USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > History of the churches of Boston, giving a full account, in denominational divisions, of all the church organizations of the city, from their formation to the present time, with dates and complete statistics ; compiled with great care from first sources. Division one; Baptist and Presbyterian > Part 7
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In 1840, this was the new part of the city. There were then scarcely any buildings east of this, and but few to the south, along the avenue. The "South Cove " was just being filled in, and the tide still flowed to the rear of the church.
The first pastor of the church was the Rev. Robert Turnbull, D. D., of Hart- ford, who commenced his labors about five months after the organization. Dr. Turnbull was pastor of the church through its early years of sacrifice and strug- gle. To his wisdom and fidelity the efficiency of the church throughout has been largely due. Especially was his influence exerted in directing the sympa- thies of the church into the great channels of Christian benevolence. After a pastorate of a little less than six years, he resigned, and returned to Hartford.
The Rev. Joseph Banvard, D. D., of Salem, was next called to fill the vacancy. He accepted, and was publicly recognized as pastor on the 15th of March, 1846. Dr. Banvard's ministry continued a little over five years and six months, when he removed to West Cambridge.
There followed then a long vacancy, continuing for a whole year. At length, the Rev. A. H. Burlingham, of Owego, N. Y., was invited, and, having removed to Boston, was recognized as pastor, by public services, on October 31, 1852. Dr. Burlingham remained here just four years, when he accepted an invitation to New York.
In December, 1856, the Rev. D. C. Eddy, D. D., of Lowell, was chosen pastor. His recognition took place December 28, 1856. Dr. Eddy resigned in October, 1862, and removed to Philadelphia, having occupied the pastorate about six years.
Dr. Warren Randolph was invited from Philadelphia, and began to preach on Sunday, April 26, 1863. The recognition service was held on the evening of the same day. Dr. Randolph resigned in July, 1867.
His successor was the Rev. Samuel W. Foljambe, who was settled in this church in December, 1867, and resigned in May 1870.
Following him were the Rev. T. J. B. House, who came to the office in December, 1870, and retired in October, 1872 ; and the Rev. L. L. Wood, who became pastor in February, 1873, and resigned in December, 1874.
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THE HARVARD STREET BAPTIST CHURCH.
In October, 1876, the Rev. Orrin T. Walker, a well-known and popular preacher of the city, was inducted into the pastorate, which he still retains.
The church was constituted with 121 members. Before any pastor had been obtained twelve were added by baptism. Dr. Turnbull baptised 342; Dr. Ban- vard, 78 ; Dr. Burlingham, 52 ; Dr. Eddy, 225 ; other persons during pastoral vacancies, 14 ; Dr. Randolph, 29 ; there have also been large additions by bap-' tism during each of the succeeding pastorates, but the exact numbers are not given. The present membership is about 250.
In closing this sketch, it is but fitting to refer particularly to the labors of the present pastor, the Rev. O. T. Walker, who came here when the church had been for a long time closed, and public worship abandoned. The Sunday School also was spiritually dead. God prospered his labors with the struggling church, how- ever, and these gloomy times passed, and a regular call was tendered to, and accepted by, him.
The perseverance and fidelity of both church and pastor through this period -embracing the first three years of Mr. Walker's ministry - is deserving of great commendation. They have been from that time onward greatly prospered. One hundred and twenty-five members have been added during this pastorate, and the Sunday School has been resuscitated, numbering now about 200. Thus pastor and church have rejoiced to see the reward of their united labors.
This church has now stood as a beacon light in this neighborhood for nearly half a century, and its past is here recorded. But the church in Boston that will keep with the people must be a nomadic church, pitching its tabernacle only for a temporary stay, and being ever ready to strike its tent, and move on with the caravan of progress to new fields and fresh conquests. Whether this church will be compelled to follow this tendency in common with so many of its predeces- sors cannot now (1883) be clearly seen.
CHURCH OFFICERS :- Pastor : The Rew O. T. Walker ; Committee : George J. Clifford, William Hardwick, G. E. Denison, C. D. White ; Treasurer : George J. Clifford ; Clerk : E. J. Emory ; Sunday School Superintendent ; C. D. White.
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CHURCHES OF BOSTON.
THE JAMAICA PLAIN BAPTIST CHURCH,
CENTRE STREET, CORNER OF MYRTLE.
In the autumn of 1840, several members of neighboring Baptist churches, residing at Jamaica Plain, united in an effort to support among them the preaching of the gospel. On the second Sunday in December, 1840, the Village Hall was opened for religious worship ; its use having been granted for the purpose. The Rev. William H. Shailer preached on the occasion.
After some months of occasional supplies, the Rev. N. Hervey was invited to preach for a time. His labors commenced in September, 1841. Early in the following January a revival of religion commenced, which continued through sev- eral succeeding months. In the following months of April and May, twenty-eight persons were accepted for baptism by the Baptist church in Roxbury. The ser- vices of Rev. Mr. Hervey closed in July of the same year (1842).
In June, 1842, the incipient steps toward the organization of a distinct church were taken. After some delay, the wishes of the brethren and sisters were approved by a council of churches and ministers. On Monday, the 29th of August, 1842, public recognition services were held at the Unitarian meeting- house, in which the Rev. Dr. Gray then ministered.
The church had been for about one year destitute of a pastor, when, in July, 1843, the Rev. John O. Choules, D. D., was invited to take the pastoral charge. On the 4th of October, 1843, he was publicly installed; and, on the same day, the house of worship, which for some months had been in process of completion, was dedicated to the service of God. Dr. Choules remained pastor about four years, and in July, 1847, having received an invitation to become pas- tor of the Second Baptist Church, at Newport, R. I., at his own request, he was dismissed.
The church, then, in May, 1848, invited the Rev. William Hague, D. D., of Boston, to settle among them. This invitation was soon afterwards accepted ; and, on the first Lord's day in September following, Dr. Hague commenced his pastoral duties. He remained for about two years, during which time the con- gregation still augmented. In March, 1850, Dr. Hague tendered his resignation,
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THE JAMAICA PLAIN BAPTIST CHURCH.
having been invited to the pastoral charge of the Second Baptist Church in Newark, N. J. During his ministry, fourteen members were added to the church by baptism, and twelve by letter.
In August, 1850, the Rev. G. W. Samson, of Washington, D. C., received and accepted an invitation to the pastorate of the church, and the public services of his recognition were held on Wednesday, October 23d. Forty-one members were added to the church during this pastorate. In October, 1852, he resigned.
In March, 1853, the church extended a call to the Rev. Heman Lincoln, of Philadelphia. The invitation was accepted, and he entered upon his labors the next June. During the ensuing two years, a burdensome debt, which had been resting upon the society since the erection of the church-edifice, was paid.
With this encumbrance removed, the church's prospects for the future appeared unusually promising. But, at 3 o'clock on the morning of Friday, Sep- tember 26, 1856, an alarm of fire was sounded, and it was soon ascertained that the Baptist church was in flames. In a short time, the building, and all its furni- ture and books, including the library and records of the Sabbath School, were entirely consumed.
The congregation were now left homeless ; but the fraternal kindness of neighboring religious bodies was so promptly manifested, that the regular meetings were continued without interruptions and the Sunday School was discontinued only for a single Sabbath. While the fire was yet burning, the Third Congregational (Unitarian) Society extended an earnest invitation to their Baptist brethren to occupy their house of worship ; and this was immediately followed by an equally kind invitation from the Mather (now Central) Congregational Society.
It was deemed advisable to accept the offer of the Unitarian church for Sab- bath afternoons ; to use their vestry for Sabbath School and Sabbath evening prayer meetings ; and to unite with the Mather Church in the Friday evening prayer meetings and Sabbath School concerts ; and these arrangements were most pleasantly continued for more than twenty months, viz. : from September 28, 1856, to June 20, 1858.
Preparatory measures were at once taken for erecting a new church-edifice. The lot of land on which the burned building had stood was sold and a more eligible one was purchased at the corner of Centre and Myrtle streets. After considerable delay, the corner-stone of the present building was laid, with appro- priate religious services, October 21, 1857.
The vestry was completed, and occupied by the Sabbath School on Sunday morning, June 20, 1858 ; and the regular services, morning and evening, followed.
On the 21st of December, 1858, the Rev. Heman Lincoln tendered his resignation, which was accepted at a special church - meeting held January 25, 1859.
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CHURCHES OF BOSTON.
Mr. Lincoln served this church as pastor five years and seven months ; and, notwithstanding the want of a special house of worship for twenty-one months of this time, and with only preaching service once upon the Sabbath, yet the church had never enjoyed greater prosperity than under his pastorate. The increase of membership during this time was forty-six by baptism and forty-two by letter, with one by restoration ; making a total of eighty-nine.
On the 25th of August, 1859, the new church building was dedicated. It is a handsome edifice, with the appearance of light freestone. The stone, however, of which the walls are composed is embedded in a complete cover, extremely thick, of mastic, of great durability, and which increases in hardness with age. The superficial extent of the house is about 100 feet by 52, and has a seating capacity of 600. There are also two vestry rooms, suitable for meetings, and capable of holding respectively 300 and 100 persons. These rooms are arranged to be thrown into one when necessary.
An interregnum then occurred until May 1, 1860; when the Rev. Charles DeWitt Bridgman accepted and entered upon the duties of the pastorate, having received a call from the church and society in the preceeding March. Mr. Bridg- man's pastorate was of short duration. He first tendered nis resignation Novem- ber 19, 1861 ; but, being then persuaded to withdraw it for a time, he again tendered it October 30, 1862, when it was reluctantly accepted. During Mr. Bridgman's services the membership was increased by the addition of thirteen by baptism, and twenty-three by letter ; total, thirty-six.
On the second Sabbath in January, 1863, the pulpit was supplied by Adoni- ram Judson Gordon, then a student in that celebrated nursery of clergymen, the Theological seminary at Newton. His services on this occasion were so accept- able to the people that he was again invited to preach ; and, finally, he received a call to become the pastor, at the regular church-meeting held February 17, 1863. This invitation was accepted March 20, with the provision that Mr. Gordon should not enter upon his duties until the close of his studies at Newton, in June. He united with the church on May 26, 1863, and on the first Sabbath in July, 1863, commenced his labors as pastor.
The society had now a very heavy debt resting upon it, occasioned by the building of the new church-edifice, amounting, at this time, to about $17,000. This encumbrance had been a great drawback to the church. In 1864, it was determined to commence an effort for the payment of the entire amount, and subscriptions were solicited for that purpose. The responses to the appeal made were so prompt and liberal, that, in October, it was announced that subscriptions had been received sufficient to cover very nearly the whole amount needed. The greater part of the debt was at once discharged ; but the entire amount was not fully paid until April, 1868. During this time, extensive repairs had been made
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THE JAMAICA PLAIN BAPTIST CHURCH.
on the exterior of the building ; so that the extra amount raised in four years, aside from ordinary current expenses and benevolent contributions, was about $25,000. At the annual meeting in April, 1868, it was announced that the soci- ety was entirely free from debt, which happy condition continues to the pres- ent time (1883).
Under these favorable circumstances, it was now hoped to enjoy an enlarged prosperity ; which anticipation was, to some extent, realized. But, in August, 1869, Mr. Gordon tendered his resignation, having received an urgent invitation to become the pastor of the Clarendon Street Church, Boston. This church had extended and persistently pressed a similar call in February, 1867, when it was declined. This time, however, an affirmative answer was given. Mr. Gordon's resignation took effect on the first Sabbath in November, 1869.
Besides the payment of thousands of dollars of indebtedness during the pastorate of Mr. Gordon, the church was also increased in numbers, and in spirit- ual graces and efficiency. In the six years and seven months of his service, there were received into the church by experience, one ; by letter, fifty ; and by bap- tism, seventy-two ; being a total of one hundred and twenty-three members ; or more than one-fourth of all admissions to membership, including the fifty-nine original members, since the church was constituted.
The pulpit continued to be supplied by different clergymen until September 12, 1870, when an invitation was extended to the Rev. James Paterson, from Scotland, who had already preached here for six Sabbaths, to serve as preacher and pastor for one year. Mr. Paterson accepted the invitation, and entered upon his duties the last Sabbath in September, 1870.
On the completion of Mr. Paterson's engagement as limited temporary supply, in September, 1871, he retired ; the church having failed to extend to him a call to assume the regular pastorate. His successor was the Rev. D. P. Morgan, who came from the Newton Theological Seminary. He was settled on September 1, 1872, and resigned November 1, 1875.
The present pastor, the Rev. D. H. Taylor, then accepted the call of the church, and was settled in February, 1877. He still remains at the helm of this Gospel Ship, and it is hoped may long continue there.
The membership now (1883) stands at 235. The Sunday School member- ship is 259.
CHURCH OFFICERS : - Pastor : Rev. D. H. Taylor ; Deacons : William Man- ning, J. W. Leatherbee, B. F. Cutter, N. B. Chamberlin, Nathaniel Weld ; Treas- urer : B. F. Cutter ; Clerk : Samuel P. Putnam ; Sunday School Superintendent : N. B. Chamberlin.
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CHURCHES OF BOSTON.
THE CENTRAL SQUARE BAPTIST CHURCH,
EAST BOSTON.
The field now occupied by the Central Square Baptist Church of East Boston furnished an asylum for the persecuted Baptists of the city on the main land, more than two hundred years ago.
Mr. Thomas Gould, one of the founders of the First Baptist Church, removed to Noddle's Island, now East Boston, about 1670, and " at his house the church assembled for a number of years." It is still almost within living memory when there was but a single house on this island. In 1832, the East Boston Company commenced its operations, and the population rapidly increased. In 1843 the inhabitants were estimated at 4,000 ; in 1855, at 17,000 ; and in 1870, at 30,000.
In 1843, the Baptists residing here, then numbering about forty members, asked advice from a committee of the churches in the city with regard to the organization of a church in this field. That committee, under the date of Sep- tember 2, 1843, returned the following answer : "That we recommend to the brethren in East Boston to go forward in their undertaking to establish a Baptist interest in that place ; it being understood, however, that this committee do not hereby pledge the several churches to which they belong to any pecuniary aid in the enterprise." This reply was considered sufficiently encouraging to warrant the brethren " to go forward in their undertaking ;" which they did, and public religious services were commenced in a hall in October, 1843, under the ministry of the Rev. Hiram A. Graves, then editor of the Christian Reflector, who had been engaged to supply the pulpit for one year. The church was formally organ- ized September 24, 1844, and recognized by a council of churches on November 7th, of the same year. It consisted of thirty members. Mr. Graves completed his term of service, but his feeble health, together with his duties as editor, for- bade his continuing longer.
At a meeting of the church held October 25, 1844, the Rev. Joseph M. Graves, the father of Hiram A., was called to become their first pastor. He accepted the call and entered upon his labors January 1, 1845. During his pas-
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THE CENTRAL SQUARE BAPTIST CHURCH.
torate 31 members were added to the church by baptism, and 39 by letter and experience. Soon after he commenced his labors with this people, the hall in which they worshiped, and which they had fitted up at considerable expense, was destroyed by fire. Removals from place to place followed in rapid succesion. These were not conducive to the growth of the congregation, and yet there was a healthy progress. For several months the church was kindly welcomed by the Maverick Society to their house of worship-a favor again enjoyed several years afterwards. Mr. Graves resigned the pastorate June 7, 1847.
The Rev. Miles Sanford was recognized as pastor December 26, 1847. He resigned in January, 1851. Under his pastorate 4 members were added to the church by baptism, and 26 by letter and experience.
The church suffered, alike under the ministry of Mr. Graves and Mr. Sanford, for the lack of a suitable church home ; and its permanent growth and prosperity were greatly hindered.
The next pastor was the Rev. James N. Sykes, who entered on his labors July 1, 1851. His pastorate was of longer duration than that of either of his predecessors. The great work achieved by the church and society under his labors was the erection of their new house of worship. As originally erected, it was a substantial brick building, 55 feet wide, the main edifice 78 feet long, and its extreme length 108 feet. Its spire rose 150 feet from the pavement. The house was publicly dedicated to the worship of God on April 4, 1855. More than eleven years and a half had passed since the time when public services had first been commenced by the society, and during more than ten years and a half the church had prayed, labored, and struggled to reach this result. In the course of Mr. Sykes' ministry 67 members were added to the church by baptism, and 92 by letter and experience. He resigned his pastorate on June 26, 1858, having sustained the pastoral relation to the church for nearly seven years.
On January 1, 1859, the Rev. S. W. Foljambe entered upon his work as pas- tor of the church. The congregation was small. But under the ministry of Mr. Foljambe, the church enjoyed a steady and healthful growth. Though his pas- torate covered the exciting period of the great civil war, the evidences of spiritual prosperity were many and encouraging. Under his ministry 115 members were added to the church by baptism, and 116 by letter and experience, and the congre- gation was largely increased in numbers and resources. Mr. Foljambe closed his labors with the church May 5, 1867, after a pastorate of eight and one-third years.
On the first Sabbath in November, 1867, the Rev. D. B. Cheney, D. D., com- menced his work with this church as a supply. He continued in this relation for four months, when he moved to the field, and entered upon full pastoral work. It had been his privilege to enter into the labors of those who had preceded him, and to reap where they had sown. During the course of his ministry 385 mem-
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CHURCHES OF BOSTON.
bers were added to the church. Its membership, congregations, prayer meetings, Sabbath School, and general resources were larger than ever.
On the 24th of September, 1860, the church celebrated the 25th anniversary of its organization by a " Social Re-union."
In 1870 the church experienced a severe disaster in the burning of its edifice, which happened on July 25th. This distressing accident, however, served to display the zeal and activity, and administrative ability of the pastor in a stronger light. Under his active supervision the work of rebuilding was quickly undertaken, and, within the following year, the church arose anew from its ashes, greatly enlarged, and in every way improved. In order to obtain the necessary additional space, two houses and lots in the rear of the church were purchased at a cost of $10,000. The rebuilding and improvement involved an expense of $40,000, thus making an expenditure of $50,000. In addition to this there remained an old debt of $5,000, being in all $55,000. The amount of insurance was but $25,000, and a debt of $30,000 was laid upon the society, which was shortly reduced to $7,000, secured by a mortgage. The interest on this was paid by the income from the property in the rear of the building. Dr. Cheney resigned the pastorate March 1, 1874.
His successor was the Rev. G. F. Warren, who began his pastoral labors in this church on October 3, 1875. During this ministry the permanent debt was increased to $10,000. A want of accord on the part of some members of the church produced a breach, which caused the resignation of Mr. Warren in Jan- uary, 1878. From this arose the foundation of the Trinity Baptist Church of East Boston. The members of the Central Church who supported Mr. Warren- a body numbering 218-took their letters from the Central Church at this time and organized the Trinity Church, under Mr. Warren's pastoral charge, in March 1878. At the close of this pastorate the membership stood at 332, after the secession of the number above mentioned.
After this event, the Rev. J. Spencer Kennard accepted the pastorate, and continued until January 1, 1882, when he resigned. The number of members at this time was 391.
In May, 1883, the Rev. J. K. Richardson was chosen pastor. The present membership is 373.
CHURCH OFFICERS :- Pastor : The Rev. J. K. Richardson ; Deacons : B. L. Crocker, O. O. Gould, J. M. Getchell; Clerk : F. A. Johnson ; Treasurer : T. E. Currier ; Collector : J. W. Swint ; Sunday School Superintendent : W. B Forest.
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THE RUGGLES STREET BAPTIST CHURCH.
THE RUGGLES STREET BAPTIST CHURCH,
RUGGLES STREET.
This church is the outgrowth of a mission established by the Shawmut Avenue Baptist Church, at Branch Chapel on Washington street, afterwards removing to Ruggles street, where the church was organized in December, 1870, under the leadership of its present pastor, Rev. R. G. Seymour, D. D. At the start there were only thirty members, while the present membership is over 700, a major- ity being converts received by baptism. The Sunday School, beginning with less than 300, has steadily grown from year to year, and now numbers about 1,550 ; and is divided into a Bible School, an Intermediate Section, and a Pri- mary Department. The original sanctuary was of plain exterior, and limited accommodations. After being enlarged three times, to meet the needs of the con- gregation, the edifice is now one of the most pleasant and commodious houses of worship in Boston.
This interest was supported by the Shawmut Avenne Church until 1874, when it became an independent body ; and has now five persons besides the pastor who, as assistants and missionaries, give their entire attention to its labors.
One of its chief aims is to care for the whole man-not neglecting the body, while doing everything for the soul. Hence, it does a great work among the poor ; ministering to their temporal and spiritual necessities, and assisting many to procure suitable employment. Another special feature is its educational work, which is carried on in the new chapel building, adjoining the church, and includes a well furnished reading-room, with classes, under skillful teachers, for the instruc- tion of young men and women in various branches.
It makes every effort to cultivate the spirit of song, and affords excellent facilities for young and old to become proficient in this glorious art. As a result, the Sabbath service is beautified by well-rendered music from an accomplished male quartette, and by unusually fine congregational singing.
A marked experience is the continued presence of the Spirit in the conver- sion of souls. Many seasons of remarkable refreshing have been enjoyed : of late
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