Bristol County, Massachusetts - Chapter 28, 1883

Chapter 28

The First Congregational Church - The Central Congregational Church - The Third Congregational Church - The First Methodist Episcopal Church - St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church - Brayton Methodist Episcopal Church - The North Methodist Episcopal Church - Quarry Street Methodist Episcopal Cliurch - Maple Street Methodist Episcopal Church - Primitive Methodist Church - North Main Street Methodist Episcopal Church - The First Baptist Church - Second Baptist Church - Third Baptist Church - Church of the Ascension - St. John's Church - Christian Church, Franklin Street - North Christian Church- Church of the New Jerusalem - Society of Friends - United Presbyterian Church - Hebrew Worshipers - Roman Catholic Churches.

The First Congregational Church was organized at the dwelling-house of Deacon Richard Durfee, Jan. 9, 1816, with the following members: Joseph Durfee and wife Elizabeth, Richard Durfee, Benjamin Brayton, and Wealthy Durfee, wife of Charles Durfee. Benjamin Brayton died Dec. 9, 1829, and leaving no children, he bequeathed the bulk of his property to this church, in trust, as a permanent fund for the support of the ministry. For about seven years after the organization of the church it had no house of worship nor settled pastor. The church, however, met regularly on the Sabbath for public worship, and when they were destitute of a pastor conducted the devotional exercises themselves. A portion of the time they were supplied by missionaries, among whom were the following: Revs. John Sanford, James Hubbard, Amasa Smith, Reuben Torrey, C. H. Nichols, Curtis Coe, Samuel W. Colburn, Moses

1 The increase in population in 1802 was owing to the annexation of the town of Fall River, R. I., which contained a population of about three thousand five hundred and ninety.

Osborne, Isaac Jones, Seth Chapin, Silas Shove, Otis Lane, and Loring D. Dewey. During the first three years after their organization there were added to the church, chiefly by profession, thirty members, among whom were only four males.

While this church was without a house of worship their meetings were held sometimes at private houses, sometimes in a large store-room, sometimes in the only school-house in the place, and occasionally in the line meeting-house, an edifice located on the line between the States of Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and erected in 1798.

The first movements for the erection of a church edifice were inaugurated in 1819, and in 1821 and 1822 their first house of worship was erected, and dedicated in February, 1823. It was forty-five feet long by thirty-six wide, with a vestry underneath. This was the second meeting-house built in Fall River, the Friends having built a small house for worship in 1821.

An ecclesiastical Congregational Society was formed in 1820, and incorporated in February, 1821. The incorporators of the society caused considerable excitement in the town, which, however, " soon spent itself by its own warmth, and ultimately did no harm to the society."

The first settled pastor was Rev. Augustus B. Eeed, who was ordained and installed July 2, 1823. His salary was four hundred and fifty dollars per year. Mr. Reed remained until Aug. 3, 1825. Nov. 1, 1826, Rev. Thomas M.Smith became pastor, and continued until April 27, 1831.

Mr. Fowler was born in Lebanon, Conn., July 29, 1791. Upon his settlement in Fall River he entered zealously into every project looking to the advancement of the material, educational, and religious welfare of the town. He was a member of the State Semite from this district, and in 1848, before his senatorial term had expired, he was elected to the Thirty-First Congress. He died Sept. 3, 1852. Mr. Fowler was dismissed from the pastorate of the church in May, 1850, and in the same month was succeeded by Rev. Benjamin J. Relyea, who remained until April, 1856. He was succeeded by Rev. J. Lewis Diman, D.D., in April, 1856, who continued until February, 1860. He was afterwards professor of history in Brown University. In May, 1861, Rev. Solomon P. Fay was installed, who remained until Oct. 1, 1863, when he was succeeded in the following month by Rev. William W. Adams, D.D., who was acting pastor until Sept. 14, 1864, when he was installed as pastor, and has remained to the present time.

In 1856 the interior was entirely remodeled, walls of audience-room and ceiling frescoed, pulpit transferred from east to west end of the church, etc.

In 1866 a new organ was procured of Messrs. Hook, in Boston, at an expense of about $4000; water motor added in 1880; 1868, mission chapel built and furnished, at a cost of about $4000; 1872, missionary employed in connection with the chapel Sunday-school ; 1873-74, parsonage built, at a cost, with lot, of $16,400.

In 1875 the chapel was removed to a better location, enlarged, frescoed, thoroughly refitted, and provided with basement for Sunday-school, etc. ; change in First Church from afternoon to evening service.

In 1876 new articles of faith and covenant were adopted, and in 1878 the weekly offering system was adopted; 1881, pastor sent abroad for a year, all expenses paid, and pulpit supplied by the society. In 1882 church edifice thoroughly renovated within and without, newly upholstered and furnished, at an expense of $8500.

The officers for 1883 are as follows: Deacons, Hiram Bliss (emeritus), F. W. Macomber, George W. Bobbins; Clerk, Hiram G. Andrews; Sundayschool Superintendent, Isaac Borden ; Chorister, Charles H. Bobbins.

The Central Congregational Church of Fall Riyer was organized Nov. 16, 1842. Seventy members of the First Orthodox Congregational Church, then under the pastoral care of Rev. Orin Fowler, were dismissed from that church, and united to form this new body.

A council composed of the pastors of the neighboring churches, with their delegates, confirmed and ratified the organization. The Rev. Mr. Sheldon, of the church in Easton, was moderator of the council, and Rev. Erastus Maltby, of Taunton, scribe.

A warrant being issued, and a meeting called for the purpose, according to the statutes of the State, a corporate and legal form was given to the organization on the 20th of January, 1843, which then assumed the name of "The Central Congregational Society of Fall River."

Fall River

The members of this society were Amery Glazier, Nathan Durfee, Benjamin Earl, Richard Borden, Henry H. Fish, Abraham Cook, John S. Cotton, William A. Burt, Charles C. Dillingham, Edward S. Chase, Daniel Leonard, Henry Woodward, and Jesse Eddy.

Three days later, Jan. 23, 1843, the society met, and a committee previously appointed to secure a lot for a church edifice, reported as follows: "The lot on Bedford Street, known as the Massasoit lot, and belonging to Messrs. Bradford Durfee, Nathan Durfee, Joseph Durfee, and Mrs. Fidelia B. Durfee, can be had as a donation, for the erection of a house of public worship thereon, for the use of the Central Congregational Society, if said lot will answer the uses of the society."

The lot was accepted, and a committee at once appointed to prepare a plan for the house, with the estimated cost. Nathan Durfee was chairman of that committee.

The result was the erection of the building on the lot at the corner of Rock and Bedford Streets, which was dedicated for worship March 27, 1844, and was used for that purpose until the completion and dedication of the new building, which now stands at the corner of Rock and Franklin Streets, a period of nearly thirty-one years.

It formerly fronted upon Bedford Street, but in 1882 was turned around, and now fronts on Rock Street. It is still used by the Sabbath-school of the Central Church.

This first church was built by Melvin Borden, who had erected the frame and collected a large part of the material when the memorable fire of July 2, 1843, destroyed the lumber and delayed the work. The frame was by great exertion saved.

When the fire occurred the society was worshiping in Pocasset Hall, in a building used as a hotel, and known as the Pocasset House. This building was burned, and the one now called Pocasset Block stands upon its site.

This most destructive fire by which Fall River has ever been visited not only turned the society adrift, but rendered scores of families homeless.

In this emergency the congregation were most cordially invited to the full and free use of the Baptist temple for their worship, with the. privilege of using the pulpit one-half of each Sabbath.

The Rev. Asa Bronson was then the pastor of that church, a man made up without stint in soul or body, a man who was a tower of strength in the religious history of Fall River.

This kind and generous offer was gratefully accepted, and the two congregations worshiped together j until the autumn, when the vestry of the new building was ready to be occupied, and the congregation met there.

During this period the church was without a settled pastor, and preaching was supplied by recent graduates of the Theological Seminary at Andover. Among them were Rev. Robert S. Hitchcock, whose father was a Congregational clergyman for many years in Randolph and in Wrentham; Edward A. Washburn, who afterwards entered the Episcopal Church, and after a useful life died, deeply regretted, in New York in 1881 ; Roswell D. Hitchcock, now eminent as president of Union Theological Seminary in New York City ; and Benjamin F. Hosford. This last was a most refined and accomplished man, who did faithful and successful work as pastor of the Centre Church in Haverhill, Mass., from 1845 till 1863, when ill health compelled his resignation, and he died the next year at the age of forty-six.

The dedication of the church took place the next spring, April 24, 1844. On the same day the Rev. Samuel Washburn was installed as the first pastor of the church. Mr. Washburn was a preacher of more than ordinary ability, and possessed a rare and graceful manner and oratory. Before this settlement he had traveled and preached as agent of two of the Christian societies of the church, and had been a settled pastor at Greenfield, Mass. His tastes were cultivated and refined, and his talents and conversation made him a brilliant accession in any gathering of scholarly men. He remained with the church four years and eight months, and was dismissed by his own repeated request in January, 1849. He died at New York on the 15th of September, 1853. His last settlement as pastor was over a Presbyterian Church in Baltimore.

The next pastor was Rev. Eli Thurston, D.D., who was installed on the evening of Wednesday, March 21, 1849, a night to be remembered as one on which occurred one of the most violent of equinoctial storms that ever visited New England. Mr. Thurston had previously been settled for nearly ten years over the Congregational Church in Hallowell, Maine. He was born in Brighton, Mass., in 1808, and commenced studying for the ministry, after learning a trade, at the age of twenty-one. After his conversion, which took place at Millbury, Mass. (where he was learning his trade), he became possessed with the idea of preaching the gospel. Nothing could turn him from this purpose, and from that day till his death it was the one absorbing passion of his life. " This one thing I do" was as true of him as of Paul.

When he was settled over the Central Church it had a membership of about one hundred. It had many zealous, efficient, working members, and they, with their pastor, soon came to make the church a felt power in Fall River. Accessions were made yearly, and oftentimes in great numbers, while as a missionary church at home and abroad it came to stand in the front rank among the churches of Massachusetts. The Sabbath-school was large and prosperous, and from it as a centre radiated light and service and successful toil among the large population of the city less favored with religious instruction.

Mr. Thurston was a man of positive beliefs, and had a positive way of stating his convictions. He made no compromise with error or half truth, or with any practice which annulled or would lead to the annulling of the commands of God. His interest in questions relating to the progress of the world, its discoveries, its inventions, its most wonderful facilities for communication with all nations, - these were matters of vital importance to him. They aroused the whole enthusiasm of his nature, because through them he beheld the grand and final triumph of the gospel of Jesus Christ in all the world. This was the glorious consummation to which he devoted all the power and energy of his own life, and his unfaltering faith in its accomplishment. It gave zest and hope and cheerful alacrity to his every effort. In his earlier ministry at Hallowell, when the subject of slavery had come to divide the church as well as the politics of the country, he had thrown all the weight of his eloquence and influence into the anti-slavery balance, and with such impetuous fervor as to bring upon himself much reproach, and so it was later, as a natural sequence, in the dark days of the war, which this sin brought upon the country, his whole soul was stirred to its depths, and his sympathy in the struggle most intense. Then, too, his faith in God and in his omnipotent power to work righteousness and redeem the world from sin did not forsake him. It was the strong tower into which his soul fled and was safe. In his appeals in those days, made from the pulpit and often from the rostrum of the large City Hall, to the manhood, the loyalty, the Christian sentiment, the patriotism of our citizens, he showed an eloquence and a strength of intellectual power which will never be forgotten. Probably no one man in Bristol County wielded so strong an influence, and so long as he lived, and as often as he spoke in Fall River upon this topic, or upon temperance, or upon any social reform, never did he lack an audience. The opposers of truth and the enemies of reform acknowledged the power and pungency of his reasoning, for his logic was close and almost invulnerable when one had conceded his premises, and he had the eloquence which comes from highest personal conviction.

In the work which fell to the Christian minister in the days of the civil war, Mr. Thurston was helped and stimulated by the sympathy and co-operation of his dear friend and brother minister, the Rev. P. B. Haughwant, of the First Baptist Church. For many years the Central Church came under the influence and most eloquent preaching of this talented and accomplished scholar, whose interest in the war and whose zeal for the right were equal to Mr. Thurston's. The two men stand side by side and heart with heart to all who review that period of greatest interest in the history of the American citizen of this century. The Central Church enjoyed the blessing of Dr. Thurston's ministry for twenty-two years. In December, 1869, he was seized with pneumonia, and

At the time of Dr. Thurston's death the Central Church was large, vigorous, and prosperous. It had a membership of nearly three hundred, many of whom were, intelligent, active workers in the Lord's vineyard. They had been trained to a consecration of wealth as well as of heart, and were among the most cheerful and hearty supporters of the gospel throughout the world, while their obligations to the poor and ignorant about them were never ignored.

A mission school, which for some years existed as a union school, had been partially under the care of members of this church, but for some time previous to this date had assumed a separate and distinct organization, under the sole care of the Central Church, and the large and commodious mission building, on Pleasant Street, was purchased by the society.

The services of Rev. Edwin A. Buck, of Slaterville, R. I., were secured as a missionary to have the care of this branch of the service. Mr. Buck's work in this department has now been most successfully carried on for fifteen years. Mr. Thomas F. Eddy was the efficient superintendent of the mission-school for twenty-five years. His successor is Mr. Alphonso S. Covel.

Very many have been trained in the mission-school who have added to the strength as well as the numbers of the church. It has been a great blessing.

Dr. Thurston's death occurred at the close of the year 1869. In the spring of 1870 the people listened to the preaching of the Rev. Michael Burnham, who was still in the seminary at Andover, and their choice fell upon him as successor to their late pastor. Mr. Burnham graduated in June, and was installed as pastor of the Central Church Oct. 25, 1870. His ordination occurred at the same time.

Under Mr. Burnham's ministry the church continued to prosper and increase in numbers, and it was thought best to enlarge the space and opportunity to give the gospel to a larger number of the rapidlyincreasing population. For this purpose it was decided to build a larger and more enduring house of worship in some new locality. In March and April, 1872, measures were taken for this purpose, and a valuable lot secured, comprising the whole space on Rock Street between Franklin and Bank Streets. The purchase comprised one hundred and four square rods, and cost something over fifty-six thousand dollars. A building committee was chosen, consisting of Thomas J. Borden, Robert K. Remington, William H. Jennings, and Holder B. Durfee.

The subscriptions to the new building were about one hundred .and twenty-six thousand dollars, and a contract was made at once for a brick and stone building, in the Victorian early English Gothic style, stately in proportions and complete in detail, to be erected on the northerly and easterly sections of the new lot. The work was commenced in May, 1874, the basement walls and brick pillars to support the floor were put in, and on July 23d of that year the congregation assembled with glad hearts to lay with solemn ceremony the corner-stone. The report of the building committee was read, appropriate hymns were sung by the congregation, the selections and music being under the care of Mr. Charles Durfee, chorister, and Mr. Lyman W. Deane, the organist of the church. A very interesting and impressive address was made by the pastor, and the corner-stone was hud with all due formality by the senior deacons of the church. These were Deacon Benjamin Earl and Dr. Nathan Durfee.

The box, which was properly sealed, and was placed under the stone, contained the confession of faith of the church, a list of pastors and officers and members, a history of the organization and subsequent growth of the church, history of Fall River, copies of the local newspapers and of the religious papers of the day. After the laying of the corner-stone the work on the building went rapidly on, and was finished before the end of the following year (1875).

The costly and elegant structure thus completed, with tower and steeple, with nave and transept, and high-reaching roof, is built of brick, with freestone trimmings and facings, and occupies the whole northern portion of the lot on Franklin Street, with a frontage of one hundred and forty feet on Rock Street. This includes an elegant cloister, by which the main building is destined eventually to join a chapel on the south end of the lot. One cannot fail, on looking at the building from the east, on Rock Street, of receiving the impression of grand solidity and strength, as well as of most harmonious proportion and elegance of finish in all the exterior decoration.

The main entrance, through a heavy black walnut door hung in a case of the same wood, and surrounded and ornamented with a belting of stone richly cut in flower-work, is enriched also by fine and highly-polished pillars of Scotch granite. These elegant pillars, with carved capitals, and stone-cutting in relief, are continued at the entrance of the cloister.

The floor of this building, as well as all the vestibules, are of handsome tile. The tower is on the northeast corner, quadrangular in form, and is supported by heavy buttresses on both Rock and Franklin Streets, trimmed at the base and all along its edges with freestone. It is provided with abundant windows, and at some seventy-five or eighty feet from the ground the form is changed to a hexagonal, and carried up to its full height of one hundred and ninety feet, with an occasional belt of stone, and surmounted with a gilded cross. It is one of the finest and, to the eye, most satisfactory steeples to be seen in this part of the State.

On the front, to the left of the main entrance, is the beautiful motto in Gothic letters, "Let us exalt His name together." On the right, in a narrow space between the buttress of the tower and the entrance, is another, " Praise ye the Lord." On the Franklin Street side is the sentence, "Seek ye the Lord while He may be found ; call ye upon Him while He is near."

At intervals on the outside of the fiant are several panels of stone inserted in the brick wall and cut in rosettes. The eaves and border of the roof are arched with stone.

The main entrance ushers you into an extended portico, where, on the left and right, wide staircases invite to the gallery above. Beyond the stairway the corridor leads to various anterooms for the use and convenience of the people. Those at the north end are appropriated to the ladies, while at the south end are rooms for gentlemen. They are supplied with heat and water and every needed furnishing.

Two very large and elegant parlors for the work and business of the society, and for social gatherings, connect these accommodations with the main body of the church, while a finished basement below supplies all that is needed for culinary and domestic purposes when food is provided.

Coming to the auditorium the eye is struck with the size of the room and its adaptedness for religious worship. Including the space occupied by the pulpit platform, it is not far from one hundred feet long by one hundred and thirteen feet wide in the rear, and about one hundred and thirty feet in the transepts, and over seventy feet in height to the ridge of the roof. It is finished in pure Gothic style, with arches between the pillars clear to the ridge. The seating capacity, including the main and transept galleries, is some twelve or thirteen hundred, while eighteen hundred can easily be provided for by filling up the spaces with camp-chairs. Numerous exits in front and rear afford opportunity to vacate the church in a few moments should occasion require.

The pulpit platform is at the extreme west end of the audience-room, in the main body of the church. It is fourteen and a half feet in width by twenty-four feet in length, and has a small but richly-ornamented desk for the speaker.

A wide and handsome arch is thrown over the platform with the inscription, " The gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."

A capacious recess with inner arch has the motto, " Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness," and this encloses a highly decorative design illustrating the Trinity. It is formed by a triangle, within which the quaint Latin symbol of the doctrine is made by the word " Deus" in the centre, with radiations to the three points of the diagram, where the letters "P." "F." "S S." stand for Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, while the radiating lines, with the Latin word " est" reading one way and " non est" the other, make a puzzle such as old divines delighted to quarrel over through centuries of church history.

is one of the gems of this beautiful church. It is provided with whatever can contribute to the comfort and quiet of the speaker before and after the service, and is a most restful, as well as tasteful, little room. It is entered by a door from Franklin Street, and, besides the door leading to the platform, has two which open upon the floor of the church. Upon the front of this room, which projects out into the body of the church, is inserted a large and most beautiful memorial tablet of Tennessee marble, with rich marble pillars and sculptured adornments, the whole set in a frame of heavy black walnut. This tablet is a memorial to the first two pastors of the church, Rev. Samuel Washburn and Rev. Eli Thurston, D.D.

The organ stands at the southwest corner of the auditorium, projecting slightly into the church, parallel with the pastor's room on the north of the platform. It has a very elegant and elaborate case, and is one of the finest instruments ever manufactured by Hook & Hastings, of Boston. Its tone and compass are nearly perfect, and such as to give exquisite pleasure to the most cultivated musical taste.

The interior decorations of ceiling and fresco are in Gothic style, to accord with the exterior. The tints are of soft gray, with borders of drab, the lines and figures relieved by gold. The wood-work is of black walnut, much of it being finely carved. The windows are of rich stained glass; the small and delicate clustered pillars that support the roof are gilt-bronze ; the gas (struck by electricity) is so arranged as to throw light down upon the audience, and thus never painfully to meet the eye ; indeed, the whole effect of the interior arrangement is so perfect as never to bewilder or astonish, but seems ever to breathe a solemn repose and a comforting sense of the fitness of it all to the worship of God.

The society took leave of the old church on Sabbath afternoon, Dec. 12, 1875. A most interesting sermon was preached on the occasion by Mr. Burnham, from 2d Peter iii. chapter, 1st verse (last clause), " I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance." The formation and history of the church was reviewed in that sermon, and just and worthy tributes paid to its former pastors, and to all who had helped to sustain it. The congregation present on that occasion numbered five hundred and sixty.

On the following evening, Monday, Dec. 13, 1875, the new church was dedicated. The dedication services were of great interest, and the building was filled by a large audience of over two thousand people. The audience-room was on this occasion most brilliantly lighted, while elegant floral decorations, from the conservatories of Dr. Nathan Durfee and Mr. C. V. S. Remington, adorned the pulpit and platform. A splendid crown of roses was placed in the family pew of the late Dr. Thurston, while a cross of the same lovely flowers adorned the pew of the present pastor. The touching significance of these tokens added to their loveliness and beauty. An organ voluntary, under the skillful hand of Mr. Lyman W. Dean, brought out the long time honored and deep tones of " Old Hundred," succeeded by the grand anthem of Mozart, " Praise the Lord," by a choir of select singers, who occupied the south transept. The prayer of invocation was by Dr. J. W. Wellman, of Maiden. The Scriptures were read by Dr. William W. Adams, of the First Congregational Church, and the sermon was preached by Dr. Richard S. Storrs, of Brooklyn, N. Y. The text was John xvii. chapter, 20th verse, "Neither pray I for these alone, but for them who believe through their word." It was delivered without notes, and was an able and instructive discourse on the power and efficacy delegated to the church by their risen Lord, a power greater than he could have exerted by remaining on earth under mortal conditions and limits, because it brought into exercise faith, which all could exercise, and which could overcome all things. Mr. Burnham offered the dedicatory prayer, followed by the anthem from Leach, "How Beautiful are Thy Dwellings." The exercises closed with the singing of the Doxology by the whole congregation, and the benediction by the pastor.

With these formal services was dedicated to the service of the living God, this church building, which stands to-day among the chief achitectural ornaments of the city, arranged with every appliance of invention and art to make it a comfortable and suitable place of worship.

But these satisfactory outward conditions did not suffice to ward off' from the church, within a short time, great perplexity and financial embarrassment. This came from many trying causes, as well as from the universal depression of all business (succeeding the panic of 1873). and especially of the manufacturing interest, upon which in Fall River everything depends.

The sun of prosperity had shone for many years upon this Christian enterprise, but now the clouds of adversity darkened its sky, and with the incubus of a heavy debt, resulting from inability to dispose of its old lot and building as had been contemplated, and the removal by death of some who had been its strong supporters, it was greatly tried. It had missed for several years the counsel and presence of one of its most honored and most devoted members, Col. Richard Borden. With wise judgment and generous heart, he had stood by the church through every vicissitude, and with longing desire had hoped to see the extension and enlarged usefulness which he felt would come to the church through this new temple to God's honor, but he did not live till its completion.

After struggling with a debt of more than one hundred thousand dollars for four years, a strenuous and successful effort was made on Sunday, Feb. 1, 1880, to raise the debt. More than seventy thousand dollars were raised by that day's efforts, and this with subsequent donations, added to property already held by the church, canceled the obligation. The people were greatly indebted in this work to the interest and influence of Rev. Dr. Alexander McKenzie, of Cambridge, Mass., who had been a friend and helper of the church for several years, and who was rewarded by the grateful affection of all the people.

The pastor, too, gave himself untiringly to this work for months previous to the happy crisis, and by his unwearied and judicious efforts secured large aid and sympathy from a few generous-hearted Christian men in Boston and other places. This strain, added to all the cares and duties of so large a parish, resulted in injury to Mr. Burnham's health, and although he continued for two years longer to work with great zeal and efficiency, he became convinced that it would be better for him to leave the Central Church and enter another field of labor. With great reluctance he was dismissed in the summer of 1882, and in October of that year was settled over the Immanuel Congregational Church at Boston Highlands, Mass.

Almost immediately after Mr. Burnham's dismission the church and society united in giving a call to Rev. Eldridge Mix, D.D., who had for some years previous ministered to the First Presbyterian Church in Orange, N. J. Dr. Mix was installed Wednesday evening, Sept. 27, 1882. The sermon was by Rev. Dr. Alexander McKenzie, and the other services were conducted by Rev. Samuel G. Willard, of Colchester, Conn.; Rev. Michael Burnham, Boston Highlands; Rev. William W. Adams, D.D., Fall River, and Rev. A. J. F. Beh rends, Providence, R. I. The present membership of the church is four hundred and fiftynine.

The Third Congregational Church was organized in 1874, with Rev. Leander S. Coan as pastor, who remained until 1875, when he was succeeded by the present pastor, Rev. Calvin Keyser. The church edifice was erected in 1874, and is located on Havover Street, corner of Maple.

First Methodist Episcopal Church.1 - The Methodist Episcopal Church in Fall River cannot boast of a very early origin. Somerset, a few miles distant, had been favored with Methodist preaching for about twenty years previous to any account of regular preaching by Methodist ministers in this place. In the year 1824, Rev. Ebenezer Blake, then stationed at Somerset, now South Somerset, held meetings in this place, then a considerable village called Troy, and for a time, according to an old record, " preached lectures" once in two weeks. He was succeeded at Somerset in June, 1825, by Rev. Herman Perry, who continued to preach or "lecture" in the village, and during the year formed a class of about twelve members. Of this first class John Anthony, afterwards a local preacher of the Bank Street Church, then a young man, was appointed leader. Luther Chace and wife, Constant B. Wyatt, Elouisa Chase, who afterwards married a Mr. Pierce, Rebecca Lindsey, now Tilling- hast, Nancy Cory, afterwards the wife of Rev. Daniel Webb, and Betsey L. Douglas were members. In June, 1826, Revs. Charles Virgin and Nathan B. Spaulding were appointed to Somerset, one of whom preached in this place once in two weeks.

About the commencement of the year 1827 fruits of their labors began to appear. A gracious revival commenced, and Mr. Spaulding confined his labors entirely to this place the remainder of the Conference year. A school-house, standing on the corner of Anawan and South Main Streets, was their place of worship. How many were added to this number we have no means of knowing. There is a single record of the ordinance of baptism administered to nine persons, April 1, 1827, by Mr. Virgin. At the Conference in the following June, Rev. E. T. Taylor, afterwards universally known as " Father" Taylor, and justly celebrated for his labors in behalf of seamen, was appointed to Fall River, he being the first minister sent to the place by the Conference. The appointment appears on the minutes in connection with Little Coinpton, and Amos Binney was his colleague. They were, however, virtually distinct charges. A new church edifice was immediately commenced, which was completed and dedicated December 25th of the same year. It was a modest, unpretending structure, without spire or bell, and situated a little off from what is now Central Street. When the house was nearly completed a gentleman asked Mr. Taylor where they intended to put the bell. With a significant turn of the head he promptly replied, "In the pulpit, sir." The pulpit bell had the right ring. Its tone was loud, clear, inviting. It gave no uncertain sound. The people flocked to hear it and were charmed.

The minutes of the next Conference, held in June, 1828, report for Fall River and Little Compton one hundred and ninety in connection. Mr. Taylor was reappointed to this place at this Conference, but in December he was removed to the Mariners' Church, Boston, in which sphere he labored with signal success till old age superannuated him. Rev. E. Blake, then stationed at Easton and Stoughton, and others supplied the church until the next Conference. At the Conference of 1829, Mr. Blake was appointed to this charge, and labored with good success. Two hundred and six are reported in connection with Fall River and Little Compton at the next Conference. At this early date the names of Iram Smith and William Mason, of Nehemiah Rogers, Edward Mason, and John E. Green appear on the records as classleaders.

Mr. Blake was succeeded in June, 1830, by Rev. Daniel Webb. In May, 1831, Rev. Ira M. Bidwell was appointed to this place, and remained two years. The church was eminently prosperous during his administration, though the latter year was one of severe trial and conflict. As a result of their united efforts a blessed and powerful work of grace was wrought among them, extending through the greater portion of his term of service. Meetings were held nearly every night for about four months ; more than a hundred persons professed conversion, and about seventyfive were added to the church. But in the midst of this prosperity trials came ; a terrible storm swept over the church in this vicinity, which for a time threatened complete destruction.

The famous or rather infamous Avery and Cornell affair was the occasion of this fiery trial. It occurred in the latter part of the year 1832. Mr. Avery was then stationed at Bristol, R. I., but as Fall River was the scene of the tragedy, it was here that the storm of excitement raged with greatest violence. It is impossible to correctly estimate the state of public feeling which existed at that time, and the violent prejudice and opposition against the Methodist Church. As a consequence the church suffered severely. Some withdrew from the membership, many more from the congregation. But one man remained a regular member of the congregation who was not a member of the church. That man was Joshua Remington, who was then unconverted, but adhered firmly to the church with his wife, who was a faithful member.

At the close of Mr. Bidwell's pastorate Fall River stands alone in the minutes for the first time, with one hundred and sixty in connection. At the end of Mr. Bidwell's first year the number reported for Fall River and Little Compton was two hundred and seventy-six, but this number was reduced to the above figures by the Avery and Cornell tragedy. In June, 1833, Rev. Squire B. Haskell was appointed to succeed Mr. Bidwell, and remained two years. The membership was reported to be one hundred and seventy-four at its close.

At the Conference in 1835, Rev. Mark Staple was appointed to this station. The church had not even then recovered from the severe shock received from the Avery tragedy. A powerful revival prevailed throughout the most of this year, and at its close the number reported to the Conference was two hundred and sixty-three. Mr. Staple was reappointed in 1836, and continued until January, 1837, when his health failed, and he was obliged to resign, and was succeeded in February by Rev. Jesse Fillmore, a local preacher, who was appointed by the presiding elder, Rev. D. Webb, to supply the church until the ensuing Conference. He is credited with having put the records of the church into a somewhat systematic and preservable form. Rev. Jesse Fillmore was succeeded in June, 1837, by Rev. Hector Bronson, who served the church for one year only. Notwithstanding the labors of Mr. Bronson, the church was in a languishing and declining state the whole year. In June, 1838, Rev. Phineas Crandall was appointed to this station.

Mr. Crandall labored in the place two years, during which time the church was blessed, in common with other churches in the village, with revival influences. During the year about one hundred were re ceived into the church by profession of faith and certificate. Under his administration an attempt was made to secure a more suitable place of worship, which was successful. The debt on the old house was paid, the house sold, and a new and better one built, in a more central and eligible part of the town, near the corner of South Main and Anawan Streets, where the present church stands. This house was dedicated to the worship of God by Rev. Orange Scott, Feb. 20, 1840. At the end of Mr. Crandall's administration the church was in a very prosperous condition, with a membership of two hundred and sixty-six souls; the congregation was larger and the prospect for the future brighter than ever before. In July, 1840, he was succeeded by Rev. Isaac Bonney. In June, 1842, Mr. Bonney was followed by Rev. Thomas Ely. During his second year the "great fire" occurred, and the church edifice was burned to the ground. This was July 2, 1843. The bright hopes and cheering prospects of the church seemed all blasted in one brief hour. Not only was their place of worship destroyed, but many of the members were deprived of a part or all of their property, which rendered the condition of the society still more distressing and gloomy.

But the Lord did not forsake his people. Although " cast down" they were not utterly "destroyed." The First Congregational Church kindly invited the church to worship with them, which they did for several Sabbaths, when A. L. Westgate and William Borden having erected their furniture warehouse, which had been destroyed by the fire, opened an upper room in the same to accommodate the society for the time being. The society now began to contemplate rebuilding their church. Mr. Ely. left home and traveled extensively to solicit funds for the erection of a new church. He succeeded, however, in raising but about seventeen hundred dollars. The building was soon commenced, being much larger, more commodious, and better adapted to the wants of the society than the former one. On the 3d of April, 1844, it was dedicated to the worship of God, Rev. Charles K. True preaching the dedicatory sermon.

In July, 1844, Rev. George F. Poole succeeded to the pastoral charge of the church. In 1845 he was followed by Rev. James D. Butler. He remained two years, which were years of great spiritual prosperity, so that at the termination of his ministry the church numbered three hundred and eighty-one members. In April, 1847, Mr. Butler was succeeded by Rev. David Patten, now deceased. Rev. Daniel Wise was the next pastor of the church, being appointed to the charge in April, 1849. During the winter of his first year that eminent evangelist, Rev. James Caughey, labored with the church for about three months. More than two hundred professed conversion as the result of their united efforts.

dated. The question of division was agitated, and it was finally decided to establish a second congregation, and ask Conference to send them two preachers. Accordingly Mr. Wise was returned, and Rev. Elijah T. Fletcher was appointed with him. The result was a second church, now known as the Bank Street Church. At the next Conference in 1850, Rev. Frederick Upham was appointed to the First Church, and Rev. Ralph W. Allen to the Second, or Bank Street Church. The latter enterprise was immediately successful, and to-day both churches number about four hundred members each.

Rev. Elisha B. Bradford succeeded Mr. Upham in April, 1853. An organ costing sixteen hundred dollars was placed in the church this year. In 1855, Rev. John Howson, still living, was made pastor, and continued its minister for two years. In 1857, Rev. Thomas Ely was appointed to this church for the second time.

During the winter of 1857-58 this church shared in the gracious visitation then enjoyed by most of the churches in the land. The church edifice was internally improved and beautified at an expense of sixteen hundred dollars.

Mr. Ely was followed in 1859 by Rev. Andrew McKeown, who commenced his ministry under favorable auspices, and was eminently successful in every department of church work. He reported at the close of his pastorate two hundred and forty members and twelve probationers. In 1861, Rev. Charles H. Payne became the pastor of the church. Mr. Payne is now president of one of the largest Methodist universities in the West. While here Mr. Payne gained the enviable reputation of being an able, popular, and successful minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

His successor in 1863 was Rev. Henry Baylies. During this year a commodious and comfortable parsonage was purchased on South Main Street at an expense of three thousand one hundred and thirty dollars. In the spring of 1864 Mr. Baylies returned to this charge. Mr. Baylies' health failing, he yielded to the conviction that he could be more useful elsewhere, and so sought and obtained a transfer to the " Upper Iowa Conference." The Rev. Joseph H. James, then a member of the New Jersey Conference, supplied the pulpit for the remainder of the year, being engaged for the work by Rev. Paul Townsend, then presiding elder of the district. In March, 1867, J. D. King was pastor. In March, 1870, Rev. A. A. Wright followed Mr. King; in 1873, S. L. Gracey; 1874, Rev. Ensign McChesney ; in 1877, Rev. Watson L. Phillips ; in 1879, Rev. William T. North ; and 1882, Rev. Warren A. Luce, the present pastor. These all have been years of more or less prosperity. During the administration of Rev. A. A. Wright, the old parsonage on South Main was sold, and a new one built on Ridge Street.

Without making any invidious comparisons, it may be safely and truthfully said that but few churches, if indeed any in the Conference, have gathered into their communion more converts to the truth during the same period of time. It is impossible to give the precise number, but from the data we have it is probable that at least two thousand persons have professed faith in Christ in this church during the last fifty years. The church edifice was raised, stores built in front on Main Street, and many other necessary repairs made during the pastorate of Rev. J. D. King. Too much cannot be said in his praise for the time and energy he put into this work.

Foremost of those who have gone up from this Bethel below to the grander Bethel above stand those sainted men, Edward Mason, James Waring, William Henry, Ashley Saunders, John Livesey, and Luther Chace, and nameless others not less worthy who have washed their robes to spotless purity in Christ's own cleansing blood.

Many were the conflicts they waged in the maintenance of this church, many were the difficulties encountered, many the sacrifices made. There is still remaining a noble, heroic band of men and women; may their victories be as many as their fathers' were, and then "a saint's rest" for each and every one.

St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1851, and their church edifice was erected in the following year. The first pastor was Rev. Ralph W. Allen, who was followed in 1853 by Rev. John Hobart. His successors have been as follows :

Globe village, was organized in 1854, with Rev. A. H.Worthington as pastor. Mr. Worthington remained one year, and was succeeded by Rev. C. A. Merrill, wbo officiated until 1858. His successors have been as follows: A. U. Swinerton, 1859; Elihu Grant, 1861; William P.Hyde, 1869; George H. Lamson, 1871; Charles S. Morse, 1873; E. A. Lyon, 1875-76; Samuel McKeown, 1877-78 ; Rev. E. Grant, 1879-80 (supply); William B. Heath, 1881, present incumbent.

The church edifice belonging to this society was erected in 1850 by Christ's Church, which existed four years, when it was disbanded and their house of , worship sold to this church in 1854.

The North Methodist Episcopal Church, located at Steep Brook, was organized in 1859. The first pastor was Rev. Philip Crandon, who filled the pulpit until 1863. He was succeeded by Rev. George H. Manchester in 1863; John Gifford, 1865; John Q. Adams, 1867 ; J. G. Gammons, 1869 ; Philip Crandon, 1871 ; R. W. C. Farnsworth, 1873. The present pastor is Rev. Dr. Church.

Quarry Street Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1870, and their church edifice on Quarry Street was erected the same year. The pastors of this church have been Revs. Samuel M. Beal, Richard Porey, E. D. Hull, H. H. Martin, and J. H. Nutting, the present incumbent.

North Main Street Methodist Episcopal Church1 was organized in 1875, and was located on Terry Street. Rev. William B. Heath was first pastor, and remained from April, 1875, until 1878, when he was succeeded by Rev. John F. Sheffield, who was appointed in April, 1878. The same year the church was removed to its present location, North Main Street. John F. Sheffield remained one year only. Rev. Eben Terrill was next appointed April, 1879; he remained three years until April, 1882, and was succeeded by Rev. E. F. Smith, the present pastor.

"February the 15th day 1781. then was Established the 2nd haptis church of Christ In Freetown, In fellowship with Elder Thompson's and Elder Luises Churches."

It is supposed that the organization of the church was in the house of one Jonathan Brownell, that stood on what is now North Main Street, east from the house of worship of the Third Baptist Church. There were thirty constituent members of the church, - sixteen men and fourteen women, - whose names may be found in a church manual. On the 22d of May, 1783, was the ordination of the first pastor, Elder Amos Burrows. The ordination service was conducted by Elders Thompson, of Swansea, Burrows, of Tiverton, and Goff, of Dighton, in the house of Samuel Warren. After an unfortunate pastorate of one year, Mr. Burrows removed to Vermont. It seems that a regular church-meeting was held on the second seventh day in each month, that "George Crocker was appointed to keep the church-book," and that those meetings were considered as important as preaching services, since it was " voted that our stated meetings should not be set aside, notwithstanding a minister should be present at any such meeting."

Five years after Mr. Burrows left, the church chose two of their own useful and promising young men " to improve their gifts in public and to attend meetings where they shall be requested," and three years later appears an arrangement for more regular public worship. It was voted that one of those brethren, who from his eighteenth year had been blind, "should improve one-half of the Lord's day, that Brother Nathaniel Boomer read the psalm, and that Matthew Boomer take the lead of the singing." After three years' more proof of their real worth, on the third Thursday of May, 1795, occurred the double ordination of those two young men, James Boomer and Job Borden. The ministers participating in the ordination service were Elders Thompson, Burrows, Hathaway, and Baker. During the same month the church invited Joseph Stillwell and Nathaniel Boomer " to act as deacons till some should be chosen." Four years later, in 1799, the church joined the Warren Association.

For about eight years the two pastors labored faithfully together, when a threatening cloud is indicated by this record of Dec. 9, 1803 : " This day is a trying scene to us, both our eiders think of leaving us; may the God of heaven protect us." And God did protect them, for while Elder Boomer asked for his dismission to go to Charlton, where he died Feb. 24, 1837, Elder Job Borden remained the honored pastor of the church.

On June 13, 1789, was a meeting of a committee " concerning the meeting-house." That first meeting-house, at the Narrows, must have been opened for worship about the year 1800, when the church, which for some time had been known as "The Church in Freetown, Dartmouth, and Tiverton," by a second change of name came to be called "The Second Baptist Church in Tiverton."

" The church in Tiverton, under the pastoral care of Elders James Boomer and Job Borden," invited a council to meet at the house of Gamaliel Warren, Oct. 30, 1799, when there was the triple ordination of James Reed as an itinerant preacher, and Nathaniel Boomer and Joseph Stillwell as deacons. Two years later - Nov. 13, 1802 - is found in the records this first allu- sion to the new meeting-house: "Chose George Crocker to have the care of the meeting-house." Plainly, then, worship commenced in that house between 1799 and 1802.

There are but brief records of the church for the next twenty-five years ; this single item giving a glimpse of the public worship : " Sept. 2, 1813, chose John Davol to read the him, etc., in publick."

During the two years 1827-29, Rev. Arthur Ross acted as colleague pastor, receiving a part of his support for services as school-teacher. Those two years are memorable for the first great revival in the history of the church, in which more than ninety were added to its membership ; for the third change of the name of the church, when it became "The First Baptist Church of Troy;" for thebuilding of the second meeting-house; and the organization of " The Baptist Female Charitable Society," one of whose first enterprises was " to procure the trimmings and dress the meeting-house."

Mr. Ross was born in Thompson, Conn., 1791 ; ordained in 1819. He published several valuable historical pamphlets, and during his ministry baptized more than fourteen hundred persons.

The new meeting-house referred to was the one on South Main Street, afterwards sold to the Episcopal Church. It was dedicated July 30, 1828.

In connection with the new village meeting-house, appeared an evident tendency towards fashion. It was voted to purchase candlesticks for the evening meetings, the Association was invited, and N. White, R. Wrightington, and William Ashley were appointed to "seat the house;" and Deacon French, A. Hall, and P. Smith were chosen to take charge of the bass viol. It is possible that the violins were in such demand elsewhere that three church officers could not exercise exclusive control of them. Fortunately, perhaps, there followed some checks to undue vanity, for it was voted " to withdraw fellowship from Israel C. Durfee for his remarks respecting building our meeting-house, in which he manifested a covetous disposition, and for his unrichous remark in relation to our young deacons, French and Davol."

Rev. Bradlv Miner was next called to the pulpit. He was born in North Stonington, Conn., July 18, 1808. He successfully filled the office of pastor for about three years. About the time that Mr. Miner left the venerable senior pastor passed from earth.

Rev. Asa Bronson became pastor April 4, 1833. About that time revised articles of faith were adopted, and Abiathar Hall and Stephen L. French were elected deacons. In 1835 the modest little Meh-Shway-ee Society appeared like an obscure fountain, whose broadening stream of pure, life-giving waters has steadily been flowing on for forty-five years.

In 1834 the name of the town was changed from Troy to Fall River, when there must be the fourth change in the name of the church, and in 1836 the

" Female Charitable Society of Troy" adopted a new constitution, by which the name became "The Fall River Baptist Female Benevolent Society." In the same year the church became one of the constituent members of the Taunton Baptist Association.

The first covenant meeting was held in the vestry of the new house of worship, called the Temple, July 1, 1840, and that house was dedicated September 16th of that year. Some years before the church had recorded this resolution : " That we most earnestly and affectionately invite all the members of the church who are not now members of the Temperance Society immediately to become members, and throw all their influence in favor of Christian sobriety." Then followed the great anti-slavery struggle, in which this church took a foremost and unequivocal position. During the earnest discussions of the decade from 1840 to 1850, the bold pastor, deacons, and members introduced, defended, and had recorded, as the adopted sentiments of the church, such declarations as these : "Slavery is one of the grossest sins against God and violations of the rights of man that can be committed." "No circumstances justify holding slaves." "This church, as an independent body, feels bound to bear its unequivocal testimony against the abominable sin of slavery." " We will not invite or allow a slaveholding minister to occupy the pulpit, or invite or allow a slaveholder to commune with us as a church."

The church was blessed with two remarkable revivals, and during the eleven years of Mr. Bronson's pastorate seven hundred and nine were added to the church. He was afterwards pastor at Albany for two years, when he returned and became pastor of the Second Baptist Church in this city, and died Nov. 29, 1866, aged sixty-eight years. He was succeeded in this church by Rev. V. R. Hotchkiss, who became, pastor Dec. 4, 1845.

The house called the " Temple" was conveyed to the Second Church in October, 1847, from which time this church worshiped in Union Hall till the first Sunday in 1850, when, Rev. A. P. Mason having become pastor, the church entered the vestry of the new house on North Main Street, which completed house was dedicated October 23d.

Mr. Mason was a lineal descendant of the Samson Mason who was an officer in Cromwell's army. He came to America in 1650, and settled in Dorchester; then removed to Rehoboth, and afterwards, " for conscience' sake," to Swansea, where he assisted to build the Baptist meeting-house, for which he was summoned before the authorities of Plymouth Colony, fined fifteen shillings, and warned to leave the jurisdiction of the colony. From that true Baptist stock descended our Pastor Mason, during whose faithful ministry of three years was an interesting revival, in which fifty-nine valuable members were added to the church. He was afterwards pastor in Chelsea, and for several years has been district secretary of the American Baptist Home Missionary Society.

The next pastor, Rev. Jacob R. Scott, could be retained here for only the year 1853. After his resignation, Rev. Jonathan Aldrich successfully supplied the pulpit for nearly a year, when Daniel J. Glazier was elected pastor. Before taking the place for which he seemed so peculiarly fitted he suddenly died, March 9, 1855. Rev. P. B. Haughwout became pastor in 1855. In 1860 he went to Europe, remaining seven months, during which time the church ordained and had for acceptable supply Rev. A. Judson Padelford. Pastor Haughwout gave to this church fifteen years of his most vigorous life, during which was his enthusiastic share in the great struggle against rebellion, and the addition of more than two hundred to the church, when failing health made retirement essential. He died April 26, 1877, in the forty-ninth year of his age.

In 1871, Daniel C. Eddy, D.D., became pastor. The house of worship was extensively remodeled and enlarged. The former pastors, Drs. Hotchkiss and Mason, with other clergymen of the city, took part in the interesting rededication services, Sept. 3, 1872. After a rich revival, in which more than sixty were added to the church, Dr. Eddy closed a two years' pastorate, and was succeeded in 1874 by Rev. A. K. P. Small, who remained until 1883.

The deacons have been as follows: Deacons Stillwell, Boomer, Enoch French, John Davol, Philip Smith, John E. Carr, Benjamin Buffington, Abiathar Hall, Stephen L. French, Seth Pooler, Jesse F. Eddy, Joseph L. Buffington, Edward Warren, Henry Richards, George S. Davol, and Henry S. Buffington.

The Second Baptist Church. - For seven years previous to the year 1846 the question had been agitated among the members of the First Baptist Church whether the best interests of the cause of Christ, the salvation of souls, and the glory of God did not require the organization of another Baptist Church in Fall River. No decisive action was taken until the month of April of that year, when a number of brethren who felt that the time had fully come when a new interest should be commenced requested the pastor and deacons of the First Baptist Church to entertain the question, and if they thought proper call a special church meeting, in order to ascertain whether those who were disposed to embark in this enterprise could do so with the approbation of the whole church, and under the influence of mutually kind feelings.

This request was cordially received, and in pursuance a very full meeting of the church was convened on the evening of April 21, 1816. At this meeting, no objection being raised to the formation of a second Baptist Church in this place, it was unanimously voted to give their approbation to the project.

Having thus obtained the full consent of the mother-church, these brethren secured the use of the town hall, adopted the plan of free seats and voluntary contributions, and invited the Rev. Asa Bronson, of New York, their former pastor, to preach the gospel in the above-named place. Pursuant to this request he came and commenced his labors on the second Sabbath in May following. Much interest was manifested, a large congregation gathered, and unexpected encouragement realized.

On the 9th of June one hundred and forty-nine members sought and obtained letters of dismission from the First Baptist Church. Of these members fifty were males and ninety-nine females. On the 18th of June these, with several other brethren from different churches, were, by mutual and voluntary consent, formed into a church by the adoption of articles of association and a covenant and the election of the proper officers. At this meeting Rev. Asa Bronson was moderator, and John C. Milne was clerk.

The church was styled the Second Baptist Church of Fall River, and officers elected as follows: Rev. Asa Bronson, pastor; Charles Borden and Joseph Borden, deacons ; John C. Milne, clerk ; Joseph Borden, treasurer. A prudential committee, a board of Sunday-school managers, and a committee of order were also appointed.

On the 29th of September, 1846, the church was publicly recognized by a council composed of the pastors and delegates from several of the sister churches within the bounds of the Taunton Baptist Association.

The church immediately entered upon a season of great spiritual prosperity. The vestry of the Unitarian Church on Second Street was secured in addition to the town hall.

The church having completed arrangements for the purchase of the temple in which they now worship, they removed thither from the town hall the first Sabbath in October, 1847, the First Church in the mean time having vacated it.

Two of the above pastors were ordained by councils called under the direction of the church, viz., Rev. Charles A. Snow, July 7, 1858, and Rev. E. W. Hunt, Sept. 21, 1880.

Additions to the board of deacons were made Nov. 6, 1853, when Joseph M. Davis and Charles Coburn were chosen. Feb. 5, 1865, William S. Robertson was elected. April 12, 1880, Alexander O. Cook was also chosen. Joseph M. Davis resigned May 7, 1881, and Burton Crankshaw was elected to fill the vacancy June 2, 1881.

The following brethren have been elected deacons, but declined serving, viz. : Dan forth Horton, Nov. 6, 1853, and again Feb. 5, 1865; Silas Smith, April 12, 1880 ; and Charles Long, June 2, 1881.

The office of treasurer has been filled successively as follows, viz. : Joseph Borden, from June 18, 1846, till April 1, 1851 ; Benjamin F. Winslow, from April 1, 1851, till July 3, 1S55; John C. Milne, from July 3, 1855, till Oct. 5, 1857 : Mason Buffinton, from Oct. 5, 1857, till April 26, 1858 ; Joseph Borden was again chosen June 7, 1858, and continued till July 12,1860; Garrett Horton, from July 12, 1860, till July, 1868, when the present treasurer, Charles Coburn, was elected.

The office of clerk was filled by J. C. Milne from the organization of the church till Oct. 4, 1853; A. G. Hart, from Oct. 4, 1853, till April 5, 1854 ; and William S. Robertson, the present clerk, was elected May 9, 1854.

The church has licensed three of its members to preach the gospel, viz., Rev. John J. Bronson, July 3, 1855; Rev. Jacob Furrhman, April 8, 1872; Rev. William C. Carr, Sept. 1, 1872. All of these are now ordained ministers.

In the winter of 1873 the present house of worship was remodeled and refitted, the main audience-room and also the vestry sharing in the general improvement. At the same time the additions to the front of the temple were made, giving the present spacious entrance to the audience-room and vestry.

The Third Baptist Church.1 - The Mechanicsville Baptist Church was the outgrowth of a mission Sabbath-school started by the First Baptist Church, and operated under their direction until Oct. 9, 1871, when a church was organized with the foregoing name, under the pastorate of Rev. Ambler Edson. The first officers were D. H. Dyer, Richard Thackray, deacons; William A. Dunn, clerk; Silas B. Hatch, treasurer; and a total membership of twentyeight.

The church was recognized as a regular Baptist Church by a council convened in due form April 10, 1872. The pastorate of Rev. A. Edson closed April 30, 1873. During the following summer their pulpit was supplied principally by Rev. M. C. Thwing and Rev. .1. N. Williams. Rev. F. A. Lockwood became pastor of the church Nov. 16, 187M.

The church was reorganized and incorporated under the laws of Massachusetts March 25, 1874, as the "Third Baptist Church of Fall River." The pastorate of Rev. F. A. Lockwood closed Oct. 31, 1875.

their pulpit being supplied by students from Newton Theological Seminary, the most prominent of whom were Rev. M. B. Lanning and Rev. George L. Mason. On the 7th day of July, 1876, the church ordained Rev. George L. Mason to the gospel ministry while he was still a student at Newton, and from that time he supplied the pulpit of the church, and was elected pastor May 2, 1878, assuming the pastoral office Sept. 20, 1878.

Rev. George L. Mason resigned his pastorate July 13, 1880, to accept an appointment from the Baptist Missionary Union as a missionary to Ningpo, China.

Rev. C. A. Snow, of Taunton, became acting pastor Oct. 1, 1882, and is still serving the church in that capacity. Present officers, J. H. Jackson and Herbert W. Davis, deacons ; D. H. Dyer, clerk ; and Richard Thackray, treasurer.

Church of the Ascension2 (Protestant Episcopal). - The first service according to the ritual of the Protestant Episcopal Church in the United States held in (what was then) the " village of Fall River" was conducted by the Rev. James C. Richmond, on a Sunday evening in 1835. This was in the Unitarian house of worship. The next public service was on July 13, 1836, in the First Congregational Church. The preacher was the Rev. James Pratt, of Rhode Island. He was assisted by the Rev. John West, also of Rhode Island. This service was held with the view of effecting a permanent organization of the church, which, however, was not accomplished until two days after. Then, July 15, 1836, in the Methodist Episcopal Church on Central Street, a parish was duly formed under the name (suggested by the diocesan, the Rt. Rev. Alexander Viets Griswold, D.D., Bishop of the Eastern Diocese) of the Church of the Ascension. The clergy present at the formation of the parish were the Revs. John West, James Pratt, J. W. Fenner, and Stephen Elliott, afterwards (1841) and now Bishop of Georgia. A missionary, the Rev. P. H. Greenleaf, was put in charge of the infant parish, which consisted of ten men, every one of whom has passed beyond this world. James Ford, Esq., was senior warden, Job H. Lawton junior warden, and Richard W. Batt secretary.

The first services were held in the hall of the Pocasset House. The congregation was of about fifty persons, and the Sunday-school had about twenty scholars. From the Pocasset House the parish moved to the town hall on Central Street in March, 1837. Here the parish worshiped for three years, and struggled through many difficulties and against much prejudice and opposition. A legal existence and corporate powers were secured May 1, 1837. In this act of incorporation are found the names of J. H. Lawton, Cyrus Alden, Esq., William Langford, Richard W. Batt, James Ford, Esq., James R. Lake, Baylies J. Talbot, John Chatburn, William Canedy, John Houghton, George Bay lis, Richard W. Houghton, Dennis Brown, Elijah Astle, Joseph Potter, Edward P. Lake, Richard W. Smith, T. Marquand, and Nathaniel Munday. Cyrus Alden was elected senior and J. H. Lawton junior warden, R. W. Batt clerk. The missionary left in July, 1837. In 1838 (July 22d) the Rev. George M. Randall (afterwards, 1865-73, Bishop of Colorado), immediately upon his ordination to the deaconate, assumed charge of the parish. He was instituted as rector August, 1840. His ministry, amid many discouragements, was greatly blessed. In 1839 a Baptist house of worship was purchased. It was centrally located on South Main Street, and (after necessary alterations) was solemnly consecrated in 1840 by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Griswold. A heavy debt for those days and for the strength of the parish was contracted by this purchase, which for a long time burdened and crippled the church. In 1844, Mr. Randall resigned to accept the rectorship of the Church of the Messiah in Boston. For nearly a year there was no clergyman in charge, when the Rev. A. D. McCoy was instituted rector, April 10, 1845. He remained only two years. There was no rector then for two years, much to the detriment of all the interests of the parish, when (under very discouraging circumstances), on Sunday, April 29, 1849, the Rev. E. M. Porter became rector. His labors were blessed. He succeeded, with large aid from outside of Fall River, in liquidating the debt. The congregation increased, and the spiritual life deepened. But the parish was still feeble. The church was destroyed by fire on Christmas-eve, 1850. The parish, however, was not destroyed. The corner-stone of a new edifice on the same site, or nearly so, was laid in 1851. An address was made by Dr. Randall. In 1852 (February) the new church was consecrated by the Right Rev. Manton Eastburn, the Bishop of Massachusetts. It was only in this year (1852) that the parish was able to do without missionary aid, which it had steadily received since its original formation. Mr. Porter closed his labors with the church in 1863, after a successful rectorship of fourteen years, by far the longest that the parish had enjoyed thus far. His name and memory are held in affectionate remembrance.

In the summer of 1863 the Rev. A. M. Wylie was called to the rectorship. His resignation was tendered Nov. 1, 1868, and took effect in December following. The Rev. John Hewitt succeeded Mr. Wylie, remaining only until January, 1871. The Rev. Henry E. Hovey became rector about Easter of this year, and resigned in November, 1872. The Rev. William McGlatherv assumed charge in August, 1873, and resigned in the fall of 1875. In 1876 the Rev. William T. Fitch was elected rector. His resignation took effect in May, 1881. On the 15th of May, 1881, the present incumbent, the Rev. A. St. John Chambre, D.D., assumed charge of the parish.

The history of the parish has been that of struggle from the beginning, but of steady advancement, notwithstanding all and every difficulty. In 1875 the parish moved into its large, costly, and elegant stone church, erected upon Rock Street. Its financial condition is second to that of no parish in the city. Its congregations are large, and it is blessed with a spirit of great harmony and of commendable zeal in all good works. The magnificent stained-glass windowin the front of the church, representing in life-size the Saviour and the four evangelists, is a memorial of the late Bishop Randall, of Colorado, the first rector. It was erected by the contributions of the Sunday-school.

From this parish, as the growth of Fall River demanded, has sprung the flourishing parish of St. John, on South Main Street, now independent of its parent, but holding pleasant relations with the motherchurch. The Church of the Ascension has a mission by the name of St. Mark in the eastern part of the city, and it is contemplating other movements for the good of the community, the advancement of the church, and (above all other considerations) to the glory of God.

St. John's Church1 is located near the Park, on the Main Street, about a mile and a half south of the Ascension, of which it was once a mission.

Between thirty and forty families connected with the old parish, residing at "the Globe" and farther south towards the Rhode Island line, found it inconvenient because of the distance to attend the parish church regularly; it was also too far for the children to walk to Sunday-school, hence the desire for a mission.

Services were first held in "ConnelPs Hall," directly opposite the present church building, the fourth Sunday in September, 1878, by the Rev. W. T. Fitch, rector of the Ascension.

The church, a plain wooden building, seating three hundred and fifty, with a Sunday-school room in the basement, was used for the first time Sunday, Aug. 15, 1880, the Rev. Arthur T. Barrington, assistant at the Ascension, officiating. It was built on leased land. The land has since been purchased and fully paid for. The parish was generously aided, both in erecting the building and in the subsequent purchasing of the land, by churchmen in Boston and elsewhere.

The mission was organized into an independent parish Easter Monday, 1881, with Nathaniel Lewis and George Walters, wardens. The Rev. Samuel S. Spear, then at St. John's, Taunton, was soon elected

The list of communicants, Easter, 1883, numbered one hundred and twenty-five, and there is a prosperous Sunday-school of about three hundred officers and scholars.

The church property, valued at seven thousand dollars, is entirely free from debt, and is held for the parish by the "Trustees of Donations."

Christian Church, Franklin Street. - This church was organized in April, 1829, and in the following year the society was organized and the first church edifice erected. This church was destroyed in the great fire of 1843, and in the following year the present church edifice on Franklin Street was erected.

The first pastor was Rev. Joshua V. Hines, who was succeeded by Benjamin Taylor, H. Taylor, James Taylor, Simon Clough, M. Lane, A. G. Cumminirs, Jonathan Thompson, previous to 1840; Revs. P. R. Russell, 1841; A. M. Averill, 1843; Elijah Shaw, 1845 ; Charles Morgridge, 1847 ; Stephen Fellows, 1848 ; David E. Millard, 1852 ; B. S. Fanton, 1855 ; Thomas Holmes, 1863 ; Hiram J. Gordon, 1865 ; S. Wright Butler, 1866. Present pastor, Rev. M. Summerbell.

The North Christian Church was organized in 1842, and is located on North Main Street, at Steep Brook. The pastors of the church have been as follows : Revs. Wm. Shurtleff, 1861 ; Moses P. Favor, 1866; Chas. T. Camp, 1872; O. P. Bessey, 1874; O. O. Wright, 1876.

Church of the New Jerusalem.1 - The Fall River Society of the New Jerusalem was organized in 1854. It consisted of seven members. Thirty-one have been added since, making thirty-eight in all. Ten have died, two have been transferred to other societies. The number now belonging to it is twenty-six, nine of whom reside out of the city. Four of the original members are still living. Its church on Rock Street, between Cherry and Locust, was built in 1869. The services were conducted by lay readers, except upon the communion Sabbath, when a minister officiated; but in 1877 the present pastor, Rev. John Westall, was ordained and invited to devote all his time to the service of the society.

The Sabbath-school consists of forty-four scholars and teachers. The library contains three hundred and fifty-seven volumes. The expenses of the society

Society of Friends. - The first meetings of the Society of Friends in Fall River were held about the year 1812, the attendants coming mostly over the river from Swansea and Somerset. They commenced public worship here in 1819, and in 1821 erected a house of worship, which was subsequently removed, and the present edifice on North Main Street, between Pine and Cherry, was erected in 1836. The present overseer is Nathan Chace.

The United Presbyterian Church, Pearl Street corner of American, was organized in 1846, and the church edifice was erected in 1851. The pastors have been as follows : Revs. David A. Wallace, 1851-53 ; William Maclaren, 1854-67 ; Joshua R. Kyle, 1869- 75; James H. Turnbull, 1876.

Hebrew Worship. - The Jewish or Hebrew residents of this city number some fifty to sixty men, many having families. Of these six are German Jews, so called, but as they do not 'affiliate with the Polish Israelites, they have no organized synagogue. The other class have pushed ahead, organized a synagogue by themselves, employed a leader, and have kept up worship for several months on Pleasant Street.

St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church was established in 1836, under the name of St. John Baptist, which was changed upon the occupation of the church edifice in 1855. The pastors of this church have been as follows: Revs. John Corry, Richard Hardy, and Edward Murphy. Rev. John O'Connell and Cornelius McSweeney were assistant pastors in 1875. The present assistant pastors are Revs. Louis Dady and James A. Gleason.

St. Ann's Church (French Catholic) was organized in 1873 by Rev. A. de Montanbrieg. It is located on Hunter Street corner of William. The present pastor is Rev. Thomas F. Briscoe, assisted by Rev. O. F. Clark.

Notre Dame Church was organized in 1874, by Rev. P. J. B. Bedard, who has since remained as pastor. Location, Notre Dame corner Ashton Street.

The Immaculate Conception is also a new parish, with Father Kiernan as pastor. Of the one hundred and eighty thousand attendants upon Catholic wor- ship in the Providence district, about eighty-eight : thousand reside in Bristol, Barnstable, Dukes, and Nantucket Counties of Massachusetts, and some twenty-eight thousand in this city. In the proposal to establish three new dioceses in this State, it is confidently expected that the above counties will be set off as one of them, and Fall River be constituted the cathedral city.