Hide Article Text (OCR)
ANNIVERSARY ECHOES.Some Words That Were Written for the East St. Johnsburv Celebration.1 Among the interesting papers read at the fiftieth anniversary of the church at East St. Johnsburv was one of “Reminiscences” b\- Mrs. Nathaniel Lee, an abstract of which is here given.Fifty years ago today since the first services were held in this house, consisting of the dedication of the house to the worship of God and the organization of the church denominated at the time the Third church of St. Johnsburv. Perhaps ten years previous the business part of the village was much more prosperous than now. Several industries which existed then have for various reasons been abandoned. But we had no church organization. Individuals of the Metho- j dist denomination existed as a societjG and were supplied with preaching a part of the time by their conference. This amounted to little more than occasional preaching. Besides this the pastors of the First and Second churches, as they were then called, held alternate sabbath evening services. These were much en-ipyed. Those were faithful, earnest min-_ j isters, not shunning to declare the whole counsel of God. Much as these services were enjoyed, our young people especially required regular sabbath services. The question was raised: Can we not build a church ? It was finally decided to build a Congregational house of worship. After much time with patience and perseverance a sufficient sum was raised to commence the building in the spring of 1840. The work went on and Nov. 25, 1840, the house was finished. Meanwhile measures had been taken preparatory to forming a church. This must consist of individuals gathered from the extremes of three different churches, St. Johnsburv First, now St. Johnsburv Centre; St. Johnsburv Second, now the North church, and Kirby with two from L3-11-don who were residents here; 19 in all. The dedication services were solemn and impressive. Within six months after we entered into covenant as a church the remains of a beloved sister were brought here for burial. The scourge of '43 removed two more of our members. Following this was the sudden sickness and death of our senior deacon. But while we reflect on those afflictive Providences we would not be unmindful of our blessings. Frequent accessions were made by letter from other churches and we have passed through a number of religious awakenings which resulted in the addition of a few to the church and one general revival resulting in the addition of 40 at one time. Since then our numbers have lessened by deaths and removals. A number of families moved to St. Johnsburv and united with churches there; others, mostly young people, went west; and I think of ten different states in the Union where some one or more reside who went from this church and community. The present resident membership is 80. I cannot close without recalling the kindness and aid we have received from individuals of the North chunch, most noteworthy the Fairbanks firm. No sooner had we conceived the idea of building than we were met with words of encouragement and proffered aid and when we considered the subject of organizing a church, the one most prominent because most often met, was Deacon Krastus Fairbanks. In all our meetings of consultation he was with us and always met us with a smiling face and words of wise counsel. Our first pulpit was the gift of Mr. Thad-deus Fairbanks. Our beautiful communion service is the gift of Mr. Horace Fair-A historical paper was also read by Mrs. S. L. Morrill. An abstract is subjoined :Fifty cycles of time have run their rapid rounds since this church was organized. We have often failed and broken our covenant; still we trust that our heavenly father has graciously forgiven us and that his watchful eye has ever been over us for good. Of the original 19 members of this church but five remain. The fathers, where are they ? Light streaming from the radiant cross of Christ gives us lio]ic that they are before the throne. Three pastors whom we knew by the names of Case, Bowers and Humphrey, have passed from the seen to the unseen. Honorable mention shotdd be made of those who supplied the pulpit with much acceptance during the absence of stated pastors, among whom might be mentioned the Rev. Mr. King, installed as pastor over the church before going to Massachusetts to visit his parents, where he was seized with a fatal disease. Precious revivals have been witnessed here. As we call to mind the familiar forms and faces of those who have passed away may we not fancy that the3r are now looking over the battlements of Heaven, viewing this little group assembled here today and softly whispering to themselves the parting words of the beloved Humphrey, “Be steadfast, brethren, be steadfast.”A short paper written by Simeon Huse said of the Sunday School:But few churches in Caledonia county have, according to their numbers and means, had a more successful or prosperous sabbath school or sent out into the world more enterprising and successful men and women, with good habits of industry, frugality, enterprise and religious principles. The first school was a union of Congregational and Methodist children, with Isaac Harrington as stqv-erintendent. Then the Methodists formed a school of their own. The next superintendent was Mr. Camp. Then Calvin Morrill was superintendent a long time. There was great interest.in the school all through his administration. I well remember the free ride to White River Junction given to children who would learn the catechism In- heart and recite it to their teachers. Two carloads of children and older jieople went. Next Deacon Griswold officiated a number of years, followed by Frank Bill, Simeon Huse, Milo Hall, John Lee, Rufus . Wood, Jacob G. Hovev and H. C. Wood, the present superintendent.Among other communications was a private letter to J. C. Potter, from Joel Wood, who has been confined to his bed for a number of years. His letter, full of cheer, enclosed a contribution of a $5 gold piece to help liquidate the debt for a new parsonage; “a thank offering” wrote Mr. Wood, for the good influences that have gone forth from God’s servants who from time to time dwelt in the parsonage.” Mrs. M. McCurdy also sent a long letter full of earnest words. Among the reminiscences in this letter was the following:It was this same old church whose birthday 3'ou celebrate that took me into its sacred keeping in m3’ fourteenth 3-ear. The examination for admission was very severe. PossibK- my youth made it more necessary to guard with vigorous care the entrance. At all events I hope I 11133-be forgiven for saying “3-es, sir under I m3' breath when some one asked. If I . should lead a good and hob-life and then should be eternally damned, if I should still love God. Ah, m3 dear young ’ friends, be thankful that your lines have 1 fallen in pleasant places. Toda3‘ the ' church welcomes to its fellowship the lambs of the fold.
Newspaper Details
Saint Johnsbury Caledonian
Saint Johnsbury, Vermont, US
Thu, Dec 04, 1890
Page 1
Full Page
Clipped by
Orrin K.
USA 20 Mar 2024
Other Publications Near Saint Johnsbury, Vermont
The Evening Caledonian
The Caledonian Record
The Weekly Caledonian
Saint Johnsbury Vermont Farmer
Saint Johnsbury Caledonian
