Old Time Hymns

Pleasing Feature of New Ipswich Service

August 26, 1900

Transcription

The 150th anniversary of this this town was begun in a measure today, when in the churches the approach of the anniversary was referred to as a cause of thanksgiving and rejoicing on part of the staid old town and her sons and daughters,

   The community put on its best bib and tucker, the buildings were dressed in bunting and flags flew in an ever-freshening breeze, all for the gratification of town full of sightseers, who for the most part kept clear of the services in the churches.

   Today, when not discussing the great celebration which will cause the town to hospitably throw wide open its doors on Tuesday, the citizens quietly told one another that it would prove to be a difficult task for the little town to entertain the sightseers that would gather that day,

   Early this morning people in all modes of carriages began to arrive from Greenville, Jaffrey, Hancock, Peterboro, Lyndeboro, Wilton, Milford, Mason, Bennington, Hinsdale, Rindge, Dublin, Troy and other towns,

   The greatest Interest centered around the Congregational church from the fact that the preliminary exercises took place in that edifice. Long before the hour set for the services to commence, the structure was filled and at 10:30, the appointed time, it was fruitless to try to gain admission, not even stand- Ing room being left.

   The exterior and interior of the church were handsomely decorated in red, white and blue bunting. Over the pulpit were the words "God be with you till we meet again." Everything passed off as arranged and much credit is due to Edward O. Marshall and Ralph E. Parker for the way in which they handled the large congregation.

   Rev William R. Thompson of Bank VilIage offered prayer. Remarks were by Rev Calvin Cutler of Auburndale, Mass, Rev C. FE Andover. Mass, and Rev F. W. Green of Middletown, Conn.

   The address of the day was made by John Herbert of Boston. A letter of regret was received from Rev George P. Merriam, a former pastor of the Congregational church, but now of Mt Kisco, NY. R. H. Stearns of Boston, who was also to sрeak, was unavoidably absent.

   The old fashioned orchestra and choir captivated the audience. Those who
participated were:

William Willis Clarke of Boston, son of John P. Clarke, who was chorister for      40 years in the church of New Ipswich;  Clarence Crowell of Boston,
Mrs Myron Taylor of Arlington, Mass;  Miss Ettie Taylor of Arlington, Mass: 
Mrs Fred Preston, Miss Anna Belle Conant of Worcester, Mass; 
Miss M. E. Barnard of Cambridge, 
Myron Taylor of Arlington, Mrs Lizzie Crowell of Boston, 
Ralph Taylor of ArlingtonHeights, Mass; 
Mr and Mrs Albert T. Howe of New Ipswich, 
Warren Taylor of Arlington Hights, 
Mrs Archibald Eagleson of Attleboro. 
Mrs Fred Brooks of New Ipswich, 
Mrs John Cummings of New Ipswich, 
Prof E. B. Barrett of Greenville, 
Miss Gould of New Ipswich, Lawrence Carnee of Cambridge, 
Mrs Amee of Cambridge, Charles Knowlton, J. Addison Wheeler, Charles Wheeler, all of New Ipswich.

   The following selections were rendered: "Strike the cymbal," "While shepherds watch their flocks," "Come. my beloved, haste away," "Lord, what a thoughtless wretch was I." "Sweet is the day of sacred rest" and "Spare us, O Lord, aloud we cry."

   The ages of the singers ranged from 12 to 81 years. The oldest was Prof E. F. Barrett of Greenville and the youngest Philip Taylor of Arlington, Mass. Tomorrow will be a day of sightseeing and the visitors will be shown the historical places around town. An open air band concert will follow in the evening.

James Roger diary entry

21st August 1913

Fair and cool; wind westerly. David at Store. I hoed some turnips and got Hall ready for dance tonight. Got letter from Margaret. The girls go home tomorrow.

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