USA > Massachusetts > Berkshire County > Pittsfield > Jubilee of the South Congregational Church : November the eleventh, twelfth, thirteenth and sixteenth, nineteen hundred > Part 4
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During the pastorate of Dr. Harris, the society acquired a par- sonage, first proposing to buy and build on the corner north of the church, but finally purchasing the house and lot just south of the present First Church parsonage. This was occupied by Dr. Harris a few months, and subsequently by Dr. Boynton, but was sold in 1859, and the society remained without a parsonage un- til the purchase of its present one in 1884.
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The second pastorate-that of Rev. Charles B. Boynton of Cincinnati, Ohio-opened brightly. Mr. Boynton had come under a call of church and parish, individual members contrib- uting $200 to defray his expenses of removal. He was installed June 25, 1856, with a sermon by President Hopkins. During his pastorate, over 100, all from the Sunday school, united with the church on profession of faith, and the church made its first contributions to home and foreign missions. But Mr. Boynton was a man who felt and spoke strongly, and the times were strenuous. On the 1st of July, 1857, he asked for a mutual council, that he might be dismissed to accept a call to Mil- waukee. The church records of this period were blank until imperfectly filled out some twenty years later, but it is under- stood that the main cause of his seeking a dismission was a de- cided difference of opinion between him and some members of his church and parish on slavery as a subject of pulpit discussion.
This difference of opinion-honestly and sincerely held on either side-has now merely an historical interest, and it is re- called simply to show that this church, in common with many others in the North, had it to meet.
It remains only to state that the mutual council, which met August 3, 1857, decided that it could not advise a dissolution of the pastoral relation; that Mr. Boynton, having received a call to Cincinnati, again resigned, leaving the matter of a formal dis- missal to be acted on by the council that should be called to in- stall his successor; and that this latter council, owing to the omission -- accidental-of reference to Mr. Boynton's resignation in the letters convening it, declined to take action.
It was during this period that the church was struck by light- ning, and, as it happened, the only damage done was in the organ and choir gallery. At this time the choir, in which were many of the leading members, was-what sometimes happens in the
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best choirs-in a somewhat unamiable frame of mind and, in fact, just on the point of breaking up. When the people had gathered to see the effect of the lightning bolt, good old Dea- con Fenn quietly remarked : "It seems to me that the lightning speaks rather plainly to the members of our choir, and I think they had better fix things up." It is said that the choir troubles at once ceased, and that harmony again prevailed.
To make the record complete, it may be here stated that the church was again struck by lightning in July, 1900, with slight injury.
The council called to install the third pastor, Rev. Roswell Fos- ter of Westhampton, found a "practical vacancy," though the preceding pastor had not been regularly dismissed. Of Mr. Fos- ter's five brothers in the ministry, two took part in his installation. This pastorate of less than two years was marked by two notable events in the history of the church and parish. One was the election of William Robinson as deacon. The other was the blowing down of the church spire during a violent gale on the afternoon of Monday, February 21, 1859. The fall of the spire carried with it the belfry and also the bell, which latter was bad- ly broken. The fragments were collected and were recast at Troy, N. Y., into the present bell. The tower and spire were rebuilt during the summer of 1859, by Cyrus A. Werden, in ac- cordance with plans furnished by Richard Bond, the original architect, at a cost of $2700, $1000 of which amount was raised by the efforts of Dr. Humphrey among members of the First parish. The spire thus rebuilt withstood the Berkshire gales un- til 1882.
Rev. Samuel R. Dimock of Wilton, Conn., was installed as the fourth pastor September 24, 1861. Mr. Dimock was a very acceptable pastor, but his stay was shortened by ill health and inability to endure the too bracing winter climate. During his
THE REVEREND SAMUEL ROBINSON DIMOCK 1822-1898
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pastorate various repairs were made on the church edifice, and a plan was proposed to substitute a Sunday evening service for the time-honored afternoon sermon. But the time had not come for such a radical change as this, and the proposition in parish meeting was "indefinitely postponed."
The dismission of Mr. Dimock in the spring of 1864 was fol- lowed by an era of discouragement, so great, that an article in the warrant for a parish meeting, September 22, 1864, read as follows: "To see if the parish will continue religious services in this house."
The burden of debt was heavily pressing upon the people. But faith and hope remained, and after discussing the situation the parish, by a full vote, decided to "continue worship." At this crisis the aid of the First church was sought and cheerfully giv- en. Dr. Todd and his deacons undertook to raise by subscrip- tion in the First parish the sum of $4000, which, with what this church could do, paid the entire indebtedness. This was the turning point in the South church life. There were after strug- gles, but never again was it proposed to abandon the enterprise.
Rev. Dr. Edward Strong of New Haven, Conn., the fifth pastor, began his ministry December 25, 1864, but was not in- stalled until the 15th of March following. An interesting event of his pastorate was the admission to the church, May 4, 1869, of fifty young people, all from the Sunday school. This is the larg- est number the church has received at any one time. Dr. Strong proposed and successfully carried through a plan for extinguish- ing the indebtedness which had accumulated during his pastor- ate, and when he resigned, in the autumn of 1871, he had the satisfaction of leaving behind him a church free from debt.
During the three years' pastorate of Rev. Thomas Crowther of Mill River, the sixth pastor, the present organ was procur- ed-June, 1873-and the organ location changed from the gal-
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lery at the east end of the church to its present position. This was a decided change in the church interior, and was strongly opposed by some of the members.
But when it was decided, the opposition gracefully yielded- so gracefully, indeed, that the strongest oppositionist headed the subscription paper for the new instrument with the largest amount. The free seat plan was adopted in 1874, but its results were not satisfactory and it was given up the following year. The change from afternoon to evening service was brought about during this period, and in the evening service the pastor was particularly successful. Mr. Crowther was dismissed May 4, 1875, to become pastor of a Presbyterian church in Brooklyn, N. Y. Here he, with three of his children, died of a malignant disease in October, 1877.
The financial stringency of the times cut short the seventh pastorate-that of Rev. William Carruthers of Calais, Me. Yet though with the church but a little over a year he left his im- press on it. He revived the meetings for young people which Dr. Boynton had established during his pastorate, but which had for some years been given up. Weare indebted to Mr. Carruthers for the covenant and confession of faith now used by the church. The church still maintains the warmth of welcome with which it has ever greeted him, and those who did not know him as pas- tor, have learned to respect and love him as a friend.
From 1877 to 1885 the church had no settled pastor. The pul- pit was supplied from November, 1877, to April, 1879, by Rev. Dr. Boynton, the second pastor, whose return was a source of gratification, to many of the older members particularly. On Sunday, February 24, 1878, Dr. Boynton preached a sermon on the enthusiasm of the Israelites when building the Tabernacle. This was followed by a notice that a meeting would be held the following Monday evening, to consider the necessity of relieving
EDWARD STRONG, D. D. 1813 -- 1898
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the church from the debt, which had been incurred mainly by the extensive alterations, new organ, etc., in 1873. At this meeting Deacon Peirson read the following letter:
Pittsfield, Feb. 25, 1878.
To the South Congregational Church and Parish, Pittsfield, Mass .:
Writing in behalf of one who is interested in the prosperity of Christ's cause and his church, and especially in the South church, I make you the following proposition. If the Church and Parish will, for the purpose of liquidating the debt, raise the sum of two thousand dollars, I will add thereto the sum of one thousand dollars for the same purpose. This sum shall be available to the parish for the purpose mentioned, on this sole condition, that for each and every dollar thereof the parish shall raise two dollars to be applied to the same purpose. When 100 dollars shall be raised by the parish it shall be entitled to 50 dollars, all to be applied at once to the extinguishment of the debt of the parish. When 500 dollars shall be raised, 250 dol- lars shall be placed with it. If the entire 2000 dollars shall be raised at once, the 1000 dollars shall be available at once.
May our efforts to free the parish from debt be successful, and may the blessing of the Great Head of the church rest upon us all in this and every good endeavor.
In behalf of the donor,
W. B. RICE.
The effect of this generous proposition was electrical. At once the sum of $1590 was subscribed, and the balance necessary to liquidate the entire indebtedness was soon in the hands of the treasurer. This gift of $1,000 was the most considerable madeto the church since the subscription of William M. Ward to the original building. The name of the donor has been a well-kept
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secret all these years, and only because of this anniversary is it allowed to be made public. For this gift, coming from one of its own members and at a period when its value was greatly in- creased by its timeliness, the church is indebted to Mrs. Julia M. Wasson.
The six years' service of Rev. C. H. Hamlin (1879-1885) was marked by general advance. During this period the present parsonage was purchased, and decided improvements were made in the Lecture Room and Ladies' Parlors. This latter work was under the supervision of the late Daniel J. Dodge, and it is re- called of him, what was characteristic, that he was always on hand while the work was going on, with a good cigar in his mouth, and plenty more in his pockets to keep the workmen good-natured. It was during this period, also, that on the morn- ing of Friday, January 26, 1882, the church spire was again blown down, this time leaving the belfry uninjured. It was wisely decided not to rebuild it, and the present finish was sub- stituted. The fall of this spire was a decided loss, not only to the church, but to the town, of which it had been a conspicu- ous ornament. A contemporary newspaper said of it: "Its tall and peculiarly graceful shaft, painted on skies of blue or gray, took the place of the tall and graceful old elm in welcoming to Pittsfield the stranger and the home-returning citizen, who will sadly miss it as they enter the town."
The following is an extract from the Church Records, under date of February 20, 1885: "At a meeting of the church, held in the Lecture Room, the committee of supply stated that, after a full and careful enquiry, they felt warranted in now presenting the name of Rev. I. C. Smart, as a man, who, in their opinion, would fill the position of pastor of this church and congrega- tion to the satisfaction of all." After discussion, it was unani- mously voted that the church do hereby recommend to the par-
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ish the Rev. I. C. Smart, as a good and suitable man to be the pastor of the church. The call was immediately extended by the parish, and Mr. Smart's acceptance was as follows:
New York, March 25, 1885.
Mr. W. B. Rice,
Dear Sir :- Pittsfield is a long way off and I am near sighted, but the many words of welcome and encouragement which have come thence to me, and of which your letter brings an added store, have fitted strong glasses to my eyes and have enabled me to see only bright things in the outlook. I am pleased and so- bered by the work of grace which is going on among you. The responsibility of souls in such a crisis, or rather the responsibil- ity to God for a fit speaking of His truth is great, and by a young man not to be borne without some fears and misgivings. But surely the work which the Spirit has begun will not be suffered to lag or halt until its beginning shall have its proper end. Permit me to convey to the committees of the church and par- ish my acceptance of the call now formally extended to me.
Respectfully yours,
I. CHIPMAN SMART.
On the 9th day of June, 1885, Mr. Smart, a graduate of Am- herst College and of the Union Theological Seminary, was or- dained to the work of the gospel ministry and installed as pas- tor of this church.
The public services were conducted as follows: Invocation, Rev. S. Harrison; Reading of Scriptures, Rev. Dr. T. T. Munger; Sermon, Rev. Dr. W. S. Smart; Ordaining Prayer, Rev. A. C. Sewall; Charge to Pastor, Rev. Dr. Lyman Whiting; Right Hand of fellowship, Rev. Dr. J. L. Jenkins; Charge to People, Rev. C. H. Hamlin. Thus was begun what has been the longest term of service in the history of the church, and what is to-day the longest consecutive pastorate in the city.
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The fifteen years that have passed since Mr. Smart came to us have been crowded with interesting events in our church life. We have seen a large growth in membership, an average of twenty-eight per year bringing the present membership to 507. In 1892, under the direction of I. C. Smart, H. H. Richardson and Frank Walker, this audience room was remodeled at an ex- pense of over $8,000, the money being raised by subscription. Those who can remember the old pews with doors, the bare walls and small windows, appreciate to-day this beautiful and restful room. By vote of the church in 1898, at an expense of $400, raised by subscription, the Hymnal "In Excelsis" was pur- chased for use in the church services. Much attention has been given the music of the church, which has been brought, largely by personal efforts of the pastor, to its present high standard.
Few men could have won the love and devotion of his people as has the present pastor. His work has been done so faithfully that he has become the friend of all. We can safely say that he is ardently attached to this church, and that the people are equally attached to him. As pastor he has been eminently suc- cessful. His pastorate has aided in strengthening that feeling of unanimity and concord so vital to the life of a church. One of our deacons, speaking of Mr. Smart's pastorate, said: "We have passed 15 years of church life without a thunder storm."
Our story would be incomplete without mention of the Sun- day school, which, under Deacon Dunham and his efficient suc- cessors, has from the beginning been a strong factor in the church life. Nor can be omitted the various church societies, with their hopeful efforts in numerous directions. The "Ladies' Benevolent Society," organized in 1865, has done noble work for the church and parish, its direct cash gifts amounting to over $5,000, with numerous contributions to outside charities. The society is now a light in the church; It has sown the
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seeds of friendship which have borne fruit abundantly, and many a poor family has felt and acknowledged the power of diligent hands and kind hearts. The church has been kept in touch with foreign mission work through the "Women's Foreign Missionary Society," organized in 1875. The "Dorcas Society," organized in 1882, efficiently looks after the poor of the church and town. The children and young people have been interested in various forms of Christian work through the "Aloha Society,' the "Little Helpers," the Sunshine Circle," the "White Guards," the "Whatsoever Club," etc. The Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor," organized in 1892 as the successor of the "Young People's Association," which was formed in 1880, and the Junior Society of the same name, organized in 1894, are now specially helpful in many ways. To these various associations, which have so efficiently supplemented the work of the Church, a deep debt of gratitude is due.
It is an interesting fact that in every year since its organiz- ation, with the exception of 1860, 1861 and 1865, this church has received additions by profession. Three legacies of five hundred dollars each, from Joseph Foote, Mrs. Barbara Haustein and Mrs. Lydia A. Stone, have been left the church at various times and have materially aided it.
About two years ago, when it was decided that we celebrate our Fiftieth Anniversary, we determined, if possible, that the Anniversary should find the church free from debt. A commit- tee was appointed, and because of their faithful work, the gen- erous contributions of the loyal church members have been col- lected, and to-day we not only celebrate our Fiftieth Anniver- sary, but a day when we can rejoice in the fact that our Church and parsonage are free from incumbrance.
The influence of a church upon a community cannot be ac- curately measured. It is like the bracing qualities of the at-
+
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mosphere; one feels sure of their presence without being able to distinguish them. The men who have given character to this church have been devoted and effectual helpers of our civic life. They have done much for integrity, intelligence and thrift. They have been plain, solid men, caring much for their homes and church life. Many of them have shown the Puritan stead- fastness, simplicity and public spirit at its best. They have been like stones cut out of a mountain without hands. Happy the community in which the lives of such men have been spent.
WOMEN'S MEETING
ON MONDAY AFTERNOON, NOVEMBER THE TWELFTH.
HISTORY OF THE SOUTH CHURCH BENEVOLENT SOCIETY-1865-1900.
BY MRS. J. F. HEMMING.
The work of our Ladies' Society has moved on quiet, even lines during the thirty-five years of its existence, and its annals are "short and simple." But searching the records, and talk- ing with the older members, I have been able to collect a few facts. The Society was formally organized under the name of the Ladies' Benevolent Society, at the house of Mrs. James Taggart, September twenty-first, 1865, just fifteen years after our church organization. Previous to this I am told, that the ladies were accustomed to meet from time to time, at different homes to sew for charitable objects. At this initiatory meeting, Mrs. Dr. Strong was elected president, Mrs. William Smith, Vice-President, Mrs. Dr. Wilson, Secretary and Treasurer, Mrs. Willard Carpenter, Directress, and Mrs. H. H. Richardson, Mrs. Henry B. Brewster, and Mrs. James Taggart, Committee on Supplies. The following concise rules were adopted.
(1) The payment of fifty cents shall constitute any person a member of the Society for one year.
(2) The Society shall meet in the Ladies' parlor once in two weeks, when tea shall be provided by one or more ladies.
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(3) The ladies providing the tea, shall be limited to biscuit, one relish, and two kinds of cake.
(4) Work shall be done in the Society for some benevolent object, or for the church.
(5) Any member bringing her own work shall pay ten cents.
(6) Any member absenting herself from one meeting shall pay ten cents.
Gradually as our outlook enlarged these rules became modifi- ed, until now they are literally a "dead letter."
The first tea was provided October 12, 1865 by Mrs. H. H. Richardson, and Mrs. Henry Brewster, struggling with various difficulties; borrowed crockery, doors for tables, and a stove that smoked so furiously that a good brother living near rushed to the rescue. Evidently smoke in this case stood for much fire; all difficulties were overcome, and the foundation stone of our present prosperous society was laid. Perhaps it would not be out of taste at this point to say that the two ladies, who so firmly cemented this first stone, have never ceased their labors in this society, and in other ways are still fighting fire. Sixty- five members were enrolled the first year; the fees thus obtain- ed, together with two fairs and other work gave the Society an income of $650. So the work went on quietly, and effectively in those early days. Missionary boxes were packed, the parish resources increased, and every two weeks the "lap teas" were served. Coming into this society twenty-five years ago, I have a vivid picture in my mind, of a long narrow room, rows o f people on either side managing plate, and cup, without apparent trouble, and mingling much good cheer with the sim- ple tea. After a time a small fee was charged, and the supper became more elaborate. Attendance increased, and the num- ber of entertainers was made four in place of two. With the
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enlargement of our rooms, we began to use tables. A few years ago at the suggestion of our pastor Rev. I. C. Smart, the group system of serving tea was introduced. Our whole mem- bership is divided into ten groups; ladies living in the same general locality being classed together. This system has very much lessened the work of furnishing, and preparing teas, and has the added benefit of including all the ladies as helpers. On the whole it has proved a most satisfactory arrangement. Our present plan is to begin our teas in the early autumn, giving them once in three weeks until May. Frequently we serve two hundred people at our Wednesday night suppers. The fee for these suppers is now twenty cents. Some of our ladies-faith- ful found among the faithless-meet often for sewing, and so the old ways are still somewhat preserved, although covered with modern grafts, and innovations. Time would indeed fail me to tell of the innumerable fairs, suppers and entertainments, that have contributed to our support. Their name is legion, and they represent sacrifice, and hard work. Our courage is good, still some of us hope that in the much talked of twentieth century other methods may appeal to us. Our earnings since 1865 amount approximately to $15,000, an average of $428 per year. This is exclusive of the many missionary boxes sent, whose value I am unable to report. There have been all these years very pressing demands in our own borders, and for this reason a large part of our money has been given to the parish. We contribute annually to the music fund, and have made many of the necessary repairs of the church building, and in unmen- tionable ways have aided in times of need. While this is true I think there has never been a year that we have not contributed to benevolent work. May the day be hastened when following the example of the noble Freewill society in our mother church, we can consecrate the larger part of our means to carrying on
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God's work in the world. At that first meeting, September 1865, Mrs. Dr. Wilson, now for many years endeared to us as Mrs. Tolman, was elected Secretary and Treasurer, an office which she has held until this day. Among the first members of the South Church, she has been actively connected with all its interests. She can recall all our pastors, and several of them, during the early history of the church found their home within her doors. In 1871 in appreciation of her services, and because of her deep interest in missions, the Ladies Society made her a life member of the Woman's Board of Foreign Missions. I con- sider it an honor to be her mouthpiece today, and I bring to her the greetings of the society, and their message of gratitude and reverence. Counting by years, and comparing with similar organizations the life of this society has been short, but that life whether of individual, or organization is longest which is best lived, and we feel that in unity of purpose, rich experiences, and a spirit of self-sacrifice the years have been long, and full. It was a band of earnest, devoted women, who founded this so- ciety, and our inheritance is our strength. Of these early mem- bers by far the larger part "have ceased from their labors." Surely "their works do follow them," and for many of us this room is peopled today with invisible forms, "a cloud of witnesses." Certain names among us are spoken with hushed, and reverent voices, and we do homage to the saints in our calendar. The first President, Mrs. Dr. Strong is held in loving remembrance by our older members. The venerable Mrs. Fenn so hon- ored in this city for her charitable labors, and her noble work for the soldiers in the civil war, brought the same consecrated zeal, and energy to her work here. Another name often on the lips of our older members, is that of Mrs. Deacon Taylor, and many of us here today hold in loving memory her daughter, Mrs. James Dunham, both women of strong character, and ever
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