USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Standard history of Essex county, Massachusetts, embracing a history of the county from its first settlement to the present time, with a history and description of its towns and cities. The Most historic county of America. > Part 76
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The record of his exemplary and active life of Christian labor is noteworthy. He was known no less for broad philanthropy than for practical wisdom and business exactness and method. Ou school boards almost continuously, and as superintendent of public schools, he was foremost in judicious movements. There was nothing nncer- tain in his action. He was either an enthusiastic helper or a declared opponent. He died Thanksgiving night, 1876, honored and lamented by all, having completed and reviewed his thirty years' pastorate.
The Rev. William Lawrence, of Boston, became the associate of Dr. Packard shortly before his death, and succeeded him as rector of the parish, worthily following in the steps of so exemplary a pred- ecessor. Ile is young, enthusiastic, talented, and faithful.
St. John's Episcopal Church first held public meetings in Essex Engine-House, ward five, accommodating residents of the west- erly section of the city. The members soon gathered in numbers sufficient to warrant the erection of a neat church on Morton Street, seating some 450 persons. This house was first opened for service the last Sabbath in May, 1866. Three years afterward the house was removed to the present central location on Bradford Street. The Rev.
A. V. G. Allen was rector for a time ; the Rev. James II. Lce, and the Rev. Charles C. Harris, succeeded. The Rev. Belno A. Brown, rector for several years, was succeeded, in 1878, by the Rev. William G. Wells.
St. Thomas Episcopal Church, though located in Methuen, near the line of division, is attended largely by Lawrence citizens. The Rev. Belno A. Brown is rector. The form of worship is ritualistic.
The Lawrence Street Congregational Church, one of the largest Protestant churches, is the outgrowth of the first religious society here formed. June 12, 1846, petitioners addressed John Tenney, Esq., of Methuen, calling for a warrant to organize "a Religious Society at Essex City, so called, in Methuen." August 8th following, at the house of Nathaniel B. Gordon, "The Merrimack Congregational Society" was legally formed, and steps taken "to build or hire a place of public worship." Aug. 15, 1846, the society voted to creet a building forty feet by fifty feet. Building commenced Oct. 16, 1846. The little chapel cost $1,000, and seated, when crowded, 275 hearers. It stood just at the rear of the present church. Abbott Lawrence gave $100; friends in Boston, $335. Jan. 10, 1847, this building was dedicated, the Rev. S. C. Jackson preaching : text, " For mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people." On the third Sabbath of January, 1847, the Rev. Lyman Whiting preached to the society. Feb. 17, 1847, initial steps were taken for the formation of a church. April 9, 1847, a council convened at Methuen, resulting in the forming of the church, called, and since known, as the "Lawrence Street Congregational Church." May 7th, following, the Rev. Mr. Whiting was called to the pastorate. June 16th next, he was installed as pastor, the Rev. Dr. N. Adams preaching. In May, 1848, the last Sabbath-service was hekel in the little chapel, and the vestry, in the new building, was occupied. Oct. 11, 1848, the new house was completed and dedicated.
The original cost of the building was about $13,000. There was nothing for ornament ; it was simply spacious and convenient. Judi- cious improvements have been made, from time to time, and it remains a sort of half-way covenant between the ancient marvel of plainness and the overwrought modern mixture of styles. During construc- tion of this house, a heavy gale destroyed the unfinished steeple, depositing it in ruins upon the vacant lot where the dwelling of Dr. French now stands.
The Rev. Mr. Whiting resigned in 1849, which was a year of some disturbance in the new church. There was not perfect union between pastor, attendants, and members. There was discord in the choir. Since the healing of those misunderstandings, there has been unbroken harmony. The Rev. Samuel Harris, of Conway, and the Rev. E. N. Hidden, of Milford, were called to succeed Mr. Whiting, but neither accepted the call. In November, 1851, the Rev. Henry M. Storrs, a talented young man, then only twenty-four years of age, a graduate of Ainherst College, just from the theological school at Andover, accepted a call from this church, and was ordained Jan. 15, 1852. In him Christian graces, business punctuality, with scholarly tastes and habits, were happily united. Ile remained with the church until 1855, a faithful labover, when he was called to a wider field at Cincin- nati, in Ohio, his native State. The Rev. A. II. Clapp, and the Rev. Charles Beecher supplied the pulpit for a time ; the first-named was invited to assume the relation of pastor, but declined. The Rev. G. B. Willcox, of Fitchburg, was settled in September, 1856, and remained three years, - a useful pastor, beloved by his people.
In 1859, the Rev. Caleb E. Fisher, of the Free Church in Andover, was installed, and for fourteen years was a plain, earnest, and devoted pastor. His pulpit manner was impressive, his preaching direct and practical. Among his own people and elsewhere, he was a welcome guest. He devised and organized methods for freeing the church from debt, and was active as a member of committees in charge of public schools. He resigned the pastorate in 1873, and died in Min- nesota three years thereafter.
The Rev. Joshua Coit became pastor in 1874, and still remains. IIis relations with the people are most cordial. Neglecting no duty, and using sensible argument and direct appeal, instead of sensational declamation, his influence is healthful and lasting. Account of work done through the years, in different sections outside of church walls, and of new churches aided, would make a goodly volume by itself, it fully recited. At one time the Sabbath school of this church, and of the missions sustained, was second in numbers and importance in the whole State. It is creditable to the older religious societies in the city, that they have generously aided struggling churches, without particular regard to sectarian lines.
The Central Congregational Church was organized Christmas Day,
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HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
1849. The first step was a meeting Oct. 24, 1849, at the house of Hervey Kent, 25 Atlantie Corporation. Dee. 25, 1849, a eouneil assembled in the vestry of the Lawrence Street Church, and the church was formed.
The next Sabbath, the Rev. Mr. Dexter, of Boston, preached to the new congregation, in city hall, where they worshipped until 1854. The Rev. Lyman Whiting preached about eight months in 1850. The Rev. E. Whittlesey also prenched for a time. He was afterwards promi- neut in military affairs and the Freedman's Bureau. The Rev. Henry M. Storrs supplied for three months. The Rev. William Cowper Foster was installed first pastor Jan. 16, 1852. One hundred members were added in the first year of his pastorate. The pastor was fervid in man- ner, enthusiastie, and unbending. He is well remembered for his vehe- ment opposition to slavery extension, and sturdy advoeaey of anti- slavery opinions. His connection with the church ceased Feb. 17, 1857.
In 1853, land was bought corner of Essex and Appleton streets as a site for a church. The building fund had a nnelens in penny eon- tributions, by families, in tin savings-boxes.
The new church was dedicated Aug. 6, 1854. It is remembered as the only church in the city built upon a basement of business houses, and for the disastrous fire, August, 1859, completely consuming the church building, little but the pulpit Bible and movable furniture being saved.
The society returned to their old home, the city hall, but sct about creeting a permanent building, the present church, which is of rough stone, quarried from blue-stone ledges of the city.
The Rev. Daniel Tenney, of Brighton, Mass., was installed as pas- tor Sept. 2, 1857, and continued to serve for five years. The new church was dedicated June 8, 1860. In May, 1862, Mr. Tenney left to assume the pastorate of Springfield Street Church, Boston.
In October, 1862, the Rev. Christopher M. Cordley, from West Brookfield, Mass., became pastor, and remained with the church until his death, June 26, 1866. His firmness of charneter, intense earnest- ness, and liberal eulture made him prominent in the denomination. A plain granite monument in Bellevue Cemetery, with only his simple name inseribed, marks his resting-place.
The Rev. William E. Park became pastor in 1866, and continued until 1875, when he resigned and removed to Gloversville, N. Y. He was a man of much intellectual power, with a rare faculty of compo- sition and true Christian manliness and independence.
In the fall of 1876, the Rev. George M. Ide, formerly of Hopkin- ton, Mass., became pastor, and continues with the church until the present time, an active pastor and an eloquent and foreible preacher.
The Eliot Congregational Church was formed Sept. 28, 1865. Oet- ober 1st following, first public service was held at city hall. On the 4th of the same month, the church was recognized by a council of churches. On the 8th of the same month, first service as an organ- ized church was held in Grace Episcopal Chapel, and a Sabbath school of thirty-seven members organized. In February, 1866, the Rev. William Franklin Snow came to this church. In June following, he accepted the call of the society, and commenced his work as pastor. The brick church building was dedicated Sept. 6, 1866; seven days thereafter, Mr. Snow was installed as pastor.
In his five years of service, Mr. Snow endeared himself to every member of his floek, and won the respeet of all citizens. He was in- defatigable in study and labor, a finished scholar, unassuming, yet earnest, independent, and entirely devoted to a pastor's work ; a man gentle and courteous, strong in faith, and loyal to duty and right. On the 11th of January, 1871, this sincere man died in the midst of his labor, yet a young man.
The Rev. Theodore T. Munger was installed pastor June 14, 1871. He remained until February, 1875, when failing health led him to the Pacific coast for a few years' residence. The sermons of Mr. Mun- ger were models of original and eloquent composition. Few preach- ers have his nieety of literary culture and intellectual keenness.
The Rev. John H. Barrows was ordained pastor April 29, 1875. He is a severe student, active in reforms, and, like his predecessors, eritieal as a writer, also forcible and eloquent as a speaker. The in- erease in membership has been gradual and steady. The original thirty-two members were mostly from the Lawrenee Street and Cen- tral churches in the city.
The Southi Congregational Church had its beginning in a small gath- ering of residents of South Lawrence, meeting in the school-house many years before the formation of a church. In the spring of 1858, the society met in the railroad depot. The convenient chapel was erected in 1867, and dedicated December 25th of that year. The
land was given by the Essex Company. George A. Fuller, Esq., a generous resident, Peter and John Smith, of Andover, and the Hon. William A. Russell, of the eity, with other publie-spirited citizens, materially aided in the erection of the chapel, and firmly establishing the society. Until October, 1865, there was no stated preaching. Prof. Edwards A. Park, of Andover, preached to the people in this church for nearly a year. The Rev. L. V. Ferris was settled perma- nently for a time, and, on his departure, the Rev. Clark Carter sue- ceeded him, and still remains patiently and faithfully laboring, having the confidenee of his flock.
The First Presbyterian Church was organized in 1868, occupying the new meeting-house on Coveord Street, Christmas Day, 1870. The Rev. John Hogg was pastor for many years, and was a preacher of talent and culture. His successor, the Rev. John A. Burns, died in 1878. He won the love of his parishioners and the respect of citizens for his sincerity and worth.
The denomination was represented in the city more than twelve years before this, having a church organization, and ereeting, in 1856, a simple church building, on Oak Street.
A Free Congregational Church, so called, was established in 1871. The society erected a chapel on Lowell Street. The Rev. Albert Watson was pastor for a time. This interest languished, and the church became merged in others. A part of this band now worship on Lowell Street, in ward five.
Riverside Congregational Church is an outgrowth of the Riverside Mission, sustained for years by the older churches. The worshippers were organized as a Congregational church, March 9, 1878. The modest chapel is on Water Street.
The First Baptist Church : The Rev. Mr. Fitz preached to a con- gregation of Baptists gathered in the new eity, at the Old Essex Com- pany's school-house, Sunday, Feb. 14, 1847. A consultation held at the house of Samuel Easter resulted in securing occasional preaching by ministers of that denomination. March 11, 1847, a meeting was held to consider the propriety of forming a Baptist church, and taking steps for the ercetion of a house of worship.
The first church lot selected was at the corner of Amesbury and Valley streets. By safer afterthought the present site was chosen. A temporary building, forty by twenty-five feet, was erected, and occupied April 14, 1847 ; this was enlarged in the fall of the same year. Population and religious interest outgrew accommodations, and, June 12, 1849, ground was broken for the present edifice, on land given by the Essex Company. The basement was occupied in January, 1850.
Organization of this church was effected Aug. 24, 1847. In Deeem- ber, 1847, the Rev. John G. Richardson was installed as pastor. He remained five and one-half years, during which time membership increased from thirty-nine to 183. He resigned in the summer of 1853, leaving a stainless record. The Rev. Artemas Sawyer suc- ceeded him as pastor. He was ordained Dec. 27, 1853. He remained two years and three months, when he accepted a professorship in Arcadia College, a position for which his scholarly tastes fitted him.
The Rev. Frank Remington eame to the church as pastor in the summer of 1856, and for three years gave all the energy of a nature intensely active and forcible to the work in hand. During that time the society and church were greatly prospered, the attendance and membership being largely increased during a powerful revival, and churches at Andover, and Salem, N. H., materially aided. Mr. Remington resigned Aug. 1, 1859, going to New York city. He afterwards did good service in permanently establishing the Second Baptist Church in Lawrence. He now resides in Cleveland, O.
The Rev. Henry F. Lane, of Dorchester, Mass, accepted a call to the pastorate, as successor to Mr. Remington. He was young, ener- getie, and thoroughly absorbed in the legitimate work of a Christian minister. In November, 1862, he accepted the chaplainey of the 41st (three years ) Regiment Massachusetts Volunteers. The Rev. George Knox was settled during the permanent absence of Mr. Lane. He remained only a year, when (in 1864) he became chaplain of his old regiment, the 29th Maine. Only one month after his departure this sineere and patriotic man was killed in Washington, D. C., by a fall from his horse, while in the discharge of his duty.
The Rev. George W. Bosworth, D.D., from Portland, Me., became pastor, Sept. 1, 1865. In the same year the house of worship was completely renovated, and the long-standing debt paid. Dr. Bos- worth was strong, stable, cultured, and of mature age. He remained a most faithful pastor for nearly three and one-half years. The Rev. J. B. G. Pidge, a young, ardent, and talented student from Newton Theological Seminary, accepted an invitation to become pastor of the
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HISTORY OF ESSEX COUNTY, MASSACHUSETTS.
church, and was ordained Sept. 8, 1869. Under his pastoral care there has been large increase in numbers, general prosperity of the church and society, and so perfect a union of pastor and people that attempts of metropolitan churches to induce a separation have been futile.
The Rev. J. Sella Martin, formerly a slave, afterwards of some note in Louisiana politics (since deceased), preached for several months after the resignation of Mr. Remington in 1859.
The Second Baptist Church was organized in 1860. The sixty- seven members were all from the older church, not separating because of schism or disagreement, but as Christians desiring to extend gospel influences. Under the pastorate of the Rev. Frank Remington the new church worshipped in city hall. Afterwards the society pur- chased the small church building erected by the Christian Society, on Common Street, west of the common. This building they occupied for a time, removed, enlarged, and renovated it in 1865, and, eleven years later (1874), rebuilt, enlarged, and further improved the build- ing. The Rev. Cyrus F. Tolman, the Rev. Henry A. Cooke, the Rev. L. L. Wood, and the Rev. George W. Gile have been the successive pastors of this church, the latter still remaining. The Rev. Mr. Cooke and the Rev. Mr. Wood have both been prominent pastors of city churches in Boston since their departure. The membership, in this community of changes, reaches nearly 700 residents.
The Free Baptist Church may truly be termed a pioneer society. Jan. 7, 1847, twelve citizens from widely separated districts, thrown together in the chaotic social condition of that time, finding them- selves accustomed to the same denominational form of worship and doctrinal belief, by a council consisting of the Rev. Silas Curtis, the Rev. D. P. Cilley, and the Rev. D. S. Frost, were organized under the name of the First Freewill Baptist Church of Lawrence, with the Rev. Jarius E. Davis as pastor. During his pastorate of three years sixty-four members were added. The Rev. Silas Curtis had preached to a few worshippers of this sect, in the first boarding-house erected on Broadway, when there was little but these new dwellings and the beginning of the dam and locks. In private houses, in a school-house on Haverhill Street, long sinee removed, and in hired halls, the little band worshipped until, on a lot given by the Essex Company, corner of Haverhill and White streets, they erected a modest church. While worshipping in the school-house the con- gregation was startled by the bursting of fire through the floor. The building stood upon posts, and some mischievous person or careless smoker set fire to lumber beneath; the congregation turned out and saved the building.
On the 1st of Oct., 1849, the Rev. Jonathan Woodman, prominent, active, and influential in the denomination, assumed pastoral charge, and labored for three years, during which time sixty-six members were added. From December, 1852, the Rev. G. P. Ramsey con- tinued laboring for two and a half years. Under his charge sixty- seven were added. At.this time, and for years, the society maintained a continual struggle against poverty. There were no wealthy mem- bers and the business reverses following in 1857 were severely felt. A call was extended to the Rev. A. D. Williamns, in the spring of 1855. He received into the church 180 members. An extensive revival interest sprung up, the Rev. Stephen Coffin, one of the fathers, spending some time with the church. In the spring of 1857, the new house, corner of Common and Pemberton streets, was dedi- cated. Mr. Williams, after two years and a half, found his health declining and resigned his charge. The Rev. E. M. Tappan came to the church in September, 1857. In the summer of 1860, Mr. Tap- pan's health completely failed him. On the 12th of Dec., 1860, after a long and painful sickness, his pilgrimage closed. A more humble, patient, and exemplary pastor never labored faithfully and prayerfully for a struggling church. He had welcomed to the church one hundred members. In May, 1861, the Rev. J. Burnham Davis came. He was a young man, coming to his first settlement. One hundred and twenty-four members were added under him. Mr. Davis resigned, and closed his labors on the 1st of Jan., 1866. On the 22d of the same month, a call was extended to the Rev. E. G. Chaddock. Mr. Chaddock was a young man, an carnest laborer. His change of views and after connection with another denomination is well remembered. In the fall of 1870, the Rev. John A. Lowell became pastor, and remained a year and a half. The Rev. Alphonso L Houghton has been pastor for the last six years. He is cultured, earnest, and sin- cere. Under his care the membership has nearly doubled. Few pas- tors have more completely won the love of their people and the respect of the entire community. Mr. Davis (first pastor) died in Michigan several years ago. Mr. Ramsey died in Maine a few years sinec.
The First Unitarian Church was organized Aug. 30, 1847. The Rev. Henry F. Harrington, a most earnest, enthusiastic man, was the first pastor. Holding service at first in Odd Fellows' Hall, a chapel was soon erected, near the site of the present church, and ocenpied for a time. May 12, 1850, the church, corner of Haverhill and Jackson streets, was dedicated, Mr. Harrington resigned the pastorate in 1854. The Rev. S. S. Hunting was called as his succes- sor, but he declined the call. The Rev. William L. Jenkins came to the society in 1855. He was a sincere, able, and devoted pastor for nearly ten years. The Rev. James H. Wiggin was settled in 1865, but remained only one year. The Rev. James B. Moore was a preacher remarkable for his impressive delivery and rare facility in forcible composition. Disease contracted in active military service finally resulted in his death, after a useful pastoral relation of several years. The Rev. Charles A. Hayden remained three years, resign- ing in 1876. The Rev. Edmund R. Sanborn is the present pastor. Shortly after coming, by his energy he raised several thousand dollars to liquidate a long-standing church debt. He is a ready and forcible speaker, public-spirited, independent, and energetic.
The Rev. Mr. Harrington, the first pastor, was a positive, radical, yet judicious organizer and advocate of reform and progressive measures in the early years, and a leader in organizing the public schools. He had advaneed practical ideas regarding systematic care of the deserving poor.
The First Universalist Society, now known as the Church of the Good Shepherd, was organized Nov. 15, 1847, The Rev. George H. Clark was the first pastor. He died in Lawrence, after three years faithful service, December, 1851. Mr. Clark came here from Loek- port, N. Y., was active and publie-spirited, though never physically strong. The Rev. J. R. Johnson succeeded him, and during his stay of nearly four years there was large increase in attendance.
Previous to the erection of the church on Haverhill Street, in 1853, the society seems to have had no permanent home ; meeting for a time in a school-house, and in Bridgman's Hall and Lyceum Hall, for a longer time in Lawrence HIall ; the burning of that hall cast them adrift, but they found quarters in city hall, and other halls; afterwards in new Lawrence Hall, going from thenee to the vestry of the new church, which was finished and dedicated June 30. 1853. Mr. Johnson left in 1855. The society was organized as a church in 1859. The suc- cecding pastors were the Rev. J. J. Brayton, the Rev. Martin J. Steere (Mr. Steere died a few years since), and the Rev. George S. Weaver. The last-named had the longest stay, twelve years, coming in 1861. He was able, enthusiastic, and liberal. Under his care, the church had most substantial growth. The Rev. George W. Perry remained three years, resigning in the fall of 1877. He was indefati- gable, punctual, and exact. The church building was entirely remod- elled in 1866, and rededieated February, 1867. The Rev. E. A. White was settled in 1878, and remains as pastor. The Rev. Mr. Jewell preached for a short time after the death of the first pastor, before Mr. Johnson's coming.
Haverhill Street Methodist Episcopal Church was organized Sep- tember, 1847, with but twenty-three members. Here, as elsewhere, the Methodists were pioneers. Their first public services appear to have been held at the house of Charles Barnes, No. 5 Broadway, afterwards at Bridgman's Hall, on Oak Street, and in Odd Fellows' Hall, and Concert Hall. The Rev. Lorenzo D. Barrows (since deceased) was the first settled pastor, and was again settled over the same church in 1872-74. The church building on Haverhill Street was commenced in December, 1847 ; the vestry dedicated March 26, 1848. The house was reconstructed in 1859. The church seems to have been continuously prosperons. The successive pastors have been : the Rev. James Pike, the Rev. Moses Ilow, the Rev. Samuel Kelley, the Rev. R. S. Rust, the Rev. Jonathan Hall, the Rev. W. A. McDonald, the Rev. T. A. Hughes, the Rev. Wilbur F. Watkins, the Rev. J. H. MeCarty, D. D., the Rev. Sullivan Hol- man, the Rev. R. S. Stubbs, the Rev. George S. Dearborn, the Rev. Linville J. Hall, the Rev. D. C. Knowles, the Rev. E. F. Pitcher, and the Rev. Dauiel Stevenson, D. D. The Rev. Mr. Knowles, coming for the second time, is the present pastor. The Rev. James L. Gleason preached to the little band first drawn together, for several months prior to settlement of the first pastor.
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