USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Framingham > History of Framingham, Massachusetts, early known as Danforth's Farms, 1640-1880; with a genealogical register > Part 38
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John Houghton built the tavern in the Centre in 1796; which he sold to Abner Wheeler in 1801, who kept it till 1812. Levi Eaton was here 1812-1818; Capt. James Hamilton 1818-1823 ; Samuel Warren 1823-1833; Roswell P. Angier 1833-1836; Wm S. Turner 1836-1841; A. J. Putman 1841-1843. Joseph Fuller bought the property in 1843, and sold to Lothrop Wight in 1849. It has since passed through many owners.
361
Highways.
Martin Stone built the house on the southerly side of The Square (the Geo. Graham place) in 1810, and opened a tavern, where the post-office was kept. This was subsequently kept as a public house by Wm Henderson, Wm Larrabee, Ichabod Gaines, Lawson D. Maynard, - Flagg, Wm S. Turner, Joseph Fuller, Daniel Parker, and others. Capt. John J. Clark's tavern at the South village rivalled in popu- larity the famous Sanger tavern. It was afterwards kept by Joseph Fuller, Edward A. Clark, A. J. Putman, Gilbert Howe, S. F. Twitchell and others. The two elms in front of this house were set by Moses Eames in 1773.
HIGHWAYS. - May 5, 1806. A town way was laid out from the county road at a point between Daniel Hemenway's (now Emory Haynes) and the school-house, and running on the northerly side of the wall which bounds the Lane leading by the house of Timothy Stearns 3d (Charles Capen's), and so past the house of Enoch Belknap, and to Moses Haven's.
Sept. 7, 1807. A road was laid out from the house of Amos Johnson, and running northwesterly to Southborough line, through land of said Johnson, Phineas Bemis, the wid. Bridges and Nathan Bridges.
April 4, 1808. The old South Path to Marlborough was re-located and accepted as a town way, "as it is now travelled," from Marl- borough line, near Daniel and Levi Cutting, to school-house No. 7, thence through Brackett's Corner to the middle of the New Bridge over Sudbury river.
Mar. 2, 1812. A town road was laid out from the county road near the house of Ephraim Goodnow, running easterly by Josiah Rice's dwelling-house, to Natick line.
April 4, 1814. The county road, from near the house of James Morse (now E. P. Travis) to Lawson Buckminster's (now Moses Ellis) was altered, to run as at present. Formerly it ran to the north, (see ante, p. 240)
Nov. 7, 1814. Re-location of the cross-road from the foot of the hill east of Capt. U. Rice's, to the road running past the Albert G. Gibbs place. The turning place which had been directly at the foot of the hill, was carried down below the house of Phinehas Rice, as at present, " said way is two rods wide at the south end, and gradually decreases in width till it comes to the turn where it is 30 feet wide, and so continues to the north end."
1819. The road on the west side of the Centre Common, (which formerly ran between the white oak and the Town Hall) was laid out,
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History of Framingham.
by order of the Court of Sessions, through land of the town, and land owned by the Framingham Academy Corporation. May 5, 1819, the Trustees voted " that Benj. Wheeler be hereby authorized to release by deed or otherwise, all claim to damage by reason of said road."
Apr. 1, 1822. Laid out a private way for the use of said town, from a point about 4 rods west of John Eaton's barn on the southerly side of the county road which passes by said Eaton's dwelling-house, thence southwesterly about 124 rods to the county road leading by Wm Walkup's, said way is laid through lands of John Eaton.
Apr. 1, 1823. Laid out a private way for the use of said town, two rods wide, from the road in front of Levi Eaton's (Geo. P. Metcalf's), at land of Capt. Peter Johnson, thence southerly on said Johnson's land in a straight line to the Worcester Turnpike, the westerly side being 3 rods and 3 links from the southwest corner of the store of Thomas Rice Jr., then crossing said Turnpike obliquely, then running southwesterly through land of Rufus Brewer, and by his house to the road leading to Hopkinton.
Apr. 14, 1823. A private way for the use of the town was laid out from the Common road, running southerly by the house of Elisha Jones to the Mill road - all through land of said Elisha Jones.
Nov. 25, 1824. Laid out a private way for the use of the town, from the county road near the house of wid. Joseph Bennett, to the county road at the dwelling-house of Josiah Abbott, through land of the Bennett heirs and said Abbott.
June 12, 1824. Samuel Slater, Joseph Valentine, John J. Clark and others, were incorporated as the Central Turnpike Corporation, to build a road from the Worcester Turnpike in Needham, through Natick to the south end of Farm pond in Framingham, thence to Jones' mill in said F. thence to Hopkinton meeting-house, etc. The road was constructed, and used till 1835, when on the opening of the Railroad, it was given up. Certain portions were re-located as town ways ; and the line from " the county road near the blacksmith's shop of the late Alexr. Clark, running easterly over the late Central Turn- pike to the top of the hill in land of Michael Homer, thence in a straight course to the Holliston road, near the house of Royal Grout," was laid out as a county road. [This part is now in Ashland].
Apr. 11, 1825. Laid out a private way for the use of the town, from the county road near the house of Joseph Ballard, (now Mrs. Cutlers) via David Frost's and Eben' Knowlton's, to the Mill road, so called, about three-fourths of a mile in length, "a part of said road being already opened and fenced, and the whole of the distance being a very ancient bridle way, and in good condition for travel. [This is now in Ashland].
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Highways.
1827. Petition for a new county road from near Thomas Hastings' to the wading-place in Long pond, and thence to Newton. In Oct. the town voted to open the above road from T. Hastings' as far as Abel Drury's lane.
1828. Laid out a town road from Buckminster and Brown's mills, to near Capt. Adam Hemenway's.
1828. Laid out a road from near Dea. Matthias Bent's barn to the Saxon Factory.
1830. A private way was opened from the Worcester Turnpike, about 30 rods east of Col. Jonas Clayes' house, southerly, to the old road leading by Jona. Rugg's, Dea. John Temple, the owner of the land, giving use of the same, and Col. Clayes agreeing to grade, and fence the lane.
1831. Laid out a county road from near the house of Lawson Nurse, running westerly through the valley to "Oregon" and South- borough line.
1832. A town road was laid out from the foot of the hill below Saxonville, running easterly to the county road leading by the Cotton Factory, two rods wide, over lands of Josiah Stone, Luther Eaton and James Brown; and the old cross road leading from Joseph Angier's to Luther Eaton's was discontinued.
1835. Laid out a town road running northerly from Thomas Hastings' to William Hastings'.
1837. The new county road from the house of Aaron Pratt to Holliston was laid out.
1837. A town way was laid out from Tilton's corner on the old Southborough road (now Pleasant street), southerly to the house of Isaac Fiske (now Eben W. Swan) on the Worcester Turnpike.
1838. A new county road was laid out, from the Worcester Turn- pike, 20 rods west of Asa Littlefield's (now J. R. Rooke's), running northwesterly to Southborough line.
1838. Alteration and straightening of the road from the bridge by Mrs. Gordon's to near the house of John Kendall.
1840. Alteration and straightening of the road from the foot of the hill north of Lewis Hill's (now John Cutting's), to Joseph Belcher's. Formerly, it ran round by the Frost house.
1840. The lane leading from Wm Buckminster's, north, near the Saw-mill, to the road leading by Moses Haven's, was re-located, and laid out as a town road.
1841. Union Avenue was laid out.
CHAPTER VIII.
1830 - 1880. - ECCLESIASTICAL MATTERS - SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND PARISH - HOLLIS EVANGELICAL SOCIETY - CHURCH OF THE FIRST PARISH - REV. WILLIAM BARRY - NEW MEETING-HOUSE - REV. DR. KELLOGG - REV. GEORGE TRASK AND SUCCESSORS - SAXONVILLE RELIGIOUS SOCIETY AND EDWARDS CHURCH - UNIVERSALIST CHURCH - CATHOLIC CHURCH AT SAXONVILLE - SOUTH FRAMINGHAM BAPTIST CHURCH - ST. JOHN'S EPISCOPAL CHURCH - METHODIST CHURCHI AT SOUTH FRAMINGHAM - SOUTH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH - UNIVER- SALIST SOCIETY - FIRE DEPARTMENT - CEMETERIES - TOWN MAP - BONNET MANUFACTURES - BANKS - TIN SHOP - NEW TOWN HALL -NEWSPAPERS - RAIL-ROAD - SILK COMPANY - INDIA RUBBER COM- PANIES - SHOE MANUFACTORIES - SO. FRAMINGHAM POST-OFFICE - TOWN LIBRARY - STATE NORMAL SCHOOL - BOSTON WATER WORKS - So. FRAMINGHAM COMMON - REBELLION WAR RECORDS - SO. MIDD. AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY - CAMP-MEETING ASSOCIATION - STATE MUSTER GROUNDS - PROVISION FOR THE POOR - INDUSTRIES.
THE pastorate of Rev. Dr. Kellogg had covered the period embraced in the last chapter. It had been a half-century of great changes of social customs, political parties, and religious beliefs. But the pastor had borne himself with a prudence, and main- tained a Christian integrity, and purity of purpose, and fidelity to the work of the ministry, which commanded the respect and love of his people ; and made his pastorate, in the best sense, a success. Feeling the infirmities of age coming on, in Nov. 1826, Mr. Kellogg requested the church "to settle a colleague to assist him in his labors." The parish, organized in the spring of this year, voted to accede to his request ; but no further steps were taken at the time.
The matter of employing a colleague pastor came up again in 1828 ; and in January, the church chose Dea. John Temple, Dea. Luther Haven and Elisha Belknap a committee, to confer with the parish in relation to the settlement of Mr. Asahel Bigelow as colleague with Dr. Kellogg. The fact now became apparent, that the church and the parish were unable to agree on a candidate. The church, with almost unanimity, held to the Evangelical system of doctrines, set forth in their Covenant, and taught by Dr. Kellogg for half a century ; and
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Church of the First Parish.
required a like belief in him who should be their pastor and teacher ; the parish was equally divided ; though in the end, a small majority voted in favor of a preacher of more "liberal " views. Dr. Kellogg continued to preach, assisted, as circumstances required, by Dr. Lyman Beecher, Rev. Samuel Green, Rev. Joseph Bennett, and others.
In Sept. 1829, the parish voted to have the pulpit supplied three Sabbaths by Orthodox, and then three Sabbaths by Unitarian preach- ers. This arrangement continued for about three months.
Jan. 20, 1830, a new parish, called the Hollis Evangelical Society, was formed by the friends of Orthodoxy ; [legally organized Feb. 8, 1830]; and the next Sabbath, Jan. 24, the pastor and church met for worship in the Town House, where they continued to hold religious services till the erection of a new meeting-house. The church retained the name of The Church of Christ in Framingham.
The parish held the old meeting-house ; and the church connected therewith has been known as The Church of the First Parish. A call to settle in the ministry was given by the parish (which voted that " we deem it reasonable and just that the body which alone can contract with their public teacher, should exercise the right to call and settle him") to Mr. Artenias B. Muzzey. Mr. M. was a graduate of H. U. 1824. The ordination took place June 30, 1830. The order of exer- cises was as follows : introductory prayer, Rev. C. Francis ; reading the Scriptures, Rev. D. Austin ; sermon, Rev. E. S. Gannett ; ordain- ing prayer, Rev. Dr. Bancroft ; charge, Rev. F. W. P. Greenwood ; right hand of fellowship, Rev. J. W. Thompson; address to the society, Rev. C. Stetson ; concluding prayer, Rev. R. Sanger. Mr. Muzzey retired May 18, 1833. Rev. George Chapman, H. U. 1828, was ordained Nov. 6, 1833, and died in office June 2, 1834. "Mr. Chapman's ministry was very brief. Few have entered the sacred office under circumstances more encouraging and auspicious. His early death disappointed the sanguine hopes of an extensive circle of friends, to whom he was ardently attached, as well as the just expecta- tions of his people, who fully appreciated his intelligence, sincerity, and devotion. He died of a pulmonary disease, having administered the communion for the last time, Jan. 5, 1834." Barry.
Rev. William Barry, was installed Dec. 16, 1835 ; retired Dec. 16, 1845. Although still living, it is proper that a brief sketch of his public services should be given in this connection. He was born in Boston Jan. 10, 1805, son of William and Esther (Stetson) Barry ; graduated B. U. 1822. He commenced the study of law with Judge Shaw, but from ill health was obliged to give it up, and resided for two years at the South. He entered the Harvard Divinity School in 1826 ; went to Europe in 1828 ; studied in the University of Göttengen,
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History of Framingham.
at Paris, London, and Copenhagen, and returned to America in the autumn of 1829. He received a call and was ordained over the South Congregational Society in Lowell Nov. 17, 1830. On account of ill health he resigned in July 1835. He was installed pastor of the First Parish in Framingham Dec. 16, 1835 ; and at once took a leading position in educational and social, as well as religious affairs. But his health failed, and in June 1844, he sailed for Europe, passing some months in Nismes, and returned in December, only partially restored. The next two years he devoted to the preparation and publication of his " History of Framingham," which came out in Sept. 1847. He commenced preaching (without installation) at Lowell Oct. 1847. In 1851, he again crossed the ocean ; spent some months in travelling through Syria, and returned through Italy and France. By advice of his physician, he retired from the ministry in. 1854, and took up his residence in Chicago, Ill., which has since been his home. In 1856, Mr. Barry was chosen Secretary of the Chicago Historical Society, a position for which his early acquisitions and historical tastes had well prepared him. In addition to the History of Framingham, Mr. Barry has published, A Farewell Sermon at Lowell, 1835 ; Two Discourses on the Rights and Duties of Neighboring Churches, Framingham, 1844 ; Thoughts on Christian Doctrine, 1844; Report of the Schools of Lowell, 1852 ; The Antiquities of Wisconsin, Madison, 1857.
The successors of Mr. Barry have been, Rev. John N. Bellows, ordained Apr. 15, 1846 ; retired 1849 ; Rev. Joseph H. Phipps, Harv. Div. Sch. 1848, ordained 1849 ; retired 1853 ; Rev. Samuel D. Robbins, Harv. Div. Sch. 1833; installed 1854, retired 1867; Rev. H. G. Spaulding, H. U. 1860, installed 1868, retired 1872 ; Rev. Charles A. Humphreys, H. U. 1860, installed Nov. 1, 1873.
In 1847, the old meeting-house was taken down, and a new one erected on the same site. The cost was defrayed by individuals, who sold the new edifice, May 2, 1848, to the First Parish.
THE NEW PARISH. - The Hollis Evangelical Society built a new meeting-house, directly east from the old house, fronting on the east side of the Common. It was dedicated Sept. 15, 1830. This house was a plain, substantial structure, 70 by 48 feet, with basement, and a tower at the west end. The pulpit was at the east end opposite the entrance ; and an orchestra was built over the vestibule, but no galler- ies. The cost, exclusive of the bell and vestry, was $4,500. The pews were sold, and warrantee deeds given.
The house was re-modelled in 1848, at a cost of over $6,000 ; was again re-modelled in 1869, by adding transepts, and a chapel, at a cost of $12,000. The present number of sittings is six hundred and fifty.
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Rev. Dr. Kellogg.
Rev. Dr. Kellogg performed the full duties of the ministry to his people for fifty years, lacking four months ; and, after the settlement of a colleague, he continued to preach, as occasion offered or required, till his 84th year : sometimes supplying vacant pulpits in neighboring parishes, and often assisting the junior pastor at home. And, till his last sickness, he was always in his place in the pulpit on the Lord's day. He died Aug. 13, 1843, aged 87 yrs. 9 mos.
In personal appearance Dr. Kellogg was more than ordinarily pre- possessing. In stature he was above the medium height ; with a well proportioned and muscular frame ; a fresh yet placid countenance ; strongly marked features, expressive of an even temperament, good sense, decision and benevolence. His general bearing combined dig- nity with ease ; his step was firm, his presence commanding. He was, in the best sense, a Christian gentleman of the old school.
Dr. Kellogg possessed intellectual powers of a high order. There was always a naturalness and healthy vigor, and a cheerful tone in his thoughts. And in this, his mental powers exactly corresponded with his bodily powers. He was an active, cheerful man. From the time he commenced his professional studies till he left the active duties of the ministry, he rose in the morning at daybreak ; and was busy and systematic in the use of time. He was always punctual. "It is doubt- ful," says a member of his family, "whether, in the whole course of his public life, he ever met an appointment five minutes late."
In his views of church polity, Dr. Kellogg was a thorough Congrega- tionalist. In doctrinal theology, he heartily accepted the Evangelical system. The Westminster Assembly's Catechism contains the outlines of his religious creed. He received this creed by inheritance ; he adopted it, and adhered to it in mature life,- not because it was the creed of his father and of the Puritans, but because he found it clearly taught in the Word of God.
The whole number received to the church by profession, during his ministry, was between 240 and 250.
Mr. Kellogg graduated at D. C. 1775 ; received the degree of A.M. from Yale College, 1778 ; that of D.D., from his Alma Mater, 1824. He published, I. The Nature, Obligation and Importance of Christian Compassion ; illustrated by a Sermon preached before the Middlesex Lodge, in Framingham, June 24, 1796. 2. An Address on Presenting the Right Hand of Fellowship, at the Ordination of Rev. Mr. Dickin- son of Holliston, Feb. 18, 1789. 3. Pastoral Charge at the Ordination of Rev. Rufus Hurlbut of Sudbury, Feb. 26, 1817.
Rev. George Trask, Bowd. Coll. 1826, was ordained colleague pastor with Dr. Kellogg, Sept. 15, 1830; dis. April 6, 1836. The successors of Mr. Trask have been, Rev. David Brigham, U. C. 1818; installed
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History of Framingham.
Dec. 29, 1836; dismissed May 9, 1844. Rev. Increase N. Tarbox, Y. C. 1839, ordained Nov. 22, 1844; dismissed July 2, 1851. Rev. Joseph C. Bodwell, D. C. 1833; installed June 30, 1852; dismissed Nov. 5, 1862. Rev. John K. McLean, U. C. 1858; installed Feb. 19, 1863; dismissed Sept. 1, 1867. Rev. Minot J. Savage, Bang. Theol. Sem. 1864; installed Jan. 23, 1868, dismissed April 1870. Rev. L. R. Eastman Jr., A. C. 1857 ; installed June 8, 1871.
THE SAXONVILLE RELIGIOUS SOCIETY was incorporated Feb. 22, 1827; a meeting-house was built the same year, on the beautiful height of land northwest from the Falls, and dedicated in September. The dedication sermon was preached by Rev. Dr. Ware of Cambridge. Religious worship was at first conducted by ministers of the Unitarian denomination; and subsequently for a time by the Methodists and others.
April 8, 1833, on their application, twenty-five members of Dr. Kellogg's church in the Centre were dismissed "for the purpose of forming a Congregational Church at Saxonville;" and these, with four others, were organized as a Congregational church, May 26, 1833. It subsequently took the name of The Edwards Church in Saxonville, which name is still retains.
The first pastor of this church was Rev. Corbin Kidder, A. C. 1828, ordained July 30, 1834; dismissed Oct. 25, 1837. His successors have been Rev. Isaac Hosford, D. C. 1826, ordained Feb. 24, 1838 ; dismissed Mar. 10, 1847. Rev. Birdsey G. Northrop, Y. C. 1841, ordained Mar. 10, 1847 ; dismissed Nov. 6, 1857. Rev. Henry Allen, D. C. 1849, installed Nov. 6, 1857, dismissed Oct. 1, 1859. Rev. John H. Pettengill, Y. C. 1837, installed April 16, 1860, dismissed 1862. Rev. Geo. E. Hill, Y. C. 1846, installed Oct. 15, 1863 ; dismissed 1870. Rev. Charles Jones, U. C. 1832, , installed Oct. 4, 1870; dismissed
1879. Rev. Samuel Bell, D. C. 1866, was stated supply, 1880 and 82. Rev. Theodore L. Day, Y. C. 1867, commenced his pastoral labors in Mar. 1883.
This Society built a neat and commodious chapel in 1871.
A SOCIETY OF UNIVERSALISTS was formed in this town Nov. 1829, and built a meeting-house, which was dedicated Sept. 1832. This society and church employed ministers who entered upon their pastoral duties, without the forms of a regular settlement. Rev. Thomas J. Greenwood preached for the term of eight years ; Rev. Isaac Brown for one year ; Rev. Joseph O. Skinner for four years ; Rev. Horace P. Stevens for two years ; Rev. David J. Mandell for two years. After maintaining preaching for about twenty years, the society dissolved,
Catholic Churches. 369
having lost many of its leading members, by death and removal. In 1859, the meeting-house was purchased by the Episcopalians; and is now owned and occupied by the Catholics.
CATHOLIC CHURCH AT SAXONVILLE .- Mission work was commenced at Saxonville by the Rev. George Hamilton, as early as 1844; which resulted in the organization of St. George's Parish, and the erection of a church, near the carpet Factory. The church was opened for public worship Sept. 14, 1845. It has since been considerably enlarged, and now has 600 sittings. The successors of Fr. Hamilton have been, Rev. Edward Farrelly; Rev. John Walsh; Rev. Anthony J. Rossi, a graduate of St. Mary's Seminary, near St. Louis, Mo., who took charge of the Parish in Dec. 1869. This Church has a full and well-trained choir; a Sunday School comprising 20 teachers, and an average attendance of 150 scholars. It has a library of 900 volumes. The Parish numbers about 1100 souls ; average number of baptisms per year, 30.
This Parish at first took in Framingham, Sudbury, Wayland, South- boro' and Ashland. In June 1876, Rev. Mr. Rossi began mission work in Waverley Hall, South Framingham, which resulted in the division of the old Parish, and the organization in July 1877 of a new district, known as St. Bridget's Parish, which has bought the church edifice, built by the Universalist Society, in Framingham Centre. This Parish is in charge of the Rev. John S. Cullen, and takes in F. Centre, South F. (including the Women's Prison) and Ashland. St. George's Parish now includes Saxonville, Sudbury and Wayland.
SOUTH FRAMINGHAM BAPTIST CHURCH. - Through the efforts of Rev. E. Gale and others, religious services on the Sabbath, to accom- modate such families as lived in this part of the town, were commenc- ed in Dec. 1851. The meetings were held in Waverley Hall. In the next spring a Sabbath School was organized ; and thenceforth preach- ing was regularly maintained. As the out-come of the movement, the South Framingham Baptist Church was constituted Mar. 17, 1854, with a membership of 22. A meeting-house was erected, and dedicated Mar. 15, 1855.
The pastors have been, Rev. Bradford H. Lincoln, installed March 30, 1854 ; dismissed Nov. 2, 1855. Rev. Samuel W. Foljambe, install- ed Apr. 20, 1856 ; dismissed Dec. 31, 1858. Rev. Theron Brown, Y. C. 1856, installed Dec. 15, 1859 ; dismissed Nov. 29, 1861. Rev. Samuel Brooks, B. U. 1852, was here about two years. Rev. A. M. Higgins, B. U., 1854, installed Mar. 31, 1865 ; dismissed Jan. 1, 1867. Rev. T. T. Fillmer, Roch. U., installed Jan. 3, 1868 ; dismissed
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History of Framingham.
Rev. George R. Darrow, installed Feb. 1, 1874 ; preached two years. Rev. Henry G. Safford, B. U. 1858, installed Dec. 12, 1875.
ST. JOHN'S CHURCH, PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL. - On application of Charles R. Train, Geo. Eastwood, T. C. Hurd, J. W. Brown, A. R. Esty and others, the Parish was duly organized Dec. 21, 1860 ; ward- ens, J. W. Brown, A. R. Esty ; clerk, T. C. Hurd. Services were held for a time in the Town Hall; then in the old Universalist meeting- house. In 1870, a tasty stone church was erected on the west slope of Bare hill, and first occupied on Easter Sunday 1871. It was consecrated June 12, 1872.
The Rectors have been: Rev. Richard F. Putnam, 1861; Rev. Reese F. Alsop, 1863; Rev. Wm H. Neilson Jr., 1864; Rev. A. C. Patterson, 1866; Rev. Thomas R. Harris, 1867; Rev. G. G. Jones, 1868; Rev. Joseph Kidder, 1871; Rev. Francis Chase, 1875 ; Rev. Frank S. Harraden, 1881.
A METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH was gathered at South Fram- ingham in February, 1869, and formally organized at the Quarterly Conference held at the house of H. W. Carter Nov. 5, 1869. There were at this date about twenty members in full connection. Services were held in Waverley Hall till the autumn of 1873, when the Kennedy property was purchased by the Society, and the hall since known as "Irving Hall " was fitted up for a place of worship. The dedicatory sermon was preached Dec. 21, 1873 by Rev. Wm R. Clark D.D.
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