History of Middlesex County, Massachusetts - citizen hylbom blog

old resident has heard a now distinguished doctor
of divinity as boy-preacher from its pulpit address
his playmates.
The present First Church Avas organized at the
Centre, with twenty-three members, in February,
1802, and for about thirty years was the only re-
ligious society in town. Eev. Freeman Sears, the
first jjastor, was ordained January 1, 1806, and
died, lamented, June 30, 1811. His monument in
Dell Park was erected in 1-873.
Eev. Martin Moore succeeded him, being jjastor
from 1814 to 1833. The most of the ministerial
lot, an hundred acres given by the Indians in Mr.
Peabody's day, was now sold. It covered the
present business centre of Natick. Tlie proceeds
largely form the ministerial fund now. Mr. Moore
was a sound divine, and fond of antiquarian re-
search. His New Year's Historical Sermon, January
5, 1817, and Life of Eliot possess much
merit. At his dismissal in 1833 the church numbered
one hundred and seventy members. The
Sabbath school began in April, 1818. Mr. Moore
edited tlie Boston Recorder after leaving Natick,
and, dying in 1866, lies buried in Mt. Auburn.
Rev. E. D. Moore followed from 1833 to 183S.
A new church was built in 1836. Eev. Samuel
Hunt preached from 1839 to 1850. He after-
wards became private secretary to the late Vice-
President Wilson, rendering valuable assistance in
some of his publislied works. July 23, 1878, he
followed his distinguished associate into the otlier
world.
During the ministry of Eev. Elias Nason, the
well-known historical writer, from 1852 to 1858,
a new church was built, the third on the same site.
Eev. Charles M. Tyler (1859 to 1867) and Eev.
Jesse H. Jones bring the list down to tiie present
pastor, Eev. F. N. Peloubet, installed January 17,
1872. In 1875 a new brick edifice of fine pro-
portions replaced tlie church consumed in the great
fire of January, 1871.
In 182S the Unitarian (Eliot) Church, South
Natick, was built and dedicated, whose semi-cen-
tennial was observed November 20, 1878. Tliis
sanctuary stands upon the spot of Eliot-'s church.
Its first pastor, ordained February 17, 1830, was
Eev. J. W. Thompson, D. D., now of Jamaica
Plain, Eev. Alexander Young of Boston preaching
the sermon. Nine permanent ministers have fol-
lowed him. Eev. H. Alger filled the desk nearly
fourteen years, the house being improved by add-
ing the chancel, spire, and clock. Eev. J. P.
NATICK. 19e
Sheafe, Jr., ordained September 30, 1874, is the
present pastor.
The recent semi-centennial commemoration was
a day of historic interest. Valuable papers were
read by the pastor on the previous houses of wor-
ship built on this spot, and by Eev. IMr. Alger on
the history of the present edifice. Eeminiscences
were given by former pastors and older members,
and expressions of good-will by visiting friends.
Voices were heard that Avere musical in tiie choir
fifty years ago. We hear, from one who remem-
bered, that the weather, a pouring rain, corresponded
to that on the day of original dedication.
The Methodists worshipped a long time just
across the line, on the edge of Needham and Wes-
ton. But in 1834 they organized at Natick, dedi-
cating their first house July 4, 1834. It became
the town-house in 1868, and went down — or up
— in the flames of January 13, 1874. Tlie vestry
of the new and beautiful house is now used.
In 1848 the Baptists began services at South
Natick, removing in 1851 to the centre of the
town. Their church stands south of the Common.
Eev. A. E. Eeynolds is their able and de-voted
pastor.
Tiie John Eliot (Orthodox) Church, South Na-
tick, was formed in 1859, under Eev. E. E. Strong
as pastor. In the fall of 1862 they entered tlieir
pleasant sanctuary. Eev. Pearse Pinch, tlie present
pastor, was ordained July 25, 1878.
Tlie increase of the foreign element of the popu-
lation soon introduced the Eoman Catholic wor-
ship. Tiie congregation of St. Patrick's occupy
the enlarged house, originally sold by tiie First
Churcii to tlie Universalists, and by tiiem, on their
disbandment, to the Catiiolics in 1860. At South
Natick also is another prosperous congregation.
St. Paid's Episcopal Church was formed in 1871.
They entered their house of worship in 1875, which
was consecrated December 13, 1877. Eev. B. E.
Gilford officiates as rector.
We have seen that the school and church at
Natick at tiie first used the same room. Piety and
learning were closely associated. Eliot's Indian
teacher wrote for copies in the scholars' writing-
books the questions and answers in the Cateciiism.
For some time prior to 1819 the town raised
annually §600 for sciiools. After 1820 select
schools, giving instruction in tiie iiigher branches,
were taught by Joiin Angier, Charles Forbush,
Eev. Daniel Wight, Eev. Samuel Damon, and
J. W. Bacon. During the winter of 1837 the