HISTORY
The seat that you sit in is courtesy of Alphonse Braley. It's almost as if he knew that you would need a sanctuary, an anchor, in the tumultuous days of the 21st century to process the events of September 11, the onslaught of technology, the most deadly pandemic in American history, precipitous change in the political climate, and more. He set aside a knoll on his property for the building of a newer, bigger church that would be a more fitting place to worship God than the cramped old barn nestled in the woods at Mason Corners.
The seat that you sit in was planned for by faithful women. The very same year, the women of this small farming community organized the Ladies' Friendly Circle. They met in homes to craft quilts, stockings, aprons, and other items. Each of the 25 members were assessed 2c. at each weekly meeting. Some could not afford it at times, but were extended grace. Their collective hope was to build a house of worship for the whole community.
The seat that you sit in was designed by a Furnace Village architect named Clothier Edminster. He had just graduated from the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, and this building was his very first paid work! The building was hammered together under the direction of Abiel Ashley for just $1,785. He threw in the book case behind the back pews for no charge.
The seat that you sit in curves thoughtfully to your contour thanks to careful shaping by the draw-knives of volunteer laborers who, in lieu of dollars, gave days of labor and use of their horses toward the completion of the project.
The seat that you sit in is free, after a heated debate. On April 4, 1888, southeastern Massachusetts was experiencing the lingering effects of an active late-winter/early-spring weather pattern. It was cold, and snow still covered the ground. This was just three weeks after the infamous Blizzard of 1888, one of the most severe snowstorms in U.S. history. The faithful of the First Christian Church in East Freetown made their way to the first ever monthly meeting held in the recently completed building. There was great excitement. After much debate, the membership voted to offer the pews for free, rather than by subscription. The vote was 16 for and 6 against. One can imagine the relief of some who could not scrape up the 2c. weekly dues for the Ladies Friendly Circle.
The seat that you sit in is paid for. A week after that first meeting, ministers from all over southern New England gathered for the dedication of the church, and despite several long addresses by the competing clergymen, the most significant occurrence on that April 11th was the driving of a brass stud into the post of the choir screen - signifying the retiring of the mortgage. The brass stud is there to this day.
The seat that you sit in was sat in before. It was handed down from Rounsevelles and Ashleys and Chaces to Gurneys and Whittakers and Browns. Those folks ceded your very pew to Barnes', Frenches, Donovans and Millers - then to Bergerons and Cunhas, Balonises and Hathaways - and then to you. Who will come and sit in your seat after you? Your children? Their children?
The seat that you sit in welcomes you into deepened faith and gives you an audience with the Divine. It is your own spot to hear sermons and teachings that offer wisdom and direction for navigating life’s challenges.
As it did since 1888, your pew serves as a reset button, helping you refocus on your faith and values.
The seat that you sit in assures that you are part of a faith covenant that fosters relationships and a sense of belonging. It is a place to find yourself in times of crisis or need, emotional, financial, or spiritual distress.
The seat that you sit in will still be there when you leave it to serve. Your volunteering and outreach will be far more fulfilling and impactful, knowing you have a seat waiting for you in the assembly.
The seat that you sit in - more than any other spot on earth is your primary spot for mental and emotional well-being – your place to reduce stress, anxiety, and loneliness through prayer, music, and reflection. It is a spot that fosters an attitude of thankfulness and hope.
The seat that you sit in is sacred.
Come and sit.