Springfield 1636-1886, History of Town and City, by Mason A. Green ...

482 SPRINGFIELD, 1636-18S6.
out of its place, and the company would pass on. These Samsons
of Bvimfield were equally ready to flglit the Philistines in Springfield
who jeered at their up-country ways as to carry off the gates that
barred their march."
The Hampden County Agricultural Society was chartered in 1844.
The St. Paul's (Universalist) Church was built on Main street ia
1«44, and tiiatyear, also, the Trinity Methodist Church was organized,
— the Asbury Chapel congregation being transferred there. The place
of worship on Pynchon street was dedicated the following year. The
North Church was organized in 1846, St. Benedict's (Roman Catholic)
Union-street Church was christened in 1847, the Catholic cemetery,
Liberty street, opened, and the Baptist church edifice built on Main
street. The First Congregational (Evangelical religion) Societ}- of
Indian Orchard was organized in 1848. Dr. A. N. Littlejohn, after-
ward Bishop of Long Island, was made rector of Christ Episcopal
Church in 1850.
When, in 1852, it was found that the population of Springfiekl had
reached 12,498, the call for a city charter became irresistible, and at
a special meeting, in March, Henry Vose, S. C. Bemis, John Mills,
George Dwight, and Henry Gray were chosen to make application
for the charter. It was promptly granted, and at a special meeting,
April 21, 1852, the town adopted the act according to law by a vote
of \)^i'i to 454, and the deed was done.