History of Essex County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. II, Part 95

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) ed
Publication date: 1888
Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & Co.
Number of Pages: 1672

USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > History of Essex County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. II > Part 95

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

lie died on the 9th day of February, 1869, at Faribault, Minn., where he had gone in search of health.

REV. JAMES W. COOPER, the fifth pastor of this church, was ordained on the 10th day of September, 1868. The sermon was by Rev. J. M. Manning, of the old South Church, Boston ; ordaining prayer by Rev. William M. Barbour, of Peabody. Rev. J. L. Jenkins, of Amherst, gave the charge to the pas- tor.

Mr. Cooper was a young man full of promise; his pastorate though short, was successful. The Sabbath- school increased in interest, and at its close numbered more than four hundred members. And the church May 1, 1870, had a membership of three hundred and nine.

He resigned his pastorate November 25, 1870. His letter was read by Rev. Will C. Wood, of Lanesville, and he was dismissed by council June 10, 1871. Ile is now and for several years past has been pastor of a large and influential church iu New Britain, Coun.

He preached his farewell the last Sabbath of De- cember, 1870.

REV. CHARLES C. MCINTIRE was the next called to the pastorate, and was installed by council Decem- ber 28, 1871. Invocation by Rev. Charles Van Nor- den, of Beverly ; reading of the Scriptures by Rev. Will C. Wood, of Wenham; sermon by Rev. George N. Anthony, of Peabody ; installing prayer by Rev. George L. Gleason, of Manchester; charge to the pastor by Rev. C. R. Palmer, of Tabernacle Church, Salem; right hand of fellowship by Rev. S. W. Segar, of Gloucester : address to the people by Rev. S. C. Thacher, of Wareham ; concluding prayer by Rev. W.

Mr. McIntire's pastorate was rendered somewhat unpleasant by circumstances beyond his control. When he was called, the church edifice was under- going very extensive repairs and improvements. The parish were holding their Sabbath services in the town hall. These repairs and improvements con-

1364

HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

ing to its length twenty feet, entirely stripping the inside of the pulpit, pews, all of the inside finish and the galleries, purchasing the pews, placing new win- dows,-in fact, thoroughly changing the interior and painting the exterior and removing the vestry and enlarging it; all this at a cost of about twenty-eight thousand dollars, including the purchasing of the pews. Then came a depression of the business of the town and financial failures; finally the debt, though reduced to about twenty thousand dollars, be- came a burden too heavy for the society to bear. The savings bank, holding a large mortgage upon the parish property, foreclosed and took possession. Thus the meeting-house was closed and the society were obliged to find some other house in which to meet for worship. They were accommodated by the Young Men's Christian Association opening to them the doors of their chapel and inviting them to enter, which invitation they gratefully accepted, and occupied the room, though too strait for them, several months. Mr. McIntire resigned the pastorate January, 1880, and was dismissed by coun- cil September 3, 1880.

REV. R. B. HOWARD, the seventh pastor of this church, was installed by council September 3, 1880. The order of service was as follows :

In vocation, by Rev. S. R. Andrews, of Lanesville. Reading of Scriptures, by Rev, John Capen ( Methodist), of Rockport. Sermon, by Rev. J. B. Clark.

Installing prayer, by Rev. George L. Gleason.

Change to the pastor, by Rev. C. C. MeIntire. Right hand of fellowship, by Rev. F. G. Clark, of Gloucester. Address to the people, by Rev. F. II. Boynton, of Essex. Concluding prayer, by Rev. E. S. Potter, East Gloucester. Benediction, by the pastor.

The same council dismissed Rev. C. C. MeIntire. When Rev. R. B. Howard came to the church as a supply, they were holding service in the rooms of the Young Men's Christian Association. He soon be- came interested, and put forth efforts to repurchase the church property ; these efforts found a response by members of the parish and friends out of town. The savings bank proposed to relinquish its claim upon the property on the payment of ten thousand dollars. Members of the society contributed with some degree of enthusiasm to this end, and friendsout of town aided by their liberal contributions to a considerable extent ; the money was raised and paid the bank ; the parish again came in possession of the property, and have continued free from debt until the present time, 1597. Therefore, financially considered, Mr. How- aril's pastorate was surely a success, and who will say that it was not also spiritually ?

REv. A. F NOBORoss was called to the pastorate of this church in the autumn of 1884. He took charre the first Sabbath in Janhary, 1885, and was in talh loh the 13th day of February following, which was the one hhh red and thirtieth anniversary of the organization of the church, he being

sisted in sawing the meeting-house in two and add- its eighth pastor. The order of installation was as follows: Invocation, by Rev. Arthur W. Tirrell, of Rockport ; reading of Scripture, by Rev. Nathl. Richardson, resident ; sermon, by Rev. W. J. Tucker, of Andover ; installing prayer, by Rev. F. G. Clark, of Gloveester ; right hand of fellowship, by Rev. Nehemiah Boynton, of Haverhill ; charge to the pastor, by Rev. R. B. Howard, of Medford; address to the people, by Rev. Temple Cutler, of Essex ; benediction, by the pastor. Mr. Norcross is a gradu- ate of Dartmouth, and commences his labors under favorable auspices. The parish is free from debt, and church and parish united in his settlement, and at the present time, 1887, are enjoying a tolerable degree of prosperity. The regular services are quite well at- tended, the Sabbath-school is in a healthy condi- tion, its sessions are quite well attended and it has a good library. Deacon Andrew F. Clark is superin- tendent ; he is the ninth in succession to that office during the sixty-nine years of its history. The school has lately received from the heirs of our late respected townsman, John G. Dennis, a donation of five hun- dred dollars, thus following out the intention of their father, though he left no will.

SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH .- On the 15th day of March, 1855, a second Congregational Church of sixteen members was organized by an ecclesiastical council ealled for that purpose. Rev. A. B. Rich, of Danvers, was moderator, and Rev. Nathaniel Rich- ardson, of Lanesville, was scribe. These sixteen per sons were dismissed from the First Congregation- alist Church in this town for the purpose of organiz- ing a second church of the same order.

This was deemed necessary, as the attendance at the First Church was large, and had outgrown the seating capacity of their house of worship. At this time it was hardly possible to purchase or hire a pew (the pews were owned by individuals). This state of things may seem strange in this day ; nevertheless, it is true.

The Rev. David Bremner, a young man and graduate of Andover, was called to the First Church the year previous, as associate pastor with Rev. Wakefield Gale, having then in view the organization of a second church, of which he would probably be the pastor.

Soon after its organization the church, by a unani- mous vote, invited Mr. Bremner to become their pas- tor. The society also that had been legally formed in connection with the church coneurred without a dissenting voice, and voted to pay him a salary of one thousand dollars per year.

Mr. Bremner accepted the call, and was ordained and installed on the 2d day of May, 1825. Rev. Daniel Fitz, of Ipswich, was moderator of the council, and Rev. A. Il. Quint, of Jamaica Plain, was scribe. Eighteen churches were represented in the council. The order of exercises were Introductory prayer, by Rev. A. II. Quint; reading of the Scriptures, by Rev. H. J. Patrick, of Bedford; sermon, by Rev. E. A. Park, D.D., of Andover; ordaining prayer, by

1365

ROCKPORT.

Rev. Wakefield Gale, of Rockport ; charge to the pas- tor, by Rev. Lyman Whiting, of Reading ; right hand of fellowship, by Rev. J. M. Manning, of Medford ; address to the church and society, by Rev. J. E. Dwinell, of Salem ; concluding prayer, by Rev. J. O. Murray, of Danvers; benediction, by the pastor.

Rev. Mr. Bremner resigned his pastorate October 13, 1863. The church, after holding several meetings and, by a committee chosen for that purpose, conferred with Mr. Bremner, reluctantly accepted his resigna- tion. He was dismissed by an ecclesiastical council October 20, 1864-Rev. Wakefield Gale, moderator, and Rev. W. M. Barbour, scribe.

The council voted that the pastoral relation be dis- solved. Then they say: " In coming to this result the council express their regret at losing one from among us with whom they have had so much pleas- ant intercourse, and who has been so faithful and useful, and so much beloved in this community, as well as by his own church and society, and they cheerfully commend him to the churches of our Lord Jesus Christ as an able, devoted and successful min- ister of the Gospel-sound in the faith, of a blameless life,-a diligent student and an affectionate pastor. We tender to him our undiminished affection and confidence, and wish him much happiness and success in the new field of labor to which Providence has called him."

The church of sixteen members during the ministry of Mr. Bremner grew to eighty.

After Rev. Mr. Bremner's resignation the pulpit was temporarily supplied until March 31, 1864, when, by a unanimous vote, the church and society invited Rev. L. H. Angier to become their pastor, and he ac- cepted their invitation. Ilis salary was fixed at $1000 per year. He occupied that position until October, 1867, when he resigned his pastorate. He had not been installed by council.

On account of the War of the Rebellion and the de- cline of business and other circumstances, the church and society felt compelled to call an ecclesiastical council to advise with them, as it had become difficult to support preaching regularly. A council convened on the 21st day of October, 1868, and after due con- sideration advised the Second Church to dissolve their church organization and unite with the First Church. The Second Church voted not to dissolve, but would grant letters to any member who desired them. Under this vote numbers took letters to the First Church, some to the Methodist, and at a later day some to the church at Pigeon Cove. The First Church extended a cordial invitation to the members of the Second Church to unite with them.

The chapel of the Second Church, corner of Broad- way and School Streets, was built by stockholders in the latter part of the year 1855, at a cost of about $4000, including land. Previous to this the Second Society worshipped in the vestry of the First Church. After the dissolution of the society it was sold to the

Y. M. C. A., and by them at a later day to the I. O. O. F. They have raised it and placed another story under it, making it convenient for their use, and more at- tractive to the public eye.

On the 26th day of August, 1864, an ecclesiastical council was called to meet in Broadway Chapel for the purpose of ordaining Walter Harris Giles, a mem- ber of Second Congregational Church, as a missionary of the American Board of Foreign Missions. Rev. A. B. Rich, of Beverly, was moderator; Rev. Thomas Morong, of Lanesville, scribe. The sermon was by Rev. Edward E. Bliss, of Constantinople, Turkey ; ordaining prayer by Rev. L. H. Angier, of the Second Church, Rockport; right hand of fellowship by Rev. William H. Dunning, of the First Church, Rockport; charge by Rev. J. C. Thacher, of the Evangelical Church, Gloucester; closing prayer, by Rev. John A. Vinton, of Boston; benediction, by Rev. W. II. Giles.

Ile died at Constantinople, Turkey, May 21, 1867, in the thirtieth year of his age. He was a son of Deacon Thomas and Mary Giles, of this town.

PIGEON COVE CHAPEL .- What is now the Pigeon Cove Chapel Church and Society (Congregationalist) originated from a Sunday-school that was organized in Woodbury's Hall (it was over the Union Store), May 31, 1857; there were about forty persons present, children and adults. Lyman B. Stockman (by whose efforts mainly the school was gathered) was chosen superintendent.

In the month of November the same year the school removed to what was a district school-house, before the public schools were reorganized. It was located near the residence of Beniah Colburn (now the residence of Alpheus Goodwin). The school continued at this place until 1869. When the chap- el was built and dedicated it removed thither.

The most of the time while the school occupied the school-house a preaching service was held each Sabbath at five o'clock P.M., at which pastors of neighboring churches,-Congregationalist, Baptist and Methodist, of Rockport, and Congregationalist, of Lanesville-rendered valuable service. When such supplies failed a well-chosen sermon was read by the superintendent with good effect, or else the hour was occupied by a prayer and conference meeting.

While the school-house was occupied by the Sun- day-school the town, who had purchased it of the school district, sold it to David L. Choate, for about three hundred dollars ; and he soon sold it to Dea- con J. R. Gott, Newell Giles and Elbridge Witham, for about the same amount. They allowed the school to occupy it seven years free of rent, then sold it to the school for one hundred and fifty dollars. After the chapel was built the school, by its trustees, sold the school-house and land to Beniah Colburn, for three hundred and forty-five dollars.

The chapel was built in 1868, at a cost, including land and furniture, of $3696.92. It was dedicated in

1366

HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.

January, 1869. Sermon by Rev. James W. Cooper, pastor of the First Congregationalist Church in Rockport. At this time there was a debt resting upon it of some one thousand two hundred dollars; by the efforts of the Ladies' Circle, by fairs and dona- tions by friend- of the institution, in 1871 the entire debt was canceled. In 1873 the addition of a tower was made, a bell was purchased and put in place and an iron fence was erected, at a cost of 82475.08. By these improvements a debt of one thousand three hundred dollars was incurred; it was gradually re- duecd, until 1880, when it was about six hundred dollars. Special efforts were put forth, and friends came forward with their liberal contributions, and the entire debt was canceled. And none has since been incurred.

Sunday, August 24, 1873. For the first time the inhabitants of Pigeon Cove were called to worship by the ringing of the church bell.

March 20, 1874. A church of nineteen members was organized, under the name of the " First Church of Christ at Pigeon Cove."

September 22, 18744. This church was recognized by a council of churches, duly called, as a church of Christ in good and regular standing and fellowship with other Congregationalist Churches. Rev. E. S. Atwood, D.D., of the Crombie Street Church, Salem, was moderator of the council, and Rev. C. C. McIn- tire was scribe. Rev. Chandler Robbins, D.D., of Boston, preached the sermon. Rev. Daniel P. Noyes was acting pastor.

This year there was organized and incorporated an ecclesiastical society in connection with the church to manage its financial affairs.

The land was purchased and the chapel built in the name of the Sabbath school, the business being managed by three trustees chosen by the school. The trustees in 1883, by vote of the Sabbath-school, deeded the chapel, land and furniture to the church and society.

A few weeks after the organization of this school Mr. Stockman received an invitation to teach a school in linois. Ile left the Sunday-school in the charge of John W. Marshall, who continued to be its superintendent twenty-four years. Since his res- ignation Andrew F. Clark, Wm. W. Marshall and Samuel 1. Lamson, who is the present incumbent, have at times occupied that position.

Mr. Stockman returned home in the summer of 158, in poor health. He died at the home of his sister, Mrs. Albert Wheeler, November 27th of the same year, respected and beloved. This church and society have never been privileged with a settled pastor.

The ordinances of religion have quite regularly been administered. Rev. Daniel P. Noyes was its stated supply about three years, Rev. Elijah Kel- log about the same length of time. Rev. R. B. How- ard . out two years. Rev. S. B. Andrews about

three years. The other years the pulpit has heen oc- cupied by different clergymen Sabbath by Sabbath. The present supply (1887) is Rev. Wm. W. Parker. The services are generally well attended ; the Sabbath- school is in a healthy condition and it has a good li- brary.

There are at the present time three preaching ser- vices held in this chapel each Sabbath, in three dif- ferent languages,-English the regular service; then the Finlanders hold their service, some thirty wor- shippers; then the Swedes, quite a congregation. Each of them have a minister of their own order.

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH AND SOCIETY .- The Methodist Episcopal Church of this town had its origin in a class formed by Rev. Aaron Lummus, the preacher of the Gloucester Harbor Church in 1831. Ile found here Sister Mrs. Nicy Cleaves (now Par- sons) and her husband, Captain Levi Cleaves, who was not then a professor of religion, but he soon became a subject of saving grace, and joined the society and has held every office in the gift of the church with honor to himself, and with an eye single to the glory of God. lle died in the triumph of Christian faith June 16, 1865, aged fifty-eight years and nine months.

The first class was composed of the following mem- bers: Levi Cleaves, Nicy Cleaves, John Cleaves, Aaron Cleaves, Solomon Tarr, ITatty Tarr, Charles Wormwood, Zacheus Roberts, Lois Pool, Rhoda Cleaves and Betsey Tarr. All of them have passed over the river except Mrs. Nicy Cleaves (now Par- sons) and Rhoda Cleaves (now Rowe). This class was connected with the Gloucester Harbor Church until the year 1838, when it was set off' as a circuit with Town Parish, under the charge of Rev. L. B. Griffin. This year a church edifice was erected and dedicated by the pastor, and the next year was set apart as a separate charge with Rev. Israel Washburn pastor.

The successive leaders of the class were Charles Wormwood, Levi Cleaves, John Cleaves, Moses Cleaves, J. B. Stillman.

A revival of religion attended the labors of Mr. Washburn, and he reported for the year 1839 thirty- five members and sixteen probationers. He was succeeded in the charge by Revs. Thomas G. Brown, John P. Bradley and Daniel Richards.

The next pastor, Rev. Charles O. Towne, induced the society in 18-13 to join the Wesleyan church, owing to dissatisfaction growing out of the anti- slavery discussion, but in the summer of 1858 the society returned to their first love.

The services of Rev. Elijah Mason were now secured, who labored successfully until 1863, who found him a good preacher, a faithful pastor and a sympathizing friend. He remained in town after leaving his charge, until called from the scenes of his earthly labors to the "rest that remaineth to the people of God."

1367

ROCKPORT.

The next in charge was Rev. Joseph Gerry, who remained one year, and was succeeded by Rev. A. B. Wheeler. He was followed by Rev. J. A. Ames, who was abundant in labors during the three years of his ministry, during which the church edifice was built on Broadway at a cost of $16,000. It was dedicated April 14, 1869. Rev. J. A. M. Chapman preached the sermon. Fairer prospects now opened to the church and a goodly share of spiritual prosperity was realized. Rev. W. D. Bridge followed Mr. Ames, and he was succeeded by Rev. C. C. Merrill, whose labors encouraged and strengthened the church. He was followed by Rev. Samuel Roy. After seven months of faithful labor he was stricken down with typhoid fever, and passed to his reward. The re- mainder of the conference year was supplied by Rev. M. B. Cummings. He was returned to the charge at the next conference. On Sabbath morning, May 2, 1875, the church edifice was destroyed by fire, the cause of which is still unknown. This was a serious loss to the church. There was supposed to be $10.000 insurance upon the building, but from untoward circumstances only one half of the above sum was realized, and when the indebtedness of the society was met there remained only about $3000.

At a meeting of the society to consider the question of re-building their house of worship $1000 was sub- scribed for that purpose.

The present house, built upon the site of the last, cost about $9000, and the debt remaining upon it now (1880) is $3500. Mr. Cummings was followed by Rev. W. A. Braman, who was succeeded by Rev. W. Silverthorne. The labors of these brethren were a great blessing to the church. Rev. John Capen was the next pastor. Rev. Alfred Noon succeeded him and served one year. After him was the present pastor, Rev. A. W. Tırrell, now (1887) closing his third year. He has labored earnestly and faithfully with good success. During his pastorate the church and congregation have increased ; the church edifice upon the outside has been painted, and the society freed from debt, which last event was celebrated in a becoming manner on the 13th day of April, 1886, on which occasion several of the past pastors of the church were present; several clergymen of other denominations also joined in this interesting service, a prominent feature of which was the burning of the mortgage deed and note.

They have now (May, 1887), a neat and pleasant house of worship, and a flourishing Sabbath-school, of which Daniel Coath is superintendent. The school is furnished with a good library. There is also a fair attendance upon the services of the church, preach- ing, &c., &c., and are free from debt. Mr. Tirrell's pastorate of three years, expired April, 1887. Rev. John H. Mansfield succeeds him, and is now pastor.

FIRST UNIVERSALIST SOCIETY .- The Universalist Society in Sandy Bay was organized February 27, 1821, by the name of the Universalist Benevolent

Society of Gloucester. Aaron Pool, Solomon Pool, John Manning, Francis Pool, Moses Colbey and Daniel O. Marshall, who were members of the Inde- pendent Christian Society of Gloucester Harbor ; William Norwood, Charles Norwood, Jr., David Bab- son, David Wheeler, William Norwood, Jr., and Eben Norwood, who were members of the Third Parish (Annisquam Society), with others, consti- tuted its membership. Previous to this, services of the Universalist order were held in this village. Rev. Thomas Jones, of Gloucester Harbor, preached several Sabbaths in the meeting-house built by the parish in 1804, which, by an understanding with the Congregationalists, they were to occupy two-fifths of the time ; but after some months of this way of oceu- pying the house, the Universalists were denied the privilege, and were not allowed its use. This act re- sulted in a suit at law, which, after being before the court several years, was decided in favor of the Con- gregationalists (or the parish, as it was called), they to have the exclusive use and occupancy of the meet- ing-house.

After they were refused admission to the house as a society, they worshipped in a school-house that stood on the present site of the Sandy Bay house stable and hall. The clergymen that officiated the most frequently were Revs. J. H. Bugbee, J. Gilman, J. P. Atkinson, Hosea Ballou and Lafayette Mace. The meeting-house was built in 1829, at a cost of about three thousand dollars.

The corner-stone was laid with Masonic ceremonies June 24th. It was dedicated October 8th of the same year; dedicatory sermon by Rev. Thomas Jones, of Gloucester. Rev. Lafayette Mace preached a few months in the new house; he was succeeded by Rev. Lucius R. Page. The succession of ministers has been as follows: 1832, Rev. B. B. Mussey ; 1835, Rev. A. C. L. Arnold; 1837, Rev. Charles Spear; 1839, Gibson Smith ; 1841, Rev. John Allen ; 1844, Rev. HI. C. Leonard ; 1846, Rev. E. W. Locke; 1849, Rev. S. C. Hewett; 1850, Rev. H. Van Campen; 1853, Rev. A. C. L. Arnold ; 1856, Rev. Wm. Hooper; 1858, Rev. J. H. Farnsworth; 1861, Rev. Stillman Barden ; 1867, Rev. George H. Vibbert; 1872, Rev. Allen P. Fol- som. Rev. B. G. Russell was acting pastor July 1, 1875; was ordained on the evening of August 5. The Association of Boston Universalists met here on that day; it was an appropriate time for an ordination. The services were as follows: Invocation, by Rev. C. C. Clark, of Pigeon Cove ; reading of the Scriptures, by Rev. T. W. Illman, of Philadelphia ; sermon, by Rev. J. M. Atwood, of North Cambridge, from Luke xi. 23; ordaining prayer, by Rev. E. H. Chapin, D.D., of New York ; charge to the pastor, by Rev. D. Sawyer ; fellowship of the churches, by Rev. Richard Eddy, D.D., of Gloucester ; benediction, by the pastor. IIe continued in the pastorate several years, and was succeeded in 1880 by Rev. Edwin Davis, who was pastor some four years. Rev. Lorenzo Haynes was

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Essex County, Massachusetts : with biographical sketches of many of its pioneers and prominent men, Vol. II, Part 95

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) ed Publication date: 1888 Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & Co. Number of Pages: 1672

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) ed
Publication date: 1888
Publisher: Philadelphia, J. W. Lewis & Co.
Number of Pages: 1672