The Lowell Congregational church like some of its sister churches evolved from an undenominational Sunday school, held in the little red school house which stood where the M. E. church is located.

In 1851 a Congregational Sunday school missionary organized a union Sunday school. The desire was strong on the part of the people for a Sunday school; but leaders were scarce, there being but one praying in the community at the time; occasionally a preacher strayed into this byway and preached them a sermon. Thus a hunger for religious fellowship was created. February 7, 1856, a few gathered at the Mill House, which stood where Henry’s drug store is now located. This was the church’s birthplace. This meeting being organized, Rev. Hemenway, a Congregational preacher presided. E. H. Crowell was secretary. Those assembled in resolutions resolved that it was expedient to organize, that they constitute a committee of the whole on Articles of Faith and Covenant. The resolutions were accepted and adopted. At an adjourned meeting of Feb. 13, Julius Babcock, Levi Bigelow, E. H. Crowell, Mrs. Lucy Bigelow, Mary Babcock, Mrs. Thankful Clark and Mrs. Harriett Shepard signing the articles of Faith and Covenant, constituted a church with the name of the Congregational church of Lowell.

On March 6, 1856, ecclesiastical council met at the home of Jacob Snell and it voted to publicly reorganize the church. Adjournment was made to the Red schoolhouse where an appropriate service was held in giving the church public recognition, Rev. H. A. Reed preaching the sermon, Rev. H. L.Hammond, addressing the church and fellowship of churches. Two new members, Mrs. L. Augusta Brown and Mrs. Helmer, were added. The church duly organized with a membership of nine became a reality. Meetings were held over W. R. Blaisdell’s hardware, corner of Main and Broadway, where the Bergin building now stands. On March 11, 1856, at a meeting in the Franklin House, located where the Lyon block now stands, the Lowell Congregational Association was organized, the articles being signed by Samuel Johnson, E. H. Crowell, Samuel Barnard, James Beek, John Kopf, Orman Hunt, David H. Mizner, Henry Adsit, Dr. Abra Richards and W. R. Blaisdell.

Aug. 19, 1857. with a membership of 13, this young church decided to build a house of worship. Committees on building and subscription were appointed. Nearly the entire community subscribing in labor, material and money, $882.50, being the amount of the list. This, with $275 donated by the Church Building Society, created a building fund of $1,097.50. The church lot was donated by Richard & Wickham. When the frame was raised the funds were exhausted and to clothe the skeleton seemed an insurmountable obstacle. In the meantime Rev. D. L. Eaton had been sent here to look over the work but immediately left owing to sickness in the family. The church carried on despite the discouraging outlook. July, 1860, Rev. D. L. Eaton returned from the East to take up the work for a meager salary of $300 per year guaranteed by the Home Mission by Supt. Reed. Rev. Eaton engaged the hall in the American Hotel, located when the City Hall was built. Rev. Eaton was a good organizer and the work so progressed that in June, 1861, the church was completed and dedicated. In the December following Rev. Eaton resigned through serving the church in every other capacity.

The commercial advancement of the community was reflected in the activities of the church, bringing in a large class of consecrated Christian people. Foremost of those who, through a long life bore upon their heart and hands this the church of their choice, to whom she always turned for council and in her sore needs for help—the church still mourns their departure, Mr. and Mrs. Francis King. A few years later the tide of prosperity to ebb. A debt had accumulated, removals had occurred, and the church was in need of repairs. Again in March, 1874, Rev. D. L. Eaton came to our rescue, preaching for practically no remuneration for three years, and through his efforts the church was repaired, the interior remodeled and new pews installed, and so many of the subscriptions being useless the church had a debt which it took years of work and sacrifice to discharge. In October, 1877, Rev. Eaton resigned, his work accomplished. To him pre-eminently the church owes its existence and continued life. The church enjoyed a long period of growth and prosperity, when again the ebb tide of adversity set in, but the members were not dismayed and again through the spirit of God in their hearts they triumphed over adversity and carried on.

The Christian Endeavor was organized which gave an added impetus to the work. During the pastorate of W. D. Ogg the last vestige of debt was removed from the church, some of which had been carried from almost the beginning.

During the pastorate of Rev. A. H. Lash the parsonage was erected. The Parish House addition was made on the church during the services of Rev. E. H. Cochran.

At this time the church is well fitted for service and with but a small debt.

Memory recalls a few of the faithful who never acknowledged defeat: Mrs. Eaton, Mrs. Graham, Mrs. Craw, Mrs. Hill, Mrs. Perry, Mrs. Stocking, Deacon Herbert and Rev. Ira B. Jones. Brother Frank King always remarking if you think you can do it I am with you, is still with us though now a member of a sister church. He a short time ago endowed the church in honoring the memory of his father and mother.

The history of this church reminds us of a chain of mountains, its peaks and valleys. But through it all we have kept the faith—delivered to us by the Fathers; and the flame kindled in that humble house 75 years ago has never gone out, and praise God it never ill, and may it burn brighter and brighter as long as this old world needs its light to kindle anew the Saviour’s spirit in the hearts of humanity.

Earl Hunter