History of Bristol County, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 23

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) ed
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & Co.
Number of Pages: 1818

USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > History of Bristol County, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men > Part 23

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1 By N. Summerbell, D.D.

HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

Smith, called the " excellent man ;" Moses How, under whom a great revival took place in January of 1837. Many were added to the church, and in 1834 they moved into the church on Middle Street, opposite Sixth Street, where they now (1882) worship. Elder How was called the " good pastor." He continued with this church till July, 1844. He died in 1882, in the seventieth year of his ministry and the ninety- second year of his age, honored, respected, and be- loved through all New England, and by the Chris- tians through the United States.

Elder How was followed in 1844 by the "good preacher," O. E. Morrill, and in 1848, Morrill was succeeded by Elder Brown. In 1849 to 1850, John Taylor, "the tender-hearted minister," preached, and the church was much revived. From 1850 to 1857 the aged Benjamin Taylor was their pastor, who was succeeded by Elder James S. White, who continued pastor to 1861, when Benjamin S. Batchelor was set- tled, and filled the pulpit with great success until 1875. A young minister named A. A. Kirkland then supplied the pulpit for some months till the eloquent pulpit orator, Z. T. Sullivan, was settled, who con- tinued drawing large congregations until 1877, when he accepted a call from the Congregational Church at Brockton, and was followed by Elder Daniel L. Craft, who filled it for two years. In 1880, N. Summerbell, D.D., former president of Union Christian College, was settled. More than forty members have been added up to this time ; also a heavy debt, which had been accumulating for the past five years, has been paid. The present number of members is two hun- dred and thirty-four. There is a good Sunday-school, of which Isaac W. Benjamin is superintendent, and Frank L. Davis, assistant.

The peculiar characteristic of the Christian Church is its conformation to the New Testament form of Christianity. It, therefore, accepts the Bible as the heaven-given and only perfect creed, Christ as the only heaven-appointed leader, charity as the greatest Christian grace, and Christian union as a duty. It states its faith in Bible language with the exactness of verbal accuracy, and submits to no additions to the Bible, but extends fellowship and communion to all Christians.

Rev. Dr. Summerbell, the present pastor, is the well-known originator and editor of The Christian Pulpit, a monthly, and former editor of the Herald of Gospel Liberty, Dayton, Ohio; is the author of many popular works, the most important of which are his "History of the Christians," from the birth of the Saviour to the present time, royal octavo, five hun- dred and seventy-six pages, and his "Discussions," and his remarkably popular work called "Christian Principles," all of which have passed through many editions. The "Christian Principles," after passing through eight editions, has been " revised and abridged by Rev. R. J. Wright, LL.D.," and published at his own expense for universal distribution.

The church has been much strengthened under his labors, and its former distinction as a church of revi- vals and deep religious experience has returned. The present church clerk is Frank L. Davis.

South Christian Church .- The house of worship on the corner of Sherman and Bonney Streets was built in 1851-52 by Booth & Hathaway, at a cost of about four thousand dollars. It contains sixty pews, and will seat about three hundred and fifty persons. Meetings were first held in the vestry in February, 1852. June 9th the house was dedicated. The ser- mon on the occasion was preached by Rev. George H. Eldridge, who commenced his ministerial services there the previous April. In five days subsequent to the dedication pews enough were sold to pay every bill on the house and leave a surplus of four hundred dollars in pew stock belonging to the society. During that summer it was organized as the "South Christian Society," and in September following it was " con- stituted a Christian Church," consisting of the fol- lowing persons : Pardon Wilcox, Tillinghast Sowle, Cranston Wilcox, Josiah S. Bonney, William Miller, Henry T. James, William H. Macy, Barbara Sowle, Betsey Wilcox, Hannah H. Albert, Phebe A. James, and Sarah Chace.

Elder Hervey Sullings was an active member of this church and contributed liberally to its support. When the society was without a pastor he often sup- plied the pulpit, and was favorably received. He died in December, 1859, about eighty years of age.

Rev. George II. Eldridge was the first pastor, and continued his labors until April, 1856. For nearly two years after the retirement of Mr. Eldridge the supplies of the pulpit were irregular. In December, 1856, the church received a visit from Rev. I. H. Coe, and subsequently extended a unanimous call to him to become pastor. The invitation was accepted, and Mr. Coe entered upon his duties April 1st of the fol- lowing year, and has continued from that time to the present, and is now the oldest settled pastor in this city. He was born in Woodstock, Conn., May 12, 1818.

The Spruce Street Christian Church was organ- ized June 28, 1869, with the following members : Nicholas S. Chadwick, first pastor, William Bosworth, Isaac S. Thomas, George L. Dyer, George L. Eldrige, Joseph W. Robertson, Sarah M. Eldrige, Mary E. Ellis, Lydia Berree, Susan E. Johnson, Abby Berree, Lydia R. Grimshaw, Martha G. Turner.

Jan. 25, 1880, Rev. Gardner Devan commenced his labors with us, and Feb. 8, 1881, resigned.

July 14, 1881, church called Rev. Allen Damon to be their pastor, who is serving us to date, Sept. 19, 1882. Church as now organized : Allen Damon, pas- tor ; Deacons, Richard E. Macomber, Isaac S. Thomas ; Treasurer, B. F. H. Reed ; Clerk, J. S. Thomas ; Su- perintendent of Sabbath-school, Laurens W. Faunce; Chairman of Business Meetings, E. J. H. Tripp.

March 26, 1871, Mr. Chadwick resigned. Services

NEW BEDFORD

in church were continued by different pastors, Elders Howe, Murry, Greenwood, Peirce. Rev. Mr. Kirkland supplied three months. Joseph W. Thomas was pas- tor for the year ending Nov. 24, 1872.

Dec. 1, 1872, Rev. Ellen Gastin commenced her labors with us, and on Feb. 23, 1873, resigned.

April 6, 1873, C. F. Burleigh commenced preaching here, and on July 9th following was ordained and in- stalled as pastor. He resigned April 28, 1878.

During his pastorate, which was longer than any other, the church has seen some prosperity, and has also been called to pass through some grievous trials.

The church now numbers fifty-eight, together with an interesting Sabbath-school, with prospects of much greater growth and usefulness.

This church differs somewhat from all others in the city, as it does not own the church property. It is held by the Spruce Street Mission Society.

The Christian Union Church,1 New Bedford, was organized about the 1st of January, 1875, worshiping in a hall for one year, at which time they had com- pleted a house of worship on High Street, it being dedicated by Rev. Edwin Burnham on the 12th day of January. The church has from the first organiza- tion numbered about sixty, some being added and some leaving. Only four deaths have occurred in the eight years of time since its first existence.

There is connected with the church a small Sab- bath-school, numbering about forty to fifty scholars, yet in a good healthy condition.

The creed of the church is the Bible only. Its mode of baptism is immersion. Its test of fellowship is Christian character, open communion to all Chris- tians, or, as its name indicates, union with all true Christians.

Its mode of government is adopted from Matt. xviii., accepting no human forms. Its bond of union is Christian love, allowing all or any members to leave when they cease to love, and return on the same principles.

The faith of the future is "that the wages of sin is death ;" ." the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ."

The Universalist Church.2-The present house of worship on William Street is the second house that has been built in New Bedford. The first house was erected in 1836, and stands on the sontheast corner of Fifth and School Streets. In this house the Univer- salists held public worship for about twelve years, and had for regular pastors John M. Spear, G. T. Farnsworth, and S. S. Fletcher, who were very good preachers. In 1849 the society, having become much involved in debt, sold their house to the Catholics, since which it has been known as the St. Mary's Church.

In 1851 some of the Universalists of the old church, with others who had come to New Bedford within a

few years, who felt the need of worshiping God and promulgating the doctrines of Universalism, came to- gether and secured the services of the then Rev. Hiram Van Campen, and held religious worship each Sabbath-day in a small hall (Sears' Hall it was called) on Cheapside, nearly opposite and in front of the City Hall. Here Mr. Van Campen preached for several years, and the congregation grew and in- creased. In 1854 the Rev. Mr. Stevenson was cm- ployed, and under his ministry, with the good seed sown by Mr. Van Campen, the people resolved to have a house of worship, and in August, 1855, the present house was completed and dedicated, and since which time public worship has been regularly held, with a few slight intermissions in the change of pastors. The pastors have been the Revs. B. V. Ste- venson, J. J. Twiss, T. G. St. John, S. L. Rosepaugh, George W. Skinner, I. C. Knowlton, C. B. Lombard, J. H. Farnesworth, William C. Stiles, and G. F. Flanders, D.D .; the last named is the present pastor. Mr. Flanders is a very able, learned, and eloquent preacher, and under his ministry the society is in an excellent condition.

John P. Knowles, G. L. Barney, Benjamin Alsey, Mr. Van Campen, John M. Foster, Benjamin F. Brownell, and others now dead have been the most prominent citizens and supporters of this church in the past, and still live and are interested in the soci- ety. New members have joined, such as John P. Knowles, Jr., H. M. Knowlton, A. G. Walker, and others, with many excellent ladies, and these all are the friends and supporters of the society. It is but simple justice to say that during all the past this church has maintained the doctrines of the early founders of Universalism in America, and fervently adhere to the fundamental doctrines of the Universal- ist denomination.

It has always aided in the works of charity, love, and temperance in this community, and sought to elevate man. It practices the exact fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man, upon which basis alone comes all the workings of the true good spirit in man.

Society of Friends .- Meetings were first held in the village of Bedford in 1772; but we learn that they were held at the Head of the River as early as 1725, and a portion of the meeting-house now occu- pied by the Friends there was built in 1727.

They first met here in a school-house which stood upon a rock just east of the northeast corner of School and Third Streets. This was the only place of wor- ship in the village for some years. Their first house was built in 1785, on Spring Street.

These comprise most of the early Friends : Joseph Rotch and his son William Rotch, Sr .; Joseph Rus- sell, who owned the principal portion of the place south of Elm Street; William Russell, who emigrated from Nantucket and lived to a very advanced age, being nearly a hundred years old at his death ; he

1 By A. M. Higgins, M.D.

2 Contributed by Hon E. L. Barney.

HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

built the fourth house in the village; Seth Russell, the father of Seth and Charles Russell, whose resi- dence was on the west side of Water Street; Benjamin Taber, grandfather of William C. Taber, who built one of the three first houses in the village; Joseph Austin, the first hatter ; Matthew Howland, father of George Howland, deceased; and Daniel Ricketson, father of Joseph Ricketson, who was for many years cashier of the Commercial Bank.

Subsequently we find as members the following dis- tinguished citizens : Abraham Smith, William Rotch, Jr., and his brother Thomas, Samuel Rodman, Thomas Hazard, Elisha Thornton, John Howland, father of Capt. James Howland, Humphrey Russell, William Sawyer Wall, father of William A. Wall, the cele- brated artist of this city, and Cornelius Howland.

The preachers of whom we have knowledge are Thomas Rotch, James Davis, Elisha Thornton, Job Chaloner, Lydia Rotch, afterwards dean, Mary Card, Deborah Otis, and Joseph Davis. The above persons are deceased. There are still living Susan, Rhoda, and Rachel Howland, Susan R. Smith, Mary Shove, Rhoda H. Taber, Josiah Holmes, Jr.

The first clerk of whom we have any information is Caleb Greene. He was succeeded by Abraham Sherman, Jr., who held the post twenty-six years. The next was William C. Taber, who officiated nine- teen years; after him Charles R. Tucker and Mat- thew Howland served a short time, when he was again chosen, and is at present acting in that ca- pacity.

The former elders of the society were Caleb Greene, William Rotch, William Rotch, Jr., Francis Taber, Barnabas Taber, and Abraham Sherman, Jr., W. C. Taber, W. P. Howland, Charles R. Tucker, Matthew Howland, and Seth K. Akin.

The present meeting-house is on Spring Street, be- tween Sixth and Seventh.

Josiah Holmes, Jr., Rachel S. Howland, William Thompson, Ruth S. Murray, Rebecca H. Smiley, ministers; William C. Taber, Matthew Howland, Seth K. Akin, Betsey P. Wood, Sarah H. Anthony, Deborah Wing, Mary A. Smith, Anna G. Wood, Susan T. Thompson, elders. While Friends have their recognized or recorded ministers, they do not hold the pastoral relation as it exists in other re- ligious organizations.

The Seamen's Bethel .- The first meeting to take into consideration the expediency of forming a society to promote the interests of seamen was held at the Merchants' Insurance office, May 17, 1830. Stephen Merihew was chosen chairman, and H. G. O. Colby secretary. A committee, consisting of Messrs. S. S. Smith, S. J. S. Vose, and J. F. Emerson, drew up a constitution, which was adopted at the same meeting.

Jan. 28, 1831, a committee, consisting of Messrs. B. Rodman, T. Riddell, and W. C. Nye, reported in favor of building a chapel for mariners. In May following a house and lot on what is now known as

Bethel Street was purchased of Mary Rotch for four- teen hundred dollars. At the first annual meeting of the society, held June 7, 1831, it was resolved that the form of worship should be perfectly unsectarian, and that all denominations should have the privilege of supplying the pulpit.

Services were first conducted in the old Town Hall every Sunday morning, each of the clergymen in the place officiating in turn. The first meeting was held Sunday, July 31, 1831. About this time the house which had been purchased was moved to the south part of the lot, and a chapel, forty-five by forty feet, was built by Mr. Shaw from Bristol, R. I., under the direction of a committee consisting of Messrs. Samuel Rodman, Jr., T. Riddell, and W. W. Swain.

The first chaplain was the Rev. Enoch Mudge, who commenced his labors April 27, 1832. May 4th the society was incorporated by act of the General Court. Rev. Mr. Mudge resigned in July, 1844, and was suc- ceeded by Rev. Moses How, who remained fifteen years. The present efficient chaplain, Rev. James D. Butler, was his successor. Mr. Butler entered upon his duties as chaplain and agent April 15, 1859, and re- mained until 1863, when he resigned and became pastor of Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church, Paw- tucket, R. I., and was subsequently pastor at New London. In 1870 he returned to New Bedford, where he has since resided. Mr. Butler has now served the New Bedford Port Society seventeen years, and his service has not only been a long one but an honor- able one. A writer, in speaking of him, says, " As a laborer he ranks high in his denomination. His piety is of no ordinary cast, and he is diligent and persevering in all his duties."

Rev. Samuel Fos succeeded Mr. Butler in 1863, and remained until 1869.

In March, 1866, the Bethel was partially destroyed by fire. The burnt portion was immediately rebuilt, and the whole edifice thoroughly repaired. July 26, 1867, the church was reopened with appropriate ex- ercises. A sermon was preached on the occasion by Rev. L. B. Bates.

The present officers of the Port Society are as fol- lows: Hon. George Howland, Jr., president; Wil- liam Phillips, Jireh Swift, vice-presidents ; James Taylor, recording secretary ; James D. Butler, cor- responding secretary ; Gideon B. Wright, treasurer ; Rev. James D. Butler, chaplain ; Joseph C. Delano, Alexander H. Seabury, George B. Richmond, Oliver Prescott, Edward D. Mandell, C. B. H. Fessenden, Abram T. Eddy, Edmund Rodman, Samuel H. Cook, Henry T. Wood, F. A. Washburn, George F. Bart- lett, Matthew Howland, Timothy D. Cook, George R. Phillips, John F. Tucker, Benjamin Anthony, James E. Stanton, Benjamin T. Cummings, William R. Wing, John P. Knowles, Jr., Loum Snow, board of managers.

St. Lawrence Roman Catholic Church. - The first pastor of this church was Rev. Father Lavasey,

NEW BEDFORD.

who built the first church edifice on Allan Street in 1820, at a cost of eight hundred dollars. In 1849 the house was sold, and the Universalist Church corner Fifth and School Streets was purchased. This was occupied until the completion of their present church edifice in 1870, when the name of the church was changed to St. Lawrence, it having previously been called St. Mary. St. Mary's Church is now used for children's mass and Sunday-school. The present pas- tor is the Rev. Hugh J. Smyth, assisted by Rev. Owen Kiernem.

The Church of the Sacred Heart is located on Ashland Street, corner of Robeson, and Rev. George Pager is pastor.

St. John Baptist (Portuguese) is located on Wing Street, corner Fifthi. Rev. Antonio M. Freitas is the present pastor.

Howland Chapel .- This chapel was erected in 1870 by Matthew Howland as a place of worship for the operatives and others in the vicinity of the Wam- sutta Mills, who were destitute of a house of wor- ship. In the summer of that year Mr. Howland pur- chased a lot of land on the east side of Purchase Street, and immediately commenced the erection of the chapel, which is thirty-six feet by fifty-five feet in size.

It was completed and furnished at an expense of little over seven thousand dollars, all of which sum was paid by Mr. Howland. The chapel was dedi- cated Jan. 13, 1871, and on the following Sabbath a school was opened under the superintendence of Henry T. Wood, of this city, and in the evening relig- ious services were held for the benefit of all who in- clined to come, it being distinctly understood there was no tax to be levied or contribution called for or sectarianism to be exercised. It was remarked in one of the newspapers at the time that " the chapel was completely filled with people, who showed a marked interest in the exercises of the evening." In a short address on the occasion, Mr. Howland said that the erection of the chapel had not been from any selfish motive, but to furnish a comfortable and agreeable room for those who felt destitute of a place of wor- ship in this part of the city to come and listen to the preaching of the gospel and be taught the simple truths of the Bible.

Since the organization of the school, twelve years ago, it has been kept up without omission, most of the time under the faithful and efficient superintend- ence of H. T. Wood, who resigned about a year since, and was succeeded by Robert B. Taber .. The average attendance of the school has ranged from one hundred and twenty to one hundred and fifty.

The expenses connected with the chapel since its erection, such as warming, lighting, salary of sex- ton, fuel, etc., have been paid by Mr. Howland. Many of the small expenses connected with the school have been paid by little contributions from the chil- dren. The school has also quite a good library.

The Second Advent Church .- The first meetings of this sect in New Bedford were held in 1840, by William Miller, of New York, and among its early supporters here were Francis Whitton, Ellery Rec- ords, Henry V. Davis, William B. King, William Gifford, Stephen D. Jordan, Dr. Baker, Asa Coombs, Curtis Gammons, Pardon Potter, James Baxter, Hat- til Kelley, Jeremiah Tripp, John F. Vinal, and John Gammons.

The first settled pastor was Elder Joseph Turner. The church is located on Kempton Street, near County. E. E. Church, Phineas White, deacons; Phineas White, Benjamin Irish, William B. Hambly, Ezra Wing, William B. King, George W. Maker, E. E. Church, Frederick Stanton, James G. Harding, church and finance committee ; James G. Harding, clerk and treasurer.

There is also a Union Church located at Allen's Corner, Plainville; Olivet Chapel, on Acushnet Av- enuc, corner of Blackmer; Rockdale Union Free Chapel Association, organized March 19, 1873; and Missionary Chapel, South Water Street, corner of Leonard. .

Extinct Churches .- The following churches are extinct :

THE PACIFIC CHURCH .- This church was organ- ized Oct. 8, 1844, with the following persons; Perry G Macomber and wife, Samuel Bennett and wife, Ebenezer Rider, John W. Tripp and wife, George Perry and wife, John S. Holmes, Mrs. Susan Perry, Laban Thatcher, Sarah Allen, Hannah Chase, Fanny Thomas, Sarah Slocum, Sarah Cobb, Rebecca Albert, Thankful Hawes, Almira Ellis, Abby Copeland, Susan Vincent, and Betsey Holmes.

October 13th, Rev. Sylvester Holmes and wife, Jon- athan Wheeler and wife, Seth C. Nichols, Eliphalet Daggett, Esther Sowle, and others were received into the church.

Sabbath afternoon, November 3d, the following persons were admitted to membership by letter: I. H. Bartlett, Joseph Seabury and wife, Deborah C. Bartlett, and Miss Abby Jane Clapp. November 4th, Perry G. Macomber and Jonathan Wheeler were chosen deacons.

The pastors were as follows: Revs. Sylvester Holmes, Mr. Colburn, Timothy Stowe, Bernard Paine, T. C. Jerome, I. L. Harris, and Rev. C. J. K. Jones.

The church disbanded April 17, 1878, the member- ship of nearly one hundred going to North Congre- gational Church and Unitarian Church, almost en- tirely to the former.

The church property was sold to the Second Ad- ventists.

THIRD CHRISTIAN CHURCH .- This church was organized in 1826. It was known as the African Christian until 1840, when the name was changed to Third Christian. The house of worship was on Middle Street, and was dedicated June 24, 1830; sermon by Elder William Quinn. Shortly after the

HISTORY OF BRISTOL COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

society was admitted to the Christian connection. The names of those constituting the church were John Christopher, Joseph Antone, N. Anderson, Moses Sheperd, Samuel Wilson, Charles R. Cook, Samuel Richards, Ruth Johnson, Dinah Farmer, Rebecca Bailey, Sally Antone, Margaret Sheperd, Catharine Dixon, Jane Fute, Avis Williams, Char- lotte Cook, and Abby Christopher.

The following were the pastors : Rev. Messrs. Wash- ington Christian, Jacob Perry, Isaac Smith, Luke Wal- dron, Haves, Anthony, Henson, Francis, Sunrise, Be- man, and J. B. Smith.

To meet the expenses of repairs the property was mortgaged to the Five Cents Savings-Bank, which foreclosed the mortgage in 1859, and the church be- came extinct. During the latter part of its existence it was known as the Free-Will Baptist Church.

CANNONVILLE UNION CHURCH was organized through the efforts of Messrs. Edward S. Cannon, Charles Cannon, W. H. Sturtevant, Ellis Bartlett, Isaac Bolles, and George W. Hathaway. A house of worship was built by William Wilcox, costing one thousand dollars, of which sum seven hundred and fifty dollars was raised by Messrs. Cannon. It was dedicated Dec. 9, 1841, sermon by Rev. G. F. Pool. In the spring of 1842 a church was formed, having a membership of forty-two.

The first settled pastor was Rev. Edward H. Hat- field, whose ministry began in 1849. He continued only six months ; supplies were then procured until the next session of Conference, when Rev. Charles Noble was sent to the church. After a year's service he gave up the keys to Mr. Cannon, and Conference relinquished the station. Mr. Cannon then employed Rev. W. H. Sturtevant, paying him his salary out of his own pocket. In April, 1852, Rev. Mr. Tripp, a Baptist clergyman, took charge, and remained until the February following. Mr. Edward S. Cannon was the mainspring of this church.

THE CENTRE CHURCH was organized Feb. 12, 1845. The following were some of the original mem- bers : James H. Collins, William HI. Stowell, Isaac Bly, David Ilsley, Prentiss W. Cobb, Benjamin G. Wilson, Robert Luscomb, William Bly, Ruth Bly, Deborah Simmons, and Eliza Tubbs.

It was at first attempted to form a church of the Christian denomination, but the clergymen invited to do this declining, invitations were extended to Rev. Messrs. Ephraim Peabody, Davis, and E. B. Hall, of Providence, by whom the society was organized. Rev. Charles Morgridge was the first pastor; he preached until March, 1845. The next was Rev. Jonathan Brown, of Naples, N. Y., who officiated about three years without much success. The church then voted not to employ any but Unitarian minis- ters. In October, 1848, Rev. Moses G. Thomas was installed. His pastorship continued until 1854, when the financial affairs of the church became so full of embarrassment that it was voted to disband.

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History of Bristol County, Massachusetts, with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Part 23

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) ed Publication date: 1883 Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & Co. Number of Pages: 1818

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) ed
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & Co.
Number of Pages: 1818