Bristol County, Massachusetts - Chapter 8: The Protestant Churches, 1924

Religious persuasion and Christian effort and activity in Fall River, as seen from Protestant viewpoints, has witnessed an increasingly varied nomenclature within the past half century. The Methodists, the Congregationalists and the Baptists are in the lead of this group, as to numbers and in valuation of property. Within a very few years past the two former bodies have been deeply interested in the proposed unity of branches of the churches that they represent. Nearly all the Protestant churches in this city have been at unity in church community enterprises, co-operating in many ways for city betterment, in humanitarian lines, in patriotic movements, and the gradual eliminations of sect lines. Almost all these churches beginning in a small, unpretentious way, have worked along at need of their various flocks and under the lead of well-chosen ministers to a high plane of Christian influence and labors in the Fall River of today. There is no call for help from any source, no charitable endeavor, no forward movement for the city's good in which these churches do not share and participate liberally. Pastors and people have thus aided us in telling the story in its essentials.

Baptist Churches. - One of the most interesting of the Baptist churches in the entire county, as well as one of the oldest, is the First Baptist Church, whose present-day organization and edifice are satisfactorily meeting the demands of the age in which they are working. The church was organized with a membership of thirty, February 15, 1781, at the house of Jonathan Brownell, on North Main street, and it was then known as the Baptist Church of Christ in Freetown, Dartmouth and Tiverton. The first pastor, Elder Amos Burrows, was ordained May 22, 1783, the ordination service being conducted by elders from Swansea and Dighton in the house of Samuel Warren. Mr. Burrows was the pastor for a year, and he was succeeded by the joint pastorate of Job Borden and James Boomer, who were ordained in May, 1795. Job Borden was a unique and a talented character; he was blind, but a very able preacher; and it seems that the church appreciated him to such an extent that they provided him with the assistance of the ministry of Mr. Boomer. The church joined the Warren association in 1799. Elder Boomer in 1803 asked for his dismission to go to Charlton, where he died February 24, 1837. Meantime, in 1800, the first church built at the Narrows was called by a new name, "The Second Baptist Church in Tiverton"; yet, to conform with changes in the name of the town, the name of the church was twice changed to the First Baptist Church in Troy, in 1827, and the First Baptist Church in Fall River in 1834. From 1827 to 1829 Rev. Arthur Ross acted as coileague pastor. The second meeting house was built in 1828, which year witnessed the organization of the Baptist Female Charitable Society.

The new meeting house on South Main street was dedicated July 30, 1828, Elder Choules of Newport preaching the dedication sermon. Elder Seth Ewer supplied the pulpit in 1829, and July 14, 1830, Rev. Bradley Miner was ordained and installed as the pastor. In 1833 the blind pastor Job Borden died and left as a legacy the house that he lived in, the income to go toward the support oi the minister. The house was sold in recent years, the legacy thus amounting to ten thousand dollars. This is probably the oldest religious endowment in the city. Rev. Asa Bronson became pastor April 4, 1833, and in 1836 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 16, that year. From 1840 to 1850 the pastor and his deacons denounced slavery in unmistakable terms, and during the long pastorate of Mr. Bronson, seven hundred and nine members were added to the church. He was afterwards pastor at Albany two years, and he again returned and became pastor of the Second Baptist Church in Fall River. Mr. Bronson was succeeded by Rev. A. P. Mason, who was a lineal descendant of Samson Mason, an officer in Cromwell's army. 'The present house of worship was dedicated October 23, 1850. Rev. Jacob R. Scott came here as pastor in 1853, he being succeeded by Rev. Jonathan Aldrich for a year, and he by Rev. Daniel J. Glazier, who died as he was about to enter this pastorate.

Rev. P. B. Houghwout became pastor in 1855, and he remained fifteen years, Rev. Daniel C. Eddy, D. D. becoming the pastor in 1871. The rededication of the church took place September 3, 1872.

Dr. Eddy was succeeded in 1874 by Rev. Albion K. P. Small. The pastors since that time have been Rev. Thomas S. Barbour, 1883-1886; Rev. F. H. Rowley, 1897-1900; Rev. A. G. Upham, D. D. 1902-1907; Rev. Arthur C. Baldwin, 1908-1914; Rev. Everett C. Herrick, D. D., 1914. In the early eighties the church built chapels in different parts of the city, and maintained them as branches. Only one of these is in the possession of the church now, although it has the oversight of a Portuguese congregation, - and this has served to give the church a very large constituency. The Sunday school was organized in 1827, and today that school maintains a men's class with a membership of about one thousand, and two large women's classes. The old Broadway Mission was instituted in 1857, as a Sunday school. The Brownell street chapel was organized in 1871 as the Mechanicsville Baptist Church, and the Harrison Street Chapel dated from 1855. The parish house of the First Baptist Church was built in recent years, and with its construction the church became an institutional church. The development of the church has been along the lines of religious education.

The second of the Baptist churches in Fall River congregated for the first time on June 18, 1846, three years after the great fire, when the town was again rehabilitating itself. Services at first were held in the town hall, when one hundred and forty-nine former members of the First Baptist Church, and others who were not of that congregation, met under the pastorate of Rey. Asa Bronson, at one time pastor of the First Baptist Church. After awhile the services were held in the vestry of the Unitarian church. But after October, 1847, the Baptist Temple having been purchased from the First church, services were held there. Rev. Asa Bronson continued with the church until 1858, and his successors were: Rey. Charles A. Snow, 1858-1864; Rev. John Duncan, 1865-1870; Rev. Frank R. Morse, 1871-1873; Rev. Henry C. Graves, 1874-1880; Rev. G. W. Hunt, 1880-1882; Rev. George W. Gile, 1884-1893; Rev. David B. Jutten, 1893-1909. Rev. Frederick W. Blakeslee succeeded Dr. Jutten as pastor, so continuing until the spring of 1918, when he resigned to become pastor of the Roslindale church at Hyde Park, this State. Rev. I. Wallace Chesbro succeeded Rev. Mr. Blakeslee, preaching his first sermon here July 7, 1918. Dr. Jutten baptized several hundred members during his pastorate; he was a most eloquent, sincere and impressive preacher. Upon his death in 1913, the church entered a memorial upon its records, his pastorate having been the longest in the history of the church.

During Rev. Mr. Blakeslee's pastorate, changes were made in the meetinghouse at a cost of $40,000. In 1916, this church gave letters of dismissal to sixty-six members who left to form the North Tiverton Baptist church. Miss Virginia Parish was appointed pastor's assistant, from 1910 to 1916, when she resigned on account of ill health. Miss Ina G. Lowell succeeded to the position, and after a short time resigned to take up other work. Mrs. Mary J. Winslow began her work as church visitor in 1922. During the pastorate of J. Wallace Chesbro, up to May, 1923, forty-seven joined this church, the membership at that time being four

This paper is written at a time when the Third Baptist Church is working out plans for a new church building, and when these volumes are published the people of that parish will be occupying their church home on the building site purchased in 1920. The third church of the Baptist denomination here was begun about a month after the opening of the Civil War, in a schoolhouse at the junction of Stafford road and Tucker street, Deacon and Mrs. A. O. Cook having charge of the Sunday school there which formed the nucleus of the church. The church building known as Franklin hall, under the jurisdiction of the Franklin hall corporation, was built in 1873. The pastors have been Rev. H. W. Watjen in 1889; Rev. Charles V. French, 1890; Rev. W. F. Wilson, 1891-1898. As a church the organization was formed while Rev. Mr. Wilson was the pastor, December 4, 1896. Rev. George Atha was the first pastor under the new regulation, June, 1898-July 1, 1902. Rev. Joseph McKean became the pastor October 1, 1902, and resigned in September, 1906. During his pastorate many improvements were made in the church building, a baptistry and pews were installed, and the basement was arranged for Sunday school purposes. In February, 1907, Rev. Gorham Easterbrook accepted the pastorate, which extended through twelve years. On account of ill health, he resigned in February, 1919. During his pastorate, the church developed along many lines, especially that of supporting the missionary work of the denomination. Mr. Easterbrook died at the home of his sister in Waverly, July 18, 1921. Rev. Frederick L. Cleveland was his successor in September, 1919, and during the one and one-half years of his pastorate the Third Baptist and Trinity churches united under the name of the former, and steps were taken towards the erection of a church building. Mr. Cleveland resigned in February, 1921, and Rev. William Clemens came in June of that year.

In the year 1905, letters of dismissal were given fifty-eight members of the Second Baptist church, for the purpose of forming Trinity Baptist Church. They then worshipped in the Foster street chapel, which had been enlarged and beautified by the Second Baptist society, at large expense. Rev. William H. Nobbs, who for some years had conducted the services in the chapel, became pastor of the new church. Previous to this foundation, Trinity Church had an interesting preliminary history. The Fifth street mission was formed in the year 1868, in a store near Branch street, and a building was erected there with the use of the land, given by a mill corporation, and the donation of the sum of three hundred dollars by three other mills. The promoters of the church enterprise here were such men as Deacon Charles Coburn, Alexander O. Cook and Spaulding Southworth. 'The Second Baptist took charge of the destinies of the mission in 1888, at which time the building was removed to Foster street, where, -as shown, Trinity Church was formed in 1905. At the head of the mission on various occasions had been Revs. J. F. Watts, J. McLean, James Lawson, Irving J. Enslin and Rolla E. Hunt. Rev. Mr. Nobbs was pastor part of the year 1905, and he was succeeded by Rev. Frank W. Wheeler. In 1919, this church was united with the Third Baptist church. Mr. Wheeler was succeeded by Rev. Alonzo E. Murphy October 1, 1906. Rev. T. G.

Congregational Churches - The First Congregational Church began its history under conditions similar to those of the early days of Congregationalism, the first meetings being held at the homes of the membership, at schoolhouses or storehouses. It will be remembered that the Congregations at Scrooby, England, were wont to hold their meetings in a barn. Organization of this church was brought about January 9, 1816, at the home of Richard Durfee, by relatives and friends, namely Elizabeth Wealthy, Joseph and Richard Durfee, and Benjamin Brayton. The first building of their own was erected by this society on Anawan street, near South*Main street, in the latter part of 1821, and it was enlarged in 1827. It was this building that was made over later into a schoolhouse, and that was destroyed in the fire of 1843. The present edifice was dedicated November 21, 1832, and the first pastor was Rev. Augustus B. Reed, 1823-25. He was succeeded by Rev. Thomas M. Smith, 1826-31. 2The next pastor was the author of the first published history of Fall River, Senator and Congressman, Rey. Orin Fowler, 1831-50. Then in their turn came Rev. Benjamin J. Belyea, 1850-56; Rev. J. Lewis Diman, later of the faculty of Brown University, 1856-60; Rev. Solomon D. Fay, 1861-63; Rev. William W. Adams, D. D. 1863-1909; Rev. Willard L. Sperry, 1909-14, who was assistant pastor during his first two years; Rev. Stanley R. Fisher, 1916-19; Rev. John E. Lebosquet, Ph.D., 1920 - .

The Central Congregational Church was organized November 16, 1842, as the Central Church in Fall River, the ecclesiastical society being formed January 20, 1843. First meetings were held at the homes of members and at Pocasset Hall. When the Pocasset block was destroyed by the fire of 1843, the Baptist church invited the Central church to worship in their building, and the invitation was accepted and the congregation so continued until November of that year, when they removed to the vestry of their new meeting house on Bedford street. The pastors to this time had been Revs. Robert S. Hitchcock, Edward A. Washburn, Roswell D. Hitchcock, Benjamin Hosford. The new building of the society donated for the purpose by the Durfee family, at the corner of Bedford and Rock streets, was dedicated April 24, 1844, this church then having one hundred and six members. Rev. Samuel Washburn was ordained and installed as the first regular pastor. In April, 1872, the parsonage and lot on Walnut street were presented to the society. The cornerstone of the new church was laid July 22, 1874, and the church was dedicated December 13, 1875. More than $125,000 had been subscrined for the building fund, which included two single gifts of $40,000 each from Dr. Nathan Durfee and Colonel Richard Borden. To defray a debt of $100,000 the sum of $76,000 was contributed, and this, with the proceeds of the sale of the old church property and other lands cleared the society of its debt. In 1891 the chapel was built at a cost of, $18,000. Henry H. Earl has published an exhaustive history of this church. The pastors since Rev. Samuel Washburn have been as follows: Rev. Eli Thurston, 1849-69; Rev. Michael Burnham, D.D., 1870-82; Rev. Eldridge Mix, D. D., 1882-90; Rev. William Walker Jubb, D. D., 1891-96; Rev. William Allen Knight, 1897-1902; Rev. Clarence F. Swift, D. D., 1902 - .

The First, Central and Fowler Congregational churches were joined in the missionary endeavor that saw the beginning of the Pilgrim Congregational church, Rev. Donald Browne of the Tiverton Congregational church commencing work here as its superintendent in 1892. A chapel was built on Broadway, January 3, 1893, through the generosity of Simeon B. Chase and Leonard N. Slade, and in February, 1894, the membership expressed a desire to be organized into a church, and they then adopted the creed, covenant and by-laws. 'The mission was therefore organized into the church on March 13, Rev. Samuel V. Cole, now President of Wheaton College, being the moderator, and Rev. Payson W. Lyman the scribe of the session. There were then forty-two members of the church. A new building fund was started in November, 1907; in 1908 the land was purchased; in January, 1909, the church was incorporated, and the present commodious structure was built in 1910, at an outlay of $20,000, and an additional $1800 for the organ, the gift of Andrew Carnegie and Mrs. James Marshall, the latter also giving the beautiful east window. The new church, with its name Pilgrim, instead of Broadway, was dedicated June 3, 1910, Rev. Willard L. Sperry, of the First Church, preaching the sermon, and Dr. Frederick E. Emrich, of the Home Missionary Society, offering the invocation.

The first pastor of this church, Rev. Donald Browne, resigned in October, 1894, and the church was without a pastor for six months, the organization then being under the general supervision of Rev. W. Walker Jubb, pastor of the Central church. Rev. William FE. Todd of Bristol, Rhode Island, accepted the pastorate in April, 1895, and he remained until June, 1896. Rev. Henry G. McGathlin of Harwich, this State, entered upon the pastorate, and he was ordained and installed in December, 1896, but he resigned in July, 1899. Rev. James E. Enman was installed by council in October, 1899, and he remained eight years, resigning in June, 1907. Rev. Owen James began his pastorate in September, and he resigned in March, 1914. Rev. Donald MacDonald came in April as acting pastor, supplying the pulpit until September, 1915. His successor, Rev. John D. Waldron, was called to the pulpit in April, 1917, and he remained until May, 1918. Rev. Charles EF. Dunn became pastor in January, 1919, and in 1923, Rev. A. R. Macdougall.

Friends. - Benjamin S$. C. Gifford, a member of the board of directors of the Fall River Historical Society, stated in a paper read before that society in 1923, that there were Friends living in. Fall River in 1700, but they belonged to the Portsmouth, Rhode Island, meeting, ten miles away, and they could only get there occasionally, as circumstances permitted. In 1818 a meeting was established here, and they gathered in the second story of the Troy Mill dyehouse. There were several Friends who were stockholders in this mill. Five years afterwards, the lot on North Main street, now occupied by the Friends' meetinghouse, was purchased for the sum of $225, and a meetinghouse was built. The old house was moved away to Cherry street in 1836, and later was moved to lower Cherry street. That year a new meetinghouse was built, which with various changes and modifications, still serves the purpose of the society as a house of worship. In 1836 there were fifty-six male heads of families who belonged to this meeting, and of that number fifteen bore the name of Buffinton, and eighteen that of Chace. Henry C. Aydellot was the minister in 1877, and his wife Phebe S. Aydellot succeeded him. Ministers that have followed in succession have been: T. Oscar Moon, 1907-10; Samuel T. Haworth, 1911-13; W. Carlton Wood, 1918-19; Charles W. Mesner, 1919 - . A Friends Mission chapel was dedicated at Stafford road in April, 1900.

The M. E. Church. - Pioneers in Methodism began to come to this section in the early part of the last century, with their message fresh from the life and teachings of Wesley. It was Rev. Ebenezer Blake who in 1824, while stationed at Somerset, began holding Methodist meetings in Troy, "preaching lectures" here once in' two weeks. He continued here as the apostle of Methodism, while Rev. Herman Perry took his place at Somerset. A Methodist class was then started with a dozen members, and with John Anthony, afterwards a local preacher, as their leader. Members of that class included the following-named: Mr. and Mrs. Luther Chase, Constant B. Wyman, Elouisa Chace, Rebecca Lindsey, afterwards the wife of Mr. Tillinghast, Nancy Cory, later the wife of Rev. Daniel Webb, and Betsy L. Douglas. Two newly appointed Somerset preachers, Rev. Charles Virgin and Rev. Nathan B. Spaulding continued preaching here every two weeks during 1826, and in 1827, as the result of a revival, Rev. Mr. Spaulding came here as the regular preacher, the place of worship being a schoolhouse at the corner of Anawan and South Main streets, in the rear of the present church edifice. At this time, nearly one hundred persons were associated with the local society.

One of the most interesting items in the history of this church is the fact that Rev. Edward T. Taylor, known the world over, afterwards, as "Father" Taylor, received his appointment here, June 17, 1827, Troy thus appearing on the conference list for the first time - the New England Conference then holding sessions at Lisbon, New Hampshire. He was a great preacher, so acknowledged by all denominations.

"Father" Taylor energetically started work towards the building of the church, and the structure was completed in December, 1827 - a modest building without spire or bell, and situated on the lower part of the present Central street. "Father" Taylor removed in 1828 to the great scene of his life's action, as pastor of the Mariner's Church in Boston. Rev. E. Blake and others supplied until the next conference. In 1830, Rey. Daniel Webb became the pastor, and he was succeeded in 1831 by Rev. Ira M. Bidwell. In 1833, Rev. Squire B. Haskell was the pastor, and he was succeeded in 1835 by Rev. Mark Staple. Afterwards, Rev. Jesse Fillmore and Rev. Hector Brownson supplied the pulpit. Rev. Phineas Crandall was appointed to the pastorate in June, 1838, and while he was here the debt on the old meetinghouse was paid and another house of worship was built where the present church stands. 'The church was dedicated in February, 1840, by Rev. Orange Scott. In 1840 came Rey. Isaac Bonney, and in 1842 he was succeeded by Rev. Thomas Ely. In 1843, the great fire burned the Methodist meetinghouse to the ground, and the First Congregational Church invited the Methodists to hold their meetings there, and afterwards the Methodist people met for a time in the furniture warehouse of A. L. Westgate and William Borden. The new church building was dedicated April 3, 1844, Rev. Charles K. True, D. D., preaching the dedicatory sermon. Rev. George F. Pool was then the pastor, and he was followed in 1845 by Rev. James D. Butler, and he in 1847 by Rev. David Patten. In 1849, Rev. Daniel Wise became pastor of the church, and in his first year here, during a revival, more than two hundred persons united with the church.

Rev. Mr. Wise was returned here for a second year, with Rev. Elijah T. Fletcher as his associate. During the year 1850 the second church was organized as a distinct body, land was purchased on Bank street, and later a church building was erected. Rev. Frederick Upham was pastor of the First Church in 1851, and in succession the pastors at that time were: Rey. Elisha B. Bradford in 1853; Rev. John Howson, 1855, when a parsonage was purchased on the corner of South and South Main streets, and a new pipe organ installed in the church; Rev. Thomas Ely, a former pastor, 1857; Rev. Andrew McKeown; Rev. Charles H. Payne; Rev. Henry Baylies, 1863; Rev. Joseph James, 1864; Rev. John D. King, 1867; Rev. A. A. Wright, 1870; Rev. Samuel L. Gracey, 1873; Rev. Ensign McChesney, 1874; Rev. Watson L. Phillips, 1877; Rev. William T. Worth, 1879; Rev. Warren A. Luce, 1882; Rev. D. A. Jordan, 1883; Rev. A. E. Drew, 1886; Rev. Archibald McCord, 1887; Rev. Walter J. Yates, 1889; Rev. Warren A. Luce, 1892; Rev. Stephen O. Benton, D. D., 1896; Rev. W. I. Ward, 1901; Rev. Thomas Tyrie, 1903; Rev. John E. Blake, 1905; Rev. John H. Newland, D.D., 1913; Rev. John E. Charlton, Ph.D., 1917; Rev. Robert A. Coipitts, 1921. During 1870 the present parsonage was built on Ridge street. The church edifice was raised and stores built beneath in 1867. St. Paul's and the First M. E. church were united as one church in 1916, the last religious service being held in the old First Church edifice July 2, 1916.

The North M..E. Church had its beginning in the Sunday school, June 12, 1852, with John Haskell as the superintendent and Job B. Ashley as secretary pro tem. 'The first church of the society was dedicated in May, 1854, and Rev. O. M. Brooks was the pastor. He was succeeded by Rev. S. T. Patterson, and he by Rev. Alexander Anderson, when a new parsonage was built. For some time this church was connected with

The Brayton M. E. Church, in an active Methodist centre of the city, was given the name Brayton in 1879, in token of the beneficence of the Brayton family, who had much to do with the maintenance of this Fall River work of Methodism. John Brayton, ancestor of this family, was founder of the Methodist church at South Somerset. The Brayton church was at first known as the Globe Street M. E. Church, while it occupied the former house of worship of Christ Church, its beginnings being in the form of a Sunday school that had been established in 1843 by the First M. E. Church. The church building was erected in 1896. Among those who first had charge of the church as its pastors were the followingnamed: Revs. A. H. Worthen, Elihu Grant, Charles A. Merrill, A. U. Swinerton, Edward Hatfield, W. P. Hyde, George H. Lamson, Charles S. Morse. The following-named ministers have since been the pastors: Revs. Edward A. Lyon, 1875; Samuel McKeown, 1877; Elihu Grant, 1879; William B. Heath, 1881; B. F. Simon, 1884; Robert Clark, 1886; John G. Gammons, 1889; R. M. Wilkins, 1894; Edwin E. Phillips, 1899; E. J. Ayres, 1901; William E. Kugler, 1902; H. H. Critchlow, 1903; E. W. Goodier, 1906; G. W. Manning, 1910; W. H. Allen, 1912; W. J. Yates, 1913; F. C. Baker, 1917; P. A. Ahearn, 1919 - .

The Quarry Street M. E. Church has had for its pastors some of the best known ministers of the denomination in this conference. The need for a Methodist Episcopal church in this part of the city was realized when in 1870 the people came together for worship and built their church edifice. The pastors in succession have been as follows: Revs. William Livesey, C. W. Warren, S. M. Beal, Richard Povey, Edwin D. Hall, Henry H. Martin, James H. Nutting. Rev. John McGowan was pastor in 1883; Revs. John D. King, 1884; George M. Hamblen, 1887; B. K. Bosworth, 1889; F. L. Brooks, 1892; H. A. Ridgway, 1895; Elliott F. Studley, 1900; E,. J. Ayres, 1902; John Pearce, 1905; John Oldham, 1906; A. W. C. An= derson, 1911; C. E. Delamater, 1913; J. A. Wood, 1916; J. N. Geisler, 1918; W. F. Davis, 1920 - .

The present Summerfield M. E. Church had its beginning in the Terry Street M. E. Church when Methodists of this society in Fall River built a church edifice on Terry street in May, 1875. Later, in 1878, it was known as the North Main Street M. E. Church, the old edifice having been removed to North Main and Hood streets. Yet another name was given the society when in 1883 the building was remodelled and renovated, it then being known as the Park M. E. Church. The church was first called the Summerfield M. E. Church, in 1890, for Rev. John Summerfield, the parsonage being built the following year, 1891. The pastors of the parish have been as follows: Revs. William B. Heath, 1875-78; J. F.

The Bethel African M. E. Church, 146 Hanover street, was organized in April, 1881. The pastor in 1923, Rev. J. S. Myrick. The First Italian M. E. Church, 114 Plain street, was organized in 1905. The pastor in 1923, Rev. David Acquaroni.

Christian Church - The first of the denomination called Christian in Fall River was the First Christian congregation, whose organization was brought about as early as 1829, and whose first church edifice was built in 1830. The building was in the line of the fire of 1843, and was a prey of the flames. The following year the second house of worship was built on Franklin street. The following-named have been the pastors of this church: Revs. Joseph V. Hines, Benjamin Taylor, William H. Taylor, James Taylor, Simon Clough, William Lane, A. G. Cummings, Jonathan Thompson, P. R. Russell, A. M. Averill, Elijah Shaw, Joseph Bodger, Charles Morgridge, Stephen Fellows, David S. E. Millard, B. S. Fanton, Warren Hathaway, all before 1860; Thomas Holmes, 1863; Hiram J. Gordon, 1865; S. Wright Butler, 1866; P. W. Sinks, 1878; M. Summerbell, 1880; G. B. Merritt, 1886; Charles E. Luck, 1895; F. H. Peters, 1904; Carlyle Summerbell, 1907; C. E. Fockler, 1914; Ernest G. Gilbert, 1919 - .

One of the older church organizations in Fall River is the North Christian Church, having a field of its own in the north part of the city, at Steep Brook. With its organization in 1842, it has obtained a firm foothold among the people of the denomination, and its growth has been sure and steady. Under the present pastorate, that of Rev. Edward J. Bodman, the keynote is continued progress. The pastors from 1861, the first year of a regular pastorate: Revs. William Shurtleff, 1861; Moses P. Favor, 1866; navies) 1..Camp, 1872;.O. P. Bessey, 1874; 0. O: Wright;1876;°C. A. Tillinghast, June 11, 1876, to April 1, 1879; J. W. Osborne, April 1, 1879, to January 4, 1889; George H. Allen, January 13, 1889, to July 1, 1900; T. S. Weeks, November 11, 1900, to January 22, 1905; Walter B. Flanders, 1905 to April 30, 1908; Lester Howard, June, 1908, to October, 1913; George A. Conibear, March, 1914, to October, 1917; Edward J. Bodman, January, 1919 - .

The Bogle Street Christian Church in 1923 was clear of debt, the pastor at that date, Rev. Henry Arnold, having officiated since the payment of a mortgage of $2,000. Within recent years there has been built an addition to the church, and a pipe organ installed, both costing $10,000. The membership of this church consists of mechanics and mill workers mostly, and the total membership of the church is 320. Mr. and Mrs. John Kennelly organized a Sunday school in this part of the city in the early seventies, and as a result the Bogle Street Christian Church was instituted December 3, 1876, Rev. S. W. Butler, of the First Christian Church, taking charge of the services at first. The church building was constructed in 1885, and on the first Sunday in January, 1886, it was dedi-

Unitarian Church - Fall River was a small but growing town when the Unitarians began to organize and to cast about for a church home here. It was in the year 1832 that the first services of the people of that faith were held in what was known as the Old Line meeting house, on South Main street near Columbia, the first membership including seventy-four men, many of whom were prominent in the industries of the time. Within a year or two the society was enabled to purchase the building of the First Congregational Church that stood on the site of the Anawan schoolhouse. But it was only two years after the first organization, or in 1834, that the society began to build the present church building at the corner of Borden and Second streets, the pastor at that time being Rev. George W. Briggs. The dedication of the new church took place January 25, 1835. With Foster Hooper, M.D., as the first moderator, the society received its papers of incorporation in 1839. Upon the resignation of Rev. George W. Briggs in 1837, he was succeeded in 1840 by Rev. A. C. L. Arnold. Rey. John F. Ware was the next pastor, serving the parish from 1842 to 1845; and his successor was Rev. Samuel Longfellow, brother of the poet Henry W. Longfellow, Samuel himself being a writer of excellent verse. Mr. Longfellow was the pastor until 1851; Rev. Josiah K. Waite was pastor from 1852 to 1858; Rev. William B. Smith, from 1859 to 1863; and it was during his pastorate in 1859 that the lot on Main street was purchased, and in 1860 the church building was removed to that location. In turn, the pastors have been as follows: Revs. Charles W. Buck, 1863; Joshua Young, 1868-75; Charles H. Tindell, 1875-77; Edward F. Hayward, 1878- 83; A. J. Rich, 1883-90; Arthur M. Knapp, 1891-97; John M. Wilson, 1897-1905; John B. W. Day, 1906-1915; Rev. Thomas S. Robjent, September, 1915-November, 1921; John N. Mark, May, 1922 - . A chapter of the Unitarian Laymen's League was organized in 1921.

Episcopal Church. - Fall River was but a small town when it first gave welcome to the Episcopal church, and that the doors of other denominations were open to its coming is observable in the fact that its first services were held here in Unitarian, Congregational and Methodist churches. Rev. James C. Richmond first brought the message of this church to Fall River, when he held service in 1835 at the Unitarian Church. His successor, Rev. James Pratt, who came here from Rhode Island, held service July 13, 1836, in the First Congregational Church, his assistant being Rev. John West. But the formation of the parish as the Church of the Ascension was brought about in the Methodist Episcopal Church on Central street, July 15, 1836, the church receiving its name at the suggestion of Bishop Alexander Viets Griswold. The clergy present at the service of instituting the parish were: Revs. John West, J. W. Fenner, James Pratt, and Stephen Elliott, afterwards Bishop of Georgia. Rev. P. H. Greenleaf was appointed missionary pastor. Services were soon held in the Pocasset Houge, with a congregation of fifty, and a Sunday school of twenty pupils. In March, 1837, the parish began to worship in the town hall on Central street, and after two years, in 1839, a Baptist Church was purchased, and was consecrated by Bishop Griswold in 1840. The church was incorporated May 1, 1837; and in 1838, Rey. George M. 'Randall assumed charge of the parish, his institution as rector taking place in August, 1840.

Rey. Mr. Randall, who afterwards became Bishop of Ohio, resigned his rectorship in 1844 to go to the Church of the Messiah, in Boston, and for nearly a year there was no rector in Fall River. Rev. A. D. McCoy was instituted rector, April 10, 1845, and remained about two years, after which there was no clergyman in charge for two years. Eventually, on Sunday, April 29, 1849, Rev. E. M. Porter became rector, and through his efforts the church debt was wiped out, and the congregation increased. But the church was burned on Christmas Eve, 1850. On nearly the same site the cornerstone of a new church was laid in 1851, and in February, 1852, the new church was consecrated by Bishop Manton Eastburn, of Massachusetts. Rev. Mr. Porter resigned in 1863, after a rectorship of fourteen years. Rev. A. M. Wylie became rector in the summer of that year. His successors were: Rev. John Hewitt, 1868-71; Henry E. Hovey, to November, 1872; William McGlathory, August, 1873, to the fall of 1875; William T. Fitch, 1876-May, 1881; A. St. John Chambre, May, 1881-1884; Emelius W. Smith, 1884-1912; Charles E. Jackson, now (1923) dean of St. Mark's Pro-Cathedral, Grand Rapids, Michigan, to 1922; Edmund L. Cleveland, 1922 - . In 1875 the parish moved into its large stone church on Rock street.

St. James' Episcopal Church at its beginning was started in a private house by Mr. Ainsworth in the western part of Fall River, in the section known as Mechanics Village in the year 1870, when theological students came down from Boston from time to time to hold services; meantime a small church school was held every Sunday afternoon. In 'the year 1871, Dr. Chambray and John Taylor rented Torrent Hall at the corner of Turner and North Main streets, and there St. James' Church service and church school were transferred. Interest was allowed to lapse for a time, but in 1877 Brightman Hall was rented and the service of the parish was again transferred to the new location, north of the present church property toward Steep Brook, on North Main street. Rev. Ernest Marriott, who had been assistant to Rev. Albert St. John Chambre, rector of the Church of the Ascension, first took charge of the work here October 1, 1883, the year of the building of St. James' Church at 1604 North Main street. 'The rectory was built in 1886, and extensive renovations have been twice made. Upon the termination of Rev. Mr. Marriott's rectorship in 1889, Rev. John Milton Peck had charge for a short time, and was succeeded from the spring of 1890 to May 10, 1896, by Rev. George E. Allen. Mr. Peck's death taking place on Ash Wednesday, Rev. Leslie E. Learned took up the work of the parish at that time, and was succeeded November 28, 1897, by Rev. William P. Reeve. Rev. George W. Sargent was installed as rector March 27, 1899, and the Rev. Albert L. Whittaker became rector, October 8, 1901. 'The rectors in succession have been: Revs. L. H. White, August 11, 1907; G. D. Harris, March 9, 1913; C. M. Budlong, April 16, 1922. The parish house was built in 1907. In memory of relatives and friends, beautiful windows, alms basins, litany desk, altar silver, choir stalls and pulpit, have been given the church.

The first service of the present St. John's Church was held in Connell's Hall, October 6, 1878, Rev. Arthur H. Barrington being the pastor. The church began its existence as one of the missions of the Church of the Ascension, with such men at the: head of it as Nathaniel Lewis, Nathan Crabtree, George Watters, Richard Fleet, George Hanson, William Wilde, William Bottomley, John Taylor, George Porteous and others. A church building was erected on South Main street in 1881, when the mission became an independent church. Rev. Mr. Barrington remained until that year, and was succeeded by Rev. Samuel S. Spear. The first service in the present stone building on Middle street was held on Easter Day, 1890, and while Rev. Mr. Spear was rector also, the parish house was built. Rev. Herman Page succeeded Rev. Mr. Spear in July, 1893, and while he was the rector a branch Sunday school was started which finally developed into St. Stephen's parish, and the parish house of St. John's was improved by its three-story addition. The rectors to the present time are as follows: Revs. Chauncey H. Blodgett, 1901; Albert R. Parker, 1910; William Smith, 1918; Louis A. Parsons, 1922 - .

St. Mark's Church, like many another of the churches of its own and other denominations, saw its beginnings as a Sunday school in the "Flint" section of the city. The people first met at each others' homes, then at the office of the Wampanoag mill, then in a small hall on Cash street, near Pleasant. As one of the branches of the work of the Church of the Ascension, the mission was organized February 23, 1886, and Rev. Percy Stickney Grant was the minister, who remained as such until 1893, and among the laymen who stood by the efforts of the mission were Joseph Shaw and Richard F. Smith. The church on Mason street was built in 1888. Rev. John Franklin Carter was the next rector, remaining until 1900, during which time the Carter Club was organized. Rev. Alfred A. V. Binnington next assumed the work of the parish, remaining until 1903, when Rev. Edward S. Thomas became the rector, and remained until 1910. Rev. Julian E. Ramsdell came that year, and continued his ministry until his death in 1917. The present rector, Rey. Charles W. Findlay, came to the parish in 1918.

The Sunday school branch of St. John's parish that was the beginning of St. Stephen's Chirch, was started by Rev. Herman Page, rector of the former church, and the work as it advanced was in charge of Rev. Logan Herbert Roots, who later on became Bishop of Hankau, China. The school had its headquarters in a paintshop, a barn and a hall. Eventually, October 23, 1896, a permanent organization was effected, and St. Stephen's Church then had for its rector Rev. Gilbert W. Laidlaw. The first service in the new church on South Main street was held December 5, 1897. Rev. Ernest Bullock became rector in 1899; Rev. Mr. Fogg in 1904; Rev. James Sheerin in 1909; Rev. Joseph Eames in 1917; Rev. Robert D. Dailey in 1923.

St. Luke's Church is one of the results of the missions of the Church of the Ascension, it having been started in 1891 as such, and became an independent church with its own rector in 1897. St. Luke's had its beginnings in the home of one of the parishioners in 1891, and in July, 1893, the site of the present church building at the corner of Warren and Oxford streets was purchased. For the first five years of its existence, Rev. E. W. Smith, rector of the Church of the Ascension, had charge of the services. The rectors to 1923 have been as follows: Revs. Mr. Williams to 1893: Hugo Klaren to 1894; Mr. Wainwright and Rey. J. B. Johnson to 1895; meee. White to 1901; J. W. Dixon to 1905; J. J. Coganeta 1912s) [77A\ Furrer to 1917; William M. Kearons from October 14, 1907, to the present. The present stone edifice and tower of Gothic style was erected in 1897.

Presbyterian Church. - One of the longest and most successful pastorates of Protestant churches in this city is that of Rev. W. J. Martin, D.D., who came to minister to the United Presbyterian Church in 1886, and has remained here to this time. The Presbyterian Church itself is one of the older churches in this city, the parish having been formed in 1846. Since that time its influence has been felt and its codperation shared in all calls for the betterment and uplift of the community. Its membership has worked as a unit to keep the church free from indebtedness, the envelope system being'the chief means thereto. The church, now a landmark, was built at the corner of Pearl and Anawan streets in 1851. In 1913 extensive repairs were made on the church property, a new steam heating plant was introduced, and the church interior entirely renovated and decorated. The first pastor was Rev. David A. Wallace, succeeded by Revs. William MacLaren, 1856-67; J. R. Kyle, 1867-75; J. H. Turnbull, 1876-85; W. J. Martin, D.D., 1886 - - .

Globe Presbyterian Church was organized October 13, 1890. Its pastors were: Rev. William Fryling; Rev. J. A. White; Rev. A. G. Alexander; Rev. Roger Charnock; Rev. C. W. Nichol; Rev. G. A. Humphries; Rev. Edward Eels. The church was erected in 1900, and opened February 10, 1901. It was closed as a Presbyterian building in 1913, when the Brayton M. E. Church began to occupy it.

The Syrian United Presbyterian Church was organized from a colony of persons who had come to the United States largely from the Mount Lebanon district of Syria. In their native land they had come under the influence of the missionaries of the Presbyterian Church of the United States, many of them being members in Syria of churches which the missionaries had organized. Almost all of the adults had been in attendance also at the day schools of the Presbyterian Mission, the center of which in their region of country is at Sidon. They had received an excellent education in Arabic, and many of them had learned the English language so as to speak it well and fluently. After coming to Fall River, church services were held for several years at the home of Paul Jabbour, who had been a Syrian worker in his native country under the missionaries. For a time these people were supplied by Rev. Elias Atiyeh, formerly of Syria. In September, 1919, a church organization was effected and an excellent building was secured by the Board of Church Extension, at 200 Harrison street, and placed at the disposal of the Syrian Church. It is well adapted to all the activities for religious and social church work. The Rev. Joseph

Zaidan accepted an invitation to take the leadership and administration of the work of the church, and work was begun with Mr. Zaidan in charge, November 1, 1919. Mr. Zaidan is the present minister in charge. The work is directed to two ends - first and chiefly to the christianization of all who speak Arabic, and secondly, to their Americanization. There is a large church school composed of the young people of the families of the Syrians. The church stands ecclesiastically related to and under the care of the United Presbyterian Church of Fall River, and of the Presbytery of Boston of the United Presbyterian Church.

Primitive Methodist Church - On December 20, 1871, Benjamin Mosley, senior, John Facett, William Bredbury, David Livesey, Henry Kitchen, Alexander Trainer, R. C. H. Catterall, Thomas Hurst, John Schofield, and Edward Mitchell, met and agreed to form a church to be known as the First Primitive Methodist Free Church of Fall River. The word "Free" was shortly afterwards stricken out, and the rules and the usages of the Primitive Methodist Church of England were adopted as a discipline. A room at the corner of Pleasant and Third streets was hired. Later, this church increasing, the present site for the church was donated by the Richard Borden Manufacturing Company. The articles of incorporation were signed October 12, 1874, and the foundation for the present building having been laid in November, 1873, the church was dedicated in January, 1875. The Dover street schoolroom was dedicated on September 22, 1888. Up to 1875 the church pulpit was supplied by laymen and conference representatives. Rev. Charles Miles was the first pastor, and he remained three years to 1877; Rev. John Finch to 1880; Rev. Ralph Fothergill remained to 1882; Rev. John Stewart to 1887; Rev. Samuel Knowles to 1892; Rev. John T. Barlow to 1897; Rev. William B. Taylor, D.D., to 1899; Rev. Alfred Humphries, Ph.D., to 1907; Rev. John T. Barlow to 1915; Rev. Joseph Holden to 1919; Rev. Thomas M. Bateman, D. D., 1919; Rev. John T. Ullom to 1922; Rev. Thomas H. Reseigh, 1923. Other churches that have been the outcome of the activities of this church are the North Tiverton, Dwelly Street and Harvard Street Primitive Methodist Churches.

The Second Primitive Methodist Church, or Dwelly Street Church, as it is often called, is one of the flourishing branches of the Primitive Methodist church in this city. The membership consists largely of residents and employes in the mill section, who first formed their religious society in 1890. Rev. John Mason was pastor the first year, when the meetings were held in a store on Dwelly and South Main streets. Rev. W. H. Childs was the second minister; and it was during the pastorate of the third minister, Rev. T. G. Spencer, on December 17, 1892, that the cornerstone of the church was laid on Dwelly street. The church was dedicated April 16, 1893. The succeeding pastors have been as follows: Revs. N. W. Matthews, Ph.D., 1894; J. T. Barlow, 1897; F. M. Bateman, D.D., 1901, the year the parsonage was completed; Elijah Humphries, 1904; Joseph Gorton, 1919; Rev. George W. Dale, 1921.

The Sykes Primitive Methodist Church has increasing religious and social interests in its parish on County street. The church was incorporated in 1893, and received its name from a member of the denomination who contributed the lot where the church was built. The founder of this branch of the Primitive Methodist Church in this city was Rev. Thomas Wilson. He was succeeded to the present time by the following-named pastors: Revs. W. H. Yarrow, D.D., 1897; John Proude, M.A., 1899; Thomas Wilson, 1903; A. King-Collett, 1907; William H. Brock, 1909; George W. Dale, 1911; John W. Carter, 1912; A. M. Butterfield, 1918; H. O. Cooper, 1919; P. B. Dolling, 1920; Clement Crawley, 1922 -

Christian Science Church - Seabury T. Manley, C. S. D., and his wife, ' Delia S. Manley, both students of Mrs. Mary Baker G. Eddy, founder of Christian Science, arrived in Fall River in June, 1883, to teach and demonstrate Christian Science. On March 19, 1892, Church of Christ (Scientist) was organized, services being held in the A. J]. Borden building, 39 South Main street. On December 5, 1898, services were held in Room 5, Hudner Block, 130 South Main street. In February, 1905, services were held in the Archer building, Room 3, Rock street. On September 21, 1908, the homestead of Walter O. Buffinton, corner of Rock and Pine streets, was purchased and was converted into a church, and December 6, 1908, services were held there. In 1913 Church of Christ (Scientist) was incorporated under the laws of Massachusetts as First Church of Christ Scientist, Fall River, Massachusetts. In 1923 the readers and officers: Mrs. Nellie B. Hover, first reader; Mrs. Mary P. Antlfony, second reader; Mrs. Jeanette T. Wells, president; Charles D. Hover, clerk; Charles H. Wells, treasurer; Israel T. Boyd, chairman of finance committee; Mrs. Nellie B. Hover, superintendent of Sunday school; Earle A. Hover, secretary and treasurer of Sunday school. Board of Directors:-Mrs. Jeanette T. Wells, chairman; Charles D. Hover, clerk; Charles H. Wells, Mrs. Ella G. Farle, Richard Kerr, Israel T. Boyd, Mrs. Mary E. Brereton.

Miscellaneous. - - Though not incorporated until 1874, the Church of the New Jerusalem in Fall River was founded in 1854, its first reader and pastor being Rev. John Westall. The church was erected on Rock street in 1869, but in 1923 three of the original seven members were living, namely, Miss Mary Buffinton, Mrs. Waldo Buffinton and A. F. Munroe. Rey. Mr. Westali received his ordination October 21, 1877, and served this church .until 1886. His successors have been as follows: Revs. Henry C. Hay, one year, to 1887; George S. Wheeler, to 1890; Clarence Lathbury, to 1894; Gardner I. Ward, to 1903; Duane V. Bowen, October, 1904-November, 1908; Warren Goddard, Jr., January, 1909-September, 1911; F. Sidney Mayer, September, 1913-1915; C. W. Clodfelter, July, 1918 - .

The Advent Christian Church has had the interesting record of a long series of tent and hall meetings from the early forties to 1888, the year their church was dedicated. First meetings were held at Steep Brook and at the First Christian Church as early as 1842, and in 1843 large tent meetings were held at Bowenville by such elders as Roland Grant, I. [. Leslie and Enoch Merrill; later at Pocasset and Hoar's halls. Mary H. Winslow and Mercy Arnold were among the leaders of these meetings, which soon afterwards were held at 26 Hunter street. It was while Elder William A. Birch was in charge of the meetings that were being held in tents in 1887, that the Advent Church was organized in October that year. The chapel on Coral street was dedicated September 19, 1888. The

French Congregational, organized in 1886; pastor, Rev. Napolecr Aubin. Manchester Evangelical Association, 18 Pelham street; pastor. Rey. C. E. Willson. First Ukranian Church of St. John the Baptist, Center street; pastor, Rev. Alexander Pelensky. Gospel Mission of Fall River 51 Fourth street; superintendent, John Chadwick. Salvation Army, Adjutant Charles F. Walker and Mrs. Charles F. Walker. Wayside Mission, 177 Pleasant street; Rev. William J. Smith. Reorganized Church of Latter Day Saints. Brownell Street Chapel, a branch of the First Baptist Church. Salem Baptist Church (colored), 923 Locust street; Rev. Levy Nichols.