The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1894-11-15
EAST PROVIDENCE.


The centennial celebration OF the First
BsptB1 Church began YESTERDAY interest
iugiy. The lAborale arran e nonts pre-
viously printed in The NEWS are being
continued today.
The following extracts from Rev. Albert
Greene's historical address give IA brief
the history OF the church: In March, 1899,
n the same month That Roger Williams
ond his companions were form
Ing church in Providence, an
attempt WAS made in Weymouth
10 90 the same, but was suppressed by the
general court I'm Boston. While Baptist
principles were held by some who at
tended the Congregational Church
until 1G49 when Obadiah Holmes
and eight Others withdrew from the os-
abIshed church and set up a meeting
house for themselves. Rev. John CLARK,
of the Bapi st church of Newport, became
Their pastor. Baptist principals were
yet 20 gain foothold in Rehoboth. Rev.
John Miller, OF Wales, settled IN Rehoboth,
where no founded "A church in 1868. ln
July, 1867, they were fined G5 for
setting up a meeting house without the
knowledge OF the court, AND we're advised
10 move their meeting Just over the
southern line of the town. More than 90
years prssed before another church was
founded in the town, but in January Kav.
John Conner, pastor in Newport,
gathered those OF the Baptist faith iuto
body and became pastor oI the coax
Swamp Baptist Church," as IL Was called,
July 26, 1872. A few years later Rev. Rich
ard Round organized Roundi Church"
and became lis pastor july I3, 1743, Nov.
10. 1862, John hicks formed a church,
Later, Jan. 20, 1873, Jacob Hicks became
pastor. Churches were established until
1870. According TO Bliss no less than
seven churches were organized through
out the town. The tir1 church in
East Prov idencc, he present First Baptist
Church, was Organized November 27, 1874.
Tue constitutional members OF the church
were: Caleb Mason, Charles Peck,
shorey, Ezra Kent, John Perry,
Molly Walker, Abigail Winsor,
Abigail Wilson, Lyle Ingraham, Sarah
Shoyey, Hannah Hays, Eunice Harding,
Rebeoca Brady, Susanns Mason, Mollie
Cole, Silence Carpenter, Pohanns Mason.
first pastor and conducted servi-
ces from March, l 8, to June, 1897.
After three years OF service bis health
gave out ana Elder John Pitmsn was
called TO help him and served from July,
1897, to June. 1915, wheD, on account
compelled 10 resign. Elder Jason
Livermore was the next pastor and served
from June, 1915, TO January, 1916, when
death LETT the church pastorless. Elder
John Pitman's second term OF service ex-
tends from March, 1915, TO July, 1622, when
oesth again lett the church with
cut pastor. Bro her Ezra Going acted
as pastor from February 10 Novem Der,
1873. Brother Going was succeeded by
Rev. Bartlett Pearco, VINO was pastor from
Oct ober, 1929 until he resigned in March,
1928. HIS successor was Rev. benjamin
Grafton, who fostered the flock
from May 1929 until July 1884. Rev.
Forouda Bester was the next pastor in
order and served from November 1881 to
August 1888. Rev. Henry Clark next sup
piled the pulpit from October 1888 TO De-
Gem Der 1896. Rev. j. Allen officiated from
August. 1897, to September, 1S40. His
wi low Is still living and is nearly one
hundred years OF age. Rev. John c.
T Watch came next and was corrurctru with
the church from November, 1S40 10
March, 1850. Rev. III. q. Stewart success
fully guided the church affairs from
April, 1850 TO April 1868. Following few
months after this was kev. Alexander
Lonnier, who was pastor from July, 1903,
TO June, 1854. In October, 1854, Rev.
George Mathews became pastor, and served
until September, 1857 Rev. A. III. Stowell
became pastor OF the church in 1857 and
concluded his service August, 1860. Rev
q. Al. T.. King succeeded him ana was
pastor until 1865. Rev. &. CHEESE
brough became pastor in 1866 and
continued until September, $780,
He baptized the present superintendent OF
the Sunday School. Rev. r. j. Jones was
connected with the church from August,
1885, 10 june, 1858, Rev. w. j. Reynolds
succeeded him and serve from June. 1889
TO June, 1890. The present incumbent,
Rev. Albert Greene, began bis pastoral
labors In 1890, and as the events OF mis-
pastorate are still fresh in the nm inds fhay