Page:History of Barrington, Rhode Island (Bicknell).djvu/673

CHAPTER XXXV THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH THE Methodist Church in the town is located at Drown- ville. The Methodist Society was formed in 1869, by residents of Harrington, who held membership in Methodist churches in Warren and at Power Street, Providence. These persons, in the statement of the historical records, " desiring to enjoy the ordinances and privileges of the House of God in connection with the church of their choice and in the vicinity of their homes, opened a hall for a mis- sion, Sunday School and preaching." These services were continued until June 18, 1871, at Nayatt Hall, when Presid- ing Elder Rev. M. J. Talbot, D. D., organized the church with the following membership : Jonathan Allen, Eliza Allen, George Noble, Mary Noble, and probationers Henri- etta Allen, Ida E. Salisbury, Henry J. Vieth, Harriet M. Vieth, Edward L. Clark, William Jones, and Elizabeth Jones. Rev. Richard Low was appointed the first preacher in charge and served one year. Rev. C. Banning followed in 1872, when the meetings were held in the old Drown house at Drownville. Rev. E. S. Stanley was appointed minister in 1873, and Rev. M. Taylor in 1874. During the October following Rev. John E. Risley became pastor, and it is due to his labors that the church was built and dedicated in November, 1875, three lots of land for the church and par- sonage having been donated by Mr. Thomas W. Bicknell. The building committee were the pastor, James Frankland, George Noble, Jonathan Allen, Henry J, Vieth, Jonas E. Buckingham, and Charles E. Drown. The following para- graph written by Rev. Mr. Risley in the church records states the results of his pastorate : "At the watch-night meeting, held Dec. 31, 1875, a revival commenced, resulting in the conversion of some fifteen souls. During the 27 months of my labors here I have baptised three infants and nine adults ; received eighteen on probation, eight full and five by certificate. Brother A. F. Smith, an Exhorter, has