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Subject: [PLY/MA] First Baptist Church of Plymouth (MA)
Date: Mon, 4 Feb 2002 23:37:31 EST

Hello,

I recently wrote about seeking the First Baptist Church of Plymouth (MA),
where my NICHOLS ancestors attended in the mid-1820's. I received some great
info -- thank you!

I found two paragraphs about this church in two books in the Middleboro
Library. I thought I'd pass this info on. Since the church burned in 1861,
I won't find his pews. However, I may walk through Old Colony Hall and see
if the market-house of Charles T. Holmes (on Market Street) is still there.

Does anyone know where Market Street is? And does anyone know where, on
Spring Street, the "present commodious church" was built? (Currently, it is
a smaller, modern church who is NOT on Spring Street).


1. _History of Plymouth County, MA_, by Mr. Hurd, 1884. p. 181

"In 1809 a Baptist Society was organized, and until its church in Spring
Street was built, in 1821, its services were held for the most part in Old
Colony Hall, in the rear of the market-house of Charles T. Holmes. Lewis
Leonard, of Middleboro', was its first pastor, and was succeeded, in 1818, by
Adoniram Judson, who in turn was succeeded, in 1820, by Stephen S. Nelson.
In 1823, Benjamin S. Grafton was settled, and in 1829, Thomas Conant. In
1835, Elisha Cushman was settled; in 1838, Horatio N. Loring, who was
followed by Joseph M. Driver. In 1842, Ira Person became the pastor; in
1845, Adiel Harvey; in 1856, B. A. Edwards; in 1861, C. C. Williams; in 1862,
R. A. Patterson; in 1863, E. Humphrey; in 1868, R. B. Moody; in 1875, B. P.
Byram; and in 1880, the present incumbent, H. W. Coffin. In 1861 the church
in Spring Street was burned, and in 1865 the present church was built."

2. _Ancient Landmarks of Plymouth_, by W. T. Davis, 1883, p. 104.

"The Baptist Society of Plymouth was organized at the house of Heman
Churchill, on the 9th of June, 1809. Until its church in Spring Street was
built, in 1822, its meetings were held chiefly at Old Colony Hall, in Market
Street. Its first minister, Lewis Leonard, of Middleboro', was succeeded, in
1818, by Adoniram Judson, who had then left the pulpit of the Third Church,
and Mr. Judson, in turn, by Stephen S. Nelson, in 1820. Benjamin C. Grafton
followed in 1823, and was succeeded, in 1829, by Thomas Conant. In 1835
Elisha Cushman was settled, and was suceeded, in 1838, by Horatio N. Loring,
who left in 1839. Joseph M. Driver came next in order, and was followed, in
1842, by Ira Person. Adiel Harvey followed Mr. Person in 1845, whose
pastorate continued till 1855. In 1856 B. A. Patterson, in 1863 E. Humphrey,
in 1868 R. B. Moody, in 1875 B. P. Byram, and in 1880 H. W. Coffin, the
present incumbent, complete the list of ministers of this society. In 1861
the church on Spring, buillt in 1822, was burned, and in 1865 the present
commodious church was built."

Thank you! Betty, Middleboro

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