The Caledonian-record. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1920-current, 1921-10-24
ANNIVERSARY
SUNDAY AT
SOUTH CHURCH
Big White Church on the
Hill Observes It's 10th
Birthday

The 10th anniversary of the
founding of the South Congrega-
tional church was fittingly observ-
ed Sunday The service included
special music and addresses
abounding in interesting reminis-
cences of the long line of worthy
men and women who have filled
the pews of this historic church
and the preachers who have minis
tered to them in the days gone Oy.
The choir was augmented for
the occasion and the fine musical
program included a baritone solo
by Harold French and a cello solo
by Raymond Mclaughlin.
The printed program included
the anniversary hymn written for
the occasion by the pastor, Rev.
Francis A. Poole; a hvmn of Rev.
Stephen G. Barnes, a former
pastor; and "a symphony" by Rev.
Edward T Fairbanks, a veritable
poem in prose, a psalm for mod
ern Israel such as only the pen
of DR.. Fairbanks could produce.
Mrs. Rebecca P. Fairbanks read
an interesting paper of reminiscent
ces of early days. Mrs. Fairbanks
was the only member of the con-
gregation Sunday morning who
was present at the first service 70
years ago. Mrs. Fairbanks, after
speaking of the coming of the
railroad in 1850 and the conse-
qtent growth in population, told
how on Oct. % 1851 the 65 ori-
ginal members met together and
started the new church. Rev.
Sumner G. Cla~~ was the first pas
tor from 1S52-1855 The next was
Rev. George N. Webber up to
1859. After Mr.. Weber came
Rev. Lewis O. Brastow who was
pastor until 1873. Mr.. Brastow
was an army chaplain during the
civil war. Dr.. Fairbanks, who
ministered for so many years so
lovingly, was followed by DR..
S. G. Barnes, then at more recent
date by Rev. Paul Dwight
Moody and our present beloved
pastor Mrs. Fairbanks said: GAS
| have been trying to recall mem
ories of the early days, | seem to
see some of these pews filled with
old and familiar forms and faces,
"a rare company and one whose
spirit | like to believe yet hovers
with a benediction over this place.
There was the bowed and thought |
full figure of Thaddeus Fairbanks,
and by his side his stately, grace
ful and resourceful wife, Lucy |
Barker. There was the quiet,
gentle-spirited man, Joseph Far
banks, and his noble companion
and helper Almira Taylor. The !
towering form of James K. Colby, |
with his strong yet kindly face, a
man revered bv all the younger
members of the congregation, |
There was Levi Fuller, the lead
er of the singing. There was
Deacon Sanborn, Ephraim Jewett,
for many years superintendent of |
the Sunday school, alert and reauy |
for Christian service always en-
couraged and aided by his loyal
wife, Caroline Taylor. There were
many others, all now a precious
heritage of treasured memories"
In a review of these early days
mention should be made of Loami
Flint, the sexton of this building
sor nearly so years. The word SEX
ION is defined as one who has
,harge or care of a church. l
can assure you Mr.. Flint had both,
he charge of this building and the
care of it. Himself always wear
ng slippers while attending to his
luties during hours of service, he
expected others to manifest the
;ame respect. Especially was TINS
rue in times of storm and bad |
He was then closely
,bselvant of the use that was
made of the mats in the vestibulc
md if one failed to use them, -e
" she was requested to do so. For
he first years as | recall he at
tended to the seating of all
CONTINUED on page three)