USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > History of Middlesex County, Massachusetts : containing carefully prepared histories of every city and town in the county, Vol. II > Part 17
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Lloyd W. Hixon, sub-principal (Dartmouth College), 1858- 1860 ; now teacher in Newbury- port, Mass.
James O. Scripture, classical teacher (Dartmouth College), 1860- 1863; since rector of St. Peter's Church, Salem, deceased.
Joseph H. McDaniels, classical teacher (Har- vard University), 1865- 1868; now professor of Greek, Hobart College, N. Y.
Gorham D. Williams, teacher of sciences (Har- vard University), 1865 - 1866 ; attorney-at-law, Deerfield, Mass.
Levi S. Burbank, teacher of sciences (Westfield Normal School), 1867 - 1873; now principal of Warren Academy, Woburn, Mass.
Edwin H. Lord, teacher of sciences (Bowdoin College), 1873 to the present time.
The ladies who acted as principals of the female department, when the two sexes constituted sepa- rate schools, were : -
Lucy E. Penhallow, 1840 - 1846.
Susan E. Burdick, 1846 - 1850.
Anne B. Sawyer, 1850- 1852.
The present teachers of the school and the branches of study taught by them are : -
Charles C. Chase, principal, Greek, political science, etc.
Edwin H. Lord, natural sciences.
James S. Russell, mathematics.
Bertram Harrison, book-keeping, penmanship.
George F. Willey, music.
Mary A. Webster, Latin, botany, etc.
Marietta Melvin, German, elocution, etc.
Elizabeth McDaniels, English literature, Latin, etc.
Harriet C. Hovey, Greek, rhetoric, etc.
Charlotte E. Draper, astronomy, drawing, etc.
Alice J. Chase, mathematics, natural philosophy, etc.
Helen L. Ham, French, drawing, etc.
CHURCH HISTORY.
SATURDAY, March 6, 1824, by invitation from Kirk Boott, Theodore Edson came to Chelmsford for the purpose of holding a meeting for public worship. One hundred and seventy-five years be- fore, the Rev. John Eliot appeared here for a simi- lar purpose.
A building had been erected on the land now occupied by the Green School-house, on Merrimack Street, designed to serve permanently for a school- house, and temporarily for religious meetings. It was in the upper room of this building that Mr. Edson held his first service Sunday, March 7, 1824. "On this occasion the room was well filled."
The engagement with Theodore Edson was not distinctly on sectarian grounds. The division in the Congregational ranks, which had taken place some time previous, became irreconcilable, and re- sulted in the establishment of the Unitarian Con- gregationalists. The two parties had put forward their ablest men ; a war of words resounded through- out the old commonwealth ; men took sides, and the war raged fearfully. It was Cambridge and Andover hurling thunderbolts at each other; each endeavoring to demolish the other's citadel and spike its cannon. Under these circumstances the question arose, "Is it best to take either of the belligerents to build up this new enterprise ?" With the cautious prudence which characterized all their movements, the directors, a majority of whom were Unitarians at heart, concluded that they did not want war, but peace and quiet, and Mr. Edson was invited, not to establish a Protestant Episcopal Church, but to inaugurate the Merri- mack Religious Society.
Early measures were taken by the directors of the Merrimack Manufacturing Company to pro- vide for the religious interests of those persons in their employ ; the following printed rules were given to each one, as a part of the contract entered into : -
" All persons are required to be constant in attendance upon public worship, either at the church in this place, or in some of the neighboring parishes.
" All are required to pay 37} cents per quarter in advance, for the support of public worship in this place, which sum shall be paid over for the use of such regular society as each may choose to join."
NO.
. ABARY
St. Anne's Church, Chapel, and Parsonage.
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LOWELL.
The directors appointed Patrick T. Jackson and Kirk Boott, December 27, 1822, as a committee to build a church, and five thousand dollars were appropriated for that purpose. This vote was amended April 15, 1824, a little more than a month after Mr. Edson came, so that the church was to be built of stone, and a sum not exceeding nine thousand dollars was appropriated for this purpose.
March 16, 1825, the church was completed, con- secrated, Mr. Edson was ordained as a priest, and the parsonage occupied.
During the year 1827 it was thought desirable to dissolve the connection between the Merrimack Religious Society and the Merrimack Manufactur- ing Company. For three years the affairs of the society had been managed at the counting-room. In order to effect this change, and establish a parish on an independent foundation, it was neces- sary that the company's contract with the rector be assumed by the society, and that the society should have the use of the church and parsonage. Accordingly, September 23, 1827, the church and parsonage were leased to the society ; the company discharged from all further obligation on account of taxes, rector's salary, repairs, and insurance, and the society to have possession for fifteen years at a mere nominal rent.
At this time (1839) the parish had become large enough to warrant the employment of an assistant; the Rev. Mr. McCoy was engaged for one year, and Cliapel Hall was rented for services. This movement resulted in the formation of St. Luke's Church.
April 17, 1841, a committee was appointed by the directors of the Merrimack Manufacturing Company to sell the church. The lease expired November 23, 1842, and February 27, 1843, the church alone was sold to the society for $12,000, and a deed given, with the condition that the par- sonage should be vacated.
The experiment of a second Episcopal Church (St. Luke's, located in Belvidere) did not prove successful.
In 1844 the Rector's Library of St. Anne's Church was commenced, which now numbers over 2,000 volumes of valuable, useful, rare, and curious books.
In 1857 a chime of bells was placed in the tower of the church, obtained through the per- sistent efforts of George Hedrick, Esq., who seldom fails in accomplishing whatever he undertakes.
The rector of St. Anne's, Rev. Theodore Edson, D. D., presents the almost unparalleled example of a clergyman officiating in one church fifty-five con- secutive years. In 185S he was confined to The Manse thirteen weeks by sickness. On his re- covery, at the suggestion of his parishioners, the Rev. C. W. Homer became his assistant, and ser- vices were held in the chapel as well as the church. The engagement of the Rev. C. W. Homer led to the formation of a new society, called St. John's Church, a notice of which will appear in its order.
June 20, 1866, the parsonage of St. Anne's Church was purchased of the Merrimack Company and presented to the parish. B. F. Butler, in be- half of the donors, said, in presenting the docu- ments to the rector : -
" Our gift is a perfect title, coupled with a sin- gle condition only, - that it shall be appropriated to charitable, educational, and religious uses, in conformity with the Protestant Episcopal canons, rites, and usages, under the direction of the church of St. Anne's in Lowell, FOREVER."
St. Anne's Chapel was finished in 1869 at a cost of about $7,000. It will seat two hundred per- sons. The tower was erected at an expense of $1,200, which sum was contributed by Mrs. Mary Dummer Carleton, widow of George H. Carleton.
November 3, 1877, Rev. A. E. Johnson com- menced his labors as assistant rector.
The House of Prayer, a mission of St. Anne's Church, was built in 1876, and dedicated Decem- ber 29 of that year. Rev. B. F. Cooley, rector, was succeeded in 187S by Father Browne.
September 29, 1875, No. 13 Anne Street was opened as a Home for Orphans, under the charge of the Sisters of St. Margaret, an American sister- hood having headquarters in Boston. April 20, 1876, the Home was organized under the statutes, and the property conveyed by the Rev. Dr. Edson to a board of trustees ; Rev. Theodore Edson was elected president, Rev. N. Hoppin treasurer, H. H. Grosvenor secretary. The object is " the education and maintenance of orphan and other children, and such charitable work as may be incidental thereto."
In 1876 twenty, in 1877 twenty-one, and in 1878 twenty-nine children found a home in this institution. It is supported by voluntary contri- butions.
First Congregational Church. - January 7,1824, William Davidson, James M. King, Nathaniel Holmes, and others met at No. 21, Merrimack Company's Boarding-House, and held a union
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HISTORY OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY.
prayer-meeting. Prayer-meetings continued until some time in 1825, when the Congregationalists, Baptists, and Methodists separated.
The First Congregational Church was organized July 12, 1826, and on the 25th of December, 1827, the house on Merrimack Street was dedi- cated. It was owned by a joint-stock company ; the whole amount of stock had been subscribed for and taken. July 18, 1827, George C. Beckwith had been ordained and installed as pastor, the ceremony being performed in the Baptist Church. He continued until March 3, 1829, when he re- signed. December 25, 1829, Amos Blanchard was ordained and installed as pastor, and continned un- til May 21, 1845, when he was called to the Kirk- Street Church. October 1, 1845, Rev. Willard Child was installed as pastor, and continued till January 31, 1855. October 17, 1855, Rev. J. L. Jenkins was ordained and installed ; he continued until Jannary 15, 1862. September 17, 1862, Rev. George N. Webber was installed as pastor ; he resigned in March, 1867. October 31, 1867, Rev. Horace James was installed as pastor, and continued till December 13, 1870. September 13, 1871, Rev. Smith Baker was installed as pastor, and has continued to the present time.
January 8, 1828, the proprietors of the First Congregational Meeting-House returned thanks to Kirk Boott, agent, for donation of the land on which their house stands.
In 1830 one hundred and fifty members were dismissed, and formed the Appleton Street Church.
In 1832 one hundred and twenty-five members were dismissed to form a third church, which had a short life.
In 1839 one hundred and six members were dis- missed, and formed the John Street Church.
In 1845 one hundred and forty members left with the pastor and formed the Kirk-Street Church.
First Baptist Society. - January 1, 1826, Na- than Oliver, William D. Mason, Cyrus Oliver, George Puffer, Abel Rugg, and Jonathan C. Mor- rill met at the house of Nathan Oliver and voted to organize a church. The regular organization took place February 6, 1826. The council con- vened two days after at the Merrimack Hotel (Stone House), then kept by Balch and Coburn. Land for a church building was given by Thomas Hurd. The corner-stone was laid with Masonic ceremonies early in the summer of 1820, and November 15 the building was dedicated and the Rev. John Cookson of Malden was installed. Mr. Cookson
continued as pastor till August 5, 1827. June 4, 1828, the Rev. E. W. Freeman was installed, and continued until his death, September 22, 1835. February 24, 1836, Joseph Warren Eaton was or- dained and became the pastor, until February 1, 1837, when he resigned. December 25, 1837, Rev. Joseph Ballard of South Berwick, Maine, was installed, and continued until September 1, 1845. January 29, 1846, the Rev. Daniel C. Eddy was ordained, became the pastor, and remained until December 18, 1856. The Rev. William H. Alden was installed as pastor June 10, 1857, and resigned March 25, 1864. The Rev. William E. Stanton was ordained November 2, 1865, became the pas- tor, and continued until June 30, 1870, when he was dismissed on account of ill health. Rev. Nor- man C. Mallory was settled September 14, 1870, and closed his labors in this church June 30, 1874. Rev. Orson E. Mallory was settled Marclı 24, 1875, and remained until 1878. He was succeeded by Dr. T. M. Colwell, the present pastor.
The Second Baptist Society was organized Sep- tember 13, 1831, and built the brick edifice now known as St. Mary's Church, on Lowell Street. This building was sold in 1838 to the Methodists for $12,000, and was called the Wesley Chapel. It went out of their possession in 1843; in 1847 it was sold to the Catholics.
In 1838 the building on Worthen Street was erected, at a cost of $8,000. Its pastors liave been Rev. James Barnaby, 1832 to 1835; Rev. Lemuel Porter, D. D., 1835 to 1851; Rev. J. W. Smith, D. D., 1851 to 1853; Rev. D. D. Winn, 1853 to 1855; Rev. T. D. Worrell, 1855 to 1857 ; Rev. J. W. Bonham, 1857 to 1860; Rev. G. F. Warren, 1860 to 1867; Rev. F. R. Morse, 1867 to 1870; Rev. D. H. Miller, D. D., 1870 to 1873 ; Rev. E. A. Lecompte, 1873.
The Third Baptist Society was organized in 1840, and the Rev. John George Naylor was its first pastor. The church on John Street was erected under the pastorate of the Rev. Ira Person, and sold to the Methodists in 1861.
Branch Street Chapel was organized in Aug- ust, 1870. Two years before it was started as a mission from the two Baptist churches, and as such was conducted by the Rev. E. A. Whittier. In the above year the chapel was enlarged, and be- came the charge of Rev. G. F. Warren. He was succeeded by S. Hartwell Pratt, who left January 1878, when Orson E. Mallory became pastor.
First Methodist Episcopal Church. - June 1,
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1827, the corner-stone for a building was laid with Masonic rites ; Rev. Dr. Edson officiated as chaplain, and the address was made by the Rev. John N. Maffitt, the celebrated revivalist. In the evening the Rev. J. N. Maffitt preached in St. Anne's Church. November 29, 1827, the building was dedicated. It was placed at the corner of Central and Elm streets, and suggested the name of Chapel Hill. As early as June 1, 1824, the Methodists had a class on the Front Row, Merri- mack Corporation, composed of Mr. and Mrs. Jas. R. Barnes, Phebe Higgins, Winsor Puffer, Gratia Ann Balcom, Mary Ann Balcom, and Ann Page.
The Rev. Daniel Dorchester claims that the First Methodist Church was then organized, and is, con- sequently, the oldest church organization in Lowell. He says " their names were duly recorded in a class- book, or register, and Mr. Barnes officiated as a class-leader"; but adds, " they attended upon the public services of Rev. Dr. Edson."
From August, 1826, to November 29, 1827, ser- vices were held in the Old Red School-house at Hale's Mills. From November 29, 1827, to No- vember 14, 1839, services were held in the Chapel Hill Church. From 1839 to the present time ser- vices have been held in St. Paul's Church, Hurd Street.
January, 1832, an edifice on Lowell Street was dedicated, and retained until November, 1837, when the Baptist Church, on the opposite side of the same street, was purchased for $12,000, and called the Wesley Chapel. The Wesley Chapel was sold to Rev. James T. McDermott in 1846.
November 13, 1839, the Hurd-Street Church was built, and called St. Paul's Church. While digging for the foundation, skeletons were un- earthed, and an ear-jewel taken from the side of one of the skulls by the late S. K. Fielding.
June 22, 1842, the Worthen Street Church was dedicated.
March 25, 1843, St. Paul's Church divided ; a portion bought the old church on Chapel Hill, and moved it to Prescott Street. They were styled Wesleyan Methodists.
July 9, 1843, the Second Wesleyan Methodist Church was formed by members from Wesley Chapel, under the Rev. W. H. Brewster.
January 1, 1851, the church edifice on the cor- ner of Central and Merrimack streets, which had been erected by the Third Universalist Society, was sold to. the Second Wesleyan Methodist Society, W. H. Brewster, pastor.
Pastors of the Methodist Episcopal First Church : Benjamin Griffin, 1826; A. D. Merrill, 1827, 1833-1834 ; B. F. Lambert, 1828; A. D. Sargent, 1829; E. K. Avery, 1830 - 1831 ; George Pickering, 1832; Ira M. Bidwell, 1835 ; Orange Scott, 1836, 1839 - 1840; E. M. Stick- ney, 1837- 1838; Schuyler Hoes, 1841 - 1842 ; W. H. Hatch, 1843- 1844 ; Abel Stevens, 1845 ; C. K. True, 1846-1847; A. A. Willets, 1848 ; Jolın H. Twombly, 1849 - 1850; G. F. Cox, 1851-1852 ; L. D. Barrows, 1853-1854 ; D. E. Chapin, 1855; George M. Steele, 1856- 1857 ; H. M. Loud, 1858 - 1859 ; William R. Clark, 1860-1861 ; Daniel Dorchester, 1862 - 1863 ; S. F. Upham, 1864-1866; S. F. Jones, 1857, 1868-1869; D. C. Knowles, 1870-1871; B. T. Smith, 1872-1873; W. S. Studley, 1874- 1875 ; Merrit Hurlburt, 1876 - 1877 ; C. D. Hill, 1879.
The First Universalist Society. - July 23, 1827, occurred the first recorded meeting of the pioneers of this society. The second meeting was held in the Merrimack Company's school-house, on the 28th of July. The Old Red School-house, near Hale's Mill, and Livermore Hall in Belvidere were occupied for the meetings until November 27, 1828, when a church that had been erected on Chapel Hill was dedicated, and the Rev. Eliphalet Case installed as pastor. Mr. Case remained pastor of the society about two years. Rev. Calvin Gard- ner succeeded Mr. Case, and officiated till March, 1833, when he resigned. Rev. Thomas B. Thayer accepted the position of pastor March 25, 1833, and remained twelve years. During his pastorate the church building was removed from Chapel Hill to the corner of Central aud Green streets. Rev. E. G. Brooks succeeded Mr. Thayer, and remained one year. Rev. Uriah Clark became pastor in 1846, and continued until 1850. In 1851 Rev. T. B. Thayer returned to his former charge, and remained six years, until 1857, when he was called to the charge of the Fifth Universalist Society in Boston. In May, 1859, Rev. J. J. Twiss received a call. He commenced his labors the first Sabbath in September, and continued until January 1, 1872. Rev. G. T. Flanders, the present pastor, commenced his labors April 1, 1872. The old building on the corner of Central and Green streets was sold to the Lowell and Andover Railroad Company, and an elegant and imposing structure erected on Hurd Street.
The Second Universalist Church is situated on
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HISTORY OF MIDDLESEX COUNTY.
the corner of Shattuck and Market streets. June 30, 1836, the first meeting was held to form this society, which was organized September 21. No- vember 6, Rev. Zenas Thompson was called as pastor, and installed February 3, 1837. On the 15th of November, 1838, the church building was dedicated. Mr. Thompson resigned his pastorate March 10, 1839. August 26, Rev. Abel C. Thomas was ordained pastor, and continued until the first Sunday of July, 1842. On the afternoon of the day that Mr. Thomas preached his farewell sermon, Rev. Alonzo A. Miner commenced his duties as pastor, and continued until May, 1848. Rev. L. J. Fletcher immediately succeeded Mr. Miner, and remained till September. October 1, 1848, Rev. L. B. Mason became pastor for a short time. September, 1849, Rev. J. D. Williamson commenced his labors. Owing to ill health he re- mained but one year. May 14, 1850, Rev. N. M. Gaylord was installed as pastor, and remained two years. Rev. J. S. Dennis was the immediate suc- cessor of Mr. Gaylord, and remained two years. Rev. Charles Cravens followed, and resigned at the end of the year. In April, 1855, Rev. C. H. Dut- ton was settled as pastor, and resigned in June, 1858. In March, 1859, Rev. L. J. Fletcher be- came pastor, and remained till 1863. July 1, 1864, Rev. Francis E. Hicks commenced his labors here. He died April 23, 1865. November 18, 1865, Rev. J. G. Adams became pastor, and remained till July, 1872. In April, 1873, Rev. W. G. Haskell took charge of the parisli, and remained till April, 1876. In April, 1877, Rev. R. A. Greene, the present pastor, began his work.
The Third Universalist Church was built in 1843, on the corner of Merrimack and Central streets, and. was dedicated January 31, 1844. Rev. H. G. Smith was the first pastor. Difference of opinion on doctrinal points arose between Mr. Smith and Rev. A. A. Miner, pastor of the Second Church, which caused a lengthy and acrimonious discussion in the Gospel Fountain, a Universalist paper printed here at the time. A majority of the Universalists of the city espoused the views of Dr. Miner, and the result was Mr. Smith resigned. He was succeeded by Rev. John Moore and L. J. Fletcher, but the society languished and ceased to exist. The building was leased to the Second Wes- leyan Methodist Society, W. H. Brewster, pastor.
April 1, 1864, this church building was changed into stores and offices, and called Barrister's Hall.
The First Unitarian Society was organized Sep-
tember 26, 1829, and procured a hall in the school- house of the Hamilton and Appleton companies, which was furnished with conveniences for a house of worship. This school-house is now the Free Chapel of the Ministry at Large. October 8, 1830, the society voted to assume the name of South Con- gregational Society, and that has ever since been the legal name of the society. For the first year various persons supplied the pulpit. September 8, 1830, a call was extended to Mr. William Barry, who was ordained November 17, 1830. Mr. Barry resigned December 2, 1835, and Rev. Henry A. Miles was installed as his successor December 14, 1836. The long pastorate of Dr. Miles was one of great prosperity to the parish ; the church was greatly enlarged in numbers, and he is still affec- tionately remembered not only by members of his own parish, but by many of our citizens. He re- signed in 1853. Dr. Miles was afterwards secre- tary of the American Unitarian Association ; trav- elled extensively, and is now active and vigorous as pastor of the North Church in Hingham.
His successor, Mr. Theodore Tebbets, was or- dained September 19, 1855 ; he retained his pastor- ate eight months, and resigned on account of ill health in May, 1856. He died of consumption in 1863.
The fourth pastor, Rev. Frederick Hinckley, was installed in Lowell, November 12, 1856; re- mained about nine years, and was succeeded by Mr. Charles Edward Grinnell, who was ordained February 19, 1867. He remained a little more than two years, and afterwards took charge of a parish in Charlestown, and has now left the min- istry for the law.
Rev. Henry Blanchard, the sixth pastor, was ordained January 19, 1871. After remaining two years he resigned, and took the Church of the Unity in Worcester, where he now preaches.
The seventh and present pastor, Rev. Josialı Lafayette Seward, was ordained in Lowell, Decem- ber 31, 1874.
The parish contains three hundred and nine fami- lies ; the church numbers about one hundred and seventy-five members, and the Sunday-school about one hundred members, exclusive of the Bible class, about fifty more. The number of children in the parish is small compared with the number of adults. The fiftieth anniversary of the parish was duly ob- served September 26, 1879.
Second Congregational Church. - The Appleton Street Church was organized December 2, 1830.
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LOWELL.
One hundred and fifty members were set apart from the First Congregational Church. An act of incorporation established The Proprietors of the Second Congregational Meeting-House, and the stock was $100 per share. The house was built in the summer and autumn of 1830, dedi- cated July 10, 1831, and hired until 1856; when the society took the name of Appleton-Street Con- gregational Society. The house was purchased in 1869.
Eliot Congregational Church.
October 4, 1831, Rev. William Twining was installed pastor. He resigned the position on account of failing health, and was dismissed by a council May 25, 1835. July 6, 1837, Rev. Uzziah C. Burnap was installed as pastor, and continued until February 6, 1852. He died August 12, 1854. December 30, 1852, Rev. George Darling was installed. He resigned December 6, 1854. October 2, 1855, Rev. John P. Cleaveland, D. D., · was installed. He was dismissed January 15, 1862 ; became chaplain of the 26th Massachusetts Regiment, and went to Ship Island. He returned May 2, 1862. December 17, 1862, Rev. J. E. Rankin, D. D., was installed, and continued until October 29, 1864. October 3, 1866, the Rev.
Addison P. Foster was installed as pastor ; but re- signed October 17, 1868, on account of ill health. July 20, 1870, Rev. J. M. Greene, the present pastor, was installed.
The new church, on the corner of Summer and Favor streets, called the Eliot Church, was fin- ished and occupied January 1, 1874, at a cost of $79,249.68. The present debt is $15,000.
The Freewill Baptist Church was organized in 1833, and the proprietors were incorporated in 1836. The church building on Merrimack Street, at the head of Central Street, was erected in 1837, at a cost of $20,000. The money was obtained by Elder Nathaniel Thurston from the mill girls as subscription, or as loans. He not only undertook the building of the church, but also that of a large establishment in Centralville, afterwards used as a water-cure. In consequence of the misapplication of the funds, or of incapacity in the management of the finances of the church, it came to grief. The building was afterwards converted into a mu- seum and theatre by Noah F. Gates, who, in 1845, purchased Moses Kimball's museum, which had started in 1840 in Wyman's Exchange, and moved it across the street into the Freewill Baptist Church. It was the question of licensing this theatre that agitated the community at that time. The license was eventually obtained, and the excitement sub- sided.
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