USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Ludlow > The history of Ludlow, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of leading citizens, reminiscences, genealogies, farm histories, and an account of the centennial celebration, June 17, 1874 > Part 13
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A lamentable difficulty with Mr. McLean occurred just at this time, creating hard feelings, and much discussion, oral and printed, and resulted in the withdrawal of that gentleman from the denomination and the closing up of the affairs of the so-called "Methodist Legal Society" of Ludlow.
Following are extracts from "An Appeal to the Public" sent out by Rev. Alexander McLean in 1828.
The town of Ludlow, Hampden Co., Mass., being the place in which I, Alexander McLean, reside. . . . it may not be ... uninteresting to give a short account of my introduction into said town in the character of a minister of the gospel, with a sketch of the rise and progress of Methodism in the place, from that time to the present.
In the month of October, 1813, the inhabitants of Ludlow, in town meeting, legally assembled, passed a vote inviting me to supply the desk for one year, making ample provision for my support. I accepted their invitation, and on the first Sabbath of November following commenced my ministerial services with flattering prospects. In the course of the year, much attention was paid to the subject of religion and many professed to experience it, and appeared to rejoice in its divine consola- tion. Everything moved pleasantly and agreeably between myself and the inhabitants of the town. . . . Methodist traveling preachers intro- duced themselves into the place . . . made an attempt to form a society. About twelve persons were formed into a class; the class placed under the care of the traveling connexion, and the town taken into the Tolland circuit.
. I continued to preach, as the town's minister for six years; at the expiration of which time, the Congregationalists by a majority of votes obtained the meeting-house and ministerial fund, and soon after settled the Rev. Mr. Wright, a respectable clergyman, who still continues with them in much harmony and love.
A portion of the inhabitants formed themselves into a Religious Society by the name of the Methodist Episcopal Society, and chose me for their minister, which relation continued until the first of March, 1828. Since the settlement of Rev. Mr. Wright, and my establishment over the Methodist Legal Society, few towns, it is presumed, have enjoyed more tranquillity than Ludlow.
182
HISTORY OF LUDLOW
In the autumn of 1827, a revival of religion commenced in the town; the Methodist traveling preachers were active in it; they added a considerable number to the church, and took charge of them. In the month of February, 1827, a meeting was called, to see if the members of the Methodist Church, and their friends, thought it expedient to unite in erecting a chapel. The conclusion was to draft subscription papers. This was done without delay; I was active in their circulation; obtained generous subscriptions; subscribed liberally myself, and it was believed the sums subscribed, with considerable assistance, would warrant the undertaking. At the opening of the spring the business was commenced with much spirit and energy; on the tenth of May, the chapel was raised; and on the first Sabbath in August made comfortable to meet in.
The views of the Committee and subscribers extended no further in our first engagement respecting the chapel than to finish the outside, and lay the lower floor. . .. I paid, in money and subscribers' notes, $189.25; balance due on book, $75.67.
Whenever I preached on the Sabbath, at the Springfield Manufactur- ing Establishment (called "the river") my uniform practice has been to spend the time from the close of the afternoon service to the setting of the sun, with some family in the village; and after that time to return home, a distance of about three miles.
A considerable debt remained upon the people after closing up the affairs of the Methodist Legal Society. This was partially relieved by contributions from the churches of the denomination elsewhere. All was in readiness for the revival efforts under the ministry of Samuel Davis, in 1831, which resulted in a very demonstrative work of grace. A large number from the place attended a camp-meeting in Haddam, Conn., and brought back with them some who had there professed conversion. At meetings following in the church, lasting eight days, about two hundred made a profession of religion, of whom more than one hundred and fifty claimed to find peace at the church altar. The news spread about in all the towns around. A large load of wild young men came from Northampton to have a "good time" at the service, but it is averred that every one was brought under conviction and went home with a different purpose and a changed life. A man addicted to profanity, named Kendall, left his work in the field under profound convictions, went to the church, cried for mercy, and passed out a better man. Was this enthusiasm? Surely it could not be baneful to arrest the plan of rioters and displace cursing by praises.
We find incidental allusions to another work of grace in 1837, under
INTERIOR OF METHODIST CHURCH
.
٤٠٠
185
OTHER CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS
Philo Hawkes, while there are still living witnesses to the revival scenes in Dadmun's ministry in 1842. The Millerite excitement of 1841-1843 made little impression in Ludlow, although so near the home of the leader in those scenes. Miller came repeatedly into town to hold meetings, but with little lasting success. Ludlow takes slowly to new and startling ideas, but grasps firmly whatever it accepts as truth. Clapp, minister in 1843, was the first careful annalist of the church, while Fleming (1844) will be remembered as the preacher in charge when the parsonage was erected. Of them all C. D. Rogers (1834) bears the palm for quaintness.
The Methodist Society has moved along very quietly and with a degree of efficiency. Its pulpit has never failed of a supply; its ministers never left without a support. In 1858 the chapel was repaired and enlarged, and a bell hung in the tower. The best of all was, God was with them, and under the labors of the pastor, Rev. Franklin Fisk, and his co-opera- tors, some persons were wonderfully transformed. One, well-known, an innholder, took his liquors to the street and poured them away, and then renounced his life of sin, to manifest ever afterward a determination to stand approved before his Maker.
This church suffered severely in loss of membership during the Civil War, two of its class leaders (Putnam and Crowninshield) and one local preacher (Potts), besides others of its most devoted members (laymen), going away to return no more. Rev. D. K. Banister, or "Father Banister," as he was affectionately called, was virtually the pastor of the town, and very active during the earlier days of the trying conflict. Under his ministry, as well as the two following, there were special revival scenes. During Rev. Alfred Noon's pastorate the well- NEW METHODIST CHURCH, LUDLOW VILLAGE known Wesleyan Praying Band of Springfield rendered efficient service in special religious work.
186
HISTORY OF LUDLOW
The relations between the two societies at the Center have ever been harmonious. Each has recognized the other, each has welcomed the other's pastor to its own pulpit. While the Methodist church was in process of reconstruction the doors of the Congregationalist edifice were thrown open to them, and we have seen how the compliment was returned in the following year. (See page 132.) In every good work the churches are ready to co-operate. Here surely may be found an exemplification, in the true spiritual sense, of the words of inspiration, "Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity."
In 1904, on account of the increasing number of the congregation residing in the village, it was deemed advisable to transfer the place of worship from the Center. Accordingly a new edifice was erected in the village at a cost of $12,218, and dedicated January 4, 1905. The land on which it stands was given by the Ludlow Manufacturing Associates.
The old church and parsonage were sold by the Methodist Society to Arthur D. King. The latter was moved across the street and remodeled. The church still occupies its old site, but is no longer used for religious purposes.
METHODIST PREACHERS ITINERANTS
George Pickering
Goodhue
George Roberts
Jocelyn
Nathaniel Chapin
Nichols
Uriah Clough
Batchelder
Joel Farnum
Willard
Menzies Rayner
Thomas
Lemuel Smith
- Hill
Christopher Spry
Tinkham
Nicholas Snethen
Smith
Zadoc Priest
- Gove
Martin
Tucker
Rogers
-
Sampson
Sylvester Hutchinson
Norris
Joshua Taylor Chickerton
Lambert
Daniel Ostrander
Elijah Hedding Alexander McLean
Laban Clark
Streeter
-- Ames
UNION CHURCH, 1845
189
OTHER CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS
SINCE ORGANIZING THE CHURCH
1826
Wilbur Fisk
1861
William G. Leonard
1827, 1828 Isaac Jennison
1862, 1863
Daniel K. Banister
Noah Perrin
1864-1866
William J. Pomfret
1829
Aaron Waite
1867, 1868
Levin A. Bosworth
1830, 1831
Samuel Davis
1869
Jonas M. Clark
1832
Salmon Hull
1870
John W. Lee
1833
Paul Townsend
1871, 1872
John W. Merrill, D.D.
1834
Charles D. Rogers
1873, 1874
Alfred Noon
1835
Amasa Taylor
1875-1877
Nathaniel H. Martin
1836, 1837
Philo Hawkes
1878, 1879
Charles H. Vinton
1838
Charles Virgin
1880
Alfred C. Godfrey
1839, 1840
James Nichols
1881-1883
William H. Adams
1841
William Campbell
1884-1886
Daniel Atkins
1841, 1842
John W. Dadmun
1887, 1888
William Ferguson
1843
William A. Clapp
1889, 1890
William H. Adams
1844
William Fleming
1891, 1892
George F. Durgin
1845
Asa Barnes
1893, 1894
G. Whitefield Simonson
1846
Ephraim Scott
1895, 1896
George W. Clark
1847
Luther B. Clark
1897, 1898
Newton M. Caton
1848, 1849
John Caldwell
1899, 1900
Francis M. Wheeler
1850, 1851
Moses Stoddard
1901-1903
Eaton B. Marshall
1852, 1853
James W. Mowry
1904, 1905
Putnam Webber
1854, 1855
Kinsman Atkinson
1906, 1907
Francis W. McConel
1856
Nathan A. Soule
Miss Ina L. Morgan
1857, 1858
Franklin Fisk
1908-1911
Levin P. Causey
1859, 1860
George Prentice
THE UNION CHURCH
Any history of the early years of the Union Church of Christ in Ludlow must of necessity be more or less incomplete, because of the lack of connected records concerning the events of that period. The old-time community in the section of the town near the "falls of Wallamanumps" and known as Jenksville, seems to have received visits from Methodist itinerant ministers during the year 1828 and continuously after that time.
Rev. Mr. Foster, principal of the Wilbraham Academy, was probably the pioneer, and made his first visit on invitation of John Miller, compliant
190
HISTORY OF LUDLOW
with the request of Benjamin Jenks. The events intimated occurred as early as 1831, the place being then a not unfamiliar one to Methodist ministers. Samuel Davis was the preacher in charge of Ludlow, and visited Jenksville in August with others of his profession. His own simple account is as follows:
About six weeks since, the work broke out at another factory village, [than Chicopee] on the circuit, called Put's Bridge, in Ludlow. The revival here took place while we were trying to hold forth the Saviour as the sinner's friend, and the necessity of each and all becoming reconciled to God. Much feeling was manifest in the congregation. At the close of the sermon an invitation was given to all that had resolved on seeking the Lord, to come forward, and fall on their knees, while the people of God should address the throne of grace in their behalf. At this instant, to our astonishment, more than one third of the congregation came forward, and fell on their knees, with groans and sobs enough to melt the hardest heart; but soon the mourning of some was turned into rejoicing. Our meetings from that time to the present have been very interesting. It has not been uncommon for six or seven to find peace and pardon at a meeting. The glorious work is still going on here. (From New England Christian Herald, October 26, 1831.)
Granted, if desired, that every one of these did not maintain a good profession through the days to come; granted, if it were the case, that the days of excitement soon passed away; yet there must have been a beneficial result flowing from such services, and we claim, in the absence of any other well-grounded reason to account for the conceded change for the better in the morals of the people, that there was an intimate relation between the revival and the reformation.
Religious services were held and special revival interest manifested at different periods. No church building was erected for some years, but meetings were held in the homes of the people and later in a room furnished for the purpose in the factory. Mr. W. F. Miller remembers attending Sunday services in the east end of the upper story of the old cotton mill, at which ministers from out of town and others supplied as preachers or leaders. Colonel Robb, commandant at the United States Armory, conducted the last service held there. Mr. Miller also remembers hearing Dexter Rood, father of Charles D. Rood, play a flute in the choir during the services at the mill.
Rev. B. F. Lambord (Meth.) served the community as minister in 1841 and 1842. During 1845 and 1846 Daniel E. Chapin (Meth.) was
191
OTHER CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS
preacher in charge, and during his successful ministry a church was erected by the property-owners in the community and the building dedicated as a union house of worship December 25, 1845. Rev. Dr. Holdich, of the American Bible Society, preached the dedicatory sermon from the sublime text, "Great is the mystery of godliness," and immediately afterward consecrated the place to the worship of God.
During the first year the church was occupied by both Methodists and Congregationalists, but was controlled by the Methodists. A
METHODIST CHURCH, JENKSVILLE Built in 1847. Removed in 1863 to Warren
HOME OF COL. JOHN MILLER Now owned by Wilbur F. Miller
question of privileges arising between the two, the former withdrew and built for themselves a church opposite Col. John Miller's which they occupied only a few years. On account of the financial disaster of 1848, the members were scattered and the society was left with an eighteen hundred dollar debt, which it was unable to lift, Colonel Miller, father of Wilbur F. Miller, being the only parishioner with means remaining in the place. For a time, Mr. Lee, a local preacher from Wilbraham,
192
HISTORY OF LUDLOW
held occasional services, but later the church was closed, although the debt had become considerably reduced. The building was finally sold and removed to Warren.
From the original minutes of the scribe of the council of churches we find that on June 24, 1847, an ecclesiastical council was convened "at the meeting-house in Jenksville, Ludlow, for the purpose of organizing a Congregational Church." The following churches were represented: First Church in Springfield, Rev. S. Osgood, D.D., pastor; Fourth Church in Springfield, Rev. E. Russell, pastor, Bro. Thos. Shepherd, delegate; Sixth Church in Springfield, Rev. S. G. Clapp, pastor, Dea. J. K. Fletcher, delegate; Church in Ludlow Center, Rev. J. W. Tuck, pastor, Dea. Alva Sikes, delegate; Church in Wilbraham, Rev. J. Bowers, pastor.
After the organization of the council, statements were made by the committee respecting the preliminary steps for the formation of a church and the prospects for supporting the institutions of the gospel; the articles of faith and the covenant were read and approved; and the following members were then received:
John M. Spooner
Charles B. Pomeroy
Phoebe Spooner
Mary A. Pomeroy
Solomon Marsh
Harriet Willard
Jerusha Wilder
Lathrop Merrick
Martha Bugbee
Sally Merrick
Hannah Atwood
Sarah Sheldon
Esther King Elmira C. Jenks
Susannah Sheldon
Abiathar Sheldon
Susan Lemon Susan Putnam Jerre Miller
Orlando Smith
Jonathan H. Andrus
Lucina Andrus
Mary B. Fiske Harriet Miller
Mary Newell Benjamin Sikes
A call was extended by the new church to Rev. William Hall, who was ordained January 20, 1848. But in the same year the Springfield Manufacturing Company, forerunner of the Ludlow Manufacturing Company, failed and suspended business; and in consequence the members of the church were scattered to other communities and Mr. Hall, feeling compelled to resign, was dismissed.
e
193
OTHER CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS
For several years, during much of the time from 1849 to 1866, no regular form of organized church work was carried on, with the exception of a Sunday school, though Methodist preachers were supplied by the conference for various years during that period. W. H. Daniels (Meth.), a student from Wilbraham Academy, was present during the revival interest of 1857 and was instrumental in carrying on an extensive religious work here.
The following spring brought a conference preacher again, Rev. David K. Merrill (Meth.), with annual successors: in 1859, L. R. S. Brewster (Meth.); 1860, Geo. E. Chapman (Meth.); 1862, John Noon (Meth.), father of the Rev. Alfred Noon, the author of "Ludlow: a Century and a Centennial"; 1863, J. A. Kibbe (Meth.).
In the year 1867, on June 6, a council was called to reorganize the church, under a creed which would be broad enough to include Christians of all denominations, and bearing the name, "Union Church."
That the result desired was attained may be seen from the fact that of the fifteen members, ten were from the Methodist denomination, one a Presbyterian, one a Congregationalist, and three without former church connection. A unanimous call to the pastorate had been extended to the Rev. Austin Gardner of Granville, Mass. A confession of faith and a church covenant were adopted, and the council, after examination of the candidate for the pastorate, proceeded with the exercises of installation and of recognition of the new church, the sermon being preached by the Rev. Richard G. Green, pastor of the First Congre- gational Church of Springfield. Rev. Mr. Gardner occupied the pastorate for about two years.
The following is from a letter written by the Rev. Austin H. Gardner :
I was called to Jenksville to be the first pastor of the Union Church. Rev. William C. Foster had been a missionary of the Congregational churches of Hampden County and it was thought that something could be done to build up a church at Jenksville. Business was flourishing. They made bags. But in 1868 the bottom fell out of the market, and the village was sold over our heads. It was estimated at $200,000, and sold under the hammer at $100,000. Many of the people moved away. We lived in the house south of the church. Mr. Root, formerly overseer of the mills, lived directly opposite. The family, I think, are all dead.
I went over the country in December to Canton, Conn., to bury a man from Ludlow. The result was I was called to the pastorate of the Canton Center Church in 1869 The church at Jenksville was small and
194
HISTORY OF LUDLOW
there was no prospect of its growth. We buried a little boy in 1868, Frederick Robertson. His grave was in the cemetery a few rods north- east of the church. It has been subsequently removed somewhere up town.
The changes have been so great in following years that passing on the trolley from Palmer to Springfield a few years ago, I did not recognize Jenksville. It had outgrown itself. It gives me great pleasure to know that the little church of 1867-1869 is a strong and vigorous church. When I was installed over it in 1867, Dr. Vaille of Palmer and Dr. Buckingham of Springfield were on the Council, and at my dismissal in 1869, Martin S. Howard of Wilbraham was scribe of the Council, and I was scribe of the Council that settled him in 1868.
I would say that I am standing on the third round of the octogenarian ladder, and if I live to July 2, 1910, I shall be 84. God blessed me in Jenksville, and he has blessed me in all the days of my pilgrimage to the present, nor will He leave me when so near my journey's end. I expect to meet a great number in the better land, where the changes of time will be unknown.
Truly yours, Austin Gardner, Pastor.
Willington, Conn., April 12, 1910.
After Mr. Gardner came two Methodist pastors,-in 1872, Rev. H. E. Crocker, and in 1873, Rev. J. A. DeForest. In 1874 a Congregationalist was called, the Rev. Timothy Lyman. During 1877 and 1878, the last years of his service, a general renovation of the interior of the church was made.
In 1878, the Rev. Chester L. Cushman (Cong.) of Phillipston, Mass., became acting pastor. Mr. Cushman was formerly pastor of the Congregational Church at Ludlow Center. He was a strong and effective speaker and an experienced pastoral worker. He remained here until his death, April 28, 1881.
In October, 1881, John P. Coyle became acting pastor of the church, having been licensed to preach by the Presbyterian denomination in Pennsylvania. He was ordained and installed as pastor May 3, 1882, by a council of which a majority of the members were Congregationalists, the others being Methodists. The interest and enthusiasm with which he carried on his work, the high type of Christian living he displayed, his sympathy and interest in the entire community, together with his ability as a student of religious and social problems, made his brief pastorate one of lasting benefit. He later occupied a prominent place
UNION CHURCH, 1905
197
OTHER CHURCH ORGANIZATIONS
in the Congregational denomination, filling important pastorates in North Adams, Mass., and Denver, Colo.
Following Mr. Coyle the church was faithfully served from 1884 to 1886 by the Rev. Preston Barr, of Pennsylvania, a man of exceptional ability along educational lines. His successor, the Rev. Edward Day, was ordained and installed as pastor September 15, 1886. He was dismissed in 1890, after a successful pastorate during which a substantial increase was made in the church membership.
The Rev. Abram J. Quick was called to the pastorate and installed October 15, 1891. After five years of service he was followed by the Rev. William Arthur Thomas, who acted as pastor from 1897 to 1900. He was a popular and successful pastor. Large additions were made to the church membership, and its social life received much inspiration from his labors.
The Rev. Thomas D. McLean served as acting pastor from 1900 till 1904; and the Rev. Claude A. Butterfield, from 1904 till 1907, each with a considerable degree of success. Mr. Butterfield was ordained by a council in June, 1904, and was actively identified with the extensive work done in remodeling and refurnishing the church building. A handsome new pipe organ was installed, together with complete new furnishings throughout the building. The re-dedication services were held March 22, 1905, the sermon being delivered by the Rev. O S. Davis of New Britain, Conn.
In October, 1905, occurred the death of John E. Stevens, an honored and valued member of the church, who, though at the head of the large manufacturing interests of the town, yet found time to devote to the work of the church and was a regular attendant at its services. He served as deacon for several years, as superintendent of the Sunday school for two years, as member of the church standing committee at intervals, and in other capacities as a faithful, helpful, and most competent worker.
Rev. Henry F. Burdon, an experienced and successful pastor, was called to the position of acting pastor of this church, and assumed his duties February 1, 1908. He resigned February 1, 1912.
The rapidly changing conditions incident to life in this growing factory village have been such as to seriously affect the church,-the membership being constantly changing, and material interests in the community being prominent. But the church has gained much in influence as it has grown in membership and is filling an important
198
HISTORY OF LUDLOW
place in the moral and spiritual life of the town. At this writing (1911), the total membership is 266,-the parish comprising 180 families.
MINISTERS OF UNION CHURCH
M.E .- Methodist Episcopal. Cong .- Congregational. Presb .- Presbyterian
1841, 1842 B. F. Lambord (M. E.)
1845, 1846 Daniel E. Chapin (M. E.)
1847 David Sherman (M. E.)
1848 Z. A. Mudge (M. E.)
1848 William Hall (Cong.)
1857 W. H. Daniels (M. E.)
1858 David K. Merrill (M. E.)
1859 L. R. S. Brewster (M. E.)
1860-1861 Geo. E. Chapman (M. E.)
1862 John Noon (M. E.)
1863 J. A. Kibbe (M. E.)
1867-1869 Austin Gardner (Cong.)
1872 Henry E. Crocker (M. E.)
1873 J. A. DeForest (M. E.)
1874-1878 Timothy Lyman (Cong.)
This list is defective, as there seem no records accessible.
1878-1881 Chester L. Cushman (Cong.)
1882-1884 John P. Coyle (Presb.)
1884-1886 Preston Barr (Presb.)
1886-1890 Edward Day (Cong.)
1891-1896 Abram J. Quick (Cong.)
1897-1900 William A. Thomas (Cong.)
1900-1904 Thomas D. McLean (Cong.)
1904-1907 Claude A. Butterfield (Cong.)
1908-1912 Henry F. Burdon (Cong.)
DEACONS OF UNION CHURCH
1892-1895 Albert Bly, Newton Wallace.
1895-1897 Albert Bly, Charles Mitchell, Sr.
1898 Albert Bly, John E. Stevens, A. H. Halford.
1899 Albert Bly, John E. Stevens, George Elphinstone, Sr., Alexander Cormack.
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