🎖️Fifth Anniversary Observed with Ceremonial Commissions and Community Celebration
The Phi Alpha Pi Boys’ Club of Norwood celebrated its fifth anniversary last evening with special services at the First Congregational Church. Closely aligned with the Boys’ Brigade of Norwood, the event was held under the auspices of the five companies of the 1st Battalion, 9th Regiment, United Boys’ Brigade of America.
The church was decorated with bunting, American flags, the club’s banner, and flowering plants around the pulpit. On the platform were:
- Rev. Arthur Howe Pingree, pastor and club chaplain
- Rev. George W. Nead, chaplain of George K. Bird Post, G.A.R.
- H. W. Gibson, YMCA State Secretary of Boys’ Work
- Maj. Horace P. Lambert, Massachusetts Division Headquarters, U.B.B.A.
Music was provided by Lyman F. Brackett (organist), Bruirrard A. Rowe (piano), and the club orchestra directed by Stuart Morash. The church was filled to capacity.
To the hymn “Onward, Christian Soldiers,” Maj. Alfred Metcalf of the Norwood Battalion entered with Adjutant Leonard Fisher, Color Sergeant Douglas Huntoon, and Harry Kirk, bearing the American flag and the flag of the cross. They were followed by five companies in khaki uniforms with blue shirts.
After scripture reading, the boys recited their covenant and pledge, followed by a prayer from Chaplain Nead.
Maj. Leonard presented the charter of Company C to Capt. Charles Stone and commissioned him as captain. He also delivered commissions to:
- Lieuts. James Match and Charles Stone (Cadet Companies D and E)
- Lieut. Roland Ellis (Company C)
- Adjutant Leonard Fisher
Warrants were issued to Sergeants Winfred Ellis, Groote, Steele, Fenton, Fisher, Johnson, and Color Sergeant Huntoon. All took the brigade oath and pledge.
Rev. Pingree presented a five-year report on the Norwood chapter of Phi Alpha Pi. A solo, “Tell It Again,” was sung by 12-year-old Francis Willett with a boys’ chorus. State Secretary Gibson gave an address on “Service.” A double quartet of brigade boys sang “Jesus Is Calling.” After a closing prayer, the boys marched out to the hymn “The Son of God,” sung by the congregation.
📜 Club Overview
The Phi Alpha Pi Club has thrived over its five years. Rev. Pingree serves as chaplain and Dr. Henry M. Field as superintendent. The board of instruction includes:
- Walter Blair
- Rev. Lees Atwood
- Thomas Barnes
- Harold Gibson
- Bancroft L. Goodwin
- Stuart Morash
- George F. Baker
Francis O. Winslow is the local member of the state committee. Herbert M. Plimpton serves on the county committee. The local committee includes George F. Willett, Herbert M. Plimpton, and Frank G. Allen.
The Boys’ Brigade (military branch) consists of:
- Three chartered, uniformed companies
- Two cadet companies (soon to be uniformed)
- A drum corps
Editor’s Note: This article was originally written by the Norwood Historical Society. It was compiled using historical records and digitized newspaper archives, including the Boston Globe, Norwood Messenger, Norwood Advertiser & Review and other primary sources. Formatting and editorial enhancements were applied for clarity and accessibility.