USA > Vermont > Orleans County > Barton > Centennial book of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Barton, Vermont > Part 3
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Cutler was called to his heavenly home, leaving a wife and two small children to mourn his loss, but crying with a martyr's fervor, "I have fought a good fight and finished my course."
Denominations meant something a hundred years a- go; and Elisha J. Scott, born a Baptist, "became a Methodist by conviction" under the preach-
SCOTT ing of the famous Wilbur Fiske. Thereaf-
1830-31 ter he served good pulpits, was presiding elder for two terms of four years each, in 1832 was made delegate to General Conference. He lived to the age of sixty-two, though his service was broken by poor health, and when the grim reaper called on January 24, 1866, his answer was, "I am glad, I am glad!"
Another record that portrays the loyalty of our Methodist pioneers in spite of physical infirmities is that of Ira A. Swetland, convert-
SWETLAND ed and called to the ministry in 1831 -- 33 1829, serving as assistant at Barton for two years. Time and again ill health compelled him to relinquish his work, but each time he took it up with fresh courage until sixty-two years of age. His eulogist says, "his conference record tells of his indomitable energy of character, his consuming zeal, and the intensity of his love for souls."
Among the strong men to serve at Barton was George W. Fairbank, a man as unstable in early life as Peter and Mark, having been con- FAIRBANK 1832 -- 33 verted at twelve, then "backslid" at twenty; but finally reclaimed, li- censed to preach, and given large opportunities in the Kingdom. A year after leaving Barton he became presiding elder of the Vermont District at the age of thirty-four, then moved to Illinois whore among other appointments he was a- gain prosiding older for two torms. Of him it is
written, "a man of strong physical and mental power, and all his intellectual faculties evenly balanced."
When George W. Noyes left Barton he was granted location that he might earn money to aid his par- ents. Humorous, as well as tragic, NOYES is the account of his final end. "But 1833 -- 4 before the Conference had closed its session, and while on his way to an appointment, in crossing a bridge, his horse took fright, and precipitated him into the river, where he immediately drowned, on sabbath, the 10th day of August, 1834. Thus, by a mysterious and melancholy providence, were the prospects of his afflicted parents blighted, while the church has lost a bright example and faithful minister."
Moses G. Cass was pastor, together with Noyes, when the first brick church was built. We know of him only that he returned in 1835 to
CASS preach the funeral sermon over the remains 1833-4 of Mrs. Samuel Chamberlin, who may have been the first of our charter members to enter the life beyond.
Occasionally, in spite of hardships, a man lived to enjoy a term of service rarely equalled today. Such a man was Nathaniel W. Aspinwall, ASP INWALL 1834-36 long remembered by the Barton people. Forty-one years he was an effective preacher, a good pastorand a good man, "possessing a deeply sympathetic nature, and a ten- der heart easily moved." When he died in Chicago, aged seventy-two, he was "the oldest member both in years and term of labor in the Vermont Conference."
Of Nathan Howe we know nothing but that he was in Barton two years, and at some time baptized Er- astus Pettengill, who later ministered in Barton. The latter was "a good man, a sound preacher, a faithful
HOWE 1836-7
minister. He was successful in his work, much loved by those with whom he labored, an affoction- ate husband and kind father, true PETTENGILL and sympathizing friend, possessing 1844 -- 1846 a cheerful and genial spirit. Pa- tience and meekness were leading traits in his character, and porhans few Christians, or Christian ministers, have less defects and pos- soss more excellences."
Gary B. Houston was only an assistant on the Barton Circuit, but one gets a picture of the sort of man he was by his activities af-
HOUSTON tor failing health compelled him to 1837-38 rotiro in 1846. Securing a home in Hardwick, "he passed the remainder of his days, not in idlo waiting, but calling the people of his neighborhood together, preaching to thom the word of life as health and strength would pormit, organizing a Sunday School, holding class and prayer mootings."
Sometimes such few words as we possess tell a lot about a man. Israel D. Rust served Barton for two years, and it is unfortunato
1839 -- 41
RUST that we can write no more than that during his pastorate the first par- sonage was built, "he overseeing the work and aiding with his own hands. "
Three times Nathan W. Scott camo to Barton; twice as assistant and once in charge. Following his retirement, he resided at Glover, SCOTT 1842 -- 3 1853 -- 4 1855 -- 6 where he was long remembered. His brother said, "he has attended more funerals and solemnized more marri- ages than any other clergyman in the place. And this not by baso self- secking on his part, but from sheer love and re- spect and confidence, the people would have it so, even in his old age."
Another pastor who served more than once in Bar- ton was Deming S. Dexter, who achieved that large measure of popularity consonant with
DEXTER being the first pastor to serve our church for a total period of five
1847 -- 49 1858 -- 61 years. Dexter's health was poor throughout his whole career, and his later years wore filled with great suffering. But, said he, "It is more than forty years since I gave my heart to God, and the best of all is now in pain and sickness." They said of him, "he was a good preacher, and a very successful .pastor, winning the hearts and confidence of the people everywhere.
James S. Spinney is also among the list of those long remembered by the Barton people. Rev. L. Olin Sherburne in his history of the Ver-
SPINNEY mont Conference, writes of Spinney:
1851-53 "A very modest, retiring man he was, but bold as a lion when occasion re- quired, and unique in many ways. His physical form wes unlike that of any other member of the Confer- once. His ruddy complexion, heavy hair, and shaggy eyebrows, his peculiar tone of voice, his modera- tion in movement, all combined to make him a marked man. But he was deeply intelligent in church af- fairs, and in matters theological he was much at home. His library was far more elaborate than that of most mon. But to know him best one must know him on the spiritual sido. To hear him talk with his Lord was worth while. The writer has never known one who livod more easily and naturally in the spiritual atmosphere than did he. . . He was in the world but not of the world. " Two of Spinney's quaint sayings were long quoted. Once, in preach- ing on good literature, he spoke of one of the pa- pers in his community, "And last of all comes 'The Trumpet' that blows all hell away, and leaves the poor dovil housoless and homeless, a piece of in- justice that ought not to be tolerated by any com- munity under heaven." Again, while addressing the
Conference, referring to a situation with which all were familiar, he declared, "I would just as soon be caught with my neighbor's sheep upon my back as to be heard saying anything against my pastor." An associate declared of him, "I never heard a murmur from his lips, or knew a Church to run down under his ministry."
"I don't think I ever heard any man who was in- variably so interesting and instructive as he, " is the recollection of F. W. Lewis with McANN 1854-56 regard to Isaac McAnn, everywhere remembered as "a most eloquent preacher" with a fine brogue brought over from Ireland that was "good to listen to. " His illustrative preaching was attractive to both old and young. In the course of his "thoroughly evangelical and soul winning" ministry, he "added many to the church. He was fearless and outspoken against all forms of wickedness and especially a- gainst intemperance and its attendant evils. He was always interesting, whether in the pulpit, social circle or the family." He delightod to toll of his own conversion "as having occurred in an old, dilapidated fulling mill, whither he had gono with his burdened, sin-sick soul to pray for pardon and peace, and he related how the old mill became transformed into a place of light and peace, as no fuller on earth could produce." Already an experienced local preacher when he came to the States, he advanced rapidly to the largest pul- pits of the Conference and served one term as pre- siding elder of the St. Johnsbury District, during which term ho encouraged Webb to como to Barton.
Lewis Hill was one of those faithful men, not notable in any one particular, but so thoroughly devoted to their task that they can be HILL relied upon to bring forth fruit meet for 1861-3 the Kingdom. During forty years of minis- try, he filled many of the more prominent
pulpits: and even though his Barton pastorate was during the carly and troubled days of the Civil War, our membership increased from eighty-two to ninoty-two. Upon retiring in 1978, he spent the last year of his life with a daughter in Barton, Mrs. Alonzo F. Mcheal, and passed from our midst on June 20, 1379. One of the windows of our church fittingly preserves his memory.
One of the most striking personalities to serve our church was Haynes Porter Cushing. "Those who
know him at any period of his life, "
CUSHING wrote J. E. Farrow, "could perceive 1863-66 that nature had been lavish in her gifts to him." A. H. Webb speaks of him as "the finest looking man in the Conference; six feet tall, with white hair. " Porn in Burke in 1816, he left home early with the parental blessing and fifty cents in his pocket to seek an education. Making his way by hard labor through Lyndon Academy and Newbury Seminary, he thereafter taught thirty torms in district schools while still in his teens, and for a time in the Seminary. "As a preacher, he stood in the front rank, and was always in demand. Before he had been in the Conference ten years, six of the best charges within its bounds requested his appointment." On the platform he was popular, as a temperance lecturer he could draw a crowd any time. "He had a fino presence, a pleasing voice, an ap- proving manner, and a ready wit. . . He was often very eloquent, never dull or uninteresting. Many will ever remember his venerable form, his cheerful countenance, kind words, eloquent, heart-felt pray- ers, and powerful pleadings. . . He was a whole- souled man, fitted for any society, and almost any position." He served the more important charges, was presiding elder for a term, represented Barton in the legislature during Civil War days (one of the most influential members of that body), was chaplain of the House in 1857 and again in 1876, and rendered large service both es patrick, and Inya?
servant of the Kingdom. One of his last sayings was, "I thank God I have been a minister of the Gospel."
The next pastor, Church Tabor, was also a strong leader who stimulated a much needed revival of re- ligious interest after the Civil
TABOR War. He was born in South Hero in
1866-68 1335 and died while serving the Waits River Circuit in 1896. Always ho served good pulpits until his retirement, when he continued to supply smaller places; and for one term ho was presiding elder.
George H. Bickford, whose memory is perpetuated by one of our auditorium windows, is remembered as "one of the rarest and most devout
BICKFORD of men," the first of our pastors to 1868 -- 69 die while actually serving in Barton.
Illness came during his first year here; but during the last year of trial he gave forth a radiance of Christian experience that was long a benediction. A few weeks before death came, he was asked how he felt at the prospect of leaving vork and family. "It has been a terrible struggle," he replied, "but it is all right now. Grace has enabled me to triumph." Two or three weeks later he declared, "I have had recently the richest ex- periences of my life. 0 what precious communion I have had with Christ! Should God spare me, I will be a better man for this." On the night previous to his departure, ho was filled with rapturous joy. To his wife, watching at his sido, he oxclaimed, "O, Abby, I am so happy! What is this? Is it doath? I never thought it could be so happy!" On the last day, when an aged Christian bogan to ro- peat the verse, "On Jordan's stormy banks I stand, " he interrupted, "0, no, it is not stormy now. I
have got past all that. I am almost over the river. " When in response to his question, he was told that his pulse had stopped beating, he responded, "0,
I'm so glad! I shall soon be at rest." Then, fold- ing his hands across his breast, he said, "Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost." Then, after kissing his wife, he fell a- sleep on the evening of July 10, 1869. Mrs. Bick- ford moved to Montpelier but returned seventeen years later to become the second wife of one of our most prominent members, Joseph Owen, Jr.
To Martin Van Buren Knox, who finished the year after the death of Brother Bickford, we are indebt- ed for the renewing of our church
KNOX records, the old ones having disap-
1869 -- 70 peared, perhaps due to the confusion
of death. Knox went west after leav- ing Barton, then returned to the New Hampshire Con- ference. He married the daughter of Lewis Hill, former pastor at Barton.
The oldest of our former pastors now living is Alfred H. Webb, an Englishman who was educated at New Kingswood, John Wesley's school
WEBB for sons of Methodist ministers. His
1873 -- 76 father was prominent in English Meth-
odism; but when the son entered the ministry, a Macedonian call carried him to Nova Scotia. "At that time, " he says, "I'd go anywhere." Cupid gave him the next call; for after two years of circuit riding he found in Lizzie Sutcliffe, daughter of his district superintendent, "a pretty good looking girl." The rules of that Conference forbidding marriage until after four years of ser- vice, Webb appealed to Isaac McAnn, then presiding elder in Vermont, who wrote back, "I'd rather have you married than single," offering him the appoint- ment to Barton. The arrival of the newlyweds in June, 1873, was unforgettable. A fog in the Mira- machi River had so delayed them that people who had been meeting trains to bid them welcome had con- cluded they were not coming; hence nobody greeted them to this new country; and the non-arrival of
baggage helped to settle upon them a cloud of gloom, which even the warm welcome at the store of I. K. Drew did not wholly dispel. Homesick, they walked around until they came to the schoolhouse where A. R. Wakoman now lives, and thore indulged in a good cry. "I'm not going to stay here, " he declared; but his wife responded, "Come on and let's look at things anyway." And when they got acquainted and accustomed themselves to strange surroundings, hope, courage and enthusiasm revived. Friends met them half way, a new parsonage was built for them; and after two years of hard labor results began to show in a revival of spiritual life in the church and a generous addition of new members. After leaving Barton, Orleans (then Barton Landing) claimed them for two years; South Royalton for two years; Wood- stock for three. Twice they served at Northfield, a total of nine years. Twice Mir. Webb was at Brat- tleboro for a total of seven years. Four years at Montpelier, cight at Bradford, four at Fairles and North Thetford, and four at Fairfax rounded out a long period of service. In February, 1894, the first Mrs, Webb died at St. Johnsbury. She "was a woman of more than ordinary ability, and was a great help to the pastor in his labors." In April, 1895, he married Miss Mary Barry, at that time assistant principal at Bellows Falls high school. Since 1922, Brother Webb has been retired, living at 70 East State St., Montpelier. We regret that on Monday, Sept. 10 of this year, he was compelled to go to Deaconess Hospital for observation and a possible operation; and therefore is disappointed in his in- tention to be with us in our Centennial.
"I'd rather be a Methodist minister than any- thing else," Kir. Webb told the writer in a recent interview. "The church is coming into its own a- gain, " he continued, "because people are becoming dissatisfied. Amusements and riches are not bring- ing sufficient satisfaction." Again he said, "I think modern ideas of religion are about right -
God in us and expressing himself through service. People don't care for a religion that isn't helpful. "
J. H. Wallace followed Webb to Barton for two years, after which bronchial trouble forced him to give up preaching, and he bought an
WALLACE interest in the depot store, which he 1876-78 sold two years later to the son of Nathan Scott, formerly pastor here. After another try at preaching, however, he became a travelling salesman. Later, however, he served Richford and Morrisville as pastor: and thereafter lived in Richford while retired. His death came in April, 1920. Mrs. Colia M. Wallace, his widow, now lives at 24 Averill St., Barre.
Abraham Merrill Wheeler was educated at Tilton Seminary and Wesleyan University. from which he re- the degree of A. M. in 1854. He also WHEELER studied at the Methodist General Bib- 1880-82 licul Institute at Concord, N. H.,
which later became the School of The- ology of Boston University. For a long time he was principal of Wesleyan Seminary in Springfield, Vt .; then superintendent of the Methodist School at Ur- bana, Ill .; and again principal of Springfield Wes- leyan Seminary. At the age of forty-four he began to serve in the pastorate, continuing until retire- ment in 1887, and holding a number of the larger pulpits. He was born in Salem, Mass., May 13, 1824, and died in Methuen, Mass., March 19, 1911.
Sidney S. Brigham was the first of two Civil War veterans who came successively to Barton. Ho en- listed in the war as a private and BRIGHAM 1882-85 returned a captain. His ministry be- gan in 1871 at St. Johnsbury Center, and he served successively in East Burke and Kimby, Sheffield and Wheelock, Albany, Barton, Hardwick, Highgate, Alburgh and Alburgh Springs, Fairfax, Underhill. The type of ministry
for which Brother Brigham stood is best exemplified by his advice to W. M. Sterling, who married the daughter of Isaac K. Drew while preaching in New- port, and afterward attained prominence in Maine and California. Sterling claimed that he was in- debted to Brigham more than to any other man for teaching him how to preach. Brigham's advice was, "Hold up Jesus Christ."
The second of those Civil War veterans was Sel- den B. Currier, a man of wonderful physical endur- ance and still more wonderful courage
CURRIER and iron determination. "In early 1885-87 life he was converted, and feeling that he was called of God to preach,
he immediately began preparation for the Christian ministry." The school selected was Newbury Seminary; but before graduation, "the stirring events of the civil war fired his patriotism, and August 21, 1861, he enlisted for three years in Company B of the Fourth Regiment of Vermont Volunteers." His war experiences included a trip to Libby Prison; and throughout his life he carried "in his person one of those rebel missiles that were hurled at the loyal men who were fighting to save the country during the days of the rebellion." It was during his ministry in Barton that our new church was built, and A. B. Blake pays him high tribute: "Suf- fice it to say that doubtless there was not another . man in the Vermont Conference that could have raised so large a sum of money in the same length of time and carried the enterprise through with so little friction as he did." What he did in Barton, he also did in other places; and one story tells of his crawling about almost on hands and knees to superintend a church building enterprise, at a time when he was physically unable to walk. L. O. Sher- bu: While absolutely helpless with tem-
porary paralysis occasioned by wounds received in the army, he made the journey from Vermont to Flor- ids on a bed. While most men would be sitting qui-
etly in the house he would go on crutches or perhaps superintend the training of a young horse. He was a man of strong convictions. He was no agnostic and no pessimist. His convictions were strong enough to make him a power when he preached or prayed. People were persuaded that he himself believed what entered into his preaching and prayers." Twice he was chaplain of the House, in 1880 and 1896. Upon retirement in 1891, he moved to Tarpon Springs, Florida, where he died Jan. 13, 1910. His wife, Julia J. Currier, still survives him at the same place.
Horace W. Worthon has been spoken of as "one of the great men of the Conference. L. O. Sherburne writes that he "was not cast in any ordinary mold. Everything about him
WORTHEN
1887-90 was extraordinary - large of stature, rugged in feature, and blessed with a mind both observant and penetrating. Placed in a crowd, he was easily recognized, and when brought into close relationship, fow men displayed more marked individuality." Educated at Bradford Acad- emy and Newbury Seminary (with which he was one time instructor in mathematics), he later graduated from the medical department of the University of Vermont in 1886, and was granted the honorary de- gree of D. D. in 1891. He supplemented this formal education by extensive reading and travel in Europe and the Holy Land. George Blake wrote of him en- thusiastically as "probably the most learned and versatile preacher in the Vermont Conference." He held many of the larger charges, was presiding eld- er for a term, and in 1872 was delegated to General Conference. While in Barton, as elsewhere, he was frequently called upon to deliver lectures, and generously contributed from this extra remuneration to assist in the local church work.
The first man to serve for five consecutive years in Barton, and the second of our former pas-
tors now living, is Frank W. Lewis. Born in Mid-
dlesex, he was educated in both pub-
LEWIS lic and private schools in Vermont
1890-95 and Massachusetts, and in Boston Uni- versity. Various pursuits occupied his carly life, such as farming, clerking, account- ing and teaching. In 1878, he entered the Method- ist ministry, and the next year married Ella F. Whitney of Granville, who continued with him in the ministry until her death April 6, 1927. For ten years, Brother Lewis was statistician of the Con- ference, its secretary for two terms totalling fif- teen years, a delegate once to General Conference, and twice chaplain of the House of Representatives. For some years he has been treasurer of Montpelier Seminary. Among his later charges were Bradford, Bellows Falls, Brattleboro and St. Albans, and for six years he was superintendent of the St. Johns- bury District. During his Barton pastorate, term- inated only because of the five-year limit, many were received into membership, the benevolent giv- ing rose steadily, the Epworth League was organized, and the Annual Conference was entertained. Brother Lewis found time during his active life to achieve a degree of proficiency at tennis and chess; but these hobbies were never allowed to interfere with his work for the Kingdom, which everywhere prosper- ed under his care. Since 1919, he has been theor- etically retired, but his demand for some sort of useful activity has kept him supplying churches most of the time since. He is now supplying the pulpit and living at St. Albans Bay.
William E. Douglass was born, reared and educat- ed in Vermont. For a time he worked in the Y. M. C. A., then received a preacher's li- DOU GLASS 1895-1900 cense from presiding elder A. L. Cooper, one of the fathers of the Conference, and after supplying the church at South Reading and Felchville for three years became a member of the Conference in 1886.
After that he served three years at Stowe, three at Morrisville and Elmore, three at Waitsfield and Fayston, five at Barton, four at Windsor, three at Rochester, five at Richford, three at Waterbury, three at Enosburg Falls, three years more at Wind- sor; and while nominally retired in 1923, he has continued to preach, now serving as pastor of the Congregational Church at Post Mills, Vt.
William Curtis Johnson was born in Bradford, April 4, 1848. To his mother, a successful teacher İH New York State for many years, he gives chief .. .. credit for early instruction. His JOHNSON father was a local preacher, at one time associated with Laban and Joseph 1900-07 Clark, of circuit-riding fame. Bro- ther Johnson continued studies in Bradford schools, and prepared for college at Northfield. Business disasters made it necessary to give up college, and for a time he was in business at Orleans. However, he kept up theological studies by correspondence, and on moving to Derby was assisted by the pastor, Rev. H. E. Howard, and given an opportunity to preach. In 1889, he joined the Conference, and since then served five years at Irasburgh, five years at Lyndon and Lyndonville, one year at New- bury and West Newbury; seven years at Barton, four years at Waterbury, a year at West Berlin, five years at Windsor. In 1917, he retired, although he has frequently since that time been called upon to preach. He continues now to live at Derby. Refer- ring to his service in Barton, A. B. Blake writes, "The length of his stay indicates the esteem in which he was held by the Barton people."
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