Worcester morning daily spy., 1898-03-14

ances here. On the 18th of April, 1884, a
council was called of the neighboring
churches to advise upon the expediency
of forming a church society This coun-
Gil at its second session. April %, came
to the following decision: awe feel con-
strained, from sense of duty, to recon-
mend that Congregational Church be
organized, and the stated worship and
ordinances of the gospel be established,
in the village of South Northbridge, as
soon as the arrangements can be made. -
The 30th of June following, religious
society was formed, called the Village
Congregational Society" and the Rev
Michael Burdett was soon after engaged
TO preach for one year. On petition of
certain members of this society, a coun-
Gil was convened July 81, 1884, to organ
ize the church The following churches
were represented IN this council: Doug
las, Rev. David Holman; Westboro, Rev
Elisha lockwood; Millbury Qst), Rev
Osgood Herrick; Mendon, Rev. J. NJ. S.
Perry; Northbridge. Rev. Charles For
bush; Auburn, Rev. M. G.. Pratt; UX-
bridge, Rev. David A. Grosvenor
Council voted to proceed to the
organization of the church agreeably to
the request of the petitioners, and to
assign the parts as follows: Sermon by
Rev Mr.. Perry; organization of the
church, by Rev. Mr.. Holman; prayer, by
Rev. Mr.. lockwood; fellowship of the
churches by Rev, Mr.. Grosvenor; con-
cluding prayer, by Rev. Mr.. Pratt. In
connection with the above services, the
sacrament of the Lords supper was ad-
ministered The number of persons at
this time composing the church was SO;
twepty-four of whom were taken by the
council from the church in Northbridge,
three were received from other churches
and six by profession.
The present meeting house of the Con-
gregational Church, in Whitinsville, was
built in 184S. 1t was dedicated on the
18th Of November. Rev. Lewis r.
Clark was the pastor of the church,
having been ordained and installed June
], 1912 He continued his useful End
able ministry until his death October
8, 1870 This was his only pastorate.
He graduated at Amherst in 1887, and at
Andover in 1S41. He was succeeded by
Rev John r. Thurston, who graduated
from Yale College in 1851, and from
Bangor Theological Seminary in 1858,
He had for nine years been pastor of
the First Church in Newbury. He was
still continuing.
1t has been felt for some years that
the church needed larger and better ac-
prosecution of its work. The increas-
ing number of families in the parish
could not all find seatings The Sun
day school needed more rooms and the
better appliances which recent years
have brought and proved helpful. The
social meetings and gatherings We're
held in another building, which was also
used for secular purposes. sometimes
conflicting with the desired religious
A1a adnnl6 for the
new meeting house, 1t is believed, will
secure all these purposes, giving a
large increase in the number of pews.
ample accommodation for Sunday
school and social services, with room
for growth and bringing all the services
of the church into one building dedicat-
ed to the worship of God
Work of tearing down the present edi-
flee will be started early In April, and
the church services will be held in Me-
mortal Hall until the new church is
ready for occupancy.
PROFITABLE MEETING.
The Young Mems Christian League met
In Pythian Hall, Railroad avenue, Satur-
day afternoon, and there was goodly at
tendance. The quartet of the NJ. E..
Church choir rendered several selections.
Rev. w. L. Hood of Pawtucket, r. L.,
who exchanged puipits with Rev. w. P.
I.awford, gave the address of the day.
His topic was sManliness." He referred
to the physical, Intellectual, moral and
spiritual duties Of mankind. An honest
heart and fair dealing were prime essen
tials. The interest in this newly formed
Christian league is increasing daily.
The Within Machine Works have re-
Gently made connections from their cleo
trio power station for lighting the homes
Of the Within and Dasell families by cleo
tricity.
grade crossing at Whitins station, which
was to take place Saturday morning. was
postponed to some future date. as the rail-
road commissioners were not ready to con-
slider the question.