Published April 1910
(Journal Press, Jamestown, N. Y.)
THE PERIOD FROM 1849 TO 1908 INCLUSIVE [Part 2]
The Sunday services, including Sunday School, were now held at the regular hours, morning and evening, in Virginia Hall, and the Thursday evening prayer meetings at No. 3 Brewer Block, where the primary department of the Sunday School also had its sessions.
Plans for a new church building were prepared by Aaron Hall of Jamestown, an architect and builder of high character, who was given the contract for the erection. Subscriptions came forward rapidly, Governor Patterson starting the list with $1,000. The ladies, by means known best to themselves through fairs, suppers, sociables and other methods brought in no little money toward the erection of the new edifice.
Elder Joseph H. Plumb, who was familiar with Auburn Seminary, secured one of the young graduates, Rev. Rufus S. Green, to come before the society as a candidate for the pastorate, and on the 13th of August, 1873, he was engaged by the church as a supply for one year, beginning September 1. Mr. Green was a man of pleasing address, of fine appearance, and withal a remarkable organizer. In a short time he seemed to have everyone doing something. He was clear-sighted in his choice of helpers, and during his pastorate the whole Society was working in a way previously unknown.
It is possible that the enthusiasm over the erection of the new church was helpful, but certainly Mr. Green knew how to take advantage of all existing circumstances. He made much of the Sunday School and normal class work, and it was during his administration that Charles P. Skinner was made superintendent of the Sunday School and was instrumental in building up one of the best schools the church had ever had.
Mr. Green with an enviable record made at Westfield in a pastorate of three years, accepted a call in May, 1877, to a large church in Orange, N. J.
In October, 1874, two new elders were elected, William N. Cochrane and Frank A. Hall.
The work on the new church edifice was completed in September, 1874, and on September 29th, Buffalo Presbytery met, and the new church dedicated, the dedicatory sermon being by Rev. Grosvenor W. Heacock, D. D., of Buffalo. The formal presentation of the edifice to the church and Society was made by the president of the board of trustees, Henry C. Kingsbury, and the response by Rev. Mr. Green. The ordination and installation of the new pastor followed. It was a great day. Every available part of the house was crowded, and many could not get even standing room.
The church during the following two years enjoyed a decided wave of prosperity. Nearly every seat in the house, including seats in the gallery, was rented. The Sunday School was greatly increased in number and thoroughly organized.
On April 12, 1876, the church and community met a great loss in the death of Rev. L. A. Skinner. Mr. Skinner, while a business man, had never lost his close interest in the church and its spiritual affairs. Although impaired health had lessened his activities, yet he was sought after and his advice asked as long as his strength would permit. His life made a deep impress upon the church and upon the community.
At the election of elders, November, 1876, Elder Joseph H. Hall, who had filled the position of active elder for ten years, on account of expected absence from home, declined a re-election. No member of the board had been more active during these years than had he--with him a place upon a committee or an assignment of any kind meant work. His Christianity was a vital asset. It never let him rest, but it was a constant comfort to him. Every branch of church activity had been invigorated by his life in the church. He was pronounced in his convictions and every one knew where to find him. During his later years in Erie his work still went on in the church, but his life love was for his old church home in Westfield. He passed away in March, 1891.
In the spring of 1877, a decided spiritual interest was felt in the church and at the May communion fifty persons were received, all but four by profession of faith. Rev. Mingins, an evangelist, had been in attendance during the meetings preceding the large church accession.
During the summer of 1877, Rev. Chalon Burgess often supplied the pulpit, while Dr. E. S. Wright, of Ripley, came occasionally to act as moderator of the session. On November 1, a society meeting extended a call to Rev. Cornelius S. Stowitts of Bergen, N. Y., who began his pastorate November 25, 1877, and entered heartily into the work.
The new church was steam heated. It was customary to have the furnace lighted on Saturday and so have the church comfortable for worship on Sunday morning. January, 1878, was a fairly cold month. On Saturday the 12th, the fires were lighted as usual. At 5 o'clock Sunday morning, January 13, 1878, the beautiful house of worship, which had been in use three years, was discovered on fire. When the alarm was given the fire had made such headway that every part of the building was involved. But a single book was saved. Robert H. Thompson rushed into the burning audience room and from his pew, near the door, secured his new Baxter Bible. Otherwise nothing was saved, but from the raging fire there floated out a leaf torn from a Sunday School hymn book on which was printed the familiar legend, "Tell Me the Old, Old Story."
The people were dismayed but not disheartened. At 9:30 the Session met at the near-by home of Elder Charles P. Skinner. Arrangements were at once made and services were held that morning at Virginia Hall at 1O:30, the usual hour for morning worship. With the organ gone and the hymn books gone, the Sunday School class books and library gone and everything pertaining to the church in ashes, this early meeting of the Session had to arrange to order at once everything needed for church and Sunday School. Before a large part of the Society was aware of the loss and before the fire was out, preparations were made to put the church again in working order.
While the Session was looking after the worship the trustees were equally alert in regard to a new edifice. The board of trustees consisted of Henry C. Kingsbury, Reuben G. Wright, Joseph H. Plumb, S. W. Mason, James Johnston, Edward A. Skinner.
The church of 1874 had cost about $40,000.
Architect Aaron Hall, of Jamestown, was again brought into requisition. A subscription list was opened with $1,000 from Governor Patterson, an equal amount from Elder J. H. Plumb, and other considerable amounts followed. The Ladies' Aid Society again responded liberally and made a subscription of $3,000. The Young Ladies' Aid was quickly vieing with the older society in obtaining results for the building fund. An ice cream parlor was opened and attended by Nellie Smith, Fanny Brewer and Mary Carlisle. When spring opened the work promptly begun. The former building with some few minor changes was reproduced, and every branch of the church was working steadily for the early completion of the second new sanctuary. The rebuilding was a gladsome achievement and the second new edifice costing $30,000, complete in every particular, with a Johnson organ, the best make of that or any subsequent day, was in position, with carpets throughout the building, with again the crimson cushions in the seats, and the walnut, crimsoned dressed pulpit chairs (once more the gift of Governor Patterson) were in place; an elegant communion table, the gift of Mrs. Tinker as a memorial to her honored husband, whose name was yet the greatest in the remarkable line of pastors, standing in front of the desk, with the kitchen and pantry polished for service, with all things in readiness, it can well be said it was a glorious day and one to be commemorated this February 27, 1879.
Once more Buffalo Presbytery came to Westfield for the dedication. Railway trains do not run expressly for churches or members of the Presbytery. The morning train which should have arrived at 10:00 was three hours late, but the new house, whose glory exceeded that of the former, could wait. At 2 p. m. Presbytery convened. The house was packed to the doors. The dedicatory services began with a voluntary from the new organ, Prof. John Eckert on the organ bench. Then came Buck's Jubilate in C major by the choir, in charge of Mr. S. W. Mason, the other members of the choir being Miss Kittie Hinckley, Mrs. Mason, Prof. Balcam. Invocation was made by Rev. R. W. Scott, of the M. E. Church. The Scripture was read by Rev. D. K. Frazer. The sermon was by Rev. Wolcott Calkins of Buffalo.
The presentation of the building to the church and Society was made by the president of the board of trustees, Mr. Henry C. Kingsbury in an address, which was a classic in its way. It was the closing act of a body of men which had accomplished a mighty work.
The acceptance was by Rev. C. S. Stowitts, who was always impressive; then followed the dedicatory prayer by that dear friend of the church, Rev. Chalon Burgess, of Silver Creek. The published record of the day tells us, "It was a prayer long to be remembered by the attentive listener, and a more full and complete dedication it would be impossible to conceive." Following the dedication the ladies served supper to the members of Presbytery, and to visiting guests, and thus came to us the church which we of today possess and enjoy. Certainly we should keep it without fleck or blemish, this great gift from those of thirty years agone.
In 1878, the Society received from Governor Patterson for a parsonage, the Carlisle house on the corner of Clinton and Market Streets. It was greatly appreciated by the Society and its pastors. Previous to this time the first business of a new pastor coming to the place, was to find a shelter for himself and family. With this generous gift, this objection to accepting a pastorate to the church was relegated to ancient history.
People evidently are interested in that for which they make sacrifices. With the new church came much enthusiasm in church work and a large church attendance. The Sunday School reached a membership of 325 and the average attendance for one quarter at least is recorded as 225.
The openings were made a great feature and attracted many visitors, the whole session occupying an hour and a half; other meetings were equally well attended.
October 15, 1879, occurred the death of Gov. George W. Patterson, who for forty years had been a constant attendant, a most judicious and active officer, and a generous supporter of the church and society. His force of character, his cheery disposition, his quick wit, his practical methods and his warm hearted benevolence, gave him a place that has never been filled in either the church or community.
The death of his most estimable wife, Hannah Whiting Patterson, occurred in February, 1886. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Patterson was always open to the church on every occasion and their private hospitalities were as marked as were the benevolences that were a part of their existence. Governor Patterson was particularly efficient during the building of the two churches. He was constant in his attendance upon the meetings of the trustees. He neglected nothing which he took upon himself to do, and kept others up to his pace. He was always genial and was the best of story tellers. His advice was constantly sought and his counsel was, like his religion of the practical kind. It was a severe loss to the church and community when he passed away after an illness of less than twelve hours.
On January 21, 1880, occurred the death of Elder James Johnston. He was the son of John Johnston, who with his wife Ann, united with the church in 1827. Later their six sons, Alexander, Hugh, William, John, James and Francis, and their two daughters, Nancy and Elizabeth, came into the church, and continued for fifty years a strong factor in the organization.
James Johnston was a trustee and elder for many years. He was a man of much modesty, but of firm convictions which he carried conscientiously into all his affairs. Always kindly and tender of heart, he was willing to sacrifice himself to be of service to others. In his official position he was willing to do anything that did not make himself personally prominent. He held the respect of everyone who knew him.
Rev. Cornelius S. Stowitts resigned his pastorate April, 1883, to accept a call to the First Presbyterian Church of Niagara Falls. It would be difficult to find a more conscientious pastor than was Mr. Stowitts. He was a hard worker, one who made no enemies and yet a man who always proclaimed the truth as he saw it. He has since filled a number of important pastorates successfully.
In the sessional records made at the time of his going away, by resolution Elder J. H. Plumb refers to Rev. Mr. Stowitts as a faithful, devoted, consistent and discreet Christian minister; a wise counselor, a uniform sympathizer in all trials, a kind friend and a good citizen.
During the summer of 1883, Rev. Chalon Burgess, a greatly esteemed friend of the church, filled the pulpit whenever he could. On a Sunday morning in August, 1883, there appeared in the pulpit, a young man, Rev. William F. Faber, who made so favorable an impression that he was immediately invited to supply the church and later called as its pastor. Mr. Faber was a man hungry for work. He saw places for his effort within and without the Society. Rogerville appealed to him. Also Barcelona. The Burch school house and the Bourne school house were other points. The young people came to him with the greatest freedom. He was one with them. He established the Christian Endeavor Society which became a large and influential organization. Reared in the Lutheran Church he adopted a responsive service, which added much in a liturgical way. He was the main factor in the organization of the Young Men's Christian Association in Westfield, and he with the aid of one of his friends, for two or three years, made a personal canvass of the community to raise the funds necessary for this work. The outgrowth of this planting is the Y. M. C. A. which we have today with its fine building and equipment.
In all his leadings he carried his church with him. He was never arbitrary and never self-asserting. It was first convicton, second work, then consideration of the persons effected and his own personality last. He attracted men, and the proportion of men uniting with the church was greatly increased during his pastorate. He was a true son of Martha. People could not sit and sing themselves away to everlasting bliss under his preaching.
to the surprise of all his people Mr. Faber presented his resignation to the Session in December, 1883, [sic 1892?] notifying that body that he was about to take orders in the Episcopal Church. He is at this writing Rector of St. John's church, Detroit, Mich.
The church was active during the pastorate of Mr. Faber. There was a steady addition of members, the largest of any one year being that of 1886-7, when there were received 39 into membership.
This was following revival services carried on by Rev. Mr. Frost, the meetings being largely held in the rooms of the Y. M. C. A. All the churches participated in this work. As may be inferred the work was principally among the young men and a large number were added to the several churches.
During this year the choir loft was enlarged and a choir of young voices introduced with much advantage to the worship. During the later years of his pastorate Mr. Faber took the entire charge of the music. It was a work he greatly enjoyed.
Mr. Faber delivered his last sermon to a crowded house. It was a day of heart burnings and moist eyes.
Carson R. Crosgrove became an elder November 1, 1884. He had long been a teacher in the Sunday School, and active in church affairs. He continued prominent in all matters pertaining to the church until his removal, February, 1888, to North East, Pa., where he at once identified himself with the Presbyterian Church of that place. His death occurred at Sidney, N. Y., then his home, in 1908.
During the winter of 1893, the church was served by the near-by ministry and at this time Rev. George S. Sweezey, of Kansas, came to the church. Mr. Sweezey's pastorate began April, 1893, and closed November, 1899. Mr. Sweezey made the acquaintance readily of the whole congregation. With his fine address, his kindliness of manner, he was at once en rapport with his whole congregation. He always insisted that the officers and church members be heard from in the work of the church and constantly brought forward new aids into the various activities. While here he was married to Miss Hendy, daughter of Rev. J. F. Hendy, D. D., of Jefferson, Mo. Mrs. Sweezey was a lady of much culture and refinement and was of great assistance to her husband.
In the spring of 1894, Rev. E. E. Davidson, the Evangelist, conducted a series of meetings which resulted in the addition of fifty-five to the church membership, largely from the young people.
In May, 1894, occurred the death of Miss Hannah Patterson, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George W. Patterson. Miss Patterson had come up in the church from early childhood and her part was always the doing something of church work. She was greatly sought after, and her aid and her counsel were always prized. She contributed largely to all the benevolences of the church; was conversant with the work of mission boards and never needed instruction as to the undertakings or needs of any of them. Her will bequeathed $100,000 to Patterson Library as a memorial to her father and mother. Very properly the library stands at the door of the church and supplements much of the good work begun therein.
In March of 1896, Elder Robert M. Mateer passed from the Session of the church to the great company of the redeemed. A more careful, conscientious man it would be difficult to find than was Mr. Mateer. Peculiarly attached to friends he never countenanced an injustice toward anyone. In the matters of the church he was the quiet worker, accomplishing much and for himself claiming nothing whatever. For twenty years he had been clerk of the Session. His death was a great loss to the church and Society, and to the whole community.
In October, 1897, the Session, on account of the life-long influence and great generosity of Deacon Lester Stone, decided to arrange for a celebration of his ninetieth birthday, which occurred on the 14th day of October. The day was propitious and the gathering was largely attended at Deacon Stone's residence. In behalf of the church and Society, together with other dear friends who wished to participate, he was presented with a purse of ninety gold dollars. Mr. Stone's reply to the address of appreciation and congratulation was characteristic. He disclaimed any merit or desert worthy of special mention; that whatever he had done was only his plain duty to do and he only regretted that he had not been able to do more. A year and a half later the Session met to pass resolutions of sympathy and respect following the death of Elder Lester Stone which occurred in March, 1899. When Mr. Stone passed away it was felt that the last of the old guard, one who was present almost from the very beginning (he came to Westfield with his father, Elder Eber Stone, in 1813) had gone. He had lived for his church and all that that meant. His Christianity was the kind that would stand the wear and tear of every day business life. He was an example in righteous living. All his work was done with keen intelligence. He was strong intellectually, physically and morally; a worthy son to Eber Stone, who was one of the pillars of the early structure. Had what Eber Stone did, and what Lester Stone and his family had preserved, been obliterated, there would be very little of early history for us to recite today, and without this family the church would have a far less prosperous record to hand down now, at the end of 100 years of existence.
As has been noted in previous chapters, one of the sponsors for the first brick church of 1832, was Daniel Northrop, who signed a guarantee to the amount of $1,000, a large sum for his day. His son, Joseph Northrop, became an Elder in July, 1868, thus continuing the tradition of the family. Mr. Northrop kept closely alive to church affairs and passed peacefully away, December 1, 1898.
There came into the Eldership in the year 1899, Mr. Edward L. Jones who was with us but three years, as his work called him away from this vicinity.
When Elder Charles P. Skinner left us with his family for Ottawa, Kan., in 1885, he was given a farewell reception in the church parlors. His work as an Elder had been so helpful, and as a Sunday School superintendent so masterful and successful, that the whole church felt that it must pay him this tribute of affection and appreciation. He was given the mead of praise to which he was justly entitled and was bidden with his family an affectionate farewell. In the following years his visits to Westfield were of yearly occurrence until 1899 when he came back in very poor health. He remained through the summer and on the 31st day of October, made his last farewell to things earthly. He left a strong impress upon the Westfield church. He was indefatigable in his labors and the detail of his Sunday School work was something that none other would attempt. Following his decease there was held a memorial service in this church, when his great number of friends came together to sympathize with his family and to condole with one another. Many letters were received from those who could not be present, all showing the high esteem in which he was held.
Rev. George S. Sweezey presented his resignation November 2, 1899, having held his position as pastor for six and one-half years. During this time there had been received into the church membership 124 persons. All the benevolences had been well sustained, and there was generally a good spirit felt throughout the congregation. Mr. and Mrs. Sweezey went to their new field in Ohio with the best wishes of the entire Society.
Rev. George L. MacClelland, of Brooklyn, N. Y., occupied the pulpit in February of 1900 and was requested to remain with the church as stated supply, which he consented to do, and has so continued to the present time, nearly nine years. While he has had many flattering offers from abroad he has not felt his work completed here, and so the happy condition remains.
In the last ten years Of the church century the changes by death came with the greatest rapidity. It would seem that no decade had brought about such a rapid succession of mortalities. In May, 1902, Mr. Henry C. Kingsbury passed away without the warning of so much as a moment. As a counselor, a contributor, and as president of the board of trustees through the building of the 1878 church he was of invaluable service to the Society. His legal equipment was often in demand and his opinions were accepted. His place in church was always occupied when health would permit. He held in highest esteem Christian living and honored a Christian life.
In October, 1902, another loss came to the society in the death of Aldred S. Patterson, who as a constant attendant, a generous supporter and a wise counselor had long held in the Society an enviable place. Following his death his sister, Miss Susan Patterson, endowed the seat occupied in church by her brother and the other members of the family to the amount Of $2,000. Mr. Patterson was the most modest of men. His kindness and his real Christian life were only known to those who knew him intimately. For himself he steadfastly disclaimed any merit in the numberless offices he rendered to the church and to individuals.
In October, 1874, William N. Cochrane was made a ruling elder, a place he held with much credit until November, 1879. Mr. Cochrane was a man of few words, but his advice was always regarded and his judgment accepted. He came into the work at Westfield after a long membership in the Presbyterian Church of East Ripley, where he was greatly esteemed. For many years his health deprived him of church attendance, but his interest in the church and the work continued. His death occurred in February, 1903. His going out was greatly mourned. In February, 1903, Elder John Arthur Skinner, son of Rev. L. A. Skinner, passed away. Possibly no more lovable man could have been named in the community. His was a life without guile. He served the church in every department, and took upon himself every duty, and worked faithfully, cheerfully and constantly for the great cause. Every one was his friend, and his death was a personal grief to a very large circle of acquaintances.
Although the church is itself now one hundred years old, there is record of only one member, Hon. Austin Smith, reaching the century mark, which he did in 1904. Mr. Smith always enjoyed the church services and his home made welcome numbers of people from time to time who were called here to attend some undertaking in connection with the sanctuary. Up to within a short time of his death which occurred October, 1904, he was well able to attend to all the usual affairs of life. He had a strong bass voice and enjoyed music to the fullest extent, having in his younger days been a member of the choir. In early years he taught in the Academy and few men there are who keep in touch with their own education as did Mr. Smith. He passed away without pain, with the sleep of a child.
There have been many great gatherings in this church when throngs of people have come together on occasions of both joy and sorrow but at no time was the place so packed in every part and so many turned away as on the occasion of the funeral services of Samuel Frederick Nixon, in October, 1905. Mr. Nixon was born within the pale of the visible church, baptized here in infancy, and at the age of sixteen became a member. Later he took his letter to the College Church of Clinton, N. Y., but when in Westfield was a regular Sabbath attendant in this place of worship. As years went by he be- came a great power in the state, until no man within its boundaries carried the political force or showed the statesman's leadership as did he. He was taken away in the zenith of his manhood and at his burial the whole administration of the state and of the cities therein came to do him honor. It was a notable day when a thousand people were packed within these walls and thousands more were outside not able to obtain admittance.
In 1905, the Society decided to build a new parsonage. The time was propitious and by an outlay of $6,500, (twenty-two hundred of the amount came from the sale of the parsonage presented by Governor Patterson, situate at the corner of Market and Clinton Streets), the fine manse on Elm Street came into existence. The work was looked after by the building committee, Trustees Elmore M. Kent and Samuel C. Crandall.
In April, 1906, Rev. E. E. Davidson conducted revival services in the church which were largely attended. Much interest was manifested and at the following communion twenty-one persons united with the church, largely of young people from the Sunday School.
In January, 1906, Reuben G. Wright, who for forty years had been a constant attendant at the sanctuary, and much of the time a trustee, passed away. All through the history of our church, the Society has had the benefit of active, careful business men as members of the board of trustees, such a man was Mr. Wright. In the building of the new churches he gave valuable aid and constant personal attention to the work in hand, and by his will he added $2,000 to the church endowment.
February, 1907, records the death of one more of the strong men of the church, Elder Joseph H. Plumb. Mr. Plumb was indeed the model Christian gentleman. When he came to the church much was expected of him and in no particular did he disappoint the church, the Society and the community to which he came. His benevolences were general, not confined by any means to the church of his membership. In the meetings of Presbytery he was always most welcome and on one occasion was made moderator. Among his bequests was one of $2,000 to the church to be added to the endowment fund.
During the present year we have to note the passing away of Elder Robert H. Thompson and Robert M. Hall.
Mr. Thompson became an elder in 1876. He was very active in Sunday School and a remarkable Bible student. His Bible class was always one that was well instructed. He had little use for higher criticism but was in full accord with the old Scotch divines. During the pastorate of Rev. Mr. Stowitts he engaged earnestly in all church activities. In later years his infirmities were such that he was often deprived of these privileges. His death occurred September, 1908.
Robert M. Hall, son of Asa Hall, became an elder in January, 1866. Naturally religious he found it an easy task to take up the assignments which came to him. His prayers were noticable in that they were born of thought as well as devotion. His religious convictions entered into all the affairs of his life. He passed away November 24, 1908, the funeral services being held in his best loved home, the sanctuary.
In this sketch of the full span of one hundred years we have spoken of a portion of the officers of our church. In this connection we mention a few of the many who went to make the reinforcing strength of the Society.
In the early days of 1818, there were such men as Arthur and William Bell, father and son, with their families; Col. and Mrs. James McMahan, William Bandall and wife. The Atwaters and the Atwoods. Robert Cochrane with his son, Hugh Cochrane, and his family from 1817. The Bird family from the same date. Fisk Durand, from 1821, and his brothers, Nehemiah and Lyman, somewhat later; the descendants of the former being with us to this day. Abram Dixon and family dating back to 1831. The family of Reuben Wright, from 1818, and continuing in the sons, Reuben, Allen, and Franklin, and the daughters, Mrs. T. M. Knight and Mrs. Bradley. The Macomber family through three generations. Joel Loomis and family from 1817, and the Laurel Nichols family from the same date; each continuing by succeeding generations to the present time. The Rumsey family from 1826, continuing through Aaron Rumsey and Stephen Rumsey without interruption, until this historic date. John Crosgrove and family continuously from 1831. Jonathan Taylor and family from 1831; Martin Wright and family from the same date. James McClurg and wife; the former for more than fifty years a constant attendant. Jonas and Jasper Harrington and their families from 1833. John Couch and family from 1834. The Lane family of Barcelona, also from 1834. Benjamin Seward and family from 1838. Rocester Johnson, who dates from 1838. Paul Persons and family, who were early settlers on the Lake Road east of Barcelona. William Johnston and family, together with his sister Elizabeth and brother Hugh and family from 1836. Later, Alexander Johnston and his wife Elizabeth Patterson Johnston. Mr. and Mrs. Franklin Waters, Major William Allis and wife, together with their large and helpful family. Elam Bliss and family. Mr. and Mrs. Austin L. Wells, Hiram Tiffany and family; the latter three families dating from 1837. David Johnston and family from 1841, to the fourth generation. Alvin Plumb whose daughter, Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Bliss, is yet with us. Asa Farnsworth from 1831. L. F. Phelps and family from 1841.
Coming down nearer the present date were Almon Abbott with his family. Morris Dick and family. Watson S. Hinkley and family. Mr. and Mrs. Moses Adams. George W. Holt and family. Dr. John Spencer and family. Harvey a Blowers and family. Mr. and Mrs. George W. Rice. Edward P. Whitney and family. And later, Alanson Wedge and family. All strong people in their several places, and each one able to help forward the great work.
And then there was that company of noble women, a few of whom are recalled in Mrs. Jonathan Cass, Mrs. Lester Stone, Mrs. Asenath Baldwin, Mrs. Sextus H. Hungerford, Mrs. Austin Smith, Mrs. Mary Cowden, Mrs. Reuben Tinker, Miss Charlotte Hall, Mrs. L. A. Skinner, Mrs. Susan Brewer, Mrs. M. A. Sackett, Mrs. E. S Barger, Mrs. George C. Baldwin, Mrs. M. E. G. Young, Mrs. Isaac Cochrane, Mrs. A. Crosby, Miss Hannah W. Patterson, Miss Susan Patterson.
These are a few of those who will be first recalled by the older members of the present day by tradition and by recollection, but they are only a small part of those who were helpful in making the church history; and in building up this Society so as to be known in the past as a strong church.
There have gone out from the church into the ministry nine men. As though it were a personal acknowledgment of the faith of the father, Alexander Montgomery, son of Deacon James Montgomery, heads the list. Then next comes Asa Stone and Amos Stone, sons of Eber Stone, who came to Westfield in 1813 and was from the first, one of the strong men of the society. Later Walter A. Couch, Joseph Tinker, William Macomber, VanVliet Putnam, Samuel Fisher and Edward L. Skinner, came into the ministry from this church.
Miss Helen Roby, who was a teacher in the Academy and an attendant of the church, later went out into the foreign field. Next came Miss Adele Hall, who following her graduation at Mt. Holyoke Seminary, took up mission work with the Indians in the Northwest. At present we have one member, Miss Jennie Blowers, doing mission work in Porto Rico.
This history necessarily treats of those who have passed away, but what have we remaining. Certainly a splendid inheritance. We have the impulse of those who have been largely instrumental in making this town one of high ideals. We have a sanctuary handed down for our keeping adequate for the requirements and fully equipped. We have a church membership of 415 persons. Whereas our fathers began with the most meager homes which contained but few of the necessities of life we are living in what would have been considered by them, great luxury if not extravagance. Then, if amid the poverty of the country they carried forward the work; what of us, who have fields cleared and open for large returns and opportunities on every side to make a comfortable living, with a goodly margin for the work. Certainly there are great possibilities handed to us today and with them great responsibilities. During the century closed the number admitted to the church amounts to 1,872, really a great army. We have spoken of a few but these are the many. They are they who have carried the burden while the few, called important, have given direction to the effort. With their work finished it is a small thing that their names should appear in anything which we can bring forth; their great joy now is that their names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life, and they are the jewels of the King.
FRANK ASA HALL.
