USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > One hundred years of Mount Vernon Church, 1842-1942 > Part 9
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The mothers were delighted with a request in 1866 from a pastor in Vermont for fifty copies of Dr. Kirk's address on God's Covenant with Parents. With apologies to the state of Vermont, and with confidence that its citizens will be amused and not offended, we quote the following record of November 7, 1866: "The subject of infant baptism was brought before the General Association of that state, the neglect of which was be- lieved to be one cause of the low state of piety in most of the churches there."
Perhaps the most interesting records in the secretary's book are those dealing specifically with child psychology and child behavior, disobe- dience, dishonesty, and even temper tantrums. Human nature has not changed much in one hundred years; it is only our methods of training children that have changed.
Today we say that one's "behavior pattern" is molded in the early formulative period of childhood. The Mount Vernon mothers in 1859 expressed the same theory, but in Biblical and not psychological vernac- ular: "Mothers expressed the conviction that the first six years of a child's life, was almost the only time to sow the good seed effectually. 'Give me the first five years of a child's life & I will teach it to break every law of God & man,' said a celebrated French infidel. He spoke the truth. Chris- tian mothers have the same power, oh that it was more faithfully re- garded."
One mother thought there was the "danger in training our children of making them think they were of too much importance." Another mother was confident that home should be made so attractive that "our children will resort to it as the dearest spot on earth." Many parents fail, accord- ing to another testimony, because they "do not devote sufficient time to their children, in not rejoicing with them in their little joys & weeping with them in their griefs."
Not only did the mothers discuss child training, but they also gave each other advice about self-improvement. "The young mother may at first feel she has no time for mental & intellectual labor," the secretary re- corded in 1856, "but she would soon find the ten minutes a day devoted to such a purpose was well spent."
71
ORGANIZATIONS AND ACTIVITIES FOR ADULTS
Another interesting meeting was on February 25, 1857, when thirteen mothers attended the lecture at the Park Street Church by Mrs. Finney, a "mother of nine children," well qualified to address the joint meeting of the Maternal Associations of the city. She stressed the value of "prompt obedience, of early consecrating the child to God, . .. and the impor- tance of putting their children to bed awake, thus saving much care and labor." Mrs. Finney was the wife of Charles G. Finney,5 who was one of the revivalists in Boston at this time.
There is much sound psychology, advocated today by experts in child training, in some of the advice which Dr. Kirk gave to forty mothers on April 1, 1865. You will miss the modern phraseology, but the essence is there.
Teach them {your children ] to crucify all selfish pride, cultivate parental affection by instructing them in the fear of the Lord. Make the service of Christ pleasant, talk of him every day, teach them gratitude. In correction make the chief punishment internal, your displeasure and God's; punish for God; the more you feel their sin the more they will feel it. . . .
Exercise a great deal of common sense. Be very tender with nervous children, careful of continually telling their faults. Manifest love and af- fection, discern the temperament of each child. Break up selfishness at any cost; do not allow teasing or ridicule; secure their respect and confidence; develop conscience and affection; appreciate their joy. Pity unconverted parents ; as an Association try to persuade them to come to Christ-and re- member them always in your prayers.
During the Civil War, the mothers had special prayers for loved ones in the service, especially "for the unconverted fathers of our children." Special prayers were offered for the afflicted throughout the land, and for "the mourning bleeding father, husband & son." They prayed that "the Saviour be near them speaking words of mercy & comfort, binding up the torn shattered frame, preparing them for a better & a happier life in this world or the world to come." During the summer months, when the meetings were discontinued, they voted "to observe every morning at 9 o'clock as a season of prayer for each other & their families."
Within the limits of this book more details of this interesting Maternal Association6 cannot be given. If this account is incomplete we take com- fort from the secretary's record of December 27, 1859, that "God's rec- ord book is complete," in which "He notes every hidden sigh and num- bers every fallen tear."
5 Charles G. Finney (1792-1875) was a Congregational minister. He was professor of theology at Oberlin College, Ohio, from 1835 to 1875, and president of the College from 1852 to 1866.
'Mrs. Herrick was elected president in 1873.
72 ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF MOUNT VERNON CHURCH THE WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION OF MOUNT VERNON CHURCH
The Women's Association had its origin in the Maternal Association? established by Dr. Kirk in 1842. In 1881, and possibly earlier, there were for adult women three organizations, each with its own officers: the Sewing Circle,8 the Auxiliary of the Women's Board of Missions, and the Auxiliary of the Women's Home Missionary Society.
In 1893, after moving to the present church, the Pastor's Aid Society (called the Pastry Aid by some of the children) was organized, includ- ing the Sewing Circle, the two missionary auxiliaries, and a new social department, which "took charge of social calls on new and shut-in mem- bers, and receptions and sociables."
Mrs. Helen M. Craig, who for twenty years was the president of the Pastor's Aid, has recorded her reminiscences:
To try to take over the three societies which had each been independent was more difficult than one would think. It was really a long struggle be- fore we got present cooperation. It was like a parent born after the children, and the latter did not enjoy having any authority over them.
A new constitution was adopted on April 24, 1917, and the name was changed to the Women's Association. Since that time the constitution has been amended several times.
The object of the association is "the promotion of the missionary ac- tivities and the social and spiritual life of the women of the church." Meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month. In the morning the ladies sew and knit for the American Red Cross and other relief agencies. The afternoon programs, following luncheon9 served at the church, are varied, with outside speakers, book reviews by the members, hobby shows, and musical entertainments. The association contributes annually to the American Board, Northland College, and many other organizations. For many years income has been received for home missionary projects from the Leggett Fund, founded by Eliza Leg- gett.
" See the section in this chapter on the Maternal Association.
8 A Sewing Circle existed as early as 1852, and probably earlier, according to the fol- lowing record of the Association of Young Men on October 25, 1852: "In consequence of the Sewing Circle being in Session in the adjoining room some uneasiness was shown by some members & many motions were made to adjourn." This may have been the sew- ing meeting of the Young Ladies' Colporteur Circle.
For many years, Miss Mary P. Stone furnished the table decorations-flowers, candy, and place cards and each luncheon was a party. Miss Stone joined the church in 1893, with her father, Albert Stone, and her mother, Anna H. (Putnam) Stone. Her grandfather and grandmother, James S. Stone and Mary L. Stone, first joined in 1845, and again in 1854 after returning to the city.
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A PAGE OF THE RECORDS OF THE SOLDIERS AID ASSOCIATION OF MOUNT VERNON CHURCH
The society was established in 1861 at the beginning of the Civil War
-
طب بيديد بـ
Ital Millones
Mt. Vernon Association of Young People
R
EGULAR TICKE
*= 1885
Printed by THE GUNN CURTIS CO., 30 Hawley St., Boston.
FOR PRESIDENT, DR. H. F. VICKERY.
FOR VICE-PRESIDENT, D. R. CRAIG.
FOR THEANURER. GEORGE W. ANDREWS.
FOR SECRETARY, J. G. HOSMER.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE,
D. R CRAIG, ALBERT MURDOCH, Miss HELEN WOODS, Miss LELAND. Miss HADLEY.
ENTERTAINMENT COMMITTEES.
January, GEO. W. ANDREWS, Miss BIRD, Miss STARKEY.
March,
J. W. CRAIG,
Miss M. HAWES,
Miss HERRICK.
April, S. H. ESBJÖRN, Miss WOODS, Miss MAUD STEARNS.
May,
H. M. PLIMPTON, Miss CUTTER, Miss F. STEARNS.
October, + Dr. H. F. VICKERY, MISS LAMBERT, Miss HAWES.
November, T. I. CROWELL, Miss E. WRIGHT, Miss GOODNOW.
December, . I. MURDOCH, Miss SOUTHWORTH, MISS JACKSON.
OFFICERS IN 1885
THIRTY-SIXTH ANNIVERSARY,
T. VERNON
Association of Young People
Feb. 22, - -J850-1886
. 1886
ESSAY BY DR. H. F. VICKERY.
TOAST MASTER,
·
DR. G. A. LELAND
TOASTS.
Mt. Vernon Association of Young People, Mr. D. R. Craig. T. I. CROWELL. Dr J W. CRAIG.
Association of Young Men, Mr. E. W Bumstead.
The Ladies, Dr. J. W. Craig.
Dr. E. O. Otis.
New Members,
.
.
1
" Superannuated Members,'
.
Mr. H. P. Kenway.
Mt. Vernon Church,
Rev. Dr. S. E. Herrick.
OFFICERS FOR 1886
D R. CRAIG,
.
President
T. I. CROWELL,
Vice-President.
G. E. HOWE, . Treasurer.
MISS ELLA M. HADLEY,
Secretary
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
G. B. WALKER.
Miss MARION A. HAWES. G. W. ANDREWS
Miss FANNY H. STEARNS.
THIRTY SIXTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ASSOCIATION OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN 1886
Mt. Vernon Association. -OF- YOUNG PEOPLE. 1893
PRESIDENT: HARWOOD S. PALMER. VICE-PRESIDENT: GEORGE MOORE. SECRETARY: GEORGE E. HOWE. TREASURER: MISS JONES.
PRAYER MEETING COMMITTEE,
S. H. Esbjorn
E. M. Holmes,
Miss Bird, Miss Wall.
LOOKOUT COMMITTEE.
W. W. Bird, J. O. Crowell, G. E. Howe, G. C. Colburn, H. W. Bird, HI. M. Leland, J. L. Fiske, Mixx Viles,
Miss Alice Brown, Miss Edith Brown.
ENTERTAINMENT COMMITTEES.
JANUARY.
E. M. Holmes.
Mrs. Craig,
Miss Sarah Anderson.
/
S. H. Esbjorn,
Miss Maxwell. Miss Viles.
MARCH
A. W. Pratt.
Mrs. Pratt, Miss Wall.
APRIL.
Mr. Ford,
Miss Herrick. MAY.
Miss Lottie Holmes.
G. E. Howe,
Miss Bird,
Miss Edith Brown.
JUNE.
J. G. Hosmier,
Miss Hadley.
Miss Harris.
OCTOBER.
G. C. Colburn,
Miss Ware,
Miss Alice Brown.
NOVEMBER.
IT. M. Leland.
Miss Lizzie Brown.
Miss Moore.
DECEMBER.
Albert Murdoch. Miss Stratton.
Miss Lizzie Anderson.
OFFICERS OF THE ASSOCIATION OF YOUNG PEOPLE Harwood S. Palmer was later Clerk and Treasurer of the church, as was John G. Hosmer. Albert Murdoch was Deacon from 1888 to 1930. Edgar Miller Holmes received the degree of M. D. from Harvard Medical School in 1895
FEBRUARY.
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ORGANIZATIONS AND ACTIVITIES FOR ADULTS
In the fall of 1941 one hundred and ten members were registered. The president during the centenary year is Miss Louise Fay, former principal of the Chapel Hill School for Girls in Waltham.
THE YOUNG PEOPLE'S SOCIETY
Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth. ECCLESIASTES XI : 9
The Young People's Society, which celebrated its ninetieth anniver- sary in 1940, had its origin in the Association of Young Men of Mount Vernon Church and Congregation, founded by Dr. Kirk on February 21, 1850. At a meeting on that date a committee was chosen "to take into consideration the subject of forming an association for the purpose of Mental & religious Improvement." Eben W. Bumstead was chosen the first president, and Benjamin Dow, the secretary.
On February 28, a committee was chosen to draft the constitution. They voted to hold weekly meetings on Thursday evenings, "the first & each alternate meeting . . . for prayer" and the other meetings for "conver- sation & extemporaneous remarks" on some subject "taken from the Holy Scriptures." The meeting of August 25, 1856, was opened with prayer by Dwight L. Moody, then a young man nineteen years old.
Within a few years, besides these religious meetings, they also had lit- erary and social meetings, debates, annual lectures, declamations, spell- ing matches, mock trials, dramatics, a "Singing School," picnics, fishing excursions in Boston Harbor, and they sent delegates to the "Convention of Literary Societies of the Commonwealth."
They also established a library. Space will not permit the listing of the books, but all lovers of Cervantes will be amused with the vote of 1854 that "it is expedient to have Don Quixote thrown out of the library." How shocked these young men would be to know that today the book1º is re- quired reading in many schools and colleges!
In ten years, more than three hundred young men had been enrolled. In the membership book we recognize the names of many young men who later became prominent: Dwight L. Moody, the evangelist, Joseph Nee Sima, the Japanese evangelist who established Doshisha University, Thomas Y. Crowell, head of the Thomas Y. Crowell Publishing Com- pany, David O. Mears, who wrote the Life of Edward N. Kirk, and many others.
The young men contributed to the Illuminator, a manuscript magazine. On July 3, 1854, they voted to establish a second magazine "to be called
A. Edward Newton, author of This Book-Collecting Game, considers Don Quixote "the world's greatest novel."
74
ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF MOUNT VERNON CHURCH
the Spectator." After 1873, when "young ladies were invited to become members, the volumes were called the Mount Vernon Literary Album.11
These literary masterpieces-essays, editorials, poems, short stories, plays, and jokes-are valuable documents of the period, recording as they do the desires, interests, problems, religious convictions, and the political opinions of young people of the middle and late nineteenth century. Among the most interesting articles in the Illuminator and Spectator are the following: Marriage, The Marriage Relation, Mothers-in-law, Home and Youth, The Perplexities of Mercantile Life, Our Responsibilities, Letters from Minnesota Territory, Independence of Thought, Abolition- ists, Consistency, Solitude, Disappointed Office Seekers, The Maine Liquor Law, Wickedness in High Places, The Wickedness of Theatres, Ability of Woman Compared to Man, The Future of the United States, England's Misrule of Ireland, French Aggression, Vigor of Democratic Government, Kansas, George Washington,12 and the Eternity of God.
These contributions, submitted anonymously, were read at the, "Liter- ary Meetings," and were criticized by the "Critic" at a subsequent meet- ing, often with brutal frankness. Among the authors were Miss Alice M. Hawes, Miss Marion A. Hawes, Miss Serena F. Perry, Dr. James B. Ayer, who sent a delightful letter to the magazine in 1874 describing his im- pressions of Vienna, and Clarence F. Higgins, who sent frequent letters describing his trip to Patagonia and other places.
The young men held frequent debates. The secretary's books contain detailed accounts of the subjects discussed and points in the argu- ment. Dr. Kirk and later Dr. Herrick attended these meetings and gave valuable suggestions concerning the arts of writing, debating, and ex- temporaneous speaking, of which both ministers were acknowledged masters.
Some of the debates are amazing for their timeliness, and could be as- signed to a debating society in the year 1942. Among the forensics studied before and during the Civil War-problems of burning issue today-are the following: "Resolved, That the doctrine of non-intervention should be invariably observed by this nation in its relation with Foreign
11 Dr. Edward Southworth Hawes has in his possession two bound volumes of the Literary Album. There are also several unbound volumes in the church attic. These manu- scripts are illustrated with pen and ink sketches, and many pages are ornamented with elaborate filagree borders. See Appendix P for table of contents.
12 Dr. Kirk and the Association of Young Men were interested in the Mount Vernon Estate in Virginia and in 1858 raised a fund to be added to the general fund to make possible the purchase of the estate as a national memorial. The young men wished to "re- flect credit upon their Association," which bore the honorable name of Mount Vernon. In 1858 the estate was purchased by the Ladies' Mount Vernon Association-not to be confused with the Women's Association of Mount Vernon Church-a national organiza- tion with state representatives.
75
ORGANIZATIONS AND ACTIVITIES FOR ADULTS
Powers.13"; "In the event of a war with any leading nation of the earth are our means of defense sufficient?"; "Resolved, That it is the right and duty of the leading powers of the world to interfere for the protection of weaker nations when their rights are infringed upon by unscrupulous but more powerful neighbors"; "Is war a greater evil than intemperance?"; "Resolved, That to undertake the feeding of the European poor is a charity which the United States ought to bestow"; "Is it expedient to compel the Japanese to open commercial intercourse with civilized na- tions?"; and "Can a sincere patriot vote any other than the Republican ticket in the approaching (1856) presidential election?"
Of course the eternal question about the "weaker sex" was often dis- cussed. In 1864 they decided in the negative the ageless questions: "Is the mind of woman inferior to that of man?" and "Does man exert a greater influence in the world than woman?" These same young men however, notwithstanding their acknowledgment that a woman had a mind, were not ready to admit that their sisters had brains enough to vote or to enter the professions. Accordingly, they decided in the negative: "Should woman have the same political rights as man?" and "Should females be admitted to the Bar, the Pulpit, and Professional chairs of Colleges?"
In 1871, when Dr. Herrick became associate minister, he found, due to Dr. Kirk's failing strength, that there was no organized society for the young people. He suggested "the startling innovation of inviting young ladies to become members."14 In 1873, a new constitution15 was adopted. Young ladies were invited to become members, and the name was changed to the Mount Vernon Association of Young People.
Long before 1873-as early as 1850-the question of admitting young ladies had often come up for discussion, but the vote to admit them to full membership was never carried. On June 13, 1850, it was voted to appoint a committee of three "to inquire into the expediency of admitting Young Ladies to the meetings." The committee read their report on June 27 and "it was excepted (sic) & placed on file." Again, on September 16, 1851, the resolution to invite "females to attend the prayer meetings" was pre- sented. After "quite a Spirited Discussion in which some of the members grew quite warm," the question was "taken & lost." Finally, on March 29, 1852, it was voted that "on and after the next meeting for Declama- tion each member have the privilege of inviting ladies to be present." On November 22, of that year, they voted that each member could invite
13 It was decided in the negative.
14 Alice M. Hawes, Glimpses of the Old Mount Vernon Church, p. 12.
15 The original manuscript Constitution of 1873 was given to the church in 1940 from the estate of Miss Serena Frances Perry.
76 ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF MOUNT VERNON CHURCH
"one lady" to the literary meeting, since they could see "no good reason why the kind, intelligent, accomplished young ladies of this congregation should be deprived of the privilege of this association." The secretary recorded on March 28, 1853, that at the meeting to which the pastor, deacons, and ladies were invited the "exercises were much more spirited, carefully prepared & useful & interesting when given in presence of strangers, especially the ladies."
The Young People's Society16 as it exists today had its immediate ori- gin in the reorganization on November 1, 1905, under the direction of the Reverend Albert Parker Fitch. Before this time the Association of Young People had become more or less inactive. In 1905 a new Consti- tution was adopted and the name changed to the Mount Vernon Young People's Association of Christian Endeavor.17 Article I states that the society shall be "considered a continuation of the Mount Vernon Associ- ation of Young Men which was founded in 1850." There were thirty- two charter members in 1905 and fourteen added in 1906.
The history of the Society from 1905 to 1942-under the successive ministries of the Reverend Albert Parker Fitch, the Reverend James Aus- tin Richards, the Reverend Sidney Lovett, and the Reverend Carl Heath Kopf-is a remarkable record of growth and achievement. For several decades, groups of young people were privileged to enjoy the friendship of Deacon Albert Murdoch and Mrs: Murdoch, who not only attended most of the meetings but extended the hospitality of their home for weekly social gatherings.
The Society celebrated its ninetieth anniversary in 1940. On Febru- ary 18, the Reverend Stanley B. Vandersall, associate secretary of the In- ternational Society of Christian Endeavor, addressed the young people on the subject, Youth Today-Leaders Tomorrow. On Sunday evening, February 25, the Reverend Sidney Lovett gave a stirring and challenging address to the Society. His message is an appropriate conclusion to the ac- count of this historic organization:
Please do not set me down as a dark spokesman of doom if I speak a final word to you tonight of a less exuberant sort and in a less ecstatic mood. That was a great answer Thomas Hardy gave back to his critics who were always accusing him of being a prophet of despair. "If a way to the bet- ter there be, it demands a full look at the worst." Youth has today, and by no means for the first time, come upon an engagement most difficult. Youth tonight in Finland and Russia, in England and Germany, in China and
16 It is to be noted that the society had not been in continuous existence for ninety years. The president during the centenary year is Theodore Schoonmaker.
17 Mr. William Shaw of the United Society of Christian Endeavor and Deacon Murdoch addressed the first meeting. See Chapter IV for an appreciation of Mr. and Mrs. Murdoch.
77
ORGANIZATIONS AND ACTIVITIES FOR ADULTS
Japan are facing anything but bliss. Youth in this country, several million of them, who have never had a job, and have not even the prospect of honest, creative work, are condemned in our midst to a kind of living death. You, my friends, under twenty-five years of age, are more fortunately circumstanced, unless the infection of war spreads to include this country. Then it may be a prison camp for any of you who are conscientious ob- jectors to war, and the perils of sea and trench or the hollow satisfaction of a "cushy" job, well out of danger, for the rest.
Behind a facade of gaiety and care-free-ness I know your generation is thinking deep thoughts. The records of the past twenty years are open and provide you with a perfect case history as to how international imperial- ism breeds wars, and national selfishness creates unemployment and con- sequent want. Sometimes I marvel at your tolerance of us older folk who have given you such an impossible hand to play. .
Let me venture one bit of wisdom gleaned from racial experience and for your guidance. . .. No generation, however well informed or good inten- tioned, can be its own shepherd. That way lies chaos and confusion worse than we have known to date. But to devote the best you have to the best you know, that way is Christ, without Whose insights about God and Man the genera- tions of men succeed but to destroy one another, but with Whose vision and valor a single generation may refresh the world. So it was in the first century: so shall it be again in the twentieth century, when men and women shall have the wit and courage to follow the Master of all good life. . . .
The statement of purpose adopted by this Society within my memory, and which we have already repeated, points us to One Who is the way and the truth of all life, the Good Shepherd of the sheep, the Captain of our salvation. May the words we have taken upon our lips represent the faith that is in our hearts. Old or young, present or absent from this Church and this Society, may they compose a song for us all to march to, until God's rule come to this earth as come it will, and all the shadows be lifted from the road ahead.
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