Rudy King Speech

The following is the text of a speech delivered by Mr. King at the Anniversary Supper. It was transcribed, by Jeffrey M. Hardin, from a typewritten manuscript in the possession of John Sheehan of Millis, MA. It contains a fair amount of history of Millis as well as the Church of Christ and is worth the reading.
Rudolph King Speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives In office
1937 – August 16, 1944

Our History
By Rudolph F. King at Anniversary Supper, The Church of Christ, Millis, Massachusetts
November 11, 1950           

 Mr. Toastmaster, 
Reverend Gentlemen, Guests, Members and Friends of the Church of Christ:-It is my privilege and pleasure this evening to respond to the toast, "Our History." As this is the 100th Anniversary of the Fourth Meeting House of our Church Society, perhaps I should confine my remarks to the period from 1850 to date..... However, our Church Society is 236 years old, so I shall take the liberty in my historical talk to mention some of the important events that took place previous to 1850 and also to mention some of the individuals who have played prominent Part in our Church and Town history before the building of this - the Fourth Meeting House of the First Parish of Medway.

I am afraid we accept as commonplace the everyday luxuries and opportunities that are ours ...... We accept the tremendous advancement in better living, education, transportations, medical science, engineering, and the other blessings that are ours today, without too much thought of the terrific sacrifices of the men and women who preceded us in our Country, State, and Community. So during this, our 100th Anniversary Program, we have recognized, and will continue through our Anniversary to paint a vivid picture of the early settlers- both men and women - and of their faith in God and Country. They, like David of old,- professed their Joy for God's House and the opportunity to enter therein and give thanks for His many blessings. Let us remember the founders of this Community, who built their homes in the wilderness and whose comforts, privileges, and pleasures were few compared to the conveniences and blessings we have now. They found time and money to build a Church and felt it their duty to support it financially and by their attendance.

Our records show that in 1653 Abraham Harding and Peter Adams had grants in Great Meadow - a tract of land west of the Farm now owned by Kenneth Ramsdell on Causeway Street. At this time the record mentions the Great Bridge across the River on what is now Dover Road. Mention also is made of Dwight's Bridge. Both of these bridges must have been built so the farmers could reap the grass in the meadows on the west side. The records further show that Millis first settled as a Community in 1658 and called Boggastowe Farms .... incorporated as Medway in 1713. In due time became known as East Medway, and incorporated as Millis in 1885.

I urge each of you to go to our Town Library and read Reverend E. 0. Jamoson's "History of Medway" and learn of the experiences, courage and the endurance of these rugged pioneers who crossed the Charles River to establish this Community of which we are all very proud.

These men and women from Medfield looked across the Charles River to the new frontier and they saw a countryside that had little to boast of in picturesque scenery.... However, they did see that all about was much of that quiet loveliness of landscape which abounds in this part of the Old Bay State and especially along the banks of the sleepy Charles..... Gentle elevations, beautiful valleys, the meandering river, broad far-reaching meadow lands skirted by forests of evergreen, the quiet flow of Boggastowe, the waters of South End and Mill Ponds --- these furnish the elements of a scenery not destitute of beauty.

During the years from 1658 to 1713 these settlers worshipped God in Medfield, or, when travel was impossible, they held their Worship Services in one of the homes of Boggastowe Community. In 1713, in the twelfth year of the reign of "Good Queen Anne", 50 Town founders - representing approximately 250 brave pioneers - petitioned the Great and General Court to be Incorporated as the 69th Town in the Bay Colony, the Town to be known as Medway, "And that the inhabitants have, use and exercise and enjoy all such power and privileges which other towns have, and so by Law use, exercise and enjoy. So that they procure and Settle a Learned, Orthodox Minister of good Conversation among them and make provision for an Honorable support and maintenance for him."

Public worship was held for the first time in Medway, (now Millis) on the first sabbath in October - October 7. 1714 - at the house of Peter Adams. The people were called together by the Tap of Peter Adam's drum and the sermon was preached by Reverend David Deming, who a few months later was called "to settle and to carry on the work of the ministry".

The First Church was built in 1715 on Bare Hill (now a part of Prospect Hill Cemetery) and that building was used for worship until 1749 when it was destroyed by fire. Immediately the Second Meeting House was erected and was used until 1816.

236 years have passed since that day, long, long ago - October 7, 1714 - when Peter Adams beat the drum to call the faithful to worship. At this meeting plans were made to build the First Meeting House which was erected the following year. It is hard for us to picture this building in its stark simplicity as a Church. No ornaments, no paint, no glass in the windows, And yet to the founders of this Community it was a Temple to Almighty God and it stood as a Beacon on the hilltop testifying to their strength of character and their Faith in the Supreme Master of the Universe.

History tells us that in this First and Second Meeting House on Bare Hill, the Town business was conducted for many years, and there - on Bare Hill - the good people of the First Parish laid their dead to rest.

As the Community became more prosperous, the people of the First Parish decided to build a more modern meeting house, and so there was erected, in 1816, the Third Meeting House on Bullard Hill (This Hill is just back of The Elms, the home now occupied by Mr. and Mrs. James Payson.) The general building plan of this Third Meeting House followed that used in the Daughter Church in West Medway - now known as the Community Church..... Again I refer you to the "History of Medway" for further particulars in reference to the Ministers who served as Pastors of the First, Second and Third Meeting Houses. However, I would like to pause just for a moment and mention that three of these early ministers, Reverend Nathan Bucknam, Reverend Luther Bailey, and Reverend Sewall Harding are buried in God's Acre, Bare Hill (now Prospect Hill Cemetery) beside the men and women who made up the members of their congregation.

During those early days from 1713 to 1850, there were times that tried men's souls, and if you will read the early history of this Community, you will find that they were called upon to sacrifice and give to their utmost.

Tomorrow afternoon we will journey for appropriate ceremonies to God's Acre where "Beneath those rugged pines, and maple tree shade, Where heaves the turf on many a mouldering heap, Each in his narrow cell forever laid, The humble forefathers of the hamlet sleep".

I would like to mention the second Pastor of this Church, Reverend Nathan Bucknam, who was born in Malden - graduated from Harvard University at the age of 20 - came to Medway (now Millis) in 1724 - ordained at the age of 21 - died in 1795 - Pastor for 72 years (a record so far as we know in this Country). He was an unusual character. He was the owner of slaves and, I am told, he sold one of these one Sunday morning during the Worship Services. The records show that Reverend Nathan Bucknam served in the French and Indian Wars and in the Revolution and that he marched to Concord and Lexington with four of his Deacons. The Church records show that, at a Parish meeting, it was voted to purchase a brass cuspidor and that it be placed within so many feet of the pulpit. The records also show that during his Pastorate he was instrumental in establishing the Second Church of Christ in Medway (now the Community Church in West Medway) and that he took an active part in all Town affairs and was a Selectman for more than a dozen years. One year he received all the votes with one exception - his own. Reverend Nathan Bucknam and his friend of Revolutionary days, Captain Joseph Lovell, built the Lovell-Bucknam Tomb an Bare Hill where are interred the remains of both families. You will recall that on October 18, 1941, this Church and Town dedicated a Memorial with appropriate ceremonies to Reverend Nathan Bucknam in Prospect Hill Cemetery.

In 1849 the members of the First Parish Church were concerned with the building of a new Church in another section of this Community and so in 1849 Henry Richardson, Esq., grandfather of the Moderator of this Church, Evan P. Richardson,, deeded to the First Parish Church (now Church of Christ) two acres near his home giving the privilege of erecting horsesheds 220 feet on the western line and 80 feet on the northern line. The gift was made on the condition that the site be used for religious purposes and immediately construction began an the Fourth Meeting House which was completed in 1850 and dedicated November 13, - 100 years next Monday.

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Now, may I briefly mention some of the highlights since 1850 to the present time:
1854
Present E. L. Holbrook organ built and steeple bell hung. This organ is still in use in our sanctuary. The bell was moulded in the Holbrook Bell Foundry (site: corner of Main Street and Auburn Road). 
1872 
Parsonage built on land purchased by the Ladies Sewing Circle. First to occupy the manse was Reverend E. 0. Jameson and his family. Reverend Jameson was the ninth pastor and he served the Church and Town for twenty-two years with great distinction, and was the author of the "History of Medway from 1713 to 1885". 


1885
East Medway separated from Medway by legislative act and incorporated as Millis. Church took prominent part in the celebration. A special train from Boston brought a delegation of State officials and all neighboring communities sent official delegations and interested citizens. The speaking program was hold in our sanctuary. A large banner with the words "Millis Incorporated February 24, 1885" was draped across the platform. History tells us that there was great rejoicing on this occasion with parties, bonfires, fireworks and, undoubtedly, some fire water. 
1886
Dedication of the Church steeple clock, a memorial to Mr. Silas Richardson.
1886
"Cross and Crown" Memorial window for Mr. Lansing Millis given by the Millis Family, dedicated.

1877
Rockville Chapel dedicated. This chapel is still being used for religious and social functions.


1903
The Parish Committee disbanded and "The Church of Christ" incorporated.
1914
Two hundredth anniversary.
1930
Massachusetts Bay Colony Tercentenary
1932
"Lighthouse" Memorial window, gift of C. E. Simpson and family, dedicated in memory of their daughter, Edith.
1933
Junior League organized.
1935
Fiftieth anniversary of the Town of Millis.
The Church donated to the Town of Millis land for Memorial Park.
1938
Ladies Social Circle voted to redecorate and install new lights.
1941
October 18 - Dedication of the Reverend Nathan Bucknam Memorial. Born 1703, died 1795. Inscription on tablet: "Man of God, citizen, patriot".
1941
December 24 First Midnight Communion Service held.
1943
January 1 - Reverend Howard P. Horn appointed Chaplain of The Massachusetts House of Representatives
1943
May - Reverend Howard P, Horn called to serve in the United States Army as Chaplain.
1946
Holbrook organ rebuilt.
1947
June 17 - Reverend Jefferson H. Smith ordained to the Christian ministry.
1948 Voted at annual meeting to thank Mrs. Bessie Thorne and Evan F. Richardson for gift of land.
1950
Sunday, March 19 - Eighty men canvassed the Townspeople for funds to build a Parish House. ($29,100 received in cash and pledges.)
1950
100th Anniversary of the Fourth Meeting House.

Time does not permit me to dwell on the fine services rendered by Trustees, Deacons, the Ladies Organizations, the Mens' Clubs, Senior and Junior Christian Endeavor Societies, Boys' Clubs, Boy and Girl Scouts, The Congregational Club, the Foreward Club and scores of Committees, the devotion of the Superintendents of the Sunday Schools in Millis and Rockville, the Church Collectors, the organists and choir director, and the Sextons. However their devotion and service will never be forgotten.

Cut in bronze on the Memorial Boulder are the names of the Marching Men of Medway and Millis. There you will find the names of some of our former Spiritual Leaders with the names of men from this Parish and Church, and when this Town erects another Monument to those who served in the Second World War there you will find History repeated for the name of another Minister will be among those of the man and women from this Parish to be engraved on that Honor Roll.

One hundred years ago this Church was built in a small country village, most of its less than 500 people living on sixty farms. The streets for the most part were two ruts and a horse path, no sidewalks, no electric lights, no water system, no high school. Yet in those days there were many happy occasions: Quilting Parties, Pie Socials, Husking Bees, Sleigh Rides, and Old-fashioned Dances, and the Church shared in these happy occasions.

We now enjoy good roads, sidewalks, excellent water, electric lights, churches, schools, fire and police department, libraries, parks, industries, comfortable homes and tree lined streets, and this Church has had an active part in the progress of our community. The Church of Christ has not only extended a friendly, welcome to our neighboring churches of St. Paul, St. Thomas and the Synagogues of Temple Al Chunon and Congregation Sons of Jacob, but many of our church folks gave generously of time and money to assist in the building of these temples to God.

We are proud of our progress and happy that while there has been many changes in Church and Community there still burns brightly the spirit of patriotism, cooperation, tolerance and service kindled many years ago.

I would like to close my remarks this evening with a special message to each one of you from this, The Village Church ----

I am a necessity to all who love progress and purity.

I am hung about with sweet memories of glad boys and girls, memories of beautiful brides, memories of saintly mothers and strong fathers, memories of the aged in the sunset of life facing journeys' end with sublime faith.

I lift up the fallen and I relieve the burdened;

I strengthen the weak and help the distressed.

I bestow gifts that neither gold can buy nor Kings remove. These are given to all who seek them in sincerity.

I am the agent through whom God sends His Gospel of love to a suffering soul.

I Am The Church.

For 100 years I have had a prominent place in the village, as did my three ancestors for a total of one hundred and thirty-five years before me, extending a helping hand and faithful service to all regardless of race, creed or color.

The doors of my sanctuary and my vestry are opened wide for all to enter and never have I failed to heed a call from our National, State or Town leaders.

My spacious lawns and parking lot are used by the entire community and I gave substantial portion to be used as a Memorial Park. I bring the time of day to peoples who pass by and from my belfry rings out each passing hour.

The Holbrook bell, cast here in Millis, and hanging in my steeple, has peeled out as an alarm to arouse the people to help a neighbor in distress. It has rung out its joyous message to the community on many occasions and it has tolled out the passing of leader and loved one and each Sunday has sounded the call to worship.

I freely give my sanctuary and vestry for occasions of joy or sorrow and every person in the community has in some way shared these occasions.

My members and friends have faithfully served the Nation, State, Town and Home in Peace and in War.

I am calling to you members and friends, Your Church and your spiritual leader needs your encouragement and personal help if we are to continue to serve and be a force for good in the community.

Let us unite to keep the Village Church, The Church of Christ, 100 years young, a force for good, and help continue its service to the people of Millis.