Remembering Our History
The Barry’s were a constant and important Craigville family from the beginning. Rev. Joseph Barry was a well-known Christian leader in Boston, where he worked for the Children’s Mission to the Children of the Destitute, looking out for homeless young people in the city. He continued this mission work for over fifty years as a street worker. Joseph, known as an enthusiastic preacher, was a regular at the annual camp meetings. His wife, Elizabeth Barry, was the first woman to serve on the CCMA’s executive board. When Craigville’s great pond was divided into two parts by the causeway, the lower portion was named “Lake Elizabeth” in honor of the many lawn galas she has produced as fundraisers to support the village improvement fund.
In 1883, Rev. Charles Tillinghast, an early CCMA president, provided the most detailed account we have of an early camp meeting for readers of The Herald of Gospel Liberty, including a report of a birthday celebration for Rev. Barry:
“At the close of the evening prayer meeting a company of the friends of Rev. Barry met in the dining hall of the Sabens House to celebrate his birthday. Mr. Barry, in the mock court that had been held, has acted as [Craigville’s] constable, and when the invited friends assembled, he was brought in, supposing that some new victim was be tried, and so was completely taken by surprise. The hall was tastefully trimmed with evergreens for the occasion, and the tables invitingly spread with cake and ice cream. The Rev. William Bradley of Boston furnished the refreshments, and although unable to be present himself, was ably represented by his three amiable daughters. Prof. M. Summerbell arranged the program and presided over the ceremonies in his own inimitable way. After a few blessing remarks explaining the occasion of the gathering, and prayer by Rev. H. Lizzie Haley, he introduced Rev. A. A. Williams as the first speaker. The subject: assigned him was, “The Ties of a Hallowed Friendship.” The: Rev. Ellen G. Gustin followed, speaking of the origin, importance, and sacredness of “The Family Life.” President Weston spoke upon “Christian Growth,” saying that there is no real life without growth. The Rev. E. J. Gerry spoke of “The union of hearts and hands in Christian work.” He said he had been acquainted with Bro. Barry and his wife for many years, and bad received much encouragement from them. He spoke of the great aid which Mr. Barry had received from his wife in his work for the Children’s Mission in Boston, and of the perfect confidence existing between them. They had accomplished much; and well they might, for each worked with four bands—eight in all, ‘The Rev. C. A. Tillinghast spoke on “A Happy Old Age.” It was the result only of a life well spent, and a firm faith in the future. The Rev. I. 0. Goff spoke of “The Birthdays of Eternity.” Mr. Barry and wife both spoke in response with deep emotion. The speeches were interspersed with singing by Mr. L. G. Sherman wife, of Providence. It was a very happy episode with which to close the feast of social intercourse and affection of the past ten days and will be long remembered by all present. Mr. Barry and wife have long. been connected with the Children’s Mission in Boston. During their labor there, eight thousand children have been provided with homes, and the Mission has been endowed with a fund of $80,000. Mr. Barry enters upon his fifty-eighth year with the earnest prayer of a multitude of friends for the long continuance of his life.
Source: The Herald of Gospel Liberty, August 30, 1883