CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY F 159H27°T36""'™™"'"-"'"^ ^''^®fiiii98i'nfl™iS3«°"^' Church. Harford olln 3 1924 028 863 383 The original of tiiis book is in tine Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://archive.org/details/cu31924028863383 FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH HARFORD, PA. CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION JUNE 15, 1900. Embracing Portraits of Pastors, Churcli History, Proceedings of the Day, Addresses, Sermons, and a Complete Roll of Church Members since Organization, June 15, 1800. Compiled by W. L. Thacher, BINGHAMTON, N. Y.: FARM AND FA9TORY PRINT, \ y^i^ldyUJUxy^ , (yl^K,^-v-^^ o o Pi <; X a ^1 Pi O HARFORD CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. November 30, 1748, a century and a half ago, the Second Congregational Church of Attleborough, Mass., was organ- ized. Its first pastor. Rev. Peter Thacher, died in 1785, after a service of thirty-seven years. All the Nine Partners were members of his parish, but none of them were professors of religion. Yet these men, while clearing this land in the years immediately following their first visit, May, 1790, abstained from labor on the Sabbath. In their bark-covered cabin which stood on the rocks below the Farrar-hill road, a por- tion of the day was spent in listening to the reading of relig- ious books. Bringing their families, one by one, into the settlement, these meetings were continued. The arrival of John Tyler and family in 1794, Obadiah Carpenter and family, 1795, and John Thacher and family, 1799, brought persons vi^ho were professors, and yet members of the Attle- borough Church. From 1790 to 1800 the settlement increased rapidly. In 1796 a petition was drawn up, stating the desire to be formed into a religious society, noting several points of belief in common with evangelical churches, and hoping ultimately to be formed into a church. This was directed to the Gen- eral Assembly of the Presbyterian Church, praying them to supply missionaries as much as should be in their power to grant. Signed by Obadiah Carpenter, John Tyler, Hosea Tiffany, Thomas Tiffany, Wright Chamberlin, John Carpen- ter, Obadiah Carpenter, Jr., Thomas Sweet, Samuel Thacher, Ezra Carpenter, Elias Carpenter, Isaiah Hallstead. Only two of these were professing Christians, while two others were Universalists, and remained so through life. Ministers of several denominations did favor this wilder- ness with their presence, often. Sabbath, June 15, 1800, after preaching two sermons in the house of John Tyler, a Presbyterian Church with seven members was organized by 16 Rev Jedediah Chapman, who was laboring under the direction of the General Assembly. They all brought letters from the Attleborough Church. They were: Obadiah Carpenter and wife Ama, John Tyler and wife Mercy, Mercy Carpenter, wife of Obadiah Carpenter, Jr., John Thacher and sister Mary. The Articles of Faith drawn up by Mr. Chapman were only seven in number, and very short. Article fourth as- serted the total depravity of man and the doctrine of election in its strongest phase ; article fifth declared the perseverance of saints ; article seventh settled future existence according to the closing words of Matthew, xxv. chapter. The Cov- enant was nearly identical with that of the Church to-day, the onlv material change in ours being the insertion of clause second. This Confession and Covenant, with signatures of the seven members, is yet in existence. Meetings for public worship were held in John Tyler's house, also in his barn, and -in the cabin alreadj' referred to. This house, the first framed one in Nine Partners, is still standing. It was located then upon the site of the present residence of E. E. Jones. Ruins of the cabin were dimly visi- ble in 1844. Two months later, Sarah, wife of John Thacher, united with this infant Church, on profession of faith, being bap- tized. No more additions were made for nearlv three 3'ears. A portion of a letter written b}' Rev. Seth Williston, while at Willingsborough (now Great Bend), dated January 24, 1803, is here given. He says: " I came to a settlement called the Nine Partners, in Nicholson township, five weeks ago to- day, intending to preach a lecture or two, and then pass on. But God determined otherwise. My first text was I. Peter 1:12, concerning the gospel's being preached with the Holy Ghost, sent down from heaven. This season seemed to be an illustration of the text. They urged me to stay through the week. I agreed to stay and pi-each the next day, I now agreed to stay over the Sabbath. That Sabbath was a re- markably solemn day. I believe God was in the midst of 17 the assembly, of a truth. The sermon in the afternoon was concerning the folly and wickedness of men's not improving the little space of life to repent of their sins, make their peace with God, and prepare for heaven. Sabbath evening we had about as full a meeting as in the day time, though there was no moon to make it light. The next day I bade them fare- well, and rode down the Wyalusing Creek, spending a little more than two weeks. The people at Nine Partners lay so much on my mind that I concluded to return and see them again. I found that the work of God had spread during my absence. From that time till to-day I have been with them. They have not seemed to think it a burthen to attend sermons day after day, and conferences in the evening. Yesterday there were 170 people at meeting, a great number for such a settlement. Several have obtained a hope of their interest in Christ. Among these there is one man who was first a uni- versalist, and then a deist and an open scoffer at religion. God saw fit to make use of his own wickedness to awaken him. The Sabbath before I came there, brother Woodward administered the Lord's Supper to the little church, and this man made game of it, and endeavored to turn into ridicule this holy ordinance. But the grace of our Lord has been exceeding abundant towards him. The great alteration in this man has appeared to be a great mean in the hand of the Spirit to awaken the attention of other stupid sinners. He now declares that the contemptuous language he used with respect to the sacrament was made use of to awaken his fears. There is a considerable number in the settlement whose attention is much called up to things of the greatest importance, and some are under deep concern and conviction. They appear fully convinced they have never done anything but sin against God all their days. Some of them also see clearly that all they are now engaged about is to secure their own happiness. The old professors appear to have been, in some measure, waiting for this consolation to Israel. They rejoice in what they see,— they are astonished at the good- ness of God. It exceeds their hopes. They thank God for 18 his marvelous grace; and express their thankfulness to the missionary societies in sending laborers into their harvest. Since the date of this letter, I have seen a man from the Nine Partners settlement, who mentions several new awakenings. Also several families, where the morning and evening sacri- fice has, within, a few days, been introduced." The man referred to in this letter was Joseph Blanding. His subsequent life was one of sincere and earnest piety. And the Church often placed him on the many committees continually necessary in management and government. The fruits of this revival were twenty-two additions to the roll. Ten fathers and nine mothers, heads of large and growing families, was a remarkable harvest. The grit, stamina, and activity of the Church for the next fifty years was here determined. At the examination of these candidates they were required to hand in a written statement of their religious experience. These were often four foolscap pages in length. Discolored wath age, tattered and torn, they to-day seem like far-away echoes of tempest-tossed souls, written with tears and sobs. Thrice holy they are. The hands that penned them long ago turned to dust, but the souls that indited them are, we, be- lieve, made white in the blood of the Lamb. These state- ments were required for nearly thirty years of the Church's history. Very many are yet in existence. At the personal examination, this question was asked: "Would you be will- ing to be lost, if it were for the glory of God ?" But the six fathers and mothers of the infant church, on the eve of this harvest ingathering, and prompted no doubt in some degree by the wishes of those soon to be received, whose stamp and inclination had been molded away back in the mother-church of Attleborough, could not rest as a Presbyterian Church . Listen to this extract from the records : ," Mar. 3, 1803. The Church being met, after prayer to God for direction, and after serious deliberation, solemnly declared themselves to be of the congregational order, by vote unani- mously. Voted that the confession of faith and covenant 19 entitled 'The Confession of Faith and Covenant of the Second Church of Christ in Attleborough ' shall be our confession and covenant, together v^'ith the Cambridge platform, so called, shall be our rule of discipline in all the parts thereof." This confession had nineteen planks. The fourth states the belief that had Adam continued holy, all his posterity would have been eternally happy. The eighth declares Christ really God and really man; equal with God. The eleventh believes that notwithstanding what Christ has done for the salvation of mankind, yet no one can j)ossibly be saved unless he be regenerated by the Holy Ghost, or born of the Spirit of God, repent of his sins, and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. The twelfth believes that salvation is freely offered in the word of God, to every one upon con- dition of his being born again, repenting of his sins, and be- lieving in Christ. The thirteenth asserts the everlasting happiness of the righteous, the everlasting misery of the wicked. The Covenant is unusually long; seventeen paragraphs. There is a promise to maintain family prayer morning and evening, to catechise their children, to use the discipline of Matthew xviii, to excommunicate, to sign this covenant, to read it atleast once a week, to not allow members of other churches to commune v^rith the Church more than a year v^rithout uniting with it. The whole is most searching in its character, and thoroughly binding in its promises. In a copy of this Confession and Covenant, sent by Daniel Carpenter of Attleborough to his brother, Obadiah Carpen- ter in Susquehanna, March 5, 1802, a number of sheets of paper were fastened. Here, all the members, down to 1810, signed their names. This document is still in existence. Ninety-four signatures. The binding and solemn nature of union with the Church could not but exert a powerful influence. Two generations were cast in this mold. Says Prof Wm. S. Tyler, born here in 1810 : " I cannot say that w^e never felt that there was an excess of parental authority, of Puritanical strictness, of 20 unbending, old-fashioned rigidity. But we knew that if it was ever excessive, it was the excess of a good thing. We never doubted that the severity, mingled with goodness, of the earthly father, like that of the Heavenly, was the off- spring of love." Again he says: "Pi-ovidence selected some of the choicest seedcorn from Massachusetts and Connecticut, with a sprinkling of seed from some of the other New England states, to plant on the hills and in the valleys of Harford. The soil was rocky, the surface was rough, the tillage was hard, the crop was watered with sweat, and sometimes be- dewed with tears. But the harvest was all the richer, and the fruit all the sweeter, for the toils and trials and prayers and sacrifices with which it was raised and gathered. They were of Puritan stock. They brought with them the stern theology of Hopkins and Emmons." And he closes, "I charge you, then, not to prove yourselves unworthy of such an ancestry, but to transmit the inheritance you have re- ceived from them unimpaired to posterity." Aug. 17, 1803, John Tyler was selected as delegate to the General Association, a Congregational body. They re- quested a change in Art. 11 of the Confession. The Church complied. After the words Holy Ghost, the following clause was added: "Which operation is a free and sovereign act, and the result of the eternal determination of God, and will certainly issue in the complete salvation of those who are the subjects of it." The remainder of the original article was omitted. The General Association was held in Lisle, N. Y., Oct. 18, and one year later at Nine Partners, house of John Tyler, Rev. Seth Williston being Moderator. In Decem- ber, 1804, the Church made application to this Association to have the Lord's Supper statedh' administei'ed, and in January they decided to observe the ordinance once in three months and to begin the first Sabbath in February. This rule has been maintained to the present time. As delegates wei'e elected each year, the Church must have been connected with the Association many years. 21 The Covenant of the Church has ah'ead\' been referred to as a long one. July 3, 1806, the Church thought proper to have a short Covenant formed, to be read at the admission of members. Aug. 7, Rev. Levingworth was present and called for the draft made by committee, which, after some few alterations was accepted. This Covenant is identical with our present one, and was approved by the Associa- tion; Seth Williston, scribe. This same year a "Meeting House," 30x22, one story high, was erected. An entry in Church Record, Oct. 4, 1808, states that a committee was named to select books for reading in meet- ing. Those chosen were : Erskine's works. Porter's collec- tion, Nathan Strong, President Edwards, John Newton, Doct. Emmons. Ano ther powerful revival occurred in 1809, under the la- bors of Revs. Williston, and Joel Benedict. Forty-nine names were added to the roll that jenv, mostly the sons and daugh- ters of the subjects of the former revival. With a hundred members now on the roll, the Church felt strong enough to have a pastor. Rev. Ebenezer Kingsbury received a call, Feb. 21, 1810. He was installed Aug. 4, by the Susquehanna Association. He was to serve the Church half the time; the remainder being spent in destitute places in the vicinity, still in the employ of the Missionary Society of Connecticut. Donations were given him, but his salary in cash was only $150. He was a graduate of Yale, and had been pastor of a church in Jericho, Vt. When he came among us he was forty-eight years old, and he resided here till his death, in his eightieth year. More churches were or- ganized by him in these years than by any other man ; the Presbyterian Church at Montrose, 1810, the Presbyterian Church at Ararat, 1813, are examples. He was the first settled pastor in all this section. In 1816 occurred the first case of discipline. In a period of sixty years, twentj'-two persons were excommunicated. The records show brotherly love and carefulness in all these cases. Committees appointed to labor with wayward mem- 22 bers, not succeeding, were followed by another new com- mittee. .The attitude of the Church seemed to be, "0 Eph- raim ! how can I give thee up ?" When all means failed, the sentence was announced from the pulpit. And in the pnnted rolls of the Church their names were very properlv left out . They were as though they never had been. In many cases, discipline reclaimed the erring. Public confessions were made; written confessions were signed. They came back to duty, and lived and died in the faith. Through these long trials, ending in excommunication, the Church steadily in- creased in membership. Extract from the Record: "April, 1818. The Church con- vened by appointment. Whereas, there are more than one form of confession of faith and covenant in the Church : Voted unanimously to have but one form and to adopt the following; all other forms to be invalid." Here follows the text of the confession and covenant that remained in use and force for ninet3'--five years. It does not differ from the Attleborough confession of 1803, with its amendment, and the covenant of 1806. Many copies wei-e printed in pam- phletform, and a few of them are yet in existence. Thev were given to candidates. In 1886 it Avas reprinted, and an ab- stract, half as long, but nowise different in doctrine, was put beside it for use in public service. In a period of a little over three years, 1818 to 1821, there were sixtj^-six additions to the Church. The growth of the membership, and better financial and commercial prospects, led to the resolve to erect a new Meeting House. The Philadelphia and Great Bend turnpike was being built, and Harford's expectations were equal to those towns in these latter days, where a railroad through it is to be an established fact. A subscription paper, dated Jan. 22, 1821, was circulated until it embraced forty-seven names and $1375. There were thirty-six at $25, eight at $50, and one at $75. The first meeting of subscribers was held in the Center School house, Feb. 5. Very, vei-y many meetings are on record from this 23 date to July 10, 1827, when the society accepted the finished house from the committee. And these meetings are models of parliamentary procedure. They proceeded cautiously, lest some flaw should vitiate contracts and agreements. Obadiah Carpenter was moderator and Joab Tyler clerk. Amos Tiffany put up and inclosed the house. Finished this part of the work Nov. 1, 1822. For this he received $830. To carry through the more expensive finishing off, the subscribers, or proprietors, bid off the ground floor, after it had been marked out for pews. Lee Richardson and Austin Jones did the work. The total cost was $2,700. During these six years of planning, working, a difficulty arose in the Church. There were different minds about forming the inside of the house. But that was only the be- ginning. Bitter remarks, accusations, alienations came in, to the great grief of the pastor. Many attempts were made in Church meetings to close the controversy. It included a dozen members. A counsel was invited. Revs. King, Chit- tenden, Beach came. Sept. 5, '23, the Church assembled to hear the result. On vote, approved by sixteen yeas, but four did not vote. The controversy continued. The Susquehanna Presbytery again was asked to interpose. The Church voted to abide by the decision when made, or suffer the consequences accord- ing to the gospel rule. All agreed. In May, Revs. King and Jones came. Their decision was a model one. It was ac- cepted, and the difficulty is not referred to again in the records. Rev. Kingsbury appears in all this as a hard worker, an impartial pastor, a judicious manager. The pages of a hundred years are not again marred by such an event. Sept. 10, 1824, Rev. Kingsbury asked that the pastoral relation be dissolved. The Church did not grant the disso- lution. He renewed the request in August, 1827. Church voted that since theymightnot be able to honorably support him further, they were willing and desirous that the relation be dissolved. This was done by the Presbytery. 24 Says WilHston Thacher: " He was slow spoken in his de- livery, not an orator of polished manners and sparkling sentences. The congregation wearied him with their late attendance, showing by their manner that they preferred a new man with their new meeting house." A subscription paper, dated July, 1828, is in existence, promising Rev. Simeon H. Crane $500 a year. There are 61 names signed and the footing is |460. But the good provi- dence of God sent us Rev. Adam Miller, who preached his first sermon, Sept. 21, 1828. The first offer was $416. This was declined. Afterwards, $500 was proposed, with four weeks vacation. This was accepted. But the vacation was never used except for occasional visits to relatives. The new pastor was only twenty-one years old. He en- tered upon his work with some misgivings. So did the Church. But a few years only were needed to prove to them that a man of uncommon qualities had come among them. He abolished the conference meetings. These were seasons of much controversy and doubtful good. He preached but two sermons on the Sabbath, and a third in outlying dis- tricts. Yearly days of fasting, humiliation and prayer were inuagurated. American Home Missions came into the con- tributions of the Church. The first date is Sept. 15, 1831. Protracted meetings, some of them twelve days long, were held. Mr. Miller early took up temperance work. It was a new field and it aroused enmity. His first sermon was preached Jan. 29, 1829. A society had been already organ- ized. Soon the ladies followed with one. James Bushnell says Father Kingsbury would take a little strong drink for his stomach's sake. It was a common custom. Considered indispensable. But the good man, when once aroused and enlightened, became a total abstainer. Tyler & Seymour were selling 2,000 gallons of ardent spirits a year. Deacon Tyler bought out Mr. Seymour and then put out the fires of his distillery. Conscience declared it a sin in God's sight. And keen observers needed only to watch humanity to be- 25 come thoroughly converted. The Church came to Adam Miller's position on this. Just here we stop to note the organization of the Paw- tucket Congregational Church. Nine members, all from Attleborough. Date April 17, 1829. Our sister Church in Rhode Island was born. The years rolled by, bringing goodly accessions to the Church roll. So early as April, 1834, the Church reported to the Presbytery as follows: Total membership, 230. Received by examination the past year, 37. By letter, 3. Died, 4. Dismissed, 3. For Missions, $63. For Educa- tional funds, $80. Church members in the Temperance Society, 216. Church members making or selling ardent spirits, none. March 6, 1851, a meeting of the owners of the pews was held. There was increasing demand for more room for wor- shipers. The old pews were much on the Attleborough plan; each one a small room. June 9, at another meeting, it was decided to remodel the pews, allowing but two feet four inches for width. Stipulations were drawn. Old pew hold- ers should sit as nearly as possible in their old places ; and sales of new pews should apply on cost. Decided to lower the pulpit. Fifty-three names are on this paper, consenting to the plan. As the work went on, plans widened. The open belfry had begun to decay. A new belfry and steeple came into the undertaking, more perhaps for fashion than for utility. The general oversight of all changes and repairs was given to Henry Spearbeck. Fifteen hundred dol- lars was spent. Re-dedicated January 29, 1852. Rev. Moses Thacher, a grandson of Rev. Peter Thacher, Attleborough, preached the sermon. There were fourteen more pews. Deeply engraven in the hearts of more than a score of members, with heads now gray, stands the year 1855. Rev. Orson Parker, an evangelist, began labors here March 1. He had great qualifications for the work. Through the crowded seats of the lecture room, in the early evening, he personally labored with each. His quick perception told him 26 with whom to labor most, and who needed it least. For many were already convicted. Then followed the evening sermon in the Church. Able, earnest, logical, these presen- tations of truth were listened to with intense interest. He was once a lawyer of eminence, and being converted, turned his whole aim and being to the saving of souls. When in the midst of glowing argument, his attitude, arm, hand, finger, unconsciously took on the very characteristics of a successful pleader at the bar. Leaving, the work was tvell pushed to a successful close by our pastor. The writer re- members what searching evening sermons he gave through the month of April. We count sixty-seven names on the roll, under the year 1855. May 3, 1856, Martyn Blanding and family, all members of the Church, asked letters of dismissal to the far West, and Isaac Lyon followed in '57. These men, these families, were given up with sorrow. The years following indicate health in the Church. Addi- tions went quietlj' on. Collections for missions were often, and large. The Civil War came on, and though the pastor did not pi'each on the issues involved, or take any part in political woi'k, no one doubted his position. Once he made his convictions so plainly known that some good, but cau- tious, men took offence. In his congregation "were members intensely hostile to President Lincoln's course. In 1S72 the Church received a number of members; fruits of a revival in the Sweet district. He had pleasure in his work in this locality for years. When asked whv he was so partial to that neighborhood he replied: "There is good timber in that section and I am going to work it up." Our Church, though Congregational, had been led bv a Presbyterian pastor for more than forty years. We were on the Presbytery's list; we sent delegates with pastor to those Presbyterys ; our contributions went through the same de- nomination's management; our Church records were exam- ined and approved in writing Ijy the Presbyter\^ But the General Assembly decreed that such churches must become 27 Presbyterian, or sever their connection. Rev. Miller brought this before the Church in the latter part of 1874. Nov. 21, on vote, the majority were for tinion with the Presbytery, change of name and government. But there was a condi- tion in the title of property given by Hosea Tiffany, in the 20's that the name and government of the Church could not be changed without unanimous consent. And some mem- bers, yet strong in the faith and ways of the "fathers," pre- vented this union by their negative votes. Rev. Miller quietly gave the matter up. He laid it away among the inscrutable orderings of Providence. The fiftieth year of his pastorate was at hand. The Church took up the question of observance with energj^ Edwin T. Tiffany, Henry M. Jones, Tyler Brewster, Mrs. John C. Tanner, Mrs. Henry Pennepacker, were chosen com- mittee. Hard work and plenty of it was in store. But a most creditable celebration was the outcome, Oct. 3, 1878. The historical sermon of the preceding Sabbath, the address of Prof. Wm. S. Tyler, the poem of Miss Sarah Jones, the ad- dresses of prominent men from abroad, letters from those who could not be present, all these constitute a most valua- ble book of 144 pages that the church would not part with. Rev. Anson Smyth remarked in his address that "The head of the table is where MacGregor sits." Yet our pastor, the center of all this occasion, occupied an inconspic- uous seat and had almost nothing to say. Sabbath, Nov. 6, 1881, Rev. Adam Miller, in great feeble- bleness, preached his last sermon and administered the sac- rament of the Lord's Supper. His text was Rom. 5:11: "But we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ by whom we have novsr received the atonement." He read the Confession of Faith and Covenant to Miss Maud Spencer, on profession of her faith. The next Sabbath he was anx- ious to be with us but too weak to reach us. Dea. Tiffany read a sermon. One week passed, and he was verj^ sick. Another sermon read. Oneweek moreand the words passed from lip to lip, "He is not expected to live." The next 28 Thursday, Dec. 1, he died at the close of the day. Dec. 3, funeral services were conducted at his home. Revs. Best, Crane, Burgess were present. The former made a short ad- dress and Rev. Crane led in a prayer that was soul-moving. The face of our dead pastor was thin, but a j)leasant expres- sion was on it; as though the triumph of victory had lighted up the dead clay ; and on the coffin lid lay a miniature sheaf of wheat. The Sabbath found our pulpit draped in black ; and ser- vices for the month were conducted by the deacons. Sab- bath, Jan. 15, 1882, a memorial service was conducted by Rev. E. 0. Ward of Bethany and Rev. H. J. Crane of Nichol- son. The house was crowded. Rev. Ward's text was: "He being dead, yet speaketh." Estimates of this man have appeared in print and in ad- dresses. This narrative of fifty-three years is also one. His ability in early life was very apparent. A pamphlet was published in 1835 by the Susquehanna County Temperance Society containing an argument and appeal by Rev. Adam Miller against traffic in ardent spirits that would do credit to an able lawyer. It is yet in existence. And who, but our loved Sarah Jones, could say better words than these: "We have in the past, do now, and shall to the end, thank God for the faithful, self-sacrificing love that gave us, through all these years, a man whom any church in the land might be proud to call its pastor." Once more the Church endeavored to become Presbyterian. The services of the Presbytery were felt to be needed in securing a pastor. The record is very full, and the proceed- ings were ably managed, but some felt it to be their duty to prevent the change. It was defeated. July 2, 1882, Rev. John Merriam preached his first sermon as our pastor. He pushed forward needed changes in the church interior and lecture room. An efficient Ladies' Aid began. Older in years than his predecessor, or successors, the older members appreciated his ripe spiritual power. Jan. 27, 1885, Rev. Reuben N. Ives was chosen pastor. 29 That year the parsonage was remodeled at a cost of $1400. May 5, 1886, Rev. Nestor Light was called to our pulpit. His pastorate continued nine years. He initiated the happy custom of Roll Call each year. The pews were made "free." Societies were organized. The interior of the church was necessarily, and very greatly improved. In 1892, through his efforts, we united with the Susquehanna Association, thus getting back into the fold we left three-quarters of a century before. June, '95, Rev. Light resigned and Rev. E. W. Lake filled the pulpit many Sabbaths. Feb. 1, 1896, John P. Manwell was unanimously chosen by the Church. July 5 he preached his first sermon as pas- tor. Sept. 9 he was ordained and installed by a council of ministers of the Susquehanna Association. The Y. P. S. C. E. was reorganized, the Junior Endeavor began in '97, the Ladies' Missionary Society revived from its sleep of a half century, and Church Prayer Meetings were maintained, both central and outlying districts. In March, '98, the Church adopted the Creed of 1883 and Form of Admission submitted by the commission, limited by the formula that the candidate accepts according to the measure of his understanding, the system of Christian truth held by this Church. The old covenant was retained. We have not passed judgment upon the work of these four pastors. They are all living. Let the historian of June 15, 2000, do this. No verdict can be given on any man's life until he is in his coffin. One hundred years are completed this afternoon. The Church roll numbers 950 names. The present membership is 159. The following is the roll of deacons : John Tyler, Obadiah Carpenter, Caleb Richardson, Jr., Moses Thacher, Joab Tyler, Lee Richardson, Preston Richardson, Payson Kings- bury, Onley Thacher, Jared Tyler, Tyler Brewster, Dennison K. Oakley, Edwin T. Tiffany, Wallace L. Thacher, Edward J. Tyler, Calvin D. Ransom, Watson Jeffers. Roll of Clerks: John Thacher, one year; Samuel Thacher, 30 six years ; Ebenezer Kingsbury, seventeen years ; Joab Tyler, eighteen years; Richard K. Gamble, one year; Jared Tyler, thirty years; Wallace L. Thacher, twenty years; Edwin T. Tiffany, present clerk, two years. Roll of Church Choristers: Samuel Thacher, Joab Tyler, Payson Kingsbury, Henry Spearbeck, Amherst Carpenter, Orton P. Jackson, Shepherd Carpenter, Martyn Blanding, Geo. M. Carpenter, Dennison K. Oakley, Edward K. Rich- ardson, J. Wadsworth Tyler, Wallace L. Thacher, Lyman E. Richardson, George I. Tingley, Edward J. Tyler, Urbane B. Lott. Sabbath School: Organized about 1816. In 1824, Dan- iel Oakley, Caleb Coy Richardson, Martyn Blanding, Lee Richardson were prominent in the work. Even in 1830 the school was held in Amos Tiffany's ball-room. Sentiment in earlj^ years believed it wrong to hold a school of any kind on the Sabbath. In 1834 the School was taken up bj^ the Church as a part of its work. Previous to this Lee Richard- son and Willard Richardson were superintendents. Church selections of that officer run thus : Payson Kingsbury, nine years ; Amherst Carpenter, three years ; Jared Tyler, twenty- one 3'ears; D. K. Oakley, six j'ears; E. T. Tiffany, fifteen years; Watson Jeffers, five j'ears; E. J. Tyler, four years; Edward E. Jones, the present officer, three years. Hymn Books: Hartford Selection of Hj^mns, 1799. Vil- lage Hymns. Boston Collection of Church Psalmody, 1833. Church Hymn Book with tunes, 1879. Singing books : Hayden & Handel's collection and Musica Sacra; Favorite tunes, Kendall, Knowlton, Archdale, Dres- den, Duke Street, Old Hundred, New Hundred, Antigua, Sil- ver Street, Blackburn, Portugal, China, Windham, Barby. Then followed "The Shawm." Favorite tunes: Zephyr, Malvern, Rockingham, Captivity, Park Street, Hebron, Ward, Federal Street, Naomi, Coronation, Ortouville, St. Thomas, Greenville, Amesbury. Next "The Jubilee." — Favorites: Woodworth, Rolland, Ashwell, Retreat, Rothwell, Hamburg, Baden, Rest, Olive's 31 Brow, Hartel, Edmeston, Agawam, Peterboro, Harvey's Chant, Balerma, Notting-Hill, Evan, Marlow, Romberg, Shirland, Olmutz, Golden Hill, Laban, Clarksville, Lenox, Ariel, Pleyel's Hymn, Benevento, Nuremburg, Nettleton. Then followed "The Psalm King," and lastly "The Leader." But v^^e lay down the pen, amid a flood of memories. A large volume could be written on these hundi^ed years. But the words of the prophet Daniel come to us: "Slivit up the words and seal the book." " I love thy church, God ! Her walls before thee stand, Dear as the apple of thine eye, And graven on thy hand. For her my tears shall fall. For her mj' prayers ascend ; To her my cares and toils be given, Till toils and cares shall end." W. L. Thacher. CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION. PLANS AND PREPARATIONS. At the annual roll-call, June 15, 1899, Pastor Manwell in- quired whether we would remember the centennial of this Church, next June, or suffer it to pass by unheeded. Moved by Watson Jeffers: "That we celebrate the one- hundredth anniversary of the organization of this Church." Seconded. Amended by Edward E. Jones to include a reunion of Franklin Academy students. Seconded. After discussion Mr. Jeffers accepted the amendment; and the original motion, as amended, was carried. Further action was deferred to next business meeting. Aug. 19. The following were unanimously elected officers to take charge of the Centennial Celebration, June 15, 1900 : Watson Jeffers, president; E. T. Tiffany, vice president; W. L. Thacher, secretary ; C. S. Johnston, treasurer. For executive committee: M. J. Chamberlin, E. J. Tyler, W. B. Hammond, Mrs. J. C. Tanner, Mrs. Horace Sweet. Aug. 30. Meeting of officers and committee at the resi- dence of J. C. Tanner. Secretary was requested to make a list of available students of Franklin Academy, as workers on committee for Reunion. Appointed committee on Centennial program and speak- ers: Rev. J. P. Manwell, E. E. Jones, J. C. Tanner. The Centennial falling on June 15, 1900, the Reunion of Franklin Academy students was placed on the day previous, June 14. Oct. 2. A motto for Centennial was chosen: Deut. 8:2, "And thou shalt remember all the way which the Loi'd thy God led thee." c 34 Secretary reported list of all students whom he knew, and whom he supposed to be alive. Also persons from the period 1855 to '65. The former from Academy catalogue, the lat- ter from memory. He was instructed to write Prof. E. K. Richardson, son of principal Rev. Lyman Richardson, for information as to students from '55 to '65. Rev. Manwell moved that a com- mittee be appointed to select from entire list such persons as would capably serve on committee for Reunion. W. L. Thacher, E. T. Tiffany, C. S. Johnston were appointed. Rev. Manwell, chairman of committee on speakers, said he had hoped to meet Dr. Storrs while in Boston, and induce him to be with us. He failed to see him. By vote Rev. Man- well was desired to secure him yet, if possible. E. E. Jones suggested inviting Prof Henry M. Tyler also. It was thought that the historical address, to be given by the secretary, should be general in its scope. Delegates from the different departments of Church work, such as Sabbath School, Christian Endeavor, must report separately. Mr. Jones spoke of the five volumes of Church records. They embraced the whole Church history. If destroyed the loss would be irreparable. He suggested that a duplicate of each be made by the secretary, with proper recompense. This was subsequently ordered to be done. President spoke of the propriety of placing a memorial tablet inside the Church, commemorating the Centennial. Others favored a tablet for Rev. Adam Miller. Secretary was instructed to report sessions in the county papers. Nov. 6. Rev. Manwell reported a provisional program, with names of Rev. Eastman and Dr. Stimson as speakers. Dr. Storrs could not come. A lengthy discussion followed on the Reunion. Mrs. Clara Evelyn S. Brewster was chosen for the Centennial poem. Dec. 4. Secretary reported good progress in Reunion mat- ters. Prof. Richardson had furnished old records covering the period '55 to '65. E. E. Jones had given secretary valu- 35 able papers covering early Church history, left by a former clerk, Dea. Joab Tyler. Secretary suggested that instead of tablets placed in the Church, a more satisfactory way of spending the money might be to publish a book containing all histories, ser- mons, speeches, relics, the roll of the Church, and full cata- logue of Academy students. Such a book would honor the worthy men of a hundred years, and also every one who took any part in the proceedings. Gatherings of this kind, costing so much labor and money, should leave behind them an imperishable record. Books, scattered through the coun- try and deposited with historical societies, would hand down the story to the end of time, tablets or monuments would not. Jan. 8, 1900. Secretary reported that the committee ap- pointed Oct. 2, had selected nineteen names, scattered over the United States, and constituted them a "Committee of Franklin Academy students on Reunion." A circular had been sent each. Responses from twelve had been received. These unanimously recommended the' appointment of a "Home Committee" to take charge of the Reunion. The committee of Oct. 2 were now directed to choose from the " nineteen " five persons for such purpose. Suggestion that our choir be invited to prepare suitable anthems for Centennial. Moved by E. E. Jones that the Attleboro Church and the Pawtucket Church be invited to our Centennial. Each Church to furnish pastor and one delegate ; and that they have a place on program. Carried. A committee on finances of the Centennial was appointed: C. S. Johnston, Watson Jeffers, E. T. Tiffany. Feb. 5. Secretary reported that the Attleboro Church would send their pastor. Rev. Wilson S. Fritch, and a dele- gate. Also that the committee of Oct. 2 had selected a "Home Committee " of five persons for Reunion. On motion of Rev. Manwell the secretary was added to that committee. They 36 were: E. S. P. Hine, S. J. Adams, A. T. Sweet, Edson M. Tiffany, F. E. Loomis, W. L. Thacher. Centennial officers now relinquished all further control of the Reunion. Dea. E. J. Tyler was chosen chairman of committee on music for Centennial, with power to select remainder of committee. Rev. Manwell havin^ no place on program as yet, it was decided that he should introduce and welcome the pastors and delegates of the Mother Church, Attleboro, Mass., and the Sister Church of Pawtucket, R. I. They to follow in their respective addresses. Discussion on finances and entertainment. Carried unani- mously that we have a dinner and a supper. Also that the Centennial shall have a forenoon session ; making three for the day. And nine members of the united committees raised $80 in ten minutes, our treasurer, C. S. Johnston, leading with $25. This spontaneous outburst was very cheering. Dea. Tyler named Mrs. J. C. Tanner and E. E. Jones to act with him on music. Mar. 5. The Reunion having engaged a stenographer, committee voted to retain her for the Centennial. Reunion committee having decided on a pamphlet-catalogue of their own. Centennial committee approved the separation, and voted a similar publication for the Centennial, making the secretary the editor, to do as he saw fit. Voted to place communion service at close of afternoon session. Committee on Relics appointed : Mrs. Horace Sweet, W. B. Hammond, Rev. Manwell. Apr. 2. Discussion on entertainment resulted in the choice of Mrs. Horace Sweet, Mrs. E.J. Tyler, Mrs. Julia Estabrook, as committee to take charge of everything connected with this question. Mrs. Estabrook afterward declined, by reason of the illness of her mother, and Mrs. W. B. Hammond was selected as the third. Plates for the pictures of the Church and Rev. Adam Mil- ler being already in possession, the question was raised whether we should stop with these two as an introduction 37 to Church book. President Jeffers strongly advocated pic- tures of all the pastors. Said he, "We ought not to let the saving of a few dollars prevent the formation of a record worthy to go down through time." Discussion. President's wishes were unanimously carried. [ Rev. Ebenezer Kingsbury left no portrait or likeness of himself. The gallery is incomplete. — Sec] Mrs. Geo. R. Resseguie was selected for the training of the choir; to begin May 1. Rev. Manwell and Dea. Tiffany were made a committee of invitation to pastors. May 7. Rev. Frank J.Goodwin, pastor of the Pawtucket Church, had written that he would be with us. Dea. Tyler w^as empow^ered to superintend all necessary work inside and outside the Church building. E. E. Jones was appointed to negotiate publication of Church book. Mrs. Sweet made pleasant report on entertainment. E. E. Jones stated that crayons of pastors were all on hand. Rev. Manwell read correspondence. Said he, "We are disappointed on many speakers." Rev. Eastman, Prof. Henry Tyler, his brother John, and Dr. Stimson could not come. Rev. Manwell had five other persons in mind. Ses- sion closed w^ith an estimate of expenses. May 28. Finances were encouraging. The three mem- bers of committee were at work. Rev. Manwell, on pro- gram, reported success. Rev. Waters of Binghamton will come. One of the sons of Col. Mason Tyler will represent the Tyler family here if Col. Tyler himself does not come. Rev. L. F. Buell of Syracuse will preach the evening sermon. Rev. Manwell moved that the committee appointed for decoration on Children's Day, include the flower committee of the Christian Endeavor ; and that both be retained for decoration, Centennial Da3^ Mrs. Sweet moved that a committee be named for secur- ing entertainment at night. Mrs. U. B. Lott, Miss May Sweet. Mrs. W. B. Hammond were appointed. June 8. This last session before Centennial was held, like all the others, at J. C. Tanner's, and Hke the others, opened 3S with prayer. Finance and transportation discussed. Sec- retary suggested marking the graves of the seven original members of the Church. Also the six of the Nine Partners who sleep in our cemetery. THE ONE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF HARFORD, PENN'A. 1800-1900. MOTTO : **A.nd thou shall remember all the ^vay 'which the Lord thy God hath led thee. "—Deut. 8:2. JUNE 15, 1900. MORNING SESSION. 10:30 o'clock. Doxology. Devotional Service— [Scripture, Hymn, Prayer.] Rev. John Merriam Anthem. The Church at Work— Our Efforts in the Vineyard. Repre- sentatives of the several Departments of the Church. Greetings from other Churches and invited guests. Poem, ----.. Mrs. C. E. S. Brewster Address, ------ Mason W. Tyler, Esq. Hymn. AFTERNOON SESSION. 1:15 o'clock. Devotional Service— [Scripture, Hymn, Prayer.] Rev. Nestor Light Anthem. Historical Address, - - - - W. L. Thacher 39 Hymn. Words by Julius Tyler, Music by Prof. John A. Sophia A Welcome to Mother Attleboro and Sister Pawtucket, Rev. J. P. Manwell Words of Remembrance and Greeting from Mother and Sis- ter, - Rev. Wilson S. Fritch, Rev. Frank J. Goodwin SoLO, - - - . . Mrs. George R. Resseguie Address— The Old Meeting House. A story of the Church's Power in Community, Country and Fireside, - Rev. N. M. Waters Hymn. Communion Service, - - - Dr. Edward Taylor Hymn. "Blest be the Tie." EVENING SESSION. 7:30 o'clock. Doxology. Devotional Service— [Scripture, Hymn, Prayer.] - Rev. R. N. Ives ' Anthem. The Fellowship of the Churches. Greetings from Our Asso- ciation, ------ Dr. Edward Taylor Solo, ------- Miss Jennie Moore Sermon, ------- Rev. L. F. Buell Closing Words of Counsel from our Mother Church, Rev. Wilson S. Fritch Anthem. MINISTERS OF THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF HARFORD. Rev. Ebenezer Kingsbury 1810-1827 Rev. Adam Miller 1828-1881 Rev. John Merriam 1882-1884 Rev. Reuben N. Ives 1885-1886 Rev. Nestor Light 1886-1895 Rev. John P. Manwell 1896- 40 LETTER MISSIVE FROM THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF HARFORD, PA. THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH IN HARFORD, PA., To the Congregational Church in SENDETH GREETING: Dear Brethren : Hitherto the Lord hath brought us on our way, and in his good providence permitted us as a Church to approach our hundredth anniversary. We, therefore, desirous of suit- ably celebrating the occasion vi^ith appropriate and memo- rable services, do affectionately invite your attendance by your pastor and a delegate at our house of worship on the 15th day of June to rejoice with us and aid us in our cele- bration. Wishing you grace, mercy and peace. We are fraternally yours. Rev. J . P. Manwell, Deacon E. T. Tiffany, Committee on Invitation. Invitations are extended to the following Churches and individuals : The First Congregational Church of Binghamton, N. Y. The Plymouth Congregational Church of Binghamton, N. Y. The Congregational Church of Candor, N. Y. The Congregational Church of Chenango Forks, N. Y. The Park Church of Elmira, N. Y. The St. Luke's Congregational Church of Elmira, N. Y. 41 The Congregational Church of Maine, N. Y. The Congregational Church of Newark Valley,- N. Y. The Congregational Church of Owego, N.Y. The Congregational Church of Oakland, Pa. The Congregational Church of Clifford, Pa. The Second Congregational Church of Attleboro, Mass. The Congregational Church of Pawtucket, R. I. The Methodist Episcopal Chtirch of Harford. Rev. E. W. Lake, Binghamton, N. Y. Rev. F. M. Davenport, Kingston, N.Y. Rev. A. D. Stowell, Binghamton, N.Y. Dr. H. J. Crane, Uniondale, Pa. Also the brethren whose names appear on the program. The following invitation was senfto all members of the Church: Dear Fkiend. One hundred yearly pages of Church history have been written by your Church. Now, on the fifteenth day of this month of June, in the year of our Lord, nineteen hundred, we are about to close the volume with appropriate service, and at the same time open the new volume of another, and we trust yet more ser- viceable and inspiring century. Let nothing prevent your attendance ; and may the occa- sion be for us all memorable for inspiration and blessing; one that shall embark us upon the opening century with new zeal and new power. Cordially your pastor, J. P. Manwell. Foptraits. — The Lecture Room had been made an at- tractive spot to every lover of history, and to every person of antiquarian tastes. Upon the waU hung the crayon por- traits of all our former pastors, save the first. Nearby was the crayon of Rev. Lyman Richardson, founder of Franklin 42 Academy and many years its principal. So closely associ- ated was he with this Church during the greater part of his life that he is venerated equally with its pastors. Accom- panying this group was the crayon of Rev. Wm. S. Tyler, the distinguished professor of Amherst College ; born in Har- foi-d ; for some years a member of this Church ; and one who never ceased to love it and his native town. Another hon- ored son of this church, Judge Henry W. Williams, a Justice in the Supreme Court of the State, completed the group. This gallery of honored men was the work and gift of Miss Jennie Leslie, a member of the Church. Judge Williams' portrait was the gift of his widow. Relics. — We notice the folio wing: 1. The original draft of Articles of Faith and Covenant, drawn up by Rev. Chap- man, June 15, 1800, and signed by the seven original mem- bers of this Church. 2. The original letters of dismission from the Attleboro Church of John Tyler and wife Mercy, and John Thacher, signed by Cyril Carpenter, Moderator of Church, Feb. 4, 1800. 3. Original minutes of the Susque- hanna Association, meeting in Nine Partners (Harford), Sept. 25, 1804. 4. Plan of the interior of the "Meeting house" erected in 1806. Drawn by Clara Tjder Clarke, 1889, and copied by W. L. Thacher. 5. A nearly complete copy of the first hymn books used in the Church. 6. Confession of Faith and Covenant of the Second Congregational Church of Attle- boro, adopted by this Church in 1803. Sheets fastened into this pamphlet contain the signatures of members, in most cases by their own hand, ninety -four in number, from 1800 to 1810. 7. Briefs of sermons of Rev. Peter Thacher, first pastor of the MotherChurch, in his own hand. 8. A sermon written by Rev. E. Kingsbury, and preached twenty-four years before he became our pastor. 9. A question-book in use in Sabbath School about 1820. 10. Copy of the slab and inscription at the grave of Rev. Peter Thacher, Attle- boro. 11. Letter of recommendation, granted to Freeman Peck by the Church in Litchfield, Conn., to unite with this Church, 1812, signed by Lyman Beecher, pastor. 12. Large 43 diagram and plan of frame of "Meeting house," with front and steeple, by Amos Tiffany. Contract attached, dated Feb. 23, 1821. 13. Diagram of pews, with owners' names attached, in the new " Meeting house," before finished, 1825. 14. Plan of gallery, with pews, and names attached. 15. Deed of land on which Church stands, granted by Hosea and Amos Tiffany, Sept. 4, 1824. It is provided that the grantors shall have the right to open the house on the 24tli of June and the 27th of December, yearly, for the use of a Masonic Lodge. Also on the 4th of July for the celebration of American Inde- pendence. [Note.— This right was exercised till 1838. Amos Tiffany relinquished it for $25.] 16. Church Man- ual of the Mother Church, 1881. It begins with the for- mation in 1748. Total members 1083. Among its dea- cons are Wilmarths, Carpenters, Thachers, a Read, a Rich- ardson, a Claflen. Among its members are many Har- ford family names. John Tyler and wife and John Thacher united in 1780. 17. Map of Attleboro, 1832. The town was half woodland. The residence of Deacon Peter Thacher is marked. His son, John Thacher ( who came with Rev. Fritch as a delegate), now owns the homestead. The house was erected in 1779 by Rev. Peter Thacher. Daniel Carpen- ter, a Nine Partner who never settled in Harford, was living in Attleboro, 1832. Scattered over the map are Blacking- tons, Caprons, Sweets, Stanleys, etc. 18. Bible used in Lec- ture Room from 1844 to 1882. Nearl}' a score of texts are marked by Rev. A. Miller. 19. Hymn Book. A companion of the present pulpit Bible of the Church. Both were pre- sented to the Church at second dedication, 1852, by seventy- three children. Their names are in the present Bible. This hymn book was the "Boston Collection." Being out of print in 1879, the present "Church Hymn Book," by Hat- field, was substituted. 20. Sabbath School hymnbooksand question books, in use 1840-'60. 21. Records of the "Be- nevolent Society," 1819. Neat writing; carefully kept. 22. Charter of the First Congregational Society of Harford, 1832, on parchment. George Wolf, Governor. 23. Subscrip- 44 tion list, 1828, $460. Sixty-one names. 24. Records, Inde- pendent Young Men's Temperance Society, Harfoi-d, 1834. Ninety-five signatures. 25. Miller's [Rev. A.] Prize Essay on the immorality of the traffic in ardent spirits. Addressed to the Citizens of Susquehanna County, 1835. 26. Revival Hymns of Rev. Orson Parker, 1855. 27. Duplicate record of Vol. I, Church records, 1800 to 1846. The original is in the writing of John Thacher, Rev. E. Kingsbury, and Dea. Joab Tyler, clerks of the Church. Roll has 463 names. Rec- ord of baptisms very long. Some of them go back into the Mother Church for twenty years previous to 1800. Into this duplicate is also copied a book containing the record of all meetings held from 1821 to 1827, relating to the erection of the new " Meeting house." Total 175 pages. To be con- tinued until five volumes are duplicated. 28. Village ceme- tery map. All lots and avenues marked, both in the old part and the new; and names attached, with numbers. Inter- ments for 104 years. Very valuable. Drafted by E. T. Tif- fany. 29. Bass viol used in Church sixty years ago. Pay- son Kingsbury played it, Geo. Pride later. 30. Foot stove or warmer. Drawer for hot coals. Very generally used in early days. 31. Contribution boxes with long handles, used forty years ago. 32. Two pedestals formerly occupying either side of the pulpit. Upon these stood tall lamps; both in existence; as also one of the ancient bracket lamps. 33. Ancient picture, " The Life and Age of Man." Choir. — Eight rehearsals in seven weeks, with Mrs. Geo. R. Resseguie as leader. It involved much care and labor on her part. Her home is five miles out of town. Seven anthems were selected, and the skillful training of nearly twenty voices was very apparent on Centennial day. The renderings were excellent. We owe this lady a debt of grati- tude. Her talent in leadership was most convincingly dem- onstrated. And to our choir we owe mei'ited praise. The members were: (Sopranos), Mrs. Geo. R. Resseguie, Mrs. F. W. Wilmarth, Mrs. A. H. Rynearson, Misses Edna Payne, Ethel Tiffany, Susie Matthews, Jennie Shannon, 45 Mabel Sherwood. (Altos), Misses Lena Payne, Mame Car- penter. (Tenors), W. B. Hammond, Walter Lewis, Leon Tingley, Eugene Osmun. (Bassos), U. B. Lott, E. J. Tjder, Arthur Tingley. Organist, Miss Minnie Darrow. Titles of Anthems : "Sacred Peace," A.Baunbach "Hark, hark my Soul," IF. O. Perkins " Something for Thee," A. W. Nelson "God be Merciful," M. L. McPhail "Bread of the World," Chas. H. Gabriel "Hear my Prayer," L.O. Emerson "Saviour, now the day is Ending," ./. S. Fearis The choir, usually singing in the left alcove of the audience room, were this day in the gallery, the place prepared for them when the Church was built. At several singings in the afternoon the audience rose, turned, and faced the choir, thus reviving an old custom in the Church. Said a lady, " How vividly this brought back the days of my childhood." An anniversary hymn was sung in the afternoon, by re- quest. The music is by Prof. S. N. Thatcher of Binghamton. The sweet singer. Miss Jennie Moore, came back to her native town to remember the Church of her father and mother; to assist in this Centennial. In the evening service she rendered most acceptably the solo, "The Holy City." Miss Lena Payne, organist. Mrs. C. E. S. Bre-wster's poem came in the forenoon ses- sion. Her voice was low, and most of the audience did not hear. Those that did, praised it. Sarah Jones was once this lady's teacher. The teacher wrote the poem of '78 ; the pupil that of 1900. The two will stand together. Both productions are most worthy. Cemctepy. — Harford people have a custom once in two years of calling together willing workers for a day of renova- tion in this "City of the Dead." Its population is nearly or quite one thousand. No lopping head-stones, no weeds and 46 briars, no disordered fences here. Many of its lots receive reverent care through all the year. The "bee" in May did effective work. White flags, reading "Nine Partner," were placed at the six graves; and another set, reading "Original Member of Church," were placed at seven graves. Printed and prepared by W. B. Hammond. Church and Yard.— Three days were given up to reno- vation. E. J. Tyler, an excellent leader and also a hard worker, took charge. Messrs. Jefifers, McConnell, F. P. Ting- ley, Manwell, Decker, Watson, Withers, Hepburn, Shannon, were workers, inside and outside, as needed; and a score of ladies did most thoroughly a large amount of work in audi- ence room and galler^^ Mrs. W. B. Hammond should be remembered. The Christian Endeavor Society efficiently served in work in the Lecture Room. Solicitors. — Provision was gathered for feeding five hundred. Nothing was purchased. Ladies in different parts of the township were, Mrs. Harry Estabrook, Miss Hattie Alworth, Miss May Sweet, Mrs. W. B. Hammond, Mrs. E. J. Tyler, Mrs. E. M. Watson, Mrs. Frank Hine, Miss Ger- trude Stearns, Mrs. Frank Tingley. To Mrs. Hine was en- trusted the preparation and serving. Right ^vell she per- formed the task, assisted by fible helpers all through Centen- nial day. Also at noon by the three members of committee on entertainment. Decoration. — The Christian Endeavor Society and the Sunday School had the honor of decorating their Church for its one hundredth birthday. This they did through commit- tees from each, making a joint committee asfollows: Misses May Sweet, Lou Rogers,, Clyde Patterson, Jennie Shaniion, Carrie and Nina Williams, Orvey Maynard, Harry Shannon, Frank Hepburn, Walter Maynard, Susie Matthews, Ethel Tiffany, Mabel Sherwood. The great bulk of the work fell on the first tw^o. The Vtisses Williams prepared the fine mottoes in silver at froiit and rear of room, and the one in vestibule. Other Workers. - One among us was always remem- 47 bering what others forgot; on the alert to do the thing that must be done now, if wer; helping by his judgment those who asked it; taking oil: burdens from heavily loaded shoul- ders; working for hai nony where discord might come; sacrificing time, comfovt, business for the Church and Cen- tennial; our brother, Edward E. Jones Our stenographer, Ivviss Harriet M. Johnston, Susque- hanna, deserves mention. She was very faithful. The strain was severe but the place: of duty was filled to the last word of the benediction. The committee on entertainment for the night, Mrs. U. B. Lott, Miss May Sweet, Mrs. W. B. Hammond were also faithful. And Frank R. Tiffany assumed the whole burden of pas- senger transportation. [The committee insist upon the following tribute to our Secretary, Prof W. L. Thacher, who has modestly left him- self out in the preceding pages.] "He was the center of everything connected with the Cen- tennial. His head and heart were completely devoted to the work, putting in a large part of his time for six months. Without his ability and careful attention to every detail, our Centennial v^'ould have fallen far shortof whatit was. Com- pared with the volume of his labors before and after the Cen- tennial, all others are but a trifle. Harford can never repay him for the service, but future generations will rise up to call him blessed." In the calendar of the Church at Attleboro, for the week beginning June 10, 1900 (a copy of which was sent the Sec- retary), was the following announcement: "Friday. — Our daughter Church at Harford, Pa., will cel- ebrate her centennial anniversary. Our Church will be rep- resented by the minister and Mr. John Thacher." Verdict. — The very predominant expression of opinion 48 was, "What a successful Centennial!" Said a lady, "It made me ten years younger." Said another, "You have reached and realized your expectations." One man asked if the ministers present represented the ability, spirit, and the- ology of Congregationalism. One of the visiting clergymen, writing back, said, "You may be sure that I enjoyed my stay with you very much, and hope that my efforts on your behalf were helpful. If they were, it is all I ask. Certainly your Church has a good record. May you help to make as good a one for the generation that is coming on into the work. I consider it an honor to be a part of that Centen- nial." Said another visiting clergyman of ripe age and ex- perience, "I have attended many such anniversaries but never one showing so much fine ability in its addresses, and so delightful an atmosphere of sociabilit}'." And again, "The whole Centennial was on a plane much higher than the average." June 25. The Centennial committee met for the last time. Finance was the eager topic, and much pleasure came with the final summing up. We could pay all expenses. The good people of Harford and others who were once with us and still love us had subscribed $200 for this Centennial. Of this, $120 will be the cost of this pamphlet-book. Cur- rent expenses, $80. A vote of thanks was heartily given the Odd Fellows, who granted us their hall free of expense. Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Tanner were thanked for their hospitality in allowing all sessions to be held in their pleasant home. Closing remarks v^rere made by a number of members. Pleasure had been experienced in our repeated gatherings, even though they were seasons of anxious thought. An im- portant date in the life of the Church had been remembered and suitably celebrated. It has passed into history. We did not forget our duty. Said one, "Let us begin the new century with love; love 49 to each other"; which was the echo from the beautiful tribute to Love made by our Mother Church's pastor, in his closing address. JUNE 15. 1900. " They gazed intense Upon the Dial's face which yonder stands In gold, before the Sun of Righteousness, Jehovah ; and computes times, seasons, years. And destinies; and slowly numbers o'er The mighty cycles of eternity." — Po7/o/i. One century ! One hundred years ! What a vast panorama of thought floods our minds in its contemplation. Of its beginning we have only the written words of the historian. He tells us of the hardships, priva- tions, and the humble, plodding life. Its ending, we, spec- ially blessed of God, have been permitted to witness. Yes, to labor for and join in with, these special services that marked the Centennial celebration of the Congregational Church of Harford. The weather was ideal. The showers that marred the Re- union of the previous day had ceased and the air was cooler. Life ^vas thoroughly enjoyable w^ithin doors or without. The dear old Church was dearer than ever this morning. To some of us it had been our home for a half-century. Its tasteful interior was made more so by special decoration. In the rear of the audience-room was our motto: "Thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee." Over the pulpit was its counterpart: "They shall walk, Lord, in the light of thy countenance." Underneath the first was a bank of potted plants and flowers. Over the second were the large figures in silver, 1800-1900. From these, two festoons of evergreen drooped. On each side of the pulpit were flowers in profusion. More adorned the table. In the alcoves, right and left, were palms and ferns ; one being the fine large fern of Mrs, 52 Julia Estabrook. And wreaths and festoons of evergreens were abundant. Nor in the pretty and appropriate decora- tions was the flag of our hearts' fealty, "the stars and stripes" forgotten. In the vestibule were also decorations in evergreen. Prominent was the text: " Praise ye the Lord." Rev. Wilson S. Fritch was the first arrival; preceding afternoon. Alighting from the Kingsley stage at 3 p. m., he had hastened at once unattended (for our people were at the Reunion) to the Church. Here, and in the Relic room, and the cemetery adjoining, he took those mental notes and im- pressions that help to form an opinion of a people, a com- munity. But a thoughtful lady found him and soon made him the guest of Pastor Man well. Ably serving us the next day, he left early Saturday morn, and was in his own pulpit for Sabbath service. Rev. Frank J. Goodwin, of our "Sister Church," arrived at 11 a. m. He was welcomed by the secretary as an old acquaintance, though they had never met. A pleasant cor- respondence had removed all restraint. He left for the station at 5 p. m., staying with us only about six hours, and making the long journey of 250 miles solely to please and benefit us. Revs. Waters, Taylor, Ives, Crane came on the morning stage. Rev. Waters was obliged to leave at 4 p. m. The others remained with us till Saturday. Rev. C. C. Mackay with a load of his parishioners from Oakland was here at 9:30. Rev. Buell of Syracuse did not reach Harford till afternoon, and returned to the station immediately after his evening sermon. Another example of sacrifice of time, strength, comfort, to please us. Mrs. C. E. S. Brewster of Montrose attended the Reunion as well as the Centennial. Delegate John Thacher and wife from the "Mother Church" arrived at 9:30 from Kingsley. He is a cousin of W. L. Thacher, both being lineal descendants of Rev. Peter Thacher. They returned to Kingsley station Saturday, for the noon train. Mr. Thacher's curiosity to see the land 53 chosen by the Nine Partners, two of whom were his great- uncles, was gratified. He was astonished at our hills; for Attleboro is a level township. Delegate from the Church at Candor, N. Y., Mrs. Maria Oakley Hull, was a former mem- ber of this Church. John Watkins was delegate from Clif- ford ; and Rev. Mackay was accompanied by a delegate. We are able to note the following from abroad : Prof. S. Newell Thacher and wife, Mrs. Adaline Woalhiser, Mrs. Liz- zie Upham, all grandchildren of Samuel Thacher, Nine Part- ner. Mrs. Jennie Pennepacker, Mrs. Amanda Babcock, Mrs. Cynthia Tiffany Butler, Mrs. W. J. Lowry, Mrs. Mary Bag- ley Brewster, Mrs. Julia Gere, Mrs. Eleanor S. Thacher, Mrs. Cynthia T. Pickett, Mrs. Amanda B. Sherwood, Dennison K. Oakley and wife, Newell W. Tiffany. All the above, former members of this Church. Also Wm. Pitt Bailey and wife, Harvey Summers and wife, Leo L. LeRoy and wife, William Tanner and wife, Mrs. Maggie S. Curtis and daughter, Mrs. Mary S. Hagar, Mrs. Elvira Browning, Miss Nellie Hartley, Mrs. John Hayden, Mrs. Celia Bailey, Mrs. Helen Simpson, Mrs. Ella Lauder, Mrs. Ann Read Moxley, Mrs. Eleanor Read Elwell, Miss Ruth Marean, Delzene Marean, William Miller, Jasper Seymour, Julius Tyler, E. Dennison Tyler, Mrs. Laura C. Southworth, R. B. Truesdell and wnfe, Mrs. J. Spaulding, Payson K. Dickerman and son, Messrs. Tomp- kins, Dr. W. W. Fletcher and wife, Elmer Tiel and wife, Fred E. Moore and wife, Mrs. L. W. Moore, Mrs. Edward Clin- ton, Prof. J. A. Sophia and wife, Mrs. Lizzie Tiffany, Mrs. Helen Follet, Geo. R. Resseguie, Bert Lott, G. C. Howell, J. M. Brundage. Roswell Miller of New York, and Fred. A. Miller of Chi- cago, sons of Rev. A. Miller, sent letters of regret at not be- ing able to accept invitation to be present. The morning session was well attended. The afternoon session taxed the seating capacity of the Church to its ut- most—chairs and benches included-— while both sides of the 54 gallery were full. The attendance at the evening session was smaller. Dinner was served in Odd Fellows' Hall to 375 persons, and supper to 150. So well had our people contributed to all the necessaries of the table that this large number were full}- cared for, " without money and without price." It was remarked that though the demand was very great, yet the provision, like the widow's handful of meal and cruse of oil, never failed. "Always enough for one more." The tables were each served by a hostess and waiters, efficiently. And these, though not here named, are gratefully remembered. The cemetery v^^as an attractive place for rambling. Seats were provided in various parts. Delegate John Thacher looked up all the Thachers. And the hall of relics came in for a share. It is believed they were well examined. One gentleman admired the duplicate record, and wished the privilege of photographing the document just one hundred years old this afternoon — Rev. Chapman's Confession of Faith and signatures. The old bell that has swung in the belfry for sixty-four years cheerily called us to joyous and sacred services. No like occasion since the Miller semi-centennial of 1878. And the program for the day was begun. Vr CENTENNIAL OF CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. The pastor explained that as Rev. John Merriam, former pastor of the Church, was not present the opening devo- tional exercises would be conducted by Dr. Edward Taylor of Binghamton, N. Y. Dr. Taylor read the Scripture from the fourth chapter of Joshua. Hymn 112. Prayer : Our Father and our Maker, Ancient of Days, meet with us. We don't send a card, we don't send a servant, we have stopped the organ, we have stopped the singing, we have stopped everything, and come in person. We want thee; we must have thee. We v^ill close our house, we will go back to our homes, if we cannot have thee. Lord, is this enough? Art thou satisfied that we want thee ? may the conscious- ness of the presence of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit per- vade all the assemblies to-day. We pray thee that we may sound a high key-note. Come Holy Spirit, come Holy Spirit ; we open our hearts, we are waiting ; but we are not waiting for thee, w^e are v^^aiting on thee. There is no need to wait for thee on so lofty and supreme an occasion. We thank thee for looking after us in nature and providence, for baptizing the earth in showers, for purifying the atmos- phere; it seems as if thou hadst laid thyself out to make a day for this occasion. We pray that all who take part here may feel they are ordained, and that this may be an occa- sion whose influence may be felt down through the centuries that come, for the cause of a blessed Redeemer. Lord, we don't want to come up to these heights and go back again without a blessing. If there is a person that comes here to-day that is a backslider, may such an one turn to Christ with deep love and be saved ; if any one comes here to-day that is not a Christian, may the best feature that can attend 56 us be the conversion of such. Lord, we make it all over, we make it all over to thee; thine the hand, we human beings only just the fingers. We make the whole day over to thee for the sake and name and glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. Anthem by choir: "In Thy Care, Father." J. P. Manwell: I had anticipated that there would be many to-day who would not be thoroughly acquainted with us as a Church, or at least if you have been acquainted with us in the past and have learned to love us in the Church, there are many who have been away from the old place for some years and are not thoroughly acquainted with what w^e are doing in the present. We are about to inform you to some degree as to our efforts and success in the various departments of our Church work; what is being accomplished by the different departments which they represent. Sunday-School Report by E. E. Jones, Sup't: It was in 1816 that a Sunday-School was organized in this Church, and it has been an "evergreen" Sunday-School from that day to this. It has always been a strong arm of the Church. To-day we have a well-equipped school of 150 members, including a Home Department of 40. At the last County Sunday-School Convention we were pleased to note that our school was well toward the front in the essentials of a good Sunday-School. We endeavor to be progressive and up-to-date in our methods. Quite likely the school would appear different to you now from what it was when you were pupils, but we are sure the changes would meet with your approval, in that all the good traditions of the past are an inspiration for the present and future, and can be traced in the school of to-day. We strive to make strong, healthy. Christian character, the same as you did so success- fully in years gone by. We retain your conservatism, but yoke with it the approved and successful methods of our 57 day. We trust our school is doing much for our Church, comuiunity, and country, even as it has all of these many years ; and that the history we are making to-day will com- pare favorably with that of the noble past. Report of Christian Endeavor Society by W. B. Ham- mond, Pres't: The Christian Endeavor Society of our Church was or- ganized in 1888 with nine members, and for a time flourished finely, but was allowed to die out, or nearly so. About four years ago it was reorganized, and since that time has been working for Christ and the Church. There is quite an inter- est taken in our weekly prayer meetings; and generally a good attendance. Since it was organized it has been a great help to the Church, being a good school for the young in the service of the Church, and helping to hold up the hands of our pastor. The names now on the roll number about 30 ; quite a number have joined the Church. Money has been given for missionary work, and quite a large sum for Church use. The following report of the Junior Christian Endeavor Society was read by Pres't Hammond of the Senior Society : The Junior Christian Endeavor Society was organized in the latter part of 1896 with a membership of about a dozen. The time seemed peculiarly auspicious for such an enterprise, there being a goodly number of children who could be read- ily reached by it, and for a year or two flourished remark- ably, the membership roll at one time reaching 27. The number of members is not quite so large now, being but 23, and the average attendance is 10 or 15. But perhaps we are on as good and substantial a basis as when the member- ship was larger, the general attendance a little better, and the enthusiasm over a comparatively new thing more in evidence. While we are as desirous as ever for the many to come to the weekly meetings, our chief concern is in the in- struction and upbuilding of the little ones who do come. 58 whether they be few or many. Neither are we so much con- cerned with the machinery of an Endeavor Society which, especially among children, is apt to require so much atten- tion and lubricating to keep it running; but with the prod- uct, well influenced boys and girls, instructed in Christian truth, and taught to handle the Bible. Here lies our chief concern. At the age of fourteen we graduate the children on Christian Endeavor day into the Senior Society with suit- able exercises. We have thus far graduated two. One of our number has joined the Church, and since the society was organized, from two to three dollars have been given to missions. Report of Ladies' Aid Society by Mrs. W. B. Hammond: An efficient auxiliary of the Church is the Ladies' Aid So- ciety, formed in the fall of 1883, during the pastorate of Rev. John Merriam. This society has made many improvements about the Church and parsonage, building in 1886 a dining room and kitchen adjoining the lecture room; and in 1891 ceiling and papering the Church. For the parsonage it has built a barn, laid stone walks, painted the outside and im- proved the inside. It has also aided in the general Church expenses. During the first fifteen years of its existence it raised nearly $2000. Report of Ladies' Missionary Society read by Mrs. Hor- ace Sweet: The missionary activities of the Church date back to 1819, when the Harford Benevolent Society was formed. Very appropriately, no distinction of sex appears to have been made in this society, but among the list of donors we are sorry to say no feminine names appear, probably be- cause in those good old days one purse, one gift suificed. Any person subscribing not less than twenty-five cents quarterly and paying it before the first Monday in January, April, July and October was considered a member of this society, and any kind of produce was received in payment. The constitution 59 says: " The appropriations of this society shall be for the support of domestic missions or the education of pious, in- digent young men for the gospel ministry, according to the request of the donor." Apparently the contributions of this society for one year alone amounted to some over $105. In 1821 the Ladies' Reading society was formed. At its meetings the members would sew for missionary purposes on materials contributed by their number, with the excep- tion of one w^ho A^^ould read for the entertainment and in- struction of those present, thus preventing gossip. It is interesting to note that this society had at the start 59 members. In 1830 it remodeled its constitution, and changed its name to the Ladies' Sewing Society, and the number of members was 42. In 1852 we find it again mak- ing some changes in its constitution and again changing its name, this time to the Ladies' Benevolent Society, but prac- tically remaining the same as when it first started. It is in- teresting to notice tjiat much of the material contributed was in yarn and "socks." Though organized for missionary purposes its contributions went later on into home channels, because of the pressure of Church needs, becoming finally the present Ladies' Aid Society. Thus the Church was left for a time without any dis- tinctly missionary society, though several attempts were made to start one, and finally resulted in our present Ladies' Missionary Society, which was organized in the latter part of 1896 with eight members. It numbers at present 20. Though not large in numbers we feel that God has greatly blessed it. The first year it did little but strive to awaken an interest among the ladies of the Church by studying about the work over the wide field. The next year it sup- ported Boghos Garebedian, an Armenian orphan, in one of the orphanages of Harpoot, Turkey, besides sending $10 to the Womans' Home Missionary Union and $3 to the Womans' Board. Last year we did nearly as well and hope to do much better this year. If only all the women of the Church could be upon our roll ! A cent a week is all that is 60 required for membership. How much we might accomplish ; and the need is so great ! Are we doing all we can to help others know of the blessed Christ ? Could the Lord say of each one of us if we were to be called into his presence to- day, "She hath done what she could?" Mrs. J. P. Mawell, President. Rev. J. P. Manwell: It has occurred to me that these reports would hardly be complete as representing the work of the Church without some report .of the pastor in reference to his pastoral labors and the present condition of the Church. We have on our roll at present a total of 1 56 names. During the very nearly four years which I have been here we have lost by death 9, and by letter, dismissing them to other churches 7 ; making a total of 16. During that interval of time we have gained 41. In 1896 fifteen were received into the Church, in 1897 nine were received, in the two years of '98 and '99 fifteen were received ; during the present year thus far but one. A total of 41 for the very nearly four years. We hold regularly two prayer meetings each week. When I first came here I soon discovered that the people were notminded, and many were not able, to come the long distance to the village for a prayer meeting during the week, and so I thought to myself that as the people couldn't come to the prayer meeting here, the meeting should go to them ; so we have since then held a meeting each week in some one of the outside districts, arranging it so that it comes once every two weeks in each district. Our village meeting has been increas- ing in attendance somewhat, and in interest. I think that the spiritual life of the Church is certainly to-day as high as it has been at any time during my pastorate. Our benevo- lences are given every two months, one to each of the Con- gregational Missionary Societies ; and our contributions for the past year have been much larger, I am very sure, than for any year since I have been here, and I think for several years. Thus I think we may safely say that the Church is in a 61 fairly prosperous condition as regards its spiritual life, and also as regards its temporal welfare. Our trustees perform the work devolving upon them well and manfully. Now we are prepared to hear some of the good things that our guests will bring us to-day, and I don't know that we could do anything more appropriate than to ask Dr. Taylor to bring us first a few words of greeting, if he will begin the list of greetings from our invited guests. Dr. Edward Taylor : (With some hesitation.) I always do what they tell me to, and I am going to speak to-night. Friends, I am glad to see you. I don't see anybody that w^as present when the Church was formed one hundred years ago ; I don't know anybody here that will be here one hundred years from now. When we adjourn I sup- pose it will be to meet one hundred years from now. It is a happy thought to commemorate; we ought to do it right. And it does seem to me exactly as if God had laid himself out to make a day on purpose for us. We are asking him to be here, and he will be the best guest present. But if I don't look out I will say something that I intend to say to-night. It is a great thing to be a pastor of a church one hundred years old ; and we hope one hundred years from now they will have as good a report to make as this morning. Rev. J. P. Manwell, Chairman: A Church that has drawn peculiarly near to us, or drawn us peculiarly near to it, is the First Congregational Church of Binghamton, which will now bring us its greeting. Rey. N. M. Waters: Our delegate is not here I am sorry to say ; at least I think he is not here, and he is a citizen of your county, I believe, and we elected him delegate because we thought he would come— Mr. Pratt. I had't expected to make my speech just now, but I am going to tell you what was in my heart. I have been wrestling with a temptation. A long time ago 62 we were taught in the Sunday School that " Thou shalt not covet," but I have been coveting all day. When I came to the train this morning and found Dr. Taylor there with his bright, cheery way, and then sat and listened to him along the road, I said to myself, " I hope if I live to be as old as Dr. Taylor I may be as good and happy as Dr. Taylor." Then I came to the station down here, and I soon found that there was a goodly company of people coming, and I found that many of them had been born here ; and I am sorry ever since I hadn't been born here. If I had it to do over again I think I should come here to be born. And as I came along, the vision of loveliness grew, and here were the daisies and buttercups; and I came where the cattle were deep in the grass, and I then wished I could be one of the kind and stand out there with the buttercups and daisies ; and there were strawberries red and luscious and ripe hiding amid the green, and I wanted to get out and pick them. And as I rode into town to-day I saw a harbinger of what I hope there is to follow, as I came by the open door of the Odd Fellows' Hall ; and I am now living in great expectation. And then I came into church, and went into 3'our chapel, and looked in your faces, and heard that report of which I think you should be proud. And another thing. If Brother Manwell ever gets pro- moted to heaven, and may he go late to heaven, I would like to be a candidate; I would like to come here, too. If I could just see these fields and these hills and all the beauty that you have here ( with Brother Jones's beautiful house down there), I think this is the choic- est spot I have ever seen. And I am here in the name of my Church to say that when we elected our delegate we thought he would come ; and the last words I heard this morning before leaving home were the words of my little son and also the words of his grandmother; they were both saying, "I wish I could go, too." The hearts of Binghamton are with you to-day bidding you God speed and God's blessing. 63 Chairman : It is not fitting that we should go any farther in our list of friends who would bring us greeting, without first hear- ing from the former pastors of the Church. One of them is present, Brother Ives. Rey. R. N. Iyes: I should be, and am, very glad to be here; happy to be here. My pastorate here was very short, but blissful. My wife said that she was sorry she ever came to Harford to five because she had to go away, and I felt a little that way myself, though it has been my privilege to return a few times occasionally; but never so glad as to-day. Dr. Taylor says "This is a great occasion." Oh, how great! One hun- dred years of faithful coming and going to the Lord's house, preaching and laboring for the advancement of his kingdom. And the thought that we are in such awful presence. I don't talk a great deal about the presence of the spirits of those who have withdrawn from us, but I do think they are some- times very near us, and if so, what presence are we in to-day besides the presence of our blessed Lord ? We have been looking around here in this city of the dead, and they seem not to be dead this morning ; they seem to be living in the generation that we greet here to-day. And one of the happiest things that I have to speak of or to be spoken to about, is that I was for a little while pastor of this dear Church in Harford. It was a pleasant experience to me. I wish it might have been a more profitable experi- ence to you. I rejoice to hear the good report from my dear brother, the pastor of this church, and with my Brother Waters I hope his pastorate may be long and pleasant and happy ; and co-operative with this, may promote the king- dom of God here. We rejoice with you and are glad. Chairman : After listening to these words you cannot wonder at the 64 love which has followed Brother Ives. Let us sing " Coro- nation." Hymn 516, "All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name." The following letter was read from Rev. Nestor Light, former pastor of the Church : "I find the burdens of a new settlement so great that it will be impossible to be in Harford to aid in your rejoicing. Wonderful as the hundred years of the past have been, may the second hundred be even more fruitful of good. May the living members consecrate themselves to that end, and may the Great Head of the Church add his blessing." The following letter was read from F. W. Dickinson, pas- tor of Congregational Church at Candor, N. Y. : "It is a matter of great regret to me that I cannot at- tend your Centennial. For a full month I have had an en- gagement for the 13th of June which takes me away. Mrs. Hull, a member of our Church and born and brought up in Harford, is a delegate from the Church. Will be present and represent us ; that is, she now expects to attend. "Wishing you God's blessing and the inspiration of the ' cloud of witnesses ' above you, " Yours most fraternally, "F. W. Dickinson." Following letter read from Abel S. Wopd, pastor of Con- gregational Church, Maine, N. Y. : " Your kind invitation to be present, by pastor and dele- gate, at the Centennial celebration of the Congregational Church of Harford, is thankfully received by the Congrega- tional Church of Maine, N. Y. "But we regret that various hindrances combine to pre- vent our presence on what must be so pleasant an occasion to all concerned. The Church at Maine, however, sends fraternal greetings and hearty congratulations to the Church at Harford, that it has been enabled, for a century. 65 to hold out the light of truth to the world ; and trusts the close of another century may still find the 'Church of the Pilgrims in Harford ' standing up for freedom of conscience, and for liberty and fraternity of Christians. " We congratulate the Harford Church, also, on the fact that in its one hundred years of existence it has had but six pastors. Such a fact is of untold value to the entire frater- nity of Congregational Churches. May the evident har- mony of the Harford Church prevail for an hundred years to come, and may our Father's richest blessings rest upon all its labors in the salvation of souls. " Wishing you grace, mercy, and peace, we are fraternally yours, "Abel S. Wood, Pastor, "Seth C. Carman, Clerk." Chairman : The Congregational Church of Oakland, no doubt has a representative present, for the pastor wrote that if the weather should be suitable a wagon load of his people ex- pected to come ; and surely they could not hesitate to-day on account of the weather. Is Brother Mackay present ? Rev. C. C. Mackay, Pastor of Congregational Church, Oak- land, Pa.: I wish to state that I am a Scotchman by birth, but by adoption an American citizen, and have come from the state of Rhode Island. I am also pastor of the Oakland Church, and when I received the invitation I assure you I was glad. I was delighted when I read there was something to be said concerning Attleborough and Pawtucket. I said I would go if the Lord permitted me; and so I am here. I expect to hear some entertaining remarks from the Church here, and of the work that has been sent from Attleborough and Pawtucket to this place. I would say in behalf of the Church of Oak- land, Pa., we congratulate you upon your great success dur- 66 ing the hundred years, and hope you will have as great dur- ing the next hundred. We hope and trust that we, as a Church, may remain as long upon the earth and do as great and grand work as the people in this Church and those who have gone elsewhere. The Congregational Church of Clifford being called, a voice from the gallery responded, which proved to be Mr. John Watkins, Delegate from Congregational Church at Clifford, Pa. We congratulate you, the Church of Harford, for the suc- cesses vou have made in the last hundred years, and hope that your children and their children may follow the same God that their fathers and forefathers have followed. The Church of Clifford is thirtj^-seven years younger than this Church, but in some other respects the same. We have had but six pastors in the century commenced there. We con- gratulate you, the Church of Harford. Many of our mem- bers attended the school, and used to come here years ago. I was one. We were here when Mr. Miller was pastor in 1862 ; and I am here to-day to represent our Church. Chairman : Has not our sister Church across the way w^ords of greet- ing for us now? Is Brother Fisher, the pastor, present? If not, perhaps Dr. Brundage will respond for the Methodist Church. Dr. Brundage, Representative of M. E. Church of Harford, Pa.: I expected the Church across the way would be represent- ed by its pastor. If he is not here, I can say that the Church across the way sends cordial greetings ; and w^e are happy to know that our sister Church here is doing a grand work, and we bid you God speed, and pray God's blessing upon every well-directed effort for the up-building of humanity and the cause of the Master. 67 Following letter read from Rev. F. M. Davenport, Pastor St. James M. E. Church, Kingston, N. Y. : "Your kind invitation to attend the 100th anniversary of the Harford Congregational Church has been received. Be- cause of engagements at home it is not possible for me to ac- cept. But I shall follow the proceedings with eager interest. The careers of Adam Miller and Lyman Richardson have been a source of great inspiration to me, and I have high admiration for the people of Harford, for your historic Church, and for the Academy which flourished so long in your midst, and whose influence is immortal. " Fraternally yours, "Frederick M. Davenport." Chairman : Among our invited guests is Dr. Crane of Uniondale. Dr. Crane, Pastor of Presbyterian Church at Uniondale, Pa.: I did not expect to be called up to say any thing this morn- ing, but I am very glad to be present with you and to greet you upon this anniversary, the 100th of your church-life. We looked upon Harford for many years as a place of great exhibitions. The members of the old Academy from this county and other counties came to be present at those exhi- bitions. Then your great fair which brings everybody to visit. And we are glad to come to your anniversary to-day. There are many changes here ; many things that have riv- eted my heart to Harford, though I never was a pastor of this Church, and never married a wife here. I think a great deal of Harford people. There sits very close to me the lady that took me by the hand when I was in sin and led me to my Saviour; came to my room when I was in New Milford. Miss Tiffany; now Mrs. Cynthia Butler; you all know her. And it was in Adam Miller's study, the old parsonage here, I was induced to take the first step in the ministry. My first examination was made there -with Brother Miller and a few 68 others ; and how they worked for me ! If my ministry has been a failure, it is not their fault. I used to come here quite often to preach. I did it with a great deal of comfort when I came to preach for Brother Miller. I have been here many times ; once when I wouldn't have come if I had known what was wanted of me. You telegraphed you wanted me to preside at your Church meet- ing. I did the best I could, but we got out of it very well. Then you wanted a minister. People came to me and asked whom they could get. I said, " Get R. N. Ives." Th,ey said, "Who is R. N. Ives?" I told them. They wrote, but couldn't get him. They wrote to me, " Whom can we get ?" I wrote back simply, "Get R. N. Ives." I passed through the village of Harford and Brother Tiffany, whose name is well known to the churches, Congregational and Methodist, hailed me and said, "Whom will we get?" I said, "Get R. N. Ives." I went on a little way, and met Mr. Jones. He said, "Whom will we get?" I said, "R. N. Ives." I met Brother. Ives; he said, "I will not come;" but he did come. And these little things brought me to Harford ; one of your ladies seeking to bring me into Church w^hen I was a poor, .wandering boy from my Father's house; your pastor lead- ing me into the ministry. The old parsonage doesn't look much as it did then. Meeting these dear friends, helping this Chnrch to get a pastor, I have a good deal of interest. As I come I remem- ber the past ; I remember when this Church was dedicated, 1852. I was a little boy in school at New Milford; but was wonderfully interested in that service, and it helped me very much in my lifework ; men that I had never heard before preaching in a manner that touched my heart. It just kept coming down, and coming down. There was Adam Miller, who looked after me, from my earliest infancy. As I stood to-day where his body is laid in this cemetery I felt that you, as well as myself, had lost the dearest friend the world ever knew. His heart was so broad and so great. 69 I am very glad that the Lord has cared for his Church. I hope there will be another centennial, and I hope if it is God's will that he who stands here to-day may see many long years. Of course I cannot remember the first pastor, but he was long a member of the Church of which I was afterwards pastor. And Uncle Lyman Richardson was one of the men who came to me in my father's house and put his hand on my head, and until his death encouraged me to make a man of myself. And another name that I will men- tion, and it is not a name that will hurt anybody's feelings, a man who had a great deal to do with my life, Henry W. Williams, afterwards Judge in the Supreme Court of this State. Until the hour of his death he continued one of my warmest friends. Harford is connected to me very intimately when I think of Lyman Richardson and Judge Williams, and others. Shall I mention them ? No. I think that every worker is called, and if we are called, we should do it. I think that the woman on the hill in her kitchen work is filling her sphere as well as the great men whose names go down in history. I believe these people in Harford are doing a good work; and we do not wonder that people all over the states look back to Harford. Why ? Because it has left an impression upon men; and the influences of a little town like Harford have done so much. I am glad to meet you. May your people grow^ stronger every way until the Master shall call you higher. May the spire point heavenward and the people look higher until the archangel shall proclaim that time is no more. Following letter read from William W. Tyler, Dayton, 0.: Mr. JEdward Jones, Harford, Pa., Dear Sir — I have just received from my brother. Prof. Henry M. Tyler, your kind invitation to the Harford Cen- tennial, together with the programme, and thank you for them. It will be impossible for me to accept it and to at- tend. But I often think of you and of the old home. 70 I am doing at Dayton, a city of 100,000 population, the same work that my great-grandfather and grandfather did at Harford, of starting the first Congregational Church in this city. At the beginning of this year I was elected trustee, deacon, and superintendent of the Sunday-school. I have altogether too many offices and honors. I often look at the photograph of my grandfather which I have, and notice the bullet head and solid figure, and I recall his struggles. I know that I could not do the work that he did. I some- times doubt whether he could do the work that I am doing in this large city. Providence has a work for each genera- tion and fits us for it. With best wishes. Yours truly, William W. Tylkr. Following letter was received from Rev. John Merriam : E. E. JONKS, My Dear Brother — It will give me great pleasure to be with you at your interesting centennial celebration. If I am not there, it will be because it seems impossible for me. While it is getting to be a common thing for churches in these days to celebrate the fact of one hundred years of ex- istence and service, it is with the Harford Church a most interesting occasion. I am glad that I had the privilege of laboring there, and perhaps doing a little good. Our lives must be largely made up of little things. These all enter into, and make up character. I received a kind letter from your pastor inviting me to be present with you. I appreciate it very much. If I can come I will be down on morning train Fridaj^ to Kingsley station. But if it should ha])pen that I am not there, you have my warmest sympathy and desire for the success of the occasion; and heartfelt desire for the present and future success of your grand old Church. Yours very kindly, John Merriam. The following Churches and individuals had been invited 71 by Church missive, but for one reason or another failed to respond either by word or representative: The Plymouth Congregational Church of Binghamton ; the Congregational Church of Chenango Forks, N. Y.; the Park Church of Elmira; the St. Luke's Congregational Church of Elmira ; The Congregational Church of Newark Valley; Rev. E. W. Lake of Binghamton, and Rev. A. D. Stowell of Binghamton. The Congregational Church of Owego, N. Y., had replied through its pastor, saying that it was possible that a delegate and himself would be at the centennial, and requesting information as to how to reach here. The information was furnished, but to our regret Brother Bartholomew was not present. Hymn 422 — "My dear Redeemer and my Lord." Chairman : It was fitting that Mrs. C. E. S. Brewster of Montrose, should be chosen by the Committee to write the poem for this occasion. Mrs. Brewster was formerly a member of the Church, and her heart wells with love for it still. Her poem, " Century Chimes," she will now read. CENTURY CHIMES. Ring old bell ! ring out to-day ! Ring in the same sweet joyous way You did when we were young. Ring ! for children young and old Are gathered back to the dear old fold Where life in Christ begun. Our hearts shall feel the old time thrill — Then send your echoes from hill to hill Deep-toned old Harford bell ! How much you bring of memory sweet Of friends we nevermore shall meet, Our lips can never tell. Ring ! for a hundred years have passed Since this dear Church was builded fast And firm on rock of truth. For strong and earnest minded men, Her firm support and pillars then In time of early youth. So much we owe of all that's good To early work in the beechen wood ; To firm foundations laid — So much of honor and homage due To honest and earnest souls and true, A debt not easy paid. Just love of God was all that then Might call together his chosen men ; They heard no bell's clear call. Perhaps they heard an angel band Long gone before to Summer Land ; With spirit's gentle call. We almost hear their words of prayer As wafted forth on balmy air That wondrous day in June; Or hear them as their voices raise In quavering note of song and praise To some sweet old time tune. The whispering of the forest trees, • The lazy drone of bumble bees. Or robin's cheerful call ; The singing of a bluebird sweet ; The quail's sharp cry of "Wheat ! more wheat ! ' Are mingled with it all. So close to Nature's heart — 'twere well That Nature's voice and man's should swell In one grand hymn of praise; So let us join with hearty voice. Let all the woods and hills rejoice In those historic days. In Christian work, as everywhere, The pioneer has heavy care And trials not a few ; 73 But duty shirked or set aside Whate'er of storm or ill betide, This people never knew. The stern integrity and truth The mother church had taught in youth Stood well in every need — These men of iron frame and will ! Who could so well their mission fill As they in very deed? So labored they with earnest zeal, Whatever came of woe or weal . It all was for the best ; They never thought to question why ; They knew they had a helper nigh, A "Rock" on which to rest. The summers came and passed away. Their weary forms are laid away Upon the hillside near ; But they are living with us still. Their work and worth with honor fill The church they loved so dear. These earnest men and saintly wives Taught us a lesson by their lives Of faithful duty done ; And sons and daughters take their place The teachings of their parents' grace And finish work begun. For more than fifty years, a tower Of giant strength and mighty power Stood strong and firm and true. A man whose love of truth and right Were ever found a beacon light — Whose worthiness we knew. Somewhere amid the sainted throng A gentle spirit tuned to song Has strung its golden lyre ; 74- A teacher — poetess — she blest The church till called to heavenly rest ; To smg sweet praises higher. Small wonder that such record won The church to-day fair as the sun Stands mid these rocks and hills ; That north and south and east and west Her sons so richly, nobly blest Her work with honor fills. And Fancy brings with Memory sweet Dear forms to old familiar seat To many here to-day ; They come as in the years gone by ; The 3'ears ! the years that swiftly fly — Yet here just for to-day. And if to-day an angel throng Shall join in anthem, praise, and song; If voices from the past Teach us a lesson of faith and trust And lives so grand and pure and just O'er all a halo cast. Then years to come like beacon star The church shall shed its light afar; Its mission well fulfill — And God from out whose mighty hand "The centuries fall like grains of sand " Shall guard and keep it still. Clara Evelyn S. Brewster. Mason W. Tyler, Esq., not being present, his address on program was omitted. Hymn 710 — "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing." Benediction by Rev. R. N. Ives. ( Dinner served at Odd Fellows' Hall by ladies of the Church. ) AFTERNOON SESSION. Doxology. Devotional Exercises led by Dr. Crane in the absence of Rev. Nestor Light. Scripture Reading — 121st Psalm. Hymn 670- "Just as I am." Prayer by Rev. Crane : God, Our Father who art in Heaven, we would hallow thy name as again we come into thy courts and seek to praise thee ; and we pray thee, God, that thou wilt give us grace to serve thee aright this afternoon; we feel that thou didst meet with us in the morning service and poured thy blessing upon this people. We thank thee that this afternoon -we have the same covenant-keeping God who kept our fathers, and didst give them wondrous privileges. We thank thee, Lord, for the men and women back in the early dawn of the century; they came here v^^ith their hearts in their hands ; they came here with the Bible in their hands ; and while a hundred years have passed still they and their children and their children's children have ever kept the fire burning upon this altar. And we thank thee Heavenly Father that to-day they can say "Hitherto hath the Lord helped us." We thank thee, God, for the noble men who have here left an influence, who have taught here, who have preached God to the people and led them to their Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We pray thee that thou wilt never leave nor forsake thy people, and grant that these people may realize how good the Lord is. We thank thee, our Father, for the history of the past ; we thank thee, God, for the standing and purpose of to-day. We pray thee that they may go on in the future and that they may have God's blessing to guide them. And now, dear Lord, we pray for a 76 special blessing upon the work of this Church in this com- munity. But we are here to-day, Heavenly Father, in the interest of this Church and for what thou hast done for them during these long, long years. We thank thee, God, for these people who have come here to-day to praise the Lord for his goodness ; and may their last days be their best days, full of grateful joy. And, God, we ask a blessing upon the Sunday School, upon the Christian Endeavor, upon the Ladies' Aid, upon every officer of the Church or society; that the}' may seek to work, not for self, but for the upbuilding of God's kingdom. Bless the pastor of this Church, and dear Lord we pray thee that thou wilt remem- ber him as in the past; and, God, it is not of the man merely ; wilt thou grant to keep him in bodily health and in spiritual health; may his mind be broadened and enlarged every day; and, Lord, grant that every time he comes before his people his heart may go out to the hearts of the people. Be thou in ever\' part of this afternoon's service; bless every speaker and those who are here ; and when we go home we can say "Nearer my God to Thee, Nearer to Thee." And to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit be praise and glory evermore. Amen. Anthem by Choir. Chairman : We are fortunate in having among us a man with a pas- sion for history, coupled with patience and ability for re- search. That man is Mr. W. L. Thacher. Brother Thacher will now read the historical address. [This history appears as the first chapter in this book. Mr. Thacher sought to write on points not so generally known as previous histories have given. There are four his- tories of this Church in existence : Miller's Historical Dis- course, 1844; Miller's Historical Discourse, 1878; Prof. Wm. S. Tyler's Address, 1878 ; W. L. Thacher's Chapter XV, in Harford's Centennial History.] 77 Hymn. Words by Julius Tyler. Music by Pi-of. J. A. Sophia. 1. 0, God ! our Father's God ! to thee We humbly bend the adoring knee; And grateful sing thy glorius praise, To whom the centuries are as days. 2. Thy hand pours out the years, they go Onward in their resistless flow ; Men rise and sink and all is o'er. Thou art the same forevermore. 3. Those grand old patriarchs owned thee God, With reverence looked to thine abode ; Their Maker, thou ! their rightful Lord ! Through endless years to be adored. 4. Thou was't their Rock, their feet stood fast, Thou was't a refuge from the blast ; As the tall beeches on the steep Their faith was rooted wide and deep. 5. These rocks and hills oft echoed then. The prayers of those God-fearing men ; And Watts' hymns in cabins rude Made vocal all the solitude. And on these hills as friends, not foes. The Church and School together rose ; Twin instruments in them we find, To bless and elevate mankind. 7. Oh, be it ours, with filial fear. To cherish what they planted here ; 78 With hearts as warm and love as broad ; To hold the Fort for truth and God ! Julius Tyler. A welcome to Mother Attleborough and Sister Paw- tucket, by Rev. J. P. Manwell: Whatever may be true of other worlds lying so largely be- yond our ken, certainly nothing is more true or more char- acteristic of this world than that it is a world of cause and effect; beginning and end; Creator and created. But some- thing that is quite as true and quite as characteristic is this : That it is a world of change ; and especially this portion of it, our western hemisphere; especially since our Pilgrim Fathers landed upon Plymouth Rock, locating that tremen- dous far-reaching force of energetic, ambitious manhood in old New England. Here they had vast reaches of unex- plored land to penetrate ; here they had plenty of difficulties and obstacles to overcome; changes they were continually making ; so that one has to make something of an effort to have the imagination picture things as they were one hun- dred years ago. And all these changes are the effects result- ing from causes; children owing filial gratitude to their mothers for their very being. Such are we as a Church; a child owing filial gratitude to that mother, old Attlebor- ough, who, we rejoice to know, has not forgotten us, but still treasures us in her affection. And we reciprocate that affection, and honor the good old mother that gave us birth. We came from her; to her we ow^e the fact of our being ; and not only the fact of our being as a Church, but the intellectual and moral tone of our community had its origin back there. It is no matter of chance that this white spired church points its steeple heavenward from a Pennsylvania hill. It is nothing of hap-hazard that the intellectual and moral tone of our community was such that in years past it singled us out for a peculiar honor among the villages that cluster about us. All these things had their origin further 79 back ; and if we have sent out into the world men who have impressed upon the world the mark of their nobility it is not a matter of simply good luck, unless it be the luck of a good birth. Streams of virtue, for the individual, while they may be added to or detracted from, have their source in other lives ; and so it is with the streams of virtue in communities. One hundred and ten years ago all this land about you, as you know, was covei-ed with forests; these farmhouses that here and there dot the landscape, with their smoke from the family hearthside curling upward, were not here then ; no homes were here then but the Indian wigwam and the dens of the wild beast ; and a civilized community here was nothing but the dream of the passing hunter or the mercenary expectation of some land speculator. But all this was to come, and any such dream was not idle. The com- munity was to be. Now that community would have, must have, some sort of an intellectual tone ; some degree of spiritual life ; some kind of morality. And what was to determine all this? It was being determined and being prepared in old Attlebor- ough at least a few years previous to the hundred and ten years, and how many years previous who can tell. The re- mark of Holmes, "If you want to educate a child you must begin a'hundred years before he is born," is full of meaning here. Back there, and to a large degree under the shadow of the Congregational Church of Attleboro, and under the preaching of Peter Thacher in that Church, were being pre- pared the characters that were to come into this wilderness, and were to determine the life of this community. As you have heard from the historical address of Mr. Thacher, none of the original settlers were professing Chris- tians ; though I suppose they were all men of morality ; but within three or four years after the first crops were put into this rigid soil, several members from the Attleboro Church settled here in the country; settled here in the wilderness. They had not been accustomed in the old home to forsake the assembHng of themselves together; they would not here. 80 Under the bark roof of the log cabin over on yonder hillside they had their Sabbath service. They were reproducing the old New England Church to the best of their ability. We are older, friends, than perhaps you think, for there might almost be said to be the first Church of Harford ; there it might be said that this Church had its origin and beginning, on yonder hillside under the bark roof of the log-cabin. There was formed the Harford Congregational Church, and later by formal vote was so recognized. Being organized from those who had come here as members of the Church in Attleboro it is the more evident that this Church owes its beginning at least to that Church, because all of those seven members had come here as members of the Attleboro Church, and there was no accession to their membership save one more in two months by profession ; there was no other accession to that little nucleus of the growing Church for three years. Thus to you, the Church of Attleboro, represented by your pastor and delegate to-day, we owe our origin. We are grateful for what you have done for us. We are grate- ful for the characters that you sent here to make this begin- ning; and now it is fitting after one hundred years of separ- ation that you should come to see what we have done. We are not going to tell you that we have all of us always done the best we could ; we are sorry that we can't say so ; but, like the noble father of oxir country, we have too much in- tegrity left in us after one hundred years to tell a lie to our mother when she comes to visit us. But we have done something besides cutting the trees down, and you have come here to see what things w^e have accomplished. We think you should have come long ago, but perhaps we never invited you. At all events we are glad you are here now. You are older than we are, by fifty years and more. You are larger than we are, more than twice as large, I think. We venerate you. You can come to us with words of coun- sel, and therefore we welcome you. We w^elcome you because of what you are, noble mother, and because of what we are, through you. 81 And now to our sister Pawtucket we have words of wel- come to address. Of course you are younger than we and yet you have outstripped us in numbers, being more than twice as large as we are; I don't know but that you have outstripped the old Church of Attleboro in numbers. Whether you are equally as far in advance of us in spiritual life, the great end for which we as a Church and all Churches should exist, I cannot tell. Perhaps only the Mas- ter, the great Head of the Church, can know. But you can give us words of inspiration. You have doubtless had ob- stacles in your pathway ; you have doubtless had hardships to overcome. We confess that for us the pathway of the future is not entirely free from clouds of discouragement that sometimes hang dark over our way. But we have passed through the dark clouds of the past ; the God of our fathers never has wholly forsaken us in spite of our errors ; and -we trust that he will be with us still in the life of the future and that he will lead us on. But you, coming from your history, coming from your land, may be able to bring something of inspiration for us, something of encouragement for us. And we welcome you because you are bound by the same ties, to the same common mother beloved. You a daughter beloved as are also w^e. And w^e have, then, as hearty v^ords of wel- come for you, our sister, as we have for our mother Attle- boro. And now, though this is the occasion for commemorating what has gone on before, such an occasion as this should surely look to the future. While we look back to the past and see the way over which we have come and look at the virtues of our forefathers, and while we look back over the past and see the reason that we have for gratitude to our fathers' God, we would have an occasion like this as well look forward into the future, and be pregnant with inspira- tion and encouragement for that future. We do not hold to the doctrine that what was good enough for our fathers is good enough for us ; a doctrine that has "canned alive " the vast empire of China; that has also "canned alive" some 82 churches. But never getting the cover on so tight but that they begin to spoil. And if the process is continued in, many a village or city street becomes strewn with the decayed ele- ments of a ruined church. Not to that doctrine do we hold, but we would press on to something better yet. While we recognize the glories of the past and are thankful for them, we would press on to higher attainments ; and Mother and Sister, let us all unite in this looking forward into the future after we have taken a backward glance into the past ; and let this centennial occasion be the beginning of a closer fel- lowship that shall go on and on into the centuries to come. You are both of you possessed of some adva:ntages that we as a country Church here among the Pennsylvania hills are not possessed of. Possibly ■we may have some advantages that you do not have. But you can bring us help by what you are, and we hope we may give you something of help and encouragement to carry with you from this occasion to which we so heartily welcome you. Words of Remembrance and Greeting from Mother Attle- boro. By Rev. Wilson S. Fritch: In Massachusetts, in the churches, they keep a clock in the rear of the building so that the minister can see how short his sermon is, but so that the congregation cannot see how long it is ; and being supposed to represent some of the tradi- tions of Massachusetts to-day I will follow it. I will keep the time piece before my eye. Whoever kneels by the tombstones in the adjoining ceme- tery and reads the names inscribed thereon, and reads also the names inscribed upon the tombstones of the old burying ground in the rear of the Second Congregational Church of Attleboro must conclude that these two towns have been very nearly united, for you can find many of the same names in that cemetery that you can here. For those first Pilgrims who came through these wilds in the first years of this cen- tury bore some of the names of the prominent families of Attleboro; names which have existed in our Chnrch and 83 town to this day. Indeed those people were but for a little time divided, so that those that lie buried in these two ceme- teries are now reunited in the eternal world. Their course of life has been like a river, where a little island divides the stream in its course for a time; but when that island is passed it is reunited ; and so they are reunited again in the eternal world. We were one in the past; we are one in spirit still. I cannot stop to mention these names. When your committee were conferring with me as to com- ing here they didn't sa^^ what I should speak about, but they set me down, and said if I stayed with you awhile I -would know^ what, to say. The difficulty now is not to know what might be wanted and would be of interest to a gathering like this, but the difficulty is in selecting what I might say. We find the Tiffanys and the Carpenters, the Wilmarths and the Thachers, and so many, manj' others of those great family names. Some of you may be interested to know that just before coming here I called upon one of the Carpenter family, who showed me the genealogical table. And first we traced back the Carpenter family to the close of the 13th century, where one, A. B. Carpenter, was town clerk of London for tw^enty years. So these families have come from good stock ; many of them doubtless lived beyond the date of the landing of the Pilgrim fathers on the eastern shores of our country. As I was coming up from Kingsley station and the team took steps in the highway and rested, and then took more steps and rested again, and kept repeating that process, I wondered why it was those early settlers established them- selves upon these hills. Several suggestions came to my mind ; one of them was that they must have been a very godly people and desired to live as near heaven as possible; another was that being familiar with the rocks of Massa- chusetts they thought rocks were absolutely necessary to the fertility of the soil, and so they came where it was rocky; another reason was that they had the spirit in them that was in Canaan, and wanted to put their seeds upon a hard 84 place, and transform it into a beautiful garden ; but perhaps they didn't think of these material considerations. At all events history has justified them in their selection of a home. It is true there has been no great city built here ; there have been no rich mines opened here; but they have produced majestic men ; and men are more than cities and more than mines. It has not been my privilege to make the acquaint- ance of many of the deseendents of the people that settled here. I remember one, Prof John Tj'ler, a man of great thought and of strong manhood. If we may take him as a fair sample of the type of manhood produced here we may well sing the doxology when we think of the sentiment laid here years ago. The profit has been worth all the energy and the pain it may have cost ; for there is nothing in all the world that can be compared with real manhood and real womanhood. It is the next thing to God himself, in whose nature such souls are created. In Attleboro we are not on the hills ; we are on the plain. Perhaps you may think it is the Plain of Babylon; and per- haps we may say our brother of your sister Church, Brother Goodwin, comes from the plain that is towards Sodom ; at least he is to the south and west of us ; but I confess what- ever you may call that plain, they are a saver of souls unto life. Attleboro has changed very greatly in the last twenty years. It has been very prosperous. We have now a popu- lation of about ten thousand people, and indeed some of our prominent citizens are speaking of the future city of Attle- boro, and some of them are thinking of the mayoralty of the city ; but not in a selfish way, however. Your mother Church has sent out several Churches; this was the first I believe, and then the Church in Pawtucket to which reference has been made. And I want to call your at- tention to the fact that your grandmother still lives ; what used to be the first Church of Attleboro, the North Church. The town has been divided. But the Church in North Attle- boro is the mother of us all; the mother of the Second Church, and your grandmother and the grandmother of the 85 First Church of Pawtucket. Our mother, your grand- mother, is still exceedingly vigorous. They have done re- markably good work. They ha^e a pastor who has been there thirty-one years, and is building up in the providence of God, manhood and womanhood that will tell in future generations. The Second Church has given birth to socie- ties of the Congregational order, but the Church has also given birth to societies of different kinds. The Methodist Episcopal Church of Attleboro, originating with us, has now a membership of thre hundred, and I understand is one of the strongest churches in their conference. The Univer- salist Church came out of the Second Church ; The Baptist Church has come out of our society; and lately an Epis- copal Church. All these we claim in our relationship, and we bid them Godspeed, and there is the kindest feeling of unit}' among these Churches of the old town of Attleboro. Of course the Church I represent wants me to bid you Godspeed with all my heart. Your invitation came at our special meeting and it was decided that it be accepted at once. We are glad to hear of your success and continued prosperity. We look back a century, but really we cannot appreciate this without looking back more than a century. All through the past century we see the progress of liberty and religion. Religion and civil liberty going hand in hand. One leading the other; the two keeping close together. They can never be sundered. The old idea of a state was the formation of an empire by conquest ; it was the method of building a state by brute force; the higher impulse did not dominate as it does to-day. And even in Old Testament times the Hebrews themselves crushed out their enemies; didn't recognize them at all. The next advance came with the Roman invasion when the Roman power conquered the outlying districts but allowed them no representation in government. That was making an empire by conquest. Where all the people are represented directly or indirectly in the government, that idea had its rise in the northwest of Europe among the Angles and was then carried on into 86 Great Britain where it had a large development ; was trans- ported from Britain to these shores by the Pilgrim fathers; and we remember with great pride the presence and work and influence of the Pilgrim fathers. And the Quakers brought the same idea of Hberty and equality into this state. And the Huguenots, pilgrims of another nation, carried the same principle of equality to the Carolinas. And so we have come into this heritage of equality of civil and religious lib- erty. And we may truly say that among the Pilgrims and the early New England people this idea came to its fullest expression, especially in the town meeting, where every man had a voice. We cannot too highly estimate that form of government ; the idea that I am as good as you, you are as good as I, you are as good as your neighbor, and that is not egotistical. When we say I am as good as you, that means I have as much responsibility as you. So this heritage has come to us. I must not detain you much longer. It is a precious heritage. This coming of the Pilgrim fathers has often been compared to the exodus of the children of Israel from Egypt. I think a century after our life in this world people will see that the coming of the Pilgrim to American shores was as important in the devel- opment of this -work, even, as the exodus of the children of Israel from Egypt. A larger life, a more thorough liberation. But God is doing all these things. As I go on in life I feel it more and more that God is in all things and all things are from his hands. He makes of one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined the times before appointed and the bounds of their habitation. The stream flows on because God is in it. We are a part of that stream. An old question was propounded to candidates for admit- tance into this Church, in the early history of this Church, "Would you be willing to be damned or lost if it were for the glory of God? " We don't bring that test now. In our thought it would be incongruous, but there was a mighty principle represented in that test. What does it mean? 87 "Though he slay me yet will I trust in him." Though he slay me yet will I recognize him as the absolute God. We need to have the same confidence without the least reserva- tion, that we may go where his providence leads us without fear. In confidence in the truth that God is with us, we shall triumph. Without such confidence we must be weak and wavering and afraid. We must have the conscious presence, the infinite power and love, and the perfect wisdom, as the rock upon which we stand, and the inspiration of all real service. And agajn in the name of your mother Church, God bless you and God speed your work. Hold the banner of the cross high! Let the glory of his self-sacrificing love be brighter and brighter. And I think his vigorous life near its close applies to us as churches. "One who never turned his back but marched breast for- ward, Never doubted clouds would break. Never dreamed, though right were worsted, wrong would triumph. Held we fall to rise, are baffled to fight better, Sleep to wake. No, at noonday in the bustle of man's worktime Greet the unseen with a cheer ! Bid him forward, breast and back as either should be, 'Strive and thrive! ' Cry 'Speed,— fight on, fare ever There as here! ' " Chairman : Rev. Frank J. Goodwin, pastor of the Congregational Church of Pawtucket, R. I., now brings us words of remem- brance and greeting from our sister Church. Rky. Frank J. Goodwin: I am very much indebted to you, my friends, for the honor which you have done to the Church which I serve, in invit- ing me to be here to-day. I desire to extend the congratu- 88 lations of the Pawtucket Congregational Church to this Church upon this happy occasion. I was much interested as I read over the program to notice that the committee had put me down for words of " Remembrance and Greeting." I cannot claim to have a memory or an experience that would go back over the long period of a hundred years ; I feel al- most discouraged in attempting to give words of remem- brance ; but there are some words of reminiscence which can be gathered from the history of the past, and words of hope for the future, which I may give. The period at the beginning of this century when this Church was formed, was a remarkable era in the history of the religious life of our land. It was an age of skepticism and of revival of faith. In Yale College in 1795 when Lyman Beecher was a sophomore in college, the College Church was about extinct; most of the students were skeptics and many were accustomed to call each other by the names of their fa- vorite infidel writers, Voltaire, Rousseau, D'Alembert, etc. In 1782 there were only two students in Princeton College who were professing Christians. In the Episcopal Church, Bishop Provoostof New York, gave up his office "notexpect- ing the Church to continue much longer;" and Bishop Mad- ison of Virginia shared the despairing conviction of Chief Justice Marshall that the Church was too far gone to be revived. The Methodist Church was as unfortunate as the other denominations ; and for the three years ending in 1796 the total membership diminished at the rate of about 4000 a year. But this sad condition of decline gave way to a re- markable religious revival. In the West, beginning in 1796 and continuing with increasing power to 1800 and later, a wonderful revival swept over Kentucky and Tennessee, especially under the leadership of Rev. William McGee and Rev. John McGee, two brothers, one a Presbyterian and the other a Methodist minister. In 1800, during the progress of this great movement the first American "Camp Meeting" was held in Logan county. In the East, the quickening of 89 the Churches was no less remarkable, though less hysterical and more intellectual in form than the Western movement. The most striking phase of the Eastern revival was at Yale College. In 1795 Rev. Timothy Dwight came to the presi- dency of the college and by his fervent piety, catholic temper, and cogent intellectual preaching, turned into Christian channels the thought and life of the Universit5^ He preached for six months on the subject "Is the Bible the word of God ?" The revival of 1800 unHke that of the " Great Awak- ening" of 1740 was not "done and over with at the end of a few years ; it was the beginning of a long period of vigor- ous and abundant life." Your pastor has said that it is not right for us to look backward only, we should look at the present and we should look forward. We are here at the one hundredth anniver- sary of a Christian Church and we may properly ask : What is a Church ? For what does it stand ? I think we can an- swer these questions with four simple definitions. In the first place the Church is a temple. We come to- gether upon the holy Sabbath for one purpose, to worship God. We have no altar here. Where has the altar gone? We believe that all the sacrifices have been taken up in that one great sacrifice — the sacrifice of the Son of God. But the spiritual altar is here in our Church building, none the less, though unseen. The connection between earth and the great white throne is established by faith. When we assem- ble on the Sabbath day, we meet to worship God, and alas for the Church if any other ideal is substituted as the object of our sacred gathering. Therefore, we should come to Church with reverence. Some people say "We can worship God in Nature". We are perfectly willing that they should revere God in his works on such hills as these, but, if they worship God in Nature, let them do as Ruskin did. "When- ever I go to the Alps, I pray," said Ruskin. The Church stands for truth. The Church is not merely a temple; it is a school house. Christ's commission to his disciples was "Go and teach all nations". Phillips Brooks 90 used to say " Truth is not a jewel, it is a seed ". A diamond once delivered to the saints is forever a diamond ; a seed is but the beginning of a great transformation, and is a failure unless it develops into blade and ear. The precious seed of God is not given to us to keep, but to use. You cannot settle in hard form, what is the meaning of duty, or sacrifice. The principles are given to guide us, and every age and every Christian must work out the principles according to the cir- cumstances of life. I believe we are presenting to-day a type of Christian teaching for which the world has long waited. Our theology is spiritual and not dogmatic ; the legal con- ception of God having given way to the moral and the human. We have taken old truths and made them more practical by shifting the balance of emphasis. In the teach- ing of the trinity, for instance, we talk little of the battle of the attributes in the Godhead, the councils of the Triune God in Eternity ; these are affirmed with silent, reverent faith ; but the emphasis is on the Incarnation, the historic manifes- tations of God's nature and will in the person and the work of the Son of God. We are learning to-day to exalt the great essential truths of our faith, however valuable many secondary truths may be. We are content to proclaim the basal articles of our creed ; God, Sin, the Atonement, the For- giveness of Sin, the New Life through Christ the Son of God, the Hope of Immortality, and the awful Consequences of Sin. These truths constitute "simplicity as it is in Christ." The Church is not merely a temple or a school house; it is a Avorkshop. We have been delighted to hear those records of the industry of this Church, of its various organizations and societies that show to us that you have had what they call out West "piety below the elbows." We find it very hard to get in our Churches that kind of godliness. We have some members that can talk, and others that contribute money, and occasionally those that can pray, but the man who will work "in season and outof season," who will stand by us in every circumstance, is hard to find. Dr. Edward Judson counsels all those who are more anx- 91 ious to begin a good work than to continue it, to read the parable of the Good Samaritan and notice the number of times the word "and" is used as an indication of the perse- vering quality of the Samaritan's charity: "He had com- passion on him," "and went to him," "and bound up his wounds," "and set him on his own beast," "and brought him to an inn," "anrf took care of him," "and took out two pence and gave them to the host." We are justly proud of the work our denomination has accomplished. The Congregational Church has contributed to America the Pilgrim Fathers; the great New England Colleges such as Harvard, Yale, Amherst, Dartmouth ; the first American Foreign Missionary Society founded in 1810 ; the National Hymn " My Country 'Tis of Thee", written by Rev. S. F. Smith, a Congregational clergyman ; and finally the greatest society for young people in the history of the Church, the Christian Endeavor Society, founded in The Williston Congregational Church of Portland, Maine. We think as a denomination we have accomplished something. But the question is "Are we being true to our responsibili- ties, and true to our heritage?" A man cannot run away from his backbone, they say, but he can forget his blood and the things which should stir his heart. We must be laborers indeed, adding constantly to our zeal, industry, perseverance, and the determination to make our record of service worthy of the blessings we have received. The Church is more than a temple, schoolhouse, or work- ■ shop ; it is a hospital. A Church is not merely a collection of all the people who are faultless in life ; it is rather a band of those who, confessing their sins, are anxious to lead the higher life by the grace of God, and who desire to aid others in leading that life. I believe that wc should have the spirit of Christ more than we have ; that we should understand that the Church is to help weak and sinful men and to send them on their good way into the kingdom of Heaven. We shall gain that spirit if we have in our hearts the love of Jesus Christ, God 92 will open waji-s for us if we serve him in faith, and men will learn that our kindness and help comes because God has im- planted his grace in our hearts and through us his love is felt by those whom we influence — the love which comes by the way of God's throne of light and which is manifested in hu- man words and deeds. And I would like to say to the young people who are here to-day : We want you to begin now as laborers in Christ's kingdom and to persevere to the end as did the men who founded this Church ; and in the future may you continue to have the deep love of Christ in your hearts, that you may be able in this community to stand for truth, for righteousness, for everything which will make the lives of men holy, bright, pure, and strong. I wish to congratulate jou again upon this occasion, and to thank you personalh' for the pleasure you have given me in allowing me to be present with you. Let me extend to you the hearty felicitations of 3'our sister Church in Paw- tucket, that is interested in your celebration to-day and in j^our proud record of the past. Chairman : Rev. N. M. Waters will now address us on the subject, The Old Meeting House; A Story of the Church's Power in Community, Country, and Fireside. Rev. N. M. Waters : From the size of that subject I am afraid you will imagine I am going to keep you here a hundred years. But I will abridge. I count myself fortunate to have been the guest of this Church to-day. This is a day of holy memory. There are three shrines in every heart upon which the soul hinges; the fireside of your father, the schoolhouse of yourchildhood, and this Church of the olden day. You know to-day as I came on top of these hills and rejoiced in the panorama of beauty, and then mingled a little with your people and be- gan to feel your joy, and the memories began to crowd in, I 93 imagined how it must seem to be back home again. For yonder is the house where you were born, and down there is the spot where love came to you, and here by our side are your dead all asleep. And to-night when the twilight falls it may be you will see the shadows as they used to seem when you were a child ; and the night-hawk will be in the sky ; and maybe there will be a sound of some word that you remembered in the olden day. And yonder is the tree where the cro^w always sat ; and over yonder is the barn where you tumbled in the hay ; and there is the oldfashioned yard with the roses; and the bed of tansy that may be growing by the fence; and as you are here again you see these old faces ; and the tides of emotion roll in upon your hearts to-day like the tides of the sea; and it is a holy mem- ory. Then yonder in the valley was the white school house, and you don't forget the old blackboards where you ciphered, or the rostrum where you stood to recite, and where you first heard the names of the great men of the world ; and over in that corner there used to sit that red-headed girl; she had freckles, but she was all the world to you. Life was a failure without her companionship ; and she married a tel- egraph operator forty years ago, and went West. But let me tell you something. I think that in Heaven hard by the throne, after the mothers of men, will be the old maid school teachers, and they will blush for their modesty, and all the choir will sing their praise. And the other shrine in our memory to-day is the old meeting house. Maybe some of you people of the younger generation have been born and reared in the city and been admitted to membership in the stately edifice, where you can hear the great organ roar, and have all the stateliness of large litanies; but I will not envy you because I went to church in a country place. And many of you did; and in those days I think the floor was bare, the walls were not papered, and the pulpit was near to heaven, and if they had any organ it was only a reed organ that had the tisic. I tell you one thing, when those old men of God stood up there in 94 that pulpit in the Church and all the Churches of that kind, and began to speak to you out of their hearts and out of the rich experience of the love of God in their hearts, there were boys and maidens in this pew who thought that they were prophets sent upon the earth; and when they read from that Book you thought you heard the word of God. Now, my friends, the work of the Church is man making, man mending, character building. And God only works in one way, and that way is different from man's way. Man manufactures. God inspires. Let me illustrate. When I was a boy I was an adept in making wax flowers. You would not have thought it, but it was true. And when com- pany came my mother would show them my handiwork, as our fond mammas insist upon showing the hand painting of the eldest daughter. I have requested my people not to do so, when I visit them. But I would take some wax and wire and put on the leaves and petals, and after that would curve the wire and adjust the angle; it was as fine a flower as you ever saw, but it was dead; it couldn't breathe; and it never begat a child. Not so, God makes the rose. The breath of the wind or the wing of the bird scatters a seed ; it falls to the ground; then the wee thing begins to breathe, and by and by to be bathed with the tears of the night, and after a time there will be leaves and buds and blossoms — a lily or a rose with fragrant breath ; with life. God made a lily by brooding, by inspiration, by contact. When God un- dertakes to make men He doesn't hammer them with ham- mer and tongs and saw. They are not made of conglomer- ating atoms. He only has one way ; it is the way of life. It is the way of brooding. Do you know what a woman can do ? Doctors may preach, and lawj^ers may pen, and the scholar may find some new truth each day ; but I tell you this old world and the life of man are in the woman. What can she do ? If you will watch her some time when you see God put into her hands a little lump of putty that will only cry or weep; and then see that woman kiss it and show it how to talk and how to think ; and after she has done that, 95 giving her life by holy sacrifice by night and day. Then sometime she will say : What no law can do, what no me- chanical force can ever accomplish, I have done. I have got- ten a man. How did she do it ? By loving it, by brooding over it, by caressing it. When God wants to make men he sends after a mother a teacher, and after a teacher a preacher. And that is what the Church does, and that is why preaching will never cease to be. That is why in the forefront of every great step in this world's history there has been a man preaching the word of God. It is the personal training in the Church that makes the character. And there is another way of brooding over people. It is the Bible. People say the Bible is a book. Now the Bible will not affect people much if it is merely a book. I saw some wild strawberries to-day; I didn't pick them ; I hope to pick them as I go back. They seemed so luscious; I could even see them between the lines of the speeches. Now, if I took those strawberries and put them on sugar and kept them until next winter they would be, I suppose, strawberry preserves. I wouldn't give a cent for a gallon ; I would rather have one real Hve strawberry than all the strawberries the housewife ever put up. And that is why the man with a soul, with a love, is worth more to guide men; because, after all, books are only preserved men. The Bible to my mind represents the brooding power of God directly. Who is the greatest poet of this last hundred years ? Tennyson. Who is the greatest prophet of our last hundred years ? John Ruskin. Alfred Tennyson learned pas- sages of scripture by rote when a child ; and I can find nine hundred quotations from the Bible in those poems. It was the scriptures brooding over him. And John Ruskin tells us that better than college,, better than his father's influence, better than art and reputation, were those night times be- tween the age of eight and fifteen when his mother taught him to say, word by word, sixty of the chapters of the Old and New Testament. And this old Puritan Church that gave us the Puritan 96 preaching, gave us the open Bible as one of the heritages of the Puritan dispensation. Your fathers laid the foundation ; your fathers toiled here on these heights; and to-day you and I have come here to see the blossom of a century plant; not our work, but the work of one hundred years ; for the work of the Puritan meeting house in New England is the work of man making, man mending, character building. And that is why wherever New England seed has been sown, has grown up the college man, the essayist, the prophet. Northampton furnished 250 ; and this little world behind these hills has sent out men into public affairs of state, men who have been the great teachers of men. This is the har- vest. And that fact to my mind is the supreme thought of the meeting house; that its life is simply the building of man- hood. I listened awhile ago to those beautiful words of Prof. Wm. S.Tyler, as quoted by Prof. Thacher, when he described what the fathers had done here, and he told us the soil was rocky and the hills were rough and the tillage was hard and oftentimes the crops were watered with sweat and some- times with dripping tears. All the time the fathers rode up and down the hills and built them houses and tried to get bread for the body, they had in mind the other thing, typi- fied by the Church and academy, manhood, Christ-like man- hood. And that is the one thing I hold fast to, and it makes me not afraid in these degrading times ; for I am sure your heart has sometimes died with fear as mine has, as I have watched the dark days in St. Louis [ and it is but throwing up a spray from the sea of trouble ] ; and when there have been all those fights and fires, and murders even, I have won- dered and wondered and wondered what the end would be. But I have held fast to this — that the truth for which the meeting house stood has brought the Republic thus far safe through, and will bring us safe through to the end without any loss or damage. A single clause, now, and I am done. I won't come back here at your next centennial to look into the faces of the 97 grandchildren ; but I believe they will be better, and better looking than you. Why shouldn't they be? Our Father has taught us to bring forth character for ourselves and to put it in our children, and what profit is there if I were to gain the whole world and lose my own soul; and what is the advantage if I should live and my child should be blasted, or my neighbor's son should go astray ? Here followed remarks as to pamphlet to be published, etc., after which an anniversar}"^ hymn requested by certain Binghamton friends was sung in place of the anthem pre- pared by the choir, as there appeared to be no other oppor- tunity for complying with the request. It was now getting late in the afternoon. Many of the people were unable to remain longer; and it was expected that some would not care to remain ; so an opportunity was given after the singing of the hymn, for all who wished to do so to withdraw before the solemn celebration of the Com- munion Service. Dr. Edward Taylor, assisted by Rev. R. N. Ives presided at the table of our Lord. Brothers E.J. Tyler and Watson Jeffers officiated as deacons. EVENING SESSION. Commencing at 7:30 p. m. Doxology. Scripture reading by Rev. R. N. Ives — Psalm 90. Hymn No. 636— "Even Me." Prayer by Rev. R. N. Ives: God, our Father, we would come to-night with thanks- giving and praise to thee ; thou who hast been our dwelling place in all generations; thou who hast given us a godly parentage; thou who hast given thy grace to those men thou didst guide in the past, for us to enjoy such a heritage as at this day. We thank thee for all the way in which thou hast led us in the past time, in the sunshine and even in the storm, days of brightness and days of darkness; equally good, else a loving Father could not have appointed them. We thank thee, God, for what thou hast done for this thy Church in this place, giving it one hundred years of such precious light. We thank thee for those who have lived and gone to their reward, and through whose lives and influence the present generation has been moulded after thy likeness. We thank thee, God, that it has been our privilege to know this Church ; thy dealings with this people here ; that it has been our privilege to have a little part in thy ministry in this place made so sacred and blessed ; because of the faithfulness of thy servants, whom thou hast now taken to thyself We thank thee, God, for the good words that thou hast sent by thy servants from the mother Church and the sister Church and other friends; we thank thee, God, for the faces of the friends here present ; we thank thee for the sweet memories of those whose faces we can yet see ; and those not visible to these eyes of flesh ; yet they come to us in sweet re- membrance and seem to walk with us, cheer us with their 100 good words, and uphold us by their faithful prayers, and stimulate us by their godly examples; we thank thee for these. We thank thee for this person who is the shepherd of this Church; grant that he may be abundantly filled with thy Spirit; and may there be perfect agreement between the pastor and the people, and all be co-workers with God, for the promotion of thy kingdom here. Grant, Lord, that the good that now exists may go on increasing, and the leaven of righteousness here operating may increase its power till the whole lump be leavened. Grant, we pray thee, to prepare our hearts, as thy servants bring to us the good things that thou hast prepared for us to-night; and as we shall separate, God grant that we may be stronger in our work of ministry, and that we who try to preach the Gospel may preach Jesus Christ and him crucified as the, only salvation for lost men ; and may we be filled with the Spirit of God ; may we go on doing the work of the Master more and more diligently. So bless all these brethren from abroad, and every brother and sister here present. God, our Father, baptize us with thy Holy Spirit and keep us all by thy grace, through faith, unto everlasting life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Anthem by the choir. Chairman : A father and a bishop to us all of the Susquehanna Asso- ciation, it is surely appropriate that Dr. Taylor should bring us the greeting from our Association. He will now speak to us concerning the Fellowship of the Churches and Greetings from our Association. Dr. Edward Taylor : Personally, and in behalf of your sister Churches in the Sus- quehanna Association, I congratulate you upon an event of such sweet significance as this Centennial. While every earthly society is destined to an epitaph, the 101 Church of God comes down through the centuries warm with an ageless life. Its branch in Harford has for one hun- dred years, like the orange tree, been constantly pendent with both blossoms and fruit. " The trees of the Lord are full of sap. " No human being can inventory the precious results, local and universal, from the formation of this Church. At home and abroad its mem- bers and converts have been spiritual yeast-cakes, whose leavening force will be increasingly and eternally felt. With Divine beauty this Century plant of the Lord blossoms here to-day. To change the figure, the little one of long ago has be- come a venerable mother; we note with gratitude that she has age w^ithout decrepitude, and that time has scored its tally upon her fair form with a gentle hand, and that the de- cades have garlanded her with purity and grace. "When God walks the earth his footsteps are often cen- turies apart. " These one hundred years, which seem to us such a long stretch, are, in the arithmetic of the Eternal but one of the steps of the Infinite. Such thoughts make our convocation phenomenal. Summoned by a supreme event, our commemoration can be suitable onh' as it also is supreme. We should use the past as a guide-post, not a hitching- post. The water that has gone by will not run a mill ; but we can so review its work as to make most efficient the water now passing. The study of verbs is well, but adverbs also require attention. The "What" of those who preceded the present membership of this Church should be considered, and equally so their "How, " for the former takes its mint- mark from the latter. Noting well their verbs and their adverbs, we shall know how, in every hardest work we do, we are only keeping step with the march of Omnipotence. Not one of these worthies abides; but the Church remains. The water flows away, but the river is before us. This is most appropriately a monumental occasion ; raise the pillar. But pour oil thereon ! 102 The most important factor in commemoration is conse- cration. The lives that lift are lifted lives. To lift we must be high. It was thus with even our Blessed Saviour. "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me." John 12:32. So on Calvary's brow was he lifted, that we might be lifted, to lift the fallen. At a funeral, to one inquiring, the well-meaning undertake said, "This corpse joined the Church thirty years ago." A corpse in a Church can throb with life no more than one in a coffin. Hence to vitalize this Church and to send it along another century throbbing with heart beats, its members must have the blood of the atonement pulsating in their arteries. Then will it learn that "every cuj) which holds a self-sacrifice is a Holy Grail. " Being determines doing. The prime necessity is character. Plutarch parables a man who tried to make a dead body stand upright. Failing, he said, — " Deest aliquid intus. " — "There is something wanting within." Conse- cration to Christ and his world-purpose will transform that minus into plus and implete with the love that "poured the spikenard and spiced the sepulchre." Why not another century ? With a consecration integral, not fractional; nerved with Bible affirmatives; equipped with that battery of dynamics, grit, grace and sanctified gumption; ever responding "Here, am I" to the call of the "Great I am;" counting Christian service, not as a grind, but as a grand ; honoring the Christly pedigree, which is better than any pedigree of imperial blood, centuries shall become aeons, and the brow of this ancestral Church will be dia- demed with immortality. Solo — "The Holy City," Miss Jennie Moore. Chairman : Rev. L. F. Buell, of Syracuse, preaches for us the Centen- nial sermon. Rey. L. F. Buell : Text taken from 5th Chapter of St. Matthew, 13th to 16th verse. ( Here verses were read. ) 103 The Master is seated upon the mountain side. Around him are a group of disciples. It is the first Y. M. C. A. They are young in the service of the Master, if they are not young in years. As Christ looks upon them he sees the future of his Church. As we read the words at first we ask ourselves, as Christ looks into the eyes of his disciples. Is it possible he can call them the "salt of the earth," and the light of the world? Are the disciples, in their present condition, in the small glimmerings, which they have just received, are they the ' ' salt of the earth ? " Are they ' ' the light of the world ? ' ' We say no, it is impossible. But there is another side to this, for if you come to it in this way, we see the Master as he looks into their faces and sees their want, treating them in a discourteous way, seemingly. Here are the disciples; here is the work. The Master looking back upon the his- tory, looking back upon the past, and looking down upon the future, can see in the history of the past that the Jews have come down from what they were to what they are. He can see all that history of the Old Testament times ; and he can see that the salt has lost its savor. All the world has lost its savor ; the light has been put under a bushel ; because they have not done what the Lord expected them to do. And therefore there is very little encouragement in the word as we look at it in that light. Never did any one come to the Master without receiving words of comfort and cheer; never did one pour out his heart into the ears of the Great Teacher without receiving encouragement frorh him. He does not tell them they are not the salt, that they are not the light of the world. He tells them, "I see in you what you are to become. I see the manhood of the man. As I look into his face I see the life of Matthew the Evangelist upon the dark background of Levi the Publican. As I look into your faces I see the Church of Christ. As I look into your eyes that gleam with a new light you have never known before I see in you what the fut- ure of the Church is going to be." There is, therefore, encouragement in the passage. Hence the comparison, "ye 104 are the salt of the earth; ye are the light of the world." What is the salt? Why are Christians like salt? Chris- tians are salt and Christianity is like salt in its constituent elements. Salt is made up of chlorin and sodium. And just as salt is made up of chlorin and sodium so Christianity is made up of faith and works. And just as chlorin and sodium, when cheraicall}' united, form salt, when faith and works are united we have Christianity. What salt is, that the Chris- tian is. A man may have faith and sing away for the rest of his life. He may look down on those beneath him and tell how holy he is, and sing away to everlasting bliss — everlasting hiss rather. Faith is having the valve of the heart open to the living power of the living Christ. Just as the telegraph operator sits with his finger on the instrument which can send a message over the world in a moment of time, so a man stands ; to have his heart open is faith and to have it shut is unfaith. Work and faith go together. When a man tells you how much he has accomplished, how much he has given ; that is boast. Faith and works ; neither one have power without the other. But faith and works when they are chemically united, thien a man can sit upon the clouds and sing songs, and go down into life and bring the past with him. Men have talked about the doctrines of the Old and New Testament and have crossed swords upon them. You and I are not called upon to defend the Book of God. The Bible proves itself The Christian says, " I believe in the Bible be- cause it finds me, it brings up my heart and puts it before my eyes, so that I see it as I never saw it before." An Afri- can princess was told how beautiful she was; that there was no woman upon the earth so beautiful as she; and'she desired very much to see herself. There was brought into the country a mirror ; she took it and looked at her face, and when she saw how hideous she was she took the mirror and broke it upon the ground, and not another mii-ror was to be brought within that province. Why ? Because it showed her herself as she really was ; not as her friends told her, not 105 as the world flattered her, but as she was herself in the eyes of man and God, physically. The Bible shows us our lives and hearts. The Bible proves itself. But it is not all believ- ing in the word. We should take our spades and picks and dig trenches and take the Word of God into the lives of men. If in the years gone by men had used as much energy in tak- ing the water of Life, and taking it to living men, instead of discussing the quality of the water, the world would be much better off to-day. Faith and works spiritually united. Christianity is like salt. In the first place salt makes food palatable. My little girl says: "Papa, I want some salt upon my meat" and pushes the plate a-way. The plate is taken and comes back to her with a grain of salt added, and she picks it up and eats it. The food is palatable be- cause of the salt. There is much in life that we w^ould push away. There is what we call trouble, there is sickness, there is discouragement, there is discontent brought about by one thing or another; but God tells us all things work together for good to those that love God. And when we take the truth and power of the living Christ and put it into the sick- ness and sorrows of our life, even they can be made palata- ble. We know in whom we have believed. Salt is used also for nourishment. It not only makes food palatable, but it possesses a nourishing quality. Place the Church beside the side of the school. Education and Christianity go hand in hand, for culture is not complete without Christianity, good works are not complete without Christianity. It is needed to nourish the soul of man. Christianity is to the soul what salt is to the body of the human being. It is not only a help to digest the food, but it also comes to us as a preserver. It saves from decay and corruption. That which is tainted must be put out where it will be no longer offensive. Our Christianity is to come into contact with the life of the country to preserve it. We are to separate from us that which is tainted and to separate it from us as far as the east is from the west. God is not here in his world to compromise with evil. God is not here to 106 make any compromise with sin. That which is tainted is to be cast away, and that which is not tainted is to be pre- served. But with meat in the cellar and salt in the attic, the meat will perish. The salt and meat must be brought together. A man comes to me and says, "lam a business man. I believe in keeping business and religion separate." Another comes to me and says, "We need religion in this country; we are in the hands of those who are tr\ang to rob the pub- lic till. " A third man says, " Religion is one thing and poli- tics is another, and they must be separated. They won't mix. " But Christians are salt, and all the Christians in the United States and in Europe never can purify politics as long as they stay in the attic and let the politics remain in the saloon; never yet will we do away with the trust w^hich makes some men richer and other men poorer. Salt is to preserve; and what good there is in business is to be pre- served, and what of evil there is, is to be separated from the good and put away from us, and put away from us forever. And what there is of good in politics is to be preserved, and that which is evil is to be put away, as far from us as the east is from the west. It is to preserve, to save from decay ; that which is already tainted is to be put away. Christians therefore are salt. It makes palatable, it is nourishment, it preserves from evil, from decay. The other word, "Ye are the light of the world." The Master says, " Ye are the light of the world. " He also says, "I am the light of the world." How shall we harmonize these two statements? The sun when it comes up in the morning tells a world of men, "I am the light of the world." It creeps up to the zenith and there gives to us its greatest power, but by and by it goes out of sight. The stars soon come out and say, "We are the light of the world." Then the moon appears and with the stars proclaim to us, "We are the light of the world." All are true. The sun is the light; the moon and stars are the light. Christianity is the light and you and I are the light. Christ is the light and we 107 are his reflection. Christians are light; that light which penetrates and reveals. The light must take the place of the darkness. If you want to flood a room with light, open the windows arid let the light come in. But all the power there is in the great world cannot drive out the darkness. It asks God to help it. And not until the great sun has come up and flooded the room with light, can light be said to take the place of darkness. An electric light does not take the place of darkness. Christianity is the light of our people. Chris- tians in a town are to drive out the darkness of that town. And they are to throw that light as Christ shines in them and through them. i You and I helped to free the negro. Some of us fought with swords, and we have given our money to help make him free. But because our fathers and brothers fought to set him free it is no sign that he is capable of being free. Now something is to take the place of the darkness, and our money goes south that the negro may be educated. Some- thing is to take the place of the darkness. There are young people out in the world. The Church goes down in the person of its members and they come into the Church, and they say, "Mr. Buell, you must not have any of these things." They say young people that come into the Church should sit down and fold their hands. Have they not professed that the darkness of sin has gone away from them ? But I think it is the business of the Church to put something into the place of that which they have put away from their lives. I beheve it is a duty of the Church to give them a good time in the service of God. God wants your abiHty, and he wants you to take that ability and use it for the service of the Mas- ter. Young man, with a voice that will reach out and thrill the hearts of those who listen toyou as you sing of the glories of a heavenly life, God wants your ability. He wants you to pour out with that voice of melody that which speaks from the heart. He wants your voice. You men of business, who can conduct your affairs and at the end of the year have a balance on the right side of the ledger, God wants 108 your ability in the Church. He wants you to put your accounts and your strength into the work of the Church so that the Church need not go Km ping around with a crutch, asking for alms of people as if it were a charitable institu- tion. Light is to take the place of darkness. This is the comparison, salt and light. There is a word of encourage- ment from the comparison. Jesus Christ always sees the best in us. He takes it and works it into usefulness. Jesus Christ looked into the eyes of Matthew and saw the life of Matthew upon the back- ground of Levi the Publican. Jesus treated him with re- spect. And if you wish a child to amount to anything, then you are to treat him with respect. Call a boy a boor, don't accept his words, and you will have a dishonest boy. If you treat him like a gentleman and have him understand that he is to treat you as a gentleman, then, ten to one, your boy will be a gentleman. We get from people according to what we put into them. We come into the Church and put little into it and expect to take a great deal out. But Jesus Christ appeals to the best that there is in us, and if you will put your best into the Church you will find that you will take the best that the Church can give out of it. What can you expect from Jesus Christ ? You and I put so little into his service, but we expect to take so much out. Here is a word of encouragement. Jesus Christ sees the best that there is in human life and takes it and works it into usefulness and power. He works them, the disciples, into apostles for the preaching of Christ here, there, every- where, bringing men, through their words and through the Spirit which he has given them, into everlasting life. And he gives us a word as to the influence that is to be ours as we go through life. These influences have been going on through this town for a hundred years; a silent witness; the Church of God as the world's testimony to the power of the Lord Jesus Christ; a passive influence. And there has also been an active influence, and it has gone out in the pastors who have served you and from the membens who now sleep 109 beneath the sod. This Church has lived for a hundred years, and already we can hear the tread as the years of the next century approach . "Ye are the salt of the earth . " " Ye are the light of the world." Here is an influence which silently is to go out for God, a passive influence; and here is an ac- tive influence that is to go out for him and his truth. And this is the message which I bring to you: "Ye are the salt of the earth " so far as this community is concerned. "Ye are the light of this part of the world." A city which is set upon a hill cannot be hid. It must not be hid. Come out, then, with your pound of salt, with your ray of influence from your obscurity, come out from that which forces you into the back street, come out from your obscurity in order that you may shine for God and for his truth. Young men, the fact that your fathers have lived well does not take this responsibility from ofl" your shoulders. Because your fathers lived well, because they have so lifted up Christ that men have been called to him, they have left you a heritage of godliness ; the responsibility is not taken from your shoulders. Rather speak of those who have pre- ceded you because of the rich legacy which has been handed down from the past, that responsibility is increased and every man is to respond to his ability. Because in the last century two young women went out to preach Christ in our own country from this Church does not take from your shoulders the responsibility which is laid upon you. Rather it gives to you a legacy. There are two ways of looking at the past. One is sitting down and folding your hands in complacency for what has been accomplished ; the other is looking back in order that your hearts may be fired with the purpose. As you hear the years with their steady tread coming towards you, what are you going to make them ? In this congregation of two hundred people as time runs, and to take the average, after fifty years there will not be more than half a dozen left; one hundred years goes by and all have gone. The past century is what your fathers and mothers made it. The century 110 which is now being ushered in, in the history of your Hfe is what you are going to make it. The Church is divided into three classes, Workers, Shirk- ers, Jerkers. Which are you ? The Church is divided into two classes; those who go ahead and do something, and those who find fault because it was not done some other way. Which are you ? " Ye are the salt of the earth," but the salt that is in the attic need not grumble at the meat that is in the cellar. Let them come together for good. "Ye are the light of the world," but young men and women, the light which is hid under a bushel, does not give light to those that are in the house. Ye are the city set upon a hill. It cannot be hid. Will you be like that city ? Now, even in our Church, we must be wide awake in our thought. The spirit of the Gospel remains ever the same, but the exercise of that truth varies from age to age. God bless you as you walk on through these years pouring out the light of the gospel which is in your heart, and preserving from decay that which already exists here, making it to be better, and putting away the evil from it. For Christ and his kingdom, in his name, I pray this blessing may be yours. Hymn 293 — "Jesus! With All Thy Saints Above." Closing Words from our Mother Church. Rey. W. S. Fritch: I am sure this has been a glorious day to many. I shall always be glad that this invitation came to me to rejoice with you upon this occasion. I have felt that it has been good to be here. But I suppose the hearts of those who are united in Church work and Church service have been espec- ially filled. It must have been to some who have come from a distance, formerly connected here, like coming to the home of your childhood. I remember how I used to go home, go through the old place, and go through the rooms, and then Ill go back to the work to which God called me with a loftier ambition. So will it be to you ; so may it be to us all. But what now at the close of our services ? We have had a glorious day, physically. We have run in our minds the period of a century; hearts have been pi'oud because of noble ancestry, and rightly so; but let us not be content with boasting of our noble ancestry. Remember the Jews when Jesus Christ came, boasted that they were the children of Abraham; and when Christ said they should be made free, they said Abraham was their father ; they were never yet in bondage to any man. And Christ told them they that sinned served sin. And it places upon our shoulders greater responsibilities; that is what I would have you feel as you go from here, from this Centennial to-day. A greater responsibility for every advantage in your early environ- ment. Opportunity always meets with responsibility. Someone has said of the New England fathers that they were so spiritual that they had to cling to the huckle-berry bushes to keep from being translated. But the fact is — to their honor be it said — they did cling to the huckle-berry bushes, thus emphasizing the practical side of life together with the spiritual. I am not going to keep you long; just a few moments. Should you be content to do just what your fathers did? I think not. Dr. Taylor has made this part of my speech already, and I shall never forget what he said, "Make the past a guide-post, not a hitching-post." There are some people, descendants even of Pilgrims, who have never gotten out of the Mayflower ; then there are people who came out of the Mayflower long ago and have stirred up the whole continent. Wendell Phillips used to say, "Until we do better than our fathers we do not so well." Our fathers made good use of the opportunities they had. We have the benefit of their experience and larger opportunities, and if we do not better than they we do not so well. The question is not so much what the Pilgrims did, but what they would do, to the work for which God calls, so that the Church shall 112 not be blotted out from the light. For the nations that forget God and the Churches that forget God shall come into hell. I need not tell you of the inmost desire in my heart for' you, for the century upon which you enter to-night. God bless you, and may you hold up the hands of your pastor and not hold them down. God bless you that you may re- ceive the words that come from his lips. We must keep the language of the closing year of this century. We must not think that we are specially serving God or serving man in the spirit of Christ when we quietly talk in the language of years ago. The use of the language of that day is very little understood by our young people. We must express it in the conceptions of the time in which we live. There is a deep gulf between the Church and the communities, simply be- cause the Church has not learned to speak in modern lan- guage. It has been said that the Church has lost its power. In some respects it is true ; in a deeper sense it is not true. It is sometimes said that the ministers are not respected as 'much as they used to be. In some respects that is true; and in other respects not at all. Not because we wear clothes of a certain pattern and ties of a certain hue ; not that. The man in the pulpit who is honest is to you as much respected as any minister was respected before. And I am glad that these externals are not considered any more. We ministers are put upon our manhood, and I think the coming gener- ations will be more manly because they must rest upon their manhood. People no longer go to Church out of a sense of fear as they used to. There are losses and there are gains in the Church. If it is simply a mechanical coming together it does not amount to anything. We want it a gathering of love. If your Church is to be powerful there are a few great principles which you must possess. First of all, your Church must stand for righteousness. The people who serve God here must be people of uprightness. And then the Church, 113 as it always has stood, must stand still for sacrifice. A sel- fish Church dies ; and it ought to die, for it is a burlesque upon the spirit and character of Jesus. The community must realize that not only the minister, but all those banded together, are there to help the community ; not to get some- thing out of the community, but to put something into the community. The Church must always stand for a commun- ity, for God. I have seen that if on Sunday in the service the people are made to feel the presence of God, the gathering has not been in vain. We try to teach them, we try to teach theology, but that is not enough. Unless the people feel the presence of the Eternal God, the service has not accom- plished the real purpose of a Church service ; but if people go away feeling in their hearts that God was there, then the meeting has been a very valuable one. I think we can sum this all up in just one word and that is Love, Love, Love. Drummond said that was the great- est thing in the world. Take the 13th chapter of Corinth- ians. The great climax you know is "Now abideth faith, hope, and love; but the greatest of these is love. " If spirit- uality seems to be low in your Church and community, what are you in the Church to do ? Love these people that are cold. If somebody says an unkind thing about you what are you to do ? Love them. If there seems to be contention among the people of God, how shall you get rid of it? Love is out. Just as the sun chases away the night by shining on this w^orld. That is the most powerful thing in this world. Self-sacrifice must be made; but after all, these other things are only sounding brass and tinkling cymbals without love. It is the power that God uses to bring all to himself; and you and I are real Christians just as we sjiare that love with Christ. Mary came with the spikenard. I don't suppose she could have answered a question from the catechism, but she loved our dear Lord. She just poured the ointment of spikenard upon the feet of Jesus, and then kneeling she wiped the feet of Jesus Christ with the hairs of her head. 114 Friends of Harford, gathered here to-night, loving this old Church; if you want the coming day to be more powerful, and fraught with more lasting service to mankind than even the past has been you can enter upon this expectation with good hearts, if you bring forth the spikenard, the most pre- cious things you have and break them, and pour your heart love upon the community. This is the highest message I speak. This is my last message to you ; love, love. Rev. Mr. Manwell : Among all those who are deserving of honor because of what they have done to make this Centennial celebration successful, we are not unmindful of our Choir who have labored so patiently ; and let us, as they sing the closing an- them to-night, bear in our minds the fresh memory of their beautiful, sweet singing to-day. Anthem by Choir. Closing Prayer. Rev. W. S. Fritch : Lord, Our Father, we thank thee for the memories of this day; and do thou consecrate every heart to thee more fully than ever before. May we go forth with one tongue and mind, trusting not in ourselves, but in thee, for thou art with thy people from generation to generation, even to the end of the world. May the power of Christ rest upon us and sweeten and strengthen our lives that we may bring forth good fruit. And may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the Holy Spirit abide with you all forever. Amen. OFFICERS AND MEMBERS OF THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH AND SOCIETY OF HARFORD. PENN'A. The First Congregational Society of Harford was incor- porated December, 1832. PRESENT BOARD OF TRUSTEES. Watson Jeffers, President. Calvin D. Ransom. Edwin T. Tiffany, Secretary. John C. Tanner. Edward E. Jones, Treasurer. Edward M. Watson. Daniel M. Farrar. Alvah C. Salisbury. Edward J. Tyler. John Dixon. The Congregational Church was organized June 15, 1800. PASTORS. Rev. Ebenezer Kingsbury, August 4, 1810, to September 19, 1827. Died March 22, 1842. Rev. Adam Miller, September 21, 1828, to December 1, 1881. Died December 1, 1881. Rev. John Merriam, July 2, 1882, to October 7, 1884. Rev. Reuben N. Ives, January 31, 1885, to March 1, 1886. Rev. Nestor Light, May 16, 1886, to June 15, 1895. Rev. John P. Manwell, July 1. 1896. DEACONS. John Tyler, 1803. Dismissed, 1810. Died May, 1822. Obadiah Carpenter, 1803. Died December, 1810. Caleb Richardson, Jr., October 1810. Died April, 1838. Moses Thacher, January, 1811. Dismissed, 1825. Joab Tyler. August, 1825.' Died January 13, 1869. Lee Richardson, August, 1825. Died June, 3 833. Preston Richardson, July, 1833. Died December. 1836. Payson Kingsbury. July, 1833. Resigned, 1839. Died October, 1843. Onley Thacher, March, 1840. Dismissed, November 30, 1854. 116 Jared Tyler, March, 1840. Died July 7, 1876. Tyler Brewster, February 3, 1866. Died February 24, 1885. Dennison K. Oakley, February 3, 1866. Edwin T. Tiffany, February 3, 1866. Wallace L. Thacher, November 3, 1877. Edward J. Tyler, February 2, 1884. Calvin D. Ransom, April 30, 1898. Watson Jeffers, January 11, 1900. Dismissed, February 3, 1883. Resigned, March 19, 1898. Clerk of the Church — Edwin T. Tiffany. Superintendent of Sabbath School. — Edward E. Jones. Examining Committee— Rev. J. P. Manwell, E. T. Tiffany, E. J. Tyler, C. D. Ransom, Watson Jeffers, E. E. Jones, W. B. Hammond. Chorister. — Urbane B. Lott. Organist. — Miss Minnie Darrow. President Ladies' Aid Society. — Mrs. H. M. Jones. President Ladies' Missionary Society.— Mrs. ]. P. Manwell. President Y. P. S. C. E.—W. B. Hammond. Superintendent of Junior Y. P. S. C. £.— Rev. J. P. Manwell. MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH. The year is the date of admission. Those who died while members of this Church are marked *. Members dismissed and recommended to other churches are marked r. Excommunicated persons are omitted. Names changed by marriage during connection with this Church, have the name by marriage after the dash. Present members of this Church are in italics- Names are recorded in the order in which they were received into this Church. Read across the columns. *Obadiah Carpenter K" John Tyler r t-" *John Thacher K' *Mary Thacher /- •Sarah Thacher *Joseph Blanding Moses Thacher r *John Carpenter *Samuel Thacher *Thomas Sweet *Ezra Carpenter June 15, 1800. *Ama Carpenter *Mercy Tyler *Mercy Carpenter 1800. 1803. *Huldah Blanding Sarah Thacher r *Molly Carpenter * Betsey Thacher *Nanna Sweet Mary Carpenter r 117 *Obadiah Carpenter, Jr. *Elias Carpenter *SalIy Chamberlin *Obadiah Thacher *Anna Knapp. Elizabeth Jones r Elizabeth Whitney r *Mary Seaver *Elisha Bell Eliza Sweet r *Abel Read *John Tyler, Jr. *Polly Carpenter *Caleb Richardson, Jr. Mary Tracy r *Ezra Sttirdevant Sarah Cole r Betsey Cole r Azebah Chamberlin r Lncy Follett, 3d r *Jeminia Farrar *Nancy Thacher *Nancy Sweet *Fann5' Read — Summers *Huldah Blanding — Dunn *Sabinus Blanding Lucinda Carpenter r Jabez Tyler r Thomas Thacher r *Washington Thacher, Rev. Myra Thacher r ♦Rebekah Thacher *Polly T. Carpenter— Jones *Mercy Carpenter — Thacher *Lyman Richardson, Rev. Lucy Miles r Olney Tiffany r •Sally Tyler *Hannah Tiffany — Stanley Achsah Tyler r *Abigal Sweet— Claflin Wright Chamberlain r •Elizabeth Thacher 1804. Patty Gere r *Ichabod Seaver •Nathan P. Thacher 1805. •Sarah Bell 1806. Nancy Howard r •Elizabeth Read •Polly Tyler •Joab Tyler 1807. •Huldah Richardson 1808. 1809. Electa Cole r Julius Chamberlin r •Lucy Follett •Eliab Farrar •Sarah Oakley Charlotte Sweet — Richardson r Thomas Sweet, Jr. r •Joseph Blanding, Jr. *Adin Blanding Harriet Wadsworth — Tyler r Mary T. Carpenter r Mary Carpenter, 3d, r Moses Thacher, Rev. r •Daniel Thacher Bethiah Thacher— Ellsworth r Sarah A. Thacher r Lois Carpenter — Handrick r •Achsah T. Carpenter— Tiffany *Lee Richardson Arunah Tiffany r •Job Tyler Nancy Capron — Stanley r Eliphalet Ellsworth r lis 'Stephen R. Thacher •Martha Wilmarth *Eliza Greenwood 1810. •Esther Richardson •Anna Stanley •Nabby Tyler •Milla Sturdevant— Tennant •Hannah Kingsbury Tyler Thacher, Rev. r •Eunice Peck Rebekah Dunn r •Ruth Tiffany •John Gilbert John Seymour r •Aaron Greenwood Enos Thacher r Hannah Thacher r Polly Follet r •John P. Dunn •Clark Sterry Tanner •Preston Richardson Phebe Brigham r Philene Thacher r •Lydia Carpenter Jason Wiswall r •Daniel Oakley •Fanny Sweet — Carpenter Mela Tiffany r Dorothy Worth r 1811. •Asahel Sweet 1812. 1813. Sarah Fisher r 1814. 1815. •Polly Gilbert 1817. Betsey Thacher r 1818. Noah Tiffany r Samuel Thacher, Jr. r Sarah Herrick r Mary Thacher— Guile r Daniel C. Thacher r Daniel Seaver r •Sally S. Kingsbury — Richardson •Philene Seaver •John Stanley Charlotte Seaver r Sally Wiswall r 1819. Betsey Oakley r •Sally H. Carpenter— Oakley •Betsey Thacher •Martha Tanner Eliza Thacher r •Noah W. Kingsbury •Jotham Oakley 1820. Onley Thacher r Mary R. Kingsbury— Tyler r •Nancy Sweet 119 *Peddy W. Adams Patty Lyon r 'Elizabeth Lyon *Huldah Thacher Betsey Read — Norris r Lovisa Sweet — Thacher r *Nancy Carpenter — Oakley •Amherst Carpenter Isaac Lyon r Augtista Sophia r *Caleb C. Richardson 'Betsey Greenwood Fanny Guard r David Lyon r •Sally Green ♦Rachel Tiffany *Diana Runnels Emily Read — Burns r •Amanda Thacher — Greenwood Eliab F. Blake r Braton Richardson r Alanson P. Williams •Mehitable Gilbert— Thacher 1821. •James Greenwood John Guard r •Alvira Thacher •Austin Jones Mariett D. Fuller r 1822. •Lucina Farrar •Lyman Follet Emily Fuller — Burton r •Eunice Jeffers Sally Lyon r Clara Catlin Tyler— Clarke r •Phebe E. Stiles— Carpenter •Caroline Greenwood — Stiles Rockwell Guile r •Shepherd Carpenter ♦Abel Rice, Jr. •Anna Rice 1823. 1825. 1826. Artemissa Thacher r ♦Hannah Rice— Jackson •Alvira Guile— Read •Lucy Greenwood •Seth Williston Thacher •Charles Rice 7<=\Villiam S. Tyler, Rev. r William W. Pride r •Susanna Payne •Joel Hotchkiss Calvin Hotchkiss r •Mercy Tyler •Susanna McFarlin •Emeline Thacher •Loisa Thayer— Richardson- •Charles Payne 1827. 1830. •Esther Hotchkiss •Lucretia Hotchkiss •Anna B. Miller •Peter Thacher, 2d ♦Eliza Read — Burns 1831. -Allen ♦Hannah Payne Bennett Hotchkiss r 120 *Desdemona E. Gilbert — Parrish Betsey Thacher r Evelina Stanley— Farrar r *Cyrene Hammond — Green — Very Julia E. Thacher — Hawlcy r Armina Lancaster r Sally Read— Spencer r Russel R. Thacher Richard Hotchkiss r *Abram Tait Nancy Read — Tobey Hannah Blodget r *Elona Blanding Mary A. Read — Wriohter *Elizabeth Talt— Withey Joseph Blodget r TfEmeline A. Farrar — Ward r Luther T Farrar r •Nancy T. Thacher Eunice R. Fuller — Chapel r Thaddeus Fields r *Sally Loo mis Phebe Peck r 'Sophia Williams *Erastus Brewster *Peggy Thayer •Amanda M. Carpenter Mary A. Sanborn r *Samuel Guile *Polly Sweet •Caroline Stanley — Tuttle Daniel M. Farrar r •Polly Guard Amos J. Rice r John Stanley, 2d, r •Isabella Mcintosh — Wilcox •Payson Kingsbury •Betsey Tanner •Joseph Peck Eliza Watson — Tennant r Cyrene Very — Mullinex r •Roxa Rice Hannah B. Guile — Coughlan r •Silence Richardson Sarah J. Wiswall r Eliza Guernsey— Alworth r Mary A. Tuttle— Stearns r Lorin Very r Sally W. Oakley— Tiffany Lucy A. Blodget r Sophia A. Richardson r Hannah Seymour r Temperance Guile — Blanding r Eleanor T. Farrar r •Orema Seeley •Elizabeth Taft Sarah R. Ellsworth — Tiffany r Dexter Stanley r •John W. Watson Maria Hotchkiss — Seeley 1832. •Willard Richardson, Rev. Harriet Thacher r William A. Ellsworth r Emily Wiswall — Coon r •Dcnsy Carpenter — Oakley Fanny Fields r John Peck r •Peter Williams Davis F. Thayer r •Submit Brewster •Sally Tyler 1833. Harriet A. Tyler — Richardson r •Hannah Guile •Abel Read, Jr. Saxa Seymour r Dexter C. Stanley r •Fanny Guard •Sally Rice •Eliab M. Farrar •Jared Tyler •Mehitable Richardson •Mehitable P. Lyon •Polly Peck Lebbius Lewis r Almira Carpenter r Loisa M. Case r Mary A. Follet i*Mary Hart— Farrar Adah Carpenter — Abel r •Abel Rice 121 •jijfietsey M. Thacher— Rice r jMary P. Farrar— Godding r Piatt Freeman r Jesse Carpenter r Mary A. Cooman r Polly W. Tyler— Guile cL Obadiah Mills r Jonathan T. Langdon r Elizabeth Hotchkiss r Caroline Carpenter r . John D. Decker r *Mary A. Leslie Judith Mills r Polly L. Stewart r Nancy M. Kingsbury r Julia A. Oakley— Hull r Margaret Osmun r Loisa M. Buck r Sarah Bishop r *Catharine Spearbeck— Thacher Huldah A. Dunn r *Sarah Olivia Loomis— Carpenter Nancy Guard *James G. Hotchkiss Sophia Guard r *Thusa B. Taft •Russel Tuttle 'Frances Lewis j^Jane Smyth r >tStephen Torrey r *Henry Dailey *Mary VanBuskirk Emily A Farrar r *Loritta C. Oakley *Ira H. Parrish Mariah More r 1834. Seeley Wood r 1835. Mary Freeman r Hannah Carpenter r *Sarah Guernsey 1836. Jane Mills r Sarah M. Mills r 1837. •John Swarthout Magdalina Decker r Lydia Payne — Bushnell r 1838. Sally A. Lyon r Mary L. Kingsley — Nichols r Mary Hannah r Julia Ann Lewis r 1839. ;/S.daline S. Richardson — Gardner r Flora Estabrook r *Susan McDowell Mary M. Chamberlin r •Nathan G. Brainerd ^Susanna Guile — Breed r Dennison K. Oakley r Amos Guard r Joseph F. Lyon r Sophia A. Guard r 1840. Asahel Abbott r j^Amanda Dailey r Nathan Hawley r •Elizabeth C. Conrad Adah M. Oakley— Hull r 1841. Horace G. Summers r 122 Kenneth A. Johnston r *Edith B. Kingsley •Mary Watson Thomas D. Tennant r Susan M. Thomas *Margaret Hardenbrook — Tiflfany *Harriet A. Hotchkiss — Payne JT^larissa Roe *LydiaJ. Oakley — Finn Henrietta C. Kingsley Cynthia A. Tiffany— Butler r -T^tephen L. Greenwood ^Loranda Carpenter — Lyon r /j^etsey A. Carpenter — Lyon r *Achsah Melissa Tiffany Angeliue Thacher — Moxley r Hannah Tiffany — Walker Hannah C. Farrar — Grenell Harriet N. Gamble Mary Jane Gillespie — VanFleet Elsie E. Dailey — Vanderlip Mary Baker Richard K. Gamble *Anna Gamble *Benjamin B. Roe *Daniel T. Roe *Nancy Maria Richardson *John'K. Gamble ;}^eorge M. Gamble r Robert Gillespie *Amanda Carpenter Susan Lily — Packard Jane E. Summers John B. Buck r Maria S. Buck *Ann H. Birnie >j-]u\ia A. Thacher — Watrous r *Jane Whitney ^Faniiy S. Thacher — Greenwood r Byington Thacher r /fTEhza. Oakley — Webster r Mary Gamble r 1842. Nancy R. Johnston r /jfceah Gillespie r *John Kingsley 1843. "Milbourn Oakley 'Clarissa B. Farrar — Roe *Almira H. Avery — Wilcox AAmbrosia R. Kingsley — Evans Deborah Allison r Sarah J. Kingsley — Fuller -XCatharine Guile — Gamble r *Ary T. Packard Harriet F. Brundage — Seymour .^"iLovisa Carpenter — Dimraick *Sarah Jones Sarah Greenwood *Lucy Ann Greenwood *Angeline Tiffany — Grinnell ;telizabeth M. Gamble— Tucker r *Williston K. Oakley Hiram C. Baker Lucius B. Taft "George Gamble *Orton P. Jackson *Margaret Roe /[fHenry W. Williams r •Marietta W. Sweet Mary Esther Avery — Gillespie ^ 1844. *Elias N. Carpenter Mary M. Root— Gibson Jemima B. Thayer 1845. Susan Buck r *Sarah Brainerd — Farrar 1846. S. Newell Thacher r Cordelia Carpenter^Wbitney Phila A. Chase r ^ 'William O. Baker -^Julia M. Spearbeck r Anna K. Gamble r 123 'Dorothy Bell •Cynthia Clark •Jacob Clark 1848. Amanda M. Seymour r 1849. •Sarah Parrish 1850. •Tyler Brewster Lydia Maria David Quick r Caroline Qui( Horace Little r Abigail Little — Hammond •John Leslie Eliza Jane Burbank r Adaline T. Thacher — Brewster r Betsey A. Rice William T. Lyon r George W. Williams r John F. Lyon r Mary A. Leslie — Gillespie •Martha Tanner — Brundage Fanny M. Little r Eliza Blanding r Emma P. Gamble r ?^annah C. Richardson r Betsey M. Oakley— Jeffers ;!|{isaac Bird Greenwood r Sarah M. Edwards r •James Wilson John M. Blanding r 1851. •Sarah M. Little •Benjamin Watrous Julia A. Quick r •Fanny Tingley Amanda Thacher — Gillespie r ,;jH^ancy Tanner — Brundage r Samuel E. Lyon r >.George I. Tingley r Louisa T. Lyon r Hannah Rice r Esther Little r Harriet M. Lyon r Cyrus S. Johnston ■f^Adelia S. Dickerman r Ann E. Read—Moxley Josephine E. Blanding r -'jtCharles C. Edwards r •Margaret Wilson E. Martin Blanding r Louisa T. Lyon -j^athan T. Hull r Helen M. Baker r Ellen C. Park r •Sarah Watrous •Abner Stanton Margaret Manson r •Ebenezer Avery Henrietta L. Allen r ^Alonzo Abel r 1852. David B. Belknap r -^Mary L. Oakley — Peckham r Sophronia W. Tyler r 1853. •nKi-ngeline Stanton r James Manson r •Hezekiah Avery 1854. Harriet N. Abel r 124 Eleanor Jane Thacher r "Hannah E. Carpenter Eliza L. Thacher — Stearns- *Jane Williams Nancy J. Carpenter r ?fi John S. Carpenter r *HenryJ. Tyler *5. Wadsworth Tyler r Eugene E. Blanding r Rachel S. Bell r "Laura 0. Lindsey :* Amanda D. Gillespie r Julia A. Oakley — Gere r *Mary Miller Charlotte M. Jackson r Edwin T. Tiffany Julia Coughlin — Tyler- Amanda A. Babcock r Emily A. Lyon r Ann Eliza Lewis *Sarah Perigo Nancy M. Tiifany •Joseph Moore, Jr. *John L. Tiffany ^Gardner J. Babcock r Wallace L. Tbacber r Albert B. Hotchkiss *Mary C. Allen , j, Samuel H. Oakley ^'\ ^ Marietta I. Jones Elizabeth S. Eaton r Minerva Percy r 1855. Elizabeth VanBuskirk — Tingley Catharine A. Guernsey r Upham r 'Evelyn S. Clark Maria Potter — Hotchkiss Betsey Carpenter — Darrow George M. Carpenter r -y; Charles C. Payne r Jf^Rohert G. Dailey r ;^Charles L. Seeley Nancy J. Sweet — Alworth MahalaJ. Watson — LeRoy i^Almira E. Leach r Eliza K. Dickerman — Eaton r Flavia C. Blanding r •Esther B. Tingley •George A. Lindsey Estabrook *Demis E. Moore Martha Patterson •Caroline S. Miller— Tyler Julia A. Carpenter — Sweet •Eunice B. Carpenter ^DavidE. Whitney Ralph H. Eaton r [ohn A. Sophia r Amasa B. Tucker r /*!Preston B. Williams r •George Lee Richardson •Leonora Very — Carr ;jtDaniel Chauncy Oakley r Benjamin F. Eaton r Jane Angeline Carpenter — Moore K2. William Baker r Joseph McConnell •Sarah Dixon Ann M. Stearns 1856. •Mary McConnell 1857. ^Edward K. Richardson r 1858. Isaac Shultz Corwin r •Mary Tiffany Whiting Charles E. Bryant r •Margaret McConnell ^Clarinda Wilmarth r Valara A. Corwin r William 0. Bryant r Hannah Bryant r Catharine Morrovigh — Stewart *Azor Thacher 125 •Harriet A. Thacher Adaline M. Tingley *Robert Hill David W. Titus r *Huldali Loesa Johnston *Mary B. Watson— LeRoy William J. Alexander r Eunice O. Corwin r -Eunice 0. Titus r Cornelia A. Frear — Carpenter 'Robert Alexander Sarah Andrews r ^meline Chamberlin r Margaret McMurray r 1859. *Mary Alexander *Mary Hill Mary Patterson Pamelia Palk r Eliza Jane Decker r Abby Sweet — Seeley r *Charles M. Parrish 7|&!^inus W. Moore r Horace M. Lindsey r Eudora Avery Emerancy L. Lindsey 1860. 1861. James W. Belknap r 1862. Newell W. Tiffanv r *Chauucey F. Moore Polly E. Tiffany Ann Eliza Carpenter Eleanor Very *Mary C. Green *Emeline Oakley 1863. •?4Margaret A. Howell r Elizabeth T. Gregg r Wilbur Johnson, Rev. r 1864. 'Harriet A. Kingsley 1865. Anna Julia Miller — Torrey r H. Elizabeth Brewster— Marean r William Alexander Annie R. Tanner Mary Ella VanBuskirk—Tbacher Thomas Sweet Miller r Agves B. Thacher Clara M. Tiffany Hannah Alexander *Lodisa May Grinnell — Payne *David Payson Brewster Hugh McConnell r 1866. *William Dixon •Martha Kelley Mary C. Tanner— Cole Mary Catharine Green r •Sophia Dixon Augusta R. Miller r Levo L. LeRoy •Maria Thacher — Wellman 126 /fHuraphrey G. Parrish r Edward J. Tyler *Sarah Dixon ylf. Sarah E. Dimmick r -f. Kate Dimmick r -f Emma M. Roe— Miller r Alpha D. Tyler r Franklin L. Green fZ- Sarah E. Moore— Tiffany r Emma L. Tiffany r 1867. Joseph McConnell, Jr. •Eleanor Hill ,|tNancy M. Tyler— Wilson r ,^Alice M. Dimmick — Carpenter r Celia J. Edwards r Sarah Miller r Mary Bagley Brewster r Almira C. Stearns r 1868. Julia B. Parrish r *Sarah C. Miller 1869. *Alfred Sinsabaugh 1870 Mary A. Richardson r Esther M. Sweet r .yjeanette Ira r -"l^ydia M. Tingley — Thayer r Margaret Alexander r Henry S. Sweet r William James r Florence E. McConnell r •Robert J. Alexander Mary B. Alexander — Stuckey r 1871. Amanda Sherwood r Edna L. Seeley — Decker •Lucy B. Tingley Sophronia Farrar :f^SarahJ. Tingley r Milbourn O. Webster r Amanda L. Moore — Brewster— York ^Carrie VanBuskirk — Belknap r •Catharine McConnell •Sarah U. Wellman ^Marantha S. Thacher ^•Addie A. Carpenter — VanBuskirk 'Augusta Devine — VanBuskirk Alice M. Tucker— Moxley r •Charles H. Miller Hutchinson Alexander •James A. Williams Mary A. Courtright r Henry W. Wellman Mary Follet 1872. David Alexander Joseph Matthews Ella Carpentei^-Grinnell^Birchard Hattie F. Williams— Johnston r Washington McConnell Mary Manson — Bolles r Ida H. Mossr Fannie A. Mead r •Ann Alexander Derinda J. Matthews Margaret Jehnie Tanner — Gamble r Lizzie E. Tiffany r Julia L. Moore •Helen Mead Clara Evelyn S. Brewster r John Dixon 127 >)teenr3' Pennepacker, M. D. James Barnes r 1873. Abbie E. Gow ^^ieeimer C. Webster Amy A. Wilwarth—Titus 1874. •Carrie Brewster 1875. Jennie Pennepacker Myrtis E. Tingley— Clapper r Willis B. Hammond Anna Patterson Ida S. Williams Helen A. Follet Sarab Sweet Emma L. Parrish r Ella Watrotis 1876. William H. Patterson •Joseph Williams Henrietta E. Roe r Harriet S. Jackson Anna Eastman r Jeanette Rogers '^Loring O. Tiifany r Mary Hill— Whitney Susan Tyler Flora May Hammond — Lowry r Edwin N. Hammond r Nellie Picket r Jane C. Gillespie — Hunt r Elizabeth Jane Leslie Mary L. Lott r John Lorimer r Watson Jeffers Jane Matilda Miller— Tew ksbury John Merria,m, Rev. r Mary E. Tyler— Fletcher r Lulu Tingley — Tingley Rose Lott r 1877. Eliza Osterhout ♦Susan C. Tiffany 1878. Evaline Tiffany 1879. Ida M. Tiffany Martha J. Tiffany r 1880. Margaret B. Gillespie— Tiffany r Carrie C. Rogers — Peck r Pamelia Tiffany 'V 1881. Jennette Lorimer r Asa M. Hammond Helen Maude Spencer r 1882. James W. Bolles r 1883. Camilla Halstead— Sanders 128 1884. Frederick Moss r Maggie A. McConnell- Martha Alexander r Edward E. Jones ■Gow Martha, E. Hill— Tiffany Mary Catharine Thacher Mary A. Ives r Anna Miller Tyler — Tyler r H. Judd Tiflfany r Anna M. Lindsey r Henry M. Seeley Mary L. Sweet Winona S. Sweet — Osborne Zada A. Hotchkiss— Hammond Ida May Tingley—Benning Sarah E. McConnell r Susie K. Alexander r 1885. Agnes J. Hill— Cameron Alpha Tiffany Carpenter Maggie A. Gillespie — Tiffany r 1886. Estella L. Tingley— Whitney r 1887. Arta T. Sweet r Frances E. Sanford — Sweet r Fannie A. Tyler — Gardner r Ida A. Savige—Cbamberlin Albert W. Tyler r Dennis E. Baxter r Sarah A. Alexander r *Hattie Sweet— Jones Nettie M. Walkei^Booth Francis E. D arrow Edward R. Tanner r Anna C. Adams — Jeffers Nora B. Hotchkiss — Matteson r Ella Light r Louise A. Beane Lena L. VanOrsdale Edith H. Wilcox r Anna L. Bunn Frank H. Brenchley Arthur J. Gardner Henry W. Jeffers Mary E. Osmun EfEe M. Darrow r Evelyn E. Brundage 1888. 1889. Maggie A. Alexander r Nina M. Adams — Wilcox 1890. Nestor Light, Rev. r William W. Adams r , . Carries. Williams A'Jc^''^ Hnldah M. Alworth— Gere r Fannie I. Wellman — Gorton Myra M. Loughridge r Madilena Schuler r Jennie Prutsman r Rosa E. Barrigar r John H. Barr Henry VanKurin r Allen Grow George W. Osmun 1891. *Daniel C. Brundage Sarah Louise Brundage— Adams r 129 Williani E. Teller Harrie M. Melhiiish 1892. Grace Teller Jennie A. Melhnisl Addie E. Jeffers Il.ittie A. Mure;!!! Olive Clinton Urbane B. Lntt Ira J. Chamberlin Sumner J. Adams John P. Manwell, Rev. FV John Tarbvake Mame Carpenter Jennie Louisa Darrow Frances Janette Oillespie Jean Agnes J^ollet Lena Gertrude Stearns p^Iabel Grace Sherwood Maria Stanton Ezra Duncan Follet Arthur Edwin Tingley Calvin D. Eansom Alvah C. Salisbury Florence Lizzie Van Buskirk Moses J. Chamberlin Ti893. John S. Maivan May A. Belknap 1894. 1895. Katie A.. Lott 1896. Adelia Barnard Adams Stella Florene Manwell t- Maude Carpen tei^— Wilrnarth Ruth Bell Ransom Mary Elizabeth Gillespie Helen Marion Gillespie Lillian Eliza Tingley EJith Ethel McConnell 1897. Gertrude Brewster Stearns Neil Clarence Follet Lena Roberta Payne')^*i^ Mary Ransom 1898. Hiland Riley Estabroak Emily Sweetser Chamberlin, Calvin P. Chamberlin William Henry Sherwood Myrtle May Ransom Minnie Manzer Walter Lewis 1899. Anna Catharine Gillespie- Mary Louesa Rogers Jane Chamberlin Edith Pickett Bnrdick 1900. Clyde Anna Patterson ERRATA. Page 28. The last sentence in the paragraph regarding Rev. John Merriam, belongs to the next paragraph, Rev. Reuben N. Ives. Page 29. It was estimated that the Church Roll would number 950 names. When the Roll was revised and written, subsequently, the actual count was 877.