two parishes. During his pastorate Father Healy remodelled the old church, and also built St. Patrick's Church at Monson. Soon after this, these two churches
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UP & WEST END. CO.
PHILX PA
IVES
ST. PAUL'S UNIVERSALIST CHURCH, PALMER.
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were made into one parish, and Rev. Father Lasco was assigned to duty as pastor. He had charge of the two flocks for six months, when he was taken suddenly ill and died. Rev. Father Moyse was the next priest in charge. He was succeeded by Rev. Anthony J. Rossi, a graduate of St. Mary's Seminary, near St. Louis, Mo. He remained in charge till 1869, when he was transferred to the arch- diocese of Boston and assigned to the care of St. George's parish at Saxonville, a village of Framingham. After Father Rossi left, Father Molinari was stationed at Palmer for a few months. The next permanent pastor was Rev. F. J. Lynch, who came to Palmer in the fall of 1869 and still remains in active service, revered by his flock and honored by all men. He can well feel a just pride in the work of twenty years, which has resulted in the establishment of three prosperous churches of English-speaking Catholics.
Rev. F. J. Lynch was educated at St. Mary's Seminary, Balti- more, Md., where he was in residence at the breaking out of the late Civil War, and participated in the excitement consequent on the marching through the city of the earliest Northern regiments. He received ordination in 1865, and was stationed at Holyoke; came to Palmer in 1869, and took charge of the parish, then in- cluding the whole town. Sabbath worship was held in the some- what dilapidated church at the Old Centre.
In 1876, through the efforts of Father Lynch, a church edifice was erected at Thorndike, and the Catholics forsook the old meet- ing-house and gathered at the new church. The house is a neat and very substantial structure, 120x50 feet, and occupies a spot where its fine proportions are seen to advantage. It has a seating capacity of 760, and cost $23,000. A parsonage was built in 1878. The Sabbath School connected with this church numbers 175.
Up to July, 1878, the people of this faith all worshipped in the new house. But the growth of the several villages of Palmer brought a larger population than could be well accommodated at one place, and the territory was divided into three parishes-St. Mary's at Thorndike, St. Thomas' at Palmer Village, and St. Bar- tholomew's at Bondsville.
St. Thomas' Church, at Palmer village, was erected in 1878, at a cost of about $4,000. Originally it had a seating capacity of 250. At the end of ten years the house was found too small for the in- creasing congregation, and in August, 1888, the work of recon- struction and enlargement was begun. The work was completed and the new house was dedicated March 24, 1889. It is of wood, and in the gothic style of architecture, and has a seating capacity of 600. The body of the church inside is wainscoted at the base,
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and above is finished in arches frescoed in subdued and harmonious colors, which form a pleasing contrast with the dark walnut color of the seats. Nineteen handsome cathedral windows light the in- terior of the entire structure. Upon the walls of the auditorium are the 14 stations of the cross, while higher up are beautiful Scriptural illustrations and representations of the seven sacraments. The walls of the sanctuary are elaborately finished in gold leaf, and the altar is of unique and chaste design. Upon the right of it there is painted a cluster of grapes combined with a bunch of wheat, while upon the left side there is represented a chalice and host, each having a mystical significance. The chapel, which is entirely new, will also be used as a sacristy, and can be reached by a side entrance and from the auditorium.
Rev. Thomas J. Sullivan was assigned to this parish (which in- cludes North Wilbraham) at the time of its organization in 1878, and still remains pastor in charge. He is a native of Worcester, where he was educated at the public schools and the Holy Cross College. He studied for the priesthood at the Grand Seminary of Montreal, and was ordained December 19, 1873. He resides in a commodious parsonage adjoining the church. He has been a mem- ber of the Board of School Committee of Palmer since 1883 .*
St. Bartholomew's Parish at Bondsville was organized in 1879, and through the efforts of Father Lynch a neat and comfortable church edifice was erected. It has since been remodeled, and now has sittings for about 500. Rev. B. McKeany was assigned to duty here, and still remains the priest in charge.
French Catholic Church. A mission was commenced at Three Rivers as early as 1880, to meet the special needs of the large French population of that village. Worship was first held in the town house at Four Corners. St. Anne's Church, which occupies a com- manding position, was built in 1884. It has about 600 sittings. Rev. Ant. A. Lamy came here in the early days of the enterprise, and still continues the priest in charge.
Father Lamy is now (1889) building a church at Bondsville, to accommodate the French Catholics of that growing village.
ITEMS OF HISTORICAL INTEREST.
1820. March 13. The town voted that swine may run at large in the streets, properly yoked and rung.
1820. October 16. Col. Amos Hamilton was chosen delegate to represent the Town of Palmer in the convention to be held at
* P. S. Father Sullivan closed his labors with St. Thomas' Church June 20, 1889, and is suc- ceeded by Rev. Wm. Hart from Holyoke.
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Boston for the purpose of revising the Constitution of this Com- monwealth.
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