History of Brockton, Plymouth County, Massachusetts, 1656-1894, Part 25

Author: Kingman, Bradford, 1831-1903. 4n
Publication date: 1895
Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y. : D. Mason & Co.
Number of Pages: 1170

USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Brockton > History of Brockton, Plymouth County, Massachusetts, 1656-1894 > Part 25

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MINISTERS OF THE PORTER EVANGELICAL CHURCH .- Rev. John F. Norton, installed June 5, 1850; dismissed December 4, 1851.

Rev. Charles L. Mills, installed August 11, 1852 ; dismissed Febru- ary 13, 1862.

Rev. Samuel H. Lee, ordained September 17, 1862 ; dismissed Feb- ruary 20, 1866.

Rev. John V. Hilton, commenced May 1, 1866; retired October 25, 1868.

Rev. Charles M. Lamson, ordained August 5, 1869; dismissed April II, 1871.

Rev. R. G. S. McNeille, installed April 25, 1872 ; dismissed Noven- ber 27, 1877.

Rev. Z. T. Sullivan, installed May 2, 1878 ; dismissed June 28, 1881.

Rev. F. A. Warfield, installed March 28, 1882.

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IHISTORY OF BROCKTON.

SALISBURY CHAPEL .- A new chapel has recently been erected on Wendall Avenue, at the east side, so called, under the direction of, and as a branch of the Porter Evangelical Church of Brockton. It is in- tended to accommodate persons in the growing locality where it is situated. It is the outcome of a Sunday-school which has for some time flourished in that vicinity. The building is a pretty one, of wood, and is located on a prominence quite near the avenue, and has a fine surrounding of grass. It is nearly a square building, with a tower at one of the corners. The interior is well finished, has stained glass win- dows, with seating capacity for about four hundred persons. On the neat platform is a pulpit-stand.

It was dedicated September, 1893, by interesting and impressive services, under the direction of Rev. F. A. Warfield of the Porter Church. The services commenced at 7:30 P. M. with singing by a male quartette from the above church, composed of Messrs. E. M. Spears, F. A. Dunham, W. B. Littlefield, and L. B. Merrill. T. P. Swift pre- sided at the organ. The congregational singing was led by Rev. R. L. Rae, who is to have charge of the chapel. Prayer was offered by Rev. F. S. Hunnewell. of Whitman. Scripture lesson from the Psalms by Rev. L V. Price of the First Congregational Church of Brockton.

The sermon was eloquent, by Rev. I. J. Lansing, pastor of Park Street Church, Boston, from the text, Matthew xxiii, 8 : " One is your master, even Christ, and all ye are brethren." He spoke of Christ as the master of human help and charity, and of salvation, and emphasized his thoughts brilliantly and with vivid illustrations, and closed with raised hands in the following words : " To Him this house is dedicated." A dedicatory prayer was offered by Rev. Mr. Warfield, then singing of "My Faith Looks up to Thee," by the congregation.

OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY FOR 1892 .- Dr. W. C. Keith, treasurer ; Augustus T. Jones, Huram Wade, F. P. Richmond, parish committee ; Richard Brown, sexton.

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EARLY CHURCHES.

CHAPTER XIII.

Early Churches-Rev. Oliver Beal -- Pearl Street Methodist Episcopal Society -- Organization of Members-Meeting House-List of Pastors-Rededieation-Officers for 1893-Central Methodist Episcopal Church -Original Members -- First Meeting House-List of Pastors -- Second Meeting House-Laying of Corner Stone-Dedica- tion-Officers for 1893-Semi-Centennial Celebration-Superintendents of Sunday School-Poem-Philip Reynolds-Rev. Azariah B. Wheeler-South Street Methodist Episcopal Church (Campello) Meeting House-Description of the New Edifice- Rededieation-Rev. John Livesey -- Rev. Augustus W. Kingsley-Franklin Chapel -- Franklin Methodist Episcopal Church (Montello) New Meeting Honse -- Officers of 1893 -- Epworth League -- Swedish Emannal Methodist Episcopal Church (Campello) -- Officers for 1893.

E ARLY CHURCHES .- The history of the churches in Brockton, early, and later, is most interesting, and is one in which her citi- zens may well feel a pride. The growth and prosperity of any place is closely allied with the church, and particularly in the last century, when church and state were in common, in reference to their financial management, and when attendance was somewhat compulsory. But now it is vastly different. The building of church edifices, and attend- ance on church services is a matter of choice, and the largest liberty is given to people's belief, as well as to their mode of worship.

A little over a half century since there was but one church organiza- tion in the old town of North Bridgewater, now the city of Brockton, and that was the First Congregational Church. At the time of the incorporation of the town, in 1821, those who resided in the town and attended anywhere attended this old mother church. There was no choice of finely constructed and well maintained edifices, such as we see on every hand at the present day.

Very soon, however, after the town commenced growing, new churches were organized, meeting houses erected, and people are now found with almost every shade of religious belief. Among the first to depart from the doctrines, as held by our fathers, were the Methodist people, the history of which in Brockton is of the most interesting character.

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HISTORY OF BROCKTON.

The introduction of the principles of Methodism in this town dates back to the latter part of seventeen hundred. It was first introduced into New England by Rev. Jesse Lee, in 1790, and his influence has been felt ever since.

REV. OLIVER BHAL .- On the thirteenth day of October, 1777, there was born in North Bridgewater, a boy named Oliver Beal, a son of Japhet and Patience (Keith) Beal, who lived in the north part of the town on what is known as the " Old Beal Farm." His mother died when he was quite young, and the family removed to Minot, in the State of Maine. He returned to his native town when about sixteen years of age, and learned the carpenter's trade as an apprentice to his uncle Jeremiah Beal. Upon completing his trade he returned to Maine, and not long after came under the influence of " Elder Jesse Lee's " preaching, which had about that time begun to be felt in that new and undeveloped country, and under that influence he became converted at Thomaston, Me., in July, 1800, and soon again returned to his early home in North Bridgewater, and united with the Congregational church, of which his father was a member. In a short time he felt it to be his duty to preach the Gospel, and remembering what it was that led him to the Saviour, he determined to join with the Methodists, then a feeble, and not a very popular sect.

He joined the New England Conference, at Lynn, Mass., in 1801, in the class with Elijah Hedding, afterwards Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He immediately went to work, and Elder Lee selected him to visit with others in the State of Maine, to canvass it thoroughly, which they did, scattering the seeds of Methodism, which had grown into an extensive organization known as the " Maine Con- ference."

He was soon licensed as a local preacher to preach under the Rev. Joshua Taylor, the presiding elder. In July, 1801, he was received on trial by the New England Conference, at Lynn, Mass., and appointed to the Readfield Circuit, Maine, with Rev. Asa Heath, and from that date to 1833, rendered efficient service in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. In that year he was appointed to a supernumerary relation, and again in 1834, returned as supernumerary, rendering such service as his health would permit, until 1836, when he was called to supply

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REV. OLIVER BEAL.

the place of Rev. R. Schermerhorn, presiding elder of Augusta district, then deceased.

Rev. Mr. Beal was for sixteen years presiding elder, five times a delegate to general conference, and was looked upon as one of the lead- ing members of the conference which he had done so much to organize. The Maine conference was organized in 1825, and Mr. Beal was its secretary eight years. In 1836 he was taken suddenly ill with a cold, which resulted in consumption. He had spent a winter in Maryland and Virginia for his health, and when on his way home, and stopping in Baltimore, December 10, he become suddenly worse and rapidly declined till the thirteenth day of December of the same year, when he passed peacefully away. His remains were buried in " Mt, Olivet Cemetery " in that city, among many other Methodist clergymen, in a lot appropriated to the burial of persons of his profession, Bishop Waugh officiating at his burial. An appropriate tablet marks his grave.

While in Baltimore Mr. Beal was the guest of Major Joshua Dryden, and was visited by Dr. Thomas E. Bond as a friend and physician, and others, among whom was Bishop Waugh, from whom he received every attention. Mr. Beal was a faithful and devoted minister, of affectionate disposition, disliked controversy, eminently a peacemaker, strongly conservative in his views, a faithful friend, a devoted husband and father and a good man.

He married Miss Sally Bailey, of Williamstown, Vt., November 19, 1807, and had eight children, three of whom died in infancy. All entered the church and were of the communion. Mrs. Beal died at the home of her daughter, in Bangor, Maine, February 22, 1852. Solon, the eldest son, died in Baltimore, August 4. 1869. Oliver S., died August 8, 1878. Mary D., wife of Rev. F. Thurber, died July 8, 1858. Two daughters, Mrs. P. C. Plumer and Mrs. L. L. Withers, resided in Bangor, Me.

The ground thus early consecrated as the birth place of one of the pioneers of Methodism has not yet ceased to give evidence of fruitful- ness.

Methodist families from time to time moved into the town, and in 1830 Methodist circuit preachers occasionally visited the place and preached. In 1831 the First Church was formed at the " West Shares."

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HISTORY OF BROCKTON.

In 1832 Rev. D. S. King was appointed to the West and North Bridge- water circuit, and meetings for a time were held in the Unitarian church, promising considerable success. For some reason unknown they were suddenly given up, and for ten years no regular meetings were held, though the. Methodist circuit rider was often welcomed to the place, not only by the people of his persuasion, but also by the young men on the street.

In the fall of 1841, Rev. O. S. Smith, from the New Hampshire con- ference, having broken down in health, moved into the place to engage in secular business. Soon after a revival broke out in the church at West Shares, and Mr. Smith took an active part in the meetings. Many people from the village attended them and quite a number were con- verted, awakening a new interest.

PEARL STREET METHODIST EPISCOPAL SOCIETY (Brockton Heights) .- Previous to 1830 there was no regular organized society of this denomination in the town. On the 9th day of March in that year Nathaniel Manley and one hundred and ten others formed themselves into an association, with the following articles of agreement :

WHEREAS, We the subscribers, being disposed to encourage and promote the public worship of God in a way agreeable to the dictates of our own consciences, do hereby agree to form ourselves into a religious society by the name of the " First Episcopal Methodist Society in North Bridgewater," for the purpose of promoting, carrying on, and supporting the public worship of God in conformity to an Act passed February 16, 1824.1

On the 12th day of April of the same year a committee, consisting of Isaac Packard, John Tilden, and Galen Manley, were chosen to pro- cure land and erect a church. They purchased a lot of land of Micah Packard for the sum of $41.20, it being the lot where the house now stands. A house was erected, fifty-four feet long, twenty-one feet wide, twenty-two feet high, with a spire eighty feet high, and a bell weighing one thousand and sixty pounds, made by George Holbrook, of Med- way, Mass. The exterior appearance of the house is neat, painted white, with nine windows and green blinds. The interior of the house is well furnished, containing fifty-eight pews, choir-gallery, with seats

l 'The name of this Society was formerly the First Methodist Episcopal Society, and was changed to Pearl Street Methodist Episcopal Society.

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PEARL STREET METHODIST CHURCH.

for fifty persons. The floor is neatly carpeted, walls arched over- head. In 1855 a clock was put up, and in 1857 a new and commodi- ous pulpit was placed in the house. The instrumental music is a cabinet organ.

The house was built under the direction of Messrs. Isaac Hartwell, John Tilden, and Galen Manley, as building committee, and cost three thousand dollars. Mr. John Peterson was master carpenter. A par- sonage-house was built in 1860.

The following is a list of the clergymen who have supplied the pulpit of this society, and the years each has served :

Revs. P. Crandall. 1834-35 ; E. Bradley, 1835-36; D. Kilburn, 1836-37 ; Sanford Benton, 1837-38 ; C. Noble, 1838-39 ; L. Bates, 1840-41; Anthony Palmer, 1841-43 ; Henry Mayo, 1843 ; Lemuel Harlow, 1844; B. M. Walker, 1845 ; Dixon Stebbins, 1846-47 ; T. Spilsted, 1847-48 ; G. W. Rogers, 1848-49; John Livesey, 1849-50 ; John D. King, 1850-51; Ebenezer Blake, 1852-53 ; Theophilus B. Gurney, 1853-54; Azariah B. Wheeler, 1855; J. B. Weeks, 1860-61 ; Israel Washburn, 1861 ; Charles A. Carter, 1862-63 ; W. A. Clapp, 1863-64; Alexander Anderson, 1865-66; F. Ryder, 1866-68 ; J. B. Washburn. 1868-70 ; Samuel M. Beal, 1870-73 ; Edward L. Hyde, 1873-74; J. W. Wood, 1874-75; H. Faville, 1875-76; W. G. Wilson, 1876-78; R. E. Buckey, 1878; F. W. Adams, September, 1880, to April 1881 ; G. A. Reeder, April, 1881, to October, 1881; A. L. Hag- arty, November. 1881, to April, 1883; F. W. Hamblin, April, 1883, to April, 1884; William Hartell, April, 1884, to October, 1884; Lyman C. Horton, October. 1884, to April, 1887; Charles T. Hatch, April, 1887, to April, 1889; Royal J. Kellogg, April, 1889, to April, 1891 ; George Bennett, April, 1891, to April, 1892 ; George Bernreuter, 1892 ; J. E. Johnson, April, 1892.

Bridgewater Circuit was set apart from Stoughton and Easton, July, 1832, at a conference held in Providence, R. I.

This is the only meeting- house in this section of country that retained the corner seats especially for the colored people, which were in the corners of the gallery. These were removed at the time of the remodel- ing of the church in 1873.

From 1866 to 1870 this church worshiped with the church in Eas- ton, holding services on alternate Sundays. In 1870 the plan was

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HISTORY OF BROCKTON.

adopted by the Boston University, sending students to supply the pulpit. That arrangement continued for several years.

In 1873 extensive repairs were made upon this meeting- house by the labors of Rev. Samuel M. Beal, who had been preaching to this people for some time. The pulpit was transferred to the opposite end of the house, the pews rearranged, the gallery lowered, pulpit platform re- modeled, an arched recess constructed at its rear, a new black-walnut railing and furniture to correspond was furnished ; new lighting fixtures, new heating apparatus, and new carpets were placed on the platform and aisles ; the walls freshly colored in delicate tints ; a new center- piece placed on the ceiling, thus rendering the audience room very attractive.

The services at the rededication of this edifice were held March 13, 1873, Rev. Mr. Dunham, of Easton, offered prayer and read the Scrip- tures. Sermon preached by Rev. G. E. Reed, of Fall River.

Preaching services are held at 1.30 P. M. The Sunday-school con- vening at noon. The salary of the pastor is paid by subscription.

REDEDICATION .- The Pearl Street Methodist Episcopal Church at Brockton Heights was rededicated August 13, 1893, amid impressive ceremonies and a large gathering of people.

Rev. J. E. Johnson, pastor, had charge of the dedication assisted by Mr. and Mrs. Moses Leger, two evangelists who for the past few weeks had been conducting revival services in a tent near the church, and whose labors were abundantly blessed.

The Pearl street church, while not a very large one, has been greatly improved by the recent work put in it, and is now a beautiful house of worship. The frescoing inside is especially beautiful. In the alcove back of the pulpit is a magnificent painting, representing an open Bible supported in the air upon rolling clouds, while above it the holy spirit is bursting forth from the heavens, and casting its rays upon the Book of books. Above the alcove is the ever beautiful command of Christ- " Love one another as I have loved you." The walls are also artistic - ally frescoed. Around the base is a light blue band, while at the top next to the ceiling is another band bearing a scroll design. Over the windows are semi-circles each containing a crown, a dove, a star or a bunch of lilies. The ceiling presents a fine appearance. In the center

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CENTRAL METHODIST CHURCH.

is a large ring, decorated with numerous designs, and from the center of which hangs the chandelier. Surrounding this ring is a large square with a gilt cross at each corner upon a blue background. Light bands of wavy blue are placed at either end of the church. The whole forms a very artistic combination, making the church very attractive.

After singing by the congregation, Mr. S. S. Somes was called upon by the pastor and made the offertory prayer, after which Miss Lena Snow rendered a vocal selection.

Psalm cxxxii. was then read responsively by Mrs. Leger and the con- gregation, after which Mr. S. E. Patrick sang.

Mr. Leger read the scriptural lesson, and then Rev. Mr. Johnson said that the present moment was one towards which they have all looked forward with great joy and longing hearts, and as pastor of the church he thanked the congregation for their loyalty in rendering it possible to rededicate the church. Rev. Mr. Johnson said that he then knew that the members had done all that they could, but the new work must be done and the Lord had helped them out of their difficulty. He had sent a friend who stood by them and saw the work carried through.

" With these words," said Mr. Johnson, ' I present this house to the Lord and to you. May you never desecrate this house, may you never open it to secular work. Let it be the Holy of Holies."

The following is a list of officers of the Pearl Street Methodist Epis- copal Church, Brockton Heights, for 1893 :

Pastor,-Rev. J. E. Johnson ; trustees, -Nathaniel Manley, Seth M. Hall, John A. Hall, Shepard B. Wilbar, Isaac P. Osborne, Rufus H. Carr, Bradford Packard, Andrew Frame; stewards,- Nathaniel Man- ley, Bradford Packard, Seth M. Hall, John A. Hall, Rufus H. Carr, Shepard Wilbar, Isaac P. Osborne ; the superintendents of the Sabbath School have been,-Bradford Packard, who served the school for thirty years, to 1886; followed by George Ames, Seth M. Hall, and Rufus H. Carr, the present incumbent.

CENTRAL METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. - This church was formed March 2, 1842, consisting of about thirty members, among whom were the following persons :

Sanford Alden, Eliza G. Alden, Liberty Packard, Mary A. Packard, Israel Packard, jr., Jane W. Packard, Cornelius H. Dunham, Lucia Dun-

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HISTORY OF BROCKTON.

ham, Thaddeus Gifford, Abigail Gifford, Mary Edson, Fearing W. Bent, Mehitabel W. Bent, Jarvis D. Smith, Martha Smith.

One Sabbath morning in February, 1842, Liberty Packard, Jarvis D. Smith, Israel Packard and Howard Keith, walking from the village to attend the West Church meeting, stopped to rest in a field, and seated upon a rock entered into conversation which naturally referred to the meetings. Brother Smith asked the very pertinent question, "Why not have meetings at the village instead of coming up here to attend them ?" The others rather derided the idea at first, but Brother Smith said he believed Bro. O. G. Smith could be induced for a small sum to preach for them, and that they could raise money enough to hire a hall. He seemed so confident of success that the others ap- pointed him on the spot a committee to wait upon Brother Smith and see what he thought about it.

This proved to be the first board meeting of the church. Brother S. was visited, and found not only willing but pleased to do all he could. Bro. J. D. Smith feared they could raise but a small sum for his sup- port, but the other Bro. S. said "Do what you can, and if it is but $50 per year I will manage to live, and by God's help we will succeed." Thus encouraged, an immediate canvass of the village was made, and about $400 pledged to support the enterprise. The old academy build- ing, then unoccupied, and standing upon the ground afterward used by the Universalist Church, and where East Elm street is now, was hired and used for the first time March 2, 1842. This was used, however, but two weeks, as it proved too small. The Unitarian Church was then standing on the site of the old Court House building, and at the time unoccupied, was tendered to the Methodists and accepted. Revival work at once blessed the efforts of the young society, and by the end of the year forty- one persons had been baptized.

After occupying the Unitarian house of worship about one year, an increase of rent was demanded, which the society deemed exorbitant, and they accordingly moved to "Cobb's Hall," known in later days as Concert Hall. This proved unfortunate alike to the church and the Sabbath school, both of which lost members in consequence. The most of the members proved true, however, and continued their efforts to build up the society.

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CENTRAL METHODIST CHURCHI.

Rev. O. G. Smith was their first pastor. He was succeeded by Rev. Addison Childs, of the Providence Conference, who soon after closed his earthly labors, and the society employed Rev. H. C. Atwater, a graduate of Yale College, and at that time a teacher of the Adelphian Academy, till the close of the conference year, when he was admitted to the conference, and stationed there in 1845. During the same year, a plain but substantial house of worship was erected, costing two thou- sand six hundred dollars, built by Messrs. Dunbar & Soule, and dedi- cated January 8. 1846, Rev. Edward T. Taylor preaching the dedica- tion sermon. Sanford Alden, Fearing W. Bent, Thomas Hathaway, Liberty Packard, Israel Packard, jr., Cornelius H. Dunham, and Oliver D. Shepardson were appointed trustees.

Rev. O. G. Smith closed his labors with the church in the spring of 1844, leaving behind him many friends, who now after the lapse of nearly fifty years remember him with the kindest feelings of love and Christian fellowship.

Rev. Henry Smith was located for this church in 1846, and re- mained two years; Rev. Lemuel Harlow in 1848, but was not re- ceived.

Here follows a full list of the pastors of the Second Methodist Epis- copal Church :

Revs. Edward Otherman, 1848; John B. Husted, 1849; John Live- sey, jr., 1850; Azariah B. Wheeler, 1851-52 ; Erastus Benton, 1853; Andrew Mckeown, 1854; Robert McGonegal, 1856; John Cooper, 1857-58 ; N. Bemis, 1859; Merritt P. Alderman, 1860-61 ; Thomas Ely, 1862-63 ; Frederic A. Crafts, 1864-66; John Howson, 1867-68 ; Joseph H. James, 1869-71 ; T. M. House, 1872-73 ; S. B. Sweetser. 1874 ; William T. Harlow, 1875 ; Dwight A. Jordan, 1876-78 ; George A. Morse, 1879-80 ; John Ellis Hawkins, 1881-82 ; Albert P. Palmer, 1883-85 ; Rev. C. P. Pitblado, 1886-87 ; Rev. Bennett W. Hutchin- son. 1888 ; Rev. Frank P. Parkin, 1889-93.

In 1851 and 1852 Rev. A. B. Wheeler supplied the charge. During his administration the town increased largely in population and enter- prise. The church received large additions, and catching the enterprising spirit of the times resolved to build a new and larger house of worship.

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HISTORY OF BROCKTON.

The financial work was pushed rapidly forward, and at the close of 1852 everything was ready to commence building.

During the year 1853 this society erected a new and splendid church edifice at an expense of twenty four thousand dollars. Barnabas Snow was the contractor and master-builder, Isaiah B. Young, of Boston, architect. The building is ninety-four feet long by sixty feet wide, with a tower one hundred and ten feet high, containing a bell weighing eighteen hundred and twenty-seven pounds, from the foundry of Henry N. Hooper, of Boston, costing six hundred and sixty- five dollars. The interior of the house is furnished with one hundred and ten pews and an elegant organ, manufactured by George Stevens, of Cambridge, Mass. A baptismal font of marble was presented to the society by S. S. Green ; also a beautiful Bible and hymn-book presented by the Young Gentle- men's Charitable Association connected with the church.

The corner-stone of this church was laid July 25, 1853, with appro- priate ceremony, as follows: I, remarks, by Rev. A. B. Wheeler ; 2, reading of the Word, by Rev. Paul Couch ; 3, singing ; 4, prayer, by Rev. T. B. Gurney ; 5, benediction.

Previous to the benediction occurred the ceremony of depositing a tin box in one of the corner foundations of the tower, which contained the following :

Records of the Second Methodist Church1 in North Bridgewater ; names of original and present members of the Second Conference ; of- ficers of the Sabbath-school; trustees of the church ; building commit- tee ; architect and master builder ; pastors of the various churches in town ; copies of order of exercises on the occasion; minutes of the Providence Annual Conference ; missionary report of the Methodist Episcopal Church ; Sabbath-school report; discipline of the Methodist Episcopal Church ; copies of Zion's Herald, Church Advocate and Journal, Missionary Advocate, Sabbath School Advocate, North Bridge- water Gazette.

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History of Brockton, Plymouth County, Massachusetts, 1656-1894, Part 25

Author: Kingman, Bradford, 1831-1903. 4n Publication date: 1895 Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y. : D. Mason & Co. Number of Pages: 1170

Author: Kingman, Bradford, 1831-1903. 4n
Publication date: 1895
Publisher: Syracuse, N.Y. : D. Mason & Co.
Number of Pages: 1170