USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > Sketches of Boston, past and present, and of some places in its vicinity > Part 10
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Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33
This Church is situated on Broadway, and is a neat and commodious brick building. The expenses of its erection were chiefly defrayed by be- nevolent members of Trinity and Christ Churches.
PASTORS.
From 1813, till 1821, the public services were performed by laymen, or by clergymen who made occasional visits to the Church. The first or- dained minister was
Rev. J. L. BLAKE, June, 1821, left June, 1832.
Rev. M. A. D'W. HowE, Aug., 1832, left Oct., 1832. The Church was then closed till Feb., 1831.
Rev. E. M. P. WELLS, Feb., 1831, left April, 1835.
Rev. H. L. CONOLLY, May, 1935, left May, 1838. Rev. JOSEPH H. CLINCH, June, 1535, present rector.
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SECOND UNIVERSALIST CHURCH.
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SECOND UNIVERSALIST CHURCH, SCHOOL STREET.
The Second Universalist Church, standing in School street, was conse- crated October 16, 1817. The present Pastor, Hosea Ballou. was installed on the 25th of the following December; having commenced his labors in the Church the Sabbath following its dedication. The Church was formed the third Sabbath in December, 1817. As this communion is free to all who profess Christ, the number varies, ranging from one hundred to one hundred and fifty, the larger part females.
The house is a plain brick building, without a steeple, 75 feet long and 67 broad. With the corner-stone a silver plate was deposited, being the gift of Dr. David Townsend, bearing the following inscription : -
"The Second Universalist Church devoted to the service of the true God, Jesus Christ being the chief corner-stone, May 19th, 1817."
In 1846, Rev. E. H. Chapin became connected with this society as an assistant to Rev. Mr. Ballou, he left in 1818. Rev. A. A. Miner, settled May 31, 1813.
The Unity of God is advocated by the Pastor of this Society.
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CHAPEL PHILLIPS PLACE.
THE CHAPEL, PHILLIPS PLACE, TREMONT STREET.
This cut represents a front view of the hall in Phillips Place, where the Boston Society of the New Jerusalem formerly worshipped. This Society was instituted August 15, 1818, at which time it consisted of 12 members. It had had no consecrated place of public worship for a number of years, but met in Phillips Place. The Society erected a Church on Bowdoin street, in 1814, and removed to it in 1815.
The members of this Society are believers in the doctrines of the New Jerusalem, as revealed in the writings of Emmanuel Swedenborg. The three following are the principal doctrines of this Church. First, that God is one in Essence and in Person, and that he is the Lord Jesus Christ. Secondly, that the Word or Sacred Scriptures is Divine Truth, that it con. tains internal senses within the literal, by means of which it is adapted to all the various states of angels and inen. Thirdly, that man is regenerated and thus prepared for heaven by living according to the Ten Command- meuts, and by acknowledging that his power to will and do them is the Lord alone.
Thomas Worcester, present Pastor, settled in 1823.
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ESSEX STREET CHURCH.
UNION CHURCH, ESSEX STREET.
This Church was gathered August 26, 1822. The Meeting-House in Easex street was dedicated in December, 1816, and is owned by the Essex Street Congregational Society. It was rebuilt in 1840-41, and reopened March 23, 1841. The tower of this Church is new, and is seen to the best effect from the corner of Harrison avenue and Essex street, as presented in the engraving. The side walls of the old house, with the roof, were carried up 12 or 15 feet, and a new floor inserted above the ground floor. A commodious and well-proportioned lecture-room now occupies a part of the original floor of the house, entirely above ground. A marble pulpit, the first of that material in Boston, was placed in the Church when it was rebuilt. There is also a pedestal Fout of white marble in the Church.
The part of the city in the vicinity of this Church has lately been much improved by the erection of handsome blocks of dwellings, and the open- ing of a new street opposite the Church from Essex street to Beach street.
PASTORS.
Rev. SAMUEL GREEN, inst. March 26, 1823, dismissed March 26, 1834. Rev. NEHEMIAH ADAMS, present Pastor, installed March 26, 1834.
The whole number of members July, 1842, was 576, of whom 130 were males, and 416 females.
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ST. PAUL'S CHURCH.
ST. PAUL'S CHURCH, TREMONT STREET.
The corner-stone was laid September 4th, 1819. with appropriate solem- nities. The Church was consecrated June 30, 1820.
This edifice is situated on Tremont street, between Winter and West streets, and fronts towards the Common. It is built of fine gray gran ite, and is an imitation, so far as respecty the architecture, of a Grecian model of the Ionic order. The body of the Church is about 112 feet loug by 72 feet wide, and 40 feet high from the platform to the top of the cor- nice. The portico projects about 14 feet, and has six Ionic columns, 3 feet 5 inches in diameter, and 32 feet high, of Potomac sandstone, laid in courses. The interior of St. Paul's is remarkable for its simplicity and beauty. The ceiling is a cylindrical vault, with panels which span the whole width of the Church. It makes an imposing appearance, and is a credit to the city.
RECTORS.
Rev. SAMUEL FARMER JARVIS, D. D., instituted July 7, 1820, connection dissolved August 22, 1825.
Rev. ALONZO POTTER, D. D., inst. Aug. 29, 1826, dissolved Sept. 6, 1831. Rev. Dr. JOHN S. STONE, inst. June 19, 1832, dissolved June 7, 1841.
Rev. ALEXANDER H. VINTON, instituted June, 1842, present Rector.
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BULFINCH STREET CHURCH.
BULFINCH STREET CHURCH.
The house is of brick, and is 74 by 70 feet, having for its front a pedi- ment in wood supported by half columns, the centre ones in imitation of freestone, and the outer ones white, corresponding with the entablature. There are three principal entrances to the Church in front. It is sur- mounted in front on each corner by cupolas, in one of which is an excel- lent toned bell. The proportions and arrangement of the interior are in good taste both for speaking and effect.
The Society worshipping at this Church was incorporated by an Act of the Legislature, January 21st, 1823, by the name of the " Central Univer- salist Society." The corner stone was laid October 7th, 1822, and the fol- lowing is the principal inscription on the plate deposited underneath : -
"HE that built and sustains all things is Jehovah. This house, devoted to the worship of Almighty God, and the promulgation of his great Salvation through Jesus Christ, the Chief Corner-Stone, was commenced, and this stone laid October VII., in the year of our Lord MDCCCXXII., of the Independence of the United States the forty-sixth, and of the Institution of the city of Boston, the first."
PASTORS. PAUL DEAN, installed May 7, 1823, resigned May 3, 1840. FREDERICK T. GRAY, present Pastor, installed November 26, 1839.
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PHILLIPS CHURCH.
PHILLIPS CHURCH, SOUTH BOSTON.
This Church was gathered December 10, 1823, consisting at that time of thirteen persons. Rev. Prince Hawes, who had been some time preach. ing for them, was installed over them April 23, 1821. A house of worship was erected at the junction o Broadway and A street, and dedicated March 9, 1525. Mr. Hawes was dismissed April 18, 1827, and on the 22d of November of the same year, Rev. Joy H. Fairchild was installed, and was dismissed at his own request, May 16, 1942. The place of worship being too small, a larger one was erected on the same location and dedi- cated May 4, 1836.
The number of members in IS43 was 240.
The house is built of wood, and has 104 pews on the lower floor, and will accommodate, including the gallery, about seven hundred persons.
MINISTERS.
PRINCE HAWES, installed April 23, 1824, left April 18, 1827. J. H. FAIRCHILD, installed November 22, 1827, left May 16, 1842. W. W. PATTON, installed January 18, 1843, left in 1845. JOHN W. ALVORD, installed November 4, 1846, present Pastor.
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CHURCH OF THE ADVINT.
CHURCH OF THE ADVENT, GREEN STREET.
This Society was incorporated in 1846, and worshipped formerly in a hall at the corner of Lowell and Causeway streets. In December, 1818, they removed to the Green Street Church. The seats in this Church are free, and supported by the free-will offering of the worshippers. The number of communicants is about 200. Rev. William Croswell, D. D., has had pastoral charge of the parish from its first organization.
The Meeting-House in Green street was consecrated for Divine wor- ship, October 25, 1826. This religious society arose out of the labors of their pastor, Rev. William Jenks, D. D., who was installed over them on the day of the consecration of their house of worship, October 25, 1526.
This building is plain, but neat. It is surmounted by a square tower of a single story, from a classic model. The seats can conveniently accommo- date about 750 persons. In 1813 this building was sold to the Episcopal denomination, and is now occupied by the Church of the Advent, being the eighth organized Protestant Episcopal Church in Boston.
The Rev. W. Croswell, D. D., the present rector, was appointed at the season of Advent, (December,) 1811 ; and the Rev. F. W. Pollard, called as assistant minister in 1645. The Rev. O. S Prescott is now assistant.
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TWELFTH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
TWELFTH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, CHAMBERS STREET.
Early in the year 1823, several gentlemen resolved to attempt the forma- tion of a new Congregational society, and the erection of a meeting-house for their accommodation in the western part of the city. In a few weeks 102 persons subscribed the sum of $ 23,300 for the building. An Act of incorporation was granted by the legislature on the 11th of June, 1823, for the " Twelfth Congregational Society in the city of Boston." The corner- stone of the new house was laid May 10, 1821, and the building was dedi- cated on the 13th of October following, on which occasion the sermon was preached by the Rev. John G. Palfrey.
The Church is pleasantly located on Chambers street, between Allen and McLean streets, and cost (land included) $ 31,000. It has 152 pews, and will accommodate 1.000 persons. The Rev. Samuel Barrett, of the Can- bridge Theological School, became the pastor, and on the 9th of February, 1525, was ordained, and has since remained the pastor.
The parish library was established in the year 1826, and the Sunday School in 1527. The Society comprises about 200 families, is free from debt, and expends annually for the support of public worship, about thirty- one hundred dollars.
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BOWDOIN STREET CHURCH.
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BOWDOIN STREET CHURCH.
The Bowdoin Street Congregational Society, or Church, was organized July 18, 1525, under the name of the Hanover Street Church, and the cor- ner-stone of the first Meeting House was laid in Hanover Street, by the Rev. B. B. Wisner. It was dedicated to the worship of God on the Ist day of March, 1346, and burned down on the morning of the Ist of Feb- ruary, 1830. Soon after this bereavement, the church and congregation adopted measures to repair the loss, purchased a lot of land in Bowdoin Street, where the present house was built, and obtained a charter from the legislature of the State, as the " Bowdoin Street Congregational Society."
Whole number of members in May, 1851, were 417. The edifice is a massive stone structure, 75 feet front by 93 feet in depth, built in the primitive Gothic style. The tower is 23 feet by 20, projecting 6 feet from the main wall. The house is in the centre of Bowdoin street.
PASTORS.
Rev. LYMAN BEECHER, D. D., inst. March 22, 1 -26, dis. Sept. 36, 1832. Rev. HUBBARD WINSLOW, inst. Sept. 26, 1832, dismissed 1844.
Rev. JARED B. WATERBURY, D. D., present. Pastor, inst. Sept. 2, 1846.
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ST. VINCENT DE PAUL'S CHURCH.
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL'S CHURCH, ROMAN CATHOLIC, PURCHASE STREET.
The corner-stone of this edifice was laid September 7, 1825, and the house was dedicated on Thursday, August 24, 1826, for the use of the Unitarian denomination.
The building is constructed of rough hewn granite, and covers a space of 81 by 74 feet. It stands near Liverpool wharf, where the famous Tea vessels were moored during the memorable 16th of December, 1773. The pastors were Rev. George Ripley, ordained November 8, 1826, and Rev. James I. T. Coolidge, ordained February 9, 1812.
Owing to the many changes that had occurred in that portion of the city, the Unitarian Society worshipping in this Church decided, in the year IS47, to erect a new building in a more central position, for the greater convenience and accommodation of the majority of the members. A lot was accordingly purchased during that year for this purpose.
In May 1813, the Society removed to their New Church at the corner of Harrison avenue and Beach street. The Purchase Street Church has been owned by the Roman Catholics since that period, and is now known as St. Vincent de Paul's. Rev. M. P. Galigher, Pastor, from May, 1813, and at present officiating.
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HARVARD STREET BAPTIST CHURCH1.
HARVARD STREET BAPTIST CHURCH.
This Church was constituted March 27, 1839, consisting of 121 members, derived chiefly from the various Baptist Churches in the city. They now number 500. As they met at first in Boylston Hall, they took the name of the Boylston Street Church, which has been changed to that of the Harvard Street Church, since their removal to the new place of worship. From Boylston Hall they moved to the Melodeon, and thence to the new Church.
The corner stone of the Church was laid in May, 1$12. It is situated at the corner of Harvard street and Harrison avenne. It is a beautiful and commodious edifice, with a stone front. It will accommodate between 1,100 and 1,200 persons. The inside is distinguished for great neatness and convenience.
Their first Pastor was the Rev: Robert Turnbull, who was installed August 25, 1839. Rev. Joseph Banvard, settled as minister in 1846, and is the present Pastor. The Baptists were, as a Society, much persecuted in the seventeenth century, and prosecutions by the civil authorities were numerous against them in Boston, about the year 1665. In 1729, the leg- islature of Connecticut passed an act to exempt Baptists and Quakers from ministerial taxes.
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PINE STREET CHURCH.
PINE STREET CHURCH.
This Church, consisting of 42 members, was organized Sept. 2, 1827. The corner-stone of the Church edifice was laid June 20, of the same year, and the house dedicated by the Congregational denomination, Dec. 25, 1927. The house has been extensively repaired, and some material alter. ations made in the year 1851. It is 71 feet in width and 80 in length, and contains 182 pews. The whole exterior is of a classic form, modelled af- ter the Temple of Theseus at Athens. On the south side is a pleasant Green. The interior of the edifice was remodelled in 1812. In the base- ment is a Vestry, 46 by 40, and a Committee room, 27 feet by 20. The front gallery is furnished with a handsome clock. Present number of members is about 200.
PASTORS.
Rev. THOMAS H. SKINNER, D. D., inst. April 19, IS23, left Aug. 27, 1823. Rev. JONA BROWN, D. D., inst. March 14, 1529, left Feb. 16, 1831. Rev. AMOS A. PHELPS, inst. Sept. 13, 1831, left March 26, 1831. Rev. ARTEMAS BOIES, inst. Dec. 10, 1334, left Nov. 9, 1910.
Rev. AUSTIN PHELPS, inst. March 31, 1812, left May, 1813. Rev. H. M. DEXTER, present Pastor, ordained 1819.
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SALEM STREET CHURCH.
SALEM STREET CHURCH.
This Church was organized September 1, 1827. At its formation it con- sisted of 97 members, viz. 34 males and 63 females. The corner-stone of the Church edifice was laid July 17, 1827. It was consecrated January 1, 1523. The whale number of members nuited to the Church, including the first organization, is 867. The number of members remaining November 14, 1842, 567; of whom 185 are males, and 352 females.
This Church is built of brick, and is situated at the corner of Salem and North Bennett streets. It has a swelled front, and is a commodious build- ing, containing 131 pews on the lower floor, and 32 in the gallery, and two vestries in the basement. The body of the house is 74 by 71 feet. The vestibule projects in front about 12 feet. The ceiling is a simple arch from side to side, springing from a projecting belt of stucco which extends around the entire building.
PASTORS.
Rev. JUSTIN EDWARDS, D. D., inst. Jan. 1, 1829, dis. Aug. 20, 1829. Rev. GEORGE W. BLAGDEN, inst. Nov. 3, 1530, dis. Sept. 5, 1836. Rev. JOSEPH H. TOWNE, installed June 2, 1837, left Dec. 27, 1813. Rev. EDWARD BEECHER, inst. March 13, 1811.
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SOUTH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
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SOUTH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCHI.
This Church edifice was erected in 1823, and was intended for the min- istrations of Rev. Dr. Holley, who formerly preached in the Hollis street pulpit. Mr. Holley was on his return from Kentucky to take charge of it, when suddenly his melancholy death disappointed the hopes of his friends who had erected the Church. The Church was dedicated Jan. 30. 1829; the Rev. Mellish Irving Motte, who had formerly been an Epis- copal clergyman in Charleston, S. C., but had become a Unitarian, was invited to settle as Pastor, and May 21, the same year, was ordained. Dr. Channing preached the sermon. The Society, under Mr. Motte, consist- ed of about 160 families. It showed great zeal in paying off a heavy debt that had been incurred in building the Church. In July, 1812, Mr. Motte requested that his connection with the Society might be dissolved. . In September, the same year, Mr. Frederick D. Huntington. of the Theologi. cal School. Cambridge, was invited with great unanimity to take charge of the congregation, and on the evening of October 19, was ordained. The house contains 124 pews on the floor, and 42 in the gallery.
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MARINERS' CHURCH.
MARINERS' CHURCH, PURCHASE STREET.
This Church is under the charge of the Boston Seamen's Friend Society, formed in January, 1823. The Society previously worshipped in the hall on Central wharf.
The corner-stone of this church edifice was laid August 11, 1829, and was dedicated January 1, 1530. A Church of 9 members was organized, for the special benefit of seamen and their families, January 20, 1830.
The Mariners' Church is situated in Purchase street, on the easterly side of Fort Hill, fronting the harbor. Over it waves the Bethel Flag, in- viting the hardy seamen of Columbia to gather around the altar of their God, and each Sabbath day witnesses these gallant men, who never bent to a victor, on their knees before Him, in his house.
PASTORS.
Rev. JONATHAN GREENLEAF, chosen February 13, 1830, dismissed No- veinber, 1833.
Rev. DANIEL M. LORD, installed Nov. 11, 1831, dismissed July 20, 1848. Rev. GEORGE W. BOURNE. installed February 15, 1849, present Pastor.
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SEAMEN'S CHURCH.
BETHEL
SEAMEN'S CHURCH, OR BETHEL, NORTH SQUARE.
The Bethel, in North Square, is owned by the Port Society for the city of Boston and vicinity, and cost $ 25,000.
In the year 1523, several gentlemen of our city, of the Methodist Epis- copal persuasion, urged by an enlarged philanthropy, organized themselves into a society, for the moral and religions instruction of seamen, to be called " The Port Society of Boston and its vicinity." The Bethel was the first fruits of their design, and no one of our public charities has re. ceived a greater share of public euloginm. Another early act of the founders was to procure and settle a pastor over the Bethel, and their choice fell upon the Rev. Edward T. Taylor, who still continues to labor among his " children," as he affectionately terms the seamen, and his la. bors are attended with eminent success, alike creditable to himself and the great cause he advocates.
The edifice, of which the above is a representation, is all built of brick, with the exception of the basement, which is of unhammered Quincy granite. It is 51 by 53 feet, and is capable of containing 1,500 persons. A part of the basement is used for a reading-room, for the benefit of those seamen who have leisure and inclination to visit it.
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GRACE CHURCHI.
GRACE CHURCH, TEMPLE STREET.
This Society was formed in 1823, and continued to increase very gradu- ally until towards January, 1835, when it was incorporated under the title of "Grace Church in the City of Boston."
The corner stone of the Church edifice.was laid June 30, 1835, and it was consecrated by the Right Reverend Bishop Griswold, June 14, 1836.
The architecture of this Church is generally much admired, and it is a better specimen of the Gothic style than is ordinarily found in New Eng- land. The interior is beautifully painted by M. Bragaldi. The exterior of the building, including the towers (which are of the octagonal form), is 87 feet ; breadth 63 feet. The basement is divided into 2 large rooms for lectures, Sunday-schools, &c. The height from the main floor above the basement to the centre of the main arch, is 45 feet ; an arch is thrown over each of the side galleries, which is intersected by arches opposite the three windows on each side, and resting on each side upon four cluster col- umns of 24 inches diameter.
RECTORS.
Rev. THOMAS M. CLARK, instituted November 13, 1836, left 1813. Rev. CLEMENT N. BUTLER, D. D., instituted 1844, left 1817. Rev. CHARLES MASON, present Pastor, instituted 1818.
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FOURTH UNIVERSALET CHUR U.
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FOURTH UNIVERSALIST CHURCH, SOUTH BOSTON.
This edifice is situated at the corner of B street and Broadway. It was built, and is now occupied hy the " Fourth Universalist Society," which was gathered in April, 1830, under the labors of Rev. Benjamin Whitte- more, who was installed April 10, 1833. Rev. Thomas D. Cook, present minister, installed in 1814. From a small beginning the Society has grad- ually increased in numbers and prosperity. The Society was organized May 30, 1831, and incorporated April 19, 1837.
Connected with the Society is a Church, numbering about 80 members. Also a Sabbath School with 250 scholars and 15 teachers.
The Church edifice presents nothing very remarkable to the eye in point of architecture. It is built of wood, with a brick basement, which con- tains two stores and the Vestry. The furniture and interior ornaments are neat, and well adapted to the comfort and convenience of the speaker and auditory. The origin of the denomination of Universalists in Amer. ica, was in the year 1770. Mr. John Murray commenced preaching near New York ; visited Philadelphia and several parts of New Jersey ; came in 1773 to Newport, and thence to Boston, where he arrived on the 20th of October of that year.
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CENTRAL CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
CENTRAL CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, WINTER STREET.
This Church was organized May 11, 1835, consisting of 62 members, and commenced public worship at the Odeon, August 6, 1835, under the name of the Franklin Street Church.
The corner stone of the Church edifice was laid May 27, 1911, and the Church consecrated Dec. 31, 1311. The Central Congregational Society was organized Dec. 7, 1511, and the Franklin Street Church assumed the unie of the Central Congregational Church, Dec. 21, ISHI. The number of members in January 1, 1850, was 162.
The front of this Church is of the Corinthian order; the two fluted col- umns and beautiful capitals of Quincy granite sustaining the entablature, that, united, form an elevation of about 53 feet from the ground, and of 41 in width, present an imposing appearance. The interior arrangement of the house embraces all modern improvements in this department of archi- tecture.
PASTORS.
Rev. WILLIAM M. ROGERS, installed August 6, 1835.
Rev. GEORGE RICHARDS, installed October 8, 1815.
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FIFTH UNIVERSALIST CHURCH.
FIFTH UNIVERSALIST CHURCHI, WARREN STREET.
The Fifth Universalist Society was formed January, 1836. It wor- shipped in Boylston Hall three years, when it removed to the Meeting. House erected for its use in Warren, near Tremont street. The house was dedicated in February, 1839.
The Meeting-House is built of brick, with a granite basement, and con- tains 162 pews, and will seat about 1,100 persons. It is furnished with a fine-toned organ. In the basement there is a large vestry and three school-rooms.
The Church, which originally consisted of 85 members, was formed in 1837. It has now about 350 members. The communion is administered once a month. There are connected with the Society two Sabbath Schools, consisting of about 300 children, and 70 teachers. There are also two fe- male charitable associations connected with the Society.
PASTORS.
Rev. OTIS A. SKINNER, settled January, 1837, resigned April, 1816. Rev. J. S. DENNIS, installed January, 1817, resigned June, 1848. Rev. OTIS A. SKINNER, reinstalled March, 1819.
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ST. AUGUSTINE'S CHURCH.
ST. AUGUSTINE'S CHURCH, SOUTHI BOSTON.
This Church was erected in 1819, by the Catholic Congregation of Bos- ton, with the approbation and assistance of the Rt. Rev. Bishop Cheverus. It was enlarged, rendered fit for Divine service, and afterwards consecrated by Bishop Fenwick, in 1833. A tablet in front of the building bears the following inscription : - " Erected by the Catholic Congregation of Bos- ton, with the approbation and assistance of Right Reverend Bishop Cheverus, A. D. 1819."
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