USA > Rhode Island > Providence County > History of Providence County, Rhode Island > Part 43
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In January, 1887, the Reverend Edwin S. Gould became the stated supply of the church, and so continued until January, 1889. In June of the same year, the present incumbent, the Reverend Judson V. Clancy, entered upon a similar engagement. He had for his associate officers of the church: Deacons, Robert Blake, Edwin Salley and Henry L. Cooke: clerk, Henrietta J. Paine; Sunday school superin- tendent, Henry M. Greene.
In 1887 the church was thoroughly repaired and renovated at an outlay of $2,000, and now has a modern appearance. The funds for this purpose were raised mainly by the different societies of the parish, among them being the Ladies' Sewing Circle, Globe Workers and Young Peoples' Society of Christian Endeavor.
In the fall of 1889 the church had 90 members, and the Sabbath school, which has been well sustained for nearly 50 years, had 175 belonging. It is unusually well supplied with works of reference, and has a good circulating library.
In February, 1867, a new Congregational society was formed in
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the eastern part of the town, which had a promising membership, composed partly of those who had withdrawn from the Globe church to forward this movement. A commodious frame house of worship was erected, on Spring street, the same year, which received the name of Plymouth chapel, and the Reverend Ebenezer Douglass was inducted into the pastoral office. In January, 1873, that relation was dissolved, and for the next few years the congregation had the same pastor as the mother church, with which it soon after united. For many years the chapel has been standing unoccupied, and in 1889 bore unmistakable evidence of its unused condition.
The Methodist Episcopal church edifice was erected in 1836. For many years the population of Woonsocket was composed almost ex- clusively of factory operatives, who frequently removed, making it difficult to maintain a church organization, long after Methodism had been preached here. But in order to make the effort to found a church more effectual, the old Northbridge circuit of the New Eng- land Conference was divided, in 1834, and Woonsocket, Slatersville and Blackstone were constituted a new circuit, bearing the former name, with the Reverend Wells Walcott as the preacher in charge. Hanson Arnold and Elijah Sherman served as class leaders. The members were poor, and it required much effort to collect the preach- er's allowance for rent, fuel and table expenses, amounting to what now seems the insignificant sum of $140; but it was the day of small things, and the germ from which has grown a vigorous congregation.
In 1835 the Reverend Hiram Cummings became the preacher for . two years, and soon after coming set measures on foot to secure a house of worship, being aided in this work by Hanson Arnold, John Erwin, William Holmes, George Aldrich and John Cullom, as an ad- visory committee. But it does not appear that they reported any plan for action. About this time John Cullom was licensed as a local preacher. In April, 1836, William Holmes, George Aldrich (3d), John Erwin, Elijah H. Sherman, Stephen R. Fielding, Hardin Hopkins and Hanson Arnold were chosen as a board of trustees, who purchased a site for a church building, May 9th, 1836, and the work of erecting the same was soon after begun. It was dedicated during the ministry of Mr. Cummings, the sermon being preached by the Reverend Jona- than Horton. Having now its own house of worship, which in that period was fine and commodious, the society acquired influence and speedily increased its membership. In 1838 especially, while the Reverend Ephraim Scott was in charge, a large number were added, and the class leaders reported a marked increase of interest in spirit- ual matters. The Sunday school had 90 members, 11 teachers and one Bible class. In all 27 members were added to the church. The subsequent ten years were uneventful in the history of the church, there being rather a decline than a growth, on account of the strin- gency of the times, which caused the removal of some members and
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made it difficult to maintain the financial standing of the society. But, in 1848, there appears to have been a turn in the affairs of the church, and new power was imparted to the whole body, which in- creased so that, in 1853, the church succeeded in freeing itself from a debt which had long burdened it.
A few years of depression soon followed, after which again came an era of spiritual and financial prosperity which made it possible to improve the church edifice. This was done in 1860 at an outlay of $3,000. The building was raised and a lecture room and vestry fur- nished in the basement. The yard was also graded and fenced. In this work Edward Harris and others, not members of the church, aided in a substantial manner. The church was again formally opened for religious worship October 10th, 1860. Three years later, while the Reverend David H. Ela was in charge, as fine a parsonage as there was at that time in the conference was built on a lot donated by Edward Harris. In 1889 this property was valued at $2,800 and the church building at $8,000, both being controlled by a board of trustees, of which Joseph E. Cole was the president; Doctor A. W. Buckland, secretary; and Ezra Sugden, treasurer. The latter property has been made comfortable by recent repairs, but the erection of a new church on the old site at an early day is contemplated, in order to afford bet- ter accommodation for the growing congregation. In 1889 there were 176 members and the appointment ranked as a station in the Provi- dence district of the Southern New England Conference, the Reverend Dwight A. Jordan being the presiding elder.
Since the organization of the church its pastors have been: 1834, Reverend Wells Walcott; 1835-6, Hiram Cummings; 1837, Daniel K. Bannister; 1838, Ephraim Scott; 1839-40, Richard K. Livesey; 1841, Apolos Hall; 1842, Ebenezer Blake; 1843, Hebron Vincent (1 mo.); 1843, Cyrus C. Munger; 1844-5, S. W. Coggeshall; 1846-7, Warren Emerson; 1848-9, Charles H. Titus; 1850, George H. Wooding; 1851-2, John Lovejoy; 1853-4, Philip Crandon; 1855-6, George C. Bancroft; 1857-8, E. B. Bradford; 1859-60, William Livesey; 1861, Thomas Ely; 1862-3, David H. Ela; 1864-5, J. W. Willett: 1866-7, Edward A. Lyon; 1868-9, Edward H. Hatfield; 1870-1, W. McKendree Bray; 1872, Charles Nason; 1873-4, Nathan G. Axtell; 1875-7, J. E. Hawkins; 1878-9, Albert P. Palmer; 1880-2, Alexander Anderson; 1883-5, John W. Willett; 1886-8, James H. Nutting; 1889, Howard E. Cooke.
The Reverends J. W. V. Rich and Henry E. Benoit were local preachers. The latter also serves as missionary among the French Canadians, in the Southern New England Conference, and has vigor- ously prosecuted the work of evangelization among them since the summer of 1888. In July of that year he began a series of tent meet- ings, which awakened much interest among that class of people, as well as opposition from those opposed to such measures; but they were successfully continued until the end of the season. Mr. Benoit had a
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valuable auxiliary in this work in the paper, Le Methodiste Franco- American, which he published and gratuitously circulated every week. This sheet became the official organ of the church in November, 1888, and appears to serve its purpose well. In April, 1889, the office of publication was removed from Woonsocket to New York and its sphere of usefulness was much increased by giving it a more extended circu- lation. These missionary labors have been zealous and full of good results.
The Methodist Sunday school at Woonsocket has been well main- tained and had in 1889 an enrollment of 175 members. There was a well-selected library of 700 volumes and other requisites for carrying on the work in an interesting manner.
The Second Advent church is the result of the preaching of the Reverend Joseph Miette, who came occasionally from Warwick as early as 1885 and held meetings on Main street. A society was formed in the spring of 1887, which had a small but active membership, believ- ing in the second coming of Christ. Soon steps were taken to erect a house of worship, and A. A. Fowler, Oscar Bennett, E. E. Morse, Henry Jeffrey and E. Morse were chosen trustees of the temporal affairs of the church. A lot was purchased on Greene street and Park avenue, on which was built a frame church, 32 by 45 feet, costing $3,300, which was dedicated July 15th, 1887, by the Reverend E. A. Stockman, of Boston, and Pastor Miette. In the fall of the same year a neat parsonage, valued at $3,500, was completed on Park avenue, and all the property was free from incumbrance. Under the continued pastorate of Reverend Mr. Miette the church has prospered, having in July, 1889, 30 devoted members, who also have maintained a good Sunday school since the organization of the church.
The agitation of the temperance question early engaged the at- tention of the native citizens of Woonsocket. This led to the forma- tion of a number of societies, which were intended to give better ex- pression to these opinions on the drink habit. Some of the societies were short lived, but others continued until there were fruitful results as the effects of their labors. In 1842 there was a strong Washing- tonian Society, of which A. S. Daniels was the secretary. Four years later there were at least half a dozen temperance societies; and in 1849 the Irish citizens were also enlisted in the work, forming their Father Mathew Society. In 1855 there was a flourishing Female Temperance Society, of which Mrs. O. D. Ballou was the president.
Fountain Division, No. 4, S. of T., was organized under a charter dated March 8th, 1858, wherein 12 persons are named as members. Samuel H. Cottrell was the first W. P .; and Moses B. Thayer the R. S. This body has since maintained its existence, though greatly varying in its prosperity and the number of its members. Several hundred have belonged. The last officers installed were: W. P., Fred. E. Math- ewson; W. A., Emma Southwick; R. S., A. D. Vose; T., Charles E. Dallman.
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The Good Templars were not so fortunate in perpetuating their societies. Enterprise Lodge, No. 49, so flourishing at one time, has been discontinued, and so has Re-Union Lodge, No. 61. The latter was chartered February 8th, 1875, with eight members. John Worrall was the chief templar; Francis J. Brady the secretary, and Caleb E. Ward the treasurer.
Woonsocket Temple of Honor, No. 6, was organized May 17th, 1865. In 1873 there were 225 active members and a complete organi- zation, which was continued a dozen years longer. After this there was such a lack of interest that it was decided to surrender the char- ter, which was done July 14th, 1888. William J. Milan was the last W. C. T., and Seth Arnold the recorder.
The Woonsocket Reform Club was organized May 11th, 1876, and incorporated February 16th, 1878, with 54 charter members. Its first officers were: L. B. Pease, president; J. R. Robertson, vice-president; J. R. Penhallow, secretary; and James Austin, treasurer. After this the organization was well kept up seven years longer, meetings being held with great regularity, when there was less effort and consequently less success in effective work. In the period of its aggressive life the club was a powerful factor in temperance reform and was the means of securing pledges to total abstinence from nearly 3,000 people. Meetings of great interest were held, which were addressed by some of the leading orators of the country, and other agencies were em- ployed to quicken the work and to reclaim drinking men. Within the past few years the meetings have been suspended, but the organization has not been abandoned. The last officers were: L. B. Pease, presi- dent; James W. Smyth, secretary, and John Worrall, treasurer.
The Women's Christian Temperance Union was organized March 10th, 1880, and soon became a valuable coadjutor of the foregoing society. In more recent times it has been the principal exponent of open temperance work in the city. Through its efforts the various elements in the churches have been crystalized into an aggressive factor and many have become actively engaged in this philanthropic movement. When organized the officers of the union were: president, Mrs. James T. Maynard; vice-presidents, Mrs. Dexter Ballou, Mrs. Ira B. Cook, Mrs. John A. Wightman, Mrs. A. M. Paine, and Miss Abbie Battye; treasurer, Mrs. William G. Barrows; corresponding secretary, Mrs. John W. Ellis; recording secretary, Miss Esther Osborne. The latter has filled the office indicated many years, serving in 1889. Mrs. A. M. Paine was president, and Mrs. E. E. Bigelow, treasurer.
The Young Men's Christian Association was organized in the fall of 1865 and had for its officers: Alexander Ballou, president; Angello Howland, James S. Read, J. I. Hotchkiss and F. H. Miette, vice-presi- dents; Horace D. Paine, corresponding secretary; Henry C. Sayles, treasurer; Charles B. Green, auditor; Francello G. Jillson, librarian; William H. Aldrich, Rodney Cook and G. W. Talbot, directors. Meet-
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ings were statedly held in Templars' Hall, in the Patriot Building, but after several years the activity of the association was less marked, and later the meetings were altogether discontinued.
After the lapse of years, a second society was formed May 13th, 1883, 25 persons associating themselves for this purpose. In the course of a few months this number was more than doubled, and the society had a bright future. Its officers were as follows: President, J. A. C. Wightman; vice-president, A. D. Moore; recording secretary, Howard Schofield; corresponding secretary, Frank P. Lee; treasurer, Lewis C. Bass. It is a matter of regret that this association also discontinued its meetings in the course of a few years, there being not enough in- terest to warrant their continuance, and since that time the work of the association has practically been abandoned.
The Young Men's Mutual Association was first organized in 1882, but on the 11th of October, 1885, it was reorganized on a new basis. In the fall of 1888, when its meetings for the season were resumed, the association had 54 members and property valued at $500. A neat hall in Unity Block is maintained, and the affairs are managed by a board of officers composed of the following: President, George W. Miller, Jr .; vice-presidents, Clyde Dudley and Charles D. Southwick; secretary, James Jewell; treasurer, Arthur S. Pease; financial secre- tary, John Keller.
The Choral Association is one of the latest of the social and mu- sical organizations of the city, dating from June, 1889. It is composed of 100 active and about 200 associate members, whose purpose it is to study and execute classical and modern music. Three concerts per year are projected. The first directors were: F. E. Holden, George F. Higgins, F. E. Farnum, Alvertus Dean, Zeuner M. Jenks, S. E. Buz- zell, F. E. Kettlety.
The Business Men's Association was organized December 10th, 1882, at a meeting called for this purpose, when 30 names were placed on the roll of membership. Its object is to foster the business inter- ests of the city of Woonsocket and to aid in whatever will promote that end. These aims have met with a sympathetic response in an increased membership and an unabated interest in the welfare of the association. A few months after its organization there were 75 members, whose meetings were held in a hall appro- priately dedicated February 27th, 1883. The first officers were: President, Charles Nourse; secretary, William C. Mason; treas- urer, Henry L. Ballou; directors, Charles F. Ballou, C. H. Pond, E. H. Ronian, Joseph Brown, Jr., J. A. Elwell and F. S. Weeks, Jr. In 1889 the association had 100 members, a surplus in its treasury, and was flourishing. At this time the officers were: Presi- dent, James Murray; treasurer, Charles E. Ballou; secretary, George S. Read; directors, S. P. Cook, George R. Smith, Nelson H. Mowry, W. H. Cole, William C. Mason and Frank Harris.
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The Father Mathew Benevolent Total Abstinence and Aid Society of Woonsocket is a flourishing organization. In 1838 Father Mathew began the temperance labors which have made his name immortal, signing his own pledge to total abstinence on the 10th of April that year, when he accompanied the act with the stirring words: "Here goes, in the name of God," Reverend Theobald Mathew. His ex- ample acted like a contagion upon his countrymen, and in the course of a few months 150,000 of his beloved Irish had signed a similar pledge. Extending his labors to other countries he came to America in 1849, and among other points visited Woonsocket. The occasion was fittingly recognized, and he was escorted to St. Charles Catholic church by a large procession of people, where a speech of welcome was made, to which the reverend father replied, and then proceeded to carry out the work of the mission in which he was engaged. At this time he was described as a person of distinguished and benign ap- pearance, whose very presence was a benediction, inspiring reveren- tial homage.
The above society was accordingly organized in 1849, on the 10th of October, and was duly chartered in January, 1861. Its first presi- dent was John Doyle; Patrick Callan was the secretary, and Edward McCabe the treasurer. Since the existence of the society many hun- dreds of people have had membership in it, and its work has been promotive of much good in this community. Meetings are regularly held in the hall at St. Charles church, and John F. Murphy was the president, and the Very Reverend M. McCabe was chaplain in the spring of 1889.
The Shamrock Benevolent Aid Society was organized in 1858, and chartered in 1860. After flourishing a few years the events of the civil war affected it to such an extent that its meetings were discon- tinued. Later, October 25th, 1868, a similar society was formed, with Daniel McNally, president; Patrick Hopkins, secretary, and James Smith, treasurer. This soon called to its membership a large number of intelligent Irishmen and prospered.
Catholic Knights of America, St. Charles Branch, No. 507, is a so- ciety of more recent organization, dating from June 21st, 1887. It is a social and beneficiary order, assuring benefits of from $500 to $5,000 on death of its members. Up to July, 1889, St. Charles Branch had one death, Peter Groves, and a thousand dollar benefit was paid. The branch is prosperous, having in 1889 35 members, and the following principal officers: president, Thomas F. Howe; vice-president, James W. Smyth; recording secretary, John F. Ryan; financial secretary, Michael F. Tunney; treasurer, Thomas J. Rowen; representative to State Council, John J. Heffernan.
Several divisions of the Ancient Order of Hibernians have been organized at Woonsocket, one of which, No. 4, has discontinued its meetings at this place. It was organized January 16th, 1873, and five
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years later had eighty members. Division No. 6 is more. purely a branch of the Order. It was organized October 23d, 1872, and incor- porated April 1st, 1873, the charter being granted to George Williams, Thomas B. Smith, John Reynolds, James Conway and Thomas Cal- laghan and their associates. This body has flourished, having more than one hundred members, who maintain monthly meetings. Divi- sion No. 8 was organized December 28th, 1872, and became an incor- porated body July 6th, 1875. James O'Reilley was the first president; Patrick Healy, vice-president; William Meagher, secretary; John Grimes, treasurer. It was formed out of No. 10 Division, of Black- stone, and soon had an active membership. This prosperity has con- tinued, and semi-monthly meetings are held.
St. Jean Baptiste Society is the oldest social and beneficial society in the place among the French. It was organized January 26th, 1868, and chartered in May, 1869. Joseph Page was the first president; Alexis Brunette, secretary, and Homer Page, treasurer. A spacious hall has been appropriately furnished, and the society has a large membership. There is a well-selected library, and a good fund in the treasury. In 1889 the principal officers were: Chaplain, Reverend Charles Dauray; president, Philip Boucher; honorary president, L. J. Le Bœuf; vice-president, Jean Baptiste Fontaine: recording secretary, Louis Lalumiére; corresponding secretary, Gilbert Laporte; treasurer, Doctor J. C. Maranda; physician, Doctor Joseph Hils; librarian, Elie Plasse.
L'Institut Canadien was founded November 25th, 1876, and incorpor- ated in April, 1878. Its motto: " S'Instruiere et S' Amuser Mutuellement," indicates its purpose. The first officers were: Chaplain, Charles Dauray; president, Gédéon Archambault; recording secretary, L. P. Demers; corresponding secretary, Joseph Boucher; treasurer, P. Lavallée; librar- ian, H. Soly. The society maintains a fine library and reading room, which is accessible to members every evening. Dramatic entertain- ments and an annual soiree are given, whose proceeds are devoted to the relief of the poor, the society thus being a useful factor in the place.
A number of labor and other organizations have, for a time, had an existence in the city, but their suspension or discontinuance have made it difficult or impossible to secure data for an authentic account of the same, and none is here attempted.
The Woonsocket Agricultural, Horticultural and Industrial Society has maintained a prosperous existence for many years. A very successful fair, held at Woonsocket in the fall of 1865, and repeated with equally gratifying results in 1866, demonstrated the fact that under proper management such meetings could be annually main- tained for the benefit of the community. Accordingly, at the January session, 1867, the above society was incorporated with the following board of officers: President, Stephen N. Mason; vice-presidents, H. S.
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Mansfield, John Currier, D. B. Pond and John A. Bennett; treasurer, Charles E. Aldrich; secretary, W. H. Jencks; auditor, S. S. Foss. The organization thus effected under legal authority has been fully main- tained, and the annual fairs have been held with scarcely an abated interest. These exhibitions have been an incentive to the interests they aim to promote, there being a marked improvement in the differ- ent departments since they were first held. They have also been made the occasions of pleasant social re-unions of the industrial classes of the northern part of the state. In June, 1870. the society purchased the Citizens Union Park, about two miles from the city, for $3.250, and has still further improved it for its purposes. The park embraces 20 acres of land, well enclosed, and on which are a number of permanent buildings for exhibition purposes. There is also a good half-mile race course and a commodious grand stand, which are frequently used by a driving association. In connection with the fair on this ground certain departments under the management of lady members of the society are exhibited at Harris Hall. Many thousands of dollars are paid out in premiums. The officers of the society in 1888, when the 23d fair was held, were: President, John Leech; vice- presidents, Arlon Mowry, L. B. Pease, H. M. Taft and Andrew Dona- hoe; treasurer, Arlon Mowry; secretary, James H. Rickard; auditor, Aaron B. Warfield; superintendent of hall, Mrs. L. B. Pease; chief marshall, Arthur S. Pease.
Among the many Lodges connected with the various secret orders, which have been established at Woonsocket, Morning Star Lodge, No. 13, A. F. &. A. M., takes precedence in age and relative importance. It was organized under a dispensation granted January 23d, 1810, and its first meetings were held at the academy at Cumberland Hill. At that place a hall for the use of the Lodge was built the following sum- mer, and was dedicated in September. After working under a dispen- sation more than a year, a charter was granted to 28 members, Septem- ber 25th, 1811.
By an act of the general assembly in February, 1812, the Lodge became a body politic and entered upon a prosperous existence, which continued until the era of anti-Masonic feeling. From December, 1833, until June 17th, 1837, no meetings were held, but at the period last named Doctor Ariel Ballou was appointed to gather up the books and records of the Lodge with a view of resuming them. A failure to comply with the terms of the charter caused its forfeiture, after a few years, and it was not restored until the fall of 1848. December 12th that year, the last meeting was held at Cumberland Hill, the next being held December 25th, at Woonsocket, to which place the Lodge had transferred its records. The Lodge retained the ownership of the old hall until August, 1853, when it was sold to Fenner Brown. At Woonsocket meetings were first held in the Odd Fellows Hall, and from 1856 to 1858 in Pond's Block. In the latter year a good hall was
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