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1241159
©ENEALOOY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
3 1833 00825 1909
FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY
ORGANIZATION
Tillage Coiigreptional Qiurch.
Medwav. Mass..
Friday, September 7, 18^
BOSTON ;
Beacon Press, i Somerset Street.
1888.
1241159
INTRODUCTION.
WE have felt constrained to put into permanent form tlie
sayings and doings of our " Anniversary Day," from
the consideration that so many of those who would have been
interested participants in its exercises were prevented by distance
and engagements.
In order to furnish for such, so much as we are able, of that
which those present so greatly enjoyed, we have reproduced the
things spoken, and now send them forth as messengers to report
to the absent these home doings.
We trust our publication will be of value likewise to those
1^ who were present ; recalling impressions and emotions " which it
c^ is not possible for a man to utter," but profitable for him to recall.
We have also had in mind those who will become interested in
the Village Church in the future, who, we believe, will be grateful
^ to us, when they " consider the years of many generations," that
^ we have written these things " for a memorial in a book." So we
o publish the first chapter of our history, in grateful testimony that
^ " hitherto hath the Lord helped us."
Committee on Publication.
PRELIMINARY STATEMENT.
AT a meeting of the Village Church held May 27, il
x~\. it was unanimously voted to observe with appropriate
services the fiftieth anniversary of the organization of this
church, which occurs September 7th next. It was also voted
that the parish be invited to unite with the church in this
celebration, and. that a joint committee, consisting of five
representatives of the church and four of the parish, be
chosen to arrange the details of the celebration. The church
subsequently chose on this committee :
Rev. R. K. Harlow,
Dea. M. M. Fisher,
Dea. J. W. Richardson,
Francis W, Cummings,
Thomas F. Mahr.
The parish, having accepted the invitation of the church,
chose on this committee :
Henry E. Mason,
E. C. Wilson,
Jesse B. Hopkins,
J. Warren Thompson.
This committee, having duly organized,
Voted, That the pastor, Rev. R. K. Harlow, be invited to pre-
pare, from the records and other sources, and deliver, a historical
discourse relating to the organization of the church, Sabbath-
school, church music, pastorates and superintendence, benevolent
agencies and work, and membership to the present date.
Voted, That the clerk of the society be invited to prepare,
from the records and other sources, a statement relating to the
6 SEMI-CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE
erection and plan of the meeting house, its subsequent changes,
ownership and renting of pews, the acquisition and use of lands
and grounds, and other financial agencies and accessories for the
enjoyment and support of public worship.
Voted, That the pastor arrange the order of exercises, and
request such assistance in the services as the occasion may
require.
Voted, That the several churches and pastors in Medway and
Millis be invited by letter, to attend the celebration, as guests of
the Village Church and Society.
Voted, That surviving absent and past members of the church,
and society and congregation, be also invited, including pastors and
members of the Mendon Conference of Churches.
Voted, That this committee appoint special committees on
hospitality and reception of guests, on finance, collation, decora-
tions, music, printing and publication of services in book form,
and also appoint ushers at the church.
These committees vi^ere chosen as follows :
On Invitations.
Rev. R. K. Harlow, Mrs. Luther Metcalf,
Dea. M. M. Fisher, Mrs. Frank Clark,
Harlan P. Sanford, Mrs. John W. Richardson,
Mrs. Henry E. Mason.
On Hospitality and Reception of Guests.
Dea. John W. Richardson, Mrs. J, P. Plummer,
Henry E. Mason, Mrs. O. A. Mason,
James M. Grant, Mrs. Anson F. White,
Lucius H. Taylor.
Oji Collation.
Samuel Hodgson, Sumner H. Clark,
Francis W. Cummings, Mrs. Daniel Rockwood,
Thomas F. Mahr, Mrs. Wm. A. Jenckes,
Mrs. Mary H. Wilder, Mrs. Alfred Daniels,
Mrs. Wm. B. Hodges, Mrs. James M. Grant,
Mrs. Sumner H. Clark, Mrs. Samuel Hodgson.
VILLAGE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, MEDWAY, MASS.
On Finance.
Francis W. Cummings, Frank P. Plummer,
Wm. a. Hopkins, Orion T. Mason.
On Decoratmis.
Thomas F. Mahr, Miss Bertha F. Wilder,
Mrs. Maria C. Newell, Miss Tacie P. Hawkes,
Mrs, H. C. Holbrook, Miss Mary E. Fisher,
Miss Grace H. Wilder, Miss Sarah E. Haskell,
Miss Hattie B. Gary.
Oji Music.
Wm. D. Gilpatrick, Mrs. S. F. Bucklin,
George H. Clark, Mrs. Jason E. Wilson,
James M. Grant, Mrs. Addison Ramsdell,
Addison Ramsdell, Mrs. Myrtie G. Fiske,
Miss Lilla M, Crooks.
On Printing and Publication.
Rev. R. K. Harlow, Robert Bell, M.D.,
Frederick L. Fisher, Mffis-F. L. Fisher,
Miss Sarah E. Haskell.
For Ushers at the Church.
George H. Clark, Frank W. Clarke,
Clark P, Harding, Palmer A. Woodward,
George H. Dame.
The following program was arranged :
SEMI-CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE
ORDER OF EXERCISES.
Friday Morning at lo o'clock.
ORGAN PRELUDE.
INVOCATION.
ANTHEM "Ye shall dwell in the Land."
READING OF SCRIPTURES . . Rev. George Washburn, Everett.
PRAYER Rev. George E. Lovejoy, Franklin.
RESPONSE.
ADDRESS OF WELCOME
HYMN 625 .
By Dea. Milton M. Fisher.
Tune: "St. Ann."
O, where are kings and empires now
Of old that went and came ?
But, Lord, Thy Church is praying yet,
A tliousand years the same.
We mark her goodly battlements,
And her foundations strong ;
We hear within the solemn voice
Of her unending song.
For not like kingdoms of the world
Thy holy Church, O God !
Though earthquake shocks are threatening her
And tempests are abroad ;
Unshaken as eternal hills.
Immovable she stands,
A mountain that shall fill the earth,
A house not made by hands.
HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE SOCIETY, by the Clerk,
Frederick L. Fisher.
HYMN 133 Time.
'■ Dundee."
O God, our help in ages past.
Our hope for years to come ;
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home :
A thousand ages, in Thy sight,
Are like an evening gone ;
Short as the watch that ends the night,
Before the rising sun.
Time, like an ever-rolling stream,
Bears all its sons away ;
They fly, forgotten, as a dream
Dies at the opening day.
O God, our help in ages past.
Our hope for years to come.
Be Thou our guard while troubles last,
And our eternal home.
SALUTATIONS from the "Grandmother Church," First Church of
Christ in Millis . . By Rev. Ephraim O. Jameson, Pastor.
VILLAGE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, MEDWAY, MASS. 9
SALUTATIONS from the "Mother Church," Second Church of West
Medway .... By Rev. Augustus H. Fuller, Pastor.
SALUTATIONS from the Sister Churches of Mendon Conference,
By Rev. Jacob Ide, of Mansfield.
HYMN 597 Tune: "Hamburg."
Blest be the tie that binds We share our mutual woes ;
Our hearts in Christian love : Our mutual burdens bear ;
The fellowship of kindred minds And often for each other flows
Is like to that above. The sympathizing tear.
Before our Father's throne When we asunder part,
We pour our ardent prayers ; It gives us inward pain ;
Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one, But we shall still be joined in heart.
Our comforts and our cares. And hope to meet again.
This glorious hope revives
Our courage by the way ;
While each in expectation lives.
And longs to see the Day.
LETTERS, SHORT ADDRESSES, etc., from former members and friends.
HYMN 734 Tune: "Cambridge."
O Lord, our fathers oft have told. As Thee their God our fathers owned,
In our attentive ears. Thou art our sovereign King :
Thy wonders in their days performed, O, therefore, as Thou didst to them.
And elder times than theirs. To us deliverance bring.
To Thee the triumph we ascribe.
From whom the conquest came ;
In God we will rejoice all day.
And ever bless Thy name.
BENEDICTION.
COLLATION from 12.30 to 1.30 p.m.
Afternoon at 1.30 o'clock.
ORGAN PRELUDE.
ANTHEM, "The God of Abraham Praise" Buck.
RESPONSIVE READING. 75th Lesson. Conducted by
Rev. Webster Woodbury, Milford.
PRAYER By Rev. Edmund Dowse, D. D.
RESPONSE.
SEMI-CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE
ORIGINAL HYMN
Time : " Portuguese Hymn.
September's robe now clothes the landscape so fair,
All woven of sunshine and soft silver haze ;
Her incense ascends through the pure Autumn air
From fields that bear fruit to the great Maker's praise.
As plenteous as grain-slieaves that greetingly nod
In th' land of our fathers wherever we rove,
As countless as blossoms of bright golden-rod,
Our wishes and prayers for the church that we love.
Here harvests of souls have been garnered to grace
The Kingdom of Glory, forever and aye ;
Here smiled P'ather Sanford, whose love-beaming face
Shed sunshine that ripened rich fruitage alway.
Sweet Spring fifty times has awakened the flowers.
Stern Winter led forth fifty seasons of snow,
Since Medway erected her Zion, whose towers
Give refuge to saints and alarm to the foe.
Her watchman, discerning each danger from far.
Keeps ward on the walls, ever faithful and true ;
Her " army with banners " shines forth like a star,
Christ's name on each forehead, the name ever new.
Then welcome, good brothers and sisters, today !
Clasp hands once again in the home church so dear.
Weep not the departed ! as oft as we pray.
Their pure, gentle spirits are hovering near.
Sweet, wandering strains from their loftier sphere
Float down through our singing, and thrill it with love.
Great Father, we pray the church militant here
Be fitted to join the triumphant above !
Mary E. Fisher.
HISTORICAL DISCOURSE by the Pastor, Rev. Rufus K. Harlow.
HYMN 735.
Let children hear the mighty deeds
Which God performed of old ;
Which in our younger years we saw,
And which our fathers told.
He bids us make His glories known,
His works of power and grace ;
And we'll convey His wonders down
Through every rising race.
Our lips shall tell them to our sons.
And they again to theirs.
That generations yet unborn
May teach them to their heirs.
Thus shall they learn, in God alone
Their hope securely stands ;
That they may ne'er forget His works.
But practice His commands.
CHILDREN'S SERVICE.
ANNIVERSARY HYMN, sung by the younger scholars of the
Sabbath- school.
VILLAGE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, MEDWAY, MASS.
ANNIVERSARY DAY.
Dear church, the children greet you !
Dear pastor, loved so long,
We come today to meet you
With melody and song !
Through fifty years of sowing
The saints have labored on ;
Trusting the Lord, and knowing
. Rich harvests would be won.
All hail, sweet day of gleaning —
Of fruits and flowers gay !
So full of tender meaning.
Sweet Anniversary day !
Within the churches olden
No Sunday-school e'er smiled ;
But now the times are golden
For every little child.
We're " merry workers " ever,
We sing on festal days.
Our Bands of young " Endeavor"
Shall sound the Saviour's praise.
Baptismal dewdrops glisten
On many a childish brow.
And angels stoop to listen
To this, our sacred vow.
We'll give our life's bright morning
To Jesus and His Word,
Like dewy buds adorning
The Garden of the Lord.
Chorus.
Chorus.
Mary E. Fisher.
HYMN
Now in parting. Father ! bless us ;
Saviour ! still Thy peace bestow ;
Gracious Comforter ! be with us,
As we from this temple go.
Bless us, bless us,
Father, Son and Spirit ! now.
Tune: "Sicily.
Bless us here, while still, as strangers.
Onward to our home we move;
Bless us with eternal blessings
In our Father's house above.
Ever, ever.
Dwelling in the light of love.
BENEDICTION.
SOCIAL REUNION
in the Vestry, in the evening, with Reminiscences, etc.
SEMI-CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE
THE DAY.
Friday, the 7th of September, 1888, was a perfect
autumnal day. The sky was cloudless, and the air crisp and
bracing. The meeting house, fresh and clean with its new
coat of paint, was in harmony with the well-kept grounds sur-
rounding it. Beds of flowers, brilliant with the colors of
autumn, added a charm to the green lawn in front.
The interior of the church was artistically decorated with
flowers arranged by the committee under direction of Mr.
Thomas F. Mahr. An oil portrait of the Rev. David Sanford,
the first pastor, stood upon an easel at the right of the plat-
form, wreathed with flowers.
At the appointed hour the church was well filled with
friends and invited guests, among whom were the pastors and
representatives of the neighboring churches. After the invo-
cation by the pastor, an anthem was sung by a select choir,
led by Mr. E. B. Stowe, who conducted the music throughout
the day. The various exercises followed in the order of the
published program, the pastor presiding and introducing the
speakers.
T^y^cy A.HleJtc''-i-
VILLAGE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, MEDWAY, MASS. 13
ADDRESS OF WELCOME.
BY DEACON MILTON M. FISHER.
Brethren and Friends : The experience of the past has
not only taught us as individuals that it is wise and well both
to look and to press forward to higher attainments in all best
things, but quite as important occasionally to take a back-
ward look, both for guidance and inspiration for the future.
It seems equally proper that institutions should be subjected
to review — to criticism and censure if need be, or to ap-
proval if deserved — and so to become better equipped, and
stimulated to a deeper consecration to their special work
and to higher achievements in uplifting the social status of
the people whom they would benefit and bless.
A period of fifty years has elapsed since an institution,
consisting of a religious society and a Christian church, was
organized in this community; and this day and this occasion
have been selected to review and to commemorate the work
accomplished by it. The power of a Christian church is
measured, not only by its direct influence upon the com-
munity where it exists, but in the streams that flow out into
the world in a living personality of those whose character
was largely formed by its ministrations ; and in those benefi-
cent charities which go out from it to bless other and perhaps
less favored communities and people. You have been cor-
dially invited to participate with us in the exercises and
festivities appropriate to this occasion. We welcome you,
and extend to you a Christian salutation in this house of the
Lord, hallowed as it has been by a Divine Presence for half
14 SEMI-CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE
a century, and by the memories of the saints who have wor-
shiped within its walls, but have now gone to their reward. ^
A small remnant of the original band, a few of their
children, more of their children's children, and still others
who knew not our fathers, salute you on this day of jubilee
in the name of the Lord. Although our faith is as old as
that of the great apostle to the Gentiles, we boast not that
we are the seed of Abraham, or of the tribe of Benjamin
according to the flesh, but we believe we are surely built
upon the "foundation of the prophets and apostles, Christ
Jesus Himself being the chief corner stone." We are not
ashamed that, in common with yourselves, we inherit the
blood of the Puritans from the days of Cromwell, and the
religious symbols and traditions of the Pilgrim fathers. Yet
we have believed nothing because it was old, and much less
discarded anything because it was new.
As the apostle recommended, so our ministry has largely
served this church in newness of the Spirit and not in the
oldness of the letter; for the letter killeth, but the Spirit
maketh alive.
As an individual church we are young as compared with
our ancestral church in Dedham, or with many of that large
family having the same ancestry and who are represented on
this occasion. We have not the prestige of titled and dis-
tinguished divines, scholars, or civilians upon our records,
but they bear at least eighteen good family names found
among the English immigrants to old Dedham previous to
1647. Though this half-century of our church life, or the
centuries even of any church life, are but the merest point of
time compared with the age of the solar system, or even
of the Chinese Empire, yet to a human life or a church life
in an Anglo-Saxon village in this nineteenth century, when
reckoned by the marvelous changes often wrought, fifty
years may seem an age. Such a period properly demands a
pause in the current of life long enough to consider what has
been done and whither life is tending.
It is not for me to speak in detail of the work and
VILLAGE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, MEDWAY, MASS. 1 5
the many happenings, for better or for worse, in this part
of the Lord's great vineyard. It is said of one noble soul of
the present age, in a wonderful chorus of song often heard
and sung upon our streets, that, while " John Brown's body
lies mouldering in the grave, his soul is marching on."
Whether the departed souls of our old pastor, after thirty-
three years of active service in this church, and those of his
flock who died in the Lord, are still " marching on " in the
life of their successors, or whether this vine of the Lord
planted by our fathers has been, and still is, a fruitful branch
of the True Vine, you may perhaps better judge when the ser-
vice of this day closes, or much better when all human his-
tory shall be more fully revealed.
It is well, however, to consider that the value and impor-
tance of the church, and its ministrations to a particular com-
munity, are not to be measured by the great length or brevity
of its pastorates, or merely by the number upon its church
rolls, or by the amount of its charities at home or abroad ;
but whether in all its varied conditions it has " fought a good
fight" with all wickedness in high and low places from with-
out, or whether it has had the higher grace to keep, within the
fold, the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Frequent or permanent changes in the industrial popula-
tion of a community are often such that it is more than a
faithful few, or even many, can do to hold their own, much
less to elevate the general standard of Christian morality and
piety in the community and bring large numbers under its
dominating and saving influence.
What might have been the spiritual and moral status of
this and other New England communities had the population
remained homogeneous for the last fifty years, it is not diffi-
cult to conceive. It is safe to say that many churches have
been a moral leaven which, " by patient continuance in well-
doing," may yet leaven the whole lump, and so unify the mass
of the people into a higher type of Christian manhood for a
Christian commonwealth. For such results a missionary
spirit, love for children, provision for their enjoyment, and
x5 SEMI-CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE
Christian nurture are absolutely essential. For this reason
we shall remember our children on this " glad anniversary
day," hoping they will remember their fathers and mothers
fifty years hence as they are remembered today.
And now, friends, we bespeak your kind and charitable
judgment of the first half-century's work of the Village
Church. Conscious that much greater attainments in Chris-
tian life and work might have been secured, we trust your
inspiring presence today, and your encouraging words, will be
to us an inspiration to greater fidelity and zeal in the Master's
service, so that greater success may be achieved than the past
reveals. And so, brethren and friends, we cordially welcome
you again to the festivities of this semi-centennial anniversary
of this Village Church and Society.
Without special reference to the Old Mendon Associa-
tion and Conference — always welcome — or to any ancestral
church more remote, we gladly welcome our grandmother
church upon our eastern horizon — baptized again in her old
age by her new name of Millis. We rejoice with her in the
prestige of youthful vigor which her new name and her new
environment may impart, and in the hope of continued vital-
ity from her foster child at Rockville.
We welcome our mother church. Though resting upon
a sunset hill, she reflected the true light upon our fathers and
mothers in the dawn of their spiritual life. We devoutly
thank her for the Christian nurture bestowed upon their
youthful minds, and shall never forget to honor the memory
of their devoted pastor, who, with a magnanimity rarely
excelled since the days of Abraham, gave them, upon their
" new departure " to plant another branch of the same vine,
his gracious benediction, and followed them with paternal
solicitude and prayer, and has welcomed most of them to the
Father's "house not made with hands."
And what shall we say of our younger sister, a later
branch of the same vine, and having drunk from the same
spiritual Rock with our fathers and mothers .-• May we not
say, as Solomon sings of a " little sister," very young and ten-
VILLAGE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, MEDWAY, MASS. 1 7
der, " If she be a wall, we will build upon her a turret of
silver; and if she be a door, we will inclose her with boards
of cedar ? " Yes, we welcome her also into the fold of the
Great Shepherd, praying He may lead our whole family and
flock into green pastures and beside still waters.
And those who have come into the pastures of the old
Puritans — known by other names, yet good sheep of the
Master's "other fold" — we bid you welcome, not only to
glean the sheaves which the Puritan reapers, through neglect
or kindness, have left for you, but with us to " break up the
fallow ground " and sow the seed of the Word and reap such
a harvest as the great Husbandman shall give. We welcome
you to this field of our common labor and to this " feast of
fat things " today, for " hitherto the Lord hath helped us."
And to those who have come from other or distant
homes, we bid you a most hearty welcome to this place of
your former residence or nativity, and perhaps of your spirit-
ual birth as well. We welcome you to these shadowy elms
your fathers planted, and to all which their successors may
have done to beautify these streets and these homes. We
welcome you to the graceful Quinobequin, whose waters still
drive the spindle and the loom and upon whose banks the
groves still shed their fragrance and their beauty. We wel-
come you one and all to the hospitality of our homes, and to
the fellowship of kindred souls in the faith and grace of our
common Lord.
VILLAGE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, MEDWAY, MASS. 19
HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE PARISH.
BY FREDERICK L. FISHER, CLERK,
I AM conscious of being out of place on this platform ;
for although in my business, as some of you know, I am con-
stantly using my pen upon documents that are attractive to
the eye, filling in the blank spaces and decorating them with
red ink, it does not call into action those qualities of thought
and expression requisite for an interesting public address. Yet,
being clerk of this religious society, I must respond when the
records are called for. Any blanks I shall try to fill in a busi-
ness-like way ; but the red ink, or the rhetoric and eloquence,
I must leave for others to supply.
I might, as others have on similar occasions, go back to
primitive days, and trace the ancestry of this society through
the older towns to the Pilgrim fathers, whose meeting houses
and school-houses have dotted the New England hills, and
made their influence felt over the wide prairies and Western
slopes to the Pacific.
Another has said that " the erection of a meeting house
in any place means civilization, intelligence, morality, and re-
ligion ; " surely the New England meeting house and school-
house have furnished the warp and woof for the grandest civili-
zation the world has seen. This priceless birthright, secured
for us by our fathers at such self-sacrifice and hardship, we
should devoutly cherish, and rally in its defense whenever
menaced.
It is the fifth religious society organized in Medway that
celebrates its fiftieth anniversary today. Its full legal title is
20 SEMI-CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE
" The Evangelical Congregational Society in Medway," and it
has been acting as a business manager for the Village Church,
and for itself as well, for the last fifty years.
This partnership has been harmonious, and we believe
will be pronounced profitable when the Lord of the great
vineyard shall have gathered in the fruits of the harvest, and
balanced upon the great ledger the account which He keeps
with all His servants.
Yet this dual system for church work, if its necessity
ever existed, has nearly if not quite fulfilled its time, and the
modern method, by special charter or general law, seems best
for new enterprises, if not for gradual adoption by existing
churches.
The time at my command for the preparation of this
sketch was very limited, and errors and omissions may ap-
pear. I trust if any are noticed the committee will be notified,
that so much of this article as they see fit to print may be
accurate.
We find as early as about 1826 Sunday-school and occa-
sionally a religious service was held in the village school-
house. About this time the manufacturing interests were
enlarged and prosperous in the " Factory Village." Barber in
his Illustrated History of Massachusetts Towns, published in
1839, gives a brief sketch of the town and an "eastern view,"
from which we quote as follows :
"This engraving shows the appearance of Medway Fac-
tory Village as it is entered from the east upon the Medfield
road. The spire seen on the right is that of the Congrega-
tional church. The building on the left with a small low
spire is a four-story cotton factory standing on Charles River.
This village consists of thirty-seven dwelling houses, three
stores, three cotton and one woolen factories, and the boot
and shoe business is carried on to a considerable extent in
West Medway and Medway Village. The town is gradually
improving in appearance, wealth, and population. There are
in the limits of the town five churches — three Congregational,
one Baptist, and one Unitarian."
VILLAGE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, MEDWAY, MASS. 2 1
The schools at this time were in a flourishing condition.
The village school-house had been enlarged in 1830, and the
next year Mr. Abijah R. Baker had opened a classical school
for instruction in languages and the higher English studies,
which attracted large numbers from other towns and stimu-
lated an increasing interest both in education and religion.
An increasing interest in the growth and prosperity of
the village incited its prominent men to consider the advan-
tages of public worship and a permanent and commodious
meeting house. It so happened that Mr. David Whiting, a
native of the village, was here on a visit from New York, and
was induced to offer the lot of land upon which this house
now stands for such a purpose. A deed " in trust " was im-
mediately executed to Mr. Comfort Walker and dated April
21, 1836, and subsequently deeded by Mr. Walker to the
" proprietors." The deed contained the following clause :
"The above described land is hereby conveyed for
the sole purpose of building, erecting, and maintaining on
the premises a meeting house, in which public worship of the
Evangelical Congregational order and sentiment shall be
preached and supported forever."
Some desired another location; Milton H. Sanford, then
a young man, was very anxious that it should be built where
Thompson and Clark's store now stands, and said he would
give the land or ^500 if this location was accepted. When
asked where he would get the money he said, " With my two
hands," a reply characteristic of the public spirit and energy
which followed him through life.
It was finally decided to accept Mr. Whiting's offer, and
a number of leading citizens agreed to erect the church and
take their pay in pews; and young Mr. Sanford gave his
^500 against his own preference as to location. The Uni-
versalists, who had commenced to hold meetings in the school-
house about 1834, generously gave way, and Rev. Dr. Ide,
whose church most of the village citizens attended, acquiesced
in the new plan and was always a firm friend of the new
church.
22
SEMI-CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE
A subscription paper was circulated, and ^4,650 pledged
by sixteen persons, only two of whom were members of any
Christian church, but at least four more became such ; now all
but two or three are dead.
COPY OF THE ORIGINAL SUBSCRIPTION.
We the subscribers severally promise to pay the sum
placed against our names for the purpose of erecting a meet-
ing house for Evangelical Congregational worship, on land
recently procured of David Whiting for that purpose, westerly
of James B. Wilson's dwelling house, with the understanding
that when said house is completed, said sums to be refunded
in pews.
Medway, May 5th, 1836.
Charles Wheeler, $100.00
Wyman Adams,
William Fuller,
A. G. Cheever,
J. O. Pond,
Green and Hathon,
William White,
James B. Wilson, $750.00
Luther Metcalf, 500.00
M. H. Sanford, 500.00
Titus Bullard, 150.00
Orion Mason, 500.00
Comfort Walker, 7So-oo
G. S. Cheever, 100.00
Alex. L. B. Monroe, 300.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
100.00
500.00
Total, $4,650.00
Luther Metcalf, James B. Wilson, Wyman Adams, Wil-
liam White, and Milton H. Sanford were chosen a building
committee, and authorized to contract for and borrow money
to pay for the meeting house, and subscribers signed a bond
to indemnify the committee for all expenses incurred, and to
equalize the final cost to all, in proportion to the amount of
their original subscription.
September 5, 1836, a contract was made with James Pur-
rington, a practical church builder, to do all carpenter work,
masonry, painting, and glazing, and furnish all materials.
The plan adopted was the plain rectangular structure familiar
to New England, copied from the old Anglo-Saxon church.
As to the origin of this style of church building Chambers
says :
I
H II ,|
O
I
-S#^ f^W-<^.-''"-^i^A^?}j,^'-i^'}
SnqAin, A.EJ'^l'^-T-'^^
VILLAGE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, MEDWAY, MASS. 23
"It is well known that the heathen structures from
which the early Christians borrowed the form of their
churches were not copied from the heathen or Jewish
temples as might have been anticipated, but from that pecul-
iar combination of the hall of justice and market-place called
by the ancients basilica. The reason of this selection is to
be found in the different conceptions which they formed
of the character and objects of public worship. The rites of
heathendom were performed exclusively by the priest, the
people remaining without the temple ; and the temple itself,
which was lighted only from the door or by the few lamps
which burned around the image of God, was regarded not as
a receptacle for worshipers, but as the abode of Deity. The
dark, mysterious character, which thus belonged to it, ren-
dered it equally unsuitable for the performance of liturgical
services, in which the people were to participate, and for the
delivery of those public addresses, which from the beginning
were employed as a means of Christian teaching and exhorta-
tion. To such purposes the basilica was readily adapted.
It was for the most part a parallelogram, at one of the ends
of which, opposite to the entrance, there was a raised plat-
form for the accommodation of those dispensing justice. This
part of the building was the prototype of the rounded choir
or recess which is seen in many of our churches. For the
praetor's chair, which was placed in the center of this semi-
circular space, the altar was substituted."
When the "cross" became a distinctive emblem of
Christianity, Christians, desiring to follow forms, changed the
style of this church edifice by building on each side, near the
center of the rectangular structure, the wing or transept, thus
forming a cross. This form was followed in the cathedrals
and churches of Continental Europe, and with various
changes is seen in modern churches.
The manner in which the various parts of this church
were to be finished was defined by reference to the same
parts in either the Unionville Church, at Hopkinton, or the
Orthodox Meeting House, at Westboro'. Only the gallery at
24 SEMI-CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE
the south end of the church was built at this time. Work
was to be completed June 15, 1837, but on account of the
financial failure of the contractor it was much delayed. Mr.
William Page, of West Medway, put in the stone work, his
contract calling for the same quality of hammered work as on
the stone posts in front of James B. Wilson's residence (now
Mrs. Wilder's). Some items connected with the building
and furnishing may be interesting, and among the bills for
extras I find the following :
Collins Hathon for refreshments at raising :
To 54 dinners @ 37I- c , $20.25
" 5 gallons wine ....... 5.00
" 2 collations ........ 3.00
" lemons, sugar, etc. ...... 3.00
Theron Metcalf, legal services (2 bills) .... 6.00
^37-25
One extra in this list would today indeed be extraordi-
nary. At that time to furnish fermented liquors only to
working men was a great advance in temperance over the
custom existing at the installation of Dr. Ide and other min-
isters, of furnishing all sorts of " hard liquors " to the clergy.
The bell was from the justly celebrated Holbrook
foundry at East Medway. The elder Holbrook was an
apprentice of the Revolutionary hero, Paul Revere, and really
succeeded to his business, and for a few years the Medway
foundry was the only one in America. These bells were
denominated, by flattering testimonials from the American
Institute, New York, and the grand gold medal of honor, the
standard bells of America. The bell was hung June 13,
1838, but was not paid for till February 12, 1842, when
;^90.20 interest was added.
A stove was purchased by a subscription of twenty-eight
men for $75.50; a carpet by five men giving^38.00, and a
grand total by the ladies of $62.50, making the sum of
$100.50.
The church, exclusive of the furniture and fixtures, cost
VILLAGE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, MEDWAY, MASS. 25
about ^6,000, and was not only Puritanic in the simplicity of
its structure, but in all its surroundings.
On the east stood a venerable oak tree. Two more
stood in front and one on the west near the turn of the road
to Holliston. These were all remnants of the primeval
forest that skirted the old Boston and Hartford road. The
latter tree for many years bore for the weary traveler the
following legend :
The shortest run to Holliston.
Come on Daddy Niles,
'Tis only five miles.
On the same sign-board there was a picture of a man on
horseback galloping at full speed toward Holliston. This bit
of waggery is attributed to Samuel Allen, a worthy citizen
and afterward one of the first deacons of the new church.
With the exception of a semi-circular row of stone posts in
front of the entrance, and these trees, all was sandy gravel and
stunted grass.
We now come, two years and eleven days after the gift
of land by Mr. Whiting, to the formal organization of the
society. The warrant was issued by Hon. Warren Lovering,
as justice of the peace, on the petition of twenty-one legal
voters. The meeting was held in the village school-house at
five o'clock on Friday, May 25, 1838. Milton H. Sanford
was elected clerk and took the requisite oath.
The further record of this meeting by the clerk is much
abbreviated, but the following is doubtless a correct inter-
pretation : The name of moderator not given. A nominating
committee was chosen as follows : Orion Mason, Luther Met-
calf, Clark Partridge, Benjamin Smith, and Milton H. San-
ford ; and the following officers elected :
Parish Committee. Luther Metcalf, James B. Wilson,
Orion Mason, Clark Partridge, William White.
Assessors, William Fuller, A. L. B. Monroe, Benjamin
Smith.
26 SEMI-CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE
Treasurer. Comfort Walker.
Collector. Charles Wheeler.
It was voted to leave to the Parish Committee the
arrangement of the house and the procuring of a minister.
A committee of three, A. L. B. Monroe, Samuel Allen, and
Charles Wheeler, was chosen to prepare by-laws ; they then
adjourned to May 31, when they met and voted to adopt
the preamble and the by-laws, and that the Parish Committee
invite individuals to become members.
ARTICLES FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF THE EVANGELICAL
CONGREGATIONAL SOCIETY.
As it was the original intention of the donor of the land
on which the meeting house stands to have public worship
supported there of the Evangelical Congregational order, and
Comfort Walker, Luther Metcalf, William White, Alexander
L. B. Monroe, Orion Mason, Francis Hapgood, Jemotis Pond,
Jr., Benjamin F. Cummings, Wyman Adams, Benjamin
Smith, James Bickford, William Richardson, William Fuller,
M. H. Sanford, James B. Wilson, Clark Partridge, Charles
Wheeler, Samuel Allen, Stephen J. Metcalf, Olney Corey,
Preston Ware, and Charles Macker, Jr., having founded a
religious society and taken the name of the Evangelical Con-
gregational Society, do for themselves and their associates
adopt the following rules and regulations for the government
of said society :
Artiele I. The preaching to be supported by said so-
ciety shall always be of the Evangelical Congregational order.
Article 2. Any person who shall adopt these rules and
regulations may become a member of said society on applica-
tion to the Parish Committee, and by said committee record-
ing his name in a book to be kept for that purpose.
Article j. The members of said society shall hold a
meeting annually for the choice of officers and such other
business as parishes may legally transact, on the second
Monday in March, at such place in the village, and hour, as
VILLAGE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, MEDWAY, MASS. 27
may be made by the Parish Committee, for the time being, in
this warrant for calling said meeting.
Article ^. The annual and all other meetings of said
society shall be notified by the collector of the society, by
posting up a copy of the warrant from the Parish Committee,
calling said meeting, in the entry of the meeting house two
Sabbaths at least before the time of said meeting.
Article 5. At the annual meeting all officers shall be
chosen that parishes are by law empowered to choose, which
officers shall perform all the legal duties of their respective
offices.
Article 6. All money shall be raised for the support of
public worship by subscription until otherwise ordered.
The only changes of any note are, that the annual meet-
ing now comes on the last Monday of March, and the pews
are taxed for support of worship, and that the Parish Com-
mittee shall have charge of the house and of all property of
the society, and generally perform all duties not specially
assigned to any other officer or agent.
The names of the original twenty-one signers to these
articles are in small capitals, followed by those who have
since joined the society. The star designates the members
that have died, and the dagger those that have moved out of
the parish.
*CoMFORT Walker. Charles Wheeler.
*LuTHER Metcalf. *^Samuel Allen.
^Alexander L. B. Monroe. ^Stephen Metcalf.
*Orion Mason. *Olney Corey.
tFRANCis Hapgood. *^Preston Ware.
*Jemotis Pond, Jr. ^Charles Macker, Jr.
=*Benjamin F. Cummings. ^William Fuller.
*Wyman Adams. *William Richards.
*Benjamin Smith. *Eleazer Partridge.
*James Bickford. *Simeon Ellis.
*Milton H. Sanford. *OIiver Ellis.
*James B. Wilson. *Nathan Bullard.
*Clark Partridge. ^Anios Fisher.
28
SEMI-CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE
^Stephen B. Fuller.
John W, Richardson.
Stephen W. Richardson.
*William Adams.
*Sewell Clark.
*George W. Hunt.
*Nathaniel Clark.
*James Walker.
*Aner Bullard.
Asa Williams.
^Luther Henderson.
fWilliam C. Marple.
M. M. Fisher.
*Charles E. Hart.
*Joel P. Adams.
fLewis Hill.
*Joel W. Whiting.
*Preston Ware.
*Elijah Partridge.
*Abiather L. Shaw.
*William S. Mitchell.
*William N. Haskell.
David Daniels.
*Francis P. Daniels.
^'Shepard Wiggin.
*William Henderson.
*Elias Metcalf.
E. Fisher Richardson.
^Stephen Salisbury.
*Caleb Kimball.
*Samuel Force.
tGeorge J. Baldwin.
*A. L. White.
*Luther H. Metcalf.
*C. B. Whitney.
*John Cole.
Harlan P. Sanford.
C. E. Le B. Whitney.
*Rice O. Dain.
tLowell A. Mann.
tFrank N. Adams.
H. E. Mason.
tGeorge W. Lawrence.
*Eleazer Morse.
Charles W. Seavey.
*Frank S. Grant.
*H. W. Simpson.
T. F. Mahr.
Silas O. Mahr.
George A. Abbe.
R. B. McElory.
James M. Grant.
*George W. Ray.
E. C. Wilson.
Jason E. Wilson.
*Edward Eaton.
tOtis Springer.
Edmund I. Sanford.
tGeorge C. Garland.
Lucius H. Taylor.
*Allen Partridge,
tjames H. Heaton.
Samuel B. Gary.
William H. Gary, Jr.
*William R. Parsons.
John A. Bullard.
John H. Crimmings.
*Charles F. Daniels.
Francis W. Cummings.
*0. A. Mason.
*G. S. Bancroft,
tjames Cole.
*A. P. Phillips.
James T. Adams.
*T. R. Fairbanks.
*Jesse K. Snow.
James F. Adams.
tL. T. Bradstreet.
VILLAGE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, MEDWAY, MASS, 29
Daniel Rockwood. George A. Kingsbury,
tjohn H. Curtis. A. E. Clough.
tGeorge L. Boos. Samuel Hodgson.
Frederick L. Fisher. fj. R. Thompson.
J. P. Plummer. fEleazer Thompson.
tGeorge E. Sanderson. S. G. Clark.
tGeorge W. Whiting. W. W. Clough,
tCharles S. Philbrick. A. H. Ramsdell.
J. B. Hopkins. S. H. Clark.
*A. W. Whitney. J, A. Crooks,
M, E. Thompson, J, W. Thompson.
=*0. R. Kelsey. G. C. Crosman.
The present officers of the society are :
Parish Committee and Assessors. F. W. Cummings,
J. B. Hopkins, J. P. Plummer.
Treasurer and Collector. F. W. Cummings.
Clerk and Auditor. F. L. Fisher.
On May 14, 1838, Luther Metcalf, by request of the
proprietors now virtually constituting the society, invited
Rev. Joel Hawes, D.D., of Hartford, and a native of this vil-
lage, to preach the dedication sermon on Thursday, the 14th
of June following. But owing to an engagement to preach
an ordination sermon on the 12th of June, he could not reach
here to preach before Friday, the 15th. The express trains
of today would accomplish in two or three hours the distance
for which the good doctor then required two days.
You will notice that our society was organized on Friday,
this church dedicated on Friday, and our semi-centennial is on
this crisp, autumnal Friday, An unlucky day, do you say ,?
I trust that the history of this society and church as it is
unfolded today will convince you that for enlisting in a
righteous cause, at least, Friday is no blacker than any other
day.
On June 23, 1838, agreeable to the terms of original sub-
30 SEMI-CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE
scription, the pews were sold at auction, the highest bidder
taking first choice ; and the amount thus bid for choice added^
to the appraised value. The appraisal of the sixty pews
amounted to ^6,330. The highest amount bid for choice
was $40, by Luther Metcalf.
Comfort Walker bought ten pews, Orion Mason and
J. B. Wilson six each, Milton H. Sanford five, Luther Metcalf
four, William White three. Dr. Monroe two, William Fuller,
Titus Bullard, David Whiting, Collins Hathon, Jemotis Pond,
Wyman Adams, and Charles Wheeler one each ; forty in all,
netting $5,197.
The proprietors paid the bills as fast as they made col-
lections, and gave notes for the larger balances. Matters
hung in this way for seven years, when, on May 10, 1845, it
was voted to sell at auction the remaining pews, and on
August 4 the accounts of the proprietors showed a deficiency
of $749.02. To meet this, and to bring matters to a final
settlement, the proprietors made an assessment of twenty-
three and eight one hundredths per cent of the amount orig-
inally subscribed by each, except that J. B. Wilson was as-
sessed on $500 instead of $750.
In 1846 the question of enlarging the meeting house was
discussed, and, recommended by a committee, the side gal-
leries were built and the interior of the church repainted.
The galleries cost $547, and the pews sold for $585 ; a profit
of $38.
The original land given for the meeting house being a
quarter of an acre only, and its longest lines not at right
angles with the main street, more room was needed for car-
riage accommodation. The adjoining land upon the west was
sold at auction in 1845, and bought by two members of the
society for church purposes, and chiefly for the erection of
horse sheds. A difference of opinion as to what portion
should be used for that purpose seemed likely to disturb the
harmony of the society.
Deacon M. M. Fisher made a plan of the lands (virtually
the same as now laid out) which seemed to be satisfactory to
VILLAGF CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, MEDWAY, MASS. 3 1
all interested. The lands north of Church Street were sold
at auction at a profit of ^175, which was used for the im-
provement of land on the south side of the street. This lot,
afterwards known as the " common," was sold to the society
for ;^30o. The sale also included a small parcel of land just
north of the church.
At this time the east line was also changed by mutual
agreement, without passing deeds, Captain Partridge receiv-
ing front land while the society widened its lot in the rear.
Subsequently the society bought another corner of land from
John W. Hodges, and sold to David H. Daniels (then owning
the house just north of the church) a lot for a door yard.
Land was afterwards bought for horse sheds in the rear
of Mr. Charles Seavey, and Peach Street laid out to make
them accessible. It was never used, however, and finally was
sold to Messrs. Harding & Bassett for an enlargement of
their straw works.
In 1850, the growth of the village continuing, the old
school-house was given over to business, and its hall not
furnishing accommodation for lectures and meetings too
secular for the meeting house, it was voted to finish the vestry
of the church at an estimated cost of ^500, the actual cost of
which was 1^498. While the subscription by the men was only
1^352, the ladies (as usual) came to the rescue, and made up
the deficiency. The vestry was used for town meetings every
third year until the Sanford Hall was built in 1872.
Up to 1854 the salary of our pastor, $600 (the same as
paid to most pastors in this vicinity), had been raised by
subscription. It was, however, understood from the first,
that donations from the farmers and others should be made
in money or in value of ^100, annually at a donation party.
Of the $600 Luther Metcalf and Orion Mason had
agreed upon the start to pay $50 each, and the former added
two cords of wood to the pastor's woodpile every year. Others
were not wanting to meet the pastor's needs. Milton H. San-
ford, though living at New York, or elsewhere, considered
himself a member of the society, for financial purposes at
32 SEMI-CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE
least, and in emergencies always came to the pastor's relief.
Dr. James H. Sargent, after making his home here, annually
remembered his pastor by a check of ^loo, which his daugh-
ter, Mrs. John A. Bullard, continued in some form after her
father's death till the death of the pastor. (The following
letter from her pastor is a beautiful testimony to the mutual
esteem of each for the other:)
Tuesday p. m., January 6, 1874.
Mrs. Bullard :
Dear Madam: I know not how to express my feelings of
gratitude for your letter and its contents, this afternoon. Your
benefactions had been so munificent and so various for the good
of this people during the year, that it seemed to me you would
hardly think best to add another generous gift to myself personally
at the opening of the year. I can assure you it is doubly welcome,
as it meets ordinary wants and also those created by the results
of the panic, and thus cutting off some resources on which I de-
pended to meet the current expenses of the year. The Lord
reward you a hundred fold for this, and for all the many past
kindnesses to myself and mine. The remembrance of these
comes up every day, calling for devout gratitude to our
Heavenly Father, and with earnest prayer for blessings upon your-
self and yours,
Very truly yours,
D. Sanford.
The act of the legislature passed in 1854, providing for
support of public worship by taxing the pews, was adopted
by this society. Most of the pews in the church were
voluntarily surrendered by the owners to the society, some
were bought at an appraisal, and eight pews are still held by
the owners.
Since this plan was adopted the pews have been annually
rented, upon the tax basis, at auction. Fast Day evening.
From non-rentals or non-payments in some years there has
been a deficiency, but always provided for at each annual
meeting, and no debt has ever been allowed to remain.
For a number of years before his death Mr. Edward
VILLAGE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, MED WAY, MASS. 33
Eaton, after the reading of the treasurer's report at the
annual meeting, would challenge Captain Partridge to pay,
each, one half the debt. If accepted, the matter was settled
at once ; if not, he would pay half, if others would pay the
balance within thirty days.
In 1861 a small addition was built on the north end of
the church to receive a new organ, the gift of Mr. Milton H.
Sanford. The high pulpit was taken down and a small plat-
form substituted. The organ cost $i,ooo, the alterations
about ;^5SO, which was made up by subscription.
In 1870 new windows were put in, the bell re-hung, and
various other improvements and repairs made at a cost of
$1,985, raised by subscription,
Monday, October 30, 1871, a very important meeting of
the society was held, to consider first, a communication from
their devoted pastor, who, after nearly thirty-three years of
active service, asked to be relieved on account of advancing
years and declining strength, and that a successor and
associate might be secured.
The church had previously acted upon this matter and
extended a call to Rev. R. K. Harlow, then preaching in
Belfast, Maine, The society unanimously confirmed the
action of the church and voted to offer to Mr, Harlow a salary
of ;^ 1,500, a vacation of two (and afterwards made four)
Sundays in each year, and the use of a suitable dwelling
house whenever it became necessary. These terms he
accepted, but to general regret has failed to require a " suita-
ble dwelling house,"
Through the liberal aid of Dr, Oliver Dean a library
had been founded, and the need of larger accommodations
and a suitable room for lectures and public meetings was felt
in the community.
The young ladies, by a series of fairs and entertainments,
had raised the sum of $500 toward this object, and a public
hall was now projected,
Mrs, Edena H, Sanford was interested, and had aided
the young ladies in procuring funds. Her son Milton, ever
34 SEMI-CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE
responsive to her wishes, and pleased that the society had
assumed an obligation towards the support of his " Uncle
David" (as he familiarly called our first pastor), and also
provided liberally for his associate and successor, offered to
give the society ;^5,ooo (and his brother Edwards added
$2,500), to establish a fund, the income of which should be
used for the pastor's support, or if preferred would donate
the same for a public or a town hall, to advance the welfare
of his native place and to provide an income to the society,
and the Dean Library Association, in the proportion indicated
by other subscribers to the fund. Before the project was
made public, at a town meeting an article was inserted in the
warrant to see if the town would consider any proposition
towards securing a hall in the village for town purposes, but
the article was dismissed.
At the meeting just referred to this society accepted the
offer of the Messrs. Sanford, and a committee consisting of
M. M. Fisher and E. C. Wilson was chosen to secure sub-
scriptions. Edward Eaton pledged $1,500, Captain Partridge
$1,000, the firm of Harding & Bassett $1,000, and John A.
Bullard $i;-ooo. In all $15,815 was subscribed, and the hall
erected at a cost, including land and removal of old buildings,
of $23,000. The price paid for the land was exorbitant, but
the location seemed the most desirable. The deficiency was
made up later largely by the liberality of the largest donors,
Mr. Sanford giving $4,200. The building was christened in
honor of the family name of the principal donors, and dedi-
cated with very appropriate and interesting exercises on the
evening of December 31, 1872. The income from rents is a
material aid to the society in meeting annual expenses.
Although the meeting house was in harmony with church
architecture at the time it was built, and had been kept in
good condition, with the advent of a new pastor the desire to
modernize the house was general, and in 1873 the committee
arranged for radical changes, the people responding most
heartily to the call for money, Mrs. Edena Sanford giving
$2,000 and Mrs. John A. Bullard $1,000.
\
1241159
VILLAGE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, MEDWAY, MASS. 35
The following entry on the society's records will give an
idea of the work accomplished :
December 7, 18^3.
Today services were held in the church for the first time
since it has been remodeled.
The plan presented at the July meeting has been fully
carried out at an expense of ^6,000, which has been met by
subscription. The floor of the vestry has been raised one
foot, sufficient for ample ventilation beneath ; it has been
divided into two rooms of convenient size for the Sabbath-
school and for social meetings, has been painted throughout,
and the smaller room frescoed. Two new furnaces have been
put in, the floor of the church has been raised two feet, the
pews have been re-arranged, newly cushioned, and the floor
throughout carpeted. An addition has been put on the
north end of sufficient size to accommodate the choir and the
organ, which has been newly cased and improved. A new
pulpit, table and chairs have also been furnished. The
alterations have been made in accordance with plans furnished
by Mr. Silloway, of Boston, and the work done under the
superintendence of Capt. Jesse K. Snow, of Medway.
In mentioning the last work of Mr. Sanford under the
care and constant superintendence of our present pastor, I
transcribe literally from the records of the society of March
28 and April 27, 1881 : "On motion of M. M. Fisher the
following resolution was unanimously adopted : Voted, that
the thanks of this society be presented to our pastor, Rev. R.
K. Harlow, for his very acceptable and gratuitous service in
planning and superintending the improvement of the grounds
around the church, which has been accomplished with such
rare skill and judgment as fully to meet the convenience and
gratify the taste of the society and of others personally
interested in the work."
"On motion of A. S. Harding the following resolution
was also unanimously adopted: Voted, that the successful
plan and completion of the improvements upon the church
grounds, and the extension of the village water works for
36 SEMI-CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE
their irrigation, and the better protection of the church edifice
and property in the vicinity, again remind us of the great
liberality of our common benefactor, Milton H. Sanford, Esq.,
to whom the society, and others present, extend a cordial
vote of thanks, and request that a copy of the record be
forwarded to him by the clerk."
The cost of these improvements, and their care, to the
present time amounts to the sum of ^3,700. At this time
Mr. Sanford gave $500, that was expended under the direction
of Mr. Harlow in improvements in front of the Catholic
church.
In making these exterior improvements upon the grounds,
the division line was again modified between the society
land and the estate of Captain Partridge, by mutual and
harmonious agreement, advantageous to both parties.
We have now traced the society from its organization
through the more important changes upon its grounds and
church edifice, and aid received by individuals and by general
subscription.
It remains to mention several specific benefactions
made wholly by individual members of the society, or others.
In 1849 Deacon Samuel Allen presented a clock, which
kept time for the minister, directly in front of, and attached
to, the south gallery.
In 1850 Nathaniel Clark gave a pulpit, which was used
for years in the vestry.
In same year Pardon D, Tiffarny of St. Louis, a native
of the village, presented the clock now in the tower of the
church.
Mrs. John W. Richardson presented the society with
the marble clock on the right of the platform, in memory of
her father, Elias Metcalf, formerly an efficient member of
the society.
Mrs. John Cole, Mrs. Clark Partridge, and Mrs. Edward
Eaton gave the platform chairs.
Mrs. E. J. Le Favor gave the flower stand and rug for
the pulpit, and has recently supplied the pews with new
VILLAGE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, MEDWAY, MASS. 37
hymn books and copies of the psalms at a cost of ^115, and
although absent has shown her interest in this occasion by
sending her check for $100, to help defray the expenses.
The carpet in the porch was recently given by Messrs.
Harlan P. and E. I. Sanford.
The pulpit and the communion table were given by
sixty-two ladies, whose names are all inscribed within the
table drawer. The money, ^103, was obtained by Miss
Eliza Fisher, now 86 years old, and who gives and makes the
coffee for this occasion, as she has made for the church
gatherings for many years. She, with Mrs. S. B. Metcalf, only
one year her junior, has had for a long term personal charge
of the annual church cleaning.
The outside lamps were the gift of Mr. Chas. F. Daniels.
The frescoing in the chapel was wholly paid for by Hon,
Clark Partridge.
The inside shutters were given by Mrs. S. B. Metcalf,
and hung gratuitously by Captain Snow.
Mr. Edward Eaton, by will, gave the society $6,000, the
income to be used for support of worship.
The last gift to the society is this day made by Deacon
Milton M. Fisher, a deed of the Oakland Cemetery consisiing
of ten acres, more or less, with the improvements on the
same.
The thanks of this society are also due to many indi-
viduals, who in time of need have contributed heartily and
liberally, in time and labor, for its welfare. Subscriptions,
singing, festivals, decorations, and even semi-centennials are
not successfully carried through without hard work. Let us
be generous in thanks, and sparing in criticism toward the
workers.
And now can we not say, " Hitherto hath the Lord
helped us".? Let us take up the work before us with new
courage, and make this church and society a power for good
among us, remembering that " Righteousness exalteth a
nation, but sin is a reproach to any people,"
28 SEMI-CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE
WORDS OF SALUTATION.
From the Grandmother Church, the Church of Christ in Millis, by the
pastor, Rev. E. O. Jameson.
The grandmother church, now in her one hundred and
seventy-fourth year, salutes with love, congratulation, and joy,
her grand-daughter, on this her jubilee anniversary, and con-
gratulates this church on reaching its fiftieth birthday.
She is glad to greet her, on the summit of her success,
and rejoice with her, in view of an honorable history, a pres-
ent prosperity, and a hopeful future. A little one has become
a thousand, and a small one a strong church.
Your grandmother was represented on your natal day,
fifty years ago, by her then pastor, the Rev. Sewall Harding,
now sainted. She welcomed you to life, and to the love and
fellowship of sister churches. She watched by this church
in its cradle and early childhood, grew proud of its growth, and
rejoiced in its increasing prosperity; and today is about as
happy an old lady as could well be, in being the grandmother
of such a united, useful, and promising church. She recog-
nizes that this church is a chip of the old block, and lil^e her
grandparent in her faith, her piety, her harmony, and the
tenacity of affection with which she retains her ministers.
Your grandmother lived with one of her pastors seventy-
one years, and after her example you have lived with one
pastor, faithful and beloved but now lamented, through a
period of thirty-three years, and are living on with your pres-
ent minister for how long we cannot tell. It may be that his
pastorate will be longer than this of our honored brother here
today, the Rev. Dr. Dowse, whose pastorate soon reaches its
fiftieth anniversary ; and we fondly hope that it may exceed
in length that of Father Bucknam himself. It is something
VILLAGE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, MEDWAY, MASS. 39
to be the grandmother of such a church as this ! And some-
how it comes to me that, if my church is your grandmother,
then is not her pastor, now speaking, the grandfather of this
dear man, your minister, and am I not proud of my grandson,,
today, whose pastorate over this church so reflects his praises
on this anniversary, for fideHty and loving service ?
I congratulate this church as, with one of old, " I call to
remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which first
dwelt in thy grandmother, and in thy mother, and I am per-
suaded still abides in thee also."
Your grandmother has set you the example of " fidelity
to the old and hospitality toward the new " in Christian think-
ing, and you are showing yourself a faithful grand-daughter.
There is no time to enter into particulars at this stage of
these proceedings. You see these dear brethren in the min-
istry, and others, stand waiting with their good things to say.
But I will simply suggest what a mighty power for good this
church and its services have been in this village during these
fifty years! What a record of blessing has she made! How
many has she directed along the narrow way and helped into
heaven !
But mighty as has been her work within these limits of
her own parish, and great as is her influence here today, she
has sent out Christian men and Christian women into the
world, and none can tell how potential for good she is also in
other places where her faithful representatives have lived and
died, or are still the active witnesses for Christ.
With a tender and loving interest your grandmother con-
gratulates her grand-daughter today, and on this mountain
top of gladness expresses her best wishes for your continued
peace, increase, and prosperity in the days to come.
From the Mother Church, Second Church, West Medzuay, by the
pastor, Rev. Augustus H. Fuller.
Brother Harlow, and Brothers and Sisters of the
Village Church : I feel older today than ever before, indeed
40 SEMI-CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE
quite venerable. For some days I have been endeavoring
to determine my relation to this fair church which, in the
glory of these autumnal robes, now celebrates her fiftieth
birthday. I thus reckon : If you are the daughter of the
church to which I am espoused, then, though you are older
than I — I must be your step-father. So, with all the gravity I
can summon, I say we bring our sincere tribute of hearty
congratulations to our fair daughter, on this her semi-centen-
nial birthday.
As my residence in town has been comparatively brief,
I can say but little from experience regarding the past. My
venerated predecessor, in his semi-centennial sermon, in
referring to the young church, said that to it, the old church
sustained a peculiar relation. In the first place, it was prin-
cipally composed of church members from the old church and
those who had worshiped with them, and in the second place,
your first pastor was grandson and namesake of an honored
pastor of the old church.
He also expressed his desire for the success of the new
church, though missing their presence. I trust this spirit
prevails today — the desire for your success and a hearty
Godspeed ; and may this ever continue. With a mother's
pride we view our fair daughter in her fair deckings on this
bright September day.
I bring the mother's congratulations on your material
prosperity. We behold your beautiful sanctuary, and all
these lovely surroundings ; we have listened to your history,
so interesting and prosperous. Surely God has greatly
blessed you thus.
The mother congratulates you on your numerical pros-
perity. Through these fifty years the Lord has been build-
ing you up in numbers, as year by year you have received
additions by ones, and twos, and tens, and scores — as was the
case last year — until yofu are now one of our strong churches.
But more gladly than all, I bring the mother's congratu-
lations on your spiritual prosperity. Through all these years
the old gospel has been preached in its purity and power, and
VILLAGE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, MEDWAY, MASS. 41
here hundreds have learned to know the Saviour, many of
whom are now on the other side. You are a light in this
place whose beams, diffused far and wide, have gladdened
many hearts, and whose strong influence has given an uplift
to the whole community and been felt beyond your immediate
bounds.
And now, may your future be even brighter than the
past. The mother would adopt the words of the Apostle
John in his old age, to the church of his tender love and care,
" I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in
truth."
May the Lord bless thee and keep thee ; the Lord make
His face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee; the
Lord lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
Fr07n the Sister Churches of Mendon Conference, by Rev. Jacob Ide,
of Mansfield.
After the blessing of the grandmother church has been
given, and the benediction of the mother church has been pro-
nounced, the loving sister churches of the Mendon Conference
eagerly desire to send in to their Medway relative their hearty
salutations on this jubilant occasion ; and I have been made
a kind of electrical battery, with the understanding that I
should take the two ends of the golden chain of Christian
fellowship, reaching from Mansfield to Milford, and complet-
ing the circuit here, send foward, in one thrilling, concen-
trated current, their united greetings and congratulation ; and
as I make the connection, by giving you this grasp of the
right hand, Brother Harlow, I seem to hear echoing through
all the air the benediction of the ancient time: "The Lord
bless thee and keep thee; the Lord make His face shine upon
thee, and be gracious unto thee. The Lord lift up His coun-
tenance upon thee, and give thee peace." Many of the sister
churches can speak of a similar experience with yours today,
having held, some of them, their semi-centennial, centennial,
42 SEMI-CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE
and sesqui-centennial anniversaries, and, with eyes undimmed
and strength unabated, are thinking of the style in which
they shall make up their bi-centennial robes. Some of
them recall with tender interest the time when this our Med-
way sister began her religious life, and their pleasure on this
occasion far exceeds that of the former time. For as it is more
agreeable to welcome back a noble ship from a prosperous
voyage, than to cheer her when she is first launched upon
the bosom of the deep ; as it is far better to pluck the ripe
clusters of grapes from the matured vine than to assist at its
planting — so today the witness of our sister's prosperous ma-
turity is more inspiring than was even the bright promise of
her youth. We congratulate her, not simply upon the fact
that she has reached the age of fifty years, but also upon the
fact that her life thus far has been one of vigorous growth
and Christian efficiency. We rejoice with her that it has
been her privilege to do so much in building up God's king-
dom in this world, and in preparing so many hearts for
entrance into the kingdom of glory. We earnestly desire and
expect that, grandly equipped and inspired by the successes
of the past, she may fill out another half-century with evi-
dences of still greater progress and success. We congratu-
late her upon the fact, that she has shown the uncommon
common sense of selecting good ministers, and then binding
them, by affectionate manifestations and hearty cooperation,
to her heart. It is well worthy of commemoration here that
for fifty years our Medway sister has not allowed any divorce
of ministers and people. May the future ever witness the
same sacred regard for inseparable connections.
And now. Brother Harlow, pardon me if, yielding to the
feelings which overcome me at the remembrance of past asso-
ciation, and the sight of the portrait of your beloved predeces-
sor, I refer for a moment to that which I believe is now
taking place in heaven. I cannot keep back the expression
of the opinion that my dear father and dear Brother Sanford,
with clasped hands, as ours are now, are looking down with
united and sympathetic joy at the sacred festivities of this
VILLAGE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, MEDWAY, MASS. 43
occasion, and that they both of them are responding with
earnestness to this my prayer, "God bless this dear church in
all its future as He has been pleased to bless it in the past."
The Pastor said that he would next call upon one of the sons
of the church to represent her children, and introduced
GILBERT O. FAY, Ph.D.,
Professor in the American Asylum, Hartford, Conn. Dr. Fay
spoke as follows :
It has been noticed today as a coincidence that this
semi-centennial is occurring upon Friday, as did also the origi-
nal September 7, fifty years ago. America was discovered
upon Friday ; the sufferings and death of our Lord completed
human salvation upon Friday ; the human race began its
career upon Friday ; the association of Friday with the his-
tory of this church is certainly felicitous.
Last night, as I listened upon my pillow to the measured
strokes of your bell — one, two, three, up to eleven — I realized
again, as I often do, that no church bell anywhere sounds so
sweetly. Fifty years ago, June 13, my childish hands pulled
at the rope generously long — or thought they did — that lifted
it to its place. Its tones along the years ring all through my
recollections of boyhood and youth; and when my remains,
upon their last home journey, shall reach your cemetery,
yours first today by gift, those tolling tones, if such shall be
your custom then, will be my sweetest requiem.
We have listened today to a service of song, appropriate,
controlling, perfect ; but there has floated to me louder
yet, from yonder gallery, the music of fifty, of forty years ago.
The big bass viol of Captain Daniels, the violins of his sons,
an occasional flute, that bassoon of Cowell Fisher, have
sounded clear and high above all floods of organ tone.
Words of eloquent memorial have enchained our atten-
tion. They have also released to my hearing other words
spoken long ago from another, a loftier pulpit. Those por-
44 SEMI-CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE
trayed lips of him, so tireless, so forgiving, so affectionate,
open again in fervid prayer and earnest exhortation. I listen
again to Father Fisk of Wrentham, ever in haste about his
Master's business, to the deliberate Long of Milford, to Dr.
Ide, a true bishop of God's own appointing, to the invalid
Southvvorth of Franklin, lingering this side the heavenly
gates, to the vvh6le-souled Dowse, today the semi-centenarian
of Sherborn, to Sewall Harding of East Medway, clear and
impassioned, to the gentle Ropes, to the original Woodbury,
to the scholarly Means, to the cultured Tucker, to the
sprightly Walker, to the solemn Simmons, and to the faithful
Dwight ; and we young folks were familiar at the school-
house with the stature and the precise enunciation of Luther
Bailey, of East Medway. One by one appear again the
representatives of the various benevolent societies of that
day, the stately Anderson and the eloquent Pomeroy, the
earnest Emerson and the entertaining Butler, the intellectual
Tarbox and the stirring Bartlett, the dignified Clark and the
incomparable Bullard; and of a summer evening there stand
again, upon the platform below, the young man Gough, the
missionary Hoisington, and students fresh from seminary or
college — he of Mansfield, he of Longmeadow, he of Walpole
(long sainted), he who has long slept upon the banks of the
Tigris, and others, our week-day teachers.
I stand again upon the pew cushion and nestle up to Com-
fort Walker and rub my soft cheek upon his age-hardened
face. What matters it to me that eleven of the church pews
are his.'' It is enough to know that he loves his fatherless
grandchild and the worship of God. At noontime I sit in the
Sabbath-school class of Stephen J. Metcalf — I hope he is
here today to forgive me for the inattention of those days —
or I gather with a score of others into the front seats in juve-
nile chorus, and attempt the alto of " There is a happy land."
Where are those boys and girls today .? Many of the boys
marched away in 1861. Too many of their names, alas, con-
secrate the Soldiers' Circle in yonder cemetery !
There were mothers in those days. Here are the origi-
VILLAGE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, MEDWAY, MASS, 45
nal records of the Maternal Association, organized Dec. 19,
1838, and continued for twenty-three years until 1861, when
it was merged into the female prayer meeting. They are in
the handwriting of my mother, the secretary. There was a
woman's ticket at that day, and the first president, continuing
until her death, was the wife of our pastor, at whose house
the first meeting was held.
And here is the primer studied by the children at that
time. It is in three parts — doctrinal, historical, and the West-
minsters Shorter Catechism, The square cuts of the histori-
cal part, two to the page, were calculated to astonish as well
as to interest. The whole book is not as large as one of the
elegant quarterlies studied now. It had to serve for many
years, and needed several covers. But it was drilled in by
my mother, and by other teachers, in careful compliance with
the recommendation upon the first page, that " teachers exert
themselves to make learners repeat the answers distinctly,
deliberately, understandingly, solemnly, and in all respects
properly." Every line is vividly recollected by the speaker,
and I question whether sounder theology or more useful
biblical knowledge is taught today, and whether our modern
methods of instruction are really better.
And here is a card certifying that I became a member of
the Med way Village Sabbath-School Temperance Society,
February 7, 1841, and signed by George Fisher, President,
and by Orion A. Mason, Secretary. So soon after the pay-
ment of the bill, described an hour ago as due to Collins
Hathorn for wine and other liquors used at the raising of
this edifice, do we have an organized effort to nourish in the
hearts of the village youth sound principles of total absti-
nence, I have other certificates in my possession, some of
parchment, obtained after years of exertion and the expendi-
ture of thousands of dollars, but upon none do I set a higher
value.
I find myself attending again the Wednesday evening
prayer meeting, held for several years in the old school-house,
and later in the vestry. We sing St. Martin's or Hamburg
46 SEMI-CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE
with Deacon Allen, Duke Street or Golden Hill with Deacon
Fisher, and Balerma with Dr. Monroe. We unite with
Brother Adams in a prayer most humble and devout, or in
confession sit down with Brother White " by the cold streams
of Babylon." Besides the leading words of our pastor, we
attend to the fervent exhortations of Rev. Caleb Kimball,
of Captain Cole, of Deacon Fisher, and of Brother Shaw.
Orion Mason is always present and always silent. Long
settees are filled with women, but their voices are heard only
in song. Nor can I omit the Sabbath evening concerts for
prayer, notably the anti-slavery one, held in the upper hall of
the old school-house. Deacon Fisher leads it, and reads to
us burning extracts from the National Era, or introduces
to us some traveling negro fugitive, with his horrible tale of
wrong and outrage.
In place of this church audience, elegantly seated and
attentive, another audience rises to my view, filling seats
plainly furnished and long since removed. Directly at my
left sits Mr. Chestnut, and behind him an auburn-haired boy,
unconscious of his destiny as deacon. And then come the
Rays and the Clarks and the Turners. Directly in front sits
Deacon Allen. Behind him are Mrs. Edena Sanford, and
occasionally her sons, and oftener her daughter. Still to the
left, across the aisle, occasionally of an afternoon sits Lawyer
Lovering. And near him, by some affinity, in a kind of
doctor's section, as the years pass, there sit, in irregular
attendance, Dr. Brown, Dr. Monroe, Dr. Salisbury, and Dr.
Knight. Close by are the Eatons, the Partridges, the Coles,
the Masons, the Hurds, Clark Walker, Amos Fisher, Abijah
Metcalf, and so on. And over at the west side what a stir
there is when Dr. Nathaniel Miller, of River End, sweeps in
with his eagle eye and snowy hair, close clipped, a little late !
I sit again in my own pew over there with Polly Wood and
Deacon Fisher, and Theodore and his mother and mine, she
still using, occasionally, the winter foot-stove. Where did
the rest of the children sit \\\ range of my eye there sit
again James B. Wilson, Luther Metcalf, Stephen J. Metcalf,
VILLAGE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, MEDWAY, MASS. 47
and the family of the minister, several of whom, and chil-
dren's children, we delight to meet today. Across the aisle
sits the deaf-mute, Christopher Fisher, sharing in the spirit
though not in the letter of the service. Close by are the
Danielses, Wyman Adams, Nathaniel Clark, and the Coreys.
Nearer the pulpit, upon its right, are Elijah Partridge and
Sewall Clark and William Adams, and the Adams sisters,
attending always so punctually. And how promptly at the
close of the afternoon service, at the last hymn, we all turn
about and, standing during the singing, stare at the choir !
The library board, placed upon the pew-tops at the south
side of the church, in front of a semi-circular extension of
wall space ; the bulletin board in the porch, with its publish-
ments of intended marriage and its warrants for town meet-
ings ; the Sabbath-breaking sextons. Abbe, and afterwards
Hill ; the rugged face of nature in front of the church ; the
stamping and squealing of horses under the oaks near
the east windows — what a crowd of memories return today
from the days and years that are dead !
May the growth and expansion of the next fifty years
excel the scenes and facts of today as much as the present
condition of the Village Church excels those humble begin-
nings of which we are reverently and gratefully mindful at
this memorial hour !
"After the sons, it is fitting," said the pastor, "that we
should hear from the ' sons by marriage,' " and introduced
REV. SAMUEL J. SPALDING, D.D.,
of Newburyport, who married Sarah L., youngest daughter of
Hon. Luther and Sarah Metcalf, who thus answered for himself :
My acquaintance with this church began in 1842. Rev.
David Sanford was then in the fullness of his strength and
influence. The people of his congregation were by no means
homogeneous in their religious views, but their confidence in
his kindliness of heart, and in his personal interest in them-
48 SEMI-CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE
selves and in their families, was such that they were a
thoroughly united flock. He was interested in everything
which concerned the individual welfare of his people, and
the good of the community. It was through his solicitation
that I engaged to open a select school in the village ; and on
going there, I at once reported myself to Mr. Sanford on
Saturday forenoon, as the school was to commence on
Monday. It was characteristic of his kind and efficient
activity, that he said to me : " Now I wish you to see some
of the people of this village, that they may send their children
to you on Monday ; and I will be ready to go with you
immediately after dinner." Putting aside all his preparations
for the Sabbath, he called with me upon more than thirty
families ; not waiting for them to come to the door, he simply
knocked, and passed directly into the house. Before nine
o'clock on Monday morning, we had called on every family in
the village who had children likely to attend the school.
When we were going our rounds, if any objected that they
would like to avail themselves of the school, but they were
unable to furnish the required money for tuition, he would
say, " Oh, send in your child, and we will see about the
tuition!" and he took the responsibility. He was connected
with the public schools of the town, and he spared no pains
in securing good teachers, and interesting the people in the
cause of public education.
As a pastor, Mr. Sanford knew his people intimately.
He was the first person in the parish to become aware of any
case of illness, or misfortune, or sorrow of any kind. He
regarded all the people living in the village as the special
objects of his care and interest, whether they attended his
church or not; and he was accustomed to call on them all in
his regular pastoral visitations. He knew not only their
present condition, but where they came from ; and if he were
passing through the places with which they were connected,
he would seek out their friends to receive and communicate
pleasant intelligence. He was a sincere sympathizer with
his people in all their sorrow. Nothing touched them that
VILLAGE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, MEDWAY, MASS. 49
did not touch him. He never thought of sparing himself any
labor, or any inconvenience, if he could advance the welfare
of the people, or minister to their comfort.
Mr. Sanford was very much interested in obtaining
employment and situations for his young people ; he was an
energetic and efficient Young Men's Christian Association
and Young People's Society in himself. In several instances,
representatives of other religious denominations came to look
over this village for the purpose of establishing their own
peculiar church here ; but they received little encourage-
ment, even from those who might be in sympathy with their
views, who told them that Mr. Sanford was a good man, and
doing a good work here, and they did not wish to separate
themselves from his congregation, or favor any divisive
influence.
He was greatly esteemed by his fellow clergymen. He
was always ready to serve any of his ministerial brethren
whenever it was possible to aid them. While he had his own
theological views, Mr. Sanford never allowed them to imbitter
his feelings, or bar his intercourse with his brethren. He
was interested in all true reforms, and his voice and his vote
could always be relied upon to carry forward the church to a
higher and better Christian life. He was an anti-slavery
man, decided and firm in his convictions at a time when even
all good men did not see their way clear on this point of
practical righteousness.
Nearly all the men whom I knew as prominent in laying
the foundation of this religious society have passed away;
as Luther Metcalf, Cary, Wilson, Mason, Sanford, and others
whose names it would be pleasant to recall. Deacon M. M.
Fisher still remains. This church with its beautiful appoint-
ments and surroundings, the village library, Sanford Hall,
the stated congregation of intelligent Christian people who
worship here — all these have grown out of the wise and
beneficent influence which founded this church. It has been
signally favored of God in having its second and present
pastor in full accord with the spirit and purpose of its
5o SEMI-CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE
founders. And today, while we recall the blessed memories
of the past, we congratulate you on the possession of such
bright prospects for the future. You have been favored, not
alone in temporal prosperity, but in the spiritual gifts of
divine grace by which large numbers have been brought into
the fellowship and communion of our Lord Jesus Christ.
The next " son by marriage " called upon was
REV. CALVIN CUTLER,
of Auburndale, who married Sarah, daughter of Rev. David
Sanford, and after her decease, her youngest sister Martha. Mr.
Cutler responded as follows :
My Dear Friefids : In the order of nature it is not given
to a man to say who shall be his father; but this disability
he may in part overcome by choosing whom he will for his
father-in-law, provided, indeed, that some one else first be
willing.
It is true I was not born in this town — I had no voice in
that matter. It happened to me, however, to be born just
over the border, and if my infant feet never strayed across
the line, no doubt my voice might have been heard, and
understood by those that ran — if indeed it were not enough
to make them run. It happened, too, that my boyhood was
passed just beyond the border of the parish where your first
pastor was settled before he came to be your minister. His
name was a household word in all the region round about.
It was common talk how many were the calls he made, how
tender his ministrations to the sick, how kind his attentions
to the needy and the stranger. His good name gave me
courage to apply for a school, and I came here to teach, and
became a boarder at his house. There I saw his cordial
hospitality regardless of limited means; the agent was always
welcome to dine or stay over night ; for the poor he always
had something to give ; and was ready with a word or letter
VILLAGE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, MEDWAY, MASS. 51
of sympathy for the afflicted. He was busy as he could be,
and his business seemed to be like the Master's — doing
good. This gave alertness to his feet, his tongue, his quill.
The story never could have been true of him that has
been told of the great thinker, Jonathan Edwards — how he
was riding along on horseback, absorbed in thought, going to
the pasture for his cows, and when he came to the fence a
boy stood by and politely let down the bars for him. He
inquired, " Whose boy are you ? " And the boy replied, " I
am John Clark's boy, sir." Soon he came riding back, driving
the cows before him, and the same boy stood waiting to put
up the bars after him. Again he asked, " Whose boy are
you ?" and was ansv/ered promptly, " I'm the same man's boy
that I was five minutes ago." Rev. Mr. Sanford knew the
boys.
A second winter I spent in the same way. And so it
happened that while I was looking up to the minister — or
ever I was aware — I had fallen in love with one of his daugh-
ters, and grew no wiser by it, for afterward it happened a
second time ; and friends had no pity for me, for they knew
that none was needed. So, if I never was a member of this
church, it might be said that twice I came within one of it.
And so it's a pleasure to be with you in this celebration,
delicious to listen to the very felicitous words that have been
spoken. They seem to bring echoes out of the past that
like a trumpet waken them that sleep, and the dust is made
to speak and bow the knee with the living in grateful homage
to God our Saviour.
Those thirty-four, we feel, were wise when they formed
themselves into a church. They caught the spirit of the
ancient prayer : " Draw me, and I will run after Thee."
They stood together, and each was helped by all the rest;
and as a church they have counted more for good than they
could as individuals ; their light has been brighter, their gifts
have been larger. Divine wisdom appointed the church as
the channel for receiving and doing good. The hearts of
many rejoice at the record of this church. It has had no
52 SEMI-CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE
grant from government. It has not been supported by the
strength of an ecclesiastical system. It has leaned on no
architectural prop nor pomp of ceremonial. But in a good,
republican, scriptural way it has finished its first half-century.
It has done a good work. It has suffered responsibility
to rest upon individual members. They have considered
great questions pertaining to the church and the state and
the family. They have learned to think, and to vote, and to
give, as Christian citizens. Men, and women, and children
have been brought into the kingdom of God, of whom many
have fallen asleep, and many that remain will by the recollec-
tions of this day be refreshed for renewed service.
Things that are lovely and of good report the church has
cherished. Its influence for good upon hearts and lives,
upon homes and schools in this community, and in distant
lands, will be shown though not measured by what we hear
today. The story of the past gives a guiding word for the
future. We read it also in the Song of Songs, which is
Solomon's: " Go thy way forth by the footsteps of the flock,
and feed thy kids beside the shepherds' tents."
REMARKS BY REV. SAMUEL J. HORTON, D.D.,
Principal of the Episcopal Academy, Cheshire, Ct.
With great pleasure I received the invitation of your
pastor to attend the semi-centennial celebration of this
church, and take part in its exercises by contributing some-
thing in the way of reminiscence.
Although not born in Medway, but near the separating
line of this town and Franklin, yet, as I spent the most inter-
esting period of my life in this village, I have been claimed as
a Medway boy. I am proud to know I am thus regarded, and
that many who knew me in my younger days have a most
kindly remembrance of me. And surely the memories
most dear to me are connected with my life here. There is
VILLAGE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, MEDWAY, MASS. 53
no spot that I take more pleasure in visiting than this dehght-
ful village " set on a hill." Here everything reminds me, not
only of the many years passed since boyhood, of the great
changes that have taken place, but of the happy days spent
here.
In my wanderings among familiar scenes I visit the rock
in the river, at the place which has always been a public
lavatory, and find imbedded in the solid stone a portion of an
iron rod, placed there by my own hands more than fifty years
ago, for the construction of apparatus designed to give effect-
ive aid to the bathers in their plunge from the rock into the
river.
Not less fixed in my mind than that iron in the rock are
the happy memories of this village, and not less enduring
than the rock itself the principles imbibed here, which have
had an important influence on my life.
I come, then, to express ray gratitude, and to show my
interest in whatever pertains to the good of this community.
I come to congratulate this church on having completed half
a century since its organization, at the ceremonies of which I
was present, and to recognize how great an instrumentality it
has been in aiding religious progress and in bringing souls to
the knowledge of the blessed Saviour. If I except a few who
have reached an age far beyond the allotted span, I think
there are none better acquainted than myself with the cir-
cumstances and influences which led to the formation of this
religious society.
Before its organization, efforts were made by different
denominations of Christians to establish divine worship here.
These continued for a time, but were not successful. A
Sunday-school was for a time sustained, of which G. W. Hunt
was superintendent, and I was one of the teachers.
To the Rev. Dr. Ide, of the West Parish, great credit is
due for sustaining for a long period Sunday evening services,
and, one evening each week, instructing a Bible class. With
all who knew him, I hold the memory of Dr. Ide in the
greatest reverence. To his example and teachings I owe
54 SEMI-CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE
much. Of Strong intellect, of shrewd discernment, a sound
reasoner, and a safe counselor, by his sermons and bis
example he gained an influence which was not lost through
the many years of his long life.
Until this church edifice was built, many of the families
in the village attended his church in West Medway. While
the father and mother and daughters of a family rode to the
service on Sunday, the boys were expected to go on foot. It
was interesting to see the procession of boys form of a
Sunday morning on their way to church. It would start
from the lower end of the village with only two or three in
the ranks, but would gain accessions as it advanced, and by
the time it reached the upper part it was quite large. Many
of the rank and file I remember well. I am tempted to give
their names. There were Edward and Abram Harding,
Edward Eaton, Francis Clark, Orion A. Mason, Edward and
George Sanford, Eliab, William Henry, and Alfred Allen,
Stephen Whiting, and Luther H. Metcalf. Many of these
gained distinction, but only two of this company, besides
myself, are now living.
Those were happy days, though sad to think of now.
We never tired of the walk and of each other's company,
though we were sometimes wearied with the too long and
almost continuous services. At times when Dr. Ide, finish-
ing the last division of the three heads of his sermon at
eighteenthly, came to " reflections," we reached a state of
somnolency before "in conclusion" and "finally" ended the
afternoon's discourse.
There were many influences at work to end all this, and
provide a new place of worship.
While many attended service either at East or West
Medway on Sunday, too large a number remained at home.
There were earnest souls who felt that something must be
done, who saw the necessity of concentrated and organized
effort for the religious welfare of the village, and with hearts
filled with the love of the Redeemer, they were unwilling to
leave any means untried to bring all within His saving influ-
VILLAGE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, MEDWAY, MASS. 55
ence. Some of these died before their prayers were
answered. Moses Felt I remember well, a godly man, who
was known by all " to have been with Jesus." Philo Sanford
died at an advanced age, before his son became pastor of this
church. He was a man of religious spirit and of high Chris-
tian character. By his own worth, by the benefactions of his
grandsons, and by the lasting work of his son in the ministry
here, the name of Sanford will always be held in reverence.
In the selection of its first pastor the church was most
fortunate. After its organization my association with its
members was such that I knew their great anxiety, and that
they felt there should be no mistake in the choice of a pastor.
A kindly Providence seemed to interpose in their favor. The
Rev. David Sanford was unanimously chosen.
He was a native of this village, and brought up with
those who afterwards became the people of his charge. It
might be thought that on this account there would be preju-
dice against him ; but it does not seem, in this village, to hold
true that " a prophet is not without honor but in his own
country, among his own kin, and in his own house."
Of those known to me as active in the formation of this
society, a large proportion have passed away. Among these
was Orion Mason, Sr., a man who "walked with God," of
humble deportment, yet possessing great energy of character,
of most generous disposition, and liberal in his benefactions
to every good cause. For his kindness to me I wish here to
express my gratitude. When I commenced my studies for
the ministry and needed help, without charge he took me
into his family, gave me material aid, and thus enabled
me successfully to complete my preparation for college, and
in vacations I always found a cordial welcome in his home.
Clark Partridge was then in the vigor of his manhood,
active in his business pursuits, but not less interested in what
pertained to the cause of religion. Deacon Samuel Allen
soon after its organization, in mature life, became a member
of this church. Many, doubtless, remember him well ; a man
of refined and cultivated mind, with musical talent and taste,
56 SEMI-CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE
gifted with inventive genius, witty, genial, and kind, sympa-
thizing with and a friend to all ; his last years crowned with
the halo of sincere piety, his usefulness was great, and his
loss to this society severely felt.
Luther Metcalf, Esq., whose lengthened life but a few
years since ended, came at a late hour into the vineyard.
Always a man of the highest rectitude and integrity, religion
only gave greater strength to his principles, while it had a
softening influence upon his character. In intercourse with
him in his last years, I was struck with his manifest humility
and the strength of his convictions. The brightness of re-
ligious hope gave a glow to his sunset sky, and "at evening
there was light about him."
As St. Paul gave earnest commendation to those devoted
women who labored with him " in the gospel," so should you
hold in grateful remembrance those women who here illus-
trated the Christian virtues, and gave their influence and aid
to the work of Christ. I recall with most reverent feeling
Mrs. James Wilson, whose godly life was a pattern to all. No
Christian woman ever possessed a gentler, sweeter character.
Her heart was overflowing with charity and her love for the
Saviour, and the depth of her religious feeling was manifest
in every word and act. Her name is surely " written in the
Book of Life." Mrs. Edena Sanford was a woman of different
stamp, but not unlike her in attachment to the cause of
Christ, and in her readiness to do all in her power for its suc-
cess. Of great determination and energy, her characteristics
were possessed in a high degree by her distinguished sons.
How many estimable women might be mentioned, whose
prayerful and zealous efforts I knew in connection with the
inception of this church, and who have a bright record in its
annals. Most have passed to their reward ; some still linger,
who, in their lengthened years, show undiminished zeal, and
still are active in every good work.
I cannot refrain from trespassing a moment more upon
your time to mention two friends of my youth, whose worth
you know and whose loss you cannot cease to deplore. In
VILLAGE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, MEDWAY, MASS. 57
this village the name of Edward Eaton cannot be forgotten.
The qualities which gained your respect in later life endeared
him to me in his youth.
Shall we not speak of one beloved, who so recently
passed away, though he so modestly and humbly forbade
words of eulogy in respect to himself .'* We " seek not his
merits to disclose ; " there is no need. We all know the kind-
ness and gentleness of his nature, while he possessed great
strength of character. With a fondness for intellectual pur-
suits he yet applied himself diligently to business, showing
not only great ability, but an example of the highest integrity.
Ever busy in fulfilling the many trusts committed to his
charge, yet he was not neglectful of Christian duty. Oh, sad
was the hour to us all, though joyful to him, when Orion
A. Mason passed to the "higher life!"
Having spoken of the dead, may I not say a word of the
living.? I cannot forbear to speak of one who has many years
lived among you, and by his lengthened life of usefulness, and
his untiring efforts in everything that pertains to the good
of this community, has endeared himself to all. His intel-
lectual acquirements, his clear judgment, his broad charity,
his prudence in counsel and energy in action, his readiness in
emergency, his public spirit, his purity of character, and his
devotedness to the cause of religion, make your venerable
Deacon Milton M. Fisher a blessing to this village and a
strong " pillar in the house of the Lord." May his days yet
be prolonged, and far distant the time when he will be laid to
rest with the fathers in yonder cemetery, which was by him-
self designed and beautified, and which, by deed this day, he
has generously given to this society to be "a possession for-
ever."
And now in closing I will say that I have tried, to the
interest of this occasion, to add my memories, which have for
their scope the last fifty years. Although not in full harmony
with you in respect to church polity, I am not so narrow in
my views that I cannot recognize excellence, nor approve
58 SEMI-CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE
earnest Christian effort, in organizations which are not after
my own pattern.
A new spirit seems to be pervading the Christian world,
and charity widely extending its influence. Christians are
just finding out that the things in which they agree greatly
exceed those in which they differ from each other. I was
greatly touched when, a few years since, I received an urgent
application from an active member of this church for a con-
tribution for the building of an Episcopal chapel in this place;
and I believe the kind disposition which prompted this appli-
cation is not wanting in any of the members of this church,
and that they all, like many earnest souls, are longing for
Christian unity.
And allow me to say that, though so long thought ex-
clusive, the Episcopal church is at the present day foremost
in its proffers for " organic unity," willing to sink all differ-
ences as to form and ceremony, and to adhere alone to what
is deemed essential. May God hasten the time when we shall
"all see eye to eye," when what is extraneous shall not be
deemed essential and what is essential shall alone be re-
garded, when all marching under one banner shall realize
there is " one body and one Spirit, one Lord, one faith, one
baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and
through all, and in you all."
^i^-^!:^n''^^*^
VILLAGE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, MEDWAY, MASS.
59
HISTORICAL DISCOURSE,
BY THE PASTOR,
Rev. RUFUS KENDRICK HARLOW.
And the Lord said unto Moses, " Write this, for a memorial in a
BOOK." — Exodus xvii : 14,/. c.
TWO facts were to be perpetuated by this record, viz. : an
achievement in the past, a promise for the future.
Among the numerous texts that would be appropriate for
this occasion I have selected this, partly because no one else,
so far as I know, has ever used it for a similar service ; chiefly
because it seemed to me well suited to the occasion. Every
church anniversary rehearses achievements in the past — re-
peats promises that secure the future ; and while the hour is
chiefly occupied with the recital of what is past, we are all
the while conscious, as the story goes on, that it is but a
grand and signal fulfillment of the promise on which the
church's hope and life rest.
In grateful recognition of the loving providence of God
that has blessed us as a people, we meet today to commemo-
rate the fiftieth anniversary of the organization of the Village
Church in Medway. It is a time of reminiscence. Most that
we have to say refers to what is past. Yet as we look back-
ward, as we look around, as we look forward, the same light
makes each region alike luminous ; the light that shines from
the gracious promise of the church's Lord and Master : " Lo !
I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world."
By request of the Committee of Arrangements it has
devolved on me to gather up and arrange such facts in the
6o SEMI-CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE
history of this church for fifty years, as will be of interest to
us and of value to those who come after us, serving alike as a
memorial of God's loving kindness to His people, and a
guaranty of successes yet to be achieved through His alliance.
There is no obscurity enveloping the origin of this church.
It has no records written in the old colonial style, with the
quaint abbreviations and lawless use of capitals, that add a
fascination to ancient documents. Men and women are liv-
ing who joined hearts and hands in its formation, and whose
memories retain the leading events in its history. Thus our
task is simplified, and is one of selection rather than creation
— the statement of facts instead of the announcement of con-
jectures. In this work, in addition to the use made of the
records of the church, we have drawn upon the published
history of our town when it has served our purpose. We
have also availed ourselves of those unpublished traditions,
respecting men and things, that are written in the memories
of contemporaries — records that are fading out each year,
and that will ere long have vanished.
It is fitting at the outset to notice briefly the condition
of things in this village prior to the movement which resulted
in the formation of a church. As early as 1826-7 Dr. Ide
(to whose parish this territory belonged) frequently held re-
ligious services Sabbath afternoons at 5 o'clock in the village
school-house. As his home was a sort of theological semi-
nary, at that time, for the training of candidates for the minis-
try, these young men were frequently permitted to exercise
their gifts in practice upon this people — services which, it is
charitable to believe, were somewhat better than nothing.
About the same time a Sunday-school was started for the
children who could not easily attend the Second Parish school.
The session opened at 9 o'clock Sabbath mornings, and
closed in season for the teachers to reach public worship at
the West Parish. The good doctor made himself felt in the
school by frequently meeting the teachers on Thursday even-
ings and expounding the lesson for the next Sabbath.
Among those who were superintendents, Mr. Charles Wheeler
VILLAGE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, MEDWAY, MASS. 6 1
and George W. Hunt, afterward Deacon, are remembered
with interest. Mr. Orion Mason, the elder, Sanford Horton,
Mrs. James B, Wilson, Mrs. Dr. Brown, and Misses Eliza B.
Fisher, Polly Fisher, Susan Thompson, Polly Wood, Eliza
Fisher, and Eleanor Metcalf, served as teachers. At this
time the religious status was not very encouraging. I am
told by one who came here to reside in 183 1 that out of a
population of 200 there were only three men and ten women,
so far as he knew, who were professing Christians — five per
cent only of the population.
In 1 83 1 Mr. Abijah Baker, a native of Franklin, who had
recently graduated from Amherst College, opened a classical
school in this village for advanced scholars. Although the
school had a brief existence it exerted a lasting influence.
Mr. Baker was an earnest Christian, as were many of his
pupils from adjacent towns, and a new religious interest began
to be felt in the community. Social meetings were held in the
homes of the people with good results. Who knows but this
Christian teacher was the remote originator of this church.-'
1838 was a year of events in Medway Village. During
the latter part of 1836 a cellar had been dug and the granite
foundations for the new meeting house laid. Then winter
took possession, snow-drifts filled the open basement, and the
men, who are well along in life today, remember that as boys
they leaped from the topmost stones and buried themselves
in the deep whiteness below. It was the first and last time
that a veritable snow-drift got into the vestry. There may
have been times, later on, when the spiritual atmosphere
therein possibly suggested snow. The meeting house was
commenced the next season, but was not completed till the
early summer of 1838. The dedication occurred on the 15th
day of June. The history of the preacher of the dedication
sermon added especial interest to the occasion. He was a
Medway-born boy, but by his own confession was not the
sort of boy that the average Sunday-school book selects for a
prospective minister. " I was a wild, heady, reckless youth,"
he says of himself, "delighting in hunting, fishing, trapping,
52 SEMt-CENTENNlAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE
and in rough athletic sports which tended to invigorate my
constitution but added nothing to my mental or moral
improvement." It is remembered that his father some-
times uttered the prophesy that his son would be a minister,
but as the prophesy was evidently inspired by an overdose
of old Jamaica gin or some other kindred spirit, it was only
noticed and remembered because of the incongruity it sug-
gested. Joel Hawes a preacher ! We can imagine that the
saints of Medway considered it a profanation to connect the
name of such a reckless youth with the sacred office.
But Joel Hawes did become a preacher, whose record
any man might covet, and whom any town might be proud to
claim as a son. So far as numerals can give results of
ministerial service, this we have as the record of his 44 years'
ministry: He added to his church in Hartford, Conn., 1,681
persons. Among these were 37 candidates for the ministry,
of whom 7 became missionaries. In his fiftieth year he
delivered the first sermon that was ever preached in this
house, from Psalm xciii : 5 : " Holiness becometh thine house,
O Lord, forever." '
It is a noticeable fact that the movement for the estab-
lishment of religious ordinances here originated among the
business men of the place, who, although they had made no
profession of personal piety, yet so greatly respected religion
and appreciated the value of its institutions to a community
that in 1836 they set about collecting funds for the erection
of a meeting house. Some of them contributed very gener-
ously for this purpose. The name that they adopted at their
organization — viz., " The Evangelical Congregational Society
in Medway Village " — shows that the truth to which they
had listened under the ministry of Rev. David Sanford, Sen.,
' For the only record of the date of the dedication, as well as for the text
of the sermon, I am indebted to a little memorandum book, which contains the
names of the preachers and their texts, for eleven years after the opening of the
meeting house. It was kept by "Aunt Polly Wood," who was a study in
character, ubiquitous and useful, a walking encyclopaedia of facts and dates of
village history, and who, true to her mission, comes back from the dead, so to
speak, to tell us these facts not otherwise obtainable.
VILLAGK CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, MEDWAY, MASS, 63
and afterward of Dr. Ide, had gained their respect and intel-
lectual allegiance. As I was reviewing the initial steps in
this movement with Mr. Milton Sanford, not long before
his death — who, although the youngest of this company of
men, was one of the most deeply interested in the movement
(an interest which he continued to manifest by tangible
tokens to the end of his life) — I asked him why the origi-
nators of the enterprise were so strenuous that the preaching
here should be of the evangelical type. He replied, " Because
that is the only kind that succeeds." "And why does it
succeed.?" I inquired. With a characteristic shrug of the
shoulders and twinkle of the eye he replied, " We will discuss
that at some other time." This testimony of a shrewd busi-
ness man to the conspicuous success of evangelical doctrine,
I think, is worthy of mention and remembrance.
As the feasibility of the project became more and more
apparent, Mr. Sanford was selected to inform Dr. Ide of the
intention of the village people to colonize from his parish and
start a new enterprise. Rev. Alexis Ide, then a boy, tells of
his surprise at seeing young Sanford drive up to his father's
door one day and enter, and his greater surprise at the length
of the interview. When Mr. Sanford left after a two-hours'
conference, Alexis hurried in to inquire the object of the
visit. His father told him that the village people were think-
ing of forming a new church in their part of the town. " Will
they do it.?" he asked. "I think they will," the doctor
replied ; " Milton Sanford is full of it."
With his characteristic wisdom and unselfishness the
good doctor indorsed the movement, although foreseeing
that it would take from him a company of firm and faithful
supporters, whose loss would be keenly felt. On the Sabbath
succeeding the organization of this church it is remembered
that Dr. Ide preached from the text, "Hitherto the Lord
hath helped us," thus encouraging himself and his people in
their conscious loss with the memory of God's goodness in
the past. Dr. Ide was always most cordial in his interest in
this new church and its pastor — an interest that was heart-
64
SEMI-CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE
ily reciprocated. I am told that at every communion season
during his entire pastorate Rev. Mr. Sanford prayed for the
mother church and its revered pastor.
The next event in order was the organization of a church.
On the 7th of September, 1838, a council was convened for
this purpose, consisting of the following representatives of
the neighboring churches : Second Church in Medway, Rev.
Jacob Ide, D.D. ; Deacon Daniel Nourse, delegate. First
Church in Medway, Rev. Sewall Harding, pastor ; Bro. Paul
Daniels, delegate. Church in Franklin, Bro. Caleb Fisher,
delegate. Village Church, Dorchester, Rev. David Sanford,
pastor; Bro. James Burt, delegate. Dr. Ide was chosen
moderator, and the council proceeded to examine the creden-
tials of the persons desiring to be organized into a church.
Thirty-one brought letters of dismission from the Second
Church, West Medway ; two presented certificates of mem-
bership from the Presbyterian church in Tobes Keigh, Ire-
land ; and one, Mrs. Zebial Leonard, presented herself for
admission on profession of faith. The council voted to or-
ganize these thirty-four persons into a Church of Christ.
Their names are as follows :
Orion Mason.
Clark Partridge.
Stephen J. Metcalf.
John Chesmut.
Jane Chesmut.
Charles Wheeler.
Mary W. Wheeler.
Zebial Leonard.
Susan Thompson.
Esther Ruggles.
Tamar W. Mason.
Lydia Fuller.
Hannah Metcalf.
Sarah B. Metcalf.
Mary H. Walker.
Sarah A. Harding.
Adeliza Harding (Clark).
Abigail H. Partridge.
Clarissa W. Fay.
Edena Sanford.
Julitta Allen.
Meletiah White.
Mary H. Fuller.
Sally C. Wilson.
Louis Fisher.
Judith Mason.
Nancy R. Bullard.
Eliza Bullard (Carman).
Sebrina B. Bullard.
Elmira A. Bullard (Cutler).
Persis A. Hixon.
Hannah Partridge.
Louis R. Partridge.
Nancy Wheelock.
VILLAGE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, MEDWAY, MASS. 65
The service of public recognition was in the following
order: Introductory Prayer and Sermon, by Dr. Ide ; Prayer
and Organization of the Church, by Rev. David Sanford ;
Right Hand of Fellowship, by Rev. Sewall Harding, followed
by the administration of the Lord's Supper,
Of these thirty-four persons uniting to form the church,
nine are still living, viz. :
Stephen J. Metcalf. Mrs. Eliza (Bullard) Garman.
Mrs. Tamar W. Mason. Mrs. Elmira (Bullard) Cutler.
Mrs. Sarah B. Metcalf. Charles Wheeler.
Mrs. Adeliza Clark. Mrs. Mary Wheeler.
Mrs. Sabrina B. Bullard.
The five first mentioned are still members, and, with the
exception of Mrs. Mason, participate in the exercises of this
day. We are glad to welcome Mr. Wheeler also, who has
journeyed from New Mexico, N. Y., to enjoy the fiftieth birth-
day of the church he helped to organize.
A meeting house having been built, and the church or-
ganized, the next event in order was the procurement of a
minister. This business, which in our day is attended often-
times with much experimenting and vexatious delay, seems to
have been a very simple matter for this new church. Presi-
dent Hitchcock, of Amherst College, used to say to his
students that he did not think it best for any of them to take
a wife during their course of study, but it would do no harm
for them to " mark a tree " here and there, with reference to
future possibilities. Some such prudent course seems to
have been adopted by the people of Medway, for before the
church was organized, all had agreed in their own minds who
would make them a desirable pastor; and when the meeting
house had been dedicated and a religious society formed, they
voted to call Rev. David Sanford, then pastor of the Vil-
lage Church, Dorchester, to be their minister. Mr. Sanford
was a native of Medway, son of Philo and Lydia (Whiting)
Sanford, and grandson of Rev. David Sanford, predecessor
of Dr. Ide in the pastorate of the Second Church, West Med-
66 SEMI-CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE
way — an office which he administered with signal ability for
thirty-seven years. David Sanford, 2d, was born in Med way,
August 28, 1801. He graduated from Brown University in
1825, and subsequently studied theology with Dr. Ide and in
Andover Seminary,
The people of Medway, knowing the stock from whence
the younger David sprung, and knowing him in his boyhood
and youth (a knowledge which in some cases would not help
the chances of a candidate for the ministry), and having
learned of his success already achieved in pastoral service
elsewhere, spent no time in candidating, for on the very day
on which the church was organized a vote was passed to join
with the parish in extending a call to Mr. Sanford. There
was some hesitation on his part in accepting the invitation,
owing to his delicate health, and he proposed to the committee
that his installation be deferred for a time. The committee
replied, " We wish you to be installed in order to give sta-
bility to this new enterprise, even if your stay is necessarily
interrupted."
The call was accepted, and on the 3d of October,
1838, the installation took place. The council consisted of
the representatives of the following churches : Church in
Wrentham, Rev. Elisha Fisk ; Bro. P. Sanford, delegate.
Church in Milford, Rev. David Long; P. P. Parkhurst, dele-
gate. Church in West Medway, Rev. Jacob Ide ; Bro. A.
Fuller, delegate. Church in East Medway, Rev. Sewall
Harding; Bro. Oliver Philipps, delegate. Church in Sher-
born. Rev. D. J. Smith ; Bro. J. Leland, delegate. Church in
Holliston, Rev. J. Storrs ; Esquire Rockwood, delegate.
Church in Medfield, Deacon S. Turner, delegate. Church in
Upton, Deacon D. Fisk, delegate. Church in North Wren-
tham, Bro. D. Cooke, delegate. First Church in Dorchester,
Deacon S. Robinson, delegate. Church in Franklin, Bro. A.
Hunting, delegate.
The council having indorsed the action of the church
and parish, and approving the candidate, proceeded to install
him. Dr. Codman preached the sermon and Rev. E. Fisk
VILLAGE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, MEDWAY, MASS. 67
offered the installation prayer. The council met at the house
of Luther Metcalf, Esq., which has many ecclesiastical asso-
ciations in addition to its extended and interesting household
history. The salesroom of Major Metcalf's cabinet shop, close
by, served as a dining-hall, where one hundred guests were
provided for. Mrs. Luther Metcalf, then in the prime of life,
presided with courtly grace at this banquet, inaugurating that
day a ministry in behalf of this church, which has been as
various and excellent as it has been willing and tireless. Her
inseparable ally, "Aunt Eliza Fisher," served as chief executive
— happy then, as always since, to serve the church that she
loves, and of which, but for the delay of others, she would
have been an original member — and who today, in her eighty-
seventh year, has brewed coffee for you that I am sure you
will declare was fit for the children of a king.
The cabinet shop of Major Metcalf deserves honorable
mention today for its connection with the work of the Chris-
tian church. I have not been able to ascertain the connection
between this particular shop and the Christian ministry, but
the fact remains that two of its apprentices became ministers,
who have done valuable service in the cause of Christ. One
of these, Cyrus Kingsbury, became a missionary to the Choc-
taw Indians, and at the time of his death was senior member
of that mission. Much as he accomplished in this work, it is
quite likely that his most important service was done when,
as an apprentice, God made use of him as the instrument for
the conversion of a comrade, Joel Hawes. The event that
contributed to this result is thus related :
Young Kingsbury was mowing in the field, and started
up a rabbit. In his eagerness to catch it he came in contact
with his scythe, and cut the main artery in one of his legs.
The loss of blood brought him very near to death. Hawes
watched with him, and seeing his Christian fortitude in the
prospect of death, and hearing his words of counsel to him,
was led to appreciate the value of a hope in Christ and to
secure it.
Another apprentice, Sanford Horton, who is with us
68 SEMI-CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE
today, laid aside the saw and plane and chisel for the imple-
ments of the student, and after graduation from Trinity
College entered the ministry of the Episcopal Church, serving
as rector of St. Andrew's Church in Providence, R. I., Grace
Church in New Bedford, and St. Paul's Church in Windham,
Conn. Since 1862 he has held the office of principal of the
Episcopal Academy in Cheshire, Conn. In token of his
worth his Alma Mater in 1869 conferred upon him the degree
of Doctor of Divinity.
Perhaps they made pulpits in that cabinet shop, which
served as object lessons to the boys. It is said that the first
communion table used in this church, which is still extant,
was a product of this shop.
The dinner in Major Metcalfs cabinet shop being
finished, the council repaired to the new meeting house, where
the installation services took place in the following order :
Introductory Prayer, Rev. D. J. Smith, of Sherborn ; Sermon,
Rev. J, Codman, D.D., of Dorchester ; Installing Prayer, Rev.
Elisha Fisk, of Wrentham ; Charge to the Pastor, Rev. Jacob
Ide, D.D., West Medway; Fellowship of the Churches, Rev.
Sewell Harding, East Medway; Concluding Prayer, Rev.
David Long, of Milford.
This crowning event of the year 1838 completed the equip-
ment of this enterprise for service. The newly-installed
pastor had just observed his thirty-seventh birthday, and
consequently took this young church upon his heart and
hands in the prime of manhood. He came to this field of
labor equipped by the training of the schools, and in addition
by a sort of special course — not in the subtleties of German
philosophy, but in active personal work. During his college
course he had interested himself in Sabbath-school work in
the suburbs of Providence, teaching each Sabbath in mission
schools. He developed so much aptitude for this sort of
service that he was selected, during one vacation in his
seminary course, to act as agent for the Union Sunday-school
Society in forming new Sunday-schools and introducing
VILLAGE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, MEDWAY, MASS, 69
library and question books. With his characteristic energy
he visited fifty-two schools in one vacation.
But a more desirable equipment was the experience he
obtained in revival work during his seminary course. At one
period it was his custom to walk out to Lowell, ten miles,
Saturday afternoon, in company with a fellow student, Wm.
G. Schauffler (afterwards missionary of the American Board
to Turkey), to hold meetings Saturday evening, which were
followed the next day by preaching in a hall by one of the
professors of the seminary. These meetings were attended
with marked results, and were continued for two or three
years. Mr. Sanford was accustomed to visit the operatives
in their boarding houses for personal conversation, some-
times spending his vacation in this work. The converts dur-
ing this period were reckoned by hundreds, and a new church
was formed in consequence.
He subsequently labored in revival work in Bozrah,
Conn., and adjacent churches, and as a result seventy joined
the church at one communion, of whom several became
ministers of the gospel. What an equipment such a service
provided, for him who was to make the gospel ministry his
life work ! The title that was given him in connection with
these services — viz., " the universal missionary" — does not
seem inappropriate.
In 1828 Mr. Sanford was called to the pastorate of a
newly-formed church in New Market, N. H., from which place,
two years later, he was invited to the Village Church in
Dorchester. Here he spent eight successful years, when he
resigned to accept the call to Medway.
With a previous experience so varied and complete we
are not surprised that, from the first, his labors among this
people were so signally successful. During the first year a
very extensive work of grace was enjoyed, embracing persons
of all ages and social conditions, resulting in an addition of
69 persons to the church, carrying up the percentage of
Christians to the whole population from 5 percent in 1831
70 SEMI-CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE
to about 25 per cent in 1839. In 1842 a revival season added
30 to the church ; in 1845, 22 ; in 1857, 20 ; in 1858, 22.
In 1868 a religious movement began in this conference,
which was largely promoted by a series of Christian conven-
tions held in the different churches, and conducted by repre-
sentatives of the Y. M. C. A. of Boston. Henry F. Durant,
an able lawyer of Boston, founder of Wellesley College, was
a most efficient ally in this work. In that year the con-
versions in this community were estimated at 70; 49 persons
united with this church, among whom were some of our
prominent business men, who added strength and vigor to
our Zion. Of these we mention Edward Eaton, George W.
Ray, Orion A. Mason, and Wm. R, Parsons, all of whom
have finished their service and gone to their reward.
October 5, 1863, the twenty-fifth anniversary of the
installation of Mr. Sanford, was observed by public exercises
in the afternoon and evening, in which the pastors of the
neighboring churches participated. The members of the
church and parish presented the pastor something over ^200
as a token of their affectionate regard. On the 7th of March,
1 871, as the infirmities of old age were becoming more
oppressive, Mr. Sanford requested that he might be relieved
from any further pastoral service. The church by vote
granted this request, but expressed the desire that he should
hold the relation of pastor emeritus, and the parish pledged
him an annuity of ^500 through life.
On the iSth of October, 1871, a unanimous call to this
pastorate was extended to Rev. Rufus K. Harlow, a native of
Middleboro, Mass., a graduate from Amherst College in 1865,
and from Bangor Theological Seminary in 1868, who was at
the time supplying the Congregational church in Belfast,
Me. The call was accepted, and on February 13, 1872, Mr.
Harlow was installed. Thus the second pastorate was grafted
into the first, rather than coupled on to it.
After Mr. Sanford's release from active service he lived
quietly among the people whom he loved, occasionally preach-
ing for neighboring ministers in need of assistance, and now
VILLAGE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, MEDWAY, MASS. 7 1
and then aiding his colleague at the communion service,
until increasing feebleness confined him more and more to
his home. In December, 1875, a more serious illness
attacked him, and after a few days of suffering, which h<;
bore with Christian patience, the release of death came, ard
at early daybreak on the 17th
" He passed through glory's morning gate,
And walked in Paradise."
I do not need to characterize him for those of you who
knew him. The testimony respecting him is unanimous.
His promptness, activity, and zeal in the Master's service
were conspicuous even to the casual observer. But by the
touch of his heart on men's hearts is he most lovingly remem-
bered. His ready sympathy and generous aid to those in
trouble, his tender forbearance with the erring and unreliable,
his courtesy and kindness toward all — the result of a Christ-
like love for all — these were traits of his, the remembrance
of which, is as inseparable from his name, as warmth is from
sunshine. My own relation to him was of the most harmon-
ious nature. The model pastor gracefully became the model
parishioner, and while he lived I always found in him a
prudent adviser and a sympathetic friend.
There was an unavoidable delay between the acceptance
of the call by Mr. Harlow and his installation, but on the date
before mentioned, February 13, 1872, an installing council
convened, representing the following churches : Church of
Christ in Medway, Rev. E. O. Jameson, pastor ; Deacon Wil-
liam Daniels, delegate. Second Church in Medway, Rev.
Stephen Knowlton, pastor ; Bro. E. B. Fuller, delegate.
Church in Medfield, Rev. J. M. R. Eaton, pastor; George
Davis, delegate. Church in Franklin, Rev. Luther Keene,
pastor; Deacon E. E. Baker, delegate. Church in Milford,
Charles D. Herbert, D.D., delegate. Church in Walpole,
Rev. Horace R. Trinlow, pastor. Church in Norfolk, Rev.
Jesse K. Bragg, pastor; Deacon William Mann, delegate.
Church in South Franklin, Bro. N. N. Daniels, delegate.
72 SEMI-CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE
Church in Holliston, Rev. H. S. Kelsey, pastor ; Deacon
Timothy Daniels, delegate. Church in Hopkinton, Deacon
J. A. Fitch, delegate. Church in Wareham, Rev. Isaiah C.
Thacher, pastor. Central Church in Middleboro, Deacon
Ivory H. Harlow, delegate. Central Square Church in
Bridgewater, Rev. Horace Walker, pastor; Bro. A. G.
Boyden, delegate. First Church in Chelsea, Deacon C. A.
Richardson, delegate. Berkeley Street Church, Boston, Rev.
W. B. Wright, pastor ; Franklin Snow, delegate.
Rev. William C. Carruthers, of Calais, Maine, was by
vote admitted as a member of the council. The council ap-
proving the action of the church and parish, and after exami-
nation indorsing the candidate, the installation services took
place in the following order : Invocation and Reading of the
Scriptures, Rev. William C. Carruthers ; Introductory Prayer,
Rev. H. R. Trinlow ; Sermon, Rev. William B. Wright ; In-
stalling Prayer, Rev. David Sanford ; Charge to Pastor, Rev.
Isaiah C, Thacher ; Right Hand of Fellowship, Rev. Ephraim
O. Jameson ; Address to the People, Rev. Horace D. Walker ;
Concluding Prayer, Rev. Stephen Knowlton ; Benediction by
the pastor.
I shall not be expected to speak at length on the history
of our church during the present pastorate. Some items
testifying to our prosperity, both in material and spiritual
interests, may be mentioned as causes for devout gratitude.
The clerk of the parish has spoken of the improvements
made upon our house of worship, and its surrounding grounds,
and the better financial basis on which the parish has been
placed during this period. We are humbly grateful to our
Heavenly Father that a good measure of spiritual prosperity
has also been granted to us. From time to time seasons of
special religious interest have been enjoyed, resulting in help-
ful additions to our membership.
In 1875 quite a general interest was manifested, and as
a result twenty were added to the church on profession. Of
these all but two were past thirty years of age ; one was
eighty ; most were heads of families. In the winter of 1881-
VILLAGE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, MEDWAY, MASS. 73
82 a second interest occurred, which was confined to the
young people. Eleven were added to the church, as a result,
on profession. The most general interest was enjoyed in
1887, when, in common with most of the churches in our con-
ference, in connection with the labors of Evangelist S. M.
Sayford, the church was revived and many of the congrega-
tion turned to the Lord. At the May communion thirty-one
were received on confession of faith, the largest number that
has joined the church at one time during its history. The
aggregate for the year was forty-eight, all but three uniting
on confession of faith.
In closing our notice of the not yet finished history of
the present pastorate, suffice it to say that we enter upon our
next half-century harmonious in spirit, and better organized
and equipped for future efficient service than ever before.
It is fitting that mention should here be made of those
officers of the church who stand only second in importance
to the pastor — viz., the deacons.
On the 4th of September, 1840, Samuel Allen, George
W. Hunt, and Milton M. Fisher were inducted into office
with appropriate services. Samuel Allen has the distinction
of being the first male child born in Franklin after its incor-
poration into a town, and furnished in his character a worthy
specimen by which to sample succeeding citizens. He was
born of a goodly ancestry and received the training of a Chris-
tian home — a training which his life honored. His mother
was of Scottish lineage, which included some who held titles.
She used sometimes to interest her boys by telling them the
story of one of these, a young lord, who deserted his home and
came to America. On one occasion, after the boy Samuel had
listened to the fascinating story, he went to his father and
asked if there were no lords or dukes among his ancestors.
The father, putting his hand on the boy's head, said : " No,
my son. 'Not many wise men after the flesh, not many
mighty, not many noble, are called.' You come of a godly
ancestry. See that you do nothing to disgrace it."
Mr. Allen was a sort of universal genius. Apprenticed
74 SEMI-CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE
to the carpenter's trade, he studied architecture evenings
while his fellow apprentices were playing cards, and made
himself master of the art. He draughted and put up a run of
circular stairs in the house of Dr. Dean, which were the ad-
miration and marvel of the region. He also made musical
instruments, and his violins and bass viols gained quite a repu-
tation in this locality. He was a singer as well as a player on
instruments, and Dr. Ide mentions the fact, in his fiftieth an-
niversary sermon, that Mr. Allen led the singing at his ordi-
nation in 1 8 14. Later in life he had charge of the carding
department of the Cotton Manufacturing Company in Medway.
He was a great reader, a man of genial disposition, and uni-
versally respected. For a long time he shrank from making
a public profession of religion, because he was not satisfied
that he had ever experienced that mental and moral convul-
sion that was thought by some to be indispensable to the com-
mencement of the Christian life.
In the revival of 1839 he received a spiritual impulse
that led him to take his stand with God's people, by a public
profession of his faith. He honored his profession as a Chris-
tian and his office as a deacon. So loyal was he to this
church that after his removal from the town it was his custom
for some years to return and spend communion Sabbaths
here. He died in the faith of the gospel at the advanced age
of eighty-eight, in Newport, R. I., where he was at the time
residing with his daughter, Mrs. Darius D. Buffum.
George W. Hunt was born in Medway, March 14, 1808.
He resided in this village before the church was organized,
and was active in the Sabbath-school as teacher and superin-
tendent. He subsequently removed to the west village, but
returned in 1840. He remained in Medway only five years
after his election as deacon, and went from here to Fitchburg,
where he joined the First Congregational Church. He was
very zealous in the anti-slavery movement, and so much in-
terested in making Kansas a free State that he joined the
original party that went to Kansas in 1854, under the direc-
tion of the New England Emigrant Aid Society. This com
/^L^ /Ir. /L^C'^ij:i/L^diU^i>t^
VILLAGE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, MED WAY, MASS. 75
pany were the original settlers of Lawrence, and gave to this
now prosperous city its name, in honor of the late Amos
Lawrence, of Boston. Deacon • Hunt was very active in
founding this liberty-loving State. He voted for its free-state
constitution, and for Dr. Charles Robinson as its Governor.
He lived to see not only Kansas, but the country, redeemed
from the curse of slavery. He died in Lawrence, Kansas,
March 24, 1870. Some years ago this church, in remem-
brance of his services, furnished a dormitory room in Wash-
burn College, Topeka, Kansas, which has since been called
" the Hunt room."
Milton M. Fisher has just completed his forty-eighth
year of service as deacon. A native of Franklin, he removed
to this village in 1840, a young man of thirty, equipped by
home nurture, by educational advantages, and some business
experience, for the responsible and influential position he has
held among us. How he has given the initial impulse, and
subsequent direction to various projects for our business ad-
vancement and prosperity ; how loyal he has ever been to our
educational and social interests ; how faithfully he has served
this parish as moderator of its meetings, member of its busi-
ness committee, and general counselor — this church as deacon,
Sunday-school superintendent, standing committee, pastor's
assistant and substitute in church services and conference
meetings, and as a most liberal supporter and prudent ad-
viser ; how he has purchased and laid out a beautiful burial-place
for the bodies of those whom we miss from our homes because
God hath taken them ; how he has given the same to this
society by offer today ; how he has always been the adviser
first sought for by those in any sort of trouble ; and how com-
pletely he has been absorbed in making this celebration a
success, — will it not be written in the chronicles of the
princes and mighty men of Medway Village ?
John W. Richardson was chosen deacon November i,
1867, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Deacon
Allen. With a native modesty which is one of the evidences
of merit, he declined the office, but subsequently was induced
76 SEMI-CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE
to waive his own preferences in deference to the judgment
and wishes of others, and since 1868 has performed the duties
of this office with increasing faithfulness. Having put on
the yoke of discipleship in his youth, he has rendered service
to the church in various offices, as Sunday-school teacher and
superintendent, and member of the standing committee, for
many years. The church is fortunate in possessing a junior
deacon so worthy and efficient. Long may he be spared to
us !
Two of our members are doing missionary service under
the patronage of the American Board of Foreign Missions,
viz, : Mrs. Mary Winsor, daughter of the first pastor, who
married Rev. Richard Winsor, September 7, 1870, the day of
his ordination in this church to the Christian ministry, he
being at the time under appointment for service in India.
Mr. and Mrs. Winsor have been doing very effective work in
Sirur, Poona district, India, for eighteen years past. In
addition to the ordinary mission work, Mr. Winsor, seeing
the necessity of furnishing the students in mission schools
with a trade, by which 'they might support themselves in the
future, established an industrial school, which, under his
energetic and wise administration, has demonstrated its value.
The British government shows its appreciation of this enter-
prise by providing a building and paying one half the expense
for land and machinery. Lord Reay, Governor of Bombay,
and the Duke of Connaught, commander-in-chief of the Bom-
bay army, have written very commendatory letters, after per-
sonal inspection of the school. In 1883 Mr. and Mrs.
Winsor, with their family, visited this country. Mr. Winsor
spent much of his time, during the visit, in interesting
churches and individuals in his work, and securing funds for
its enlargement. They returned to their field of labor early
in November, 1884, leaving their eldest child, a daughter, in
this country to be educated.
One of our boys, George C. Garland, who was born in
Medway and spent his youth here, and who at the age of
eighteen united with our church, having aerved as first officer
VILLAGE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, MEDWAY, MASS. 77
of the missionary packet " Morning Star," under Captain
Bray, has succeeded to the command, for which he was emi-
nently qualified. His answer, when called upon for a speech
at a religious service held on board the last " Morning Star,"
just before she left Boston, is characteristic of the man : "I
am no speech-maker, but if you want anything done, I am
ready." Letters are occasionally received from Captain Gar-
land by his friends here, which show a deep and growing
interest in his work. Our church is, through these represent-
atives, intimately associated with missionary enterprises on
both hemispheres.
While none of our young men have entered the Christian
ministry, our church has been well represented in the pastoral
service through her daughters, who have from time to time
been invited into ministerial copartnership. In fact, our
church and parish seem to have been the favorite hunting-
ground for ministers and lawyers, doctors and school-teachers,
manufacturers and merchants, seeking partners. One who
ought to know has informed me that within the past thirty-
four years, forty-five of our daughters have thus been appro-
priated. This is no surprise to me, since I have been
impressed, ever since my coming here, with the eminent
capabilities of the Medway ladies already in the field, and
those who are coming on, for almost any position and service
to which Providence may summon them, even though by a
token not bigger than a man's hand. Lest there may seem
to be an inconsistency between my convictions and conduct,
let me remind you that it is the shopkeeper's business to
recommend, tie up, and deliver the goods — not to appropri-
ate them.
Several sons of our church are doing good service for
the world in positions that demand peculiar gifts and attain-
ments. Among them I mention Gilbert O. Fay, Ph.D., who
has devoted his life to the well-being of one class of unfortu-
nates, serving as instructor and preacher in an institution for
deaf mutes in Columbus, Ohio, where he spent eighteen years,
during fourteen of which he held the office of superintendent.
78 SEMI-CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE
In 1880 he was elected professor in the American Asylum at
Hartford, Conn., a position which he still occupies. Although
educated for the ministry and licensed to preach, he was
never ordained. Yet it is safe to say that he has been a true
minister to humanity in the name of Christ, and as a preacher
(in his way) has few equals.
Another of our sons, Dr. Theodore W. Fisher, has iden-
tified his name and service with another class of unfortunates
— the insane. Making mental diseases a specialty for many
years, in which he is recognized as an expert, he was ap-
pointed superintendent of the Boston Lunatic Hospital in
1880 — an office which he has since held to the advantage of
the institution and the credit of himself.
Henry B. Richardson, who united with our church in
1858, graduated with the highest honors at Amherst College
in 1869. He was instructor in Latin from 1869 to 1873, and
classical teacher in the High School in Springfield, Mass.,
from 1873 to 1876. He then spent two years in study at the
University of Leipsic, Germany. Returning to Amherst, he
served as instructor in Latin for a year, when he was ap-
pointed professor of German, which position he still efficiently
holds.
While special mention is made of those who have filled
the more prominent places in the service of Christ and
humanity, we are not unmindful of the fact that there are
many also who, although less conspicuous in their service, by
their steady work and prevalent prayers have accomplished
results the measure of which the Master only can declare.
Not all the stones in a building are face-stones, or carry deco-
rations ; but the unseen binders and backers, that hold the
wall together and give it solidity, do a service without which
the building could have no permanence.
From the first this church has been in cordial sympathy
with all the organizations inaugurated by our denomination
for the promotion of Christ's kingdom in our own and foreign
lands. Under the leadership of a pastor who was proverbially
benevolent and intensely interested in every project of Chris-
VILLAGE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, MEDWAY, MASS. 79
tian philanthropy, ours could not be otherwise than an active
and generous church. The same is true of its attitude to-
ward the great political and social reforms which have
agitated our country during the period embraced in our
church life. It was among the foremost in its advocacy of
the abolition of slavery ; its officers were pronounced anti-
slavery men at a time when that doctrine was exceedingly
unpopular, even in Massachusetts. One of the deacons ' was
a pioneer in the anti-slavery movement, and as early as 1833,
when a freshman in Amherst College, startled the professor
of rhetoric by an original oration upon the theme of " Human
Freedom," and was criticised for his bold utterances — a cen-
sure which only confirmed him in opinions that he believed
were right, although their utterance was unpopular on the
platform of a Christian college. He has lived to win and to
enjoy the satisfaction of such a triumph.
With such officers it is no marvel to find in the church
records, as early as 1842, the approval by unanimous vote of a
memorial to the American Board of Commissioners for For-
eign Missions, declaring against the impiety of slaveholding,
to be sent in connection with neighboring churches, and the
adoption of resolutions which practically disfellowshiped all
churches in sympathy with slaveholding. Nor does it sur-
prise us to be told that during the War of the Rebellion this
church and people were in hearty sympathy with the govern-
ment, and that the utterances of this platform left no one in
doubt of the attitude of this pastor and people upon the issue
of the hour.
One member of the church deserves special notice in this
connection — the Rev. Caleb Kimball, who lost his eyesight
when a student in Andover Seminary, and in consequence
became a writer of helpful books on Christian nurture,
instead of a preacher. The latter part of his life was
spent here, and he frequently assisted the pastor in the ser-
vices of the sanctuary, and was very helpful in the social
meetings. He was deeply interested in the events that pre-
' M. M. Fisher.
8o SEMI-CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE
ceded and attended the War of the Rebellion, and was so
much affected by the fall of Fort Sumter that he could
scarcely eat or sleep for the succeeding week. In the
trying times that followed, he was accustomed to utter his
soul in public prayer in sentences that for their definiteness,
vigor, and directness will never be forgotten by those who
heard them. This was one of his petitions, framed in Script-
ural language and applied to Jefferson Davis : " O Lord, put
a hook in his nose and turn him back." No doubt this loyal
old Puritan counted it a striking illustration of how much
larger God's answers frequently are, than the measure of our
prayers, when he heard that the arch traitor had been cap-
tured, not with a hook in his nose, but with the steel hoops
of a woman about his heels.
Another incident which shows the feeling of the church
and congregation at that time is remembered by many who
hear me. On the Sabbath following the assassination of
President Lincoln Mr. Sanford was on exchange with a minis-
ter from a neighboring town, who was reared at the South
and was suspected of not being over-enthusiastic at the suc-
cess of the Union forces. By no word in prayer or address
at the morning service was there the least intimation that a
great calamity had fallen upon the nation. During the inter-
mission an indignation meeting was held, and a committee
appointed to wait on the visiting clergyman and inform him
that his services could be dispensed with in the afternoon.
Instead of the regular service, an impromptu meeting was
held, at which prominent members of the church and parish
addressed the sympathetic audience and Father Kimball
offered prayer. It is fair to conclude that what was lacking
in the morning, of eulogy to the martyr President and loyalty
to the stars and stripes, was more than made up at this
extemporized service. It is due to the preacher to say that
he assured the committee that it was his intention to make
allusion to the death of the President at the afternoon service.
The Medway people, being quicker in their sensibilities and
earlier in their loyalty, had deemed the event of too much
VILLAGE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, MEDWAY, MASS. 8 1
importance to have all notice of it postponed till after dinner ;
hence the misunderstanding that relieved the preacher of one
service that Sabbath.'
It is perfectly natural that a church so much interested
in the liberation of the slaves should, when that result had
been reached, be heartily in sympathy with the work of the
American Missionary Association in the South. I find
in the records, under date of October 5, 1866, a vote to raise
^150 for this society, for the specific purpose of supporting
a teacher among the freedmen. Subsequently Miss Mary
M, Fitch, of Holliston, was selected as our representative,
and for several years a like amount was raised for this pur-
' The following persons, whose names appear on the church rolls, did
service in the War of the Rebellion :
Dr. Theodore W. Fisher was first commissioned, in 1862, Assistant Sur-
geon, and later. Surgeon of the 44th Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers, and
served nine months.
Dr. Alexander LeB. Monroe, in the summer of 1862, there being a scar-
city of army surgeons, offered his services and for a time filled the position of
Acting Assistant Surgeon in the general hospital at White House, Virginia.
James M. Grant enlisted in 1861 for three years, and was mustered into
Company E, 2d Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers, and at the expiration of
his full term of service was honorably discharged.
William R. Parsons enlisted for three years in 1861, and was mustered
into Company E, 2d Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers. He was discharged
for disability in 1862.
Benjamin C. Tinkham enlisted in 1S62 for nine months, was mustered
into Company B, 42d Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers, and was pro-
moted to be a first lieutenant. After his term expired he reenlisted, and was
mustered in as captain, in the same company and regiment.
Samuel B. Cary enlisted and was mustered into service in July, 1S64, for
100 days, in Company B, 42d Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers, and was
mustered out in November, 1864.
Richard B. McElroy enlisted in 1864 for one year, and served in Company
B, 4th Massachusetts Heavy Artillery. Aften ten months he was mustered out,
the war having closed.
Albert Vallet enlisted in 1864 and was mustered into the same company
and regiment, but after eight months was discharged for disability.
Lucius H. Taylor enlisted in July, 1863, and was mustered into Company
E, 4th Regiment Vermont Volunteers. He served twenty-five months, and was
discharged, the war having closed.
Harlan P. Sanford and John W. Cole were for a time employed in the
work of the Christian Commission.
82 SEMI-CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF TH^
pose. Our largest contributions have with a single exception,
so far as I know, been to the American Missionary Associa-
tion. The exception was the present year, when the needs
of the Home Missionary Society prompted a special collec-
tion, which, with the regular grant from our weekly offering
fund, makes our donation to that society for the half year
$225.
In respect to the temperance reform, this church declared
its position as early as 1841, by unanimously adopting the
following resolution :
Resolved, That no person be admitted to this church
who uses distilled spirit at all as a beverage.
There has never been any retreat from this position.
While we have never been organized into a system so
complete that every member belongs to some organization, he
might be at a loss to tell what, at first thought, we have
formed and maintained those organizations which we have
found to be useful in prosecuting our work. Among these
we mention, first, that which bears the most vital and impor-
tant relation to the growth and prosperity of the church —
the Sunday-school. I have already noticed what may be
called the Sunday-school period of this enterprise. Upon
the organization of the church this Sunday-school, which had
been in a sense motherless, was adopted, and found hence-
forth a home and mother, by whose fostering care it has sur-
vived all changes, and today, vigorous and strong, honors the
fiftieth birthday of its foster mother. Its present enrollment
is 193 pupils and 17 teachers and officers — a total of 210.
Among its superintendents and teachers occur the names of
many who, after serving their own and the rising generation,
fell asleep and inherited the rewards of the faithful. The
present superintendent is Francis W. Cummings, who has
nearly completed three years of punctual and willing service.
VILLAGE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, MEDWAV, MASS.
83
MEMBERSHIP OF THE VILLAGE CHURCH SUNDAY-
SCHOOL IN iJ
OFFICERS.
Francis W. Cummings, Superintendent.
Sumner H. Clark, Assistant Superintendent.
George H. Dame, ^
Palmer Woodward, | ^^■'^^^''^■^'^■^•
William S. Richardson, Secretary and Treasurer.
TEACHERS AND CLASSES.
Adult Bible Class, No. i.
Miss Eliza Fisher, age 86.
Miss Lizzie Farnum.
Miss Lizzie Treen.
Miss Lottie Whitney.
Mrs. Adelaide E. Thompson.
Mrs. Elizabeth L, Young.
Mrs. Jerusha W. Whitney.
Mrs. Joseph W. Thompson.
Mrs. Mary B. Dunton.
Mrs. Roxa B. Hammond.
Mrs. Almira Wiggin.
Mrs. Havillah Clark.
Mrs. Ellen E. Richardson.
Mrs. William A. Jenckes.
Thirty-four members.
Dea. Milton M. Fisher, Teacher.
Mrs. Ezra Macker.
Mrs. Susan J. Bullard.
Mrs. Monroe Morse.
Mrs. Eliza B. Lincoln.
Mrs. Horatio Kingsbury.
Deacon and Mrs. Peter Adams.
Mr. and Mrs. E. F. Richardson.
Mr. and Mrs. George Kingsbury,
Mr. and Mrs. W. D. Gilpatrick.
Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Hodgson.
Mr. and Mrs. Lucius H. Taylor.
Mr. James T. Adams.
Mr. Daniel Rockwood.
Mr. Edmund L Sanford.
Junior Bible Class, No. 2,
Mr. Sumner H. Clark.
Mrs. Harriet A. Clark.
Mr. Addison Ramsdell.
Mrs. Emily P. Ramsdell.
Mr. Alvin E. Clough.
Mrs. Abbie E. Clough.
Mr. Wilbur W. Clough.
Rev. Rufus K. Harlow, Teacher.
Mr. Thomas F. Mahr.
Mr. William A. Hopkins.
Mr. Frank W. Plummer.
Mr. James C. McElroy.
Mr. James McDonald.
Mr. Martin H. Bowman.
Miss Sarah E. Haskell.
84
SEMI-CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE
Mrs. Cora E. Clough.
Mr. Robert L. Andrews.
Mrs. Georgia A. Andrews.
Mrs. Sarah M. Sanderson.
Mrs. Burnette Paige.
Mrs. Emma J. Grant.
Mrs. Mary A. Holbrook.
Twenty-seven members.
Young Men's Class, No. 3, Dea. John W. Richardson,
Teacher.
Miss Mary E. Bell.
Miss Gertrude Crooks.
Miss Lilla Crooks.
Miss Florence A. Bullard.
Miss Eunice Guptil.
Miss Climena Philbrick.
Herbert W. Jones.
Charles R. Adams.
William C. Axford.
Frederick H. Miller.
William R. Ferry.
Edwin L. Dame.
Everett S. Crosman.
George E. Wilson.
George H. Freeman.
Louis E. Thompson,
Frank A. Abbott.
Harry W. Parker.
Twelve members.
Young Ladies' Class, No. 4,
Miss Jennie F. Parsons.
Miss Lena B. Hixon.
Miss Grace A. Jenckes.
Miss Ida R. Cummings.
Miss Pearl H. McElroy.
Miss Myrtie G. Fiske.
Mrs. Alfred Daniels, Teacher.
Miss Mary E. Taylor.
Miss Grace W. Edmands.
Miss Blanche L. Crimmings.
Miss Alberta Grover.
Miss Margaret Higgins.
Eleven members.
Young Ladies' Class, No. 5,
Miss Juliette L. Grant.
Miss Mary S. Mason.
Miss Katherine C. Cary.
Miss Amy S. Grant.
Eight
Young Ladies' Class, No. 6,
Miss Edna F. Grant.
Miss Bessie A. Hodgson.
Miss Tag IE P. Hawkes, Teacher.
Miss Bertha F. Wilder.
Miss Emily McBride.
Miss Hattie M. Brackett.
Miss M. Agnes Sanderson.
members.
Miss Ellen H. Bullard, Teacher.
Miss Alenia M. Carmichael.
Miss Nellie F. Hopkins.
VILLAGE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, MEDWAY, MASS. 85
Miss Emily M. Adams. Miss Alice L. Crosman.
Miss Mary L. Plummer. Miss May E. Alden.
Miss Carrie Butters.
Nine members.
Misses' Class, No. 7, Mrs. S. E. Spencer, Teacher.
Miss Minnie A. Morse. Miss Nellie J. Hodges.
Miss Hattie C. Norton. Miss Florence C. Hodges.
Miss Edna M. Norton. Miss Gertie Pearson.
Miss Bessie M. Carmichael. Miss Bertha E. Miller.
Miss Laura M. Ballou. Miss Bertha C. Parker.
Miss Leila E. Almy. Miss Marion R. Force.
Miss Lilla Grant. Miss Edith M. Bigelow.
Miss Mary F. Grant.
Fifteen members.
Misses' Class, No. 8, Mrs, Maria C. Newell, Teacher.
Miss Bertha E. Hodgson. Miss Susie Butters.
Miss Grace C. McElroy. Miss Lottie C. Simmons.
Miss Helen E. Richardson. Miss Helen S. Grant.
Miss Mary Kingsbury.
Seven members.
Youths' Class, No. 9, Mrs. Ida Karnan, Teacher.
David P. Wilder. Frank W. Hopkins.
Alec Gary. Ralph W. Crosman.
Eugene C. L. Morse. Louis Dunton.
Sjx members.
Youths' Class, No. id, Mrs. J. P. Plummer, Teacher.
Allen Dean Reynolds. George Thomas Adams.
George Edgar Carmichael. Walter Francis Hodges.
Robert Dwight Wilson. John Gardner Sanderson.
Perley Aldrich Crooks. Frederick Orrin Joslynn.
Eight members.
86
SEMI-CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE
Boys' Class, No. ii,
Clyde Hunt.
Walter R. Adams.
Alvin Noss.
Lewis W. Norton.
Roger S. Hodges.
Miss Lillian W. Bridges, Imchei .
Robert J. Hodgson.
Charles Grant.
George Grant.
Warren D. Bigelow.
Albert M. Richardson.
Ten members.
Primary Class,
Bertha C. Newell.
Bertha S. Holbrook.
Florence A. Cary.
Ida M. Coleman.
Carrie Hodges.
Alice Miller.
Maud G. Barton.
Lucy C. Snow.
Ida B. Norton.
Louisa E. Thompson.
Rhetta Noss.
Bessie B. Hodges,
Hattie L. Fisher.
G. Ethel Karnan.
Alice Dunton.
Flossy Frink.
Martha Butters.
Josie Butters.
Lottie Butters.
Katie Butters.
Bertha Green.
Sadie E. Norton.
Ruth B. Richardson.
No. 12, Miss Mary E. Fisher, Tcachet.
Ada Jocoy.
Pearl Sutherland.
Marion Moore.
Jeanette Pollard.
George W. Richardson.
George Holmes.
Warren E. Thompson.
J. Bertram Norton.
Willard M. Barton.
Clement A. Holbrook.
Ralph Ashworth.
Percy Green.
Fred Andrews.
Leroy M. Karnan.
Harry J. Adams.
Harry Dunton.
James S. Hodgson.
Ray Hodges.
John Taylor.
George F. Wiggin.
Leslie Wiggin.
Fred Gilpatrick.
Carl R. Hodges.
Forty-six members.
Officials
Teachers
Scholars
Total
S
12
210
VILLAGE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, MEDWAY, MASS. 87
The Ladies' Benevolent Society was organized in 1849,
with fifty-two members, for the purpose of aiding in benevo-
lent works and promoting the social and religious interests of
the community. It has frequently contributed to furnish and
repair the church, to supply the Sunday-school library, and
to give aid to the sick and destitute in the neighborhood. In
early times its work abroad comprised the Five Points Mis-
sion in New York City and the Kansas sufferers, and much
time was devoted to work for the soldiers during the War of
the Rebellion. Its annual charity is the " home missionary
barrel," the interest in which increases every year. The
aggregate value of these barrels for the past sixteen years is,
in round numbers, ^3,000.
A young misses' benevolent society, called the " Merry
Workers," was organized in April, 1883, with eight members
from ten to thirteen years of age, under the lead of Miss
Louise H. Haskell, now Mrs. G. B. Towle. They have aided
the Ladies' Society in some of their enterprises, and have
sent a barrel of clothing valued at $60 and ^40 in money to
the Rev, Edwin Adams, at Chicago, to aid in his work among
the Bohemians. Their present membership is sixteen, with
Miss Tacie Hawkes as President, who succeeded Miss Has-
kell in 1884.
Four years ago this autumn the pastor formed a class
among the young people, which met weekly for ten months
in the year for instruction in religious truth and duty. The
first fruits of the revival of last year were from this class.
Many others among the youth of the congregation having
cherished a Christian hope, it was thought advisable to merge
this class into a Young People's Society of Christian En-
deavor, and in April, 1887, such a society was formed. It
numbers at present thirty-nine active and eleven associate
members. Its meetings are well attended, and the growing
facility of some of its members in Christian service is grate-
fully recognized by the pastor.
There are certain miscellaneous facts and statistics that
may be appropriately mentioned here. The oldest member
88 SEMI-CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE
of our church is Mrs. Sally (Daniels) Ware, who passed her
ninety-ninth birthday June i, 1888. A native of Franklin,
in her girlhood she became a Christian under the ministry of
Dr. Emmons, and united with his church seventy-nine years
ago. She removed her relation to us in 1862. In the un-
questioning contentment of a little child, she is waiting for
the summons home.
Mr. David Daniels is the oldest male member. He cele-
brated his eighty-ninth birthday August 4, 1888. He came
to this church from the church in East Medway in 1845. -^s
a singer and player on stringed instruments he in former
times held a prominent position in the singers' seats here
and at East Medway. The infirmities of old age restrict the
range of his once busy life, and remind him that the end is
near.
The youngest member is George Carmichael, who joined
the church last July, two months previous to his thirteenth
birthday.
The aggregate membership for fifty years is 630. Of
these 441 joined during the first pastorate, 189 during the
second — no by profession.
I have been unable to find any record of the benevolent
contributions during the first pastorata The total of these
during the second pastorate to date is ^10,032.96. The years
of largest beneficence are 1874, when the amount given was
1^928.75, and 1887, with its total of ^919.16.
Our church has been the recipient, as well as the giver of
gifts. While it cannot be said to have been born with a
silver spoon in its mouth, it very early received as a gift, a
silver spoon from Mrs. McLeod, a parishioner of Mr, Sanford
in Dorchester. The gift was intended for the use of the
pastor in removing any accidental impurity from the sacra-
mental wine. On Christmas, 1868, Mrs. Edena Sanford,
sister-in-law of Rev. David and mother of Milton Sanford,
presented the church with a choice and expensive communion
service, which has been kept with such sacred care by " Aunt
VILLAGE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, MEDWAY, MASS. 89
Eliza Fisher " that it is as fresh as when it left the hands of
the polisher in the shop of the silversmith.
By the sale of real estate bequeathed to this church by
will of John Chestnut, on the decease of his widow Jane, a
fund of $400 has been secured, called the " Chestnut fund,"
the income from which is annually expended for the aid of
indigent members, and for the supply of the communion
table. John and Jane Chestnut were the two original mem-
bers, who removed their relation from the church in Ireland.
There are these noteworthy facts in addition, to which
we call attention. This church has had but two pastors and
four deacons during its half-century's existence. It has never
been without a pastor for a day, since the installation of its
first pastor, October 3, 1838. There has never been a year
without additions to its membership. It has never had a
quarrel over doctrine, discipline, or practice.
Dear brothers and sisters of the Village Church, and you
who have been such, and are today our welcome guests, and
you whose interest in this branch of the one church of our
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, has brought you to join in
our festivities, I have tried to tell you some of the events that
signalize our history. How incomplete is the record ! But
could I tell all that men have seen and known, how small a
part of the full record it would give ! To gain completeness
we must know what God has written. The real history of a
church reminds one of those ancient manuscripts called pal-
imp-sests, on which one writer penned his sentences over
those of another whose writing was illegible. Underneath
mans story of the church's life is God's story, as yet invisi-
ble. But in the light of eternity God's story will blaze forth
and explain, and illuminate, and glorify mans story, and bring
honor to His name, who hath given such power of achieve-
ment unto men. In that day we shall know all that the Vil-
lage Church has done for the help of men and the glory of
God.
As the pastor of this church, I am profoundly thankful
90 SEMI-CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE
that this semi-centennial observance was decided upon ; for as
I have seen the heartiness and enthusiasm with which this
entire people have undertaken this work, it has demonstrated
in a most conspicuous manner how dear to these hearts is this
household of faith, and how greatly its prosperity interests
all. And then, as I have read the responses sent to our
invitations from places that are near, as well as distant, I have
been impressed with the value of this celebration, in the
wakening in so many hearts of memories so precious. As I
have considered the love expressed for this sanctuary, where
souls were blessed — the love expressed for the old compan-
ions and friends, living and dead, who worshiped together
here, the love expressed for our pleasant village, the birth-
place of some of them, the residence of all of them for a sea-
son ; above all, the deep affection expressed for the first pastor,
the universal testimony to his courtesy, his kindness of heart,
his fervent piety, his deep love for his people, — I have said,
if no other result comes from this gathering, this alone is
enough to warrant all the outlay that such a celebration in-
volves.- But other results must follow.
The April sunbeam that with noiseless drills punctures
the hard earth, does more than break the spell of winter : it
makes of frost-rock warm and mellow soil, in which the buried
seeds feel summer and awake to life. So the church's anni-
versary breaks through the hard overlay, that absence, and
distance, and new surroundings and engagements commonly
produce, and quickens memories that honor God and bless
the soul.
Wide is the area that the interest in this day touches.
From distant India ; from the deck of the " Morning Star ; "
from the Pacific slope ; from the central valleys of our land,
this church's children send loving thoughts to mother and
home. From warmly attached friends, who for a time are
sojourning among a people, strange in language and customs,
have come messages of kindly interest and tokens of ready
helpfulness. But beyond and above these multitudes of
earthly participants in our joy, may we not believe that we
VILLAGE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, MEDWAY, MASS. 9 1
are " compassed about with a great cloud of witnesses " who
have passed from this church to their heavenly home, from
whom, could we but hear it, would arise a chorus to our
anniversary hymn, of "Blessing, and honor, and glory, and
power be unto Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the
Lamb, forever and ever."
The maker of books sometimes places an engraving at the
close of a chapter, which represents a hand holding out a flam-
ing torch, as if passing it forward. We are certain that
another hand is reaching forth to take it, although we do not
see it. Thus a generation, as it passes, holds out the torch of
its church life to the generation coming up to take it. Among
the children of today are the church's servants and support-
ers in the future ; and although, as time passes, the minister
and officers and members, who today constitute the church,
depart, the lighted torch will be grasped by other hands, and
may perhaps flame all the brighter from the transfer.
Brothers and sisters ! As we from this standpoint look
over the past and anticipate the future, let us write these two
things in the book of memory for a. memorial : " What God
has done for us, what God promises to do for us ; " and as we
include this anniversary day among /^i-/ things, let us " thank
God and take courage."
At the conclusion of the discourse a very impressive
feature of the occasion was introduced. The congregation,
standing, sang the hymn of Dr. Watts commencing
Let children hear the mighty deeds
Which God performed of old.
As they commenced on the stanza
Our lips shall tell them to our sons,
And they again to theirs,
a procession of children entered the church and advanced
along the three aisles to the pulpit. The primary scholars,
thirty or forty in number, from ten years of age down to four,
92 SEMI-CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE
proceeded up the center aisie, led by the youngest member of
the church, a lad of thirteen, who carried a banner bearing
the date 1938. All the children, some seventy-five in number,
grouped themselves about the platform, each one wearing a
ribbon badge on which was printed a picture of the church
and the date of this anniversary, with the legend " Christ the
Corner-stone,"
The pastor then said a few words to the children, remind-
ing them that very few of that large congregation except
themselves would live to see the year inscribed upon their
banner. He asked them to remember that the church had a
claim upon them, and that they must love it and care for it
when the older people are dead and gone. He expressed the
hope that they would from their childhood love and serve
Christ, the church's Lord and Master.
In order to impress the leading events in the history of
the church upon the minds of the children, a set of questions
had been prepared, to which they then made answer in con-
cert, as the pastor asked them, viz. :
What does this gathering celebrate .'' — The fiftieth birth-
day of our church.
When was this church formed.'' — September 7, 1838.
How many persons formed it .'' — Thirty-four,
How many of these are still living ? — Nine.
Who was the first pastor.? — The Rev. David Sanford.
How long was he in active service .-^ — About thirty-three
years.
Who succeeded him ? — Our present pastor, the Rev. R,
K. Harlow.
When was he installed.? — February 13, 1872.
How many members has the church today ? — Two hun-
dred and thirty-two.
Why do we celebrate this day .'' — Because we wish to
keep in mind God's goodness to this people.
The children then sang their "Anniversary Hymn,"
VILLAGE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, MEDWAY, MASS, 93
written by the teacher of the primary class, Miss Mary E.
Fisher. At the conclusion of this service the following
children were baptized :
Edmund Leon, son of Eugene and Nellie Buell ; Walter
Earnest, son of Walter and Nellie Hawkes ; Florence Almeda,
daughter of Erastus and Almeda Gary ; James Atkins and
Lucy Crosman, son and daughter of James A. and Lucy C.
Snow.
The parting hymn and benediction closed the afternoon
service.
In the evening a social reunion was held in the vestry,
which was largely attended. Among the guests present were
Rev. Dr. Spalding, of Newburyport ; Rev. Dr. Horton, of
Cheshire, Conn. ; Rev. Calvin Cutler and wife, of Auburndale ;
Dr. Gilbert O. Fay, of Hartford, Conn ; Rev. George Y.
Washburn, of Everett ; Mr. Charles Wheeler, of New Mexico,
N. Y. ; Mrs. Adeline Sanford, of Northboro, widow of the
first pastor; Mrs. Samuel F. Barger, of New York City; Mrs.
Abigail Hiller, of New Haven, Conn., daughter of Deacon
Samuel Allen.
After prayer by Rev. Mr. Cutler the pastor announced
letters from Rev. Daniel Butler, D.D., Rev. William M.
Cornell, D.D., Rev. George M. Adams, D.D., Rev. Thomas
Richmond, Rev. George F. Walker, Rev. Henry M. Holmes,
Rev. J. B. Wicks, Mr. David B. Hixon, Mr. Eliab M. Allen,
Dr. Theodore W. Fisher, and Dr. Henry W. Brown, some of
which were then read.
The three following, from Med way-born and bred boys,
we give to the public entire :
LETTER FROM ELIAB M. ALLEN, SON OF DEACON SAMUEL ALLEN.
Marietta, Ga., August 7, 1888.
R K Harlow and Others, Committee on Invitations: Your
cordial invitation to unite with you in the fiftieth anniversary
services of the organization of the Village Church, Medway, is
received, and I sincerely wish I could accept.
94 SEMI-CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE
I recollect the gratification of the village people upon the
announcement that the new church was a certainty ; that it was no
longer necessary to walk two miles in winter and summer to the
West Parish, as much as all loved the mother church, and
respected good Dr. Ide. Nothing would afford me greater
pleasure than again to visit my native town, and the church where
my name was enrolled, soon after its organization, under the pas-
toral care of Rev. David Sanford.
Such a visit as your invitation proposes would awaken reminis-
cences of the past both pleasant and sad. It would be pleasant
to see Charles River, in which I sported in summer and on whose
icy surface I skated in winter, and the old hills down which I
coasted with schoolmates of both sexes, though many of the
scenes of my youth have been so changed by the ravages of time
and progress of modern improvements that I should fail to rec-
ognize them. It would be exceedingly gratifying to give and
receive the warm grasp of friendship with my contemporaries of
early years, but, alas ! how few would I recognize after a lapse of
more than forty years.
And the older citizens — "Our fathers, where are they?"
The names of Barber, Walker, Metcalf, Sanford, Mason, Cary,
Daniels, Clark, Harding, Dr. Brown, and too many others to
mention here — all present to my mind and memory, but most of
whom have passed " over the river." Peace to their ashes ! The
old school-house would not be recognizable, nor the old Metcalf
cabinet workshop ; where Rev. S. J. Horton was an apprentice,
and where we boys would occasionally spend a winter's evening
making molasses candy and having a good time, when Captain M.
was from home. (Thanks to good Mrs. M. for not reporting us
when he returned.) The counting-room of the Medway Cotton
Manufacturing Company, where Stephen J. Metcalf was chief, was
another choice place in which to pass a leisure hour. What a
" happy home " was the hospitable house of Dr. and Mrs. Brown,
who always welcomed the young people when inclined to spend an
evening and listen to charming music from his daughter and him-
self!
The church edifice in which you will meet has been remod-
eled till it is not the same building in which I worshiped with
relatives and friends. The last time it was my privilege thus to
meet was in 1853. Since then I have made several flying visits,
VILLAGE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, MEDWAY, MASS. 95
when I recognized very few of my former acquaintances. Not.
withstanding the sad memories the occasion would recall, I should
be very happy to meet with you, and would certainly do so if my
present home was within a reasonable distance.
My church membership is traceable from your church to the
Second Congregational Church in Norwich, Conn., from there to
the Presbyterian church at Greensboro, Ga., and thence to the
Marietta Presbyterian church, where it will remain until removed
by orders of the " great Captain of our salvation " to join the com-
pany of the redeemed of all ages.
Hoping the exercises and reunions will be as pleasant as
anticipated, and that the members of the church may grow in
Christian graces and prosper in all lawful undertakings, I subscribe
myself one of the Medway boys,
Eliab Metcalf Allen.
letter from dr. theodore w. fisher," son of deacon m. m.
FISHER.
Boston, September 3, 1888.
Rev. R. K. Harlo7v^ and Coniviittee on Invitations.
Dear Friends : Excuse delay in answering your kind invita-
tion to attend the semi-centennial of the Village Church. I am
seldom master of my own movements many days beforehand, and
I am still in doubt whether I can come or not, on account of the
absence of my first assistant on his vacation. I may be present
through the day, and not in the evening.
I need not say I am interested in the event you are about to
celebrate. My earliest and most sacred memories are bound up
in the records of the Village Church. The more important events
of my early manhood are also associated with her history. We
are about the same age, which is another bond of union. I shall
read with great interest all the contributions to her biography, if I
do not hear them.
Allow me to congratulate the committee on the prospect of a
most enjoyable and profitable celebration.
Yours very truly,
Theodore W. Fisher.
* Superintendent of the Boston Lunatic Asylum.
96 SEMI-CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE
LETTER FROM DR. HENRY W. BROWN, SON OF DR, ARTEMAS BROWN.
HuBBARDSTON, Mich., August 30, 1888.
To H. P. Sanford and Others of the Invitation Committee.
Dear Friends : Your invitation to be present at the celebra-
tion of the fiftieth anniversary of the organization of the Village
Church, Medway, was duly received, and in reply I beg leave to
state, in behalf of myself and family, that business engagements
will prevent our accepting the invitation. This is the season of
the year when the unripe apple, the immature watermelon, and
the lucious cucumber get in their fell work, and the services of a
physician are required to minister unto those unfortunate mortals
whose digestion does not " wait upon appetite, and health upon "
neither.
Your invitation calls up tender memories. " How dear to this
heart are the scenes of my childhood ! " Ah ! pleasant days, illu-
mined by youthful sunshine. Their memories revisit me for a
moment and then sink back into the gray past. The Village
Church ! I remember well the installation of the first pastor. Rev.
David Sanford. I was at that time but seven years of age. Gen-
erous friend, faithful pastor, devoted Christian ! He fought a
good fight ; he kept the faith ; he won the crown. The lesson of
his life is the best legacy he could leave the Village Church.
When you contrast your present condition as a church and society
with the trials and struggles of the beginning, you may well say,
" How great a work the Lord hath wrought ! " Of those who sat
down with you half a century ago, how few survive ! I may never
again worship in the Village Church, but there my heart will ever
be, with you ; there are the graves of my kindred : there sleep the
honored dead ; those some of you have loved and revered ; those
who have led me to worship in the Village Church ; who taught
me " line upon line and precept upon precept ; " who strove to
turn my wayward feet into wisdom's path.
I close this too long letter with best wishes for you all, and
expressing the hope that the good providence of God that has
. attended you in all your history may continue still your strength
and shield. Standing, as it were, upon the divide, you can look
back upon fifty years of progress, and look forward with confidence
and hope. Very truly yours, Henry W. Brown.
VILLAGE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, MEDWAY, MASS. 97
The reading of the following poem, written for the occa-
sion, concluded the formal exercises of the evening :
A MEMENTO.
" How dear to each heart are the scenes of our childhood,
When fond recollection presents them to view ! "
Like vistas that open in life's tangled wildwood
To let the soft sunbeams of memory through.
As time hurries on, how these pictures allure !
The saints of our childhood — how saintly they seem !
Each face was more fair, every true heart was truer,
In days that are fled like a beautiful dream.
Turn back to the time of the prayer meeting olden,
When our vestry settees were all facing the south.
As if to warm up every heart, and embolden.
With live coals of fire, every hesitant mouth.
The brow of our leader a halo is wearing
Like saints in the sweet, holy pictures of old.
For he is our pastor, so tenderly caring
For all the wee children, the lambs of the fold.
If any assailed us with looks that were frigid.
To fright the young Christian away from the goal.
With query too deep or with doctrine too rigid.
His smile, ever gracious, was balm to the soul.
Mr. Sanford's discourse is no tinkling cymbal.
For charity tuneth his soft silver lyre ;
With reverence he turneth to blind "Father Kimball,"
Whose soul like an eagle doth ever aspire.
Oh, then each young heart keenly felt it a pleasure
To follow his intellect, deep and profound ;
His voice flowing on in a half plaintive measure.
While all that he said was most solid and sound.
gS SEMI-CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE
He leaned on his staff like a pilgrim aweary —
Now blithely he treadeth the pavement of gold ;
His eyes were fast bound with a dark bandage dreary ;
The King in his beauty those eyes now behold !
Who's that next discoursing ? You scarcely can hear him,
His voice is so low as he argues of sin,
With eyes rather stern — bold transgressors must fear him -
A nose finely Roman, a lip chiseled thin.
'Tis Dr. Monroe ; his advice you must follow ;
If sick, he'll constrain you his plasters to wear,
His powders to take, and his doses to swallow ;
He worries about you with fatherly care.
Those hands and that heart full of skill and of feeling
To help every sufferer ready and quick
Now rest where the foliage is fragrant with healing,
And th' inhabitant no more shall say, " I am sick."
Next good Captain Cole cheers us on with his praying ;
We swallow his doctrine, whatever it be,
For young people listen with awe to the saying
Of one who has sailed on the far-reaching sea.
We fancied his face and his form like the ocean —
In breadth and dimensions expansive and grand ;
He's reached the still port that is free from commotion,
And anchored his bark on the heavenly strand.
How oft some good brother would soar in his prayer.
And get " on the mount " e'er he came to " Amen ; "
If east was the wind and his brain full of care,
He talked of the " cold streams of Babylon " then.
The lofty Isaiah, whose rhetoric blazes
Lent words to the wise and the ignorant too,
Petitions were framed of Ezekiel's fine phrases —
The cherubim hovered, the seraphim flew.
VILLAGE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, MEDWAY, MASS. 99
Mr. Haskell was master of Sabbath-school sinjzing: ;
His tuning-fork slender his quick ear obeyed ;
He led all the hymns with a voice full and ringing ;
No cabinet organ then lent us its aid.
Now he sings where no discord e'er mars the grand chorus
That rolls from a rapture no mortal hath told,
Where anthems of glory are pealing victorious
From Heaven's stately organs of sapphire and gold.
O, scenes of the past ! all so quaint and so tender !
We smile at your garb, but the teardrop will start ;
Thus humor and pathos in unison render
A tribute of song, welling warm from the heart.
Remember Review Club and Sewing Society,
When readings were given to quicken the thought ;
Poe's " Raven " enlivened us even to satiety.
While ladies their tatting most patiently wrought.
At Kingsbury's Pond was our regular "outing,"
With sage-cheese, and doughnuts, and blueberry cake,
And such demonstrations of feasting and shouting
As gay jolly picnickers only can make.
The sweet water-lily held there her dominion.
And spread her white banners beneath the green wood,
So lovingly floating, with pinion to pinion.
Like legions of angels that watch o'er the good.
Now the lilies are sickly and scattered and dying,
As thin, straggling hairs on the brow of the old.
And the wild hermit-thrush is so plaintively crying
In sweet notes of sorrow where thickets enfold.
For many who bent their strong arms to the rowing,
Or sported with glee on the cool, shady shore.
Are scattered and flown like the thistle-down blowing;
In the grove of the Mayflower they wander no more.
100 SEMI-CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE
Forget not the days of the Puritan Hymn-book,
When congregational music was new ;
Assemblies, then singing with heartiest vim, shook
The rafters, we're told, and the tale must be true.
Milton Sanford's kind bounty had built us an organ ;
The namesake of Handel came here every year.
And taught us such tunes as would conquer a Gorgon —
"Coronation" and "Arlington," " Lenox" and " Mear."
Ah ! then, when the organ so grandly was pealing,
And all voices chimed in a harmony fine.
Our pastor would raise his blue eyes to the ceiling
As if he caught echoes of harpings divine.
"A dream of fair women " its shadow is flinging,
Who trustingly walked in the shadow of death ;
Around them are lovely forget-me-nots springing.
And perfumes as pure as the white lily's breath.
Sing, tenderly sing of that circle departed,
And mothers we buried beneath the green sod ;
Now dwelling with angels, and all the true-hearted.
Who circle forever the throne of their God.
If spirits could speak to a poor human brother.
What message would thrill through the love-lighted sky .?
A message to cherish and help one another,
For brief are our moments and quickly they fly.
Oh, let us so live that when fifty years vanish,
And others shall read the review of our life,
It prove not a record to burn and to banish.
All blotted with discord, all darkened with strife.
If Jesus' sweet spirit has shone in our faces.
And gentleness coined what our lips have expressed,
How tranquilly then we may give up our places,
And go to the grave as a bird to her nest.
VILLAGE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, MEDWAY, MASS. lOI
For our life shall flow on with an unceasing blessing,
Like breezes of spring from the warm, sunny south,
The cold, icy earth into fruitfulness pressing,
With the whisperings soft of its odorous mouth.
True Christian affection forever endureth ;
Love's fine golden key is to humble hearts given —
The key that our entrance to Glory assureth,
Unlocking the wide pearly portals of Heaven.
A season of social interchange closed the day, whose
events abide in the memory of the participants and enrich
the history of the Village Church.
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