The Worcester spy. [volume] (Worcester, Mass.) 1898-1904, 1898-10-25

prosperity, walked faithfully along I'M
til their wish came, that of a church
building they could call their own and
free from debt.
The fathers of this little church first
met with each other at their respec-
tive farm homes in oxford, Gore and
East Thompson. In 1872 a decidedly
powerful and widespread religious re-
viVai took place, and at one time 30
persons were baptized in one day.
They continued to increase in num-
bers, and in 1925 after a series of
meetings in house in East Thomp-
son, owned by Amos Hoyle. steps were
taken to organize a church and society
to be known as the Reformed Meth
odist Church of Oxford and Gore, of
the Vermont conference.
The enthusiasm continued, and under
can, and according TO the rules and
regulations of the church, dated June
81 1928 IA persons signed as members
Of the society. The following is the
list Of names, some of which are very
seldom heard now Harvey Wakefield,
Daniel Wakeneld, Abel Gleason,
George Ide Richard Hoyle lndepend-
ent Ide, Noah Mason. Asa Sergeant,
Abigail Gleason Esther Ide Louisa
Ide Meltha Brown, Cynthia Mason and
Ida Wakefield.
There is not one Of the original num-
Der living. The last of them to pass
away was Harvey Wakefield, who died
Jan 5, 1889. He was the first one to
sign the petition. which has now mate
rallied in the coy church the society
now occupies.
Rev. Amos Yates Of Douglas was
called as PASTOR Services were held
all the houses and in the old Gore
school house for several years. Later
on Harvey Wakefield acted as pastor
to the little flock.
The expense of sustaining services
with Mr. Wakefield as pastor were re-
markedly small. for in 1866 and 1867,
the year ending April 1, 1857 this eX-
ceedingly low financial report was read
To the society. Total amount received
for the year, $f4 IS; paid pastor for
services. one years salary, $50 rs;
amount left in treasury above receipts
81 .07.
In 1872 the parish raised $500, and
with lumber and labor contributed,
amounting TO $1,000, q total of S2500 to
build public meeting house, which
was dedicated in December, 1878, and
Harvey Wakefield continued as pastor
q number of years. Rev. Bapfield Put
nam Of Worcester is the present pas
tor. preaching the first Sunday in each
month and the remaining Sundays
Rev Henry Nj. Tourtellotte of Webster
officiates,
An amusing incident happened IN
1872 when the funds were being raised
to build the church An aged lady was
asked to,contribute towards the object,
and replied Yes. ] will give $50 and
if my hens do better win give more.
This church maintains regular ser
vices. has a well attended Sunday
school, and the mid-week prayer meet
ing brings out from 30 to 40 for wor-
ship. A revival service has been ar
ranged, to be held under the auspices
of the Qulnebaug Union Holiness asso-
citation. the Rev. Il. b. Pike as presi-
dent, and Rev. H. H. Brown of Web
ster.- secretary, which will continue fol
four days The opening service COM
nenees Tuesday evening October 20
and speakers from abroad viii partici-
pate in the services.
During the past three years the
church has been repaired painted a
cabinet organ purchased new hanging
lamps have replaced the old wall lamps
the grounds have been graded, and the
little church, with it's rs members al
present, bids we'll to go on with its
earnest work and prosper, with aces
sion to the church membership.
The church voted last year to with
draw from the Vermont conference
The congregation oftentimes in the
summer months numbers from so t.
So