Dedication of the New Congregational Church - Part 2

1903 - The design

1903

This lengthy news item was published in 1903 describing the new Congregational Church that replaced the one that burnt in 1902. The article will be serialized over several days - this is part 2 which describes the details of the new church

NEW IPSWICH. 1903 

A meeting of the church people and citizens was called and a committee of five chosen to take up the work of raising funds, etc. Responses came so prompt and generous as to leave no room for doubt as to the advisibility of immediately proceeding with the work of rebuilding. A formal meeting of the society unanimously ratified the action that had already been taken and made the committee first chosen permanent building committee. 

   We have not time to go into details as to how matters took definite shape. Questions as to style, capacity, cost, etc., were considered and in every instance unanimously settled upon by committee. The services of Messrs. Gay and Proctor of Boston were secured as architects. Plans and specifications were tendered to four or five builders and the contract awarded to the lowest bidder, Messrs. J. D. Littlehale & Son of Fitchburg.

   The windows were made by Redding Baird & Co. of Boston. The pews came from the factory of the Grand Rapids School Furniture Co., of Detroit, Mich. The pulpit furniture from the shops of a Boston manufacturer. The carpets from the warerooms of John H. Pray & Sons, Boston. The bell was made in the foundry of Meneely & Co., Troy, New York. The organ was built by the Hook, Hastings Co. of Waltham. Chairs for the vestry and banquet room are from the factory of Allen Thompson & Co., in Greenville, N. H. The painting and decorating has been done by our townsman, Lauriston M. P. Hardy and the lamps and chandeliers were manufactured by Edward Miller & Co. of Boston. 

   Serviceability and moderate cost have been the points aimed at and never the cheap and showy. I believe that we have been most fortunate in all our artisans. The architects have given us the best of their effort and experience and have been careful to adapt their ideas to our wants and resources, points not always appreciated by architects. The contractor has done his work in every respect fully up to his agreement. I do not know of an instance where there has been the least attempt to use inferior material or cover up imperfect workmanship. I am glad that he can come here today and hold his head up with a consciousness that he has given us honest work. He placed in charge a man who has not only done his work satisfactorily but has won the respect of every one by his accommodating spirit and jovial manner. We have recently had proof that there was especial reason for the joy that seemed to fill his soul, and congratulate Mrs. Joe on her choice of a life companion. 

    I am pleased to make special mention of the painting and decoration which has been done in a satisfactory manner by Lauriston M. P. Hardy. The pulpit furniture has received the personal attention of our principal benefactress and was made from special designs selected and approved by her. While not intended as a memorial it will be a constant reminder of her generous interest in this enterprise. The clock is the gift of Miss Sarah F. Lee in memory of her father, Rev. Samuel Lee, pastor from 1836 to 1860. The communion service was presented by Miss Gould and Mrs. Hooper. The table linen by Mrs. Dorcas Hayward, the silver for the table by Mrs. Downing. Gifts were made by others also.

The Original Congregational Church

Note that the front faced Willard Road. The original town hall can be seen to the left of the church.

One Hundred Formulas -

George Carmichael donated a copy of Stephen A. Thayer’s “One Hundred Formulas” which was published in 1883. It contains recipes from everything from printing ink to pain killers. Today we will share the formula for another ink concoction, also used for marking linen. This is the last of the ink recipes. Note that Silver Nitrate will stain the skin for several days.

This book sold for a dollar and was one of the many enterprises that Steven A, Thayer was involved with (He had a cigar factory too). He had some advice for preparing the recipes.

James Roger diary entry

October 13^th 1908 (Tuesday)

Hard frost 12 degrees frost. Ice on hen’s dishes fine bright sunny day wind west to S.W.  Conjunction of Jupiter and Venus at 4am this morning.  David on roads down town.  I picked 2 fowls, watered Gordon lot and rested up.  Picked grapes at Preston dump.  Mrs. Parker rather better today.  May got letter from Jamie Mair and we got pc from Hamish.