USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Hyde Park > Memorial sketch of Hyde Park, Mass., for the first twenty years of its corporate existence : also its industries, statistics, and organizations, together with the anniversary addresses delivered by Rev. Perley B. Davis and Rev. Richard J. Barry > Part 4
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First Congregational Church .- Congregational ser- vices were first held in Hyde Park in December, 1860, in Bragg's Hall. The place of meeting was soon changed to Lyman Hall, where, for a few months, the services were conducted by Rev. L. R. Eastman, afterwards, with only occa- sional clerical aid, by the brethren, until Dec. 1, 1862, when Rev. Hiram Carlton commenced ministerial labors, which were continued till October, 1864. On May 7, 1863, an ecclesiastical council organized here a church of ten members, of which Sylvester Phelps and Thomas Hammond were elected deacons. Rev. R. Manning Chipman was the officiating clergyman from Dec. 1, 1864, to Nov. 30, 1866, the services being held during this time in Bragg's Hall. In January, 1867, the church and society extended a call to Rev. Perley B. Davis, who was
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then settled over the church at Sharon, Mass., who accepted, and was installed April roth following, continuing as pastor of the society to this day.
Measures were now taken for the erection of a parsonage and church edifice. A lot of land at the junction of Fairmount Avenue and Everett square, extending through to Oak street, was presented to the society by the Real Estate and Building Company, and a parsonage fronting on Oak street, and costing
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
about five thousand dollars, was built, and occupied by the pastor the following September. On Jan. 31, 1868, the corner- stone of the church edifice was laid with appropriate exercises, and October 15th following the church was publicly dedicated to the worship of God, the pastor preaching the sermon. The building is a Gothic structure, costing seventeen thousand dollars, and had a seating capacity of four hundred and sixty- two. By the untiring efforts of the ladies of the congregation
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it was furnished with an organ, bell, carpet, and cushions, at an expense of nearly five thousand dollars. For the better accom- modation of the Sunday school and social meetings, in the autumn of 1874 a chapel was erected adjoining the church, capable of seating three hundred people. This was built by voluntary subscription, presented to the society, and dedicated Jan. I, 1875.
On Sunday, Sept. 7, 1879, by the efforts of Mr. Edward Kimball, the debt of twelve thousand five hundred dollars, which had rested very heavily upon the society, was raised by pledges from the congregation, and in December, 1880, the debt was fully paid. April 16, 1880, seven members were dismissed from the church to form a nucleus for the church at Clarendon Hills. Owing to the increase in numbers of the congregation and Sunday school during the two years ensuing, it was decided to enlarge both church and chapel, at a cost of ten thousand dollars, and, nearly that amount having been pledged, work was begun in October, 1883. The church was so remod- elled as to furnish seven hundred and sixty-nine sittings, includ- ing the choir seats. The chapel was made thirty-five feet longer, a portion being fitted for class rooms and library. The enlarged church was re-dedicated Feb. 26, 1884, and the chapel the next evening.
The condition of the church is very prosperous, it having a membership of five hundred and thirty-one, of whom forty-four were received during the last year.
Methodist-Episcopal Church .- April 22, 1868, found the M. E. Church in Hyde Park a struggling society of fifty- three members, worshipping in a small hall known as Bragg's Hall. The society had been formed on Feb. 10th of the pre- ceding year, and Messrs. M. L. Whicher, John Terry, and C. D. Hubbard had at that time hired the hall, furnished it with settees, and agreed to meet all deficiencies of the first year. This was cheerfully done, but after the first year the church was self-supporting ; therefore, April 22, 1868, found the church small but self-supporting, with a regular pastor, Rev. N. T. Whitaker. Under his vigorous charge the little church grew
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so that in 1869 a larger place of worship was sorely needed, and Union Hall, just vacated by the Congregational Society, was secured. In the same year, 1869, Mr. Whitaker was succeeded by Rev. Geo. Prentice, who ministered faithfully to the young church, a preacher of no mean ability, but who was appointed elsewhere at the close of his first year. His departure was deeply regretted. Mr. Prentice was succeeded by Rev. E.
METHODIST-EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
S. Best, who served the church for two years, 1870-1. During Mr. Best's pastorate the church continued to increase, so that still larger accommodations were found necessary, and in 1871 Neponset Hall was occupied. In the same year, 1871, the pres- ent parsonage on Central Avenue was built and occupied.
In 1872, Rev. E. A. Manning was appointed to Hyde Park. At this time the matter of building a new church was vigorously agitated. A fine building location had previously been secured
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on Central Avenue ; the church had now increased to consider- ably over a hundred members, the town was rapidly growing, and all signs looked propitious.
Plans were obtained of Mr. A. P. Cutting, of Worcester, a con- siderable amount of money was pledged, and the step was definitely decided upon.
In April, 1873, Rev. G. W. Mansfield was welcomed by the church as its pastor, and within sixty days contracts were let out for a fine modern church edifice.
Ground was broken on June 2, 1873, the first sod being turned by Mrs. Mary E. Warren, the pioneer Methodist of Hyde Park. The corner-stone was laid under the north-east corner, Oct. 28, 1873, Bishop Wiley officiating. The vestries were dedicated on watch-night, Dec. 31, 1873, by Rev. Dr. Pierce, editor of Zion's Herald. It was an occasion long to be remembered by those present. The ensuing months were a time of special religious interest, and under the successful min- istrations of Mr. Mansfield a large number were added to the church. The auditorium was completed and dedicated Nov. 19, 1874; Rev. H. W. Warren, D. D., of Brooklyn, (now bishop) preaching the dedicatory sermon.
The cost of the church was about $45,000. Mr. Mansfield remained with the church for the full term of three years, and was followed in 1876 by Rev. J. S. Whedon.
The long period of financial depression which followed the completion of the church was most deeply felt by this society, and the debt, always large, grew to enormous proportions. The tremendous strain under which the church was laboring led to some unfortunate misunderstandings between pastor and official board, and Mr. Whedon's brilliant, but short, career culminated in his resignation in 1877.
Rev. Dr. H. J. Fox, of South Carolina, was appointed to fill the vacancy, and ably occupied the pulpit for two years, 1877-78.
It was apparent at the commencement of his pastorate that the debt must be reduced if the church property was to be kept.
The debt in July, 1877, as given by the trustees, was $41,500, and during Dr. Fox's administration it was reduced to $31,000
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by various agencies and means, two concerts in Music Hall, Boston, netting $1,600.
Dr. Fox was succeeded in 1879 by Rev. W. N. Richardson, who was the pastor for the next three years. During his term the church was freed from debt. This was mostly done in the third year of Mr. Richardson's pastorate, and largely through his personal efforts. A church debt-raising society was formed, of which Mr. Charles Woodbury was president, and Mr. George B. Warren treasurer.
The mortgage of $21,000 on the church was taken up April I, 1882, at the very close of Mr. Richardson's term of ministry. He was followed by Rev. Jesse Wagner, who for three years was the successful and greatly loved pastor. During the three years' term of Mr. Wagner, repairs and improvements to the amount of $2,000 were made to the church property, all paid when done.
Mr. Wagner was followed in 1885 by Rev. Frederick Woods, D. D., formerly the pastor of Trinity M. E. Church, Springfield, Mass. Dr. Woods is an original thinker, a pulpit orator of extraordinary ability, and a most vigorous advocate of all modern reform movements. He now closes (April, 1888) his full term of three years, and it is apparent that the church and congregation will greatly miss his talented services.
Mr. W. T. Worth, of Lowell, Mass., has just been appointed.
First Unitarian Society of Hyde Park. - This society was among the last to organize as a separate denomina- tion. In consequence of action taken at a preliminary meeting held in the old Fairmount schoolhouse June 1, 1867, at which John P. Jewett was chairman, and Benjamin C. Vose secretary, regular services were, during the summer of this year, held in the old Music Hall on Sunday afternoons, prominent Unitarian clergymen of Boston and vicinity occupying the pulpit. In November of the same year the society moved to Deacon Hammond's Hall, near the New York & New England Railroad Station, and engaged as pastor the Rev. T. B. Forbush, who remained until the following March. In June, 1868, the society organized as a corporation under the general laws, and adopted
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as a name "The Christian Fraternity." The following year the name was changed to that of The Second Congregational Society of Hyde Park, and this name was in May, 1880, superseded by the present title.
In June, 1868, Rev. William Hamilton was invited to become the regular preacher, and he remained with the society nearly a year ; services being held in Hamblin's Hall. In February, 1869, Rev. Francis C. Williams was installed as pastor. During his pastorate, which continued until June, 1879, the society had a varied experience, particularly in its places of worship. Meeting in the Town Hall for about a year, they
FIRST UNITARIAN CHURCH.
thence went to Neponset Hall, where they remained till its destruction by fire, in the early part of 1874. Their church building was then in process of construction, and until its completion, in the latter part of the same year, they were kindly accommodated by the Methodist Society, which tendered the use of its vestry. The Unitarian Church Building was dedi- cated February 18, 1875, and in it their services have since been held. It occupies a sightly and pleasant position at the junction of Oak and Pine Streets on Mount Neponset, and presents to the eye a neat, attractive, and agreeable appearance. It is of the Romanesque style of architecture, and is con- structed in a very substantial manner, the material being wood.
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The audience-room, exclusive of the vestibule, is sixty-seven by thirty-seven feet, with a seating capacity of a little more than three hundred. The finish of the pulpit and its surroundings is of black walnut; of the pews black walnut and ash. It is well lighted with stained glass windows of agreeable tone, giving a restful and pleasing effect. In the vestry is a good- sized audience-room for the Sunday school ; a commodious and well-stocked library, also a ladies' parlor, dining-room, kitchen, etc. The land with the building and furnishings cost about $18,000, and with the exception of a comparatively small amount, had been paid by the time the church was ready for occupancy, - a result that was attained only by zealous and persistent effort and large self-sacrifice on the part of many of the early members of the society.
During his stay, Mr. Williams' influence on the church and the town was marked and beneficial. His successor was Rev. A. Judson Rich, who was invited in November, 1879, installed the next January, and remained four years. It was during his pastorate that the old-time enthusiasm of the members of the society and the ladies of the parish was again invoked, resulting in wiping out the balance of the debt upon the church and in the purchase of an organ for the choir.
In June, 1884, Rev. James Huxtable was called to the pastorate, and is now, April, 1888, ministering to the society. A man of unbounded modesty, he is an earnest student, a deep thinker, and has a fund of spirituality that has already made its impress upon those under his charge.
Union Evangelical Church is located at Readville and was organized April 26, 1872. Has been supplied by Rev. William F. Davis and Rev. J. B. Davis. It has no settled pastor at present. Starting with five members, it now numbers twenty-three.
Clarendon Congregational Church was organized April 19, ISSO, with twenty members. Rev. Samuel D. Hosmer was the first pastor and continued until April, 1882. He was succeeded in September, 1882, by Rev. A. H. Johnson,
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who still continues in charge of this church. Its present mem- bership is forty-one.
Roman Catholic Church .- Prior to April 22, 1868, the Catholic settlers in Hyde Park were attended by the pastor of Milton, Rev. Father McNulty. On the first Sunday of October, 1870, the parish was made a separate one. Part of the parish was taken from that of Dedham, and part from Dorchester. The first resident Catholic pastor was Rev. W. J. Corcoran. When he assumed charge, the parish numbered about 2,200 souls. The births during his first year were 83, as indicated by the baptismal records. Father Corcoran built a frame church on Hyde Park Avenue, which was burnt before completion. He also purchased the Richards estate on Mt. Neponset. Previous to holding services in the basement of the church which was destroyed, and after the burning of same, ser- vices were held in the old Music Hall, now the property of Dr. Soule. Father Corcoran remained in this parish for several years, and was succeeded by Rev. James S. Conlan. The Catholic population was smaller in 1880 than in 1870. In 1870 there were 83 children baptized, in 1880 only 63. The number of Catholics in 1870 was about 2,200; in 1880 about 1,700. Since 1880 the parish has grown, and it now numbers about 2,700. The present pastor, Rev. Richard J. Barry, was ap- pointed by Archbishop Williams, Feb. 1, 1880. He set to work at once to place the society on a permanent basis, and within two months after his arrival he began the elegant church which is such an ornament to the town. The corner stone of this splendid edifice was laid July 4, 1880, and the church was dedicated Sept. 12, 1885. Interiorly and exteriorly it is a sub- stantial and magnificent temple. The cost was $85,500.00. In 1884 Father Barry purchased the Gerry estate, which gives the Catholic Society over two acres of land in the very heart of the town. Money has been lavished in laying out the grounds, and no society in Hyde Park or elsewhere can show greater enterprise and perseverance. A new parochial school has been built on Mt. Neponset, which will accommodate 360 children. Two primary parochial schools will be erected in the spring.
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This society has laid out over $140,000 during the last eight years, and the total indebtedness to date is only $21,000. Nothing in the history of Hyde Park shows better the substan- tial growth of the town than the facts above recorded.
Last year there were 101 children baptized into the Catholic Church, out of a total of 233 children born in the town during the year. The Catholic population is between 2,700 and 2,800 persons. The Sunday school numbers 400, Mr. D. A. Leonard, superintendent.
The society is in a most flourishing condition and is about to be incorporated, its pastor still being Rev. Richard J. Barry, assisted by Rev. Henry A. Barry.
Young Men's Christian Association. - In the fall of 1868 an attempt was made to establish a Young Men's Christian Association, Charles F. Gerry being elected presi- dent, E. E. Blake and A. R. Whittier, vice-presidents, H. P. Hubbard, secretary, and J. Boag, treasurer, and although accomplishing some good, and preparing the soil for future planting, the time had not yet come when the grain should spring up and bear abundant harvest. This was reserved for another force of workers, and on the evening of December 18, 1884, a meeting of those interested in forming such an associa- tion was held in a class room of the Baptist Church. A com- mittee, of which C. L. Alden was chairman, and J. Mackrille, secretary, was appointed to consider the advisability of forming an association, and to see what encouragement would be given to such a movement. This committee reported Feb 2, 1885, at which time they stated that in their opinion there was sufficient encouragement to proceed. Accordingly, it was voted that an organization be effected at that time. Accommodations were secured in Neponset Block, consisting of reading-room, office, and parlor, and were occupied about the middle of March, at which time the reading-room was thrown open each evening, being well supplied with secular and religious papers, and periodicals. The second Sunday in March, meetings for young men only were organized and have been continued until the present time. The parlor was furnished with folding chairs
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and piano. It was not long before the rooms proved too small for the work, and an urgent call for a gymnasium was manifest. But there seemed to be no way for thus enlarging the work. In May, 1886, an opportunity presented itself in the skating rink being closed, and changing hands. It was finally decided to lease this building, having it fitted for their use, and when completed it gave very pleasant quarters, consisting of parlor, reading-room, office, coat room, kitchen, hall, and gymnasium.
The Association removed to its new location during October of that year. Here at once the work began to enlarge, and the membership rapidly increased. It soon became evident that volunteer labor could not longer be relied upon to give the time necessary for such a large work ; so at the annual meet- ing the present board of officers was elected, and instructed to employ a general secretary, who could put his whole time into the work, and allow the building to be opened all day, instead of evenings only, as heretofore. Since the coming of Mr. E. A. Pierce to fill that position, the work has continued to in- crease, and to-day the association stands as one of the perma- nent institutions of our town, with its work and needs well be- fore our citizens. It is hoped that it will continue to grow, and before we celebrate our quarter centennial that it will be located, not in a leased building, but in a permanent home of its own.
The Ladies' Auxiliary was organized early in the life of the Young Men's Christian Association. It is not an indepen- dent body, but is in all respects auxiliary to the association, and labors wholly for its benefit. While the association occupied the rooms in Neponset Block, the ladies purchased the carpet and table. Later, as they came to the new building (their pres- ent quarters), the ladies raised funds and furnished the parlor as it now appears. From time to time they have been called upon to provide and serve light refreshments at various gatherings, and are now pledged to furnish $400 toward the expenses for the present year.
Schools. - The town of Hyde Park was fortunate in that, at its organization, it had among its citizens men who fully ap-
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preciated the importance of a good school system. After a lapse of twenty years we have now cause to congratulate our- selves that some of these citizens were placed in charge of the public schools.
Many difficulties were to be met and overcome. Accommo- dations were to be provided, looking to the future growth of the infant town. A course of study was to be marked out, which should meet the wants of the children, and command the re- spect of the citizens. A liberal public sentiment was to be cre- ated toward the schools that their support might be certain and a progressive policy made possible. The transient char- acter of the population during the early years of our history made these duties still more arduous, but nevertheless a senti- ment favoring a liberal support of the public school has pre- vailed.
It has been the object from the beginning to make the schools practical. New theories have been carefully studied before being adopted, and whatever has seemed to detract from practical results has usually been rejected. Efforts have been continuous to hold the interest of parents in the school work of the children, and, as a rule, these have been successful.
The course in the Grammar Schools is so adapted that it requires eight years for its completion. At its completion diplomas are awarded. This course fairly fits pupils for the ordinary work of life. Much credit for the present efficiency of these schools is due to our good fortune in being able to retain for the past ten years or more Masters Dean, Cross, Howard, and Thompson, all able teachers, and fully devoted to the welfare of the schools of the town.
The High School has two courses - a classical, or four years' course, and a business, or two years' course. The first fits the student for college, while the second is designed to supplement the Grammar School course in giving a better busi- ness training. Prof. Elliot has been in charge of this school for about ten years, and has so conducted it that it now has a firm hold in the confidence of the citizens.
The four large Grammar School buildings, (one of which, the Greenwood, having been destroyed by fire, August 14, 1887, has
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been rebuilt in a still more substantial and improved manner, and was dedicated April 5, 1888,) and a commodious High School building, all well supplied with books and other things necessary for the complete working of the course, bear witness that the cause of education has held and still holds a warm place in the hearts of our citizens. It is safe to affirm that the town is largely indebted for its present prosperous condition to the generous support at all times given to its public schools.
Fire Department. - At a meeting of the Board of Selectmen, held Sept. 13, 1870, the following named gentle- men were appointed Fire Engineers for the ensuing year : Geo. B. Parrott, chief ; Enoch P. Davis ; Fergus A. Easton, clerk.
A call was made on the citizens for members at this date. Nov. 7, 1870, Hose Company No. 3 was organized, and elected the following officers : L. T. Sears, foreman ; G. S. Cheney, assistant foreman ; M. Underhill, clerk.
Nov. 9 Steam Fire Engine Company No. I was organized, with the following elected officers : H. A. Darling, foreman ; W. H. Cooper, assistant foreman ; T. A. Davin, clerk. At the same meeting Wm. U. Fairbairn was appointed as engineman of Steam Fire Engine Company No. I, G. Hodges as the assistant, and Joshua Wilder as steward of the Engine House.
Apr. 13, 1871, Hose Company No. 3 was relieved from hose duty, the members to take charge of Steamer No. 2, and David H. Wright appointed as engineman.
The Hook and Ladder Company No. I was formed in the year of 1870.
In the year of 1881 a Chemical Engine was added to the de- partment.
The present Board of Engineers are : Chief, Rinaldo Wil liams ; clerk, Robert Scott, Jr. ; and J. H. McKenna. The de- partment to-day numbers 40 members, including the three engi- neers and steward, Joshua Wilder, who has held this position ever since his appointment on Nov. 9, 1870.
The apparatus belonging to the department comprises Hose Companies Numbers 1, 2, and 3, Hook and Ladder Company No. I, and Chemical Engine Company No. I.
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Societies .- Hyde Park is richly blessed with secret benevo- lent societies, prominent among which are the Masonic bodies and orders of Odd Fellows, of which brief sketches are here appended.
Masonic Organizations .- Before the incorporation of the town of Hyde Park, the establishment of a lodge was con- sidered desirable by the Masons resident within its present territorial limits. A dispensation was, therefore, procured from the Most Worshipful Grand Master in response to a petition bearing twenty-one signatures.
Preliminary meetings had been held at various places in Ded- ham and Hyde Park, and the first regular communication of Hyde Park Lodge was called Feb. 15, 1866, at a small hall on Fairmount Avenue, since occupied by the Advent Society. Here the lodge held its meetings until the following winter, when a hall was leased and fitted up in the Music Hall building, corner of River Street and Hyde Park Avenue. The same was dedicated, and Hyde Park Lodge was constituted by Grand Master Charles C. Dame and the officers of the Grand Lodge, Dec. 21, 1866. The charter members were fifteen in number. In September, 1869, the fraternity again folded their tents, and occupied apartments in the third story of the Gordon Hall build- ing, corner of River Street and Gordon Avenue. The building was purchased by the town the following year, and used and known as the Town Hall until its destruction by fire, March 8, 1883.
During this period of nearly fourteen years a Chapter, Coun- cil, and Commandery were organized, and the history of each of the several bodies was one of uninterrupted prosperity. By the fire the fraternity were suddenly ejected from the pleasant rooms which had so long been their home, and suffered a total loss of all their furniture and paraphernalia. By special author- ity from the Grand Master the meetings of Hyde Park Lodge were held for three months in the hall of Constellation Lodge, of Dedham, and more recently in Neponset Hall, until the com- pletion of spacious and convenient apartments in the new Masonic building on River Street. The new halls were occu-
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