Essex County, Massachusetts - Chapter 34, 1888 (part 2 of 2)

For some months efforts were made to form a union with certain early Unitarians at New Mills, of whom Capt. Jeremiah Page, Jonas Warren and Maj. Moses Black were leaders. A coalition committee were appointed to agree on a name, but no report was ever made, and March 8, 1830, these efforts seem to have been acknowledged fruitless, and it was voted " that this society be called the First Universalist Society of Danvers."

The first standing committee, William Francis, Elisha Pratt and Joseph Porter, were at once instructed to consider the expediency of hiring the old Baptist meeting-house, which had been removed in 1828, as has been noticed in the sketch of the Baptist Society, to make room for a new house on the original site. The committee hired the old house at forty-five dollars for a year. No clergyman was yet settled, and preaching was irregular ; but the society grew, there being one hundred and seventeen males at the beginning of the next year. Though a vote was in the meantime taken "that the contemplated meeting-house be located at or near the Plains so called," the old house was hired again, but the contract was made not without bitterness. Major Black and John Page now owned ll-16ths of the building, and were willing enough to let their part at forty-five dollars, but Deacons Kent and Hardy, of the Baptist Church, owners of the other

5-16ths, charged one hundred dollars for their share. Evidently the latter did not wish the building used by the society at all, and one of them made some remark about wishing to feed pigs in his part, with, it is alleged, a tinge of comparison not altogether complimentary to the Universalists. The society simply took the ll-16ths, and fenced off the remainder. It is not difficult to imagine the feeling of which this little episode is but a hint. It could not be otherwise. Not even Baptist human nature could look with equanimity on what, fi'om their standpoint, was an upstart and heretical body, which, having sapped the strength of the old church by withdrawing a considerable number of its members, had the audacity to set up in their old building and, within ear-shot of their sterner doctrine, to utter the alluring promise of universal salvation.

The first regular pastor of the new society was Rev. F. Hodson, who remained from the spring of 1831 to June of the following year. During this time the old school-house in Putnamville was occasionally used for services, as were also the school-houses at the Centre and at the toll-gate.

The settled intent of the Universalists to have a church of their own came to a head in September, 1832. Forty-eight shares at fifty dollars were taken in a new house "to be erected between Berry's tavern and the Baptist meeting-house," and the shareholders became and remained a separate, corporate body until 1847, when they merged by mutual vote with the society. A building committee, Nath'l Boardman, J. Silvester, Hathorne Porter and Joseph Porter, " fixed on the piece owned by Mr. Israel Endicott as the most eligible," and this lot was purchased. Moses W. Wilson contracted October 29, 1832, to build a house fifty-six by forty-two, twenty -two feet posts, for twenty-five hundred dollars. With alterations and additions the total cost reached thirty-one hundred dollars. The building was dedicated Friday, June 28, 1833. Rev. Hosea Ballon, of Boston, made the dedicatory prayer; Rev. Hosea Ballon, 2d, of Roxbury, delivered the sermon; Revs. L. Willis, of Salem, and S. Streeter, of Boston, also old helpers in the society's infancy, took other parts. An original hymn by Dr. Hunt was sung, beginning

Rev. D. D. .'^mith was at this time settled over the society, though living in Boston. There were one hundred and thirty-one male members, a number which has since remained as high-water mark. Soon after the dedication of the church. Dr. Braman, from the citadel of his pulpit, preached a strong sermon against Universalism and the danger of its incursions, out of which grew the memorable debate between Dr. Braman and Dr. Whittemore, November 6, 1833, mentioned elsewhere, in which, of course, Danvers

Rev. H. Kuapp was installed as pastor of the society, December 20, 1833, and remained until August 16, 1830 ; he died in Cambridge in 1878, aged sixtyseven. Rev. 8. Brimblecom, of Westbrook, Me., succeeded him here and remained until 1840; he was an earnest anti-slavery man, was orator of the day, July 4, 1837, at a meeting of the Danvers Anti-slavery Society, and president of the Young Men's Antislavery Society. He died in Haverhill, 1879, in his eighty-first year. Soon after his resignation, on motion of Dr. Hunt, it was resolved that the committee procure, if practicable, the services of laymen in conducting Sabbath worship ; accordingly Moses Black, Jr., Joseph Merrill, John Hines, Dr. Hunt, and perhaps others officiated as occasion required. In July, 1840, Rev. A. A. Davis, then recently from Ohio, accepted a call and was settled at a salary of six hundred dollars. He gave an impetus to all departments of the society's work, and in his pastorate the church was organized. The church was first publicly recognized October 21, 18-JO ; it numbered about sixty members. John Hines was chosen clerk; M. Bodge and Eben Putnam, deacons. Mr. Davis' pastorate was brief, closing in October, 1841, when he went to Jamaica for his health, but it was especially important, happening in the height of the anti-slavery storm which burst upon the community and the churches at this period. Something is said of anti-slavery troubles elsewhere. Rev. D. P. Livermore supplied during the following winter ; and in the spring of 1843, Rev. S. Bulkley, of New Market, N. H., was chosen pastor. Rev. J. W. Hanson succeeded him in 1846. Mr. Hanson was a young man of active mind, a ready debater, inquiring and critical. Though here but two years, he has left a memorial behind him in Hanson's " History of Danvers," a book accustomed to be sjjoken of as containing many inaccuracies, but as the work of a stranger, on short preparation and with scarcely any previously printed material to rely on, it is remarkable that the book is as valuable as it is. Mr. Hanson resigned in 1848, went to Norridgewock, then to Gardiner, Me., was editor of Augusta Gospel Banner six years, then settled at Haverhill, and was chaplain of the Sixth Massachusetts Regiment ; removed to Dubuque, Iowa, and in 1870 to Chicago, where, in 1879, he was living, and had then been D.D. for three years, editor of the New Covenant for nine years, and author or editor of some thirteen volumes.

The next pastor here was Rev. J. W. Putnam, who came in 1849, a pupil of Rev. Dr. Sawyer, at Clinton, N. Y., and remained in this his only pastorate till his lamented death, November 4, 1864. He left a widow and two children, a daughter and a son, all living. Throughout his pastorate " he grew in mental stature and in favor among the people" to the end. His townsmen honored him, his people loved him. He would not leave his society ; his parish would not let him go. In the noon of his manhood they gave him to the messenger from whose call there is no appeal. As a scholar, thinker, writer, speaker, pastor, he ranked high in his profession.

It was during Mr. Putnam's pastorate that, in 1858, it was decided that the " new church " was no longer new, - in fact so old that another building was denianded. There was not, at first at least, a unanimous concurrence in this opinion, but after several meetings it was decided to build nearer the Plains, which had by this time usurped the former distinction of New Mills as being the principal village of the town. A building committee was chosen, consisting of Joshua Silvester, J. W. Ropes, W. J. C. Kenney, George Porter and Moses Black, Jr. A lot of land was purchased of Eben G. Berry, and the present house was erected under a contract with Josiah Ross for four thousand three hundred and thirtyseven dollars. The church was completed in July, 1859, and was dedicated August 18th. From many of the surrounding heights and from many of the approaches to the town, the twin Gothic towers of the Universalist Church present one of the most prominent and picturesque views of a landscape beautiful in many respects. It is one of the many monuments of Joshua Silvester. The society formally tendered him their thanks " for the energy and assiduity with which he has labored in this work, - to him more than any one else, perhaps more than all else combined, do we owe the valuable suggestions and services resulting in this beautiful edifice."

The basement of the church was soon fitted up as Gothic Hall, and until the day of the Peabody Institute was the best hall in town and much used for lectures, entertainments, and for the graduating exercises of the High School.

The society bid farewell to the old meeting-house, July 31, 1859, which was then sold at auction for twenty-five hundred dollars, and soon was converted to the use of the new Catholic Church, in whose hands, much enlarged and remodeled, it still remains.

The vacancy in the pastorate caused by the death of Mr. Putnam was filled by Rev. H. C. Delong, of Binghamton, N. Y., who served from 1865 three years, and was succeeded by Rev. G. J. Sanger, who, as faithful pastor and eloquent preacher for six years and business man for several more, was one of our best known and worthiest citizens, upon whom his fellow-citizens bestowed political honors with a generous hand. A few years ago he decided to return ' to the ministry, and accepted a call to Essex. Rev. Henry P. Forbes was installed November 22, 1875, - a man of scholarly tastes and fine literary ability, a pastor much loved and respected, and a citizen especially useful on the school committee. He resigned after five years to accept a professorship in the St. Lawrence University, Canton, N. Y. Rev. F. A. Dillingham, his successor, was installed in the spring of 1881, and remained until February, 1885, when he in turn was succeeded by Rev. Winfield S. Williams, whose pastorate extended from June, 1885, to October, 1886. The church is at present (June, 1887) without a settled pastor. (July 5th, a call was extended to Rev. C. B. Lynn, of Boston, accepted.)

In the old days of the Putnamville school-house, it is said that Abijah Richardson sustained the burden of worship in song, singing four parts at once. A permanent choir was organized after the society built a church of their own, of which William Black was chorister. For twenty years he did not miss the preaching service, and to his own and his brother Moses' family the society were continually indebted for important musical services. Among the earlier singers were Henry and Augustus Fowler, Philip Smith, W. J. C. Kenney, Moses Black, Jr., Mrs. Benjamin Osgood, Mrs. Sawyer and Louisa Hines. Later, Mrs. S. E. Howe led the soprano for twenty years. The organ was purchased some time in the forties, over which Miss Hattie Black first presided. Before that, was the customary church orchestra, in which Mr. H. Dwinell played the violin ; Aaron Putnam, viol ; J. Sawyer, clarionet ; assisted sometimes by W. J. Kenney and M. Black, Jr., on the clarionet and viol.

The Sunday-school was organized in 1830. Among the earlier superintendents were I. W. Andrews, Aaron Eveleth, Henry Fowler, Edwin F. Putnam and Moses Black, Jr. In 1840 there were eightyeight members, including nineteen teachers. Among the later superintendents were John Hines, William E. Putnam, William Rankin, Andrew W. Trask, Edward Tyler, John H. Elliott, Ezra D. Hines, Rev. George J. Sanger, and, at present, Howard R. Burrington. The school now numbers about one hundred and fifty. In December, 1880, a successful effort was made to raise a debt of two thousand five hundred dollars against the society, and the event was celebrated by a supper early in January.

Maple Street Church. - On the 15th day of March, 1844, Nathaniel Silvester, Moses J. Currier, Henry T. Ropes, Benjamin Henderson, Aaron Bateman, Gustavus Putnam, represented to George Osgood, a justice of the peace, that they were about to form themselves into a religious society for the worship of Almighty God, and requested him to issue a warrant for the calling of a meeting to be holden at the school-house on Danvers Plains on Monday evening, March 25th, to organize such a society under the name of the Third Orthodox Congregational Society of Danvers. Dr. Osgood issued his warrant accordingly to Nathaniel Sylvester to warn a meeting according to the terms of the petition. At this meeting Henry T. Ropes was chosen the first clerk of the society; Winthrop Andrews was chosen moderator; Moses J. Currier collector; Benjamin Turner, Samuel Brown, Nathaniel Silvester were the first parish committee ; George Osgood, Henry T. Ropes, and Benjamin Turner were appointed committee on by-laws ; Nathaniel Silvester, Samuel Brown, and Henry T. Ropes, to take into consideration a more suitable place of worship ; M. J. Currier, W. Andrews and John A. Learoyd, to solicit subscriptions for preaching.

At the adjournment of this first meeting, by-laws were presented and accepted ; the house committee reported in favor of a subscription in shares of one hundred dollars each, the cost not to exceed four thousand dollars ; the same committee were instructed to see what land could be obtained in several parts of the plains ; Rev. Mr. Thayer was employed to preach for six months at seven dollars per day ; Watts' Select Hymn Book was adojited ; John A. Learoyd was " authorized to procure a Bass Vial." At a further adjournment a building committee of eight were chosen, as follows : Samuel Putnam, John A. Learoyd, Henry T. Ropes, Benjamin Turner, Joseph Adams, Samuel Brown, Daniel Richards, Samuel P. Fowler.

April 29th it was decided to purchase the lot of land offered by Ezra Batchelder, " 8 Rood front by II5 Roods deep, for $800." The committee was instructed to build a basement story of rough granite of suitable dimensions for a hall. The material subsequently suggested the name. Granite Hall. Rev. Loren Thayer was employed " to supply the desk until the meeting-house is completed.'' Benjamin Turner, Gustavus Putnam and Moses J. Currier took into consideration the expediency of organizing a choir of singers. Daniel Richards and Mr. Currier were instructed to purchase a bell not to exceed twelve hundred pounds. The new house was dedicated Wednesday, January 22, 1845, Mr. Thayer preaching the dedication sermon. This year fifty dollars was paid Parker B. Francis for singing, and seventeen dollars was " paid Mr. Stanley for a flute ;" later the society purchased " the Bass Vial of J. A. Learoyd" for $30.75. Moses Putnam was thanked for the handsome sofa and chairs he had furnished the society, as were also the ladies for carpeting the house. The first person called to settle as minister was Rev. F. A. Barton, of Chicopee Falls, who declined on account of ill health. Rev. Richard Tolman, of Dorchester, accepted a call, and was ordained September 17, 1845, the first pastor of the new church and society, - salary, six hundred dollars for the first year, afterwards seven hundred dollars. The ordination sermon was preached by Rev. E. N. Kirk. Mr. Tolman remained until November, 1848. On April 3, 1849, this letter was sent to Rev. James Fletcher, of Acton, then at Andover Theological Seminary :

"Dear Sir; W^e, the undersigned, as a committee in behalf of tlie Third Cong. Church and Society in Danvers heieby extend to you an invitation to become our pastor and teacher. The salary which the society offer you is six hundred dollars.

The expense of the new church was about eight thousand dollars, for more than half of which sum indebtedness had been incurred. Strenuous efforts were made to liquidate this debt, and, February 1, 1847, eighteen men entered into a written obligation to contribute, by way of loan or advancement, in four annual payments a total of four thousand two hundred and eighty dollars ; of this sum Moses Putnam subscribed eighteen hundred dollars, his brother Samuel five hundred and twenty dollars, Nathan Tapley and Jesse Putnam each three hundred dollars. The other names which appear in autograph in the records are Elbridge Trask, Joseph S. Black, Moses W. Putnam, Samuel P. Fowler, Frederick How, F. Howe.", Eben G. Berry, Richard Tolman, Daniel Richards, Stephen Granville, Rebeckah Perry, James M. Perry, John A. Learoyd, Nathaniel Silvester. In May,

1850, but seven hundred dollars of the debt remained, and " whereas Moses Putnam, Esquire, hfis generously offered to pay the sum of $250," measures were taken to meet the balance. Upon the very next leaf to that which records this happy state of things appears this memorandum of Deacon Fowler's :

"On the night of July 10th, 1850, the meeting-house of the Third Cong. Society was destroyed by fire. It broke out in the entry of the Hall about 11 o'clock, and was the work of an incendiary. It was insured at two mutual offices in Salem for the sum of $6,000.

" The house was completely destroyed, but the walls of the basement story were left standing, and by many persons supposed to be not much injured. The sheds and fences around the house are but little injured, in consequence of there being but little wind at the time of the tire. The House, with its furniture. Church plate, and Sabbath-school library, was consumed.

" The Selectmen of the Town have offered a reward of 500 dollars for the detection of the sacrilegious Tillian who burnt our beautiful House and laid waste our pleasant things. The Sabbath evening after the tire, Wm. Duffee, a young man living on the Plains, was, on the complaint of Geo. Perkins, arrested and lodged in Salem jail, being accused of setting fire to the Meeting-House. He was carried before justice Rantoul, of Beverly, aud, pleading guiltj' of the charge, he was sent to the Salem jail to await his trial, Perkins being also sent with him as a witness. Both effected their escape in November following. Duffee was retaken, couvicted and sentenced to the State Prison for life. Perkins who was suspected as an accomplice with Duffee in the burning of the house, some weeks after returned to Dan vers, gave himself up, was carried back to jail, and, no one appearing against him, at the the term of court following he was discharged.

" On Sunday, .Inly 14th. public worship was held by the Society at the Free Chapel, on the Plains, where an appropriate and interesting discourse was delivered by our pastor. The text was from the 14th chapter of Exodus, 16th verse, " .\nd the Lord said unto Moses, Wherefore criest thou unto me ? Speak unto the children of Israel, thil theij go forwnrd."

" In this discourse our Pastor, in a forceable manner, enjoined upon us the importance of immediately going forward in the work of rebuilding our Meeting-House."

The very next day the standing committee issued their warrant for a meeting to consider rebuilding. It was voted " that we proceed immediately to rebuild our meeting-house - the vote passed unanimously." The offer of the use of the Free Chapel was accepted.

The new building committee were S. P. Fowler, Nathan Tapley, Daniel Richards, Alfred Fellows, J. S. Black, Elbridge Trask, J. C. Butler, Nathaniel Silvester and Stephen Granville. They went to work with six thousand dollars insurance and trusted to raise the balance. The contract was originally given to Boston parties for six thousand eight hundred and seventy-five dollars, but they failed to meet their engagements - " the winter came upon us with its snow and rains with the building completely exposed." The contractors were paid two thousand eight hundred and fifty dollars to leave the job, and Abel Preston's proposal to finish the building for four thousand dollars was accepted. On Sunday, March 9, 1851, services were first held in the new Granite Hall, and the church itself was ready for dedication September 17, 1851. The total cost of the new or present church was $8485.66 ; the new bell cost two hundred and thirteen dollars. The present organ was purchased by subscription, as was also the clock in the tower, and at a meeting of the subscribers to both, August 15, 1854, both were " unconditionally presented " to the society. About the same time certain pews were set apart to be sold for the benefit of the eighteen subscribers who assumed the debt of the old church, they suffering a loss of twenty-five per cent, of their subscriptions - the proportional loss of pewholders over insurance. The new bell was not up to the standard of orthodoxy, and cracked ; the present bell dates from 1856.

Moses Putnam, foremost of the friends and supporters of the church and society, a few months before he died, which was September 10, 1860, in his eighty-fifth year, gave up several notes amounting to fourteen hundred dollars, which he held against the society. A communication was sent to him expressive of the heart-felt gratitude of the society for this and former generous donations.

A call was extended, February 1, 1866, to Rev. William Caruthers, of North Cambridge, who accepted, and was installed April 18th. This call was not nearly unanimous, and after a little more than two years Mr. Caruthers tendered his resignation, to take effect July 31, 1868. On the 22d of February, 1869, by a large and unanimous vote, Rev. James Brand, then a student at Andover, was invited to become pastor, and he was ordained October 6, 1869. Shortly after, December 5th, the church celebrated its twentyfifth anniversary. In the spring of 1872 the subject of making extensive and radical changes in the house was first brought up, and continued to be talked about and voted upon for two years, when it was finally decided to take the work in hand. Andrew M. Putnam, Winthrop Andrews, Charles H. Gould, John S. Learoyd and Daniel Richards were the sujiervising committee. An addition was built on the rear of the church, the interior was entirely remodeled, the old galleries were abolished, the organ and choir-loft moved behind the pulpit, modern black-walnut pews were substituted for the old ones, which are now occasionally seen adorning gardens and back piazzas. With the change in the building came also a change in the organization of the society. It was proposed to abandon the system of individual pew-ownership for a system of annual rental. By act of the Legislature the existing corporation was dissolved March 24, 1874, and a new society was immediately organized under the general statutes, the first meeting of which was held the next day. Under the by-laws of the new society all property was vested in a board of five trustees, three at least to be members of the church. Membership was open to any person renting a sitting and receiving a majority vote at any regular meeting. There have been but three elections of trustees, -

Before these changes, however, Mr. Brand resigned his pastorate, to take effect November 1, 1873. He went to Oberlin, Ohio, " to accept a place where my usefulness in the ministry, if I have any, can be more than doubled." He went " with the kindest words to say and the pleasantest memories to carry," and left with his parishioners an abiding love and respect towards himself. He has not failed by reason of " the greatness of the field and the urgency of the call.'' After nearly two years Rev. Walter E. C. Wright accepted the invitation to fill the vacancy, and was installed October 12, 1875, his brother, Rev. G. F. Wright, of Andover, and Rev. Jame« Fletcher, a former pastor, taking part in the exercises. During his pastorate of seven years he not only endeared himself to his own people, but won and merited the greatest respect of his fellow-citizens by the many manifestations of his active public spirit. Upon him fell most of the responsibility of the re-arrangement and new catalogue of the Peabody Library, a work which will remain a substantial monument to his memory. He was also largely instrumental in lifting from the church a heavy load of debt. He was an able debater, and the occasion in Gothic Hall when he stood alone against an array of advocates of woman-suffrage will long be remembered. His letter of resignation dated August 12, 1882, contains this : " The experience of the past few months has indicated the importance, for the health of my wife and perhaps my own, of a change of residence to a milder climate." An urgent call to take up a congenial and important religious and educational work at Berea College, Kentucky, was therefore accepted, and his resignation was tendered, to take effect the last of September, 1882. Rev. Edward r. Evving, formerly of Enfield, Mass, his successor :ind the present pastor, was installed November 1, 1883.

The first deacons of the church were Frederick Howe and Samuel P. Fowler; subsequently elected: John S. Learoyd, Samuel P. Trask, Eben Peabody. Messrs, Fowler, Learoyd and Peabody survive in (iffice. The membership of the church at its organization was 42; at present, 1887, 305; total membership since organization, 537.

Until 1882, the oflUces of treasurer and collector were considered as one, and the persons holding the office were as follows: - Moses J. Currier, 1844; Moses \V. Putnam, '45-'47, '51 ; Elbridge Trask, '48 ; John C. Butler, '49, '50 ; James M. Perry, '62-'70, eighteen consecutive years; John A. Putnam, '71-'81. In 1882 the offices were divided. Webster F. Putnam was elected treasurer, and served two years; George W. Fiske, '84, '85 ; Charles H. Gould, '86, '87. Winthrop .\ndrews has held the oflice of collector from 1882 to the present, 1887.

Henry T. Ropes was the first clerk of the society and served for three years. Joseph S. Black succeeded him and served three years. Deacon Samuel P. Fowler began to keep the records in 1850 and has entered on the thirty-seventh year of his service. During the whole period since the organization of the society, the records have been kept admirably.

Standino Committees

The Sunday-school in connection with the Maple Street Church was organized December 4, 1844. It then consisted of one hundred and fourteen members and twelve teachers. The first superintendent was Francis P. Putnam. Succeeding superintendents have been Moses W. Putnam, Joseph S. Black, Nathaniel Hills and John S. Learoyd.

By far the longest term of office is that of the present superintendent, Mr. Learoyd, who is now in his twenty-second year of consecutive service. There are at present connected with the school, four hundred and thirty-six members, forty-two teachers, two hundred and seventy-eight scholars in main school, ninetyone primary, and twenty-five in the pastor's Bibleclass. The average attendance is three hundred and six. Yearly collection for 1886, three hundred and forty dollars. Number of library books, eight hundred and sixty-five.

Catholic. - Before 1850 there were very few natives of Ireland residing in Danvers. Between 1850 and 1855, or even later, they came here in considerable numbers and made homes for themselves. The first man of Irish birth to settle here, about 1840, was the late Daniel Crowley, whose children are an honor to his name. Another early settler was Edward McKeigue. It was in the latter's house, November 1, 1854, that the first Catholic service was held in Danvers. Eev. Thomas H. Shahan, then of the Church of Immaculate Conception in Salem, officiated. Afterwards regular services began to be held in Franklin Hall, and then a chapel was erected south of the High Street Cemetery. When the Universalists gave up their church in 1859, the Catholics bought it. This building, since altered and enlarged beyond recognition as to its original condition, is the present church of this denomination. A fine new pastor's house has been very recently erected on a pleasant site in the rear of the church, overlooking the river. It is a fact significant of the increase of the Catholic population since the time above referred to, that in this church worships a congregation by far the largest in town ; and it is also significant that while many of the old names, common a hundred or two years ago, have become entirely extinct, and others are in danger of becoming so, the names of Sullivan, Collins, Gallivan, McCarthy and others appear in increasing numbers in each new directory and voting list, and indeed those names mentioned seem already to be more numerous than any other save one. The largest collective settlement of the people of this church radiates from the crossing of Hobart Street and the Eastern Railroad. It used to be called after the capital of the old country. Much of the land was bought by Captain Andrew M. Putnam, and by him was first opened up for building purposes. At his death, May 6, 1881, the family received a touching letter from a committee of Irish citizens, requesting permission to march behind the funeral procession to the grave. Twentyeight, of them did this, and some of their number filled the grave with earth. " No pen can write," such was the tribute, " nor mind describe the love, the veneration, we have for him, who was 'a friend in need and a friend indeed.' The name of Captain A. M. Putnam shall be forever near and dear to us. Many a heart has he made glad, by putting them in a way of having a little home for themselves when every one else seemed against them."

The first resident pastor of the church was Rev. Charles Raioni, who also had charge of the church in Marblehead. Thither he removed on the separation of the parishes in 1872. He was a gentleman advanced in years, and greatly beloved. His successor. Rev. Fr. O'Reilly, remained but one year. Rev. Patrick Joseph Halley was appointed to Danvers in April, 1873, and his pastorate extended to September, 1882; Rev. D. B. Kennedy's, from the last date to April, 1885, when the present pastor, Thomas E. Power, was appointed.

Episcopal. - Calvary Parish was organized on the 14th of April, 1858. Joseph Adams and John S. Pratt were the first wardens. Rev. Robt. F. Chase entered upon his duties as rector, May 9th, 1858, services being held at first in Bank Hall.

The corner-stone of the present church at the corner of Holten and Cherry Streets, was laid by Bishop Eastburn, May 11, 1859, and the church was consecrated by him, May 25, 1860. Mr. Chase resigned in 1862, but was again rector from 1868 to 1865. His successors were as follows: - Rev. George Horvill, rector from 1865-66 ; Rev. William W. Silvester, deacon in charge of the parish, 1868 ; Rev. S. J, Evans,

UNiTARiiiN. - As was hinted in the sketch of the Universalist Society, there were, many years ago, a number of influential families who had accepted the Unitarian faith. It was not, however, until 1865, that the present society was organized and worship begun, the first service being held in the Town Hall, and conducted by Rev. A. P. Putnam, then of Roxbury.

Mr. and Mrs. P. H. Wentworth, with their family of children, had recently removed to Danvers from Roxbury, where they had been parishioners of Mr. Putnam, and it only needed their presence and earnest zeal in the town, to insure success to the new movement. One or more meetings of the friends were held to consider the matter, previous to the first public service, and arrangements were soon made for regular Sunday worship in the Town Hall until more suitable accommodations could be had. The desk was supplied by different preachers until April 1st, 1867, when Rev. Leonard J. Livermore became the pastor of the infant church, and remained the minister until his death, in the summer of 1886, having his residence throughout at Cambridge, and being the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Wentworth, on his weekly visits to Danvers. The little church prospered, and in a few years erected its present neat and commodious chapel, which is located very near the site of the first house at Danvers Plains, that of pioneer John Porter. The cost of land and edifice was about $13,000. The building took the name of Unity Chapel, and was formally dedicated as a house of worship on the evening of the 16th of March, 1871. The opening prayer was by Rev. S. C. Beane, of Salem; the reading of the Scriptures by Rev. J. B. Moore, of Lawrence ; the sermon by Rev. A. p. Putnam ; the act of dedication by the pastor and people ; the prayer of dedication by Rev. J. T. Hewes, of Salem ; chants and hymns were sung by a quartette and by the congregation. The church suffered a great loss in the death of Mr. Wentworth, about the time of the decease of its fir.st minister. For a fuller notice of these two excellent men and faithful friends, see Dr. Putnam's sketch of Mr. Wentworth on a subsequent page. Mr. Livermore's successor is Rev. J. C. Mitchell, who entered upon his work here during the last winter (1886-87), having previously been the minister of the Orthodox Congregational Church in Wenham.

Methodist. - This is the only church located in the village of Tapley ville, and draws its strength and support largely from that neighborhood.

The first preaching service, preliminary to organizing a church, was held in Lincoln Hall, October 22, 1871. As a result of this and successive meetings it was determined to build a meeting-house. G. A. Tapley gave the lot of land, and he and his father otherwise contributed liberally. The present building was dedicated early in 1873. It cost about fif- teen thousand dollars. The church was organized March 17, 1872. The first pastor was Rev. Elias Hodge, to whose enthusiastic work much of the first success of the new church was due. He served until 1874, the confei'ence year beginning with April. His successors have been Rev. R. H. Howard, 1875-76 ; Rev. Garrett Beekman, 1877-79 ; Rev. W. J. Hambleton, 1880-82; Rev. W. M. Ayres, 1883-85; Rev. C. A. Merrill, the present pastor, came in 1886.

Seventh Day Advent. - In the summer of 1877 a very large tent was pitched in the open lot on Hobart Street, opposite the station, and large congregations went nightly to hear Elder Canright's expositions of the doctrines of the above sect. He succeeded in making numerous converts, some from other churches, more from those not previously in the habit of attending church. Notwithstanding the practical inconvenience of keeping Saturday as the Sabbath, a considerable number hold firmly to that way. A chapel was dedicated January 6, 1878. It stands very near the site of the tent. The church was organized December 11, 1877. There has been for some time no settled pastor. Very recently there have been quite a number of baptisms. Charles Hartman is superintendent of the Sunday-school.