USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Westfield > History of the town of Westfield; comp. for the public schools from Greenough's History of Westfield in the Annals of Hampden County and other sources > Part 6
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In 1872, Mrs. Cynthia Eldridge, sister of Samuel Mather, gave $1,000.
May 10, 1895, by the joint action of the directors and the town the library was made free. The number of volumes at present in the library is 38,000 and the cirenlation about 90,000.
Churches .- The church first established in Westfield, and for more than one hundred years maintained by the town, is known as the First Congregational Church. We have already outlined its history. We may add that within a few years a commodious parish house has been added to the church building, furnishing accommodations for the large Sabbath school and for the social gatherings of the various organizations connected with the church.
When Rev. J. H. Lockwood was made pastor emeritus in 1906. Rev. Henry M. Dyekman was selected as his successor. He was in- stalled in 1907 and resigned 1918. The present pastor. Rev. Henry A. Kernen, began his pastorate this year.
The Second Congregational Church was organized in the year 1858. after 139 persons had subscribed $1,425.25 for the support of religious worship in Westfield. The first meeting of the signers, who were inter-
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ested in providing an additional place of worship, was held on the tenth of March, 1856, in Whitman Hall, located over the store of the present Bryan Hardware Co. Rev. Francis Homes of Boston was engaged as pastor for the first year. He was succeeded by Rev. J. S. Bingham during whose pastorate the Church was erected in the year 1861. The next pastor was Rev. George Bowler, who was installed in 1863, and con- tinned until failing health eaused his resignation in 1865, when Rey. Henry Hopkins, who afterwards was president of Williams College, was chosen pastor. Dr. Hopkins was succeeded by Rev. Lyman H. Blake in 1881, who served as pastor until the choice of Rev. W. C. Gordon in 1900. Dr. Gordon was followed by Rev. W. H. Commons in the year 1908. The present pastor, Rev. C. E. Holmes, succeeded Rev. Com- mons in 1911.
The first Baptist church organized in Westfield was at the West Farms (Wyben). This church prospered for many years, but after a time it was evident that a strong church could not be maintained so far from the center of population. Services, however, were maintained until 1871, when the church was discontinued, the members uniting with the Central Baptist church. Since that time various clergymen from Westfield have held services on Sunday afternoons in a mission chapel et Wyben.
The "First Baptist church" of Westfield was organized in 1784. Five years later a building was erected near the old county bridge. In 1795 the church became divided and disorganized. The revival of 1806 infused new life. Services were resumed. The little band failed to maintain services from 1810 to 1819. Then Rev. David Wright became the pastor, and through his earnest effort the membership was increased to 203 in 1826. This church erected its second house of worship on Main street, near the bridge over Little River.
On May 23. 1833, the Central Baptist church was organized, with Rev. David Wright as pastor. This was the beginning of a new era for the Baptists of Westfield. A church building was at once erected on the corner of Elm and Church streets now remodeled for business purposes. The church grew and in a few years absorbed the Baptist interests of Westfield. In 1867-8. the church having outgrown its accommodations, the present house of worship on the East side of Elm street, between Thomas and Chapel streets, during the pastorate of Rev. John Jen- nings, was erected. In 1898 Mrs. G. I. Hays purchased the brick resi- dence, built by A. B. Whitman, and presented it to the church, thus sup- plying a want long felt for kindergarten rooms and furnishing admir- able opportunities for social gatherings. The church has recently pro- vided a new parsonage. The following pastors have served the church : Andrew M. Smith, David Wright, Charles Van Loan, Farondia Bester. Alfred Colburn, John Alden, William Carpenter, John R. Beaumis, John Jennings, E. M. Gerome, W. H. Eaton, II. P. Smith and R. B. Esten. W. S. Avres is now the pastor.
Methodism began in Westfield in 1794. The town was then incluid- ed in what was called the Granville circuit, and was a part of the New
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York conference. Services were first held in that part of the town now called Mundale, then known as Hoophole. In 1812 the first sermon was preached at the center, by Thomas Thorpe, and a class was formed. The first meeting-house was built at Hoophole, also called West Parish and later Mundale. In 1830 the town purchased a site and 1833 the build- ing on Main street, the present site of the home of Chester II. Abbe, was dedicated. In 1836 it became an independent church with Rev. Paul Townsend as first pastor. As a circuit it has had the services of the most distinguished preachers of early Methodism, such as David Kil- bourn, Erastus Otis, Jefferson Hascall, Thomas W. Tucker. Jonathan D. Bridge and others.
Revs. Smith B. MeLonth, Ephraim Scott, Jefferson Hascall were successors of Mr. Townsend. In 1843, under Mr. Hascall. the large building was erected on Elm street at the corner of School street. So strong and prosperous had the society become that the New England an- mal conference was held in Westfield, in 1841. Dr. Haseall was suc- ceeded by Drs. Mark Trafton, H. V. Degen, Miner Raymond, J. B. Hatch, G. F. Cox, J. H. Twombly (twice). William Butler, Gilbert Haven (afterwards bishop). I. J. P. Collver, D. E. Chapin. George Bow- ler. C. D. Hills, Henry W. Warren (later bishop ), Daniel Richards, W. G. H. Lewis, J. J. Mansfield, George Whitaker. J. S. Barrows, S. L. Gravey, F. Woods ( twice), J. A. Cass, E. A. Titus, J. M. Leonard. Charles Young, L. H. Dorchester, Frederic N. Upham, John D. Pickles, C. E. Davis, Philip L. Frick and Conrad Hooker. The church has been characterized by strength and aggressiveness. During the second pas- torate of Dr. Twombly, the present large and beautiful church edifice was erected and dedicated in 1875.
Members of the Episcopal Church residing in Westfield about the time of the Revolution united in holding services in Southwick, which then was included in the township of Westfield, and the Rev. Roger Viets of Granby, Conn., served as priest. The Episcopal Church, how- ever. fell under the ban when Roger Viets was imprisoned for professing tory sentiments, and the stand was taken in Westfield that "Episcopacy shall never be established in Westfield." Westfield Episcopalians then registered in St. Marks Church, Blandford, to avoid paying toward the salary of the Congregational minister, and until about the time of the civil war the priest came down to Westfield occasionally to hold services in private homes. One of these places was the residence of Mrs. James B. Holland.
Through the untiring efforts of Benjamin F. Cooley, and Edward and Emerson JJessup, sons of Deacon Charles Jessup, all of whom en- tered the ministry of the Episcopal Church, regular services were begun in the abandoned chapel of the Universalists on Chapel Street, and the Bishop of Massachusetts placed a priest in residence in Westfield, and the Church of the Atonement was duly organized as a parish on July 1, 1863. The Church, however, lapsed from 1865 until 1873, when the Rov. J. Frank Winkley became Rector March 30. 1873, and since then regular services have never been omitted. A move was made from the
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Universalist chapel to a hall in the old mill on Main Street until prop- erty was purchased on King Street.
The present brick church was erected in 1880, when the Rev. Henry J. Sheridan was Rector. In this church stand two ancient stone angels which were in the reredos of the chapel of Eton College, England. in the year 1450, but taken down by the Puritans as "scandalous monu- ments" in 1643. They were brought to Westfield by the Rev. Benjamin F. Cooley in 1870.
The Church of the Atonement has a membership of 250 communi- cants, and a fund is accumulating for a new church building. A boy choir is maintained, and the present Rector, the Rev. Robert Keating Smith, has been in charge since January 1, 1906. His pastorate in- eludes all Episcopalians in Western Hampden County.
If our limits permitted, we should insert the admirable history of St. Mary's church, found in the "History of the Catholic Church," written by Rev. J. J. McCoy. We shall use parts of it.
It is not clear when the first mass was held in Westfield. Father Fitlon speaks of visiting Westfield as a missionary, between 1828 and 1830. Father John Brady of Hartford, was in Westfield during the building of the canal, caring for the Catholic workmen. Later, during the building of railroads, services were again held. John Healy was here in 1840. and about the same time William Sullivan, William Calli- man and John O'Neil. This same O'Neil was drowned in Southwick ponds while bringing up the last boat that ever came up the old canal.
The first mass definitely remembered was in the town hall, Novem- ber. 1851. About one hundred and fifty were present. For some time the Catholics gathered in some one of their houses whenever the priest visited them. On Sundays, if no priest could be with them, they still as- sembled and said the rosary and the litanies in common.
James Phillips was an earnest worker. His Protestant friends aided him in securing a church building by purchasing a site in 1853. The vigil of Christ was held in the new building the next year, though the walls were yet unplastered. Father Blenkinsop of Chicopee had charge at this joyful opening of the church.
In 1854, during the time of intense "Know Nothing" excitement. some of the "baser sort" of the town's people gathered and moved to- ward the new church, threatening to burn it. Catholies gathered in its defence. Hiram Hull, a leading man of the town, met the mob, and by a few well-timed and decisive words, turned them away from the church. Dr. McCoy adds : "The Catholics were never afterwards molested. On the contrary, there has been no time in the church's his- tory. when Protestant neighbors have failed, by kind words and generous help. to encourage all the good that the Catholic hearts and minds could plan."
In 1855, in the month of June. Bp. Fitzpatrick of Boston attended the first confirmation. John Healey, the first to be buried in the Catho- lie cemetery, was present to see his four children confirmed, though he was in the last stages of consumption.
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Westfield was for a time a mission of Springfield. In 1862, Rev. MI. X. Carroll became the first resident pastor. He was followed in 1868 by Father Miglionico. In 1874 Rev. Thomas Smythe became pastor, a man much respected by all classes. He had a large influence in town affairs. March 1, 1881, the church was destroyed by fire. The commodious brick church was dedicated by Bishop O'Reilly March 1. 1885. Father Smyth was succeeded by Fr. Donahue and by Rev. G. M. Fitzgerald, the present pastor. Rev. Michael E. Leahey is the assistant pastor.
The church of Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament was set apart from St. Mary's parish on 22nd of May. 1910. The first mass was cele- brated in a hall in O. B. Parks block on May 29, 1910. The first sod was turned for the erection of the new church Aug. 15, 1910. The church was dedicated by Bishop Beaven on the 2nd of July, 1911.
The first pastor was Rev. Michael J. Ahern and his assistant Rev. Franeis O'Malley. He was succeeded in 1914 by the Rev. P. J. O'Mal- ley, who is its present pastor. His assistant is Rev. John C. Edson. The church has about 1,200 members.
The first public service held in Westfield by the Advent Christian people occurred in the year 1856. Meetings were then held here and in Wyben at varying intervals until the year 1866, when a mission church was organized.
But it remained for Elder II. L. Hastings, the well known writer and publisher of Boston, to set in order the first genuine Adventist or- ganization in Westfield. The church was organized on January 4, 1869, and was known as "The Church of Christ." The name of this body was later changed to "The Advent Christian Church of Westfield. Mass."'
Elder George L. Teeple was the first regularly elected pastor of the church, beginning his service with the church on January 1, 1872. He served the church but one year. During this and the succeeding year the meetings were held in the White Chapel of Chapel street. In the voar 1874 the brick church edifice on School street was erected. and the church organization incorporated under the laws of the State of Massa- chusetts.
During the period from 1875 to 1908 the following ministers served the church in the capacity of pastor :
Dr. James Hemenway. William C. Stewart, S. G. Mathewson, Dr. D. Mathewson, J. E. Cross. John St. John, M. E. Andrews, George M. Little, A. H. Bissell and F. W. Richardson. Seasons of trial and of discouragement have overtaken the church, but there were also seasons of widespread revival interest and of genuine prosperity during the years above mentioned.
Rev. A. C. Johnson began his services as pastor of the church on December 12, 1908. During Mr. Johnson's pastorate the commodious and attractive new church edifice on Washington street, near Court, was erected at a cost of about $20,000.00, and dedicated on April 20. 1915 Mr. Johnson closed his Iabors with the church on the second Sunday in
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September, 1916. Mr. Ilewitt. the present pastor. preached his first sermon on Sunday, November 12. 1916. coming to Westfield from Au- rora, Ill.
Holy Trinity Polish R. C. Church was organized in the year 1900 by Fr. Przbylski. The E. R. Lay whip factory was secured and con- verted into a church. Fr. Schneider succeeded Fr. Przbylski, who was transferred to Philadelphia. The present church was built under Fr. Schneider's pastorate and has grown rapidly into an organization claim- ing about 4.000 members. The Rev. Gabriel Van Roth is the present pastor, Anehour Zenner is curate.
The congregation of St. John German. Polish. Evangelical Luther- an Church, unaltered Augsburg confession, was organized in the year of 1901, by the Rev. Aug. Brunn of Holyoke. Later services were con- ducted by Rev. Menkermoeller and Rev. L. A. Linn of Springfield in the chapel of the Baptist chuch. In the year 1907 a church was erected on the east side of State street, Rev. L. A. Linn being installed as pas- tor. During the year 1916 the church was destroyed by fire but was rebuilt and enlarged the same year. The present pastor, Rev. A. Das- ler succeeded Rev. L. A. Linn.
St. Casimir R. C. Church was organized March 22, 1915, with Rev. C. Vasiliauskas as pastor. Services were held at the St. Casimir Society Hall for two years until the present church was erected in 1917 and ded- icated on May 30, 1918, by Bishop Beaven. The church has a member- ship of 650.
St. Peter's R. C. Church on the east side of State street was erected in 1915. This society was organized on the 27th of July 1902. Until the erection of the new church services were held in the Slovak Hall. Rev. Franeis (Cerny has been pastor of the church since 1915. It has a membership of about 500.
INDUSTRIES.
Westfield for more than one hundred and fifty years was a farm- ing town. Its extensive alluvial meadow lands made it a leading agri- cultural town. Citizens are now living who remember the beginning of other industries that now absorb so large a proportion of the capital and the labor of its people ; yet the amount of grass, corn, tobacco, and other crops is still large.
The manufacture of whips, which spread the name of Westfield widely, seems to have been begun in a very simple and rude way over a century ago. The strands for lashes were first ent on flat tables. The Shakers of Lebanon. New York, were the first to cut strands from horse hides by "stripping," a handicraft practiced with wonderful skill by cutters in Westfield. Tradition has it that Joseph Jokes, as early as 1808 made whips with hickory stocks, to which, by a loop or "keeper" a lash was fastened. Soon improvements were made by boiling the wood in a preparation of colored oils. The stocks of the "twisted 4
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whips." as they were called, were made of white oak or other wood of tough fibre, and covered with black sheepskin sewed on. The first plait- ing machines were barrel machines. The plaiting machines for cover- ing stocks, as they are now covered, were first introduced from Germany and England; though they were greatly improved by the ingenuity of New England men. Ninety-five per cent of all the whips manufactured in the world are produced in Westfield factories.
The H. B. Smith Foundries, the Westfield Mfg. Co. and The Foster Machine Co. have developed into other leading industries of the town. Mention should also be made of the Atwater Knitting Co., the Brien Heater Co., The Textile Co. and the Planet Mfg. Co., as well as the ex- tensive manufacture of cigars and paper.
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