USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > North Attleborough > Short story of the Cushman Union Church of Adamsdale, Mass. : including a sketch of the early history of Adamsdale > Part 2
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Building of the Chapel
On March 1, 1883, the following notice appeared upon the front of the school-house : "All persons interested in the build-
REV. CLYDE MOODY Acting Pastor 1908-1909
ing of a chapel in this place are requested to meet in the school- house on Wednesday evening next at half past seven o'clock, signed HI. B. Carpenter." At the meeting so called Henry A. Guild and Asa A. Newell were appointed a committee to pur- chase a suitable lot, get a deed of the same, and build the
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foundation walls. Abner Atwood, Robert Cushman, and J. B. Carpenter were elected as building committee.
WWF
REV. CLIFTON H. WALCOTT Acting Pastor 1909-1910
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An adjourned meeting was held in the school-house on April 4. The committee appointed to proeure a suitable lot reported that George M. Chace (now a member of the police force of Providence ) had kindly offered to give a lot. It was voted to appoint Henry A. Guild, Abner Atwood and Robert Cushman as a committee to draft a constitution and by-laws to complete the organization of the Sunday School Society.
At a meeting on April 11 the committee appointed to draw up a constitution and by-laws reported (in part) as follows :
"Whereas the school proposes soon to build and own a chapel, in order to qualify itself for such owner- ship and to identify its members more fully by a more perfeet organization, we, the undersigned, members of this school, do now adopt the following constitution and by-laws." The draft submitted was adopted and signed by those present.
On June 14 the committee elected to build the chapel foundation re-
REV. CHARLES A. CARMAN Acting Pastor 1911-1911 ported their work completed. It was voted that Abner Atwood, C. A. Carpenter and Robert Cushman be a committee to proeure a corner stone and have it laid with appropriate ceremonies.
Laying of the Corner Stone
The exercises of laying the corner stone were held on June 30, 1883, with the following program :
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Prayer, Rev. B. F. Simon; Address, Rev. J. H. Lyon; Historical Sketch, Robert Cushman; Music; Address, Superintendent A. D. Nicker- son; Remarks, Rev. J. H. Lyon; Music; Benediction, Rev. J. H. Lyon; Organist, J. F. Adams.
GEORGE H. LEWIS Acting Pastor 1911-date
Miss Florice Guild, worthy daughter of splendid parents, and herself a lifelong, worker in the school, broke the sod for the new building. The box placed in the corner stone contained the following articles : constitution and by-laws of the school. copy of the Providence "Morning Star." copy of the Attleboro "Chronicle."
Dedicatory Services
The services in dedication of the completed chapel took place on the evening of December 12, 1883. The program was :
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Organ Prelude, J. F. Adams; Singing, Pawtucket Congregational Church Choir; Invocation, Rev. B. F. Simon; Scripture, Rev. J. II. Lyon; Prayer, Rev. B. F. Simon; Singing, Choir; Sermon, Rev. John Whitehill: Singing, Choir; Statement, Deacon Robert Cushman; Doxology. Congre- gation; Benediction, Rev. J. HI. Lyon.
Proprietor of Adamsdale Mill 1867-1899
Chairman
Board of Trustees 1883-date
HON. JOHN F. ADAMS
The Sunday School first used the chapel for its work on Dec. 16, 1883, with the following officers and teachers :
Superintendent, Abner Atwood ; Asst. Superintendent, S. D. Clark ; Secretary and Treasurer, II. B. Carpenter ; Librarian, Henry A. Guild; Asst. Librarian, C. A. Carpenter ; Teachers, Abner Atwood, S. Fred Gay, Mrs. Anna Newell, Miss Lillian Clark, Miss Emma Lewis.
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It was necessary to borrow eight hundred dollars on mort- gage to pay the expense of building, the total cost of the same being 82057.08. One hundred dollars of this loan was repaid before the end of the year.
ADAM MACWHINNIE Treasurer and General Manager of present Adamsdale Mill
On May 3, 1884, twelve rock maples were set out on the chapel grounds by H. P. Guild, H. B. Carpenter, H. A. Guild, and Miss Florice A. Guild.
Twenty-fifth Anniversary
The twenty-fifth anniversary of the opening of the Sunday School in the community was observed in the chapel on Sunday, May 10, 1885, the celebration having been postponed from April
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15 on account of the absence of Superintendent Atwood in Florida. The exercises were opened with singing by the school, and by a quartet from the Central Falls Congregational Church consisting of W. H. Traey, Deacon Robert Cushman, Mrs. Walter Patt, and Miss Mattie Tracy. Prayer was offered by
HENRY B. CARPENTER
Trustee 1883-date Secretary-Treasurer of Sunday School 1877-date
Deacon Cushman, followed by recitations from younger mem- bers of the school, after which the Superintendent presented his report. This was followed by an interesting address from Ansel D. Nickerson, one of the founders and early superintendents of the school. Deacon Cushman then gave a delightful talk in which he reviewed his early connection with the school. All of the original ten members of the school had passed away except
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A. D. Nickerson, H. A. Guild and Mrs. Julia Clark, who were present at the anniversary. The school numbered sixty members including teachers. The total attendance for the year was 1976, and collections $54.86.
ASA A. NEWELL Trustee 1883-date
The Christian Endeavor Society
On the evening of July 18, 1888, a meeting was held to organize a Christian Endeavor Society. Samuel Cushman and Robert Cushman, Jr., of Pawtucket were present to assist. At another meeting four days later, presided over by Robert Cush- man, Jr., it was voted to form a society. The regular C. E. constitution was adopted, and the following officers elected :- President, Miss Mary E. Lewis; Vice President, Miss Dell
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Clark ; Corresponding Secretary, Miss Mary E. Lewis ; Record- ing Secretary and Treasurer, Miss Winnie Carpenter. The charter membership consisted of three honorary, twenty-eight active, and five associate members. The first devotional meet- ing was held on Sunday evening, July 29, with H. A. Guild as leader. Thirty-five were present, and eighteen took part.
CHARTER MEMBERS
HONORARY-Abner Atwood, Henry A. Guild, Henry Car- penter.
ACTIVE-Miss Mary E. Lewis, Miss Dell Clark, Miss Win- nie Carpenter, Miss Emma Lewis, Mrs. George Guild, George Guild, Mrs. Joseph B. Carpenter, Charles A. Carpenter, Henry A. Guild, Harvey Guild, Jerry Wightman, Miss Rose Cooke, Miss Florice A. Guild, Miss Abbie Newell, Miss Mira Mowry, Daniel Mowry, S. F. Gay, Abner Atwood, Mrs. Anna E. New- ell, Thomas Robbins, Miss Ida Mowry, Frank Gay, Fred Stone, Mrs. Jerry L. Wightman, Miss Mary Robbins.
ASSOCIATE-Miss Fannie A. Carpenter, Stephen Mowry, Mrs. E. B. Maxcy, Clarence Guild, Harry Mowry, Mary Plant.
Mortgage Paid Off
Several partial payments of the mortgage had been made at various times. On June 28, 1891, the Sunday School voted to pay the balance. The good people had succeeded in building, furnishing, and paying for their Sabbath home all within eight years, an achievement of which they might well be proud.
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Horse-Sheds Built
In 1892 Asa Newell, II. A. Guild, and H. B. Carpenter were appointed as a committee to confer with C. A. Carpenter, and purchase from him an additional tract of land. Abner Atwood, H. A. Guild, and E. B. Maxcy were appointed a committee to erect horse-sheds thereon. C. A. Carpenter gave
WENDELL HUDSON Trustee 1901-date
the school a suitable piece of land, and the sheds were erected the same year.
Church Society Organized
On November 24, 1899, a meeting was held in the chapel to consider the advisability of forming a church society. George L. Drown of Providence acted as Moderator, and Miss Etta
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Sweet as Secretary. It was voted to organize a church society and call it the Cushman Union Congregational Society. Mr. Drown was elected as supply pastor, and regular Sunday preach- ing services were inaugurated, which have since been faithfully maintained. It is well to remember in this connection that preael- ing services had been held before the formation of the society, but not at regular periods.
CHARLES A. CARPENTER Trustee 1883-date
Improvements
In 1905 important improvements were made. Boundary stones were set, the chimney of the chapel was relocated, the chapel was painted within and without, and the sheds without.
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Again early in 1912 Peter Dean, Harold Gay, and Miss Florice A. Guild were appointed as a committee to consider ways and means of building a kitchen and Sunday School room in the basement of the chapel. The work of this committee was not completed for many months. The basement was nicely finished inside with pine sheathing and pressed steel ceiling. the
ROBERT CUSHMAN Founder of the Christian Endeavor Society, 1888
furnace was relocated, a new platform built in the audience room. a bell donated and belfry built, the chapel and sheds painted, chairs and dishes bought for the new social rooms. On Septem- ber 28, 1913, dedicatory services were held, with large attend- ance and the following program :
Hymn, by the Congregation; Responsive Reading, led by Robert Cush- man of Central Falls; Singing. Quartet from the First M. E. Church of North Attleboro, G. A. Livingston, C. S. Sewert, C. F. French, F. E.
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Black well; Scripture Reading, G. A. Livingston, North Attleboro; Prayer, Rev. John Whitehill, Oldtown Congregational Church; Hymn, Congregation; Presentation of the Guild Sunday School Room in loving memory of Mrs. Julia Guild Clark and Henry A. Guild, and in appreciation of an unselfish service over many years by Miss Florice A. Guild, Rev. John Whitehill; Singing, Quartet: Presentation of the Wightman Belfry by the Sunday School and friends in appreciation of thirty years of efficient and unselfish service by Superintendent and Mrs. J. L. Wightman, Rev. J. D. Dingwell of
ELMER C. WIGHTMAN Son of our Superintendent and owner of the Broadway Garage, Pawtucket
Central Falls Congregational Church; Singing, Sunday School; Presentation of the bell donated by Pastor and Mrs. George II. Lewis in loving memory of their son, Dwight Clayton Lewis, Rev. II. A. Cornell of Providence; Hymn, Congregation; Address, "Looking unto Jesus," Rev. Floyd L. Carr of the Roslindale Baptist Church; Hymn, Congregation; Benediction, Rev. John Whitehill.
The improvements had all been paid for as made, through the liberal giving and efforts of many friends.
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Thirtieth Anniversary
The thirtieth anniversary of the building of the chapel was celebrated during the week beginning Sunday, November 16, 1913. Sunday evening was "Church Night," with the following program :
HAROLD GAY Sunday School Librarian since 1906
Singing, Congregation; Responsive Reading, led by G. H. Lewis; Sing- ing. Quartet (Mrs. Wightman, Miss Brien, Miss Guild, Mr. Dean); Scripture Reading, Peter Dean; Prayer, J. L. Wightman; Solo by Mrs. Abbie Craw- ford, South Attleboro; Hymn; Historical Address by Robert Cushman of Central Falls (Mr. Cushman read the address delivered by his father at the laying of the corner stone of the chapel on June 30, 1883); Solo, Mrs. Crawford; Anniversary Address by Rev. John Whitehill of the Oldtown Congregational Church, who preached the dedicatory sermon on December 12, 1883; Hymn; Benediction, Mr. Whitehill.
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On Wednesday evening of the same week was held an "Anniversary Banquet" attended by over a hundred members and guests. G. H. Lewis acted as toastmaster, and some very interesting speeches were made.
On Friday evening "Christian Endeavor Night" was cele- brated. The scripture was read by J. L. Wightman, two solos
THE GAY FAMILY
Mr. and Mrs. Frank E. Gay and family, all of whom are members of our Sunday School
were sung by Miss A. Dorothy Smith of Providence, there were addresses by Robert Cushman of Pawtucket (founder of our Christian Endeavor Society in 1888), and Rev. Seelye Bryant of the South Attleboro Church.
Sunday evening, November 23, was observed as "Sunday School Night." The scripture was read by Peter Dean, and prayer offered by JJ. L. Wightman ; a historical address was
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given by G. H. Lewis, and two solos were sung by Miss Bertha Hudson.
Thursday Evening, December 25, the Annual Christmas Concert and Tree Exercises were held. Miss Florice A. Guild acted as organist, and acting pastor George H. Lewis presided
E. SYKES GOODWIN Designer of the Wightman Belfry and Guild Sunday School Room. Occasional pulpit supply
and read the scripture. Rev. H. A. Cornell of Providence offered prayer. A delightful programme of music and recitations was then rendered by the school.
A fine portrait of superintendent Jerry L. Wightman was then unveiled by Masters John Dean and Elisha Newell. Rev. H. A. Cornell in an address of presentation spoke appreciatively of
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REV. JAMES H. LYON Pastor of the Central Falls Congregational Church from 1867 till his death, 1911 A life-long friend
REV. JOHN WHITEHILL Pastor of the Oldtown Congregational Church from 1869 to date A helper and comforter on many occasions. Loved by all
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Mr. Wightman's services as Sunday School Superintendent and worker for over thirty years. Peter Dean in an address of accept- ance spoke of the gratitude of the Church and Sunday School. At the close of the service the entire Congregation marched past the pulpit and shook hands with Mr. Wightman.
REV. HENRY A. CORNELL Good friend and helper on many occasions
The Annual Meeting of the church and its allied societies was held Wednesday evening, December 31. A revised creed, covenant and by-laws were adopted. New officers were elected including two deacons and two additional trustees. The reports showed work in all departments to be at the flood tide of pros perity. Sunday, January 18, five members were received into the church. Rev. John Whitehill of the Oldtown Congregational
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Church conducted the service assisted by Mr. Lewis. Monday evening January 25, the trustees held their annual meeting, and for the thirty-second consecutive year elected John F. Adams, Chairman, and Henry B. Carpenter, Secretary and Treasurer.
REV. BENJAMIN T. LIVINGSTON Occasional helper and friend of every good work
Our Pastors
Since the organization of the church society in November 1899, ten excellent men have occupied the pulpit as stated preachers, and have rendered worthy and acceptable service. For the most part the church has depended on University or Seminary
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REV. JAMES D. DINGWELL Successor of the late Rev. James H. Lyon as pastor of the Central Falls Congregational Church. A man of splendid abilities; a valued friend students for its supplies, and their graduations have occasioned frequent changes. Several of our former leaders have since been
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ordained to the ministry and are now rendering good service as pastors of churches.
1899-1900. George L. Drown, our first pastor, was born in Providence, educated in the Providence schools, Brown and Clark Universities, Harvard Theological School, became instructor in Clark University, and journalist, lives in Providence.
THE HENRY A. GUILD HOMESTEAD Now the residence of Mrs. Henry A. Guild and her daughter, Florice Store of Frank E. Gay
1900-1902. Isaac Fleming, born in Nova Scotia, prepared at Mount Hermon School, studied at Brown University, Auburn Theological School and Harvard University, had pastorates at Fair- haven, N. Y., and Calistoga, Cal., is living at Cambridge, Mass.
1902-1903. Clarence M. Eddy, born in Ohio, studied at Brown University, had pastorates at Coshocton and Urbana, Ohio, and Indianapolis, Ind.
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1903-1905. Willard L. Pratt, born in Nova Scotia, pre- pared at Mount Hermon School, student at Brown University, Newton Theologieal Institution, had pastorates at Brewer and Rockland, Maine.
1905-1906. Albert F. Bassford, born in England, was a student in Brown University, had pastorates at Oak Park, Ill.,
MISS MARY E. LEWIS First President of the Christian Endeavor Society
(taking further studies in Chicago University), Corvallis and Marshfield, Oregon.
1906-1908. Alfred Marshall, a lay preacher, now in busi- ness in Somerville, Mass.
1908-1909. Clyde R. Moody, studied at Baylor and Brown Universities, now in Glendale, Cal.
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1909-1910. Clifton H. Walcott, born at Hudson, Mass., prepared at Mount Hermon School, student at Brown University and Newton Theological Institution, had pastorates at Ashland and Sharon, Mass.
1911. Charles A. Carman, student at Denison and Brown Universities, now student at Rochester Theological School.
MISS EMMA LEWIS
Charter member of the Christian Endeavor Society, and one of its Presidents
1911-date. George H. Lewis, born in Maine, prepared at Lynn, Mass., studied at Brown University and Crozer Theologi- cal Seminary, in business in Providence, Deacon and Sunday School Superintendent of the Union Baptist Church, Providence, and Secretary of the Rhode Island Baptist Sunday School Con- vention.
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Our Superintendents
Since the organization of the Sunday School in April, 1860, fifteen choice men of God have filled the superintendency. Some of them gave good account of themselves in the war for the Union, others achieved successful business careers, others held positions of public trust, two became successful ministers, all were clean honorable men and good churchmen. The school has reason to
THE LEE FARM Now the property of Peter Dean
be prond of its superintendents. We give a brief sketch of each.
1860-1861, 1863-1866. The founder and first superintend- ent of the school was Deacon George Cushman, of Central Falls. Ile was born in Lanesville, now Adamsdale, in 1827, a lineal descendent of one of the founders of Plymonth Colony. Hle settled in business at Central Falls, and became an active member and Deacon of the Central Falls Congregational Church. He
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served his country in the Civil War, and served the school as superintendent until his death in 1866 at the early age of thirty- eight.
1861-1862. Ansel D. Nickerson was superintendent one year, during the absence of Deacon Cushman in the army. He lived in Central Falls, was connected with the Pawtucket "Chron- icle" for thirty years as apprentice, journeyman, and proprietor ; was alderman, member of the General Assembly, president of the Y. M. C. A., member of the First Baptist Church and super- intendent of its Sunday School for twenty years, and superintend- ent of the memorial Sunday School of Saylesville for several years. Died in 1896.
1862-1863. Samuel T. Mallery also served as superintend- ent for one year, during the absence of Mr. Cushman in the army. He was the son of a Baptist minister, and member of the Baptist Church in Central Falls, having been superintendent of a Sunday School there for several years.
1866-1867. Robert Cushman, brother of George Cushman the founder of the school. In 1841 he joined the First Congre- gational Church of Attleboro, and in 1848, was elected Deacon, serving as such until 1858, when he united with the First Con- gregational Church in Central Falls, of which he was elected Deacon in 1866, succeeding his brother George. He was in business in Central Falls and Pawtucket many years, member of the Town Council and School Committee, and vice-presi- dent of the Providence County Savings Bank for twelve years. Died in 1891.
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1867-1869. J. Henry Phillips. He was Deacon George Cushman's tent-mate in the army, warm friend and successor in business. Born in Dighton, Mass., united with the High Street Baptist Church in Pawtucket in 1859, enlisted in the
CUSHMAN UNION CHURCH From pen sketch by E. Sykes Goodwin
army in 1862, was our superintendent until his death in 1869, at the early age of thirty-nine.
1869-1870. George E. Leeson. He was born at Pittsfield, Mass., served in the army during the Civil War, studied at Brown University and Newton Theological Institution, was ordained pastor of the Framingham Baptist Church, which he served until his death in 1881, at the age of thirty-six.
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1870-1873, also 1875-1877 and 1897-1899. Henry A. Guild. Born in Rehoboth, Mass., spent most of his life in Adams- dale, active in religious work. The Guild Sunday School room is named for him, his sister and his daughter. Died July 16, 1901, aged sixty.
1873-1875, also 1877-1878. Abner Atwood. Born in Carver, Mass., became a machinist, was foreman of the Taunton Locomotive Works for several years. Afterwards associated with Robert Cushman and J. Henry Phillips in business at Pawtucket. Member and Deacon of the Central Falls Con- gregational Church. Died 1888.
1888-1893. S. Fred Gay. Born at North Attleboro, served three years in the Civil War, united with the Oldtown Congregational Church in 1866, moved to Pawtucket and joined the Central Falls Congregational Church in 1880, became interested in Adamsdale through friendship with the Cushmans. Died 1906.
1893-1894. S. D. Clark. Resided in Adamsdale about five years, during which he was active in religious work.
1894-1895. George U. Proal. Born in Maine, settled at Adamsdale 1890, later in lumber business in New Hampshire, removed to Foxboro 1910, now lives at Plainville.
1895-1897, also 1902-date. Jerry L. Wightman. Born in Somerville, Conn., came to Pawtucket as a boy with his father in 1870, married Lillian Clark of Adamsdale 1885, and the same year engaged in the grocery business with his father and brother. Early united with the Central Congregational Church
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of Central Falls, has been interested in the religious work at Adamsdale for nearly thirty years, and S. S. superintendent more years than any other ; always an interested helper. active worker, and liberal giver. The Wightman belfry was named for him and his devoted wife, whose mother, Mrs. Julia A. Clark and herself have taught the same class in the Sunday School for over forty years.
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RESIDENCE OF GEORGE ALLEN
1899. Samuel Moffitt. Born in Scotland, afterward active in Y. M. C. A. work, and now a National Commissioner of the Boy Scouts of America, residing in New York City.
1899-1901. Fred N. Angell. Born in North Attleboro, educated in the public schools and Pawtucket Commercial Col- lege, compelled by poor health to give up office work he went into the poultry business ; an earnest Christian worker, a charter
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member of the church society, active in the Christian Endeavor Society. Died in 1903.
1901-1902. Isaac Fleming. See sketch under "Our Pastors."
1902-date. J. L .. Wightman. See above, 1895-1897.
Special Mention
A sketch like this would hardly be complete without men- tion of other helpers, not prominent in the foregoing history, who yet have done efficient service.
Among those who have been promoted from among us to a reward in the higher life are :
MRS. BARTON I. CHASE, a charter member of the Sunday School and teacher of a class until her death in October 1879. A quiet but efficient and esteemed helper.
MR. and MRS. HENRY A. CLARK, parents of Mrs. J. L. Wightman and Mrs. Frank E. Gay. He was a man of excel- lent spirit, "always doing good," she a devoted wife, good neigh- bor, sweet Christian, a charter member of the Sunday School and "one of its strong pillars." Mrs. Clark died in September 1895 ; Mr. Clark surviving until June 1907.
MR. and MRS. JOSEPH B. CARPENTER, old residents of Adamsdale, and their names intimately associated with its history. Mr. Carpenter was one of the Building Committee for the erection of the chapel. He died in June 1908, his worthy wife having gone before in November 1895.
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GEORGE W. GUILD died in February 1908, an early member of the Christian Endeavor Society, and faithful worker therein.
HENRY A. GUILD was a helper and leader in our work from its inception, a man of fine spirit and with the capacity for interesting others. He was born March 6, 1841, and died July 16, 1901.
CAMP COMFORT Where services are held during the summer months
REV. JAMES H. LYON, pastor of the Congregational Church in Central Falls from 1867 till his death in 1911, was the pastor of our founder and of other leaders in the earlier days of our work, and always interested to follow the progress in this field. He delivered the address at the laying of the cor- ner-stone of the Chapel in 1883 and took part at the dedication service later in the same year.
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MRS. CYNTHIA (CHACE) HUDSON, mother of Miss Bertha and Wendell Hudson, was for many years a faithful attendant and worker in the Sunday School.
MRS. EMILY (CARPENTER) METCALF was our first organist.
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