USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Lawrence > The first hundred years of Grace church > Part 4
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5
[59]
memory of Elizabeth and William Wilson Eastham. This was a replacement of the door leading from the Church into the Parish House, and was designed by Cram and Ferguson, architects, the work being executed by Irving
5. STRENGTH
A warrior in chain mail with a sword (the DREUX sword). He is accompanied by a lion, symbol of strength, and searches in the Book upon whose leaves appear the acrostic cross and the eagle. The Holy Spirit, repre- sented by the Dove, descends signifying that the strength he seeks is spiritual. On the breast of his tunic is a Greek Cross denoting that his strength is dedicated to the pursuit of Right.
[60]
and Casson. Dedication came on the Fourth Sunday in Advent.
The next day Advent gave place to Christmas and the last days of 1945 went quickly by. How better can the story
6. HOLY FEAR
A female figure trembles before the Cross shielding her eyes against the overwhelming Fear of God, although she has conquered earthly temptation. (Represented by Satan's mask beneath her feet.)
[6]]
of the first one hundred years of Grace Church end than here when in many a heart were echoing the strains of the great Christmas hymn, "Adeste Fideles," finding within it assurance of the blessed faith, the faith by which we live.
7. OBEDIENCE
A female figure kneels with her hands clasped and to her comes the Holy Spirit. Beside her is the little dog of the donor. Below kneels the camel, symbol of obedience and on his trappings appear the effigy of the Lamb, symbol of Christ.
[62]
CHAPTER VIII MUSIC
When there are few or no records to be found of what was done in Grace Church at any given period it must be re- membered that Grace Church was only one of many churches and reflected more or less the trend of the Church at large. This is especially true of church music for when Grace Church was founded it was at a low ebb. The General Convention of 1832 had authorized a collection of Psalms in metre with Hymns; some of the latter are sung today. In 1865, the House of Bishops at the request of The House of Deputies had had prepared another set of hymns to be used with those of 1832.
Music being of such great importance it would probably seem easy to trace it in its various phases from the days of the Chapel to the present time. Unfortunately this is not the case. It was provided for in the by-laws. The first mention of paying for music is in the record of the Parish Meeting held April 28, 1851.
The Chapel had an organ described as "small but of fine tone." This did not prove adequate for the Church and another was procured and installed in the gallery. In 1860 it was moved to the side of the chancel.
In 1853, Mr. James Payne came to Lawrence and to Grace Church. He at once took an active part in church affairs. After a few weeks he turned his attention to the music, meeting the singers who formed the voluntary choir. The Women's Society raised fifty dollars to pay for a bass singer. July 2, 1854, the Te Deum was sung for the first time. Later on there was a new choir of girls which did not prove very satisfactory. At the Parish Meeting 1856, a resolution was offered thanking Mr. Payne for giving his service as organist for one year. Thus early in the history of the parish comes the name of one who will always be remembered for his unfailing loyalty and support, not only as a Senior
[63]
Warden which office he held for many years, but expressed in many ways in the long years of devoted service he gave the parish. As long as his health permitted he never failed to be in church on Sunday and the endowment of the pew so associated with him seems a fitting memorial.
In 1857, Samuel F. Hobbs was leader of the choir. As the years went on what was sung must have depended on the ability, perhaps on the ambition of the singers whether voluntary or paid. By 1870 there is proof that there had been an advance, for anthems were sung, and Christmas that year falling on Sunday the Communion Service was sung for the first time and in the evening the Psalter, this too for the first time. There was a large congregation in the morning and in the evening the church was crowded. The choir varied in numbers, in 1872 there was a quartet as- sisted by others. Easter, 1873, a choir of twelve sang part of Gounod's St. Cecilia Mass. A little later there was formed an association of young people for the singing of church music.
During the seventies organists changed from time to time, no one of them holding the position long. George W. Chadwick whom Lawrence has been proud to claim, was one. On Sunday, April 5, 1874 the Jubilate and Te Deum sung were his compositions.
Mrs. John F. Cogswell, better remembered in Grace Church for her singing, was the last organist of this period and for a short time of the choir that followed.
Mr. Charles G. Saunders was one of a committee which organized a choir of men and women in 1877 to which he gave unceasing oversight and care until it was replaced by a boys' choir in 1896. His knowledge of music and his untiring devotion to his self-imposed duty were factors in keeping up the choir and making it take a fixed part in the worship of the Church. Only the highest type of church music available at the time was sung.
Though the personnel changed more or less in the nine-
[64]
teen years, the choir organized in 1877 was the choir that in 1896 gave place to the boys' choir. Organists who suc- ceeded Mrs. Cogswell were Miss Elizabeth M. Reed, Mr. Walter H. Langshaw, and Mrs. A. Wilkinson.
The Massachusetts Choir Festival Association was formed in 1876. At first men, women and boys sang at the festivals but, when in 1890 its name was changed to Massachusetts Choir Guild, only boys' choirs were included in the organ- ization.
In 1892, there were so many choristers participating that it became necessary to divide the festivals into two sections. Later on, there were five sections for the thirty-five choirs belonging to the Guild.
Mr. Saunders was interested from the first in this effort to raise the standard of church music in the Diocese. He was at one time a director of the Association and was elected Secretary of the Choir Guild of Massachusetts in 1890, which position he held until his death in 1918.
It was not long before the choir of Grace Church was taking part in the annual festival. April 28, 1879, Mr. Sam- uel B. Whitney, Organist and Choirmaster of the Church of the Advent, Boston, came to Grace Church to rehearse the choir for the festival which was to take place May 14th in Trinity Church, Boston. Twenty-four of the choir attended.
In 1880, April 1, Mr. Whitney came again, this time St. John's, Haverhill, and Christ Church, Andover, were rehearsed with Grace Church Choir.
The third year the choirs were Grace Church, St. John's, Haverhill, Christ Church, Andover, and St. Thomas, Methuen. After this Mr. Whitney did not come but Mr. Saunders rehearsed the Grace Church Choir in the choir festival music as it was set forth each year and, in varying numbers, the members were present at the festivals.
There must be many in the congregation today who looking backward to the Church as it was before 1896 can
[65]
see the singers in the stalls by the organ, and more than that can remember that then as now, music had a very important place in the service. The evening service was often choral and there was always an anthem. Again and again mention is found of special musical services. Cantatas were sung and into them, and the preparation for Christmas and Easter and Choir Festivals went painstaking effort to make the result as fine as possible. May 27, 1883, the service was choral on the occasion of the Lawrence members of the G.A.R. coming to the Church.
So the years went on until 1896 which seems to be a dividing line between the history of the preceding fifty years and the ushering in of the second fifty now drawing to its close. This is true of the music for the new organ and the boys' choir mark the beginning of a new era. Mr. George E. Kunhardt not only paid toward the expenses incurred in organizing and training the choir, but gave generously toward its support for three years.
The choir was organized and trained by Walter R. Spalding. Mr. Spalding was a musician of unusual ability; at one time he was professor of music at Harvard University and Radcliffe College. He had much to do with raising the standard of music study in the public schools of New Eng- land. Under Mr. Henry P. Newcomb the choir started successfully and, when he left four years later it had become firmly established.
When in 1911 the Sixty-fifth Anniversary of the founding of the Church and the Fifteenth Anniversary of the vested choir were observed, there had been, including Mr. New- comb, five organists who were also choirmasters: Lindley H. Varney, 1900-1905; Joseph Kershaw, 1905-1906; J. Albert Wilson, 1906-1908; Thomas Moss, 1908-1911.
Next to take the position was Dudley Warner Fitch, 1911-1914. He wrote frequently for the Parish Monthly and so, more or less of a record has been found not only of special musical services, but of the various activities of the
[66]
choir in which he took a keen interest. Mr. Fitch was always eager to obtain fine results in his training and his music showed how successful he was. He entered with enthusiasm into whatever he undertook. Wilfred C. Snow was assistant organist at this time.
James B. Atwood, who succeeded Mr. Fitch, had had much experience so the excellence of the music was as- sured. When Mr. Atwood left there had been a vested choir for twenty-two years. During these twenty-two years much attention was given to the Choir Festivals. The choirmasters appreciated their value as did the Reverend Arthur W. Moulton, who was at one time a director and was elected Warden of the Guild in 1905. It must not be forgotten that Bishop Lawrence was Patron. Now and again a festival was held at Grace Church.
How much the boys must have enjoyed the day in Boston, entertainment being planned for them for every moment!
It was most unfortunate that for lack of money for ex- penses it was decided in 1917 not to hold a festival the following year. Alas! the festivals were never resumed.
Though Mr. Saunders was no longer tied down to Sat- urday night rehearsals and two Sunday services, it must not be thought that he ever lost interest in the music through the years of changing organists who were also choirmasters, always appreciating anything of special excellence and they, in their turn, striving to attain the high musical standard set by him.
November 15, 1918, the present organist and choir- master, Fred E. Jones, came, and the Church has been very fortunate in having music under his direction so many years. How acceptable he has been in every way was shown on his Twenty-fifth Anniversary as organist and choir- master. At a meeting of the Wardens and Vestry, he re- ceived a gift from the parish and the following resolution was unanimously voted by the Vestry:
[67]
"Inasmuch as Fred E. Jones has completed Twen- ty-five Years as our organist and choirmaster; and
"Inasmuch as the span has been a happy one, during which we have had exceptionally fine music; and
"Inasmuch as his contribution has not been con- fined to our regular services, but has been mani- fest on many other occasions, such as special musical services, recitals and Gilbert and Sulli- van operettas; be it
"Resolved that we, the Wardens and Vestry, speaking for the people of Grace Church, here- with extend our sincere appreciation to him for all that he has done, and for the enjoyment he has given us; and be it further
"Resolved that we consider the present occasion but a milestone, and look forward to having him with us as our organist and choirmaster many more years; and be it further
"Resolved that a copy of these resolutions be sent him; that they be published in the Monthly; and that they be spread upon the records of the War- dens and Vestry, and upon the records of the Parish."
BYRON T. BUTLER Clerk of the Parish
Mr. Jones' love and understanding interpretation of music and his appreciation of all that it can do for the services of the Church, are incentives to spare no effort to make it beautiful. He is ever mindful of the Church year and has an unerring sense of what is suitable for its days and seasons.
The Eightieth Anniversary of the Church was observed on Saturday, October 31, 1926. At that time the rededica-
[68]
tion of the organ was held. It had been rebuilt and electri- fied and three new stops added. The organ console had been changed from the Epistle side to the Gospel side of the Chancel.
FRED E. JONES
In 1931 a set of organ chimes was given in memory of Frank E. Johnson.
For many years, Mrs. Augustine H. Amory, in memory of Mr. Amory, gave a cross to be awarded to a boy in the choir who had had best attendance. In 1923 the award was
[69]
53219
CHOIR
Back Row: James Stewart, Alfred Mann, Maxwell Thomson, Philip S. Carr, Fred E. Jones, William Atkinson, Rev. Archie H. Crowley, Rev. Alfred W. Burns, Edward Bower, O. Lesley Sewell, James Fenton. Third Row: Donald Bevin, Benjamin Peel, Royce McLennan, Frederick Cooke, David Penkus, William Shikrallah, Walter Wood, David Glendinning.
Second Row: Mrs. Alice Riley, Robert Logan, Arthur Wermers, Kenneth McComish, John Castle, James Proctor, William Raitt, Wilfred Uttley, Paul Whitley, Kenneth Atkinson, Mrs. Dorothy Cornwell.
Front Row: Henry R. Bevin, David Janusz, Robert Janusz, John Raitt, William Turner, James Cornwell, Richard Jackson, Carl Voight.
changed, then being given for excellence in voice, perfect attendance and general all-around contribution to the choir. Mrs. Amory died in 1936. Since 1937, Mrs. Ernest E. Heald, in memory of her husband, who was for many years a member of the choir, has given the cross for like achieve- ment.
The Choir Mothers have a practical but important part in choir work. On them rests the responsibility of seeing that the boys are carefully vested and the vestments kept in repair. Mrs. Heald has been the efficient directress since 1917.
In 1936, a group of women sang while the boys were away on their vacation. The following summer this became an established custom with weekly rehearsals under Mr. Jones. So began the Adult Choir, which now has so important a part in the special musical services.
There is the Girls' Choir who sing at all Church School services through the year. They sometimes join the other choirs in rendering of special music and on Christmas morning they comprise the choir.
The choir composed of children from the Primary De- partment of the Church School should not be forgotten, for it too will some day have a part in the music of the Church.
[7]]
CHAPTER IX CHURCH SCHOOL
Perhaps nowhere is the evolution of the new from the old more apparent than in the Church School. From the earliest days it played an important part in the Parish, but the Church School of today is very different from the Sun- day School of old. Much more is required of the teacher and there is much more system in its management. Though all this is cause for rejoicing it must not be forgotten that there was much of value in the former and the new is but the building on the old foundation. Many of the congregation today look back on instruction given them or perhaps more on the kindly helpful interest shown them by faithful teachers. Giving for missions has always been recognized as a duty from the days of small beginning to the present Lenten Offering which gives a substantial sum to the Parish quota for missions.
Whatever the instruction in the Bible, whether taken from the Old or New Testament, there was one feature that did not vary, the reciting by the whole School of the Collect for the day at the close of the session. Much stress was laid on the Catechism. Bishop Paddock on his first visitation to Grace Church, Whitsunday, May 24th, 1874, in the after- noon addressed and catechised the combined Sunday Schools of Grace and St. John's in Grace Church. To use his own words, "the answers and the singing of the Schools were exceedingly creditable and impressive."
The Easter Carol Service with the presentation of class offerings was a very happy time for the children, something quite apart from the rest of the year. In the summer the school met at 9:30 a.m .; the change of hour throughout the year from noon to 9:30 was made in Bishop Moulton's rectorship.
How far back the custom goes of giving the children a summer outing in the shape of a picnic, it is difficult to say,
[72]
CHILDREN'S ALTAR
but surely for more than sixty years, very likely in the days when amusements for children were comparatively few, it may have meant more than it does today. However, it would undoubtedly be missed not alone by the children, but by their elders, for today many of the Parish attend.
In connection with the Church School the Children's Corner must be mentioned. In the years since it was estab- lished, giving the children a corner in the Church they can call their own, many gifts, some memorials, have made it worthy of a place in the Church and lovely for the children for whose use it is. At the Church School service, Sunday, May 13, 1945, a new and beautiful Children's Altar was dedicated.
[74]
CHAPTER X GRACE CHURCH MONTHLY
The first Parish Year Book was issued by Bishop Law- rence, Advent 1877. In the introduction he explains its purpose thus: "Every member of a Parish ought to know its organization, its methods, and as far as possible, the re- sults of its work. This little book is published in order to give that information, and with the hope of interesting more in the work of the Parish."
After he left Mr. Amory continued with the little books and it is surprising how much of value is concentrated in them.
The Grace Church Monthly was founded in 1891. It has changed from time to time in form, but not in its aim which is that of the Monthly today: to record important events in the Church; month by month to keep the Parish in touch with what goes on within it; to give the Rector op- portunity to make suggestions; to commend or admonish as it seems wise to him.
The Monthly has surely an important place in Grace Church and could not well be spared. For those who in one way or another are responsible for its publication, it means much work. Miss Bicknell has been one of these ever since she became Parish Secretary in 1926.
[75]
CHAPTER XI SOCIETIES
Mention has already been made of many of the societies, not all, in relating what occurred in the periods in which they were formed, including the group of women whom Dr. Packard often commended for their valuable assistance in the early days.
While Bishop Peabody was Rector the Parish Aid was affiliated with the Woman's Auxiliary and so its name was changed. It may rightly be considered the oldest women's organization in the parish. Before there were other so- cieties it was ready, as it is today, to attempt whatever it was asked to do, not counting what the difficulties might be or the work involved; that it might be done effectively there were committees with special responsibilities.
Though sometimes strength and determination not to fail were needed, there was compensation in the result at- tained, and pleasure in the friendly intercourse the meetings gave the members.
Probably many of the earlier names would mean little to the present generation, but to one familiar with Grace Church history they bring to mind women who should have a place with those who followed them in the respect, and more, in the regard of the parish. The Woman's Auxiliary, the Sunday before All Saints' Day, give flowers for the altar in memory of their departed members.
The Mothers' Society too can count upon its roll many devoted members of the past as well as of the present.
In 1920, the Eureka Club, whose origin goes back some years to a group of girls calling themselves the Junior Auxiliary, was formed. From that time on the society has proved itself of more and more use, assuming responsibility for its share of work for parish and missions and responding to the many demands that come so often for special needs either within or without the parish. They have made, and
[76]
are making, their contribution to the life of the parish. For two of its members they have given fine memorials, a fair white linen cloth for Esther Compton Thomas and a white silk veil and burse for Florence Barlow.
In 1888, the Young Women's Guild became a branch of the Girls' Friendly Society which was founded in this Country by Miss Elizabeth M. Edson in 1877. In this we find another link with the neighboring parish of St. Anne's, Lowell, for Miss Edson was the daughter of Dr. Edson of whose interest in Grace Church in the very earliest days of its existence, mention has already been made. Dr. Edson was a man well-known and respected in the Church, loyal to the faith, strong in his convictions, unflinching in his sup- port of whatever he felt to be right, and withal, a devoted and beloved friend of his people. As Dr. Packard was prominent in all good projects in Lawrence, so was Dr. Edson in Lowell. Miss Edson was a woman of strong char- acter, a devout, faithful churchwoman.
The Girls' Friendly Society of Grace Church was for- tunate in its origin for the Young Women's Guild was an active group as is shown by the fact that in 1889 they, now the Girls' Friendly Society, made the very valuable gift of the brass pulpit to the Church. This surely was an ambitious thing for them to undertake, and what a satisfaction it must have been to them to have succeeded.
Raising money, however, is not the most important thing to be considered in the success or failure of a branch of the Girls' Friendly Society. It is rather an expression of the deeper side, the desire to serve. The Girls' Friendly Society has been a strong influence for good in the parish from the first.
To read the annals of the Society from 1888 to the present time would be a pleasant task to learn how much has been accomplished. Not alone is the pulpit a cause of congratula- tion for them, but when the Fiftieth Anniversary came they gave the choir stalls. We would note the very substantial
[77]
contributions to the five fields of service each year, the time given to preparing their table for the fair, the sponsor- ing of instructive talks on many subjects, the admission service during Holy Week, and the lesson, not always an easy one, of learning to work happily together. Through it all there is a lighter touch of wholesome fun, and oppor- tunities of spending vacations in their own Holiday House at Milford, New Hampshire. The Juniors must not be for- gotten for they are being prepared to take their places in the Society when old enough.
The Altar Guild, first called Chancel Committee, was appointed by the Parish Aid in 1890. Its duties compared with those of the present day were simple, but that does not mean that no work was required of its members; one task was dusting, including even the pews.
There was no sudden transition from Chancel Committee to Altar Guild, but as its interest was centered gradually on the care of the Altar, the original name, good when it was founded, became meaningless. It is on duty all the year. The Altar Guild, being so closely associated with the services of the Church, especially that of the Holy Com- munion, when there is any question of what should or should not be done, looks to the Rector for direction.
Though the work consists mainly in following from Ad- vent to Advent, a schedule varying with the seasons or special days of the Church Year, it is not a dull routine, but a responsibility which demands constant thought and ex- actness in every detail even to the smallest. This is the prac- tical aspect, but words do not express the privilege it is and the joy that comes from having part in it. The Guild cannot offer figures for money raised for the Church for that is not in its province, nor is teaching, save for the in- struction of new members; however, the change of colors of the hangings must remind some who might not give it thought that the Church Year is real and the seasons, festi- val or penitential, must be observed.
[78]
To keep altar cloths and altar linen, hangings too for the pulpit, in good condition that they may last many years, is an important duty. This means careful handling of the fine things that have been given to the Church, some of them memorials. From time to time one member or another of the Guild has added to these, sometimes her own handi- work. Easter 1944, the Woman's Auxiliary and the Girls' Friendly Society gave a Corporal, Chalice Veil and Pall in memory of Miss Martha J. Sargent, one who included in her devoted service to the Church, work of the Altar Guild. Members have answered appeals for mission parishes with money or with altar linen made by themselves.
Since 1890, many devoted women have been members of the Guild; some are still in Grace Church, some in parishes far away, others have entered into rest leaving a record of faithful service.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.