USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > One hundred years of Mount Vernon Church, 1842-1942 > Part 8
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In 1863 they decided in the negative: "Are the abolitionists of this country responsible for the present war?" Then again, in September of that year, they decided in the negative: "WHEREAS, We believe that slav- ery has been the sole cause of the present civil war in our country, there- fore Resolved, That we believe it to be the duty of the loyal people of this our land to insist upon the annihilation of slavery before listening to any overture for peace from the rebels against our government."
Another question in which the young men were vitally interested was the equality of the races. The decisions, following the debates on the subject, prove that although they wanted to abolish slavery they were not unanimous in their willingness to accept as their equals all men "irre- spective of race or color." This attitude was evident when in 1865 they decided six in the negative and four in the affirmative on the question: "Resolved, that all the avenues to places of trust, honor and power be open to all the native born citizens of the United States irrespective of race or color." Again, in the next year, they decided in the negative with the same ratio: "Resolved, That every man who has reached the age of twenty-one years, not disqualified by crime or mental incapacity, should be allowed the ballot, without regard to race or color."
Many of the members and former members of the Association of Young Men enlisted. Mr. Benjamin Dow, an officer of the Association, wished to go on record with the suggestion that "those who leave us . . . endeavor to let their light shine & show that they go forth not only as Soldiers of the United States but as Soldiers of the Cross." He also offered the following resolutions, which were recorded by the secretary on Sep- tember 1, 1862:
WHEREAS, We have heard with pleasure that many of our members are en- listing in the army to defend their country in the hour of peril;
Therefore Resolved, That we heartily approve of the spirit of patriotism
62
ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF MOUNT VERNON CHURCH
which is making itself known in the ranks of our gallant members & fur- ther more we pledge to them our best wishes & our earnest prayers that the "God of Battles" will shield them in the hour of danger & temptation & return them to us again & that speedily & when the Stars & Stripes shall wave triumphantly over our whole territory & over a nation of freemen.
Further Resolved, That each member of the association who has enlisted in the army or who shall enlist be requested to correspond frequently with some one of our members & we pledge ourselves to keep our gallant soldiers well posted about what is going on at home.
When news reached Boston that at least six of the United States of America had voted to secede from the Union and set up for themselves an independent government, with apprehension concerning the future of their country, the young men recorded in February, 1861: "We believe secession to be Treason and all those who are engaged in it are guilty of a wicked rebellion against the best government the sun ever shone upon."
With great excitement the young men learned that one of their mem- bers, George S. Baker of Charleston, South Carolina, "formerly of Bos- ton," had "treasonably taken up arms against his country" by joining the Rebel Army in South Carolina. On February 18, 1861, the secretary of the Association was instructed to write to Mr. Baker, sending him a copy of their resolution to expel him from the Mount Vernon Association of Young Men, whose title "recalls to our minds all that is great and glori- ous in our Nation's history." The secretary demanded Mr. Baker to send them a "satisfactory explanation" of what they deemed "a crime against our God, Country, and fellow man." Exactly two weeks later his re- sponse3 was read, in which he attempted to justify himself "in taking up arms against the Government."
The members proceeded to vote on the expulsion of Mr. Baker. The result was "14 yeas and 4 nays." The final verdict was "That while we accord to him the fullest liberty of action in all matters of conscience or otherwise yet we claim the same for ourselves and in justice to this feel- ing his name is hereby erased from the roll of our membership."
Feeling' was tense, as is often the case when a vote is not unanimous, and at the next meeting Mr. E. C. Dillingham "presented a paper signed by several members protesting against the action of the Association in the expulsion of Mr. Baker, and requesting that their protest might be entered on the records."
Another exciting meeting of the young men was on May 12, 1862, when Dr. Kirk gave an "account of his recent visit to Washington, Forts
3 This letter is not extant.
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NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL CRISES
Monroe and Yorktown." Dr. Kirk had accompanied the Honorable Ed- ward S. Tobey4 in April, 1862, on a visit to the fleet at Hampton Roads. In giving the party passes through the lines, Secretary Stanton "playfully remarked that Dr. Kirk should be the commission's chaplain."5 Such he was all the way. He closely inspected the little Monitor, after her recent engagement with the Merrimac. Then he visited the army of General McClellan from Cheeseman's Landing, "riding horseback nine miles through a furious northeaster." He visited the fortifications in Yorktown, three days before the Confederates left them to the Union forces. Wher- ever he met soldiers, he addressed them and prayed with them.
Returning to Boston, after this short trip, he made frequent visits to the various camps nearby. In an address to those who had enlisted, he re- marked:
CITIZEN SOLDIERS .- I congratulate you that your patriotism can take on a practical form. Mine, at present, must express itself in words; you lay your lives on your country's altar. I congratulate you, that, while you are under military rule which must secure absolute submission to one control- ling will, it is not as slaves or as machines. In the present case, the cause of the rulers is the cause of the people of God. You are sovereigns contend- ing for the sceptre intrusted to your hands by the King of kings.
As a minister of Christ's gospel of peace, I am free to encourage you in your present course. . . . You are God's instrument, "a minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil." You are the arm of government, protecting itself, punishing treason, defending a continent from anarchy and tyranny. .
And to help you to become believers in our blessed Redeemer, with a living, practical soul-transforming faith, our generous and patriotic neigh- bor, Mr. H., has furnished this parcel of little religious books, which I have now the privilege of distributing to you.
And suffer me, your brother, to give you a word of counsel, as soldiers and as men. A soldier must be a gentleman that respects himself; that loves his country and her banner; prompt to obey every military rule; patient in toil and privation; holding his life too precious to throw away rashly, and the triumph of his cause more precious than his life. He should pro- mote temperance, purity, cheerfulness, and good will in the camp. He should be a Christian gentleman, a man prepared to live usefully, ready to die; for his work lies on the confines of death.6
4 Edward S. Tobey was appointed by Governor Andrew a commissioner on harbor de- fense with Lieutenant-Governor Hayden.
5 David O. Mears, Opus Citum, p. 296.
David O. Mears, Opus Citum, pp. 299-300.
64 ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF MOUNT VERNON CHURCH
In the spring of 1864 Dr. Kirk was appointed one of the delegates to the Christian Commission,7 whose purpose was "to extend material aid and to minister to the spiritual needs of the army." The delegation of this Commission proceeded from Washington to the Army of the Po- tomac, arriving only a few weeks before the advance of General Grant upon Richmond. General Meade was at Brandy Station, and here the Commission had fixed their tent. General Meade invited Dr. Kirk to stay with him.
These Christian workers rode on horseback to Pony Mountain, the outer signal-station of the army, from which the fortifications of the Con- federate army could be seen across the Rapidan. Dr. Kirk remarked: "I have seen a good deal of the world, of the church, of revivals and reli- gious operations, but this is something peculiar in the history of the world and the church."
Dr. Kirk preached to the soldiers from his saddle, and ministered to their physical and spiritual needs. Returning to Brandy Station and from there to the camps near Washington, his party visited the regiments and the hospitals.
The exigencies of space prevent fuller details of this story. Dr. Kirk gives a glimpse of some of his activities in the following letter written from Brandy Station, Virginia, on April 8, 1864:
MY DEAR SISTERS,
Here we are, after some inconveniences, but much interested in our visit to the camps around Washington.
Yesterday morning we were all in a tent of the Christian Commission, when the colonel in command of the post came in. He has just been, con- verted. I talked to him in presence of our whole company. His replies to my inquiries subdued every heart. A Unitarian gentleman from Boston is with us. He was very much affected at that spectacle; especially when we bowed together in prayer, and then arose and sang "Crown Him Lord of all." The meeting in the evening with a thousand soldiers was very interest- ing.
This morning we came by rail through Bull Run, Manassas, Bealton, etc., etc., to Brandy Station. Our plans are a little uncertain yet. I am well, and doing well.
Your affectionate brother,
EDWARD N. KIRK.
7 Margaret Leech, Reveille in Washington, 1860-1865, pp. 217-218. "The United States Christian Commission was an outgrowth of the Y.M.C.A. It had been formed in New York City ... in 1861 at the suggestion of Mr. Vincent Colyer, ... who, as representative of the New York Y.M.C.A., had gone to Washington after First Bull Run to distribute Bibles, tracts and hymnbooks to the soldiers. . .. In addition to their spiritual ministrations, however, they gave comfort to the body as well; . . . " (Quoted by permission of Harper & Bros.)
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NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL CRISES
THE ABRAHAM LINCOLN-GEORGE B. MCCLELLAN PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN IN 1864
On November 8, 1864, Abraham Lincoln was re-elected by a large majority. Dr. Kirk had been very active in the campaign, giving "the strength of his intellect and rhetoric to the republican cause." He be- lieved that Lincoln's party was on the side of righteousness. As a preacher of righteousness, he was convinced that politics was a sacred field. Of course some of his contemporaries disagreed with this judgment.
He made many campaign speeches, some of them the "stump speech" variety. The first of these speeches was made in a meeting held in the Sixth Ward of Boston. The following are extracts from some of these speeches.
Christianity is the pillar of every civilized society; and it has no argu- ments, motives, or influences which oppose defensive wars.
War is not necessarily unchristian. Christ is the founder of every civil- ized nation, and Christianity is the pillar of every Christian government. But what is government? It is power organized to protect the order of society and the rights of individuals. ... Where Christianity flourishes, you find men whom tyrants fear.8
Referring to the platform of the party supporting George B. McClel- lan, Dr. Kirk remarked: "Turn now to the Chicago Platform. It is . . . destined to an immortality-of infamy. It will be, hereafter, the conspir- ator's text-book. ... Take a copy of it to Richmond. No, that is need- less. Its birth was probably there, before it traveled to Chicago."
In recording the peaceful history of a church we do not wish to revive bitter political feeling, but it is interesting to read Dr. Kirk's arguments in favor of the Republican candidate, Abraham Lincoln.
Gentlemen, these are serious times. If you want an honest pilot, elect Abraham Lincoln. If you want a man who is master of the whole position, the man who has sufficient grasp of thought and knowledge of American politics to overthrow the Little Giant, first read the debates of Lincoln and Douglas in 1858, and then vote for Abraham Lincoln. If you want a mag- nanimous, fair, kind-hearted man, who once split rails and boated on the Ohio, ... vote for Abraham Lincoln. If you want a man who has con- scientiously governed his public action by the Constitution, notwithstand- ing all the outcry against him, elect Abraham Lincoln. If you want to choose the man most respected and most feared by the whole managerie of rebeldom, elect Abraham Lincoln. If you want a speedy, honorable, per- manent peace, elect Abraham Lincoln.
8 David O. Mears, Opus Citum, pp. 306-310.
66 ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF MOUNT VERNON CHURCH
But if you want the tactics and the atmosphere of the Chickahominy Swamp carried to Washington, elect George B. McClellan. If you wish Jefferson Davis to rule in Washington, if you wish to gratify the vilest men out of perdition, vote for McClellan. Hear one of a hundred of my reasons for saying this: "The miscreants and murderers who slaughtered, scalped, and mutilated our unarmed soldiers at Centralia, howled for McClellan, and cursed Lincoln, as they tore the scalps from the heads of living men, and wiped their bowie- knives, all reeking in the warm blood of helpless, sick and wounded soldiers.
THE ASSASSINATION OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN
Abraham Lincoln was assassinated on April 14, 1865, and he died the following morning. Boston was stricken with the rest of the nation. In their sorrow many of the citizens of Boston remembered the Mount Ver- non Church preacher and sent for him. Three times that day Dr. Kirk was called to speak, "on 'Change, at a flag-raising in Pearl Street, and in the mass meeting in Tremont Temple."9 The church was solemnly draped in black. The Sunday following the assassination-with every seat filled, even the pulpit steps-Dr. Kirk preached on the text, "Be still, and know that I am God."10
A special meeting of the Association of Young Men was called on April 24, 1865, "to mourn the sudden, and untimely death of our hon- ored and beloved Chief Magistrate, Abraham Lincoln." The members resolved "to wear an appropriate badge of mourning for the space of thirty days."
These young men voiced the spirit of the nation with the following tribute which was recorded by the secretary:
Resolved, That in the death of President Lincoln we believe the country has lost a most able Magistrate, the cause of Liberty its ablest defender, the down trodden and oppressed their best friend.
Resolved, That in his noble and beautiful character our distinguished coun- tryman united a simplicity of manner, an honesty of purpose, a kindness of heart, a goodness of life, and a wisdom of administration in a degree seldom if ever equalled; and that the multifold virtues of his heart and head give him a place in the hearts of his countrymen by the side of and equal with our immortal Washington, and render him one of the greatest and best rulers the world has ever seen.
Resolved, That no more fitting testimony to the blessings of free institutions, and no worthier example to young men could be furnished than the life of Abraham Lincoln, rising as he did from a home of honest poverty and ignorance to the highest position in the gift of the nation, his life presents
º David O. Mears, Opus Citum, p. 314.
The sermon was published.
MOUNT
VERNON
HONOR ROLL
EUROPEAN WAR
Harry K.Adams Ralph.Aines
Stanton h.dossard
Dr. COMis
Joseph E.Cicostar
CeleMis. Ir.
Dr. f.D .. Arnold
.Arno Girani
Paris B .. Arnold
Frank Griffin
T.P. Perril"
Warren D .. Arnold "Willis T Bardwell coorich. Beebe
Annie Thiliên. Mary
Robert Gi.Pratt
Ames Elivret
John Preston
· Webster S.Blades Sylvester Boper ED. Brasfors
Joyce K.kelley
Herbert Rothinell
chico .. A.Balifant"
Sisodore E hendrich
"Roste Sawrabini.
Strank E. Carlson
William E. Lackey
Dersiral Sawyer
Hialmar&f. Carlson ched-W. Childs
Albert i. Chitlinsen Jaince T. Coon
Pakcolin Macdonald I.SPRachirdy
Everell Soare
Janh T. Copeland
Graham&TMchaffey Buet -Meldrum
Dhco. St. Spear George E. Washburn
TAB.Craia
William E hoere
Rebut I'Matien, Wk24
Chennetheraid Letos E Dernier Licorde' W Elult
Robert E.Wilson
Chatke,A Farbush.
Margaret.4: Moda Nuts
James E Atrader
Johnót élis
Darofs VE yoana
FicoboreC'. Chentong
Viliên Chin Ling
mavre vi our Church and Congregation, and of our Young pires ing in the Manenal service. Opereras" and al hatne.
-
MOUNT VERNON HONOR ROLL The First World War
James D.Pinherion
Georges. Halfacre
Arnold C. Porter
Alfred A, Johne
Jack lemnit?
Stanley Lane
E.E.Schoonmacher
*Charles C. Lilly
S.A.Shallauch
.D.R. Craid
William C'Hieraan
C'adph Morris, Werzal
Cooler Williams
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NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL CRISES
to us in a most impressive and instructive manner, the blessed influences of our free institutions now rendered doubly dear to us since he has laid down his life to perpetuate them.
Resolved, That we look upon the cruel assassination of our honored Chief Executive as the most detestable and villainous crime that ever disgraced humanity and the legitimate fruit of that wicked system which the leaders of this great rebellion defended as a divine institution and plunged this nation into a terrible civil war to perpetuate.
THE FIRST WORLD WAR, 1914-1918
On December 7, 1917, the War Work Unit was organized. Mrs. Helen M. Craig was elected president, Miss Doris Greenwood, secretary, and Mr. Charles H. Flood, treasurer. The Reverend James Austin Richards was elected honorary president.
During the first few months one hundred and three members were en- rolled, including eighty-one adults and twenty-two children. The chil- dren made scrapbooks for hospitals and attempted their first stitches in knitting.
The Unit continued to meet weekly, except during the summer months, until May, 1919. After the signing of the armistice the work continued "for the relief of our allies, and for the entertainment of our service men here at home."
The following summary of the work accomplished will interest the ladies today and will challenge them to even greater activity: 3414 dress- ings sent to the Surgical Dressings Committee; 187 garments, 25 aviator's kits, and 142 knit articles sent to the French Relief; 1319 surgical dress- ings and knit and sewed articles sent to the Italian Relief; 35 comfort pillows sent to Camp Devens; 124 sewed articles and 50 reconstructed socks sent to the Red Cross; and 69 layettes sent to the McAll Association.
The World War Honor Roll hangs on the wall of the vestibule. Sev- enty-four members served their country, including seventy-one men and three women. Two of these died in service-Albert N. Chittenden and Charles C. Lilly.
THE SECOND WORLD WAR, 1939-
Again our American boys are in uniform. Again the various groups in the church, through the American Red Cross and other relief organi- zations, are working to help alleviate the suffering in the world. We are too close to the present world crisis-both chronologically and emotion- ally-to evaluate the contribution which Mount Vernon Church is mak- ing today.
8 Organizations and Activities for Adults
For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
-ROMANS, XII: 4-5
THE MATERNAL ASSOCIATION
T HE MATERNAL ASSOCIATION was organized in 1842, soon after the establishment of the church. According to the constitution and pledge,1 signed by one hundred an fifty-five women, the object was "the better qualification of the members for the responsibilities of their stations as mothers and the preparation of their children for the service of God on earth, and for his glory in heaven."
The secretary's books, with the detailed records of the theological be- liefs, the religious practices, and educational theories of the mothers of a past generation, are valuable documents in the history of education. Modern educational psychologists would chuckle over its pages, disagree- ing with some of the theory but saying "amen" to many of the age-old truths based on common sense.
In their conscientious effort to train "the little lambs of the flock for immortality," the mothers held frequent prayer meetings, praying for "Heavenly Wisdom" to guide them. The secretary2 concluded many of the reports with the statement: "The meeting was characterized by much prayer." The names of erring children were brought before the meeting, and the members prayed together for the salvation of these souls.
In 1852, the younger son of Deacon Daniel Safford was "made a sub- ject of special prayer, at the time manifesting no particular interest. In one week . . . those prayers were answered, and that son translated from the darkness of sin, to the light of the gospel of the Son of God."
The mothers also prayed for sick children, for young men facing temp- tations in the city, for sons fast approaching the "drunkard's grave," for impenitent fathers, for bereaved parents, and for a "grandpa eighty
1 We the undersigned promise each other, in dependence on divine Assistance, that we will pray for our children daily, and with them as often as we deem expedient, that we will qualify ourselves by prayer and reading for our responsible stations as Christian mothers ; that we will endeavor to aid each other in the attainment of every thing that can contribute to our maternal usefulness, and in case of the death of a member to exercise a special watchfulness over her surviving children.
2 From 1842 to 1871, the names of 385 children are recorded in the secretary's book.
68
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ORGANIZATIONS AND ACTIVITIES FOR ADULTS
years old to attend to the Salvation of his undying Soul." Prayer was also offered for institutions of learning, "especially for the young men of Harvard College, & for him who that day (1863) entered upon his new duties as president of that university."3
Every question imaginable was discussed: baptism, conversion, reli- gious instruction, "how to make the Sabbath pleasant to our children," "how to secure our children from the snares of the Evil One," child be- havior in all its provoking stages, and of course the eternal problem of amusements. Each generation reiterates the same maternal complaint: "Young folks did not behave this way when I was a girl."
The wickedness of dancing, games of chance, the theatre, and smok- ing4 was frequently discussed in great detail. These doubtful forms of amusement were thought by the majority of mothers in 1860 "to be in- consistent with our highest duties to our children." One mother said that children should be impressed with the thought that "they are not placed in the world for their own pleasure merely, but a warfare was to be their portion here & self denials must be continually made and right & duty must prevail though their dearest enjoyments were the sacrifice."
A few years later, the mothers recorded that "card-playing, dancing, visiting saloons for soda & beer-drinking, should be utterly prohibited as inconsistent in a Christian education." Dancing should not be allowed, because it "encouraged a taste that would not be satisfied with rational and instructive conversation of an ordinary evening gathering."
The mothers could not agree about the "wickedness of the theatre and Opera." Some thought it best to let their children go occasionally, "lest they be too anxious and tempted to go without leave." Many thought it best not to allow their children "to go to the theatre at all." Some thought that "tableaux could be approved by Christians."
In 1866 the mothers decided that those who listened to Dr. Kirk's preaching could not "conscientiously indulge in any of these doubtful amusements." The "standard of life and doctrine" of their pastor was "higher than the majority of Christians." This accounted for the fact that the "young Christians of Mount Vernon Church were not in the habit of attending the Theatre and Opera as was the custom in some churches." The mothers agreed that reading should be the only amusement, and that should be carefully selected.
The members voted to start a library in 1853 "composed of such works
3 Records of the Maternal Association, under date, March 4, 1863. Thomas Hill, a Unitarian minister and mathematician, was president of Harvard University from 1862 to 1868. His successor was Charles William Eliot, who was president from 1869 to 1909.
" On Dec. 2, 1868, the secretary recorded: "Is it a Mother's duty to forbid smoking, etc., or make known her wishes, and try to gently persuade them never to allow themselves to be tainted with such impurities?"
70 ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF MOUNT VERNON CHURCH
as may be best adapted to assist mothers in the physical, moral and reli- gious training of their children." Among the books read at the meetings were the following: the Bible; the Assembly's Catechism; Dr. Horace Bushnell's Christian Nurture; the Life of the Reverend John E. Emerson; Mother at Home; The Mother and her Work; Dr. Kirk's Sermon on Ma- ternal Associations, preached in Surrey Chapel, London, in 1838; Dr. Kirk's Address to Mothers; and Dr. Kirk's God's Covenant with Parents.
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