History of Pawtucket, Rhode Island

pp. 224 - 232.

PAWTUCKET. [continued]

Religion.
Every thoughtful man at once recognizes the power of religious convictions, and the influence its institutions wield for the public good, as well as private advancement. The prosperity and welfare of every town depends, to a greater or less extent, upon the character and integrity of its citizens, and the moral influences of its religious institutions. Integrity, high moral principle, the practice of true religious virtues are the safeguards of all national as well as municipal government, and constitute the mightiest conservative power in any community.

First Baptist Society.
This society was formerly known as the Catholic Baptist Society, when, in June, 1841, it received authority from the General Assembly of the State to change its name to the First Baptist Society. This is the first organization of this character established in the town, and had its birth near the close of the last century. The inhabitants of the hamlets upon either side of the river, early felt the necessity of some permanent religious organization, and to better facilitate their object, steps were taken toward the erection of a suitable place of worship. The citizens of the two hamlets met in joint meeting, and the following record appears: 'At a meeting of the principal inhabitants of Pawtucket, for the purpose of meditating on the ways and means for building a meeting-house, holden on the twenty-sixth day of November, 1792, at the dwelling-house of Samuel Healey, Captain Stephen Jencks is chosen Moderator, and Esek Esten chosen Clerk.

'It is voted that Nathaniel Croade, Esek Esten, and Jerathmeel Jencks, be and are hereby appointed to inquire and find out where the most suitable lot of land can be obtained, with ways and avenues thereunto, to build a meeting-house on, with the price thereof, and also to procure a subscription paper in the most proper form for the purpose; and make report to our next meeting.'

At a subsequent meeting the committee made their report, and a lot on Samuel Healey's land was reported as the 'most eligible'. The report further says, 'that we, the committee, have bounded out said lot nine rods square, and the price is fifty dollars.' This, at once, served as a bone of contention, as many thought it to be an exorbitant price, and a lengthy and animated discussion was held upon the subject that threatened serious results. At length, Nicholas Brown, always a public-spirited man, arose, and suddenly put a check to the discussion, by offering to pay for the lot out of his own personal means. A site having been procured, a subscription was started to raise the means for the building of an appropriate house of worship. The money was readily raised, and the committee having the matter in charge, were authorized to erect a building, '45 x 36, with twenty-two foot posts.'

An act of incorporation was petitioned for in March, 1793, and granted. The officers of this society for some years were: Stephen Jencks, Moderator; Jerathmeel Jencks, Treasurer, and Stephen Jencks, Jr., Clerk. The church was, after many delays, completed, and dedicated with appropriate ceremonies. The site upon which stood this humble structure has long been occupied by a Baptist temple of worship. As the society increased, the original structure was found inadequate for their accommodation, and it gave place to a more pretentious and commodious edifice. Among its early pastors were Rev. Joshua Bradley, Rev. Mr. Messer, and Rev. David Benedict, who settled in 1804. He was a young graduate from college, but his youthful labors were but the prelude to his future activity and success in the ministry. At this time, no formal Baptist church existed in Pawtucket. But Mr. Benedict, seeing an increasing feeling in religious matters, resolved to organize a church, and met with satisfactory encouragement in his undertaking. In August, 1805, thirty-nine persons united in a church organization, and, in the following year, Mr. Benedict was ordained pastor. The ordination-sermon was preached by Dr. Gano, M. D., of Providence. Mr. Benedict remained for many years the sole pastor in Pawtucket. He was a man of more than ordinary ability, active and energetic in all public enterprises, and it may be properly said of him that his works form the connecting link between the past and present of Pawtucket. His successors have been Rev. Mr. Phillips, Rev. John Blain, Rev. Silas Spaulding, Rev. S. Bradford. During the pastorate of the latter, about forty members withdrew by letter, and organized the Central Falls Baptist Church, a history of which will be found among the church organizations of Lincoln. Mr. Bradford, through failing health, resigned, and was succeeded after ten years - during which time the church was without a settled pastor - by Edward Savage. Rev. Joseph Barnard succeeded him, and remained until 1861. On the 13th of August, 1863, Rev. Charles E. Smith was ordained as the eighth pastor. After a pastorate of two years, he resigned, and was succeeded by Rev. George Bullen, who is the present incumbent.

The society has a Sabbath school connected with this church, under the management of a competent superintendent and an efficient corps of teachers. It also erected a chapel, and organized a Sunday school at Fair Mount, and a commendable degree of success has attended this field of Christian labor. The church and society, under the present pastorate, are in a flourishing condition, and the mutual prosperity of pastor and people will ensure a successful future.

St. Paul's Church.
The Catholic Baptist Society remained for many years the only religious organization in Pawtucket. In 1814, however, the Episcopalians began to hold service. A few of the early inhabitants, cherishing a regard for this form of worship, extended an invitation to Rev. Mr. Crocker of St. John's Church, Providence, to hold evening services in Pawtucket. This was the prelude of the establishment of regular services. Rev. J. L. Blake began to hold regular meetings in the following June, and although the congregations were small at first, they continued to persevere, and, gradually increasing in numbers, on the 22d of December, 1815, a parish was organized, and appropriate officers appointed. A site for the erection of a house of worship was kindly donated by the sons of Oziel Wilkinson, an early settler in Pawtucket. The church was not built until some two years afterwards, and occupies the original site on Church Street. The church was consecrated on the 17th of October, the services being conducted by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Griswold, assisted by three other clergymen. The society was thus placed upon a permanent foundation, and Mr. Blake remained rector for two years longer, or until 1820, when he resigned, and was succeeded by Rev. George Taft. Mr. Taft remained for the long space of forty years in the pastoral charge of the parish, a fact that demonstrates not only his great abilities, but the esteem in which he was held by his parishioners.

In 1844, Rev. James D'Wolf Perry was appointed associate-rector, and remained about two years, when he removed to Germantown, Pa. The Rev. E. H. Randall succeeded him. The long and continuous services of Rev. Dr. Taft closed with his death, which occurred on the 11th of December, 1869, in the 79th year of his age. Rev. Mr. Randall, the associate-rector, soon retired to another field of labor, and was succeeded by the Rev. E. H. Porter, who officiates as rector at the present time. This church has a large Sabbath school, and much interest is manifested upon the part of the pupils and teachers.

First Congregational Church.
A charter was granted in 1828 by the Legislature of Massachusetts for the organization of the above society. Those citizens desiring to associate themselves with this organization, met on the 3d of March, in the above year, at the house of one Elijah Ingraham, and an organization was effected. Soon after, they passed the following vote; viz., 'That this society agree to buy the lot of land owned by the Hon. Oliver Starkweather at the junction of the turnpike and old road, for fifteen hundred dollars, for which sum he has agreed to convey to the society.' A suitable location having been secured, a house of worship was erected, and consecrated for divine service on the 12th of February, 1829. The dedication sermon was preached by the Rev. Samuel Greene of Boston. The parish was now ready for a pastor, and an invitation being extended to the Rev. Asa T. Hopkins, and accepted by that gentleman, he was ordained pastor on the 17th of April, 1829. His pastorate, extending over a period of but three years, was marked by a degree of success alike honorable to himself and beneficial to the society. He was succeeded by Rev. Barnabas Phinney, who was installed pastor in January, 1833, and continued until 1836.

Rev. Constantine Blodgett succeeded him, and entered upon his official duties in July, 1836. Both people and pastor were zealous in their labors for the upbuilding of the church and society, and their efforts were rewarded with a rapid increase in members. In 1845, a desire was manifested for the establishment of a church at Central Falls, and about forty members withdrew from the present church and organized a society at the Falls. Their places were soon filled by incoming members, and they gradually increased until more room was required for the convenience of the congregation. In 1854, the house was enlarged and improved. About the year 1864 the edifice took fire and was entirely consumed. The congregation occupied the Masonic Temple on Mill Street, during the erection of their new church building. The edifice was completed and duly consecrated on the 27th of February, 1868. Dr. Blodgett continued his pastoral charge of the church until the 1st of July, 1871, when he resigned, after a service of thirty-five years. His parish, in recognition of his faithful services, voted that he should continue his pastoral relation, under the designation of 'Retired Pastor'. Rev. J. J. Woolley succeeded him, and is at present the officiating pastor. This church has a flourishing Sabbath school and wields a beneficial influence in the community.

First Methodist Episcopal Church.
The early efforts to establish a parish of this denomination were marked by many trials and privations, and not until a comparatively later date were they crowned with a great degree of success. As early as 1813 to 1822, preachers from Providence were accustomed to hold meetings at different places in the town to discourse upon the riches of salvation and the general truths of the gospel. Some spirit of interest was awakened and many gathered to listen to the exhortations of these venerable disciples of the Lord. From 1822 to 1827 Pawtucket was under the charge of the Mansfield Circuit and shared in the labors of its preachers. In the last named year, Rev. O. Robbins was placed in charge, Pawtucket having been set off as a separate preaching station. The old, dilapidated red school building served as a place of worship, and many inconveniences were experienced.

In 1828, Rev. Israel Washburn preached here and was succeeded by Rev. James Porter. At this time the society was struggling for existence and the pay of these pioneer preachers was limited indeed. But they inscribed upon their banner the motto 'Perseverentia vincet omnia', and in 1830 a meeting-house was erected, located near where the Methodist Church now stands. Rev. Francis Dane was installed pastor in 1832 and was succeeded by Rev. H. Cummings, Rev. Reuben Bowen, and Rev. Samuel Beadle. In 1840, Rev. Mr. Beadle resigned, and the church was left without a pastor, although class-meetings were kept up. Rev. W. H. Woodbury succeeded to the pastorate, followed by Rev. R. M. Hatfield. During his charge the society increased in numbers and the congregation outgrew the old edifice, and a new house of worship was erected. He was succeeded by a large number of active and faithful pastors, under whose charge the society has prospered, and ranks to-day among the leading religious organizations of the town. The church edifice was repaired and enlarged in 1858 or 1859, at an expense of some $7,000. A fine parsonage was erected about the year 1867, located on Dexter Street, and cost some $5,000. About this time steps were taken to organize a separate and distinct parish at Central Falls. A church was also organized in the western part of the town and a house of worship erected near Mineral Spring Cemetery, known as the 'Thompson Methodist Church'. The present pastor of the First M. E. Church of Pawtucket is Rev. E. F. Jones. An interesting Sabbath school is connected with the society and conducted with success, under the management of a faithful superintendent and accomplished teachers.

Universalist Church.
This society, like many others, in its inception experienced many struggles and trials, and much preliminary work was done before any organization was effected. Those pioneers of Universalism, Rev. David Pickering, Rev. Hosea Ballou, Rev. Thomas Whittemore, and others, preached, from time to time, in various places in the town, and a deep interest was awakened in this new gospel truth of the 'Fatherhood of God, and the brotherhood of men'. Meetings were held in the old red school-house, and sometimes at the Catholic Baptist church, and many gathered to listen to the teachings of these venerable pastors, and to welcome the 'glad tidings of great joy'. In 1827, the First Universalist Society was organized and incorporated in North Providence. Soon they erected a fine spacious edifice upon the site now occupied by the high school building.

The Rev. Mr. Frieze was installed pastor, and served in an acceptable manner until the panic, in 1829, when business reverses crippled many of his members, and the removal of some others from the town effectually sealed its destiny for the time being. The church building was sold, and the society became nearly extinct. Years passed, and no attempts were made to reorganize the society. But the faith so dear to many a heart, was not altogether extinguished, and it required but little exertion to fan the smouldering spark into a living flame. Reverses and trials often arose the spirit of perseverance, and urge on to renewed exertions. As time wore on, the desire for a new organization began to manifest itself, and efforts were put forth to secure another religious home. Soon an organization was formed, and meetings were held in the winter of 1840-41, in what was known as 'Free Hall'. The Rev. John N. Parker was called to the pastoral charge of this new society, and remained until 1844. In the spring of 1842, a house of worship was completed and dedicated with appropriate ceremonies. Mr. Parker was succeeded by Rev. J. S. Berry, who remained but a single year. At the expiration of his services, Rev. Calvin Damon succeeded to the pastorate, and remained in this official capacity until 1852. He was succeeded by Rev. A. R. Abbott, who was a gentleman of marked ability, and commanded the respect and esteem of all who knew him. After his resignation, Rev. J. H. Campbell became pastor, and remained until 1856.

Rev. Massena Goodrich, to whose centennial history of the town of Pawtucket we are indebted for a large portion of the historical facts connected with the rise, growth, and progress of its varied interests, succeeded to the pastorate in April, 1857. He found the society in rather a disordered condition, although it had a church organization. He immediately resorted to means for the gathering of a new church, established conference-meetings, and employed many other agencies best adapted for the promotion of a true religious growth. In 1860, he was called to a professorship in the Universalist Theological Institute at Canton, St. Lawrence County, N. Y. He was succeeded by Rev. J. H. Farnsworth, who remained but a single year. In 1862, Mr. Goodrich was invited to return and take the pastoral charge of the society and church, which he accepted in the fall of the above year, serving in that capacity until February, 1875. In 1869, a fine and commodious temple of worship was erected on High Street, and formally dedicated on the 30th of January following. This edifice remained an ornament to the place, and a monument to the untiring perseverance of those prominent in its construction, until 1869, when it was nearly ruined by the terrific tornado that passed over the land in September of the above year. The building was repaired at a cost of about $8,000, and the burden of the expense was borne by a few of its most liberal members, as the extreme depression of the times had crippled many with business embarrassments. Mr. Goodrich was succeeded by the present pastor, Rev. H. A. Philbrook, who is active and energetic in all measures for the promoting of the best interests of the society and church. It is comparatively but a few years ago when the intolerance and bigotry of thousands were adverse to this faith in the ultimate harmony and happiness of all mankind, and would no sooner tolerate a believer in 'Universal Good', than they would extend the hand of fellowship to the Turk of Hindoo [sic]. But a wise advancement has been made in religious thought, and, to-day, the tendency of the age is toward a more liberal sentiment, and the practice of a broader charity.

Second Baptist Church.
In 1838, this society came into possession of the church edifice built by the First Universalist Society in North Providence, and, having extended a call to Rev. E. K. Fuller, that gentleman accepted, and, on the 11th of April of the same year, was ordained pastor. Mr. Fuller served until the close of 1840. From this time to 1845, political dissensions swept over the State, and the religious interests were affected more of less by these convulsions. In 1845, Rev. Daniel Round became pastor, and remained until 1850. He was succeeded by Mr. Warren Randolph of Brown University. He subsequently completed his studies, and was ordained pastor over this society. He, however, was called to a pastorate in Providence, and resigned in 1852. The society was thus unprovided for until 1854, when Rev. Arthur A. Ross succeeded to the pastorate. The society was subsequently under the charge of various pastors, all of whom labored for the prosperity and welfare of the society and church.

In 1868, an unforeseen calamity visited the society, and on the 25th of January of that year, this church was destroyed by fire. A new church building was erected, which occasioned a pecuniary burden too heavy to be borne by the feeble society. Struggling against these adverse circumstances, the society was at last compelled to relinquish their church, which was purchased by the town, and converted into the present high school building. They still keep up their organization, holding their meetings in the Masonic Temple on Mill Street. A majority of their preachers are furnished from Brown University, and the society, cherishing an unabated zeal in their faith, are still struggling with the decrees of fate, and praying for brighter days.

Trinity Episcopal Church.
The success attending the organization and subsequent growth of St. Paul's Church, awakened a desire for the formation of another Episcopal society, on the east side of the river. Hence, in 1845, a house of worship was erected upon Main Street, and Rev. James C. Richmond was first rector. He was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Mulcahy. In 1851, the church was re-organized, and since that time has worked in harmony with the denomination with which it is connected. Rev. George F. Cushman discharged the pastoral duties for a few years, and was succeeded by Rev. Julius S. Townsend, who remained for about six years. In 1859, Rev. John M. Peck was assigned the pastoral care of the parish. In 1860, Rev. Edward De Zeng took charge of the society, and remained but a year, when he was succeeded by the Rev. George Brown, who remained as rector from 1862 to 1867. Rev. S. O. Seymore took charge of the parish in 1868, and remained until 1874. In December, of the last mentioned year, Rev. Samuel R. Fuller officiated as rector. He served acceptably until July 1, 1877, when he resigned, and was succeeded by the present rector, Rev. W. P. Tucker. A Sabbath school is connected with this church, and a commendable degree of pride is felt in its prosperity.

Society of Friends.
Members of this denomination, or sect, were numerous in the early history of New England, and embraced in their membership many of the most prominent settlers, and retained for a series of years an important rank among the religious denominations of the day. They have, however, gradually decreased in numbers, and in many localities have become extinct as a religious organization. They, like all other religious bodies, have had their trials and dissensions, and some years ago became divided in opinion upon subjects of faith and church government. The two divisions are designated as the larger and smaller branch. A church was erected by this latter branch some years ago, on what was then called Jencks Street, but it is now known as East Avenue. Here they and their successors have met twice a week for worship, and monthly meetings are also held here by their brethren from other parts of the State.

The Rhode Island yearly meeting embraces all the Friends of New England. They are a plain, unassuming people, adverse to many of the more modern customs of society, and regard all wars, foreign and domestic, as against divine authority, and at variance with the true principles of Christianity, and the universal brotherhood of the race.

Free Baptist Church.
A Baptist church was organized on the east side of the river, in the year 1820. Rev. Mr. Greene was confirmed pastor, and the society worshipped in a temple located on School Street. In 1836, the church came into vital connection with the Free Baptist denomination. Rev. A. D. Williams succeeded to the pastoral charge of the society in 1850, and remained until 1856. Mr. Dow, Rev. Mr. Church, and Rev. Mr. Hyatt, followed in successive pastorates, and labored with an unusual degree of earnestness in promoting the varied interests of the society and church. In 1872, Rev. David Boyd was called to preside over the interests of the parish, and his pastorate was marked by much energy and industry.

In 1877, a division took place, and Mr. Boyd, with about forty members, withdrew from the present society, and organized the Second Baptist Church of Pawtucket. This organization was effected on April 12 of the above year, with the following officers: viz., Pastor, Rev. David Boyd; Deacons, Henry Mathews, and Mason M. Bagley; Clerk, Lewis J. Matteson; Treasurer, Stephen Whitaker. The church has admitted four new members, and holds meetings in the old hotel building, at the corner of Mill and Main streets. On Sept. 11, 1877, they were received in the Rhode Island and Massachusetts Christian Conference; and in consequence, the name of the society was changed from the Second Baptist Church, to the First Christian Church in Pawtucket. It has a Sabbath school of eighty members, and the mutual co-operation of pastor and members is only required, to insure prosperity and success in this new field of labor. The Free Baptist Sabbath School was founded in 1827, by Captain N. G. B. Dexter, now deceased, who donated twenty dollars for the purchase of books for its library.

Church of the Good Shepherd.
In November, 1868, a Sabbath school was started in the Atlantic Engine Hall, by the rector of Trinity Church, and a few of his parishioners. Success attended their efforts, and in February of the following year, they began to hold evening meetings in the hall, which were well attended, and much interest was manifested in the enterprise. Mr. Seymore, the rector, continued to labor in the work of establishing a church and society until 1872, when he was succeeded by Rev. G. Coggeshall, who remained until 1874. The need for a suitable place of worship became apparent, and measures were taken for the erection of a church building.

In March, 1872, the corner-stone of the present fine and commodious edifice was laid with appropriate ceremonies. The building was completed and services held on Sunday, June 23, 1872. Rev. Benjamin Eastwood took the pastoral charge of this new church, assisted by several from the Trinity Parish. The new parish continually grew in favor, and increased in numbers, and, in 1874, the temple was improved, and enlarged to double the original capacity. The society and church are in a prosperous and flourishing condition, and destined to a successful future.

New Jerusalem Church.
In 1840, this society began its record by several families meeting at the house of James Lord, and engaging in divine worship. Some years passed, and the society having increased in numbers and wealth, resolved to erect a house of worship. Consequently, in 1854, a meeting was called to take into consideration the propriety of such an enterprise. At this meeting, Mr. Clark Sherman was appointed a committee of one to take charge of the building of a suitable temple of worship, which was completed and dedicated on the fifth of October, 1854. Regular services have been held ever since, although there has been no settled pastor for a greater portion of the time. Rev. E. C. Mitchell officiated in that capacity from October, 1865, to October, 1866. In the absence of a regular pastor, the services are conducted by some member appointed for the purpose. A clergyman officiates quarterly in administering the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. A fine growing Sabbath school is connected with the church. Their temple of worship is located on Elm Street, and the society numbers a membership of about thirty.

Pleasant View Baptist Chapel.
This chapel was erected upon a site donated by Messrs. Greene & Daniels, and for the accommodation of a Sabbath school that had been instituted through the missionary labors of the 'Central Falls Baptist Church'. It is a plain, unpretentious edifice, and well arranged for the accommodation of the school. It cost some $2,000, and was dedicated April 5, 1876. The growing interest in the enterprise, and increasing membership, will, doubtless, necessitate the enlargement of the present chapel or the erection of a new house of worship.

Church of the Immaculate Conception.
A brief sketch of the early labors in the Catholic community of Pawtucket, may be of interest to many, and quite appropriate in this connection, as the foundation of the above church was laid in the early efforts of a few zealous and earnest laborers in the Catholic cause. As early as 1813, a few believers in this faith were found in Providence, and their spiritual welfare was thus early administered to by the celebrated Dr. Chevereaux and Dr. Matignon, who visited them and celebrated mass.

In 1828, the diocese of Rhode Island was included in that of Boston, under the charge of Rt. Rev. Dr. Fenwick. He appointed, in the above year, Rev. Father Woodley, as the first resident priest in this State, to minister to the Catholics of Pawtucket and Providence. David Wilkinson gave to the Catholics a piece of land, on which to build a place for worship. This was the second Catholic church built in Rhode Island, one having been built in Newport the previous year. Father Woodley was succeeded by Father Corry in 1830, and he by Father Conelley in 1835. Revs. Father Lee and Father McNamee took his place, when, in 1844, the Rt. Rev. Dr. Tyler was consecrated bishop of the new diocese of Hartford, which comprised the States of Rhode Island and Connecticut. Rev. James Fitton then succeeded to the pastorate at Pawtucket, and remained one year. Father Imus officiated for two or three years, and built the first parochial residence in Pawtucket.

In 1847, Rev. Joseph McNamee took his residence in Pawtucket, and labored with much zeal and earnestness in promoting all the varied interests of the church and society. He was a very warm advocate of the temperance reform, and it is said that his zeal in the cause led him to refuse the administration of the sacrament to any of his parishioners who were engaged in the liquor traffic. He died on March 28, 1853. His successor was Rev. Father P. G. Delany, the present pastor. At this time, Valley Falls, Attleborough, and Ashton, had Catholic congregations, and these, together with Pawtucket, were under the pastoral charge of Father Delany. He was the means of forming a new church at Attleborough, and, in 1856, at his request, another priest was appointed to the pastoral charge. Valley Falls, soon after, had a church, and was assigned to another pastor. Thus Father Delany was relieved of a great responsibility, and his attention became centered in his charge at Pawtucket. The old church in Pawtucket has been enlarged and improved several times in order to accommodate a continually increasing congregation. The parish also has a fine school, with an average attendance of three hundred children. St. Mary's T. B. Society is an institution belonging to the Catholics. Francis McClernon, President; Father Delany, Spiritual Director and Chaplain. Its members number some two hundred, and hold their meetings in St. Mary's Temperance Hall, on Jencks Street. Father Delany has always taken an active part in all measures for the promotion of the interests of his church and people, and justly merits the respect and esteem so universally accorded him by them.

St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church.
This church was founded mainly through the efforts of Father Delany, he having solicited subscriptions for the project to the amount of some eight thousand dollars. In the spring of 1874, the building was nearly completed, and Father Delany soon after resigned it to the charge of Rev. Father H. F. Kennerney, its present pastor. Under his faithful management the indebtedness has been largely decreased, and a parochial residence built, at a cost of eight thousand dollars. The congregation numbers some twenty-three hundred souls, and in connection with it is a temperance organization known as the St. Joseph Temperance Society. It wields an influence for good, and the best wishes of the community favor its success. There is also a school connected with the society known as St. Joseph's Academy. It numbers some eighty pupils, and is under the charge of the Sisters of Mercy. The public free school, located on George Street, numbers some three hundred pupils, and is under the immediate supervision of the Sisters of Mercy. Sister M. Borromeo, Superintendent; Francis Tuite, Assistant.

Sacred Heart of Jesus.
This society was organized in 1872, by the Rt. Rev. Thomas F. Hendricken. Rev. James L. Smith was the first pastor. Services were held for some time in Battery Hall, until the erection of the present temple of worship. The corner-stone was laid in May, 1873; completed and dedicated in May, 1876. Rev. Father M. Fitzgerald succeeded to the pastorate on May 12, 1875. The congregation numbers about two thousand souls. A Sunday school, numbering four hundred pupils, is in connection with this society, and also the Sacred Heart T. A. and B. Temperance Society, which numbers one hundred and twenty-five members. A beneficial influence is exerted, not only upon the members themselves, but the community in general.

Transcription 2004 by Beth Hurd, Images by Beth Hurd 2004

History of the State of Rhode Island with Illustrations

The History of Pawtucket.