Program of the one hundredth anniversary of the North Congregational Church in New Bedford, Mass. : held October 13th, 14th, and 15th, 1907

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PRESENT CHURCH BUILDING

Erected 1836, chapel added 1857

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9 A. M. CELEBRATION OF THE HOLY COMMUNION

The plates used are made from the l)iil]ion nhtiiiucd l)y melting Ihe
communion goblets given to the church by Rev. Sylvester Holmes and
eleven prominent members of the church.

The gift of Mr. Holmes was made in 1822, and the inscri])tion reads as
follows, "A token of affection fi-om Sylvester Holmes to the church under
his pastoral care, 1822." The others were inscril)ed, "Presented to the
North Congregational church in 1837 by," and were the gifts of Mrs. David
IJriggs, Mrs. Rel)ekah Nickersou, Mrs. .John A. Parker, Mrs. Haydon
Coggeshall, Miss Elizabeth Crocker, Mrs. Eli Haskell. Mrs. .Joshua l^arker,
Mrs. A. H. Seabury, .Mrs. E!)enezer Hathaway, Mrs. Henry P. Willis, Mrs.
William Hlackmer.

REV. FRANK E. RAMSDELL

Present Pcstor, Installed Dec 29, 1903

#ml^al| ((rllnltnur^)

10 A. M. HISTORICAL SERVICE

Special music Ijy tlie church choir, assisted by Louis W. Walker, of
Taunton, tenor soloist, and Frank Whittaker, violinist.

Historical sermon by the pastoi' of the church. Rev. Frank Ellsworth
Ramsdell.

Tribute to the members of the church who have died since the 75th
anniversary in 1882. The roll will ])e read by the pastor, and as each name
is read a flower will be dropped into the liasket Ijy the two youngest mem-
bers of the church, Evelyn Hersey and Ada Squires.

Social greetings and renewal of old acquaintance.

3 P. M. YOUNG PEOPLE'S SERVICE

Organ Voluntary.

Anthem, Quartet

Prayer.

Address to the Itoys and girls, Mrs. Florence S. Ware of Worcester.

Violin Solo. Frank Whittaker

Hymn, Congregation

Historical Sketch of the Sunday School, written I)y Ezra Holmes

and read l)y Miss Marion Harrington.

Violin Solo. Mr. Whittaker

Paper — "The work of the Young People for the past twenty-five

years," Miss Mary E. L. Theaker

Selection, Quartet

Paper — "Reminiscences of Long Ago," Miss Clarissa Staples

Hymn, Congregation
Postlude.

REV. JOHN A. MACCOLL

Pastor from January 16, 1890 to August 31, 1903

^imtlail (CEimtiuurri)

7 p. M. VESPER SERVICE

Organ Voluntary.

Lord's Prayer. Quartet

Respoubive Reading-, led by the pastor, Rev. Frank E. Ramsdell.

Anthem,

Ten Commandments.

Duet,

Scripture Reading, 1st Cor. 13; 1-13

Anthem,

Beatitudes, with responses.

Anthem,

Hymn — '-O God of Bethel."

Prayer, with response.

Selection,

Address.

Anthem,

Dennison Quartet

Responses by Quartet

Mrs. Dudgeon and Mr. Bassett

Dennison Quartet

Angelus Quartet

Mr. Bassett

Rev. John A. MacColl of Providence

Doul)le Quartet

Benediction followed by Nunc Dimittis.

FIVE OF THE FORMER PASTORS

REV. AZARIAH ELDRICGE REV. ALONZO H QUINT

September 15, 1847 to April 22, 1856 July 2 I, .1864 to June 10, 1875

REV. SYLVESTER HOLMES
July 30, 18 11 to March I 5, I 843 ; (Feb. 2 1, I 839, granted five years' leave of absence)
REV. HENRY W. PARKER REV. ALBERT H. HEATH

August 8, 1856, to July 27, 1863 ' October 19, 1876 to March 9, 1889

REV THOMAS SMITH served from July 24, 1839 to Aug. 31, 1842
REV. ROBERT S. HITCHCOCK served from July 19, 1843 to Dec. 9, 1845

^'Other men labored, and ye are entered into their labors."

John 4 :3f

El\t

jSortf) Congreptional
Cf)urci)

1807 - 1932

PURCHASE AND ELM STREETS
NEW BEDFORD, MASS.

The
One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Anniversary

OCTOBER 9-16, 1932.

"Other men labored, and ye are entered into their labors.'^

John 4:38

A BRIEF HISTORICAL SKETCH

One hundred and twenty-five years have come and gone since the North
Congregational Church had its beginning in the council assembled in the pre-
cinct meeting house October 15, 1807. Almost one hundred years have passed
over the roof of the present building. The leadership of nine beloved spiritual
leaders has already passed into its history. With an earnest, serious, truth-seek-
ing people it has maintained its life throughout these years close to the heart
of a growing city.

The Church was the outgrowth of a demand for a place of worship in this
then growing section of the town. It was formed from members of the First
Church and by those who had no Church, forty in all. The Second Church
had already been organized in Fairhaven.

Soon after the organization of the Third Church, disturbances crept in over
the theological controversy waged so strongly at the beginning of the 19th
century. This resulted in the majority of the members of the Church with-
drawing to another place of worship and eventually becoming an independent
group. This group held the records and became known soon after as the North
Congregational Church. The property, by legal right, was held by the society.
The minority group of the Church and the society is perpetuated by the First
Congregational Society (Unitarian).

In spite of the discouraging experiences of early years, the Church has
moved steadily forward. Its first meeting place was the North Purchase Street
School House, a school house on Third and Walnut, and a hall at Second and
Mill Streets. The first building was erected at Second and Elm Streets. About
1816 another building was erected on a site which has proved to be permanent,
Purchase and Elm Streets. Because of the growth of the Church and the con-
stant need for enlargement, this building was moved back and the present stone
structure erected in 1836.

The spiritual zeal of each generation has left its trace on the place of wor-
ship. In 1857 the chapel was erected. Improvements were made in the audi-
tormm in 1881 and again in 1888. By the generous gift of one of the members
in 1905 the Church was refitted and new pews were installed. With the growth
of the city and the widening of Purchase Street the tower was removed, the
chapel and vestry floors leveled and other alterations made in 1916.

Three missions grew out from the leadership of this Church which have
since become strong: The City Mission, the Immanuel Baptist Church, and the
present St. Paul's Methodist. From time to time trust funds have been left to
the Church by those who have had faith in its future.

The magnitude of the labors of this Church cannot be measured by the
material resources, great as they are. The real worth is to be found in the
spiritual foundations laid in the homes, the schools and the community life.

It is a notable fact that in the 125 years' existence of this church that there
have been but ten regular pastors, the Rev. Sylvester Holmes, active pastor for
28 years; the Rev. Thomas Smith; the Rev. Robert H. Hitchcock; the Rev.
Azariah Eldridge ; the Rev. Henry W. Parker, the Rev. Alonzo H. Quint, D. D. ;
the Rev. Albert H. Heath; the Rev. John A. MacColl, the only living ex-pastor;
the Rev. Frank E. Ramsdell, who preached and ministered here for nearly 26
years; and the present minister, the Rev. William B. Mathews.

'Arise, let us be going." — jESUS.

Sunday Morning, October 9th, 1932

A SERVICE OF WORSHIP

at 11:00 o'clock

The Order of Worship

Organ Prelude

Processional Hymn

Chora! Call to Worship

The Doxology

Invocation and Lord's Prayer

Anthem

*

Responsive Reading
The Gloria Patri

Prayer of Humility

A Prayer Hymn
Silent Prayer
Prayer for the People
Choral Response

Offertory

Anthem

The Scripture Lesson

Hymn

Sermon

Closing Hymn

Benediction

Choral Response

Organ Postlude

Prcliuie to Act III (from Kunibild) Kistler

No. 1, "O God, Our Help in Ages Past"

Rejoice in the Lord
Selection 1

Parker

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy

loving kindness.
According to the multitude of Thy tender

mercies blot out my transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity,
And cleanse me from my sin.
For I know my transgressions ;
And my sin is ever before me.
Create in me a clean heart, O God;
And renew a right spirit within me. (Ps. 51)

No. 350, "My Faith Looks Up to Thee"

Keep Me Savior Near Thy Side

He

Andante Religioso (from Sonata IV)

Mendelssohn
Sweet Is Thy Mercy Rarnby

No. 556, "The Church's One Foutidation"
A Spiritual Interpretation of Our Past

Mr. Mathews
No. 415, "How Firm a Foundation"

OfTertoire in F
^Indicates when late comers will be seated.

Wely

'^Suffer little children to come unto me."

Sunday, October 9th, 1932

CHURCH SCHOOL ANNIVERSARY SERVICE

at 10:00 o'clock

ASSEMBLY IN THE CHAPEL

Processional Hymn No. 191 Led by the Junior Vested Chou"

Hyrnn No. 202, "Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus"

Scripture Reading — The 48th Psalm

Prayer

Anthem — "Holy, Holy" The Young People's Vested Choir

"The Story of the Beginnings of the Church School" Mr. John Q. Ryder

Greetings from Past Superintendents

"Our School Today" Superintendent Fredrick C. Brown

"A Look Forward" Our Pastor, Rev. William B. Mathews

Hymn No. 230, "There's a Light Upon the Alountains"

Benediction

''Remetnher now thy Creator in the days of thy youth."

THE YOUNG PEOPLE'S ANNIVERSARY SERVICE

6:00-8:45 P.M.

0:00
6:30

M.
M.

8:00 P.M.

"Organ Prelude

Processional Hymn
Scripture Lesson

Social Hour in the Chapel
Fellowship Supper in the Vestry

PROGRAM
Greetings by the President, Air. Brooks Walker.
The Beginnings of the Young People's Group.

Mrs. Sarah M. Sherman, Mr. William R. Chase
Greetings from past Presidents.

Anniversary Address and Installation Service.

ORUER OF WORSHIP

I Evening Shadows { DeLaunay

I Berceuse )

No. 269, "Faith of Our Fathers"
(John 1:1-9; 3:19-21; Matt. 5:14-16)

Airs. Dexter B. Goodwin
No. 131, "Just as I am Thine Own to be"

i\[r. Fredrick C. Brown

Hymn

Prayer

The Lord's Prayer

Offertory

Address

Anthem

The Transfer of Duty

The Charge
The Commission
The Pledge to Duty
Receiving the Light
Prayer of Consecration
Hymn of Consecration
Passing the Torch
Processional Hymn
Benediction
Postlude

To a Wild Rose MacDowell

"Beauty" Rev. Paul B. Myers

"My Task" The Young People's Choir

The Moderator, Mr. Wilfred H. Chapin and the
retiring president. Miss Helen Bryant

The Installation

By the Minister, Re\ . William B. Mathews
By the newly elected officers.

No. 170, "I Would Be True"
Follow the Gleam

Jubilate Deo

Silver

*The Organ Prelude will begin at 7:45 P. M.

''Lest We Forget."

Thursday, October 13th, 1932

ANN] VERSARY BANQUET

5:00-6:00 P. M. Ini'ormal Reception in the Chapel.
6:00 P. M. The Banquet in the Vestry.

Toastmaster : ^^foderator Wilfred H. Chapin

PROGRAM

Songs and Hymns of the Church.
Greetings to Members and Ciucsts.
"Toasts of Appreciation" :

"To our Spiritual Leaders." Mr. .'\llen P. Keith

"To the Women who have Mothered the Church." Mrs. Willis E. Lougee
"To the Laymen whose Efforts have been Blessed." Mr. Clinton I. Walker
"To the North Church from Sister Churches." Rev. C. Donald Plomer

Address, "The Church in an Age of Confusion." Rev. Clarence E. Hellens

"Message" from the Rev. John A. MacColl, only living ex-pastor.

Read by Mrs. Dexter B. Goodwin
"Greetings" from Absent Friends.

Read by Miss Charlotte B. Chase and Mr. William R. Chase
"Blest Be the Tie That Binds."

"The Challenge of Past Years."
Friday Evening, October 14th, 1932

HISTORICAL NIGHT
at 7 :30 o'clock

HISTORY OF THE CHURCH IN READINGS AND DRAMATIZATION

Readers: Mr. John Northcott, Mr. Fredrick C. Brown, Miss Sarah Isherwood,

Airs. Charles E. Benton, Mr. Henry Whalley, Miss Annie S. Ray.
Dramatization of the Forming of the Church :

Rev. Isaiah Weston, Mr. William R. Chase; Joseph Bates, Air. Clinton I.

Walker; Rev. Oliver Cobb, Mr. Clifton H. Cornish; Jesse Haskell, Mr.

Carson Axtell ; Cephas Cushman, Mr. Charles E. Benton.

Meeting of the Ladies' Benevolent Committee:

Airs. Hastings, Airs. Wilfred H. Chapin; Airs. Buckley, Mrs. Fredrick C.
Brown; Airs. Sisson, Airs. Walter S. Dillingham; Airs. Sawyer, Aliss
Theresa Thacker ; Aliss Staples, Aliss Sarah N. Ruggles.

Songs bv the Church Quartette :

Airs. Earle C. Aliller, Airs. Alice Healy Bolton, Air. Philip D. Drew, Air.

Louis W. Macy. Air. John W. Ranisbottom, organist and director.

The historical sketch has been prepared by Air. J. William Webber, Aliss
Alary A. Chase, and Aliss Aladeline E. Almy.

"One soweth, and another reapeth." — Jesus.

Sunday Morning, October 16th

THE ANNIVERSARY SERVICE OF THE CHURCH
at 11:00 o'clock

THE ORDER OF WORSHIP

fOrgan Prelude
Processional Hymn
Choral Call to Worship
The Doxology
Invocation and Lord's Prayer

a. Meditation

b. Melody in C

No. 9, "Ancient of Days"

Lang
Hanforth

Anthem

Responsive Reading
The Gloria Patri
Prayer of Humility

A Prayer Hymn
Silent Prayer
Prayer for the People
Choral Response

Offertory

Anthem

The Scripture Lesson

Hymn

Sermon

Closing Hymn
The Closing Prayer
Choral Response
Organ Postlude

I Will Alagnify Thee, O God
Selection 16, The Grace of God

Shackley

Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy

loving kindness.
According to the multitude of Thy tender

mercies blot out my transgressions.
Wash me thoroughly from mine iniquity.
And cleanse me from my sin.
For I know my transgressions;
And my sin is ever before me.
Create in me a clean heart, O God;
And renew a right spirit within me. (Ps. 51)

No. 360, "O Love that Wilt Not Let Me Go"

O That I Had Wings

Supplication

He Sendeth the Springs

Hanscoin

Frysinger
W^areing

No. 479, "Faith of Our Fathers"
The Anniversary Sermon

Dr. Charles E. Jefiferson, New York
No. 547, "The Church that to our Fathers"

Phantasie (from Sonata in D flat) Rheinbergcr

tThe Organ Prelude will begin at 10:45 A.M.
*Indicates when late comers will be seated.

"Rejoice with them who do rejoice."

Sunday Afternoon and Evening, October 16th, 1932

A PILGRIMAGE
at 3 :00 P. M.

Memorial Service at the graves of the Rev. Sylvester Holmes and the Rev.
Frank E. Ramsdcll. (If stormy the service will be held in Chapel.)

AN INFORMAL RECEPTION

at 4:00 P. M.

Tea served by the ladies.
Reminiscence.

Young People's Fellowship Supper at 6 :00 o'clock. All cordially invited.
(Kindly make reservations. Tickets 25 cents.)

AN ANNIVERSARY COMMUNITY SERVICE

at 7 :30 P. M.
William B. Mathews, Minister, Presiding

Organ Prelude

Hymn

Responsive Reading

Prayer

Choral Response

Offertory

Anthem

Hymn

Greetings

a. Dawn

b. Night

No. 578, "Hark, Hark, \\y Soul"
Selection 3, Evening Prayer

Jenkins
Jenkins

Incline Thine Ear Hanscom

Evensong Johnston

Magnificat in C Buck

No. 555, "Glorious Things Are Spoken"

From the 1st Congregational Society (Unitarian)
Rev. E. Stanton Hodgin

From the New Bedford Churches
Rev. Leonard C. Harris

Anthem
Greetings

Hymn
Benediction
Organ Postlude

O For a Closer Walk with God Foster

From the Alassachusetts Congregational Con-
ference and Missionary Society

President Frederick H. Page

No. 250, "Crown Him with Many Crowns"

Toccato in G

Dubois

"Where there is. no vision, the people perish.*'

A LOOK INTO THE FUTURE

A worthy past is a challenge to the present for the increasing worth in
the future.

A great Church in the heart of a growing city meeting the rieeds of hun-
dreds in and out of its parish. Reaching out into the avenues of our community
life with a program of activities interesting and appealing to both young and
old. The North Congregational Church, with leaders of vision, zealous workers
and a consecrated membership, has already and will continue to write its name
in the history of accomplishments.

OUR AIMS

Spiritual and Evangelistic^ — Above all, upon these depends our success. Our
Church known increasingly as a spiritual and a progressive Church. A
Church setting forth the principles and spirit of Jesus as the way out of
the perplexities of personal problems and the problems of lawlessness, war.
industrial strife and morality.

Educational — A Church Schot-l second to none, consecrated in the task of lead-
ing young people into ;he richest meaning of life. A well-defined pro-
gram of religious education earnestly applying the wisest methods of
psychology and pedagogy to the task of leading youth into Jesus' way
of life.

Church Membership — A serious and concerted effort through personal evangelisni
to gain at least an inert 'isc of ten per cent yearly.

Organization — A Church teaming with worthy, vital and wide-awake activities.
Every woman of the Church a member of the Woman's Guild. Every
man of the Church a member of the Brotherhood. Every young person
active in the department for youth.

Church Cooperation — A Church cooperating with and touching every worthy and
forward-looking comnmnity enterprise.

Welfare — A welfare department adequate to aid the needy of the parish in
time of economic stress.

World Service and Benevolences — An awareness of an interdependent world and
our responsibility in the spread of the gospel of Jesus. A time when we
shall give more to others than for ourselves.

Building and Equipment — A beautiful annex over a part or all of the present
building fitted to serve and fill a great need in the heart of the city, giving
facilities for a Church School with up-to-date equipment for the proper
housing and directing of a worthy school and program appealing to youth.

Finance — The Current expenses paid in full each year. A Church free from
debt by 1936.

Endowment — Our present endowment substantially increased to provide for in-
creased world service, welfare and adequate program of activities of youth.

iimiliatj. ©rtohrr 1411|

3 P. M. FELLOWSHIP MEETING

Organ Prelude.

Singing l^y Congregation, Old Hundred.

Prayer, Rev. Matthew C. Julien

Selection, Angelus Quartet

Three-minute Address of Welcome, Rev. Frank E. Ramsdell

Response, Rev. Clarence M. Gallui), First Baptist Church

Selection, Angelus Quartet

Scripture Reading, Rev. .John J. Phelan of Immanuel Baptist Church

Prayer, Rev. James McAllister of First Christian Church

Hymn — Three verses of How Firm a Foundation.

Read by William Wade Ryan of the Union Baptist Church

A five-minute talk from other clergymen as follows:

Rev. W. B. Geoghegan, Unitarian; William Thompson, Friends;
Rev. .7. I. Bartholomew, Methodist; Rev. E. H. Cleveland, Episcopalian.

Prayer and Benediction,

Rev. T. M. Bateman of the North Primitive Methodist Church

Reception in the chapel to follow; orchestral music and refreshments

CHURCH ERECTED ON PRESENT SITE IN 1816

(Drawn from sketch by Oliver H. Gardner, from remembrance of Stephen P. Sawyer, John A. Ruggles
and Edwin Tilton)

iHnn&ag ((Umititmrb)
7.30 p. M. DENOMINATIONAL MEETING

Organ Voluntary.

Anthem — "The Breaking Waves Dashed High," Choir

Reading of Scriptures, Rev. W. C. Martyn, First Congregational Cliurcli

Prayer, Rev. M. C. Julien, Trinitarian Church

Response — "My God, My Father." Louis W. Walker

Hymn — "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God," Congregation

Sermon, Rev. Ruen Tliomas, D. D., of Harvard Church, Brookline

Solo — "Guide Us with the Heavenly Light." Louis W. Walker

Doxology.

Benediction by the pastor.

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2 :

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(iursitaii. (i^dubrr 1511)

HOME DAY

Church open all day. Members of the chnreh will he ])resent to
greet all who come.

3 TO 5 P. M.

Reception by pastor and wife and the deacons and their wives.

7 P. M.

l>an(|net for church memliers and sui)porters. Admission by ticket.

Speaking after the banquet by the following:

Toastmaster, Rev. Frank E. Ramsdell: Rev. Rufus B. Tobey, Rev.
Charles F. Hersey, James W. Hervey, Miss Clarissa Staples, Ferdinand S.
Read. William C. Parkei', David A. Corey, Charles E. Benton,

Reading of letters from absent members, John Q. Ryder