USA > Massachusetts > Hampshire County > Amherst > The history of the town of Amherst, Massachusetts, pt 1 > Part 27
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HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS.
In IS04. the care of the meeting-house cost the parish at the rate of $3 per year. In 1841, it was voted that the meeting-house should be "faithfully swept once a month," and the seats and backs of the pews dusted down with a brush at each time of sweeping. In 1843, the parish voted that those who swept the meeting-house should furnish their own brooms and brushes. In 1848, it was voted that the carpets should be taken up, laid down and dusted once a year. In 1852, the duties of the sexton or janitor had become more onerous; they included ringing the bell, sweeping and dusting the meeting-house twelve times a year, taking up the carpets, dusting them and laying them down once a year, building fires in the church and hall, lighting the lamps for all religious meetings, winding up the clock in the meeting-house, furnishing their own brooms and brushes, cleaning the snow from steps and paths, and putting the wood in the meeting- house, all these things to be done to the acceptance of the parish committee. For these services the munificent sum of $22.50 was paid.
The first entry in the parish records concerning church music is found under date of April 30, 1795, when it was voted that Ebenezer Mattoon, Jr. be " allowed money to pay Master Stibbins the note he gave him for teaching singing school the past winter." In 1801, $40 was appropriated to procure a singing master. In 1815. the parish appropriated $15, " toward paying Mr. Goodman for a bass viol:" in 1816, Mr. Goodman was to be paid one dollar for keeping the bass viol in repair. In 1846, it was voted to " sell the old bass viol." July 11, 1857, it was voted to purchase a melodeon, and $125 was appropriated for the purpose, but within a week this vote was rescinded. The following year, it was voted to raise $200 for the purchase of a melodeon, or some other instrument suitable for the church. The same year an " organ harmonion " was purchased at an expense of $225. The parish records give a list of the subscribers to the instrument, accompanied by this note: "This Record is made for the Protection of those Persons that have put there hands in there Pockets and bought a Organ Harmonion for the church with this understanding that the Parish shall have the use of said Instrument as long as they keep it in repair and Furnish a Person to Play on the same."
For many years after the Second parish was set off, its interests came in real or apparent conflict with those of the parent organization. There are, in the Second parish records, occasional allusions to these troubles. March 27. 1788, it was voted to raise fro for the charges in establishing the incorporating act of the parish. November 25 of the same year, a committee was appointed to receive any money that might be due the parish from the sale of lands when the average between the parishes was made, and this committee was to act with a committee appointed by the First parish in making the averages. In 1815, a committee was appointed
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THE SOUTH CHURCH.
to give certificates to such person or persons as considered themselves members of the parish or who might wish to become members. This was in accordance with the act passed by the General Court in 17SS, for the protection of those who desired to connect themselves with the Second parish. In 1822, the First parish attempted to assess certain persons who claimed connection with the Second parish, and from this resulted a series of lawsuits. In October, 1819, the parish made answer to the communication received from the First parish, in regard to a union of the two churches. and societies. The authors of this response expressed their full sensibility of the civil and religious benefits which would arise from such a union, but previous to considering the question they desired to know whether, in case it was brought about, Rev. Nathan Perkins was to have charge of the two churches. When this question should be answered in the affirmative, they expressed their willingness to consider the matter further.
The expenses of the church and society were for many years raised by a parish tax, to which all those residing in the parish limits were subject. In 1803, the parish treasurer received $1 for collecting this tax. Later on, the office of parish treasurer was set up at auction and struck off to the lowest bidder. In 1836, it was voted to sell all the pews in the meeting- house at public auction, to raise Mr. Perkins' salary. In 1863, it was voted, informally, to tax the pews one year to defray the expenses of the parish. In 1874, it was voted to give cards to all in the parish for them to mark their subscriptions on, and the treasurer was instructed to open an account with each man.
In I845, a committee was appointed to keep the " alleys " clear at the opening and closing of the meetings. In 1878, four ushers were appointed. In 1845, the parish committee were instructed to get the meeting-house insured. In 1876, it was voted to abandon the afternoon service. In 1892, trustees were appointed to take charge of the funds bequeathed to the society by James Hastings.
CHAPTER XXIX.
THE SOUTH CHURCH .- PASTORS AND TERMS OF SERVICE .- TROUBLES IN THE CHURCH. -- ORGANIZATION OF A NEW PARISH. -- THE MEETING-HOUSE .- CHURCH MUSIC.
The organization of the third or South Congregational church and parish in Amherst does not appear to have been the outgrowth of any religious feud or controversy, but resulted from a natural desire on the
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HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS.
part of a respectable number of residents in an outlying district to enjoy parochial privileges of their own. The persons who took part in the · organization were nearly all members of the First or Second parish, but they withdrew in orderly fashion, and neither the civil courts or the General Court were called upon to settle disputes consequent thereon. Among the earliest settlers in Amherst were several who established their residence in the southern part of the town; as they increased in numbers, and their property grew in valuation, they began to consider the question of a separate parish organization. At a meeting held May 31, 1824, in the "South East Middle School house," with Dea. Nathan Franklin serving as moderator and Elisha Smith. as clerk. it was voted as the sense of the meeting that a society be formed and a meeting-house be built in the south part of Amherst. A committee, consisting of Luther Nash, Elisha Smith, Luther Fox, Martin Smith, Oliver Dickinson, David Dexter and Augustus Bridgman, was chosen to prepare and circulate subscription papers to ascertain how many persons would join such a society and how much money could be raised for building a meeting-house. This committee must have met with encouragement in its labors, for at a meeting held June 28, 1824, a society was organized and the following officers elected : Moderator, Dea. Nathaniel C. Dickinson ; clerk. Elisha Smith ; treasurer, Lieut. Enos Dickinson ; committee, Jonathan Bridgman, Samuel Hills, David Moody, George Nutting, Joel Green. A covenant and agreement was drawn up, and during the year 1824 was signed by 93 persons.
At a meeting held in the school-house above-mentioned, in 1824, the particular month and day not being recorded, thirty-one persons were present who held letters purporting membership in the First church in Amherst, fifteen with letters from the Second church in Amherst, one mem- ber of the church in Belchertown and one of the church in Granby. The meeting was organized by the choice of Dea. N. C. Dickinson as moderator, and it was voted to call a council for the purpose of being organized into a church state. Oct. 14, 1824, an ecclesiastical council met at the house of Lieut. Enos Dickinson and agreed to proceed to the organization of a church. A sermon was preached by Rev. John Woodbridge of Hadley. after which the following officers were elected and installed : Deacons, N. C. Dickinson, John Payne, David Moody ; moderator. Dea. N. C. Dickinson : scribe. John Payne. It is recorded that Rev. H. B. Chapin came into the meeting, and supplied the church until he was ordained and installed.
At a meeting of the parish held March 28, 1825, a committee was appointed to see that the society was organized according to law. It was voted " that the society approve of the ministerial character and perform- ances of the Rev. Horace B. Chapin and are willing to set under his ministry." A committee was appointed to consult and act on the matter
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PASTORS OF THE SOUTH CHURCH.
of Mr. Chapin's salary and settlement. May 23, 1825, the parish voted to unite with the church in a call to Rev. Mr. Chapin to settle with them in the ministry. The salary offered was $400, together with twenty cords of hard wood annually, the wood to be " cut suitable for his use, split and piled up in his wood-house or such other place as he might direct." The contract between the parish and Mr. Chapin might be annulled after six months' notice had been given by either party. Mr. Chapin was ordained and installed, Nov. 3, 1825; April 24, 1826, the parish voted that Elisha Smith be paid $21.13 for providing for the council at the settlement of Mr. Chapin, and that P. L. Goss be paid $2.81 for liquor furnished the council. Mr. Chapin served until Feb. 26, 1829, when his resignation was accepted.
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In March, 1830, the parish voted to hire Rev. Aaron Gates to supply the pulpit one year, at a salary of $300. Mr. Gates accepted, and Nov. 29, 1831, it was voted to unite with the church in a call to him to settle in the ministry. The salary offered was $400. Mr. Gates accepted the invitation in a letter dated Dec. 29, 1831. His pastorate continued for five years. July 23, 1836, it was voted not expedient for Mr. Gates to continue his ministerial labors another year, and church and parish united in calling an ecclesiastical council for his dismission. In July. 1837, the church and parish united in a call to Rev. E. L. Clark, which was not accepted. Nov. 1, 1837, the parish voted to concur with the church in calling Rev. Gideon Dana to the pastorate; the salary offered was $500. Mr. Dana accepted and was duly installed, his pastorate con- tinuing for a little less than three years. During this time a controversy arose, which necessitated the calling of an ecclesiastical council for its settlement. The question at issue was the right of the pastor to maintain a Supervision of the Sabbath-school. with especial regard to the " question- books " in use. Mr. Dana maintained that he had such authority, but this was disputed by Dea. N. C. Dickinson and others. The council decided in the pastor's favor, but hard feelings had arisen which led to his resigna- tion in August, 1840. Jan. 28, 1841, the parish extended a call to Rev. Dana Goodsell to settle. at a salary of $500. In April, 1842, it was voted that Mr. Goodsell should have the privilege of being absent two or three Sabbaths in each year, without charge to him. Mr. Goodsell continued in office until 1846 ; May 12 of that year, it was voted not expedient. under present circumstances, to retain Mr. Goodsell as minister ; he was accord- ingly dismissed, the following November. Jan. 11, 1847, it was voted to offer Rev. H. B. Smith $500 to serve as minister one year.
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Jan. S. 1849, the parish invited Rev. James L. Merrick to settle with them in the work of the ministry, offering him a salary of $500 per annum. He accepted and was duly installed. Mr. Merrick's pastorate covered the
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HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS.
most eventful period in the history of the South church and parish. It witnessed a struggle of exceeding bitterness among the members of church and congregation, whose echoes have hardly as yet died away, and which at last resulted in the formation of a new parish. The trouble began, as church quarrels frequently do, over dissensions in the choir. Early in the present century the old style " congregational " . singing had in many churches been superseded by choir-singing. under direction of a leader or chorister. To be a member of the church choir was esteemed an honor, and rivalry among the singers was as aggressive as that existing among "prima-donnas" of a later period. The first cause of contention in the present instance was the choice of a leader for the choir. At first only the singers were involved in the quarrel, but it rapidly spread among their relatives and friends, until soon the whole church and parish were divided. As the controversy continued and grew more bitter, new factors were introduced, old jealousies and quarrels were revived. until neighbors and old-time friends passed each other upon the street without recognition. The time has not yet come, perhaps never will, to judge of the rights and wrongs of such a quarrel. The church and parish records devote much space to it, and from them are gathered the following facts.
In January, 1852, the parish invited William Dickinson to take charge of the choir and direct the singing, without compensation ; this Mr. Dick- inson consented to do. December 30, 1853, the parish voted to choose a committee of conference in relation to the singing. January 13, 1854, it was voted that the singers in the parish should choose a chorister. The church records, under date of July 30, 1854, state that " Difficulties having arisen concerning the church singing, certain members desired the church to unite with them in calling a mutual council." This the church refused to do. The minority called an ex-parte council, which met Aug. 30, and, after listening to the evidence presented, advised that the matter. at issue be submitted to a mutual council, to which proposition both parties agreed. September 4, the church appointed a committee of six, including three each from the majority and minority parties, to devise a plan of settlement, without calling a council. The committee held several meetings, but reported to the church, Sept. 8, that the members were unable to agree. October 3, 1854, a second council, summoned by the minority, assembled, and after considering the matters brought before it, decided that the minority had a just grievance, but advised them to exercise Christian forbearance.
February 4, 1855, Rev. James L. Merrick tendered his resignation. Mr. Merrick had, so far as able, abstained from taking any part in the controversy, and had, in every way possible, endeavored to bring about a reconciliation. March 14. the parish chose a committee to confer with
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Mr. Merrick in regard to his request to be dismissed, to see if he could be · persuaded to withdraw. it. The committee was successful in its mission. The members of the minority party had withdrawn their financial support and at a parish meeting held April 12, 1855, it was voted to invite those who formerly belonged to the society to unite with it again. It was also voted to choose a committee to comply with the request of Mr. Merrick, and unite with the church in calling a council for his dismission : the latter vote was rescinded at a meeting held May 22. April 30, the parish voted to make this proposition to the minority party, that they pay their propor- tion of the last year's expenses of the society, that all who wished to sing in the church choir should have that privilege, and that the singers should choose their own chorister. September 4, 1855. the church voted to call a mutual council to remove, if possible, the differences existing among its members, and further agreed to abide by the decision of such a council. The council met, Sept. 25, 1855, when Mr. Merrick presented a formal statement of the question at issue and the efforts that had been made to effect a reconciliation. Testimony having been given by all the parties in interest, the council decided that the minority should pay up all arrearages in fair proportion and return and join the parish. The majority were instructed that they should consent to a reorganization of the choir on the basis of mutual concessions. Both parties were admonished to cease from strife and live together in Christian unity. The advice of the council seems to have been followed in letter, if not in spirit, and for a little more than two years there were no open measures of hostility.
But the breach was not healed, nor could it be. January 29, 1859, the parish voted to sever its connection with Rev. James L. Merrick, 28 voting in the affirmative and 25 in the negative. At a meeting held Feb. 1, the church voted, 16 to 14, not to concur with the parish in its action. Mr. Merrick resigned as pastor of the old parish and church, Feb. 7, and. Feb 26, a new parish organization was formed and Mr. Merrick was invited to settle with it in the ministry. June 8, 1858, an ecclesiastical council met and voted to dismiss Mr. Merrick as pastor of the church of Amherst, South : it also voted that it was expedient to organize a new church under the name of the Congregational church of South Amherst. The first meeting of the new church was held July 2, 1858. At a meeting held Aug. 6. Nathaniel C. Dickinson, R. B. Bridgman and Thomas Reed were chosen deacons. Oct. 20 of the same year, a new creed and covenant were adopted.
The old society continued in existence for more than a year after the nes parish was organized. The principal efforts of the former were directed toward the protection of its property interests in the meeting-house. Match 10, 1858, the society committee was directed to begin legal proceed-
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HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS.
ings against the late clerk and treasurer of the parish, or against the committee of the new society, or against any other member of that society, to recover all books, papers, notes. subscriptions, etc., belonging to the South Congregational society in Amherst. June 9, 1858, it was voted to commence actions in the name of the parish against certain named persons for trespass in "breaking and entering " the meeting-house on the 30th day of May, or at any other time, the same to be prosecuted to final judgment. June 28 of the same year, it was voted to submit to arbitration all tres- passes and questions of ownership and proprietorship of the meeting-house, and all rights and claims in dispute between the parish and individuals then or formerly members of the same. March 22, 1859, the parish committee was instructed to use legal means to obtain the personal property in the meeting-house owned by the society. The last meeting of the old society was held June 29, 1859.
The first meeting of the Congregational Society of South Amherst was held Feb. 26, 1858. It was voted to extend a call to Rev. James L. Merrick, to offer him a salary of $600 a year and to give him a vacation of three Sabbaths each year. Mr. Merrick accepted the call, Feb. 28, and continued in the pastorate until May 14, 1863, when he resigned.
Sept. 25, 1863, the parish concurred with the church in extending a call to Rev. H. S. Kelsey, offering him $Soo for his salary, but Mr. Kelsey declined. Jan. 5, 1864, a call was extended to Rev. Walter Barton, at a salary of $700 ; Jan. 11, it was voted to make Mr. Barton's salary $750 ; he accepted and was installed, remaining in the pastorate until Nov. 6, 1866, when his resignation was accepted. June 10, 1867, Rev. M. L. Richardson was offered a salary of $1, 100 to settle in the ministry, but declined. Dec. 9, 1868, a call was extended to Rev. D. H. Rogan, the salary offered being $1,200. but Mr. Rogan declined. The parish was more successful in its next offer, which was made to Rev. George Lyman, in March, 1869 ; he accepted, and continued to serve as pastor until Jan. 7, 1873. when his resignation was accepted.
Feb. 23, 1874, the parish committee was instructed to employ Rev. Mr. Merrill for the remainder of the year, and to pay him at the rate of $1,200 per annum. Jan. 6, 1875, the committee was instructed to hire Mr. Marsten until July 1, and Rev. Mr. Bennett the remainder of the year : this vote was rescinded, Feb. 1. In February, 1875, it was voted that Rev. Mr. Pullan be hired at the rate of $Soo per year for the remainder of the year. Mr. Pullan supplied the pulpit until the close of the year 1876. Jan. 5, 1877, Rev. C. S. Walker was offered SSoo to act as pastor the ensuing year. Oct. 22. 1879, the committee was instructed to engage Rev. H. B. Smith to act as pastor until Jan. 1, 18So, at a salary of $600 per annum. April 11, 1881, a call was extended to Rev. C. S. Walker to settle
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THE SOUTH MEETING-HOUSE.
in the ministry, at a salary of $700 and the use of the parsonage. Mr. Walker accepted and continued in office until 1886, when he resigned to accept a professorship at the Agricultural College. Jan. 15, 1877, the parish voted to secure the services of Rev. C. C. Bruce for one year, at a salary of $700 and the use of the parsonage. Sept. 3, 1888, a call was extended to Rev. H. W. Boyd to become pastor of the church by the year for an indefinite time, on the same terms offered to Mr. Bruce. Mr. Boyd accepted and continued to supply the pulpit until Oct. 25, 1894, when his resignation was accepted. March 9, 1895, Rev. J. F. Gleason accepted an invitation to supply the pulpit.
At the first parish meeting, held June 28, 1824, a committee was appointed to visit Greenwich and view the new church recently erected there. and report whether in their opinion such a house would be suitable for the needs of the society, and whether it could be built for $3.300, the sum it was proposed to raise by subscription. The committee went to Greenwich and was favorably impressed with the meeting-house in that place. Aug. 19, 1824, a meeting was held of " persons who had subscribed for the purpose of building a meeting-house in the south part of Amherst." A committee was appointed to select a suitable site for the building. This committee reported that a "spot" for the meeting-house, free of expense to the subscribers, could be obtained a few rods north of Jonathan (. Warner's shop, and that under all circumstances it would be advisable to build in that place. A committee was appointed to receive proposals for erecting a building similar to the one in Greenwich. At a meeting of the subscribers held Aug. 30, 1824, it was voted to accept the proposals of George Nutting and Philip L. Goss for erecting a meeting-house ; the cost was to be $3,300, and the subscribers were to draw the hewn stone for the underpinning. The house was to be completed before Jan. 1, 1826. At a later date, committees were appointed to " bank up " around the meeting- house and build a fence around it. Sept. 5, 1825, a committee was appointed to arrange for the dedication of the meeting-house "now building," and for the ordination at the same time of Rev. Horace B. Chapin. The dedication took place, Nov. 3, 1825.
That the house was provided with a bell soon after its completion is shown by a parish vote passed April ,14. 1828, that the parish committee should " contract with some man to ring the bell on the Sabbath and at Cher necessary times." In 1833, it was voted to purchase a lock for the getting-house. April 25, 1838, it was voted to make alterations in the 1. cting house to accommodate the singers. In 1844, it was voted that vay be granted to remodel the meeting-house, if it could be done without any tax being assessed on the parish. As a result of this vote the building was completely remodeled, the expense being borne by subscription. The
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HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF AMHERST, MASS.
audience-room was raised to the level of the original galleries. Blinds were put on the building in 1849. The same year, horse-sheds were erected in the rear of the church. In I851, a vestry and a conference-room were partitioned off and fitted up on the lower floor. In 1852, it was voted to shingle the house and repair the bell-deck. In 1860, a partition and doors were placed at the entrance to the audience-room, the building was painted and papered, and carpets were placed in the aisles and pulpit. In 1868, a vote was passed to repair the meeting-house. In 1876, it was voted to shingle the house, and to raise the money by holding a parish festival. In 1885, it was voted to repair the meeting-house at an expense of $1,000. During the year 1895, expensive repairs and alterations have been made on the building, including the putting in of memorial windows.
When, in 1858, a new parish was organized, the question arose as to whether the old or the new organization should have the use of the meeting- house. Subscribers to the fund were represented in both bodies, and. pending a final settlement of their respective rights, for nearly eight months the unusual spectacle was witnessed of two separate and antagonistic con- gregations meeting for religious worship in the same house at the same time. Meetings were held alternately by either organization in the audience-room above and the vestry below, and members of the church now living state that the notes of prayer and praise and exhortation, descending from above and ascending from below, were frequently blended in manner far from edifying. The two parishes at length agreed to leave the question of their rights in the building to disinterested parties for decision, and Feb. 12, 1859, the arbitrators decided as follows: That the legal title to the meeting-house and land rested in Enos Dickinson, the surviving grantee under the deed of Nathaniel C. Dickinson, in trust for himself and the subscribers therein referred to, being the persons who subscribed the funds for building the house, and also for such persons as had obtained the rights of original subscribers, each man's right being in proportion to the amount of his subscription. It being expected that the house would be occupied by the South Congregational society as a house of worship, and Enos Dickinson and his associates objecting to the same, and as many persons for whom said Dickinson held the property in trust were members of the society, it was therefore ordered : The house being appraised at $2,200, two-thirds 'of its first cost, that the said Dick- inson should pay to said society, for the benefit of such members as were entitled to an interest in said property, two-thirds the amount of the . original subscription of each member, they to give him in return a release and transfer of rights, he to pay for no rights not so released and trans- ferred. His associates were to contribute equally with him to said payments. and also to pay the society seventy-five per cent. of their subscriptions for 1858.
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