South Church Then

In 1851, the members of the "Church of St. Johnsbury Plain" completed four years of prayerful discussion on the needs of the growing community by voting that "the interests of religion require a new church at the South end (of town); that a building be erected at the expense of the whole society to be owned and occupied by a colony from the mother church of not less than one-quarter nor more than one third of its membership, chosen by a committee of designation and to be organized at their own consent." Thus, on October 23, 1851, the colony of 66 members formally organized South Congregational Church.

With the colony worshipping at St. Johnsbury Academy, the society entered into an ambitious building program. Asa Edgerton received the $3000 contract for the construction of the church building, and Horace Carpenter, whose workmanship is now evident in the existing structure, began cutting timber from nearby hillsides to provide lumber for the project. The house of worship, with its classic architectural symmetry and typical New England Wren features, was built as an exact replica of the mother church. Changes in the original plans brought the final cost for construction to $4006.57. On January 14, 1852, members of South Congregational church gathered in their sanctuary to dedicate die new edifice to the glory of God.

The worshippers who gathered on that January day found box-type pews with straight backs and no cuslijons. Light shone through the small-paned windows onto the lovely mahogany pulpit. As evening fell, the room was illuminated by whale-oil lamps, casting a warm glow on the white walls and ceiling.

The church's interior underwent extensive renovation as early as 1888. The pews were rebuilt, the ceiling and walls frescoed, and memorial stained-glass windows were installed. The most recent renovation was completed in 1969, when the pulpit was moved closer to the congregation, the new organ was installed, and the choir loft moved to its present location.

South Church Today

South Church is an independent congregation with standing within the Vermont Conference of the United Church of Christ and the Conferences' Northeast Association. Throughout her history, the church has been characterized by a spirit of openness to the direction of the Lord. The congregation has a long standing commitment to ecumenism, Christian education and the ministries of music and caring. The avowed purpose of this church is to worship God, to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and to celebrate the Sacraments; to realize Christian fellowship and unity within this church and the Church Universal; to render loving service toward mankind; to strive for righteousness, justice and peace. Membership is open to any person who has been baptized and either has been confirmed or has been a communicant member of another Christian church, or professes faith in Jesus Christ as Savior after special instruction.

Among recent developments characteristic of South Church are:

• The creation of a Sunday School program that features class offerings for all ages conducted the hour before worship.
• The 1990 completion of an accessibility project that makes it possible for persons with handicapping conditions to participate in the life of the Church. This project included the installation of a personal PA system, the development of a format for large print bulletins, the construction of an accessible rest room, and the installation of an elevator/wheel chair lift
• The formation of hand bell choirs for all age groups. These choirs join an already remarkable ministry that includes the Crusader Choir for youth, and the Chancel Choir for adults. This ministry employs a wide variety of musical talent, both instrumental and vocal.
• The implementation of a Stephen Ministry program designed to equip participants for caring ministries with persons in crisis.
• The creation of a hospital chaplaincy program in conjunction with area churches and the Northeastern Vermont Regional Hospital.
• The steady stream of Scouting groups, community theater organizations, meals programs, fellowship and support groups that are housed at South Church bears testimony to the congregation's ongoing commitment to serve our God and our community.

Worship

Worship is essential to our lives as Christians. Worship includes illumination of God's Word and the celebration of the Sacraments. We gather to worship at 10:00 A.M. on Sunday. During the summer months, we participate in a series of Union Services which rotate among South and North Congregational Churches and Grace United Methodist Church.

South Church recognizes the two Sacraments of Holy Communion and Baptism. We celebrate Holy Communion on the first Sunday of each month, and on special days such as Maundy Thursday. All Christians are invited to participate with us in this sacrament. Baptisms normally occur during the regular Sunday morning worship service, and are scheduled by the Pastor. Private baptisms can also be arranged.

Confirmation

We combine two models for our Confirmation program. The first, a two year course of study, is designed to help create a sense of fellowship among the confirmands. The second is built on a mentoring model, pairing young people with older church members, on the assumption that we learn best from one another and need to develop a sense of belonging together within the body of Christ.

Structure

The GOVERNING BODY of our church is the membership assembled in church meetings.

The PASTOR is called by the church and holds office without limitation of time, and is in charge of the spiritual welfare of the congregation. The Pastor is in charge of preaching the Word, administering the Sacraments, exercising the privilege of acting as religious teacher and counsellor, and has general supervision over the organization of the church.

OFFICERS elected by vote of the congregation are MODERATOR, CLERK, TREASURER, BUSINESS MANAGER.

The EXECUTIVE COUNCIL serves as the policy-making body and coordinating agent of the interests and activities of the church, and is composed of the elected Officers of the Church, the President of Searchlight Fellowship, the chairpersons of Boards and Committees, and two at-large representatives. The Pastor serves as an ex-officio member.

Boards, Commitees and Organizations

The Church DIACONATE is an instrument of the Church's ministry of love and compassion, aiding the Pastor in spiritual duties. It is the Deacons' task to keep the church faithful to the gospel of Jesus Christ in worship, administration and service. The Diaconate is comprised of twelve active members of the congregation, six women and six men. Duties include:

• Visitation and regular contact with shut-in members of the congregation.
• Organization of special services.
• Serving Holy Communion to the congregation.
• Helping officiate the induction of new members.
• In the absence of the pastor, making arrangements for a substitute minister.
• Acknowledging special occasions such as birthdays, anniversaries, births and illness with cards, calls or flowers.

BUSINESS: The Business Manager chairs the BUSINESS COMMITTEE which is responsible for the economic well being of the Church. It is responsible for the preparation of the yearly budget and, upon its adoption, the budget's implementation. It is responsible for the upkeep of all church properties, including the endowment funds of the church.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION: The Christian Education Committee consists of six members; the Superintendent of the Church School is an ex-officio member with a vote. The committee has direction over all the educational work of the church, and supervises the church school and youth fellowships. It promotes the development of Christian nurture and character among the members of the congregation. It arranges for child care during worship services.

MISSION: The Mission Committee exists as a liaison between needy individuals and organizations in our community and the church. Requests for assistance are reviewed periodically. The committee members decide through consensus which requests will be honored. After such decisions are reached, a request is made in writing to the church treasurer to disburse the requested funds. The Mission Committee meets once a month throughout the church year, although urgent needs often necessitate more frequent meetings. The Mission Committee is also responsible for educating the congregation in the outreach of the church in our local community, in the state, the nation, and the world.

The purpose of the NOMINATING COMMITTEE is to seek people to serve on various church committees and boards and to submit those nominations to the membership at the Annual Meeting. They meet yearly to fill vacancies, or as needed when openings occur.

MUSIC: The Music Committee consists of six members, one-third of whom are elected annually to serve for a term of three years. At their first meeting in the fall, they elect a chairman who conducts the monthly meetings, and who also attends the monthly meeting of the Executive Council, to report on the actions of the Music Committee. A copy of the Committee minutes is filed with the Executive Council. This committee has supervision of the music personnel, the music programs and equipment, including care of music, robes and repair of hymnals when needed. The committee works closely with the music director.

STEWARDSHIP: The Stewardship Committee has the responsibility of conducting a program of stewardship education, organizing and supervising the raising of the budget. Traditionally this committee has raised funds by organizing an annual pledging campaign where all members are solicited to pledge monies weekly, monthly or quarterly in order to satisfy the yearly budgetary needs. The Annual Stewardship Pledge Drive is the most important project of the year. The pledges given to the church are to cover the cost of rnnning the church for a year, and support of church's ongoing missions. This traditional campaign has expanded in the last few years to include projects designed to provide increased income not only from inside the church but to include outlying communities. Some of those activities have included: Foliage Barbecue; Time, Talent, Treasures Auction; Dinner Auction; Chowder Supper; First Night Dinner; Chicken Pie Supper; Raffles. Stewardship is not just monetary, it is voluntary!

DECORATING: Responsibilities of the Decorating Committee:

• Provide flower arrangements for weekly church services which committee members procure from their gardens, local markets, and local flower shops. Members of the congregation are encouraged to donate flowers for family memorials or celebrations.
• Provide appropriate decorations for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Palm Sunday, and Easter, and maintain the flower boxes in the front of the church from Memorial Day through seasonal changes as appropriate.
• The committee meets bi-montlily and is responsible for arranging with the church office for floral orders and notifications in the monthly newsletter.

The PASTORAL RELATIONS COMMITTEE serves as a liaison between the members of the congregation and the minister and staff. The committee meets quarterly, or as needed, and is composed of two elected members-at-large and a representative from the Diaconate, Business, Christian Education, Music, Mission and Stewardship Committees. Church members may take concerns and/or suggestions to any member for consideration by the committee.

AUDITING: The Auditing Committee examines and audits the books of the Church Treasurer, Receiver of Offerings, the Diaconate, and any other as may be directed.

The SEARCHLIGHT FELLOWSHIP has been a vital part of South Church for over 100 years. It was organized in 1900 by "Ruthy" (Mrs. Henry) Fairbanks as a "social club for younger women" to help them become interested in the work of the church. Since 1853 there had been a "Sewing Society", a missionary committee made up of older women.

During the 1940's, Violet (Mrs. John Henry Sargent) clarified the purpose of Searchlight-- "To cultivate the spirit of Christ, beginning within our own lives and reaching out into the home and community and the uttermost parts of the earth." We try to keep this purpose meaningful with our programs and various activities.

Searchlight annually sponsors a Christmas bazaar on the first Saturday in December, and Spring and Fall rummage sales. Money is contributed to the Church treasury, to special Church projects, to mission needs (including summer camperships for St. Johusbury children). Recently, Searchiight has added a ministry of hospitality to its list of contribtuions to the life of the church, providing greeters, ushers and coffee-hour hosts, and organizing special receptions for families in their times of special need.

Searchlight Fellowship is open to every woman attending South Church. Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the months September through May. Changes are noted in the STEEPLE (the monthly Church Newsletter). Baby sitting is available with advance notice.

In an effort to provide an opportunity for women of the church to spend a social afternoon together on a monthly basis, Emestine Hinman and Fran Lidgate founded the "59'ERS" in the early 1960's. The group has been meeting ever since, spending a Wednesday afternoon each month sharing conversation and refreshnients, while enjoying friendly competition over a variety of games. Newcomers are invited... and one does not have to be 59 to be a part of the group!

South Church has been instrumental in establishing the REALITY program, a ministry for and with Senior High students in the area. REALITY provides an opportunity for young people to explore their spirituality in relationship with their peers and caring adults. The program is built upon weekly (Sunday evenings, 6:45 - 8:00) "Moderators' Meetings" for each grade level and a yearly retreat for each group, led by older REALITY students under the supervision of the program coordinators.

The New Century Hymnal

In 1994, after several years of discussion and encouragement from tile Searchlight Fellowship Past Presidents, the Music Committee began consideration of purchasing a new hymnal to replace the 35 year old Pilgrim Hymnals in the pews of South Church. After several hymnals were reviewed and presentations were made to the Deacons and Executive Board, five hymnals were selected for consideration and were displayed for several weeks for congregational input and comment. In May of 1995, the Music Committee selected the New Century Hymnal to recommend to the congregation. A congregtational meeting was held in November, 1995, where the recommendation of the committee was accepted, and a fund-raising campain was initiated on November 26, 1995, to purchase 225 hymnals. Many generous gifts made it possible to order the hymnals in April, 1996, and the new hymnals were placed in tile pews and dedicated on Mother's Day, May 12, 1996.

The Church Steeple

The South Church steeple was an engineering masterpiece. Eight wooden timbers spanned the entire distance from the base to tile weathervane. The church steeple became a local landmark and a symbol of South Church. The congregation began illuminating the steeple during evening hours on October 2, 1955.

Unfortunately, generations of exposure to Vermont weather caused the wood to decay. Steeplejack Cecil Percy of Waterbury, Vt., inspected the spire in May, 1970, and discovered that the southern side of the steeple was deteriorating at the base. Mr. Percy recommended the steeple's removal. Church officers, fearing a strong gust of wind might send the spire toppling across the Academy, moved quickly to rectify the problem.

In June, the support posts of the steeple were cut. A large crane lifled the spire from its perch and placed it on the ground nearby. Throughout this operation, shuddering organ music pealed forth from the sanctuary. More than one life-long member of the congregation preferred not to witness the demolition. With the steeple lying on the ground, Gordon Woods Associates of St Johasbury took careful measurements and numerous photos, and made a series of drawings of the spire.

The congregation explored a variety of options as they sought to replace the steeple. Wooden, fiberglass and aluminum construction were considered for the new spire. Finally, Campbellsville Industries, Inc., were commissioned to build an aluminum replacement The new steeple, weighing between two and three tons and an exact replica of the original, was raised to its resting place on Nov. 1, 1971.

The total cost of the steeple project was $30,000-- compared to the $4000 price tag for the entire church in 1852!

The Chandelier

The burnished brass chandelier in the sanctuary, purchased from a legacy left by Miss Emma Taylor, was part of a renovation project completed in 1888. "Made expressly for the place it occupies, it will prove a very pleasant reminder of one who did so much to aid in the works of shedding abroad the light of the gospel."

The Bell

When the second North Church building was erected in 1847, a new bell, weighing 2,500 pounds, cast in the key of F was installed. The ringing of this bell shook the steeple and within five years a crack appeared in the bell's rim. In 1852, when South Church was being built, the congregation decided to recast the North Church bell to create two twin bells- one for North Church and one for South Church- to symbolize the relationship between the two congregations. Accordingly, the bell was sent to the Meneeley Foundry where enough metal was added to rnake the two new bells. One of these twin bells, weighing 1,500 pounds and cast in the key of G, was mounted in the South Church belfry. From 1853 until recent years, this bell struck the passing hours for the town clock in the church belfry. It no longer strikes the hour, but continues to summon the faithful to worship as it has for more than seven generations.

The Town Clock

The three-sided, brass-works town clock is located in the base of the South Church tower facing north, south, and west. The clock, which was purchased from donations by the townspeople, was made by Reeve and Company of New York, and installed shortly after the church's construction in 1852. A movable rod running from the works room to the rear (east side) of the church building activated a fourth clock face which could be viewed from Railroad Street. The face of that clock, with hands intact, has been painted over, but is still visible at the rear of the church.

For 42 years, Mr. Alden True maintained the town clock, winding it every third day. Mr. True passed away in 1982, and the clock is now maintained by the town. The unique clock works may be seen upon request.

The Handbells

Handbells became a voice in the South Church music ministry in 1956, when Virginia Jones purchased a 15 bell set of "Swiss" bells to use as an adjunct of the Searchlight Fellowship. Mrs. Jones formed the Searchlighter Quartet for which she also wrote or arranged most of the music. Under her leadership the group of four women rang and sang their way across Vennont at women's meetings, church suppers and other events. The original "tinny" Swiss bells were a temporary instrument, for Mrs. Jones had already placed an order for a full two-octave (25 bell) set of handbells from the Petit-Fritsen foundery in Holland. These bells arrived in 1960, and the Searchlighter Quartet continued to perform for the next two decades.

In 1978, when Mrs. Jones was no longer able to direct the quartet, she donated her two sets of handbells to South Church under the care and direction of Claire Moore and Jeanne True. In the ensuing years the group expanded to a choir of eight ringers, eventually adding male ringers. One bell was added to the set in 1979, making it possible for the choir to ring the standard two-octave handbell music which was just beginmng to be published. The Petit-Fritsen handbells were totally reconditioned in 1983 thanks to a fund-raising campaign and several memorial contributions. Three additional bells were added in 1985 and eight more in 1987 to complete a full three-octave (37 bell) set.

Under the directorship of Phillip Goss, the ringers became active in the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers and attended state and regional ringing events with other choirs. Music director Phil Brown joined the group in 1984. In recent years handbell participation has expanded to include an 11 member adult choir, a training choir and two youth choirs. These choirs are an integral part of the worship life of South Church, while also performing concerts and attending state, regional and national ringing events. This increased level of activity and interest inspired a fund-raising drive in 1992 which, along with memorial contributions, allowed the church to purchase a new four-octave (49 bell) set of Malmark handbells in September, 1993.

The Organ

Thaddeus Fairbanks presented South Church with the first pipe organ in the community in 1856. George Jardine of New York City constructed the organ in 1855, using a total of 984 pipes. Until 1876, the organ stood in the gallery. In that year, the instrument was moved to the southeast corner of the sanctuary. The Jardine organ offered three or four basic sounds, and was best suited for the limited demands of early 19th century English church music.

After more than a century's service to the faithful, the organ was replaced after determining that it was much less costly to build a new organ than to rebuild the old. The new organ would lower maintenance cost while providing greater reliability, a greatly expanded tonal variety, and freedom from some of the problems created by changing Vermont weather. The congregation dedicated the new organ, designed by church organist, Robert Rachlm and constructed by David Cogswell of the Berkshire Organ Co., on October 5, 1969.

The new organ was designed to meet the specific needs of South Church, focusing on the instrument's use in leading congregational singing, accompanying the choir, and rendering solo organ music. Some of the 114-year-old lumber and some of the larger pipe bodies from the original organ were incorporated into the new design. The 1083 zinc spotted metal pipes were placed in the central forward apse. The choir loft was moved to its present central location, and houses the electronic console, positioned to make it possible the organist to direct the choir.

A memorial gift added a set of chimes in September, 1976.

Memorial Windows

The Jewett window was installed in the southeast comer of the sanctuary. Ephraim Jewett was the second clerk of South Church, and the fifth superintendent of the Sunday School. When he and his wife, Caroline Taylor, died in the fall of 1865, the Sunday School children began collecting money for this window which was given in their memory. The anchor at the top symbolizes our steadfast hope in God. Ephraim's name is "written" on the banner. The white medallion below is inscribed "Caroline P. Taylor, wife of Epliraim Jewett."

The red-robed man in the middle window on the south wall is Paul, the Apostle. This beautiful window was dedicated to the memory of Lucy P. and Thaddeus Fairbanks (inventor of the platform scale which revolutionized weighing and started the Fairbanks Scale Co.). The angel's banner in the upper portion of the window proclaims "Well Done", attesting to this couple's dedication to God and faithful service to the Church.

The last window on the south wall contains a graceful tree, and honors Judge Jonathan Ross. The open Bible contains the Latin phrase Lex Rex, meaning "Law of the King", and symbolizes Judge Ross's love of God's word. The crown symbolizes his recognition of God's sovereign power, and the scale, his dedication to justice. This was the last window to be presented to South Church.

The window in the northeast comer was given in memory of James K. and Sara Pierce Colby by their children. The Colby's were members of the original colony who formed South Church, and St. Johasbury Academy's Colby Hall bears the name of this, their first headmaster. The four Latin words in the center section of the window call to mind some of James Colby's positions and activities: Academise is translated Teacher; Praeceptor, Principle; Ecciesiae, Church Member; and Diaconus, Deacon. Mr. Colby was one of South Church's first two deacons and also served as Sunday School superintendent. The Latin phrases in the bottom section refer to Sara Pierce Colby. Ejus Conjux means His Wife; Christi Discipula, Disciple of Christ. The final phrase, Multorum Adjutrix, Helper of Many, refers to her devoted service in a variety of capacities, including wife, mother, Sunday School teacher, and teacher at the Academy. The crown in the top section acknowledges God as the supreme power.

The last memorial window is the St John window, given in memory of Joseph Fairbanks and Almira Taylor, both long-time members of South Church. Almira Taylor is remembered as an advocate of education for women, and was instrumental in founding the St. Johnsbury Seminary for Women. The oyster shell at the top symbolizes Christian baptism. The John and Paul windows are copied after designs by Albrecht Durer (circa 1515).

The Sancuary Clock

A rosewood veneer case encloses the clock located on the back wall of the church sanctuary. This clock, with its ripple-front design, was manufactured by Atkins & Whiting & Company during the early 1850's. The clock is of particular interest because it features a thirty day "wagon spring" movement invented by Joseph Ives, a movement powered by a leaf spring rather than a coiled spring or weights.

Carillon

From the April 24, 1995 Caledonian Record

There's a New Sound in Town

Three times a day (and four on Sunday's), Lower Waterford's loss has become St. Johasbury's gain.

A carillon donated by Lower Waterford residents Richard and Joanne Hurley is perking the spirits of adults on their way to work, St. Johnsbury Academy students about to start the school day, Sunday morning worshipers and the town in general from its new home in the South Congregational Church. Mixing centuries old music and modern technology, the carillon is a sophisticated three part player, timing unit and amplifier. The Hurley's donation also included 13 tapes, allowing the carillon programmer to coordinate the type of music played with the time of day, holiday seasons or other occasions.

The sounds fall on St Johnsbury ears, but the carillon is a memorial to a Lower Waterford resident: Gladys Whittemore. "She was a pillar of this community and someone who had always done so much for its people." Mrs. Hurley said.

A Trip Into the Past

A few selections of interesting or amusing incidents in the life of South Church gleaned from the pages of Edward T. Fairbanks' book, "Saint Johnsbury, Vermont, A Review of One Hundred Twenty Years".

First Chirstmas Tree in Town

The first appearance of the "Christmas Tree" as such in the town was in the auditorium of the South Church on Christmas Eve of 1863. Two fir trees fifteen feet in height were erected on the platform; these were suitably decorated and loaded with gifts for the Sunday School... all accomplished under the direction of Superintendent Ephraim Jewett, who had made a trip to Boston to obtain the most approved equipments. There was something for everybody, including copies of Mother Goose Melodies, for Principal Colby, Judge Jonathan Ross, and other grown-up boys. The fiftieth anniversary of this occasion was observed in the same place in a graceful and dignified manner: The illumination was from colored electric lights which flashed from the shapely spruce tree rising some twenty feet from the floor.

First "Broadcast" of a Church Service

In November, 1878, a transmitter made by S. H. Brackett of the SJA science department was mounted on the desk of the South Church pulpit, through which the entire service, vocal and musical, was distinctly rendered in the pastor's house on Park Street. It happened that the sermon that morning was on the theme of new heavens and a new earth, and occasional references to the graphic imagery of the Apocalypse coming over the wire with a weird and faroff effect seemed like new announcements sounding down from another world.

This conveyance of a church service over telephone wires attracted wide attention, and was reported by the press all over the country. (Thus South Church may justifiably lay claim to being the "mother" of the "electronic church," with the current ministry of airing Sunday worship services over the local cable access station, seemingly, a consistent expression of this pioneering spirit!)

(NOTE: The Brackett telephone was adjudged an infringement on the Bell patent and was thereafter withdrawn.)

The Fountain

On May 4,1881, a fountain was erected on the front lawn of the South Church. This account of the event appeared in the local paper: "Quite a company gathered at the South Church yard Saturday evening to witness the opening of the new fountain. There was music by the choir; a quaint report of doings of the 'committee'; song, 'Hail to the Fountain' by little girls; reading of lines written for the occasion by Miss Emma L. Taylor; and a doxology. The fountain stands about eight feet high, the water dripping down a tier of iron basins. These, with a pair of flower vases, cost about $175." Further, an old newspaper clipping mentions that on Children's Day, there would be "baptism of infants at the fountain."

The fountain was later disassembled and given for scrap metal during World War II.

Worthy of Note

South Church has a rich history of accomplished people who served her well as both pastors and lay men and women. At least fourteen of her members have been ordained as ministers. Of particular note are: Dr. Ozora Davis, who became president of the Chicago Theological Seminary and of the National Council of Churches; Dr. Paul Moody, who became president of Middlebury College; Dr. Benjamin T. Marshall, who became president of Connecticut College; Dr. Caroline S. Woodruff, a longtime member of South Church and Searchlight's first president, who later became president of Castleton Normal School and president of the National Education Association... and, while a student at St. Johnsbury Academy, Calvin Coolidge (30th President of the United States) worshipped at South Church.