Norwich bulletin., 1918-01-30
FoRTY.sEcoND ANNIVERSARY Commemorated, Monday Evening b, Methodist Churcii--.fiistory of the Local Society.

At the celebration of it's 42d anni- versary Sunday evening the Methodist church roll was called by the pastor, Rev. J. B. Aldrich. Forty seven resi- dent members responded. Rev. J. w. Payne was present. He has been ac- cuafnted with many of the pastors and spoke in an interesting reminiscent manner. Mrs. Sarah Tracy then de- lighted the audience with poem written in her able style. There were pleasing selections by quartette, Miss Marian Anthony. Miss Mary Tin ker, Irving Thornton and John Davis. The most interesting part of the even ings entertainment was a historical sketch of the church.
 Church Organization.
 Prior to 1874 there had been no reg 6lar preaching nor Methodist church organization Tn Jewett City. There was & Methodist church at Hopeville, of which Rev. James Tregashis was pastor. It was thought best, as there were a few Methoiists in Jewett City to unite with Hopeville. At the an nual conference held in North Bridge water March 25, 1874, MT. Tregaskis was appointed pastor of these two charges. He found but seven mem UCIS III JcW6ll Olty, UuL 1OuIlU quite number who were in sympathy with the doctrine of the church. With l that zeal which is characteristic oi true Alcoholism, he secured the only available place, Liberty hall, and held his first preaching service Sunday evening, April 12, 1874. First Sunday School. e A Sunday school was organized May l 3, 1874. Revival services were com menced Sept. 13, 1874. Scores of souls were saved under the preaching ol MT. Tregaskis at this time. , l The church was organized Jan. 2S 1875, and trustees and stewards were elected by the quarterly conference a Hopeville. In compliance with tn, request of the people, Jewett City wa. made separate charge April IA, 1875 and Rev. James Tregaskis was ap | pointed the first pastor.
 Steps were immediately taken t secure house to worship in. Success crowned this effort In September 1875, the foundation of the house wa laid.
 Dedicated in 1876.
 Jan. 27. 1876, the church was dedi cated, Rev. J. H. James preaching tn dedicatory sermon.
 In 1890, during the pastorate c Rev. Ambrie Field, 2 very pleasan and comfortable parsonage was bull on Mechanic street.
 During the pastorate of Rev. M. T Brailey the church realized high. de gree of prosperity. In 1901 the churc was raised a few feet and a large yes try and kitchen were built.
 A former pastor put himself on rec ord by once making the followin statement, how very true it was an is today, no Methodist need be toll He said: "One of the special agents ( God in the work of this church is tn Rev. E. M. Anthony. To his effort many of the improvements are largel due; from him has come much of tn encouragement that has given heart 1 the pastor"
 Pastors Since chureh's Founding. The pastors of the church since il founding have been James Tregaski D. J. Griffin, G. W. Brewster, Samu Mckeown, Charles H. Dalryrn pie D. Brown, Walter P. Buck, Joh1s Thomr son, Ambrie Field-1S90, R. H. Elt ridge, Ambrie FIeld-1S92, Joser Jackson, M. T. Bradley, Herbert. Murkett, c. H. Van Natter, Edwal Corey, Nathaniel Cook, George Stanley, Samuel Thatcher \ and u present minister, Rev. J. B. Aldrich. William J. Robertson, Jr., is the s,
 perintendent of the Sunday school.
 There are two auxiliary societies.
 the Ladies' Aid: President, Mrs. E.
 Cheney; vice president, Mrs. w.
 Jeffers; secretary and treasurer, Mi Alice Young; solicitor, Mrs. Jeffer
 and the Epworth league: Presider
 Miss Mary Tinker; vice presidents
 first, Miss Maud Barrett, second. Mi
 Bessie McCluggage, third, Miss Ali
 Young, fourth. Frank Nell; secretal
 Mrs. J. B. Aldrich; treasurer, MI
 Martha Davis; superintendent of Ju
 for league, Mrs. A. c. Burdick.