USA > Rhode Island > Providence County > History of Providence County, Rhode Island > Part 10
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The officers of this society for some years seem to have been: Stephen Jenks, moderator; Jerahmeel Jenks, treasurer, and Stephen
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HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
Jenks, Jr., clerk. Of course, not all the persons named in the act of incorporation were residents of Pawtucket. Nicholas Brown and probably the Thomas P. Ives named were citizens of Providence. And there were some prominent citizens on both sides of the river whose names do not appear in the charter. The Friends stood aloof from the enterprise; for Oziel Wilkinson, Timothy Greene and Benja- min Arnold were then living on Quaker lane. And on the eastern side of the river were the well-known residents, Ephraim Stark- weather and Colonel Eliphalet Slack.
In the closing years of the last century a committee was authorized to agree with Reverend Joshua Bradley to supply the pulpit for six months. Other supplies also followed for a short time. In 1804 David Benedict, just from college, came to Pawtucket and began to preach, and gave the society the benefit of his ability for more than a score of years.
Elder Ebenezer Jenks, son of the founder of Pawtucket, born in 1669, was ordained 50 years afterward pastor of the church in Provi- dence, and held the office till his death, in 1726, a period of seven years. His personal interest in Pawtucket, and his acquaintance with the inhabitants here, would be likely to secure some members for the parent church.
Mr. Benedict saw such an increase of religious interest here, after laboring for months, that he was encouraged to organize a church. In August, 1805, 39 persons united in church relation. In the follow- ing year, on October 16th, Mr. Benedict was ordained, the sermon on the occasion being preached by Reverend Dr. Gano, of Providence. For years Reverend Mr. Benedict was the sole pastor in Pawtucket. In November, 1828, however, he tendered his resignation, to take effect in six months. After him came Reverend Mr. Philleo, who ac- cepted the pastoral charge in a few months, and remained with the parish about three years. In 1834 Reverend John Blain succeeded, and remained for but a single year. He was succeeded by Reverend Silas Spaulding, who remained about five years. His successor was Reverend S. S. Bradford. During his ministry about 40 members of his church took letters for the purpose of being organized into the Central Falls Baptist Church. This church was publicly recognized in October, 1844. Mr. Bradford was a man of varied scholarship and earnest devotion, but, from slender health, he withdrew from the ministry and engaged in secular affairs. For two years after his withdrawal the parish was without a pastor, but, at the expiration of that period, called Reverend Edward Savage. He, too, brought many desirable gifts and attainments, but came broken in health, and was compelled to succumb to his arduous labors.
After another interval of several months Reverend Joseph Ban- vard was invited to this field. He came in 1857, and remained till 1861. He was a man of great energy and versatility of talent, and,
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HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
during the period of his residence, there was a season of widespread religious interest.
Reverend Charles Smith, the eighth pastor, was ordained on the 13th of August, 1863. In two years he was succeeded by Reverend George Bullen, the present pastor.
There is also a flourishing Sabbath school, under the superin- tendence of A. D. Nickerson, connected with the church. This so- ciety in June, 1841, received authority from the general assembly of this state to change its name from the Catholic Baptist Society to the First Baptist Society.
High Street Baptist Church .- The earlier history of this church is not known. On the 12th of March, 1838, Reverend Edward K. Fuller was invited to become their pastor. The house used was the one built by the First Universalist Society in North Providence. Mr. Fuller was ordained April 11th, 1838, and held the office of pastor till near the close of 1840. After this time there seems to have been no regular pastor till 1845, when Reverend Daniel Round assumed pastoral control, and held the office for five years. On his departure Mr. Warren Randolph, of Brown University, supplied the pulpit, and, after finishing his preparatory studies, was ordained in 1852. In the meantime Reverend George Peirce, of Lowell, supplied the pulpit also. Mr. Randolph was succeeded in 1854 by Reverend Arthur A. Ross, and, after a two years' stay, he by Reverend Jonathan Brayton, but, from failing health, he soon withdrew.
From 1857 to 1864 Reverend A. Sherwin was pastor. Mr. Charles H. Spaulding, of Brown University, then became the supply for one year and a half, and at the end of that time, being invited to take the pastoral charge, was ordained to the work of the ministry on July 26th, 1866. The next event was the burning. of the meeting house, January 25th, 1868. The meetings were now held in the neighboring halls. The building of a new house proved too much of a burden, and the new temple erected on the old site was bought by the town for the accommodation of the high school. Mr. Spaulding received a call to Pittsfield, Mass., and was succeeded for a short time by Rever- end W. C. Wright. After him came Reverend C. C. Williams, at which time the house was sold. The society has since then worshipped in Railroad Hall and other places.
The Free Baptist Church .- " In 1820, or soon after, a Baptist church was organized on the east side of the river. The leaders in the enterprise were Elder Ray Potter and Mr. Daniel Greene. Mr. Greene seems to have been subsequently ordained. In 1822 the congregation associated with them began to worship in a sanctuary on School street, near where the brick school house stood, and where the town hall now stands. A mental conflict appears to have arisen on some point, and Reverend Mr. Greene was confirmed in the pastoral care of the parish. In the outset the parish seem to have
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HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
favored the extreme of independency, but that sympathy which leads men to seek one another's cooperation and help led them finally to ask fellowship from an organized denomination.
"In the course of time the parish reared the house which they now occupy, close by the town hall. It was about the year 1836 that the church was brought into vital connection with the Free Baptist de- nomination. In 1850 Reverend A. D. Williams assumed the pastoral charge of the parish. He was succeeded in 1856 by Reverend J. Erskine, who remained for but a short time. He bore the reputation of a conscientious, unassuming man. Mr. E. L. Clark, just from Brown University, supplied the pulpit from the close of 1857. He was with the parish during the memorable year of 1858, and won many con- verts to the church. After him came the Reverend Mr. Dow, who re- tained the pastoral charge for a season. To him succeeded Reverend Mr. Church, who has left the reputation of an earnest, fervid preacher, and an upright man. In 1867 Reverend Mr. Hyatt was engaged as pastor, and for the next five years labored in word and deed. In 1872 Reverend David Boyd took charge of the parish."
He was succeeded by the present pastor, Reverend Charles S. Frost. Edwin N. Chase is superintendent of the Sabbath school.
The Broadway Christian church is an offspring of the Free Baptist church, and was organized in 1879, under the pastorate of Reverend David Boyd. Succeeding Elder Boyd came Elder Charles H. Burleigh, who continued several years. He was succeeded in June, 1888, by Reverend Charles P. Smith. Benjamin L. Chase is clerk. The society numbers 45 members.
Pleasant View Baptist church was reared to accommodate a promis- ing Sunday school that had been gathered by the missionary labors of the Central Falls Baptist church. The school was established in 1867. The lot was given by Messrs. Greene and Daniels, and the chapel erected at a cost of $2,000, and dedicated on the evening of April 5th, 1876, Reverend Doctor Taylor, of Providence, preaching the sermon for the occasion. The building stands on Fountain street. Reverend Edwin Bromley is pastor.
The Universalist Parish .- Doctor Goodrich, a former pastor of this society, in giving the history of this church, says: " As in the case of all the other parishes, much preliminary work was done in Pawtucket before a parish of Universalists was organized. Reverends David Pickering, Hosea Ballou, Thomas Whittemore and others preached from time to time in either the old red school house or the Catholic Baptist meeting house. But in 1827 the first Universalist society was incorporated by the name of the First Universalist Society in North Providence. In due time they reared a spacious meeting house on High street, on the site now occupied by the high school building. Reverend Mr. Frieze officiated for a year or two as pastor, but the severe commercial reverses of 1829 so crippled many of the members
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HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
that they seemed to lose both heart and hope; and the removal of many of the parishioners from town sealed its ruin. The house of worship passed into other hands, and the society became extinct.
" For years no attempt was made to form a new parish; but, where a faith is dear to any heart, trial will rather strengthen than extin- guish it. The time came at last when those who had seen their first temple sacrificed resolved to make another attempt to secure a reli- gious home. A new organization was formed, and meetings were held in what was called 'Free Hall,' at the junction of what are now Pleasant street and East avenue. Reverend John N. Parker supplied the new parish. Their meetings began to be held in the winter of 1840-41. In May of the latter year the erection of a house of worship was commenced on Exchange street. It was completed the next spring and dedicated to the Invisible God. Meanwhile a society had been incorporated under the name of the Mill Street Universalist So- ciety. Mr. Parker remained as pastor of the parish till 1844, and was succeeded by Reverend J. S. Barry, who held the pastoral office for but a single year. In 1845 Reverend Calvin Damon was called to the charge of the parish, and remained till July, 1852. Mr. Damon's health be- came impaired before he left Pawtucket, but his ministry is recol- lected by many of his parish as marked by industry, devotion and consistency. He was followed after a few months by Reverend A. R. Abbott, who held the pastoral office about two years. Mr. Abbott bore a spotless reputation, and wielded, while here, a beneficent influ- ence. Shortly after his resignation Reverend J. H. Campbell became pastor, and remained in charge of the parish till near the close of 1856.
" In 1857 Reverend Massena Goodrich assumed the pastoral charge in the month of April. The severe financial embarrassments that quickly followed delayed some movements that were contemplated; but the following year brought a season of spiritual quickening to almost the entire land. When Mr. Goodrich came he found that, though a church was organized soon after the formation of the society, it had been practically extinct for years. He therefore gathered a new church, established conference meetings for prayer and praise, and sought to employ some other agencies that are helpful in pro- moting Christian growth. In 1860 Mr. Goodrich was summoned to what seemed an important field in his denomination, and resigned his pastorate to take a professorship in a young theological school in Can- ton, New York.
" His successor was Reverend J. H. Farnsworth, who came here in 1861, and remained for a single year. The excitements of the war then raging tended, of course, to hinder his undertaking any new measures for the weal of his parish. In the fall of 1862 Mr. Goodrich was invited to return. It was known that the theological school was imperfectly endowed, and the demand made by the country on her
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HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
sons was diverting attention from the ministerial profession; and, as it seemed to Mr. Goodrich that he might render as efficient service in the position of a pastor as in the place where he was, he decided to accept the invitation. He therefore returned in October, 1862, and continued to hold the relation of pastor till February, 1875. He thus spent nearly 16 years in his two pastorates in Pawtucket.
" In 1866 the parish bought a more desirable site for a house of worship, and proceeded to rear a new temple on High street. It was completed early in 1868, and on January 30th was dedicated to the service of the God and Father of all by appropriate religious services. The sermon on the occasion was preached by Reverend A. A. Miner, D.D., of Boston. The edifice was an ornament to the town, and prom- ised to be a signal help to the parish; but the fierce tornado of Sep- tember, 1869, demolished the steeple, flung down the ponderous bell, blew in the windows, seriously shattered the roof, and wrought other injury to the temple. The accident came at what seemed an inoppor- tune hour, and subjected the parish to an expense of over $7,000 at a time when many of its most liberal members were crippled by finan- cial embarrassments."
Reverend H. A. Philbrook succeeded Mr. Goodrich, and he was succeeded by Reverend Charles W. Tomlinson, D.D., who had charge till April 1st, 1889.
St. Paul's Church .- In the spring of 1814 Episcopalian services began to be held in the Old Meeting house. "Reverend John M. Braid," says Doctor Goodrich, " who had removed hither from Massa- chusetts, and Mr. William Holmes, from Dublin, Ireland, invited Reverend Mr. Crocker, of St. John's church, Providence, to hold an evening service in Pawtucket. After that first service other meetings were held on Sabbath evenings during the warmer months, but not till the following spring were regular services established. Reverend J. L. Blake began to preach in June. As usual in such movements, the congregation was small in the outset, but gradually increased . from twenty to over a hundred. Trusting in the help of God, there- fore, the worshippers persevered, and on December 22d, 1815, a parish was organized, and the needful parish officers were chosen. The sons of Oziel Wilkinson gave the lot on which ' a house for the worship of God was to be built.' The names of most of those sons appear, in- deed, on the records of the Catholic Baptist Society as taking an inter- est there in religious institutions. The lot thus given is the spacious one now occupied by St. Paul's church, but the edifice itself was not completed till nearly two years afterward.
" During a part of the ministry, therefore, of Reverend Mr. Blake the religious services of the parish were held at different places. The red school house, the academy and the brick school house on the east side of the river were all used as places of worship. In 1817, how- ever, St. Paul's church was completed, and on October 17th was conse-
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HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
crated, the Right Reverend Bishop Griswold conducting the service, aided by three other clergymen. In the spring of the following year the regular services were begun in this new temple, and Mr. Blake remained rector of the church for two years longer. In 1820, how- ever, he resigned his charge, and was succeeded by one whose name was to become a household one in Pawtucket. In October of that year Reverend George Taft assumed the pastoral charge of St. Paul's church. For the long period of 44 years Doctor Taft remained the sole rector of that parish. Though warmly attached to the rites and usages of his own denomination, he was a man of singular catholicity of spirit, and, while prompt to labor in every enterprise that promised to strengthen his brethren, he proved himself a son of consolation in hundreds of households outside of his own sect. But the weight of increasing years told on his frame, and induced his flock to seek a shepherd who should divide with him the labor."
In August, 1864, therefore, Reverend James D'Wolf Perry became associate rector. In less than two years he removed to Germantown, Pa., and was succeeded in July of the following year by Reverend E. H. Randall. He died on the 11th of December, 1869, in the 79th year of his age and the 45th of his pastorate. He was succeeded by Rev- erend Emery H. Porter, the present rector.
Trinity Church .- On Whitsunday, June 4th, 1843, open-air ser- vices, the first ever held by the church in this country, were begun by the Reverend James Cook Richmond, at what has since been known as "the Catholic oak," in the town of Cumberland, now Lons- dale. "Crowds of people attended," says an eye-witness, " who could not then be induced to enter a church, and they hung upon the speak- er's words with rapt attention." Mr. Richmond was withal a remark- able character. Born in Providence in 1808, educated at Exeter, N. H., Harvard College, Göttingen and Halle, he possessed a varied learning, grafted upon a strong, original mind, and refined by foreign travel. In 1844 he began a course of lectures on the church and her usages, in American Hall, on Broadway. This led to the formation, in February, 1845, of the "Church of the Holy Trinity," which was admitted into the convocation of Massachusetts, June 10th, 1846.
The spot on which the sacred edifice stands was dedicated in Aug- ust, 1847, when Mr. Richmond's official connection with the parish terminated. A few months after he was succeeded as rector by Rev- erend James Mulcahey, now an assistant minister of Trinity parish, New York, who remained till October, 1849. After a varied history the parish was reorganized in 1851, and for two years the Reverend George F. Cushman, son of Judge Cushman, of Pawtucket, discharged the duties of rector. He was largely instrumental in the erection of the present beautiful stone church, which was consecrated in July, 1853. In August, 1877, he was succeeded by the present rector, Rever- end William P. Tucker. The parish has now a membership of 180 communicants and a Sunday school of 150.
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HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
The Church of the Good Shepherd sprung from the missionary labors of the rector of Trinity church and a few of his parishioners. On Sunday, November 1st, 1868, a Sunday school was started in At- lantic Engine Hall. Besides the rector, there were three persons present as teachers, and 18 children. Church services were commenced on the evening of February 10th in the following year at the above named hall. Reverend Mr. Seymour continued his labors in this new enterprise from the beginning till Easter Sunday, 1872. After this period Reverend G. Coggeshall had charge till Easter Sunday, 1874, when the present pastor, Reverend Benjamin Eastwood, assumed his labors. The corner stone of the house was laid March 7th, 1872, by Bishop Clark, assisted by Reverends G. Coggeshall, S. O. Seymour, E. H. Porter and S. H. Webb. The opening services were held June 23d, 1872.
The Pawtucket Congregational church was organized in the same year Pawtucket, Massachusetts, was incorporated as a town. A charter was obtained from the state of Massachusetts for this society, and on the 3d of March organization took place at the house of Elijah Ingra- ham. Ten days afterward the new society passed the following vote:
" That this society agree to buy the lot of land owned by the Hon. Oliver Starkweather at the junction of the turnpike and old road for fifteen hundred dollars, for which sum he has agreed to convey it to the society."
The following is taken from Doctor Goodrich's History of Pawtucket: " The society wrought with energy, and having secured the ser- vices of Mr. Clark Sayles to rear the house of worship, were gladdened by seeing their temple ready for dedication early the next year. It was consecrated February 12th, 1829. On that occasion the sermon was preached by Reverend Samuel Green, of Boston. In the interval between the resolve to build and the completion of a house of prayer, one male and eight females brought letters of credit from the church in East Attleboro and proceeded to organize a church. And as both a meeting house was reared and a church organized, the parish was ready for a pastor. The same promptitude that had marked the other actions was manifest in this. On April 17th Reverend Asa T. Hop- kins was ordained as the first pastor. He is reported to have been richly endowed with many of the gifts sought in a pastor, and labored with apparent success for three years. The church had grown in numbers meanwhile, but he felt constrained to resign. His successor was Reverend Barnabas Phinney. Installed as pastor in January, 1833, he withdrew from the pastorate in January, 1836. The third pastor was Reverend Constantine Blodgett. Invited in the month of June, 1836, to assume the pastoral charge, he was installed to the sacred office on the 28th of the following month. On taking charge of the parish Doctor Blodgett found the original nine members of the church still living, and associated with them were nearly 120 others.
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HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
And they were ready to assist their new pastor in Christian work. God had put it into the hearts of some of the members of the parish to make pecuniary donations, one of which deserves special mention from the end to which it was appropriated. Colonel Eliphalet Slack has been mentioned more than once. In religion he showed much catholicity of spirit. It has been stated that he was one of the earliest trustees of the Catholic Baptist Society. Subsequently he aided the Episcopalian parish in their earlier struggles. At a later period he acted with the Congregationalists, and, on his decease, left the parish the sum of two thousand dollars, which was spent for the purchase of the house wherein Doctor Blodgett resided.
" For several years the new pastor labored energetically, not merely in Pawtucket, but in the adjoining village of Central Falls; and the fruits of his labor in the latter field became manifest in 1845 by the resolve to establish a Congregational church there. About 40 members were dismissed from the parent church to plant a new vine. With energetic labor, however, on the part of both pastor and people, the places of the many families that had thus left the old temple were gradually filled, and more room was demanded. In 1854 the house was enlarged by an addition of twenty-four pews. For ten years the parish was permitted to enjoy their enlarged temple, but on Novem- ber 17th, 1864, a burning house in the neighborhood flung its sparks against the spire, and in a few hours the sacred edifice was but a heap of ashes.
" The parish sought temporary accommodation in the Masonic Temple on Mill street, and in due time began the erection of a new house on the site of their former edifice. On July 14th, 1868, they began worship in the finished lecture room of the new temple, and commenced by dedicating that room. On February 27th, 1868, the entire edifice was formally consecrated. The sermon was preached on that occasion by the pastor, and the dedicatory prayer offered by Reverend Doctor Thayer, of Newport.
"The close of June, 1871, completed 35 years of continuous pas- toral labor on the part of Doctor Blodgett,, and on the 1st of July he resigned the charge of his parish. By vote of his people he continued his pastoral relation under designation of retired pastor." He was succeeded by the Reverend J. J. Wooley in the active pastoral work, who continued to 1874. He was succeeded by the present pastor, the Reverend Alexander McGregor.
Park Place Congregational church was erected at a cost of $40,000, and dedicated July 1st, 1884. Reverend Joseph J. Wooley has been the pastor from the beginning. It has a membership of three hun- dred persons. Thomas P. Barnfield is Sabbath school superintendent.
The Methodist Parish .- The pastors in Providence made the first movement toward establishing a parish in Pawtucket for their Metho- dist brethren here. From 1812 to 1822 they visited the place and
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HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
preached to such as would give them audience. From 1822 to 1827 the Mansfield Circuit shared in the labors of its preachers. In 1827 it was made a station, under the charge of Reverend O. Robbins. Services were held in the red school house. In 1828 Reverend Israel Washburn preached here, and was followed by Reverend James Porter. The latter says: "I spent every other week paying for board just all I received, which was $1.50 or $1.75 per week." Doctor Good- rich says:
" In 1830 a meeting house was erected near where the Methodist temple now stands. In 1832 Reverend Francis Dane was the preacher; after him came Reverends H. Cummings, Reuben Bowen and Samuel Beadle. The latter was relieved of his charge in 1840 by reason of bereavement and failing health. And a record stands on the books of the Methodist church to this effect: 'It may be well to record here that the action of other denominations with regard to our church has been generally friendly.'
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