"Sketches of Lynn
Or The
Changes Of Fifty Years"
by David N. Johnson

Transcribed and submitted
by Shaun Cook

To help transcribe or submit information, please e-mail Shaun Cook.

CHURCHES OF LYNN, pgs. 398-438

The first church in Lynn was organized in 1632. First pastor, Rev. Samuel Whiting; installed November 8, 1636. Died December 11, 1679. Rev. Thomas Cobbet, (colleague,) installed July, 1637; remained till 1656. Rev. Jeremiah Shepard, ordained October 6, 1680. Died June 3, 1720. Rev. Joseph Whiting, (colleague,) ordained October 6, 1680; remained till 1681. Rev. Nathaniel Henchmen, ordained December, 1720. Died December 23, 1761. Rev. John Treadwell, ordained March 2, 1763; remained till 1782. Rev. Obadiah Parsons, installed February 4, 1784; remained till July 16, 1792. Rev. Thomas C. Thacher, ordained August 13, 1794; remained till February 3, 1813. Rev. Isaac Hurd, ordained September 15, 1813; remained till May 22, 1816. Rev. Otis Rockwood, ordained July 1, 1818; remained till May 12, 1832. Rev. David Peabody, ordained November 15, 1832; remained till April 22, 1835. Rev. Parsons Cooke, installed May 4, 1836. Died February 12, 1864. Rev. James M. Whiton, ordained May 10, 1865; remained till April 3, 1869. Rev. Stephen R. Dennen, installed November 13, 1872 ; remained till March 29, 1875. Rev . Walter Barton, installed February 24, 1876. Mr. Barton is still the pastor.

CHURCHES

The first house of worship built in Lynn was in 1632. Mr. Lewis tells us "it was a small plain building, without bell or cupola, and stood on the northeastern corner of Shepard and Summer streets. It was placed in a small hollow, that it might be better sheltered from the winds, and was partly sunk into the earth; being entered by descending several steps." (The porch of this building is still in existence, and makes part of a house now on Harbor street.) This was occupied by the society until 1682, when it was removed to the Common, nearly opposite Whiting street, and rebuilt. Its dimensions, as given by Mr. Lewis, were fifty feet in length, by forty-three feet in width. It had a small bell, which hung in the belfry until 1816, when a new one, cast by Paul Revere, was put up. It was generally known as the "Old Tunnel Meeting House," from the supposed resemblance of its roof to an inverted tunnel. This church was removed from the Common in 1827 to the corner of Commercial and South Common streets, and to a considerable extent rebuilt. It served the society until 1837, when the new church, built the year before, was dedicated on the first day of February. This stood upon the site of the present church, on the corner of Vine and South Common streets. It was burned on Christmas night, 1870. On the 10th day of the following May the corner stone of their present fine brick structure was laid, and an address delivered by Rev. E. S. Attwood, of Salem. It was dedicated August 29, 1872. The sermon on the occasion was preached by the pastor-elect, Rev. Stephen R. Dennen.

FRIENDS' SOCIETY.

According to the sketch of the history of the Friends in Lynn, prepared by Samuel Boyce for Parsons Cooke's "Centuries," the first meeting of Friends in Lynn was held in a house on the old road to Salem, near the Lynn Mineral Spring Farm. Such, says Mr. Boyce, was the tradition, based upon a statement in "Neal's History," that about this time (1658) as many as twenty were taken at once from a meeting held at the house of Nicholas Phelps, "about five miles from Salem," and that Nicholas Phelps' house was about five miles from Salem.

The charge for which they were "taken" from this house is not stated. This is a mistake. The Historical Collection of the Essex Institute shows that the estate of Phelps was near the farms of Robert Moulton and Thomas James, in Salem, now West Peabody. A notice of a meeting held there June, 1658, is found in "Felt's Annals of Salem."

"At a monthly meeting held in Salem, the 28th of the twelfth month, 1688, it was concluded to have a meeting once a month settled at Lynn, for the ease of those Friends who are inhabitants there."

By the records of these meetings the first monthly meeting held in Lynn met at the house of Samuel Collins, May 18, 1689, when the following-named persons were present: Thomas Made, Daniel Southwick, John Blothen, William Williams, Samuel Gaskin, Jr., Samuel Collins, Thomas Graves, Edward Gaskin and James Goodridge.

Mr. Boyce says: "By referring to the records of the meeting, it appears that Friends in Lynn suffered severely for many years by having their property taken from them by distraint for priests' wages, repairing meeting houses, and for military fines. Much of the property taken for priests' wages was for Jeremiah Shepard."

The numbers of Friends increasing in Lynn, they built (1678) a meeting house on what is now Broad street, on a spot then known as Wolf Hill. This house stood a few rods east of Silsbee street, and occupied the land - until 1723 - in front of the present Friends' burying ground. The next was built near the front line of that enclosure, the front extending to the present road bed. Its dimensions were, forty feet in length, and thirty in width, besides an extension on the northeast side, used by the women of the society to transact their part of the business of the organization, according to the usages of this body. This house served the purposes of the society for ninety-three years, or until 1816, when, having outgrown its too narrow limits, a new house was built by the society, on the lot used by them as a burying ground, a few rods - in the rear - from the site of the old meeting house. It stood on this spot until 1852, when it was moved a short distance to its present location on Silsbee street.

The old meeting house was bought by Thomas Rich, and moved a few rods to the westward, and used by him several years as a warehouse for the sale of shoe stock. About 1830 it was used by Samuel Boyce as a shoe manufactory; and about five years later it was bought by James Breed, and moved near to his wharf, to be used as a lumber warehouse. It now stands on the same spot, at the corner of Broad and Beach streets, and is owned by Stephen N. Breed, son of James, above-named, who succeeded to his father's business. Though it is now a hundred and fifty-seven years old, its stout oaken frame has kept its symmetry intact; while occasional repairs, and the art of the painter, have concealed its marks of age.

The "extension" was bought by Nathan Alley, and moved to Exchange street, opposite Exchange Block, and used by him as a dwelling. It now stands on Fayette street, opposite the school house, near Collins street.

In 1835 there were about one hundred families belonging to the society in Lynn; and there was but little change during the next twenty years. At present their numbers are somewhat less.

THE FIRST M. E. CHURCH.

The first Methodist Society in Lynn was formed February 20, 1791, by Rev. Jesse Lee. The first meetings were held in the house of Benjamin Johnson, Sr., near the corner of Essex and Market streets. This place proving too small for the growing numbers the society held its meetings for a few months in Mr. Johnson's barn, situated in the rear of the house. On the 14th of June, 1791, the society began to build the church which stood until 1812 on land directly in front of the old church now standing opposite City Hall. This little church was 34 by 44 feet, and such was the expedition with which it was built, that on the twelfth day from the beginning of the work, it was dedicated. It was not lathed nor plastered, and the record tells us, "it had no front entrance in order to prevent, as much as possible, the intrusion of the north-east wind" - stoves not being then in use. It had a door on each side toward the east and west, and the rear of the church extended about eight feet beyond the curb stones into what is now the road bed, and its front was within eight feet of the (now) old church when that was built in 1812. The first church stood until the second was finished. It was then removed to West Lynn. The new church had old-fashioned high-backed square pews, and a vestry in the rear of the "singers'" seats. The dedicatory sermon was preached by the Rev. Joshua Soule - afterward Bishop - on the third day of June.

In the year 1824 the steeple was lowered sixteen feet, as the ringing of the bell was thought to endanger the edifice. In 1834 the house was raised three feet, and a vestry finished underneath, the old pews were changed to the modern style, a new pulpit took the place of the old one, and the vestry was converted into an orchestra. In 1853 several other changes were made, the floor of the galleries was altered to give a greater inclination, the steps at the entrance of the church were removed from the outside to the inside, the pews were cushioned, and the floor carpeted. In 1857 the iron fence was built in front of the church by the ladies' sewing circle, at a cost of $800. In 1858 the church was enlarged, making room for two hundred and fifty additional sittings, and the interior remodeled. A fine organ, costing $2000, was also purchased. The vestry at this time was enlarged, making it capable of seating five hundred persons.

On the 14th of November, 1877, the corner stone of a new church was laid, on North Common street, opposite the Soldiers' Monument. A valuable historical address was delivered by George D. Sargeant, and the ceremonies were of an unusually interesting character.

The church was nearly completed during the next year, and on the 28th of February, 1879, was dedicated; Bishop Randolph S. Foster preaching the sermon. The building measures one hundred and twenty-three feet in length, and seventy-three in width. It has a chapel adjoining, ninety-one feet in length, and seventy-three feet in width. It is a very fine structure, and an ornament to the city.

In 1816, Alonzo Lewis formed a Sunday School of sixty scholars in the school house which stood on the north end of the Common. Mr. Lewis thinks this was the second Sunday School formed in the State. The school assembled in the morning, and at the close of the session marched in procession to the church, where most of the parents attended. A few of the scholars attended the Congregational Church.

The first parsonage was built in 1803, on the Corner of Market and South Common streets. It was used as such until 1817, when it was sold to Rev. Enoch Mudge. In 1833 the second parsonage was built on Franklin street, near Hanover. The present parsonage was built in 1858, on Hanover street.

PASTORS.

1791, John Bloodgood, Daniel Smith; 1792, Menzies Raynor; 1793, Jordan Rexford; 1794, Evan Rogers; 1795, George Pickering; 1796, James Covel; 1797, John Broadhead; 1798, Ralph Williston; 1799, Andrew Nichols; 1800, Joshua Wells; 1801, George Pickering, T. F. Sargent; 1802, Thomas Lyell, John Bloodgood; 1803, Peter Jayne; 1805-6, Daniel Webb; 1807, Nehemiah Coye; 1808, Daniel Young; 1809-10, William Stevens; 1811, Asa Kent, Greenlief R. Norris; 18I2, Joshua Soule, Daniel Webb; 18I3, Daniel Webb, Elijah Hedding; 1814, Elijah Hedding, Leonard Frost; 18I5, George Pickering, Solomon Sias; 1816, George Pickering, B. F. Lambord; 1817, W. Marsh, O. Hinds; 1818, Elijah Hedding, James B. Andrews; 1819, Elijah Hedding, Enoch Mudge; 1820, Enoch Mudge; 1821-2, Phineas Peck; 1823-4, Daniel Filmore; 1825, John F. Adams; 1827, Daniel Filmore; 1829, Abraham D. Merrill; 1830, Abraham D. Merrill; 1831, Bartholomew Otheman, Selah Stocking; 1832, Bartholomew Otheman; 1833, David Kilburn; 1834, Jotham Horton; 1836, Thomas C. Pierce; 1838, Charles P. True; 1840, Charles Adams; 1841, Jefferson Hascall, Lester James; 1842, James Porter: 1844, Loranus Crowell; 1846, John W. Merrill; 1848, Lorenzo R. Thayer; 1850, Augustus Adams; 1852, Henry V. Degen; 1854, William Butler; 1856, Charles N. Smith; 1858, William R. Clark; 1860-61, George M. Steele; 1862-3, W. F. Mallalieu; 1864-5, J. H. Twombly; 1866-8, J. W. F. Barnes; 1869-70, David H. Ela; 1871-2, Fales H. Newhall; 1873-5, Samuel F. Upham; 1876-9, C. D. Hills; 1880, Oliver A. Brown.

ST. PAUL'S M. E. CHURCH.

The Eastern (now St. Paul's) M. E. Church was built in 1811, and dedicated by Elijah R. Sabin November 27th of the same year. It was the first Methodist church in Massachusetts that was built with a steeple; $200 was paid for the lot, (one fourth of an acre,) the meeting house cost about $3000. The audience room was on the first floor, and galleries on three sides. There were sixty-six pews in the auditorium, and twenty in the gallery.

In 1813, on the request of ninety-three petitioners, it was incorporated as a parish. A stove was introduced in 1831 - there having been no fire in the church before this time. A small bell was obtained in 1834; and also a clock made by Willard, of New Bedford. A larger bell was hung the next year. In 1846 a floor was built across the house on a level with the galleries, making an audience room above, and a vestry and parsonage below. In 1849 an organ, worth $500, was purchased by subscription. The present parsonage was built in 1859. The church was destroyed by fire on the night of November 20th, 1859. A new bell was ordered in ten days; within a month a committee on plans and estimates for a new church was appointed, and in forty-five days from the fire the plan of the present house was adopted. The vestry, with a seating capacity for five hundred persons, was ready for occupancy in March, 1861. On the 1st of August (1861) the church itself was completed. The dedication sermon was preached by Rev. L. D. Barrows, D. D. The Female Benevolent Society was formed in 1821, and the Young Ladies' Sewing Circle in October, 1858.

From 1815 till 1827 a school was held on Saturday afternoon, superintended by the pastors, having the characteristics of a modern Sunday school, but did not become a Sunday school until the latter year, (1827) when it was permanently established. Shadrach Ramsdell was the first superintendent. The pulpit was supplied from the dedication until June, 1812, by Epaphras Kibby, a local preacher. The first stationed preacher from Conference was Daniel Webb, in 1812-13, followed by, 1814, Leonard Frost; 1815-16, Solomon Sias; 1817, Orlando Hines; 1818, James Ambler; 1819, Elijah Hedding; 1820-1, Timothy Merritt; 1822-3, Shipley W. Wilson; 1824, Elijah Spear; 1825-6-7, Epaphras Kibby; 1828-9, Joseph A. Merrill; 1830, Ephraim Wiley; 1831, Shipley W. Wilson; 1832-3, John Lovejoy; 1834-5, Isaac Bonney; 1836, Daniel Filmore; 1837, John Parker; 1838-9, A. D. Sargent; 1840-1, William Smith; 1842-3, Jacob Sanborn; 1844, Samuel A. Cushing; 1845, Phineas Crandall; 1846-7, Joseph Dennison; 1848, A. D. Merrill; 1849-50, Stephen Cushing; 1851-2, Chester Field; 1853, Nelson Stetson; 1854-5, N. D. George; 1856, D. L. Gear; 1857-8, John H. Mansfield; 1859-60, Wm. A. Braman; 1861-2, Henry W. Warren; 1863, William C. High; 1864, A. McKeown; 1865, B. W. Gorham; 1866-7-8, R. W. Allen; 1869-70-1, John C. Smith; 1872-3-4, D. C. Knowles; 1875-6-7, Daniel Steele; 1878-9, David Sherman.

THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH.

This church was organized March 17, 1816, with a membership of twenty-five persons, a majority of whom came by letter from the church in Salem. Not one of this number is now living. The first house used by this society was the old Methodist church, which stood till 1812 at the east end of the Common, directly in front of the spot upon which the second church was built in the above-named year. It was purchased by Jonathan Bacheller, and moved to a lot situated a few rods east of the residence of Mark Healey. It was occupied by the society till the close of 1832. The second structure was upon the site of the present church. It was dedicated in February, 1833. Its cost was something less than $6,000, and contained four hundred and eighty sittings. It was removed in the summer of 1866. The present edifice was begun in August of the same year, and was dedicated in June, 1867. It cost $30,000, and its seating capacity was about seven hundred. It was enlarged in 1869 at a cost of $6,000. After this enlargement it would accommodate about one thousand persons. A tornado, on the 8th of September of the same year, wrenched off the spire, and otherwise damaged the building to the amount of $7,000 ; so that the entire cost was estimated at about $50,000.

The church has had eleven pastors: George Phippen, from March, 1816, to August, 1818; Ebenezer Nelson, Jr., from July, 1820, to August, 1827; Daniel Chessman, from January, 1830, to May, 1833; Lucius S. Bolles, from November, 1833, to October, 1836; Joel S. Bacon, from October, 1837, to December, 1839; Hiram A. Graves, from February, 1840, to July, 1842; Thomas Driver, from April, 1843, to March, 1847 ; William C. Richards, from May, 1849, to August, 1864; Thomas E. Vassar, from February, 1865, to November, 1872; John B. Brackett, from April, 1873, to February, 1878; Norman C. Mallory, from December, 1878, and remains the present (1880) pastor.

THE SECOND CONGREGATIONAL (UNITARIAN) CHURCH.

The Second Congregational Society was organized April 5, 1822, by the choice of William Chadwell, Moderator; James Homer, Secretary, and William Chadwell, Samuel Brimblecom and Henry A. Breed, as Standing Committee. An act of incorporation was obtained, and a lot on South Common street - the present site - was soon after secured for a church. The corner stone was laid on the 5th of November. The ceremonies were conducted by Rev. Henry Coleman, and Rev. Joseph Tuckerman delivered the address. On the 30th of April, 1823, the house was dedicated, Rev. Mr. Coleman preaching the sermon. James D . Green was the first minister. He was ordained November 3, 1824.

A few years after, a Sunday School was established, mainly through the efforts of Dr. Edward Coffin - assisted by two or three young ladies. Amos Rhodes afterward rendered great service in the school as teacher, superintendent and librarian. In 1828 Mr. Green resigned his charge. David H. Barlow was the next pastor. He was ordained December 9, 1829, and remained until February 2, 1833.

In the Fall of the same year Samuel D. Robbins accepted the pastorate, and his ordination took place November 3. Mr. Robbins took great interest in our public schools. In a letter he afterward wrote to friends in Lynn, he says: "I think I wrote the first printed report sent from Lynn to the State." Mr. Robbins resigned tn 1839, and William Gray Swett was invited to become the pastor of the society. He accepted, and was installed January 1, 1840. Mr. Swett was a great favorite, and the society flourished under his care; but his health failed him, and after a pastorate of three years, he died February 15, 1843. Mr. Swett was the grandson of the well-known William Gray - commonly called Billy Gray - a native of Lynn.

The next pastor was John Pierpont, Jr., who was ordained October 11, 1843. An incident worth mentioning is recorded of this ordination. The venerable Dr. Pierce, of Brookline, was present, who remarked that "this was the ninety-fourth ordination that he had attended, and it was the first one where intoxicating drinks were not used; and the first ordination dinner at which ladies were present." Mr. Pierpont resigned April 29, 1846, on account of ill health.

Charles C. Shackford was Mr. Pierpont's successor. He was installed December 6, 1846. Mr. Shackford's pastorate extended through nearly eighteen years, and he was so well known, not only to the present generation of his fellow citizens in this city, but elsewhere, that an omission to recognize his talents and services would hardly be justified. He was specially devoted to the interests of our public schools, and was several times Chairman of the Board of School committee. With a few others, he was largely instrumental in establishing our High School; and in the broader field of public instruction, by lectures; by his labors to establish our Free Public Library, and by his interest in all educational and reform movements, our community has felt the influence of his cultured mind, and his generous, tolerant spirit.

During his pastorate - in the summer of 1852 - the church edifice was enlarged and remodelled. In 1864 - April 25 - Mr. Shackford resigned his charge to accept the professorship of modern literature in Cornell University.

Rev. Samuel B. Stewart, the present pastor, was installed October 4, 1864, having had, with the exception of his predecessor, the longest pastorate over the church since its organization.

SOUTH STREET M. E. CHURCH.

The South Street Methodist Episcopal Church was organized from the Common Street Church, August 23, 1830, embracing one hundred members - thirty-six males and sixty-four females. It was partly the result of a great religious awakening the year before (1829) under the labors of Rev. Abraham D. Merrill, assisted by Rev. Charles Noble.

The meeting house was erected in 1830. It was originally a plain substantial edifice, without a steeple, with two doors in front, and a vestibule running the whole length of the house. Over this was the singing gallery, and between the entry doors, the pulpit. The house remained in this state until 1851, when a steeple was built, which greatly added to its beauty. Afterward, during the pasorate of Rev. Sanford B. Sweetser, it was again remodeled and frescoed. At present it is one of the neatest church edifices in the city.

The church has had the following pastors: 1830, Rufus Spaulding; 1831, Selah Stocking; 1832-3 Isaac Bonny; 1834, Sanford Benton; 1835, Amos Binney; 1836-7, Timothy Merritt; 1838, Frederick P. Tracy; 1839-40, Mark Staples; 1841-2 Edmund M. Beebe; 1843-4, John B. Husted; 1845-6, Charles S. Macreading; 1847-8, John Clark; 1849, William Rice; 1850, Simon Putman; 1851-2,George Dunbar; 1853-4, Daniel Steele; 1855-6, Isaac Smith; 1857-8, Fales H. Newhall; 1859-60, Jeremiah L. Hannaford; 1861-2, Daniel Richards; 1863-4: Samuel Kelley; 1865-6, Solomon Chapin; 1867-8-9, Sanford B. Sweetser; 1870-1, Edward A. Manning; 1872-3, William H. Hatch; 1874-5-6, George F. Eaton; 1877-8-9, Varnum A. Cooper; present pastor, Alfred A. Wright.

THE FIRST UNIVERSALIST SOCIETY.

Universalism was first preached in Lynn by the Rev. Edwin Turner, then of Salem, in the year 1811. In 1818 Rev. Joshua Flagg preached in the Lynn Academy, on South Common street, near Vine street. There is no record of any other movement in this direction until 1831, when Rev. Sylvanus Cobb, of Malden, preached a few times, on alternate Sunday evenings, at Swampscott.

These services created much interest, and after a few Sundays' preaching in Swampscott the meetings were held in Woodend, where a series of lectures, on alternate Sunday evenings, were delivered. This resulted in the formation of a society, the settlement of a pastor, and the establishment of regular meetings every Sabbath at the Town Hall.

The First Universalist Society was organized March 25, 1833, in the Town Hall. George Todd was chosen Moderator, and James M. Sargent, Clerk. The Rev. Josiah C. Waldo was engaged as pastor. In 1835 the society built a church on Union street - near Silsbee street - which was dedicated December 10. The dedicatory sermon was preached by the Rev. Thomas F. King - father of the late Thomas Starr King - of Charlestown. In the afternoon Rev. J. C. Waldo was installed as pastor, and remained with the society until 1838. On the 15th of May, 1839, the Rev. Lemuel Willis was installed as his successor. Mr. Willis remained with the society till September, 1842. Rev. Horace G. Smith, of Berlin, Conn., the next pastor, was installed May 18, 1843. He remained until February, 1844. Rev. Merritt Sanford was the next pastor. He began his labors January 19, 1845, and remained until the summer of 1848. Rev. Darwin Mott took charge of the society in July, 1848. Installed July 23. He resigned after a pastorate of two years.

In the summer of 1850 the meeting house was enlarged, and re-dedicated August 26. The Rev. Elbridge G. Brooks was next installed as pastor, November, 1850, and remained in charge of the society until October 30, 1859. Rev. Sumner Ellis next took charge of the society March 13, 1860. Installed June 13. He remained until August, 1862.

Rev. Charles Wesley Biddle, of Newark, New Jersey, next took charge of the society December, 1862, and was installed February 5, 1863. Near the close of the year the church was remodeled, and re-dedicated March, 1864.

The corner stone of the Nahant street church was laid May 27, 1872. The church was dedicated September 18, 1873. The dedicatory sermon was preached by the Rev. Elbridge G. Brooks. The cost of the church and site was $140,000. It is one of the finest church structures in New England.

The old church was sold to the East Baptist Society. Both societies' worshipped here until the new church on Nahant street was dedicated.

In January, 1880, Mr. Biddle resigned his charge, and John C. Adams accepted a call from the society.

The Sunday School of this church was organized about 1833. Edwin Thompson was chosen its first superintendent, and held the office about two years. At the present time the Sunday School is the largest in the denomination, numbering upward of seven hundred.

ST. STEPHEN'S CHURCH.

In 1819 a few persons attempted the formation of an Episcopal Church in Lynn. Their meetings were held in the Academy for about two years; most of the time under the pastoral care of the Rev. Asa Eaton, D. D., of Boston. The difficulty in obtaining clerical supplies - and other obstacles - led to a discontinuance of the service. No further attempt to establish the Episcopal Church was made here until 1834. One or two persons of that belief attended church in Salem or Marblehead. This circumstance attracting the attention of parties interested, led to the offer from Bishop Griswold to supply the people here for a time - if a place of meeting could be obtained. The offer was accepted, and a meeting called. In October, 1834, five gentlemen, viz.: Edward S. Davis, John Bowler, Alonzo Lewis, Richard A. Fleming, and James Whittaker, met and resolved themselves into a committee for the purpose of sustaining public worship according to the rites and usages of the Protestant Episcopal Church.

Their first service was held in the First Methodist Church, at which the Rev. William H. Lewis, of Marblehead, officiated; the second at the Town Hall, the Rev. John A. Vaughan, of Salem, officiating; the third at the Lynn Academy - all before the close of 1834. Regular service was begun on the first Sunday in January, 1835, at Liberty Hall, and continued with little interruption to nearly the end of the year, being served by various clergymen, as they could be obtained, when the place of worship was removed to what had been Masonic Hall, which was fitted up for their use.

In January, 1836, the Rev. Milton Ward, M. D., became the first minister, and the church was regularly organized under the name of Christ Church, Lynn, its officers chosen, and a church edifice was erected during the year. It was built on North Common street, nearly opposite Church street. It was consecrated July 20, 1837. In consequence of the burning of Masonic Hall the Church was occupied some weeks before consecration. Mr. Ward remained until March, 1837, when the Rev. George Waters took his place. He remained until October, 1839, and was succeeded by the Rev. F. W. I. Pollard, who resigned after one year's service, William A. White, a candidate for orders, acting as lay reader until 1841, when the difficulty of obtaining a clergyman, and also in securing funds, led the Missionary Association, by whom the clergyman was partly supported, to suspend the services for a time, although the organization was kept up.

Efforts were made to resuscitate the church which were not successful until 1844, when several individuals, who had lately become residents of the town, joining with those who were left of the former church, thought best to reorganize under another name, and from September 20, 1844, this organization has been known as St. Stephen's Church, Lynn. The church edifice built in 1837 was bought by the new organization. The names of the corporators were, Edward S. Davis, William H. Hubbard, Robert Farley, George M. Dexter, Edward D. Peters, Benjamin T. Reed, Edward S. Rand, William Foster Otis, Edward Codman, Robert Appleton and J. C. Brodhead. Services were immediately commenced. The Rev. George D. Wildes was rector from December, 1844, to September, 1845; Rev. Isaac W. Hallam, from February, 1846, to April, 1860; Rev. E. H. True, from June, 1860, to April, 1863; Rev. George S. Paine, from July, 1863: to July, 1864; Rev. Gordon M. Bradley, from January, 1865, to December, 1867; Rev. Benjamin W. Attwell, from April, 1868, to December, 1869; Rev. Edward L. Drown, from July, 1870, to July, 1875, and Rev. Louis DeCormis became rector in January, 1876, who is now in charge.

A new and stately edifice for this church is now in process ef erection, for which the church is indebted to the liberality of Enoch R. Mudge, who builds it as a memorial to his departed children. It will, doubtless, be one of the finest churches in the city.

ST. MARY'S CHURCH.

In the year 1835 the Rev. Mr. Wiley, who was located in Salem, finding that there were some Catholics in Lynn, had them meet together for divine service and instruction at the house of Lawrence Birney - at that time called the Castle - and mass was said for the first time in Lynn at that place. It still stands on the corner of Water Hill and May streets.

From that time mass was said there, or at Michael McMann's, on Boston street, or at Peter Murphy's, on Church street, down to 1845. In those days, as the Catholics were much scattered, and priests very few, divine service and instruction was only monthly, or at such times as would be convenient. Rev. Mr. Wiley was succeeded by Rev. J. Brady, who in turn was succeeded by Rev. J. A. Strain. After him came Rev. Dr. O'Flagherty, who, in 1845, made application for the Town House, which then stood at the head of Blossom street. The selectmen granted the use of the Town Hall free of cost. Benjamin Mudge was the chairman, and the Catholics, to this day, recollect with pride the kindness then shown to them. Rev. Dr. O'Flagherty was followed by Rev. J. Byrnes, Rev. Mr. Kidigan, and Rev. J. O'Brien . Yet all this time - for some thirteen years - no effort was made for the establishment of a church. But this was due to the necessities of other places where Catholics were more numerous, and requirements of churches more needed. It was in the year 1848 that Rev. Charles Smith was appointed to the charge of Chelsea and Lynn. He secured the little school house near the Arcade, by the residence of Mark Healey, and fitted it up for church purposes. He was succeeded in January, 1851, by Rev. P. Strain, the present rector of St. Mary's Church, who, in the year 1854, enlarged the church. This church was burned on the night of the 28th of May, 1859, and was the work of an incendiary. The old Lyceum Hall, which stood on the corner of Summer and Market streets, was then used for Catholic services until the year 1861, at which time the present St. Mary's Church edifice was built. This was the finest church structure in Lynn at that time.

CHRISTIAN CHURCH.

This church was organized November 5, 1835. The first church was built in 1835, on the south side of Silsbee street, next to the railroad bridge. It was occupied but a short time by the society. In 1840 the present church was built - nearly opposite - and dedicated. During the present year (1880) a tower has been added, the structure partially remodeled, and otherwise improved.

The following pastors have served the society: 1835, Philemon R. Russell; 1841, Josiah Knight; 1842, David Knowlton; 1842, Elihu Noyes; 1843, Warren Lincoln; 1851, Nicholas S. Chadwick; 1853, Seth Hinckley; 1854, William Miller; 1860, John Burden; 1862, Joseph Whitney; 1862, John O. Goss to 1869; H. C. Guilford and J. W. Larry, 1869; A. J. Hancock, 1870; J. W. Larry, 1870; Charles T. Camps, 1871; William Haight, 1872; Charles T. Camps, 1873; Mrs. Gustin, 1874. Pulpit supplies for the year ending June, 1876 - D. L. Crafts, 1876; W. W. Williams, 1877, and is now the pastor.

SECOND UNIVERSALIST SOCIETY.

The Second Universalist was organized March 9, 1836. March 26, 1837, Rev. Dunbar B. Harris was chosen to preach every alternate Sabbath. On the 2d of October, 1838, the society was reorganized, and Rev. William H. Taylor chosen to preach for three months. On the 13th of March, 1839, voted to purchase the church (formerly the Old Tunnel) which had been owned and used by the Christian Baptist Society.

In 1869 the church was remodeled and thoroughly repaired. The following is the list of pastors: May 19, 1839, Rev. E. N. Harris chosen pastor; May 3, 1840, Rev. Henry Jewell; December 25, 1842, Rev. John Nichols; July 27, 1845, Rev. O. H. Tillotson; 1848, Rev. John Moore; February 17, 1850, Rev. J. R. Johnson; June 13, 1852, Rev. E. W. Reynolds; April 22, 1855, Rev. Henry Jewell, second time; 1859, Rev. W. P. Payne; March 15, 1863, Rev. N. R. Wright; November 14, 1869, Rev. G. W. Payne; 1873, Rev. E. A. Drew, died October, 1874; March, 1875, Rev. Q. H. Shinn; October, 1877, Rev. Richard Eddy, D. D., chosen "to supply for one year; 1879, Rev. F. M. Houghton engaged to supply, and he has charge of the society at the present time, (1880.)

THIRD BAPTIST SOCIETY - WYOMA.

In the autumn of 1858 the citizens of Wyoma held preliminary meetings for the purpose of forming themselves into a religious society. The organization was legally effected October 27, 1858, with John C. Blaney, Moderator. The name assumed was the Third Baptist Society. The officers were a Moderator, Treasurer, Collector, Assessor and five standing committees. Measures were immediately taken to secure a lot of land upon which to erect a church edifice, and solicit funds for the house. The land was given and deeded to the society by Upton J. Peabody. The house was erected on the north side of Boston street, a few rods east of the square, and dedicated in 1860. Great credit is due to the late J. C. Bacheller for the liberal support which he gave to this enterprise. He contributed largely to its funds, and while a resident of Wyoma manifested a commendable interest in its prosperity.

The Sunday School was organized and sustained as a mission interest, largely through the efficient labors of John C. Blaney. In 1859 it was united to the Salem Baptist Sunday School Convention.

The church was organized June 18, 1861, under the auspices of Rev. W. C. Richards, then pastor of the First Baptist Church, of Lynn, with eight constituent members who were dismissed from the First Church. The church was publicly recognized as a Baptist church by ten Baptist churches of the Salem, Association, December 27, 1861.

The following pastors have served the church: Rev. C. H. Cole, 1861 to 1864; Rev. J. P. Farrar, 1865 to 1867; Rev. W. P. Elsdon, 1868 to 1869; Rev. C. H. Cole, 1870 to 1874; Rev. C. C. Burroughs, 1874 to 1876. Since the last date the church has been served by supplies.

THE CENTRAL CHURCH.

A small beginning of the religious work out of which the Central Church ultimately grew, was made as early as the year 1847, when a Sabbath School, numbering about a dozen scholars, was gathered in a private school room connected with the residence of the late Isaiah Breed, on Broad street. This little Sunday School, soon outgrowing their accommodations, was moved, first to the Friends' school house on Silsbee street, then to a school house on Newhall street, which had been formerly a railroad depot, and finally back to Silsbee street, to the old Freewill Baptist Chapel. This Sunday School was the original nucleus around which the Central Church and society were formed. In conjunction with the Sabbath School, occasional preaching services were held in the evening. Parsons Cooke, of the First Church, generally officiating.

For the better accommodation of the growing numbers that came to these services, the old chapel, above referred to, was purchased in the Spring of 1849 of the society of Freewill Baptists, then about disbanding, moved on to the ground where the present church edifice stands, and fitted up for a place of worship. The Sabbath School and the congregation so rapidly increased that in the autumn of 1849 it was thought best that some one should be permanently employed to serve as pastor. Rev. A. R. Baker, of West Needham, now Wellesley, was engaged for three months, with a view to determining whether a permanent ministry could be sustained. The chapel was soon found to be too small for the people who attended there; and the project of building a larger and more suitable place of worship was at once begun.

The Society was organized under the name of the Central Congregational Society on the 13th of May, 1850, by the choice of Oliver B. Coolidge as clerk, and a Parish committee consisting of Isaiah Breed, Joshua Patch, Samuel M. Bubier, William Boynton, James Patch, J. E. F. Marsh, Bartlett B. Breed and Edwin Patch. Isaiah Breed gave the lot on Silsbee street, the present site of the church. Mr. Breed also gave generously for the erection of the building, as did also Samuel M. Bubier. Joined with these were Joshua Patch, William Boynton, and others.

Through their energy and liberality an elegant structure of wood was erected, and dedicated December 11, 1850. The cost, including the furnishing, was about $14,000.

On the day of dedication the Central Church was formally organized by an Ecclesiastical Council convoked for the purpose, and Rev. A. R. Baker took charge of the society.

Thirty-six persons, according to the church record, constituted the original church. Mr. Baker, who was not formally installed until a year later, remained pastor until August 15, 1854. His successor was Rev. J. B. Sewall, who was installed February 28, 1855. Mr. Sewall's ministry with the church continued until the close of 1864, when, having been elected Professor of Ancient Languages in Bowdoin College, he resigned.

Near the close of his pastorate it was found necessary to enlarge and partially rebuild the church - which was done at such a liberal expense ($18,000) that it was made one of the most tasteful, commodious and attractive churches in the city. It was re-dedicated in the Fall of 1864. The sermon was preached by its retiring pastor. Mr. Sewall was succeeded, with only a brief interval, by Rev. A. H. Currier, installed May 17, 1865. Mr. Currier had been settled over the Society but little more than a year, when the church edifice was destroyed by fire, September 9, 1866. The Society set at once upon the work of rebuilding, and by the energy and munificence of its members the present structure of brick and stone, surpassing the one lost in size and convenience, was completed at a cost of upward of $40,000, and dedicated June 17, 1868. Mr. Currier is still the pastor of this church.

BOSTON STREET M. E. CHURCH.

The beginning of the movement to establish this society was in 1850, James Pool, Jr., being chief among the leaders in this work. It was finally decided to build a church on Boston street, and in 1852 a lot was purchased.

The new society was organized May 20, 1853. Loranus Crowell was the first pastor. The original members were from the First Methodist and South Street churches.

In the spring of 1853 the church was begun and completed, and on the 9th of June it was dedicated, the sermon being preached by Rev. Miner Raymond.

A Sunday School was at once organized, with James Pool, Jr., as Superintendent. Soon after an organ was bought, and a parsonage secured. In 1859 an addition of twenty feet was made to the church; and in 1870 other alterations, making room for the organ in the rear.

The following is the list of pastors: Loranus Crowell, 1853; Isaac S. Cushman, 1854-5; E. A. Manning, 1856-7; H. E. Hempstead, 1858-9; Aaron D. Sargeant, 1860-1 ; C. L. McCurdy, 1862 ; A. F. Herrick, 1863-4; Frederick Woods, 1865-6-7; no settled pastor in 1868 ; John W. Lindsay, 1869-70-1; George Whitaker, 1872; Angelo Canoll, 1873-4; Charles S. Rogers, 1875-6-7; Charles N. Smith, 1878-9-80.

THE MAPLE STREET METHODIST SOCIETY.

Organized on the first Sunday in March, 1851, by Amos Benney, Presiding Elder of the Charlestown district. Religious services, in connection with a Sunday School, had, however, been held in the neighborhood since 1829. In the latter part of the year 1850 the building now known as the "Old Chapel" was purchased of the New Central Congregational Society, then worshipping in Silsbee street, and removed to Maple street, being drawn by oxen through Union and Chestnut streets, to its present location.

As this little chapel has a "history" as serving the need of several religious societies in the day of small things, and as it has traveled more miles, and presented its front more ways than any building known among us, a brief sketch of its checkered experiences is here given.

The first use of this building was as a pottery establishment in South Danvers. It was subsequently bought by the South Danvers Methodist Society, and used by them till they purchased the old Congregational house of worship, when the Freewill Baptist Society of this city bought it and removed it to Lynn, to the corner of Summer and Pleasant streets. This society finally vacated it, when the New Central Orthodox Society obtained it. Under the auspices of the Maple Street Society the house was opened for public services December 27, 1850, the sermon being preached by the Rev. John W. Lindsay.

In the month of October following , it was found necessary to enlarge the edifice to accommodate the people. This was done by opening the building at the ridge-pole and widening as well as lengthening it, thereby doubling its seating capacity, and affording sittings for two hundred and fifty people. In this form it was occupied till the completion of the vestry of the new edifice in 1872. This old chapel was bought by the society for $400, and the site it occupies was obtained for $18, one-third of its value, the other two-thirds being given by Mrs. Betsey Batchelder, of Marblehead.

The new church, located on the corner of Chestnut and Maple streets, was begun in the spring of 1871, and was dedicated February 15, 1872. It has sittings for one thousand, including both vestries, and cost some $27,000. The main auditorium will seat six hundred persons.

The following pastors have served the society: 1851, Mark Staples; 1852, Daniel Richards; 1854, Abraham D. Merrill; 1856, Howard C. Dunham; 1858, Oliver S. Howe; 1859, Jarvis A. Ames; 1861, Abraham M. Osgood; 1863, John S. Day; 1865, Nathan D. George; 1866-7, Ichabod Marcy; 1869, Franklin G. Morris; 1870-1-2, John A. Lansing; 1873-4, Albert Gould; 1875-6, Garrett C. Beekman; 1877, Loranus Crowell; 1878-9-80, Edward A. Manning, the present incumbent.

THE WASHINGTON STREET BAPTIST CHURCH.

The rapid increase of population in the eastern part of the city was thought to necessitate the formation of a new Baptist Society for the better accommodation of those in that section. Accordingly preaching was begun and a Sunday School was established in 1851, in Union Hall, a small hall over a grocery store on Union street. "Seven brethren," the clerk notes in his record, " agreed to support, with what aid they could obtain from others, a Baptist meeting in this part of the city." These seven were, Amos Lewis, Amos Austin, George K. Pevear, Thomas Roberts, J. C. Blaney, Henry A. Pevear and C. A. York. These seven persons afterward constituted the legal organization of the Second Baptist Society of Lynn.

In October, 1852, Rev. J. H. Tilton was invited to become the pastor. In 1854 a council, duly convened, recognized thirty-nine persons, seven men and thirty-two women, as the Second Baptist Church of Lynn. In 1858 the church on High street was built, and on the 7th of October of the same year the church was dedicated. Rev. Alfred Owen was installed as pastor on the evening of the same day. Mr. Owen resigned his pastorate January, 1867, and in May, Rev. J. S. Holmes accepted a call of the church, and was ordained June 18. During his ministry a Sunday School was organized in Swampscott, and in 1872 fifteen withdrew to form the Baptist church in that town. In the same year a Mission School was organized in Providence Hall, Ward Three, and prayer meetings and preaching services were held. The church on High street, having outgrown its accommodations, the fine edifice on the corner of Washington and Essex streets was begun in 1873, and dedicated June, 1874. While the new church was in course of erection ninety members withdrew to form the East Baptist Church, and most of the Providence Hall school, numbering one hundred and fifty teachers and scholars, joined the Sunday School of the new society. The church from this time was known as the Washington Street Baptist Church. In May, 1874, Mr. Holmes closed his pastorate, and in February, 1875, Rev. D. W. Faunce accepted the call of the church, and is now its pastor.

CHESTNUT STREET CHURCH.

This society was organized February 16, 1857. Its first meetings were held in Brimblecom Hall, corner of Lewis and Breed streets. The Rev. Daniel L. Gear was the first minister. The church was built in 1857, and dedicated January 1, 1858. Mr. Gear remained till 1860, and was succeeded by the Rev. John Moore, who was pastor until 1864. He was followed by Edwin Smith, who remained till 1870. Webster Patterson was the next pastor. He remained until his death, in 1874. Willard A. Spaulding was the next pastor, serving until 1879. John T. Blades took charge of the society June, 1879, and is still the pastor.

THE NORTH CHURCH.

This church was organized by seventy-four members from the First Church, Lynn, May 6, 1869, and a call extended to Rev. James M. Whiton on the 18th. After occupying temporary places of worship for awhile, the society built the present church on Laighton street. Its dimensions are forty-five feet by eighty. It was dedicated January 15, 1871. Mr. Whiton was installed the first pastor February 13, 1872. His pastorate closed March 14, 1875. James L. Hill was Mr. Whiton's successor. He began his labors in June, 1875, and is still (1880) the pastor.

FREEWILL BAPTIST CHURCH.

The Union Street Freewill Baptist Church was organized September 7, 1871, with thirty-two members. Rev. J. Burnham Davis was installed as pastor on the 8th, and after about one year of successful ministry resigned and went to another field. In April, 1874, Rev. A. J. Kirkland was elected pastor, and satisfactorily served the church till his resignation in September, 1875. In February, 1876, Rev. H. S. Kimball was called to the pastorate, but at the expiration of a year resigned on account of ill health. The present pastor, Rev. A. P. Tracy, came to the church July 1, 1877.

In 1876 the society sold its house of worship on Union street, and in 1877 purchased that on High street. There they began to worship in June, 1877. Before taking full possession of the property, the church was re-organized, becoming a corporate body, under the name of High Street Freewill Baptist Church. Forty-one have been added to the church since July 1, 1877, and its present number is one hundred and thirty-one. It has a growing congregation, and a Sabbath School numbering over two hundred.

THE EAST OR FOURTH BAPTIST SOCIETY.

This church was organized April 21, 1874, at which time seventy-five persons presented letters of dismission and recommendation, sixty-four of whom were from the High Street Church, Lynn. A call was extended to the Rev. John S. Holmes to become their pastor. The name of the church, and the church covenant, were adopted April 24, The first public service was held April 26. The Sabbath School was organized at the close of this service, with an attendance of sixty-six.

On the 5th of May, 1874, it was voted to call a council of the churches comprising the Salem Baptist Association, together with the Baptist churches in West Bridgewater and South Boston, for the purpose of recognizing the society as an independent Baptist church, and on the 14th of May the council met and passed the vote of recognition, and on the 19th the public service of recognition took place, the Rev. Wayland Hoyt preaching the sermon. On the 5th of July Rev. John S. Holmes accepted the call extended to him, and entered upon the duties of pastor.

On the 11th of October it was voted to purchase the church property of the Free Baptist Society on Union street, conditionally, and on the 1st of November, 1875, it was voted to purchase the property at a cost of $18,000.

On the 7th of July, 1875, Mr. Holmes resigned his charge. On the 11th of August, 1878, Rev. Henry Hinckley, of Cambridgeport, accepted a call of the society, and is still (1880) the pastor.

TRINITY METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

This church was organized May 7, 1871, under the labors of Rev. Alonzo Sanderson, who was appointed to the then "Tower Hill Mission" by Bishop Wiley, at the session of the New England Conference held in Lynn that year. Previous to this time this field was occupied by the First Congregational Society as a mission, chiefly under the care of Rev. Mr. Holmes. The society held its first meetings in the little chapel - near the site of the present church - before occupied by the "Mission" society.

During the first year of Mr. Sanderson's pastorate the society began to build the present church near the corner of Boston and Ashland streets. It was dedicated February, 1874. Mr. Sanderson is still the pastor, after an unusual service of nearly seven years.

The church has a membership of over one hundred, and a Sunday School of over one hundred and fifty.

ST. JOSEPH'S CHURCH.

St. Joseph's Church, Union street, was built in 1875. The Parish having been formed in June, 1874, and Rev. J. C. Harrington appointed pastor. The census of this Parish showed that there were two thousand five hundred Catholics within this district, including those in Swampscott. Divine services were first conducted in the Christian church on Silsbee street. The corner stone of the new church was laid July 4, 1875, and services were held in the vestry on the following Christmas.

The church, when finished, will be one of the finest in the city. It is seventy-four by one hundred and forty-six feet, with a seating capacity of nine hundred in the basement, and one thousand two hundred in the auditorium of the church. It was designed by James Murphy, of Providence, R.I. The style is Gothic, with grained ceiling, and will cost $75,000 when finished. There are six hundred children attending the Sunday School, directed by a Superintendent, Secretary and seventy teachers, with six hundred volumes in the Sunday School library.

St. Joseph's Cemetery, Wyoma, belongs to this church, and was consecrated October 16th, by Archbishop Williams, assisted by several clergymen.

THE AFRICAN M. E. CHURCH.

This church was organized in 1856, and their house - on Mailey street - was built in 1857. The following is the list of pastors: Joseph P. Turner, 1857; Ebenezer Williams, 1858 ; Edward B. Davis, 1860; William Chase, 1861; John Brown, 1864; Daniel Mason, 1865; Joseph S. Smith, 1866; William W. Johnson, 1868; John T. Hayslett, 1869; William J. Laws, 1871 ; James H. Madison, 1873; Stephen V. Douglass, 1875; Perry L. Stanford, 1877; Horace Talbot, 1879.