Mistori? of the (Bongreoational Society in ^ontere^, flDass. Mltb 3Brie( IblstorB of tbe Uown anO Hcconnt of tbe Hnnif ersarg E jerctses, ®ct. 1 an6 1 1 , 1 900 UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AT AMHERST UNIVERSITY LIBRARY Special Collections & Rare Books REV. JOHN DOOLY, 'i«*y. /iA- yaiiffi,^^ HISTORY FIRST CONGREGATIONAL SOGIETY m MONTEREY, MASS., WITH BRIEF HISTORY OF THE TOWN AND ACCOUNT OF THE ANNIVERSARY EXERCISES OCTOBER lo AND ii, 1900 GREAT HARRINGTON, MASS.: COURIER BOOK AND JOB PRESS. 1900. PREFACE. At the annual meeting of the First Congregational church in Monterey, Mass.. held December 15, 1899. it was resolved: That in view of the 150th anniversary of this church in October, 1900, the prudential committee be empowered to appoint a committee on church history. The prudential committee met and appointed the committee as follows: Rev. John Dooly, Marshall S. Bidwell, Henry W. Langdon, Miss Jessie A. Townsend. This Committee now places before the friends of the church the results of their labor and search. They are greatly indebted to former writers for information gleaned from "The History of Berkshire County," printed in 1829, as also the history printed in 1885. They are also thank- ful to the many friends who, in response to request for historical reminis- cences by the Committee of Arrangements for the anniversary exercises, have given many facts of rare interest not hitherto printed. . This History before its final issue from the press was read to the congregation with a view to accuracy of facts, both as to dates and details. If the reader de- tects any inaccuracies the Committee will be thankful to receive informa- tion of such with a view to correction in the copies which will be sent to libraries and book depositaries. This History is given to the church of Jesus Christ in the hope and with the prayer that it may prove a stimulus to the faith and endeavor of those bodies of believers, who in the midst of adverse circumstances are striving to maintain the institutions of the Gospel for the salvation of their fellowmen. JOHN DOOLY, MARSHALL S. BIDWELL, HENRY W. LANGDON, JESvSIE A. TOWNSEND. FORM OF BEQUEST. I give and bequeath to the First Congregational Society of Monterey, IVlass., incorporated under the laws of the State of Massachusetts the sum of Dollars, to be applied as an endowment for the religious purposes of said Society. EARLY HISTORY OF THE TOWN. On January 15, 1735, the Provincial Legislature voted that four towns should be opened on the road between Westfield and Sheffield, each town to be six miles square, and that there be sixty-three home lots laid out in a compact and defensible form, one to be for the first settled minister, one for the second settled minister, one for the school and one for each grantee, which shall draw equal shares in all future divisions. Security of ^40 was required from each grantee for the faithful perform- ance of the conditions of settlement. In compliance with this Act, townships No. i, (Tyring- ham), No. 2, (New Marlboro), No. 3, (Sandisfield), No. 4, (Becket) were laid out and thus the settlements of the Connecti- cut and Housatonic valleys were linked together. To each of these townships thete was afterwards given an equal share in territory, north and south, purchased by Colonels Ephraim Wil- liams and Nahum Ward from the Stockbridge Indians soon after the passage of the act authorizing the organization of the four townships. The early settlements in No. i were all made in the south part, (now Monterey). The first permanent settlers were Lieut. Isaac Garfield, Thomas Slaton and John Chadwick, who came in April, 1739. Captain John Brewer moved into the vicinity of Lake Garfield, then known as Twelve-mile Pond, in August, 1739, and in compliance with an agreement by which he received certain grants, erected a sawmill and afterwards a gristmill. His dwelling was the first frame house erected in the township. Traces of it may still be seen near the residence of Francis G. Heath. This house was one of three which was fortified and garrisoned during the French and Indian War. The first road through the town and over the Green Moun- tain range in Berkshire was opened in 1737. In 1743 the Royal Hemlock road to Hop Brook was opened. In 1766 the first schoolhoiise was built near the Old Centre. At a meeting of the proprietors held in Boston, before the first settlers came to the town, it was voted to build a meeting house, and a tax was levied on the proprietors for that purpose. The site chosen was a short distance south of where B. S. Carrington now lives. In 1743 the frame, 35x40 feet, was erected, but on account of the fears of an Indian War and the hardships and expenses of the French War it was not completed for many years. The date of its completion is not known, but for thirty-five years it was used as a place of worship. According to a census taken in 1765 the town of Tyringham contained fifty-one houses, fifty-five fam- ilies, three hundred and thirty-five inhabitants . The entire county now known as Berkshire contained only, 3,159 inhabitants. On April 12, 1847, the south part of Tyringham was formed into a separate township by general request of the people. This town was named Monterey in honor of the victory won by General Taylor in Monterey, Mexico, in 1846. In 1 85 1 by mutual request of the two towns the north part of New Marlboro was annexed, and in 1874 a portion of Sandisfield was annexed. There are high hills on all the boundaries of the town, thus forming an elevated valley on the eastern part of which lies beautiful Lake Garfield, called in early days Brewer's Pond, about one and a-half miles long. In the southwestern part of the township is Lake Buel, one-half of which is in New Marlboro. The village of Monterey lies in the lowlands near the centre of the valley. It contains the church, schoolhouse, hotel, store, post office, sawmill, blacksmith-shop, a co-operative creamery, town library and several dwellings. Lake Garfield was so named on July 4, 1881, two days after President Garfield was shot in Washington, D. C. James A. Garfield, when a student in Williams College, was a frequent visitor to this section where he had several distant relatives. A local demonstration had been planned for the occasion of naming the Lake after him, but the day was greatly saddened and the exercises were somewhat modified by the news of the attempt on the President's life. A summer settlement named Garfield Park was opened in t894 on tlie south shore of the lake by Rev. W. T. Elsing of New York City and George L. Keyes of Monterey. Eleven •cottages have been built by purchasers of lots. Some of these cottages are very ornamental and expensive. They are being ^improved each year and their number is on the increase. John H. Parker of Boston, who has been a summer resident here for : several years, has purchased a lake property which he will improve by the erection of cottages for the use of residents of Boston. Curtis J. Judd of Dwight, Illinois, has built a very beautiful residence on Rock Ridge on the west side of the lake at a cost of $45,000. Miss Janet Waring and Miss Frances Oilman of Yonkers, N. Y., have built a cottage at the junction of^the Sandisfield and Otis roads where they spend about three months each year and entertain as their guests many of their city friends. There are five schools in the township with an attendance of over 100 scholars. For the year ending March 26, 1900, the town expended For School Purposes, ^1,525-87 For Highways and Bridges, 937-22 For Other Purposes, 1,700.24 Total, $4. 163.33 The total assessed valuation of the town is $229,207. A daily mail is brought by the stage which goes regularly from West Otis to Great Barrington as part of the Adams Express system. A long distance telephone connects with the chief cities of the country. From three to four hundred summer boarders spend their vacations here each year. The air of this ■section is dry and bracing and very healthful, owing to the pine forests and the elevation above sea level which ranges from i, 100 to 1.875 feet- The views of landscape both near and distant are beautiful beyond description. When the State Geological Survey party passed through Monterey they were surprised; when they reached the top of Chestnut Hill their delight was so great that the leader of the party said "There is nothing in the state which exceeds that view of landscape, and we have seen only four places which will equal it." A recent visitor, after standing in silence for a few minutes said " That is beautiful; it exceedS' Greylock Mountain view." The soil here varies from a heavy- loam on the lower farms to a light soil on the upper lands, very suitable for grazing. Good crops of corn, potatoes, buckwheat, oats and garden vegetables may be grown, but the seasons are short. J. G. Holland in 1855 said, " No other town receives a greater number of premiums at the annual fair for agricultural products than Monterey. " The present population is 565. Many descendants of the early settlers still reside here. There are in the town now several persons over 80 years age, Henry A. Stedman, 89 years of age, being the oldest resident. Monterey in the last twenty-five years has changed, as have most rural dis- tricts in the Eastern and Middle States, for the worse in the matter of population and manufacturing. Formerly there was much manufacturing done here, now there is none, but the property in the town is being improved and new buildings are annually erected. Very few of the farms in the township are idle. The general tone of morals is good, the inhabitants are orderly and law-abiding. There has been no license granted in the town for several years. The prospects are that Monterey will become each year more popular as a summer resort for a good class of city people who will prefer the quiet of this place rather than the crowd and noise of more fashionable resorts. THE CHURCH Was organized September 25, 1750, by eight persons who •entered into church relations by signing the following covenant : COVENANT OF 1750. We whose names are underwritten apprehending ourselves called of 'God unto the Church state of the Gospel, do acknowledge our unworthi- ness of so great a favor and admire the riches of Divine Grace that tri- umphs over so great unworthiness. and would humbly depend upon the aids of Divine Grace to assist us to the whole of the business of the Christian life, and thankfully lay hold on his Covenant and would choose the things that please God. We believe the Holy Scriptures to be the word of God and sincerely resolve to conform to the holy rules of it as long as we live without making any additions to it or diminutions from it- We give up ourselves to God who is the Father, the Son, the Holy Ghost, and avouch Him tliis day to be our God and Father and Leader .and receive Him as our portion forever. We give up ourselves to Jesus Christ who is God blessed forevermore and adhere to Him as the head of His church in the covenant of Gracei and take Him as our Prophet, Priest and King, and depending on His Grace and help, we resolve and engage to walk together as a church of our Lord Jesus Christ in the faith and order of the Gospel, conscientiously attending the public worship of God, the Sacraments of the New Testa- ment, walking in all the ordinances of the Lord blameless, watching over one another for the good of our souls and submitting to the government •of Christ in the holy church, and to train up our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, begging that the Great Shepherd would strengthen us for every good work to do his will, working in us that which is well pleasing in his sight, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. ADONIJAH BIDWELL -September 25, 1750. EPHRAIM THOMAS JOHN JACKSON THOMAS ORTON JOHN CHADWICK WILLIAM HALR JABEZ DAVIS DAVID EVEREST On October 3, the same year, one of their number was set apart to be their minister as certified by the following : THE FIRST MINISTER INSTALLED- 1 750. At a Council met at Number oue in the County of Hampshire in the- Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England October the 3rd, 1750, at the desire of the inhabitants of said township to ordain Mr. Adonijah, Bidwell to pastoral office there. Present the Revd Messrs and messengers BENJAMIN COLTON EBENEZER MIX JONATHAN HUBBARD DEACON JAMES DEWEY THOMAS STRONG DEACON NATHAN D. HARMON- DEACON JONAH PIXLEY The Council understand that Mr. Adonijah Bidwell who had been' chosen and called to the work of the ministry in this place had the appro- bation of three neighboring ministers as to his qualifications for the work of the ministry and having received satisfaction concerning his knowledge and soundness in the faith proceeded at the desire and with the consent of the church in said place to separate him to the work of the Gospel ministry among them by prayer and the imposition of hands. BENJA COLTON, Moderator THOS STRONG, Scribe Rev. Adonijah Bidwell was born in Hartford, Conn., Octo- ber 18, 1716. He was graduated from Yale College in 1740. In 1 745 he went as chaplain under Sir William Pepperel to the cap- ture of Cape Breton. From 1747 to 1750 he preached in Sims- bury, Conn. During the early part of the year 1750 he preached in Kinderhook, N. Y. Evidently discerning the need of the gospel ministry in the new settlement, he became the first minister of the church. The early history of Berkshire speaks of him as "greatly beloved for his christian friendship, sound judgment, and integ- rity." He was pastor for thirty-four years, during which time one hundred and four persons had united with the church, and three hundred and seventy-eight children and adults had been, baptized. He married one hundred and sixty-five couples. In consequence of wasted strength and bodily infirmities he was unable to officiate regularly the last two years of his ministry^ and was assisted by candidate preachers. He died June 2, 1784. 15 The year before his death there was a very gracious revival of religion, the subjects of which, thirty -one persons, were added to the church a few years afterwards. His sermons have been preserved, but being written in shorthand are not readable. Some of these sermons are in the Athenaeum, Pittsfield. At the close of his ministry the membership was thirty-six, the deaths and removals being so great in this period. Doubtless during the early years of the church the members suffered great discom- forts in their attendance on worship, vvhich, owing to the unfin- ished state of the first structure must have been conducted in private houses. For five years after his death the church employed supplies. On February 25, 1789, the Rev. Joseph Avery previously pastor at Alford was installed as pastor. He wa^ "a pious, useful respectable minister, good in council, sincere and friendly. ' ' His service of nineteen years was rewarded by the accession of seventy members to the church. History says that near the end of his ministry a controversy arose in the town in opposition to him. not among the friends of order and religion, but principally among those who did not attach much importance to the christian ministry. At that time every voter was taxed a certain amount for the support of the ministry. An article was in- serted in the warrant for town meeting "shall Rev. Jos. Avery be considered any longer as the minister of the town.'' At the town meeting the opposition were present in full foice and accom- plished their purpose by a vote of sixty-nine negative to sixty-six affirmative. He was accordingly dismissed January 13, 1808. The opposition refused to assist in paying the arrearage due the min- ister. He instituted a civil process against the town and obtained judgment, but the opposition by certificating that they had paid the legal sum tor that purpose iti North Tyringham avoided paying any part of the arrearages due him and thus threw the whole burden upon his adherants. This unhappy state of affairs threatened the extinction of the church, but the faithful remnant rallied for the support of God's cause and banded together to form a fund for the permanent support of the gospel ministry. The following is the agreement with the li.st of con- tributors and the amount they subscribed: i6 SUBSCRIPTION FOR CHURCH FUND. "Tj-ringham, November 15th, 1808. "The subscribers considering it to be both a duty and Privilege to be provided with a stated settled Teacher of Piety and Religion, do hereby agree to raise a fund not exceeding the sum of Ten Thousand Dollars for the purpose of supporting a Congregational Teacher of Piety and Relig- ion to supply the Pulpit and Perform the Duties of a Minister in what is called the South part of said Town forever. "And to effect the same do severally agree to pay the sums in this In- strument annexed to our respective names or give sufficient security for the payment thereof in the Judgment of the Trustees who may hereafter be appointed by, or agreeable to, an act of Incorporation, the said sums to be paid or security for the payment thereof given to said trustees within three months after said Act of Incorporation shall be obtained. '•If the Interest is Annually paid and in the Judgment of the Trustees the Security Sufficient, the principal shall not be called for within fifteen years from the time the Interest begins, but to be Received when ten- dered by any subscriber. "No subscription is to be received for a less sum than Sixteen Dollars and Sixty-seven Cents and until the sum to be founded shall amount to Ten Thousand Dollars no person other than a subscriber shall be entitled to Vote in the Society, Saving only if any subscriber assign his right in the fund to one of his Heirs, such Heir may be admitted if the Society Judge it expedient. "If the annual income of profit arising from the said fund shall ever be found more than sufficient for the support of a Minister the Surplus is to be laid out to Repair the Meeting House or for such Religious purpose as the Society shall agree, but the Trustees shall not be entitled to any Conipensation;for their services, to be paid out of the fund, and if they receive any it shall be paid by the Society for whose benefit the fund is Intended. "Provided, nevertheless, if there shall be not Four Thousand Dollars be subscribed by the First day of January, next, then this Instrument he void and of no effect. Otherwise remains in full force. Adonijah Bidwell, $250.00 John Langdon, 25.00 Azariah Orton, 150.03 Amasa Curtis. 33-33 Eli Picket, 25.00 Darius Hibbins, 25.00 John Brewer, 25.00 Joseph Brewer, Jr., 65.00 John Jackson, 45.00 Charles Jackson, 60.00 Ebenezer Chadwick, 100.00 Jesse Langdon, 60.00 Benjamin Griffin, 20.00 Zebir.a Curtis, 25.00 Ebenezer Reuwu, 100.00 Salathiel Hale, 66.67 John Heath, 30.00 Isaac Harmon, 50.00 Elisha Taylor 100.00 Noah Allen, 103.33 17 Alvan Taylor, 1120 00 Lysha Taylor, 50.00 Elijah Fowler, 60 00 Zadock Reuwu, 50.00 Joshua Brewer, Jr., 33-60 Roswell Richards, 16.66 Miller Peck, 25.00 Benjamin Warren, Jr. 78.33 Asa Fowler, 41.67 Isaac Brewer. T6.66 Jonas Brewer, 33-00 Joseph Chapiu, 150.00 Josiah Hale, 50.00 Nathan Hale, 3500 Lemuel Townsend, I GO. 00 Josiah Brewer, 275.00 Daniel Brewer, 33-34 Joseph Brewer, 50.00 Nathan Merriam, 33-33 Joshua Brewer, 16.67 John Brewer, 33 34 "The foregoing is Abigal Hale, I50.00 Amasa Curtis, Jr., 30.00 Thankful Brewer, 20.00 Amos Langdon, 60 00 Joseph Avery, 75- 00 Elisha Garfield, 20.00 Daniel Garfield, 33-33 Sanford Gleason, 25.00 Manash Fairbank, 25.00 Stephen Brookin, 25.00 Penuel Hobbs, 50.00 Samuel Townsend, 630.00 Asa Bigelow, 78.33 Samuel Tibball, 78.33 John Bentley, 25.00 Jedediah Chapm, 21.66 Elijah Walter, 25.00 Asa Markham, 25.00 Luther Robinson, 33 34 Ebenezer Jackson, 50.00 Alexander Wheelock, 17.00 1 true copy. ASA BIGELOW, Clerk." And under another date the record of the women's gifts : "Tyringham,Sept. 23, 1809. "We the subscribers, considering it a duty as well as a privilege for every Religious Society to be provided with a public teacher of Piety, Religion and Morality, and for the encouragement thereof, we feel willing to contribute our mite toward increasing the Ministerial fund, raised and now raising by the First Congregational Society in Tyringham and do hereby promise to pay each one the sum annexed to our respective names to the treasurer of Society on or before the first day of January, next, to be under the care and direction of the Trustees for the management of the fund : Mercy Curtis, I5.00 Achsah Brewer, 15- 00 Olive Chapin, 5.00 Anna Wheelock, 2.00 Maienda Richards, 5-00 Electa Heath, 2.00 Amy Richards, 5-00 Achsah Hale, 5-00 Chloe Hobbs, 5.00 Esther Hale, 6.00 Puah Reuwu, 5-00 Amelia Bigelow, 4.00 Lucretia Reuwu, 2.00 Vashti Wheelock, 2.00 Chloe Brewer, 5.00 Polly Avery, 2.00 Betsy Kingsbury, 5.00 Phoebe Langdon, 2.00 i8 Rhoda Wheelock, I5.00 Amy Hurd, I2.00 Margarite Hatu, 3.00 Milly Wheelock, 3.00 Pede Wheelock, 5.00 Electa Morse, 2.00 Lois Wheelock, 5.00 Thankful Brewer, 2.00 Lydia Brewer, 1. 00 In a separate place without date are these names as later subscribers: Halsey Tibbals, $16.67 Cyrus Towusend, I50.00 Samuel Tibbals, Jr., 25.00 Millen Sabina, 16.67 Asa G.Welch, 50.00 Harvey Brewer, 33-33 Paul S. Chapin, 16.67 Stephen B. Fairchild, 16.67 Charles Townsend, 16.67 Roswell Bentley, 16.67 Barnabas Bidwell, 16.67 On June 15, 1809, they became a corporate body by an act of the state legislature of which the following is a copy : COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS. In the year of our Lord one thousand ei3;ht hundred and nine. An Act incorporating the first Congregational Society in the town of Tyringham. Section i. Be it enacted by the Senate, and House of Representa- tives, in General Court, assembled, and by the authority of the same. That Adonijah Bidwell, Azariah Orton, EH Picket, John Reuwee, Johnjackbon, Ebenezer Jackson, Ebenezer Chadwick, Benjamin Griffin, Ebenezer Reuwee, John Heath, Elisha Taylor, Alvan Taylor, Lyster Taylor, Elijah Fowler, Zadock Reuwee, Josiah Brewer, Jun. , Roswell Richards, Miller Peet, Benjamin Warren, Jun., Isaac Brewer, Jonas Brewer, Joseph Chapin, Josiah Hale, Lemuel Towusend, Nathan Hale, Josiah Brewer, Daniel Brewer, Nathan Merriam, Joshua Brewer, John Brewer, John Langdon, Amasa Curtis, Darius Stebbius, Charles Jackson, Jesse Langdon, Zebina Ctirtis, Salathiel Hale, Isaac Harmon, Noah Hale, Abigail Hale, Amasa Curtis, Jun., Thankful Brewer, Amo5 Langdon. Moses Bradley, Joseph Avery, Elisha Garfield. Daniel Garfield, Sanford Gleason, Manassah Fair- banks, Stephen Brookins, Penuel Hobbs, Samuel Townsend, Asa Bigelow, Samuel Tibbals, John Bentley, Jedidiah Chapin, and Elijah Walter, be, and hereby are incorporated into a society by the name of the First Congre- gational Society in the Tozvn of Tyringham, subject to the duties, and obligations herein after mentioned, and vested with the powers, privileges, and immunities herein after specified, and all others which are common to other religious societies. Sec 2. Be it fvirther enacted, that said Corporation, may take and hold real and personal estate not exceeding at any time the value of ten thousand dollars in the whole, the income of which shall be applied to 19 the support of a Cougregatiouai teacher of piety, religion and morality, in the south part of said Town of Tyringham forever, and if it shall be more than sufficient for that purpose, the surplus shall be applicable to repairs of their meeting-house, or such other pious uses, as the said Society shall direct, but the Trustees thereof, shall not receive any com- pensation to be paid out of such fund for their services. Sec. 3. Be it further enacted that the said Society may at their first meeting to be called in the manner herein after provided for, and at their annual meeting to be holding on the first Monday of January every year, appoint a Clerk and a Treasurer to be sworn to a faithful discharge of the duties of their respective offices, and any number of Trustees not exceeding seven, whose duty it shall be to manage the fund, and the pru- dential concerns of said society, and it shall be the duty of the treasurer, to prosecute or defend any action in the name and behalf of said society, and at any later meeting lawfully called and warned for that purpose, the said society may dismiss any of these said officers and supply any vacancy occasioned by such dismissal, or by death or otherwise, ana may also appoint any other officers which they shall judge necessary or proper to effectuate the purposes of their incorporation. Sec. 4. Be it further enacted that the said society be and hereby are empowered to recover and receive the sums of money respectively sub- scribed for the use of said society, before this act of incorporation — by the several persons hereby incorporated — acceding to the terms of the subscription, and to take security either real or personal for the same. Conditioned that if the interest be paid annually on or before the first Monday of January every year the principal shall not be called for within fifteen years, except at the request of a surety or when in the judgment of the trustees the security shall be insufficient, in which case the principal may be demanded and collected at any time, and the principal as well as interest shall be received whenever tendered to the treasurer of said society. Sec. 5. Be it further enacted, that the said society may obtain and receive further subscriptions and donations provided their whole fund shall not exceed the aforesaid amount of ten thousand dollars, and may by vote admit other subscribers and the heirs of subscribers to be members of the Sdid society. Sec. 6 Be it further enacted, that each member of the said society and no other person shall be entitled to vote in their meetings. Sec. 7. Be it further enacted, that any three of the persons hereby incorporated, may call a meeting of the said society, to be holden at such time within three months and at such place within said town of Tyring- ham as they may judge most convenient, by posting up notifications of the time, place, and purpose of said meeting in two or more public places in said town, fourteen days at least before the time of holding the same 20 at which meeting the said society may establish the mode of calling and warning future meetings. Sec. 8. Be it further enacted, that the books of record and of account of the said society shall be laid before them at their meetings, on the first Monday of January annually by the clerk and treasurer, and shall at all times be open to the inspection of the Legi-^lature or any com- mittee appointed for that purpose by the Legislature as well as of the trustees or committee of said society. In the House of Representatives, June 15th, 1809. This bill having had three several readings passed to be enacted. TIMOTHY BIGELOW, vSpeaker. In Senate, June 15th, 1809. This bill having had two several readings passed to be enacted. H. G. OTIS, President. June 15th, 1809. Approved. C. GORE. Sec. T's. Office, July ist, 1809. A true copy from the Original Act. Attest. WILLIAM TUDER, Secretary of the Commonwealth. A true copy from the Secretary. Attest. ASA BIGELOW, Clerk of the Society. By Chapter III of the Acts of 1851 the title of this society was chansred to The First Consrreo^ational Society in Monterey. At the time of Mr. Avery's dismission the membership was twenty men and forty women, but the zeal of the people being greatly quickened by their adversity and the heroic effort to secure a permanency for the support of the gospel, a revival of religion graciously visited them from which ninety-six persons united with the church during that year. In this awakening it is remarkable that the blessed influences of grace were limited to those who regularly attended divine worship and contributed to its support, while those who had joined the opposition were passed b}^ unbenefitted. Rev. Joseph Aver}^ continued to live in the town and was a subscriber to the fund as was also his daughter Polly. He died March 3, 18 14, and was buried in the cemetery near where the Second church stood Rev. Joseph Warren Dow was ordained as pastor July 10, 181 1. He was a graduate of Harvard in 1805. During his pastorate there were several revivals of religion as follows: 1816 from which thirty-five united with the church ; 18 18, fourteen united with the church; in 1821 a very deep work of grace, exten- sive in its reach, great in its power and purity, resulted in the accession of fifty members to the church the following year. In 1827 a revival, short in its duration, but powerful in its progress, succeeded a period of spiritual dearth and thirty-three persons confessed their faith by fellowship with the church. All these revivals save the latter began in the south part of the town and extended to the north. In 1814 a serious epidemic prevailed through the town and resulted in the death of over fifty persons. At the ordination of J. Warren Dow the sermon was preached by Rev. Josiah Webster, A. M., pastor of the church in Hamp- ton, New Hampshire, from the text, Ezekiel 37 : 1-4 verses and loth verse. We give the closing sentences of the sermon : Dear Brethren and Friends of this Church and Society : On the present occasion, we tender you our sincere congratulations. We think you have cause for gratitude and joy. Is it the sovereign purpose of God to build up his church in the world ? Are gospel ministers to be instruments in accomplishing this glorious purpose ? The settlement of a gospel minister then is cause of gratitude and joy. Such an event furnishes ground of confidence that God still loves his church, and that he is carrying on his great designs. Beloved, do not the solemnities of this day impress your hearts ? Does not the present scene intimate some kind design? If you mark the foot- steps of providence in connection with inspired truth, may you not hope that God has thoughts of merc}' concerning you ? May you not hope to see the remaining dry bones of this pleasant valley shake and start into life? May you not hope, that the work of God will prosper, as in months which are past ; and that much may be done to extend the Redeemer's Kingdom here? Your pastor elect is before you. We confidently hope, that he will be a faithful ministtr of Christ ; a minister who will feed you with knowl- edge and understanding ; a workman who needs not to be ashamed ; and as such we recommend him to your most cordial friendship. Take him to your hearts. Esteem him highly in love for his work's sake. And while he ministers to you in spiritual things, do not forget to minister to him in temporal things as necessity requires. If you wish his labors among you to be a blessing, you must treat him as God commands you- You must be kind, forbearing, long suffering, peaceable, and not covetous. The ivisdom from above is pure, peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy avd good fruits., without partiality and without hypocrisy. Let this wisdom direct your coudiict towards j^our minister. Carr}- him always in your prayers to the throne of grace. Strengthen his hands and encourage his heart by your persevering attention to all his necessities ; but especially, by a diligent and candid hearing of the great truths of God's word which he may preach. He will be a savor of life, or a savor of death. Must not the solemn thought impress your minds ? Desr brethren, keep in view the solemn scene, when ministers and people must appear together, before the dread tribunal of au Almighty God and Judge. The Lord make you faithful. The Lord bless you and preserve you to his everlasting kingdom. But allow me a word to this numerous and respected assembl}-. To the friends of God, our subject is full of consolation Do clouds of moral darkness hang thick around us? Are the enemies of truth numerous, bold, active, persevering? All their counsels will be turned into foolishness. The gates of hell cannot prevail against the Church; Fear not ye precious few, who follow Jesus. He is an Almighty con- querer. God is your Saviour. He has determined that multitudes, who are dead in sin, shall be made alive. They must live. The triumphs of the cross will extend from tbe rising to the setting sun. The time approaches, when there will be shaking among the dry bones of all our valleys. The time has already come, when there is a shaking among Churches, sects, and denominations — a shaking among nations, king- doms, and empires. Some have already arisen to spiritual life. Symp- toms of life appear in others. And soon, very soon, we expect the day when an army of countless numbers will rise from spiritual death to show forth the power, and proclaim the glory of the life-givmg Saviour. Lay down then, O ye rebels to Jehovab, lay down your weapons. Your con- test is altogether vain. Christ fesi/s rs King in Zion. You must submit. or die, and die eternally. The charge to the pastor was given by Rev. Jacob Catlin ot' New Marlboro as follows : Reverend Sir : Having been set apart to the important office of a minister of the gospel of Christ, dy prayer, and the taying on of the hands of the Presby- tery ; and ordained pastor of the fiock of Jesus Christ in this place ; it remains, that we now solemnly charge you, before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and dead, at his appearing and kingdom ; and before the elect angels, and this numerous assembly, that you take heed to the ministry which you have received of the Lord, faith- fully to fulfil it. We charge you. Sir, in particular, that you ^r^af A the word ; be instant in season, and out of season ; reprove, rebuke, exhort, ivith all long suffer- 23 ttig and doctriJie. Testify to all, repentance towards God, aud faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ. Study to show yourself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividinj^ the word of truth. Preach the word plainly, unreservedly, and feelingly. Foolish aud unlearned questions avoid; but avoid nothing which is clearly revealed in the Holy Scrip- tures. Exhibit the high aud holy character of the one God, in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Illustrate the divine law, both in its strict requirements, and awful sanctions. Labor to convince the impenitent of the total depravity of their hearts, and of their exposedness to endless misery. Preach, distinguishly, the gospel of Jesus Christ. Explain and prove the all-important doctrines of the atonement ; and forgiveness of sin, only by the vicarious sufferings of Jesus Christ. Teach the necessity of regeneration, by the special agency of the Holy Spirit; and, at the same time, urge the calls and requirements of the gospel. Proclaim the all-sufficiency of Christ, and his willingness to save to the uttermost, all that come unto God by him. Fasten on every man's conscience the blame and guilt of his own wickedness. Be also a faithful instructor and guide to the convicted sinner ; and direct him to the crucified Saviour, as his only hope. Feed aud edify the friends of Christ, with the same precious truth, which alarms and solemnizes the impenitent. Speak comfortably to Zion ; and by the great and precious promises of God, animate the hearts of desponding christians. Inculcate holiness of life, and brotherly love, upon all who have named the name of Jesus Christ. We also change you, Sir, to attend most carefully to the edification and discipline of the church. Build the temple of the Lord with hewn stones ; with lively stones. Build not this spiritual temple with wood, hay and stubble. We charge you, also, to take heed to yourself, as well as to your doctrine and discipline. " For a bishop must be blameless as the steward of God.'' In all things, therefore, show yourself a pattern of good works. Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, tn faith, tn purity. Meditate upon these things ; give yourself wholly to them, that your profiling may appear unto all. We also charge you, Sir, to visit the sick and dying, and to labor, by instruction, consolation and prayer, for their spiritual good. We charge you, moreover, to administer the holy ordinances of Christ, baptism and the Lord's supper, to all persons qualified according to the gospel. And finally ; should you be called of God to ordain others to this sacred office, we charge you to lay hands suddenly on no man; but to 24 commit this sacred charge to faithful men. who shall be able to teach others also. And now, Dear Sir, if, by divine grace, you shall be enabled to keep this charge, which we have committed unto you. to feed the flock of God, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly ; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind, neither as being lord over God's heri- tage, but being an example to the flock; then, when the chief shepherd shall appear, you shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. The Rev. Alvan Hyde of L,ee, Mass., gave the Right Hand of Fellowship as follows : Rev. and Dear Sir, I now arise, by the appointment of this Ecclesiastical Council, and as their organ, to give you a public testimonial of the fellowship of the Churches. This is an endearing part of the solemnities of the present occasion, and peculiarly calculated to excite tender emotions, in the minds of all the truly pious. The kingdom of oi:r once crucified, but now ascended Lord and Redeemer is founded on the pure principle of disinterested benevolence. It is a kingdom, which the God of heaven hath set up, and. as it is erected on the firm basis of holy love, it will stand forever. The king- doms of this world, and all associations of men, formed on other prin- ciples than that of benevolence, will soon find themselves in everlasting anarchy and confusion. The members of ChrisVs kingdom, allied to each other by that " charity, which seeketh not her own," "and which is the bond of perfectness," have s, joint interest. They love each other, and rejoice in each other's prosperity. They have fellowship with the Father ; and are deeply interested in his character ; in his honor and glory. They have fellowship with Christ in his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death. Speaking of the high and distinguishing privileges of the saints, the beloved disciple of our Lord observes — " That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us ; and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ." The same disciple observes farther— " If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellow- ship one with another ; and the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all sin." This fellowship and communion of saints, which is begun in this lower world, will be perfected and continue forever, in the world of light and glory. Perceiving, Rev. Sir, the grace, which is given unto you, and satis- fied, as to your qualifications, for the great and good work, to which yoir are now set apart, I give you this RIGHT HAND. I do it, in the name, and by the direction, of the Council, here convened ; bidding you wel- come, as a labourer in the vinevard of our common Lord. 25 As James, Cephas aud John gave Paul and Barnabas the right Hands of fellowship, that they should go unto the heathen, to open their ej-es, and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God ; so the right Hand of fellowship is given to you, that you should labour, in the Lord, among this people, and in other places, where you may be occasionally called. This solemn and significant rite implies mutual love and friendship, and mutual obligation. We, hereby, pub- licly acknowledge and receive you, as a minister of Jesus Christ — our equal, our brother. We promise you that benevolent assistance, which the nature of the ministerial office requires, and we expect the same from, you. God grant, that we may live in love and peace, and greatly strengthen each other's hands. " Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity ! It is like the precious ointment upon the head, that ran down upon the beard, even Aaron's beard; that went down to the skirts of his garments: As the dew of Hermon, and as the dew that descended upon the mountains of Ziou ; for there the Lord com- manded the blessing, even life forever more." We congratulate you upon the pleasing prospect of usefulness, which opens to your view, this day, in being inducted into the pastoral office over this church, which we also publicly acknowledge, as a sister church, and in the prosperity of which we feel a deep and lively interest. May you be favored with an eminent portion of the spirit of Christ, and have many souls as the seals of your ministry and crown of rejoicing in the day of the Lord. During his pastorate of nearly twenty two years, one hundred and ninety-three persons united with the church, of which only one Penuel Hobbs of Kalamazoo, Michigan), is now living. Mr. Dow died in Monterey January 9, 1833, greatly loved and lamented by the people whom he had served so faithfully. These first three pastors lived and died with the people they loved and served, two of them spent all their life here having had no other charge as pastors during their ministerial career. The following is a list of pastors and supplies who to the present time have served the church as also the term of their service. One of these, Rev. Wiuthrop H. Phelps has made a most valuable addition t.; the archives of the town by copying the list of births, deaths and marriages from the year 1750 to 1785. Others are specially referred to in the extracts from letters. Adouijah Bidwell, 1750 — 1784 Joseph Avery, ...... 1789 — 1808 26 Joseph Warren Dow. Lucius Field, . Alvau Page, Samuel Howe, Winthrop H. Phelps Scott Bradley, H. Winslow, D. W. Timlow, James A. Clark, Thomas Hall, . George W. Kitine, D T. McLaughlin, James A. Clark, A. E. Todd, . William A. Fobes, Augustus A. Alvord Herbert K. Job, Walter R. Curtis, Irving A. Burnap, Arthur J. Watson, John Dooly, 1811 — 1832 1833— 1837 1837— 1843 1844— 1854 1854— 1 86 1 1862 1862 1863 1864— 1869 1870 — 1871 1871 — 1872 1873— 1874 1875— 1877 1877— 1880 1881 — 1888 1888— 1890 1891 1 89 1 1892 — 1897 1897 — 189S 1898 The followins: is a list of those who have served as deacons: Daniel McCollum, Thomas Hale, Jonathan Townsend, Marshall S. Bidwell, Charles Phelps, John C. Hyde, Jabez Ward, Albert M. Dowd. Martin V. Thomson. John Jackson, Thomas Orton, William Hale, David Talcot, Nathan Abbot, Joseph Chapin, Justus Battle, Lystra Taylor, Amos Langdon, John Bentley, CONFESSION OF FAITH AND COVENANT-I825. Copy of Confession of Faith and Church Covenant, with a list of the membership, printed for the church in 1825. You believe that there is one God ; that he exists, mysteriously, in three persons, of equal divine perfections, the Father, the Sou, and the 27 Holy Ghost ; that he is self-existeut, eternal, unchangeable in his being .and perfections, the Creator, Preserver and Governor, of all creatures and things ; that he worketh all things accordmg to the counsel of his own will ; and that he has given to man the Scriptures of the old and new testament, as a perfect unerring rule of faith and practice. You believe that God created our first parents in his o'.vn moral image, perfectly holy and happy ; that he entered into a covenant of life with them, promising immortal life on condition of perfect obedience, and threatening eternal death in case of disobedience ; that they fell from their original state of moral rectitude by eating the forbidden fruit of the garden; and that all their natural descendants, in consequence of this act, come into the world destitute of holiness, and in such a state, that they become sinful and exposed to the eternal wrath of God. You believe, that God has not left all mankind to perish, but having from all eternity elected some to everlasting life, has opened a way to bring them into a state of salvation through Jesus Christ ; that the Sou of God, having become man and obeyed and suffered as such, has honored the divine law, exhibited an adequate atonement for sin, arisen from the dead, and ascended into heaven, where, amid all the splendors of his ex- altation, he intercedes for the children of God. You believe, that the Holy Spirit, by his renewing and sanctifying in- fluences, executes the purposes of Christ's redemption ; that all who truly believe in him, are the subjects of these influences, are pardoned and re- stored to the divine favor ; and will, assuredly, continue in holiness unto the end, being kept by the power of God through faith and salvation. You believe, that Jesus Christ has instituted a church in the world; that he has, also, appointed baptism and the Lord's supper, to be received by all who cordially believe in Christ and publicly profess their faith in jtiim; and that all such, and their infant children, are the scriptural sub- jects of baptism. You believe, that there will be a general judgment, at which period Jesus Christ will raise the dead, judge the world, receive the righteous to eternal life, and doom the wicked to everlasting punishment. Thus in the presence of God, you solemnly profess and believe. THE COVENANT. You do now, in the presence of God and this congregation, so far as you know your own heart, renounce all the ways of sin ; solemnly and publicly dedicate yourselves to God ; and rely upon his Word as your only rule of faith and practice, upon the Lord Jesus Christ as your teacher and Redeemer, and upon the eternal Spirit as your vSanctifier. You promise, that by the aid of the Spirit of grace, you will walk with this church in christian fellowship, and in a constant and faithful attendance upon all the institutions of the gospel ; that you will maintain family prayer; that you will exercise christian love and care and watch- fulness towards the members of this church ; that you will assist, accord- 28 ing to your capacity, opportuuity and statioj, in exercising the holy dis- cipline which Christ has enjoined ; and that you will submit to the govern, ment of the church, so long as you shall belong to it. Thus in the presence of God, you solemnly covenant and promise. We then, the church of Christ, receive you into full communion, and promise, that in the strength of divine grace, we will walk toward you in all christian affection and watchfulness. OFFICERS OF THE CHURCH. *Rev. Adonijah Bidwell, was ordained October 3d, 1750. *Rev. Joseph Avery, was installed February 25th. 1789. *Rev. J. Warren Dow, was ordained July loth, 1811. DEACONS. Deacon *John Jackson, chosen A. D. 1753. *Thomas Orton, - - 1753. * William Hale, - - 1764. *David Talcott, Nathan Abbott, removed from the town. Justus Battle, removed from town, 1802. Joseph Chapin, - - 1804. Lester Taylor, removed from the town, 1810. Amos Langdon, - - 1817. John Bentley, - - 1824. catalogue. In the first part of the following Catalogue, are the names of those existing members of the church, who had been admitted previous to the ordination of Rev. J. Warren Dow. Azariah Orton, Mrs. Rachael Gleason, Mrs Abigail Orton. William Hale, Joseph Chapin, Silas Reuwee, Mrs. Thankful Chapin. Mrs. Mary Reuwee, Josiah Hale, Lucy Warren, Mrs. Abigail Hale, Dr. Elnathan Pratt, Salathiel Hale, Mrs. Sally Stedman, Mrs. Sally Hale, Mary Northrup, Abigail Hale, Widow Anna Hale, Amos Langdon, Mrs. Rhoda Upham, Mrs. Abigail Langdon. Asa Markham, Jr., Jesse Langdon, Ithiel Battle, Josiah Brewer, Kezia Battle, Mrs. Loraine Brewer, Mrs. Vashti Carpenter, Ebenezer Chadwick, Amy Baldwin, Charles Bentley, Widow Mercy Hobbs, Mrs. Hannah Bentley, Mrs. Miriam Richards, 29 Sally Beutley, Isaac Brewer, Mrs. Esther Brewer, Polly Brewer, Polly Harmon, Asa Fowler, Mrs. Lavina Fowler, Stephen Brookeiis, Mrs. Anna Brookins, Sanford Gleason, Chloe Hobbs, Widow Marcy Reuwee, Orpha Towusend, Mrs. Elizabeth Walker, Pure Hall Widow Lucy Curtis, Mercy Curtis, Mrs. Electa Brewer, Huldah Garfield, Widow Lois Allen, Mrs. Sarah Reeder. In the remaining part of the Catalogue, are those members, who were admitted into the Church under the ministry of Rev. J. Warren DoTV, from July loth, 1811, to January ist, 1825. A^. B. Those persetis are dead, against -whose name this mark (*) is placed. Those to whose names this mark (j) is prefixed, have been dis- missed and recommended. Those whose names are printed in Italics have been admitted by letter from other Churches. July 12, 1812. Elizabeth, wife of Jonathan Town- send. * Sarah, wife of Rev. J. W. Dow. January 3. 1823. JAniy, wife of Daniel Philips- May I, 1824. XMrs. Hannah Plumb. XVienna, wife of Simon Stearns, Emely. wife of Rev. J. W. Dow. Salome, wife of Eber Slater. November 6th. Widow Deborah McCullum. ::}:Janies Langdon. September 10, 1815. Anna Markham. February 8, 1816. .Stephen Taylor. *John Brewer. March 3d. JLawton, Marcy, JJelpe R., wife of Lawton Marcy. jShubal Manly, Jsaac Walker Amasa Curtis, Humphrey Hoblxs, ^Elijah Dealand, jSally, wife of E. Dealand. John Bentley, JMary Bradley, Mary, wife of A. Markham, Jr., Daniel Brewer, Harvey Brewer, *Reuben Jones, Roswell Bentley. William Bentley, Paul T. Chapin, Olive, wife of S. BuUard. Jerusha. wife of Joseph Manley, Lovice, wife of Stephen Powel, Tostine Hancock, Mary Brewer. Candace Townsend, Ebenezer Reuwee, Charles Townsend, May 5th. * Cynthia, wife of Isaac Brewer, Betsey, wife of Abijah Heath, Mary wife of John Bentley, 30 Eunice, wife of Thaddeus Grauger, +Theodore S. Ingersoll, +Sally Stebbins. September ist. Mrs. Lois Eckley, Anna, wife of Dr. Elnathau Pratt. May II, 1817. Thomas Stedman. November 2d. *Hannah Jackson, Betsey, wife of Barnabas Bidwell. Polly Warren, ^Harriet, wife of Erastus Holt, IVtdozv Theodosia Brewer. September 6, 1818. Phebe Langdou, Orton Brewer, Sarah, wife of J. Brewer, November ist. :J;Joseph Butrick, ^Elizabeth M., wife of J. Butrick. Widow Hannah Ward, Betsey Ward, Enos Northrup, Sophia wife of E. Northrup, JBathsheba,wife of Justus Battle, Jr. tSarah, wife of Ithiel Battle, Jr., Celira, wife of H. Clark, Lucinda, wife of Ira Brewer, JElisha C. Watkins. March i, 181 9. :{: Widow Sarah Wilcox, JNancy, wife of Frederick Hamlin. July 4th Harriet, wife of C. Curtis. September 5th. Luna 5., wife of John D. Bidwell, Polly Couch, tMary Ann Butrick. November 7th. Deborah, wife of Sam Eggleston, John L. Woodruff, Wife of John L. Woodruff. January 21, 1821. Amber, a zvotnan of color. July 1st. Widow Thankful Wheelock. September 2d. EJizabeth, wife of C. Townseud. January 6, 1822. Horace Peck, Abigail, wife of H. Peck, Heulah. wife of P. Chapin, Samuel Eggleston, t Artimesia, wife of Jesse R. Langdon. March 3d. Mary, wife of Lemuel Townsend, Mary, wife of D. Canfield, Clarissa, wife of Luther Wheelock. .September ist. Asa Bigelow. Thaddeus Granger, Candace, wife of Aaron Tyrrel. Widow Sylvia Brewer, Joel Deeland, Arnold Stedman, An?on Bigelow, Harriet, wife of A. Bigelow. Jason Langdon, Rhoda M. wife of Jason Langdon, ^Freeman Hancock, :;: Alice L., wife of Freeman Hancock. Sarah, wife of Anson Langdon, Charlotte, wife of Isaac Brewer Julia Anna, wife of Ebenezer Reuwee. Mary Ann, wife of C. Langdon. Sarah, wife of George Heath. Laura, wife of L. Hyde. Fanny Granger, Clarinda Hale, Amanda Brewer, Alvinzy Wright, Chauncey Langdon, Daniel McCollum, Frederick Fairbank, Cyrus Townsend, Grove Tyrrel, 31 Samuel Egglestou, juu. Miron Eggleston, Maliuda Hobbs, Sarah Eggleston, Ester L. Brewer, Emeline Brewer, Sat-ah Townseud, Lois Anna Couch, November 3d. Miriam, wife of Samuel Tibballs. Phebe, wife of Dr. Asa G. Welch. William Porter, John D. Bidwill, Bidwell Brewer, Almon Brewer, Milton Brookins, January 5, 1823. Samuel Tibballs, juu. Amelia, wife of Samuel Tibballs. jun. September 5th. Pleiades, wife of Wm. Bently. Electa, wife of Joel Dealand. SUMMARY: The lirst Church in Tyriiigham, was organized and established Sept- ber 25, 1750. It then consisted of members 8 Admitted during Rev. .■^donijah Bidwell's ministry from Oct. 1750 to June 1784, thirty-four years 90 Admitted diiring Rev. Joseph .Ivery's ministrv from Feb. 1789 to 1807, eighteen years. 62 Admitted during the vacancy, after Mr. Avery's dismission, four years, 96 Admitted by the present pastor from July 181 1, to Jan. i, 1825, thirteen and a half years 131 Total 387 Total number of members belonging to the church January i , 1825 .... 158 Total number of deaths and removals since Sept. 25. 1750, 229 THE CHURCH BUILDINGS. A little south of where B. S. Carrington now lives the first church structure in the township of Tyringham, 35x40 feet was begun in 1743, but as referred to in the history of the town was not finished for several years but was after being completed used for thirty-five years. The proprietors of the township held their meetings in this church after its completion and it was the place of worship during the entire pastorate of Rev. Adonijah Bidwell. In 1796 a second church building was begun about half a mile to the south of where the old church stood. Still it was on the same lot. This church was dedicated July 4, 179S. It was beautifully situated on an eminence overlooking the park of houses then at the Center, the view from it was very com- manding and it could be seen by most of the families then living south of it. It was large and more commodious than the former building. In appearance it resembled, the church at New Marlboro before that church had its spire lowered to its present style. There were galleries on each side connecting with the choir loft in the end opposite the pulpit. The seating at first was after the old style, as one expressed it, "they were shut in" when seated. Pews were afterwards substituted. It was no doubt the building of this church which was the cause of the trouble between Mr. Avery and the town, for it was erected during his pastorate and the people in the north part of the town were opposed to the location. In fact the History of Berkshire states this was the beginning of the variance which eventually terminated in the division of the township into two separate corporations. The people in the north part, then known as Hop Brook, became so disaffected that the following year they began the erection of a meeting house, framing and covering it, but it was not completed until 1825. This stood near what is now known as the old cemetery in Tyringham village, and it was 33 here that the May training of the militia was annually held. All able bodied men between twenty-one and forty-five years of age were required to attend with gun, powder horn, priming wire, brush and flint. These occasions were times of great jollity. On one of them, during the firing of an old cannon, just outside the church, it burst, killing Silas Ward and injuring others. The present oldest inhabitant of Monterey, Henry A. Stedman. was standing beside Mr. Ward when he was killed. During the pastorate of Rev. J. Warren Dow he preached in this church each alternate vSabbath, the Baptists at that time occupy- ing it wdtli the Congregationalists. Thus the supporting strength of the membership was some- what lessened, but their earnest zeal resulted in great blessing, for the church was the scene of many precious seasons of gracious revivals, notably the one referred to after the dismissal of Rev. Joseph Aver5^ and during the pastorate of J. Warren Dow, and also a revival in the last year of the pastorate of Rev. Alvah C. Page when forty-three persons were added to the church. But again the question of location came to the front. As early as 1836 Rev. IvUcius Fields stated as his reason for asking a dissolution of his pastoral relations, "the unfavorable location of the meeting house and the unhappy feelings in the church and the society therefrom." The situation was very exposed and as the farms had become settled and much of the original forests had been cut away, the wind had a fair sweep in its course at the meeting house. One who worshipped in it says: "The wind came straight down from Canada and struck it." It became necessary eventu- ally to so change the interior that the space above should be lessened and it was ceiled so as to leave out the galleries and thus secure greater comfort in the winter. But the feeling of many was that the location should be changed with a view to the con- venience and comfort of the people in South I'yringham. There had been some changes in the course of public travel and a stirring little village had sprung up in the valley which was generally known as Bangall, where most of the industries of the section were then conducted. Long before it was really proposed to move the church from tli:- Old Center Josiah Brewer, recogniz- 34 ing the need of a more suitable location, offered to donate two acres of land as also land adjoining for a cemetery if they would move the church to the village in the valley. The site he pro- posed was where Elmer Kinney is now building his dwelling. He also proposed to assist liberally in the expense of constructing the horse-sheds. But the people loved the old church, so hal- lowed by sacred reasons of grace. One writes thus: "It is very pleasant for nie now to look back and rejoice that I worshipped God in that venerated place and to have known those able ministers and those devout parishioners who wor- shipped there. It was what I call a sacred place and I re- gretted very much when it was to be taken down. The Holy Bible remained in the pulpit when I was there and was a pre- cious curiosity. The spirit of the worshippers in the church was fervid wnth kindly zeal. The old church was in a bleak place, but was a remarkable landmark . Holy and precious associa- tions are indeed connected with it as a house truly dedicated to God." Another writes thus about the Bible referred to in the pre- vious letter : "Among those who took a deep interest in the prosperity of the church, was the late Nathan Jackson of New York City, who was a native of the town and a son of Col. Giles Jackson and grandson of Deacon John Jackson who was elected first deacon of the church September 25, 1753, and died March 13, 1757, aged 53 years. Mr. Nathan Jackson was the donor of a Bible that was to be used in the second church building so long as that church remained in use. In the repairs of that church he gave the pulpit and pulpit chair, also the frescoing back of the pulpit and an organ for the choir. His generosity extended to the burying ground, around which he built and kept in repair a fence as long as he lived.'' The regularity of the people in those days is referred to in the following reminiscences : Even the horses understood the meaning of the bell. One man who lived nearly a mile from the uptown church, at one time owned a fine, large, intelligent family horse that was driven 35 to church at least fifty-two times in a year, though I think oc- casionally he went of his own accord. The rule was to harness him to the capacious carriage early on Sunday morning and lead him to the front of the house, w^here he would wait for the family to complete their preparations for going to church, but some- times they were tardy and the church bell would begin to ring, then he would prick up his ears and start off on a brisk walk ; he would proceed to the large stone horse-block at the front of the church and would halt a few moments there, then go into the shed at the rear of the church where he was accustomed to stand during the hour of service. Another man, an old deacon, who attended church services as regularly as the minister, had a pair of young horses who oc- casionally managed to slip away from him while being harnessed and enjoy a good run. One day, when preparing to attend the church prayer-meeting, then held Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock, they got away and careered around the fields, eluding every effort of their master to catch them till the bell rang. At the first stroke they stopped and submitted themselves to be led back to the wagon-house, looking quite ashamed of themselves and doubtless realizing that they would have a chance to travel at their best speed up and down the hills to the village to make up for the lost time. Their feeling and sentiment in regard to one of the que.stions of national importance are thus expressed : RESOLUTIONS REGARDING SLAVERY. Whereas God has said, " Thou shalt in anywise rebuke thy neighbor and not suffer sin upon him," — whereas slavery in itself, a sin of the deepest die, and the cause of sin in numberless forms of the most flagrant enormity, among which may be reckoned the sundering of all social ties, adultery, murder, and the intentional with-holding of Gospel Light and of the knowledge of the blood-bought atonement; — and whereas the opinion is very generally disseminatedithroughout the slave-holding states that the doctrine of emancipation is held only by a few fanatics, and that by far the greater and more sober portion of the northern people, includ- ing ihe Christian Church, are disposed to view their "peculiar domestic situation," with tolerance ; — we deem it our duty to take such action on this subject as shall show to our southern brethren and to the world that we regard this with utter abhorence. It is therefore 36 1. Resolved, That we hold slavery to be such a continued, systemized and flagrant violation of Christ's Golden Rule, that the participator in it who has been sufficiently enlightened on the subject, cannot l)e a consistent christian. 2. Resolved therefore. That we cannot receive anyone who holds or deals in human beings as property to our pulpit or communion. 3. Resolved, That to countenance or apologize for slavery is to share in its guilt. 4. Resolved, That we will use our influence in every lawful and christian way to remove this Heaven-daring sin from the American church and nation. The action of the Church in the following is indicative of a deep state of spirituality : CONFESSION AND COVENANT.— 1847 Copy of confession and covenant of the chtirch made before communion on the first Sunday in January, 1847. Assembled once more through the kind providence of God to com- mero.orate the dying love of our crucified Redeemer; the withdrawment of the Divine influences which we have experienced, for months and years past, has compelled us to a most solemn retrospect and self-examination. As the result of this, we have been led to a deep sense of our own unfaith- fulness, both as individuals and as a church. We would now in the presence of God, of angels and of men, ack- nowledge that we have failed in the performance of those duties which we owe to our own souls, to one another, to the community around us, and to our God. To our own souls; inasmuch as we have neglected to live in accordance with those high privileges which God has vouchsafed to us. To one another in that we have too often failed to remind each other in kindness and christian courtesy of those faults which we have wit- nessed, and although we have the happiness to believe that we are and have been harmonious^ in regard to all the more essential points of doctrine and duty; yet we deeply regret that diff"erences of opinion on any minor points have ever led us to speak to and of each other in terms other than such as are befitting those who are mutually bound by the strongest of fraternal ties. Thus in the exercise of forgiveness for the past, we would now and from this time onward extend to each other the right hand of fellowship in token of our mutual affection and christian confidence. To you, who are without, whose hearts yet remain unreconciled to God, and have not yet experienced His pardoning love, we would here ask 37 your lorgiveness in what we have failed by our example as well as con- versation, to recommend to you that religion which we profess. Not because we have not felt that the religion of Christ was all important to you as well as to ourselves, but because we have not acted up to our own con- victions of its importance. With reverence we would acknowledge this; in all this we have robbed God of that which was His due, and which our own covenant obligations should have led us to perform. We would now hereby solemnly renew our covenant engagements to be the Lord's, to walk with each other in the fellowship of the gospel, and looking to God for the aid of His spirit, we will endeavor henceforth to live more to His glory, and for your good and that of all ocr fellowmen. But the question of a change of site eventually came to an issue. Shall we move the church to the village ? In true congre- gational style they settled it, by a vote, in the affirmative and the society in charge of the fund coincided in the decision, and steps were taken with that purpose in view. To meet the question of the expense of a new building a meeting was held to consider the question, to which not only the membership but all the towns- people were invited. The result was the organization of a new society of which we give the following history : THE SOUTH TYRINGHAM MEETING-HOUSE SOCIETY. This Society was formed on March lo. 1846, Jason Lang- don, President; John Branning, Clerk; W. C. Langdon, Treas- urer. The object of the society was to build and maintain a house of worship in South Tyringham to be used and occupied by the Congregational Society in South Tyringham. Jason Langdon, Samuel Townsend and Elias Wright were appointed a committee to solicit subscriptions. THE SUBSCRIPTION ARTICLE. We the subscribers, agree to pay the sums set against our respective names to the Treasurer of the foregoing Society for the purpose of build- ing said house. One-third to be paid on the first day of July, next ; one- third on the first of vSeptember, next ; the remainder after such time as the Building Committee shall direct. R. L. McDowell, $25 L. J. Townsend, $50 Dennis Brewer, 50 W. C. Langdon, 100 3« Lucius Gibbs, |ioo Samuel Townsend, $110 Newton Brewer, 25 John Langdon, 75 Daniel Brewer, 40 Wm. Fairchild, 25 Penuel Hobbs, 25 F. D. Ingersoll, 25 Sylvester C. Fowler, 25 Levi Gibbs, 50 C. Hitchcock, 10 Rufus C. Fargo, 25 Alvan H.Turner, 25 John Bentley, 25 Jared Mansir, 25 John Branniug. 10 J. M. Rewey, 10 E. A. Langdon, 10 Chas. Townsend and U. Brett, 25 Elias Wright, 50 Jason lyaugdou, 100 Anson Langdon, 50 John G. Mansir, 50 Jonathan Townsend, 25 Paul T. Chapin. 100 E. B. Garfield, 65 A building committee of three were chosen as follows : John Langdon, John G. Mansir, Samuel Townsend. On December 14, 1846, Jason Langdon and Wilber C. Langdon were added to the committee. On November 19, 1847, this committee reported that $1,200 more would be needed to complete the building. To meet this need the following subscriptions were taken : George Upham, ^5 Anson and H. Langdon, $50 Samuel Townsend, 40 Townsend and Brett, 50 Paul T. Chapin, 40 Lewis Tyrrel, ro Dennis Brewer, 25 Henry Mansir, 25 Wm. Fairchild. 25 Jason Langdon, 50 W. C. Langdon, 75 L. J. Townsend, 50 John G. Mansir, 25 A. W. Bigelow, 10 Moses Fargo, 25 John Wheeler, 25 Isaac HarmoL', 60 H. A. Stedman, 10 James M. Fargo, 25 R. N. Couch, 10 John D. Bidwell, 25 Samuel M. Shepherd, 10 Jared Mansir. 25 Thos. D. Hale, 25 Isaac Harmon Jr., 10 Elias Wright, 25 Barnabas Bidwell, 25 Merick D. Mansir, 10 John B. Morse, 10 John Benedict, 5 John Langdon, 50 A. H.Turner, 10 E. B. Garfield, 20 David A. Garfield, 35 William Mansir, 10 Artemus Dowd, 10 G. B. and J. H. Langdon, 75 Charles Fargo, 10 Ebenezer Reuwee, lO Under the agreement in soliciting subscriptions the first ten- dollar subscription by any person was entitled to one share; 39 twenty-five dollars to two shares; fifty dollars to three shares. Shares to be increased on the last ratio. Each share was en- titled to a vote. Henry Mansir agreed to give the land and to accept for the same the number of shares the proprietors should allow at the first meeting. A special committee appointed at a meeting held April 7, 1846, appraised the land at seventy-five dollars and the Society voted that Henry Mansir should be en- titled to four shares. All voting in this society was to be done by shares. At the annual meeting held January 7, 1850, the building committee made their final report as follows : Total amount received, I2.797.34 Expended as follows : Contract with Theron R. Wolcott excavating^ and laying basement walls, $306.00 Paying for timber and drawing building ina- terials, 228.54 Contract with E. G. Perry, framing and en- closing the building and finishing bfl<4e- ment room, 1,400.00 Paying for stoves and pipe, and recording deed of land, 19.80 E. G. Perry, for finishing the house '% Electa Royce, wife of Joel Deland, John F. Marcey, Sarah Canfield, his wife, Dotia Brewer, Rachel Pane, wife of Isaac Rice, Eliza Fowler, wife of Bidwell Brewer, Josiah Brewer, 3rd, Polly Potter, his wufe, Leonard Potter, James Breakenridge, Patience Marcy, his wife, Emline Bennett, wife of Lawson D. Bidwell, Silas Chapin, Thomas D. Hale, Betsey Hale, Sylvester Brewer, David Ward. Algernon Baldwin, Hiram Brewer, Joseph C. Bentley, Aphronia Bentley, Huldah Brookins, Narcissa Brewer, Betsey Granger, wife of Thomas D. Hale, Melona C. Granger, Eliza Reuwee, H. Emily Hobbs, Mercy Hobbs. Lucinda Hobbs, William Johnson, Betsey Smith, his wife, Martha HoUister, wife of Seth Landers. Theodosia B. Brew^er, Lester W. Morse, George Smith, Lucinda Fowler, 62 Margaret D. Jenkins, Celinda Marcy, Phebe Jones, wife of Roswell Bentley. 1828 Calvin L. Marcy, IvUther Marcy, Jerusha Root, wife of Elihu Ward, Barnabus Bid well, 1829 Seth P. Kingsley, Miriam Northurp, his wife. 1830 Steven B. Fairchild, Jessie De Forrest, Rebecca Brookins, Lucy Barnum, wife of Archabald Fairchild, Roxanna C. Pratt, wife of Elisha Garfield, L,ucy Brewer, wife of Grove Tyrrel, Milicent Wilson, wife of Daniel McColluni, Uretta Townsend, wife of Nathan Hovey, Esther Towsend, Submit R. Deland, Phebe Ann Barden, Esther M. Brewer, wife of Thomas Hood, John Brewer, Sarah Peabody Dow, Mary Healey Dow, William Fairchild, Peneul Hobb, Jr. 1833 Manila Merritt, wife of Cyrus Townsend. 1834 Townsend Walker, Hannah Prinlee, wife of Joel Deland. 1835 Lydia Jennison, wife of Steven B. Fairchild, Cynthia Kingsbury, wife of Harvey Brewer. 1836 Milton Brookins, Sophronia G. Spencer, wife of Asa Smith. 1837 William L. Hollister, Elind T. Bishop, Eliza Higgins, his wife, Sarah Stebbins, wife of Dennis Brewer, 63 Emiline Keyes, wife of John B. Morse, Esther P. Williams, wife of Rev. A. C. Page. 1838 Olive Spear, wife of Norman B. Sears. 1840 Angustus Taylor, Lucy Hickok, his wife, Maria Curtis, Sylvester C. Taylor, Elisha Garfield, Elias S. Brewer, Alvina Tryon, wife of Wm. Fairchild. 1 84 1 Jonas Brewer, Eunice Smith, his wife, Caroline Sumner, wife of Wm. Hale. 1842 Polly Case, wife of Dea. Amos Langdon, Cyrus D. Stebbins, Nancy Beach, his wife, Ann Stebbins, Anson Langdon, Henry Langdon, Elias Wright, Tryphena Jones, his wife, Phoebe Lawrence, wife of Asa Bigelow, Achsah French, wife of Penuel Hobbs, Gilbert L. Granger, Edwin C. Bidwell, Orlando B. Bidwell, John W. Bidwell, Wm. Hale, Almena Wilcox, wife of LutherjMarcy,. Henry Pratt, William W. Deland, Roxama Davis, wifeof Jared Bishop, Samuel Townsend, Hannah H. Pratt, his wife, Chauncy Heath, Charles Farnum, Almina Collins, wife of Elias Brewer, 64 Hulda Jane Collins, Gertrude A. Townsend, wife of Uriah Brett, Mary M. Reuwee, Harriet Reuwee, Chauncy Langdon, Mary Ann Hancock, his wife, Sarah C. Wheelock, Millie Ann Wheelock. Millicent Bench, wife of Adonijah Bid well. 1844 Alvan H. Turner, M. D., Eloisa L. Buffett, wife ot Rev. Samuel Howe. 1845 Mary Marcy, wife of Dennis Canfield, 1846 Mary Ann Whitney, wife of Henry Langdon. Harriet Joslin, wife of Lemuel J. Townsend, Jane Crosby, wife of Ebenezer Reuwee. 1850 Eliza Wright, wife of Ira N. Tuttle, Harriet C. Bentley, wife of Jonathan Townsend, Mary Maria Gibbs, wife of John Branning, Elizabeth Taylor, wife of Sheldon W. Wright, Emily Eliza Heath, wife of Josiah Royce, Candace Ransom, wife of O. B. Bid well, Charlotte E. Howe. 1852 Henry Mansir, Adeline Morgan, his wife, Nathan Taylor, Adonijah S. Bid well, 1853 Jeannette McKinley, wife of John H. Langdon, Marshall S. Bidwell, Ann Amelia Tibballs, his wife. 1855 Phebe Langdon, wife of Norton Wright, Lucy F. Robinson, wife of Rev. W. H. Phelps, Harvey Brewer, Maria Partridge, his wife, Martha Ann Langdon, wife of Daniel Anderson, Roxanna P. Townsend, wife of Wm. Barnum, Phebe Sophia Bidwell, wife of Deacon Marshall S. Bidwell, Alice C. Bidwell, wife of Marshall S. Bidwell, 65 Caroline Jeannette Chapin, wife of John C. Harris, Mary H. Remlee, wife of Moses Walker, Louisa A. Harmon, Emily J. Wright, wife of Benjamin Wheeler, Josephine L. Orton wife of James Hicks, Candace Jemima Tyrrell, wife of Frank Seymour, Alnion P. Ticknor, M. D., Frances C. Catlin, his wife, Jonathan Townsend, Artemas Dowd, Prudence C. Freman, his wife. 1856 Marietta F. Curtis, wife of Cornish Hitchcock, Ellen M. Chapman, wife of W. M. Bentley, Angeline Andrus, wife of Reuben C. Underwood, Lucy Butmell, wife of Chas. Farnham, Mary Helen Taylor, wife of Dr. Chas. E. Heath. 1857 Betsy Hale, Daphne Ruff, wife of Ransom W. Beach, Rhoda Cornelia Rowland, Frances E. Everett, wnfe of Nathan Taylor. 1859 Margaret Brown, Merrill D. Huggins, Almira P. Austin, his wife. 1862 Camilla Harmon, wife of Wilbur C. Langdon, Laura Brewer, wife of Thomas Miner, Theda Ann Miner, Fanny Jane Miner, Mary P. Townsend, wife of John C. Taylor, Alice C. Townsend, wife of Edward J. Curtis, Mary E. Bid well, Sarah Stebbins Brewer, wife of Amos Langdon. 1863 Eunice Langdon, wife of Lewis Tyrell, Harriet Chadwick Mansir, wife of Renssalaer Couch, Sarah Esther Couch, Ann Maria Burger, wife of Ebenezer Hall, Margaret Burger, James G. Dowd, 66 1864 Rachel Scudder. wife of Purnett Bronson, Elizabeth Walker, wife of Jerome Fargo, Lucy Melinde Thomson, wife of Wood, Frances A. Brewer, wife of Martin V. Thomson, Mary Elizabeth Hewitt, wife of Bradman. 1865 Caroline C. Patterson, Purnett Bronson, Lewis Tyrrell, Watson S. Bentley, Sarah J. Farnham, wife of Charles Gregory, Lucy Ann Wheeler, wife of Daniel Garfield, Frances A. Bentley, wife of Edson Bentley, Elizabeth J. Ty meson, Sarah O'Brien, wife of Solomon Dowd, Mary Camilla Langdon, wife of William Cochran, Harriet Elmina Tyrrel, wife of Alderman, Alice Sophia Orton, Emma J. Townsend, Charles Farnum. 1866 Henry Addison Stedman, Wallace W. Hall, Gilbert}. Bentley, Hannah M. Loom, Mary Elizabeth Taylor, • Sarah Louise Tyrrell, wife of John P. Stanley, Eugene Alanson Rogers, Huldah A. Higley, Andrew Nelson Higley, Beulah C. Orton, wife of James Hicks, Mary Ann Bigelow Bidwell, wife of Barnabas] Bidwell, Dennis Brewer. 1867 Marshall S. Bidwell, Jr., Ann Merrilla, wife of Ira Johnson, Francis Brochu. Anna Brochu, his wife. 1868 Joanna Goewey, wife of Erastus Geowey, Daniel Barnes Andros, 67 Helen IvOuise Miner, wife of Charles Phelps, Maria Bevins, Caroline , wife of Cornish Hitchcock, L,ydia E. Dowd, Mary B. Foster, Amelia A. Bidwell, Charles Melvill Clark, Isabel Gray, wife of Chester Scudder, William H, Morse, Euphenia H. Morse, his wife. 1869 Erastus Goewey, Mary Ann Pomeroy, Jabez Ward, Elizabeth Ward, his wife, Sarah E. Miner, Mary Hitchcock, Marilla Thomson. 1 87 1 Lyman E. Searle, Lucy A. Dowd, wife of Albert M. Dowd. 1872 Ella I. W. Garfield, wife of Alonzo B. Garfield, Frances E. H., wife of Fabius Beckwith, Martha E. Colbert, Eli Decker, Eva Maria Decker, his wife, Mary J. Dewey, Amaoda Dewey, Nancy K- Hamm, John C. Hyde, Mary Elizabeth Laird, his wife, Mary M. Stedman, Helen Louise Townsend, Cyrus Crosby, Amelia Tibbals, his wife. 1873 Mary A., wife of Charles Church, Octavia E. Colbert, Eliza, wife of Samuel Townsend, Henry Woods, 68 Anna E., his wife. 1874 Anna M. Searle. 1875 Martin V. Thomson, Marion E., wife of George W. Morse, Sarah Louise Bidwell, wife of Edgar Denton. Ellen Gertrude Crosb}^ wife of Elihu D. Harmon, John B. Morse, Norman S. Sears, Martin W. Twing, Lafayette Battelle, Myron L. Thomson, Harriet Thomson, his wife, Letta Maria Carrington, Margaretta E. Smith, Jessie F. Beckwith, wife of Warren May, Lois Lucinda Thomson, Ellen Melinda Thomson, wife of Charles Hastings, Wilbur F. Miner, Charles Church. James Kinney, William Church, . James L. Twing, Clifford Brochu, Nellie M. Wood, wife of Henry Canfield, Herbert DeLoss Enoe, Abbie L. Sears, wife of Jason Lamson, Electa M. Brewer, Alfred E. Hall, William A. Hall. Fannie E. Hall, his wife, Eli Bills, Harmony Putnam, his wife, Caroline Collins, Charles C. Gregory, Martha J. Battelle, wife of Lafayette Battelle. William S. Bidwell, Orlando C. Bidwell, 69 Charles W. Hart, Emma J. Pinney, Georgianna A. Hall, wife of Buckbee, Charles H. Twing, Ella May Brochu, wife of Bevens, Emmet Goewey, Jason lyarapson, Mary E. Pratt, wife of Merrick C. Eangdon, Charlotte Heath, wife of White, Oscar T. Stedman, Marrietta Stedman, his wife, Henry C. Stedman, Ellen Stedman, his wife, Jesse A. Twing, Rutus W. Barnum, Ida M. Perry, wife of Henry P. Fargo, Elizabeth L. Harmon, wife of George T. Miner, Mary P. Fargo, wife of Rufus Fargo, Harriet I. Rogers, wife of O. T. Stedman, Arminta V. Langdon, wife of Alfred Hall, Harriet E. Hart, wife of Charles W. Hart, Mary Estella Carrington, wife of William H. Miner, Emma Melissa Brewer, wife of William Forrest, Harriet R. Carringtcn, wife of B. S. Carrington, Betsy Dunham. 1876 Mary M. Miner, wife of Wilbur F. Miner, Charles S. Church, Anna Gilmore, Clarissa R. Tuft, wife of Caleb F. Tuft, Porter H. Sears, Caroline A. Sears, his wife, Charlotte J. Kinney, wife of James A. Kinney. 1877 Rosella Adelaide Munson, wife of James L. Twing, Mary L. Searle, wife of Eyman E. Searle, Hattie E- Hart, Cora J. Webb, wife of William S. Bidwell, Elizabeth M. Miner, wife of Marshall Stedman, 70 Jessie A Townsend, Hattie May Townsend, wife of Julius E. Curtis, Charles F. Phelps. 1878 Rev. Alvin E. Todd, Gertrude M. Todd, his wife. 1880 Mary L. Dowd, wife of Charles H. Twing. 1 88 1 Rev. William A. Fobes, lyUcena A. Fobes, his wife. Ferry Brouker, Mary M. Pease, wife of Henry W. Langdon. 1882 Bertha Fobes. 1883 Carrie Fobes, wife of Baker, Albert M. Dowd, Edwin Brayman, Clark Phelps. 1884 Augusta C. Sabin, Waldo D. Hadsell, George L. Keyes. 1885 Emma J. Wheeler, wife of Edwin Busby, George H. Wheeler, Josephine B. Wheeler, his wife, Laura Wheeler Mary C. Walker, wife of George L. Keyes. Hiram Fobes, Peter Anthony, Martha Anthony, his wife. 1886 Catherine A. Benedict, wife of Isaac Benedict, Charlotte E. Dowd, wife of Perle Fenn, Jennie S. Thomson, wife of Henry Huntington, Florence Webb, wife of James Webb, Julia E. Ward, wife of Chas. Whitney. Ellen I. Olmsted, James Webb. 1887 E. Kitty Fobes, Clara L. Bidwell, wife of Chas. H. Warren. Emma Purdy, wife of Horace Purdy. 1888 Edwin J. Busby, 71 Julia Cross, wife of Harrington. 1889 Peter del Eskeldsen, Cora Woods, wife of John Goodrich. 1890 Lilian M. Mansir, wife of Clifford Brochu, Rev. Augustus Alvord, Emily Alvord, his wife, Mabel Alvord, 1 89 1 Charles Whitney, John F. Collins, James L- Anthony, Helena Enoe, wife of John Enoe, 1893 Rev. Irving A. Burnap, Lizzie Clark, Chatles P. Hyde, Alice Elizabeth Bills. 1894 Ellen Hall, wife of Wallace Hall, Ella May Smith, Nellie Dowd, wife of Philando Harmon, Mary Bell Dowd, wife of John Burke. 1896 Harriet E. Bid well, Emma B. Fargo, Annie I. Twing. Edwin Stoebner, Herbert B. Smith, Marietta Smith, his wife, Maggie Thomson, wife of Charles David, Henry Wilbur Miner, Edgar L. Woodford, Minnie Woodford, his wife, 1897 Andrew J. Hall, Minnie M. Gregory, his wife. 1898 Eleanor Cutler, Elizabeth Cutler, wife of Rev. John Dooljr Alexander Rose Dooly, Rev. John Dooly, Alice B.C. Dooly, Gertrude Alice Hart, wife of J. L. Twing, 72 Clara Eunice Langdon. Sophia Louise Bidwell, Clara M. White, wife of John W. Gregory. 1899 Robert J. Goldberg, Hattie E. Goldberg, his wile. 1900 George B. Edwards, Johanna E. Edwards, his wife, Lucy May Dowd, wife of Edwin Stoebner, Charles Cooper Griswold. THE ANNIVERSARY, The church selected as Committee of Arrangements Rev. John Dooly, Mrs. Wilbur Miner, Miss Mary Stedman. This committee reported to the church on x\ugust 26, appointed the following committees, to perfect the plans for the anniversary. Committee on Transportation, Geo. L. Keyes, Francis G. Heath. Committee on Entertainment of Visitors, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. M. Bidwell, Mr. and Mrs. Henry M. Langdon, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew J. Hall. Reception committee, Martin V. Thom- son and Albert Dowd. Committee for the care of Horses, I^afayette Battell, William Maxwell, James Griswold. Decora- tion of Church, the Floral Committee of the Y. P. S. C. E., assisted by Miss Fannie Robinson. The Ladies Aid Society and the Young Ladies Guild to provide and serve the dinner. The Committee of the Church on Music were to provide and conduct the musical part of program. The time chosen for the exercises to begin was Wednesday, October 10, to commence at 2 P. M. and continue till Thurs- day, 4 P. M. The report of the Committee of Arrangements was accepted and adopted. The following invitation was printed and mailed to over one hundred persons who in former years had some affiliation with the church. 1750 1900 THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL SOCIETY, Monterey, Berkshire Co., Mash. September 6, 1900. Dear Friend: With the close of this month one hundred and fifty years will have elapsed since the forefathers covenanted together in ^6 this place as a Church of Jesus Christ, and thus laid the founda- tions of our present organization by which during all this period, the Gospel has been continuously preached and God has been honored by an obedient people seeking to do His will in teaching the truth of Christ Jesus as the Saviour ot men. It has appeared proper to us, their descendants and representatives, that an occa- sion like this should be commemorated, by suitable exercises^ The Church and congregation have therefore resolved to hold anniversary services on October loth and nth, 1900, expressive of gratitude to God who has thus graciouly continued to us the institutions of the Gospel. For this purpose we wish to summon together from near and far our friends and kindred who have held, relations with us as Pastors or members of the Church or congre- gation, or the descendants of such, to unite with us in a social Christian Reunion and a season of religious services to commem- orate this event which awakens in our hearts grateful emotions. Providence permitting, these services will commence at 2 p. m. Wednesday, October loth, and continue till Thursday, the nth, at 4 p. m. Please let us know on receipt of this, if you can be present; if you cannot, will you kindly write us such words of Christian greeting as will be suitable to read in these services? Entertainment, and transportation from Great Barrington, Mass.,, will be provided for those who notify us. Yours very respectfully, JOHN DOOLY, Pastor, ) ^ ,.,. . MRS. WILBUR MINER, ^T"l^'lTJl MISS MARY STEDMAN, S Arrangements.. The church was modestly but appropriately decorated for the anniversary event. Over the pulpit were the dates "1750 1900 ;" back of the desk the words, " Welcome Home ;" on the- left of the pulpit, the inscription, " Thus far the Lord hath led us on," and on the right, " Blest be the tie that binds." Festoons of evergreen extended from the ceiling center in several directions and similar trimmings were used about the chandelier and upon the gallery front. Framed in evergreen, on the wall on the right and left of the pulpit,, were two ancient documents connected. I ^ > w w * IS V W 2 o to 79 with the organization of the church and the installation of its first minister. There were also many very choice and flowering plants on the pulpit and choir platforms. The decorations spoke well for the taste shown by the committee in charge of that part of the work for the occasion. On Sunday the Pastor preached the anniversary sermon as follows : ANNIVERSARY SERMON. October 7, igoo. Text — I Kings, 8 : 57. "The Lord our God be with us as he was with our fathers let him not leave us nor forsake us." These words are part of the blessing on Israel which Solo- mon pronounced at the dedication of the Temple. The state of Israel at that time was such as any people would greatly desire. The kingdom was firmly established, its enemies were brought into subjection, peace prevailed through- out all their borders. The king reigning in righteousness by virtue of God-given wisdom and understanding, brought pros- perity and blessing to the land so that silver in Jerusalem was as stones, and all nations sought unto Solomon bringing rich and rare gifts, thus showing honor not only to him, but to the people over whom he ruled. The temple of God, so greatly desired by David, was finished and was magnificent in all its equipment. It was the point toward which the devout Hebrew, wherever he might be, would turn his face when he supplicated the God of Israel. Solomon, in looking back over Israel's past history, was able to say : I Kings, 8, 56:^8 — "Blessed be the Lord, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised : there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant. "The Lord our God be with us, as he was with our fathers : let him not leave us, nor forsake us: 8o "That he may incline our hearts unto him, to walk in all his wavs. and to keep his commandments, and his statutes, and his judgments, which he commanded our fathers." We are standing to-day on such a vantage ground. One hundred and fifty years ago our fathers laid the foundation of the religious privileges we now enjoy. These privileges are very great. We have a comfortable building, the third erected in the history of the church. Itis without debt. The various organiza- tions in the church, viz.: The Fund Society, the Meeting House Society, the Missionary Society, the Ladies' Aid Society, and the Young Ladies" Guild, are all working in perfect harmony while doing the duty assigned to each. Our Sabbath School of over one hundred enrolled members and our Y. P. S. C. E. give promise to us of being the sources from which we shall add to our number many who shall be saved. We are at peace among ourselves and are hopeful of the future because of God's past dealing with us as part of his Holy church during the one hundred and fifty years of our history. In that period how many changes have come to nations and peoples throughout the world. Great crises in National life have produced great statesmen and wars of great importance have brought forth warriors who, perhaps unknown to themselves, have by their wisdom and bravery perfected the righteous pur- poses of God in the moulding of the nations of the earth. Many great rulers have lived and reigned and passed away, leaving the impress of their lives upon the peoples they ruled. In this period the map of the world has been changed and much of the world's advance and betterment has been secured. The nations have been brought closer together. Viewing the history of these many and great changes, we may well say, "Oh, where are kings and empires now Of old that went and came ? But, Lord, thy Church is praying yet A thousand years the same. For not like kingdoms of the world, Thy holy Church, O God, Though earthquake shocks are threatening her, And tempests are abroad ; 8i Unshaken as the eternal hills, Immovable she stands, A mountain that shall fill the earth, A house not made with hands." In all the ages the church of God has been the witness and defender of the truth as well as the power by which man has been brought more fully into the enjoyment of his rights and blessings. Through the instrumentality of the blessed church of God much of the world has during the past one hundred and fifty years been evangelized, and thus the gospel of Christ has won great triumphs, and advanced with marvelous rapidity and success because of its obedience to the command : "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature." The re- sults are seen throughout the world in the growth of general education, the increase of popular governments, the gradual abolition of privileged classes, the melting away of old super- stitions, the general amelioration of prisoners, the weak, the helpless, the needy, the abolition of serfdom and slavery, the scattering of God's word throughout the world, so that each nation can read in its own tongue the purpose and provision of God for man's redemption. Thus by the power of the gospel the trend of the world to-day is toward unity and brotherhood. Thus much for the world in general. But what favorable changes have been wrought in our own land in this period of one hundred and fifty years! Changes, chiefly the result of wars ; let us review their history. The French and Indian war resulted in establish- ing English supremacy on this continent as well as proving to be a school in which the Colonists were fitted for the struggles of the Revolutionary war, which resulted in American inde- pendence. The war of i8i 2 established the rights of American citizens on land and sea, and gave to American seamanship a prominence and bravery which have never been lost. The Mexi- can war settled long-standing disputes between the two countries and extended our boundaries to the Rio Grande and the Pacific, thus ceding to the United States the territory now known as New Mexico, California. Nevada, Utah and Arizona. The Civil war established the unity of the republic and emancipated 82 3,000,000 slaves. The Spanish and American war by which Cuba was released from Spanish rule and Porto Rico and the Philippine Islands ceded to the United States. Then there is also the peaceful cession to the United States of the Hawaiian Islands. In each one of these wars the student of history will discover that the hand of Providence was guiding and directing the fathers for the perfecting of His wise plans through the agency of this nation ; for it is true that the Ameri- can people, while enduring the hardship of these wars, expending their blood and their treasure, amid it all have increased in knowledge and power and are to-day the greatest contributors to the industrial, educational and religious progress of the world. In area and population they have increased with an extent and rapidity which are marvellous to the world at large. The thirteen original colonies had an area of 421,000 square miles ; population, 3,000,000. To-day the area is 3,764,308 square miles ; population, (colonies included) about 88,000,000. But let us take a glance nearer home. In 1739 the settle- ment of this section begun. The Indians had only recently deeded their rights to Colonels Ephraim Williams and Nahum Ward. The region was naturally a wilderness. Four years afterwards (1743) the construction of the first church, 40x35 feet in size, was begun, but owing to the troublous times was not completed for several years. Thus, at the early beginning o this settlement, the fathers recognized the need of God's house and its services, and provided by a special tax upon the proprie- tors for church erection and the support of the gospel. To me there is something very pathetic in these first efforts, the troub- lous times, the hardship of the new settlements, yet still they were patient and faithful, they clung to their purpose, they plan- ned and labored and prayed, until 1750. In that year the pop- ulation of New England was only 354,000, there were only four churches in what is now known as Berkshire County, viz : Shef- field and Stockbridge, organized in 1735 ; Great Barrington, organized in 1743; New Marlboro, 1744. Jonathan Edwards in that year became the pastor of the church and missionary to the Indians at Stockbridge. The population of this section must 83 have been very sparse, for a census taken fifteen years later (1765) states that in Tyringham there were 51 houses, 55 families, 335 inhabitants. Faithful to their original purpose on September 25, 1750, eight persons drew up after careful deliberation the first covenant of this church. On October 3, the same year (1750), their pastor, Rev. Adonijah Bidwell, was ordained and installed. What joy must hifve filled their hearts when on that day those eight charter members gathered as a church for the first time around the table of the Lord, and from the hands of one of their number, their own beloved pastor, received the sacred emblems of that holy sacra- ment. How real to them their covenant must have been, how precious the word and promise of God upon which they had rested in those years of peril and trial. Doubtless they had then prayed, "Forsake us not, nor leave us, Oh thou mighty God.'" In answer, at that table, they must have realized the presence of God as by His holy spirit they called to remembrance his precious promise, "I will not fail thee nor forsake thee." As with Israel, God has kept His word with them. Not one good thing hath failed of all that He hath promised. Our presence here to-day is visible proof of this. Oh, if they could have had a vision of the years to come, the repeated and glad times of revival, the dark times in the years of the second house at the Old Centre, when the existence of the church seemed to be jeopardized, the heroic days when the faithful remnant stood for the welfare of their be- loved Zion, and from their scant supply gave to the fund of their means, thus providing for future emergencies. If they could have seen the eight hundred and sixty souls which during these past one hundred and fifty years have been gathered into the fellowship of the church they then founded ; if in vision they could have seen the holy lives of their successors ; if they could have seen the children, and childrens' children consecrated to God in holy baptism at the altar they reared ; if they could have seen the widening influence of these lives after they left the small limits of their mountain homes and stepped out for their )ife work into the greater outside world. Some have gone to foreign lands, some have preached the gospel, some have strengthened 84 Other churches by their fidelity in service. I knew one in city mission work in New York City, a godly woman who yearned over the needs of the Italian women ; who studied their lan- guage, became their guide to Christ, their trusted friend and counselor. When God called this woman home to Him those women to whom she had ministered were heart-broken and crushed. They not only brought flowers to her coffin, but they also bedewed it with their tears. Brethren, if they could have seen in vision these things, could they have lived and finished their work? Though we have not the full record of the noble, godly deeds of these fathers, much of what they have done is real, not vision, and the fruits of their labors are ours to profit by to-day. May we be stimulated by what they have done to holy living and earnest effort to honor God in our day as they did in their day and generation. Shall we do it ? Our text is a prayer which each one of us ma}- make personal: "The Lord our God be with us as He was with our fathers, let him not leave us, nor forsake us." The text is also a holy wish, a fervent desire, that the prayer may be answered, that the wish may be a realization, that the desire may be fulfilled. Let us consider wherein we may learn from them the seat of their power, and success in their work for God. I. They had a zeal for the cause of God. The longing of their soul was expressed by the Psalmist — 84:1-2. "How- amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts ! " My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth, for the courts of the Lord : my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God. " " The zeal of thy hovise hath eaten me up." Under the promptings of this zeal they were made strong for the hard work of hewing from the forests the timbers for their first house of wor- ship, by this zeal they were sustained in simple trust in God dur- ing the long delay of years in its completion. There were then no boards to whom they could appeal for help. . The whole burden fell on them and putting on zeal as a mantle they were equal to the demands of the times and God gave them joy in their work for Him. How different this from the beginnings of 85 churches in our new settlements to-day. The land was virgin soil, rich but not for God. Precious metals abounded causing towns to spring up in a day, plenty of gold, silver and copper, but self is first. Were it not for the wise provision made by the churches through their boards many of our western towns would be without the house of God to-day. II. They were loyal to their pastors. It is a significant fact that the first three pastorates represent 72 years of pastoral work and counting the eight years of supply between the pastorates it is 80 years, over half the period of the history of the church. In that time 449 persons united with the chuich. Those were not the days of unrest among the pastors, nor of change among the churches. The rich blessings of those early years are the tokens of God's approval of fidelity in the pastorate and loyalty in the people. III. They manifested the spirit of God's word in their gifts. They first gave themselves to the Lord. The provision for taxa- tion of the proprietors for the church was equitable in that day. The town was the church, the church was the town. They were thoughtful about future needs. Very early in their history is the record of a church vote that each should pay nine pence each year that suitable provision in advance should be made for the expenses of the Lord's supper. This doubtless is the origin of your pres- ent custom to provide for these expenses at the annual meeting. This thoughtfulness has prompted the organization of the Fund Society, and doubtless has been to their successors the motive by which the church has been self-supporting from its beginning. IV. They had the expectation and prayed tor revivals of religion. They thus recognized a vital principle of church growth, viz: that the church makes her great advances and accomplishes her most glorious conquest of souls by revivals of religion. Rev. J. Warren Dowe in his farewell sermon, 1831, at the end of a 20 years pastorate, says in speaking of the fact of frequent revivals of religion : ' ' What means the successive revivals of religion with which the church has been blessed? What means the aggregate of 449 persons who have belonged to the church since 86 its formation ? It means that the divine blessing has attended and followed their united exertions. It means that these persons have been principally the fruits of these revivals. The enlarge* ment and growth of the church has been secured by frequent revivals of rel igion . ' ' V. Prosperity in all needful things was theirs in keeping with God's promise. Matthew VI:33. ' But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness ; and all these things shall be add- ed unto you." The large mansions and barns which once flourished here are evidence of this. The climate in the early days was as sev^ere as now, the soil though new and full of virgin fertilitj- was cov- ered with dense forests and the extensive stone walls which mark our landscape attest that the surface was rough and stony. But hearts loyal to God strengthened them for their work and their self-denial, and their toil was well rewarded with prosperity. The Lord was with them ; the Lord did not leave them nor forsake them. He blessed them and it is because of that blessing we celebrate this 150th anniversary as a Church of God. Shall we not here and now renew our covenant, equip ourselves for our work and as the new era on which we enter is near the opening of a new century, let us strive, let us pray that our zeal may be astheir's, fer\'id and full of power, that our loyalty to our pastor shall be as their's and that this loyalty shall inspire each pastor in all the future history with fiHelity and love for souls. So let us give of our means not grudgingly but willingly, yea joyfully, as they did that there may never be a lack for God's work. Let us seek to be a Church of Revivals, not of spasmodic efforts pro- ducing undue excitement, but ever waiting on God for His presence in power, humbling our souls in deep travail of spirit that those among us may be saved. Let us carry this desire with us into our public worship, into the closet of secret prayer, into the family worship and rest not until we receive and rejoice in rich reviving from the hand of our God, who is with us as He was with the fathers. The result shall be that this shall be a Church of God, doing His will, and the blessing of prosperity in all need- ful things shall come to us as to them, for God's presence shall 87 be to us jOy and strength in all future service. May He keep us for Himself. (Kings VIII. 58): "That He may incline our hearts unto Him, to walk in all His ways, and to keep His com- mandments, and His statutes, and His judgments, which He commanded our fathers." Wednesday morning the loth was rainy but this did not interfere with the exercises or the attendance. The teams so carefully chosen by the committee on transportation brought the people up from the trains in accordance with previous notice, and the local membership and friends from the neighboring towns were present in good numbers. The following program was obser\^ed: The committee on music rendered excellent service, espec- ially in securing the presence of Mrs. Orlando Bidwell of Great Barrington, who very tenderly sung some inspiring and heart touching solos. WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON, OCTOBER lO. Led by Rev. Herbert K. Job. 2:00-2:30 — Prayer and Thanksgiving. 2:30-2:45 — Address of Welcome, Rev. John Dooly, Pastor. —Singing. 2.45 — Addresses by former Pastors, Members and Friends. — Reading of Letters. — Historical Reminiscences. 4:00 — Singing. Dismission. WEDNESDAY EVENING. 7:00-7:45 — Reunion Reception in the Church Parlors. — Evening Session in the Church, Led by Rev. Augustus Alvord. 7:45-8:00 — Song Service. 8:00-9:00 — Reading of Letters and Reminiscences of former years. — Singing. Dismission. THURSDAY MORNING, OCTOBER II. 10:00-10:15 — Devotional. 10: 15-10:45 — Historical Reminiscences. — Reading of Letters. —Singing. 10:45-11:20 — Address. Subject: The Bible School in the Country Church, Rev. Evarts W. Pond, Sheffield, Mass. 1 1:20-1 1:25 — Singing. 11:25-12:00 — Address. Subject: The Country Church, Its Opportunity for Service, Rev. W. W. Curtis, West Stockbridge, Mass. 12:00 — Reading of an Original Poem. Subject: The Women of the Church. By Miss HelSn Townsend. 12:30 — Adjournment for Dinner in Church Parlor. THURSDAY AFTERNOON. Led by Rev. Silas P. Cook, County Minister. 2:00- 2:15 — Singing and Prayer. 2:15- 3:00 — Address by Rev. Joshua Coit, Secretary Massa- chusetts Home Mtssionary Society. —Singing. 3:00 — Sermon, Rev. Wm. V. W. Davis, Pittsfield, Mass. — The Lord's Supper. 4:00 — Singing. Dismission. ADDRESS OF WELCOME. The Pastor's address of welcome was as follows : My Dear Friends : I cannot address you by any other name, for we are friends in Christ Jesus, our Lord, who hath called us His friends, and has made us one in Him. In His name we bid you welcome. vSome of you have already received your welcome by the words, "Welcome Home." Your homes were formerly here. Among this people you first entered into the covenant of Christian fellowship. To you this is a home-coming and we bid you an especial welcome to the firesides and fellowships you enjoyed in the former years. We trust that to you this home- 89 coming shall abound in pleasant memories and a present joy in the exercises of this one hundredth and fiftieth anniversary. We also hope that you may gain a greater love for the old church and a purpose to remember in prayer at your home altars the little band who are still the loyal representatives of the Gospel in Monterey. If you are permitted to speak a word for us, let it be a strong word, and, if occasion should offer in the future for you to help make more permanent the work of the church, may you not be found wanting. Some of you, dear friends, are strangers and visitors among us. You have come to join in the anniver- sary of 150 years of church life. Most heartily do we bid you welcome; we extend to you the freedom of our church, our homes, and the liberty of our hill town. We are a simple people, but we are happy that you have come among us ; may you enjoy our fellowship and the autumna beauty of our forest hillsides, may your presence and your words prove to be an inspiration to us in the work that God has given us to do. We shall entertain you as well as we are able. Please feel at home with us, and be free in taking part in these services. The program outlines the plan of the exercises. It will be nec- essary to be prompt and brief that all may be heard. The history of the church, the anniversary sermon, remarks and extracts from letters will soon be in print. Doubtless the reading of this history will deepen impressions received in these services. In closing, let me refer to four epochs of our church history : The period of the beginning, 1750 — the foundation was then laid deep and strong ; the period of peril and loyalty, 1808-1809 — in this period the church was threatened with destruction, but loyal hearts, willing to deny self for the Gospel's sake, rallied for the emer- gency and organized the Fund Society by an act of incorporation dated June 16, 1809, and thus made provision for the future good of the church; the period of the recognition of the children, 1820 — then the Sabbath school was organized and sought the instruc- tion of the children in righteousness ; the period of the young people, 1883, when early in the Christian Endeavor movement this church came into line for the purpose of special effort to band together the young people for Christ and His church. May we 90 to-day enter on a new period in which, profiting by the history of the past 150 years, we shall all be drawn closer together in work for God. May each one of us by these exercises be confirmed in the faith, be renewed in strength, and be thus led into the fuller assurance that when we have finished the work given us as faithfully as the fathers and mothers of the past performed their work, we shall be brought together with them to be forever in the presence of the Lord. WEDNESDAY EVENING EXERCISES. The evening exercises were preceded by a reunion reception in the church parlors, concerning which it is only necessary to say that it proved a very happy one in the way of cordial greeting from friend to friend and especially in the opportunity that was afforded of welcoming those whose faces to some extent had lost their familiarity because of absence. This was followed by a prayer and song service in the early part of which a welcome poem by Mrs. Wilbur Miner, for nearly 25 years a member of the church, was read by Miss Harriet Bidwell as follows: WELCOME. Welcome to our many friends, Who here to-day their presence lend. And help us to commemorate This church of very ancient date. A century and a-half have passed, The story comes to us, at last. Since a band of eight, so firmly bound. Determined here a church they'd found. On yonder hill they chose the spot, Methinks the secret of this plot. The winds, no discord did the}- make. Like the bass viols of ancient date. But discord surely did arise, 'Twas from within you well surmise. The church must go from that cold spot. And this the blessing that we got. 91 Right on this spot for you and I , Our fathers built that we still try To keep the name of Jesus bright ; And lead poor sinners to the light. Friends, don't look around in such dismay, For loved ones who for j^ou did pray. The golden gate has opened wide, Jesus hath called them from our side. Two of our number who had planned To join this anniversary band Were called to join the heavenly throng ; We trust they ' re here to-day , though not in form . Prosperity attends us still, And with God's help we know it will; Decay and death await us all, But Jesus welcomes all who call. The rock on which our fathers built Was faith, strong as adamantine hilt. And as that generation passed , The message came, " hold fast, hold fast." And so you find us here to-day, Blessed with a church in which we pray. We're holding fast though few in number. Faith binds us strong, we cannot sunder. May Jesus now His love bestow On all who from this church may go. And as your part in life do take This church of old pray don't forsake. We wish it were possible for us to print all the good things which were said Wednesday afternoon and evening. We are enabled, through the courtesy of the Berkshire Courier, to give brief sketches of some of the addresses Thursday: Rev. Evarts W. Pond of Sheffield delivered a very practical address on "The Bible School in the Country Church." Mr. 92 Pond's talk consisted principally of the telling of personal exper- iences and the summing up of results of special efforts made in his own church. He mentioned as the first consideration of an ideal school its proper grading, and as another consideration specific and effective study, contrasting the results of such with those of what may be characterized as the usual scrappy round- and-round method common to ordinary Sunday school work. He had made an effort, he said, to impress upon the scholars in his Sunday school the thought that it was a school in fact, realizing, when effort was begun, that requiring the most thorough study would at first lessen the attendance, but adherance of the policy had demonstrated that, quality being maintained, quantity will take care of it.self. Another address of the morning that was of intensely practi- cal and encouraging character was on " The Country Church ; Its Opportunities for Service." The speaker was Rev. W. W. Curtiss of West Stockbridge, who spoke in a very genial as well as earnest way, mingling humor with sensible suggestions. He said it was a privilege to turn one's thoughts away, for the time being, from the difficulties and burdens of the country church for the purpose of viewing its opportunities. He mentioned as one of the chief of these the services that it may render in ministering to others stronger than itself. He compared it to the parent who rears his children with no thought of sending them into fields dis- tant from his own, but who yet does fit them to occupy those fields to the best purpose. The country church in like manner so developes its young manhood and young womanhood that they go forth to renew, rebuild and re-energize the churches of the large cities. Just as the country feeds the cities, supplies them with water, sends new blood to take the place of that enfeebled by their strenuous life, so it furnishes the city church with the rank and file of its membership and with its preachers. He quoted Professor Wright of Oberlin as having said that it is doubtful if any large city church could maintain its existence for two generations without replenishment from the country. The Congregational Year Book for 1898 showed that the accessions to the churches of Springfield, Boston, Pittsfield and 93 other cities were four or more by letter to one on profession of faith, while on the other hand, the accessions to the Congrega- tional churches of South Berkshire — all of them country churches — had in that year been 6i by profession of faith and only seven by letter. Another great opportunity of the country churches is that of developing the social and intellectual life of the rural neigh- borhood. Its opportunity is great on account of the fewness of the members and their intimacy of acquaintance. The country church has, he said, exclusive privileges and it ought, if possible, to provide the best preaching, most stately service, and the most attractive architecture. Great also, in his opinion, is its oppor- tunity in a spiritual way. Two-thirds of the people still live in the country. If the millions of our population are to be reached, they must be reached by the country church ; if degeneracy comes to the country it will certainly go to the city, therefore he would plead strongly that the country be kept spiritualized. Preceding the benediction, the exercises of Thursday morn- ing closed with some original verses entitled ' ' The Women of the Church," written by Miss Helen Townsend, whose duties as a teacher at Hampton Institute denied her the privilege of being present. The verses were read by her sister, Miss Jessie Town- send. THE WOMEN OF THE CHURCH. Written by Helen Townsend, a Teacher at Hampton Institute, AND Read by Her Sister at the Sesoui-centennial of the Con- gregational Church of Monterey. Thank God, the men were godly men Who hither came to dwell Upon these fine old Berkshire hills Which we all love so well; True, it required brave, stoat hearts To come and live here then; Mayhap they were not far-famed saints But plain God-fearing men. 94 We learn that a place to worship God Was in their earliest plan; A meeting house was accounted for Before a house for man, A sacred Sabbath must be observed In Puritanic style; They deemed that in the house of God 'Twas meet to spend a while. Their Christian spirit was displayed In purchasing their land And missionary labor spent On Stockbridge Indian band. 'Twas good John Sargeant told them how God's love to man extends. The Indians heard, believed the word And proved the white man's friends. We think of quiet, wooded hills, With bridle path and Indian trail; No roads for wagon or ox-cart While wild beast roamed o'er hill and dale. At last a road was cleared, I'm told, So travelers from the east Could wend their way to Albany In safety, to say the least. We now would think it rude and rough, This first of our highways. But captured Burgoyne's army passed Adown this road in later days. The place became South Tyringham; Settled in seventeen -thirty-nine; The mills were built and work begun In those far days of old lang syne. A second road went over the hills, Its course ran north, 'tis said. And by this road majestic and grand A giant hemlock reared its head. 95 And on it was written in letters rude "R. H." for road to Hop Brook. A traveler passing, these letters saw And their hidden meaning mistook "R. H. for Royal Hemlock stands," And he gathered up his load, And ever after this highway was called The "Royal Hemlock road." It now can be traced, so we're informed, By the one whom this story tells; It passes north right over the hills Past where Neighbor Carrington dwells. 'Twas by this road our church fathers found A sight for their meeting-house meet. High on the hillside looking down At the town that lay at its feet. We've climbed that hillside, we've sat us down By those stones that were once by its door And we've dreamed of those people who wore them smooth In those distant days of yore. They were Congregational as a whole, And in that faith true-hearted. In seventeen-fifty a pastor came And a church was truly started. There were eight men signed that compact strong That they would united stand, As followers of Christ to spread His kingdom in the land. They signed, and their names can be clearly read As if they were written to stay; We read them again; only one of those names Can be found in our town to-day. We scan the page closely for women's names— Where are the wives of those men? To-day they'd be found in the self-same list, It was not thought the proper way then, 96 But after the business had all been done (In this was where they were wary) You wonder what woman's name stands first — 'Tisthe sainted name of Mary, And after that they crowd thickly in — There's Abigail, Mercy, Belinda, Patience, Tryphena, Hepziba, Ruth, Theodosia, Leah, Lucinda; There's Hannah and Rhoda, Phoebe, Keziah, With Hulda to make the rank full; Eunice and Esther, Rebecca, Sophia, So on to Submit and be Thankful. 'Twas nearing the close of the following year That they numbered nine out of twenty. And as we follow the roll year by year Of women's names there are plenty, They brought their babies and children small For the sacred baptismal rite, 'Till the church was o'ercrowded and much too small, So finding themselves in such a plight They builded a second meeting-house, * Not more than a-half a mile away. In which, for more than fifty years. They met on each Sabbath day. Again when the town was made into two, Our part being called Monterey, This land was bought and a church was built Where we hold our meeting to-day. So, through all these years on the Sabbath Day, Be it cold or extremely heating, A service's been held b}^ a pastor, they say. Or there's been a deacons' meeting. But what have the women done, you imagine. Besides having their names on the roll; They've battled the wrong and stood for the right With purpose and self-control. 97 It was when the Fund was first organized To help sustain Christian preaching, They came to the front, as has since been their wont And their influence soon was far-reaching; Even hired girls, whose wages were small. In giving would tkae their turn, It was not rare they would pledge a share That would take them months to earn. Nor did England's war with the colonies The Berkshire women affright, They despised strongmen, who didn't go then To fight for their country's right. They did in the fields the work of the men, And when they could do no more. They would steal away at the close of day, And the God of Armies implore. And so it has ever been the case That for liberty they have always stood true As loyal a band as there is in the land To protect the red, white and blue. When the civil war came and soldiers were called They sent their husbands and brothers And sweetheart and friend, none too good to send, So thought the sorrowing mothers. And then came the time they worked early and late Filling boxes and barrels here in the north. And then the things flew to the boys in blue Ere they to battle should go forth; I remember the anxious faces and sad As I sat in my little chair, Picking lint with a pin, their praises to win. Still too young to realize their care. 'Twasthe I^adies' Sewing Society then, And some garments were stained by a tear As they sent them adrift, on their mission swift Some far-away heart to cheer. 98 Oh! those were anxious days in this town 'Till the war was ended at length But few come to mind who were left behind When the soldiers marched home in their strength. For temperance women's voices were raised Though many attempted to drown, Their help has been great and up to this date We rejoice in a no-license town, For years if not always the women have borne The expenses within the church doors, The cushions for seat and keeping all neat, With carpets to cover the floors. And still they they press forward year after year With efforts sincere and far-reaching 'Till the time has come when they have to add some To help to support the preaching. O! women of Monterey, we depend, On your hearts so true and tender, In the battle of life, be you daughter or wife, May you never lack a defender — And every one here must give you a cheer; If not, he's a hardened old sinner; If you don't think it's so, just go down below And partake of a Monterey dinner! The Berkshire Courier says of the intermission, " During the noon intermission of nearly two hours the large congregation partook of a splendid dinner, prepared by the ladies of the church, and which proved ample evidence of the fact that in Monterey the good cooking for which New England was of old wont to be famous still prevails, and hospitality as well." The Thursday afternoon session opened with a song and prayer service, led by Rev. Silas P. Cook, county minister. Then followed a very interesting address by Rev. Joshua Coit, secretary of the Massachusetts Home Missionary Society. Mr. Coit min- gled statistics, general information, and wit and suggestion of an encouraging character in a most delightful way. He so presented 99 their case as to give Congregation alists great cause for pride in the record the church has made, not only in the fostering of Christianity but in the establishing and maintaining of colleges of the highest grade. AN ORIGINAL POEM. On The One Hundred And Fiftieth Anniversary Of The First Congregational Church At Monterey, Mass., Written By Frances A. Orton Of Spring City. Tenn. Re.'^d By Miss Harriet Bidwell. A century and a half ago, our first church stood, Bequeathed by sires, whose reverent, faithful hands Reared then an altar, to the Christian's God. And still this mission, and its meaning stands For what its founders trusted it would teach, Like beacon-light, along the path of each. First called to minister was Bidwell, who wrought, Striving God's Justice and Truth to blend — Moulding them into clear, truthful thought That the simple, unlearned, might comprehend. While to the red man, strayed hence from the wild, He would temper his speech as though teaching a child. Or moved by sacred impulse, forceful thought. Of guilt and sin, — its direful consequence — His voice of wondrous power, with pathos fraught, Seemed to uplift, and rend the veil of sense. In realistic ardor, swayed his listeners there. In awe, they saw heaven imaged, — or despair. No meteor-ray was his, fallen to earth. But the full stead 3^ glow of a fixed star, Whose radiance was the reflex of His worth And living presence, ever-dwelling near. And in his life, the Son of Righteousness Reflected, shone, to light a wilderness. Many, here, inspired by holy zeal, have taught The story old — but each with different art In word-painting — the Spirit's meaning caught And pictured — and their lesson reached the heart, Those consecrated labors were not vain, The world has reaped a wealth of Godly gain. And are we — the descendants of that race Who nobly planned, taught, sacrificed, that we Might follow in their living faith, embrace That truth — all freed from doubt and mystery ? Let each into the soul inquire if we Are all those fathers hoped that we might be ? After the solo, " Rock of Ages," by Mrs. Bidwell, a sermon was delivered by Rev. W. V. W. Davis of Pittsfield, who selected his text from Acts 7:44, reading as follows: " Our father had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed." The sermon dealt with God's temple in its various stages of development and made special application to the sig- nificance for the community near by and the countrj' at large of such a church as that in Monterey. At the conclusion of the sermon, the Lord's supper was celebrated in an impressive manner by Rev. Aaron W. Field of New Marlboro and Rev. Frederick H. Lynch of Lenox, and Deacons Hawley of Sandisfield and Beckwith of Great Barrington. The exercises of the day closed with the singing of the doxology. A supplementary anniversary service was held Sunday morning, the 14th, when, instead of the usual sermon, the mem- bers of the congregation were invited by the pastor to deliver what he called "little sermons," when all who saw fit to respond offered something appropriate to a time of such significance to a church. Ten persons took part in these Sabbath morning exercises and it was felt to be a time of refreshing for the people. At this meeting it was "unanimously resolved, that the thanks of the First Congregational Society of Monterey be given to the visiting friends who so kindly assisted in the exercises of the 150th anni- versary, and also to the members of the press for their great courtesy and attention in reporting the proceedings. " The Pittsfield Sun kindly sent a reporter to remain during the services and over the Sabbath following. As a summing up the judgment of the Sun is thus given: " As a whole, the celebration was thoroughly interesting and highly successful The people of the church, young and old, male and female, worked hard for the success of the exercises and joined heartily in them. The affair had been carefully planned, and as thoroughly arranged for, and it all turned out as had been hoped. Visiting ministers were very much impressed with the exercises, very glad to meet the people, and proud, those who did, to take part. And all visitors were much pleased with their cordial reception, and the care taken to provide for their comfort. The people seem to know just how to act as hosts and make use of their knowledge. And for themselves it was a re-awakening of interest, a stimulus to make the history of the church in their time equal to what it has been. ' ' Among those from other places attending the exercises were: Mr. and Mrs. Augustus Alvord, Barkhamsted, Conn.; Margaret Burger, Housatonic ; Mrs. T. M. Bliss, N. Blanford, Mass.; Mrs. Dwight Bradley, Lee ; Mr. and Mrs. Reuben R. Brewer, Great Barrington ; Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Saunders, Lee; Mrs. Miles Whitney, West Otis ; Mrs. Helen H. Heath, Lee; Mrs. Sarah O. Morse, Lee; Mary E. Langdon, Hartford; Rev. Herbert K. Job, Kent, Conn.; Miss Caroline Collins, Tj^ringham ; H. M. Thompson, Amherst, Mass.; Mr. and Mrs. George B. Edwards, Great Barrington, ( Mr. Edwards is a direct descendant of Jona- than Edwards); Mr. and Mrs. Egbert M. Langdon, Lee; John Alcott, New York City; Miss Moore, Tyringham ; E. C. Thompson, Maplewood, N. J.; Mr. and Mrs. D. W. Beckwith, Great Barrington ; Lois L. Thomas, Agawam, Mass.; Jennie T. Huntington, Agawam, Mass.; IVtrs. Frances A. Bentley and Miss Dora S. Bentley, New Marlboro ; Mrs. Martha Anderson, Lyme, Conn.; Mrs. W. H. Minor, Greenwich, Conn.; Mrs. Libbie M. Stedraan, Tyringham ; Mrs. Lillian M. Brochu, Great Barring- ton ; Mrs. Ellen N. Smith, New Marlboro ; Mrs. Charles A. Claflin, Montville ; Mr. and Mrs. William H. Hawley, West Otis; M. D. Whitney, Otis; Mrs. F. C. Richardson, New Marl- boro; Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Manley, Otis; Mrs. E. R. Ward, Tyringham; Mr. and Mrs. H. M. Palmer, Southfield ; Miss Exere Kasron, Southfield ; Mr. and Mrs. Keltam, Lenox ; Mary Townsend Taylor, Great Barrington ; Miss Agnes Geraldyn Woods, Astoria, Long Island. Letters were read during the exercises from Mrs. Mary Dow Hyde, Pasadena, Cal.; Mrs. Francis A. Miller, Spring City, Tenn.; Rev. C. H. Parkhurst, New York City ; Penuel Hobbs Kalamazoo, Mich.; John S. Sears, Pittsfield, Mass.; Rev. Irving Withington, New York City; Mrs. Henry W. Bosworth, Spring- field, Mass.; Mrs. Mary C. Cochrane, Stamford, Conn.; Mrs. Edgar Denton, Elmira, N. Y.; O. B. Bidwell, Freeport, 111.; Rev. Martin W. Twing, Alton, 111.; Chief Justice Brewer, Washington, D. C; Rev. Samuel Hopley, Lee, Mass.; Mrs. G. M. Todd, Berea, Ky.; J. M. Hall, Pittsfield, Mass.; Miss Bertha M. Fobes, Brooklyn, N. Y.; Mary K. Goewey, Albany, N. Y.; Matthew White, Jr., New York City; Dr. John J. Orton, Lake- ville. Conn.; Miss Alice T. Curtis, Whimand, Minn.; Mrs. John Goodrich, Lee, Mass., Mrs. C. H. Twing, Litchfield, Mass.; Rev. T. A. Hazen, Springfield, Mass.; Harriet A. Walker, Wel- lesley, Mass.; J. G. Dowd, Woodbury, Conn.; E. A. Rogers, New Hartford, Conn.; Rev. Walter R. Curtis, Hubbardston.Vt.; Mrs. Alice C. Bidwell, Boston, Mass.; Mrs. Jennie Huntington, Agawam, Mass.; D. W. Fowler, Milwaukee, Wis.; Mrs. S. Clark, New York City; Rev. William A. Fobes, Worcester, Mass.; Mrs. Melancthon Starr, Rockford. 111.; Rev. W. T. Elsing, New York City; Rev. George P. Pentecost, D. D., New York City; H. R. Heath, Brooklyn, N. Y.; August R. Smith, Lee, Mass.; Mrs. E. H. Morse. North Clove, N. Y.; Mrs. M. H. Lamberson, Evanston, 111.: William A. Howe, Wapping. Conn. J Mrs. John K. West. Detroit, City, Minn. We give extracts from several of these letters, assured that our friends will pardon us for the liberty we take in thus doing. 103 as we believe that good will result to those who read, as was the case with those who were present at the services when they were ^ead. ' ' I was interested in seeing the notice of the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Church in Monterey, and thought of my sainted father, Rev. Townsend Walker, whose early life was passed in Monterey, which then went by the name of Ty ring- ham. The church on the hill was where he used to go to church, and in the adjoining burying ground rest many of the Townsend relatives. You cannot tell how glad I am that you are in Mont- erey, where I have such a tender interest. I have been reading to-day a history of the Wellesley Congregational church, and find that it colonized from the parent church in Needham where an ancestor. Rev. Jonathan Townsend, was the first pastor. His son settled in Monterey, and my Grandmother Walker, his daughter, was born there. " Harriet A. Walker, Wellesley, Mass." ' ' We very much regret that circumstances are such that it will be impossible for us to be with you at your anniversary gathering, and send this greeting that our names may be remem- bered as among those who cherish tender and precious memories, which will eyer bind us to you, although our names are not enrolled with yours. ' ' As one by one they who have been strong pillars to you, finish their work, we pray that others may be found to fill the places they have left vacant, that the lamp of God go not out among you. " Charles H. Twing, Litchfield, Conn." ' ' I deeply regret my inability to be present on this interest- ing occasion, because my maternal great-great-grandfather, the Rev. Adonijah Bidwell, was the first pastor of the church 150 years ago, and my paternal great-great-grandfather, Deacon John Jackson, was the first deacon of that church 150 years ago, " Dk. John Jackson Orton, lyakeville, Conn." ' ' I desire to send congratulations and greetings that God in His infinite goodness put it into the hearts of our forefathers to I04 meet together in this place to organize a Church of Jesus Christ, whose foundations have been so abiding, and it is mj^ heart-felt desire and prayer that your future prosperity shall more than equal, with God's blessing the past century and a-half. " Mrs. Alice Townsend Curtis, Winona, Minn." ' ' My thoughts have been much with you and my prayer is that this church, which so long and steadily has sent forth influences for good, may continue to be blessed. Mj' congratu- lations are extended, that during all these 150 years in each suc- cessive pastorate, there has been no deterioration. It is an especial cause for thankfulness that there is such a manifest evi- dence that the love and leading of the kind Heavenly Father is not withdrawn. "Mrs. Alice C. Bidwell, Boston, Mass." ' ' I have a love and sympathy for that church greater than for any other; it was my first church. I heard my mother say that I was baptized into that church under singular circum- stances. At that time there was a great epidemic throughout the New England States, so severe that in some localities there were not well ones to care for the sick ones and great numbers died. My father and brother both died; my father died a month before I was born. May 25th, 18 14. When four weeks old my mother took me to the church to be baptised by the Rev. Joseph Warren Dow, he making some affecting remarks, so there was not a dry eye in the house. When I was sixteen years old I united with the church on profession, Mr. Dow being pastor at that time. I loved him as a man, and minister; I was with him when he died. I held my church relation there until 1859, then I removed to Kalamazoo, Michigan. My church relationship with that church dates back 86 years and 70 years of full mem- bership. I think it may be further back than any living member, although there mav be one or more, older than I am. "Penuel Hobbs, Kalamazoo, Mich." " I can look back thirty-five years and see a young boy of thirteen summers seated in a back seat of this church on one July Sunday afternoon, and witnessing the receiving into church- I05 fellowship some young friends, and the question came to this boy, why did not he accept this life, and how that question was answered, the next July, when on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, we assembled on the bank of the little river here, and how that dear Brother Clark buried this same boy beneath the still waters of the river in Holy Baptism and many other things come to mind, one particular incident occurred which tells us, the j^oung little know what the future holds for them. As this same boy was one Sunday selecting a library book, his beloved teacher (Brother Nathan Taylor) told him of a book, title ' The Life of Chloe Lankton,' was a good book. The book was taken home and read, and, strange as it may seem, this same boy from the life commenced in this church was called to the office of Deacon in the church where this same Chloe Lankton lived and was a mem- ber. Holy Communion having to be administered to her on her couch at her home, and now at the present time, this same bo}^ carries the author of that book to church ever)^ Sunday that she is able to attend. "Eugene A. Rogers, New Hartford, Conn." " Glad indeed was I to be recognized as one of its honored descendants. After reading your circular it was not hard for me to close my eyes and look backward over the one hundred and fifty years of patient toiling and I trust abundant reaping. I saw my own dear precious father, Rev. Joseph Warren Dow, who (I think) for eighteen 3'ears presided over that church, and all the devoted ones who had given their lives and who had been enabled by God's grace, to erect this noble monument to his memory, and Almighty power, and with uplifted heart I cried ' Bless the Lord O my soul, and all that is within me bless His Holy Name.' "I would enjoy, O so much, to join 3'ou in these services, but this is impossible. " MRvS. Mary Dow Hyde, Pasadena, Cal." ' ' I will say that the memories of those few months I labored with you eleven years ago still give me much pleasure. " I have never known a church since I became interested in Christian work more loyal to their obligations, more attentive ro6' upon the church service, or more devoted to the cause to whicb they had pledged themselves than the church at Monterey, Mass. " I there learned to love the Congregational church. I felt like saying ' Thy people shall be my people.' ' ' Since I left you I have heard from time to time of the passing to the other shore of several of your members whose voices I often heard in testimony and prayer, but I believe you can say of them ' Though dead they yet speak.' " Walter R. Curtis, Hubbardston, Vt." ' ' May the name of the blessed Saviour be praised for His love to the people of Monterey in permitting them to have a house of worship in their midst for so long a time ; and for the messengers who have gone forth in your midst bearing the prec- ious seed of the word of life. And may this occasion be long remembered as the beginning of a still greater work for the Master. " Rev. Irving Withington, New York City." ' ' On account of serious sickness in my family and other duties which need my attention I don't think it would be wise for me to try to be present at your anniversary services. Although absent in the flesh I shall be present in the spirit, for I have not forgotten the little church where I once solemnly and publicly professed to be a follower of the I^ord Jesus Christ, and if I can say anything that will help and encourage those who are toiling for the Master it will afford me the greatest pleasure. " My parents and all their children were once members of the church you commemorate in this 150th anniversary. For over thirty years my father was chorister and unless providen- tially detained was always punctual and prompt, both in the choir and at the prayer-meetings, and for several years I was the only young man that took part in the prayer-meetings and the youngest male member of the church. After I became superin- tendent of the Sunday school, I assumed the responsibility of cir- culating a subscription paper, and although begging is a work that I do not enjoy, yet I continued on until the financial embar- rassments were all removed, and soon after the Lord poured out of his spirit richly and abundantly, and people began to inquire in sincerity what they should do to be saved, and when I came away from town the society, church and Sabbath school were in a flourishing condition and I sincerely hope they are to-day. "J. G. DowD." ' ' My mind is stored with pleasant memories of the church in Monterey and very tender memories of many of its members some of whom have been already freed from the body. ' ' I hear with gladness of the good times j^ou have together. That these may grow ever better is the hearty wish of " Louise B. Denton, Elmira, N. Y." " These anniversary exercises commemorating all that you hold most sacred, will serve to emphasize the value of the religious life. " The influence for good in the century and a-half past is untold, and the inheritance of Godliness is ever the great gift of the Christian church. We recall with tenderness the kindness of your people to my father in his brief pastorate, and the sym- pathy you extended as he passed into the ' valley of the shadow ofdeath . ' "May the blessing of 'one who slumbers not nor sleeps' abide with you all. " Mary Hall Bosworth, Springfield, Mass." " Suppose that those who labored in the organization of this church so long ago, with heart, and hand, and purse, (though this last very likely was but poorly filled), were permitted by our Heavenly Father to visit you to-day, and to have all this long history set before them. How would it seem to them? Would they feel they had done wisely in this organization, or unwisely? Has this church paid ? We cannot doubt that it cost them heavily, that probably at no time in its history it has taken more from its supporters than in its founding. I conceive that not a man or woman or child of them all but felt it. You who are present to-day, know what it costs, and has cost you in sus- taining the church, and so are fairly well qualified to judge how in that poorer and wilder time, men struggled with the problem of its organization. " Now, supposing the fathers are really with you to-day, and can hear and understand what you know. How must it seem. io8 to them ? Some of them perhaps gave grudgingly for the object. Do they grudge it now ? Some of them gave till they felt it keenly in their own persons and in their households. Are they saying to-day that they did well in their giving ? This church, throughout the whole one hundred and fifty years of its life, has been a powerful force in this community, to exalt and ennoble the entire population about it. ' ' The life that its pulpit has always striven to set forth as the ideal one, has not been attained even by those who have reached highest in their strivings. Still it must have accom- plished results that every good man will look upon with the keenest pleasure. And if this is true, no one ought to doubt that the fathers did well in organizing this church. It is then for you to look forward, and expect to bless your future genera- tions as they did theirs. " Rev. Wm. A. Fobes, Worcester. Mass." " I should be much interested in the services, and re-union of the many friends and fellow- w^orkers in the church and Society in Monterey. " May God bless the occasion to all present; the Church be stimulated to work with patient fidelity, to gather the fruit of the seed sown in the past. Thus prepare for a bountiful harvest in the near future. " My greetings and love to the dear friends. "Mrs. James A. Clark, New York City." "When my uncle. Rev. Samuel Howe, was pastor of the Church in Monterey, I became familiar with the church, the hills, and the lake of your beautiful town. I am unable to be present with you, much as I should enjoy your celebration. Rev. Samuel Howe did a good work as your pastor. During his pastorate, the parish of South Tyringham became the town of Monterey, and the present church edifice was erected. A por- tion of the church members did not like the change of location, and they fitted up the old church edifice, and for some time kept up separate worship. My uncle purchased a pleasant home I09 in Lakewood, N. J., where he died September 28, 1874. His remains lie buried in his native town, Greenwich, Conn. "It is well to recall the past as you will do. The fathers laid a good foundation and did a work which the children should remember. Wishing you an enjoyable reunion and that it may be a success. " William A. Howe, Wapping, Conn." ' ' I most earnestly hope you will have a blessed and success- ful time during the two days set apart to thank God and honor the memory of the noble men and women who have given to the present inhabitants of Monterey one of the most precious legacies, a Christian church, and a community where a Christian sentiment prevails. The former members of the Monterey church not only kept alive their own faith, but by standing together and keeping up church and Sunday school privileges, they made Monterey a desirable place to live in at the present time. The best and only way we can show our gratitude is to hand down to our children the same blessings which the early founders of the church have given to us. " I trust the inspiration which comes from these services will greatly strengthen the church work at Monterey. " W. T. Elsing, New York." "As it is not probable that I shall have the pleasure of being present on that eventful occasion, I can only express to you my very sincere thanks for the invitation, and manifest the interest that I feel by writing 5'ou a letter, to express to you the interest that I have in the welfare and prosperity of the old church, in whose pews I sat as a child, under the ministrations of the Reverend Mr. Howe, one of its pastors in the early fifties. In its Sunday school, I was a pupil, where I was taught the lessons of truth and righteousness, which I trust I have not entirely forgotten to this day. "It is with feelings of veneration that I think of this society, which has now been established one hundred and fifty years. Near the site of the original edifice, my father was born, my grandfather died, and was given Christian burial by its pastor, and his mortal remains were interred in the old church cemetery, located near the site of the ancient edifice. On his tomb-stone may still be seen these words, written by whom, I know not, expressing his belief in immortalit}-, " Ripe for heaven, his soul ascending flew, And early bid this sinful world adieu, Short was his stay, the longer is his rest. In the eternal mansions of the blest." " It is pleasant to think of the sphere of usefulness, of this ancient and venerable society, which has now existed for a period of one hundred and fifty years, and which we trust may continue for an indefinite period to come, to shed its beneficent influences, on the children of men, to console the living, comfort the sick and dying, and give Christian burial to the dead. " In the future, as in the past, may it continue to give forth freely, the comforting assurances, and promises of the Christian religion, to each generation of men in their order, until the end of time. I trust its mission will long continue, and that it will continue to cherish the simple and earnest faith, established by our fathers, amid the privations and perils that surrounded them in their struggle for existence among the rock-ribbed hills of your ancient commonwealth. " It is to be hoped that thousands may yet find peace, com- fort and joy to their souls, within its sanctuary, and infinite pleasure in the society of the good people who compose its membership. '• I greet all the members of this congregation, with a cor- dial greeting: Unknown as I am, to the most of its membership of to-day, yet I feel, that as I was once of your number, so am I still, in a measure, as the fond ties established in childhood can never be entirely obliterated, while life remains. "D. W. Fowler, Milwaukee, Wis." "I remember that it was mentioned in the funeral sermon of our great-grand-father, Mr. Samuel Townsend, that he con- tributed generously towards the church in its very beginning. And I am proud to believe that his descendants have always valued most highly those interests for which a church of Christ stands. " And so on that winter's day when your present building was to be dedicated, our mother with her little family went from our Barrington home to attend the dedication of the new "meet- ing-house ' ' and hear the sermon of the eminent author and divine, Rev. John Todd of Pittsfield. His text was Ezra 3:1 1-13. I can see him now, his commanding form, rugged countenance, and perceiving eye. As a child of eight years I do not recall much of his sermon beyond the illustrations by which he explained the contrast between the feelings of those who in their childhood had seen the glory of the first temple, and those who had by their own efforts begun the foundations of a second temple. He said ' when we were boys, a hill up which we drew our sleds seemed a very long hill but now we wonder that it ever seemed much of :a hill. And how much money a hundred dollars was to us chil- dren ! It seemed a fortune ! We thought we could do a great many things if we had a hundred dollars. But the hundred dollars does not look very large to us now.' There must be few left who were present on that occasion and very few who bear the Townsend name. We congtatulate tho.se who remain that they have so bravely and steadil)' kept the Gospel light burning at the cost of self-sacrifice and struggles, and trust that the memories of this anniversarj- ma}' inspire to still greater achievements in the Master's ser\nce. "Mary C. Townsend and "Mrs. Malanthon Starr, Rockford, 111." "I suppose that reminiscences are the order of the hour. I have my own treasured hoard of recollections, pleasant and pro- fitable, of my acquaintance with and membership in this church. As I recall the earliest impressions of my boyhood it seems to me that the church was especially rich in the possession of a consid- erable number of men of unimpeachable integrity of character -and unusual devoutness of spirit, even though some of them -possessed some eccentricities. "Among the number I recall Dea. Thos. Hale, Luther Marcy, John Orton, Barnabas Bidwell, Dea. Jonathan Town- send and others, not to mention the names of some now living. ' ' Of the pastors I seem to have much less clear recollections. Whether it was because they were less permanent, or whether there was some fault in my powers of attention, or whether they lacked, as some later pastors do, the power to interest the boys, I am unable to say. I might recall the names of several but they would be names and little more to me. ' ' But the most sacred associations in my mind in regard to this church are due to the fact that this was my spiritual birth- place. Here I first learned the joy of surrender to the Lord Jesus Christ and the acceptance of free pardon for sin. Here were experienced the new joys of discipleship and the fellowship of the Lord's people. If memory serves accurately it was in September, 1874, after listening to a sermon by Rev. O. L. Leon- ard on the parable of the lost sheep that I reached the decision that turned the current of my life. I have always felt specially grateful for the influences which surrounded my early Christian life in this church. My companions were of the helpful sort, and the interest and confidence expressed by the older members of the church were of great value. ' ' It was here that impressions were received which grew into convictions which led at length to the Gospel Ministry. '*So I offer to-day my sincere and grateful tribute to the beneficent ministry of this church as experienced in my own life. And what it has done for me it has done for many others as you will, no doubt, have evidence in many ways during these days of your celebration. "Martin W. Twing, Monterey, Mass." " More than twenty years have passed since my husband went in and out before you as pastor, just twenty 3^ears now since we left you for another field. ' ' Two of our children were born in the old house of Grand- pa Bidwell 's, where we lived. One, Mabel, left us for heaven eight years ago; the other, Ruth, is now at Oberlin college. Two others came to us afterward. One, our oldest, Ernest, will be remembered by some of you as a regular attendant at church 113 when not yet two years old, and very quiet and sedate even then. He is now my main-stay, teaching the same branches in our college which his father taugjit, Ijut hoping for further study later. The younger ones are with me and all' in school save one, baby Margaret, seven years old, who does her studying as yet at home. Ethel, Mary and Alvvin are the names of the others. So much for my family, in whom I know you will be somewhat interested. "Two years ago last January, the thirtieth, my husband left me for the better home. Were he but here, how gladly would he send greetings and recall with me the pleasant memor- ies of those days when we visited among our people ! The Bid- wells, the Townsends, the Dowds, the Thomsons, the Twings, the Brochus. the Langdons, the Miners, the Stedmans, I cannot name them all. but have the pleasantest recollections of the kindly courtesies received. Many of the dear friends have gone to ^heir rewards, but I am assured that the younger generation is nobly taking the place of the fathers, and the church founded one hundred and fift}^ years ago is doing the Lord's work as surely as in olden times. " Changes and trials come to us all, but as certainly as they come do we know that ' underneath are the everlasting arms.' " I think I cannot send you a message which will better carry to you my desires for you than the words of the text which our pastor chose for his sermon to-day, ' Be strong and of good courage, fear not, nor be afraid ; for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee ; he will not fail thee nor forsake thee.' "Gertrude M. Todd. Berea, Kv." " As I can hardly hope to be with you at this very interest- ing time, I do wish as a native of the town to express my grati- tude for the good influences and Christian knowledge that I received when a child through the means of this church, and while I was obliged to leave the Berkshire hills in my youth over 38 years ago, I have never forgotten the noble, devout, faithful Christians belonging to the church at that time. Few of that flock are now here, most of them are members of the heavenly 114 company. I trust and pray that the coming generations may inherit the Christian zeal and spirit of their forefathers, and that the old church may live and continue to be a power for good in the town, and that many will gather at your 150th anniversary' and that the Holy Spirit will be in your midst, and the occasion will long be remembered, and a record made of the past history, and left as a heritage for those who come after. " H. R. Heath, Brooklyn, N. Y." " I have the circular letter issued by your committee of arrangements inviting us to the gathering, October loth and nth, of the old members and friends of the First Congregational Society of Monterey. As I reply, I see standing in my hall the chair long used by your first pastor, my honored Great-Grandfather, the Reverend Adonijah Bid well, whose pastorate extended from 1750 to 1784, the year of his death. It is a satisfaction to look back upon so long a pastorate and so honorable a record as his was. As I do it to-day I see the hills of Monterey, ( then called No. I. and afterwards named South Tyringhani ) covered by prosperous farms, and I remember well the names of the first set- tlers which became a credit to their posterity : Brewer, Garfield, Hale, Townseud, Taylor, Orton, Miner, Langdon, Bidwell, and many others, and I feel a touch of pride as I recall them ; for they gave a character to the town which their descendants may remember with gratitude. They were the founders of the church and society whose one hundred and fiftieth anniversary you now celebrate. " In the old meeting house on the hill I was baptized, and admitted to its membership when thirteen years of age in the notable revival of 1842. In the new church in the village, where you now meet, I was married and there two of my children were baptized. ' ' Very dear and precious memories are associated with all the history of this church ; from its organization by my reverend ancestor through all the century and a-half of its existence, to the present time ; for many of my kindred and name have con- tinually enjoyed its privileges and aided in its support. " After forty-five years absence from M'onterey there are 115 tew — ver\- few — left w^lio even know my name ; but to them and to you all I send most curdial greetings. ' ' I want to add my sincere wishes for your growth and pros- perity, and influence in the years to come. I trust one good eifect of this gathering of loyal sons and daughters of the old Church will be an awakening of Monterey to all the good influences which the Church of Christ brings to its homes, and to a new interest in its welfare and support. "Orlando B. Bidwell, Freeport, 111." "I congratulate you upon the completion of a century and a-half of honorable history. My congratulations are the more hearty because I have been privileged to know the character of the men and women produced by the ministry of the Monterey church. Certainh- the community and the nation, jes even the world, had been much poorer had there been no church there. ' ' But what a vantage ground for the future 1 Remembering humbly and gratefully the divine blessings of the past, it is your privilege still to ' press on toward the goal unto the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.' " Irving A. Burnap, Fitchbiug, Penn." Pastor in Montere^v from 1892-97. r 1 6 THE PURITANS' CHRISTMAS. Their only thought religion. What Christinas joj's had they, The stern, stanch Pilgrim Fathers who Knew naught of holiday ? A log church in the clearing 'Mid solitudes of snow, The wild beast and the wilderness. And lurking Indian foe No time had they for pleasure, Whom God had put to school ; A sermon was their Christmas cheer, A psalm their only Yule. They deemed it jov sufficient — Nor would Christ take it ill — That service to himself and God Employed their spirits still. And so through faith and prayer Their powers were renewed, And souls made strong to shape a world And tame a solitude. A type of revolution, Wrought from an iron plan, In the largest mold of liberty God cast the Puritan. A better land they founded, That Freedom had for bride. The shackles of old despotism Struck from her limbs and side. With faith within to guide them, And courage to perform, A nation from a wilderness They hewed with their strong arm. For liberty to worship. And right to do and dare. They faced the savage and the storm With voices raised in prayer. For God it was who summoned, And God it was who led. And God would not forsake the love That must be clothed and fed. Great need had they of courage. Great need of faith had they And lacking these — how otherwise For us had been this day ! — Madison Carvein, in Myth and Romance. I EDGEHIRSL WILLIAM S. BIDWELL, PROPRIETOR. MONTEREY, MASS. OPEN ALL THE YEAR. ACCOMMODATIONS FOR J5. TERMS FROM $7 TO $10 PER WEEK. BOATS FREE TO GUESTS. The Maples. MRS. W. E. BUMP. MONTEREY, MASS. SIX ROOMS. TERMS $6 TO $8 PER WEEK. OPEN JUNE tst TO OCTOBER tst. /nbaple Xawn. Hccommo&atfons fov Sty. plain Country Ibome in ^farmer's jf amil^. XTcrms, $5 an& $6 per XKHeeft. nONTEREY, MASS. Real Estate. Parties wishing: to lease or rent cottages, furnished or unfurnished for the season, or parties wishing: to purchase larg:e or small farms, or lots on lake front, or small building sites, will receive special attention by addressing: 44c«4 GEORGE L. KEYES. MONTEREY, MASS. "The Pines," Accommodations for 40. FirstisCIass Table, Beds, Etc. Terms $7 to $10. Modern Conveniences. APPI,Y TO HEINRV CUAPP. MONTEREY, flASS. LAKE GARFIELD FARM. H. P. FARGO, PROPRIETOR. MONTEREY, MASS. A limited number of Boarders, $i per day. Picnic Grounds, Boats, Good Fishing. Live Bait a Specialty, Summer and Winter. Camping Grounds and Houses. Daily Mail passes the house. Three-Quarters Mile From Church and Store. Fresh Eggs, Vegetables and Pure Milk. PROSPECT HILL. Accommodates 15 to 20 guests. First-Class Table, Extensive Grounds. One Mile From Church and Store. Vegetables, Eggs, Milk, Etc., Raised on the Farm. Terms, $j to |8 per week, $1.50 per day. HENRY WOODS, Proprietor. MONTEREY, ;VIASS. LIVERY AND SALE STABLES. Single and Double Rigs for Hire with or without Drivers; Horses bought, sold or exchanged for private parties. Visitors to Monterey met at the Train on Reasonable Terms. FRANCIS G. HEATH. MONTEREY, MASS.