USA > Vermont > Windsor County > Woodstock > Rededication, June 5, 1890, of the reconstructed Old White Meeting House, Woodstock, Vermont > Part 3
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Let this, then, be the main thought which this service im- presses on us to-day, that the highest act of which man is cap- able, I do not say his duty, but his privilege, his glory, is dedication, offering, devotement to God, and that such dedica- tion has meaning and merit in proportion as man has wrought into it his best thought and affection. What made the widow's mite larger than all the other gifts cast into the treasury was that
30
Congregational Church, Woodstock, Vt.
with it had gone more anxiety and pain in getting it, more love and prayer in devoting it, than went with all the shekels of the rich. Wealth put into churches and hospitals and missions, car- ried to profit and loss account in the ledger, and dismissed from the thoughts, is not dedicated wealth. The mite or the dime flung into the treasury by a poor widow, is only a mite or a dime. But the widow's mite wet by a tear and consecrated by a prayer is a magnanimous and holy offering. This gift on which our eyes rest with so much delight to-day, is one into which have gone not only many thousands of dollars but many days and many long sleepless nights of loving solicitude; it is the outcome of many years of affectionate attachment to this church and people; it enshrines the hallowed associations of three generations of family piety. Such a gift, we may humbly trust, is a true dedication, and though the hand that bestowed it can- not to-day present the offering, we may believe that God will accept it with a welcome like that which blessed the ears of Cornelius, " Thy prayers are heard and thine alms are had in re- membrance in the sight of God."
This whole transaction which is now culminating, seems to one who has been cognizant of it from the beginning, to lack no one element needed to make it supremely beautiful. The unabated love of a prosperous man for the home of his boyhood and the residence of his aged parents; his return from vast commercial enterprises, and from the possibilities of a national career and of palatial magnificence to the simple joys of a rural home; his in- terest in all that pertains to the welfare of his neighbors and townsmen; his attachment to the country church of which he has long been a member, and, in an official sense, even a minis- ter ; his planning of this edifice, in its twofold character of church and chapel, with a struggle between his high artistic conception of what a church of God should be and his deference to the sacred memories which attach themselves to the old meeting- house; and in these recent days, though he has been hampered by sickness, and confronted more than once by what seemed the knock of Death at his door, his clinging to life and hope in order that he might carry out this cherished plan and witness its con- summation ; all these elements entering into the meaning and mo-
3I
Congregational Church, Woodstock, Vt.
tive of the building of this house of God, reveal an act of piety which in all its parts is rarely beautiful and complete.
And let it not seem to this church that their opportunity of dedication has been preoccupied or exhausted. Costly and beau- tiful as this building is, it will scarcely be said that it is too good to have been the offering of the congregation as a whole. If a large part of this special form of opportunity has been appro- priated by a family to whom none of you would grudge this pious privilege, surely you may regard your opportunity as awaiting you elsewhere. There is abundance of gold and silver, purple and scar- let, yet undedicated, and abundance of need and call for such dedication. Some of you will find your opportunity in our own State, where the widow's mite and the prosperous man's gold, sent with the interest and prayers of Christian hearts, would build up broken walls, and bring brightness and hope into des- pondent churches, and revive the things that are ready to die. Some of you will leap to the inducements offered in the new settlements on the frontier, inducements now offered but swiftly gone, to have a part in laying Christian foundations in communi- ties which will soon be strong on the Lord's side, or against him. Some will remember those ends of the earth, the inhabitants of which are as dear to Christ as the more favored peoples. Who knows what blessings there may be for the missionary churches of Vermont, for Montana, and for Japan, in the dollars and dimes which this large gift releases from home obligation ? Let this Day of Dedication so fraught, as we trust, with blessing to this church and community, be a day on which each Christian shall dedicate himself and all his to the service and glory of God.
1
Act of Dedication.
DASTOR - Unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God ;
To the Father Almighty, Lord of an infinite majesty, To Jesus Christ, the Son, our Saviour,
To the Holy Spirit, Giver of Life and Light :
For instruction in truth, for keeping the faith, for supplication and intercession, for offering acceptable praises, and for the celebration of Holy Sacraments :
For ministering the bread and water of life to those that hunger and thirst after righteousness, and for preaching peace to those who are afar off:
For strengthening the weak, comforting mourners, and raising up all those that be bowed down :
For the blessing of childhood, the consecration of strength, and assurance of hope to old age :
For purity and gladness in our homes, for truth and uprightness in our land, and for hastening the day when all the world shall know the Lord :
CONGREGATION -We, the people of this church, first consecrat- ing ourselves anew, do now DEDICATE this building, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. AMEN.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the holy Ghost ; As it toas in the beginning, is not, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
32
PRAYER OF DEDICATION.
BY THE PASTOR, REV. PETER McMILLAN.
O GOD, Thou God of our salvation, we rejoice that Thou art pleased to dwell with the lowly and contrite of heart; and that thine eyes and thine heart are perpetually toward the earthly courts where thy children seek thee in prayer and praise. We rejoice in all that thou hast permitted thy servant to do for us who worship here; that thou hast caused his heart to devise and his hands to execute such liberal things for the honor of thy great and glorious name. We come bearing his gift to Thee, O Lord, praying that it may be as acceptable as the gold, frankincense, and myrrh; and that it may be as precious in thy sight as the vase of spikenard opened in love of thee. Wilt thou, O Lord, be pleased to dwell in this house, even as thou didst dwell in the former house, and reveal thyself to those who worship here as thou didst to the fathers and brethren, the mothers and daughters of this Israel. We rejoice in all that has been told us of the faith and love, the strength and grace of those who planted this vine and fostered this church. We are glad of all the loving-kindness and tender mercy shown to them. As this renewed house is the gift of one cherishing pleasant and goodly thoughts of those whose lives grew fragrant and fruitful by communion with thee in the former house, and as precious memories mingle with the joy of us all this day, grant, we beseech thee, O Lord, that the glory of this latter house shall be that thou continuest thy most gracious favor; and that lives blossom in beauty and bear rich fruit here under the in- fluence of thy Spirit and thy Word. Grant, that all who have sacred memories of the former house, and who saw the founda- tions of this house laid, and who now witness its completion in strength and beauty, may have hope and confidence that God, even our God, shall bless us right early in this place. We pray that our hearts may be enabled to say speedily, "This is none other than the house of God, the very gate of heaven," because of the visions that shall come to us here, and the helpful, com-
33
'5
34
Congregational Church, Woodstock, Vt.
forting ministrations to our souls, through the way the Son of Man opened for us. It is not thy need of a house made with hands, but our need of thee, O Lord, that causes us to come to thee to-day. Accept the gift that human love brings to thee. We set apart and dedicate this house as a place where thy people may make common supplication and offer united praise for thy goodness and thy wonderful works to the children of men. Here may we see thy glory. For our sakes, O Lord, be pleased to reveal thyself here in power, and glory, and great mercy. May the entire sanctuary become more and more sacred to thy people as they continue to worship here and receive thy blessing. May the voices of the men singers, and the women singers, and the voices of children, blending with the sound of the organ, render acceptable praise. May this table, whereon shall be placed the emblems of our Lord's loving sacrifice, become sacred, as disci- ples shall gather about it to take the bread and the cup in remem- brance of Him.
From this pulpit may the word of life be read, and the pure sweet gospel of Christ be preached. May the power and might of thy Spirit rest upon thy ministering servants who shall stand in this place speaking all the words of life. May these doors open wide for those who shall seek rest and peace for their souls. Grant that the sinful may here learn of thy great mercy and be- come penitent and purified in heart. May those that are in sorrow and great affliction find thee here an ever present help in all their trouble. May the weak be strengthened, the doubting made trustful and the whole body of worshippers, whatever their necessities, know that thou dwellest in this place and hearest and answerest all their desires. We pray that this church may long stand the monument of love in the giver, and as a centre of grace and life to men. We pray that generation after generation may seek thee in this house; that thousands and tens of thou- sands may find peace and joy within these walls, and that, at last. all the sons and daughters of this church may have their place in the host of the redeemed, in the temple not made with hands, to praise and magnify thy holy name forever. Amen.
1661164
PERSONAL GREETINGS.
T HE pastor read the following letters from former pastors of the church who were unable to be present, and from Mr. Williams:
BELLOWS FALLS, Vt., May 19, 1890.
MY DEAR BROTHER : I have an engagement which will make it impossible for me to attend the dedication, and I must lose the great pleasure of that very interesting occasion. I shall think very much about you all, as you gather in the new church and set it apart to the sacred uses for which the fathers designed it. How happy my old people must be, with their new and improved facilities for Christian worship and church service ! I saw the re- builded house, at the installation last winter, after it was painted without and nearly finished within. At this distance, and in these leafy days of summer, as I look up Pleasant Street, it seems like a pearl set in emerald. . . I trust it may long stand in its simplicity, fitness, beauty, and dignity, an educating power and a symbol of like spiritual qualities, which the temple worshippers shall delight to incorporate into their characters, till, "fitly framed together, they shall grow into an holy temple in the Lord." From expressions which I have already heard among your people in respect to the one who has now completed his generous plans for the house of the Lord, I feel assured they ap- preciate the work he has accomplished, and will not cease to say, " He is worthy who has done this, for he loveth us, and hath built us a synagogue." . . I am sincerely yours,
A. B. DASCOMB.
35
36
Congregational Church, Woodstock, Vt.
PUEBLO, Col., April 28, 1890.
MY DEAR BROTHER : Your letter came to hand this morning. I am most sorry that I cannot be at the dedication of the " Old White Church," now made over by the munificence of our dear friend, Mr. Billings. Had I known that you were to dedicate early in June I certainly should have arranged to be with you, for the Woodstock Church has a warm place in my heart, and the Billings' have endeared themselves to me more fully than I can express. At all events my thoughts will turn to you on that day, and my prayers will go up that the blessings of Almighty God may rest upon the dedicated church and its pastor and the donor and his family. . . I am sincerely yours,
LEWIS W. HICKS.
CHICAGO, Ill., June 3, 1890.
MY DEAR MRS. BILLINGS: We are full of appreciation of the kindly remembrance implied in your telegram received last evening inviting us to participate in the dedicatory services to be held in Woodstock on Thursday next.
The memories which cluster around the old " White Meeting House " grow more sacred and more tender as the years roll by, and in our hearts the place is becoming a hallowed shrine. The lives of those of our family who have preceded us are so intimately linked with that church and its history that anything which per- tains to its present or its future will seem to be a part of our own life.
I cannot fitly express the deep and the lasting obligation I feel to Mr. Billings for all that he has done to improve and preserve this church. I His last effort in this direction will forever be a monument to his devotion to the faith of his fathers and to the memory of those long associated with the church whose confi- dence he enjoyed. It is a most touching tribute to those good men and women whom he knew in his youth and to their descend- ants who follow them. I think he has builded better than he knew.
37
Congregational Church, Woodstock, Vt.
Although I saw the building before its completion, I yet saw enough to impress me with the exquisite taste displayed both in the arrangement and in its artistic treatment. It is my hope, as it is my belief, that this disposition of one's bounty is most ex- cellent work for the Master. I sincerely hope that Mr. Billings will be able to participate, in some measure, in the proceedings of Thursday next and, in this way, also enjoy the benefits which he has so magnificently bestowed upon the people of Woodstock now and for all time. Believe me yours very truly,
NORMAN WILLIAMS.
GREETINGS FROM THE CHURCHES.
BY REV. G. W. GALLAGHER.
T HE APOSTLE PAUL, in the last chapter of II Corinthians, 13th verse, says, " All the saints salute you." I come to you with the salutations of all the saints. The diamond is to reflect the light, the joyous light ; the bird is to sing a happy song; the flower is to emit fragrance. I bring you the reflected rays of the Christian Church. I extend to you the beauty and grace of our faith. I come with songs of melody. Mine is the greeting of joy. Not the words of controversy, not to give you some learned disquisition; but to give you happy greetings I am here.
You will remember that one who was a poet as well as a phi- losopher has said :
" The hand that rounded Peter's dome And groined the aisles of Christian Rome Wrought in a sad sincerity ; Himself from God he could not free : He builded better than he knew : The conscious stone to beauty grew."
My friends, the hand that has, through the providence of God, reared this dome has "wrought with a sad sincerity," suffering in the body, and yet rejoicing in the mind. And in the days that are to come, when men shall look at Westminster Abbey and old cathedrals, those of them who live in our goodly and free land will look upon this building and remember the sweet sincerity of soul that has indeed enabled you to worship here.
38
39
Congregational Church, Woodstock, Vt.
In the last chapter of Romans the Apostle Paul says, "Salute Appelles, approved in Christ," "salute Epenetus, well beloved," "salute Urbane, our helper in Christ," "salute Rufus, chosen in the Lord," "salute Herodian, my kinsman." Thus I salute our beloved brother Billings, approved in Christ, fellow-worker and chosen of Christ, my kinsman in the faith and in the great family and brotherhood of Jesus Christ.
You remember that they tell us in the ancient Egyptian mys- teries that when they would celebrate the honor of their chief- tains and priests, they gathered around the altar and there they told the story of the famous deeds of those who were then present ; but when it came to the name of the great high priest there was no response. Silence alone typified his goodness and his great- ness. There is no response as I salute our beloved brother but the silence of these symmetrical arches, the silence that springs from the beauty of these decorations, the simple silence that in space answers back the salutation.
I bring you first the salutation of the church of Montpelier. I speak ex cathedra. I express to you their joy at the beneficence of our brother. They cordially rejoice in knowing that you shall worship here in simplicity and truth and in the beauty of holiness. I salute you in the name of the Congregational churches of Vermont. " All the saints salute thee." They are glad when you rejoice. As we weep with those who weep, so we rejoice with those who rejoice. They have heard in St. Johnsbury, in Rutland, and in Burlington -aye, they have a witness in the noble college library that remains there - of our brother's goodness to the State. And the whole State rejoices that there is a man of God among you, who loved his fellow- men, who loved the faith of his fathers, and who has given you the blessed gift of this rededicated church for a house of the Lord.
I salute you in the name of the Christian church. The Con- gregational churches are distinctively Christian churches. I bring you the salutations of these historic Christian churches Con- gregational. We are brethren, plain simple men. Every min- ister is a member of the church, just as certainly so as any one in the pew. I bring you, then, a consecrated humanity to re-
40
Congregational Church, Woodstock, Vt.
member and rejoice in, and to rejoice with us in the thought that our brother is one of us.
I bring you from this Christian church a common faith. We have the faith in Christ. We believe he is our great head. We believe he is our Redeemer. We believe he is our inspirer. We believe that he is the beginning and end of our faith. And so I salute you with this noble faith, the same as that which we hold in Montpelier, the same that we hold throughout the State, a common faith. I bring you the common hope of the church that we are in an age of progress, when the dispensation of the Holy Spirit shall be fruitful in the church, to keep us in the way of truth and righteousness. And I bring you too the glorious power of Christ's apostle, a looking forward to the ever-abiding Holy Spirit. I offer you what our brother has brought you, a com- mon love. It is because he loved the faith of his forefathers that he gave you this remodelled church. This great principle of love is the great principle that is to rule the world. You remember that he who received the gift of this reconsecrated church held up two keys. In the story which was written long ago by Bunyan, you remember that the key of promise was in the breast of a doubting one, and by that key he opened the door that led to the abode of happiness and love. Our brother has given you this key of promise, when he gave you love, but he has given you the second key as symbolic of the wisdom that God has located in his eternal Word. And as you go forth into the world, carry these keys with you ; so that you may hand them down as symbols to those who come after you, in the years to come.
I present you the salutations of a militant church. We be- lieve that we have a warfare against sin. Our brother, who lies upon his bed, a short distance from this house, so calmly resting in the peace of God, believes that through faith in Christ sin can be overcome. And he would have this church to stand as a bulwark against sin, and as a type of the Church Militant. And long may this church stand against vice, against wrong, against ignorance, against poverty and against all forms of sin.
I bring you the salutations of the church of the Redeemed. I doubt not that the good fathers who worshipped here, if they
41
Congregational Church, Woodstock, Vt.
could listen, as they may, and hear the anthems that have risen here this afternoon and the prayers of dedication, would more reverently fold their wings in devout silence as they see again a church consecrated which they planted, which they loved, and for which they sacrificed. I bring you then the salutations of that church, which we shall all soon join, of the Redeemed in heaven.
And, my friends, I bring you also the salutations of the Church Triumphant. These forms are indeed wood and stone. They are tinted with beautiful and chaste colors. They are indeed purple and fine linen and rich with grace of art; but they are material. There has been given to us something better for which they all stand, and for which you and I stand, the Church Trium- phant. Everything on earth is symbolical, the organ of harmony, the flower of perfection, the bird of melody; but the church stands for truths that are eternal in the counsels of God. And I bring you these truths in the faith of the Church Triumphant.
If you recollect the story of Standfast, as he stood in the river Jordan, and the waters gathered around him, you will re- member that Standfast wanted to put his feet in the footprints of the Master, and was satisfied if he could only put his footprints where the Master stood. Our brother Mr. Billings has put his feet in the footprints of the Master. He has placed his foot on the Rock of Truth, and has enabled you to put your foot there, so that you may ascend by and by into that for which the church stands, the church of God. I doubt not our brother would say in words, as he has said in deeds :
" I love thy kingdom, Lord, The house of thine abode, The church our blessed Redeemer saved With his own precious blood."
I greet you, then, with these glorious salutations - from Montpelier, from the State, from the Christian churches, from the Church Militant, from the Church Redeemed, from the Church Triumphant.
And I deliver to you finally, my dear brethren, the salutations of those who know the power of benevolence. We believe in God,
6
43
Congregational Church, Woodstock, Vt.
and we believe in streams of good-will, just such as our brother believes in. The world is to be redeemed. And our brother is but one agent in this blessed work. You may remember the story which has come down to us from Egypt, that in excavating in Thebes there was found a delicate vase, very fragile, with the name of a good and ancient queen engraved upon it; and from those figures we trace the message of 2500 years ago. Should it please God 2500 years from now to let this building or its successor stand, there will be written on its walls letters of gold. The name of our brother may not be here, but the name of him for whom this work of our brother shall stand, the name of God, will be there, and with His holy church forever.
" Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces."
APPENDIX.
THE BUILDING.
HE exterior of the church edifice, as it now stands, although beautified and apparently transformed as one approaches either of the entrances, is not essen- tially changed as a whole, but still remains the " Old White Meeting House" of 1807. The some- what hard lines of the traditional Puritan meeting-house are relieved by a few simple architectural devices of outline, and still more by grouping the church with the simple and tasteful archi- tecture of the chapel erected by Mr. Billings ten years ago, in memory of his father and mother. The original framework of the main structure, as sound as when first raised, has not been disturbed. But the whole building has been newly covered, clap- boarded, and shingled. The old bell-tower remains, but with a more finished appearance, but bell and the four dials of a clock in the main tower now mark the hours.
There were formerly three entrances at the front, in the con- ventional style of the time, but these have been radically changed by bringing the front forward, making a larger vestibule, and win- dows have taken the place of the doors. The entrances are now at either side, one being a porte cochère and the other a spacious vestibule, making a most attractive feature of the church, as their roofs with the graceful balustrades are supported by clusters of three columns at each corner, resting on solid granite foundations,
43
44
Congregational Church, Woodstock, Vt.
and the landings, on which are set choice French mosaic tiles, are reached by massive granite steps.
The side windows, which were formerly in double row, open- ing from the gallery and below, retain their original form, a carved garland having been placed between them, giving a pleasing effect.
Upon entering the church, the entire transformation of the in- terior, in form and tint, light and finish, at once attracts and holds the eye. The effect is both impressive and worshipful, at once cheerful and solemn. Oak, the most serious of woods, and at the same time most pliant to architectural expression, meets the eye everywhere, in ribbed and panelled ceilings, in pews and wain- scoted walls and gallery and organ, and especially in the pulpit and the pillars supporting the three fine arches over the chancel. The light which enters through the colored glass-windows is neither the " dim religious light " of Milton's "Penseroso," nor the "garish day" of Newman's beautiful hymn, but that light, at once sober and warm, which Christian truth loves. The edifice and all its appointments impress the observer not with a sense of lavish expenditure alone, but of intelligent thought, historic feel- ing, reverence for ancestral piety, and a fine appreciation of the proprieties and requirements of the place in which man humbly asks God to meet him for worship and blessing. The interior is the outcome of long and careful study by Mr. Billings and his architect, with a view to retaining as much as possible of the characteristic simplicity of New England church architecture, and at the same time bringing consecrated art, in all legitimate and helpful ways, to the aid of worship.
The whole interior, including pulpit, pews, and furniture, is fin- ished in the best quartered oak. A panelled wainscot extends around the church and vestibule, and the gallery shows a heavy panelled front. The ceiling is of quartered oak resting on heavy ribs and arranged in large panels, the sides being curved.
The side galleries have been removed, and that at the rear ex- tended over the new vestibule, so that the seating capacity is nearly the same as formerly.
The central arch which is over the pulpit recess, has a skylight with colored glass, which throws a soft light on the space below.
45
Congregational Church, Woodstock, Vt.
The pulpit, communion table, chairs, and carpets are in har- mony with the general effect of the interior.
A spacious recess, large enough to form a transept to the main building, at the left of, and fronting the pulpit, is occupied by the large, new organ. The case is in line with the northern wall of the church, the lower part being a continuation of the wainscoting. The choir gallery is placed between the pulpit recess and the organ.
Four chandeliers and twenty-five brackets of old brass furnish light for the audience room, while iron lanterns are used in the vestibule and entrances.
The group of buildings as they now stand, church, chapel, and parlors, with old elms and tasteful grounds in front, form a beau- tiful picture to the resident or visitor. President Buckham of the University of Vermont truly says: " I shall not wonder if here- after artists and lovers of the beautiful should make pilgrimages to Woodstock to see how beautiful an old New England meeting- house can be made."
€
THE OLD WHITE MEETING HOUSE.
T HE old white church building, the frame-work and body of the present structure, as originally constructed, stood fifty-eight feet by fifty, with a projection for the cupola and doors to the east, extending thirty feet north and south and four feet wide. There were thirty-eight windows in the walls of forty lights each of eight by ten glass, and two Venetian windows, one in the pulpit, the other in the second story and over the middle door of the said projection; three outside doors in the said projection and three within the porch corresponding to the three aisles in the body of the house; fifty-four straight-backed pews on the lower floor, including the arrangement of wall pews, and nineteen in the galleries, besides three rows of seats in the front gallery and two in each side gallery. The pulpit was an elaborate piece of work for the times, rising some twelve or fifteen feet above the lower floor, and being reached by two flights of stairs, facing eastward and protected by balustrades, stairs indeed to the min- ister, as he climbed them of a Sunday, but to the youthful ob- server none other than Jacob's ladders. The pulpit and the Venetian window were draped in red damask. The altar was arranged at the foot of the pulpit in the form of an enclosed recess, having a seat at the back for the pastor and deacons and desk or table in front, with closet underneath. The pews were not painted ; the rest of the wood work inside was painted white, also the outside walls were painted white, the roof received a slate color, the water table, steps and threshold a dark Spanish brown.
There was no provision in the contract for the use of a single brick about the building. Meeting-houses never being warmed in those days there was no occasion to fit them out with chimneys.
46
THE PASTORS
OF
THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH IN THE NORTH PARISH
IN WOODSTOCK, VT.
Rev. GEORGE DAMAN 1781-96.
Rev. WALTER CHAPIN . . 1810-27.
Rev. JOHN RICHARDS 1827-31.
Rev. ROBERT SOUTHGATE . 1832-36.
Rev. WORTHINGTON WRIGHT . 1838-50.
Rev. JONATHAN CLEMENT . 1852-67.
Rev. A. B. DASCOMB .
1867-74.
Rev. LEWIS W. HICKS .
. 1874-81.
Rev. JAMES F. BRODIE
1882-89.
Rev. PETER MCMILLAN
. 1890.
47
thøger wurde
THE.
Hous
IMPR
OF
VINNE- PRESS
3783
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.