USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > One hundred years of Mount Vernon Church, 1842-1942 > Part 13
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6 For the material concerning the choir, the writer is indebted to Mr. Kenneth Shaw Usher.
106 ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF MOUNT VERNON CHURCH
of England's large cathedrals, in Notre Dame and Saint Sulpice in Paris, and in 1929 he played the entire service for the Cardinal of France at Chartres Cathedral. This honor came to him through Monsieur Widor of Paris.
On April 8, 1934, a special morning service7 was dedicated to Mr. Usher's twenty-five years of service. On this day, Mr. Usher was pre- sented with a beautifully embossed leather book with parchment leaves, containing passages from the sermon of the Reverend Carl Heath Kopf, tributes from the Reverend James Austin Richards and the Reverend Sidney Lovett, and personal letters from members. Mr. Charles H. Flood gave Mr. Usher a large silver bowl and two silver vases inscribed with the names of many Mount Vernon friends. Mr. Abbott H. Nile pre- sented him with a silver bowl from the members of the chorus choir and quartette. Because of doctor's orders, Mr. Usher reluctantly resigned in 1941. His many friends wish him many years of improved health and happiness.
The present organist, who succeeded Mr. Usher in the fall of 1941, is Mr. Melville Smith, the head of the Longy School of Music in Cam- bridge. Previous to this appointment, he had been in Cleveland where he was professor at Western Reserve University, organist of the Cleve- land Symphony Orchestra, and organist of the First Unitarian Church. Mount Vernon Church welcomes Mr. Smith and, under his musical leadership, faces a future worthy of the past.
" Miss Rose Stewart, Mrs. Lillian Hamilton Thornquist, and Mr. George E. Hills as- sisted the chorus choir in this service.
13 Mount Vernon Church Today Mount Vernon Church today strives to keep life steady in an unsteady world.
-CARL HEATH KOPF
M OUNT VERNON CHURCH today, under the dynamic, earnest, and enthusiastic leadership of the Reverend Carl Heath Kopf, is vigorous, active, and steadily growing in membership. The church is determined "to keep life steady in an unsteady world."
Notwithstanding the fact that statistics are boring and "comparisons are odious," a few details will be given which, in the light of the fore- going history, are of interest. As the beginnings of the church more or less depicted the thoughts, customs, racial background and religious heritage of a cross section of Boston at that time, so does a recent church survey1 picture a certain cross section of the Boston of today.
In 1842, most of the members were of English and Scotch ancestry, with Congregational or Presbyterian heritage. Through the years, with the influx into the United States of many nationalities, the old New England stock in Boston is no longer in the great majority. Today-as is evidenced by the members of the diaconate and standing committee2 -Mount Vernon Church is a veritable League of Nations, with mem- bers of Armenian, Chinese, English, German, Swedish, and other racial backgrounds. This is a healthy condition not only in a democracy but also in a democratic church. This is truly America. These races, with cultural backgrounds so old as and some older than that of the founders of New England, have contributed their share to what we call Ameri- can culture.
According to this survey, there were eighteen denominations present on October 26, 1941, including, in order of per cent: Congregational, Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, Episcopalian, Unitarian, Lutheran, Universalist, Catholic, Christian Disciples, Community Union, All Prot- estant, Evangelical, United Church in Canada, Christian Science Church, Jewish, Reformed Church, Armenian Church, and Seventh Day Advent- ist. Thirteen cards stated "no preference." At the dedication of the new
1 On October 26, 1941, a parish survey was made after the morning service, attended by a congregation of 818 people. The questionnaire was filled out by 80% of those present. Of the 20% who did not answer, it is assumed that many were members. The results of the survey were compiled by Mrs. Kendall P. Horton.
2 See Appendix R for officers.
107
108 ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF MOUNT VERNON CHURCH
church in 1892, the Reverend Samuel Edward Herrick said, "Mount Vernon Church stands for religion, and not for creed." Fifty years later, in 1942, this is an appropriate motto.
Only a few of the above persons indicated that they came from nearby churches, which shows that Mount Vernon Church is not proselyting neighboring churches. In the last two years there has been an increase of four per cent in membership.
Approximately one third of the congregation are students, with Mas- sachusetts Institute of Technology leading in the ratio of five to one. The other major groups are homemakers, business men and women, doctors and nurses, teachers, and musicians and artists.
Within two years there has been an increase of fifteen per cent of those members in the congregation who have become interested in one or more of the following organizations: the Dwight L. Moody Bible Class for men, the Young People's Society, the Women's Association, the Mount Vernon Guild for women, the Olla Podrida Club for women, the Men of Mount Vernon, the Couples Club, and the School of Life. Over one half of the one hundred and seventy-nine students present were inter- ested in the Young People's Society. The ratio of women to men is two to one. Twenty-six per cent of the congregation are married. This figure is not low considering the large group of young students in the congre- gation.
A little over six per cent of the congregation have been coming to the church for more than eight years, and the remainder have been coming for eight years or less. Two-thirds of the membership and ninety-five per cent of the non-members have come to the church within the minis- try of the Reverend Carl Heath Kopf. Many of the former old members have died; others have moved out of the state or to the suburbs. Most of the suburbanites have continued their membership at the church.
In general, this survey shows that Mount Vernon Church has moved forward with a steady growth rather than with a spectacular leap. There are no radical changes. The whole picture is encouraging.
The church will celebrate its one hundredth birthday the last week in May, 1942, beginning with Holy Communion and a centenary service of worship by the Reverend Carl Heath Kopf on Sunday, May 24, The text of the sermon will be Can Christ Save This World? On Monday and Tuesday there will be a centenary conference on "The Church and the World," with past ministers and assistant ministers as speakers and leaders. On Monday evening a community service will be held with Dr. Rufus M. Jones of the Friends Service Committee as the speaker. The principal speakers at the dinner on Tuesday evening will be Dr. Karl T.
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MOUNT VERNON CHURCH TODAY
Compton, Dr. James Austin Richards, and Dr. Sidney Lovett. On Thurs- day evening there will be a pageant, directed by Mrs. Lillie-Ann Wer- ner Samuels, based on historical incidents in the life of the church. On Monday, June 1, there will be a birthday pilgrimage to the Park Street Church, where Mount Vernon Church was organized on June 1, 1842; then to the Boston University Law School on Ashburton Place, the met- amorphosed old church building; and back to the present church, with concluding prayers for God's guidance.
The world in 1942 is war-torn and chaotic, facing religious persecu- tion in many countries. In a world such as this, all churches, regardless of creed, have a tremendous task to perform, to help build a new world order, founded on freedom, religious tolerance, brotherhood, and eco- nomic justice for all. To this ideal of universal brotherhood Mount Ver- non Church pledges its support, and faces a second century worthy of the heritage of the past.
Appendix
INTERIOR OF CHURCH TODAY (Photo by Don Fellows, taken during services on Palm Sunday, 1942)
MOUNT VERNON CHURCH TODAY (Photo by Don Fellows, taken Palm Sunday, 1942)
Arrangement & Studies-
years
Brick Fitament - L'aidesie-
--
1 2
3 - - - Church Hiretory
Composition of formoni. - - 1 -
Ckich History Polity
Elocution
-
History of Dechine Dogmatica Alanis
Pastoral Thealong - -
- 3 3
Honden Guck itt Hebrew
2
Thursday Greek Felt.
1 2
Comp. il Persona Elocution
Comp. of firmen? Eltrutin
Friday
Greek Feel-
Greek Fest- 2
Church Hister
Church History
Coup of limone -
Patruday
Wednesday Greek Yet.
Guck Felt
Church Histor
Comp. of hommes
٥ حتم عام
Comp of Ferlay --
THE PROGRAM OF STUDY UNDER DR. KIRK
DAVID OTIS MEARS' PROGRAM OF STUDY UNDER DR. KIRK From David Otis Mears, D. D., An Autobiography, with Memoir and Notes, by H. A. Davidson. Published by The Pilgrim Press in 1920
/ 2 3
Worship
123
A
RECORD OF MEETING ON DECEMBER 16, 1841.
There were present, of the pastors, the Rev. Messrs. Aiken, Adams, Winslow, Rogers, Blagden, and Towne, and Rev. Seth Bliss, Secretary of the American Tract Society ; of the lay brethren, Deacons Samuel T. Armstrong, Pliny Cutler, Daniel Safford, Lewis T. Stoddard, Eliphalet Kimball, Lemuel P. Grosvenor, N. P. Rogers, Charles Scudder, Daniel Noyes, James Tufts, and Charles Stod- dard, Messrs. Moses L. Hale, George W. Crockett, Samuel Hubbard, Thomas A. Davis, Charles W. Homer, and William W. Stone.
Samuel T. Armstrong was called to preside, and William W. Stone to act as Secretary.
Rev. N. Adams led in prayer. Rev. Mr. Aiken stated the object for which the meeting was called, and each individual present was requested to express his views of the proposal. Rev. Messrs. Rogers, Aiken, Winslow, Adams, Blagden, Towne, and Bliss, were unanimously of opinion that a new Orthodox Congrega- tional church in this city should be formed without delay, and that Rev. Edward N. Kirk should be obtained, if possible, for its Pastor, and expressed their readi- ness to render any aid in their power towards accomplishing the object.
The lay brethren present unanimously coincided in these views, provided satisfactory assurances could be given that sufficient funds could be obtained to erect a house of worship.
On motion of Rev. Mr. Bliss, a Committee of nine was appointed to take the subject into consideration, and to take such measures for the accomplishment of the object, as they should deem expedient, with power to fill vacancies in the Committee.
The following brethren were appointed on this Committee :- Rev. Seth Bliss, Deacons Pliny Cutler, Charles Scudder, Charles Stoddard, Julius A. Palmer, Daniel Safford, Messrs. George W. Crockett, Moses L. Hale, and William W. Stone.
After the reading of the above records by the Secretary, and their adoption as the doings of the meeting, Rev. Mr. Aiken led in prayer, and the meeting was dissolved.
SAMUEL T. ARMSTRONG, Chairman. WILLIAM W. STONE, Secretary.
113
B
THE ORIGINAL CALL TO THE REVEREND EDWARD NORRIS KIRK, MARCH 30, 1842.
To the Revª Edward N. Kirk,
REVd & DEAR SIR,
You are aware that there exists a very strong desire among the Orthodox Congregational churches in this city, & their Pastors, that you should accept the pastoral charge of a new Orthodox Church here. A meeting of the Pastors, & a number of lay brethren from their Churches, was held some month's since, when this measure was unanimously recommended. A Committee was chosen at that meeting, to whom the matter was referred, with instructions to take such action, as they might judge expedient, for the accomplishment of this object. That Committee have held several meetings for consultation & prayer, but vari- ous circumstances have prevented their bringing the subject definitely before you, until the present time.
Accompanying this communication, we present to you the names of several Christian brethren, from several of the churches, who have agreed, as you will perceive by their signatures, to unite in forming a new church, on condition of your becoming their Pastor. And in their name & behalf, the undersigned have been appointed a Committee, respectfully to solicit of you a compliance with that condition, on which they have united in the enterprise. Many of these brethren are already known to you, & we may say of them all, that they are united in their views, & would form, we believe, a harmonious, active & ef- ficient church, coinciding & co-operating with you in such measures, as you would adopt to promote the interests of our Redeemer's Kingdom, in this city, & throughout our country & the world.
The brethren interested in this object, are well aware that there are other claims, & strong claims upon your future labors ;- but in their view, there are none so strong as those which Boston now presents. Permit us, in their behalf, to submit for your consideration, some of the reasons which lead them to this opinion.
I. The present position of Boston & New-England, in their relations to our country & the world, are such as to render their immediate and entire evangeli- zation, a matter of the greatest importance. New England considered merely in a Geographical, or territorial point of view, and the population of Boston numerically considered, may appear, in reference to the rest of our country, of relatively diminishing importance.
Yet when we consider the varied & powerful influences, which emanate from New England, & pervade the whole land, the importance of having those in- fluences imbued with the Spirit of the Gospel, cannot be over-rated. All the great social & political, educational, moral & religious interests of the nation, have been affected by New England mind & character to an extent that has never
114
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APPENDIX B
been exaggerated. The councils of our Government, & its policy at home & abroad have ever felt the weight of the voice of New-England. And never be- fore has the extent & importance of this influence, been more apparent, than at the present moment. Our Cabinet policy at home, our diplomatic influence at the most important Court in Christendom, St. James, and our national influence over the most extended empire in the world, the Chinese, bears the impress of the mind of the Sons of New England.
And if we look at the future, the moral influence of New England & Boston never appeared relatively, of such increasing importance, as at the present time. Contiguity to Europe, facility of communication and commercial intercourse with the western Valley, the influence of her presses, her systems of education, her religious institutions, are unquestionably exerting a wider & more powerful influence, than those of any other section of our land.
II. A position in Boston will enable you to exert a commanding influence over all New England. Within a small circle round the city, there is a popula- tion of some 200,000 Souls, homogenious [sic ] in character, & far more accessi- ble to your influence, than perhaps, any other, equally numerous portion of our whole population. The large cities & towns of the interior are so connected with Boston, intercourse is so constant & rapid, & the opportunities of influence so continually recurring, from Legislative, civil & religious convocations here, that there is no possible way, to reach so speedily & effectively all New Engd as from Boston as a Centre.
III. The peculiar aspect of the public mind in the churches, & in the com- munity generally, far & near, is such, as to render your presence, here in such a situation, as this measure contemplates, peculiarly desirable. There seems to be a unanimous opinion, that the Churches of Boston owe it to themselves & to the cause & Kingdom of our Lord, to take some decided onward step, while the cloud of blessing that hangs over us, seems to say to his people, "that they go forward." There is, it is true, some difference of opinion, as to the course that is best to be pursued. But the organization of a new church, to be under your pastoral care, promises more than anything else, to reconcile & harmonize the views & feelings of the wise & good among us, in vigorously "holding forth" the word of Life, & pressing the claims of the gospel, upon a community, awakened & interested, in an unprecedented degree, by eternal truth. This con- sideration is truly of great importance. Nothing can be more desirable, at such a time as this, than union & sympathy, in feeling & action. In this crisis of our religious history, if all the people of God could "see eye to eye," & labor to- gether, in the "unity of the Spirit" & "the bonds of" unfeigned Christian "love," we can scarcely place any limits to the triumphs of the Cross, which Faith would anticipate among us.
IV. There seems to be a crisis, not only in the progress of the Gospel, but also in the policy so to speak, which is adopted to advance it. The children of God have been learning a lesson from that "generation" that are "wiser," than they, & are beginning to adapt their efforts and measures, to reach with the power of the Gospel, the masses of human Society. They are returning to the
116 ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF MOUNT VERNON CHURCH
example, of the "Master," & his earliest disciples, of addressing themselves primarily, to those classes of their fellow men, whom the "spirit of this world," is most prone to neglect.
They have seen it demonstrated, that this is the surest & speediest way to reach all classes. "Every Valley," they are beginning to exalt, assured that thus, every "mountain & hill," shall be brought low. And now, the organization & progress of a new church in Boston, under your pastoral care, pursuing such a policy in this respect, as we believe is in accordance with your views of the dis- tinctive characteristics of the dispensation of grace, could scarcely fail to give altogether a new impulse to the cause of Christ.
There are two objections to a compliance with this request, which we an- ticipate will arise in your mind, on which we would also beg leave to make a single suggestion.
I. The claims of the Foreign Evangelical Society. It is not possible that a residence in Boston, with such freedom of intercourse with the churches of New England, & elsewhere, as you would enjoy, would enable you to do quite as much for that great object as in any other way? Boston is our nearest point to Paris. Why may it not be made for this object also, a kind of connecting link with all the churches. There is besides much intelligence & wealth here, that may be brought to the foot of the Cross & enlisted in the noble work of restoring a pure gospel to the Old World. Your personal & intimate acquaintance with the State of things abroad, the civil & religious condition of papal dominions, & your intercourse with our Churches here & in the interior, & the constant & di- rect transatlantic communication from this point, would seem to make this a most advantageous position to advance your long cherished cause.
II. The other objection to which we allude, is, the claims you may feel to be resting on you, to labor as an Evangelist.
And here, too, we would ask, whether the great desideration of your labors in this sphere, may not under present circumstances, be best secured by locating yourself in Boston. It cannot be concealed, that there are many persons in the ministry & in the churches, both in New England & out of it, who are honestly & conscientiously opposed to that system. Many of them are our best & most judicious men. The strength of their opinions & objections is not likely to di- minish. If therefore, in the spirit of Christian love, their objections & difficulties can be removed, & all or nearly all the advantages of those labors, be secured, a great point would be attained. And does it not permit of a question, whether a position here as a Pastor, with all desirable latitude for excursions & exchanges, would not accomplish both these objects. There are not few, whose opinions deserve the highest respect, who would rejoice, in the utmost success of your labors in that department, for which God seems eminently to have fitted you, could it be brought to pass, without compromising their fixed & settled prin- ciples.
It is in view of such considerations as the foregoing, that the brethren feel the importance of this measure to which they ask your attention. They seek
117
APPENDIX C
only the "glory of our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ," in the entire evangelization of this city, & believe that your agency in carrying out this design, is full of promise to our Zion, & to the "coming Kingdom" in the world.
It is their hope & prayer, that the great head of the Church may lead you to a favorable reply to this communication, & in such case, arrangements for the execution of the enterprise will be made, to your satisfaction.
At a convenient time, the Committee will be happy of an opportunity to con- fer with you personnally [sic], & more fully on the subject. Their fervent pray- ers will unite with yours, that the "guidance of the Holy Spirit" may lead to that decision which shall be most for the glory of God, & the good of us all,-
Meanwhile we are, in behalf of the Brethren,
Yours respectfully & in Christian affection,
SETH BLISS
GORHAM D. ABBOTT GEO. W. CROCKETT THO. ADAMS Wm W. STONE
DANIEL SAFFORD
MARSHALL S. SCUDDER Committee
BOSTON March 30th 1842.
C
CONFESSION OF FAITH
As adopted in 1842.
We believe,
That the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the perfect and only infallible revelation to man- kind, of religious doctrine and duty.
And we believe, that they teach us these great doctrines :---
That there is but one God, a Spirit, infinite in all natural and moral per- fections, existing as Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; and that these three are one, and, in all divine attributes, equal.
As amended Feb. 2, 1844.
We believe,
That the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments were given by the inspiration of God, and are the perfect, and only infallible revelation to mankind of religious doctrine and duty.
And we believe that they teach us these great doctrines ---
That there is but one God, a Spirit, infinite in all natural and moral per- fections, existing as Father, Son and Holy Ghost; and that these three are one, and in all divine attributes equal.
118 ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF MOUNT VERNON CHURCH
That He made the heavens and the earth and all things therein, which he preserves and governs, for the ac- complishing of his own most wise and holy purposes.
That man was made in the image of God; but that since the first transgres- sion, all men have lost that image, and are "by nature, children of wrath."
That it is only by the effect of a free and Sovereign purpose of God, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, that any are restored to holiness and the divine favor, and secured to eter- nal life.
That God so loved the world, as to give his only begotten Son to be "made flesh," to be made under the law, and to die, the just for the un- just ; that, whosoever believeth in him, might not perish, but have everlasting life.
That Salvation is fully, freely, sin- cerely, and earnestly offered to all men, on the conditions of repentance toward God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
That Christ has instituted an ex- ternal and visible Church, whose seal- ing ordinances, to the end of time, are Baptism and the Lord's Supper: that Baptism is to be administered to all who make a credible profession of their faith, and to their infant-chil- dren; that the Lord's Supper is to be administered only to those who pro- fess to have been renewed by the Holy Spirit.
That there will be a resurrection of all the dead, both just and unjust.
That all must stand before the judgment seat of Christ, and receive a sentence of retribution, according to the deeds done in the body; and that
That He made the heavens and the earth, and all things therein, which he preserves and governs, for the ac- complishing of his own most wise and holy purposes.
That man was made in the divine image; but that since the first trans- gression, all men have lost that image, and are by nature without holiness, and alienated from God.
That it is only by the effect of a free and sovereign purpose of God, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, that any are restored to holiness, and the divine favor, and secured to eter- nal life.
That the Son of God became incar- nate, and by his obedience, sufferings and death upon the cross, the just for the unjust, made a complete atone- ment, which forms the only ground of the forgiveness of sin.
That salvation is fully, freely, sin- cerely, and earnestly offered to all men on the conditions of repentance to- ward God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.
That Christ has instituted an ex- ternal and visible church, whose seal- ing ordinances, to the end of time, are Baptism and the Lord's Supper; that Baptism is to be administered to all who make a credible profession of their faith, and to their infant-chil- dren ; that the Lord's Supper is to be administered only to those who pro- fess to have been renewed by the Holy Spirit.
That there will be a resurrection of all the dead, both just and unjust.
That all must stand before the judgment-seat of Christ, and receive a sentence of retribution, according to the deeds done in the body; and that
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