USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Ludlow > The history of Ludlow, Massachusetts > Part 9
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In June, 1788, some of the people evinced a desire to have the building improved, but failed to secure the approbation of the town. The agitation evidently was beneficial. for four months later (October 131. Warriner. Miller, and Burr were made a committee to repair the house. Very likely there were needed the chats of a winter to discuss the matter. On March 2. 1789, specific instructions followed. They were to lay at
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HISTORY OF LUDLOW.
floor, make doors, and clapboard the building. On the following October 27, £30 was allowed for the work. Surely the temple was now goodly indeed; what more could man desire?
O the pride of humanity! June 11, 1791. it was voted to pay sundry charges for building the meeting-house, and on the following November 11, a committee was chosen to paint said house and €18 was appropriated for that purpose. One might go around the world half a dozen times while they were doing the work, but the bill finally appeared in July. 1793. One extravagance breeds another, and in 1795 the town voted its third { 200 for making "said house more elegant and commodious." It may not be amiss to state that federal money was now fast displacing English currency, and the above sum appeared on the last day of November, 1796, as 5600.00. On November 2, 1797. in rather ambiguous language, it was "voted a committee to seat the meeting-house." in two years and a half the indignant citizens vote to bring their slothful contractor, one "Lomis," to terms by law if need be, and appoint a committee to put glass in the windows.
The church edifice seems to have been serving its day and generation, gradually succumbing to wind and weather, and occasionally pressing a claim for repairs, with infrequent success. Used as meeting-house in a municipal as well as religious sense, it had every opportunity for a display of its excellences or its defects. In 1805 there is record of a loud call for glass in the windows and for wooden stops up which the worthies might climb on their entrance to the sanctuary, nor was the cry dis- regarded. The people could not have been over-nice in their architec- tural demands, for they abide in patience a brace of decades. Then the pent-up longings of years burst forth wildly as demands began to be made. The honest saches again demanded glass, the wooden steps. probably never painted, had rotted away, while some who had found necessity for an umbrella in church averred to the astonished managers that the roof needed patching; whereat there were orders at solemn conclave that measures should be taken to stop the "leaks in the roof, if there be any." On July 1. 1825, it was voted that individuals have liberty to paint the meeting-house and place stone steps at the door.
Det. Stephen Jones passed a paper around for the purpose, and obtained $140.32, of which sum $25 was given by the "Springfield Manufacturing Company." One year later, these improvements having been consummated, the town had the daring to allow a committee of
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three (who must be immortalized-they were Benjamin Jenks, John Moody, Eliphal Booth) to put in a stove, at the expense of individuals. It was purchased of the Jenks Company and is still in use. Wilbur F. Miller's mother, a member of the choir, was in church on the Sunday after its installation. She remembered that a lady fainted away, though not because the church was overheated. for there had never been a fire in the stove. Possibly the thought of the supposed heat was overpowering.
As years glided by the old church had been falling into decay, until new edifice seemed a necessity. At least so thought a majority of the people after holding several meetings in regard to the advisability of making extensive repairs or of building anew. In 1839 a committee to solicit subscriptions was appointed, which soon obtained over $3,000.
After services were discontinued, the old building was purchased by Increase Sikes for about $50, and removed to its present site, where it has stood ever since, a shield for those noble oaks which link the days of successive generations. Mr. Sikes planned using it for sheep and began taking out the pews, but, instead, soll it to the town, and until 1893, with few exceptions, it was used for town meetings, and more or less for political and religious purposes. It has been in a way made over, and is now known as Grange Hall, the upper story being used for a hall and the lower story by the Ludlow Grange.
A tablet containing the following inscription, written by Benjamin F. Burr, has been placed in the ancient buikling :
THE FIRST CHERCH BUILDING OF FEDLOW
This building was the first church erected in Ludlow, in 1783 and 1784, and stood on the ground where the Soldiers Monument now stands. It was moved to its present location between 1841 and 1845, and used as a town house. It was turned one quarter way round. The present entrance faced the east. The west side faced the south and was the main entrance, and bad large double doors. The north end faced the west and was the west entrance.
One of the original pews is in the south- West corner of the building.
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HISTORY OF LEDLOW
The second church building was begun in 1840 and was completed in April, 1811. Asa Wright, Theodore Sikes, and Noah Clark were the builders, and John Moody, Simeon Pease. Chester Sikes. Theodore Sikes, and Noah Clark were the building committee. As usual the plan was enlarged somewhat dur- ing the construction. .. portico and a bell weighing about 300 pounds were added. making the total cost, St,- 127.09. The total subscrip- tions were about $3,800, leav - ing a debt of a little more than $300.
It seems to have been the custom to give to the lowest bidder the care of the meet- I'DWIN FIRST CHURCH BORDING ing-house, the ringing of the bell, and other necessary work, the sum- ranging from $16.50 to $24.00 per annum. The slip- were rented in January, and the house was dedicated January 20, 1841. The following order of exercise- was observed:
1. Singing: 2. Invocation, by Rev. Mr. Rogers of Chicopee Falls; Reading Scriptures; + Singing: 5. Prayer, by Rev. Mr Roger; 6. Singing: 7. Sermon, In Rev. Mr. Clapp of Cabotville: S. Prayer of dedication, by the pastor: 9. Singing: 10. Benediction: 11. Singing.
This building, after undergoing some changes and repairs. Was burned in the early hours of Saturday morning, January 15, 1859. The cause of the fire is unknown. The loss was about $4.000. It Was insured for $2,000 in the old Springfield Fire Assurance Company.
At hist pastor and people were disheartened. but soon courage was renesse This event, which so saddened the last days of his ministry. Mr. Luck has described in his Historie Addres see Part 111. There was no delay in services after the fire. A courteous invitation from the Methodist to the privilege of their sanctuary for the time being with declined An informal meeting of the church and society was held on the next Monday, and it was voted to continue the services in the venerable town house. At a meeting later in the month it was
سيد نجيب
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, LUDLOW CENTER
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THE FIRST OR TOWN CHURCH
unanimously voted to build on the same site a suitable house of worship, and to circulate papers out of the parish for the purpose of securing subscriptions, and that the parish by a tax on the polls and estates of its members should raise the balance of such sum as might be needed in the erection of said house.
By the aid of generous subscriptions and the insurance on the burned building, it was possible to begin the erection of a new church at once. Mr. Chauncey Shepard of Springfiel was the architect, and Messrs. Mayo and Hallett, also of Springfield, the contractors.
There were busy days throughout that year, but they were days of proht and success, for their labors resulted in the present symmetrical and commodious structure. The total cost of the building was $6,021.88; of the church furnishings about $500, provided by the Social Circle; of the organ $215, raised by subscription.
The dedication occurred December 7, 1859, and was of course a notable event. Mr. Tuck, that very day dismissed from the church, preached the sermon from Zech. 4:7, "He shall bring forth the head- stone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it." and Revela- tion 22:21, "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen." Besides the singing, the other exercises consisted of the invocation by Rev. L. H. Cone, prayer by Rev. S. Miller, and dedicatory prayer by Rev. J. Vaill, D.D. An original dedication hymn by Hon. G. M. Fisk, a native of the town, was sung. We cannot refrain from giving a portion :
O'er the ashes of the Past. We this holy temple rear ; AAnd of thee, O Lord, we ask To reveal thy presence here; Make this house thy dwelling place, Make this roof thy sheltering hand, Fill these courts with heavenly grace Fill them with thy chosen band.
May thy servant who shall toil In this vineyard of the Lord, Find that here is Christian soil Which shall yield a rich reward; Strengthen him to guide aright Those who heavenly wisdom seek, Leading them from gloom to light, By the truths that he shall speak.
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A chapel was created at the cost of $1,514.94 during the pastorate of Mr. Bridgman.
At a meeting held December 30, 1874, it was voted to build a par- somage at a cost not to exceed $2,500, and to raise this sum, first, by subscriptions, and the remainder to cover the amount by assessing a tas upon the polls and estates of the members of the parish. The parsonage was created in 1875, at an expenditure of $2.451.77. May 1. 1877, fruit and ornamental trees were set out around the parsonage.
PARSONAGE OF FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, LUHLOW CENTER
July 1, 1877, the church was struck by lightning, slight damage being done to the ceiling and carpets. In May, 1880, fourteen persons set out fourteen trees upon the grounds about the church. A new Clough & Warren organ was presented to the church in 1883 by Mrs. Samuel White. In 1897 the pulpit, which was a monument of Mr. Pierce's work- manship, was removed, the platform lowered, and new furniture built. consisting of six pieces, the work being done chiefly by the pastor, Res. Mr. Francis; the expense for all, including new carpet, ling $69.75.
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The money was raised by subscription in part and given otherwise was to include all portions of the church and congregation, as follows: From the men, for the platform, $28.25; from the ladies, for the carpet, $23.00; from the King's Daughters, for a desk, $5.00; from the young people, for chairs, $3.00; from children under 8 years, for a large chair, 84 50. The new pulpit was dedicated in June, on Children's Sunday,
In 1903, four of the front pews in the church were removed, the plait- form enlarged, and the pulpit moved forward to make room for the choir to be seated behind the pastor, and on July 19 of the same year, they occupied their new place.
THE MINISTERS
We learn from the records that on April 22, 1774, about two months after the incorporation of the district of Ludlow, the people gathered at the house of Abner Hitchcock and voted " to hire Mr. Pelatiah Chapin," whom they desired to have preach. John Hubbard, Abner Sikes, and Joseph Jones were chosen "for to agree with M' Chapin."
In October, the committee chosen "for to agree with M' Chapin," having harvested a crop, planted since their appointment, reported that they had seen Mr. Chapin, and secured his services. The district ratified their action, and authorized them to continue in their official relation.
At a meeting held March 20, 1775, a committee was chosen to hire Rev. Pelatiah Chapin to preach for six months. In 1776, another committee was appointed to apply to the neighboring ministers "to request that they or any of them will give us a day's preaching," and they were also to advise with these neighboring ministers with regard to hiring a minister. In 1777, the selectmen were instructed to "provide a place for a candidate to board at while preaching among us." In December of that year, it was voted " to hire the Rev. Mr. Davenport for one month and longer, if the committee see fitt." He seems to have made little impression, for in 1778, Jonathan Bartlett, Joshua Fuller, and Joseph Hitchcock were selected "to hire a Candidate." Who supplied from 1777 to 1783 the records do not show. It may be inferred that Rev. Mr. Hutchinson preached at some time during those years, for in 1783 it was voted "to hire Mr. Hutchinson to preach with us again." Stephen Burroughs in 1783 or 1784 preached his first sermon in this town under the assumed name of Davis. He played an important part in an episode of which hegives the account following. The Fuller named
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must have been Joshua, and the place of entertainment, the old Dorman house.
After mentioning the chain of circumstances leading to his determina- tion to preach, and describing his clothing, "which consisted of a light gray coat, with silver-plated buttons, green vest, and red velvet breeches," Mr. Burroughs goes on thus:
Hearing of a place called Ludlow, not far distant, where they were destitute of a clergyman, I bent my course that way, it being Satur- das, and intended to preach the next day, if I proved successful. Iarrived about noon, and put up at the house of one Fuller, whom I found to be a leading man in their religious society. I introduced my- self to him as a clergyman, and he gave me an invitation to spend the Sabbath with them and preach. You will readily conclude that I did not refuse this invitation. . . . I retired to rest at the usual time, and after I had composed my mind sufficiently for reflection. I began to consider under what situation my affairs now stood, and what was to be done under present circumstances. I had engaged to preach on the morrow. . . . People had been notified that a sermon would be delivered. This business I never had attempted. . . . What, said I, would be my feelings, should I make some egregious blunder in traveling this unbeaten road? . .. These considerations made so dismal an appearance, that I at once concluded to get up, take my horse privately out of the stable and depart, rather than rum the risk of the dangers which were before me. But upon more mature reflection, I found the hard band of necessity compelled me to stay. When Iawoke the next morning, my heart beat with anxious palpitation for the issue of the day. . . . The time for assembling approached! I saw people began to come together. My feelings were all in arms against me, my heart would almost leap into my mouth. . . . Why, said I, am I thus perturbated with these whimsical feelings? I know my dress is against me, and will cause some speculation; but I cannot help it, and why need I afflict myself with disagreeables before they arrive? Iendeavored to calm my feelings by those reflec- tions, fortified my countenance with all resolution, and set out with my Bible and psalm-book under my arm, those being the only insignia of a clergyman about me. When I made my appearance, I found a stare of universal surprise at my gay dress, which suited better the character of a beau than a clergyman. My eyes I could not persuade myself to raise from the ground till I had ascended the pulpit. I was doubtful whether I had the command of my voice, or even whether I had any voice. I sat a few moments, collecting my resolution for the effort of beginning. I made the attempt -I found my voice at command -my anxiety was hushed in a moment, my perturbation subsided, and I felt all
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the serenity of a calm summer's morning. I went through the exercises of the forenoon without any difficulty. .
During the intermission, I heard the whisper in swift circulation among the people, concerning my appearance in such a dress. The question was often asked with great emphasis, "Who is he?" but no one was able to give those answers which were satisfactory. A con- sultation took place among some leading members of the society, relative to hiring me to continue among them as a preacher, as I had intimated to Mr. Fuller that I should be willing to continue among them in that capacity should such a matter meet with their approbation. Fattended on the afternoon's exercises without any singular occurrence. The meeting being dismissed, and the people retired, I was informed by my landlord, that they did not agree to hire me any longer; accordingly. I found my business here at an end.
I was advised by Mr. Fuller to make application to Mr. Baldwin, minister of Palmer, for information where were vacancies. I accordingly set out for Palmer on Monday morning.
Again taking up the account from the records of the hiring of ministers we find in 1784, the next year after the hiring of Mr. Hutchinson to preach, that the committee was instructed "to hire M' Haschal to preach 2 months." This reverend gentleman enjoys the distinction of being the first to receive a call from the townspeople, a vote "to give Mr. Haschal a call to settle in the gospel ministry among us," bearing record "thursday the 19 Day of october," the same year. A com- mittee of three was to apply to neighboring ministers for advice. Thirty- one days later it was voted "to give Mr. David Haschal one hundred and Fifty Pounds Settlement & Sixty Pounds Sallery yearly, So Long as he Supplies the Town in the gospel ministry." For some reason, it is certain he was not settled, for the next year the committee was instructed to apply to him again for a supply.
The records show that there were persons in the town at this time of the Baptist faith, for on August 8, 1786, it was voted " to excuse David Daniels, David Paine, and John Scranton from paying the ministry and meeting-house taxes in the town, since they produce certificates of their being of the Baptist principles." These certificates are duly signed by "Elder Seth Clark, minister of the Baptist church, Wilbraham."
In January, 1788, the town voted "that the committee apply to the Rev. Stephen Fuller to preach the gospel in this town," and in April of the same year it was " voted 220 for preaching." In June of the same year it was voted " to hire Rev. Allen Pratt two Sabbaths."
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HISTORY OF LUDLOW
In July, 1789, it was voted to give a call to the Res. William Stone to settle in the gospel ministry, with the same settlement as was offered Mr. Hasebal and a "Sallery of 450 yearly, and also that the sum to Increase forty shillings per year after the first, until it shall amount to 465 per innum." Some days later it was voted to reconsider the settlement of Mr. Stone, and we do not find that any further attempt was made to retain him
In November, 1790, it was voted "to hire the Rev. Mr. Woodward for a longer time." In March, 1791, it was voted " to hire the Rev. Mr. Snell four Sabbaths, to give $3 per Sabbath and pay in grain." It appears that his services were not required for a longer time, for in May it was voted "to hire the Rev. Mr. Woodward to preach the gospel," and in June it was voted to hire him two months longer. It is likely that Mr. Woodward continued with the people of the town longer than the two months for which he was hired in 1791, as it was proposed at a meeting on July 5, 1792, to call him with a settlement of / 150 to be paid in two years from ordination, and a salary of £40 per year to be increased (5 each year until it amounts to go0, the said sum to be paid in grain or Stock. Again were the efforts to settle a pastor unsuccessful; his name at this point drops forever from the records.
In 1793, another effort was made to secure a settled pastor, and on July 1, it was voted " to give Rev. Antipas Steward a call to preach the gospel in this town." A committee, consisting of Timothy Keyes, John Sikes, David Lyon, John Jennings, Elisha Hubbard, Israel Warriner, and James Kendall was appointed to estimate the amount needed for his support and to report in four weeks. Whether they had difficulty in agreeing is not known, but it is certain that the next town meeting did not occur until August 20, when it was voted, " to give Rev. Antipas Steward 500 and 30 cords of wood annually so long as he shall be able to oficiale in the gospel ministry." A long delay follows, but the people are not further doomed to disappointment, for on November 14, the citizens transacted the following business:
1st, Voted, Esq' James Kendall Moderator of said meeting.
24. Voted that the ordination of M' Steward be on wendyday the Twenty seventh of Nov" Instant.
Voted to grant 220 to be asessed on the Polls and Estates of said Town to defray the Charges of AU Steward ordination.
Noted that a Committee of three be appointed to See how the Said
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money is Expended and make preparation for the Council on said day and that John Sikes Esq', James Kendall & Elisha Hubbard be Said Committee.
Voted that AP Joshua Fuller be appointed to keep good order and Regulations on ordination day.
It was a proud day for Ludlow, that November 27, 1793. Every citizen stepped firmly, every matron put on her best gown, every damsel smiled sweetly, for was it not ordination day, and was not Ludlow to have a parson of her own? Bezaleel Howard came from Springfield, .ind probably Joseph Willard from Wilbraham, Joseph Lathrop from West Springfield, Nehemiah Williams from Brimfield, Richard Salter Storrs from Longmeadow, and, if his health allowed, John Mckinstry from the present Chicopee, as council, with perhaps others. The session could not have been tedious, for Mr. Steward was then an old preacher. From that $20 there must have come something good for the inner man, and very likely the Washingtonians of a half century later would have held up their hands in holy horror could they have been permitted to catch the telltale odors.
Antypas. Stward
The above is a facsimile of the autograph of the Rev. Antipas Steward. He was born in Marlboro, Mass., in 1734, and was graduated at Harvard University in 1700. eminently qualified by scholastic attainments. For a time he was a tutor in the University. It seems that when he was assigned a room as tutor, in his absence, he having solicited single apartments, he and one Mr. Eyler were placed together, that gentleman and he having been the only ones presenting such a request, and hence deemed suitable associates.
It has been generally assumed that he had been settled over other pastorates before coming here, but his induction here was ordination ; this would imply that this was his first settlement. Nothing has been found to show that he had ever been settled as pastor anywhere. though he had preached in many places widely apart. A sermon from 1 Peter 4:18. " If the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly
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and the sinner appear?" is marked as having been preached at Ludlow, August, 1793, and previously at Guilford, Conn., Marlboro, Framingham, Holliston workhouse, Sandy Bay, and Gloucester, Mass., and Brattleboro, 17 .; the first date is July 1, 1776, at Mr. Diman's. From the fact that this is marked so many times we conclude it was regarded by Mr. Steward as one of his standard sermons.
Mr. Steward was a small man, but slightly built and short of stature, carrying with him a small cane. which, preserved to-day, cannot be more than thirty inches in length. He was near-sighted; his chirography was good, as the specimen indicates, but so close and fine that much of it is to-day read with difficulty. Greek. Latin and Hebrew quotations are freely and legibly interlined. He was obliged to hold the manuscript close to his eyes while reading. Mr. Steward possessed a stentorian voice, and was withal very fond of exercising the same in psalmody. Gad Lyon, who at that time led the singing, was similarly blessed. He used to stand in front of the minister, and line out the psalms of easy meter. Irreverent auditors used to say the parson and chorister vied with each other to see who could make "the most noise." Forming his opinions under the shadow of Harvard long before the Revolution, Mr. Steward was probably a tory, nor is it likely be ever changed his views very much in this regard. He was rememberel as a fine specimen of the ancient province-man, who, in powdered locks and a three- cornered hat, was accustomed to visit the homes and schools, encouraging the children by a pat upon the head and an exportation to be good, or warning them with a statement that if they lied he would find it out, though miles away.
From an old sermon of Mr. Steward's the following specimen selection is taken, illustrating not only the quaintness of style and peculiarity of thought, but also the real strength of the man who, despite all caricature. Was no unworthy representative of his profession at that day. The Selection may be of use to those who, by reason of a storm, may some day be prevented from attending town-meeting
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