Putnam patriot., 1930-08-21

regular ehorister. one having been installed during Mr. Cabot's pastor ate but 1t was nearly one hundred years later, in 1925. that we find mention of bass viois being introduc- ed. When the present church was built, in 1856 MT. Mason added to his generosity by the gift of an or gan. which was in service until about 1868 when a larger and finer in- strument was purchased, the old or gan being set up in the vestry.
 The present organ was given to the church in 1901. when the church was rededicated It was presented by members of the Doane family in memory of Mir. John W. Doane.
 My mother, Mrs. Annie K. Dun ming, served as the first organist. She was followed in that office by Miss Clarinda Knight, Miss Annie K. Dunning Mrs. Clara Armstrong, Mrs. A. ". Mills. Mrs. Walter Pratt and Mrs. Isabel Cole. the present organ ist.
 The former method of furnishing wind for the organ was by means of a handle at the side which was work ed up and down like a pump handle. The first organ was small affair and much easier to blow than the later instruments If you viii pardon reference to the days of my own tender youth, may l say that was very proud of the fact that occasion ally 1 was permitted to aid in blow ing the organ, and it Is reported that l then remarked that only our fami- ly was needed in the church, with my father preaching the sermon, my mother playing the organ, and my self blowing if.
 In the present organ the position of the blower was inside the instru- ment. One very young man who was supposed to supply power for an hour while the organist was praetic- ing, contributed much inspiration by appearing from the interior of the organ at five-minute intervals to ask what time it was. Another, more ambitious youth, under like condi- tions used to prop up a book before him and continue his studies. Later he was able to pass examination for admission to the bars and he is now known as Judge Geissler of Putnam. l am glad to mention this here. The march of progress has since destroy ed this industry. for kind friends gave of their substance towards the purchase of an electrically driven blower. and no longer are the youth of the town sought after to perform this back-breaking job. Another in stance of the dethroning of hand labor by machinery.
 IL is impossible, at this time to speak of all those who have gladly and willingly assisted in the service of song. but Miss Larned's paper about the church music, written twenty-five years ago, should be read by those who want a more detailed account. However. exception should be made in the case of Mr. Andrew Mills, whose long and faithful serv- ice of over sixty years as ehorister and organist. deserves our especial attention.
 Financial History
 Just a few words about financial matters The original seats were owned by such householders as built ! them into the church.
 Several years later these were re- moved and pews were installed. i These pews were rented. each year at different fixed sums. according to their location. About three years ago 1t was voted to adopt the pledge sys- tenn. now so generally in vogue, in most churches. By this system, the old method of sending out bills for the pews was abolished. signed pledge-cards taking their place. The wisdom of those who advocated this change is apparent in the increased revenue that is received. The thanks of the church are due to those who so generously aid it financially, even though not members of it. Another sourcg of income comes as the inter est from legacies that have been re- ceived from those who loved the church and desired their aid to con tinue after they had passed away.
 The Sunday School. which was started in 1925 with Deacon Josiah Thayer as superintendent. has con t'nued its benefgient work since that time.
 The Ladies Missionary Society connected with the church has had a long and honorable record, having been organized in 1916.
 The first four pastors owned their own houses. but in 1875 it was voted to build a parsonage and this was ae- complshed after strenuous solici- tation of funds. Since it's compile ton our elergymen have had dwell ling place provided for them.
 Ladies Aid Society
 The Ladies Aid Society has been long in existence and it's achieve ments have been the continual ad- miration of those who have been aware of them. This is particularly true of the men of the parish, who never cease wondering at the success of this society in raising money for keeping church and parsonage in good condition.
 In the original plan of the church place was made for the pastor study, but the room was not allowed father and few of his successors. Later pastors gave up the use of this judy, but the room WIS not allowed l to go Go waste. The Ladies Aid Society has remodelled it into a very complete kitchen, which is of great assistance when those church sup | nefs are prepared which are so