USA > Rhode Island > Providence County > History of Providence County, Rhode Island > Part 20
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The town has an elegant town hall, erected in 1889, at a cost of nearly $50,000. The first appropriation, voted in 1888, was $35,000, but that amount did not complete the building. A spacious lot, prev- iously purchased at an expense of about $11,500, furnishes an appro- priate site for the building. It is constructed of brick, with granite plinths, in the first story, and the second story is sided with shingles,
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the architecture conforming to the modern composite style. The front opens toward Taunton avenue, and the recessed entrance is ap- proached by a flight of granite steps. The corner stone was laid in 1888, and the building completed in the latter part of 1889. The grounds surrounding it are handsomely laid out. The old town hall, a frame building two stories high, stands near. The upper story contains a hall which is let for entertainments and other public gatherings. The building is estimated in value at $1,000.
In accordance with the original custom in New England towns a tax was made to build the first meeting house. It will be remem- bered that the peculiar sentiments of Rhode Island on ecclesiastical matters did not prevail on this territory, which was then Massa- chusetts ground. The first meeting house was begun in 1646, and so far completed in the following year as to be used for religious serv- ices. It stood where the tomb now is, south of the present Congre- gational church. A tax for finishing the house was levied in 1648, and in 1659 it was enlarged. It continued in service until 1718, un- less it shared the fate of other buildings around it in the time of King Philip's war, and was rebuilt immediately after. This would seem most probable, but there appears no record of it. The second church was erected in the year 1718, on a site about 30 feet eastward of the former. The house having been completed the town voted on the 23d of December " that the rules to be observed in seating the new meeting house for the Sabbath are as followeth : Firstly, to have regard to dignity of person, and secondly by age, and thirdly accord- ing to the charge they bare in respect to the public charges, and what charge they have been at in building the meeting house." A com- mittee was charged with the execution of this scheme. That house of worship stood for nearly a century. It was torn down in 1814, and a part of the lumber was used in the erection of the town hall, which from that time to the completion of the new town hall was in use for that purpose. The house now used by the Congregational society was erected in 1810. In the early history of this church the people were called together at the beat of the drum instead of the ringing of a bell. The seating of the meeting house, in some such manner as we have noticed, was a common thing, and committees were yearly appointed to attend to the business.
The first pastor of this church was Reverend Samuel Newman, a man of great literary ability, and the compiler of the first full concord- ance of the Bible in the English language. He published the first edition in London, in 1643, but afterward revised it while pastor of this church, the last edition being printed in London in 1658. His son, Noah Newman, succeeded him as pastor of this church. We should not forget to say that the commonly accepted date of the formation of this church is 1643. The present pastor, Reverend Leonard Z. Ferris, commenced his labors with this church June 1st,
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1888. The present membership is 169. About 125 families are in- cluded in the congregation. The Sunday school numbers 232, and is in excellent condition. The membership of the church has been depleted within the last year or two by the withdrawal of members to form other churches. Such churches were the Union church at Luther's Corners, in Seekonk, and the Broadway chapel of this town.
The Second Congregational church of this town is located at River- side, and was organized in 1881. It is in a very hopeful condi- tion. A neat church has been built, and in the year 1888 friends of the society presented it with a beautiful parsonage. The present pastor, Reverend James D. Smiley, commenced his preaching to this church April 8th, 1888. The church numbers 42 members, and the congregation represents about 80 families. Mr. E. P. Adams is the church clerk, and superintendent of the Sunday school, which num- bers 160.
A mission was started by the Congregational church in a school house in the eastern part of the village of East Providence, about October of the year 1885. From this Sunday school grew other reli- gious efforts, and finally a chapel was built on North Broadway, about the year 1887. It was dedicated in May, 1889. During the same year, a few months later, a church was organized. This has about 25 mem- bers. Reverend L. S. Woodworth supplies the pulpit a considerable part of the time.
Baptists had resided in this town for some time before any church organization was matured. From 1732 to 1794, however, the element grew strong enough to organize seven churches in the old town of Rehoboth. The youngest of these, located on Seekonk plain, about three miles from Providence, was the beginning of the First Baptist church of East Providence. The first meeting looking toward the organization of this church was held December 17th, 1793, but differ- ent opinions were entertained in the matter of laying on of hands as a vital ordinance. Nine meetings were held before these opinions could be reconciled, and on November 11th, 1794, it was agreed that " laying on of hands should not be regarded as a term of the com- munion." The church was organized at the house of Miles Shorey,
November 27th, 1794. The 19 constituents members were: Caleb Mason, Charles Peck, John Brown, John Medbury, Miles Shorey, Ezra Kent, John Perry, Molly Walker, Abigail Winsor, Abigail Wilson, Sybel Ingraham, Sarah Shorey, Hannah Hayes, Eunice Harding, Rebecca Braly, Susanna Mason, Molly Cole, Silence Carpenter, and Johanna Mason. For seven months the church worshipped in private houses. The first meeting house was dedicated June 28th, 1795. This house was thoroughly renovated in 1837, and stood until 1879, when it was torn down to make room for the present edifice. The latter house was built at a cost of about $7,000, and was dedicated, free of incum- brance, December 30th, 1879.
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HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
The first pastor of this church was Elder John P. Jones. He preached here before the formation of the church, being then a licen- tiate of the Second Baptist church of Newport. He was ordained March 18th, 1795, and continued here over three years. Failing health compelled him to retire, leaving Elder John Pitman, who had for a few months been his assistant, in charge of the flock. The latter con- tinued for 17 years. He had no stated salary, but depended solely upon the free-will offerings of the people. In June, 1814, he was com- pelled to resign, because of inadequate support. In June, 1815, Elder Jason Livermore, from the First church in Malden, Mass., came as a pastoral supply. His labors were closed by his sudden death in Jan- uary following. In March, 1816, Elder Pitman returned, and con- tinued until his death, July 24th, 1822. The salary promised him was $300 a year. During the 24 years of his pastorate 124 members were received into the church. Elder Ezra Gowen served the church for nine months from February, 1823, and 24 were added to the church during this time, as the fruits of a revival. Reverend Bartlett Pease was called in October, 1823, and continued four years and five months. Reverend Benjamin Grafton was pastor from May, 1829, to June, 1831. During his ministry the present parsonage was built. He was fol- lowed by Forendo Bestor, a licentiate, from Hartford, Conn., but shortly afterward ordained, and who continued until August, 1833. Henry Clarke, a licentiate of Warwick and Coventry church, com- menced his labors here October 1st, 1833. He was afterward ordained, and continued three years. During his pastorate 101 were added to the membership. Reverend John Allen was the immediate successor, beginning August 1st, 1837, and continuing three years. During the renovation of the meeting house, in 1837, services were held in the town hall. Revered John Welch began his pastorate in November, 1840, and continued nearly ten years. In the winter and spring of 1842 the most remarkable revival in the history of the church occurred. As the fruits of it 80 members were added to the church. Reverend H. G. Stewart was pastor for three years, from April 1st, 1850. Reverend Alexander Lorimer followed, for 13 months. He was suc- ceeded by Reverend George Matthews for three years, and he by Rev- erend A. H. Stowell for two years and nine months. Reverend G. P. M. King was called to the pastorate in November 1860, and continued four years, resigning in December, 1864, and shortly after joining the army in connection with the Christian Commission. A vacancy in the pastorate occurred for more than a year, the longest period of the kind in the history of the church. Reverend I. Chesebrough entered the pastorate April 1st, 1866, and continued until September, 1880, a term of 143 years. Reverend Bailey S. Morse succeeded in the pastorate, from April, 1881, to April, 1885. Reverend F. J. Jones began his service of the church August 1st, 1885, being ordained in September, and remained about three years. Reverend William J.
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Reynolds, Jr., of Phenix, the present pastor, commenced his labors in June, 1889. The present membership is 115. The Sunday school, which was founded by Deacon Viall Medbury, in 1819, numbers 152, and has a library of 300 volumes.
The Second Baptist church of East Providence had its beginning about 30 years ago. Reverend Daniel Rounds, a member of the Third Baptist church of Providence, held meetings here, in the then town of Seekonk, in 1860, and from those meetings 17 converts were re- ceived into the Third church. In July, 1860, a church was formed here, the constituent members, 18 in number, being dismissed for that purpose from the Third church. A Sunday school was also organized in the same year. A house of worship was soon after erected. In 1880 the membership of the church was 70. It now numbers 103. Reverend William Fitz was pastor from 1882 to the end of 1886; and Reverend J. Stewart, the present pastor, followed in May, 1887. The Warren Baptist Association, to which this church belongs, held its 119th annual meeting with this church, in September, 1885. The present church clerk is Mr. A. F. Messenger, and the superintendent of the Sunday school is Mr. Charles H. Finch. The school numbers about 200, with an average attendance of more than 100. It has a library of 400 volumes.
The First Universalist church stands on a spacious lot on Taunton avenue and Alice street. The parish society of this church was or- ganized in 1881. Religious services were held for a time in Pierce's Hall. A handsome church edifice was erected in 1882, at a cost of about $8,000. The whole amount was paid so that the church was free from debt, and has been so from the start. Among the promi- nent original members of the parish were Raymond Burr, Nathaniel M. Burr, Philip A. Munroe, David Anthony, Andrew J. Anthony, Timothy A. Leonard, Alvord O. Miles, Alfred Griswold and Stephen S. Rich. A church organization was effected in 1883. A Sunday school had been organized in 1881, which now numbers 70 members. The first pastor was the Reverend George R. Spink, under whose pas- torate the church was built. He remained until 1885. After a va- cancy of about six months Reverend George S. Weaver, D.D., began a pastorate October 12th, 1885, which continues at the present time. The church now has 29 members and about 53 families are connected with the congregation.
St. Mary's Protestant Episcopal church was started as a mission of St. Stephen's church, in Providence, in 1871. A handsome Gothic house of worship was erected in 1872 on Warren avenue, at a cost of about $5,000. It has recently (1889) been undergoing some change in its arrangement. Prominent supporters of the cause, who were active in starting the church, were: Mrs. Lydia Pearce, Mrs. John Arm- strong, Mr. John Armstrong, Rufus W. Adams, Captain W. Hall and Mr. Kilton. The first rector was Reverend Robert Paine, who came
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as deacon, but was ordained in St. John's church. He remained eight or nine years. He was followed by Reverend Lucius Waterman, who came as deacon and was ordained here, and remained about six months. Reverend Daniel I. Odell followed, coming as a deacon and being ordained in Milwaukee, remaining here six or seven years. Reverend Wilberforce Wells followed, from December, 1884, to July, 1885. Reverend George R. Spink began officiating in October, 1885, and continues at the present time. The church wardens are William T. Kilton and William E. Ripley. The present number of communi- cants is 72. The Sunday school has about 150 scholars.
St. Mark's Protestant Episcopal church at Riverside was organized as a distinct parish in 1883. Some time later the erection of a house of worship was begun. This having been completed and paid for, was duly consecrated by Bishop Clark October 25th, 1888. In speak- ing of it the bishop said: " It was an occasion of great interest to the people of this vicinity, and under the active ministry of the present rector, the Reverend Otis O. Wright, with a spacious and attractive church, free from all incumbrance, and a growing population to draw upon, we may look forward to an abundant harvest in the future." The present wardens of the church are Amasa Humphrey and James Mortin. During the last year of report 20 members were added, mak- ing the total number of communicants 78. The Sunday school has about 70 members.
In recent years the Roman Catholic population has increased so much that provision for their religious needs seemed necessary, and a handsome frame edifice was erected. It stands at the corner of Taunton Pike and Anthony street, on a lot of about one acre of ground. The lot also has upon it a neat parochial residence. The church is capable of seating about 600 persons. This parish was under the pastoral care of Reverend F. O'Reilly from 1880 to 1887, and since the last date has been in charge of Reverend John Harty. It is known as the Church of the Sacred Heart.
Haven Methodist Episcopal church is a neat edifice occupying a commodious lot on Taunton avenue. Its value is estimated at $7,700. The Methodist sentiment had been gathering strength for several years, and about 1877 the house of worship was erected. For several years, from 1876 to 1880, at least, religious services were conducted by Reverend Thomas Ely, a superannuated resident minister. Rever- end Benjamin F. Simon was placed in charge by appointment of con- ference in 1880, and continued until 1882. He was followed in 1883 by Reverend Alexander Anderson, who continued until 1886, when he was succeeded by Reverend William H. Starr, the present pastor. The number of full members is 161. A flourishing Sunday school is connected with it, having over 300 scholars, and an average attend- ance of over 200 scholars and teachers. Its library contains nearly 600 books.
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A Union chapel was erected at Cedar Grove some 15 years ago or more. It has been used by different denominations. Reverend A. A. Cleaveland conducted services from 1880 to the present time.
Reliance Lodge, No. 34, I. O. O. F., was instituted April 26th, 1874, by Grand Master Gardner T. Swarts. The following were charter members: Edward S. Luther, Rufus W. Adams, Clark R. Bugbee, Elmer C. Bugbee, John Champlin, Franklin M. Cheney, Thomas Eccles, Orland Freeborn, James C. Hunt, John Wilbur, William H. Luther, John H. Kenna, Charles E. Pierce, Edwin S. Straight, John G. Straight and Martin Hunt. The first officers were: E. S. Luther, N. G .; R. W. Adams, V. G .; John Wilbur, R. S .; John Champlin, T .; Thomas Eccles, P. S .; C. E. Pierce, M .; E. C. Bugbee, C .; J. Straight, I. G .; J. H. Kenna, O. G .; E. S. Straight, C. The following are past grands: Rufus W. Adams, John Bowen, E. C. Bugbee, Cornelius Beard, Charles D. E. Briggs, John Champlin, Charles W. Farrington, Cyrus E. Goff, Edward J. Luther, Edwin B. Lincoln, Charles E. Pierce, Herbert R. Perkins, Charles A. H. Parker, George H. Rounds, John Wilbur, Walter E. Townsend and Clarence H. Lovell. The Lodge numbers at present 144. It meets every Tuesday evening at Odd Fellows Hall on Warren avenue.
Fraternity Encampment, No. 17, I. O. O. F., was organized April 3d, 1875. Its charter members were: Rufus W. Adams, William G. Bliven, George Dorrance, Arthur E. Hill, Charles A. Ingraham, Ed- ward S. Luther, William H. Luther. The first officers were: George Dorrance, chief patriarch; Jacob P. Peterson, high priest; Arthur E. Hill, senior warden; Charles A. Ingraham, rec. scribe; Edward S. Luther, treasurer; George A. Kendall, fin. scribe; Rufus W. Adams, junior warden. The leading offices have since been held successively by the following: Chief patriarchs, Arthur E. Hill, C. A. Ingraham, Rufus W. Adams, John Champlin, J. F. Bowen, C. E. Pierce, Orland Freeborn, C. R. Ross, S. J. Dyer, J. G. Peck, C. F. Allen, E. J. Luther, Joseph Taylor, A. H. Vaughn, Charles A. H. Parker, J. R. Wall, C. Beard, H. R. Perkins, E. B. Lincoln; high priests, George A. Kendall, C. F. Allen, William H. McTwiggan, C. E. Briggs, Ferdinand Whel- den, W. H. McTwiggan, E. J. Luther, W. H. McTwiggan, E. J. Luther, Albert Vial, Joseph Taylor, John G. Straight, C. Beard. Pre- vious to 1881 the term of service was six months; since that date it has been one year. The present membership of the encampment is 59.
The new Odd Fellows Hall on Warren avenue, a handsome build- ing, was commenced April 1st, 1889. It is built of wood, 60 by 47 feet, two stories high. It cost about $12,000. The upper floor is used for a hall, while the lower floor is occupied by stores. The architects were Messrs. Gould & Angell, and the contractor was John Champlin.
Bucklin Post, No. 20, G. A. R., was organized October 26th, 1886. Its officers were : David S. Ray, commander; F. B. Butts, senior vice;
11
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William F. Comrie, junior vice; A. W. Cunningham, quartermaster; Orland Freeborn, adjutant; George E. Kent, chaplain; B. O. Rhodes, surgeon; James Mellan, officer of the guard; James A. Sherman, officer of the day. The charter members of the Post were the fore- going officers and 32 others. David S. Ray was commander from the organization to January 1st, 1889. William F. Comrie has held that office since the date mentioned. The number of members at the present time is 168. The Post holds weekly meetings every Tuesday evening in a hall in Chedel Block. The present officers are: William F. Comrie, commander; Orland Freeborn, senior vice; Thomas R. Salsbury, junior vice; Leander Baker, quartermaster; Fred. A. Burt, adjutant; George E. Kent, chaplain: W. G. Bowen, surgeon; David H. Oldridge, officer of the guard; James H. Sherman, officer of the day.
Farragut Post, No. S, was organized May 9th, 1884. The charter members were: Fred. F. Wolcott, Benjamin C. Clark, George W. Pay- ton, George H. Northup, A. C. Johonnet, Robert Laird, John R. Case, George B. Jenks, Franklin Monroe, J. J. Moore, Henry B. Warner, Willam S. Brown, Frank B. Butts, George F. Chapman and William H. Martin. The location of the Post is at Riverside. The principal officers for 1884 were: F. B. Butts, C .; George V. Chapman, S. V .; George W. Payton, J. V .; Fred. F. Wolcott, Q. M. The officers for 1885 were: George F. Chapman, C .; George W. Payton, S. V .; Albert P. Johonnet, J. V .; Frank B. Butts, A .; Fred. F. Wolcott, Q. M. The officers for 1886 were: William C. Severance, C .; William S. Brown, J. V .; F. W. Monroe, A .; Franklin Monroe, Q. M. For 1887: George F. Chapman, C .; Fred. F. Wolcott, S. V .; William S. Brown, J. V .; E. P. Adams, A .; Franklin Monroe, Q. M. For 1888: Franklin Monroe, C .; Isaac H. Rogers, S. V .; Charles F. Sherman, J. V .; Willard C. Sev- erance, A .; George F. Chapman, Q. M. For 1889: Franklin Monroe, C .; Isaac H. Rogers, S. V .; Charles F. Sherman, J. V .; Benjamin L. Penno, A .; George F. Chapman, Q. M. The membership numbers 44.
Among the institutions of East Providence is a weekly newspaper, the East Providence Record, published by Sibley & Johnson. It is printed in the city.
The Riverside Cotton Mills, located here, were established in 1882, by J. P. Campbell & Co. They occupy a building about 50 by 200 feet, two stories high. The mills contain about 10,000 spindles, and employ about 200 hands in the manufacture of cotton goods. The superintendent is Mr. A. W. Mattison.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
Andrew J. Anthony, son of David and Catharine (Barker) Anthony, was born in 1833, in Mendon, Mass., and was educated in the public schools. When he was very young his father moved to what is now East Providence. He first engaged in the cigar manufacturing busi-
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ness until 18 years of age, his father being then in that business. He afterward learned the mason's trade in Providence, and has followed it ever since, and for the past 25 years has had charge of all the Provi- dence Gas Company's buildings. He was elected in 1874 to the town council, and has been a member each year with the exception of 1878 and 1886, until elected to the senate in 1889. He was also president of the council three years. He married Harriet, daughter of Joseph Martin of Seekonk, Mass.
Henry F. Anthony, son of Andrew J. and Harriet (Martin) An- thony, was born in 1855, in what is now East Providence (then See- konk, Mass.). He was educated in the public schools, learned the mason's trade, and for 10 years worked for his father. In 1881 he be- came assistant agent for the P. & W. railroad at East Providence, and in 1885 was made agent. He was elected to the town council in April, 1889, also elected president of the board. He was three years assessor of the fire district. He married Julia O., daughter of Wil- liams A. Burt of Fall River.
Francis Armington, son of Ambrose and Sally (Jencks) Arming- ton, was born in 1820 in East Providence (tlien Seekonk), in the stone house on Pawtucket avenue, built by his father about 1810. He was educated in the public schools, and followed the business of pile driving and wharf building for 30 years. He married Caroline A., daughter of Jesse Medbery, Esq., of East Providence (then Seekonk). He represented the town of Seekonk in the legislature of Massa- chusetts, served as chairman of the boards of selectmen and assessors, and was overseer of the poor in that town. In East Providence he was president of the first town council, served three years in the sen- ate, 12 years as town treasurer, also held the offices of assessor, pro- bate judge, overseer of the poor and auctioneer. He enlisted the town's quota of 80 volunteers for the war.
Charles C. Balch, son of S. W. and Joanna (Perkins) Balch, was born in 1847 in Lyme, N. H., and was educated in the public schools. He came to East Providence in 1886. Previous to that he was in the produce business in Boston. He married Abby M., daughter of Oliver and Abby M. Chaffee, of East Providence.
Daniel D. Barney, son of John and Ruth (Viall) Barney, was born in Seekonk, Mass., now East Providence, R. I., in 1823, and was edu- cated in the public schools. He learned the stone mason's trade, fol- lowing it with his father until he was 22 years of age. Since 1865 he has been with the Rumford Chemical Works as their farmer. His first wife was Henrietta A., daughter of Caleb Chaffee, of Seekonk. His present wife is Sarah, daughter of Silas Terry, of Fall River.
John P. Barney, farmer and manufacturer of cider and vinegar, is a son of Perry and Rachel (Peck) Barney. He was born in 1851, in East Providence, in the same house where he has always lived and which was built by his grandfather, Jonathan Barney. He was edu-
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HISTORY OF PROVIDENCE COUNTY.
cated at Mowry & Goff's and Bryant & Stratton's, Providence. He married Sarah E., daughter of James R. Hornby, of Pawtucket, R. I. Their children are: Perry James, born 1880, died 1883; Alice Teel, born 1884; Bessie E., born 1886; Earl Clifford, born 1888.
Nathaniel I. Bishop, son of Phanuel and Betsey (Ide) Bishop, was born in 1829, in Seekonk, now East Providence, and was educated at the public school. He learned the carpenter's trade and always fol- lowed it. He moved to Providence in 1858, where he resided for about ten years, and was for 20 years partner with William C. Daven- port, in the firm of William C. Davenport & Co., builders. He mar- ried Caroline, daughter of Asa Mason, of Seekonk.
Frederick A. Brigham was born in Shrewsbury, Mass., in 1835, and came to East Providence in 1872, where he has since followed the real estate business. He was in the council in 1888. He has been treas- urer of Riverside Congregational church since its organization, and was first treasurer of the Riverside Free Public Library.
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