History of Swansea, Massachusetts, 1667-1917; - citizen hylbom blog

106 History of Swansea
Warren brethren had done. These accessions rendered this
church large, and in some respects strong, though there is no
means of knowing the exact number. There is probabihty
that it was nearly or quite two hundred.
In 1786 the Warren brethren went back, were reorganized,
built a house of worship, and again had the institutions
of the gospel at home. The number who returned was twentyeight.
In 1789 the Lord was pleased to appear again to build up
Zion, and fifty-four were baptized, which greatly encouraged
the hearts of both pastor and people. This was a very interesting
revival, and greatly added to the strength of the church.
In 1801 the Lord again visited his people, and twenty-six
were baptized. The last baptism in this place by Mr. Thompson
occurred Sept. 5, 1802; with the year he closed his
pastoral relation, after having served with ability, fidelity, and
success, a little more than twenty-three years. During his
ministry one hundred and seventy-six were baptized by him
and added to the church. The first seven pastors occupied a
term of one hundred and forty years, averaging twenty years
to each. Perhaps this period of the existence of the church is
by far the most important, not only for its general historical
interest, but for the influence of the church upon all the
surrounding community.
Mr. Thompson was succeeded by Rev. WilHam Northrup,
probably in the spring of 1804. He continued four years, and
baptized twenty-nine and received eight others, in all thirtyseven.
He was followed by Rev. William Barton, who preached
two years but without success. He was dismissed at his own
request in the spring of 1810.
In 1811, Rev. Abner Lewis became a member and the
pastor of this church, and preached here till April, 1819, when
he was dismissed. He departed this life July 7, 1826, aged
eighty-one, and is interred in the burial ground connected
with this house.
After his dismissal the church was supplied by Elder
Benjamin Taylor, a preacher of the Christian Connection,
who continued for a part of two years, when he closed in the
spring of 1821.
The next minister was Rev. B. Pease, until 1823; Rev.
Luther Baker, from 1824 to 1832; Jessie Briggs, two and a
half years; 0. J. Fisk, from Oct. 1, 1835, to April 1, 1836;
Abiel lisher, from 1836 to 1846; J. J. Thacher, 1846 to 1854;
Silas Hall, 1854 to 1857; J. W. Horton, 1857 to 1864; Rev.
A. W. Ashley settled as pastor July, 1864, closed his labors