FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

(from "Ye Towne Book" of Tewksbury, pp. 24-28)

Previous to incorporation Tewksbury was a part of Billerica, a large township which 
contained 25,000 acres extending east of the Concord and south of the Merrimack rivers to 
the Andover line. It contained one church founded in 1663, situated near the center of 
the town. The inconveniences of attending church to those living in this section of the 
town were many and great. Roads were but cart or bridal paths.

In 1733 the inhabitants of the north and east part of Billerica asked that a meeting 
house be erected for their accommodation or "that they may be set off" so "that they may 
maintain preaching among themselves. 
January 17, 1734, the request "that they be set off" was reluctantly granted.

December 23rd of the same year, (1734) Tewksbury was incorporated, receiving 9,000 acres of land and about 50 families.

Tewksbury's first town meeting was held January 14, 1734. At a second meeting held one month later, it was voted 
that they build a meeting house and a committee was chosen for that purpose. Unwilling, apparently, to wait for the 
completion of a church, it was voted six months later "That they have preaching in ye towne and that they meet at ye house 
of John French Jr. upon ye Sabbath Day and worship God". It is of interest to note, that the John French house 
was situated in the eastern part of the town near the late residence of Deacon George Pillsbury on Livingston Street. 
A part of the building was subsequently moved to the adjacent Bridges Farm and formed the ell of the dwelling house 
then standing there.

(This page includes a photograph entitled "THE BRIDGES HOMESTEAD" with the caption: "Built in 1745 - Destroyed by fire 
in 1916. - the Ell, moved from Livingston Street was part of the John French House where in 1734 the Town voted 
to meet to worship God.")

It was during this year, 1735, that the original church covenant was adopted. It was signed by thirty-four men and were 
as follows -

DANIEL KITTREDGE			
STEPHEN OSGOOD			
THOMAS MARSHALL
JOHN BAILEY				
THOMAS KITTREDGE			
JOSEPH FROST
NATHAN SHED				
EPHRAIM KIDDER, Jr		
JOSEPH KIDDER
JOSEPH KITTREDGE			
ZECHARIAH HARDY			
JACOB KITTREDGE
SAMUEL HAZELTINE			
ABRAHAM STICKNE			
JOHN SHED
JOHN KITTREDGE			
EPHRAIM KIDDER			
JOSEPH GRIMES
JAMES KITTREDGE			
FRANCIS KITTREDGE			
JOHN CHAPMAN
JACOB COREY				
JOHN PATTEN				
ANDREW RICHARDSON
EDMUND FROST			
AMOS FOSTER				
DANIEL SHED
WILLIAM KITTREDGE			
JACOB WINN				
NATHAN HALL
KENDAL PATTEN			
THOMAS CLARK			
JOHN TWISS
ISAAC KITTREDGE

The election of a pastor for the new town and church was an event of great importance. We are told in the records that a 
day was set apart by the town for fasting and prayer that the people might be guided in the choice of a minister. Soon 
after, Rev. Samson Spaulding of Chelmsford, a young man 27 years of age, a graduate of Harvard College, was unanimously 
chosen. He was ordained and installed November 23, 1737.

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The sermon was preached by Rev. Samuel Ruggles of Billerica from 2 Cr. XII: 14, "For I seek not yours but you". The hand 
of fellowship was given by Rev. Samson Stoddard of Chelmsford.

Mr. Spaulding served as active pastor of this church for nearly fifty-five years. When eighty-three years old a paralytic 
shock so impaired his health that he was unable to preach. He continued to hold the office until his death - December 15, 
1796 - a month and two days short of sixty years. Judging from the records his pastorate was one of unbroken harmony. 
When too enfeebled to preach, the town manifested its respect and affection by voting an allowance for his support, 
settling with him as colleague Rev. Titus Theodore Barton, a graduate of Dartmouth College.

In these early days the whole town was interested in all that pertained to the church. Almost the first business of the 
town meeting, was to vote what the minister's salary should be for the coming year, and all voters were taxed according 
to their means for the support of the Church. This union of Church and State was dissolved about the year 1834 when 
Rev. Mr. Coggin received his last payment direct from the Town.

During Mr. Spaulding's ministry, we find as we look over the records many interesting items, among them that in the long 
list of 700 names of children, who have been brought to the church for "Baptism," have always, unless the mother was a 
widow, been brought by the father and the mother's name not mentioned. Capt. Peter Hunt - 3 children, Tamar, Hannah and 
Timothy July 20, 1740 and Dr. Jacob Kittredge, twins - Mary and Ruth were among them.

Church meetings were called when a member had given the church "just occasion of offense". The discouragement of gossip 
and the humility of the offending brother are noted.

It was voted that each member should contribute a certain amount to provide for the Sacrament and each one with his name on 
the money given.

In the Record of Marriages, the amount is given that was paid for each service, varying from $1.00 up. The "Town" evidently 
receiving the fee rather than the minister.

Mr. Barton, Mr. Spaulding's colleague was ordained here Oct. 22, 1792 and remained until May 18, 1803. Rev. Jacob Coggin 
of Woburn, a graduate of Harvard College was ordained Oct. 22, 1806.

The church edifice, that was burned in 1919, was built during his pastorate in the year 1824. At its dedication, 
Mr. Coggin preached from Hag. 11:9. "The glory of this latter house shall be greater than the former." The ancient church 
which had stood for nearly a century was situated several yards in front of the new church and was removed. "There were 
galleries on both sides and one end. The singers occupied the gallery at the rear. A single and double bass viol, two 
violins, a clarionet and bassoon were used to accompany the singers. The clock in front of the gallery, was presented 
by Mr. Jesse Trull of North Tewksbury.

In 1824 a bell was placed in the tower and the next year it was exchanged for a larger one.

(photograph on this page entitled: "FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH" with caption: "Dedicated in 1824. The first Meeting 
House was built in 1736.")

It was during the year of 1842 that the Baptist Church at North Tewksbury was formed, sixty-eight persons going there from 
this church. Six years later several families from the Northwest part of the town withdrew to unite with the High Street 
Church in Lowell.

In 1843, because of ill health, Mr. Coggin gave up the pulpit to Rev. Samuel Lamson who occupied it as "stated supply" for 
two and a half years, giving general satisfaction.

In 1847, Rev. Moses Kimball was settled as colleague with Mr. Coggin. He was dismissed two years later. 
Rev. Mr. Lamson again supplied until 1851.

During 1850-51 alterations were made in the church building, the side galleries being removed and the walls frescoed.

In 1852, Rev. Richard Tolman, a native of Dorchester, Massachusetts was installed as a 
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second colleague with Mr. Coggin. 
December 12, 1854, Mr. Coggin's death occurred. He was a genial, tactful man, much beloved and sincerely mourned 
by his people. Rev. Richard Tolman continued with the church until July, 1870. He resigned on account of ill health. 
At a meeting held by the church to take action on his resignation, several resolutions were passed that expressed much 
affection and esteem for him during the seventeen years of his faithful pastoral labors among them.

The Parsonage was built in 1852 and occupied by Rev. Mr. Tolman and his family upon their removal here. The home of 
Rev. Jacob Coggin was directly across the common from the church, the house now owned and occupied by Mrs. Henry M. 
Billings.

The well-known Spaulding house was built and occupied by our first pastor, Rev. Sampson Spaulding. It has sheltered six 
generations of that family.

The ministry of Rev. S.F. French began Nov. 1, 1871 and continued for eleven years. Mr. French is remembered as a faithful 
and devoted pastor and preacher and it was with much regret that his resignation was accepted. In 1871, the building 
in the rear of the audience room, containing vestry and hall, was built at a cost of nearly six thousand dollars.

Mr. French was followed by Rev. Mr. Frank H. Kasson of Boston. Mr. Kasson was hired for one year and afterward installed, 
Oct. 16, 1884. Besides his duties here, Mr. Kasson edited the "Golden Rule", a religious paper published in Boston. 
The double work proving too great a burden, he resigned from his work here June 23, 1886.

October 17, 1886, Mrs. Betsey Lang of South Boston presented to the church one of the Howard Watch and Clock Co.'s Church 
Tower Clocks.

In 1889, the High School was given up and this amount was by Mr. Enoch Foster, trustee, paid over to the Church.

In 1899, a legacy of $500 was received from the estate of Mr. Chas. Littlefield of Lowell, a former resident of this town 
and a highly esteemed member of this church.

A few years later a legacy of $1000 was paid us from the estate of Mr. Luther Twiss. Twiss resided in North Tewksbury but 
was a member and regular attendant of this church.

Smaller legacies, various sums of money and gifts for the furnishing or adornment of the church and vestry have 
at various times been received and gratefully remembered. Many of these gifts have been from non-residents, who in 
early life were associated with this church and have since had a heartfelt interst in its welfare. The first gift of 
which we have mention is a Christening Bowl, from Josiah Brown in 1825.

In 1886, Rev. James Alexander, a graduate of Bangor and of Andover Seminaries was hired to minister to the Church for one 
year. At its close he was by unanimous vote, asked to remain as settled pastor. He accepted the call and was installed 
Feb. 28, 1888. During this year the Society of Christian Workers was formed and had an average attendance of between forty 
and fifty members. This Society afterward adopted the Constitution and By-Laws of the Y.P.C.E.S.

It was during Mr. Alexander's pastorate and largely through his instrumentality and under his supervision that our church 
took on its attractive appearance. Something over three thousand dollars was raised and the memorial windows, platform 
and tablet most generously presented by their respective donors.

Soon after the church was called on to take action on Mr. Alexander's resignation and he was dismissed May 10, 1896.

(on this page a photograph:"FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH";caption: Re-dedicated in 1896. Destroyed by fire Oct. 13, 1918")

Mr. Alexander's strong personality, his interest in all matters pertaining to the Church and the town are gratefully 
remembered. In the records of the council called to advise on his dismissal, we read "In approving the dissolution of the 
pastorate of the Rev. James Alexander over the Congregational Church (27) in Tewksbury, the Council very gladly bears 
witness to his faithfulness, scholarship and Christian spirit and rejoices in the success of his pastorate of almost ten 
years, as testified by this people and seen in the growth of the church in membership, financial strength and spiritual 
life. His ministry has been one of attractive and effectual preaching and of consecrated labor and has resulted in 
bringing this church to a condition of unusual prosperity."

Oct. 27, 1896, Rev. Elbridge Whiting of Auburndale was hired to serve as pastor and remained until April 12, 1899. Mr. 
Whiting was a pleasant, genial man and by his pastoral work brought families who seldom attended church to become regular 
attendants. He took special interest in the C.E. Society. New By-Laws for the church were adopted about this time.

Our next pastor was Rev. J. Herbert Yeoman who commenced his work here Aug. 1, 1899. After laboring here for two and a 
half years, he resigned to become pastor of the Free Evangelical Congregational Church of Providence, R.I.

Oct. 1, 1903, Rev. Wm. J. Minchin became our pastor and labored faithfully for two and a half years. In 1904 through the 
influence and under the direction of Mrs. Minchin, our pastor's wife, The Woman's Missionary Society was formed. It has 
become a successful branch of our church work. Mr. Minchin was especially interested in work among young men. Receiving 
a call which would bring him in touch with several hundred young people each year, he accepted it to become pastor of 
the Congregational Church of Ames, Iowa.

Communion was held the last Sabbath Mr. Minchin was with us and our individual Communion service was, through him, 
presented to this church in memory of Mrs. Mary J. Foster by her sister, Miss Frances Munroe.

Rev. Thomas G. Langdale was chosen as our next pastor and commenced his labors Nov. 1, 1906, serving nearly two years. 
During his ministry the Y.P.S.C. Endeavor, which had been given up for several years, was reorganized with Junior 
Intermediate and Senior Departments.

In 1908, by unanimous vote, Rev. Sarah A. Dixon was asked to become our pastor and was hired for one year. Her interest in 
and enthusiasm for her work has been felt in every department of our church. As we look back over the years we marvel that 
so much has been accomplished. At a largely attended business meeting of the church held in August, 1909, it was voted 
to invite Miss Dixon to become the permanent pastor of the church.

As nearly as can be ascertained, the Sunday School was established something over one hundred years ago.

The dedication of the present church was held on June 8, 1823, with benefitting exercises.

(photograph of "PRESENT CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH Dedicated June 8, 1923" on this page)

Among the list of Superintendents we find the names of Deacon Oliver Clark, Deacon James Bailey, Mr. Jacob Coggin (son of 
Rev. Jacob Coggin), John F. Spaulding (grandson of our first minister), Dr. Wm. Lathrop, Mr. George Trull, Deacon Enoch 
Foster, Dr. Henry Learned, Mr. Irving M. Locke, Deacon H.A. Page, and many others who have served us acceptably.

Since the formation of the church twenty-four good and honorable men have served us as deacons. Among the names are Isaac 
Kittredge, John Spaulding, Oliver Clark, John Jaques, James Bailey, Abel Marshall, Zephaniah P. Foster, John F. Spaulding, 
Porter Mears, N.F. Frost, George Pillsbury, Enoch Foster.

As we read in Rev. Mr. Tolman's Historical Discourse of Jan. 9, 1859 
- "As a kind of Appendiz to this Historical Account of the church - for more than a century the only church in town, and 
so spreading its benign and salutary influence over its whole length and breadth -it is worthy of remark that, while we 
have imposed no burden upon the government in the way of generating criminals to be convicted and punished 
- no one of the inhabitants ever having been charged with a capital crime, or been a tenant of the state prison 
- we have contributed, from our limited population, no mean share to the general weal in the supply of the learned 
professions; having (28) furnished the public with five clergymen, three lawyers, and, as to physicians, they seem to have 
been indigenous to our soil, springing up in this region of the salubrious pines, as willows by the water-courses. There 
have originated here no less than thirteen doctors of the name of Kittredge, three of the name of Brown, besides Doctors 
Stickney, Whittemore, Shedd and Frost, - a most luxuriant crop of professors of the healing art, for so small a field."

TAKEN FROM CHURCH RECORDS

	DECEMBER 7, 1910. Rev. Sarah A. Dixon was installed as Pastor of the Tewksbury Congregational Church.
	APRIL 29, 1917. At the morning service, Rev. Sarah A. Dixon resigned as pastor of this church. Her pastorate was 
one of devoted service to the church and community.
	JUNE 10, 1917. The Committee on Resolutions in their report state:
	"That we sincerely regret her resignation and as a church our prayers and love will always follow her.
	That during her pastorate here she has built up the Sunday School to double its original membership, and has 
brought the community as a whole to a higher standard and has in several cases increased the personal obligations of 
her people.
	She has been responsible for many improvements in the church and its property in reorganizing its committees 
and in the promotion of its fellowship."
	DECEMBER 16, 1917. At a special meeting of the church it was voted to extend a call to Rev. Henry B. Mason to 
become pastor of this church.
	OCTOBER 13, 1918. We find - "Between the hours of two and three this morning, fire was discovered in the kitchen 
of the Congregational Church which completely destroyed the building. Contents were a total loss."
	Although nearly sixteen years ago, to many of us this calamity is only too vivid. The awful conflagration 
destroyed our splendid old Church with its beautiful memorial windows and other valuables that never could be replaced, 
the Town Hall also, and threatened the destruction of the surrounding buildings.
	We would, if space permitted, like to copy here four beautiful poems that were written at this time, that 
typified the feelings of the townspeople and many others who loved the old Church.
	Two of these poems were written by Miss Hannah J. Chandler - "Thoughts on the Passing of the Old Church" and "The 
Memorial Windows in the Old Church at Tewksbury". The third written by Gertrude Louise Small - "The Old Town Clock". The 
fourth written by Miss Helen A. Osgood "The Old Church".
	We remember how our people rallied, led by their pastor, Rev. Henry B. Mason and by the records we note a service 
was held in Pickering Hall, Oct. 20, 1918, and they went bravely on choosing a building committee to plan for a new church.
	On the church records, May 10, 1923, "Ground was broken March 15th, 1922, and on May 13th the corner stone was 
laid by the Grand Lodge of Masons in Massachusetts under the escort of Wamesit Lodge A.F. & A.M. of Tewksbury.
	NOVEMBER 10, 1926. At the morning service, Rev. Henry B. Mason resigned as pastor of this church.
	MARCH 31, 1927. "It was voted to call Rev. John Cummings of Hampton, N.H., to fill our vacant pastorate. Mr. 
Cummings accepted this call, his duties as pastor to begin the 15th of May 1927."
	MARCH 31, 1928. "It was voted that the Standing Committee be authorized to have a suitable plate placed on the 
organ in recognition of the gift of Mrs. Annie D. Phelps and all others who contributed towards our new organ."
Throughout the long history of the church, the contribution and efforts of the Ladies Aid Society, Missionary Society, 
and other church organizations have been one of unstinted service and devotion. 
	MARCH 18, 1928. A beautiful service was held this afternoon(Sunday) in the church, to appropriately dedicate the 
new organ. "A Gift of those who love the Lord. For the greater glory of His house and service."