Bristol County, Massachusetts - Chapter 10, 1883 (part 1 of 2)

Ecclesiastical History

antedates New Bedford by half a century. As it was in early times the centre of population and business, religious services were first held there, and as New Bedford became settled its residents were in the habit of going up to the Head of the River to attend worship. But in the course of time, owing to the greater increase of population in New Bedford, it became necessary to organize a precinct in connection with the church at Acushnet. We find by the records of the First Congregational Society that the first meeting held in relation to the formation of the precinct was Jan. 31, 1795, at the North Purchase Street schoolhouse. The officers chosen at that meeting were Jireh Willis, moderator; John Spooner, clerk; Edward Pope, treasurer. It was voted to build a house for public worship, in forty shares, each shareholder subscribing six pounds, to be paid in cash, labor, or materials. Capt. Gamaliel Bryant was chosen superintendent of its construction. The records state that the first lot selected for the location of the church was "a quarter of an acre of land lying north of Joseph Russell's orchard, and west of County road," presented by Ephraim Kempton, Sr., which is now occupied by the County Street Methodist Episcopal Church. It was their determination to build on this spot, and several persons were buried here, the design being to set apart a portion of the grounds as a burial-place. But at a meeting of the proprietors held the following May it was contended that it was distant too far from the village, and this vote was annulled, and it was decided to accept alotoffered by William Rotch, where Liberty Hall now stands. The church was commenced and built during the years 1795-97, by Manasseh Kempton, Jr., and Eastland Babcnck. Meetings were, however, held in the church previous to its completion.

A bell was purchased Feb. 18, 1796 (the one formerly in use in the tower of the old Liberty Hall), of Capt. Silas Jones, of Nantucket, by subscription, at a cost of two hundred and fifty-five dollars. The list was headed by Thomas Pope, who gave ten dollars. The next largest sum was six dollars, and was given by a colored man named Aaron Chikls. The bell was distinguished for clearness of tone and the long distance for which it could be heard. In November, 1854, Liberty Hall was destroyed by fire. The remains of the bell were collected, and several citizens had tea-bells and various ornaments made, and these are the only relics of this old bell.

The first pastor was Rev. Dr. West, who commenced his ministrations with the society at the building of the church. He afterwards received his dismission on account of ill health. After Dr. West's withdrawal, Rev. Messrs. Christy, Holt, and Robinson received calls to officiate as pastors, but whether they accepted or not the records do not state.

In 1807 a church, called the Third Church, was organized in connection with the precinct, which continued until 1810, when the society, or parish committee, as it is termed, presented Rev. Ephraim Randall to the church as a candidate for the pastorship. The church refused to elect him, and the society persisting in their determination to employ him, the great majority of the church voted to assemble in another place of worship, which they accordingly did, and their subsequent history will be found under the head of the North Congregational Church.

The society, with four members of the church who remained with them and organized a new church, having strengthened their position by a decision from ecclesiastical authorities that they were justified in insisting upon the election of whoever they chose to present to the church as candidates for the pastorship, proceeded to install Rev. Ephraim Randall, who preached to them several years. After him, Rev. Messrs. Channing, Kibbey, and John Brewer were settled over the society. The latter was for some time preceptor of the Friends' Academy.

Sept. 17, 1816, the society gave Rev. Jonathan Whitaker a call, which was accepted, and he preached to the society until Nov. 24, 1823, with great acceptance. At that date an invitation was extended to Rev. Orville Dewey, which he accepted.

This distinguished clergyman was born at Sheffield, Mass., March 28, 1794. He graduated at Williams College in 1814, and was afterwards a student of Andover Theological Seminary, from 1816 to 1819. On leaving Andover he preached for several years as the agent of the American Educational Society, but declined any permanent settlement on account of his indefinite opinions in theology ; subsequently he accepted a temporary call to Gloucester, at the same time candidly stating his unsettled views. Here he became a Unitarian, and was shortly after engaged as the assistant of Dr. Channing, in whose pulpit he preached two years. His next charge was this society, over which he was ordained Dec. 17, 1823.

Dec. 5, 1833, being in ill health, he was granted leave of absence for a tour through Europe, his salary being continued. Ralph Waldo Emerson supplied the pulpit the principal portion of the time during his absence.

In June, 1834, Mr. Dewey received a call from the Church of the Messiah in New York, and asked his dismission, which was granted, and his salary paid by the society up to December ensuing. Mr. Dewey was extremely popular with the society, and his withdrawal was a matter of deep regret.

The next pastor was Rev. Mr. Angier, who was ordained May 20, 1835. The sermon on the occasion was by Dr. Dewey, and the introductory prayer by Rev. Mr. Morgridge. Mr. Angier asked for his dismission April 8, 1837, but the society voted unanimously not to grant it. A second request being made, it was granted.

The structure now occupied by the society, on Union Street, was erected during the year 1836-38, and dedicated May 24, 1838, on which occasion Rev. Messrs. Ephraim Peabody and J. H. Morison were installed as pastors. Mr. Morison continued with the society until Oct. 6, 1844.

Rev. Ephraim Peabody was born at Milton, N. H., March 28, 1807. In November, 1845, he received a call to act as colleague pastor at King's Chapel, Boston, which he accepted.

Few clergymen have ever been as successful in winning the personal regard and attachment of their people as Mr. Peabody was. He died Nov. 28, 1856.

In December, 1847, Rev. John Weiss received a call, and soon after commenced his labors with the society. In 1852, Mr. Weiss' ill health rendering him unable to discharge his entire pastoral duties, he tendered his resignation. It was not accepted, and Rev. Charles Lowe was ordained as a colleague, Aug. 10, 1852. Mr. Lowe's health failing, after an association of about one year, a leave of absence was granted to him, and in September, 1853, he left this city for Europe. Before his departure he sent a letter of resignation, but at the request of the society retained a nominal relation as pastor. In April, 1855, he wrote from Paris, asking that this connection should be dissolved, and the society complied with his desire.

Mr. Weiss' health continued very infirm, and in April, 1858, he received leave of absence for six months and went to Europe. On his return, finding that his strength was not sufficiently restored to warrant him in undertaking the whole duty of the parish, , he tendered his resignation, which was finally accepted, and his connection with the society ceased in the spring of 1859.

New Bedford

An invitation was extended to the present pastor, Eev. William J. Potter, in July, 1859, which he accepted, and was ordained Dec. 28, 1859. The services on the occasion were as follows: Introductoryprayer, Rev. C. Y. De Normandie, of Fairhaven; selections from Scriptures, Rev. T. C. Moulton ; sermon, Rev. Dr. Furness, of Philadelphia ; ordaining prayer, Rev. J. F. W. Ware, of Cambridgeport ; charge, Rev. C. H. Brigham, of Taunton ; right hand of fellowship, Rev. A. Woodbury, of Providence; address to the people, Rev. Dr. Dewey, of Boston ; concluding prayer, Rev. Moses G. Thomas.

In 1863, Mr. Potter was drafted. On the following Sunday he preached a very powerful discourse, entitled "The Voice of the Draft,'' which was published and attracted great attention throughout the country. He resigned the pastorship and entered the army, intending to take his position as a private soldier ; but on reaching W&shington the Secretary of War assigned him a position more in accordance with his habits and abilities. The society declined to accept his resignation, but granted him leave of absence for a year, at the expiration of which time he returned to his duties here and has officiated as pastor to the present time.

The North Congregational Church.1 - The North Congregational Church was organized (in the meetinghouse of the precinct, formed in 1795) by an Ecclesiastical Council, Oct. 15, 1807.

The churches represented in the council were the Second Church of Christ in New Bedford (Fairhaven), by Rev. Isaiah Weston, pastor, Joseph Bates, delegate ; and the First Church of Christ in Rochester, by Rev. Oliver Cobb, pastor, Jesse Haskell, delegate. Having organized, the council "proceeded to examine the standing of those who were before members of churches, and also candidates for admission into the church," and laid before them a confession of faith and a covenant. These were " consented to," and the following persons " were then regularly formed into a church by the name of the Third Church in New Bedford, and the ordinance of baptism was administered to those who had not been baptized :

The first officers of the church were chosen May 11, 1809, - Joshua Barker, first deacon; Cornelius S. Burgess, second deacon ; and, it is presumed, Cephas Cushman, clerk.

Rev. Curtis Coe seems to have preached for the church in 1809, and other clergymen from the neighboring towns to have administered the ordinances occasionally during the following year. In 1809-10 there was a revival, and in March and April an addition of twenty-two members. The church was apparently in a prosperous condition ; but about that time an " unhappy division began to appear," which resulted in the formation of two churches, the one Trinitarian, the other Unitarian. The majority of the church was dissatisfied with the proceedings of the parish committee, and also with the candidate for pastor, who, as it is alleged, was not sound in doctrine ; or, in the language of the memorial presented to the council protesting against the ordination of Mr. Ephraim Randall, in 1814, because he "did not, in the opinion of the church, speak the things that become sound doctrine, or those that harmonized with the professed sentiments of the church."

A committee, consisting of Deacons Barker and Burgess and Jireh Willis, was appointed July 20, 1810, to confer with the parish committee with a view of reconciliation. On the 7th of August they reported " that the conference with the parish committee afforded no satisfaction, or nothing appeared to be attending to the union ;" whereupon the following vote was passed : " Voted, that we meet for public worship at some public or private house on the Lord's day."

At that time there were nineteen active (male) members, of whom five were in opposition to the majority, one took no part, and thirteen were united against the society. The fourteen male members constituting the church that separated from the society were Edward Ayers, Joshua Barker, Freeman Barrows, Cornelius S. Burgess, Joshua Crocker, Cephas Cushman, Jesse Haskell, Roger Haskell, Isaac Manchester, Nathaniel Perry, Pardon Potter, Southward Potter, William West, and Jireh Willis. Caleb Jenne had joined the Friends and Ebenezer Willis was dead. Those fourteen men, with not a great abundance of this world's goods, entered into an agreement to pay the salary of a minister and the rent of a place of worship, with the other expenses of the same.

Soon after the separation, if not before, Mr. Sylvester Holmes, a licentiate, began his labors with the church. It is inferred from the record of June 29, 1811, that the church even then hoped to effect a reconciliation, -

Pursuant to letters missive, an Ecclesiastical Council convened on the 30th of July, and on the 31st ordained Mr. Holmes to " administer ordinances." The exercises on that occasion were : Introductory prayer by Rev. Mr. Stutson, of Plymouth ; sermon by Rev. Mase Shepherd, of Little Compton, R. I., from Matthew xiii. 39 : " The harvest is the end of the world ;" consecrating prayer by Rev. Mr. Craft, of Middleborough ; charge to the pastor by Rev. Lemuel Le Baron, of Rochester; right hand of fellowship by Rev. Oliver Cobb, of Rochester ; concluding prayer by Rev. Mr. Andrews, of Berkley. The several parts were very appropriate and impressive, and the assembly solemn and attentive.

Services were held at first in the North Purchase Street school-house, then in the South school-house on Walnut Street, and, as occasion required, at the residences of church-members. At length a hall over William W. Kempton's store, southwest corner of Mill and Second Streets, was obtained, and the church continued to worship there until a meeting-house was built in 1814. That house was one story high, tenfoot post, with end towards the street, door in middle, and one window on each side of the door. Its site was next south of Silas Kempton's house, situated on the southwest corner of Second and Elm Streets.

In 1812 the five church-members who had remained with the society adopted a covenant differing from that of 1807, and with the society installed Rev. David Batchelder as pastor of the "Church and Society in Bedford Precinct." Two years later Mr. Ephraim Randall was ordained. To the Ecclesiastical Council convened on each occasion the church addressed a memorial, setting forth the facts in regard to the division, and protesting against such action as not being in accordance with the usage of Congregational Churches. To the second memorial the council, of which Rev. James Flint, of Bridgewater, was scribe, replied, " We consider those of the members of the church who retain their relation to the Third Society, of which also they are a component part, and hold regularly their assembling of themselves together as a church and people and worshipers in the meeting-house of said society, as being distinctly and properly the church belonging to the society, but those who went off from said meeting-house and forsook the communion-table as having abandoned the society and relinquished the communion and fellowship and ordinances which were the bond of their union, and therefore as having no control or right to exercise discipline over those that have remained steadfast ; and also as the remonstrants have themselves ordained a pastor independently of and without paying any respect to the society, they cannot now with any propriety interfere with the ordination for the purpose of which we have convened."

Not so thought the remonstrants, for on the 19th of December they formally excommunicated Edward Pope, Abisha Delano, Elkanah Mitchel, and John Sherman (Gamaliel Bryant had died a few months before), because they " have for more than two years absented themselves from our religious worship and communion at the Lord's table in general, and have met for worship and attended to the Lord's Supper in a different place, and have refused to return to their duty as members of the church, notwithstanding they have been labored with in different ways at sundry times, in obedience to the holy command of our Lord concerning any brother or brothers who walk disorderly." *

Thus ended the controversy between the church and the society, but the bitterness of feeling engendered and the unchristian spirit aroused ceased not to be manifested until the chief actors had passed away.

The church so increased that a larger house of worship was soon demanded for the accommodation of the people. In 1817 measures were taken for the erection of a new house on the corner of Purchase Street and a new street not then named, now Elm. The frame was raised May 7, 1817. The house was built by Deacon Barker, "and the proprietors met the expenses of the enterprise by a payment of money, labor, and materials." It was forty-eight feet by sixty, exclusive of a portico seven feet deep, supported by four large pillars, and surmounted by a handsome steeple. It was finished June, 1818. On Tuesday, the 23d day of that month, it was consecrated to Almighty God with "services extremely appropriate and interesting, and affording much gratification to a very numerous audience." Rev. John Codman, of Dorchester, preached a sermon from Exodus xx. 24: "In all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee."

The Sunday-school, organized in 1819, was the outgrowth of Rev. Mr. Holmes' class in the catechism. Probably as early as 1811 he began his work as catechist, instructing the children of his church in biblical history and the doctrines of the " Assembly's Shorter Catechism."

In 1826 the meeting-house was enlarged. It was cut in two, the west end moved back, and fifteen feet inserted. At the same time the old meeting-house, then used for school purposes, was moved from Second Street to a site on Elm Street, just west of the meeting-house. A few years later it was raised one story ; the lower part was fitted up for a vestry, and the upper part for a school-room. After John F. Emerson had taught there several years he purchased the house, removed it to William Street, and remodeled it

By an act of the General Court, approved by the Governor Jan. 27, 1827, Roger Haskell, William W. Kempton,, Henry P. Willis, David Briggs, Ebenezer Hathaway, Frederick Read, Ivory H. Bartlett, Joshua Barker, Cornelius S. Burgess, Joseph Bourne, and their associates and successors, were incorporated into a society by the name of the North Congregational Church. At the first meeting, June 8th, William W. Kempton was elected clerk ; Joshua Barker, Cornelius S. Burgess, and Haydon Coggeshall, trustees ; and David Briggs, treasurer and collector.

The distinctive title " Third," given in 1807, was not needed after the incorporation of Fairhaven in 1812, and it is probable that after 1817 the epithet " North" was applied by way of distinction, as the meeting-house was north of the old meeting-house, on the site of Liberty Hall.

In 1830 it was evident that a wider field, of usefulness was opening for the church. The population of the town was increasing, the pews were all occupied, and a meeting-house seemed to be needed in the south part of the village. " The indications of Divine Providence say to us emphatically, ' Strengthen your stakes and lengthen your cords,' " are the words of those interested in a new place of worship. In 1831 the south meeting-house was built, and on the 15th of November sixty members were dismissed to be organized into a church. Thus the Trinitarian Church had its origin.

On the 11th of March, 1836, the corporation voted to erect a new house of worship. Work was begun in April, the old house moved so as to front the north, and the foundation of a granite structure of larger dimensions laid. An address was delivered by Rev. Thomas Robbins, of Mattapoisett, at the laying of the corner-stone, Friday afternoon, May 13th. The house was built according to a plan furnished by Mr. Bond, architect, of Boston, under the superintendence of Messrs. Taber, West, Sawyer, and Underwood, master-masons, and Obadiah B. Burgess, carpenter. It is of the Gothic order of architecture, with square tower and battlements, and is sixty-eight feet front by ninety in depth. The interior was finished with great simplicity, without gallery, except for organ and choir. The total cost, including lot, was about twenty-eight thousand dollars. It was dedicated Thursday, Dec. 22, 183(3. An audience of nearly fifteen hundred people listened to a highly interesting sermon by Rev. Dr. Hawes, of Hartford, Conn. The house was first occupied Jan. 1, 1837. The wooden building in the rear, subsequently occupied as a stable by James Thomas, was destroyed by fire about twenty-five years ago.

Rev. Mr. Holmes, having been invited to become the general agent of the American Bible Society, requested the church to grant him a leave of absence for five years, provided an associate pastor be settled.

The church granted his request Feb. 21, 1839. At the expiration of four years he returned, but found the church desirous of severing the relation existing between them. Accordingly, he was dismissed by a council March 15, 1843.

During his ministry more than five hundred were received into the church. There were several seasons when the Spirit of the Lord descended with power, two of which were followed by large ingatherings into the church. (In 1831 sixty-six united with the church, and in 1834 ninety-two, of whom thirty-four were received May 4th.) He was instrumental in reviving the old church at the " Head of the River" and in building a meeting-house there.

After his dismission he was pastor of the Pacific Church nearly six years. His last pastoral work was done at his native place, South Plymouth, where he preached six years. Five weeks after he laid the harness off, his summons to depart came from his Master. He died in this city, at the residence of Ivory H. Bartlett, Nov. 27, 1866, in the seventy-ninth year of his age, and was buried from the church where he had preached so many years.

As a man, Rev. Mr. Holmes was active, untiring, enterprising, commanding in appearance, capable of administration, impatient at interference, of indomitable energy, " which the bitterest opposition only intensified ;" as a preacher, "of acute perception, tenacious of his theological faith, perspicuous in style, earnest and forcible in delivery, effective without the grace of eloquence;" as a pastor, always on the alert for strangers, that he might bring them into his congregation, " thorough, kind, affectionate, sympathizing." His influence was felt not only in New Bedford, but also in the Congregational Churches throughout Southeastern Massachusetts.

While Rev. Mr. Holmes was absent, Rev. Thomas M. Smith, of Catskill, N. Y., was associate pastor. He was installed July 24, 1839, Rev. Leonard Woods, D.D., of the Theological Seminary, Andover, preaching the sermon. After three years' service he was dismissed, Aug. 31, 1842, on account of troubles which arose a few months previous. An extensive revival prevailed, but he objected to some extraordinary means adopted for its promotion. The council called to dismiss him " laid the trouble at the door of excitement growing out of evangelists' introducing desire for extraordinary measures, female speakers, etc., which he opposed, but did consent to a protracted meeting, and one was held under an evangelist, but trouble grew in the church." Hasty, inconsiderate, not understanding the principles and modes of action in case of grievance, the church was manifestly in error in the course pursued. With bitterness of sorrow at a later period its members viewed their action, and of it heartily repented. One hundred and four were added to the church during his ministry, thirty-six of whom were received May 1, 1842.

ology at Kenyon College. He died Sept. 6, 1864. He was a pastor " of amiable disposition, of wise and discreet deportment, of sterling talents, and of wellproportioned ministerial character."

The agitation of the slavery question in 1843 was a source of disturbance, which finally resulted in the excommunication of one of the deacons and another prominent member. The need of moral reform was not seen and felt. Conservatism characterized the majority, who were not ready to follow the advanceguard, because the enormity of the sin of slavery was not comprehended. A resolution and a vote of that period show the attitude of the church upon that question, which has since shaken the foundation of our government and drenched the land " in fraternal blood," -

" Resolved, That all action upon or discussion of these subjects (State rights, national policy, and slavery), as a church, or in meetings appointed by the church, be indefinitely postponed."

Mr. Robert S. Hitchcock having accepted an invitation to assume the pastoral charge of the church, was ordained July 19, 1843. His father, Rev. C. Hitchcock, D.D., of Randolph, preached the sermon.

The question whether the pastor-elect should unite with the church arose during the session of the council, but was indefinitely postponed. Against this the Rev. Dr. Codman, of Dorchester, and ten others entered their protest: "That in their opinion it is proper that, according to Congregational principles, the candidate for ordination should become a member of the church over which he is to be ordained."

It was during his pastorate that twenty members, feeling aggrieved at the action of the church in relation to the dismission of Rev. Messrs. Smith and Holmes, requested to be dismissed to form a church. The request was not granted, but a " Union Church," so called, was formed in Fairhaven. In the midst of the serious troubles that threatened the church a mutual council was called, and the difficulties peacefully adjusted. Nineteen were dismissed Oct. 8, 1844, who with others were organized into the Pacific Congregational Church.

On account of the precarious state of his health, Rev. Mr. Hitchcock tendered his resignation, and was dismissed Dec. 9, 1845. The council bore testimony to his ability, zeal, and faithfulness, and expressed their high appreciation of his talents, acquirements, and piety. He has been for several years at the head of the Hollidaysburg Female Seminary, Pennsylvania.

Nearly two years elapsed before another pastor was settled. On the 15th of September, 1847, Mr. Azariah Eldridge, from the Divinity School, Yale College, was ordained. His brother, Rev. Joseph Eldridge, of Norfolk, Conn., preached the sermon. In the winter of 1850-51 the interior of the meeting-house was remodeled under the supervision of Mr. G. J. F.

Bryant, architect, of Boston. Side galleries and new pews were put in, and the internal appearance greatly improved, though at a reduction of pews from one hundred and fifty-four to one hundred and eight on the floor of the audience-room. The expense of alteration was about six thousand dollars. The rededication took place March 13", 1851, when Rev. Dr. Edward N. Kirk, of Boston, delivered a sermon of great power.

In 1852 the pastor was invited to take charge of the Clinton Street Church, Philadelphia. Notwithstanding the urgency of the call and the earnest words of Rev. Dr. Albert Barnes, who appeared in behalf of the Philadelphia Church, the council convened Jan. 6, 1853, did not feel " prepared to assume the responsibility of dissolving the peaceful and prosperous relation existing between church and pastor."

Three years later, however, the impaired condition of his bodily health and the plans of study abroad which he .had fondly cherished induced him to resign. He was dismissed April 22, 1856. During his ministry ninety-one were added to the church. He was a faithful and efficient minister, winning the confidence of his people, by whom his removal was deeply regretted.

After he left he visited Europe, traveling and studying. On his return he was settled over a church in Detroit, Mich. During a second visit to Europe he was for a time chaplain of the American Protestant Chapel at Paris. He now resides at Yarmouth.

His successor, Rev. Henry W. Parker, of Brooklyn, N. Y., was installed Aug. 8, 1856. The sermon was by Rev. Roswell D. Hitchcock, D.D., Professor of Ecclesiastical History, Union Theological Seminary, New York.

The stone chapel adjoining the meeting-house on the south was built in 1857, at a cost of about three thousand five hundred dollars. During the winter of 1857-58 an extensive and powerful revival occurred. It began to develop in a union prayer-meeting established through the instrumentality of Rev. Mr. Parker, and as a result there were added to his church in one day, May 2d, - memorable in the history of the church, - seventy-seven persons on professon of their faith. There were one hundred and fifty-nine accessions during his seven years' pastorate. This increase of membership rendered his duties more arduous, but he discharged them with fidelity, though with health impaired. He was dismissed July 27, 1863. He is now Professor of Natural History at Grinnell College, Iowa.

The call of the next pastor, Rev. Alonzo H. Quint, D.D., is sadly suggestive, not of strife and division and spiritual decline in the church, but of that fearful national conflict which well-nigh dismembered the Union. Chaplain Quint accepted his call by letter dated "Camp of the Second Massachusetts Infantry, Tullahoma, Tenn., April 20, 1864."

to leave these men and such scenes which they must pass through than it was to leave a beloved home and a dear church at our country's call. I cannot, indeed, leave until my term of service ends ; and if then the regiment should be engaged in active service, I must reserve the right to remain with it a reasonable period."

A suggestion of the letter was at once acted upon and the treasurer raised by subscription nine thousand dollars, thus promptly canceling the debt of the church and corporation.

Eev. Dr. Quint was installed July 21, 1864. The installation sermon was preached by Rev. A. L. Stone, D.D., of Boston. His ministry continued eleven years, terminating June 10, 1875, though his membership still continues. His ministry was popular, and the church received one hundred and forty-five members.

From 1855 to 1861 he was a member of the Massachusetts Board of Education ; has devoted much time to local history and genealogy, has been a member of the Massachusetts Historical Society, is a member of the New England Historic-Genealogical Society, and a corresponding member of the New Hampshire and New York Historical Societies ; has published two volumes pertaining to the Rebellion, has been chaplain-in-chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, has held high official appointments in his denomination, and has made Congregational polity and ecclesiastical law subjects of special study. In 1866 he received the degree of Doctor of Divinity from his Alma Mater, Dartmouth College. He resides at Dover, N. H., and has recently represented that city in the Legislature.

The present pastor, Rev. Albert H. Heath, was installed Oct. 19, 1876. The sermon was by Rev. A. J. F. Behrend^, D.D., of Providence, R. I. In 1878 the galleries were fitted with square pews and furnished with chairs, and a new organ was placed in the church at a cost of about seven thousand dollars. In 1881 a new pulpit was built. The church has flourished under his ministrations, and up to 1883 had received two hundred and fifty-five members, ninety-five of whom were admitted from the Pacific Church after it disbanded in 1878. The present membership is four hundred and ninety-five.

In 1857 the semi-centennial of the church, and in 1882 the seventy-fifth anniversary, were celebrated with interesting and appropriate exercises. A series of historical sermons, growing out of the latter, is nearly completed.

Rev. Mr. Heath is a graduate of Bates College, 1867. He was formerly a Free-Will Baptist, but while preaching at the Roger Williams Church, Providence, embraced the doctrinal views of the Trinitarian Congregationalists.

The following ministers, other than pastors, have been connected with the church or Sunday-school : Freeman P. Howland, 1818, ordained in Hanson Oct.

25, 1826; Augustus B. Reed, 1825; Thomas Bailey, 1827 ; Clark Cornish, 1829 ; William H. Sanford, 1831 ; Henry W. Lee, 1835, Episcopalian, and at one time Bishop of Iowa; Pardon G. Seabury, 1836, pastor at the " Head of the River," 1830-33; William H. Sturtevant, 1840, Tiverton Four Corners, R. I. ; Andrew Mackie, Episcopalian, dean of Northern Indiana at the time of his death in Laporte in 1878 ; John Cotton Smith, son of Rev. Thomas M., Bowdoin College, 1847, Episcopalian, Doctor of Divinity, a strong and effective preacher, a fluent and eloquent orator, an author of reputation, died Jan. 9, 1882: James F. Sisson, 1851, Methodist ; James R. Bourne, 1854, pastor in Sharon, Conn. ; William H. Dowden, pastor at North Easton ; John C. Staples, 1857, pastor at South Deerfield ; Ellis Mendell, 1870, pastor in Norwood ; Rufus B. Tobey, 1870, recently pastor in Harwich ; Daniel C. Burt, 1872, pastor at the " Head of the River," 1833-57, now clerk of the church ; Henry M. Dexter, D.D., 1873, editor of the Congregationalist ; William C. Stiles, 1880, pastor of the East Congregational Church, Brooklyn, N. Y.

The Trinitarian Church.1 - Fifty-one years have passed since a band of earnest Christian workers withdrew from the mother-church, the North Congregational, and formed the nucleus of this organization.

The reasons for the withdrawal of this church from the North Congregational cannot be better stated than by the following letter, dated Nov. 17, 1830 : of this town, that the time has fully come when another house of worship should he erected aud another congregation collected. Our present place of worship is all occupied, and more pews would be taken if they were to be had. Under these circumstances we cannot be more favorably situated for such an effort than we now are. It is also morally certain if we do not open another place of worship some other persons will, and we have much reason to fear it would be such as differ widely from what we believe to be the faith of the gospel. The indications of Divine Providence say to us emphatically, ' Strengthen your stakes and lengthen your cords.'

" If we are deaf to the voice of that God who has done so much for us there is reason to apprehend that we shall not only neglect an opportunity to do good, but we shall give others an opportunity to do that which will do us much evil, and especially the cause of evangelical truth. We are sensible that the work before us will call for sacrifices, but we have been taught in years that have gone ' that there is that scattered and yet increaseth.' "

To these Rev. Mr. Robbins presented the confession of faith and covenant. They were then addressed by Rev. Mr. Cobb. Deacon Daniel Perry presented the right hand of fellowship, after which the Lord's Supper was administered.

now residing in New York City ; Mr. Phineas Burgess, the architect and builder of this edifice, now a resident of Brooklyn, N. Y. ; Mrs. Eliza (Tobey) Evans, now living in Assonet ; Mrs. Caroline (Tobey) Sanford, of Philadelphia; and Mrs. Ellen J. Bailey, who resides in this city, and is still an esteemed member of this church. We remember with gratitude her years of faithful service. Long may she be spared as a golden link binding the old and new together.

Soon after the organization four deacons were elected. Their names were Joshua Barker, Frederick Read, Charles Coggeshall, and Simeon Bailey.

For several months, while a new church edifice was being erected, the meetings of the society were held at the houses of its members, principally those of Charles Coggeshall and Joshua Barker. The first meeting was held Nov. 17, 1831, at the house of Deacon Charles Coggeshall.

The church building was completed and dedicated May 16, 1832. The first pastor was Rev. James Austin Roberts. He supplied the pulpit from May 26 until Nov. 14, 1832, when he was installed. His salary was fixed at twelve hundred dollars per annum. Mr. Roberts was born at Trowbridge, Wiltshire, England, May 2, 1795. April 5, 1843, he asked, and was granted, a leave of absence for one year to visit England. During his absence, Rev. Mr. Dyer, of Fultonville, N. Y., supplied the pulpit. In July, 1844, Mr. Roberts wrote from London asking his dismission. It was granted, but with many expressions of regret from the society to which he had endeared himself by his consistent life and faithful pastorate. He afterwards returned to America, and lived and died in Berkley, Mass.

Feb. 10, 1844, while the pastor was in England, the edifice was seriously injured by fire. The first church to throw open its doors was the Unitarian. Their kind offer was accepted, and it was decided to discontinue the Sunday-school and hold the Sabbath afternoon service in the Unitarian Church. William Street Baptist Church also generously offered their house of worship. Subsequently the North Congregational Society, having granted a leave of absence to their pastor, Rev. Mr. Hitchcock, invited the Trinitarian Society to unite with them, and requested that Rev. Mr. Dyer supply the pulpit during the absence of their pastor. This arrangement was finally consummated.

Jan. 6,1845. "By request the church and congregation remained after services in the afternoon to ascertain their wishes in regard to the church giving Rev. George L. Prentiss, of Portland, Me., an invitation to become pastor of their church. The question having been put and a request made that all who were in favor of the church giving said invitation should rise, it appeared that all had risen, and that there was but one mind both in the church and congregation in favor of said invitation."

A call was immediately (Jan. 6, 1845) extended to Rev. George L. Prentiss, of Portland, Me. His salary was fixed " at twelve hundred dollars the first year, fourteen hundred dollars the second, and sixteen hundred dollars the third year, and that the latternamed sum he the salary after that time." It was also voted to allow him an annual vacation of six weeks. March 4th a meeting of the male members of the church was called to make arrangements for the ordination of Mr. Prentiss, wdio had accepted the call so unanimously extended to him. The installation took place April 9th. He remained pastor of the church until Sept. 30, 1850. The years of his pastorate were those of great prosperity to the society. Fifty-five new members were added, and the utmost harmony prevailed between pastor and people.

Oct. 15, 1850, a call was extended to Rev. Wheelock Craig, of Newcastle. Me., and he was installed Dec. 4, 1850. His salary was placed at twelve hundred dollars, with a vacation of three weeks. He remained with the church eighteen years, during which time two hundred and five persons were added to the church membership. Many of these joined during the great religious awakening of 1857-59. For many months during this revival daily union prayer-meetings were held in this church, over which Mr. Craig personally presided. In the midst of this interest, in 1858, he was invited to the professorship of modern languages at Bowdoin College, but he preferred to remain in his pastorate, where be was respected and beloved not only by his own society, but by the community at large.

In 1868, Mr. Craig's health began to fail, and his church granted him a leave of absence for four months, his salary to be continued, and his pulpit supplied during his absence by his brother, Rev. Henry Craig. He sailed from New York May 23, 1868, landing in Ireland. He traveled through many countries of Europe. His health appeared to improve until his arrival in Italy. Finding his strength failing he hastened back to Switzerland for the winter, but after several weeks of rapid decline he died at Neufchatel, Switzerland, Nov. 28, 1868. The last words of Scripture that he spoke were, " There shall be no night there, but the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall be their light." His remains were brought to this city, and his funeral services were held at his own church Dec. 24, 1868. His funeral sermon was preached by Rev. Dr. Weld, of Boston, from Psalms xii. 1, " Help, Lord, for the godly man ceaseth, for the faithful fail from among the children of men."

Feb. 12, 1870, a call was extended to Rev. Cassius M. Terry, of New York City, to become pastor of the church. This call was accepted Feb. 16, 1870, and he commenced his labors in June, but his installation did not take place until Nov. 3, 1871. During the fall of 1871 his health began to fail, and his church was grieved but not surprised when, Feb. 25, 1872, he wrote a letter asking his dismissal. His resignation was accepted March 1, 1872. During his connection with the church he had received forty persons to membership, which is the highest percentage per annum received by any pastor during the history of the church. He afterwards removed to Minneapolis, Minn., but change of climate failed to eradicate the seeds of disease sown by the east winds, and he died of consumption Aug. 18, 1881. His memory is cherished with the utmost respect and affection by this people.

At a meeting held Oct. 21, 1872, it was voted to extend a call to Rev. Matthew C. Julien, of New York, with a salary of three thousand five hundred dollars. It was accepted, and the installation took place Dec. 11, 1872.

Mr. Julien found the church burdened with a debt of two thousand seven hundred dollars. This he immediately took measures to liquidate. He called a meeting of the church and society, and a sum more than sufficient to cover the amount was raised at once. Since that time no debt has been allowed to accumulate. At the beginning of each year estimates deemed sufficient to defray the expenses for the ensuing year have been made, and the records show that in no case have they been exceeded.

His next effort was to reorganize the Bible school on a new basis. In this he was eminently successful, as is abundantly proven by the prosperous condition of the school to-day. It has an average attendance of upwards of two hundred pupils, and were our accommodations suitable we have every reason to believe that the membership would be greatly increased.

Extensive repairs and alterations were made in the church edifice during the summer and fall of 1879. The organ was taken from the rear gallery and placed in front of the audience, and the interior of the church was tastefully frescoed and refurnished. It was rededicated Dec. 11, 1869, with interesting and appropriate exercises. Addresses were made by Rev. Dr. Duryea, of the Central Congregational Church, Boston, and Rev. Mr. Heath, of New Bedford. The music was furnished by the New Bedford Choral Association.

It may be well here to mention certain legacies that have been bestowed by members of the church now deceased. The silver communion service was the gift of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Gibbs. It consists of a tankard, two plates, and four cups. Mr. Ivory H. Bartlett, Jr., donated in his will five hundred dollars to the Bible school.

The deacons who have served since the organization of the church, including those previously mentioned, are as follows : Joshua Barker, Simeon Bailey,

Among those who were conspicuous in the earlier history of the church not only for their loyalty but also for the public value of the service they rendered, some of whom have already been referred to, may be mentioned the names of Mr. and Mr. Robert Gibbs, Mrs. Alfred Kendrick, Pensa Barker, Clarissa Barker, Eliza Tobey, Dr. Alexander Read, John A. Kasson, Jonathan Fussell, Marsena Washburn, Caroline Tobey, Isaac D. Hall, Deacon Joshua Barker, Deacon Simeon Bailey, and Deacon and Mrs. Reuben Nye.

Mr. Julien has now been pastor of this church ten years. He labors with this people with great faithfulness and acceptance, and fearlessly preaches what he considers the truth of God. The perfect harmony which to-day prevails throughout this church and society, is largely due to his influence.

The First Baptist Church was organized June 30, 1813, with the following members: John Brown, Elizabeth Coggeshall, Emily Brown, Susan Macomber, Alles Tobey, James Tripp, Susan Tripp, John Wrightington, Philip Cannon, Jr., Deborah Potter, Nancy Hitch, Pamelia Stowell, Catharine Martin, Perivilla Lowdon, Mercy Andrews, Elizabeth Tuell, Phebe Cannon, Hannah Covell, Sally Greene, Catharine Tallman, John Pickens, Dolly Wilcox, and Huldah Thomas.

The church first worshiped in a hall on Second Street near Mill. Upon the division of the town the old town-house at the Head of the River was purchased by the society and removed to the corner of South Second and School Streets, and was dedicated July 3, 1817. This was occupied until Oct. 29, 1829, when their present church edifice was dedicated. This was enlarged in 1833, the interior changed in 1841. It was repaired in 1856 and again in 1879, when extensive alterations and repairs were made. The present membership is two hundred and fifty.

The North Baptist Church1 was organized Nov. 13, 1873. The corner-stone of the church edifice was laid the following spring, the religious part of the exercises being conducted by Rev. J. D. Fulton, D.D., then of Boston. At the formal opening of the house the dedicatory sermon was preached by Rev. George C. Larimer, D.D., then of Boston. Rev. O. E. Cox was the first pastor, and retained the position about two years. His successor was Rev. Charles A. Snow, who continued in the pastorate six years. The present incumbent became the third pastor of the church Oct. 1, 1881. There have been two baptisms and several additions by letter during the past year. The present membership is one hundred and twenty-five.

The church is officered as follows : Pastor, Rev. Charles F. Nicholson ; Deacons, Luther G. Hewins, Thomas Pope, Annibald Dalrymple ; Clerk, Luther G. Hewins, Jr. ; Sexton, Samuel T. Eldridge.

Most of the original constituent members (about thirty) withdrew from the William Street Baptist Church of this city for the express purpose of starting a new church interest, which was felt to be a great and immediate necessity, in the north part of the city.

Mr. Augustus Green, of the William Street Baptist Church of this city, has from the first been an ardent advocate and generous contributor to the North Baptist Church enterprise. He has given to this object, all told, about seventeen thousand dollars.

An important auxiliary of the church is an interesting Sunday-school of about two hundred members, which is earnestly at work studying and teaching the word of God.

The Second Baptist Church was organized Jan. 22, 1845, and in the same year their first house of worship was dedicated. The first pastor was Rev. Thomas U. Allen. Among others of the early ministers were Edmund Kelley, Elder Jackson, C. Bray, Richard Vaughn, P. Bowler, T. P. Valentine, and C. Woodward.

Salem Baptist Church. - This church was organized Dec. 7, 1858. It was composed of ninety-five persons, who, with their pastor, Rev. William Jackson, withdrew from the Second Baptist Church. Among the original members of the church were William Bush, Scipio Blackwell, Peter Nelson, John C. Dunlap, Edwin Lewis, and Anthony G. Jourdain, Jr. The pastor, Rev. William Jackson, was born in Norfolk, Va., Aug. 16, 1818. The house of worship occupied by the society is on North Sixth Street, and was formerly known as the Centre Chapel. The church has had but two pastors, Rev. William Jackson, from 1858 to 1869, and Rev. J. H. Lee, from 1869 to the present time.

The Fourth Street Methodist Episcopal Church.'2 - Every branch of the Christian Church worthy of an existence deserves to have its history recorded for the benefit of succeeding generations, and for its own honor.

This church was built in 1831, and dedicated in February, 1832. At this time it formed a branch of the Elm Street (now the County Street) Society. During 1831 and 1832, Rev. Asa Kent officiated, and at the Conference of 1832, A. D. Sargeant and Daniel Webb were appointed to serve both charges.

In 1833, by mutual consent, they separated, and Fourth Street became a separate and distinct church under the pastoral care of A. U. Swinerton, who remained two years.

Only three of the original Acushnet members came from Elm Street to Fourth Street, viz. : Z. Cushman, B. K. Saver, and Bloomy Holmes ; the last is still living.

Rev. Swinerton was greatly prospered, receiving forty -seven into the church by profession, and twentynine by letter. During his pastorate the church was financially embarrassed for years with a debt of six thousand dollars.

In 1836, Rev. Phin. Crandall was stationed here, and remained two years. While here he distinguished himself in a controversy with Rev. Mr. Morgrige on the doctrine of the Trinity in the public press.

In 1840, Rev. Mr. Campbell supplied this church. A very interesting revival of religion attended his labors. He was removed at the end of his first year, and afterwards became what was then called a " Millerite."

In 1841, Rev. George Pool was appointed, but remained only one year, when he was appointed principal of the E. Greenwich Academy. He was very popular with the church, and they regretted his removal. A general religious interest prevailed during his short pastorate, and his removal was considered detrimental to the prosperity of this church.

In 1842, Rev. Mr. Swinerton was reappointed to this charge, and remained two years, - a fact which showed the high estimate in which this church held this worthy man. He raised for missions §57.70.

Rev. Isaac House was sent here in 1844. He was eloquent and popular, drawing large audiences. He became sick in the fall of this year, and died July 7, 1847.

his ministry was very successful, adding a large number to the church. At the end of this year he reported two hundred and ten members and sixty-two probationers. The next year he reported two hundred and sixty-seven members and one hundred and sixteen probationers. At the close of this year he, with others, bought the Allen Street Church, and formed a new society with members from the Fourth Street Society. The above figures include those that went to found the Allen Street Society. This move was afterwards much regretted, owing to the weakeningof the motherchurch by it.

In 1852, Rev. Richard Livesey became pastor. This year thirty -five removed by letter to Allen Street, which, with the number before removed, reduced the membership at Fourth Street to one hundred and ninety-one members and eighteen probationers.

At the close of this Conference year the Providence Annual Conference was entertained by this society. Bishop Janes presided and Bishop Baker was present.

In 1853, Rev. J. Mather was selected for this appointment, and remained two years. During his pastorate nine were received by letter and four by profession. Owing to the number removing to Allen Street, the membership was reduced to one hundred and seventy-two, and seven probationers.

In 1855, Rev. George M. Carpenter was stationed here. He remained two years. The membership was reduced during his pastorate by the continued flow to Allen Street and deaths and removals to one hundred and thirty-six, and six on trial.

In 1857, Rev. Mr. Baylies was appointed pastor. This was a year of general religious revival throughout the country, and quite a number were added to the church ; reported one hundred and thirty-two members and forty-two probationers.

In 1858, Rev. J. T. Benton became pastor, and remained two years. He reported one hundred and forty-two members, and twenty-two on probation.

In 1860, Rev. S. F. Upham, since elected professor in Drew Theological Seminary, Madison, N. J., was appointed pastor and served two years. During his pastorate fifteen were added to the church, fourteen of them by letter, yet such was the decrease by death and removal that only one hundred and thirtyfour members and fifteen probationers remained at the close of his pastorate. During his pastorate the church building was enlarged and remodeled at a cost of six thousand three hundred dollars.

and served two years. The records show no receptions into the church during his pastorate. There is a large falling off in membership at this time not accounted for. He reported one hundred and thirteen members and ten probationers.

In the spring of 1865, for the first time in its history, Fourth Street was left " to be supplied." Rev. Joseph Marsh, a local preacher, was invited to serve the church. His wife died during this pastorate. He reported the tide falling, - only one hundred and five members and eight probationers.

In the spring of 1866, Rev. William H. Jones, of the New Hampshire Conference, was appointed to this charge. At this time a debt of two thousand four hundred dollars, contracted at the time when the church was improved. He reported three admitted by letter and four by profession. Total members, one hundred and ten, and thirteen on trial.

In 1867, Rev. E. S. Stanley was sent as pastor. There was some increase during this pastorate. He reported one hundred and eighteen members, and twenty-one on trial.

There is a break in the records here. The next report is that of Charles Ryder, who supplied this church from May 1, 1873, to July 1st, and then resigned.

Charles Morgan supplied from Sept. 1, 1873, to March 25, 1874, and reported twenty-three conversions. At the Conference of 1874 he was returned as pastor, and served to April, 1875.

In 1878, Rev. Asa N. Bodfishwas appointed pastor, and remained three years. He reported one hundred and thirty members. This number was found reduced to one hundred and eighteen.

In 1881, Rev. A. McCord was appointed pastor. The outlook was exceedingly gloomy. The church building was in urgent need of repairs. The pastor went to work and raised, in and out of the church, two thousand three hundred dollars, and thoroughly repaired, painted, and refurnished the church inside and out.

All the bills were paid, so that at the close of that year he could report no debt. The winter of that year a revival started, and many were converted and received on probation. The work continued into the next year, and during the second year he received into full connection fifty-five, and in March, 1883, twelve remain on probation. Other improvements have been made in the church facilities and paid for. The amount expended for improvements in one way and another during the two years has reached about two thousand five hundred dollars, which has all been raised. The church feels that the tide has turned, and trust in God as their hope for years to come. The Sabbath-school has largely increased. The membership of the church is one hundred and eighty, and twelve on probation.

house of worship was built in 1842 by William and Joseph Smith, Christian Baptist preachers, and was occupied for several years by that denomination.

Nov. 8, 1851, it was offered for sale by Hervey Sullings and James A. Tripp, the proprietors, and principally through the exertions of the Rev. Moses Chase, then in charge of the Fourth Street Church, it was purchased by the following persons : Stephen Wood, Joseph Brownell, John Allen, Albert D. Hatch, Ezra Kelley, Rev. Moses Chase, and Thomas R. Peirce, all of whom were members of the Fourth Street Church except Mr. Peirce. They obtained a supply for the pulpit until the 8th of December, when the Rev. Andrew McKeown was appointed by the presiding elder until the ensuing session of the Providence Conference.

The following members of the Fourth Street Church were the founders of this society : Robert A. Sherman, Eliza R. Sherman, Henry M. Allen, Phebe A. Allen, Solomon Chadwick, Nancy W. Cliadwick, Benjamin Buffington, John Allen, Sarah W. Allen, Matilda C. Anderson, John Tripp, Polly Tripp, Sarah P. Tripp, Hope Sherman, Mary E. Macomber, Mary E. Miller, Nicholas Mack, Frederick A. Chase, Susannah Rogers, Stephen Wood, A. D. Hatch, H. H. Tillson, Alanson Williston.

The following persons were appointed to serve as a board of trustees, viz.: Robert A. Sherman, Henry M. Allen, Solomon Chadwick, Davis Thomas, John Allen, Stephen Wood, Warren Howland, Alanson Williston, and Benjamin Buffington.

The house of worship was reopened with appropriate religious services Jan. 22, 1852. A sermon was preached on the occasion by the Rev. Moses Chase.

Mr. McKeown's successors have been as follows : Revs. J. B. Gould, J. A. M. Chapman, Henry Baylies, P. T. Kinney, John Livesey, William Kellen, F. J. Wagner, E. A. Lyon, Thomas Ely, Freeman Ryder, J. M. Durell, V. N. Matson, Bradford T. Roy, B. P. Raymond, J. H. Humphrey, Charles S. Nutter, and in 1881 Rev. George W. Wright, M.A., the present pastor, was appointed.

Rev. George W. Wright, the present pastor, was born at Beekman, Dutchess Co., N. Y. He graduated at Wesleyan Academy, Wilbraham, Mass., in the class of 1868, and also graduated at Wesleyan University, Middletown, Conn., in class of 1872. He studied theology at the School of Theology of Boston University during the year 1873. This (ecclesiastical year, 1881) year was characterized by an extensive and powerful revival, resulting in a large number of conversions and a large increase in numbers and interest in the Sunday-school.

The various departments of the church are healthful and vigorous. The membership of the church is one hundred and eighty ; probationers, forty-eight. The Sabbath-school has numbered at its regular session as high as two hundred and twenty-five.

Mr. Jethro C. Brock, Esq., is the present popular superintendent. The present board of trustees are Henry M. Allen, Charles E. Cook, J. Harvey Sherman, Jethro C. Brock, S. D. Robinson, Charles A. Tuell, Frederick D. Bless.

The Pleasant Street Methodist Episcopal Church1 of New Bedford, Mass., was organized May 24, 1S44. In the spring of 1843 the Elm Street Methodist Episcopal Church appointed a committee from her trustees, who purchased a lot on Pleasant Street, and erected an edifice thirty by forty feet for the purposes of a Sunday-school. Nearly seventy members from that society volunteered the care of this new mission and soon established social meetings. The organization which speedily followed was effected without dissension, it being apparent to the motherchurch that the step was fully authorized by the religious necessities of that part of the city.

Its career has been marked by great religious prosperity. Hundreds have bowed at her altars to the sceptre of Immanuel. Her Sunday-school ranks among the largest in New England.

County Street Methodist Episcopal Church.2 - This society was organized in 1820, and worshiped in the church on Elm Street (below Purchase) till 1859, when the new building on the corner of County and Elm Streets was completed, and dedicated May 5th of that year.

The following are the officers of the Sunday-school: L. B. Ellis, superintendent; Savory C. Hathaway, Mary E. Austin, assistants; Benjamin Pitman, secretary ; William M. Butler, assistant; Emma C. Austin, treasurer ; Charles L. Paine, librarian ; Mark T. Vincent, Annie L. Almy, Lillie S. Perry, Mary A. Willis, assistants.

African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. - This church was organized March 5, 1850, and consisted of the following members : Edward Thomas, Alexander Devol, Isaac Henson, William H. Harris, Sarah Harrison, Jane Thomas, Mary Ann Devol, Harriet Wright, Mary Harris, Celia Williams, Catharine Henson, Phebe Henson, and Charles Eaton.

They first held services in a school-house on the corner of Eighth Street and Mechanics' Lane, afterwards at the residence of Mr. Alexander Devol, on Middle Street, until 1851, when they removed to their present house of worship. The pastors have been as follows: Rev. Leonard Collins, H. Thompson, James Simmons, Dempsey, Peter Ross, Joseph Hicks, Clinton Leonard, Samuel M. Giles, W. B. Smith, Nathaniel Stubb, Lucas Sayler, Thomas Davis, William

African Methodist Episcopal Bethel Church - Those churches styling themselves African Methodist separated from their white brethren of the Methodist Episcopal Church at a convention assembled in Philadelphia in April, 1816.

Hall, of Providence, with the following persons: Jacob Thomas and wife, John Bailey and wife, John Elsemore and wife, Walter Hawkins and wife, James Oook and wife, John Williams and wife, James Allen, George F. Fletcher, Grafton Johnson, John F. Chew, Jackson Hawkins, Henry J. Johnson, Hatty Peterson, Porter Hendrickson and wife, James Dyre and wife, and Jesse Richardson.

During the same year a house of worship was built, at a cost of eighteen hundred dollars. This was destroyed by fire in 1854. The present building was commenced in 1855. The corner-stone was laid by Joseph R. Turner, but no work on the church was done for seven years. Rev. H. J. Johnson at length formed the " One Object Society" to carry out and complete the work; and finally, after upwards of ten years' persistent effort, aided by liberal contributions from the public, the church was finished and paid for, at a cost of about four thousand five hundred dollars. Pastors, Revs. John Butler, Henry J. Johnson, Richard Robinson, Leven Tillman, Peter Gardner, H. J. Johnson, Dayton Doyle, Thomas M. D. Ward, J. D. S. Hall, Joseph R. Turner, Lewis S. Lewis, Jacob Mitchell, Henry J. Young, William Grimes, William Demond, H. J. Johnson, J. P. Shreeves, J. H. W. Hurley, John R. V. Morgan, Joseph G. Smith, William H. Johnson, John T. Hayslett, Stephen V. Douglass, P. L. Stanford, E. T. Williams, Joseph P. Shreeves, William J. Laws, and Rev. William H. Hunter, the present incumbent.

Grace Church.1 - The initial step in the formation of a Protestant Episcopal Church in New Bedford was taken Oct. 2, 1833, when a meeting of gentlemen interested in the church resolved upon its establishment, elected wardens, vestry, and a clerk, and took measures for securing an act of incorporation. The project was largely aided by the advice and services of Rev. Mark A. De W. Howe (now Bishop of Central Pennsylvania), who was present at the meeting as a representative of the Massachusetts Convocation. The parish, at first called Christ Church, was incorporated March 19, 1834, under the name of " The Wardens, Vestry, and Proprietors of Grace Church of New Bedford."

For some two years the new parish rented as a place of worship a building on Middle Street which was owned and had been occupied by the Second Christian Society. In 1834 the subject of building a church was agitated, and a lot was bought on Union Street, upon which, July 30, 1835, the corner-stone of a wooden church of Gothic style, with two towers in front, was laid, and the building was completed and consecrated in the following year.

Immediately upon the organization of the parish Rev. Nathaniel T. Bent became minister in charge as a missionary of the Massachusetts Convocation, but after the lapse of two months was elected rector, and

Early in 1839, Rev. Theodore W. Snow was chosen rector, but was obliged to resign in 1841 in consequence of impaired health, affecting mind as well as body.

In March following, Rev. Thomas R. Lambert, then a chaplain in the United States navy, was called to the rectorship. He accepted the position for a year, having obtained a furlough for that time, and, that being extended, re-engaged for another year. He was then elected permanent rector, but in 1845 being ordered on sea duty by the department, he resigned. Rev. Dr. Lambert is now rector of St. John's, Charles town.

From September, 1846, to February, 1848, Rev. George D. Wilder (now rector of Christ Church, Riverdale, N. Y., and the accomplished secretary of the Church Congress) acted as rector.

At Easter, 1848, Rev. Sanford J. Horton succeeded, and held the position till November, 1851, when he resigned. Dr. Horton, now the head of a flourishing church school at Cheshire, Conn., was greatly beloved by the parish, but the meagreness of his stipend compelled him to sever his connection with the parish.

In February, 1852, the parish called again its first rector, Rev. Mr. Bent, but failing health forbade his acceptance, and Rev. Charles W. Homer was chosen and accepted the position. At this time the parish, never before in a very prosperous financial condition, was at low tide in its monetary affairs. The rector's stipend was but seven hundred dollars, and he was fitfully paid ; the church building was in a wretched state, and the outlook was dreary enough. The second year of Mr. Homer's incumbenc'y a spasmodic effort was made to secure a new church, one of stone. It utterly failed, and the failure left the parish depressed and well-nigh disheartened. The rector, then in the flush of youth, was unequal to the needed struggle for success, and in October, 1854, resigned. He is now rector of St. James', one of the largest churches in Brooklyn, L. I.

Rev. Spencer M. Rice followed as rector, entering upon his work in February, 1855. Coming into the church from the Methodist denomination, Mr. Rice brought with him not a little of the zeal and fervor of that sect, and a shrewd, practical knowledge of affairs. He was remarkably faithful and successful in the performance of parochial duty, and a wise counselor and indefatigable helper in managing the temporal interests of the parish. It goes without saying that he was successful. The parish income showed it, the new interest in church work manifested it, and the complete renovation of the church edifice and the extinction of the church debt proved it. Mr. Rice was induced by the state of his health to resign in 1860. He is now residing in Jersey City, N. J., having lately, after a long rectorate, resigned the charge of Grace Church in that city.

Rev. James Mulchahey succeeded him in September, 1862, and held the rectorship for some seven years. During that time the lot in the rear of the church was bought, and the old house thereon converted into a commodious chapel. He had the satisfaction of leaving the parish in good condition, the result of his intelligent, faithful, and devoted service. Rev. Dr. Mulchahey, after some years' residence as rector of a church in Toledo, Ohio, was elected an assistant minister of Old Trinity Parish, New York, and is now in charge of St. Paul's in that city.

The next rector was Rev. Edmund Rowland, who assumed charge in November, 1869. In May, 1871, he resigned, upon the invitation of Bishop Coxe to act as assistant rector of St. John's, Buffalo, N. Y. After an unsuccessful attempt to fill his place he was unanimously and urgently recalled, and resumed the rectorship, remaining till December, 1878, when he resigned and took charge of Calvary Church, Clifton, Cincinnati, Ohio, where he now resides. His term of service in Grace Church was longer than that of any of his predecessors, covering a period of nine years. His rectorship, though marked by no extraordinary achievement, was grandly successful. The church grew steadily and healthily in every direction ; needed changes and improvements in church and chapel were quietly made ; a rectory was provided by a few members of the parish ; efforts were made to establish a mission in the north part of the city, which resulted in the erection of a new church there, and the germ of the new Grace Church was in the church building fund which the rector started and so hopefully and patiently nurtured.

The present rector, Rev. George A. Strong, assumed his duties on Easter-day, 1879. He did not suffer the project of building a new church to slumber, and the gift of an eligible site for it by two devoted women of the parish settled the success of his appeals. The Easter offerings of 1880, appropriated to the fund, amounted to sixteen thousand dollars, which, with the four thousand dollars gathered in Mr. Rowland's time, and the expected avails of the sale of the old church and lot, warranted immediate steps for beginning work. The corner-stone of the new Grace Church, on the corner of County and School Streets, was laid by Rev. Dr. Rowland, Sept. 11, 1880. The building, mostly completed, was opened for service Nov. 11, 1881, Rev. Phillips Brooks, D.D., preaching the sermon ; and Oct. 19, 1882, the building, finished and paid for, was consecrated by Right Rev. Benjamin H. Paddock, bishop of the diocese. The cost of the church, exclusive of the lot (the market value of which was about ten thousand dollars), was fortyseven thousand dollars. Its seating capacity, about six hundred, with sittings for nearly two hundred more in the adjoining chapel, is none too great for present needs. In the tower is a chime of bells, ten in number, weighing over eleven thousand pounds, the gift of the late Stephen G. Driscol. They were rung for the first time on Christmas-eve, 1882.

The parish to-day, with a rector in whom its members are thoroughly and heartily in unison, with its church sittings nearly all taken, with an income in excess of its ordinary expenses, and with the interest in church services and church work steadily increasing, occupies an assured position, and should exert a widening conservative influence.

St. James' Episcopal Church, situated on County Street, at its junction with Linden Street, has been from the date of its erection one of the attractive features of the city, partly because of the unique style of its architecture, and in part because of the extraordinary circumstances connected with the organization and growth of the parish.

Early in the spring of 1878 there was a movement among the English operatives in the Wamsutta Mills tending to the establishment of a congregation which should be distinct from the old parish church; situated on Union Street. Their relations with the older parish were most amicable, but the remote distance of the church from the mill district, the rapid increase of the population, and the promise in a near future of a still greater addition to the numbers of English church people in the city favored the movement for a new parish. At the instance of the then rector of Grace Church, the Rev. Edmund Rowland, and under a suggestion from the Bishop of Connecticut, who is also dean of the world-famed Berkeley Divinity School, the Rev. C. H. Proctor, a recent graduate of the school, and at the time doing active missionary work in the mining districts of Pennsylvania, was invited to take charge of the whole movement. It was proposed to make the organization a mission chapel, to be supported in part by the parish of Grace Church, in part by the missionary society of the diocese, and in part by voluntary contributions from the people who would join the movement. With this agreement, Mr. Proctor accepted the position offered to him, and held the first service with the congregation in a hired shed on Purchase Street, near the mills, on the 10th of March, 1878. This first service and surroundings have been graphically described : The cobwebbed beams were hidden with sheets of Wamsutta cloth ; two packing-boxes turned on end and covered with calico served as altar and pulpit ) the alms were collected in two new and bright tin pie-plates ; a borrowed parlor-organ and an extemporized choir of young girls furnished the music; a paper screen inclosed a corner for a vestry-room.

The names of about forty individuals were entered as a nucleus about which to gather the new parish. Almost at the outset, and before the new minister had fairly taken position, it was discovered that the Diocesan Missionary Board discouraged and repudiated the whole scheme and had promised it no support, and at the same time as an adjunct chapel to Grace

Church the work would receive no possible encouragement, and Mr. Proctor found himself forced to face a most discouraging outlook, - a church of forty souls, a salary of three hundred dollars, and the assurance that his work must be independent of all local support beyond his own congregation. This was the beginning of a work whose after-history is said to have no parallel in the church. Mr. Proctor, suffering with distressing ill health, but nerved with determination, called his people together on the 28th of March, just two weeks after the first service, laid the case clearly before them, and expressed his desire to accomplish what they had wished and planned, and then and there took the first steps in organizing the parish. Articles of association were drawn up and signed by those who were canonically entitled to do so. The parish was christened " St. James," commemorating both the teaching of that apostle and also the memory of a dear friend of the rector, whose Christian name was thus incorporated with the work, and the first vestry was elected as follows: Wardens, Andrew Bannister and James Boardman ; Treasurer, William Smith; Clerk, A. McCreary ; Vestrymen, Sidney Smith, James Slater, William Robinson, William Philips, George Ramsbotham. Through the kindness of the heirs of the Rodman estate a disused school-house was loaned free of rent to the new parish, and from this date services have been held continuously. Plans for the erection of a church building were taken in hand immediately. Subscriptions were solicited, and an almost uninterrupted flow of gifts and donations poured down upon the rector. A choir was organized under Mr. Proctor's direction, whose previous study of church music in the English cathedrals proved of great service, and a feature was established in the rendering of the services of the church which has scarcely since abated and which has always been a strong attraction.

Minor societies were put in operation. The St. James' League, organized April 15, 1878, with Mrs. Sidney Smith as president, and the St. James' Sewing- School, with Miss Ella C. Adams as president, organized soon after, have both assisted largely in strengthening the work. On Easter-day, April 21st, upwards of three thousand dollars had been received or pledged for building purposes. On the 22d of May, under the direction of Judge Alanson Borden as justice of the peace, the parish received its legal organization and title, and Mr. Proctor was instituted rector. On Wednesday, June 6th, money enough having been secured, the parish purchased and secured the titledeeds to the most eligible site upon which the church now stands. On Saturday, the 15th of June, with religious services, ground was broken on the new lot, the Rev. Mr. Rowland, of Grace Church, participating with the rector in the exercises and giving the address of the occasion. Mr. Proctor, breaking the first sod, was followed by Mr. Rowland, and then by the long line of people on both sides of the inclosed space.

Plans for the new edifice were adopted from those presented by W. C. Brocklesby, architect, of Hartford, Conn. On Friday, July 25th, being St. James' Day, the corner-stone was laid with impressive ceremonies, the Rev. Dr. Mulchahey, of St. Paul's, New York City, giving the address, followed by Mr. Rowland, of Grace Church, the stone being laid in place by the rector of the parish, Mr. Proctor. On Tuesday evening, December 24th, the church was occupied for the first time, although in as yet an unfinished condition, the workmen not entirely leaving the church until February, when the rector placed the last and uppermost brick on the top of the tower, a scaffolding being especially prepared for the purpose. So, without the aid of any other single parish, as such, and without assistance from any missionary board, diocesan or otherwise, St. James' Church became an established fact in less than twelve months' time. With the advice of responsible persons, the church was completed, with its tower and necessary furniture and some of the ordinary properties of a church building, adding thereby a comparatively small debt to the original undertaking, but which without these additions would have been almost from the first wholly free. Sixteen thousand dollars have been raised in four years in cash offerings and memorial gifts, and the fairest promises are made for sustaining the work in the future.

The parish has been self-sustaining from its foundation, and has extended its influence in a short space of time from forty souls to near four hundred families. The parish list now numbers about one hundred and fifty families immediately connected with the church, but this in nowise includes the large community who depend upon the ministrations of the rector. The christenings alone in St. James' average nearly one for every Sunday in the year.

The rector of the parish, its founder and first rector, Charles Hayden Proctor, is an M.A., graduate of Trinity College, class of 1873, and of the Berkeley Divinity School, class of 1876. His qualifications for the position he holds have been enhanced by the experience of close observation and study in English cathedrals, and during a recent visit in England his work in St. James' Church and among the English Church people received most cordial and substantial recognition from His Grace the Archbishop of York, the Bishop of Manchester, and more recently from the late Dean of Westminster, and also from the late Archbishop of Canterbury. While in the Northern Convocation he was specially honored with a license to officiate from the archbishop's own hand. With a natural firmness of determination, Mr. Proctor has been enabled to accomplish much that many men would have shrunk from undertaking, and the church established under his hand will be a lasting monument, than which one could ask to deserve no greater.

founders of the society were formerly members of the Baptist Church in Dartmouth, under the pastoral charge of Elder Daniel Hix. The following are the names of the original members: Obed Kempton, Ruth Kempton, John Hathaway, Edith Hathaway, Jonathan Haskins, Sarah Haskins, Sarah Strange, Lois Hervey, Patience Hatch, Remembrance Wood, Nabby Russell, Nabby Tobey, Betsey Chase.

At a meeting of the church, Sept. 26, 1811, Mr. Mandell was appointed to "keep the records," Obed Kempton treasurer, and Abraham Gifford " to receive the regular contributions." Jabez Hammond was ordained as the first deacon by Elders Hix and Taylor on May 29, 1812.

The first clergymen of whom the records make mention, who preached for the society at different periods during its first existence, were Elders Daniel Hix, Frederick Plummer, John Gray, Douglass Farnum, Benjamin Taylor, and Abner Jones.

Elder Benjamin Taylor was the first settled minister of whom the records make mention. He commenced his labors with the church in 1812, and continued his charge until 1819.

Aug. 19, 1817, a committee was selected to inform Elder Elias Smith, who had occasionally preached to the church, that he could no longer be received in that capacity. The objection to Mr. Smith was his tendencies to the doctrines promulgated by the Universalists. Mr. Smith was the father of Matthew Hale Smith, and one of the founders of the " Christian sect." Another noteworthy item in connection with Elder Smith is that he was one of the originators of the Herald of Gospel Liberty, the first religious paper ever published in America.

Sept. 4, 1819, Elder Taylor dissolved his connection with the church and took up his residence in Swansea. His successor was Elder Moses How, who settled with them during the fall of 1819.

In December, 1826, Elder Charles Morgridge, of Boston, was settled as minister. The pulpit was supplied in the interim by Elder Hervey Sullings.

During the fall of 1831, Mr. Morgridge resigned his pastoral charge, and in January, 1832, Elder Lovell, formerly a Methodist preacher of Portsmouth, N. H., succeeded him. He officiated for about two years.

On retirement of Mr. Lovell, Rev. Mr. Morgridge again renewed his connection with the church, and remained with it until the spring of 1841.

During August, 1841, an invitation was extended to Rev. Silas Hawley to become pastor, and he continued until January, 1843. At this date Elder P. R. Russell supplied the pulpit for about a year. Soon after his withdrawal Elder A. G. Morton became

Nov. 11, 1852, the society voted to extend an invitation to William R. Stowe, which he accepted, and continued with the society until January, 1854. On his retirement Elder David E. Millard, of Broomfield, N. Y., was engaged to preach for the society. He entered upon his duties May, 1854, and in September of the same year received and accepted an invitation to assume the pastorship. In July, 1855, he tendered his resignation, which was accepted. At a special meeting held during the following December Rev. T. C. Moulton was elected pastor. Mr. Moulton returned no answer to the call until November, 1856, when he declined the invitation.

For upwards of eighteen months the church was without a settled pastor, the pulpit being supplied by a committee. Finally, in May, 1857, Rev. S. W. Whitney, of New York, was engaged, and remained till some time in 1858.

The supply of the pulpit was again in the hands of a committee, which at length, in September, 1858, succeeded in securing the services of the Rev. T. C. Moulton, and he continued to act in this capacity until March, 1859, when he was elected pastor, and remained until September, 1868. He was succeeded in November, 1868, by Rev. Austin Craig, who resigned Aug. 30, 1869. His successors have been Rev. A. J. Kirkland, Rev. O. A. Roberts, and Rev. S. Wright Butler, the present incumbent.

The society first worshiped in the shop of Mr. Obed Kempton, on the corner of Purchase and Middle Streets; then in a rope-walk in the south part of the city. In 1808 or 1809 the church on Middle Street was erected by Mr. Abraham Gifford and others for the society. It was used by it for a house of worship until 1833, when the large and commodious church which it now occupies, opposite the Parker House, was built.

The Middle Street Christian Church.1 - The Middle Street Christian Church was constituted March 21, 1828, of members who, at their own request, were set off for that purpose by the North Christian Church, which was organized in 1807. The members were Abraham Gifford, William Cranston, William Whitten, Warren Maxfield, Watson Ellis, Ezra S. Kempton, Samuel James, James Barlow, and Elder Harvey Sullings, a preacher. They met at the house of Obed Kempton, northwest corner of Middle and Purchase Streets. The first baptism was of Mary Pease and Rebecca Gifford. The first settled minister was William Coe. The first meeting-house erected was on Middle Street, south of Mr. Kempton's house. The pastors were the venerable William Coe, three year.-.; Luther Baker, a man 'of " holy life;" Isaac

Smith, called the " excellent man ;" Moses How, under whom a great revival took place in January of 1837. Many were added to the church, and in 1834 they moved into the church on Middle Street, opposite Sixth Street, where they now (1882) worship. Elder How was called the " good pastor." He continued with this church till July, 1844. He died in 1882, in the seventieth year of his ministry and the ninetysecond year of his age, honored, respected, and beloved through all New England, and by the Christians through the United States.

Elder How was followed in 1844 by the "good preacher," O. E. Morrill, and in 1848, Morrill was succeeded by Elder Brown. In 1849 to 1850, John Taylor, "the tender-hearted minister," preached, and the church was much revived. From 1850 to 1857 the aged Benjamin Taylor was their pastor, who was succeeded by Elder James S. White, who continued pastor to 1861, when Benjamin S. Batchelor was settled, and filled the pulpit with great success until 1875. A young minister named A. A. Kirkland then supplied the pulpit for some months till the eloquent pulpit orator, Z. T. Sullivan, was settled, who continued drawing large congregations until 1877, when he accepted a call from the Congregational Church at Brockton, and was followed by Elder Daniel L. Craft, who filled it for two years. In 1880, N. Summerbell, D.D., former president of Union Christian College, was settled. More than forty members have been added up to this time; also a heavy debt, which had been accumulating for the past five years, has been paid. The present number of members is two hundred and thirty-four. There is a good Sunday-school, of which Isaac W. Benjamin is superintendent, and Frank L. Davis, assistant.

The peculiar characteristic of the Cbristian Church is its conformation to the New Testament form of Christianity. It, therefore, accepts the Bible as the heaven-given and only perfect creed, Christ as the only heaven-appointed leader, charity as the greatest Christian grace, and Christian union as a duty. It states its faith in Bible language with the exactness of verbal accuracy, and submits to no additions to the Bible, but extends fellowship and communion to all Christians.

Rev. Dr. Summerbell, the present pastor, is the well-known originator and editor of The Christian Pulpit, a monthly, and former editor of the Herald of Gospel Liberty, Dayton, Ohio; is the author of many popular works, the most important of which are his "History of the Christians," from the birth of the Saviour to the present time, royal octavo, five hundred and seventy-six pages, and his " Discussions," and his remarkably popular work called "Christian Principles," all of which have passed through many editions. The "Christian Principles," after passing through eight editions, has been " revised and abridged by Rev. R. J. Wright, LL.D.," and published at his own expense for universal distribution.

The church has been much strengthened under his labors, and its former distinction as a church of revivals and deep religious experience has returned. The present church clerk is Frank L. Davis.

South Christian Church. - The house of worship on the corner of Sherman and Bonney Streets was built in 1851-52 by Booth & Hathaway, at a cost of about four thousand dollars. It contains sixty pews, and will seat about three hundred and fifty persons. Meetings were first held in the vestry in February, 1852. June 9th the house was dedicated. The sermon on the occasion was preached by Rev. George H. Eldridge, who commenced his ministerial services there the previous April. In five days subsequent to the dedication pews enough were sold to pay every bill on the house and leave a surplus of four hundred dollars in pew stock belonging to the society. During that summer it was organized as the "South Christian Society," and in September following it was " constituted a Christian Church," consisting of the following persons: Pardon Wilcox, Tillinghast Sowle, Cranston Wilcox, Josiah S. Bonney, William Miller, Henry T. James, William H. Macy, Barbara Sowle, Betsey Wilcox, Hannah H. Albert, Phebe A. James, and Sarah Chace.

Elder Hervey Sullings was an active member of this church and contributed liberally to its support. When the society was without a pastor he often supplied the pulpit, and was favorably received. He died in December, 1859, about eighty years of age.

Rev. George H. Eldridge was the first pastor, and continued his labors until April, 1856. For nearly two years after the retirement of Mr. Eldridge the supplies of the pulpit were irregular. In December, 1856, the church received a visit from Rev. I. H. Coe, and subsequently extended a unanimous call to him to become pastor. The invitation was accepted, and Mr. Coe entered upon his duties April 1st of the following year, and has continued from that time to the present, and is now the oldest settled pastor in this city. He was born in Woodstock, Conn., May 12, 1818.

The Spruce Street Christian Church was organized June 28, 1869, with the following members: Nicholas S. Chadwick, first pastor, William Bosworth, Isaac S. Thomas, George L. Dyer, George L. Eldrige, Joseph W. Robertson, Sarah M. Eldrige, Mary E. Ellis, Lydia Berree, Susan E. Johnson, Abby Berree, Lydia R. Grimshaw, Martha G. Turner.

July 14, 1881, church called Rev. Allen Damon to be their pastor, who is serving us to date, Sept. 19, 1882. Church as now organized : Allen Damon, pastor ; Deacons, Richard E. Macomber, Isaac S. Thomas ; Treasurer, B. F. H. Reed ; Clerk, J. S. Thomas ; Superintendent of Sabbath-school, Laurens W. Faunce; Chairman of Business Meetings, E. J. H. Tripp.

in church were continued by different pastors, Elders Howe, Murry, Greenwood, Peirce. Rev. Mr. Kirkland supplied three months. Joseph W. Thomas was pastor for the year ending Nov. 24, 1872.

April 6, 1873, C. F. Burleigh commenced preaching here, and on July 9th following was ordained and installed as pastor. He resigned April 28, 1878.

During his pastorate, which was longer than any other, the church has seen some prosperity, and has also been called to pass through some grievous trials.

This church differs somewhat from all others in the city, as it does not own the church property. It is held by the Spruce Street Mission Society.

The Christian Union Church,1 New Bedford, was organized about the 1st of January, 1875, worshiping in a hall for one year, at which time they had completed a house of worship on High Street, it being dedicated by Rev. Edwin Burnham on the 12th day of January. The church has from the first organization numbered about sixty, some being added and some leaving. Only four deaths have occurred in the eight years of time since its first existence.

The creed of the church is the Bible only. Its mode of baptism is immersion. Its test of fellowship is Christian character, open communion to all Christians, or, as its name indicates, union with all true Christians.

Its mode of government is adopted from Matt, xviii., accepting no human forms. Its bond of union is Christian love, allowing all or any members to leave when they cease to love, and return on the same principles.

The Universalist Church.2 - The present house of worship on William Street is the second house that has been built in New Bedford. The first house was erected in 1836, and stands on the southeast corner of Filth and School Streets. In this house the Universalists held public worship for about twelve years, and had for regular pastors John M. Spear, G. T. Farnsworth, and S. S. Fletcher, who were very good preachers. In 1849 the society, having become much involved in debt, sold their house to the Catholics, since which it has been known as the St. Mary's Church.

few years, who felt the need of worshiping God and promulgating the doctrines of Universalism, came together and secured the services of the then Rev. Hiram Van Campen,and held religious worship each Sabbath-day in a small hall (Sears' Hall it was called) on Cheapside, nearly opposite and in front of the City Hall. Here Mr. Van Campen preached for several years, and the congregation grew and increased. In 1854 the Rev. Mr. Stevenson was employed, and under his ministry, with the good seed sown by Mr. Van Campen, the people resolved to have a house of worship, and in August, 1855, the present house was completed and dedicated, and since which time public worship has been regularly held, with a few slight intermissions in the change of pastors. The pastors have been the Revs. B. V. Stevenson, J. J. Twiss, T. G. St. John, S. L. Rosepaugh, George W. Skinner, I. C. Knowlton, C. B. Lombard, J. H. Farnesworth, William C. Stiles, and G. F. Flanders, D.D. ; the last named is the present pastor. Mr. Flanders is a very able, learned, and eloquent preacher, and under his ministry the society is in an excellent condition.

John P. Knowles, G. L. Barney, Benjamin Alsey, Mr. Van Campen, John M. Foster, Benjamin F. Brownell, and others now dead have been the most prominent citizens and supporters of this church in the past, and still live and are interested in the society. New members have joined, such as John P. Knowles, Jr., H. M. Knowlton, A. G. Walker, and others, with many excellent ladies, and these all are the friends and supporters of the society. It is but simple justice to say that during all the past this church has maintained the doctrines of the early founders of Universalism in America, and fervently adhere to the fundamental doctrines of the Universalist denomination.

It has always aided in the works of charity, love, and temperance in this community, and sought to elevate man. It practices the exact fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man, upon which basis alone comes all the workings of the true good spirit in man.

Society of Friends. - Meetings were first held in the village of Bedford in 1772; but we learn that they were held at the Head of the River as early as 1725, and a portion of the meeting-house now occupied by the Friends there was built in 1727.

They first met here in a school-house which stood upon a rock just east of the northeast corner of School and Third Streets. This was the only place of worship in the village for some years. Their first house was built in 1785, on Spring Street.

These comprise most of the early Friends: Joseph Rotch and his son William Rotch, Sr. ; Joseph Russell, who owned the principal portion of the place eolith of Elm Street; William Russell, who emigrated from Nantucket and lived to a very advanced age, being nearly a hundred years old at his death; he built the fourth house in the village; Seth Russell, the father of Seth and Charles Russell, whose residence was on the west side of Water Street ; Benjamin Taber, grandfather of William C. Taber, who built one of the three first houses in the village; Joseph Austin, the first hatter; Matthew Howland, father of George Howland, deceased; and Daniel Ricketson, father of Joseph Ricketson, who was for many years cashier of the Commercial Bank.

Subsequently we find as members the following distinguished citizens: Abraham Smith, William Rotch, Jr., and his brother Thomas, Samuel Rodman, Thomas Hazard, Elisha Thornton, John Howland, father of Capt. James Howland, Humphrey Russell, William Sawyer Wall, father of William A. Wall, the celebrated artist of this city, and Cornelius Howland.

The preachers of whom we have knowledge are Thomas Rotch, James Davis, Elisha Thornton, Job Chaloner, Lydia Rotch, afterwards dean, Mary Card, Deborah Otis, and Joseph Davis. The above persons are deceased. There are still living Susan, Rhoda, and Rachel Howland, Susan R. Smith, Mary Shove, Rhoda H. Taber, Josiah Holmes, Jr.

The first clerk of whom we have any information is Caleb Greene. He was succeeded by Abraham Sherman, Jr., who held the post twenty-six years. The next was William C. Taber, who officiated nineteen years; after him Charles R. Tucker and Matthew Howland served a short time, when he was again chosen, and is at present acting in that capacity.

The former elders of the society were Caleb Greene, William Rotch, William Rotch, Jr., Francis Taber, Barnabas Taber, and Abraham Sherman, Jr., W. C. Taber, W. P. Howland, Charles R. Tucker, Matthew Howland, and Seth K. Akin.

Josiah Holmes, Jr., Rachel S. Howland, William Thompson, Ruth S. Murray, Rebecca H. Smiley, ministers; William C. Taber, Matthew Howland, Seth K. Akin, Betsey P. Wood, Sarah H. Anthony, Deborah Wing, Mary A. Smith, Anna G. Wood, Susan T. Thompson, elders. While Friends have their recognized or recorded ministers, they do not hold the pastoral relation as it exists in other religious organizations.

The Seamen's Bethel. - The first meeting to take into consideration the expediency of forming a society to promote the interests of seamen was held at the Merchants' Insurance office, May 17, 1830. Stephen Merihew was chosen chairman, and H. G. O. Colby secretary. A committee, consisting of Messrs. S. S. Smith, S. J. S. Vose, and J. F. Emerson, drew up a constitution, which was adopted at the same meeting.