USA > New York > Chenango County > Norwich > History of the first one hundred years of the First Congregational Church, Norwich, New York, 1814-1914 > Part 17
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Two children have been born to them, Eleanor, born July, 1912, and John, born November, 1913. Mrs. Allen was a Baptist, from a long line of Baptist ancestry, at least, on her father's side; but she be- came a member of the First Congregational Church at once; and has been president of the Mother's Club for some time, so it looks very probable that she will grow into a first-class Congregationalist. She cer- tainly makes a good pastor's wife.
In the winter of 1909, at a meeting of the Pru- dential Committee and trustees, the pastor said that he could see that for the good of the church organiza- tion, as well as of the building, that there should be a radical change in the audience room, and if that was done, in the other rooms also. He wanted the men to think it over and make any suggestions they saw fit. At
INTERIOR OF FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, 1907.
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a future meeting the impression was found to be very nearly unanimous and it was voted to have a capable architect look the building over and draw plans with such changes as he could suggest to modernize the rooms, reduce the sittings and make the whole interior more compact and cheerful and better adapted to the use of the membership; and to give estimates of cost Mr. Vosbury, an architect, of Binghamton, was en- gaged to do this. After a few weeks he submitted the plans and figures to the trustees, who called a meet- ing of the church and society to which the drawings were shown and fully explained by the pastor; the cost of the changes would be about $9,000.00 to $10,000.00.
After a full and free discussion the plans were adopted and the trustees were directed to circulate a subscription to secure the funds; and nothing was to be done in the repairs until the money was secured- or very nearly secured. No subscription would be binding until practically all of the amount had been subscribed. By Sunday, June 20, everything was ready and the next day work was begun. June 20. 1910, was the last service held in the church in its old form. By invitation from the First Baptist Church, this church united with them in Sunday and mid-week services, while the repairs were being made-Dr. Ray and Mr. Allen alternating in conducting the services.
Sunday, October 21, the repairs were completed and the regular services resumed. The morning was communion conducted by Mr. Allen; the formal dedi- cation was held in the evening with a sermon by the pastor; and special music by the choir.
In the repairs the pulpit had been moved to the east end of the audience room; the semi-circular pews bad been all taken out and straight ones substituted, set in the regular way, facing the east; the organ and choir-loft remaining the same as before. The gallery
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also remaining the same. A partition had been put in front of the alcove on the north side and the space made into a pastor's waiting room. The sliding doors had been moved to the front of the gallery. A few feet of the space had been made into a vestibule and a similar space at the south end fitted up as a cloak- room; and the space between made an enlargement of the lecture room. About twelve feet had been par- tioned off from the south side of the lecture room by sliding doors, the room to be used for the primary department and the former primary department room became the young men's room-The Scoville Brother- hood Room. The whole woodwork of the church was stained a very dark brown. The walls and ceilings frescoed a cream color, with stencil-work border all around it. It has both gas and electricity for light- ing; steam heat; water from the city mains; and toilets. and sewer connections. The kitchen was also enlarged and fitted with cupboards, tables and drawers; and every convenience for taking care of the crowds which are always in evidence at " Congregational Teas."
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THE LOYAL WORKERS OF THE KING'S
DAUGHTERS.
(Miss Sarah D. Chapman.)
In 1891 a society of young ladies was formed in this church with a list of seventeen charter members. Miss Daisy B. Dunham was chosen as its first presi- dent. The name adopted by the society was " The King's Band;" and its object as stated in its consti- tution was " Home and Foreign Work." At a subse- quent meeting Mr. Scudder, the pastor of the church at that time, explained more fully that its purpose was to do undenominational work in Christ's name.
In 1892 the society was reorganized under the name of " The King's Daughters." In September, 1894, it was voted that the society join the " International Order of The King's Dughters and Sons," in order to be in closer touch with the general work of the order. At this time a circle name was chosen-" The Loyal Workers;" and a motto adopted: " Whatsoever He Saith Unto You Do It." The work of the society has since been carried on under that name and in the spirit of its motto, including local benevolent work among the poor, work for the home church, missionary work, fresh air, shut in, and hospital work, for various char- itable institutions outside our own town and a helping hand extended in many ways impossible to enumerate. This circle is also affiliated with both the county and state organizations of the order. Very much good work has been done " In His Name " in the 22 years since its formation. At present the circle numbers sixty-three members and weekly meetings for work are held during the summer vacation.
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THE LOVING KINDNESS CIRCLE OF KING'S DAUGHTERS.
(By Miss Belle Gucker.)
The Loving Kindness Circle of King's Daughters was organized October 17, 1902, with a membership of fifteen, an admission service having been held in the church parlors, when each member was presented with King's Daughters' pins by the Loyal Workers society.
The Circle Chose for its motto :
" Do all the good you can,
" To all the people you can,
" In all the ways you can,
" As long as ever you can."
Miss Abby Beals was chosen leader. Miss Gertrude Latham was elected president; Miss Leona Eaton, vice- president; Miss Hildreth Glassford, secretary; Miss Edna Nash, treasurer.
In 1903 Mrs. Daniel W. Dexter was made assistant leader.
In 1904 Miss Orcilla Fettis was elected president; Miss Leona Eaton, vice president; Miss Bessie Thomp- son, secretary; Miss Edna Nash, treasurer.
In 1905, at the election of officers, Miss Marcia Stewart was elected secretary in the place of Miss Thompson, resigned.
In 1906 Miss Beals resigned as leader, Miss Agnes McCaw taking her place.
In 1907 Mrs. B. C. Van Ingen was chosen leader; and at the election of officers Miss Alma Nash became secretary in place of Miss Marcia Stewart, resigned.
In 1908 Mrs. Otis Thompson was appointed leader, with Miss Ellen Willey, vice leader; Miss Belle Gucker, secretary, and Miss Edna Nash, treasurer
In 1909 Miss Abby Beals was again chosen leader, which office she has held to the present time,-the other officers remaining the same.
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This Circle has done charitable work locally.
Among the organizations it has worked for are the Susquehanna Valley Home, Binghamton, N. Y .; Home for Friendless and the Silver Cross Nursery, both of New York city.
It has also aided its own church financially, and nas entered into the social life of the church.
THE GATEWAY CIRCLE OF KING'S DAUGH- TERS
(Miss Margaret Newton.)
The Gateway Circle of The King's Daughters was organized in September, 1912. The membership was limited to girls between the ages of twelve and fifteen years. The name Gateway was chosen because for most of the girls it was their entrance into the work of the church.
At first the girls met every Thursday after school; but later they were divided into two groups, the younger girls meeting one week and the others the next.
Various kinds of sewing have been taken up, from the hemming of dusters and sewing of holders to even the construction of a simple dress or two. In the autumn most of the time has been given to the dressing of dolls, pasting scrapbooks, embroidering picture bibs and cutting out innumerable paper dolls to fill Christ- mas boxes, to be sent to a home for crippled children in New York and for the children in the contagious disease hospitals in the city.
In the spring the circle worked primarily for the Norwich Hospital, hemming tray cloths and making bed slippers and short jackets.
At the present time there are about twenty-five members in the circle. The meetings are held either at
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the church or at the girls' homes. Often some story is read aloud while the girls sew ; many good readers have been discovered among the members of the circle. At the end of the meeting a short devotional service is held.
WOMAN'S MISSIONARY SOCIETIES.
(Mrs. Mary B. Reed.)
The Woman's Home Missionary society was or- ganized September, 1875. Previous to that time, while there had been no regular Missionary society, there was ample evidence of a strong missionary spirit. The church Sewing society doing benevolent work among the poor, met at the various homes of its members and when a foreign need was presented a good money offer- ing was cheerfully made.
When the church was rebuilt in 1874, there came a great uplift of enthusiasm in every department of church life, particularly in the women's work. The missionary interest took on new energy and a society was formed auxiliary to the Woman's Board of Mis- sions. Mrs. Julia Kingsley was chosen the first presi- dent and Mrs. Rachel A. Barber the secretary and treasurer. Mrs. Kingsley continued the president until her death in 1883, when Mrs. Elizabeth F. Turner was chosen her successor. Mrs. Turner held the office for eleven years and upon her death in 1894, Mrs. R. A. Barber was made president, which office she held until her death in 1911.
It is largely due to the efforts of these three de- voted women that the Missionary society has carried on its work all these years. A resume of the work of the society would not be complete without a tribute to the faith and courage that gave them " patient continu- ance " in the work.
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For thirty-eight years the Missionary society has held its meetings with great regularity. Many an inter- esting program has been arranged by the ladies them- selves; at various times missionaries have come to ad- dress the society, telling of work that is being done in many lands. Considerable sums of money have been given in response to calls for aid from various parts of the world and many boxes of clothing and other con- tributions have been sent to different parts of our own land. More than $2,000.00 has been given to the Wom- an's Home Missionary Union.
At present the society is subdivided into two parts under one head-The Home Branch and The Foreign Branch, holding meetings alternately. These meetings are well attended and the outlook for future usefulness is bright with promise.
WOMEN'S WORKING ASSOCIATION.
(Mrs. Alice L. Nash.)
This association was formed October 13, 1874, in the pastorate of Rev. Samuel Scoville; its object, as stated in the constitution, " To do the home and benev- olent work that would properly fall to the women." The first meeting was held at that time, the constitution adopted and officers elected. The first officers were: Mrs. N. P. Wheeler, president; Mrs. John Mitchell, Mrs. N. B. Hale, Mrs. S. E. Chapin and Mrs. Warren Thurston, vice-presidents; Mrs. D. L Follett, secre- tary; Mrs. W. P. Chapman, treasurer.
It was voted that the association give " A Tea " in the church parlors the last Friday of each month; the proceeds to be used in church work. For the first tea Mrs. J. H. Latham and Mrs. T. D. Miller furnished the refreshments. Menn: Biscuit and Butter, Cold Corned Beef, Apple Sauce, Plain Cake. The table-
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cloths were beautifully figured, which the faithful ladies could read as they partook of the not elaborate but choice menu-they were newspapers spread on the the tables but they answered the purpose and were very appropriate for the pioneer " Tea;" and best of all, the association had $2.00 cash in the treasury. Some- thing of a contrast to the " Teas " served at the meet- ings of the present time.
Meetings of the association were held weekly for the purpose of sewing. Once a year a box of nice cloth- ing, etc., was sent to some missionary family; and a " Tea " was served once a month in the parlors.
During the pastorate of Mr. Otis the Woman's Working association and the Woman's Missionary society were united for a time; but in 1898 they were separated; and the Working association revised its constitution and became The Congregational Work- ing association.
In that year, under the pastorate of Mr. Klock, the church entertained the State association. The Work- ing association served a tea two evenings to a large number of the delegates.
In 1908 in Mr. Allen's pastorate, the constitution was again revised, with the aid of the pastor, and the original name was resumed-Woman's Working asso- ciation.
The work of the association has changed somewhat as the years have rolled by. It no longer meets weekly to sew, for the work seems more effective in other ways. Last year there were held a number of " Thimble Parties," meeting at the homes of the mem- bers, the one who gave the party serving light refresh- ments. A fee of ten cents is collected from each lady present. These gatherings were very much enjoyed; promoting sociability and brought in a little money.
The association gives about four teas a year; has a food sale or two and an annual Christmas sale. For
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several years the association has paid $200.00 toward the expenses of the church and has paid for the flowers for the pulpit each Sunday, besides its other work.
At the time the church was remodeled and dec- orated in 1909, the association contributed $1,500.00 toward the repair fund.
During all these years since its organization, the Woman's Working association has been a great power in the church. Such women as Mrs. Ezra Hewitt, Mrs. Lewis Kingsley, Mrs. Rachel Barber, Mrs. C. H. Mer- ritt, Mrs. W. B. Guernsey, Mrs. J. G. Thompson, Mrs. T. D. Miller, Mrs I. S. Newton, Mrs. Warren Newton, Mrs. G. W. Marvin, Mrs. J. H. Latham, Mrs. C. R. Johnson, Mrs J. P. Hall, Mrs. W. E. Reed, Mrs. W. P. Chapman, Mrs. Libbie Turner, Mrs. N. S. Donaldson, Mrs. G. W. Rice and many others whose names space will not allow me to name, have been active members of the Woman's Working association. Mrs. Rice served as treasurer from 1898 to 1907.
While the work has been varied. I think the aim has always been the same-to do the most and best we could, to aid the pastor " in fostering Christian fel- lowship and sociability in the church." We have accomplished much in the past; and hope in the future to
" Cling to our high ideals; . We cannot hold them too high.
The longer the struggle, the harder the fight, The grander the bye and bye.
There never was a high ideal But will be the real some day; If we follow with practice the paths of love As the true and only way."
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First Congregational Church History THE SCOVILLE BROTHERHOOD.
(Guy W. Stowell.)
The Samuel Scoville Bible Class and Brotherhood was organized December 4, 1907, with twenty-three members. Officers elected were: President, Samuel Stewart; vice-president, Reed Turner; secretary, Guy W. Stowell; treasurer, Arthur Graves.
The meetings were held Sundays at 12 o'clock, for Bible study; led by the pastor, Rev. Paul R. Allen, in the Brotherhood room, which is the former primary room of the Sunday school. The regular business and social meetings are held once a month in the same rooms, overflowing out into the Sunday school rooms when neecssary.
In 1908 Samuel Stewart resigned the presidency and Mertin Graves was elected in his place. In July the Brotherhood and King's Daughters joined in a first picnic at Chenango Lake which was a very pleas- ant outing; and in October, a social was held at the church by the same organizations. In November an entertainment was given for the benefit of the brother- hood, which was a success all around.
In 1909 the Brotherhood contributed $300.00 toward the fund for re-modeling the church. Otis A. Thompson was elected president, for 1908-09.
Arthur Graves served as president in 1910-11. A second annual picnic was held at Chenango Lake, in which the Brotherhood and King's Daughters joined. This was also, like all Congregational socials, a very enjoyable gathering.
In 1912, Frank P. Hartwell was made president. In the fall a union lecture course was given in Clark Opera house under the auspices of the Brotherhoods of the five churches-Episcopal, Congregational, First Baptist, Calvary Baptist and Metliodist. It was a
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very successful course of entertainments and gave good satisfaction.
The annual picnic was held as before and the monthly socials were held as usual.
Reed Turner became president in 1913. The lecture course was put on by the Scoville Brotherhood alone. It was held in this church and netted the Brotherhood $200.00. It was an excellent course and very satis- factory.
In 1914 Clarence Ames became president. A lecture course was put on by the Scoville Brotherhood alone, as before, and it put $182.00 into the treasury. From the profits thus received, the Brotherhood, in 1913, purchased an excellent Balopticon, for illus- trated lectures and early in 1914, bought a robe for the pastor. Lectures are given often by the pastor, illus- trated with the Balopticon, which have been very instructive as well as interesting. So far these have all been free.
The Brotherhood has marked out for the lecture course of 1914-15, a better and, of course, a much more expensive course than has yet been given, if the people will support it. They are not given for the purpose of making money. The young men want them to pay expenses, but the dominant idea is to give the people not alone entertainment, but information and instruc- tion-something worth while, which will create a taste for that which is elevating and of good report. They are satisfied that this aim has been attained in the) previous courses, but they want to do better and they think it is possible to do it.
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First Congregational Church History
A SCOVILLE MEMORIAL.
The following pages constitute a part of a Memorial which was written within the year succeed- ing Mr. Scoville's death, with the expectation that it would be published soon by the four churches which he had served-Norwich, Stamford, Vineland and Ply- mouth Church, Brooklyn; but the next two years so many things happened, entirely unforeseen and un- avoidable, that the publication was most effectually crowded aside and delayed so long that it was in- definitely postponed and practically given up. These sections are given here, taking the place of the per- sonal sketch which has been given all the other pas- tors; and is printed by itself with the intention that it shall be a Memorial of Mr. and Mrs. Scoville. We very greatly regret that the whole Memorial could not have been printed here.
REV. SAMUEL SCOVILLE. (By his son, Samuel Scoville, Jr.)
Samuel Scoville, second son of Jacob Scoville, a farmer and at one time representative in the Connec- ticut Legislature, and Martha (Ingersoll) Scoville, was born on December 21, 1834, in West Cornwall, Conn., where he was in part prepared for college at the school of Theodore S. Gold (Yale 1838). While in college he was president of the Linonian society and captain of the University crew, class of 1857.
After graduation he spent a few months at home, and was then at Auburn Theological Seminary from the beginning of February to the end of junior year. The next year he was at Andover, after which he im- mediately went abroad, spending a year in Italy, Ger- many and England. On his return he completed his theological studies in Union Seminary. In Novem- ber, 1861, he became pastor of the Congregational Church, in Norwich, N. Y., being ordained on Septem-
REV. SAMUEL SCOVILLE. The Twelfth Pastor of First Congregational Church, Norwich, N. Y., 1861-1879.
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ber 17 of that year. The church edifice in 1874 was trebled in size and his ministry there for eighteen years left a distinct mark upon the community. In 1879, he accepted a call to the Congregational Church in Stam- ford, Conn., of which he was pastor twenty years. After a service of a year in Vineland, N. J., in Sep- tember, 1901, he was appointed assistant pastor of Plymouth Church, Brooklyn, N. Y .; but five months later his health failed, and he died of heart disease at the Presbyterian Hospital, Philadelphia, on April 15, 1902. He was 67 years of age. His deep and tender sympathy, especially for those in trouble, won the affection of all classes in the community wherever he dwelt.
He married, on Sepetmber 25, 1861, at Peekskill, N. Y., Harriet Eliza, daughter of Rev. Henry Ward Beecher and had two sons, graduates of Yale re- spectively in 1893 and 1895, and two daughters, one of whom graduated at Wellesley College, in 1882. They all survive.
With William C. Beecher he wrote a full biography of Henry Ward Beecher, which appeared in 1888.
REV. SAMUEL SCOVILLE OBSEQUIES.
(From Plymouth Chimes For May, 1902.)
Mr. Scoville died in Phildelphia, April 15, 1912, after a two brief pastorate of nearly eight months, in Plymouth Church, as Dr. Hillis' assistant, dearly loved and sorely missed by all who knew him.
" Not my Mr. Scoville !" said one tiny maiden when she heard that he was dead. He was, by his own re- quest, " buried from Mr. Beecher's church by Mr. Beecher's people." His body was brought to the church Wednesday where it lay, guarded by members of the Young Men's Club, until Friday noon, when it was
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taken for a second service at his old church in Stam- ford, Conn., before burial in Cornwall.
The service in Plymouth Church was on the evening of Thursday, April 17. The music was under the care of Gen. Horatio King, who presided at the organ; with singing of " Beyond the Smiling and the Weeping," by the Choir; " Lead, Kindly Light," " Abide With Me," and " Shining Shore," by the congregation. The addresses were by Drs. Hillis and Raymond.
The services in Stamford were held Friday evening and some of Mr. Scoville's old friends spoke. The services were very impressive. The church was crowded and flags throughout the town were at half mast and places of business closed.
Another funeral service was held in Cornwall, at which the whole countryside was present and many words of love and appreciation were spoken and the body was laid to rest near the place where he was born, among his kindred and friends.
MRS. HARRIET E. (BEECHER) SCOVILLE, WIFE OF REV. SAMUEL SCOVILLE. Only Daughter of Rev. Henry Ward Beecher.
First Congegational Church History 215
MRS. HARRIET BEECHER SCOVILLE.
(By Her Daughter, Annie Beecher Scoville.)
Mrs. Samuel Scoville was Mr. Beecher's oldest child and only daughter.
Her name, Harriet Eliza Beecher, was a memorial of an ardent friendship between four young people who were drawn together in the great crusade " to save the West." In the third decade of the Nineteenth Century Dr. Lyman Beecher went to Cincinnati as president of Lane Seminary taking his sons and daughters with him. Dr. Calvin Stowe, with his beautiful young wife, went also as a professor in the Seminary. These young peo- ple, a half dozen Beechers, the Stowes and others con- nected with the families of the teachers, entered en- thusiastically into the work of their day, editing papers, running literary societies, writing stories, teaching school, preaching on the circuit, hiding runaway slaves and building up a new west. Among these pioneers Harriet and Henry Beecher and Calvin and Eliza Stowe formed a charmed circle. But the work was hard. Fever and cholera devastated the field and the young wife, Mrs. Stowe, drooped and died, but her name lived. When later Harriet Beecher married Dr. Stowe she named her twin daughters Harriet and Eliza, and two years later her brother, Henry, named his first child Harriet Eliza Beecher.
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The oldest child in a home missionary home was bound to be made useful early, but Mrs. Beecher was a notable housewife, and the wonderful training that she gave her little daughter was part of the example she set the parish. Years later, when Mrs. Scoville visited her birthplace, an old lady sent her word that she wanted to see the girl who had made her father a shirt when she was four years old. Alas for example, Mrs. Scoville only remembered that she had to sew so much between each play spell with her little brothers,
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