Bristol County, Massachusetts - Chapter 48, 1883

The Congregational (Unitarian) Church - The Trinitarian Congregational Church - The Baptist Church - Wesleyan Methodist Church - The Methodist Episcopal Church - Roman Catholic Church - Wheaton Seminary.

organization of this church, and its first minister was Rev. Samuel Phillips, who, however, was not ordained. He commenced preaching Jan. 1, 1710, and remained but a few months.

As a portion of the old township of Taunton was incorporated into the North Precinct, and as many of the settlers of the said precinct were either proprietors or intimately connected with the proprietors of the old town, the latter naturally felt some interest in the prosperity of the precinct, and especially in the settlement and support of a minister. Hence divers of them made each a small contribution of land for whatever minister should be settled in the new parish. Here is the proof:

" We, the subscribers for the Encouragement of a Learned, orthodox, pious minister to settle in the Sacred employ of the ministry in Taunton North precinct, Do hereby Give and Grant the severall quantities of land annexed to our names, hereunder written, unto the first minister who shall settle in said North precinct; Desiring of the proprietors of Taunton old Township that it may be layed out on the next Division of land in said Township, Either in one Entire tract or more, in such place or places where it may be most convenient and pleasing to the first minister that shall there settle, on any lands, as yet common or undivided, in that part of the old Township landi which now ffall to be within the line of the North precinct; and particularly on land, now common, which lyes near the place appointed by Authority for the meeting-house to be sett upon, on the north and south side of the way as shall be most convenient.

" All these severall parcells of land mentioned in this paper is Granted to the first minister that shall settle in the work of the ministry in the north precinct, on both sides of the way that goeth from Nathaniel Hodges' to the meeting-house in said precinct, and on both sides of the way that leadeth from the meeting-house in said precinct to Samuel Hodges' house, and partly on the northerly side of said meeting-house, running up towards the land of Major Leonard, to be laid out as may be most convenient for the first minister that shall settle in said precinct, the whole sum granted is seventy-three acres and three-quarters, on the sixty-four-acre division.

Judge Thomas Leonard, one of the proprietors of the iron-works, and the father of George, who took so conspicuous a part in securing the grant of a precinct, in his will, dated Jan. 29, 1711-12, and probated Feb. 5, 1713-14, gave to the first minister that should be " orderly settled" in the western part of

Taunton North Precinct, and continue there in the ministry seven years, twenty acres of land, and in case he continued fourteen years in the ministry, twenty acres more, hut if he did not remain fourteen years, then the second settled minister who should remain seven years was to have the last twenty acres. The departure of Mr. Phillips compelled the precinct to look ahout for a new candidate.

"December the 23d, 1710. - At a meeting of the Inhabitants of Taunton North Purchase, [('"'J'.] 21y, made choice of Mr. Joseph Avery to settle with them in the work of the ministree, and to be their minister, if lie see Cause to Exceept.

"31y, they made choice of George Leonard and Nicholas White to go and acquaint Mr. Avery that they have chose him for their minister, and also to treet with him ahout his settleing with them in the work of the ministree.

Jan. 3d, 1710-11, they voted to Give Mr. Avery 15s. a sabath, for the time that he shall trantiently Preach among them, before they have come to any certin Bargaine with him; and also 15s. for ye Last Sabath."

"This rate, being to pay Mr. Avery 32 pounds towards building his house, was made by us, the subscribers, this first day of January, 1711 -12. it contains 32. 8. 0., Besides 0. 16. 6. put iu for the constable, the eight shillings is for niakeiii the rate.

Those whose heads are not rated were, no doubt, non-residents. The house was, we presume, erected soon after the rate was made, though not entirely finished for some years. This house, thus early built for Mr. Avery, stood on the land already given to and laid out for the first minister.

While preparations for building him a house are going on, no response to the call came from the minister, who is still preaching to the people. The town, "Sept. 17, 1712, voted to Mr. Avery, for his salary 45 - 0 - 0." This was five pounds more than the year previous, a further evidence that the town are anxious to hear a favorable answer to their invitation. Another year passes away, and still Mr. Avery gives no answer. He certainly was a very deliberate man. The town, however, "let patience have its perfect work," and " Oct. 6, 1713, voted to Mr. Avery, for his salary for this year, 45 - 0 - 0."

"On the 13th of September, 1714, Mr. Avery Gave his answer, which was Excepted by ye town ; and on that day thay voted to Mr. Joseph Avery his salary, 50 - 0 - 0." l

" A church was gathered in Norton on the 28th of October, in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and fourteen." 2 The names of "those who covenanted as members" are there given. They are the same as those who signed the covenant October 4th ; " and," says the record, " on the same day, Oct. 28, 1714, was ordained Mr. Joseph Avery as pastor of the Church of Christ in Norton." He was the first minister in Norton.

"31y, According to the warrant for sd. meatingfor to Rayse monis for to finish the ministr's nous, accordingly Proseded to give twenty pounds by way of rate, & Sum by way of freewill ofring or Gift at sd. meeting.

" 41y, Voted to give ye minister twenty pounds for the finishing of his hous, to be raised on ye inhabitanc by way of rate, nicolas Smith, and Benjamin Williams, and Ebenezer Eddy, having given already, are to be Excepted in sd. act; and John Briggs, gran. Sen., on his promis to Give Bricks, is Excepted also.

"John briggs, Sen., promis to give twenty shillinds in worck in two months. Jeremiah Newland promis to give three shilinds in two months. John Harvey promis to give twenty shilinds (ten in money & ten in worck) in two months. Joseph Hodges gave five shilinds money & two pare of Hocks & hinges, at six shilinds' price, in two months. John Newland, sen., or benianin Newland, promis to give five shilinds iu worck in two months. Jonathan Linkoln promis to lath the west Chamber. John Andrus promis to lath the East Chamber. John Hodges, sen, gives twenty shilinds in money Mr. avery oes said Hodges. Left. Nicolas White promis to give twenty shilinds money in two months."

The first pastor of the church was Rev. Joseph Avery, who was ordained Oct. 28, 1714. and remained as pastor until 1748. He died here April 23, 1770. For some time after the dismissal of Mr. Avery the church had no settled pastor, but was supplied by the following: Jos. Roberts, Thomas Jones, Naphtali Daggett, Jonathan Dorby, Jos. Green, Jr., and Samuel Angier. In 1752 a call was extended to Rev. Joseph Palmer, which was accepted, and Nov. 10, 1752, the church

"31y, the church voted that the church-covenant should be red; and it was red: and they gave their assent to it by the sine of lifting the hand."

Jan. 3, 1753, Mr. Palmer was ordained, and remained as pastor until his death, April 4, 1791. Oct. 12, 1792, the church voted to invite Rev. Pitt Clark. Jan. 7, 1793, it was "voted to give Mr. Pitt Clark one hundred and fifty pounds, as an encouragement to settle with us in the Gospel Ministry as a settlement." " Voted to give said Mr. Clark 80 pounds salary Pr. year, so long as he remains our minister and supplies the pulpit."

As a further encouragement for him to settle with them, a subscription paper was drawn up April 1, 1793, and £79 8s. was pledged " in addition to the Encouragement" above mentioned, "provided he settle as the minister of sd. Parish." The names of the donors, with the sums given, are as follows :

Mr. Clark was ordained July 3, 1793, and continued as pastor until his death, Feb. 13, 1835. He was born in Medfield, Jan. 15, 1763. Until August, 1835, the following preached as supplies : A. Davis, D. C. Sanders, U. Whitman, Mr. Lakeman, and Mr. Eichardson. August 2d of this year, Rev. Asarelah M. Briggs commenced preaching as a candidate, and was ordained as pastor Jan. 27, 1836, and remained until Nov. 1, 1840. The next pastor was Rev. William P, Tilden, from April 21, 1841, to June 30, 1844. The pulpit was then supplied by Revs. William H. Fish, William C. Tenney, T. H. Dorr, and A. D. Jones until July 6, 1845, when Rev. Amory Gale, M.D., commenced supplying the pulpit and continued until Jan. 1, 1848. After Mr. Gale, Rev. John N. Ballows preached a short time, and Sept. 24, 1848, Rev. Frederic Hinckley was installed as pastor, and remained until Oct. 27, 1850.

The parish committee were authorized, Dec. 30, 1850, to invite Mr. George A. Carnes to preach till the annual meeting in March, and he did so.

From the 1st of April, 1851, to the middle of November of the same year the following persons preached, probably not all of them as candidates : Charles Robinson, Francis B. Knapp, Benjamin Kent, George W. Lippitt, Charles Briggs, William W. Hebbard, Herman Snow, F. A. Whitney, D. W. Stevens, and J. K. Waite. George Osgood supplied from Nov. 16, 1851, to Jan. 26, 1852. From that time to the middle of April, Josiah K. Waite, Warren Burton, Samuel F. Clark, Solon W. Bush, and Charles Briggs supplied the pulpit.

Rev. George Faber Clark, after the society had heard some twenty candidates, more or less, commenced preaching April 18, 1852. He remained four Sundays. Rev. N. Whitman, in accordance with a previous arrangement, preached the last three Sundays of May.

Mr. Clark returned on the 1st of June to fulfill an engagement of four weeks more. On the 26th of June, 1852, having preached here seven Sundays, the parish "voted unanimously to invite the Rev. George F. Clark to settle with said society as their teacher and pastor." He accepted the call, and was installed Aug. 11, 1852, and remained until Aug. 3, 1861.

In addition to his duties as pastor he found time to indulge in other literary pursuits, and in 1859 he wrote an elaborate " History of Norton," which is an invaluable contribution to the historic literature of New England. He was also town clerk of Norton from 1858 to 1861.

Rev. George Faber Clark was the twelfth child and eighth son of Jonas and Mary (Twitchel) Clark, of Dublin, N. H., and was born Feb. 24, 1817. He was the grandson of William and Sarah (Locke) Clark, of Townsend, Mass., great-grandson of William and Eunice (Taylor) Clark, of Townsend, and the greatgreat-grandson of Samuel Clark (whose wife was Rebecca Nichols?), who settled at Concord, Mass., about the year 1680, and who was probably born in London, and came to America with his father about 1660, when a small boy.

The mother of Rev. G. F. Clark was the daughter of Abel Twitchel, of Dublin, N. H., who was the son of Joseph and Deborah (Fairbanks) Twitchel, of Sherborn, Mass., grandson of Joseph and Elizabeth (Holbrook) Twitchel, of Sherborn, great-grandson of Joseph and Lydia Twitchel, of Sherborn, greatgreat-grandson of Benjamin and Mary Twitchel, of Sherborn and Lancaster, and great-great-great-grandson of Joseph Twitchel, who probably came from Dorsetshire, England, about 1633, and settled at Dorches-

Jonas Clark, the father of the subject of this sketch, was a clothier by trade, and built the first clothier's shop or fulling-mill in Dublin, N. H.

In the excellent and somewhat celebrated common schools of that town Rev. Mr. Clark was educated till his fifteenth year. He subsequently entered Phillips Exeter Academy, and later the Theological Department of Harvard, from which he graduated in 1846.

The first church edifice was erected in 1710, and was occupied until 1753, when the second house of worship was erected, and dedicated January 3d of the same year.

Nov. 28, 1753, the parish " Voted that the standing Comitte Shall take care of the meating-house, and keep it lokt; and also that theire be no chares seet in the alleys of sd. meating-house when the new seats are made Below."

Dec. 11, 1780, it was " Voted to Sell so much of the floor in the meeting-house as to make Six pews Back of the men's and women's Body of Seats, and a roe of pews in the Back of the front galery.''

Jan. 5, 1789," Voted to sell the Ground for pews on the back-side of side-galarys, except about six or seven feet at the back-corner for negroes; and also the Ground whore the negroes' Seats now are."

This house was occupied until Jan. 9, 1836, when the present church edifice was dedicated. The movement for the erection of the new church commenced in March, 1834, and September 27th same year it was

"Moved and Voted, that this Parish build a new Meeting-house by the sale of the Pews and individual donation, & set it on the ground gratuitously offered by Mrs. Peddy Bo wen, according to her direction, near the front of this house; and said house shall be for the use of the Congregational Incorporated society of which the Rev. Pitt Clarke is the present Minister, or his successor in office. 28 for, 6 against."

Mrs. Bowen gave the land and all the timber for the house, on condition that it should be cut and carried from her land according to her particular directions. The present house has been several times repaired.

Deacons. - The deacons of the church have been as follows : Nicholas White, John Briggs, John Briggs (2d), Joseph Hodges, John Andrews, Benjamin Hodges, Benjamin Copeland, Samuel Dean, Benjamin Pearson, Seth Smith, Asa Copeland, Lysander Makepeace, Daniel Lane, Stillman Smith, Almond Tucker, A. D. Hunt.

The Trinitarian Congregational Church.1 - This church, comprising twenty-two members, eleven of whom withdrew from the original church in this place, was organized and orderly recognized by an ecclesiastical council April 3, 1832.

Their first and subsequent meetings for prayer and conference were held in the east front room of the dwelling and present residence of Mrs. Eliza B. Wheaton, and their Sabbath assemblies in a hall that stood near the spot where now is the store of Maynard Newcomb. For a time these services were conducted by clergymen from abroad, including members of the "Taunton and Vicinity Association," who each gave a Sabbath service, and others, and previous to the organization of the church by Dr. Lyman Beecher, of Boston, Dr. Richard S. Storrs, of Braintree, and Rev. John West, of Taunton.

As the weeks passed by they were much encouraged. Considerable accessions were made to their number, and the Sabbath congregation steadily increased. They decided at once to secure as soon as possible a gospel minister who should live among them, and to build a meeting-house.

The means to build were obtained by the self-sacrificing contributions of all of them, by the aid to some extent of friends from abroad, and especially by the generous and large gifts of the Hon. Laban Wheaton, and of his son, the Hon. Laban M. Wheaton, to whom and their families this church has ever been under obligations of gratitude for their liberal and oft-repeated benefactions. The building lot, one of the finest locations in the village, was given, and a neat and comely meeting-house erected. This house was dedicated on the 1st day of January, 1834, Dr. R. S. Storrs, of Braintree, preaching the sermon from the text, " Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgment. And a man shall be as an hiding-place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the

That year the Wheaton Seminary was founded, and its interests have been from the first closely related and identified with this church and congregation. Two years later, in 1836, it became necessary to enlarge the meeting-house, and this was done by extending its length about one-third.

This house, for the time in which it was built, was finished and furnished in a manner satisfactory to a cultivated taste, and as befitted the house of God. In the basement there was a large vestry for the Sabbath-school, and for prayer and conference meetings, and other rooms conveniently arranged for various social uses and occasions. Various improvements on the edifice itself and in its furnishings were made from time to time. A belfry and spire, after the fashion of the time, surmounting the roof at the west end, were built, and a fine-toned bell of a net weight of twelve hundred pounds, cast to order at the foundry of Holbrook & Son, East Medway, was supplied. Carpets, pew cushions, new and improved facilities for heating and other furnishings were obtained as they were needed or desired for greater comfort or convenience. In 1851, by donation or purchase, all the pews which were previously owned by individuals became the property of the church, to be held free to all or annually rented for the support of church services. An excellent organ from the manufactory of Simmons & Co., Boston, was obtained the same year and given to the church by Mrs. E. B. Wheaton. Ten sheds for the protection of horses and carriages were also erected the same year and given to the church by the Hon. Laban M. Wheaton, to be annually rented as the pews.

In 1878 a neat and attractive chapel, formerly the gymnasium of Wheaton Seminary, was finished, adjoining the church edifice, and on the day of its dedication, the 18th of September, was given to the church by Mrs. E. B. Wheaton. The sermon on this occasion was by Rev. H. K. Craig, of Falmouth, a former minister of the church, and the dedicatory prayer was by Rev. W. N. T. Dean, the acting minister.

On the 4th of March, 1882, in a communication to the church, they were tenderly informed that it was in the heart of her who had so often bestowed liberal gifts for their benefit to make some changes and improvements in the church and chapel edifices, and she asked permission to carry out the benevolent desire of her heart, with the counsel and advice of those whom she might choose. This request so modestly made comprehended much. Few knew the largeness of its meaning. It was of course gratefully and unanimously granted.

After consultation and consideration, a plan and specifications, drawn by Stephen C. Earle, architect, of Worcester, Mass., were adopted. Contracts were made, and the work completed. The renovated chapel was reopened and dedicated by special services on Sunday evening, Nov. 26, 1882; sermon by the pastor from the text, "At the gate which is called Beautiful." (Acts iii. 1-10.) The church was completed ready for occupancy and was dedicated on Sunday, Dec. 17, 1882, the other congregations in town, with their pastors, uniting in the service, and the pastor preaching from the text, " This is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven." (Genesis xxviii. 17.) Previous to the sermon the property was presented to the church in the following communication :

"Dkar Christian Friends, - Having obtained your permission last March for making such changes as I should see fit in our church and chapel, and at a later time including the organ in this permit, after unlocked for delay, I am now permitted, through the divine blessing, to return to you the property remodeled, all of which I trust you will find sufficiently improved to compensate for the inconveniences to which you have been subjected.

"These improvements with furnishings complete - together with outside repairs in sheds and grounds, policies of insurance, and a deed of land sufficient for your wants - I give to you in the name of your deacons, Jesso H. Blandin and David R. Winter, and their successors in office, for your use and benefit forever.

"In the early progress of the work the architect asked if I should have a memorial window. I replied, ' No, for all I am doing is memorial work.'

" Yet I do not claim this as a Memorial Church, for should I, there are timbers left in the church edifice and foundation-stones that might appropriately claim a loving remembrance for many others who helped build this house who long since passed away.

"When the tower clock strikes out its clear, sweet strokes for the hours, I am pleasantly reminded that they fall on the bell presented by my lamented Mother Wheaton some forty six years ago.

The day was one of the pleasantest; the audience was large, filling the house completely, and the services, in which all the ministers of the town participated, were impressive and satisfactory.

The church had been lengthened about ten feet at each end, and with its new tower and spire and its new roof is virtually a new building, the interior above the basement being entirely new. The chapel had been but slightly changed in itself, but was moved to a new location, so that its length, which was parallel with that of the church, is now at right angles to it, and an additional building had been made connecting the two. The principal entrances of the church are at the west end, two steps up from the ground, with a large step of cut granite at each entrance. Inside the vestibule easy flights of stairs, with a landing midway, lead to the main floor, which maintains its old position about five or six feet above the ground. In the vestibule there is also a flight of steps opposite each entrance leading to the basement, which, with the exception of new windows and general repairs, remains as it was, being devoted to the heating apparatus, etc., and rooms for social use on occasion. A stairway in the tower leads from the vestibule to the gallery over it, and other stairs lead on up to the clock-room and bell-deck. The old bell does service in the new tower, and in addition to its former duties now notes each passing hour in connection with the four-dial Howard clock. The vestibule occupies the addition at the front end, and that at the east end is devoted to the platform. By means of these additions the entire floor as it was is given to the auditorium. At the north end of the platform is the organ, practically a new instrument, having been entirely rebuilt by E. L. Holbrook, of East Medway. It has a front of wood pipes on the side towards the congregation, and metal ones richly decorated with gold on the side towards the platform. On this side is placed the key-board, and directly adjacent the choir. At the south end of the platform the pastor's room occupies a space similar in dimensions and architectural treatment to that taken by the organ. The old slightly-arched ceiling has been superseded by the full semicircular new one. This carries the finished space up into the roof so as to expose the timber-work, which consists of three trusses, each of a tie-beam, which makes the diameter of the ceiling curve, and three other beams on radii of that curve. These trusses are finished with California red-wood, of which also are the pews and finish of the church generally, though cherry has been used for the pulpit, ministers' seats, and communion-table, the top of the latter being of St. Alban's red marble. The windows are of rolled cathedral glass in colors, and that above the platform is a specially rich design. The walls and ceilings throughout both the church and chapel are decorated in oil by Philip A. Butler, artist, of Boston. The decoration is rich in color, though the treatment is very simple and in excellent taste. The pews are fitted up with patent elastic cushions, covered with dark maroon damask, and made by Osterman & Son, of New York. The upholstery of the pulpit and ministers' seats has plush covering of a similar color. The building is heated by Magee furnaces in the basement, and is brilliantly lighted with gas, as is also the chapel, by means of a Walworth gas-machine. The gas-fixtures are of dark bronze, and were made by Hollings & Co., of Boston.

The chapel, always a pleasant room, is made more so by its new position, and particularly by the color given to the walls and ceiling. Between the church and chapel a new section is built, which contains a parlor or infant class-room, fifteen by twenty feet, connecting by wide doors with the chapel ; a small vestibule on the east connects with the chapel and parlor, and a larger porch or vestibule with a western entrance. The latter also serves as a library-room, and is furnished with a handsome roller front book-case made by Smith & Co., Boston. From this room is an entrance to the church and pastor's room, and a flight of stairs leads directly to the kitchen in the basement.

The contractors and builders were Mead, Mason & Co., Boston, Mr. G. W. Myers, foreman. The work was under the care and general supervision of the architect, Mr. S. C. Earle, of Worcester, but back of it all the loving heart, patient spirit, painstaking and wise judgment of Mrs. Wheaton, who with a marvelous strength and devotion regarded and carried every detail of her generous undertaking. And all employed in the work were animated by a pride to do their best, and by an oft-expressed appreciation of the self-denying spirit and noble beneficence of the Christian woman who was providing for the people she loved this costly benefit.

The Baptist Church. - The old Baptist Church, the first in this town, was organized in 1761. The following are extracts from the early records :

" March ye 5, 1761. - Elder William Carpenter was baptised by immersion by Elder Backus, and at the same time Patience Cook was baptised by immersion."

" March ye 18, 1761. - At a church meeting held in Norton after solemn prayer to God, [and] after some discourse on many points, the church by vote adjourned ye sd meeting till March ye 24."

"First, ye Church voted the Confession of Faith and Covenant of the Baptist Constitution. Then a number signed sd Covenant, viz., William Carpenter, John Finney, Peter Soulard, Gershom Cambell, Daniel Niles, Eben Jones, Jabez Briggs, Abigail Austin, Sarah Cambell, Patience Cook, Mary Jones, Mary Phillips.

"IS, The Church voted that the first of April should be the day for to set apart our Pastor to the work of the ministry in the Baptist Constitution, and to send to the Baptist Churches in Middleborough (viz.) Elder Backus and Elder Hinds."

" April ye 1, 1761. - Mr. William Carpenter was set apart to the work of the ministry and Church, [and] settled in the gospel order in the Baptist Constitution, by Elders Backus and Hinds, Elders of the Baptist Churches in Middleboro', with their assistance from sd churches, by fasting and prayer and the laying-on of hands, giving his charge and

This church was really the continuation of the dissenting church, or rather those who left the First Church during the ministry of Rev. Mr. Avery.

The old church was dissolved Oct. 13, 1835, and on the same day the present church was organized, and the pastors have been as follows: Revs. Henry C. Coombs, Nathan Chapman, Samuel J. Carr, John Holbrook, John C. Bowen, William Read, H. C. Coombs,1 S. A. Collins,1 John J. Bronson, F. H. Miller, Seth Ewer, Nathan Chapman, Washington L. Coburn, William A. A. Millerd, John Blaine, Isaac Smith, George Carpenter, J. H. Tilton, Charles F. Nicholson, William S. Walker.

Wesleyan Methodist Church. - This church was organized May 3, 1850, with the following members: Rev. S. P. Snow, Maria J. Snow, Joseph Snow, Nancy Snow, David Cummings, Roxellana R. Cummings, Albert S. Tucker, Abigail Tucker, Jonathan J. Stanley, Polly Jones. The first pastor was Rev. S. P. Snow. Their house was dedicated May 8, 1854, with appropriate services, by Rev. J. W. Horton, of Taunton; Rev. William H. Brewster, of Lowell; Rev. G. Clark, of Attleborough ; and Rev. S. P. Snow, the pastor. Bev. Mr. Snow continued his labors as pastor until April, 1854, when Lewis P. Atwood, a licentiate, was engaged to labor with them one year. In April, 1855, Rev. John A. Gibson commenced his labors among them. He remained till April, 1858, and was succeeded by Rev. James Dixon, who remained from 1858-61 ; Rev. George Wallace, 1861 -64 ; Rev. R. H. Cobb, 1864-65 ; Rev. Lowell Parker, 1865-66; Rev. George W. Wallace, 1866-67; Rev. Guardiner Clark, 1867, six months ; Rev. John Braley, 1867, six months; Rev. Lowell Parker, from 1868-69; Rev. John Blanchard, Rev. Reuben Cook ; between 1869 and 1875 not steady preaching; Rev. Thomas Brown, 1875-76 ; Rev. A. R. Bradley, 1876-78 ; Rev. W. N. T. Dean, 1878-80; Rev. Byron Williams, 1880 -81 ; Rev. J. P. Lane, 1881-83.

Methodist Episcopal Church.2 - About the year 1874, Rev. E. D. Hall, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church in East Attleborough, began holding meetings in the part of Norton around Lane's Station. These meetings were held in private houses, in the depot building, and in the first jewelry-shop, since destroyed by fire. A Sunday-school was organized, and Brother Freeman Robbins, of Attleborough, acted as superintendent. The interest continued and increased. Rev. Mr. Gowan, successor to Mr. Hall, continued the work, and at length it was decided to build a house for the worship of God. This was considered a great undertaking, but was finally accomplished by the energy and self-sacrificing spirit of the people. It would be unfair to the smaller contributors to give the names of the larger ones, for many gave just as cheerfully from their small means as others did from their larger ones. Perhaps from the divine point of view they are equal. It is pleasant to find on the old subscription papers evidence that the giving was not circumscribed by denominational lines. The builder of the chapel was Mr. John Harvey. Work was begun in November, 1875, and the house was dedicated to the worship of God in February, 1876. The building is small and plain but neat, and dedicated free from debt. Several ministers were present. The sermon was preached by Rev. J. W. Willett. A collection was taken by Rev. E. D. Hall. At first those in this neighborhood who became members of the Methodist Episcopal Church were recorded on the books of the Attleborough Church. At the session of the Providence (now New England Southern) Conference in 1876, R. T. Stevenson, a student in the theological school of Boston University, was appointed to supply the work at Lane's Station.

On June 10, 1876, a separate church organization was effected. On July 23, 1876, Rev. George W. Brewster, presiding elder of the district, held the first Quarterly Conference of the new church. Since then it has been a regular appointment of the Conference, though a small one. The small size of the church has rendered it unable to always secure the services of a resident pastor, and hence there have been more frequent changes of the pastoral relation than would have been produced by the system of Methodism alone. Most of the preachers have been students in the theological school at Boston. The following have held the relation of preacher in charge: R. T. Stevenson, Francis M. Kirgan, W. D. Gray, W. N. Groome. At the Conference session of 1881, M. F. Colburn, a graduate of the theological school and member of the Conference, was appointed as resident pastor. His health failing after a few months he retired, and George H. Trever, of the theological school, completed the year. At the Conference session of 1882, Frank S. Townsend, then a student in Wesleyan University, Middletown, Conn., was appointed as resident pastor, and continued his labors through the year.

At present the society 'consists of thirty-seven members and three probationers. An interesting Sunday-school, with an average attendance of forty, is maintained. The situation of the church, it being some distance from any other, brings into attendance and sympathy with it some Christians of other denominations who do not choose to unite as members. It is a power for good in its community, and the earnest prayer of its members is that it may continue as a beacon-light of ever-increasing radiance.

A Catholic Church was built in this town in 1865. The church has never had a settled pastor, but was in the Taunton parish nine years, and in the North Attleborough parish nine years, and was supplied with preaching from these parishes.

ton early interest themselves in religious matters, but the cause of education also early received their attention. As early as April 28, 1719,

"the town made chois of Thomas Skinner, Sen., to Be thare Seoolinaster, and to begin n at ye first day of June, 1719, and to eontinu one quarter, and his salary not to Excead two pounds for said quarter.''

In 1791, Patience Leach was the schoolmistress, at a salary of three shillings per week. Jonathan Hunt boarded the schoolmistress, and received three shillings per week. Abigail Morey taught in 1792.

" May 13, 1720. - The town made choice of Jeremiah Bassett for to be Scoolmaster ; &, accordingly, lie have agreed & excepted of the same for one quarter of a year, after the Rate of thirty pounds Per year, - onethird money, the other two-thirds other pay. first beginning at the public meeting-house, the scool to be moving, If continued the other part of the year, the second quarter [to be] at that part of the town called Scottlin ; and the third quarter taking in Tiump's & White's and Skinner's naiborliood; and the fourth quarter at Winnaconick."

"Aug. 14, 1721. - At a towne-meeting Legally warned [for that purpose], chose Jeremiah Basset to be Schoolemaster to Keep Schoole in sd. towne one year next enceuing; and sd. Bassett is to have thirty Pounds in ye Produce of ye town, at the Price allready Sett."

"Voted that Simeon Wetherell shall be schoolmaster to keep school at his father's or his one house, to teech children to Keed, Right, and Cifer, for one quarter of a year next after the Last of august next; and the selectmen shall agree with sd. Wetherell for his service, and he is to be Paid in ye Produce of ye towne. Sd. Wetherell shall Keep School at but one of the Places all sd. quarter. And sd. Wetherel Excepted of his being Schoollmaster on sd. terms."

In looking at the record, it would seem that in addition to teaching the children " to Reed, Right, and Cifer," the teacher might profitably have spent his " noonings," at least, in teaching the recorder of the above vote how to spell, yet, in charity to the town clerk, we should remember how exceedingly limited were the educational privileges of that day.

"Jan. G, 1723 or 4, voted that the selectman shall Go forthwith and agree with Othnial Cambell, of Taunton, to Keep School in Norton for one quarter of a year now following, and; if he cannot be had, then to Geet some other Sutable Persone to Keep School sd. quarter of a year."

"Oct. 12, 1724. - They made choice of William Caswell to be our Schoolmaster, to Keep Scholl in the towne of Norton one year next Enseuing; and that he shall have thirty-four Pounds, in current money of sd. Province, for his wages to Keep scholl sd. year; and the sd. Towne of Norton to be at no inure cost Consarning his Being Borded sd. year. Provided, allso, that he shall move in Keeping Scholl as the Towne shall agree. And they made choice of Mr. John Hodges to go and agree with sd. William Caswell to Keep scholl in ye town.

"Dec. 30, 1724. - 21y, They voted that the Schollmaster shall Keep Scholl, the first quarter of a year, at the house of Eliezer fisher; and the second quarter at the house of Left. Nicholas White; and the third quarter at Winecunit, or in that Part of the town ; and the Last quarter at the meetiug-House.

" March 29, 1727. - Voted that Josiah Briggs shal bo schollmaster to Keep Scholl in Norton, . . . Provided he will Keep scholl for 201b. a year, and his dyett; and that he shall Keep Scholl, the first quarter, at ye middle of the towne ; anil the second quarter at Winecunett ; and the third quarter on the south side of ye way which is towards Elezer fisher's; and the fourth quarter at Left. White's, or theyrabouts.

" May 14, 1742 - Theyr was a voate called for to Know whether the Scoole shuld be Kept on the west sid of the teen-Mile River, in said Preesent; and it past in the affirmative*

"Nov. 27, 1751. - Voted that the Selectmen agree with Deacon John Briggs to Keep School, provided they can agree with him on Reasonable Conditions."

After the close of the Revolution the town assumed a renewed interest in the schools, and from that time to the present Norton has kept abreast with the rapid strides made in educational matters throughout New England. Her public schools have ever been excellent, while Wheaton Academy has long ranked among the leading literary institutions in the State.

Wheaton Female Seminary was founded in 1834 by Hon. Laban Wheaton, of Norton, in memory of his daughter. The endowment funds were increased by his son, Hon. Laban M. Wheaton, and since his death large additions have been made by his widow, Mrs. Eliza B. Wheaton. The grounds are spacious and attractive, with green lawns, fine shade-trees, and pleasant walks, while the quiet and secluded situation allows greater freedom than would be possible in a larger town. The seminary building is of fine architectural proportions, and the boarding-houses, just beyond, are conveniently arranged to accommodate the entire school, having separate suites of rooms for teachers, pupils, steward and family, and servants, with dining-hall, drawing-room, parlors, offices, etc., all finished and furnished in excellent taste to make the home pleasant and attractive to all.

It is not a large school, and gives, therefore, opportunity for familiar personal intercourse between teachers and pupils. It has a carefully-selected reference library of nearly four thousand volumes, one of the best-furnished laboratories in the country, ample philosophical apparatus, an observatory with a fine telescope, and choice cabinets of natural history. Instruction in all branches is thorough and systematic, and provision is made for lectures on scientific, historical, and literary subjects.

The design of the school is to afford opportunities for an accurate and practical education ; it especially aims to base such education upon a hearty faith in the Bible and a conscientious Christian life. Its influence for good is wide and permanent.