USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Sutton > History of the town of Sutton, Massachusetts, from 1876 to 1950, Volume II > Part 52
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CHURCHES and SCHOOLS
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, WEST SUTTON
framework of the church and also for the pews. The steeple was of the Christo- pher Wren type. The lovely old bell was cast in Medway, Mass. by G.H. Hol- brook in 1829, one of the first church bells to be cast in the United States. The old choir loft was closed and pew doors were taken off in the 1890's.
The 1938 hurricane blew down the beautiful Christopher Wren-type steeple, damaging other parts of the building. The men of the parish capped over the second section of the steeple and a fund has been started to build a new spire.
Several houses in West Sutton were used as a parsonage until, in 1915, the Church purchased a large house nearby. In 1938, modern improvements were introduced.
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The one hundredth anniversary of the building of the church was celebrated, in 1929. A cellar was dug under the church, affording space for a furnace, and the two big wood stoves were removed. The interior was redecorated. Electric lights were installed in memory of Mr. C.S. Jones, who had been a member of the Men's Sunday School Class, known as the "Knights of the Wheel." The beautiful carpet was donated by Miss Harriet Davis in loving memory of her mother, Mrs. Jennie Davis. The communion cup holders were given by Mrs. Harriet Wallace's Sunday School Class.
A Woman's Community Organization, known as "The Hillside Club," was organized in 1906 to aid this church financially and to be of benefit to the com- munity, and the members have always been ready and willing to raise extra funds when needed. In 1950, the club spent $100 beautifying the Community Hall and $400 towards the redecoration expenses.
A Christian Endeavor Society was first formed in the 1890's, but later dis- continued-until 1936 when it was revived. It has been a very vital and impor- tant part in the life of the church and the community, carrying on many worth- while projects. They hold a religious service Sunday evenings.
In 1938, the Church felt the need for a larger place in which to hold activities of different kinds. The large two-story building next door was bought for a parish house and community hall for the use of the church and community. This building had been, for many years, a real "old time" country store and post office. It is being improved and modernized. The first well, drilled in 1949, sup- plies the church, parish hall and parsonage.
A new organ was given to the church by the Hillside Club, in 1910, and this was electrified, in 1948, through the efforts of the Club and Choir. In 1951, Mrs. Ethel V. Lund and Miss Florence Hult gave a Hammond Organ with chimes to the church. At the Dedication Service, music was rendered by the organists, Mr. Harry E. Rogers of Boston and Mr. Gordon Holding of Grafton and Miss Florence L. Crockett, soloist from Boston.
The very important project of replastering and painting the whole interior of the Church was undertaken, in 1950. Money had been earned with auctions, sup- pers, movies and a Bazaar. A contractor was hired, but, in order to save money, the men and women of the Church and community cleaned and painted the pews and floor. The paint was donated by members of the Church. In removing old point from the pews, it was found that the trim is solid mahogany. This trim restored, gives the white pews their original beauty. A beautiful maroon velve- teen Choir Curtain, Dossal Curtain and draperies to match at the two south windows are now installed.
There have been many gifts to the Church through the years. The Christian Endeavor presented a Christian flag and, with members of the community, hymn books to the congregation. Twelve hymn books were donated to the choir in memory of Rev. Henry Schwab, a former pastor. An electric clock was given, in 1952, by Donald Schwab. The Hymn Board, Communion offering Plates and Flag Standards were donated by Mrs. Fanny Sherman and Mrs. Doris W. Van- twuyver in memory of their parents, Rev. and Mrs. C.B. Williams. Choir gowns from the Millbury Federated Church were given so that now the Church has a vested choir. In April 1952, a gold Cross was given in memory of Deacon
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Robert Whittier by his wife, Stella Whittier, and matching Candlesticks by Don- ald Schwab in memory of his father, Rev. Henry Schwab.
Among the names of active members and Deacons of former years, we read the names of Putnam, Bullard, Waters, Davis, Freeland, Brigham, King, Marble, Titus, Rich, Dana, Merriam, Lamb, Sibley, Shaw, Moore, Burdon, Luther, Whit- tier, Plummer, Wallace, Leonard.
For several years Mr. Arthur Hare has been a member of our Church. His seven children are either Ministers or Missionaries or are married to a Minister or a Missionary. We are proud of this family. The two oldest members of the Church are Mrs. Louise Luther, eighty-seven and Mrs. Louisa Plummer, eighty.
In 1950, there are sixty-three members and fifty are active members. There are thirty-nine members in the Sunday School and it is steadily growing, ten mem- bers in the Christian Endeavor Society. There are twenty in the Boy Scout Troop, which was formed, in 1950, and sponsored by five active members of the Church, its sponsor.
This Church belongs to the Worcester Council of Churches and the Worcester Baptist Association. There are three Church legacies: the Hutchinson of $5000; the George Stockwell, $5000; the Laura Stockwell, $1000.
THE MANCHAUG FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
The Manchaug First Baptist Church is situated on the east side of Putnam Hill Road, near Mateychuk Square. When Vol. I of the History of Sutton was published, in 1878, Rev. C. L. Thompson, the minister-in-charge, made the fol- lowing statement concerning this church. "The present resident membership constitutes a body of earnest workers, and their influences in the church, in a sabbath-school of unusual interest, and in the community generally, is such as to gain the church a welcome place in the hearts of all who love moral and spiritual progress." The above statement is quite as true today as in 1878, judg- ing by the large attendance at the One Hundred Tenth Anniversary, recently held.
This church was organized, in 1842, with thirty members. The Mill Company owned the property and gave liberal financial aid towards the support of the society. In 1927, when the B. B. and R. Knight Co.'s holdings were sold, the church property was deeded by the Company to the Congregation,, which was to be known as "The Manchaug First Baptist Church." When the mills closed, the financial aid from the Company ceased and the little church was forced to go alone. Many members had to look for work elsewhere and took letters with them to other churches. As a result, the congregation soon found they could not support a resident minister, as they had been able to do for many years. The Massachusetts Baptist Convention came to the aid of the little church and arrangements were made to share the support of a pastor with the West Sutton Baptist Society, a few miles away. By loyalty, hard work and faith, the present members have succeeded in paying, not only their own expenses, but have also contributed to home and foreign missions. Today, Church services are held each Sunday morning in charge of Rev. Lewis F. Hall, the present pastor, followed by a session of the Sunday School.
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BAPTIST CHURCH, MANCHAUG
Many changes have been made over the years. In 1900, the pews were taken out and one hundred chairs were procured. New carpets and other improvements were added at that time.
One of the older members tells of the frequent bean suppers they had, in 1899-1900. The menu was baked beans, homemade brown and white bread,
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butter, relish, pies, cakes, cheese and coffee. "All you could eat for ten cents! you see, it was for sociability, not for profit."
In 1903, two stained glass windows were installed. In 1907, electric lights were added to take the place of kerosene lamps. In 1944, the interior of the church was renovated, a new set of bylaws adopted, and the society was incor- porated. In 1948, a junior vested choir was organized and, at present, the choir takes part in the regular Sunday services. The ladies of the parish made their vestments.
Over the years many memorials were given: an altar was installed and a dossal curtain, communion service, a cross and candlesticks and walnut collection plates were presented. The pulpit furniture was completely reupholstered.
It is interesting to note that Mrs. Louise Leonard Helgesen, an active member, and her children are direct descendants of Zelek Darling, one of the original founders of the church. In 1858, the name of Harriet Hodgkiss is listed - an ancestor of Dorothy Courtney and Harold Briggs.
In recording the seventeen ministers who have served this church since 1878, it should be noted that Rev. J. C. Boomer and Rev. Henry Schwab both con- tinued their pastorates for thirteen years. This meant an early service in Man- chaug and a later one in West Sutton. Two services, every Sunday for thirteen years, winter and summer, and between them, a long, winding road up and down a steep hill, sometimes icy, sometimes drifted with snow, constituted no small accomplishment for the ministers and the ones who helped them on the way.
The following is the list of pastors since 1878: Rev. J. C. Boomer, 1878-1891; Rev. A. E. Goff, 1891-1893; Rev. William P. Bartlett, 1895-1898; Rev. William Packard, 1899-1902; Rev. John M. Collins, 1902-1905; Rev. George B. Young, 1906-1916; Rev. J. Chester Hyde, 1916-1919; Rev. Luther E. Stiles, 1919-1921; Rev. C. N. Walker, 1921-1922; Rev. Leonard Smith, 1923-1925; Rev. Sidney Calhoun, 1925-1926; Rev. Alfred Krane, 1926-1927; Rev. Kenneth Hatch, 1927-1928; Rev. Henry Schwab, 1928-1941; Rev. Lee L. Burton, 1941-1943; Rev. Warren C. Young, 1943-1946; Rev. Lewis F. Hall, 1946-
CATHOLIC CHURCH, MANCHAUG
We are told that, in the early days, there was no Catholic Church in Man- chaug, and that the first services were held in a brick house in Old Mumford Village. This group of houses was in East Douglas, just over the Sutton line, where the Mumford Manufacturing Co. operated, many years ago.
A member of one of the oldest Manchaug families states that the first pastor was Rev. Fr. Noiseau. Later, Rev. Fr. Mignault held services in a building, owned by Edward Adams on Whitins Road. The same informant states that a brick house, one of the first homes in the village, was later used as a chapel.
In 1883, Rev. Fr. Delfoses built the church on Main Street. It was called "St. Anne's," and was a mission of the St. Denis parish of East Douglas. This build- ing was dedicated on Thanksgiving Day of the same year. In 1900, the mission was made a parish and Rev. Fr. Victor Campeau was appointed its first pastor. He was followed by Rev. Fr. Joseph Marchand in 1906 and Rev. Fr. A. G. Brousseau came in 1909. About this time, the mills in Manchaug were very prosperous and it has been estimated that there were 265 Catholic families in
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ST. ANNE'S CATHOLIC CHURCH (DESTROYED BY FIRE, 1924), MANCHAUG
the village. Besides the pastor, there was also need of a curate. A convent was built, a rectory, and a parochial school, where six Sisters served as teachers. The next pastor was Rev. Fr. Hanotel, who came in 1915.
In April 1924, the terrible Manchaug fire swept down Main Street and de- stroyed the church, rectory, convent, parochial school and many dwellings. The church, rectory, convent and school were never rebuilt. The Sisters returned to their Mother House and most of the children entered the public school.
Arrangements were made to have the Catholic Church services held in the room on the second floor of the Manchaug Store building and this has continued until the present time.
After Rev. Fr. Hanotel, Rev. Fr. J. L. Lord came in 1924. A serious business depression also was keenly felt in the village of Manchaug. There was little work and, in 1927, the mills and company-owned houses were sold at auction. Many families moved away and the population was greatly decreased. In 1932, Rev. Fr. Boutin was Catholic administrator for a few months and Rev. Fr. P. L. D'Amour came the same year. Rev. Fr. R. Rheaume followed in 1943, and Rev. Fr. Goddu in 1945. Rev. Fr. Gevry, the present pastor, came in 1950.
For twenty-seven years, the open cellar and a few stone blocks were the only reminders that Manchang once had a Catholic Church. Recently, however, Bishop Wright of the Worcester Diocese, laid the cornerstone for a new St. Anne's near the site of the old building. The new church will be much like the old one and will seat 400 people. There will also be a large basement room. The entire fur- nishings for the building have been donated - including the altar, pews and
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windows. There are about one hundred thirty Catholic families in Manchaug at present and they are expecting their new church home to be completed in 1952. Societies connected with St. Anne's are the Sodality with about sixty-five mem- bers and Young Peoples' Association of forty members.
THE FRENCH BAPTIST CHURCH, MANCHAUG
The French Baptist Church of Manchaug, is at the intersection of Morse Avenue and Gervais Street. It was erected, in 1903, and was first called, "St.
FRENCH BAPTIST CHURCH, MANCHAUG
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HISTORY of SUTTON
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BAPTIST CHURCH, SOUTH SUTTON
Paul's Church." About fifty years ago, a group of French-speaking people de- cided to form a church of their own. They were led by Rev. A. E. Ribourg, twenty-seven years of age, who had just been graduated from a Seminary in Paris. He organized what was called the Independent Church and became their
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pastor. At first, the meetings were held in a tent on land belonging to Frank Greene, Sr. Later, they held their services in St. Jean's Hall, which was situated at the intersection of Main Street and Darling Avenue. That continued for about a year and a half. In 1903, the members decided to build their own place of worship - the present building was erected.
Rev. Ribourg and his church members later joined the Baptist Society and the congregation is now known as the French Baptist Church and services are con- ducted in the French language. At present the congregation is not large but they have had regular services on Sundays for many years.
Succeeding Rev. Ribourg, came Rev. Napoleon Aubin, Rev. E. Ramette, Rev. E. Massee, Rev. August Devos, Rev. Charles Charron, Rev. Isaac LaFleur, Rev. C. A. Fournier, Jean Valet (a student), Rev. Marcel Bonard, Rev. Paul Ducheneau, and Roger Nicole, the present preacher, who is a Professor at Gordon College. The officers are William McDonald, Clerk and Mrs. Archie Daziel, Treasurer, and Deacons, William McDonald, Albert Lavallee and George Peledeau.
BAPTIST CHURCH, SOUTH SUTTON
The white church on the hill, the South Sutton Baptist Church, has stood for one hundred twenty-five years and has often been spoken of as the lighthouse. We hope the light has shone afar and guided many a weary wanderer to the "Haven of Rest." We are proud to say that at least many, who passed their child- hood days in this community, still hold in their hearts, pleasant memories of the days spent here.
The church was raised May 4, 1804, and dedicated July 2, 1805. The lot upon which it is built was given by Elder Batcheller, who with his sons took a great interest in the building. The church remained in the original style until 1845 when it was remodeled to its present style. Rev. N.B. Jones preached the rededi- cation sermon and the name plate, that was on his pew, is cherished by the church in memory of his faithful services.
March 11, 1842, the West Sutton Baptist Church voted to permit the members of that church to support public worship in South Sutton, Manchaug or North Uxbridge. In 1878, the Manchaug Church and the Second Baptist Church of Sutton were united under one pastor and this union remained until 1912 at which time Rev. George B. Young felt his health would not permit him to serve both churches.
In September, 1884, sheds were built on the north side of the church, the committee being Deacons George W. Albee, J. Howard Burbank and Horace Martin. In the preceding May, Mr. and Mrs. Albee and five children joined the church, and from that time Mr. Albee labored faithfully to assist the church in its work, preaching, soliciting funds and in many other ways. He was given a license to preach in March, 1891.
Rev. Willard Packard, in 1901, solicited funds for repairing the church, at which time, he placed a bell in the belfry, had hard pine sheathing put overhead and had the church papered and painted.
We come now to 1903, when we find the women of the church, holding sup- pers at the houses, to raise funds to support the church. The success of these
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HISTORY of SUTTON
suppers became so great that homes proved inadequate. The women met, talked over plans and were so ambitious, that they even dared to vote to hold a fair in March, subject to change. But where the fair was to be held was the all-absorbing question. Mrs. Alexander Graham offered her home and a vacant tenement, but, as we met to sew, we found this would not answer our purpose. The fair was postponed until warmer weather. On June 2, when the ladies met, they discussed a plan presented by Charles E. Albee, to erect a building which could be used for entertainments and for suppers. The committee voted to ask Mr. Albee to inter- view W.R. Wallis to see if he would provide lumber for the building, allowing such payments as could be made. Mr. Albee was also asked to draw plans to be presented to Mr. Wallis. Very soon after this, it was no unusual sight to see the women with a pair of horses loading stones on a drag, hauling them to the church lot, or to see them cleaning brick and doing all they could to help.
On July 13th, the first paid labor on the foundation of what is now Social Hall was begun; July 22, the carpenters began work. July 28, 29, and 30, the first fair was held, with the building in the condition shown in the photograph, now in the Hall. No organization ever was more proud of a building than we were and we forgot smashed fingers and hours of toil in the thought that we had a home. This building is now well-equipped with furnace and other improve- ments and has proved to be a place for all community gatherings.
Our history of the church would be incomplete without mentioning some items of interest connected with the first fair. At the suggestion of the ladies a remem- brance table was prepared, and the work which made this a great success was done by Mrs. Sarah E. Brown, Mrs. Lydia Hewett and Mrs. Charles E. Albee. At this time, Mr. Lewis T. Houghton of Worcester assisted and made the final payment to W.R. Wallis.
In 1907, Mrs. Stanley Adams, as chairman, raised money and purchased a carpet for pulpit and aisles, which has been in use, up to this date. In August 1927, electricity was installed in both church and hall in memory of Esther Jane and Elisha Smith Johnson. The young people of South Sutton gave entertain- ments which started the fund for the repairs completed in 1930 for the rededica- tion of the church and for the celebration of its one hundred twenty-fifth anni- versary. The community gave the stained glass window in the front of the church. Other memorial windows in the church are dedicated to Lewis T. Hough- ton, F.D.G. Paine, Volana Johnson and Tamar Goldthwait.
The following were pastors of the church after 1876: Rev. James C. Boomer, Rev. A.E. Goff, Rev. William P. Bartlett, Rev. Willard Packard, Rev. John Collins, Rev. George B. Young, Rev. A.H. Bissell, Rev. Frederick Webb, Rev. C.C. Young, Rev. John A. Tidd, Rev. John M. Maclaren, Rev. LeRoy N. Fielding, Rev. Elisha Hooper, Rev. William Koonsen, Rev. Clement B. Neal, drowned Sept. 2, 1940 at the Sunday School picnic at Horseneck Beach, Rev. Irving Howard, Rev. Paul Klose, Rev. Ralph Patterson and Rev. Hubert Swet- man. Between the years 1820 and 1831, one hundred forty-one members were added to the church, forty-nine of these in one year.
(This article on the history of the Church is an abstract from a paper, pre- pared by Miss Etta Johnson, and read at the one hundred twenty-fifth anniversary of the Church.)
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THE SCHOOLS OF SUTTON
One of the conditions imposed in the original grant of land to Sutton Town- ship, in 1704, was that 200 acres should be set apart for the use of a school. August 16, 1725, the town voted, "That the school land in Sutton be all sold Reserving the thirty acre lot and the mony to be put out for the benefit of a school in Sutton forever."
August 29, 1730. "Voted to keep a school in s'd Town for this present year for four mounths and that the selectmen agree with a schoolmaster to keepe School for s'd town to Lern the chelderen and youth to Rede and wright English and to be kept at the Discresion of selectmen in four Places in s'd Town (viz) one month in the town Plot and three months at 3 other Places in the town one month in a Place."
March 5, 1746, the school lands were sold in three parcels. Out of the thirty- acre lot, however, the ground on which the first schoolhouse in Sutton stood was excepted, the deed stating that ""The contents of Six square Rods as bounded off where the School house stands being Reserved."
The town land, where the first schoolhouse stood, borders the First Congrega- tional Church lot and extends two rods on the south side of Boston Road and three rods south to the church plot. Years later, the school building was moved across the street and made into a law office for Jonas Sibley
It is stated in the first volume of the Sutton History that, in 1751, some schools were still kept in private homes. In 1773, the town was divided into fourteen districts and, at that time, it is probable that plans were made for a schoolhouse in each district.
In March 1761, permission was given by vote of the town to "set a school house on the highway near to Mr. Jeptha Putnam's." (The former Luther prop- erty. ) This site, no doubt, was on Mendon Road where the Putnam Hill school- house stood until it was moved, in 1901, across the street to the Keith land, to get a water supply. In the 1870's, the floor of the building was elevated toward the back of the room, the rear seats for the older children, and all in view of the teacher at her desk in front. Later, the floor was made level and new desks in- stalled.
Reuben R. Dodge, in a booklet, published in 1897, gives details of the Leland Hill and Old Stone buildings. The first location of the schoolhouse in District 9 was near the John D. Brigham home, the second at the Henry Stone farm (Ful- ton place) and, in 1818, the Old Stone School. The builder of this last school was Whiting Fisher, a stone mason from Franklin. The stone and other materials for the building were from the district, hauled there by the farmers' teams.
In the Leland Hill District, the first school building was west of Leland Hill Road on the Deorsey property. The second location, in 1808, where the next house was built, is within three rods of the boundary between Grafton and Sut- ton. (The Coombs place.) This schoolhouse was occupied for thirty-six years. In 1844, 300 dollars was voted to move the house to its next location on Leland Hill. (The Warburton place.) The old building was cut in halves and moved, one half at a time on large wheels, by several yoke of oxen. The expense of moving was thirty-five dollars and finishing it off, after being joined together, was 181 dollars. Robert Fosdick gave the land. The interior was fitted up in
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more modern style, but it had the original roof and frame. In 1874, this building was taken down and a new schoolhouse erected, built by Mr. Greene of Millbury. The schoolhouse, remodeled, is the home of Mr. and Mrs. Warburton.
The first schoolhouse in West Sutton was on Boston Road and made into a dwelling by Col. Jason Waters. The second building, erected in 1818, also on Boston Road near the cemetery, was moved to its present location in 1889 and is now the home of the Richard Nelsons.
The story of the second schoolhouse at Sutton Center, now the General Rufus Putnam School, we find in the History of the Olive Branch Lodge of Master Masons, published in 1947. The Lodge, sometime between 1815 and 1820, estab- lished its headquarters in the Samuel Waters Tavern in West Sutton and moved, after 1822, to the Jacob March Hall in Sutton Center. About this time, it was decided to build a new Masonic Hall. "A committee of brethren was directed to go forward and build a hall in company with the school district in the Sutton Centre, and have power to expend the funds of the Lodge for the same, said building not to be more than 45 ft. long and 26 to 27 ft. wide. It was an expedi- tious job, for by January 1st, 1824, the Lodge was installed in its new quarters. The cost is placed at $714.92. There seems to have been no ceremony attending the opening of the new hall beyond an invitation to Rev. Mr. Mills to deliver a prayer, which he pronounced in the presence of the Fraternity and inhabitants of the neighborhood."
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