USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > South Boston > Illustrated history of South Boston > Part 7
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Informal services were held in 1815, but nothing definite was accomplished until Mr. Cotting, a teacher, became in- terested, and held services in the school on G. street. These services were well attended, and Mr. Cotting continued to officiate until June 21, 1818. In 1817, the first house of worship was erected in South Boston and called St. Matthews Episcopal church. It was located on Broadway near the corner of E street. Bishop Alexander V. Griswold conse- crated the building June 24, 1818, and became nominally the first rector. The expense for the erection of the church was largely paid by the members of Trinity, and Christ churches. Therectors of these respective parishes came over at regular intervals, and officiated. The land for the church was bought of Mr. Abraham Gould, and the altar set was the gift of the women of Christ church. The women of Trinity church provided the pulpit, lectern and chancel. Mrs. Elizabeth B. Winthrop was a generous contributor.
Mr. Addison Searle assisted Mr. Cot- ting, and from July 5, 1817, until March 30, 1819, read the services. R. G. Parker followed until September 19, the same year and then came Mr. Theodore Edsen, Isaac Boyle, and J. 11. Price.
Mr. Edsen served as lay reader until March 19, 1824. The first ordained clergyman in charge of the parish was the Rev. J. L. Blake, who began his duties June, 1824. In 1831 the church building was enlarged. When the church was first erected, tombs were built in the cellar, and permission was granted by the board of health to use and occupy them for burial purposes. This was the first burial place in South Boston and was used until the building was sold to
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
ST. MATTHEW'S CHURCH.
the Free Masons in 1859. The last service was held there Dec. 16, 1860.
The rectors after Dr. Blake have been in the following order :
The Rev. Mark Anthony DeWolfe Howe, D.D., 1832; the Rev. E. M. P. Wells, D.D., 1834; the Rev. HI. L. Connolly, 1835; the Rev. Joseph H. Clinch, D.D., 1835 ; the Rev. Frederick Wilson, M.A., 1860; the Rev. J. I. T. Coolidge, 1.1)., 1861; the Rev. John Wright, D.D., 1874; the Rev. Albert E. George, M.A., S.T.B., 1888.
The Rev. Frederick Wilson was the rector when the first services were held in the new edifice, on Broadway, near F. street, its present site. This edifice was enlarged during the rectorship of Dr. Coolidge. The Rev. Dr. Wright made ample accommodations for the Sunday- school and other organizations, by placing a large room with additions underneath the church. It was during the rector- ship of these two clergymen, that the parish took an interest in missionary work in the locality, and started Grace church in 1872, which it finally transferred
to the city board of missions, and then, at the Point, St. Matthews chapel was begun.
St. Matthews church is now the only independent, self-supporting Episcopal church in this community. Under the rectorship of the Rev. A. E. George, an effort was made by this parish to obtain a rectory. This was accomplished solely through his efforts. In 1895 the present commodious house was purchased by him through a legacy from the estate of Agnes H. Smith, and called " The Phillips Brooks Rectory." Several other large and important movements were inaugurated in the parish, which have resulted in making it the best equipped missionary parish in the diocese. The present rector, Rev. Albert E. George, was born in Boston, and was educated at Trinity school, New York City. He took the degree of B.A. from St. Stephen's College in 1875 and M.A. in 1878. He took the degree of S.T.B. in 1880 from the General Theological Seminary where he was graduated in 1878.
He has served as chaplain of the church home at City Point and the Brit-
REV. A. E. GEORGE.
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
ish Charitable Society. His first pastor- ate was at St. George's church, Lee, Mass., where he was stationed from 1878 to 1881. He then took charge of St. James parish, Groveland, Mass., where he remained until 1887, becoming rec- tor of St. Matthews, where he is dearly beloved, in 1888.
THE HAWES CHURCH.
The Hawes Place society originated in the desire of several individuals, most of whom were members of Rev. Mr. Harris's society in Dorchester, to have a nearer place of worship. As early as June, 1807, Mr. John Hawes had given a piece of land to the inhabitants of South Boston, on which a house for pub- lic worship was to be erected. In the year 1810, he united with his neighbors in erecting a temporary place of worship, and Mr. Thomas Pierce, of Milton, was the first pastor. He was followed by
HAWES UNITARIAN CHURCH.
REV. JAMES HUXTABLE.
Mr. Zephaniah Wood. In 1818, the Hawes Place Congregational society was incorporated and their place of worship was enlarged, so as to have the dimen- sions of sixty by twenty feet. It was unpainted and had the appearance of a rope walk, and was quite often so called. After the death of Mr. Wood, which occurred in 1822, Rev. Lemuel Capen succeeded him in 1823, as minister of the society, and was installed in 1827.
Mr. Hawes died in 1829 ; and by a provision of his will, a part of the income of his estate was to be appropriated and applied forever to the support of public worship in this church in South Boston.
In 1832, by a munificent donation of Mr. Hawes, a new church was built at the junction of what is now Emerson and Fourth streets, and near the site of the old building. In this church the society worshipped until 1886, and under the authority of the Supreme Court of Massachusetts, in 1887, removed to the Broadway church. In 1889 the name of the " Hawes Place Congregational Society " was changed by legislative en- actment to the " Hawes Unitarian Con- gregational church." It is a free church and is chiefly supported by yearly appro- priations from the " John Hawes Fund." The pastors who have succeeded those already mentioned are as follows : -- Revs. Charles C. Shackford, George W.
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
Lippitt, Thomas Dawes, James J. Hewes, Frederick Hinckley, George A. Thayer, Herman Bisbee, John F. Dutton, Charles B. Elder and James Huxtable.
Rev. James Huxtable has presided over the Hawes Unitarian church for eleven years, during which time the par- ish has made much progress. He was born in Bristol, England, in 1849. His clerical education was obtained in New York, and he was ordained to the min- istry in the city of Buffalo. His first charge was in Newburgh, N. Y., where he gave promise of becoming a noted preacher. Before coming to South Bos- ton he was pastor of a church in Hyde Park, Mass., for seven years. He is loved by his parishioners, who include many of the best known of South Bos- ton's older residents. Mr. Huxtable takes a deep interest in the affairs of South Boston, and has been foremost among those endeavoring to preserve its moral tone. He is a member of Rab- boni Lodge, F. & A. M., and the Boston Association of Ministers.
SS. PETER AND PAUL CHURCH.
The church of SS. Peter and Paul is the second oldest Roman Catholic church in Boston. In 1818 Bishop Chevrus purchased land here for a cemetery, upon which was erected a small chapel as a mausoleum. The population was gradu- ally growing and it was quite a distance to go to the Cathedral ; so a priest was sent over every Sunday to conduct mass. In 1833 the chapel became too small to ac- commodate the large number of worship- ers, and the building had to be enlarged. The small edifice was known as St. Augustine's chapel, and stands to-day in the old St. Augustine's burying ground on Dorchester street. From 1833 to 1836, Rev. Thomas Lynch was pastor; Rev. John Mahoney, 1836 to 1839 ; Rev. Michael Lynch, 1839, and Rev. Terence Fitzsimmons, 1840 to 1845. When the free bridges from the city were opened, a vast number took up their residence in the lower section. This made it neces- sary to erect a new edifice which was built on the site of the present church. It was dedicated in 1845 and for the
CHURCH OF SS. PETER AND PAUL.
next twenty years the Catholic people of this district worshipped there. Many also came here from neighboring towns during the early days of this church. On Sept. 7, 1848, the entire church, with the exception of the side walls, was destroyed by fire. This conflagration necessitated a division of the flock. St. Augustine's chapel was re-opened and a hall was secured on Fourth street for the remainder.
In 1853, Father Fitzsimmons was sup- erseded by Rev. P. F. Lyndon and the work of rebuilding was carried on. The new edifice was dedicated November 24, 1853. A parochial school was about that time established under the direction of the
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
sisters of Notre Dame. Father Lyndon was succeeded by Rev. William A. Blenkin- sop, under whose direction the school was enlarged. Father Blenkinsop was a kind, loving, and devoted pastor, and the parish was greatly strengthened by him. He died in 1892, and since that time the affairs of the parish have been in charge of Rt. Rev. Bishop John J. Brady, who
RIGHT REV. BISHOP JOHN J. BRADY.
had, for several years been in charge of the parish at Amesbury. Since coming here he has done effective work and through his efforts the entire debt of the church has been paid. He has also beautified the church property in many particulars. The building has been ren- ovated, the interior painted, and the rectory enlarged. A few years ago this parish lost by the taking of land and property for railway purposes. The parish is still one of the most prosperous in the
state. Associated with Bishop Brady, as curates, are Revs. Denis J. Sullivan, Walter J. Brown and William B. Whalen.
Rt. Rev. John J. Brady, pastor of SS. Peter and Paul church, also Bishop of the diocese of Boston, was born in Ire- land, and ordained a priest in December, 1866. Coming to Boston he was as- signed with Bishop Fitzpatrick of Boston and sent to Newburyport, where he built a church. He was afterwards assigned to Amesbury. There he con- tinued his successful work as a pastor, built a church, a convent and a school, and on retiring from the parish left all clear of debt. He was consecrated Bish- op, August 5, 1891, on the occasion of the feast of Our Lady of the Snow. He came to SS. Peter and Paul church in this district in 1892 to take charge of. this old and historic parish. Since taking up his official residence in South Boston, in addition to fulfilling the arduous duties of Bishop, he has managed the affairs of the local parish most success- fully. Beside building a costly school building for boys, and the new and stately parochial residence adjoining the church, at a combined cost of not less than one hundred thousand dollars, dur- ing the past seven years the entire debt of the church amounting to seventy- thousand dollars, has been obliterated by him, the last payment of which was made in February, 1901. In the near future a marble altar will be placed in the church and the edifice will be con- secrated. Bishop Brady is a man of sterling qualities ; kind, loving and con- siderate of his fellow-men, he possesses those attributes which never fail to com- mend the admiration of every true thinking man. He is much beloved not only in the parish over which he presides, but throughout the entire diocese.
PHILLIPS CHURCH.
Phillips church has the proud distinc- tion of being one of the five oldest con- gregational churches in Boston. This society was founded in 1823. Harris Hall was the first place of worship of the founders, situated on Fourth street between D and E streets. In a short
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
time this primitive hall was outgrown, and the congregation began to worship in Union Hall on Fourth street, between B and C streets. With the aid of increased members, a new building was erected at the corner of A street and Broadway. In 1834 the society was incorporated under the title of the Phillips Church Society of Boston. The present edifice was erected in 1879, the steeple being slightly altered in 1900. Several pas- tors of this society are men of national prominence, including Dr. Alden, secre- tary of the American board, Dr. Clark, president of the Christian Endeavor So- ciety, Dr. Meredith, pastor of the largest Congregational church in Brooklyn, and Dr. Temple, one of the most eloquent preachers of the Pacific slope. Phillips chapel on Seventh street, erected in 1874, is supported as a branch of Phillips church, the work of which is in charge of the assistant pastor.
Charles Allen Dinsmore, pastor of Phillips church, is a native of New York
PHILLIPS CHURCH.
City, and was born August 4, 1860. In his youth he attended the common schools and fitted himself for college, receiving his degree from Dartmouth College and Kentucky University. Prior to entering Yale College he spent several years in the south and west. His first charge was the Suburban New Haven
REV. C. A. DINSMORE.
church. From there he went to Willi- mantic, Conn., from whence he was called to his present church. Mr. Dins- more is a deep thinker, a forcible preach- er and greatly esteemed in the community. He is president of the Yale Divinity Alumni and a frequent contributor of scholarly articles to the Atlantic Monthly.
Rev. Percy H. Epler, assistant pastor of Phillips church, was born in Illinois, July 19, 1872. He is the son of Judge Cyrus Epler of the circuit court of that state. He attended a preparatory school and graduated from Illinois College in 1892. He then went to Yale College, where he remained during 1892-93, and graduated from Yale Divinity school in 1890, and the same year became assistant pastor at Phillips church.
ST. JOHN'S M. E. CHURCH.
St. John's Methodist Episcopal church, one of the oldest in South Boston, is the outcome of the work started as far back
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
as 1810. Through the efforts of Mrs. Robinson, an aged widow, and a devoted Methodist, Thomas C. Pierce of Milton was induced to hold services at her house. This young man, a carpenter by trade, built the first meeting house here.
ST. JOHN'S M. E. CHURCH.
He was succeeded by Rev. Zephaniah Wood. In 1825 a building was erected at the corner of Broadway and C street. This attempt was a failure and the prop- erty was sold to the Baptists. In 1834 the church was permanently established, and Rev. Abel Stevens preached the first sermon. In 1840 the society founded a place of worship and held services there for twenty-five years, where the following pastors did service, Rever-
ends J. S. Thomas, J. H. Owen, E. W. Virgin, N. Stutson, William Butler, Wil- liam McDonald, F. K. Statton, J. C. Smith, Jesse Wagner, N. T. Whitaker, G. L. Collyer and M. E. Wright. Dur- ing the pastorate of Rev. J. L. Hanaford, land was secured on Broadway upon which the present handsome edifice stands. A new structure was nearly completed when a gale blew down the steeple and demolished the church. Then began the struggle to erect a new build- ing. Through the efforts of Rev. J. H. Twombly, D.D., and Rev. G. A. Craw- ford, the enormous debt which hung over the church was cancelled. Later the two Methodist churches united, and at the conference Rev. R. L. Greene was appointed pastor. He was followed by Reverends S. I. Baldwin, D.D., L. A. Banks, D.D., W. T. Perrin, R. L. Greene and Fred'k H. Knight, D.D. In 1895 the last dollar of debt was paid, the occasion being observed with general rejoicing and festivities.
Rev. Frederick H. Knight, pastor of St. John's Methodist Episcopal church, is a native of Saco, Me., and was born in 1859. He was educated in public schools and Dartmouth College, being graduated in 1882. He further studied at Boston University Theological school, graduating in 1885. In 1899 he re-
REV. FREDERICK H. KNIGHT, D.D.
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
ceived the degree of Ph.D. from the School of All Sciences of Boston Uni- versity. His first pastorate was in Put- ney, Vt., from which he went to Wollas- ton, Mass. He next took up his labors at Jamaica Plain, afterwards being appointed pastor of Grace church, Spring- field, Mass. On completion of his work there he went abroad and studied one year at Berlin University; and, after returning home, he was assigned to Wesley church, Salem. Upon the com- pletion of his pastorate at Salem, he was transferred, in April, 1900, to preside over St. John's church in this district. He is an able preacher, a deep student of theology, and his coming to his pres- ent charge was a source of gratification to his thriving congregation. He is married, has two children, and resides at 779 Broadway, the house formerly occu- pied by Rev. R. L. Greene, his prede- cessor at this church.
SOUTH BAPTIST CHURCH.
The Baptist church was established here about 1825 by Jacob Flinn, who held prayer meetings at his house. From this a Sabbath school developed, and in 1827, through the efforts of Samuel Hill, a place of worship was secured. The church was organized as a branch of the Federal-street church. The membership grew rapidly, and, in 1829, the frame of the Han- over-street church was set up at the corner of Broadway and C street. The building was dedicated July 22, 1830. The following year the branch formed itself into an independ- ent body, known as the South Baptist church. April, 1829. Rev. Thomas Driver became the pastor and served for one year. He was followed by Rev. Rollin H. Neale and, in May, 1834, by Rev. Timothy R. Cressy. Rev. Thomas Driver was recalled in 1838 and remained five years. A chapel was erected at the corner of L and Fourth streets,
and four years later the Fourth-street Baptist church was formed. Feeling the necessity of a new church, the old one was sold in 1866, and arrangements were made for the purchase of land at the cor- ner of Broadway and F street. The church, after being built, was dedicated in 1868. Rev. G. S. Abbott, then pastor, was suc- ceeded by Reverends J. S. Dickerson, Henry A. Cordo, John H. Barrows, Thomas D. Anderson, D. B. Jutten, A. T. Sowerby and Fred M. Gardner. In 1899 the church property at the corner of F street and Broadway was sold, and the members united with the Fourth-street society, the debts of both churches were paid and continued under the name of the South Baptist Society.
Rev. Frederick M. Gardner, pastor of the South Baptist church, was born in Salem, March 24, 1858. After studying in his native city he entered Colby Uni- versity, graduating in 1881, being licensed to preach the previous year. Ile then entered Newton Theological seminary, completing his course in 1884. While yet a student he officiated as pastor of the First church at Winthrop, where he was ordained in May, 1883. His next
SOUTH BAPTIST CHURCH.
£
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
REV. FREDERICK M. GARDNER.
pastorate was at the Second church in Lawrence. After seven years devoted labor there he was called to the Central church in East Boston. For five years he served as spiritual adviser of that church from whence he was called to the South Baptist church, and commenced his duties on its union with the Fourth street church.
BROADWAY UNIVERSALIST.
The parish of the Broadway Univer- salist church dates from 1830, the church organization from 1835. In its early history it was known as the Fourth Uni- versalist church of Boston. December 25, 1835, the organization of the church took place, in which eminent Universa- list divines took part, Drs. Benjamin Whittemore, Sebastian Streeter, Sylvanus Cobb, Thomas F. King and Hosea Ballou. The first meetings of the society were held in Lyceum Hall, then on Broadway, after which it erected a church building on the corner of B street and Broadway. In 1868 the present edifice on Broadway, between G and Il streets, was erected. In 1872 the church was reorganized under its present name. The pastors, up to the present incum- bent, have been Revs. Benjamin Whitte- more, Theodore Cook, Calvin Damon, W. W. Dean, J. S. Cantwell, I. Knowl-
ton, J. J. Lewis and I. P. Quimby. The present officers of the parish organiza- tion are : Moderator, Mr. Thomas H. Barnes ; Standing Committee, Mr. Rob- ert B. Henderson, Mr. Samuel A. Wise, Miss Lizzie Fitzgerald, Miss Alice G. Dolbear, Miss Caroline F. Elliot, Mr. Frank W. Reed and Mr. Millard Wood- son.
Rev. Alfred J. Cardall, pastor of the Church of our Father, was born in Lon- don, England, and came to this country in 1881. After spending several years in the west he decided to enter the clergy, and after attending preparatory school came east to Tufts College, Medford, to pursue his theological studies, and grad- uated with his degree in 1895. He was then called to his present pastorate. Mr. Cardall is one of the prominent factors and was general secretary of the Young
BROADWAY UNIVERSALIST CHURCH.
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
People's Church Union. He is also chaplain of St. Paul's Lodge, F. & A. M. and a director in the New England Sab- bath Protective League and the Univer- salist Sunday School Union. In the exercise of his ministerial functions Mr.
REV. ALFRED J. CARDALL.
Cardall has been preeminently success- ful. He is much beloved by his congre- gation, who have on several occasions testified their love for him.
GATE OF HEAVEN CHURCH.
From a territorial standpoint the Gate of Heaven church is the largest in this section of the city, and in point of numbers it is second only to St. Augus- tine's parish. SS. Peter and Paul church at one time being the only parish here; when the population increased it ap- peared expedient to form a parish at City Point to accommodate those living in that vicinity, so a plain brick building was erected at the corner of Fourth and I streets. This place of worship was dedicated on the nineteenth of March, 1863. This edifice was presided over by Rev. P. F. Lyndon, then rector of the older church. Rev. William A. Blen -. kinsop also devoted much of his time and attention to the congregation. The church
membership increased rapidly, and in 1865, Rev. James Sullivan was appointed the first resident pastor. He remained here for three years, during which time he built a residence beside the church, im- provements upon which were made by many of the succeeding pastors. Father Sullivan was followed by Rev. Emiliano Gherbi, an Italian Franciscan who re- mained for five years. He was a con- scientious pastor and his devotion to Christian duties endeared him in the hearts of his parishioners. Upon his death, the affairs of the parish fell to Rev. Michael F. Higgins, who labored with the people until May 7, 1886,
when he answered the call of the Master. It was Father Higgins who built St. Agnes' convent on I street, and intro- duced the sisters of St. Joseph. The in- struction at this school has since remained in their charge ; and under their direction this institution has flourished and been a source of great educational benefit to the children of many Catholic parents. Father Higgins was yet in the full vigor of life intellectually and otherwise, when he died; and his death removed an able Christian gentleman, whose incessant labors were crowned with success. Rev. Theodore A. Metcalf assumed charge in 1886, and remained until 1890, when he was obliged to retire owing to ill health. During his four years' pastorate here much good was accomplished and the church prospered. It will be re- membered by many that it was Father Metcalf who had a controversy with Mr. Travis of the English high school over the definition of certain matters per- taining to the faith. Rev. Robert J. Johnson the present pastor, succeeded Father Metcalf in 1890. He was not a stranger to the parishioners here as he formerly was a curate at SS. Peter and Paul church, and later pastor at Dedham. Realizing that a new church was needed to better provide for the wants of his parish he set out to build a new edifice.
His persistent and consistent work was ultimately successful, for only a few months ago the new church, on the op- posite corner was opened.
It is a handsome structure, a perfect
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HISTORY OF SOUTH BOSTON.
-
NEW GATE OF HEAVEN CHURCH
picture of architectural beauty and one of the best in New England. Under Father Johnson's direction a chapel was erected at the corner of Broadway and O streets, which amply accommodates those living in that neighborhood. The many societies,connected with the church have in a large measure contributed to- wards its support so that this parish is
REV. ROBERT J. JOHNSON.
most prosperous. The curates are Rev. Timothy J. Mahoney, Thomas F. Bran- man, John T. O'Brien, with Mathew J. Flaherty of St. John's Seminary occasion- ally assisting.
ST. AUGUSTINE'S CHURCH.
In point of beauty and de- sign St.Augustine's church is one of the finest as well as one of the most prosperous in the city of Boston. While not an old church, it has a history of which it may justly feel proud. It stands within the shadow of historic Dor- chester Heights on Dorches- ter street. In 1868, through the spiritual guidance of Rev. Denis O'Callaghan, old St. Augustine's chapel was re-opened as a place of worship. In these small quarters the de- voted people gathered. It was here the plans were made for the new church, and on September 11, 1870, the corner stone of the present structure was laid. The first mass was said in the basement, July 2, 1871, and on August 30, 1874, the dedication rites were performed by Archbishop Williams. It was a grand
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