USA > Vermont > Windham County > Brattleboro > Brattleboro, Windham County, Vermont; early history, with biographical sketches of some of its citizens > Part 3
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This prophecy, to some extent, proved true, but we hope some good was accon- plished by diverting the attention of many, as it could be done in no other way, from this all-absorbing theme, "What shall we eat, what shall we drink, and wherewithal shall we be clothed?" If man, with his wonderful, mysterious combination of mind and matter, can have no higher aspi- rations without being stimulated thereto by unusual events, we feel resigned when they occur.
Among the church and society that quietly sat under the ministrations of Rev. Dr. Wells were those who could not sus- tain or endure a state of affairs so different from the past. Therefore, and but a short time previous to the events alluded to in the foregoing, the society divided and the church bell, presented to the society by Gov. Hunt, of Vernon, and Dea. J. Hol- brook of this place, broke at the same time.
A minority portion of the society, called Unitarian, built on Main street the second church erected in this village, in the sun- mer of 1831.
Rev. Jonathan McGee was dismissed by a mutual council, Sept. 10, 1834, and Jan- uary, 1835, Rev. Charles Walker was installed pastor elect. The sermon upon this occasion was preached by Rev. Wil- lard Child, of Pittsford, Vt.
In the year 1842, the church and society finding their house of worship very much out of repair, and being situated too far north for the convenience of a large portion
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of the congregation, concluded to remove it into Main street, near the old Brattle- boro Bank. The meeting-house was removed and enlarged in 1842, and the heirs of Francis Goodhue, Esq., gave the land to the society upon which the build- ing now stands. It was dedicated Jan. 11, 1843 The dedicatory sermon was preached by Rev. Z. S. Barstow, D. D., of Keene, N. H .; dedicatory prayer by Rev. Amos Foster, of Putney.
Rev. Charles Walker continued the pastor until Feb. 14, 1846, when he was dismissed by mutual council called for this purpose. Mr. Walker was a fearless, un- compromising advocate of the temperance cause. He possessed great moral power and a praiseworthy independence in advo- cating his views. His sermons upon special occasions showed great research and extensive information. The church, under his teaching, was built up and strengthened. The additions during his ministry were 62 by letter and 82 by pro- fession.
After the dismission of Rev. Dr. Walker, the pulpit was supplied by different ones until May 23, 1846, when the society extended a call to Mr. A. Huntington Clapp, of Boston, Mass., then engaged as a professor in Middlebury Collegc. He was a graduate of Yale College and Ando- ver Theological Seminary. After the usual examination by council he was ordained Oct. 14, 1846. Rev. Dr. Blagden, of the old South Church, Boston, preached the sermon.
Rev. Mr. Clapp continued his labors with great satisfaction to the church and society until Jan. 1, 1853, when, from a disease of the eyes, he was induced to ask leave of absence for at least four months, that he might be under treatment for the difficulty. After an absence of nearly eight months, and under daily treatment, yet without perceptible improvement, he sent in his resignation, to take effect Oct. 14, 1853, that being the close of the seventh year of his connection with this society. During the seven years Mr. Clapp was pastor, 60 were added by profession and 42 by letter.
Immediately after Rev. Mr. Clapp had sent in his resignation the church and society united in extending a call to Rev.
George P. Tyler, of Lowville, N. Y., a native of Brattleboro, and graduate of Yale College and Union Theological Seminary, New York. He, having accepted the call, commenced his labors as pastor, Nov. 14, 1854, by a preparatory lecture for the com- munion, and on the following Sabbath preached his first sermon. Nov. 15, 1854, the council met and dismissed Rev. Mr. Clapp and examined Rev. Mr. Tyler. This examination proving satisfactory, he was the next day installed pastor of the church and society. The sermon was preached by Rev. L. G. Buckingham, of Springfield, Mass. ; charge by Rev. Charles Walker, of Pittsford, Vt .; right hand of fellowship by Rev. Joseph Chandler; address to the people by Rev. A. H. Clapp; concluding prayer by Rev. Mr. Aiken. The fact that the two former pastors were present and took part in the services, rendered it very solemn and interesting to the large con- gregation who were assembled on the occasion.
During the pastorate of Mr. Tyler there was received into the church 194 members, and during the latter part of his ministry herc in 1864, extensive alterations were made in his house of worship. He was a man of much energy and originality, and zealous in defence of the government during the late rebellion. That he was a faithful and efficient pastor has, we believe, never been questioned. In 1866, at his own request, he was dismissed from the charge of this church. He was succeeded by Rev. Nathaniel Mighill, who was in- stalled pastor in October, 1867. Rev. L. Buckingham preached the sermon, and Rev. A. H. Clapp addressed the church and society.
From the time of its organization to March, 1869, this church had received 884 members and six settled pastors.
BRATTLEBORO UNITARIAN CONGREGA-
TIONAL SOCIETY. BY A FORMER PASTOR.
After the death of Rev. William Wells, D. D., which occurred in 1827, a large number of the members of the Congrega- tional society, then under the charge of". Rev. Jonathan McGee, became dissatisfied with him as their pastor on account of cer- tain doctrines which he preached, and because he refused to exchange pulpit
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services with several clergymen with whom Rev. Mr. Wells had been accus- tome.i to hold ministerial intercourse. They finally withdrew from that society and : ormed a new society, known by the name of the " Brattleboro Unitarian Con- gregational Society." The organization of this society was effected in 1831, and a house of worship was erected on Main street during that year and finished early the next year. It was dedicated Feb. 22, 1832, Rev. George W. Hosmer, of North- field, Mass., preaching the sermon. On the same day Rev. Nathaniel Thayer, D. D., of Lancaster, Mass., and other clergy -. men being present, the following persons, Eben Wells, Mary Wells, Samuel A. Allen, Maria Allen, Lemuel Whitney, Sophia Whitney, S. D. Chapin, Eliza Hyde, and Eunice Metcalf, united themselves into a Christian church, adopting and subscrib. ing the same covenant which had been used under the ministry of Dr. Wells, and which was at that time still in use in the Congregational church under the charge of Mr. McGee, which is as follows:
"Admiring the infinite condescension and grace of God, in opening a door of life and salvation to perishing sinners through the death and mediation of Jesus Christ: together with a sense of your own unworthiness, you do now make choice of the living God for your God, of God the Father for your Father; of his only begot- ten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, for your Lord and Saviour; of the Holy Ghost for your teacher, sanctifier and comforter; and of the Word of God for the rule of your faith and practice. And you do dedicate and give up yourselves to God, to be only his; to be guided by his spirit, to be ruled by his laws, to be disposed of by his providence, and to be eternally saved in the gospel way. promising by the help of Christ, (without which you can do nothing), that you will live soberly, right- eously and godly all your days. And you do likewise covenant and bind yourselves to walk with the church of Christ in this place, in all the ways of God's ordinances, submitting yourselves to the discipline and government of this church according to the rules of the gospel. Thus you give up yourselves to God, and promise by his help to live for Him, and to walk in holy fellowship with this church."
The church was enlarged from time to time by the addition of other members, and the above covenant was used for' several years on the admission of new members to the church. For some years past, however, it has not been read or assented to when persons have united themselves with the church. .
On the Sunday succeeding the dedica- tion of the church, Mr. Addison Brown, who had been preaching several months at Troy, N. Y., where he had organized a society, on invitation of the prudential committee of the society, commenced sup- plying the pulpit as a candidate, and after preaching about three months he received an invitation to settle as pastor of the church and accepted the same.
Mr. Brown was a native of New Ipswich, N. H., graduated at Harvard College in the year, 1826, and at the Theological School at Cambridge in 1831. His ordina- tion took place June 14, 1832, introductory prayer by Rev. Mr. Rogers, of Bernards- ton, Mass .; reading of the Scriptures by Rev. Josiah Moore, of Athol, Mass .; sermon by Rev. Mr. Hill, of Worcester, Mass. ; ordaining prayer by Rev. James Kendall, D.D., of Plymouth, Mass. ; charge by Rev. Abiel Abbott, D. D., of Peterboro, N. H .; right hand of fellowship by Rev. G. W. Hosmer, of Northfield, Mass .; address to the society by Rev. Hersey B. Goodwin, of Concord, Mass. ; concluding prayer by Rev. Alpheus Harding, of New Salem, Mass.
Mr. Brown's engagement was at first for- three years. At the expiration of that time he renewed his engagement to supply the pulpit for five years, and after the expiration of that time his engagement was made annually during the remainder of his pastorate, which terminated near the close of 1845, he having preached for the society for nearly fourteen years in succession, with the exception of a few months' interruption on account of sick- ness.
On accepting the resignation of Mr. Brown of his pastoral relation to the society, the following resolution was. passed at a meeting of the society, Dec. 1, 1845:
Resolved, That while acceding to the Rev. Addison Brown's request to be dis- charged from the further performance of
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ministerial duties, this society, collectively and individually, entertain towards him the highest respect and strong personal regard, and that they shall ever cherish a lively recollection of his devotion to duty and his sincere efforts for their moral and spiritual good.
Since the close of Mr. Brown's ministry to the society they have been supplied by a great number and variety of preachers, some for a brief period, others for a longer time. Those who have supplied the pulpit for the longest periods are Rev. G. G. Inger- soll, D. D., now deceased, who preached for the society at several different times; Rev. Farrington McIntire, who was ordained as pastor of the society, April 7, 1847, and closed his ministry at the end of that year; Rev. John L. Russell, who continued with the society several months; Rev. Mellish I. Motte, Rev. Solon W. Bush, and Rev. Francis C. Williams, each of whose ministry was three years or more; Rev. F. Frothingham, who was the socie- ty's pastor for over two years, and Rev. H. N. Richardson, who supplied the desk for a little more than half a year. The society is at the present time (August, 1869) without a settled ministry.
The stone church erected by this society in 1874-5, surpasses in durability and as a fine specimen of church architecture, any- thing of the kind in this place. Rev. W. L. Jenkins has officiated as pastor to the present time, January, 1879.
BAPTIST CHURCH.
The new church building erected by the first and only Baptist society in this town is of brick, with Portland stone caps to the windows, buttresses, &c. It stands upon the ground where once stood a nice brick dwelling-house, on Main street, built by G. C. Hall, Esq., in 1826 or '27. This, the most costly and elegant specimen of church architecture this side of Rutland, if not in the State, was built in 1867. E. Boyden, of Worcester, was architect, and J. M. Buzzell, master workman or super- intendent of construction. In the fall of 1868 a bell, weighing 4,500 pounds, was placed in the tower. This bell is said to be the largest one in Vermont. This is the fourth house of religious worship erected on Main street, where is the busi- ness of the town, its stores and "temples of mammon."
A venerable deacon once said, " religion should be separated from politics or busi- ness; it should be lifted high above all things of a worldly nature." In accord- ance with this sentiment of early times, temples for religious worship were erected on some elevated spot, or away from the hum of business and frequent haunts of men.
" Where musing solitude might love to lift Her soul above this sphere of earthliness."
The people, when approaching this sacred place, were expected to leave behind their worldly cares and their every day garments, if not their shoes, as did Moses when he ascended the sacred moun- tain. From present indications, we are inclined to think it is well for the old deacon's peace of mind that he has gone to his rest. If his aged form now moved about our busy streets, and his attention was aroused by the heavy, solemn tones of that great bell, so near the temples of politics and mammon, how sadly he would shake his head to witness this evidence of degeneracy! Vain would be our efforts to calm his troubled mind, by telling him the spirit of the age demanded that religion should be a more every-day, practical affair, and its temples and influences should be brought down to sanctify, bap- tize or purify all needful earthly transac- tions.
This church and society have made rapid progress. From its infancy this church has had within its fold individuals of superior business capacity, who have not been found wanting or backward in ad- vancing the material interests of the organization, and thereby has been erected a church building which is one of the greatest ornaments to this village. This account would be incomplete unless we present the events of nearly 40 years ago, when this society was forming and deriv- ing its first nutrition under a Methodist roof, aided by professed Christians antag- onistic to the peculiar features of this church.
In March, 1840, Rev. Mr. Andrews commenced a series of revival meetings in the Methodist chapel, then standing on Canal street. The text to his first sermon was, "Plough up the fallow ground." In this sermon Mr. Andrews declared his
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indifference or independence in regard to sectarianism, but plainly stated his belief in the necessity of immediate repentance, regeneration or new birth. " If," said he, "you have evidence of sins forgiven, it matters not whether you are Methodist, Baptist, Orthodox, Congregationalist or Episcopalian." The Methodist society was at this time in a feeble condition. The magnanimous declaration of Elder Andrews aroused the vitality that was yet remaining in that society, and caused it to welcome him with open arms. Deacon Wood and some other members of the Congregational church gathered at these meetings, and used their abilities and influ ence to sustain Elder Andrews and forward the work according to programme.
The novel, startling titles Mr. Andrews gave out for sermons he was to preach the next evening, as, for instance, " To-mor- row evening I shall preach the looking- glass sermon," or, "to-morrow night I will preach the funeral sermon for the first one of this congregation who will die," caused the house to be well filled about every evening for four or five weeks. The result of these efforts were soon apparent in the professed conversion of several per- sons, who were persuaded to be baptized by immersion. Some communicants of that faith, residing here, united with the new converts and, under the lead of Elder Andrews, organized the first Baptist church, April 2, 1840. The whole number was but 23 members at this time.
This action on the part of the presiding genius of this movement so disturbed the harmonious feeling heretofore existing, it was considered desirable or necessary to find other quarters wherein to continue the meetings. As might have been ex- pected, some heretofore warm friends of Mr. Andrews became cold, and they could not justify his action or make it appear consistent with his declarations at the commencement of these meetings. It occurred to others that his course might, perhaps, be justified by eminent precedent or sentiments of the great apostle, as ex- pressed in II Cor., xii, 16.
During six or seven weeks, from the beginning of these labors, Mr. Andrews occupied three places for this purpose, the last place being Dickenson's Hall, where
he made the following remarks before his congregation :
"Some people have said this was a peaceable community, a short time ago, but since Andrews came here we have all got by the ears. I don't doubt it my friends, for when the truth of God is thrust amongst a people they will boil like a pot."
Elder Andrews left his charge in a short time, after occupying the third place of worship, and Rev. Joseph Freeman was chosen as pastor, April 24, 1840. The public recognition was upon May 6, 1840, the membership at this time being 94. Mr. Freeman resigned his pastoral charge after a service of about four months.
Aug. 28, 1840, Rev. Moses Field accepted a call of the society to be their pastor. The church was admitted into the Wind- ham County Baptist Association at its annual meeting in the following autumn. The first church building was erected on Elliot street, and completed in the autumn and winter of 1840 '41 and dedicated the following spring.
Sept. 27, 1842. Rev. Mr. Field gave in his resignation which was accepted. His successor, Rev. J. C. Foster, supplied the pulpit from Oct. 2, 1841, to Dec. 11 of the same year, and he was ordained pastor, Jan. 19, 1843,
In 1852, the meeting-house was repaired and re-opened with the following dedica- tory exercises : Prayer by Rev. L. Sherwin, sermon by the pastor, dedicatory prayer by Rev. Samuel Fish, concluding prayer by Rev. A. H. Stevens.
June 8, 1856, Rev. Mr. Foster resigned his position, to take effect July 1. June 13, the church accepted his resignation. This is the longest pastorate in the history of the church. Mr. Foster administered to it for nearly 14 years.
August 24, 1856, Rev. P. L. Adams was invited to the vacant pastorship, and com- menced his labors Nov. 2d of the same year. The last Sabbath in January, 1859,
he closed his ministrations He was suc- ceeded by Rev. Mark Carpenter upon the second Sabbath of February, 1859. He resigned Dec. 4, 1864.
Rev. A. Sherwin succeeded Mr. Carpen- ter, coming Jan. 4, 1865; resigned April 7, 1867. The seventh pastor of the church,
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Rev. H. H. Peabody. came Sept. 1, 1867, to supply the pulpit six months.
The congregation worshipped for the last time in the old church building in January, 1868. On the first Sabbath in February, of the same winter, the new church was occupied in the basement, as the principal room was not finished. Mr. Peabody, at the expiration of six months, was ordained as pastor of the church. At this time the total number on the church record was 412.
There is a large Sabbath School in con- nection with this institution. The society is in a prosperous condition, and the oft- sounding of the bell, the frequent, well attended meetings, gives evidence of the sincerity of its members.
Rev. Mr. Matteson officiated about seven years. Present pastor, (1879), Rev. Horace Bucrhard.
METHODIST CHURCH.
In giving an account of this institution, we have nothing upon which to rely but memory; therefore, do not pretend to per- fect accuracy in regard to dates, nor do we remember the names of but few of the pastors who have officiated for that church in this place. Regular services date from the advent of Cyrus Davis, who came to this village about 1833, to superintend the printing department of the publishing house of Messrs. Holbrook & Co. When we were first made aware of Methodist preaching in the East village was in 1834, and Mr. Davis, a firm advocate and class leader of the order, was quite prominent in commencing and sustaining these ser- vices, which were first held in a small district school-house on Canal street.
Between 1835 and '37 the society erected their first house of worship. This build- ing was placed near the school-house they at first occupied on Canal street. Rev. William Brewster was the pastor of this church in 1837, and by his excellent char- acter, eloquence and energy, considerable advance was made in building up the society. His worthy successor, "Elder Harding," was also a talented and effective preacher; but the organization was not fortunate in members who were able or willing to clear off the mortgage upon their meeting-house. Feeble in worldly matters, " The hull drove on though mast and sail was torn."
But the advent of the Baptist church, born under its roof in 1840, seemed to ex- haust the little vitality remaining in the society. The meeting-house passed out of their possession into the hands of "Miller- ites," so called, in 1842. The Universalist society next obtained possession of this house and occupied it for their denomina- tional purposes until their present house of worship was built, in 1850 and '51. The old house was then sold to Mr. W. Alex- ander, who made such alterations as fitted it for a private residence.
The Methodist society was, for a time, a thing of the past, but within seven years after their trials with the Mill- erites, &c., it was made evident that some of the " old leaven, hid in three measures of meal," yet remained. Within the time above-named they built the neat brick meeting-house, now (1869) owned and occupied by the society. Its advocates and supporters, in numbers, character and in- fluence, compare favorably with other denominations in this place. When we consider the trials, difficulties and disap- pointments the Methodists have encoun- tered in establishing their organization here, we must allow they are entitled to much credit for conscientiousness and perseverance. Methodist services are now (1879) held in the lower town hall, Rev. D. E. Miller, pastor.
EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
Regular services of this church, in this town, commenced at " Dickenson's Hall " in 1836. A society was then formed, with some hope of permanency, and Rev. Chas. Devens, a talented, promising young man, officiated as rector. Hon. John Phelps and family, prominent actors in commenc- ing this enterprise, during the short time said family resided here, moved to Mary- land soon after the organization, and this society, in its days of infancy, could ill afford to lose the influence, power and protection afforded by this family. After about two years, services were only occa- sional, and then usually conducted at some place hired for this purpose, by the rector of the church, three miles distant, at East Guilford.
Public sentiment in this town seems never to have been favorable to this order, and there has never been a compliance
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with the conditions of the charter of 1753, wherein we find a reservation of one share of land for this church, and also "one share for the propogation of the gospel in foreign parts." Since 1852, accessions to this population have been of such a char- acter as to require this form of religious worship.
In 1853, a society was organized and services at first conducted by Rev. G. C. Eastman in a lower room of the town hall. Rev. Mr. Eastman resigned his charge April 15, 1854. Rev. William Southgate officiated from 1857 to April, 1860. Rev. A. P. Morris was invited to accept the rectorship Oct. 10, 1860. Rev. Edmund Rowland occupied the desk in the summer previous to the advent of Mr. Morris. Rev. A. P. Morris was from Hamilton, C. W., and was rector of this church during most of the time of the late war of the rebellion. October 14, 1864, Rev. G. W. Porter was invited to become rector of the parish. He accepted, and resigned after about two years' service. Rev. Francis W. Smith accepted an invitation to fill the vacancy, April 3, 1867, and resigned Dec. 30, 1868. In 1867 the society procured a parsonage, situated upon Green street, at an expense of $2,500. March 19, 1869; Rev. Mr. Harris accepted an invitation of the parish to become rector and now sup- plies the desk. (1870).
Since 1853, this institution has been known and recognized as "St. Michael's Church," and its progress in numbers, influence and all needful requirements to sustain it, renders the permanent estab- lishment of Episcopacy in this town, no longer, as at first considered, an experi- ment.
ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH.
Irregular preaching commenced by the Catholics from 1846 to '48, about the time the Vermont and Massachusetts railroad was being constructed in this vicinity. Meetings were held for several years in a building on Elliot street, formerly used for mechanical purposes. In 1863-4 they constructed a good, substantial brick church on Walnut street. This under- taking was under the administration of Father O'Reilly. Judging from the large number of persons going to and from this new house, the church is in a flourishing condition.
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