Minister’s Column…

In the last couple of days I have been reassembling Rev. Hilary Bigrave’s hymnal (minister here 1875-1879). This congregation had just chosen the first official Unitarian Hymn and Tune Book published a decade before. (Well you wouldn’t have wanted them to pick an untested hymnal, would you? So the church waited a decade to see how it was received.) I know there are more than a few of you who are wondering why I would be gluing back together an ancient hymnal, and whether that’s a sane and normal activity for a grown man. I am an antiquarian and historian of sorts. You see the good Reverend Bygrave wrote all over his hymnal – crossing out hymns, verses and words he didn’t like, leaving notes in the margins, occasionally noting the dates hymns were used. Rarely can one get a glimpse into hymn usage before the days of printed orders of worship. But here we have one. Bygrave’s theological convictions and tastes show through clearly, and probably mirror significantly those of the congregation.

This church, for many reasons not the least of which is that you rarely throw anything away, has tucked away in corners, closets, basement and attic more history than most churches ever dream of. Much of it is truly wonderful – both the Hudson and Marlborough histories. There are stories of immense courage and resourcefulness, stories of deep devotion and love of the church and this country. There are tales never finished because everyone knew what the story was then – but they need a fuller telling today. There are whimsical stories – as when the organist (muttering and grumbling) couldn’t get the organ to play for a wedding, finally shouting down to the couple that they’d have to go on without him and the music – which the couple joyfully did. There are truly heartening stories in the long pilgrimage of the two historic churches so much a part of the founding, the fabric and the values of the two communities.

There are also stories of the terrible financial struggles of the past – several of them. Hilary Bygrave left this church because he couldn’t see how the church could pay his salary. This church more than once considered closing and sending the assets to neighboring liberal congregations. At the congregational meeting just concluded you voted to move ahead seeking a full time settled minister. This was a vote of trust – and promise. If it is to be honored the significant number of members who do not pledge now will have to help and pledge. The efforts, time, energy and money of all will be needed to keep this promise. But as we know this congregation has pulled together strongly and successfully before – and it must do so now.

Have a joyous, thankful and festive Thanksgiving. And take time to walk amidst the fierce, colorful magnificence of autumn, to laugh with children in piles of glorious leaves, to gaze at the sky’s endless panorama, to center your soul again.

Blessings! Rev. Dave Johnson

ps: I will be away from Halloween to the following Saturday visiting grandchildren and attending the meetings of the Liberal Religious Scholars’ Collegium.