Kirk Street was erected
in 1840, and remodeled in 1867. Charles C. Chase was teacher from 1845
to 1883. He was succeeded by Frank F. Coburn, the present teacher.
[Illustration: SOLON A. PERKINS.
Born in Lancaster, N.H., December 6, 1836. Killed in Louisiana,
June 3, 1863.]
After the log chapel presided over by the Indian Samuel had fallen into
decay, a century and a half passed before another place of worship was
erected within the limits of Lowell. In December, 1822, a committee was
appointed by the Merrimack Corporation to build a suitable church, and
in April, 1824, the sum of nine thousand dollars was appropriated for
the purpose. The church was organized February 24, 1824, as "The
Merrimack Religious Society," and the Episcopal form of worship was
adopted. The first religious services were conducted by the Reverend
Theodore Edson, on Sunday, March 7, 1824, in the schoolhouse. The church
edifice is known as St. Anne's, and was consecrated by Bishop Griswold,
March 16, 1825. The Reverend Dr. Edson was the first rector. After a
pastorate of over half a century, he died in 1883. In the tower of St.
Anne's is a chime of eleven bells, mounted in 1857, and weighing five
tons.
[Illustration: Bvt. Brig. Gen. HENRY LIVERMORE ABBOTT.
Born in Lowell, January 21, 1842. Killed in battle of the
Wilderness, May 6, 1864.]
[Illustration: Major EDWARD GARDNER ABBOTT.
Born in Lowell, September 29, 1840. Killed at the battle
of Cedar Mountain, August 9, 1862.]
The First Baptist Church was organized February 8, 1826. The church
edifice, built the same year, occupied land given to the society by
Thomas Hurd. It was dedicated November 15, 1826, when the Reverend John
Cookson was installed as pastor. He was dismissed August 5, 1827, and
was succeeded, June 4, 1828, by the Reverend Enoch N. Freeman, who died
September 22, 1835. The Reverend Joseph W. Eaton was ordained pastor,
February 24, 1836, and dismissed February 1, 1837. The Reverend Joseph
Ballard was installed December 25, 1837, and dismissed September 1,
1845. The Reverend Daniel C. Eddy was ordained January 29, 1846, was
speaker of the Massachusetts House of Representatives in 1855, was
chaplain of the Senate in 1856, and was dismissed at the close of 1856.
The Reverend William H. Alden was installed June 14, 1857, and dismissed
in April, 1864. The Reverend William E. Stanton was ordained November 2,
1865, and resigned June 30, 1870; the Reverend Norman C. Mallory was
|