HISTOEY 
 
 OF 
 
 METHODISM 
 
 IN 
 
 PEOYIDEJSTCE, EHODE ISLAM), 
 
 ITS INTRODUCTION risr 
 
 1787 TO 1867. 
 
 BY w. MCDONALD. 
 
 BOSTON: 
 
 &. FRIDE, FRINTERS. 
 NO. 11 CORNHILL, 
 
 18G8.
 
 LIBRARY 
 
 UNIVERSITY OF CALIFO1 
 SANTA BARBARA 
 
 INTKODUCTION. 
 
 THE introduction of Methodism into New Eng- 
 land was an epoch in its religious history, the 
 results of which we are unable, at present, fully 
 to estimate. The facts and incidents of its early 
 history are deeply interesting, but exceedingly frag- 
 mentary, requiring no little amount of labor to 
 collect and arrange in chronological order. 
 
 The preparation of this work was commenced at 
 the request of the " Providence District Preacher's 
 Meeting," while the writer was pastor of Chestnut 
 Street Church, and was intended, originally, to be 
 confined to that church. But it was thought best, 
 subsequently, to extend the work and include a brief 
 history of the other Methodist churches in the city. 
 We have done this as best we could, with the 
 materials at our command. f 
 
 We have encountered, in the preparation of this 
 little volume, great difficulties in fixing the dates 
 of events in the early history of Methodism in this
 
 city. We may not have succeeded in every case ; 
 but if there has been any mistake, it has resulted 
 from the impossibility of securing the desired in- 
 formation. Our materials have been collected from 
 a great variety of published and unpublished docu- 
 ments, as well as from the lips and pens of many 
 still living. We are under many obligations to Rev. 
 S. Reed, Rev. J. Livesey, Rev. J. D. Butler, Rev. 
 R. W. Allen, Rev. D. H. Ela, Rev. V. A. Cooper, 
 Mrs. Rev. S. Heath, Rev. S. W. CoggeshaU, D.D., 
 Hon. Elisha Dyer, Daniel Field, Esq., (late de- 
 ceased) and others, for valuable information. We 
 have made the best use we were able of the ma- 
 terials at our disposal, and hope the result may not 
 be entirely unsatisfactory to the reader. 
 
 w. MCDONALD. 
 
 BOSTON, 1868.
 
 HISTOKY 
 
 - 
 OF THE 
 
 CHESTNUT STEEET CHURCH. 
 
 EEV. FREEBORN GARRETTSON. 
 
 THE first Methodist preacher to visit and preach in 
 Providence, was Rev. Freeborn Garrettson, a native 
 of Maryland ; born August 15, 1752. He was edu- 
 cated in the faith of the Church of England, but 
 under the searching preaching of Rev. Mr. Straw- 
 bridge, a Local Methodist preacher from Ireland, he 
 was deeply awakened, and in June, 1775, was born 
 again. " The blessed change," he says, " I shall 
 never forget." 
 
 GARRETTSON FREES HIS SLAVES. 
 
 By the death of his father he became, without his 
 consent, a slaveholder. For a time his mind was, 
 from some cause to him unknown, deeply dejected. 
 He sought relief in prayer. One evening, about 
 eight o'clock, he called the family together for prayer. 
 "As I stood," he says, "with a book in my hand, in
 
 r 6 
 
 the act of giving out a hymn, this thought powerfully 
 struck my mind : ' It is not right to keep your fellow 
 creatures in bondage ; you must let the oppressed go 
 free.' I knew it to be that same blessed voice which 
 had spoken to me before. Till then I had never 
 suspected that the practice of slave keeping was 
 wrong ; I had not read a book on the subject, nor 
 been told so by any. I paused a minute and then 
 replied, ' Lord, the oppressed shall go free.' And I 
 was as clear of them in my mind as if I had never 
 owned one. I told them they did not belong to me, 
 and that I did not desire their services without com- 
 pensation. I was now at liberty to proceed in wor- 
 ship. After singing I kneeled to pray. Had I the 
 tongue of an angel, I could not fully describe what 
 I felt. All my dejection, and melancholy gloom 
 which preyed upon me vanished in a moment, and a 
 Divine sweetness ran through my whole frame." 
 
 COMMENCES HIS ITINERANT LABOR. 
 
 Mr. Garrettson commenced his itinerant labors the 
 same year of his conversion, and for nine years trav- 
 eled extensively through Maryland, Virginia, North 
 and South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Delaware and 
 New Jersey. He preached with remarkable power, 
 which drew upon him a storm of persecution. Few
 
 men suffered more than he. In a letter addressed to 
 Mr. Wesley, he says, " My lot has mostly been cast 
 in new places, to form circuits, which much exposed 
 me to persecution. Once I was imprisoned ; twice 
 beaten, left on the highway speechless and senseless ; 
 (I must have gone into a world of spirits, had not 
 God in mercy sent a good Samaritan, that bled and 
 took me to a friend's house) ; once shot at ; guns and 
 pistols presented at my breast ; once delivered from 
 an armed mob, in the dead time of night, on the 
 highway, by a surprising flash of lightning ; sur- 
 rounded frequently by mobs ; stoned frequently ; I 
 have had to escape for my life at dead time of night. 
 O ! shall I ever forget the divine hand which has 
 supported me?" 
 
 GARRETTSON IN NOVA SCOTIA. 
 
 At the "Christmas Conference," 1784, Mr. Gar- 
 rettson, through the influence of Dr. Coke, con- 
 sented to make a missionary tour into Nova Scotia, 
 and gather into the fold, if possible, the shepherdless 
 sheep whom war had driven into those parts. About 
 the middle of February, in company with James O. 
 Cromwell, he embarked for Halifax, and after a 
 stormy and dangerous passage of thirteen days, they
 
 8 
 
 reached their destination, and commenced their labors. 
 Mr. Garrettson remained in Nova Scotia about three 
 years, adding to the society, during the time, about 
 six hundred members. Of his labors and sufferings 
 he says, "I traversed the mountains and valleys, fre- 
 quently on foot, with my knapsack on my back, 
 guided by Indian paths in the wilderness, when it 
 was not expedient to take a horse ; and I had often 
 to wade through morasses half leg deep in mud and 
 water, frequently satisfying my hunger with a piece 
 of bread and pork from my knapsack, quenching my 
 thirst from a brook, and resting my weary limbs on 
 the leaves of the trees. Thanks be to God ! he com- 
 pensated me for all my trial, for many precious souls 
 were awakened and converted to God." 
 
 GARRETTSON IN BOSTON. 
 
 April 10th, 1787, Mr. Garrettson sailed for Bos- 
 ton, at which place he arrived, after a perilous pas- 
 sage of three days. He was kindly received by a 
 few pious friends, and preached a few sermons in 
 private houses, not being admitted to any of the pul- 
 pits of the city. 
 
 GARRETTSOX'S FIRST VISIT TO PROVIDENCE. 
 
 April 17th, he left Boston for the South. On his 
 way, he stopped at Providence, where he says, he
 
 found several who loved the Lord Jesus. He was 
 invited by Rev. Mr. Snow, pastor of the Congrega- 
 tional Church, who he says, was "a worthy and 
 pious man," to preach in his church, which he did 
 twice to a numerous and attentive audience. These 
 it is believed, were the first Methodist sermons ever 
 preached in this city. 
 
 Mr. Garrettson stopped on his way at Newport 
 and preached, by invitation, in the meeting house, 
 morning and evening, to a numerous assembly, among 
 whom he rejoiced to find some, as he believed, emi- 
 nently pious. He then sailed for New York. 
 
 JESSE LEE IN RHODE ISLAXD. 
 
 August 31st, 1789, Jesse Lee says, "I set out on 
 a tour for Rhode Island State, and it was my fervent 
 prayer to God, that if my undertaking was not ac- 
 cording to His will, that the houses of the people 
 might be shut against me ; but if my journey was 
 right, that God would open the houses and hearts of 
 the people to receive me at my coming." On the 
 3d day of September he entered Rhode Island, and 
 stopped at Mr. Stanton's, who kept a coffee house in 
 Charleston, Washington County. Here he preached 
 to a congregation of Seventh Day Baptists, from 
 Rev. 3: 20 "Behold I stand at the door and
 
 10 
 
 knock." He remained in the State but four days, 
 and remarked on leaving, " I am the first preacher of 
 our way that has ever visited this part of the country." 
 This, doubtless, was true of that part of Rhode Isl- 
 and through which he travelled, but it could not 
 have been true of Providence, as Mr. Garrettson 
 had preached here nearly two years before. In fact, 
 it is quite certain that Mr. Lee did not preach in 
 Providence on his first visit to Rhode Island. 
 
 JESSE LEE'S FIRST VISIT TO PROVIDENCE. 
 
 In the month of June, 1790, Mr. Lee made a 
 second tour through New England. He entered 
 Rhode Island about the first of July, and preached 
 in Newport, Bristol and Warren, and on the 4th 
 of July preached his first sermon in Providence. 
 For some reason he did not preach in Mr. Snow's 
 meeting house, but preached five times in some pri- 
 vate house and several times in the Court House. 
 
 LEE, GARRETTSON AND BLACK HARRY MEET. 
 
 On the 7th, he left the city for Boston, praying 
 that if his journey to the East was of God, that the 
 houses and hearts of the people might be opened to 
 receive him. When about ten miles from town, he 
 met, unexpectedly, his friend and former fellow la-
 
 11 
 
 borer, Freeborn Garrcttson, and his traveling com- 
 panion, well known in those days as "Black Harry." 
 Though unexpected, it was a happy meeting. 
 
 "I had rode but about thirty miles," says Mr. 
 Garrettson, "when I met brother Lee, and while 
 we were sitting on our horses talking, an old gen- 
 tleman rode up and asked us to go to his house and 
 preach that night ; we went, and had a comfortable 
 meeting, and I also preached the next morning. 
 After dinner we parted ; brother Lee consented to 
 go to Boston and make a trial there until I could 
 send another preacher. 
 
 GABRETTSON AND BLACK HABRBY IN PROVIDENCE. 
 
 "I reached Providence," says Mr. Garrettson, 
 " about five o'clock. The bell rang and I had an op- 
 portunity of preaching in good old Mr. Snow's 
 meeting house." 
 
 The next day he had a sweet time in retirement, 
 and in the evening addressed a larger congregation 
 than he had addressed the night before. Sunday 
 the llth, he preached with freedom in the morning 
 at 6 o'clock. " I officiated," he says, " all day for 
 good Mr. Snow, and at six, Harry preached in the 
 meeting house to more than one thousand people." 
 Mr. Garrettson preached on the following morning
 
 12 
 
 at 5 o'clock, to about three hundred persons. This 
 was his last sermon in Providence for more than 
 thirty years. He says, "I had a sweet time in Prov- 
 idence. I had no doubt but the Lord began a good 
 work in many hearts. I left many in tears." 
 
 "Black Harry," as he is called, who visited Prov- 
 idence with Mr. Garrettson, and preached in Mr. 
 Snow's meeting house, was so remarkable a charac- 
 ter as to deserve a brief notice in this place. His 
 proper name was Harry Hosier. He travelled ex- 
 tensively with Asbury, Coke, Whatcoat and Gar- 
 rettson. He acted as their servant, or driver, and is 
 said to have excelled them all in popularity as a 
 preacher. Dr. Rush, of Philadelphia, pronounced 
 him " the greatest orator in America." He is de- 
 scribed as " small in stature, and perfectly black, 
 with eyes of remarkable brilliancy and keenness, and 
 singular readiness and aptness of speech, though un- 
 able to read." It frequently occurred that the multi- 
 tude preferred Black Harry to Asbury himself, Dr. 
 Coke says of him, " I really believe he is one of the 
 best preachers in the world, there is such an amaz- 
 ing power attends his word, though he cannot read, 
 and he is one of the humblest creatures I ever saw." 
 Mr. Garrettson says of him, "I found the people 
 
 v 1.1.
 
 13 
 
 very curious to hear Harry. I therefore declined 
 preaching, in order that their curiosity might be sat- 
 isfied." The Quakers thought, as he was unlearned, 
 he must have preached by immediate inspiration. 
 Through the indulgent hospitalities which were lav- 
 ished upon him, he became temporarily the victim 
 of wine, and fell. But by repentance, and faith in 
 a forgiving God, he recovered himself, and was re- 
 stored to the Divine favor. He at once resumed his 
 labors and remained faithful unto death, which oc- 
 curred in the city of Philadelphia about the year 
 1810. "He was borne to the grave by a great pro- 
 cession of both white and black admirers, who buried 
 him as a hero, once overcome but finally victorious." 
 
 ASBURY VISITS PROVIDENCE. 
 
 The year 1791 is memorable in our history in 
 Rhode Island as being the year of the first visit of 
 the venerable Asbury to this State. He entered 
 Providence Sunday, June 19, and in the A. M. at- 
 tended the ministry of Rev. Mr. M , a Baptist, 
 
 and hi the P. M. that of Rev. Mr. S , whom 
 
 he styles a "New Light." The Baptist minister 
 whom he heard hi the forenoon, was Rev. Jonathan 
 Maxcy, the youthful pastor of the 1st Baptist Church,
 
 14 
 
 and successor of Dr. Manning, the first President 
 of Brown University. Dr. Manning resigned his 
 charge about this time, and Mr. Maxcy, a tutor in 
 Brown, and a youth of twenty-three years, was chosen 
 pastor of the church ; and subsequently, on the death 
 of Dr. Manning, which occurred on the 29th of the 
 following month, was elected President of Brown 
 University. 
 
 The "New light," whom he heard in the P. M., 
 was Rev. Mr. Snow, of the Congregational Church. 
 He was a man of a most excellent spirit, and highly 
 esteemed by the early Methodist preachers. He was 
 a Whitefield Congregationalist ; -had been converted 
 under the ministry of that holy man Rev. Gilbert 
 Tennant ; was a man of deep piety and apostolic 
 zeal. The Methodist ministers were always cordially 
 received by him, and often permitted to preach in his 
 pulpit. In the evening Mr. Asbury preached from 
 Isa. 61 : 13 ; " The spirit of the Lord God is upon 
 me," &c. The place of preaching is not mentioned. 
 " I found," he says, " a few gracious souls, and some 
 seeking. It has been a season of deep exercise with 
 me while here. I have had some weighty sensations. 
 I think the Lord will revive his work in Providence." 
 Monday forenoon he visited some serious families.
 
 15 
 
 "The afternoon," he says, "I spent very agreeably 
 with the old prophet, Mr. Snow, aged about seventy 
 years. He was awakened through the instrumentality 
 of Gilbert Tennant, whose memory I revere. He 
 told me much about Mr. Whitefield, and old times, 
 and of the ministers of old times ; of himself, his 
 awakening and conversion to God ; of his riding 
 thirty miles to Newport, in exceeding cold weather, 
 to bring Mr. Tennant to Providence." 
 
 " Having obtained more knowledge of the people," 
 he says, "my subject was Gal. 6 : 14 ; "But God 
 forbid that I should glory," &c. The sermon was 
 " plain and pointed, and the audience was serious and 
 attentive." The following is the plan of his sermon : 
 
 " I endeavored to show : 
 
 1. What it is for a man to glory in a thing. 
 
 2. What men glory in, which is not the cross of 
 
 Christ. 
 
 3. What it is to glory in the cross of Christ. 
 
 4. How a person may know when he glories in 
 the cross of Christ, viz : by the world being crucified 
 to him, and he unto the world." 
 
 He continues : " The people here appear to be pru- 
 dent, active, frugal ; cultivating a spirit of good fam- 
 ily economy ; and they are kind to strangers. They
 
 16 
 
 have had frequent revivals of religion. I had faith 
 to believe the Lord would shortly visit them again, 
 and that even we shall have something to do in this 
 town." 
 
 TILE FIRST CIRCUIT PREACHER. 
 
 In 1792 Providence appears on the "Minutes" for 
 the first time, with Lemuel Smith preacher in charge, 
 and Jesse Lee, Presiding Elder. There were in all 
 New England at that "time but four circuits, and one 
 hundred and sixty-seven members. Mr. Smith 
 preached but seldom in the city, devoting most of his 
 time and labor to other and more important parts of 
 the State. 
 
 Of Rev. Lemuel Smith, the first regularly ap- 
 pointed Methodist preacher to Rhode Island, we 
 have very little knowledge. He joined the travel- 
 ing connection in 1788, and was sent to organize 
 the Cambridge circuit, N. Y. His labors on that 
 circuit resulted, by the blessing of God, in his return- 
 ing to the next Annual Conference a membership of 
 one hundred and fifty-four, the most of whom 
 were converted during the year. The work spread 
 through all that section of the State of New York, 
 and to the frontier towns of Vermont. In 1789 he was 
 the colleague of the excellent Peter Moriarty, on the
 
 17 
 
 New Rochelle circuit. In 1790 he was on the New 
 Lebanon circuit, N. Y., with Thomas Everard. In 
 1791 he was sent to Hartford, Conn., with the ec- 
 centric, afterwards apostate, Rainer. In 1792 he 
 traveled the first circuit in Rhode Island. The next 
 year (1763) he traveled the Litchfield circuit with 
 the eloquent and indomitable Ostrander. In 1794 he 
 was on the Tolland circuit with George Pickering. 
 In 1795 he travels the Granville circuit with Zebu- 
 Ion Kankey. The next year he located, and like 
 many a man of promise in those days, is heard of no 
 more. Where he lived, and how he died, we have 
 failed to learn. While in the work he was a success- 
 ful minister of the word ; but like many good men 
 in those days, was under the necessity of retiring 
 from the itinerant work for want of an adequate 
 support. 
 
 In 1793 Providence was connected with the Green- 
 wich circuit ; David Kendall and Enoch Mudge, 
 preachers ; Ezekiel Cooper, Presiding Elder. 
 
 KEV. JAMES WILSON IS SETTLED IN PROVIDENCE. 
 
 It was during this year that Rev. James Wilson 
 was settled over the Broad Street Congregational 
 Church of this city, as colleague of Rev. Joseph
 
 18 
 
 Snow, before mentioned. Mr. Wilson's relation to 
 Methodism, and especially of the Methodism of Prov- 
 dence, deserves a brief notice in this place. He was 
 a Palatine; born in the city of Limerick, Ireland, 
 1760. His mother was the daughter of the famous 
 Philip Guier, one of Mr. Wesley's most devoted 
 and successful preachers. He was awakened and 
 led to Christ under the labors of the famous Samuel 
 Bradburn, and soon after became a member of the 
 Wesleyan Society. In 1783 Mr. Wesley, pleased 
 with his gifts, sent him to the Limerick circuit. He 
 soon became a probationer in the Irish Conference ; 
 but marrying before the term of his probation had 
 expired, he was returned to the local ranks, as no 
 man was allowed to marry while on probation. His 
 offense being not a moral, but merely an ecclesiastical 
 one, he remained in the connection, and maintained 
 his standing among his brethren. He entered into 
 business, and failing to succeed, took passage in a 
 ship commanded by a Mr. Warner, bound for Amer- 
 ica. He arrived in Providence, May 27, 1791. On 
 his arrival he was recommended by Capt. Warner to 
 the favorable notice of his friends, by whom he was 
 invited to preach in a private house in the evening. 
 This was his first introduction into Providence, the
 
 19 
 
 place which was to be the field of his labors for nearly 
 half a century. Mr. Wilson went South, and for a 
 time preached in Baltimore, in connection with Rev. 
 William Hammett. Why he did not enter the Amer- 
 ican Methodist connection at that time is not known. 
 He returned North, and in October 1793, was or- 
 dained as Mr. Snow's colleague. Mr. Wilson did 
 not long maintain the most happy relations with Mr. 
 Snow, for in less than two years Mr. Snow with 
 many of his members withdrew, and formed what is 
 now the Richmond Street Church, leaving Mr. Wil- 
 son 28 members 8 males and 20 females. The pov- 
 erty of the church being so greatly reduced in num- 
 bers rendered it necessary for Mr. Wilson to teach 
 school in order to secure a support. 
 
 Mr. Wilson having been a Methodist preacher, 
 necessarily drew around him most of those whose 
 sympathies were in that direction, and he hoped no 
 doubt, to absorb that element in the community, and 
 render it unnecessary, if not impossible for Meth- 
 odism to be established in the town. We can in 
 no other way explain his opposition to Methodism, 
 which we shall have occasion to notice ; and in fact, 
 he has been heard to say as much. 
 
 In 1794 Providence was still connected with the
 
 20 
 
 Greenwich circuit ; Joseph Lovell, preacher ; George 
 Roberts, Presiding Elder. 
 
 In 1795 John Hill and Daniel Bromley, preachers ; 
 Jesse Lee, Presiding Elder. 
 
 In 1796 Stephen Hull, preacher ; Jesse Lee, Pre- 
 siding Elder. 
 
 In 1797 Nathaniel Chapin and Wesley Budd. 
 Some of these names are familiar to American Meth- 
 odism. They were heroic men in our early Itinerancy. 
 
 PROVIDENCE A STATION. JOSHUA HALL. 
 
 In 1798 Providence appears on the minutes for 
 the first time as a Station Joshua Hall, preacher in 
 charge. George Pickering, Presiding Elder. 
 
 Mr. Hall supported himself chiefly by teaching a 
 small private school, on what was then known as 
 "Tanyard Lane" now Deane Street. He preached 
 in private houses, in the town house, and in fact, 
 wherever a door was opened. 
 
 July 26th of this year, Bishop Asbury passed 
 through Providence, on his way from Gen. Lippet's 
 to Warren, but does not stop to preach. 
 
 REV. MR. WILSON'S OPPOSITION TO METHODISM. 
 
 Rev. Mr. Wilson had been induced, from some
 
 21 
 
 cause, we know not what, unless it be the presence 
 of a stationed Methodist preacher in town, to publish 
 a book .against Methodism, entitled, "Apostolic 
 Church Government displayed, and the Government 
 and system of the Methodist Episcopal Church In- 
 vestigated," &c. It was a book of no special merit, 
 and produced no very great impression on the public 
 mind. While Mr. Asbury was in Warren, Jesse 
 Lee, who was present, read to him portions of Mr. 
 Wilson's work. Of it Mr. Asbury remarks ; " It 
 appears to be the language of two or three men ; who 
 they are, I know not ; but be they who they may, 
 they are mild without merit, and in some things are 
 very simple, if not silly." The book has long since 
 disappeared. 
 
 FIRST CLASS ORGANIZED. 
 
 November 4th, of this year, Mr. Hall organized 
 the first Methodist Class in Providence. It was 
 formed, says Amy Remington, who was one of the 
 number, at the house of Mr. Ostrander, on Chestnut 
 Street. Who this Mr. Ostrander was, I have failed 
 to learn. 
 
 The class was composed of five persons, viz., 
 Shubal Cady, leader, Annie Cady, Amey Reming-
 
 22 
 
 ton, Martha Clark and Mehitable Potter. Some have 
 added Diadama Tripp and Rebecca Burk. But af- 
 ter a very careful examination of the matter, I am 
 satisfied that they were not members of that first 
 class, at the time of its organization, but were added 
 very soon after it was formed. The members of that 
 first class have all passed away. 
 
 Joshua Hall, who has the honor of forming the 
 first class in Providence, was a man of marked 
 ability. He had few superiors in the pulpit. I 
 shall never forget his godly counsels and fatherly as- 
 sistance, when a boy preacher, I traveled the circuit 
 where he resided ; nor shall I forget the last sermon I 
 heard him preach, (then more than eighty years of 
 age) which for finish and brilliancy I have seldom 
 heard equaled. From beginning to end it was an 
 unbroken string of pearls. 
 
 Mr. Hall was somewhat distinguished in the po- 
 litical world, and for a time was acting Governor of 
 the State of Maine. He died December 25th, 1862, 
 aged ninety-four years ; having preached the gospel 
 seventy years. 
 
 Rhode Island Methodism owes much, under God, 
 to Joshua Hall. Some of her most prosperous 
 churches were organized by him.
 
 23 
 
 The members of that first class deserve special 
 notice. They have all passed away, and no special 
 record of them remains, except the five Methodist 
 churches which have sprung from that little seed ; a 
 church for each original member of the society. They 
 were brave, hopeful and pious. Hearts less strong 
 had been crushed by the opposition which met them 
 on all sides. They defended their faith single- 
 handed and alone, until God sent them helpers, and 
 with them prosperity. 
 
 SHUBAL CADY. 
 
 Mr. Cady, the only male member and Leader of 
 the first class, was a man of sterling worth, and well 
 qualified for such a work. He was born in Kil- 
 lingly, Conn., May 5, 1769. The date and place 
 of his conversion are not given. He came to Provi- 
 dence in 1791, and was united in marriage, not long 
 after, to Miss Anna Earl. Of Mrs. Cady's charac- 
 ter and death we have but very little information. 
 She was a lady of remarkably frail constitution, and 
 possessed of that peculiar nervous temperament 
 which is sometimes confounded with irratibility, and 
 not unfrequently judged of incorrectly. Rev. Alex. 
 M'Clain used to call her, with how much justice we
 
 24 
 
 are unable to judge, "Bro. Cady's little wasp." She 
 is said to have been a lady of devout piety. She 
 was one of the original members of the class, but did 
 not long survive its formation. Her death occurred 
 about the year 1806. Such was her natural feeble- 
 ness that she could not have been very active in the 
 society. She died in peace, and was the first mem- 
 ber of the class to be gathered to the Church tri- 
 umphant. 
 
 In 1808, while attending a Quarterly Meeting in 
 Portsmouth, R,. I., Mr. Cady made the acquaintance 
 of Mrs. Wait Tinkham, of Freetown, Mass., then 
 engaged in school teaching in Portsmouth. She was 
 introduced to him by the Quakers, who were numer- 
 ous in town, as the "Praying Woman." With this 
 recommendation Mr. Cady was well pleased ; and 
 through all her subsequent life she proved herself 
 worthy of the Quaker title. Few women of her day 
 gave evidence of stronger faith, or of more intimate 
 communion with God. Her prayers were mighty 
 through God, for she knew in whom, she had be- 
 lieved. 
 
 Mr. Cady's father, David Cady, residing in the 
 same house, was a most rigid Baptist, and not at all 
 friendly to the Methodists. So bitter was his oppo-
 
 25 
 
 ition that it was not pleasant for preachers to stop 
 at the house. But frequently at night, Mr. Cady 
 and his good wife would let down from their cham- 
 ber window, bed and bedding to be taken to Mrs. 
 Remington's, or Tripp's, for the accommodation of the 
 Circuit Preachers, and not unfrequently food went 
 with the couch. Mr. Cady was a man of faith. 
 The following incident is related of him : Mr. Bar- 
 stow, of Providence, was in his bake-shop arranging 
 his oven, when, under powerful conviction and awak- 
 ening, he fell, and cried loudly for mercy. One and 
 another came in and prayed for him, but without any 
 relief to his mind, until Mr. Cady came in, knelt by 
 his side and began to pray, when he was almost in- 
 stantly converted to God. Those who remember 
 him in Providence testify to his uncommon zeal and 
 Christian activity. 
 
 In the year 1812 Mr. Cady left Providence, and 
 removed to Killingly, his native town, and for a time 
 was engaged in tavern keeping. But being a strong 
 temperance man, and feeling that he could not deal 
 in ardent spirits, and that such a house could not be 
 maintained in those times on strict temperance pr in- 
 ciples, he abandoned the business, sold out, and re- 
 3
 
 26 
 
 moved to Griswold, Conn., where he spent the re- 
 mainder of his life. 
 
 No sooner had he become settled in his new home, 
 than his ardent spirit, in connection with his " pray- 
 ing" wife, sought to establish there the means of 
 grace. They first invited their neighbors to come in 
 and sing with them ; then to unite in prayer ; then to 
 seek the Lord. Many were the souls converted 
 through the labors of these earnest Methodist Chris- 
 tians. 
 
 Mr. Cady was an invalid, and a very great sufferer, 
 for about twenty of the last years of his life. But in 
 all his sufferings he kept up the old Methodist prac- 
 tice of reading the word of God, prayer, and fasting. 
 He "did not live by bread alone." He was one of 
 those Christians who believed in the power of God to 
 slay and to make alive. He departed this life in 
 Griswold, July, 1842, in the seventy-third year of 
 his age, having been a follower of Christ for more 
 than fifty years. Methodism in Providence owes 
 much to the irreproachable character, constant faith 
 and burning zeal of Shubal Cady, its first Class 
 Leader. Peace to his memory.
 
 27 
 
 AMEY REMINGTON. 
 
 Mrs. Remington was a lady occupying a high so- 
 cial position, being connected with one of the first 
 families of the State. She was the daughter of Wil- 
 liam and Elizabeth Jones, born in Newport R. I., 
 March 26, 1750. She was the sister of Hon. Wil- 
 liam Jones, once Governor of Rhode Island, and 
 grandfather of Ex. Gov. Dyer, still living. She 
 married (at what date I am unable to learn) Capt. 
 Remington, by whom she had two children, John 
 and Peleg. John was a seafaring man. He sailed 
 from Philadelphia, took the small pox, and died. 
 Peleg resided in Warwick. Capt. Remington did 
 not survive many years after his marriage, but died, 
 leaving his wife in very moderate circumstances. 
 But, being a person of an enterprising character, 
 Mrs. Remington resorted to school teaching, and 
 whatever else she could do for a livelihood. She 
 lived to the advanced age of eighty years, and de- 
 parted this life at the residence of her son, Peleg, in 
 Warwick, April 13, 1830. Her remains were 
 brought to Providence, and she was buried from the 
 residence of her brother, No. 270 Westminster 
 Street, and her remains now lie in the beautiful 
 cemetery at Swan Point, waiting the call of the last
 
 28 
 
 trump, which shall summon her to the possession of 
 that kingdom for which she so ardently labored. 
 
 Mrs. Remington was a lady of no ordinary ability. 
 From what I have been able to learn of her charac- 
 ter, she was a person of positive convictions, of ar- 
 dent temperament, and unwavering faith. Though 
 connected with one of the first families of the State, 
 she joyfully united her religious destiny with a peo- 
 ple then everywhere spoken against, and cheerfully 
 bore her portion of whatever reproach fell on them. 
 The first class met in her house, on Chestnut Street, 
 where they prayed for and encouraged each other to 
 hold fast their faith. Her house was the common 
 resort of the members, a kind of rallying point for 
 the little band, where they talked over socially their 
 prospects and discouragements. These early toils 
 and labors were the theme upon which she delighted 
 to dwell in later years. There is no doubt that early 
 Methodism in Providence owes very much to the 
 earnest labors and consistent faith of Amey Reming- 
 ton. She was the leading female member of that 
 brave band, and well and ably did she defend and il- 
 lustrate the doctrines she had espoused.
 
 29 
 
 MEHITABLE POTTER. 
 
 Miss Potter was one of the immortal five. She 
 was a quiet, unassuming Christian lady. Less intel- 
 lectual and prominent than her associates, but not 
 less humble and devout. She died May 1, 1847. 
 
 MARTHA CLARK. 
 
 She was born in Providence, August 21, 1773, 
 and was about twenty-five years of age when the first 
 class was organized. At what time, or under whose 
 labors she experienced religion, we have no informa- 
 tion, only that she became a Christian quite young. 
 She was a lady of more than ordinary ability, both 
 natural and acquired. During the latter years of her 
 life she devoted much time to writing and publishing 
 small tracts. One, entitled " The Victims of Amuse- 
 ments," exhibited no little ability. She was regarded 
 by all who knew her as an estimable Christian lady. 
 In her last days, for some cause, she became some- 
 what desponding ; but, at the close of her protract- 
 ed life, her faith triumphed over all doubt, and she 
 departed to her rest in great peace, September 5, 
 1858, aged eighty-five. 
 
 She died at the house of her step-sister, Mrs. 
 Thomas Fletcher. She was never married.
 
 30 
 
 Martha Clark was the last of the original class. 
 She lived to see the faith which she embraced in early 
 life, when it was everywhere spoken against, triumph 
 gloriously. The little one had become a thousand. 
 Her funeral services were attended by Eev. Joseph 
 Snelling, the first Methodist minister to administer 
 the ordinances of religion to the little band, of which 
 Martha Clark was an honored member. On the 
 whole, for intelligence, zeal for the salvation of souls, 
 and unshaken faith in God, the equal of that first 
 class is seldom found. The fact that they all held 
 fast their faith unto the end, under such a storm of 
 persecution as they endured, is quite remarkable. 
 They "all died in faith," some "not having received 
 the promise, but having seen it afar off, were per- 
 suaded of it, and embraced it, and confessed that 
 they were pilgrims and strangers," and were seeking 
 a "better country." 
 
 In 1799 Providence was connected with Warren 
 and Greenwich, Ezekiel Canfield, Joshua Hall, and 
 Freeman Bishop were the preachers ; George Pick- 
 ering, Presiding Elder. 
 
 In 1800 the circuit remained unchanged. The 
 preachers were Joseph Snelling and Solomon Lang- 
 don.
 
 31 
 
 On the 14th of July, of this year, Bishop Asbury, 
 accompanied by Bishop Whatcoat, passed through 
 Providence, but made no stop ; Bishop Asbury re- 
 marking, " The time is not yet come." 
 
 In 1801 the circuit was unchanged. It was con- 
 nected with Boston District, Joshua Taylor, Presid- 
 ing Elder ; John Finnegan and Daniel Fidler, Circuit 
 Preachers. 
 
 BAPTISM FIRST ADMINISTERED. 
 
 May 1st of this year, Rev. Joseph Snelling ad- 
 ministered the ordinance of baptism to Diadama 
 Tripp ; it being the first baptism by the Methodists in 
 Providence. 
 
 THE FIRST COMMUNION. 
 
 There are conflicting statements as to when and 
 where the first communion service was held. One 
 authority says ; August 28th of this year, the sacra- 
 ment of the Lord's Supper was administered by Rev. 
 John Finnegan, the preacher in charge, at the house 
 of Diadama Tripp, to twelve persons, five males and 
 seven females. This is said to have been the first 
 instanc^fcwhich the Lord's Supper was administered 
 by the Methodists in this town.
 
 32 
 
 Another authority, still living (1868), and claim- 
 ing to have been present at the first communion, de- 
 scribes it as follows : " The first communion service 
 was held in the Court House. The preachers pres- 
 ent were Joseph Snelling and John Finnegan. The 
 table was arranged in the centre of the room, with 
 glass tumblers and an earthen plate for the bread, 
 and a common glass decanter for the wine. There 
 was quite a number present, some of whom were from 
 out of town. To me it was a memorable time. I was 
 quite young, and had not made a profession of relig- 
 ion. After all the members had partaken, the 
 preacher invited those who felt their need of Christ, 
 and were resolved to seek him with the whole 
 heart, to come. No one started. I felt my need of 
 Christ, and felt that I ought to go. I ventured 
 alone walked the length of the room, and knelt at 
 the table. In a moment I felt that Jesus died for 
 me. I felt that he approved the act, and com- 
 forted and strengthened me as I had never been be- 
 fore." * 
 
 It is quite certain that this was the second 
 communion service held by the Methodkte in this 
 town, and that the one before referred f^oid take 
 
 * Sarah J. Randall, Worcester, Mass.
 
 33 
 
 place at the time and place named. Our authority is 
 Amey Eemington, one of the members of the first 
 class, who was doubtless present on the occasion. 
 
 In 1802 the preachers were Reuben Hubbard, Ca- 
 leb Morris, and Allen H. Cobb. 
 
 In 1803 Providence is an extensive circuit. Alex. 
 McLane and Noble W. Thomas are the preachers ; 
 George Pickering, Presiding Elder. 
 
 THE FIEST QUARTERLY MEETING. 
 
 August 12th and 13th of this year, the first Quarterly 
 Meeting, so much prized by the early Methodists, 
 was held in this town. It was held, as were most of 
 their public meetings at this time, in the Town 
 House. The Presiding Elder, Rev. George Picker- 
 ing, preached on the occasion, and administered the 
 Sacrament. It was a memorable season. The so- 
 ciety was greatly encouraged, and the prospect before 
 them seemed more hopeful. 
 
 TOWN HOUSE. 
 
 The Town House, so often referred to, in which 
 the early Methodist preachers preached, was an old 
 Congregational church, corner of College and Benefit 
 Streets, which had been purchased by the town for a
 
 34 
 
 Town House. It was used by all denominations not 
 having churches. 
 
 In 1804 the preachers were Asa Pattie, D. 
 Burge, and Clement Parker. 
 
 DR. COKE VISITS PROVIDENCE. 
 
 It was during this year that Dr. Coke, the first 
 Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the 
 first Protestant Bishop of the New World, visited 
 Providence. He landed at Newport, from New 
 York, June, 1804. From Newport he came to 
 Bristol, where he was entertained by Capt. Wil- 
 liam Pearce, known as Father Pearce. The rec- 
 tor of the Episcopal Church, after being satisfied that 
 the Doctor had been Episcopally ordained, was a 
 Presbyter of the English Church, a graduate of Ox- 
 ford, and a Doctor of Law, consented that he should 
 preach in the Episcopal Church, on the further con- 
 dition that Capt. Pearce should blow out the candles 
 at the close of the service, it being the first evening 
 service ever held in the church. Father Pearce con- 
 veyed the Doctor from Bristol to Providence in a 
 small packet. A gentleman in New York had re- 
 quested James Burrill, Esq., a lawyer and highly 
 respectable citizen of Providence, to receive Dr.
 
 35 
 
 Coke with the regards due an English Bishop. Rev. 
 Thomas Lyell, then stationed in Newport, accompa- 
 nied the Bishop to Providence. A crowd were as- 
 sembled on the wharf to see and welcome an Eng- 
 lish Bishop ; among them, Shubal Cady, the class 
 leader, who had no thought of doing more than get 
 a look at the man whose fame was world wide. Ar- 
 rangements had been made for the Doctor's enter- 
 tainment at the palatial residence of John Enos 
 Clark, Esq., a wealthy citizen of Providence; and 
 his carriage was in waiting at the wharf. As the 
 Doctor landed, he inquired of Messrs. Clark and 
 Burrill if there were any Methodists in town. They 
 shook their heads, and remarked that they knew of 
 none. Mr. Cady, hearing the question and answer, 
 stepped forward and said, " There is a small class 
 here, but not much known," and at the same time 
 introduced to the Doctor Mr. Benjamin Turpin, at 
 whose house the preachers were accustomed to stop. 
 The Doctor inquired where the circuit preachers 
 stopped when they came to town, and being in- 
 formed that they usually stopped at Mr. Turpin's, he 
 expressed a desire to stop there too, if convenient ; 
 and being assured that it would be very gratifying to 
 the family to have him do so, though in compara-
 
 36 
 
 tively humble circumstances, Mr. Clark's carriage 
 conveyed him to Mr. Turpin's residence, on the south- 
 west corner of High and Stewart Streets. The 
 house is still standing. 
 
 Dr. Coke remained in Providence one week, 
 spending one day in Boston during the time. He 
 was preparing his Commentary at the time, and de- 
 voted a portion of each day to that work. He was 
 invited to preach in several of the churches in town. 
 He inquired where the Circuit Preachers preached 
 when they came to town, and being informed that 
 they usually preached in the old Town House, he re- 
 fused all invitations to preach elsewhere, until he had 
 first preached there. He knew that the Methodists 
 in Providence were feeble, despised and persecuted, 
 and he was anxious that whatever influence he pos- 
 sessed should be turned to their account. 
 
 Dr. Coke spent one Sabbath in Providence, 
 preaching morning and evening in Rev. Mr. Wilson's 
 church. He is said, by one who heard him, to 
 have preached with great power. The Doctor had 
 known Mr. Wilson favorably as a Methodist preach- 
 er in Ireland, and Mr. Wilson held the Doctor in 
 high esteem. 
 
 The evening after Dr. Coke and Mr. Lyell ar-
 
 37 
 
 rived, they performed a religious ceremony which 
 may somewhat astonish us. A number of the mem- 
 bers of the class were present to witness the cere- 
 mony, which consisted in the " washing of feet," 
 after the Apostolic practice. They were assembled 
 in Mr. Turpin's parlor. Mr Lyell called for a basin 
 of water. Dr. Coke sat in his chair with his eyes 
 closed, and his hands clasped. Mr. Lyell knelt be- 
 fore him, and proceeded to wash the Doctor's feet, 
 purely as a religious ceremony. At the close, Dr. 
 Coke prayed ; and, says one who was present, " The 
 blessing that came to my heart in answer to that 
 prayer I have not lost to this day." (1868.) This 
 may be regarded as an illustration of the Apostolic 
 simplicity of these holy men. 
 
 At another time, Rev. Mr. Wilson and a number 
 of friends being present, Mr. Wilson requested the 
 Doctor to relate a vision which he once had, and of 
 which Mr. Wilson had knowledge in the old country. 
 The Doctor did not seem very much inclined to do it, 
 remarking that he seldom referred to it, but, if they 
 desired him to relate it he would not object ; and 
 proceeded to do so. He arose from his chair, clasped 
 his hands, and said in a very impressive manner that 
 he was once very sick, and finally supposed by his
 
 38 
 
 friends to be dead. He felt that angels took him 
 away from earth, and as they bore him towards 
 heaven he seemed to be passing through waves of 
 glory which forced him back. He wished his at- 
 tendants to carry him immediately into the presence 
 of Mr. Wesley. But, as they approached the gates 
 of the city, he was stopped and informed by the an- 
 gels that he could not enter now, but must return to 
 earth for a season. At this announcement he felt 
 regret, such as he had never before known. " Must 
 I return?" he inquired. Being assured that that 
 was God's will, he replied : " If I must go back, let 
 me go and blaze until I die." In that moment his 
 recovery commenced, and it is not too much to say 
 of Dr. Coke, that he did "blaze" until death. 
 
 Mr. Turpin's house, during Dr. Coke's visit there, 
 was thronged most of the time with Methodists from 
 different parts of the circuit, to whom he gave ear- 
 nest exhortations, and for whom he offered fervent 
 prayers. 
 
 Rev. Mr. Lyell, who accompanied Dr. Coke to 
 Providence, preached in the afternoon of the Sabbath 
 a memorable sermon on the sacrifice of Isaac. Mr. 
 Lyell was a man of uncommon ability. He is said 
 to have been the Summerfield of his times. Pie
 
 39 
 
 joined the traveling connection in 1791. In 1797, 
 while pastor of the old Light Street Church, Balti- 
 more, he was elected chaplain to Congress, under the 
 administration of the elder Adams ; and was the first 
 Methodist preacher elected to that office. In 1802 
 and 1803, he was stationed in Boston with Rev. 
 Epaphras Kibby. A most remarkable revival at- 
 tended their labors. He was next sent to Newport 
 for three months, after which he located. He subse- 
 quently joined the Protestant Episcopal Church, and 
 at the time of his death (1850) was Rector of 
 Christ's Church, New York. He was a good man, 
 and retained his love for his old associates to the end. 
 Mr. Benjamin Turpin, at whose house Dr. Coke was 
 entertained, was a Quaker, but had forfeited his 
 membership by marrying out of the society. He 
 was never a member of the Methodist Church, but 
 he loved the early Methodist preachers, and his 
 house was the common preaching place for many 
 years. Mrs. Turpin was a member of Mr. Wilson's 
 church until her triumphant death, which occurred in 
 1843. She used to say that she loved the very name 
 of Methodist. She was often visited by Mr. Wilson 
 and members of his church, and urged not to give 
 her influence in favor of the Methodists ; but she
 
 40 
 
 modestly replied that she felt it her duty to stand by 
 the Methodists. Few families in Providence aided 
 the cause of Methodism more than Mr. Turpins', 
 though neither he nor his wife were members. 
 
 In 1805 Rev. Epaphras Kibby was appointed to 
 Providence. He remained but a part of the year, 
 and left, for two reasons, viz. : feebleness of health, 
 and, as he informed Hezekiah Anthony, because he 
 was "tired of preaching to bare walls." 
 
 In 1806 Providence was a large circuit again, 
 connected with the New London District, Thomas 
 Branch, Presiding Elder ; Pliny Pratt and Joseph 
 Smith, circuit preachers. 
 
 These were dark days for the cause of Methodism 
 in Providence; -but God sustained the few. There 
 were many members of Rev. Mr. Wilson's church 
 who were not only ardent lovers, but firm supporters 
 of Methodism. Among them were Mrs. Turpin, 
 before named, Nathaniel Fuller, Thomas Young and 
 others. Mr. Fuller was a most devout lover of 
 Methodism. Mr. Young was an artist, and possess- 
 ing some wealth, was able to render material aid to 
 the cause. 
 
 Liscomb Fuller united with the society about this 
 time, and succeeded Shubal Cady as Class leader.
 
 41 
 
 He was a valuable man, and for years served faithfully 
 the cause of Methodism. David Cady, brother of 
 Shubal, was a valuable acquisition to the church. 
 He was a good man, and when he prayed for fire, 
 as he often did, he became a man mighty through 
 God. The society held their meetings, chiefly at 
 Mr. Turpins', Liscomb Fuller's, Amey Remington's, 
 and the Town House. 
 
 In 1807, John Tinkham, preacher ; Elijah R. Sa- 
 bin, Presiding Elder. 
 
 JESSE LEE'S LAST VISIT TO PROVIDENCE. 
 
 In 1808 Benjamin P. Hill was preacher in charge. 
 It was during this year that Jesse Lee made his last 
 visit to Providence. He left Baltimore on the 31st 
 of May, for New England, having been absent about 
 eight years. He arrived at Gen. Lippett's his old 
 friend in Cranston, Saturday the 10th of July. 
 Here he spent the Sabbath, preached twice, and ad- 
 ministered the Lord's Supper ; and had, he says, 
 " another precious time of the love and presence of 
 God." Tuesday, 12th, "I rode to Providence and 
 put up at John Lippett's, and at night preached 
 in the Town House. I believe some good was done 
 at that time, and I hope the fruit thereof will be seen
 
 42 
 
 after many days. It has been many years since I 
 preached in this town ; but I felt something of the 
 same union with the people that I formerly felt. 
 There is a small society in Providence." 
 
 Early the next day he left for Bristol and New- 
 port ; and his voice is heard in Providence no more. 
 Eight years later, 1816, Sept. 12th, at the house of 
 Mr. Seller's, Hillsboro', Md., he died, shouting 
 " Glory ! glory ! glory ! hallelujah ! Jesus reigns ! " 
 He was buried in the city of Baltimore, where his 
 mortal remains still rest. 
 
 In 1809 Providence and Smithfield are united. 
 Greenleaf R. Norris and Pliny Brett are the circuit 
 preachers ; Elijah Hedding, Presiding Elder. 
 
 In 1810, P. Brett and Elisha Streeter. 
 
 In 1811, P. Brett and S. Wingate ; Joel Winch, 
 Presiding Elder. 
 
 In 1812, Benjamin Sabine. 
 
 During these years the little class, formed by Mr. 
 Hall, met, chiefly at the house of Amey Remington. 
 They sung and prayed and hoped for better times ; 
 but it was " hope against hope." They were regarded 
 as an insignificant band of wild fanatics, who must 
 soon disappear. But they knew "in whom they 
 had believed."
 
 43 
 
 In 1813 Providence was united with East Green- 
 wich circuit. Daniel Wentworth and W. Banister 
 were the preachers. 
 
 ABBY BRENTON MUMFOED. 
 
 We should do injustice to the history of Methodism 
 in Providence, did we not pause here a moment to 
 notice one of the most intelligent and devoted of all 
 the members of the society at this time, Abby 
 Brenton Mumford. She was the daughter of Wm. 
 Brenton, of Newport, R. I., an historic name in that 
 ancient city. She is said to have been a lady of su- 
 perior education, great refinement of manners, of 
 deep, constant piety, and uncommon devotion to 
 God. She was indeed a brilliant light in the church 
 of her choice. Her influence was felt, not only in 
 the society, but everywhere. Not only her voice but 
 her pen was employed to set forth the excellency of 
 the Saviour, who had saved her to the uttermost. 
 She was unfortunate in her marriage ; her husband 
 becoming a hopeless inebriate, she became very much 
 reduced in her circumstances, and was forced to de- 
 pend upon her own exertions for the support of her- 
 self and three children. She received aid occasion- 
 ally from Mrs. Thomas Ives, a schoolmate, to whom
 
 44 
 
 she was ardently attached. Others aided her more 
 or less, so that real want she never knew. When 
 Dr. Coke visited Providence, she became so deeply 
 interested in his conversation and spirit that she could 
 not be deprived the privilege of spending the time at 
 Mr. Turpin's. She is said to have begged the priv- 
 ilege of stopping with the family while Dr. Coke 
 remained, that she might enjoy his conversation and 
 prayers. This favor was cheerfully granted, and 
 no week of her life was to her of greater spiritual 
 profit. 
 
 She was beloved by all who knew her, and revered 
 as one of the brightest examples of exalted piety, 
 combined with superior intelligence and womanly 
 modesty. 
 
 She departed this life in great peace, August 5th, 
 1814, in the 41st year of her age. 
 
 It is doubtful if any of the members of the church 
 now living have any distinct remembrance of her. 
 It is due that this brief record of her Christian char- 
 acter should be made. She was the grandmother of 
 Mrs. George M. Butts, of Providence. 
 
 OTHER NAMES. 
 
 Three sisters, Sarah, Mary and Nancy Allen, from
 
 45 
 
 Greenwich, joined the little band about this time. 
 They were devoted, earnest Christian ladies, and gave 
 all their influence in favor of Methodism. Sarah 
 taught school, Mary and Nancy worked at some 
 trade. Subsequently Sarah became the wife of 
 Joshua Soule, for many years one of the Bishops of 
 the Methodist Episcopal Church ; but who, at the 
 time of the great pro-slavery secession in 1844, 
 united his fortunes with the slave power, and went 
 South. He has recently passed to his reward. Mary 
 and Nancy subsequently went South to reside with 
 the Bishop. 
 
 In 1814 Providence was a part of the East Green- 
 wich circuit, Joel Steele, preacher in charge. 
 
 Up to this time the circuit preachers visited Provi- 
 dence but seldom. It was unproductive soil. They 
 preached in the Town House and in private houses, 
 and wherever they could find an open door. It 
 seemed very doubtful if the seed sown by Garrett- 
 son, Lee, Asbury, Hall and others, would ever pro- 
 duce permanent fruit. But God watched the seed. 
 
 In the year 1811 or 1812, Mr. John Sutcliff and 
 Samuel Greenhalgh came to reside in Providence. 
 They were earnest Christian men, and Methodists. 
 They urged upon the society the importance of hav-
 
 46 
 
 ing some place of worship, however small, which 
 they could control. 
 
 CAT ALLEY. 
 
 They succeeded in hiring a small school-house, sit- 
 uated on what is now known as Middle St. , but called 
 in the classic language of those times, " Cat Alley." 
 The building is still standing (1866), and maybe 
 seen in the rear of Mitchell & Magoon's, Broad St., 
 
 It is a remarkable fact, that in nearly all our 
 large cities, Methodism was cradled in a hovel. It 
 worshiped in some alley, or by-place, quite unob- 
 served by the more wealthy and honorable. But of 
 this we ought not to be ashamed, when we remember 
 that the Lawgiver of Israel was a slave child, res- 
 cued from a rush ark in the Nile ; and the Saviour of 
 the world was born in a stable. 
 
 From 1811 to 1815, there was preaching in this 
 little school-house once in two weeks, on week day 
 evenings, but seldom, or never, on the Sabbath. 
 
 In the fitting up of this school-house, the members 
 of the society were taxed to their utmost ability. 
 Rebecca Burke informed the writer that she contrib- 
 uted the last twenty dollars she possessed toward fur-
 
 47 
 
 nishing seats. Such sacrifices give evidence of their 
 deep interest in the cause. 
 
 In 1815 Providence was connected with Mansfield 
 circuit. Orlando Hinds and F. Dane were the 
 preachers. But it does not appear that they visited 
 Providence often. Everything seemed to be at the 
 lowest possible ebb. 
 
 THE FIRST REVIVAL. 
 
 Rev. Van Rensselaer Osborn, who was traveling 
 the Needham circuit, having business in Bristol, 
 passed through Providence, and on Wednesday eve- 
 ning preached in the little school house. Returning 
 from Bristol on Saturday, he consented to remain 
 and preach on the Sabbath. The congregation was 
 not large only about twenty-five or thirty but it 
 was God's time to work. In the midst of the fore- 
 noon sermon two young ladies of some note in the 
 town, became powerfully awakened, and cried aloud 
 for mercy, a new thing in Providence. The news 
 of this strange phenomenon spread with great rapid- 
 ity through the town, so that in the afternoon, the 
 little house which would accommodate only about 
 one hundred and fifty persons, was crowded ; and in 
 the evening, so great had become the excitement,
 
 48 
 
 there was no room to receive the people, "no, not 
 so much as about the door ; and the power of the 
 Lord was present to heal." 
 
 Mr. Osborn went to his circuit, spent a short time 
 with his people, and returned to Providence. The 
 work had now become so general that there seemed 
 to be an imperative demand for his labors here. A 
 petition was addressed to the Presiding Elder, Rev. 
 Asa Kent, urging him to permit Mr. Osborn to take 
 charge of the work. He came contrary to the wishes 
 of the Presiding Elder, and became pastor of the 
 church, Sept. 14th, 1815, and for doing so his char- 
 acter was arrested at the following Conference, but 
 he was successfully defended by Rev. George Pick- 
 ering. 
 
 The society numbered at this time thirty-three mem- 
 bers. They were all poor, but they were full of 
 faith and the Holy Ghost. Theirs was no unruffled 
 sea. They encountered the most violent opposition ; 
 but under the leadership of Mr. Osborn their labors 
 were crowned with remarkable success. " We were 
 beaten down," says Mr. Osborn, " by every person 
 that could lift a club against us. The popular opin- 
 ion was that the Methodists were the oifscourinff of 
 
 O 
 
 all things."
 
 49 
 
 NO HOUSE OF WORSHIP. 
 
 Their situation was exceedingly unfavorable for 
 gathering a society. "Another advantage which 
 other denominations had over us was," says Mr. Os- 
 born, " we had only this little school-room. It was 
 therefore sounded through the town that we were like 
 the crackling of thorns under a pot, and that in one 
 year not one of us would be found. * See,' said the 
 multitude, 'they have no house, and they are so poor 
 that they cannot build one.' " 
 
 By these methods the society was deprived of large 
 numbers of members who were awakened and con- 
 verted at their meetings. " Seven young men at 
 one time," says Mr. Osborn, " were telling their ex- 
 perience at the Baptist Church ; one after another 
 testified that they were awakened at the Methodist 
 meeting, until at last the preacher arose and said, "I 
 do not want you- to tell where you were awakened, 
 nor when, nor by whom ; tell that you are, that is 
 enough." " I was credibly informed," continues Mr. 
 Orborn, " by a member of the Baptist Church, that 
 she had heard fifty persons relate their experience, all 
 of whom dated their seriousness from our meetings." 
 During that revival the Baptists received about
 
 50 
 
 eighty members, and the Methodists only about 
 sixty. 
 
 SACRIFICES. 
 
 There were no sacrifices, even under these circum- 
 stances, which the society was not ready to make to 
 sustain the gospel among them. Mr. Osborn says : 
 " Many orphan girls gave weekly a sum, which in 
 the aggregate, amounted to from six to twelve dol- 
 lars a year ; and brethren who earned their bread by 
 days' labor gave six, twelve and twenty-five dollars 
 a year." When we consider the small pay received 
 by day laborers in those times, these are remarkable 
 contributions. 
 
 THE FIRST MEETING HOUSE. 
 
 A suitable house of worship, one which would ac- 
 commodate the people, seemed to the minister and 
 the society an indispensable necessity. But how to 
 procure the means they knew not. 
 
 Mr. Osborn drew up a subscription paper, and 
 called upon all the principal men in the town, secur- 
 ing what they were pleased to give for the object, 
 and then " I called," he says, " on every one I met." 
 The result of this effort was $500.00 raised for a
 
 new church. With this sum raised, a carpenter was 
 employed, and the work of erecting the first Methodist 
 Church in Providence commenced. The house was 
 completed and dedicated to God, Sunday, June 1st, 
 1816 ; sermon by the pastor, Rev. V. R. Osborn. 
 
 The house stood on the southeast corner of Aborn 
 and Washington Streets. It still stands on the same 
 spot, and is occupied for a dwelling-house. 
 
 We will not attempt to describe the delight expe- 
 rienced by the struggling society at the completion of 
 this their first temple. 
 
 THE CLOSE OF MR. OSBORN'S FIRST YEAR. 
 
 Thursday of the following week, Mr. Osborn left 
 for Conference held that year in Bristol. He left 
 in the society 99 whites and 12 blacks ; in all, 111, 
 including a few at Pawtucket. This was a great 
 work to be accomplished in eight months. But the 
 work was not complete. 
 
 Mr. Osborn was returned to Providence the fol- 
 lowing year. On his return he found financial mat- 
 ters, to use his own words, "in a most distressing 
 state." K^e left at once for New York, Philadelphia 
 and Baltimore to collect funds for the relief of the 
 society. After some weeks' absence he returned with
 
 52 
 
 $800.00. "This," he says, "settled our creditors 
 for a season." 
 
 FIRST QUARTERLY CONFERENCE. 
 
 It was during the latter part of August, or the 
 first of September, that the first Quarterly Confer- 
 ence was held in the chapel, and the first in Provi- 
 dence of which we have any record. Rev. Asa Kent 
 was Presiding Elder, and Rev. V. R. Osborn, 
 Preacher in charge. The Class Leaders at this time 
 were, Samuel Greenhalgh, Henry Adams, Robert 
 McFarling, and Hezekiah Briggs. The first board 
 of Stewards appointed by this Conference were, 
 Lowell Adams, Henry Adams, Daniel Keen, and 
 Liscomb Fuller. 
 
 Lowell Adams was elected first Secretary of the 
 society, and Henry Adams the first District Steward. 
 They adjourned to meet Nov. 27th, 1816. 
 
 FREE CHURCH EXPERIMENT FAILS. 
 
 Mr. Osborn had been sanguine from the first that 
 a free church could be sustained here ; that a congre- 
 gation could be best collected by free seats, and that 
 the poor would be better provided for. But their
 
 53 
 
 house, he says, " soon became a rendezvous for every- 
 thing that was bad." 
 
 To remedy this evil, as they had no laws to pro- 
 tect them, they changed their seats into pews and 
 rented them. They reserved enough for the poor, 
 or those unable to hire, and rented the remainder for 
 six months for $240.00. 
 
 About this time many of the society, on account 
 of the severity of the times, were obliged to leave the 
 town and seek employment elsewhere. 
 
 During the year 10 were expelled, 15 removed 
 and 2 died. With those at Pawtucket not in- 
 cluded, there were but 47 regular members in society, 
 and many of these were expecting soon to leave. 
 
 FIRST SUNDAY SCHOOL. 
 
 Mr. Osborn was the first to organize a Sunday 
 School and look after the interests of the children. 
 "I resolved," he says, "to do what I could for the 
 children of the little congregation that I had col- 
 lected. I therefore, in the latter part of the year 
 1815, formed a Sabbath School and put it in opera- 
 tion, gccording to the best of my means." 
 
 THE COLORED PEOPLE. 
 
 He interested himself for the colored people of the
 
 54 
 
 town. " They were," he says, " in a deplorable situ- 
 ation. They had no place of worship, nor was there 
 a congregation in town which desired their attend- 
 ance." He opened a school for them, taught them 
 two nights in the week and preached to them a third, 
 all gratuitously. 
 
 MR. OSBOEN CLOSES HIS LABORS IN PROVIDENCE. 
 
 Mr. Osborn's labors with this church were greatly 
 owned of God. He came feeling that God called 
 him. He yielded to his impressions, he tells us, con- 
 trary to his own interests, and the judgment of his 
 Presiding Elder. He took the entire responsibility 
 in building the church. He saw dark and trying 
 times. " Sometimes," he says, " I wished I had 
 never seen Providence ; at other times I rejoiced 
 greatly at the work of God ; however, I never have 
 been truly sorry." 
 
 During the first year he bore all his expenses, fur- 
 nished his own clothes, and paid $50.00 towards his 
 board, and received at the Conference $32.00. 
 
 The second year he received about $55.00 from 
 the charge, while his expenses were $4.50 per Mieek. 
 
 The society being poor, he entertained nearly all 
 visitors and strangers, so that his expenses during
 
 55 - 
 
 the year were about $300. He sold his horse and 
 saddle and a part of his library to meet these expen- 
 ses, and left the town about $200.00 in debt, which 
 he afterward paid by teaching school. 
 
 On leaving the charge he makes this record : " The 
 Lord will bless this little flock, for their hearts are 
 open to do more than is in their power ; and I bear 
 them witness that I leave them little and humble ; 
 and if it were posssible they would pluck out their 
 very eyes and give them me. May the Lord ever 
 keep them humble and little in their own eyes, and 
 prosper them, and may I, V. Rensselear Osborn, 
 meet them in heaven." 
 
 Mr. Osborn was received into the New England 
 Cenference in 1813, at the age of 22 ; having trav- 
 eled under the Presiding Elder about two years. 
 His health failing, and being unwilling to be consid- 
 ered burdensome to the church, he asked and received 
 a location in 1823. He spent his time chiefly in 
 teaching in Manchester, Conn., and Baltimore, Md., 
 until 1843 ; his health improving he was re-admitted 
 into the Providence Conference, and continued to 
 labor with much success until 1846, when he " ceased 
 at once to work and live." He died iri Manchester, 
 Conn., Sabbath morning, Nov. 29th, 184G, at 4 1-2
 
 56 
 
 o'clock, at the age of 56. At the time of his death 
 he was engaged in a gracious revival. God had 
 crowned his efforts with remarkable success. On the 
 previous Sabbath, Nov. 22, he had preached with 
 remarkable success. On the same evening he was 
 taken with a violent attack of lung fever, and inflam- 
 mation of the bowels. For four days he suffered 
 much, but on the 5th mortification took place, and 
 on the following Sabbath he entered into his rest. 
 
 Death did not find him unprepared. " I feel," he 
 said, " a calm, sweet sinking into the will of God. 
 I feel that all is well." When asked if his mind 
 was peaceful, he quickly replied, " O yes ! " To his 
 daughter, standing by his bed-side, he said, " Get 
 into the chariot, and it is a short road to the New 
 Jerusalem. At one time he supposed himself in 
 heaven, and began to speak of the company there, 
 of Moses and the prophets. Some one aroused him, 
 and inquired if all was well. He replied, " O, yes, I 
 am sinless now." Soon after he fell asleep. Thus 
 ended the mortal career of one who did more, under 
 God, than any other man, for the establishment of 
 Methodism in Providence. 
 
 In 1817 and 1818 Eev. Solomon Sias was ap- 
 pointed to labor in Providence. Enoch Mudge,
 
 57 
 
 speaking of Mr. Sias' labors here, says, " They were 
 exceedingly useful, both as it regards the temporal 
 and spiritual prosperity of the church and society." 
 In 1819 Rev. Moses Fifield was the pastor. His 
 labors are said to have been useful to many. About 
 this time, on account of some trouble in Mr. Wil- 
 son's church, quite a number of the members with- 
 drew and united with the Methodists ; among them 
 Mr. Daniel Field and his wife Zipporah. Mr. 
 Field, being a man of considerable wealth, was a valu- 
 able acquisition to the society. Has was born 1755, 
 and died 1830, aged 75 years. He was an uncle of 
 the late Daniel Field, Esq., who, though not him- 
 self a member of the church, yet like his honored 
 uncle ever manifested a deep interest in its welfare, 
 and always contributed liberally to its support. 
 
 REV. FREEBORN GARRETTSON'S LAST VISIT TO PROVIDENCE. 
 
 It was during this year that Rev. Freeborn Gar- 
 rettson visited Providence for the last time. He 
 preached with satisfaction in the Methodist Church, 
 and by request, in Mr. Wilson's. Eight years later 
 this holy man, the first of our denomination to pro- 
 claim the gospel of God in this town, died in peace 
 in the city of New York, in the 76th year of his age,
 
 58 
 
 and the 52d of his ministry. His last words were, 
 " Holy holy ! holy ! Lord God Almighty ! hallelu- 
 jah ! hallelujah!" 
 
 THE CHESTNUT STREET CHURCH BUILT. 
 
 In 1820 Rev. Bartholomew Otheman was ap- 
 pointed to this city. Few preachers have been more 
 successful. A gracious revival commenced during 
 Mr. Otheman's first year, and very large accessions 
 were made to the society. The house in Aborn Street 
 soon became too small to accommodate the crowds 
 that nocked there to hear the word of the Lord. A 
 more commodious house of worship was felt to be a 
 necessity. A valuable lot, on the corner of Chestnut 
 and Clifford Streets, was kindly donated the society 
 by Daniel Field, Esq. A subscription was opened 
 and contributions were made so freely that the Trus- 
 tees felt themselves justified in commencing the 
 work. 
 
 On the 6th of August, 1821, the corner-stone of 
 the new edifice was laid with appropriate religious 
 ceremonies. Rev. Mr. Lyon, a local preacher from 
 New York, delivered a most eloquent address from 1 
 Samuel, 7 : 12, "Then Samuel took a stone and set 
 it between Mizpeh and Shen, and called the name of
 
 it Ebenezer, saying, hitherto hath the Lord helped 
 us." The pavilion which sheltered the orator from 
 the rays of the morning sun, was a large umbrella, 
 supported by Hezekiah Anthony. Rev. B. Otheman 
 offered prayer. Bro. James Lewis laid the corner- 
 stone. And as the early sun smiled approvingly upon 
 this new evidence of God's favor to his church, the 
 choir, with clear, full voices, greeted his rising with 
 old "Victory" 
 
 " Now shall iny head be lifted high, 
 
 Above my foes around; 
 And songs of joy and victory 
 Within thy courts abound." 
 
 It is thought that " Old Victory " was never sung 
 with more thrilling effect. 
 
 In five months from the time the corner. stone was 
 laid, the house was completed ; and on the 1st day 
 of January, 1822, was dedicated to the worship of 
 Almighty God. The pastor, Rev. B. Otheman, 
 preached the sermon on the occasion from Num. 23 : 
 23, "What hath God wrought ?" He was assisted 
 in the services by the Presiding Elder of the District, 
 Rev. Erastus Otis. It is said to have been a season 
 of refreshing from the presence of the Lord.
 
 60 
 
 EEV. JOHN N. ^MAFFITT IN PROVIDENCE. 
 
 Very soon after the society removed into the new 
 church, a remarkable work of God commenced un- 
 der the labors of Kev. John Newland Maffitt. Never 
 was the capacity of this house so fully tested as during 
 this revival. So eager were the people to hear Mr. 
 Maffitt, that hours before the time of service, ladies 
 and gentlemen from all parts of the city would take 
 then* stand at the door of the church, awaiting its 
 opening. Then, every sitting, standing and leaning 
 place would be occupied, and large numbers be 
 obliged to leave, not being able to gain admittance. 
 
 The religious excitement was not confined to the 
 Methodists. Episcopalians, Congregationalists, and 
 others, seemed, if possible, to outstrip the Method- 
 ists. The Episcopalians, especially, seem to have 
 monopolized Mr. Maffitt. The interest was unlike 
 anything ever witnessed in Providence before or since. 
 
 In 1822 Rev. T. Merritt was the pastor. This is 
 said, by Rev. Enoch Mudge, to have been a "year of 
 great and sore trials ; but, by the blessing of God, 
 and the faithful labors of Bro. T. Merritt, the church 
 has been mercifully preserved and blessed." 
 
 The "trials" to which Mr. Mudge refers, grew
 
 out of certain scandalous reports respecting the char- 
 acter of Mr. Maffitt. 
 
 Mr. Alex. Jones the younger had published, 
 or caused to be published, in the GALAXY a paper 
 published in Boston, and edited by Joseph T. Buck- 
 ingham some statements, or reports, reflecting seri- 
 ously on Mr. Maffitt. These published reports occa- 
 sioned very great excitement. Mr. Buckingham was 
 prosecuted for an alleged libel on the character of Mr. 
 Maffitt, and was tried in the Municipal Court in the 
 city of Boston, before Judge Quincy the elder Jo- 
 siah. The libel was not proved. The court gave 
 the final decision unfavorable to Mr. Maffitt, Satur- 
 day night. Mr. Maffitt was advertised to preach on 
 the following day in the Bromfield Street Church. 
 The excitement was intense, and it is said that judge, 
 jurors, lawyers and others, were present. Under the 
 irresistible appeals of the youthfiil orator the whole 
 congregation wept like children. It was gener- 
 ally conceded that Mr. Maffitt had conquered his de- 
 famers in the pulpit, though conquered by them at 
 the bar. Mr. Maffitt immediately, in consequence 
 of the decision of the court, requested that an Eccle- 
 siastical Council might be called on his case. Ac- 
 cordingly a Council convened in the city of Boston,
 
 62 
 
 to consider the charges. Rev. Elijah Heckling was 
 President. After investigating such facts as came 
 before the court, the Council adjourned to Provi- 
 idence, to examine the depositions which were taken 
 there. After a faithful and candid investigation of 
 the subject, the Council were unanimous in acquit- 
 ting Mr. Maffitt of the high charges alleged against 
 him. 
 
 The Council did discover imprudence in some in- 
 stances, but having received satisfactory assurances 
 from Mr. Maffitt for the future, they express the 
 hope that "age, experience, and divine grace will 
 correct his faults, and make him an instrument of 
 great good." 
 
 At the close of these investigations, Mr. Maffitt 
 preached a memorable and exceedingly appropfiate 
 sermon in this church, from 2 Tim. 4 : 14, " Alex- 
 ander the coppersmith did me much evil ; the Lord 
 reward him according to his works." 
 
 It needed such a helmsman as Timothy Merritt to 
 guide the ship without harm in such a storm. 
 
 In 1823 and 1824 Rev. E. Mudge was stationed 
 here. Under his ministry the church enjoyed a good 
 degree of prosperity. He was a man greatly beloved 
 by all who knew him. He is even now remembered
 
 63 
 
 by the aged members of the church, as an apostle of 
 goodness. 
 
 FIRST CONFERENCE IN PROVIDENCE. 
 
 It was in the month of June, of this year, that the 
 New England Conference held its first session in 
 Providence, in this church. Bishop George presided. 
 
 In 1825 Rev. D. Webb was stationed in Provi- 
 dence. For some reason he remained but one year. 
 This year Providence reported 200 white, and 37 
 colored members. 
 
 In 1826 and 1827 Eev. Asa Kent was the preacher 
 in charge. He was an uncompromising disciplina- 
 rian. He did his duty as he understood it, without 
 regard to friend or foe. Some of the members 
 thought his administration exceedingly severe, but no 
 one attributed it to any other than honest motives. 
 Providence was at this time connected with the New 
 London District ; Rev. E. H. Hyde, Presiding Elder. 
 Providence reported at the close of Mr. Kent's term, 
 194 white, and 25 colored members. 
 
 In 1828 and 1829 Rev. Jacob Sanborn was pas- 
 tor. Under his ministry the church enjoyed a good 
 degree of prosperity. The membership, at the close 
 of his term stood, whites 200, colored 31.
 
 In 183Q and 1831 Rev. David Kilborn was pastor. 
 He was a useful minister and much beloved by all. 
 In 1830 Providence appears as a District ; Rev. J. A. 
 Merrill, Presiding Elder. At the close of Mr. Kil- 
 born's term, there were reported in society 270 white, 
 35 colored members. 
 
 THE E. K. AVERT CASE. 
 
 In 1832 and 1833 Rev. J. Horton was the pas- 
 tor. These were years of very great trial to this 
 church. During Mr. Horton's second year, the fa- 
 mous E. K. Avery case occurred, affecting not only 
 this, but every Methodist church in New England. 
 The members were more or less divided in their opin- 
 ions as to the guilt or innocence of Mr. Avery. Mr. 
 Horton took an active part in his favor, which caused 
 more or less unpleasant feeling among the people. 
 
 POWER STREET CHURCH ORGANIZED. 
 
 In the latter part of the year 1832, a number of 
 the more enterprising members of this church, seeing 
 the need of a Methodist church on the east side of 
 the city, united in an effort which resulted in the 
 erection of the Power Street Church.
 
 65 
 
 In 1834 Rev. J. Sanborn was again stationed in 
 this church, and remained one year. 
 
 It was during this year that the Quarterly Confer- 
 ence passed and placed upon its records the following 
 resolutions : 
 
 "Sept. 25, 1834, adopted the resolutions passed 
 by the New England Conference, June, 1834, viz., 
 The qualifications required of such as present them- 
 selves for admission into Conference : 
 
 1. They shall have read and studied the whole of 
 Wesley's Sermons, together with Watson's Theolog- 
 ical Institutes. 
 
 2. They shall be so far acquainted with the rules 
 of English Grammar as to be able to parse in any 
 English author. 
 
 3. Resolved, that from and after the present ses- 
 sion of this Conference, no recommendation for the 
 admission of any one on trial shall be considered in 
 form, unless it specify the person's theological and 
 literary qualifications according to the foregoing res- 
 olutions." 
 
 Members in society, Whites 335, Colored 48. 
 In 1835 and 1836 Rev. A. D. Sargeant, preacher 
 in charge.
 
 66 
 
 CHESTNUT STREET CHURCH IMPROVED. 
 
 Up to this time there was very little about this 
 meeting-house to distinguish it from a barn, no 
 steeple, no bell to call the people to the sacred altar, 
 and no organ to make melody, or, as it has some- 
 times done, discord within. All was plain, simple, 
 Methodistical. But at this time there was added a 
 steeple, not quite its present height, a bell, and 
 instrumental music. 
 
 COMMEND REV. A. D. SARGEANT. 
 
 Mr. Sargeant was highly esteemed by the people, 
 if we may judge by a resolution adopted by the 
 Quarterly Conference on his departure. They say : 
 " We approve of the ministerial and pastoral labors 
 of Rev. Aaron D. Sargeant during his two years 
 service with us, and that all his duties and deport- 
 ment as a Christian minister and a gentleman, have 
 been commendable, and we part from him with re- 
 gret." 
 
 In 1837 and 1838, Rev. Daniel Fillmore was 
 pastor. Under the labors of Mr. Fillmore the 
 church was blessed. 
 
 In 1839 and 1840 Rev. A. D. Merrill was pastor.
 
 67 
 
 Father Merrill was a great favorite with the church, 
 and beloved by all, and the work prospered in his 
 hands. 
 
 PREACHEKS' AID SOCIETY ORGANIZED. 
 
 August 21, 1840, the Preachers' Aid Society of 
 the Providence Conference was organized in Chest- 
 nut Street Church. Rev. B. Otheman was Chair- 
 man, and Rev. A. Stevens, Secretary. This year 
 the Providence was set off from the New England 
 Conference. 
 
 Father Merrill leaving the charge some months 
 before Conference, to take charge of a church in 
 Lowell where some difficulties had arisen, Rev. W. 
 H. Brewster was employed as a supply. He was, 
 at the time, a member of the New Hampshire Con- 
 ference, and was stationed at Haverhill, which place 
 he left to serve this church. He was beloved by the 
 people generally ; and an earnest effort was made by 
 the brethren to secure his transfer to the Providence 
 Conference, and appointment to this charge. The 
 Conference held its session in this church ; it being 
 the first session of the Providence Conference. A 
 Committee from the church, composed of Hezekiah 
 Anthony and others, waited on the Bishops, Hed-
 
 ding and Soule, and urged Mr. Brewster's trans- 
 fer as a necessity. Bishop Hedding was willing, but 
 Bishop Soule was inflexible. 
 
 The West Church was left to be supplied. Rev. 
 David Patten, Jr., of the New England Conference, 
 was transferred to this Conference, and stationed 
 here, where he remained two years. But to the 
 church and pastor they were years of great trial. 
 
 The refusal to appoint Mr. Brewster to the charge, 
 resulted in the withdrawal of about fifty members, 
 and the organization of the "First Wesleyan So- 
 ciety " formed in New England. Had Mr. Brews- 
 ter been returned as was desired, very much of that 
 trouble might have been saved. Mr. B. became the 
 pastor of this offshoot, and the members, feeling that 
 they had been wronged on account of their views on 
 the subject of slavery, were not sparing in their de- 
 nunciations of the Mother Church. 
 
 "DORR WAR." 
 
 It was during Dr. Patten's pastorate that the first 
 great " American Rebellion " occurred, familiarly 
 known as the " Dorr War." It was bitter and 
 bloodless. The church, as well as the State, was 
 terribly rent by that political storm. But it is ad-
 
 69 
 
 mitted that Dr. Patten conducted the church through 
 that storm with a skillful hand. 
 
 In 1842 South Smithfield was connected with 
 Providence, and Rev. George M. Carpenter was as- 
 sociated with Dr. Patten. Bro. Carpenter reported, 
 as the result of his labors, one hundred conversions, 
 and Dr. Patten about half that number. This was a 
 good year. 
 
 REV. JOEL KNIGHT. 
 
 In 1843 Rev. Joel Knight was pastor. Bro. 
 Knight ended his work and entered upon his reward 
 from this charge, ceasing almost "at once to work 
 and live." His brethren say, " He was a man of 
 unbounded benevolence and burning zeal. Hence, 
 in many 'of his appointments he met with glorious 
 success. His last illness was very short and very . 
 painful ; but God was with him, and he triumphed 
 gloriously, and now rests in the bosom of God." 
 
 On the death of Bro. Knight, the church being 
 left without a pastor, Rev. Isaac S. House, a local 
 preacher, formerly of the Illinois Conference, was 
 invited to supply the pulpit during the year. His 
 labors were profitable to the church.
 
 70 
 
 In 1844 Rev. Thomas Ely was the pastor. Bro. 
 Ely remained but one year, 
 
 In 1845 Rev. J. B. Husted was transferred from 
 the New England Conference and stationed at this 
 church. 
 
 In 1846 the names of the churches were changed 
 from Providence West and East to Chestnut and 
 Power Streets. Bro. Husted was returned to the 
 charge, and it was during his pastorate that the Par- 
 sonage was built, he being the first to occupy it. 
 
 In 1847 Rev. R. W. Allen was the pastor. Dur- 
 ing Bro. Allen's second year the church became more 
 or less affected by a number of the prominent mem- 
 bers leaving and uniting with others from Power 
 Street, and forming the Mathewson Street Church. 
 Some thought this enterprise would prove highly in- 
 jurious to the old church. But the opposition very 
 soon ceased ; everything assuming a hopeful aspect. 
 A most gracious work of God followed. 
 
 REV. JAMES CAUGHEY. 
 
 Rev. James Caughey came to assist Bro. Allen in 
 a protracted effort for a revival. He commenced his 
 labors Dec. 3d, 1847, and continued them for three 
 months, preaching twice each Sabbath, and four
 
 71 
 
 evenings during the week, and occasionally in the 
 afternoon of week days. The work of God com- 
 menced in power, and seldom has there been wit- 
 nessed a more deep, thorough, genuine work of the 
 Spirit. Conversions among all classes were clear 
 and satisfactory. The work was too deep to be bois- 
 terous, taking hold of the hardest hearts, and sub- 
 duing the most stubborn wills. Between two and 
 three hundred professed conversion, while hundreds 
 were reclaimed from their backslidings. More than 
 one hundred united with the Chestnut Street Church, 
 and most of the others united with other Christian 
 churches in the city. 
 
 A SPECIAL CASE. 
 
 I cannot forbear making mention of one case of 
 great interest connected with this remarkable re- 
 vival. Miss B., a young lady of high social posi- 
 tion and extraordinary intellectual powers, belonging 
 to a very respectable family connected with another 
 Christian church, came to the meetings and became 
 deeply interested in the subject of religion, and soon 
 obtained the "pearl of great price." She was about 
 to be married to a gentleman of wealth, and they 
 contemplated spending some time in traveling in
 
 72 
 
 foreign countries. Learning that she had become 
 religious, he became exceedingly offended, and de- 
 manded that she renounce her religion, or their en- 
 gagement must end. He gave her a certain time to 
 consider and decide the matter. She went to Rev. 
 Mr. Allen for counsel, and laid the subject before 
 him. He soon saw that her mind was made up to 
 be a Christian, and that there was no occasion for 
 advising her in the matter. He simply advised her 
 to follow the convictions of her mind, and leave the 
 result with God. Her decision was soon made 
 known to the young gentleman, and the matrimonial 
 engagement dissolved. She soon united with the 
 church, and became a most exemplary, earnest 
 Christian. In about one year she was united in 
 marriage with Rev. H. B., a member of the Provi- 
 dence Conference. She entered upon her new 
 sphere of labor with a purpose to devote her time 
 and talents to the service of the Lord. Her pros- 
 pects for usefulness were most encouraging ; but 
 disease fastened itself upon her naturally delicate 
 constitution, and in a few months her spirit took its 
 upward flight to her heavenly home. Her death was 
 a Christian triumph. 
 
 In 1849 Rev. T. G. Carver, who had been ad-
 
 73 
 
 mitted into the New England Conference on proba- 
 tion, was transferred to the Providence Conference, 
 and stationed at Chestnut Street, where he remained 
 two years. It was during this year that what is now 
 the Broadway Church was commenced on Federal 
 Street. 
 
 In 1851 and 1852 Rev. John Hobart was pastor 
 of this church. 
 
 CHURCH EDIFICE REMODELED. 
 
 During Mr. Hobart's pastorate the church edifice 
 was raised and remodeled, the steeple was finished, 
 the present organ introduced, and the church left 
 with an embarassing debt. 
 
 In 1853 and 1854 Rev. S. C. Brown was pastor. 
 The church prospered under the labors of Bro. 
 Brown. 
 
 In 1855 and 1856 Rev. Richard Livesey, now 
 gone to his rest, was pastor. Mr. Livesey is said to 
 have been an able and successful minister of the New 
 Testament. 
 
 In 1857 and 1858, Rev. George M. Carpenter. 
 The church this year shared in the gracious revival
 
 74 
 
 which visited the whole country, and some interest- 
 ing additions were made to the society. 
 
 In 1859 and 1860, Rev. J. A. M. Chapman. 
 Bro. Chapman was a great favorite with the people 
 of his charge, and on special occasions drew crowded 
 congregations. The sub-bass of the organ got out 
 of tune this year, creating no little discord in the so- 
 ciety. 
 
 TRINITY CHURCH ORGANIZED. 
 
 It was in the year 1859 that a new interest was 
 started, and a fifth church organized, known as the 
 Trinity Church. 
 
 DEBT PAID ON CHESTNUT STREET CHURCH. 
 
 In 1861 and 1862 Rev. J. B. Gould was pastor. 
 Bro. Gould was successful in removing a long stand- 
 ing debt, of more than $6,000, from the church prop- 
 erty. Of the amount contributed, Hezekiah Anthony 
 gave $2,800 and Dexter N. Knight $1,000. Bro. 
 Gould taking a chaplaincy in the army during his 
 second year, Rev. A. P. Aikin, a graduate from the 
 Wesleyan University, took his place and labored with 
 marked success until the close of the Conference year.
 
 75 
 
 In 1863 and 1864, Rev. W. McDonald. The 
 church and parsonage were repaired and newly 
 painted. About the first of November, 1864, the 
 pastor was stricken down by fever, which well nigh 
 terminated his earthly being. For four months he 
 lingered between life and death. But, by the con- 
 stant and earnest prayers of the church and the 
 blessing of God, he was restored. The pulpit was 
 supplied the most of the time by Rev. H. V. Degen, 
 of the New England Conference. 
 
 In 1865 and 1866 Rev. Mark Trafton was pastor. 
 Mr. Trafton enjoyed uninterrupted prosperity during 
 his two years. Some changes were made in the gal- 
 leries of the church, and a large choir introduced, 
 under the direction of Professors Tourjee and Snow, 
 which added greatly to the attractions of the service. 
 Perhaps the Chestnut St. Church has not been in a 
 more prosperous state for many years, if ever, than 
 at the close of Mr. Trafton's term of pastoral service. 
 Mr. Trafton was succeeded by Rev. J. M. Bidwell, 
 who is the present pastor.
 
 76 
 
 THE OFFICIAL MEMBERS FOR 1867. 
 LOCAL PREACHERS. 
 
 J. W. Bowdish, Mark Trafton, 
 
 S. Boyd, Geo. M. Carpenter. 
 
 Jesse Fillmore, 
 
 CLASS LEADERS. 
 
 J. F. Trescott, Levi Lewis, 
 
 Chas. W. Fabyan, W. A. Wardwell, 
 W. T. Cole, Rebecca Pettis. 
 
 STEWARDS. 
 
 W. A. Wardwell, W. A. Green, 
 
 W. Barton, H. M. Horton, 
 
 D. Wilcox, W. Billings, 
 
 J. R. Brown, B. Luther. 
 J. W. Bowdish, 
 
 TRUSTEES. 
 
 J. Lewis, Levi Lewis, 
 
 W. A. Wardwell, W. Barton, 
 
 W. A. Green, H. M. Horton, 
 
 J. R. Brown, W. H. Fenner.
 
 77 * 
 
 EXHORTERS. 
 
 John F. Trescott. 
 
 SUNDAY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT. 
 
 Dutie Wilcox. 
 
 The present membership, including probationers, 
 is 272.
 
 HISTORY 
 
 OF 
 
 POWER STREET CHURCH. 
 
 In the latter part of the year 1832, a number of 
 the most enterprising members of Chestnut Street 
 Church, seeing the need of a Methodist Church on 
 the east side of the city, and led on by such men as 
 Daniel Field, Hezekiah Anthony, Joseph Fuller, 
 Levi Webster, Job Andrews, James Lewis, Abner, 
 David, and Capt. Abiza Hall, the enterprise was 
 commenced and vigorously prosecuted. A subscrip- 
 tion was made to purchase a lot, and begin the erec- 
 tion of a house of worship on the corner of South 
 Main and Power Streets. The corner-stone of the 
 new edifice was laid, with appropriate religious cere- 
 monies, July 4, 1833. The house was dedicated 
 Jan. 1, 1834, Rev. J. Horton preaching a very able 
 sermon on the occasion, on the distinctive doctrines 
 of Methodism. 
 
 Rev. C. K. True, having been admitted to the 
 New England Conference on probation, and ap-
 
 79 
 
 pointed to Bristol Circuit, as colleague of Rev. E. 
 K. Avery, until the Power Street Church should be 
 completed, now became colleague of Rev. J. Horton, 
 stationed at Chestnut Street, and on Jan. 5, the 
 Sabbath following the dedication, preached the first 
 Sabbath sermon hi the new church from Isaiah 40 : 3, 
 " The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Pre- 
 pare ye the way of the Lord." The house was well 
 filled, and through the earnest labors of the youthful 
 evangelist many were added to the church. Mr. 
 True's health failing him through over-exertion, he 
 was obliged, reluctantly, to relinquish his charge 
 about the middle of the following March. Bro. 
 True speaks of his labors in Providence thus :- " I 
 longed greatly in those days for the conversion of 
 sinners ; and, being a very early riser, I used to 
 walk the streets of Providence, long before the peo- 
 ple were awake, praying for a revival of* religion. 
 I had a delightful intimacy with my beloved col- 
 league Rev. Mr. Horton and his family. That 
 meek-eyed, patient, intelligent wife, and those well 
 behaved children, I shall never forget. I little 
 thought then of the scenes which were before us in 
 the anti-slavery struggle, and that one of those boys
 
 would fall a victim of liberty in the streets of New 
 Orleans." 
 
 Mr. True leaving the charge, Rev. D. Patten, Jr., 
 was appointed as his successor. Mr. Patten contin- 
 ued his labors until the session of Conference. Dur- 
 ing the labors of Messrs. True and Patten, about 
 eighty members of Chestnut Street were transferred 
 to the Power Street Church, and some forty were 
 added by conversion, etc. 
 
 A Sabbath School was organized, numbering 
 about one hundred scholars, and the society was, in 
 every respect, in a most prosperous condition. God 
 crowned their efforts with success. 
 
 April 1st, 1834, at a Quarterly Conference held 
 in Power Street Church for both societies, it was re- 
 solved to divide the charge and call it Providence, 
 East and West. From this time Power Street be- 
 came an independent charge, and has so remained to 
 
 this day. 
 
 It is said that Hezekiah Anthony, who took a deep 
 interest in the establishment of this society, declared 
 on the day of the dedication, that the church would 
 never be successful ; and gave as the reason, that 
 they were ten minutes late in commencing the dedi- 
 catory services. If the remark was not a truthful
 
 81 
 
 prophecy, it was a most striking illustration of Mr. 
 Anthony's promptness in business ; for it is but just 
 to say that a man of equal promptness in business is 
 not often found in any community. 
 
 In 1834 Eev. H. H. White was the stationed 
 preacher. He remained but one year, and was suc- 
 ceeded in 1835 and 1836 by Rev. A. U. Swinerton. 
 
 In 1837 Rev. Abel Stevens was appointed to this 
 charge. His health failing, he was obliged to relin- 
 quish his charge at the end of the first year, and try 
 a warmer climate. Mr. Stevens was a power in the 
 pulpit, so youthful, so earnest and eloquent ; he 
 attracted large crowds to hear him, and the society 
 greatly regretted the necessity which compelled him 
 to leave. 
 
 From November, 1838, to June, 1839, Rev. Rich- 
 ard Livesey supplied the pulpit with acceptance. 
 
 In 1839 and 1840 Rev. D. Fillmore was pastor. 
 His labors were profitable to the society. 
 
 1841, Rev. C. S. Macreading. Mr. Macreading's 
 labors were attended with a very remarkable revival. 
 He remained but one year. 
 
 1842, Rev. E. M. Stickney. 
 
 1843, Rev. W. T. Harlow. 
 1844-5, Rev. A. U. Swinerton.
 
 82 
 
 1846, Rev. E. B. Bradford. 
 
 1847-8, Rev. D. Wise. 
 
 During Mr. Wise's second year, some trouble 
 arose with regard to the introduction of a musical in- 
 strument. The improvement was urged by a large 
 number of influential members, and opposed by a 
 still larger number, resulting in the withdrawal of 
 some twenty members, who, uniting with others 
 from Chestnut Street, organized the IVfathewson 
 Street Church. 
 
 A very gracious revival followed this secession, 
 resulting in more than filling their depleted ranks. 
 
 1849-50, Rev. H. C. Atwater was the pastor. 
 The revival commenced under Mr. Wise, continued 
 through Mr. Atwater's entire administration, adding 
 about ninety to the church. 
 
 185152, Rev. J. D. Butler. His ministry was 
 successful. At first, as might have been expected 
 after so extensive a revival as attended the labors of 
 the two preceding pastors, there was, for a time, an 
 apparent reaction. This continued for about six 
 months, when the tide turned ; and during the re- 
 mainder of Mr. Butler's term there was a gradual re- 
 vival, resulting in the conversion of ninety-nine souls. 
 " My two years in Power Street," says Mr. Butler,
 
 83 
 
 " I consider among the most successful in the course 
 of my labors in the church." 
 
 1853-54, Rev. J. Howson. 
 
 1855-56, Rev. J. Lovejoy. 
 
 1857-58, Rev. J. Mather. 
 
 1859-60, Rev. T. Ely. 
 
 Mr. Ely projected the plan of remodeling the 
 church, and securing the pews to the society. His 
 term of service closed before anything had been com- 
 pleted. 
 
 186162, Rev. H. Baylies was pastor. 
 
 POWER STREET CHURCH EDIFICE REMODELED. 
 
 Immediately on the appointment of Mr. Baylies to 
 this charge, measures were adopted for the alteration 
 and improvement of the church edifice. Rev. Mr. 
 Ely had the matter under advisement during his ad- 
 ministration, and had met with more or less opposi- 
 tion ; but under Rev. Mr. Baylie the work was 
 prosecuted with vigor. The house was thoroughly 
 remodeled and" made neat and attractive ; all the 
 pews being made over to the society so that they are 
 owned and rented by the society. 
 
 The house was re-opened for worship Jan. 29,
 
 84 
 
 1862, the pastor preaching the sermon on the occa- 
 sion. 
 
 1863-64, Rev J. B. Gould was pastor. 
 
 1865-66 Eev. G. M. Hamlin. 
 
 Bro. Hamlin's administration was a success. A 
 goodly number were converted and added to the 
 church and a debt on the church of $5,300 was pro- 
 vided for ; so that this church reaches the Centenary 
 year free from debt. 
 
 In 1867 Rev. J. Livesey was pastor. 
 
 Rev. J. M. Dean is the present pastor. The 
 Power Street Church is in a hopeful state. Its loca- 
 tion is not the most desirable for growth, but, under 
 these disadvantages, its success has been commenda- 
 ble. It has not been without its troubles. Few 
 churches in the Providence Conference have had a 
 more stormy and checkered career. 
 
 But, through all these difficulties, a divine hand 
 has guided it in its course, and preserved it from the 
 destruction which has, again and again, seemed to 
 threaten it. 
 
 THE OFFICIAL MEMBERS FOE 1867. 
 TRUSTEES. 
 
 Philip H. Durfee, Elery Millard,
 
 85 
 
 Frederick P. Pearce, Joseph Frankland, 
 Morris Deming, Elisha J. Allen. 
 
 STEWARDS. 
 
 Philip H. Durfee, Solomon Green, 
 
 Elery Millard, Elisha J. Allen, 
 
 James Frankland, Nath'l H. West, 
 
 Charles R. Leonard, Joseph Frankland. 
 James Crawford, 
 
 CLASS LEADERS. 
 
 Joseph Frankland, Elery Millard, 
 Wm. J. Spencer, 'John B. Earle, 
 Geo. A. Taylor, Frederick P. Pearce. 
 
 SUNDAY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT. 
 
 Solomon Green. 
 
 LOCAL PREACHER. 
 
 Samuel Griffin. 
 
 EXHORTER. 
 
 William T. Osmun. 
 
 The present membership of the church, including 
 probationers, is 260.
 
 HISTORY 
 
 OF 
 
 MATHEWSO^ STEEET CHURCH. 
 
 During the year 1848 the Mathewson Street 
 Church was organized as the third Methodist church 
 in Providence. The difficulties in the Power Street 
 Church had determined a number of the members to 
 withdraw ; among them Dr. Charles W. Fabyan. 
 Dr. Fabyan remarked to Rev. R. W. Allen, pastor 
 of the Chestnut Street Church, that he did not know 
 where to attend church. Bro. Allen replied, "It is a 
 good time to commence a new society, and you are 
 the man to lead off in it." Dr. Fabyan inquired, 
 "Where shall we meet for worship?" Bro. Allen 
 replied, "In one of the Halls." Arrangements were 
 soon made, and on Sunday, Oct. 1st, 1848, a con- 
 gregation assembled for the first time in the old 
 Hoppin Hall, No. 33 Westminster Street, com- 
 posed of members chiefly from Power Street and 
 Chestnut Street churches.
 
 87 
 
 It was their opinion that the interests of the cause 
 of God, and of Methodism in the city, demanded 
 another Methodist Church; and this first step was 
 an experiment by which to judge of the necessity of 
 the movement in the light of its results. To their 
 great joy, the first fruits gave promise of a rich har- 
 vest. The Hall was well filled, and Rev. Robert 
 Allyn, then in charge of the East Greenwich Semi- 
 nary, preached the first sermon from Psa. 20 : 5, 
 " In the name of our God we will set up our ban- 
 ners." The sermon, as well as the text, is said to 
 have been exceedingly appropriate, and contributed 
 much towards starting the new enterprise in the right 
 spirit. It revealed true piety as the sure and certain 
 ground of a church's life and prosperity. The fol- 
 lowing Sabbath, Oct. 8, Mr. Allyn preached again. 
 Oct. 15, Rev. Robert M. Hatfield preached. Oct. 
 22, Rev. David Patten, Jr., preached. From Oct. 
 29 to the next session of Conference, April, 1849, 
 Rev. W. Livesey was the pastor. The congregation 
 met for three Sabbaths without organization. On 
 Thursday evening, Oct. 19, they met for the purpose 
 of formal organization. Twenty-eight persons had 
 secured their letters, and became at this time the 
 original members of the Mathewson Street Metho-
 
 88 
 
 dist Episcopal Church. The names of these mem- 
 bers were as follows : Preston Bennett, Elizabeth 
 S. Bennett, Charles C. Burnham, Elizabeth P. 
 Burnham, Henry Baker, Susan Baker, Anna 
 Briggs, Mary J. Bishop, Nicholas R. Easton, 
 Maria Easton, Charles W. Fabyan, M. D., Pa- 
 melia C. Fabyan, Hannah Fraden, John Hoar, 
 Mercy Hoar, Sarah A. Harris, Daniel Murry, 
 Allen Monroe, Abby Monroe, Nathaniel N. Pratt, 
 Abby F. Parker, Phila Sweetland, Elias Stoyles, 
 Daniel Sisson, William A. Williams, Anna M. Wil- 
 liams, Josiah L. Webster, Helen M. Webster. 
 
 Twenty-one of the foregoing number were from 
 Power Street, six from Chestnut Street, and one 
 from East Greenwich. 
 
 FIRST OFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THIS CHURCH. 
 TRUSTEES. 
 
 David Sisson, Preston Bennett, 
 
 Dr. C. W. Fabyan, William B. Lawton, 
 
 Solomon Arnold, William A. Williams, 
 
 Daniel Murry, Nath'l R. Easton. 
 
 STEWARDS. 
 
 D. Sisson, P. Bennett,
 
 89 
 
 Dr. C. W. Fabyan, C. W. Burnham, 
 N. R. Easton, W. A. Williams. 
 
 H. Baker, 
 
 CLASS LEADERS. 
 
 W. A. Williams, D. Murry. 
 
 Josiah L. Webster, 
 
 SUNDAY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT. 
 
 Preston Bennett. 
 
 Seventeen of the original members have either re- 
 moved from the city, joined other churches, or with- 
 drawn ; three only have died, and eight still remain 
 members of the church (1867). Those who have 
 died are, Phila Sweetland, William A. Williams 
 and Anna Williams. Some of these names, though 
 dead, yet speak. 
 
 The prosperity of this church during its early 
 history is worthy of remark. From the first the 
 hall was filled with earnest and devout worshipers. 
 On the evening of the fourth Sabbath after the open- 
 ing of the hall, the first opportunity was given for 
 the seekers of religion to manifest their desires. 
 Quite a large number responded to the invitation, 
 asking the prayers of Christians. From that night 
 onward, revival was the watchword of the church. 
 Scarcely a week passed without more or less con-
 
 90 
 
 versions, and there was not a communion service for 
 years, it is said, without accessions to the society. 
 At the end of the first six months their membership 
 had just doubled, having added 28 to their number. 
 
 In 1849 Rev. David Patten was appointed to this 
 charge, and his labors were greatly blessed to the 
 people. The hall was ever crowded with attentive 
 hearers, and many wgfe the sheaves gathered for the 
 Master. At the end of Mr. Patten's first year there 
 were 112 in society. 
 
 The original members were permitted to welcome 
 to their communion, among these converts, most of 
 the children and youth of their own families ; many 
 of whom are still active members of this or some 
 other branch of the church. 
 
 In 1850 Bro. Patten was returned, and continued to 
 preach in the hall. Some time in the month of June 
 of this year arrangements were made to erect a house 
 of worship. A site was selected on Mathewson 
 Street, and the members entered into the work with 
 their usual energy. The house was not completed 
 during Bro. Patten's pastorate. But to his exertions 
 the enterprise was greatly indebted. 
 
 In 1851 Rev. R. M. Hatfield was the pastor. 
 May 28th of this year the new church was dedicated
 
 91 
 
 to the service of God. Rev. D. Patten preached the 
 sermon on the occasion. 
 
 The society, now in possession of the best church 
 edifice in the Conference, and with zeal greatly in- 
 creased by such an opening field of usefulness, en- 
 tered upon the work of leading men to God with 
 new vigor and corresponding success. The house 
 soon became too strait for them. Mr. Hatfield's en- 
 ergy and popularity drew crowds from all parts of 
 the city. It is doubtful if the church was ever so 
 crowded as during this year. 
 
 One rule adopted by the official members in the 
 conduct of their prayer meetings is worthy of note. 
 They agreed among themselves that in their meet- 
 ings not one minute of time should run to waste. 
 In adhering to this rule it was sometimes necessary 
 for persons to speak twice ; but this did not often 
 occur. As the result of this rule their meetings were 
 always interesting, and often seasons of remarkable 
 power. The unconverted were necessarily attracted 
 to their meetings, and large numbers were converted 
 to God. The church reported at the end of the 
 year 200 members and probationers. Mr. Hatfield 
 remained with the church but one year, and was suc- 
 ceeded in 1852 bv Rev. W. T. Harlow. Mr. Har-
 
 92 
 
 low continued his labors with this church two years, 
 and they were years of more or less prosperity. 
 About 25 members were added to the society the 
 first year. During the second year there was a fall- 
 ing off in the membership. It was not expected that 
 the immense congregation drawn by Mr. Hatfield 
 would be retained. 
 
 In 1854 Rev. M. J. Talbot was appointed to the 
 charge. He remained but one year. Slight addi- 
 tions were made to the membership this year. 
 
 In 1855 Rev. Henry S. White was the pastor. 
 He remained two years. Bro. White enjoyed the 
 confidence of the people, and was blessed with large 
 additions to the church. The first year the mem- 
 bership increased to about 275, and the second to 
 about 300. 
 
 In 1857 Rev. F. Upham was the pastor. Few 
 preachers have been more signally blessed in this 
 church than Mr. Upham. He enjoyed an almost 
 uninterrupted revival, which largely increased the 
 membership of the society, leaving at the end of his 
 second year about 350 in society. 
 
 In 1859 Rev. S. C. Brown was the pastor. He 
 remained two years. The church was more or less 
 affected by so large a number of the more active mem-
 
 93 
 
 bers of the church leaving, for the purpose of organ- 
 izing the Trinity Church. The church felt the loss, 
 and did not seem to rally readily from the shock. 
 Other and prominent members leaving and uniting 
 with other churches materially affected its prosperity. 
 They were years of trial, both to the pastor and the 
 church. 
 
 In 1861 Kev. S. Dean was appointed to the 
 charge. Mr. Dean remained two years. He en- 
 tered upon the work under some disadvantages, but 
 these were soon removed, and by his superior pulpit 
 abilities drew a large and appreciative congregation. 
 Mr. Dean was successful. And it was generally 
 conceded that no man had filled the pulpit of this 
 church more ably, and generally more acceptably. 
 
 In 1863 Rev. J. H. McCarty was transferred 
 from the New Hampshire to the Providence Confer- 
 ence, and stationed at this church. Mr. McCarty 
 came highly recommended, and commenced his labors 
 under very favorable auspices. Without the pulpit 
 popularity of his predecessor, he still possessed qual- 
 ities of head and heart which won for him the love 
 and esteem of his people. His feeble health, and 
 certain peculiarities of his church, rendered it difficult
 
 94 
 
 for him to accomplish all that was hoped might be 
 done. 
 
 Mr. McCarty returned the second year. His la- 
 bors during the second year were about as they were 
 the first. There was more or less internal difficulty 
 and personal disagreement in the society, which 
 made it exceedingly unpleasant for the pastor and 
 many of the members. 
 
 Mr. McCarty was returned the third year, but 
 becoming somewhat dissatisfied with the state of 
 things in the society, and finding his labors more or- 
 less unsuccessful, resigned his charge about the mid- 
 dle of the year, and was transferred to the Detroit 
 Conference. 
 
 Rev. Seth Reed, stationed at Edgartown, Mass., 
 was removed from his charge, for the purpose of 
 taking the pastorate of this church made vacant by 
 the withdrawal of Mr. McCarty. 
 
 In 1866 and 1867 Mr. Reed was re-appointed to 
 the charge, and has labored with acceptance and 
 profit. Its present pastor is Rev. Mark Trafton. 
 
 The Mathewson Street Church from its origin has 
 sought to maintain the first position in the Providence 
 Conference, and generally it has been successful. It 
 has had, like other churches, its trials and internal
 
 disruptions ; but for enterprise and success it has had 
 few if any equals in the Providence Conference. 
 May it find a symbol of its history in the " burning 
 bush," though subjected to fiery trials, yet uncon- 
 sumed. Its membership at present is 266. 
 The following is the officiary of the church : 
 
 LOCAL, PREACHERS. 
 
 Wm. Gardiner, Sidney Dean. 
 
 STEWARDS. 
 
 John Kendrick, James Kothwell, 
 
 T. G. Eiswall, E. Curtis, 
 
 P. M. Stone, W. J. MitcheU, 
 
 P. B. Wright, Moses Deming. 
 David Harris, 
 
 LEADERS. 
 
 Samuel Curry, J. L. Webster, 
 
 John Crowell, Samuel Boyd, Jr., 
 
 A. J. Manchester, Thomas Gardiner. 
 J. S. Latham, 
 
 SUNDAY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT. 
 
 Charles A. Webster.
 
 HISTORY 
 
 OF 
 
 BROADWAY CHURCH 
 
 In the year 1850 some of the members of Chestnut 
 Street Church, feeling that a Sunday School was 
 needed in the Northwest part of the city, took active 
 measures to secure a place where such a school could 
 be held. An old meeting-house, built and for a time 
 occupied by Rev. John Tillinghast, and afterwards by 
 the Calvinistic Baptists, situated on the corner of 
 Dean and Federal Streets now occupied for a dwell- 
 ing house was secured, and in the month of April 
 of the same year a Snnday School was organized. 
 Wm. K. Thurber was appointed superintendent. 
 On the evening of the same Sabbath there was 
 preaching in this house by Rev. T. G. Carver. Sab- 
 bath evening preaching was continued by the pastors 
 of Chestnut, Power and Mathewson Streets. Under 
 the labors of these pastors the work of God was more 
 or less revived, until it seemed necessary to have a 
 regular pastor.
 
 97 
 
 Rev. Richard Donkersley, a superannuated member 
 of the Providence Conference, was secured, and served 
 the society for a time. 
 
 In the fall of the same year the services of Rev. C. 
 Banning were secured, and regular Sabbath service 
 was established. Bro. Banning's labors resulted in 
 the conversion of quite a number of souls. 
 
 In 1851 Rev. D. Fillmore was appointed to the 
 Federal Street Mission ; but Rev. T. Ely, Presiding 
 Elder, took the responsibility of allowing Bro. Ban- 
 ning to remain another year, greatly to the gratifica- 
 tion of the people. 
 
 The first Board Meeting for the church was held 
 April 28, 1851, at the house of W. K. Thurber. 
 
 The stewards were Harvey .Dingley, Isaac Sperry, 
 N. C. Briggs, and Edmond Kenyon. W. K. Thur- 
 ber, Class Leader. 
 
 The year was one of unusual prosperity to the 
 church. Bro. Banning's labors were greatly blessed 
 among the people. He was greatly beloved by all, 
 and general harmony prevailed. 
 
 In 1852, Rev. Moses Chase was appointed to the 
 charge. He labored with his usual success for one 
 year, and was succeeded in 1853 by Rev. J. Cady, 
 who remained with the society three years, the third
 
 98 
 
 year supernumerary. The location of the church was 
 unfavorable, and there was little hope of success 
 without some change. At a Board Meeting held at 
 the house of Bro. Cady, May 29, 1854, the feeling 
 was general that something must be done or the 
 enterprise must be abandoned. A committee, con- 
 sisting of John Dean and William Barney, was 
 appointed to see if the house formerly occupied by 
 the Wesley an Methodist Church, corner of Fountain 
 and Franklin Streets, could not be secured. This 
 church, which was organized in 1840, had failed to 
 succeed, and their house was unoccupied. 
 
 At a Board Meeting, held at the house of Rev. J. 
 Cady April 20, 1855, the committee before named 
 reported that they had hired the Wesleyan Church 
 for three hundred dollars per year, with the privilege 
 of purchasing the same for three thousand dollars. 
 It was voted to engage the house and immediately 
 remove to it. It was voted at the same meeting to 
 change the name of the society from Federal Street 
 Mission to the Fourth Methodist Episcopal Church. 
 
 Sunday, April 22, the first service was held in this 
 church. Sermon by the pastor, Rev. J. Cady. 
 
 July 25, '1855, a committee, consisting of Rev. J. 
 Cady, preacher in charge, J. Dean, R. G. Cory and
 
 99 
 
 Wilber Barney, were appointed to make arrange- 
 ments for the purchase of the house of the Wesleyan 
 Methodist Church. July 30th, the committee report- 
 ed that they had made a satisfactory purchase of the 
 church, and their report was accepted and the pur- 
 chase sanctioned by the Board. 
 
 The first Board of Trustees were elected in August 
 of this year. They were Rev. J. Cady, Robert G. 
 Cory, John Dean, C. Mowry, R. W. Cady, T. Ad- 
 derman, T. J. Gardiner, L. Arnold and W. Barney. 
 In January, 1856, they secured their charter from 
 the Legislature. 
 
 In 1856 Rev. W. Kellen was appointed to the 
 charge, and remained one year. 
 
 In 1857 Rev. S. M. Carroll became the pastor, 
 and remained two years. These years were not 
 marked with remarkable prosperity. It was felt by 
 all that even this location was not favorable, and that 
 a more eligible site was imperatively demanded. As 
 the Trinity Church enterprise was about beim-; inau- 
 gurated, efforts were made to unite the two interests, 
 but without success. For a time it was doubtful as 
 to what would be the result. 
 
 In 1859 Rev. E. B. Bradford was appointed to 
 the charge. After looking over the ground for a
 
 100 
 
 time, it was judged expedient to make some change 
 in their church location at once. It was finally de- 
 termined to purchase an eligible lot on Broadway 
 and remove their present church edifice on to it, and 
 sell their lot on Fountain Street. Through the inde- 
 fatigable labors of Mr. Bradford, this result was ac- 
 complished. The lot was purchased and the house 
 removed. A new front was added, and other im- 
 portant modifications made, so that the house pre- 
 sented all the appearance of a new church. It is due 
 to Mr. Bradford to say that his efforts were untiring. 
 He not only preached on the Sabbath, but performed 
 manual labor on the church from first to last. He 
 labored as few men could or would have done ; but 
 he had the satisfaction of seeing the top-stone brought 
 forth with rejoicing. The church, though left with 
 a few thousand dollars' debt, was in a better condition 
 than ever before. The pews were all owned by the 
 society, and rented for the benefit of the church. The 
 church as remodeled, was dedicated in September, 
 1860, Rev. R. M. Hatfield preaching an edifying 
 sermon on the occasion. 
 
 In 1861 Rev. H. S. White became the pastor, 
 and remained nearly two years. He was successful, 
 and many additions were made to the society. Bro.
 
 101 
 
 White, accepting a chaplaincy in the army, left a few 
 months before the close of his second year and was 
 succeeded in the charge by Rev. Alfred Wright, who 
 served the church with acceptance during the remain- 
 der of the year. 
 
 In 1863 Rev. C. H. Paine was appointed to the 
 charge. Bro. Paine labored with great acceptance. 
 The congregation was greatly improved in numbers, 
 the Sunday School largely increased, and all the in- 
 terests of the church promoted. Bro. Paine remained 
 with the church two years. 
 
 In 1865 Rev. J. B. Gould was pastor. Bro. 
 Gould vacating the charge during his second year, 
 the pulpit was supplied by Rev. S. Dean. This 
 brings us to the Centenary year. 
 
 In 1867 Rev. V. A. Cooper became the pastor. 
 It is but just to say that Broadway Church has la- 
 bored under many embarrassments ; and it was not 
 until they had established themselves in their present 
 location that they were in a condition to do much. 
 Since their removal to Broadway they have prospered. 
 The members have been devoted to the work, and 
 have bravely and zealously labored to establish Meth- 
 odism in that section of the city. May their labors 
 be crowned with complete success.
 
 102 
 The following are the official members : 
 
 TRUSTEES. 
 
 Thomas Adderman, Wilber Barney, 
 
 Jacob F. Monro, Christo. W. Mowry, 
 
 Perry G. Card, Gilbert M. Steere, 
 
 H. S. Lamson, Peleg H. Barnes. 
 Richard Lowe, 
 
 STEWARDS. 
 
 Henry T. Salisbury, Andrew J. Magoon, 
 
 Wm. L. Cook, Horace S. Lamson, 
 
 Elisha J. Arnold, John Robinson, 
 
 Gilbert M. Steere, Peleg H. Barnes. 
 Thomas Adderman, 
 
 CLASS LEADERS. 
 
 Richard Lowe, W-. N. Lansing. 
 
 Perry G. Card, 
 
 SUNDAY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT. 
 
 Richard Lowe. 
 
 The present membership of the church, including 
 probationers, is 202.
 
 HISTORY 
 
 OP 
 SOUTH PEOYIDE^OE CHUBCH. 
 
 The origin of the Methodist Church in South Prov- 
 idence was on this wise : About the year 1854, at a 
 missionary prayer meeting held in the Chestnut St. 
 Church, Job Andrews and others made some remarks 
 upon the importance of home missionary labor, in 
 contrast with the foreign work. J. W. Bowdish 
 challenged the brethren to unite with him in this 
 work, and called attention to South Providence as a 
 suitable and most promising field. The remarks 
 called up an English brother by the name of Brown, 
 who spoke of what he had already tried to do in 
 establishing a Sunday School in South Providence ; 
 but from a variety of causes, principally want of aid, 
 he had nearly abandoned the enterprise. He seconded 
 most heartily the measure, and was himself ready to 
 engage in the work. 
 
 Mr. Bowdish, believing this to be a providential 
 opening, determined at once to engage in the work
 
 104 
 
 He endeavored to enlist Mr. Andrews in the enter- 
 prise, believing that a man of his talent and in- 
 fluence would be of great service ; but for some 
 reason he declined. 
 
 Soon after this meeting a Sunday School was or- 
 ganized in Mitchell's Hall, formerly occupied by the 
 Spiritualists. At first the school was small, but 
 continued to increase in numbers until it became 
 necessary to secure a larger place. Lyceum Hall on 
 Eddy Street was obtained, where the school had 
 ample room. 
 
 In 1856 South Providence appears on the Minutes 
 for the first time as a Mission, Rev. Jonathan Cady 
 preacher in charge. November 30th of this year 
 the first Quarterly Conference was held, Rev. C. H. 
 Titus presiding elder. The official members of the 
 church at this time were : 
 
 CLASS LEADER. 
 
 R. Brown. 
 
 STEWARDS. 
 
 Albert Cutter, Samuel Haney, S. C. Read. 
 
 The report of the Sunday School showed, 1 school, 
 12 officers and teachers, 100 scholars, 266 vols. in 
 library, 20 in infant class.
 
 105 
 
 In 1857 Mr. Cady was returned to the Mission. 
 At the last Quarterly Conference for this year, held 
 Jan. 24, 1858, there were reported 20 members in 
 society. Sunday School Officers and teachers, 10 ; 
 scholars, 100 ; in infant class, 20 ; vols. in library, 
 400. 
 
 In 1858 the Mission was left to be supplied. John 
 F. Trescott, a member of Chestnut Street Church, 
 was invited to take charge of the work until a 
 preacher could be obtained. Mr. Trescott received 
 an Exhorter's license at the first Quarterly Confer- 
 ence of this year. At the second Quarterly Con- 
 ference held at Chestnut Street, his license was re- 
 voked, on account, we believe, of some peculiar 
 theological views which he held and publicly advo- 
 cated. He continued, notwithstanding, to labor with 
 acceptance and profit in the Sunday School and social 
 meetings. The desk was supplied during the year 
 by different Local Preachers. 
 
 At a Quarterly Conference held Jan. 23, 1859, 
 Rev. J. E. Risley was appointed to the charge, in 
 connection with Bro. Trescott. But for some reason 
 Bro. Risley's stay was brief. " After the division of 
 the receipts of a Fair and Festival," says Bro. Tres- 
 cott, "between Bro. Risley and myself, which
 
 106 , 
 
 amounted to $15 each, Bro. Risley retired from the 
 field and I had the pleasure of turning my $15 over 
 to the society for church purposes, which was the 
 first contribution for the purchase of a lot for a church. 
 What has become of it I do not know." 
 
 In 1860 Rev. Charles M. Winchester, a member 
 of Broadway M. E. Church, came to labor with this 
 church as preacher and Sunday School superintend- 
 ent. The society was at this time very feeble, and 
 every part of the work languished. There were a 
 few brethren who loved and trusted the Lord, and 
 were determined to maintain the Methodist form of 
 worship in South Providence. Among them may be 
 named D. J. Burgess, J. A. Thornton, A. W. Pot- 
 ter, Z. Petterson, A. Newberg and J. Pierce. By 
 the united effort of pastor and people a measure of 
 prosperity was enjoyed by the society. 
 
 In October, 1863, Mr. Winchester, believing it to 
 be his duty to enter the service of his country, re- 
 signed his charge and assisted in recruiting a com- 
 pany for the 12th Reg't R. I. V., and enlisted him- 
 self in Company B. He served in the regiment until 
 its discharge in July, 1863. 
 
 In the absence of Mr. Winchester the charge was 
 supplied chiefly by J. W. Bowdish.
 
 107 
 
 On the return of Mr. Winchester from the war, 
 he took charge of the church again. Matters pro- 
 gressed as prosperously as could well be expected 
 under the circumstances, until, without any notice, 
 their hall was sold to the town of Cranston for school 
 purposes, and the society was left, unexpectedly, with- 
 out a place of worship. In this their time of need, 
 the brethren of the Baptist Church extended to them 
 a cordial invitation to worship with them, and to use 
 their church for the Sunday School, until such time 
 as they should have a place of their own. The offer 
 was accepted. 
 
 About the 1st of January, 1866, the Sons of 
 Temperance completed their large hall, which was 
 immediately hired by the society at an annual rent of 
 $350. This at once gave them ample accommoda- 
 tions, and several were added to the society. 
 
 Near the close of 1867 Mr. Winchester yielded 
 to an urgent invitation to become Chaplain of the 
 Seaman's Bethel, Providence, and for the purpose of 
 doing so resigned his charge. 
 
 It is but just to say, that during the long period 
 which Mr. Winchester served this church unbroken 
 harmony and the best of feeling existed, and bonds 
 of Christian friendship were formed which will con-
 
 108 
 
 tinue during life and will doubtless be renewed in 
 eternity. 
 
 In 1868 Rev. S. T. Benton was appointed to this 
 charge. By the aid of the " Domestic Missionary 
 and Sunday School Society," organized by the sev- 
 eral Methodist churches in Providence, the South 
 Providence Church bids fair to become a self-sustain- 
 ing as well as vigorous society. 
 
 This church has always been feeble, and conse- 
 quently has labored under great embarrassments. It 
 has done well with the means at its disposal. May 
 it long survive, with increasing prosperity ; and as a 
 city on a hill may its light be seen by many a wan- 
 derer from God, who shall rejoice in the light, hav- 
 ing by it been led to the Saviour of sinners.
 
 HISTORY 
 
 OF 
 
 TKINTTY M. E. CHUEOH. 
 
 At a meeting of the Official Board of Mathewson 
 Street Church, Dec. 17, 1858, Dr. G. S. Stevens 
 proposed the establishment of a Methodist Mission 
 in Lester Hall, Cranston Street. After a careful 
 consideration of the subject it was voted that unless 
 at least eight hundred dollars could be secured to 
 meet the expenses for one year, they could not ap- 
 prove the enterprise. A committee consisting of J. 
 L. Webster, John Kendrick and Dr. G. S. Stevens 
 were appointed to solicit subscriptions and report the 
 result to the Board. At the next Board meeting, 
 Dec. 27, the committee reported that after securing 
 subscriptions to the amount of four hundred dollars, 
 they had ceased their efforts, for the reason that sev- 
 eral members of the Board were opposed to the en- 
 terprise. The committee was therefore discharged at 
 their own request. Two weeks later, Dr. G. S. Ste- 
 vens hired Lester Hall for three months for Sun- 
 days, and for Wednesday evenings, for religious ser- 
 10
 
 110 
 
 5, and engaged Rev. Andrew McKeown to sup- 
 ply the pulpit. The first service a prayer meeting 
 was held in one of the ante-rooms of the hall, 
 Jan. 16th, 1859, at 9 1-2 o'clock, A. M. The 
 following persons were present : Dr. G. S. Stevens, 
 John Kendrick, W. J. Martin, W. F. Lawton, 
 Sam'l Robinson, A. F. Hopkins, C. W. Thurber, 
 J. H. Merideth, Geo. H. Chenery, Thos. Seekell, 
 Thos. Barker, A. Southwick and Rev. A. McKeown, 
 who took charge of the services. The meeting is 
 said to have been one of unusual interest. Bro. 
 McKeown preached three sermons the same day in 
 this hall, to congregations varying from one to three 
 hundred. Dr. Stevens is said to have laid it down 
 as a rule at this prayer meeting, that old-fashioned 
 Methodist responses, such as "amen," etc., would 
 always be in order at any tune during the exercises of 
 the day and evening. Collections were taken at each 
 service, amounting to thirteen dollars. 
 
 At the next Quarterly Conference of the Mathew- 
 son Street Church, the preacher in charge, Rev. F. 
 Upham, brought up the subject of this new Mission, 
 and the following resolution was, after some discus- 
 sion, passed.
 
 Ill 
 
 RESOLVED, That we legalize the enterprise recently started 
 in Lester Hall, by certain members of the Mathewson Street 
 Church, and hereby sanction the same. 
 
 A notice was given Jan. 30th, that on the follow- 
 ing Sabbath a Sunday School would be organized to 
 take the place of the forenoon service. At the Board 
 meeting of the Mathewson Street Church on the fol- 
 lowing evening, some objection having been made to 
 the organization of the school as irregular, and with- 
 out authority, after discussion it was voted to com- 
 mence the school, and the following officers were 
 appointed : Dr. G. S. Stevens, Superintendent ; 
 Wm. J. Martin, Secretary ; Charles A. Williams, 
 Librarian. John Kendrick was chosen Treasurer of 
 the Mission. It was also voted to lend the Mission 
 School books from the Mathewson St. Library. 
 
 February 6th, 1859, Rev. A. McKeown opened 
 the services with reading the Scriptures, singing and 
 prayer ; after which he stated the action of the Ma- 
 thewson Street Board, and announced the officers of 
 the school. The officers proceeded at once to organ- 
 ize the school into classes. Fourteen classes of chil- 
 dren under fifteen years of age were formed. Two 
 Bible Classes were 'formed ; one under the charge of 
 Rev. A. McKeown, and the other under the charge
 
 112 
 
 of Nathan B. Hall. There were present one hun- 
 dred and thirty-four, of whom, fifty-two adults and 
 fifty-seven children became members of the school. 
 The school increased rapidly. On the following 
 Sunday there were 160 present ; the third Sunday 
 181; and the fourth 257. 
 
 It had been arranged that Bro. McKeown, or some 
 other preacher from the Conference, should be sent to 
 take charge of this Mission. But at the session of 
 the Providence Conference, held in Fall Eiver, March 
 30th, 1859, a communication was received by the 
 Presiding Elder, Rev. C. H. Titus, from the mem- 
 bers of the official Board of Mathewson St. Church, 
 to the effect that they thought it not desirable that a 
 minister should be appointed to the Mission, as it had 
 not secured a sufficient number of men of character 
 and influence to warrant the attempt to form a new 
 church organization. But at a meeting of the friends 
 of the Mission, held the same evening, March 30th, 
 it was resolved to ask the Presiding Elder to organ- 
 ize them as the Trinity M. E. Church, and supply 
 them with a preacher. The following petition was 
 drawn up and signed :
 
 113 
 
 "PROVIDENCE, March 30, 1859. 
 To the Presiding Elder of the Providence District of 
 the Providence Conference : 
 
 We the undersigned, members of the Mathewson 
 St. M. E. Church in this city, and of other churches, 
 desirous of forming a new church organization to be 
 known as the Trinity M. E. Church in Providencef 
 hereby respectfully request the Providence Annual 
 Conference to send us a preacher, who may so organ- 
 ize us and serve us for the ensuing year. We have 
 raised by subscription one thousand dollars towards 
 defraying the expenses for one year. 
 
 We would also respectfully represent that we have 
 a convenient place of worship, a good congregation, 
 and an organized Sunday School of 250 members. 
 
 (Signed) Thomas H. Barker, Mary A. Barker, 
 Geo. H. Chenery, Marcy B. Gould, Arnold F. Hop- 
 kins, Charles F. Hull, Caroline B. Hull, Win. F. 
 Lawton, Martha B. Lawton, Thomas J. Monroe, 
 Louisa Monroe, William J. Martin, Harriet A. 
 Macreading, Samuel Robinson, Andrew S. South- 
 wick, Dr. G. S. Stevens, Hannah W. Stevens, Isa- 
 bella Timpson, Sarah W. Walker, Edna A. Lee, 
 Betsey Persons, Catherine Benson." 
 
 Wm. F. Lawton and G. S. Stevens were ap-
 
 114 
 
 pointed a committee to represent the Mission at the 
 Conference. 
 
 In consequence of these conflicting representations 
 no preacher was appointed to the Mission by the pre- 
 siding Bishop Ames but the whole matter was 
 referred to the presiding elder of the district, Rev. 
 Gr. M. Carpenter, with authority to organize the 
 church and supply the pulpit. 
 
 It was soon evident that a minister at Lester Hall 
 was a necessity. Accordingly the next week, Rev. 
 Wm. McDonald, greatly against his wishes, was 
 transferred from the New England Conference and 
 stationed at Trinity Church, or what was to be ; or, 
 as one of our Church papers had it " transferred to 
 Providence and stationed on the Common, to dig or 
 die." 
 
 It would transcend the limits assigned to these 
 pages to detail all the seeming Providential circum- 
 stances connected with this arrangement. It is 
 enough to say that the preacher came, and on the 
 24th of April, 1859, commenced his labors. The 
 first sermon preached was from Acts 10 : 29. The 
 church was organized the same day, consisting of 34 
 members and 1 probationer. The following were the 
 original members :
 
 115 
 
 Thos. H. Barker, Mrs. Mary A. Barker, 
 
 Miss Mary A. Barker, Geo. H. Chenery, 
 Laura M. Davis, Thomas J. Gardiner, 
 
 Sarah J. Griffin, Nancy B. Gould, 
 
 Frances B. Gardner, Amelia J. Gardner, 
 James G. Green, Hannah Green, 
 
 Hary E. Green, Arnold F. Hopkins, 
 
 Charles F. Hull, Caroline B. Hull, 
 
 Win. F. Lawton, Martha B. Lawton, 
 
 Wm. H. Leavett, Wm. J. Martin, 
 
 Thos. J. Monroe, Louisa Munroe, 
 
 Harriet A. Macreading, Elizabeth Persons, 
 Samuel Robinson, G. S. Stevens, 
 
 Hannah W. Stevens, Mary Slocum, 
 Orlando Smith, Andrew S. Southwick, 
 
 Isabella Timpson, Joseph B. White, 
 
 Mary D. Wickson, Sarah M. Walker. 
 
 Robert Timpson was received on probation the 
 same day. 
 
 The first Quarterly Conference was held at the 
 house of Dr. G. S. Stevens, May 5th, 1859. There 
 were present Rev. G. M. Carpenter, Presiding Elder, 
 Rev. Wm. McDonald, preacher in charge, Dr. G. 
 S. Stevens and W. J. Martin, Leaders ; and Thos. 
 J. Gardiner, Wm. F. Lawton, Chas. F. Hull, Jas.
 
 116 
 
 G. Green and Samuel Robinson, who were appointed 
 Stewards. 
 
 OFFICIAL MEMBERS FOB THE FIRST YEAR. 
 
 TRUSTEES. 
 
 Dr. G. S. Stevens, T. J. Gardiner, 
 
 C. F. Hull, S. A. Edinond. 
 
 W. F. Lawton; appointed Dec. 2d, 1859. 
 
 STEWARDS. 
 
 T. J. Gardiner, W. F. Lawton, 
 
 C. F. Hull, J. G. Green, 
 
 S. Robinson ; appointed May 5th, 1859. 
 
 T. H. Esten, app. at 2d Quarterly Conference. 
 
 LEADERS. 
 
 Dr. G. S. Stevens, W. J. Martin. 
 
 Afterwards, T. H. Esten, 
 
 S. A. Edmond, W. F. Lawton. 
 
 SUNDAY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT. 
 
 Dr. G. S. Stevens. 
 
 The church was now fully organized, and in run- 
 ning order. The hall, which would accommodate 
 
 O ' 
 
 some five hundred persons, was filled each Sabbath. 
 The social meetings were seasons of special interest, 
 as all seemed hopeful and willing to contribute their
 
 117 4| 
 
 all to the enterprise. The conversion of souls was 
 almost as frequent as Sabbaths, and the Sunday School 
 soon became, in every respect, a model school, and 
 " Christian Hill," as it was called in derision, felt the 
 moral influence of this new element of power in their 
 midst. We were informed by the Police that it did 
 not require more than half the force to maintain order 
 in that section of the city, as it did before this 
 church was organized. We could give accounts 
 of many of the most abandoned characters who were 
 reclaimed. 
 
 Our hall being too small to accommodate the peo- 
 ple who desired to attend, it was thought best to 
 make an effort to build a more commodious house 
 of worship. Consequently on the 15th of July, 
 1859, Dr. G. S. Stevens and Thomas J. Gardiner 
 were appointed a building committee by the Quar- 
 terly Conference, to build or procure a house of wor- 
 ship. Wm. F. Lawton was afterwards added to the 
 committee. Many locations were examined and es- 
 timates made, without any favorable results. 
 
 It here becomes our duty to record faithfully one 
 of the most unpleasant chapters in the history of this 
 church ; a matter out of which has grown many 
 false representations, made through either design,
 
 ignorance or forgetfulness, and we could hope for 
 the sake of Christianity that it were the latter. 
 
 Mr. Perry Davis, known in all parts of the world 
 as the " Pain Killer " man, had, by the extensive sale 
 of his "Pain Killer" amassed considerable wealth. 
 But his liberality was beyond his income. Provi- 
 dence, in our judgment, has never been blessed with 
 a man of more generous impulses. He was a liberal 
 Baptist, discarding many of the cardinal tenets of the 
 denomination. He had erected a substantial brick 
 church on Stewart Street, at an expense of some 
 $36,000, in which a Baptist Church had worshiped 
 a number of years, Mr. Davis paying a large portion 
 of the expenses. He had urged the church to take 
 some steps to pay for the house, or at least a part of 
 what it had cost him. But thinking that Mr. Davis 
 would finally give them the property, no effort was 
 attempted. Mr. Davis at last offered them the whole 
 property for the sum of $12,000, giving them to 
 understand that if this offer was not accepted he 
 should dispose of the house. A subscription was 
 started, and after a few thousands had been subscribed 
 was abandoned. 
 
 Mr. Davis becoming exceedingly dissatisfied with 
 the course taken, resolved to sell the house if he could
 
 119 
 
 find proper parties to buy. Stating his grievances 
 one day to Mr. Geo. M. Butts, a well known broker 
 of Providence, through whom Mr. Davis often nego- 
 tiated loans, Mr. Butts remarked that if he desired 
 to sell his church he thought he could find him a pur- 
 chaser. He said he would sell the property for 
 $16,000, four thousand more than he had offered it 
 to his own church. Mr. Butts communicated the fact 
 to Dr. Stevens, and he to some of the leading mem- 
 ^Hbers of the Trinity Church. Mr. Butts was informed 
 that the Trinity Church would purchase Mr. Davis' 
 Church for the sum named. The bargain was com- 
 pleted about the 20th of October. 
 
 The concurrent testimony of Geo. M. Butts, Esq., 
 Dr. G. S. Stevens, Thos. J. Gardiner, and the pas- 
 tor of the church, shows that up to this time no 
 word had been uttered with regard to a " Free Church " 
 as a condition of purchase, out of which, ostensibly, 
 all the trouble arose. There had been talk of a free 
 church, if it could be established ; but no word had 
 been uttered to the effect that the church should be 
 free, or abandoned, or that Mr. Davis was to own 
 one half of the church, etc. As Mr. Davis was old 
 and infirm, the members of Trinity Church thought 
 it advisable to have some memorandum of the contract
 
 120 
 
 with him ; consequently, Thomas J. Gardiner 
 secured a properly drawn document, and in company 
 with Dr. Stevens called on Mr. Davis, October 28th, 
 in the evening, and stated to him the action of the 
 church and what they had done. Mr. Davis ex- 
 pressed a perfect willingness to give a bond for the 
 property. The document was handed to Mr. Davis, 
 who looked it over and then requested Mr. Gardiner 
 to read it, which he did twice, Mr. Davis suggesting 
 some change in the time fixed for giving possession,^! 
 which was done, and Mr. Davis signed the bond. 
 
 About the middle of November it was reported 
 that Mr. Davis had concluded not to let the Trinity 
 Church have the house. In the mean time every 
 effort was made that could be made to induce Mr. 
 Davis to cancel his obligation to the Trinity Church. 
 Committees were appointed, and grave Doctors of 
 Divinity attempted to alarm Mr. Davis by telling 
 him that a refusal to allow the Baptists to retain the 
 house would seriously affect the sale of his " Pain 
 Killer," etc. On the evening of Nov. 23d, the pas- 
 tor, in connection with Dr. G. S. Stevens and Thos. 
 J. Gardiner, called on Mr. Davis to ask an explana- 
 tion of the reports. He informed us frankly that 
 under no arrangement would he give us a deed of
 
 121 
 
 the church that with him the bargain was up, and 
 that he should not give us a deed until he was obliged 
 to. The only reason which he assigned for not ful- 
 filling his obligation, was what he claimed to be an 
 obligation on the part of Trinity Church to make it 
 a Free Church, an obligation never given directly or 
 indirectly, and never existed except in the imagination 
 of Mr. Davis. He himself acknowledged that it 
 
 was not in the contract, but it was in his mind. 
 
 . 
 It is true that the members of Trinity Church did 
 
 talk of, and intended to make the church free, but the 
 idea never originated with Mr. Davis, and was no 
 part of the conditions of sale. It was soon found 
 that Mr. Davis had sold his church to a Mr. John 
 W. Smith, a member of the Stewart Street Church, 
 and a clerk in Mr. Davis' employ, and a man known 
 to be worth no such money as was professedly paid 
 for the church. The whole transaction was an effort 
 to prevent the Trinity Church from securing then* just 
 . claim. In view of Mr. Davis' utter refusal to fulfill his 
 obligation , there was no other course left to the Trin- 
 ity church but to resort to legal measures. This was 
 reluctantly done. The case was brought before the 
 court, and decided in favor of Trinity Church. Ap- 
 peal was taken, and the case was carried from one 
 11
 
 122 
 
 term of court to another until the fall of 1863. Mr. 
 Davis dying in the mean time, left the matter in the 
 hands of his heirs. Such had been the feeling in the 
 Baptist Churches of the State, and such the long 
 controversy, that the Trinity Church had lost much 
 of their former interest in the matter, and judged it 
 would be for the best to accept of a proposition made 
 by Mr. Davis' heirs to pay them $1650, and relin- 
 quish their claim on the church. On the 3d of 
 March, 1864, the long-standing dispute was settled 
 upon these terms. 
 
 It is but just to say that the members of Trinity 
 Church never regarded Mr. Davis as responsible as 
 some other parties for this refusal to fulfill his written 
 obligation. They have always believed that had 
 he been left to act without such influences being 
 brought to bear upon him as would doubtless have 
 induced other men, with less of the infirmities of age 
 and of a more retentive memory, to have yielded, he 
 would have done differently. Mr. Davis had given 
 too many proofs of being a sincere, honest Christian 
 man, to allow us to believe that he would have been 
 guilty of a cool, deliberate, intelligent purpose to do 
 what all honest men would pronounce a most palpa- 
 ble wrong. Mr. Davis was little more than a machine
 
 123 
 
 operated by other parties, who seemed determined to 
 carry their points without reference to justice or moral 
 obligation. 
 
 If we have judged men and motives incorrectly, or 
 if others have acted without reference to justice, be- 
 lieving that the end would justify the means, may a 
 merciful God forgive us for false judging on the one 
 hand, and from unjust action on the other. 
 
 The success which attended the efforts of the mem- 
 bers of Trinity for the first two years was all that 
 could have been anticipated. The membership at the 
 close of the second year was 185 ; an increase of 150 
 in two years. 
 
 In 1861 Rev. "W. F. Farrington was transferred 
 from the Maine to the Providence Conference, and 
 became pastor of this church. He remained two 
 years. The society continued to prosper, and num- 
 bered at the close of Mr. Farrington's term, in full 
 and on trial, 225. 
 
 In 1863 Rev. James D. Butler became the pastor, 
 and remained three years. Bro. Butler was cordially 
 received by the society, and entered upon his work 
 with his usual diligence and energy. 
 
 In the fall of 1863 the society began to consider 
 how they should bring their unhappy church contro-
 
 124 
 
 versy with Mr. Davis to an end. It was proposed 
 to make it a subject of prayer. At a Board meeting 
 held in January, 1864, a committee was appointed 
 to wait upon the heirs of Mr. Davis and propose a 
 settlement ; and on the 3d of March following the 
 matter was arranged and settled between the two 
 churches, as formerly stated. 
 
 Mr. Butler reported at the close of his first year, 
 members and probationers, 210. With this falling 
 off in the membership from the last year, there were 
 still forty-eight converted under his labors. The 
 general impression prevailed that a new church should 
 be erected on Cranstan Street. But it was proposed 
 to make it a subject of prayer ; "and we think," says 
 Eev. Mr. Butler, " that in answer to prayer we were 
 directed to the best location in the city of Providence," 
 which is the one the church now occupies. 
 
 Excavations were commenced for laying the foun- 
 dation of the new church, March 26th, 1864. The 
 corner stone was laid June 24th, 1864, with impos- 
 ing Masonic ceremonies. Prayer by the Rev. W. 
 McDonald, and an address by Rev. S. Dean. The 
 church was commenced with the understanding that 
 it should be free, and should cost about $12,000. 
 But in consequence of the rise in the price of mate-
 
 125 
 
 rial and labor, it was soon found that it would cost 
 much more than at first contemplated. In the fall 
 of 1864 the Trustees commenced holding Trustee 
 prayer meetings. They met at Dr. Stevens', and 
 after hearing from him that, financially, they were in 
 a bad condition, it was proposed that before entering 
 upon business they should each offer prayer. They 
 accordingly knelt and began to cry to God ; " and 
 such manifestations of divine power," says Rev. Mr. 
 Butler, who was present, "were scarcely ever wit- 
 nessed before. Very soon after this we obtained 
 some heavy subscriptions. So we continued to pray 
 and work." 
 
 The house was completed and dedicated May 31st, 
 1865. Sermon by Rev. M. L. Scudder, D. D. 
 
 Mr. Butler remarks at this point, that " from the 
 very beginning until now, the enterprise has been 
 carried on by prayer and faith." And while they 
 adhered to that policy God aided them, but when that 
 course was abandoned, progress was at an end. 
 
 It becomes necessary here to record another un- 
 happy chapter in the history of this church. Dr. 
 G. S. Stevens, who had been the prime mover 
 in this enterprise from the first, and who had done 
 more than any other man to promote its interests,
 
 126 
 
 became, about this time, disaffected. It is due the 
 doctor to say, that had it not been for his indomitable 
 perseverance and almost superhuman efforts, the 
 church would never have been built, nor would the 
 society have had an existence at all ; and his subse- 
 quent course was a cause of great sorrow to his 
 friends. 
 
 It was sometime during the month of September of 
 this year, that Dr. Stevens commenced reading the 
 proof-sheets of a book entitled " The Constitution of 
 Man," by Dr. Hatch. It was evident to his friends 
 that the reading of this book had a powerful effect 
 upon his mind, as well as his views and feelings in 
 regard to Trinity Church. He was soon heard to 
 say that he had lost all interest in the church, and 
 did not care whether the house was paid for or not. 
 He remarked one day to the pastor, Rev. Mr. Butler, 
 that the house would have to be sold and go into 
 other hands. Mr. Butler says: "I went home and 
 laid the subject before- the Lord, and obtained an 
 answer which I delivered to the doctor the next day. 
 I said, 'Doctor, that house will not go out of our 
 hands. The Lord gave us that location in answer to 
 prayer. He gave it to Trinity Church, and it will 
 never go out of their hands.' The doctor replied,
 
 127 
 
 'The church will be sold, and I shall go with it.'" 
 The sequel shows who was the true prophet. 
 
 That the doctor had the best interests of Trinity 
 Church at heart, there can be no doubt ; and that he 
 labored to build up that church and Sunday School, 
 as few men have labored, there is the clearest evi- 
 dence. That he became infatuated by certain per- 
 sons, and that through those influences came very near 
 swamping the church, there is no question. While 
 great credit is due Dr. Stevens for his almost unpar- 
 alleled efforts in establishing Trinity Church, and se- 
 curing the erection of their present house of worship, 
 it is to be regretted that he should have finally taken 
 the course he did. 
 
 Providentially, about this time, Dexter N. Knight, 
 a member of Chestnut St. Church, was induced to 
 
 leave and unite with Trinity. He was a God-send 
 to the society, for it is the belief of the writer, that 
 had not this event occurred the church edifice must 
 have been sold and the society scattered. Mr. Knight 
 took charge of the Sunday School, at this time num- 
 bering more than 400 members, and which under 
 the superintendency of Dr. Stevens had become the 
 model school of Providence, and carried it forward 
 with remarkable ability and success.
 
 128 
 
 Here closes Mr. Butler's three years with this 
 church. They had been years of trial and triumph 
 to both pastor and people. But no man was more 
 honored and beloved by his people than was Mr. 
 Butler. He left the society in a very delightful relig- 
 ious state, with a revival in progress. There were in 
 society 184 members, and 46 probationers. 
 
 In 1866 Rev. D. H. Ela was appointed to Trinity 
 Church, and commenced his labors Sunday, April 
 1st. Such was the financial embarrassment of the 
 church that a committee was appointed by the Provi- 
 dence Conference on the subject, who reported in 
 favor of appropriating one half the Conference col- 
 lections for the Church Extension Society, to the 
 amount of $7,000, for its relief. It was soon found 
 that the church was in debt more than $28,000. 
 There were bills against the Sunday School amount- 
 ing to about $800 ; the whole, with the interest 
 thereon, amounting to more than $30,000. The so- 
 ciety had paid, up, to this time, to the utmost of their 
 ability, nearly all the members being poor. 
 
 The Methodist churches of Providence, seeing the 
 perilous condition of Trinity, rallied to save it. A 
 meeting of the friends of the enterprise was called at 
 Chestnut St. Church, April 8th. All the churches
 
 129 
 
 gave up their meetings in favor of this. Rev. M. Traf- 
 ton presided. A statement of the condition of Trinity 
 was made ; after which several ministers and laymen 
 addressed the meeting, and subscriptions to the amount 
 of $17,000 were made. This was a good beginning. 
 Subscriptions were subsequently procured by D. N. 
 Knight, and the pastor, Rev. D. H. Ela. But little 
 more was done until the summer of 1867, when stren- 
 uous efforts were made to complete the work. In 
 December of this year the pastor laid the case before 
 a meeting of the official boards of the several churches 
 in the city. By the favorable and generous action of 
 the meeting, arrangements were made by which the 
 entire amount was provided for. 
 
 Of these subscriptions D. N. Knight contributed 
 $5,100, Hezekiah Anthony 1,500, Jeremiah Knight 
 1,000, John Kendrick 650, James Davis 600, W. 
 S. Huntoon 550, A. and W. Sprague 500, Trinity 
 Sunday School 1,500, Mathewson Street Sunday ' 
 School 375, etc. And thus the work t was com- 
 pleted " because the people had a mind to work'." 
 Taking it all in all, this is one of the most remarkable 
 church enterprises ever undertaken in New England.* 
 
 Notwithstanding these financial embarrassments, 
 
 the spiritual interests of the church were not suffere , 
 
 d
 
 130 
 
 to languish. The revival which commenced under 
 Bro. Butler continued with remarkable power. At 
 the close of Mr. Ela's first year -there were 238 mem- 
 bers and 50 probationers ; and at the close of his 
 second year there were 250 members and 38 proba- 
 tioners. The Sunday School numbers 560 members, 
 with an average attendance of more than 400. It has 
 been pre-eminently a revival school through its whole 
 history. It has been the scene of some of the most 
 blessed manifestations of the power of God. 
 
 Here we must conclude our somewhat extended 
 history of Trinity Church. It had a providential ori- 
 gin, as it has had a remarkable history. It has been 
 one of the most earnest, laborious and successful 
 churches ever established in the city of Providence. 
 May it long continue to proclaim a free salvation, and 
 gather in from the lanes and highways of the city 
 the neglected and the unsaved ; and in eternity may 
 it be known that many were born for glory here. 
 
 The present officers of the church : 
 
 LEADERS. 
 
 A. E. Lilley, T. H. Esten, 
 
 O. H. Fernald, W. F. Cady, 
 
 A. D. Litchfield, J. Gaddis. 
 

 
 131 
 
 STEWARDS. 
 
 A. D. Litchfield, P. Bennett, 
 
 G. H. Cook, D. N. Knight, 
 
 G. H. Chenery, Jas. G. Green. 
 J. Collins, 
 
 TRUSTEES. 
 
 A. R. Lilley, George H. Cook, 
 
 D. N. Knight, T. H. Esten, 
 
 A. D. Litchfield, J. Collins, 
 
 P. Bennett, E. Curtis, 
 
 SUNDAY SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT. 
 
 D. N. Knight. 
 
 The present membership of the church, including 
 probationers, is 281.
 
 HISTORY 
 
 OF 
 
 ASBURY M. E. CHURCH. 
 
 The Asbury M. E. Church, located in the northern 
 part of the city of Providence, called hi the Min- 
 utes of the Providence Conference for 1868, Asbury 
 Mission, is the youngest branch of the Methodist 
 Church in this city. Its origin was on this wise : 
 After a careful, earnest and prolonged discussion by 
 the Union Board, composed of official members of 
 the several Methodist churches in the city, of various 
 plans for Church Extension , a committee of three was 
 appointed, viz : Rev. J. Livesey, T. J. Gardiner and 
 J. Burton, to ascertain if any convenient room or 
 hall could be procured in the northern part of the city 
 for the purpose of holding a Sunday School and other 
 religious services. After diligent inquiry, the com- 
 mittee reported that the Mooshausic Engine Room, 
 on Mill Street was unoccupied and could be procured. 
 Application was made to the municipal authorities, 
 and permission was obtained to occupy the room for 
 the purposes desired.
 
 133 
 
 Friday evening, March 13, 1868, at a meeting of 
 the members and friends of Methodism residing in 
 that section of the city, held in the Engine Room, it 
 was resolved to proceed immediately to gather and 
 organize a Sunday School ; and further, to establish 
 such other religious services as they might be ablb to 
 maintain. Sunday, March 22d, at 9 A. M., a 
 few devoted and earnest Christians gathered at the 
 place to invoke the divine blessing upon the new en- 
 terprise. At 10 1-2 A. M., 76 adults and children 
 were enrolled and arranged into classes, under the su- 
 perintency of J. C. Jacobs, of the Broadway M. E. 
 Church. At 3 P. M., a congregation of about 130 
 assembled to liston to the opening sermon, preached 
 by Rev. J. Livesey, of the Power St. Church. At 
 7 P. M. an excellent prayer meeting was held. The 
 divine presence was powerfully manifested, and heaven 
 seemed to smile approvingly upon this new effort for 
 the extension of the Redeemer's kingdom. So en- 
 couraging had been the indications in all these ser- 
 vices, that it was decided to apply at once to the 
 Providence Conference, to assemble that week, for the 
 appointment of a pastor to the charge. Rev. J. 
 Livesey was appointed, and entered at once upon his 
 labors.
 
 134 
 
 Sunday, April 5, 1868, the Asbury M. E. Church 
 was organized, consisting of 26 members and 7 pro- 
 bationers total, 33. During the first three months 
 the membership nearly doubled ; and there is every 
 prospect that the church will soon become self-sus- 
 taining and one of the most prosperous in the city. 
 They have as yet no house of worship, but active 
 steps are being taken for the immediate erection of a 
 chapel, which shall accommodate the church and Sun- 
 day School ; and it is confidently expected that very 
 soon they will sit "beneath their own vine and fig- 
 tree," to worship Him who has thus far so signally 
 prospered their enterprise. 
 
 The officers of the church and society are as fol- 
 lows : 
 
 TRUSTEES, ELECTED APRIL 21. 1868. 
 
 Morris Deming, George W. Cady, 
 
 Philip B. Stiness, Jason A. Bidwell. 
 John Burton, 
 
 STEWARDS, ELECTED APRIL 21, 1868. 
 
 Morris Deming, James C. Jacobs, 
 
 John Burton, W. H. White, 
 
 W. T. Morehead, John W. Foster.
 
 135 
 
 CLASS LEADERS, ELECTED APEIL 21, 1868. 
 
 John W. Foster, Morris Deming, 
 James C. Jacobs, David Taylor. 
 
 OFFICERS OF THE SUNDAY SCHOOL. 
 
 J. C. Jacobs, Superintendent. 
 
 J. Burton, Assistant Sup. 
 
 P. B. Stiness, Jr., Sec'ry and Treasurer. 
 C. K. Melville, Librarian. 
 
 D' Wolff, Assistant Lib. 
 
 Vols. in Library, 400. 
 
 CONCLUSION. 
 
 We have faithfully traced the history of Methodism 
 in Providence, from its introduction by the devoted, 
 the indomitable Freeborn Garrettson, in 1787, to the 
 eighty-first year of its existence. We have noted its 
 mustard-seed-like origin and feeble growth ; the 
 multiplied difficulties it has had to encounter from the 
 poverty of its friends and the opposition of its ene- 
 mies ; and yet we have seen it outlive and outgrow 
 all these discouragements, until the little one has be-
 
 136 
 
 come a thousand, and the handful of corn in the 
 earth in the top of the mountain is beginning to shake 
 like Lebanon ; and Methodism, once dishonored, re- 
 viled and scouted, emerging from " alley" and " kitch- 
 en," to occupy a respectable, yea, honorable position 
 among the long standing churches of the city of Roger 
 Williams. May its members never forget the hole of 
 the pit whence they were digged, but ever learn to 
 give all glory to Him who has made them all they are ; 
 and may past successes stimulate to renewed efforts 
 to "spread scriptural holiness," until the "kingdoms of 
 this world shall become the kingdom of our Lord and 
 of his Christ. Then shall one like unto the Son of 
 Man be ever found walking in the midst of these 
 " seven golden candlesticks " to make them lights of 
 supernatural brilliancy, and protect them from the 
 hand of him who would extinguish their burning.
 
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