USA > Massachusetts > Berkshire County > Pittsfield > The history of Pittsfield (Berkshire County), Massachusetts, from the year 1800 to the year 1876 > Part 45
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These qualities as a preacher and a man, admirably adapted him to the building-up of parishes in those sections where ignor- ance of the doctrines of the Episcopal Church prevailed, with consequent prejudice against it. And to this class of work, Doctor
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Chapman gave a large portion of his life with remarkable suc- cess. In Pittsfield, before he resigned the place, in 1832, to the permanent rector, more than fifty families had become connected with the parish. In March, 1831, the parish having determined to erect a new church, the town granted in aid of the project, a lot thirty feet wide and forty deep, lying between Mr. Allen's book-store and the land previously given to the Methodist So- ciety ; the conditions being that the new church should be con- structed of brick or stone, and that a respectable brick-building should occupy the granted premises.
In December, 1831, the Sun stated that the wardens had already contracted for a building of stone in the Gothic style, to be commenced in the following spring. From what the editors had heard, the Sun was "disposed to think that it would con- tribute much to the beauty of the village." A difficulty, how- ever, arose at the very outset. It was the desire of Mr. Newton and his associates, that the church should stand, where it was afterwards built, upon what is now the corner of Park place and School street; and they offered the town five hundred dollars for a lot of sufficient size at that point. But the site was already . occupied in part by the town-house, in which the Central school- district claimed an interest by virtue of its occupancy of its lower story for a school-room. For this, and other reasons, Lemuel Pomeroy and other citizens, averse to change in the old order of things, opposed the sale, and the proposition was re- jected by the town.
Upon this Mr. Newton announced his determination to erect the church on a portion of the grounds attached to his own resi- dence, and adjoining that of Mr. Pomeroy. And here, in the spring of 1832, the contractors began to collect stone and other material. The danger of a chronic and bitter neighborhood- feud was imminent ; but it was happily avoided by a compromise offered by Mr. Pomeroy, who proposed that the difficulty should be surmounted by the erection of a new town-hall, and the pur- chase by St. Stephen's parish, of the school-district's interest in the old building. This recommendation was submitted to a com- mittee which, on the second of April, through its chairman, M. R. Lanckton, made a report in which they say :
However commodious the present town-hall may have been for the number of inhabitants at the time of its erection, yet, from the pros-
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perity of the town - promoted and occasioned, as it no doubt is by the schools and institutions of learning, and by the liberal spirit of its former and present citizens - such are our numbers that a much larger hall is considered by all a necessary convenience. Your committee are unanimous in the opinion that, if we continue to be guided by the spirit which has heretofore guided and governed us, the day is not far distant when we shall number more than twice our present population and * * * be literally compelled to resort to some more capacious hall for transacting the ordinary business of the town. *
* Whenever a hall is erected, it will be for the interest of the town to finish a room for the town-officers with a vault in the same for the security of the town-records.
The committee were not satisfied that the time had come when the town should tax itself to build a new hall, but they stated that they had received two propositions from Lemuel Pomeroy, Esq., for the erection of a hall, one of which they recommended the town to accept. These propositions, which were appended to the report, were as follows :
In case the town should deem it for their interest to convey to me their present town-house, with sufficient ground for the erection of the Episcopal Church and provide another lot of ground at an equal distance from the two churches, I will erect a town-house at my own expense, conformable to the plan and report of their committee, the house not to exceed fifty-six feet in length and forty-two in width ; reserving to myself the whole basement floor, except one room, marked out on the plan, in which I am to place a good fire-proof vault, of sufficient size for the safe-keeping of the town-books, records, etc. The hall above to belong exclusively to the town.
I will also pay the Center School District such a sum for their interest in the present town-house as the selectmen of the town shall adjudge they are entitled to. The expense of insurance and keeping the roof of the house in repair to be borne equally by the town and myself.
A second proposition I will also submit. In case the town should think it more to their interest to build and own the entire house, I will add to the sum of five hundred dollars which Mr. Newton proposes to pay for the site of the Episcopal Church, the sum of three hundred dollars. I will also loan the town, if desired, any sum they may want, in addition to the above, to build the proposed town-house, at the rate of six per cent. per annum, dur- ing their pleasure, not to exceed ten years.
And in case either proposition is accepted, I will give the town the
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use of the lecture-room to hold town-meetings for the term of eighteen months or two years.
All of which is respectfully submitted by your fellow-townsman,
L. POMEROY.
The town accepted the first of these propositions; and it was afterwards agreed that the hall should be sixty-three feet long instead of fifty-six. And on Mr. Pomeroy's suggestion, the deed of the church-site was made directly to Mr. Newton. The following provision was also inserted in the articles of agreement between the town and Mr. Pomeroy :
The building shall be kept constantly insured at the joint and equal expense of both parties. And, if it shall ever be destroyed by fire, said Pomeroy, his heirs or assigns, are to have the benefit of said insurance, provided he or they shall erect another similar building, and give similar privileges to said inhabitants within a reasonable time ; but in case said Pomeroy, his heirs or assigns, shall unreasonably delay to provide another similar building and privileges, then the sum insured shall be equally divided between the parties, and the use and occupancy of the land shall revert to said inhabitants.
The hall, a plain brick-building with stuccoed front, was erected according to this agreement. Although the same remarks may now be applied to it which the committee of 1832 applied to its predecessor, it was, for its time, a creditable and convenient building, and it has been the scene of most important town- action. In it have been discussed all the measures of town- policy, which we have recorded, since the date of its erection. Here were held many of the patriotic meetings at which soldiers were raised for the suppression of the rebellion. In it the people of Pittsfield have listened to the most eloquent and eminent orators of the day. In its earlier years every fall saw it filled with the exhibition of household-manufactures at the agricultural fair, and packed with exhibitors and spectators. It has often been used for religious services, and once, for several months as the county court-house. In short, it has served all the multifarious purposes of a New England town-hall ; and, for the most part, served them well.1
The church to which the old town-house gave place was a modest Gothic structure, of the gray Pittsfield lime-stone, for
1For view of town-hall, see view of the park in 1876.
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which Mr. Newton might have found a model in some quiet English village. Its dimensions were sixty-seven feet by forty- three ; and a tower, cighty feet high, projected from the front. The cost of the building was four thousand seven hundred eleven dollars and twenty-five cents, exclusive of the five hundred dol- lars paid for the land.
Hon. John Chandler Williams died in 1830, and was buried from the lecture-room, then used as a church ; Doctor Chapman preaching the funeral-sermon. His widow now presented to the church an organ, built by Goodrich of Boston, and costing five hundred and seventy-five dollars.
To establish a fund for the support of public worship, Mr. Newton gave four thousand dollars ; to which, on his suggestion, an East Indian gentleman, whose sons were educated in Pitts- field, added five hundred dollars. Mr. Newton then added the same amount, which raised the fund to five thousand dollars. Mr. Newton and Mr. Hosea Merrill afterwards presented to the parish a rectory situated on North street. In 1832, the parish having received a new act of incorporation, Edward A. Newton and Benjamin Luce were chosen wardens, and continued in office for two years. From 1835 to 1845, Edward A. Newton and Hosea Merrill were wardens.1
The church was consecrated in the forenoon of December 7, 1832, Right Rev. Bishop Griswold officiating, assisted by the rector-elect, Rev. Edward Ballard, and Rev. Samuel Brenton Shaw, then recently instituted rector of St. Luke's Church, Lanesboro. In the afternoon, Mr. Ballard, who had been elected in October, 1831, was instituted rector of St. Stephen's Parish.
In the same year the parish was admitted to representation in the diocesan convention.
Mr. Ballard was born at Hopkinton, N. H., in 1804, and re- ceived his theological education at the General Theological Seminary of the Episcopal Church in New York. Without the eminent abilities which distinguished Doctor Chapman as a pulpit-orator, Mr. Ballard was an excellent preacher. His dis- courses were marked by a pure and classic style and a ripe schol- arship. And they were, moreover, well-springs of the purest instruction in morals and of the soundest doctrines in religion.
1In return for his gifts to the parish, Mr. Newton received the grant of two pews in fee, exempt from taxation for the support of a rector.
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If their waters did not always sparkle, they were always clear and wholesome. But it was not chiefly as a pastor that Mr. Bal- lard became endeared to the people of Pittsfield, probably more universally and more strongly than any pastor of any denomina- tion ever was. This was due rather to his daily walk and con- versation, which won the esteem of every class, and to the gentle and benign manner which charmed all who came in contact with him. Entering heartily into every scheme for the public good which commended itself to his judgment, he never made use of any of them for his personal aggrandizement, or for the gratifi- cation of personal vanity. Nor did he ever make submission to his own views of policy, the condition of his support of meas- ures which he believed to be good in the main. He was for many years a member of the town school-committee, and gave to the performance of its duties many laborious hours. In the Bible Society, in the movements in behalf of temperance and good morals, and in every other good word and work, he was a meek and unselfish laborer.
These were qualities to win for him rare love and approbation ; but they did not necessarily endow him with power to gain large numbers of proselytes to his faith. The growth of his church was healthful and steady, but it was not so rapid as the impatient founders of the parish craved. And they took measures which, in 1847, ended in his resignation. His farewell-sermon, charac- terized only by forgiveness and charity, brought tears to many eyes; and, in spite of its mild teachings, filled many breasts ivith grief and indignation.
After his removal from Pittsfield, Mr. Ballard was, for a time, principal of a school in Connecticut ; but in 1858 he was called to the rectorate of St. Paul's Church in Brunswick, Me. Here he was received with warm welcome by the circle of scholars which then formed the faculty of Bowdoin College, or were gathered around that institution. In his new home his abilities were at once recognized. In 1858, he received the degree of A. M. from Bowdoin College, and in 1865 that of Doctor of Divinity from Trinity. In 1866, he was chosen superintendent of the common schools of the State of Maine, and filled that office suc- cessfully for three years. In 1859, he became a member of the Maine Historical Society, of which he was afterwards secretary, and to whose objects he made very highly-prized contributions.
58
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He died at Brunswick, November 14, 1870, and his funeral obsequies were attended by the most honorable testimonials of the respect and grief of that community, and of the friends of learning throughout the state.
The unfortunate termination of Mr. Ballard's rectorate in Pittsfield excited great feeling in the parish, and proved a last- ing injury to it ; and in order to prevent a still larger secession of its members, the wardens and vestry hastened to recall Rev. Dr. Chapman ; who returned to the scene of his early labors with some of the infirmities of age, but with an unimpaired intellect. Years had mellowed the genial traits which distinguished his character, and he was welcomed as a father. Within the circle of his own parish, he was soon as tenderly loved as Mr. Ballard had been. To those who were not brought by circumstances into intimate social relations with him, he appeared reserved. His im- posing mien, his portly and venerable figure, and often an absent manner, together with his physical infirmities, one of which affected his eye-sight, seemed to repel cordial intercourse. But nothing was further from his real character than contempt or dis- regard for any of his fellow-men. Under his grand preaching, the parish flourished, and among its congregation were numbered many men of the highest culture.
In 1851, the attendance had grown to such an extent that it was determined to enlarge and remodel the church. Every mem- ber of the parish entered enthusiastically into the work, and none more so than the rector. An addition of thirty feet was inade to the building. A tower of stone took the place of the old one of wood, and the interior was remodeled elegantly, and in admirable architectural taste. The ladies of the parish furnished a very beautiful chancel-window, and Miss Lucretia Newton presented an organ better adapted to its place than that which had served since 1832. The entire cost of all the changes was something over seven thousand dollars.
The gratification of the parish with the chaste elegance of the remodeled church was very marked, and it looked forward to a most auspicious future. But, unfortunately, a prominent gen- tleman, in communicating an account of the building to a religious newspaper, added, " that what was now needed to en- hance the prosperity of the parish was a younger rector." This paragraph caught the eye of Doctor Chapman, and a slight inquiry
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showing that a few individuals of wealth and age participated in this sentiment, he promptly resigned. Some stormy passages occurred in parish-meeting before the resignation was accepted ; but, under strong pressure, a vote to that effect was finally obtained. The same misjudging ambition which, had deprived the parish of its first pastor, robbed it of its second.
Doctor Chapman afterwards succeeded in founding St. George's Parish at Lee ; and, while the incumbent there, became reconciled to those who had been the instruments of his leaving Pittsfield. He died at Newburyport, October 18, 1872, aged 86 years.
After the resignation of Doctor Chapman, there was again danger of disruption of the parish, and some members actually withdrew. To prevent farther trouble, both parties cordially united in the election of Rev. Robert J. Parvin as rector. Mr. Parvin was a young man, and did not possess the extraordinary qualifications for the place which had been displayed by his pre- decessors. But he was a popular preacher, and a most faithful, assiduous, and well-trained pastor. His manner was courteous and pleasant, and the harmony which he maintained with the clergy of other denominations was exceedingly cordial. He was . somewhat more determined in the maintenance of his pastoral rights than Doctors Ballard and Chapman had been; but he resigned in 1856, under circumstances similar to theirs. He was succeeded by Rev. William H. Stewart. Mr. Stewart was an Englishman, and a member of an eminent clerical family. He was a logical and able preacher, and a scholar of fine attain- ments. But he indulged in higher notions of the prerogatives of the clergy than those which prevail in America; and he attempted to apply them to the correction of the evils which existed in the parish. The endeavor was doubtless prompted by pure motives ; but, as might have been expected, it failed. And in 1859, Mr. Stewart resigned, and was succeeded by Rev. E. M. Peck.
Before Mr. Stewart's resignation, however, a portion of the parish had seceded and formed the parish of Christ's Church, worshiping in the town-hall; and they were particularly happy in the choice of Rev. James J. Bowden as rector. Mr. Bowden was a man of a somewhat different class of acquirements from those of Doctors Ballard and Chapman ; but as a pastor he was worthy to rank with them. Of varied learning and distinguished
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for polite accomplishments, he was also a fervid and effective preacher, and an earnest and consistent Christian minister. In the difficult position in which he was placed, by a tact which did not include dissimulation, he so governed himself as to command the respect, and finally the affection, of all parties.
Mr. Peck, the rector of St. Stephen's, was an estimable pastor ; but the general desire for a union under Mr. Bowden was so apparent that he resigned. Mr. Bowden was chosen to fill this vacancy ; and the high expectations entertained of him were not disappointed. While he lived, the parish enjoyed a halcyon season ; but in 1862, after a brief illness, he died; his untimely removal from duties which he seemed so perfectly qualified to perform, being deeply mourned by the whole community.
Rev. John Stearns became rector in 1863, and was succeeded in March, 1865, by Rev. E. Livingston Wells, whose pastorate continued until July, 1870.
In December, 1870, Rev. Leonard K. Storrs was chosen rector, and held the office until April, 1875, when he resigned, his health requiring a season of rest. - Rev. William McGlathery became rector in October, 1875.
In the course of years all the elements of discord were elimi- nated, and the parish of St. Stephen's became entirely harmo- nious, with prospects for the future as bright as its friends could desire. During the pastorate of Mr. Storrs, the church was again handsomely remodeled and decorated.
About 1853, by consent of the donors, the parsonage on North street was sold, and the proceeds applied to the payment of debts. During the pastorate of Rev. Mr. Parvin, a new rectory was built on Broad street, but it had no permanent effect upon the interests of the parish ; and it was sold, about 1864.
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During the troublous times of the parish, its other endowments were in various ways reduced to thirty-five hundred dollars.
ST. JOSEPH'S CHURCH.
In 1835 there were very few Catholics in Pittsfield; but in that year the first religious services performed in Pittsfield, accord- ing to the rites of that church, were held. It happened in this wise. Rev. Jeremiah O'Callahan, who was then stationed at a mission in Vermont, passing through town, was accidentally
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detained at the Berkshire Hotel, and gladly consented to remain and administer to the spiritual wants of his co-religionists. A Mass-the first in Berkshire county1-was celebrated at the house of a Mr. Daley, on Honasada street; Daley, with his wife and seven children, Thomas Colman, and five or six other persons being present. A purse of fourteen dollars was made up by those in attendance, for Father O'Callahan; but the good father hesitated to receive it. Being pressed, however, to do so, a mode of escaping from his embarrassment happily occurred to him. He chanced to remember that the price of flour was fourteen dol- lars a barrel; and proceeding to the village, purchased a bar- rel and ordered it to be sent to Daley's house; remarking that, with his large family, he must need it more than he did.
From that time, Father O'Callahan visited Pittsfield yearly, until 1839. In 1841, Rev. John D. Brady began, as a mission- priest, to visit the town once in three months; the services being held, at first in a room given by L. Pomeroy & Sons, in the brick- building erected by them near the depot. Afterwards they were held in a house near the rear of the present church of St. John the Baptist, in which the first collection for building a church was taken up. In 1844, Father Brady bought of Henry Callen- der, a lot on Melville street for a church and burial-ground; and the church was built the same year. Here service was attended occasionally by Rev. Messrs. Brady, Kavanagh, and Straine. After the death of Father Brady, the church was attended several years by Rev. Bernard Kavanagh. In May, 1852, Rev. Patrick Cuddihy was appointed by Bishop Fitzpatrick, pastor of the church and of all missions in the county of Berkshire. Mr. Cud- dihy labored with great zeal and industry ; but, in 1852, his con- stitution not being adequate to the increasing work, he was obliged to call upon his bishop for help; and in the following year Rev. Edward H. Purcell was sent as his assistant. In 1854, Mr. Cuddihy was transferred to Milford, Mass., leaving Father Purcell pastor of the church.
Mr. Purcell has carried out the ideas of his predecessor by building churches in several towns in the county, and especially by substituting for the wooden building in a comparatively obscure location in Pittsfield, a noble edifice of stone on a con-
1Unless one may have been performed here in the French and Indian inva- sions.
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spicuous site on the main street. The site for this church, which is next south of the grounds of Maplewood Institute, and com- prises three and a half acres, was purchased of Rev. W. H. Tyler, for ten thousand dollars.
The building is a fine specimen of the lighter Gothic architect- ure in its chastest type. Its chief exterior characteristics are an airy lightness of structure, a simple grace of outline, and perfect unity and completeness. Its extreme length is one hundred and seventy-five feet, including the tower and two low wings in the rear occupied as chapels, but opening into the main building. - The breadth is sixty-eight feet. The spire, with the richly orna- mented cross which surmounts it, rises to the height of one hun- dred and seventy-six feet. The walls-and the tower to the height of ninety-three feet-are built of light-gray lime-stone, quarried some two miles north, and are laid as broken ashlar. Standing apart from any other building, the effect of this fine piece of architecture is very pleasing; and, by the purchase of an ample site, care was taken that it should never be greatly impaired.
The interior is distinguished by mellow harmony of coloring, elegance of ornamentation, and a pleasing vista of columns and arches. The nave is one hundred and eight feet long, with a pointed, arched roof, springing fifty-five feet from the floor to the apex ; supported on seven arches resting on eight pillars. The church is lighted on each side by seven handsome stained-glass windows; while three of more elaborate art adorn the chancel. The latter are filled with full-length figures of the Savior, the Virgin Mary, and St. Joseph. They are the gifts of the St. Joseph's Mutual Aid Society, the Ladies Altar Society, and Mr. Owen Coogan.
On each side of the chancel broad arches open into chapels designed for the children of the Sunday-school, where they may join in the services of the congregation. These chapels furnish five hundred seats, and, the nave accommodating thirteen hun- dred, the house has sittings for nearly nineteen hundred per- sons.
The first ground was broken July, 1864. The corner-stone was laid August 20, 1864, by the Very Rev. John Joseph Williams, then administrator-but, before the completion of the church, Bishop-of the Diocese of Boston.
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NB CO
ST. JOSEPH'S R. C. CHURCH AND RESIDENCE OF PASTOR.
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The architect was P. C. Keely of Brooklyn ; and the work was prosecuted under the personal supervision of Rev. Mr. Purcell.
The church was consecrated November 29, 1866; Right Rev. Bishops Williams, Conroy and McFarland, with a long array of priests, officiating.
About the year 1869, Rev. Mr. Lemarque, assistant-pastor of St. Joseph's Church, collected the considerable number of French Catholics in the town, into a congregation by themselves, to whom he preached in their own language. He was succeeded by Rev. Mr. De Beuil, and Rev. Joseph Quevillon. When the congrega- tion of St. Joseph's took possession of their new church, the French Catholics purchased the old church, a neat and commo- dious wooden building, and occupied it under the name of St. Jean Le Baptiste.
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