USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Weston > Weston, a Puritan town > Part 8
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In 1924, the Parish voted to have the fiscal year coincide with the calendar year, the annual meeting to be on the second Wednes- day in January. In this year, also, came the resignation of Mr. Arthur L. Coburn as Parish Treasurer, after thirty-three years of service. As the resignation was a final decision, the parish passed a vote of appreciation for Mr. Coburn's long and faithful service, during which everyone felt sure that the work of the parish would
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Weston: A Puritan Town
be carried through, and that funds would be provided when needed.
The year 192 5 saw the beginning of a young people's association named the Pilgrim Club, later the Sears Society. Its purpose, to link the lives of the young people with the life of the parish, and to help in building character and religious interest in the individual.
At the annual meeting in January, 1926, the report of the Standing Committee congratulated the parish upon the high quality of the sermons of its minister, Rev. Palfrey Perkins. "Led by him we have no fear that the interest in our historic parish will fade." However, in the Spring of this same year, came a call to Mr. Perkins from the First Unitarian Congregational Society of Buffalo, New York. After long consideration, he accepted the call to a much larger parish, his resignation from the Weston church to be effective October first, 1926.
Reverend Miles Hanson, Jr., D.D., 1927-
At the annual parish meeting on January twelfth, 1927, a vote was passed to send a unanimous call to Rev. Miles Hanson, Jr., then preaching in Bedford. This call was accepted with the under- standing that Mr. Hanson would carry on his work in Bedford until June, and there he was ordained in the ministry in the First Parish Church.
Born in England, Miles Hanson, Jr., with his parents came to the United States in 1910; they lived at first in El Paso, Texas, where his father for six years preached in the Congregational Unitarian Church. Then Rev. Miles Hanson, Sr., was called to the First Parish in Roxbury, and the family came to Massachusetts. Miles, Jr., was graduated from Harvard in 1920, from Harvard Divinity School in June, 1927, and on Sunday, September eleventh, preached his first sermon as minister of the First Parish in Weston.
The formal installation services on the evening of October twentieth, were unusual and impressive. The Prayer of Installa- tion was given by Rev. Miles Hanson, Sr., the Invocation by Rev. Elmer S. Forbes, the Greetings of the Parish by Rev. Palfrey Perkins, and the Welcome to the Community by Rev. Joseph E. Perry, of the First Baptist Church in Weston. The Act of Installa- tion was read by the Chairman of the Standing Committee, and responded to by Rev. Miles Hanson, Jr. The benediction was then pronounced by the new minister of the Church.
From the Parish Records: "In June, 1928, Mr. Hanson, granted a leave of absence for seven weeks, in that period made a trip abroad. In August, he returned to Weston bringing his bride to our midst. Mrs. Hanson has already found her place in the Com- munity, in our Parish, and in our hearts."
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Mr. Hanson brought here an eager and interested spirit that awakened an answering enthusiasm in his parishioners. In the spring of 1930, the Sears Memorial Chapel, part of the Memorial Parish House, was completed, and on Sunday, May twenty-fifth, was dedicated in a beautiful service. The Invocation was given by Rev. Elmer S. Forbes, followed by the Lord's Prayer by the Con- gregation. Dr. Samuel A. Eliot of the Arlington Street Church spoke on "The Past"; Rev. Palfrey Perkins of the First Unitarian Church of Buffalo, on "The Present"; and Rev. Miles Hanson, Jr., on "The Future."
The following is from the program of the Dedication Service: "The Chapel is an enduring embodiment of the earnest desire of the living to perpetuate the memory of those whom they have loved, and of those who in the past have shed the light of beauty and truth upon their pathway. It is a shrine dedicated to revered ministers and to beloved kindred and friends. It is also a gift inspired by love for the Children of the Parish. The Chapel will be the Church of the Children, a living bond that shall unite into one communion the generations as they come and go, a communion grateful to the past, rejoicing in the present, and filled with faith for the future."
The chancel was given by Miss Louisa W. Case and Miss Marian R. Case, as a memorial to the members of their family. The Arch is of French limestone, the Altar is of marble from Spanish quarries; the front panel of the Altar is a glass mosaic made by Venetian glass workers. The mosaic represents numerous symbols of the spirit of Christianity: the peacock is the earliest symbol of immortality; the vine is the symbol of Christian Com- munion; the bird is the symbol of the human soul; the butterfly is the symbol of the Resurrection; the stars bearing different numbers of points are the symbols of Christian virtues; and in the center medallion is the symbol of Jesus Christ, XR, which is found on the walls of the early Christian catacombs and sarcophagi.
The Nave is a memorial from the will of the late Horace S. Sears, to his father. The inscription on the large door of the Chapel reads: "This Chapel given in Memory of Reverend Edmund Hamilton Sears, D.D., Minister of this Church, 1866-1876, by his son, Horace Scudder Sears." The organ screen, carved and colored
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Reverend Miles Hanson, Jr., D.D., 1927-
by artists, was given by Mr. Edward B. Field, and bears the inscription: "In Grateful Appreciation from Five Generations of the Field Family, 1815-1930."
The organ, made and installed by Hook and Hastings of Weston, is a memorial of the First Parish to Reverend Charles Frank Russell, in appreciation of his ministry to this Church. The inscrip- tion placed below the organ to the west, reads: "This organ in Memory of Reverend Charles Frank Russell, Minister of this Church, 1882-1921. Installed by the Parish, 1930."
In this Gothic Chapel, on Sunday mornings, the Junior Church meets for services. The youthful voices of the Choir rise from the seats in the Chancel, the boy ushers are on duty, and the bright faces of the girls and boys who are in the seats in the body of the Chapel certainly fulfill the hopes and wishes of the Giver. With able leadership and devoted teachers, the Junior Church has be- come a large and vital part of the Parish Organization, and by these youthful members will the traditions of this ancient Parish be carried into the future.
When it was announced that Mr. Hanson's twentieth anniversary would occur on October fifth, 1947, people could hardly believe that two decades had gone by, so harmonious, so quietly happy had been growth and progress during his pastorate. The Parish had weathered a war and a depression, through ups and downs, bound only more closely together. Mr. Hanson has always been constant in Parish work, visiting the disabled among his flock, but not forgetting the more fortunate. With people of all ages, his breezy, cheering visits are never quite long enough-he has a wealth of interest in general affairs, as well as a fund of home topics. He has cherished and furthered former customs, such as continuing the Chorus Choir, the monthly Parish Suppers, and the activities of various Societies; there are also the more recent interests of the Couples Club and the Weston Council of Churches. Moreover, he has honored the tradition that since the Church was gathered here, a covenant adopted and Rev. William Williams settled as minister on November first, 1709, there never has been a Sunday without a service.
In 1957, the September Calendar announced: "In the fall of
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1927, our beloved Pastor, Reverend Miles Hanson, Jr., was called to the First Parish and began his long and fruitful service to the members of the Parish and the Community. On Sunday, October sixth, 1957, a special service will be held at the Church, at the usual time, 10:45 A.M., in recognition of this memorable occasion. Mr. Hanson's predecessor, Reverend Dr. Palfrey Perkins, Minister Emeritus of King's Chapel, will deliver the anniversary sermon. A reception for Reverend and Mrs. Hanson will be held in the Parish House immediately following the service, and light refresh- ments will be served by members of the Benevolent-Alliance."
As true today as when they were spoken by Rev. Samuel A. Eliot, D.D., are these words: "Your minister brings to you a whole- some sincerity, an inclusive humanity, a manly reverence. He has never been dependent on your applause or discouraged by your lack of response. He knows nothing of indirect or circuitous methods, but mind and conscience are straightforward. Your min- ister's influence is written in your hearts, and in your record of service to many good causes."
A paragraph from an article in the Town Crier is also true: "Aside from his connection with this ancient Church, Miles Hanson has become one of the best known citizens of Weston. He visits the Center every morning, picking up papers and mail, and stopping every five feet to chat with whomever he encounters. He likes to preach democracy with a small d. He became an American citizen because he wanted to, he tells people, not because he happened to be born that way."
A year ago the members of the First Parish were deeply moved when, in June 1960, the Meadville Theological School in Chicago conferred on Miles Hanson, Jr., the degree of Doctor of Divinity.
The Congregational Society, (1891-1901) 1960
On January fourth, 1891, in the Town House, the Congrega- tional Society of Weston held its first meeting. In the following September a cordial invitation from the First Parish was followed by transference of Meetings to the Unitarian Chapel. On October twenty-ninth, 1891, the Society was organized by the Ecclesiastical Council of Congregational Churches, and twenty-eight towns. People were admitted to membership. Some of the family names have descended and are still in Town Records :- Burrage, Hastings, MacDonald, Schwartz, Warren, Upham.
The reception sermon was preached by Reverend Dr. Sturgis of Natick; at a meeting on the same day, a call extended to Reverend Robert Gordon, a Scotsman, was accepted by him. On December eighth, 1892, the Church was incorporated; land on the Boston Post Road at the corner of Golden Ball Road had been purchased from Albert H. Hews, and a Chapel erected thereon, with the first Service held on Sunday, December eighteenth, 1892.
Among the devoted members of the new Society were Charles M. Eaton and Mrs. Eaton; Mr. Eaton was High School Principal, later, Superintendant of Weston Schools for thirty-four years. The Frederick T. Fullers were faithful attendants also; they lived on the opposite corner of Golden Ball Road. Mr. Fuller was a nephew of Margaret Fuller, the noted writer and Transcendentalist, friend of Emerson and Thoreau; the author lived at one time on Tower Hill Road in the house built by her uncle, Judge Fuller of Cambridge.
The last minister of this valiant little Church was Reverend
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Frank Noyes, from 1900 until 1901. Then the financial burden became too great for the small number of members and the Con- gregational Society disbanded. The Chapel was sold and remodeled; it is now the residence of Homer F. Whittemore.
During the summer of 1959, at several meetings, a number of Weston people considered the possibilities of a new Congregational Church in the Town. As a result the first regular Sunday afternoon Family Vesper Service was held October fourth, 1959, at the historic Jones House,-one hundred persons gathered for the first Congregational Church Service in the Town of Weston for many years. Dr. Albert J. Penner, Minister and President of the Massa- chusetts Congregational Christian Conference preached the sermon on "Building the Church." Encouragement from the Conference resulted in a gathering of members and guests at the Country School on February twenty-nine, 1960, for the acceptance of the Charter of the new Church.
The Invocation was given by Reverend John Heidt, Spiritual Advisor; Dr. Gilbert C. Garland, Acting Moderator, conducted the Meeting. The Church Charter was presented and unanimously ac- cepted, as were the Officers. The Meeting was then adjourned for dinner to reconvene at eight-thirty when the budget was presented for discussion. The Meeting closed with congratulations from Dr. Albert J. Penner, President and Minister of Congregational Churches.
On April twenty-seven, 1960, at the annual meeting of the Suf- folk West Association of Congregational Churches and Ministers held at the Eliot Church in Newton, the Weston Church was formally received into membership of the Association. At the Ceremony the Weston Church was represented by Mrs. William O. Bogardus, Mr. and Mrs. Squire F. Burtis, Jr., Mr. John R. Carney, Jr., Mr. John M. Cole, Dr. Gilbert Garland, Mrs. Eugene O. Hanson, Mrs. John H. Harding, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas H. McFarlin, Mrs. Laymon N. Miller, and Dr. and Mrs. Donald Ross. Dr. Garland announced at the Meeting, that Reverend John A. Heidt, Spiritual Advisor since 1959, would become the full-time Pastor of the Congregational Church in Weston on September first,
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The Congregational Society, (1891-1901) 1960
1960. On Sunday, October ninth, in the Country School, a recep- tion for Reverend John Heidt and his family was given by the Church; to this were invited all members and friends of the Con- gregation and all other persons interested in a welcome to the Heidt family.
There is a thriving Church School with a program fitted to the needs of the many young people; they are given to feel that their help is necessary in the new project and that they are to be the leaders of the future. To this end, there are a Senior Fellowship, a Junior High Seminar and a Pilgrim Fellowship Society; there are also many Sub-Committees to accomplish the work of the vital young Parish in this early Puritan Town of Weston.
St. Peter's Parish, 1898
As years went on and the Town grew in population, other Church Parishes were organized and shared in the early traditions. In 1898, although there was not a settled Rector, Episcopal Church Services were held during the summer months in the "Schoolhouse on the Rock," a true historic landmark dating from 1793. When the Town sold the little schoolhouse in 1901, Episcopal services were transferred to Laxfield, the beautiful George Fiske estate on Concord Road. The Rector was Reverend Arthur B. Papineau of St. George's Church in Maynard.
After church services were over in Maynard, the Reverend Father, still in his long straight black cassock, his round clerical hat on his head, would mount his bicycle and pedal his way to the Fiske home, a distance of about fifteen miles. As soon as he reached Laxfield, Father Papineau would sleep soundly for an hour, then refreshed, would rise and conduct prayers for the people in Weston. As more and more adherents attended the services at Laxfield, and the rooms became filled to capacity, one day a notice in the Waltham paper stated that Reverend Arthur B. Papineau would hold services and preach on Sunday, February twelfth, 1905, in the Weston Town House; these services were continued for thirteen years.
Father Papineau was much loved. "He was an extremely high churchman, who might even be called a zealot, but everyone liked him within and beyond the Parish-by one of his congregation he was said to be, 'an Angel on two feet.'" Nothing ever kept him from making the trip from Maynard; if it rained he wore a huge rubber cape that fitted snugly about his neck and wrists and ex- tended over the handlebars, and thus slightly protected would set
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St. Peter's Parish, 1898
off in the face of the storm. When there was snow, the Reverend Father would come by train to Stony Brook Station, there to be met by Chief Patrick McAuliffe with one of the great school sleighs drawn by two or four horses.
On January first, 1914, the Weston Mission became officially a Mission of the Diocese of Massachusetts with the ever faithful Father Papineau still tending his flock. In an article written by the Reverend Father, he says that St. Peter's was named for St. Peter's Church in Weston, England, a small Parish on the North Sea not far from Yarmouth and Ipswich.
With deep regret and great reluctance, toward the end of 1914, the Vestry accepted the resignation of Reverend Father Papineau; however he continued to serve until December, 1915. At the Town House, November twenty-ninth of that year, Father Papineau was given a farewell reception; Warden Harry Warren presented him with a purse of gold from his parishioners and in response, the Reverend Father spoke with deep feeling of his long association with the people of St. Peter's Mission, and of his great regard for them.
The successor of Mr. Papineau on December first, 1915, was Reverend Frederick A. Reeve. Early in his pastorate, the Parish bought from Mrs. Daniel S. Lamson a plot of land on the Boston Post Road, and on November twenty-eighth, 1917, "a bitterly cold day," the cornerstone of a Church edifice was laid by Right Reverend Samuel G. Babcock, D.D. On the same day, on Salem Street in Boston, the cornerstone of a Chapel adjoining Christ Church, the historic Old North Church, was laid by Bishop Law- rence.
In less than a year, in Weston, on September fifteenth, 1918, the first service was held in an unfinished edifice, but only one month later on October twenty-seventh, the Church was consecrated by Right Reverend William Lawrence, D.D., Bishop of Massachusetts, and the Confirmation Service followed.
After the resignation on September fifteenth, 1920, of Reverend Frederick Reeve, on April sixth, 1921, Reverend William D. Parsons began his ministry at St. Peter's. In June of the same year,
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Weston: A Puritan Town
a committee appointed to secure a Rectory, aided by the generous gift from William T. Farley of $5000. reported the purchase of the homelike and attractive house on the Boston Post Road about one eighth of a mile west from the Church. On May nineteenth, 1924, the Vestry adopted a Constitution and By Laws.
When the resignation of Reverend William Parsons had been regretfully accepted in May, 1927, a call was extended to Dr. John H. Cabot of Boston, a high churchman, to become Rector of the Weston Parish. During Dr. Cabot's short ministry the Church building was completed and, as he announced at the Annual Meet- ing in 1930, "was almost paid for."
In 1932, with the resignation of Dr. Cabot, Reverend Stephen Webster became the fifth Rector of this growing Parish. Father Webster was the War minister; shortly after the outbreak of World War II when our country joined the Allies, he asked for leave of absence for a year to serve as a Chaplain with the United States Armed Forces; this was granted by the Vestry on October sixth, 1940. On the ninth of February, 1941, Reverend Egisto F. Chauncey preached his first sermon as acting Rector. As a war measure due to gasoline rationing, the custom of having a united Family Worship service was adopted and has become a powerful feature in the growth of Church membership.
In 1945 to be Parish Secretary as well as governing head of the Church School, came Miss Mary E. Bews, in the minds of the parishioners another "Angel on two feet." As Dr. Chauncey writes, "Her services then were valuable, now they are invaluable." Mary Bews has the affection and respect of all our townspeople.
From 1953 until 1957, special activities were concerned with the need of a larger church building. On May tenth, 1953, at a Vestry Meeting, a Building Committee of seven members was appointed; many sub-committees organized money-making projects with such success that on November thirtieth, 1957, on land given by Charles O. Richardson, Esq., the cornerstone of the present handsome Georgian edifice was laid by Right Reverend Anson Phelps Stokes, D.D., Bishop of Massachusetts. During these years of growth of the Weston Parish, in 1955, the General Convention
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St. Peter's Parish, 1898
of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States passed a Canon limiting the term of service of a Rector; having completed the stated time, on December twenty-sixth, 1956, Dr. Chauncey re- signed the Rectorship of St. Peter's Parish. Shortly after, by action of the Vestry, he was appointed Rector Emeritus of the Mission with the privilege of continuing to live at the Rectory. A call extended to Reverend Philip S. Krug was accepted; he held his first service February second, 1957, and is today the Rector of this active Mission.
The Dedication of the new St. Peter's Church was on December fourteenth, 1958 at eight o'clock in the evening, with the Bishop of Massachusetts officiating. After an impressive service came the final Presentation of the Keys to the Rector, who accepted them with the words: "On behalf of all who may enter these walls, I receive these Keys signifying the completion and the dedication of this Edifice." Then candles were lighted on the Altar.
The Church of St. Julia, 1921
The first Catholic masses in Weston were celebrated in the new Town House on the northerly side of the Common, on Sunday, April eleventh, 1919; the first Pastor was Reverend William J. Foley. After only two years on August fifteenth, 1921, on the Boston Post Road across from the Common, ground was broken for a Church; at a time when there were hardly more than one hundred people of his faith in the Town, Father Foley worked untiringly to raise funds for the Norman-Gothic stone edifice that rose there; he came every day from his parish in Roxbury to over- see the building of St. Julia's Church. The name is in memory of his mother, so far as is known the only church in the country so titled.
On December twenty-sixth, 1921, a Boston newspaper carried the message :- "This day will be a memorable one for the Catholic people of Weston, because they participated this morning and tonight at the first service held in the new Church of St. Julia on the Boston Post Road near the center of the town." And another, later, "Cardinal O'Connell and eight priests of the Diocese will formally dedicate St. Julia's Church in Weston, on the afternoon of May twenty-eight, 1922. Following the blessing he will ad- minister the Sacrament of Confirmation to about thirty-three chil- dren of the Parish."
The dwelling house that formerly stood on the plot of land and fronted on the Post Road, was moved to the rear of the Church and became the Rectory, thereby preserving one of the valuable landmarks of the Town. Built in the early 1800's, it was for many years the residence of a prosperous Boston merchant, Charles Merriam, Esq .; in 1859, Mr. Merriam donated to the recently
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The Church of St. Julia, 192 I
established Weston Town Library, a sum of money, the interest of which is still in use for the purchase of books.
The resident priests at St. Julia's together with the Pastors of the other Parishes have always been interested in, and helpful in furthering Town projects particularly in an emergency such as the late War. At that time also the ladies of the Catholic Sodality were faithful in attendance for the war work carried on at the Town House.
Only four Pastors have served this country Parish over the years :- Father Foley until February, 1923, followed by Reverend Walter F. Sweeney. In December, 1937, came Reverend John F. McGlinchey, who was Rector until 1951. Reverend Frank M. Graf was Administrator until 1956, then became Pastor in April, 1960. To his kindness and patience is due this interesting informa- tion.
The Christian Science Society, 1950
Following Town tradition, the Christian Science Society of Weston, a branch of the Mother Church, The First Church of Christ, Scientist, in Boston, held the first service in the Town House. This was on April ninth, 1950, the growth in the denomi- nation being very great after World War II. Founded by a native of New England, and with National Headquarters in Boston, the Society seems well placed in such an early New England setting as the Town of Weston. Sunday morning services are held regu- larly as well as a Sunday School for young people to the age of twenty years, with a nursery for younger children.
In November, 1958, the Society bought the former building of St. Peter's Church on the Boston Post Road, and after extensive changes and modifications, on February eighth, 1959, held two services to observe the opening of the new home. Later in the year, in the month of May, the Society opened a reading room to be available three days in the week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday from twelve o'clock noon until three in the afternoon. It is possible to read, to borrow, or to purchase the Bible, the writings of the Founder, Mary Baker Eddy, and all authorized Christian Science Literature.
With no minister or pastor, a First Reader and a Second Reader are chosen from the Congregation and hold the office for a stated time. The Reader each week uses a prepared Lesson or Sermon on a given subject from the Bible and from the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health, with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy. The same Lesson-Sermon is used on any given Sun- day by all Christian Science Churches in the world.
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