A BRIEF SKETCH. 67 



opened a subscription which proved much larger than their anticipa- 

 tions. And now they have a beautiful church, of the Queen Anne 

 style, neatly furnished, seating three hundred when crowded, with a 

 pleasant toned bell, and without debt. No separate church has been 

 organized, but they heartily invite the Methodist ministry and enjoy 

 its forms of service and administration of the ordinances. The ritual 

 of the church was used as the form of dedication. The house was 

 filled on the occasion. The Congregational, Baptist, and Episcopal 

 ministry were represented. Rev. Bros. Gould and Ichabod Marcy, 

 with these brethren from sister churches, assisted in the exercises of 

 the occasion. Everybody seemed to feel that the neat little chapel 

 was a great benediction to the village. We trust a blessed revival of 

 religion will show that the divine seal is set upon the enterprise. 



A BRIEF SKETCH. 



During the pastorate of Rev. Alfred S. Hudson, on May 20, 1893 

 the Union Evangelistical church of West Groton was formed. After 

 the preaching service all members of evangelical churches, who had 

 taken their letters and were ready to unite themselves together in a 

 new church with such others as desired for the first time to identify 

 themselves with the church of Christ, were invited to come forward. 

 Of the first class were Charles Bixby, Edward K. Harrington, Mrs. 

 Laura A. Harrington, Mrs. Mary E. Bixby, Mrs. Lynnet W. Bixby, 

 Mr. and Mrs. Charles Gleason and Emma Gleason. Of the second 

 class were Everett H. Small and Miss Annie F. Blood, the last two 

 receiving the rite of baptism. 



The creed, which was very simple, was read and assented to then, 

 the covenant with God and with each other. They were then pro- 

 nounced the Union Evangelical church of West Groton. The cere- 

 mony ended with receiving the right hand of fellowship. After this 

 the Lord's supper was administered and the congregation dismissed 

 with the benediction. 



Immediately afterward the church came together and chose its offi- 

 cers as follows: Mrs. L. W. Bixby, clerk and treas.; Charles Bixby, 

 E. K. Harrington and E. H. Small, standing committee. 



This brief account of the forming of the Union Evangelical church 

 in West Groton is written by request of the pastor. 



" The Groton Landmark," Saturc'ay, May 17, 191 3. 



