USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Brimfield > Manual of the First Congregational Church, Brimfield, Mass. 1899. Press of C.B. Fiske & Co., Palmer, Mass. > Part 2
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SECTION 5. LORD'S SUPPER.
It shall be our custom to observe this ordinance, preceded by a preparatory lecture, on the first Sabbath in January, March, May, July, September and November.
SECTION 6. MEETINGS.
ART. I. The Church shall hold an annual meeting during the week next preceding the first Sabbath in January, at which time the rules shall be read, and a report of the membership and condition of the Church presented by the Pastor or Clerk of the Church.
ART. II. There may be a meeting for the transaction of any business at the close of any preparatory lecture.
ART. III. Special business meetings of the church may be called by the Standing Committee, who shall give seasonable notice of the same at any Church service.
ART. IV. Seven members of the Church shall be requisite for a quorum to do business.
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SECTION 7. CHANGES ..
ART. I. These rules may be altered at any annual meeting of the Church.
ART. II. Any one of these standing rules, except that relating to a quorum, may be suspended temporarily by a two-thirds vote of the members present at any meeting of the Church regularly called.
SKETCH OF CHURCH HISTORY.
ANNALS.
A large proportion of the first settlers of Brimfield were Christians. It was about 1717 when they received right to the land and began to make them permanent homes.
The first house of worship was built in 1721 or 1722 on the same spot where the present one now stands. For a whole year, on account of some reverses, it stood in the frame. It was not fully completed for more than ten years ; it was a very ordinary building, nearly square, 45 by 40, and had neither steeple nor chimney. There never was a stove in the building, and not until about 1820 was artificial heat used in the second building. It was not lathed and plastered until 1748; it was reseated in 1757, and it was voted that the men and their wives sit in the pews together. Previous to this they had sat on opposite sides of the building. The pews were square, with seats on three sides.
In 1808 this building was sold for $100, and some of the panel work can be seen in the back hallway of the present parsonage to this day. At this time the old trees that had grown on the church grounds - before the white man trod this soil - were sold for ten dollars and cut away. Three years later $200 was expended by the town for removing rocks around the meeting house.
The new and second meeting house was built on the same spot at a cost of $6,666.67, in 1805. It was of modern style, and Dr. Vaill speaks of it in his New Year's sermon in 1821, as " commodious and beautiful."
In 1838 the church, which had no lower room up to this time, was remodeled at an expense sf $4,600 ; the pews were appraised for $1,091 and were taken by the Parish. This change of the plan by which the house was built in 1805 in the sale of the pews (pews were owned by individuals before this) was not approved of by some who could not be reconciled
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to the new order of things. It was rededicated Jan. 10, 1839. Seven young men, natives of Brimfield but residing in New York, presented the Society with a new Bible for the pulpit. This house was consumed by fire Feb. 21, 1847, caused by an overheated stovepipe.
The present and third house was built during the same year (1847) and cost $6,265.77, including $3,000 insurance from the house burned. It has been remodeled at various times. In 1863-4 the audience room was altered to the present form, and portable furnaces took the place of stoves for heating, at a total expense of $3,400.
During 1868-9 the vestry floor was lowered by removing the gravel beneath, thus securing a depth to the room of twelve feet. The north end was partitioned off for a con- ference room, or ladies' parlor, and that modern convenience of present churches, a church kitchen, and the ceilings were tastefully frescoed, the whole cost being $1,579.46. Modern settees were placed in the vestry and chairs in the small room in 1872. In 1880 the pulpit platform was greatly enlarged and covered with a new carpet, and a beautiful and modern set of pulpit furniture provided, all being a gift of Mr. James M. Ormes.
In 1891, the church greatly needing repairs, at the earnest solicitation of Deacon N. S. Hubbard, seconded by others, the Parish voted May 16, 1891, to repair and paint the church. The old windows were replaced by new mullion windows of stained cathedral glass, the ceiling to the audience room covered with steel plaiting, the walls were finely decorated and the ceiling frescoed, the pews neatly painted and a new carpet placed upon the floor, mainly through the efforts of the ladies of the parish. Also the lower rooms were repaired and painted and ceilings frescoed, and the exterior thoroughly painted and new double entrance doors provided, and is now as convenient and pretty a church as is to be found in any country town. The total cost was $2,266.34, the greater part of which was subscribed by the people of the town.
The Church was probably organized in 1724. All the town then attended worship, which included what is now Holland, Wales, and a part of Palmer, Warren. and Monson.
Everything seems to have run quietly and prosperously till I734. During this year the Society was for several months without preaching. There were eleven persons in the southern
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part of the town who had been restless under the ministration of what may be called the established Church of the town, who took this occasion to assert themselves, calling themselves An-a-baptists. These, with some Congregationalists and some restorationists, united and built a church in the south part of the town about 1760. Its final result has been the establish- ment of a Baptist church in Wales and a Congregational church in Holland.
MINISTERIAL SERVICE.
Twenty-seven or more ministers have labored during various lengths of time with the Church since its organization, and nearly one-half have been installed Pastors. Five are buried in this town, and for Mr. Bridgham and Mr. Williams tomb- stones were provided by vote of the town in 1802.
The first name we find mentioned in connection with the Church in Brimfield as minister was a Mr. Fuller, but whether he labored here for any length of time we have no means of ascertaining.
The second is that of Rev. Richard Treat, who commenced his labors here in 1723 or 1724, and the organization of the Church and his ordination as Pastor occurred on the same day, Nov. 18, 1724. But little is known of his nine years as Pastor, other than that he shared with the early settlers in their privations and struggles to provide themselves homes. He was dismissed by council March 27, 1734.
During the following two years calls were given to Noah Merrick, Samson, Stoddard, and Caleb Rice, but without acceptance.
Jan. 29, 1736, Rev. James Bridgham accepted a unanimous call to settle over the Church as its Pastor, and was installed June 9, 1736. Mr. Bridgham's ministry lasted forty years, and for those times would be considered a prosperous one. It is not strange that under the half-way Covenant he should have baptized 716 persons during those forty years. One hundred and thirty-nine is not a large addition to the Church for that length of time out of his large parish. Mr. Bridgham being in feeble health, with his consent, Rev. Nehemiah Williams was engaged Oct. 27, 1774, to supply the pulpit for nearly two years previous to Mr. Bridgham's death, which occurred Sept. 19, 1776. Feb. 9, 1775, Mr. Williams was ordained Pastor of the Church, as colleague with Mr. Bridgham. His
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pastorate was one of great harmony and acceptance to the Church and people, although during the twenty-one years of his ministry the Church seems to have been somewhat per- plexed about the conduct of those who were connected with them by the half-way Covenant. In 1775 a vote was passed to forgive them, and in 1789 it was voted that they were members in full and it was their duty to come to the communion. This vote seems to have disposed of that form of relationship to the Church. As the creed was at this time strictly evangelical, and Mr. Williams was a believer in the necessity of regenera- tion, it is to be supposed that all members hereafter received were admitted on the probability of their change of heart.
During Mr. Williams' ministry 362 were baptized and 125 were added to the Church. He died Nov. 26, 1796, and his widow, by vote of the town, supplied the pulpit four months, the salary being paid to her.
May 1, 1797, the committee of supply was instructed " to hire Rev. Clark Brown on probation," he having supplied nearly a year during the sickness of Mr. Williams the previous year. He received a call Nov. 20, 1797, and a council met Feb. 27, 1798, but serious objections being made to his ortho- doxy, and charges of his unministerial conduct being made, he withdrew his letter of acceptance and summarily dismissed the council. The town voted to renew the call March 12, 1798, but the Church voted not to concur in the call. At a special meeting of the Church, called by Mr. Brown May 21st, the Church voted to renew the call by one majority, and he was finally installed June 19, 1798. During his ministry but little of the gospel was preached, and but little spiritual interest manifested ; his seven years were full of trouble and bitterness. He was dismissed at his own request, by vote of the Church, Nov. 2, 1803.
During the next five years different candidates were heard, and March 25, 1805, Mr. Wesson was given a call, but declined, as did also Mr. Elisha Rockwood Sept. 3, 1807, and Mr. Newton Skinner April 28, 1808.
Aug. 17, 1808, the Church extended a call to Mr. Warren Fay, which was accepted, and he was ordained Nov. 2, 1808. With Mr. Fay's three years service the Church seems to have been prepared for better things. It is the mission of some pastors to serve in preparatory work. He was dismissed by council June 26, 18II.
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In the next two years several were engaged for various lengths of time until Nov. 19, 1813, when the Rev. Joseph Vaill was given a call. It was accepted, and he was ordained Feb. 2, 1814. There is little of any evidence of any appre- ciable revival interest in the Church until his ministry. But when Mr. Vaill comes to the field the parish settles into a quiet, growing prosperity. *Three quite extended revivals give witness to his gospel preaching ; about 170 were added to the Church during his stay of nearly twenty-five years. He was dismissed at his own request Sept. 16, 1834, to accept a call to the Second Church in Portland, Me. After three years he returned to Brimfield and was re-settled Nov. 1, 1837, and remained four years, being again dismissed Oct. 19, 1841, to act as financial agent for Amherst College.
Mr. Vaill afterwards held pastorates at Somers, Ct., and Palmer, Mass., where he died Feb. 22, 1869. He was buried in the cemetery at Brimfield, at his request, as he said in his " Memorial Sermon," " I had formed the purpose that my own mortal remains should find their last resting place there." Dr. Vaill was an earnest, eloquent and powerful preacher of the gospel, and many souls were given to him as crowns of his rejoicing for his faithfulness in the Master's vineyard, as the Churches in Brimfield, Somers and Palmer could abundantly testify, and he continued active for the good of others until the close of his life.
After Mr. Vaill's first dismissal only a few months elapsed before a call was extended to Rev. Joseph Fuller, which was accepted, and he was installed March 11, 1835. His pastorate was a brief one, and he resigned May 4, 1837, and was dis- missed by council June 7, 1837.
Rev. George C. Patridge succeeded Mr. Vaill's second pastorate, and was installed Nov. 18, 1842, and dismissed April 11, 1846.
Rev. Benjamin E. Hale was acting pastor from November, 1847, to February, 1849, and was an enthusiastic temperance worker.
Rev. Jason Morse was next ordained as pastor Dec. 12, 1849. The twelve years service of Mr. Morse may be said to be those of his whole life, being nearly the whole of his ministry. He gave himself heartily to this people, and was highly appre-
* 1818; 1825-6; 1831-2.
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ciated by all. Under his ministry the Church had a constant and healthy growth. None of those twelve years passed without some additions to its membership; III members in all were added, and only 37 by letter. His last illness was very brief, and he died Oct. 14, 1861, at the early age of 40 years, dearly beloved and deeply lamented by this people.
The Church was supplied after Mr. Morse's death by the ministers of the Brookfield Association until May 22, 1862, when the Church extended a call to Rev. Charles M. Hyde, which was accepted, and he was ordained Aug. 18, 1862. During Mr. Hyde's ministry of eight years 100 were added to the Church, 29 by letter and 71 by profession. The additions during those eight years witness favorably to the expediency of extra revival effort. They were made through the efficient assistance of the evangelist Henry F. Durant, Esq., of Boston. Mr. Hyde resigned May 8, 1870, and was dismissed May 24, 1870. Mr. Hyde was afterwards for several years pastor at Haverhill, Mass., and is now President of the North Pacific Missionary Institute, Sandwich Islands.
Only a few months after Mr. Hyde's dismissal Rev. M. B. Boardman was unanimously called to the pastorate Oct. I, 1870, which was accepted, and he was installed Dec. 1, 1870. His services were very acceptable and useful until the autumn of 1872, when his health failed and the Church and Parish voted him a leave of absence for three months and continued his salary during his absence. Rev. George F. Chapin, a classmate of Mr. Boardman, supplied very acceptably during his absence. On Mr. Boardman's return from his voyage to Europe he did not feel that he had received that benefit to his health that he expected, and although again entering upon his pastoral duties soon found he would not be able to satisfac- torily perform them, resigned, and was dismissed Nov. 1, 1873.
Feb. 27, 1874, the Church extended a call to Rev. Webster K. Peirce to settle over them in the gospel ministry. He
accepted and was installed by council April 30, 1874. His pastorate proved a serious one to the spiritual prosperity of the Church, culminating as it did Oct. 25, 1878, in dividing the Church, 49 members of this Church going out to form a Church of their own. Mr. Peirce resigned, and was dismissed by council Nov. 7, 1878. The council recommended that he remain one year and preach for the Church, thereby hoping that during that time the differences might be satisfactorily
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adjusted ; but the two parties refused to agree to it, and those going out called a council to form a Second Congregational Church. The council refused to form a Second Church, and they formed themselves into an independent church, of which Mr. Peirce became pastor, and they continued to hold meet- ings in the Town Hall until the death of Mr. Peirce, March 18, 1897, since which the meetings have been discontinued. Mr. Peirce was a kind, patient and sympathetic man, an interesting preacher, but could not be called strictly orthodox. The division of the Church caused much trouble and anxiety for the spiritual interest of the town, which none have felt more than those who have an ardent love for the prosperity of Christ's kingdom.
From March 1, 1879, to Sept. 1, 1879, Rev. Smith Norton supplied the pulpit.
Then Rev. Doane R. Atkins supplied for about two months, when the Church gave him a call to act as pastor Nov. 1, 1879. Mr. Atkins very ably and consientiously ministered to the Church in spiritual things, and it was with much sincere regret that his resignation was accepted, to take charge of a Home Mission Church in Dakota, Sept. 12, 1881.
Jan. 24, 1882, Rev. Samuel V. McDuffee was called as acting pastor, which was accepted, and his pastorate was very harmonious and acceptable, fraught with spiritual good to the Church and community. The week following the Ist of January, 1883, union meetings were held, and Mr. McDuffee worked zealously for the reuniting of the division of the Church, preaching an able sermon to that effect, which was printed ; but his efforts were not successful. He resigned Feb. 24, 1884.
May 3, 1884, the Church called Rev. Joseph Kyte as acting pastor, which was accepted. He was an able and earnest preacher, and during his ministry the Church was revived in spiritual strength and many were led to consecrate themselves to Christ, 38 being added to the Church during his ministry. He resigned Oct. 6, 1888.
May 4, 1889, Rev. M. L. Richardson was called as acting pastor and accepted, supplying for two years, resigning May 3, 1891.
Dec. 14, 1891, Rev. Wilbur Rand was given a call to act as pastor, which was accepted, and he supplied until April 30, 1893, when he resigned.
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Sept. 12, 1893, a call was extended to Rev. Robert J. Kyle, which was accepted, and he was installed Dec. 6, 1894, and has very ably and acceptably performed its duties.
As nearly as can be estimated about 760 have united with the Church on profession of their faith, and about 420 by letter, during the one hundred and seventy-five years of ministerial service. During all these years but a few years have passed but what some names have been added to the membership. While the first number seems agreeably large, we may question whether we can feel satisfied with less than five a year for Christ. God grant that the two hundredth centennial may give us more than the full thousand.
The salary of the pastors previous to the formation of a Parish and Society in 1832, which was voted and paid by the town, was variable, from £85 to $550. In 1838 the Parish became possessed of the meeting house and since has had entire charge of its financial affairs, since which time the pastor's salary and current expenses were raised either by taxation, rent of pews, or by voluntary subscriptions.
In 1874 an attempt was made to have the seats free, but on account of some technicalities in doubt regarding the grantors of pews in the old church it was given up after a year or two, until 1884, when the questions in doubt being decided, and the pews have since been free. The salary of pastor and current expenses have since been raised by voluntary subscrip- tions, aside from income of permanent fund.
The pastors' salaries since 1838 have varied from $550. to $1,500, and at present is $800, besides the use of the parson- age, which was purchased by the Parish in 1881.
Various gifts have been presented to the Parish and Society for a permanent fund. Samuel A. Hitchcock, Esq., in 1866, gave to the Parish $5,000 to constitute a fund, the income of which is to be applied to the support of an " Evangelical Orthodox Trinitarian Congregational Minister," and stipulating that a central pew should be reserved for the use of the pastor's family, and one for the teacher of the Hitchcock High School. In 1869 Hon. John Wyles gave the Parish a fund of $5,000, two-thirds of the income of which should be applied to Parish expenses and one-third be used for music. In 1871 Miss Elvira Stebbins left a legacy of $50 to the Parish, which was added to the ministerial fund. These funds were invested in railroad securities, which at first paid good dividends, but
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on account of the financial depression of the country for the years following 1893, most of them ceased to pay dividends, and some were obliterated.
Other donations have been made to the Parish, that of Mrs. Loisa S. Whitcomb in 1888, by a legacy of $200, and Mrs. Anne H. Brown of $100 in 1890, both of which were used in the repairs of the church in 1891 by vote of the Parish. Elisha C. Marsh left by will a legacy of $500, in 1895, the income of which was to be used for the support of an Evangelical Congregational Minister. In 1897 the heirs of Lucy R. Foster made a donation of $500 for a permanent fund. Also Mr. and Mrs. Arthur B. Brown and Sarah B. Corbin gave $600, of which $150 was to be kept as a perma- nent fund, in memory of Mrs. Anne H. Brown. The same year Dea. Newton S. Hubbard left by will to the Society $1,000.
In 1859 $1,000 was raised by subscription for a pastoral library, the amounts to all be paid in five years. One-half was spent in purchasing books and one-half for a permanent fund, the income to be expended by the pastor in buying books as he may choose. There are now about 650 volumes in the library. The funds were invested in railroad securities, which eventually became worthless, and no additions have been made for a number of years.
THE WORK OF THE CHURCH
Is that connected with the Sabbath services morning and evening,* the Sabbath school, and all Christian effort to receive and spread the knowledge of the truth.
The Sabbath school connected with this Church was organized in 1819, and has proved a valuable auxiliary to the Church. There is no means of ascertaining how many have been connected with it as scholars during all these years, as no record is in existence of its sessions until 1834; the present Constitution was adopted Dec. 26, 1886. The officers are to be chosen annually on the last Sabbath in the year, and to consist of a Superintendent and one Assistant, a Secretary and Treasurer, and Librarian, with a Board of Managers consisting of five; of which the Superintendent shall be chair- man. £ Although all these years the school has been prosperous,
* During Rev. Mr. Boardman's pastorate, in 1872, the afternoon service was dispensed with and never resumed.
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for the past year it has steadily increased in numbers and efficiency, and now numbers about one hundred.
The Ladies' Benevolent Society meets fortnightly. Its object is to work for any benevolent object at home or abroad. All the ladies of the Parish are cordially invited to join in the work of the Church.
The Ladies' Missionary Society, auxiliary to the Woman's Board in Springfield, meets in the ladies' parlor the second Saturday of each month. Its object is to widen their ac- quaintance with and deepen their interest in the Foreign missionary work, and raise funds for its progress.
Contributions are taken up every Sabbath morning in the Church for benevolent objects, excepting the first Sabbath in each month, which is for home expenses.
The Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor is now an important factor in Church work. The Christian Endeavor Society connected with this Church was organized Dec. 14, 1887, with 16 members. It has been prosperous and has tended to bring forward the young to do more and better Christian work. It sustains weekly meetings, and is now in a prosperous condition. About 61 active members have been connected with the society during these years, and 2 1 associate members. Jan. 1, 1898, the membership was 30 active and 3 associate members.
April 23, 1898, a Junior Endeavor Society was organized with 9 pledge members, which has increased to 17, and under the efficient superintendency of Mrs. U. M. Allen is doing a good work for the young. Meetings are held Sunday after- noons once in two weeks.
CATALOGUE OF MEMBERS.
From Organization of the Church in 1724 to January, 1899, with date of admission, dismissal, or death, as far as can be ascertained.
The committee in revising the list of Church members has labored under the difficulties that the early Church records were destroyed by fire in the burning of Rev. James Bridgham's house* in 1748, who was then Church clerk, and that the Christian names of married women were mostly omitted in the Church records and had to be sought for in the town records, and other sources, as have the records of deaths, etc. They were greatly indebted to the list in the Annals compiled by the former pastor, Rev. Jason Morse, and published in 1856. It is not to be supposed that the list is perfect, but the committee has taken great pains to make it as nearly so as time and the difficulties would permit. Most of the early members brought letters from other churches, and are so designated ; but of some it is not certain in regard to them, until 1748, when the records are more complete.
EXPLANATION.
0. Original members (probably).
1. Received by letter from another Church.
p. Received on profession of faith.
c. C. Connection ceased by vote of the Church.
ex. Excommunicated.
dis. Dismissed by letter to another Church.
d. Deceased, with date as far as known. a. Age.
* Asked and received letters of dismission and recommendation to an Ecclesiastical Council to form a Second Congregational Church in 1878. As the Council refused to form said Church, an independent Church was formed, and their names were dropped from the Church rolls in 1887, by vote of the Church.
0 Names of women inclosed in brackets ( ) their names before first or last marriage.
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