In memory of Samuel Taylor

Samuel’s window is located on the southwest side of the church, closest to the entryway. It was given by his many descendants.

Samuel was born in Deerfield in 1744 a son of Othniel Taylor & Martha (Arms) Taylor who had married the year before. He early took an active part in the affairs of the town of Charlemont which, until 1779, included a part of Buckland. At Buckland he had a farm given him by his father probably about the time of his marriage to Esther White at Leominster in 1769. He built a large house upon the land.

He was a Revolutionary soldier, captain of a company which marched from Deerfield. He was largely instrumental in securing the incorporation of the town of Buckland and was the first town clerk, holding that office for forty years.

Samuel was representative to the General Court from Charlemont and as a civil engineer he surveyed and laid out the major part of Buckland and lands in the vicinity.

He gave the land for Old Cemetery #01 located on the east side of the church, and for a nominal sum, the Common and the land upon which the Buckland Historical Society Museum now stands across the street from the church.

Samuel’s window has the Christian symbols of the anchor and lilies.  The anchor symbolizes hope, “Our Lord the Anchor of the Soul” from Hebrews, and of Jesus Christ, “Our sure anchor.” Note how the upper part of the anchor forms a cross. 

Lilies are a symbol of purity, innocence and the Virgin. Lilies are the traditional Easter flower representing the Resurrection.