USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Gloucester > The book of the three hundredth anniversary observance of the foundation of the Massachusetts Bay Colony at Cape Ann in 1623 and the fiftieth year of the incorporation of Gloucester as a city > Part 9
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It will help us all today, on this 300th Anniversary of the settle- ment of Gloucester, the 150th Anniversary of the holding of the first American Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and on the 100th Anniversary of the coming of Rev. George Pickering, the pioneer of Cape Ann Methodism to Gloucester,-to remind ourselves that "our primary aim is to lead men from darkness to light, to build them up in Christian faith, to seize life at the earliest possible moment for the Kingdom, and to hold for the religious interests the right of way." Having come by faith to these 300 years of creditable achieve- ments, can our fair city do better than to esteem the leadership of Christ, greater value, than the treasures of the world, having respect unto the recompense of His reward, when He shall say according to Matthew 25: 21, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant, thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."
AT THE EAST GLOUCESTER METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
Owing to the burning of the Chapel Street Baptist Church, the East Gloucester Methodist Church was used jointly by both
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denominations. Each of the ministers gave a short historical sketch of his church and its contribution to the religious life of the parish. Rev. Mr. Wilson of the Baptist Church was the first speaker and gave a very interesting review of the growth of the Chapel Street church and the Baptist activities which date back to 1837. Rev. Albion K. King followed with a brief review of the Methodist work which was founded in 1885. While both addresses strongly emphasized the contribution of the re- spective churches, they were characterized by a breadth of spirit and vision which promises much for the future of the parish. Each minister definitely committed himself to the ideal of unity and a broader community service which the problems of the day seem to demand.
Sermon By Rev. John Brainerd Wilson
Note-Rev. Mr. Wilson was born in Peabody, 1860, graduated Phillips Andover and Harvard '84, Andover Theological Institute, graduating from Newton Theological Institute 1887 with an advanced course at Andover Seminary '91-'92. At Harvard he was on the board of the Daily Crimson and in other activities. He was pastor of the Pleasant Street Baptist church of Concord, N. H., 1902-15 also at Bow, N. H., and has held pastorates at Dorchester and Brooklyn, N. Y. He is married and his three sons are graduates of Phillips An- dover and Harvard.
Among the events which led up to the organization of the Baptist church at East Gloucester was the fact that as early as 1835 a Sun- day school was started at Eastern Point by a missionary of the Massa- chusetts convention and several brethren and friends of the Sunday school at the Harbor. The school began with forty children and ten teachers. The early records are incomplete.
About 1854 Judge Davis was superintendent of a Sunday school which held its sessions at the Old Engine house. In 1856 at Rocky Neck, children were meeting at the homes of Mrs. A. H. Wonson and Mrs. Nancy Smith. The numbers increased so fast that the school had to be held in a seine loft.
Dr. Lamson, while pastor of the First Baptist church of Gloucester, held prayer meetings in the schoolhouse which still stands as a dwelling house at the foot of Plum street-and preached there, as early as 1836, a sermon from which seven persons dated their spiritual awakening.
It was a suggestion from Rev. Mr. Pierce, pastor of the First Baptist church, that started the project of building a meeting house
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at East Gloucester. The idea was favorably received and the women of the place immediately organized a society to raise necessary funds. The project was started in all the breadth of the gospel itself and those of any faith and of none worked side by side, in a common enthusiasm, for a common end. But with possession came prefer- ences and prejudices and denominationalism, that mixture of help and hindrance in all the work of the Church Universal, appeared here also. Doubtless it seemed the one all important question whether Methodist or Baptist should be the name of the new church. Doubtless the warmest contestants of the question would today frankly admit that their emphasis was somewhat misplaced and that the teaching of Christian truth rather than the Methodist or Baptist form of teach- ing was the paramount consideration.
Be that as it may, might came in to emphasize right and a majority made the decision. A Baptist church was the result, known for the first five years as a branch church under the care of the First Baptist church of Gloucester, and the pastoral ministrations of "Father" Lyle who used to walk from his home on Lovett's hill to the church and back, always declining, it is said, a "lift" by the way.
The history of the church properly begins however, with the next pastorate, that of Mr. Dunn, who in July 1863, assisted at the council called to organize an independent body, the new church of 54 mem- bers and became its pastor at a salary of $700. There seems to have been a difficulty in raising this sum for the record of Mr. Dunn's resignation four years later naively remarks that "he gives no reason for resigning but it appears to be because he hasn't received his salary quarterly." Wonderfully individual are those records of the early days of the church history when the clerk took time to record the beauty of the seasons and the pleasant "Sabbaths" and lingered over the portrayal of some saint who departed "full of years in the triumph of the Lord."
The parish records of this same period show that a meeting of the male members of the church and "all others interested in sus- taining Baptist preaching" was called for March 12, 1865, "for the purpose of organizing a society to carry on the financial affairs of the parish." Deacon George Parsons acted as a moderator and Frederick G. Wonson as secretary. A constitution, drafted by the pastor, Mr. Dunn, was adopted and Benjamin Robinson, Seth Stockbridge and Frederick Gerring chosen as the first parish committee. This parish society continued until the pastorate of Rev. Irad C. Hardy when the society disbanded and the Chapel Street Baptist church became an incorporated body.
The meeting house which began as a one story chapel was, in 1869, during Mr. Gannett's pastorate remodeled and the audience room furnished with pews. The first pew sale was held January 30, 1869 and the house dedicated February 3 of the same year.
In July, 1870, the question of enlarging the house came up and a committee was appointed to ascertain the problematical cost. One week later a meeting was held to hear the report of this committee
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but the record of the meeting ends abruptly in the middle. For some years after, the question of enlarging seems to have been lost sight of. Indeed, in 1880, the parish voted at its annual meeting to omit morning service for a year and to reduce the pastor's salary $200. But the mackerel must have "struck in" soon after and brought with them prosperity for, in February, 1881 Mr. Hall was called to the pastorate at a salary of $1200 and a parsonage was purchased for $3200.
Again, in 1883, the church building seemed too small and an at- tempt was made to raise subscriptions for a structure to cost "not less than $20,000 exclusive of furnishings." This rather ambitious project fell through and it was not until 1891 that any radical altera- tions were made. Then, at Mr. Sander's suggestion, the church was entirely remodeled and refurnished at an expense of about $14,000. This building was destroyed by fire December 2, 1921.
In the following Spring the church voted to exchange the par- sonage property for the house and large lot adjoining the church property and to build a modern church-school building of brick and after that to construct the auditorium when sufficient funds were available. The church-school building is in process of construction according to plans drawn up by a well known and successful Gloucester architect.
In 1892, the name of the church was changed from the East Gloucester Baptist to the Chapel Street Baptist Church and what had been known as the society was regularly incorporated as the parish.
Ten pastors have given their instruction and example since Mr. Dunn's salary failed to reach him quarterly. Mr. Gannett was his immediate successor, "called to labor as preacher" the records have it. His "labors" were followed by those of Mr. Higgins, Mr. Mc- Collough, Mr. Hall, Rev. George Dana Sanders, Mr. Nobbs, Mr. Rucker, Mr. Phelps, Rev. Irad Hardy and in '16 Mr. Wilson, the present minister, men of many types. Some were gifted with per- suasive speech; some with a sympathy so compelling that, like the Christ their Master, they have carried their people's sorrows.
The church has held a notable record for catholicity of view and breadth of Christian fellowship. It has from time to time welcomed to its pulpit men of various types of Christian thought. In its bene- volences the church has looked beyond the limit of denominationalism and has sought to minister by its charities not only to Baptists or to Protestants or to the "deserving" of any faith but to relieve wherever there is distress and to help where there is need. The Chapel Street Baptist church believes in the future of East Gloucester and in pre- paring to meet the moral and spiritual needs of the young and their elders in a most efficient manner. It has one of the first building lots for church and parsonage in the city and is engaged in building a memorial that will serve East Gloucester for many generations and be a fitting embodiment of its faith and works.
Names of the ministers who served the Chapel Street Baptist Church, and the years of their pastorates: George Lyle, 1857-1862;
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Andrew Dunn, 1863-1867; Joseph H. Gannett, 1867-1874; A. M. Hig- gins, 1874-1877; George W. Mccullough, 1877-1880; Lamartine A. Hall, 1881-1884; George Dana Sanders, 1885-1893; Samuel B. Nobbs, 1894-1899; George F. Beecher, 1900-1907; Theron T. Phelps, 1908- 1910; Irad B. Hardy, 1911-1916; John Brainerd Wilson, 1916-
The address of the Rev. Mr. King was as follows:
"During the first two hundred years of the history of Gloucester Eastern Point never contained more than a few broad homestead farms inhabited by sturdy and thrifty men whose large families tend- ed the stock and raised the corn while they went down to the sea for fishing. The fishing industry as a business with capital and labor paid on the shares was largely a development of the 19th century. Less than a hundred years ago the land across the street between Chapel and Highland Streets where the Baptist church is now located was a cornfield. As the fisheries developed the settlement followed the shoreline. With the coming of the people there was a demand for the Gospel."
"Before the coming of the churches to East Gloucester the people were under the pastoral care of the churches in the city. As early as 1850 Methodist class meetings and preaching services were occasionally held in halls and private homes by the pastor of the old Prospect Street Methodist Episcopal church, which later was located on Elm Street, and afterwards removed to its present location, and renamed the Prospect Street Methodist Episcopal church.
"During the summer of 1885 under the leadership of Rev. S. B. Sweetser, pastor of the latter church, a plot of land was purchased under the brow of the hill on the south side of East Main Street and the large building which has since been converted into a tenement was built for a church. The total cost was $3,300. On September 23, 1885, the first official quarterly conference was held in the new church and the East Gloucester Methodist Episcopal church was organized. The following persons were present: Rev. L. R. Thayer, presiding elder, Rev. S. B. Sweetser, Charles Douglas, Fitz W. Davis, Samuel C. Douglas, Constant Deveau, Hon. David I. Robinson and William L. Robinson. I believe the only person of the group now living is Mr. William L. Robinson, who was the secretary of the meeting.
"By transfer from the Prospect Street Methodist church the following persons became charter members of the new church: Charles Douglas, Lydia A. Douglas, Fitz W. Davis, Henry Jacobs, Ida F. Day, Sarah E. Peterson, Abigail Douglas, Samuel C. Douglas, Sarah Deveau, Hannah E. Jacobs, Mary B. Spates, and John J. Calder. The only surviving member of that group is Mrs. Sarah E. Peterson, who is still a regular attendant every pleasant day.
"Rev. Carl A. Anderson was the first regular pastor of the church. During the pastorate of Rev. Emanuel C. Charlton, 1890- 1892, the church made a very great growth, more than doubling its
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membership. Rev. Mr. Charlton conceived the idea of rendering a larger service to the many fishermen who inhabited this port and roamed these streets without the comforts of home. Consequently in the summer of 1890 he opened a room in the church as a recreation center for fishermen. Later, in 1892, he became the founder of "The Fishermen's Institute" on Duncan Street which ever since has served a need which the churches were unprepared or unwilling to meet.
"The longest pastorate of the church was that of Rev. J. P. West, 1892-1896, and it was during that time that the membership of the church attained its highest figure. In the year 1894 under the leader- ship of the pastor and the presiding elder, Rev. J. O. Knowles, the present church edifice was purchased from the Universalist society.
"The church has never been large in number of membership nor wealth, but it has made a valuable contribution to the religious life of the community. All together there have been 270 preparatory members received into the church and the total membership has been 321.
"The oldest living member of the church is Mrs. Abbie Sorensen who lives in Amero Court. She was transferred into the membership of the church by letter in 1894. She joined the Methodist Episcopal Church 74 years ago in the State of Maine and moved to Gloucester the following year. On last Friday, August 24, she celebrated her 91st birthday. She is still very bright and cheerful, doing all her own house work and living alone. Her prayers and testimony of the eternal goodness of God is a benediction to all her friends.
"There are a multitude of fine things which we might say about the years that have passed. Every pastor and his work is worthy of special mention and commemoration. Then there is a long list of the faithful stewards who have kept burning the spiritual fires by their faith and devotion in the pew. But we today cannot be true to the heritage of the past unless we plan largely for the future."
BAY VIEW METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH John K. Montgomery, Pastor.
In order that the pastor and this church may comply so far as possible with the request of the Executive Committee for the Three- Hundred Anniversary of the Settlement of Gloucester that a Com- memoration sermon be preached on the morning of the 26th of August "which shall set forth the part played by your particular church in the history of Gloucester," the pastor has prepared these remarks to be read in his absence.
"The Bay View Methodist Episcopal Church is next to the youngest Methodist society on the cape. It was organized in May, 1870 and dedicated its House of Worship March 14, 1871. It has been served by twenty-four pastors.
Its membership has included business men of Lanesville and Bay
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REV. DR. W. H. RIDER 1846-1923
JOHN J. SOMES City Clerk 1873-1922 (1838-1922)
FRED W. TIBBETS Secretary 250th Anniversary Committee Chairman 300th Anniversary Committee (1859-1923)
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View, employees of the various granite industries of the Cape and the residents of the locality. Far removed from the center of Glouces- ter proper, its contribution to the more central interests of the city has not been large. Its membership have acquitted themselves as good citizens and have endeavored to prove a help to its government. In the welfare of its own community it has been very zealous. Its first pastor, Mr. Sanderson, personally collected contributions by which the fence at Plum Cove was assured. It has opened its doors within the past few weeks as a gathering place for citizens interested in banding themselves together for the improvement of the ward. Under its direction an organization was formed to provide social and recreation- al opportunities for the men employed in the granite industries. Later the Brotherhood detached itself from the church but continued to carry its original name. Its membership have taken leading parts in the Fraternal and Labor organizations of the vicinity.
The situation of this church has made it possible to render an- other service of great importance to the city and Commonwealth. A very brief and casual study of the records of the church has revealed the fact that a majority of its membership has been composed of men and women who have come to this land from across the sea. Here in this community these people have met others of the same language and customs and those with different languages and customs but through the ministry of the church these people have come to know each other and have learned to dwell together in harmony. It is not too great a presumption to say that the contribution made by the pastors and people of this Society to the creating of a love and respect for the ideals of America and the importance of citizenship in the land of their adoption has been of vital importance to the city. That so many have become citizens speaks not alone for their own desire to pay homage to the land of their adoption but bears witness to the labor and effectual proclamations of the ideals of this nation by the pastors of the church. Nor is this task yet completed. At the Chil- dren's Day Concert last spring the pastor's attention was directed to the fact that of the young people and children on the platform quite a number were the first generation of their families on the American soil. In this one phase our church has a challenge and a wonderful opportunity for positive service.
ST. ANN'S CATHOLIC CHURCH Historical Sermon by
Rev. Alfred J. MacDonald
"Whilst we commemorate the 300th Anniversary of the founding of the settlement of Gloucester, we as a church society of this com- munity may do well to reflect today on the accomplishments and growth of our church here, that inspired by what has been effected
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by those who were pioneers and who have gone before us as we may be effectively moved to continue in the path of progress and doing our share today leave an example that may encourage those who will be here on succeeding anniversaries.
The work of God's church is not alone to erect buildings and provide the material necessities of a well equipped parish, the work of the church in missionary countries has been carried on with the great- est of success with limited means. Missionaries with the mere necessities of life at their command and the simplest kind of habita- tion for chapels and churches have brought the light of faith to millions of souls. The work of God's church is accomplished in the souls of men and only its effects may be visible at times. There is no complete record in this world of the work that has been done for God within and without the walls of this church of St. Ann's. True there are records of the regenerating waters of baptism bringing grace to thousands of souls. Thousands have received here a knowledge of the truths of God upon which their lives have been fashioned. Thousands have received the other sacraments and have heard God's word from the altar that preserved innocence and gave encouragement to con- tinue a life that would honor God and gave good example to the neighbor. The purpose of our church is to teach and save and sanctify the souls of men during this life that they may enjoy eternal happiness-to teach them that the purpose of their being is to know, love and serve God in this life and enjoy happiness eternal in the next, when it pleases Him to call us from this world.
Material evidence of the work of the past, however, is to a cer- tain extent a reflection of the spiritual accomplishments in the life of the parish. This is not the work of any one individual, nor of any particular group of persons at any one time in the history of the parish, it is the result of the co-operation of priests and people of all periods of the history of the parish, all laboring together and animated by the same spirit, the greater glory of God and the good of souls.
On this occasion it is fitting to review briefly the principal events in the history of the parish.
Before the year 1840 Catholics were very few in number in the town of Gloucester. But in the following years their number had in- creased to such an extent that they claimed the attention of the clergy in Salem, for on January 1, 1849, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass was first offered in the home of one of the parishioners. The use of the town hall was secured and there the members of our church worshipped God until the year 1855, when the old Baptist church building was purchased, moved to the site where our church stands today and in the month of September it was ready for use and dedicated. The late Father Shahan of Salem thus laid the foundation of what was to grow in about seventy years to one of the largest parishes in the diocese. Towards the close of the year 1855 Rev. Luigi Acquarone was appointed by the Bishop to care for the parish, and there is hardly a Gloucester family who has not known of the
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work of this devoted priest who labored here until 1871, when he was obliged by advancing years to retire.
In the month of September 1871 a new pastor came to St. Ann's, Rev. J. J. Healy, who was destined to do so much for the up-building of the parish. A younger man and gifted with activity and foresight, he soon acquired a parochial house at some distance from the church property, and took steps to secure more land in the vicinity of the small church. His negotiations on such a large scale caused no little surprise amongst some of the parishoners, who had been contented with what they acquired and not being in a position to see the needs of the future did not dream of what we have today. In 1876 the corner stone of the church we now occupy was laid and in the following year this church was completed and ready to be used for Divine worship. In nine years more this debt was entirely paid, a magnificent tribute to the generosity of the parishioners of the time, who then possessed one of the best churches of the diocese. On July 25 the church was consecrated. In 1880 the present parochial residence was begun; in 1885 the present convent was erected.
After thirty-five years of use, wear and time began to tell upon the church building and house, and it became the work of Father Healy's successor to decorate the interior of both church and house, to replace the old windows with the present stained glass memorials, to remove buildings for which there was no further use, to equip the property with more modern walks, and to attend to the masonry of the exterior of the church building which had begun to show the effects of time. A new school building of more modern construction was the greatest need of the parish, and in 1914 the first story of the new school was ready for occupancy towards the end of the year.
In more recent days within the last year it was evident that a new area of development and progress had dawned upon the parish, and in less then a year much has already been accomplished. Two pieces of property adjoining our church land have been acquired, in order to open up a view of our buildings which are more or less hidden, to furnish a playground for the children of our school, and to give room for future development. The parish house intended as a home for the pastor and two assistants at the most has been remodel- ed during the past winter in order to furnish living quarters for four priests and those who are there to care for them. Our parishioners must remember that the parish is not confined to the city proper. Magnolia with its hundreds of members of our faith coming for a few months in the summer claimed a share in the ministrations of the priests of St. Ann. Mass was first offered in the Library building of Magnolia until about twelve years ago, when a beautiful chapel was erected to care for those who come during the summer months. To the neighboring town of Essex in the earlier years when ship building was at its height came a considerable number of the house- hold of the faith, and the Holy Sacrifice was offered there for a time in a public hall. In 1915 the Catholic population of Essex and the number of younger families had increased to such an extent that
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