USA > Vermont > Windsor County > Woodstock > Rededication, June 5, 1890, of the reconstructed Old White Meeting House, Woodstock, Vermont > Part 1
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Gc 974.302 W86w 1661164
MoL.
REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01100 6308
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REDEDICATION
JUNE 5, 1890,
OF THE RECONSTRUCTED
*
OLD WHITE MEETING HOUSE
WOODSTOCK, VERMONT.
1661164
INTRODUCTION.
The Congregational Church of Woodstock, Vermont, was re- dedicated June fifth, 1890, with appropriate and impressive ceremonies.
The event was notable, and the services are worthy of preserva- tion because of the noble history of the church of which this occasion is now a part ; and because the pride in her past, the sacred memories of her saintly men and women, the prayers for her continued peace and prosperity, have found suitable expres- sion in the costly gift of Frederick Billings.
The renewal of " The Old White" in strength and beauty is his crowning gift to the church of his youth and the church of the fathers.
Frequent expressions of gratitude will be found in the follow- ing pages, but words could not convey the affection and sympathy of the great audience for him who carried on this work amid per- sonal sorrow and suffering, and, as it seemed, under the shadow of death.
All knew that not wealth alone, but love and thought were spent upon the rebuilded house, and a peculiar tenderness pervaded the services of dedication from the fact that Mr. Billings lay almost within sound of the prayer and praise of that service unable to participate or even to be present.
These elements of love and suffering, entering into the building and dedication of this beautiful house, hallow the gift in the hearts of men, and we doubt not render it more precious in the sight of God.
PETER MCMILLAN,
Pastor.
THE SERVICE.
HE dedicatory exercises occupied two and a half hours, commencing at 1:30 in the afternoon. Shortly before that hour the storm-clouds scat- tered and the sun shone upon the scene until the close of the service. All the pastors of the village and many from abroad were in attendance; the congregation filled the house to overflowing. Mr. S. B. Whitney, formerly of Wood- stock, now of Boston, presided at the organ, and was assisted by Mr. J. T. Hazelton, who had organized a large chorus choir for the occasion. Mrs. J. R. Pitkin and Mr. F. Bond, soloists, added greatly to the service of praise.
· Handel's " Hallelujah Chorus " was selected as an opening or- gan voluntary. The choir sang the anthem "Let the people praise thee, O God," and as a conclusion to the anthem the congregation arose and sang "Praise God, from whom all bless- ings flow." Rev. Moses Kidder, pastor of the Christian Church of Woodstock, invoked the Divine blessing. Rev. Francis W. Smith, rector of St. James' Church of Woodstock, led in a re- sponsive service from the Psalms.
After a hymn, Mr. Henry Swan Dana, the well-known histo- rian and antiquary, and the author of the "History of Wood- stock," read an interesting account of the formation and early experiences of the church, and described the various buildings in which it had worshipped, from the primitive barn, which was the first meeting place, down to the present edifice.
Rev. James F. Brodie of Salem, Mass., a former pastor of the church, in Mr. Billings' behalf presented the keys of the building
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Congregational Church, Woodstock, Vt.
to the Congregational Church of Woodstock, accompanying the act with a warm and tender tribute to Mr. Billings, which met with a heartfelt response from all present.
Mr. Frederick C. Southgate of Woodstock, son of a former pastor, accepted the gift in a brief and appropriate address.
Mrs. Pitkin sang in sweet, clear voice, " My Redeemer and My Lord."
President M. H. Buckham, D. D., of the University of Ver- mont, preached a sermon of rare interest and power, showing how all human acts and material resources can be converted to holy uses by consecration and dedication.
The sermon was followed by a grand choral anthem, " O Lord, How amiable are thy dwellings."
The congregation then arose, and were led in the prayer and act of dedication by Rev. Peter McMillan, pastor of the church. The hymn " O Thou whose own vast temple stands," was sung by all the assembly. Letters of congratulation were read from ex- pastors and friends, followed by an address from Rev. G. W. Gal- lagher of Montpelier, who voiced the greetings of the churches in graceful thought and phrase.
Mr. Bond sang the solo " Come unto me," and the benediction closed the services.
The exercises are given in full in the following pages.
INVOCATION.
BY REV. MOSES KIDDER.
O THOU immortal God, thy glory fills the heavens and the earth ; and wilt thou indeed dwell with mortal man. When the heaven of heavens cannot contain Thee, how much less temples made with hands. Yet Thou dost dwell with the humble in spirit and with the contrite of heart. And Thou hast manifested thy glory before us. The stupendous monuments of thy wisdom and thy power are always before us. And there is a voice that speaks most earnestly down in the deep places of our spiritual consciousness, declaring thy goodness and thy tender love. The heavens bend over us with infinite tenderness at this hour, declaring thy glory and showing forth thy love. We thank Thee, our Father, for the blessings of life, for the blessings of the gospel, for the knowledge of Thee the only living and true God, that we may worship the God who rules in the armies of heaven, and doeth his pleasure unto the inhabitants of earth, whose merciful kindness is fresh every morning and new every evening. We come together to glorify thy name, to acknowl- edge Thee in this service, the God of our fathers, in whom their trust was, by whose counsels they were guided. In the faith of the gospel of Jesus Christ they died in peace, and have gone to meet the reward of " Well done, good and faithful ser- vants." Here where the fathers worshipped that have passed away, here where their children worshipped and children's chil- dren worshipped, and these to-day come to worship, and many will come from Sabbath to Sabbath, in this place, both old and new, we meet to dedicate the new and rededicate the old, and give all to that God who ruleth in righteousness and who doeth his pleas- ure to the children of men. And we invoke thy blessings to rest upon us and upon these services, that the meditation of all hearts and the words of those that may speak on this occasion may be acceptable to Thee, O Lord, our Redeemer. And as
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Congregational Church, Woodstock, Vt.
this house may exceed the old in external beauty, so may the worship that shall follow be adorned with the beauty of holiness and thy glory here dwell. And so may there be much that shall redound to the good of souls and the glory of God, to the cause of righteousness and truth and love, and thy servants always feel that the heart is dedicated to God, and no provision made for the flesh to fulfill its lusts, but ever abide by faith in Him whom God raised from the dead and brought life and immortal- ity to men. We ask all in His name. Amen.
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RESPONSIVE READING.
CONDUCTED BY REV. FRANCIS W. SMITH.
M INISTER - I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.
PEOPLE - Our feet shall stand within thy gates, O Jerusalem,
Jerusalem is builded as a city that is compact together, Whither the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord,
Unto the testimony of Israel to give thanks unto the name of the Lord.
For there are set thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David.
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem ; they shall prosper that love thee. Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces,
For my brethren and companions' sakes, I will now say, Peace be within thee.
Because of the house of the Lord our God I will seek thy good.
Arise, O Lord God, into thy resting-place, Thou, and the ark of thy strength :
Let thy priests, O Lord God, be clothed with salvation, And let thy saints rejoice in goodness.
Behold, bless ye the Lord, all ye servants of the Lord, lift up your hands to the sanctuary, and bless ye the Lord.
The Lord bless thee out of Zion ; even he that made heaven and earth.
Praise ye the Lord, ye that stand in the house of the Lord. Sing praises unto his name ; for it is pleasant.
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Congregational Church, Woodstock, Vt.
Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praise in the assembly of the saints.
Let Israel rejoice in him that made him : let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.
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I will pay my vows unto the Lord, in the courts of the Lord's house.
Open to me the gates of righteousness : I will enter into them, I will give thanks unto the Lord.
This is the gate of the Lord; the righteous shall enter into it. I will give thanks unto thee, for thou hast answered me, and art become my salvation.
HISTORICAL STATEMENT.
BY HENRY SWAN DANA.
Sº O far as is known, the Gospel was first preached in this wil- derness in the summer of 1774, the Rev. Aaron Hutchinson, then of Hebron, Mass., being the preacher. All the buildings then on the Green were a log-house standing exactly on the site of Major Churchill's corner; another on the high bank of the river, a few rods westerly of the present Brick Church, and a rude shanty at the upper end of the Common, occupied for the time be- ing by the family of Dr. Stephen Powers, while they were erecting a log-house into which they moved when it was completed. There was, besides, a frame barn which stood a little in the rear of present Park Cottage, the only frame building then in the town. There may have been seventy-five people within the limits of the settlement. In 1776 Woodstock, in connection with Hartford and Pomfret, hired Mr. Hutchinson for five years, one- third of his time to be given to each town. This engagement closed in the summer of 1781, and that same year the town was divided into North and South parishes.
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Congregational Church, Woodstock, Vt.
During Mr. Hutchinson's pastorate no church had been estab- lished after the regular form. In fact, this excellent man was regarding the whole country far and near as under his spiritual charge, while he himself, in his single person, usurped the entire functions of a church court. But soon after the close of his en- gagement with the town, that is to say on the 26th day of December, 1781, a church was organized in the North Parish by an ecclesiastical council duly called, over which the Rev. George Daman was settled as pastor. The church so organized took into its membership the same body of believers who assembled under Mr. Hutchinson's preaching in 1774, and is the same church that celebrates in this house to-day. The forty-foot barn already mentioned claims the title of being the first meeting- house in the settlement of Woodstock. In this barn Mr. Hutch- inson, so long as he was the town preacher, held his meetings through warm weather, and when the cold season came on resort was had to some dwelling-house for more comfortable quarters. The barn was private property, but it may be called the " town meeting-house," because the only place of worship provided by the town, if indeed as much as that can be said, while religious ser- vices for the inhabitants of Woodstock were a town charge. Then it should be added that for many years it was the best building in the settlement. It was torn down by Mr. Burke in 1877. The next church edifice was the "log meeting-house " which stood on the hill overlooking the factory pond from the west, a little above the house now occupied by Mr. Jaquith. In the selection of this site reference was had, no doubt, to a compromise between the con- flicting claims of the east-enders and the west-enders, two fac- tions that then divided the parish on the meeting-house question. The west-enders preferred a spot further up the river, while the east-enders were for picking a place on the Green. This edifice was a structure of very moderate pretensions, being in size about twenty-five feet by twenty at the base, and built on a foundation of cobble stones. I never heard whether it had a floor or not ex- cept the solid earth, but understand it had windows set with glass, though the witness on this point was not certain that such was the case. It had no galleries, no heating apparatus except the internal fires that burned in the breasts of the worshippers
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Congregational Church, Woodstock, Vt.
within its walls, no musical instrument save the pitch pipe. The congregation averaged from fifty to seventy-five, under the guardian care of the tything man, an officer elected at March meetings to see that order was preserved in the churches on Sunday. And this was strictly enforced in the log meeting- house. On one occasion a worthy citizen by the name of High- ton, fond of tobacco, as all the fathers were, unable to restrain his desire to refresh himself with a taste of the weed, took out his tobacco-box during service, and helped himself, then carelessly closed it with a loud click. He was fined three shillings for dis- turbing the congregation.
It would not be unpleasant to review for a moment the body of men who with their families were accustomed to meet for worship in this log edifice, did time permit. They were made up as a whole of solid, substantial farmers, whose opinions were formed slowly, but when once formed could not be easily shaken. Their notions were very strict about church discipline and the proprieties belonging to religious life, while at the same time their conduct was on many points oftentimes very loose. At the first revival experience in this church, which occurred in 1781-82, like the early Galatians, they did run well for a season; and at the first schism in the church, which came seven years later, it is sad to relate that they did run in the opposite direction equally well. After serving its purpose a few years, this log building fell into disuse and crumbled away. It may be called " the parish meeting-house."
After the death of Mr. Daman in 1796, the church was without any pastor or place of worship for several years. During this period it united with the Baptists for a part of the time to keep up preach- ing, union services being held sometimes in the West meeting- house, then in the Court House. This arrangement, however, proved unsatisfactory to all parties. The Baptist Church by de- grees became extinct, and the Congregationalists were fast hasten- ing in the same direction. The affairs of the church being in such state of weakness and depression, Mr. Charles Marsh appeared upon the scene, and, aided by a few others of like noble spirit with himself, began active measures for the erection of a church edifice on the Green. There were many obstacles to overcome
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Congregational Church, Woodstock, Vt.
before this could be brought about. Among other troubles, divi- sions arose as to where the new house when built should be located. On this point three parties formed, one wishing the house to be built at the head of the Common; another to the west of the river on the race ground ; the third and larger party on the new turnpike road, on the ground where this house now stands. The enterprise, in consequence, for a long time made little prog- ress, but Mr. Marsh, whose great abilities and high standing as a lawyer gave him controlling influence in the community, was determined that something should be done, and at last something was done. On the IIth day of March, 1805, a meeting was held at the Court House for the building of a meeting-house. At this meeting it was voted to accept the ground offered by Mr. Marsh to put the house on, the house to be built with wood, with good stone underpinning ; to be painted outside and in, except the pews, the outside white and the roof red, and that the whole should be completed by the first of September, 1807. Accordingly work on the house began in the spring of 1806, the frame was raised on the 4th day of July then next, and the building completed in 1808. The building, as originally constructed, remained in use till 1859. It was then thoroughly renovated inside, at an ex- pense of about $6,000. The undertaking of this enterprise was largely due to the perseverance of the ladies of the Society, who through their "Sewing Circle" contributed fifteen hundred dollars toward defraying the cost of the repairs, the balance be- ing raised by private subscription. A committee was appointed, consisting of Jacob Collamer, Norman Williams and George B. Warren, to see that the work was properly carried through. On Sunday, May 29, the society worshipped for the last time in their house before it was dismantled, and returned to it in its reno- vated state on Sunday, October 30, in the above named year, when the church was dedicated for the first time. Thirty years passed by, when once more the old house was taken in hand for an entire remodeling and making over, this time by Hon. Fred- erick Billings .* The last services held in the old church were conducted by Rev. W. A. Bushee, of Morrisville, on Sunday,
* In the year 1880, Mr. Billings built and presented to the society the present chapel as a memorial of his father and mother and subsequently rebuilt the parsonage.
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Congregational Church, Woodstock, Vt.
April 21, 1889, and the work of stripping and dismantling the house began the following Thursday.
But on this theme it is not my part to dwell. Yet I cannot close without expressing the regret common to us all that our friend and benefactor is not present to share with us in the cere- monies of this hour. On a Sabbath morning fifty-five years ago I met him for the first time within these walls. But however grasp- ing may have been the prospective views of either of us in that season of youthful hope, they by no means embraced, on my part at least, any such scene as we witness this day. And rejoicing as I do to see this day, at the same time trusting that these visi- ble glories are but the emblem of brighter spiritual graces that adorn, or should adorn, the members of this church, I may be pardoned for saying that I miss from the goodly company before me more than one of the friends of former days, whose presence would have added dignity and worth to this occasion.
ADDRESS OF PRESENTATION IN BEHALF OF MR. BILLINGS.
BY REV. JAMES F. BRODIE.
D EARLY BELOVED FRIENDS: There is no need that I say to you with what eager expectation I have looked forward to this occasion. Almost from the first of my acquaintance with this church, it has been before me as a fond anticipation. The transformation wrought upon the parsonage so soon after my coming among you, became to me the earnest of what we wit- ness here to-day. Upon my going out from among you, it was with the certainty that this occasion would come to pass, as nearly as anything can be certain in the future of human events. Many times have I pictured to myself this very scene in which we are now gathered together. But in all my picturing of it, there has ever been standing in the foreground a figure sorrowfully con-
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Congregational Church, Woodstock, Vt.
spicuous to-day by reason of absence. Foremost among the an- ticipations I have cherished of this occasion has always been the address that Mr. Billings would make in conveying to his mother- church this crowning expression of his life-long interest, attach- ment and love. Many of you have heard him speak in public oftener than I have. A few times, it has been my good fortune to hear him speak, when his interest was specially aroused, and his heart deeply moved. And knowing how fully his heart has been in this work whose completion we greet and hallow to-day, I have had large expectation of the eloquent words we should hear from him. Could he only be here to-day with that presence so at home in the face of an audience ; could he only be here to-day in command of that voice, so many-toned and rich in modulation, that voice which had smiles in it and had tears in it, which could compass every shade of human thought and human feeling ; could he only be here to-day with that heart so ready to open and overflow in response to the hallowed associations of a place and a time like this; could he only be here and be speak- ing to us now, we should be listening to a strain of eloquence such as few audiences are privileged to hear. It is no reflection I cast upon any speaker here to-day when I say that the address which most of all we should have liked to hear, the address which best of all would have been worth our while to hear, is the one which, to our deep grief and disappointment, must remain un- spoken. If only it might have been delivered, the three things which Mr. Webster said are essential to eloquence would have all been present-the man, the subject, and the occasion would have been in conjunction. The occasion has come to us; the subject is here before us; but in the Divine Providence we trust while we cannot fathom it, in the Heavenly Father's wisdom which we worship while we cannot understand it, the man is for- bidden to us. Subject and occasion, however, demand that somewhat be spoken here to-day upon behalf of the man who has made them possible. This part I am asked to attempt. Would that the mantle of Mr. Billings' own gifts as a speaker might fall upon me as I make the attempt. It is a legacy I could covet from him above everything else. Then, and then only might I hope to be equal to the undertaking in hand.
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But, fortunately, it is not depending upon me to give voice to all that gets spoken here to-day upon Mr. Billings' behalf. There are many voices other and better than mine that speak. With its more than thirteen hundred voices, that sweet-lipped, deep- chested organ has already spoken. Even more than all that can be said to the ear is what speaks to the eye. I need but pro- nounce the single word which, graven above the inner North door of St. Paul's Cathedral tells every visitor where to find the mon- ument of Sir Christopher Wren - Circumspice, look round about you ; anywhere, everywhere you behold what speaks for Mr. Billings to-day in eloquence far better than any that I can command. The solid oak speaks for him, from panelled ceiling and wainscot, from graceful pillar, and from sculptured pulpit. The faultless good taste that reigns throughout the edifice speaks for Mr. Billings. The very sunlight of this spring day speaks for him as it is shed in upon us, toned and tempered by the chaste cathedral glass. If only I may be able to interpret somewhat these many voices that speak for him, it is the most I can hope to do.
That this occasion has come to pass only after large expendi- ture of money, no one here needs be told. That this work has been done almost without regard to expense, is apparent enough to you all. You knew it would be so when you saw it begun. It would not have been like Mr. Billings to do it in any other way. I mention this simply because it gives me opportunity to say for him that what he has done here means upon his part something far greater and better than outlay of money. He has put money without stint into this work, because he has been putting into it what has value rarer and higher than that of money. This building in its rich and exquisite completeness stands for much that is quite beyond the power of money to procure.
It stands in the first place for the full realization of a long and fondly cherished desire. The chapel which ten years ago he built in honor of his father and mother, in itself an architectural gem, was in his mind from the first as a prophecy of what he would like to work out upon the Old White Church. When two years afterward he rebuilt the parsonage, the desire was so freshened and
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strengthened in him, that he had the architect prepare for him a tentative plan of the work. Chiefly because he feared he might trench upon the rights of others vested in the pews of the church, he delayed his fulfilment of his cherished purpose. President -
Buckham will recall with me the morning when we three stood in conversation together by the gate in front of the chapel. In his earnest, emphatic way Mr. Billings said : " How I would like to take hold of that church and make it over to correspond to the chapel, but I fear there are obstacles which for the present prevent." I said to him: "Mr. Billings, would you be pleased to have it ascertained just what obstacles there may be, and what can be done to remove them? " He answered: "Yes, it would please me greatly." Before many days had passed the consent of every pew-owner had been secured, and from that time on, his hope has been unfolding and progressing into the full realiza- tion which we witness and consecrate to-day.
Again upon Mr. Billings' part this building, into which he has caused such rich and costly workmanship to be put, stands for deep and abiding personal attachment to the life of this church, both for what it has been in the past, and for what it may be in the days to come. His peculiar fondness for Woodstock he has manifested in a multitude of ways. And how much of all that has made him so fond of it has centered in the life of this church ! His own nearest of kin were a part of it. In its membership were many of those superior men and women of whom he al- ways speaks so enthusiastically, whose memory he so much reveres. Within that goodly fellowship he himself took his place in early years. Chief among the forces which have made Woodstock so attractive to him has been the life of this church. But not simply as a memory of the past does the life of this church take hold upon his interest and love. As promise and power for the future, he is deeply attached to it. This building, in which the identity of the old is so enduringly con- served in the beauty of the new, most fittingly symbolizes the kind of regard in which he holds this beloved church. It stands, at once his emphatic testimony of appreciation for what it has been in the past, and his fervent, effectual prayer of hope for what it may go on to be.
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