USA > Massachusetts > Bristol County > New Bedford > History of New Bedford and its vicinity, 1620-1892 > Part 56
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! Prepared by Mr. Hiram Van Campen.
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UNIVERSALIST CHURCHES.
St. Claire. He was present at a preliminary meeting convened in the old town hall (our present police headquarters and district court room) November 2, 1833 to organize a society, and was chosen on the com- mittee to draft a constitution. That instrument was presented at a meeting December 1 following, but his name does not again appear in connection with the movement. He preached here only about three months. Alden Bradford, esq., issued the warrant under which this action was taken. Barzillai Luce was chosen moderator and Hamilton L. Glenn was chosen secretary. The organization was completed and officers elected January 6, 1834. A few other meetings were held, but the organization was evidently very short lived for no further record of it appears. In April, 1836, on the 19th, a meeting was held in the town hall for the purpose of forming a Universalist Society. At this prelim- inary meeting a constitution was ageed upon, and on the 25th of April a warrant was issued to Asa Pierce by Henry H. Crapo, esq., to legally call a meeting May 3, to complete the organization, at which meeting Esquire Crapo presided. The officers elected at this meeting were Caleb Thaxter, moderator ; Asa Pierce, clerk; and Wright Brownell, Allen Taber and Slocum Allen, standing committee; Nathan Burgess, treasurer ; Seth McFarlin, Reed Haskins and Asa Pierce, assessors, and Allen Taber, collector.
At this meeting a committee was appointed to select a site for a meeting-house. That committee reported at an adjourned meeting May 9, and their recommendation of the lot upon the southeast corner of Fifth and School streets was adopted, and a building committee con- sisting of Barzillai Luce, Wright Brownell, David Wadsworth, Lorenzo Smith, Reed Haskins, Slocum Allen and William Bates was chosen and instructed to proceed forthwith to erect a house of worship upon the lot selected. The plans and style of architecture were all left to the discretion of the said committee. Its work proceeded with such rapidity that on September 13, only four months later, a meeting convened in the Universalist meeting-house to make provision for the sale of the pews At this meeting Rev. John M. Spear presided. This is the first mention that we find of his name, although it is quite evident that the zeal and method of a good pastor, as he certainly was, are manifest in the proceedings of the few months of the existence of this
590
HISTORY OF NEW BEDFORD.
young and vigorous society. One, and so far as we can now judge only one, mistake was made in this rapid movement. They did not properly count and adequately provide for thecost of their undertaking. A debt was incurred, finally secured by a mortgage of the church property, which was a continual embarrassment, and finally after a series of years caused the dissolution of the society, the church having been sold in April, 1849. Rev. Mr. Spear served the society six years, resigning greatly to the regret of the society, August 6, 1841. Rev. L. L. Sadler supplied the pulpit for a few months. Rev. G. T. Farnsworth then became pastor and remained two years. Rev. S. S. Fletcher succeeded him in May, 1844, and resigned in June, 1846, and was the last settled pastor. Only occasional services were held until the dissolution in 1849. The avails of the sale of the church canceled all its debts, and the balance was distributed among the pew owners.
After the sale of their church quite an interval ensued before any meetings of Universalists were held. During the summer of 1851 a few meetings were held in various halls in the city, prompted largely by the zeal and enthusiasm of various persons who had meantime moved to the city from other places. Mr. William Hall and a Doctor Hatch were prominent in this, and Doctor Hatch, though a layman, preached on several occasions, and the venerable father, William Bell, officiated several times. In the autumn of that year Mr. Hall was instrumental in securing the settlement of a minister of that faith. Sufficient interest had been awakened to hire Sears Hall, and to raise by subscription a sum deemed adequate to justify the settling of a pastor to organize and and lead the flock.
On the third and fourth Sundays in September Rev. Hiram Van Campen preached to audiences of 100 and 175 persons. He subse- quently preached three other Sundays, and finally moved to the city, and on November 30, 1851, commenced his ministrations as pastor.
On the 9th of December a petition was gotten up, signed by William Hall, Paul W. Sherman, John M. Foster, Thomas N. Allen, Benjamin Ryder, H. G. O. Cole, Frederick B. Silvester, Nathan Burgess and Cyrus M. Vaughan, addressed to Edwin L. Barney, a justice of the peace, to issue a warrant calling a meeting on the 15th of December, for the purpose of organizing a society. At that meeting Esquire
591
UNIVERSALIST CHURCHES.
Barney presided. The following were chosen for the officers: Standing committee, Edwin L. Barney, John P. Knowles and Andrew G. Hayes; Harrison G Lowell, clerk and treasurer, and Paul W. Sherman, collector. A constitution was adopted which contains the following declaration of faith, which is the only authentic creed ever put forth by the Uni- versalist churches, having been adopted by the general convention of Universalists, at Winchester, N. H., A. D. 1803, as follows :
" We believe that the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments contain a revelation of the character of God, and of the duty, interest and final destiny of man- kind.
" We believe there is one God, whose nature is love, revealed in one Lord Jesus Christ by one Holy Spirit of Grace, who will finally restore the whole family of man- kind to holiness and happiness.
" We believe that holiness and true happiness are inseparably connected ; and that believers onght to maintain order, and practice good works, for these things are good and profitable unto men."
The attendance upon meetings was large. The friends of the cause began to take heart after the discouragements of their previous failures, more and more attending each successive service.
On the first Sunday in May, 1852, a Sunday-school was organized and was, from the first, well attended, and has always been an impor- tant branch of the church work.
Mr. Van Campen continued the pastoral charge two years, when he, having become engaged in secular business, resigned the pastoral rela- tion November 20, 1853. He, however, continued to supply until Rev. B. V. Stevenson, his successor, assumed the charge, February 18, 1854. An encouraging degree of prosperity continued, and during the first year of his pastorate a movement was begun which was consummated by the erection of the Universalist church on William street in this city. It was finished and furnished throughout, and free from all indebtedness, was dedicated August 15, 1855, just midway of Mr. Stevenson's incum- bency of three years. A distinct church organization was effected in October of that year, which has since continued, although the legal cor- poration denominated "The First Universalist Society of New Bedford," in the opinion of many, sufficiently conforms to the requirements and characteristics of a primitive Christian church, rendering the other nearly or quite superfluous.
592
HISTORY OF NEW BEDFORD.
In October, 1857, Rev. J. J. Twiss became pastor of this church. About this time a period of unusual religious interest prevailed, a gen- eral and genuine revival of religion in which this church participated, so that his ministry with us marked a period of its greatest prosperity. Mr. Twiss became very popular outside of our parish by his active temperance labors and other good works which so characterized that peculiar revival period. His resignation, therefore, which was so profoundly regretted by the parish, caused very general regret among our citizens. He closed his labors with us September 11, 1859.
During the following month Rev. T. E. St. John was engaged to sup- ply our pulpit for three months, which resulted in his settlement as our pastor, and his ordination followed. Although his first pastoral settle- ment, his ministry was attended with increased prosperity to our parish, but was too soon terminated, his resignation being tendered February 19, 1862, in order to accept the pastorate of our church in Worcester, Mass.
The loss of two pastors in so brief a period, to whom our people were so greatly attached, could not but have a disheartening effect, and longer intervals intervened between pastoral settlements. Rev. S. L. Roripaugh was settled January, 1863, but ill health, which our climate materially aggravated, compelled him to leave. Rev. Geo. W. Skinner succeeded him, but remained but one year. Then followed a more stable and prosperous season under the able pastorate of Rev. Isaac C. Knowlton. He succeeded Mr. Skinner in January, 1866, and contin- ued until March, 1871, which was the longest pastoral settlement our church had then enjoyed, and that permanency and stability were of very great benefit to all the interests of the church.
Following Mr. Knowlton's removal quite a long period intervened with no stable pastoral settlement. Rev. C. B. Lombard remained with us for a few months, but ill health compelled his removal, when Prof. Shipman of Tuft's College supplied us for quite a period, until his college duties forbade the continued tax upon his time. Repeated attempts were made to settle a pastor, and the pulpit was almost constantly sup- plied until in October, 1875, Rev. J. H. Farnsworth became our pastor and very zealously and faithfully labored with us until 1877. Rev. W. C. Stiles was our next pastor, continuing his labors with no very marked
593
UNIVERSALIST CHURCH.
success during two years or more, when he renounced Universalism, united with the North Congregational Church in this city, applied for a license to enter the ministry of that church, but still claiming to be pastor of our church, was dismissed by its standing committee with the full approval of the society, July 23, 1880. Rev. C. R. Tenney, of Mattapoisett, supplied our pulpit one service each Sunday until August, 1881. The church was then closed for quite extensive repairs and im- provements, and was re-opened in April, 1882, when the long pastorate of Rev. Dr. Flanders commenced. His well known ability as a preacher, writer and scholar, especially in the field of oriental literature and relig- ious research, are too well remembered in this city to require extended remark. His labors in this parish continued during more than nine years and were terminated by his resignation November 1, 1891. Without any interval the pulpit has been regularly supplied each Sun- day. On January 31, 1892, a unanimous invitation was extended to Rev. William F. Potter to become pastor of the church. He subse- quently accepted the call and commenced his labors in that capacity on the first Sunday of April last.
During all this period of forty years of varying success the Sunday- school has been steadfastly maintained. The first fifteen years it was under the supervision of Mr. Van Campen, under whose pastorate it was organized. Mr. Benjamin F. Brownell succeeded him as superintend- ent for five or six years, since which time its present zealous and efficient superintendent, Mr. Hosea M. Knowlton, has faithfully conducted its affairs.
This closes the history of Universalism in New Bedford. The parish has at no time been large, yet has it at no time been devoid of a whole- some influence in this community. It has steadfastly maintained dis- tinctive Universalism, as a scriptural Christian doctrine. It has always been a staunch defender of Divine revelation, whence it has ever drawn its strongest props. Upon Jesus Christ as the " corner-stone " of the true Church, it has ever aimed to rear the citadel of its Christian faith, hope, and character. As such it seeks an humble memorial in the his- tory of the beautiful flourishing city of New Bedford, in which it rejoices to have been planted.
75
594
HISTORY OF NEW BEDFORD.
Rockdale Free Chapel Association .- This society was organized March 19, 1873, and the chapel is situated in the northwest portion of the city, in the suburb known as Rockdale. The officers are Elias Terry, presi- dent; Andrew B. Hathaway, vice-president ; George B. Hathaway, clerk; Elias Terry, John P. West, James T. Almy, trustees.
The Cannonville Chapel is situated at the corner of Rockdale avenue and Kempton street. There is no settled pastor, but Sabbath- school services are held each Sunday at 12.30 P. M.
Christian Scientists .- In January, 1887, a school was organized in this city known as the Christian Science Bible School. The leader was J. E. Brierly, who came to New Bedford from the Massachusetts Metaphysical College, of which he is a graduate. The officers were elected for one year, and were the following: J. E. Brierly, superin . tendent; Mrs. Clara Hicks, treasurer; Miss Mary J. Eldredge, secre- tary. It was voted to take a collection at each meeting, the funds thus raised to be appropriated to the spreading of the truth in such ways as might seem expedient. The Christian Science Religion was established by Rev. Mary Baker G. Eddy, a native of Tilton, N. H., who was an invalid much of her life, and who, in 1866, discovered the science of divine metaphysical healing which she afterwards named Christian science. The prayer meetings are held at the residence of Mr. Brierly, 187 Middle street.
Latter Day Saints .- This society was formed on Sunday, February 20, 1881, by a gathering of Christians who met at the house of the late Stephen D. Stacy, 34 Howland street. There were forty or fifty people present, many of them coming from the branch in Fall River, and they formed the New Bedford branch of the reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Elder John Smith, now pastor of the local branch, and Elder John Potts, of Fall River, had charge. Eight persons joined themselves together as the local branch : Stephen D. Stacy was duly ordained priest, Mr. Morris teacher, and Mr. William Talbot deacon. Mr. Morris was appointed clerk, and Mr. Shaw treasurer. Regular Sunday meetings were first held in Waite's Hall, which was occupied for about five years. Neptune Hall was then engaged, but subsequently the branch decided to meet at the residence of Deacon Talbot, 98 Dartmouth street, where meetings have been held since.
595
EXTINCT CHURCHES.
The branch grew and later a Sunday-school was organized. The offi- cers for 1891 are: John Smith, elder; William Talbot, teacher and treasurer ; William C. Murray, deacon; James William Talbot, clerk.
EXTINCT CHURCHES.
Pacific Church .- This church was organized October 8, 1844, with the following persons: Perry G. Macomber and wife, Samuel Bennett and wife, Ebenezer Rider, John W. Tripp and wife, George Perry and wife, John S. Holmes, Mrs. Susan Perry, Laban Thatcher, Sarah Allen, Hannah Chase, Fanny Thomas, Sarah Slocum, Sarah Cobb, Rebecca Albert, Thankful Hawes, Almira Ellis, Abby Copeland, Susan Vincent and Betsey Holmes. October 13, Rev. Sylvester Holmes and wife, Jonathan Wheeler and wife, Seth C. Nichols, Eliphalet Daggett, Esther Sowle, and others were received into the church. Sabbath afternoon, November 3, the following persons were admitted to membership by letter: I. H. Bartlett, Joseph Seabury and wife, Deborah C. Bartlett and Miss Abbie Jane Clapp. November 4, Perry G. Macomber and Jonathan Wheeler were chosen deacons. The pastors were as follows: Rev. Sylvester Holmes, Rev. Mr. Colburn, Timothy Stowe, Bernard Paine, T. C. Jerome, I. L. Harris, and Rev. C. J. K. Jones. The church disbanded April 17, 1878, the membership of nearly one hun- dred going to North Congregational and Trinitarian Churches, almost entirely to the former. The church property was sold to the Second Adventists.
Third Christian Church .- This church was organized in 1826, and was known as the African Christian until 1840, when the name was changed to Third Christian. The house of worship was on Middle street and was dedicated June 24, 1830. Sermon by Elder William Quint. Shortly after the society was admitted to the Christian con- nection. The names of those constituting the church were John Chris- topher, Joseph Antone, N. Anderson, Moses Shepherd, Samuel Wilson, Charles R. Cook, Samuel Richards, Ruth Johnson, Dinah Farmer, Re- becca Bailey, Sally Antone, Margaret Shepherd, Catherine Dixon, Jane Fute, Avis Williams, Charlotte Book, and Abby Christopher. The fol- lowing were the pastors: Rev. Messrs. Washington Christian, Jacob Perry, Isaac Smith, Luke Waldron, Haves, Anthony, Hanson, Francis,
596
HISTORY OF NEW BEDFORD.
Sunrise, Beaman and J. B. Smith. To meet the expenses of repairs the property was mortgaged to the Five Cent Savings Bank, which foreclosed the mortgage in 1859 and the church became extinct. Dur- ing the latter part of its existence it was known as the Free Will Bap- tist Church.
Cannonville Union Church was organized through the efforts of Messrs. Edward S. Cannon, Charles Cannon, W. H. Sturtevant, Ellis Bartlett, Isaac Bolles, and George W. Hathaway. A house of worship was built by William Wilcox, costing one thousand dollars, of which sum $750 was raised by Messrs. Cannon. It was dedicated December 9, 1841, sermon by Rev. G. F. Pool. In the spring of 1842 a church was formed having a membership of forty-two. The first settled pastor was Rev. Edward H. Hatfield, whose ministry began in 1849. He continued only six months; supplies were then procured until the next session of the M. E. conference when Rev. Charles Noble was sent to the church. After a year's service he gave up the keys to E. S. Cannon and conference relinquished the station. Mr. Cannon then employed Rev. W. H. Sturtevant, paying him his salary out of his own pocket. In April, 1852, Rev. Mr. Tripp, a Baptist clergyman, took charge and re- mained until the February following. Mr. Edward S. Cannon was the mainspring of this church.
The Centre Church was organized February 12, 1845. The fol- lowing were some of the original members : James H. Collins, William H. Stowell, Isaac Bly, David Ilsley, Prentiss W. Cobb, Benjamin G. Wilson, Robert Luscomb, William Bly, Ruth Bly, Deborah Simmons and Eliza Tubbs. It was at first attempted to form a church of the Christian denomination, but the clergyman invited to do this declined. Invitations were extended to Rev. Messrs. Ephraim Peabody, Davis and E. B. Hall, of Providence, by whom the society was organized. Rev. Charles Morgridge was the first pastor. He preached until March, 1845, and was succeeded by Rev. Jonathan Brown, of Naples, N. Y., who officiated about three years without much success. The church then voted not to employ any but Unitarian ministers. In October, 1848, Rev. Moses G. Thomas was installed. His pastorship continued until 1854, when the financial affairs of the church became so full of embarrassment that it was voted to disband.
597
SUNDRY ORGANIZATIONS.
Mount Pleasant .- The Mount Pleasant Church owes its origin to Noah Tripp and some twenty-two others from the Pleasant Street Church. The house was built in 1852. In the commencement it was proposed to make it free to all denominations, but it was afterward deemed necessary to organize as a Methodist Church which was done April 19, 1854. The first pastor was Rev. E. W. Dunbar, who was followed by Rev. Messrs. Gavitt, Hinks, Worthing and Hamlen, who preached a year each. The house was then sold to the Baptists who held services but a short time.
MISSIONARY, BENEVOLENT AND CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS.
Ladies' City Mission .- Mission work began in New Bedford as early as 1826, when, in March, a religious tract society was formed composed largely of members of the North Congregational Church. The first president was Joseph Bourne, and the first secretary was Charles Mor- gridge, of the First Christian Church. No records have been preserved to tell the further proceedings of the society ; but twenty years later another organization was formed from the various churches of Fairhaven and New Bedford. This society was principally the outcome of general interest awakened in June, 1846, by Rev. Messrs Bliss and Holmes, of Boston, who addressed several churches here on the importance of tract societies. The new organization started under promising auspices and secured the services of Rev. Ansel J. Bourne as agent, but after a year's existence it was given up from want of financial support.
Contemporary with the above, another organization was formed by a number of gentlemen for a similar purpose, and in 1847 was changed into a city mission union. Its forces were augmented by the formation of a ladies' tract society as an auxiliary, and the whole was under the direction of a board of managers chosen annually from these churches : North Congregational, First Baptist, Pacific Congregational, Second Christian, Grace Church, County Street, Pleasant Street, and Fourth Street Methodist Episcopal Churches. Rev. Mr. Brigham acted as agent for a year, when the mission union disbanded, its members acknowledging their inability to carry forward the task they had under- taken. The tract society continued however, and in March, 1852, the
598
HISTORY OF NEW BEDFORD.
services of Rev. Mr Boardman were obtained. Mr. Boardman remained with the society one year, during which time three mission Sunday- schools were established, one at the corner of Purchase and Pearl streets, another on Smith street, and a third at the Bethel. He declined a re- appointment, and Tristam R. Dennison, was elected April, 1853, and served until his death early in 1892. In August he opened a school at Mount Pleasant, which was, in the following March, transferred to the religious society organized there. In May, 1854, another school was organized on Griffin street, and services were held in a room belonging to the city. A third school was established in the following July, in the western part of the city, and a building on Cedar street was pur- chased for its accommodation. All of these schools continued to flourish for a period of five years, the missionary devoting the most faithful at- tention to them all. The school at the Bethel at length became a part of that church, and in consequence of the inability to secure a superintendent for the Cedar street school, the latter was discontinued. The membership of the Griffin street school increased to such an extent that a subscription was set on foot looking toward the erection of an- other building. Through the exertions of Edward S. Cannon $2,800 were raised, and the well known chapel on South Water street, near Leonard, was built. For more than a quarter of a century services have been held twice every Sunday, a Sunday-school in the afternoon and a social service in the evening. The scholars are composed of the children of the poor and working classes, there being many of foreign birth, and the services are attended by a large percentage of seamen. The society managing the affairs at the little chapel was incorporated and reorganized February 1, 1868, under the name of the New Bedford Ladies' City Mission. The mission is maintained through the exertions of several churches, but the society disclaims all sectarianism.
The officers of the Ladies' City Mission for 1891 are : President, Mrs. Rachel Howland; vice-president, Miss Amelia B. Sears; clerk, Mrs. Helen R. Milliken ; treasurer, Mrs. C. P. Rugg; auditor, Mrs. George B. Richmond ; with a large board of directors.
Seaman's Bethel .- A history of this old and worthy institution in- cludes a history of the New Bedford Port Society, to whom the Bethel owes its origin and to whose fostering care is due its success as a re-
599
SUNDRY ORGANIZATIONS.
ligious haven for seafaring men from all nations and of all creeds and sects. The society had its birth through the efforts of a number of New Bedford citizens, who had long had in mind the necessity of establish- ing a place of religious worship and protection for mariners. Among these was Samuel Rodman, jr, who was ever foremost in promoting the objects of the society. The meeting which had the organization of a port society under consideration, was held in the Merchant's In- surance office, May 17, 1830. Stephen Merrihew was chosen chairman, and H. G. O. Colby, secretary. A constitution was drawn up by a committee consisting of S. S. Smith, S. J. Vose, and J. F. Emerson. The second article of the constitution adopted, says: "The object of this society shall be to protect the rights and interests of seaman, and to furnish them with such moral, intellectual and religious instruction as the board of managers shall deem practicable.". It at once became ap- parent that the society and those who were to receive its benefits would comprise members of many different religious denominations, and at the first annual meeting, June 3, 1831, it was resolved "That as the society is composed of different denominations, the form of worship in the sea- men's chapel about to be built shall not be exclusively under the control of any sect." The society was incorporated by a special act passed Feb- ruary 15, 1832, and the first officers were : President, Samuel Rod- man, jr .; vice-presidents, Timothy Merrit, Sylvester Holmes; recording secretary, Jonathan Tuttle ; corresponding secretary, Gideon B. Perry ; treasurer, James Tripp. The first chapel was erected in 1831, on a lot on what is known at present as Bethel street ; the cost of the building, including lot, being about $5,000. An old house that had formerly stood upon the lot was removed to the south, and an observatory erected upon the new building, but was subsequently removed, fears be- ing entertained that the structure was not strong enough to support it. The chapel was dedicated May 2, 1832, the Rev. Edward Taylor, of Boston, officiating, assisted by the different local clergymen. Upon this memorable day the Bethel flag was first unfurled to the breeze, " and from that time to the present, has never failed on every Sabbath morning to signal to the sailor, that there is here a temple of worship peculiarly his own, where he is welcomed on his return from his voyage, and where he can listen to the words of the blessed gospel 'without
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