Norwich bulletin., 1910-09-26

strictly speaking Baptists both by pro-
fession and practise. and hence the
name First Baptist church.
OF the origin of this church the rec
ords say that small company of de-
voted men and women, being DESTROYS
of enjoying the preaching of the COS
pei ana the administration of the ordi-
nances of Chrjst's church, accordine
to their own views assembled on Aug
81, 1888 at the home of Robert Brown
for the purpose OF dsvising some plans
relative to the organization of a Bap-
fist church in this town.
AS a result of this preliminary meet
ing a council representing eleven
churches convened at the Union meet
ing house, which stood where the town
han now stands, and formally organ
lied and recognized this bedy of seven
teen believers as a regular Baptist
church on the afternoon of the same
day the same council by invitation of
the church examined and ordained
, Brother John Waterman as the first
pastor.
In this way. on Sept 16 1885. the
First Baptist church of Westerly came
into existence.
The official term of Brother Water
man was from Sept 6. 1895, to May %.
1886. when he resigned on account Of
failing health.
Albert Gallatin Palmer commenced
his laoors with the church as it's sec
ond pastor April !. 1887. Revivals of
much interest took place in 1887 and
1912 and bore fruit in no small meas
ure.
The third pastor was Edward T
HiscOx, who began his labors Jan. 6,
1894, after having for some time sup
piled the pulpit While vet a student
The church, which had had a steady
growth under the ministry of Mr.. His
cox. very reluctantly accepted his res
1QD1ttOn. 1if.h IN, orc1,
1S47.
Frederick Denison took up the work
so well begun April J. 1S47. at which
tine there We're 241 names on the rolls.
Feb l. 1865, Rev. William Snow
commenced his pastoral rela tons with
the CHURCH and in March. 1857. resigned
and returned to the E5Discopalian be-
lief During his pastOrate the Lottery
church returned as branch of the
parent organization.
William Fitz accepted a call of the
church. beginning his lahors June /.
1857 His resignation took effect April
26. 1858.
Nehemiah X. Bennett took up the
work laid down by Mr. Fitz in No
vember, 1858. During his connection
with the church the meeting house was
enlarge and repaired and an orchestra
Quilt In 1850 the organ now doing
duty was purchased for $500
Rev. Frederick Deuisou on April 2S.
1865. again became pastor In the fall
OF the same year the parsonage was
enlarged At an expense Of $500. Hav-
ing faithfully served the church for
more than six years. Mr.. Denison re
signed in july. 1871
HIS successor, Rev. James Paterson.
began his labors oct. 81 1871. and
closed the same Oct. l. 1872. He later
became the pastor of Calvary Baptist
church Of this town
Rev. Thomas c. Wright was next
called and on the second Of December.
lS'2. entered upon his duties as the
un5rer shepherd. Mr.. Wright resigned
OFT. l. 1874.
The church was now without set
tee pastor for some six months, when
q call was extended to the Rev John
Evans, which was accented in April.
1919. Mr.. Evans resigned May 13. 1888
me 10Th of the following October
Rev Edwin d. BENTLEY came to us as
pastor The resignation of Mr. Bentley
TOOK effect Feb. IS. 1886. shortly after
" hrh he and his family united with
calvary Baptist church of this town.
Rev. George Powell Perry began his
lapors with US the first Sunday in
september 1886. Mr.. Perry was in
s{umental in forming the Young Peo-
pies society of Christian F1ndeavOr.
In Rev. Andrew r. Moore was found
4 worthy and CAPABLE successor MAJ
! 1889, he entered upon his duties Mr. /
Moore resigned Dec. I. 1890 to accent q /
call 10 larger field in the city of East |
Somerdtle. Mass.
Rev, John Evans commenced his sec |
onu Fprm with Us April "a 1892 Nov. !
20, 1884, James Cameron. George Bah |
'Hk Taylor and Samuel SIocum were /
JuDhcly set apart as deacOns. Nav O. I
$50 license to preach was granted /
brother Richard Kemp who after a |
snort connection with the Baptist de- |
domination left If and entered the |
Presbyterian field. This pastorate was
'Bded by sudden death March % 1897. |
The church extended a call to the |
Kew William Lewis Swan. which was
accepted, the relationship Of pastor and |
people commencing Oct "a. 1897. MIR.
swan was active in the various walks
II christian life ard under his teach
ng many We're added to the church.
VIZ. swan having shown a tendency to
ne betlef Of the principles laid down
~ Mother Eddy and not being able to
econcile them with the principles Of
he Baptist dsnomina ton. resigned said
esignation taking effect Aug /. 1905.
Ollr present pastor, DIR. George w
flgIer took up the work laid down by
1r- Swan Nov. 1. 1906.
An anniversary hymn, to the tune of
Duke street. written by Pastor RiaIer.
vas then sung. After PRAYER hymn !
nd the benediction, the morning exer-
Uses closed.
At the noon hour the Sunday schoo;
serctses we're held and were Of A very
interesting character opening with a
ymn and followed with devotional ex-
rcises. Then another hymn A fea-
ltre of these exercises was the 11Ovei1- |