Page:The histories of Launceston and Dunheved, in the county of Cornwall.djvu/370

334 THE CONGREGATIONAL CHAPEL. We may observe that the Presbyterians of 1662 and the Independents, or Congrcgationalists, resembled each other in their mode of church government. Every local society elected its own minister or pastor, regulated its own offices, and managed its own pecuniary affairs. This is still true of the Congregationalists, and to some extent true as to the English Presbyterians. By deed dated 15th September, 1795, and made between the said John Saltren of the one part, and Robert Pearse and ten others of the other part, the said John Saltren conveyed "the house known as the Presbyterian Meeting- house, and the passage lying between a garden and the end of the said meeting-house, unto the said Pearse and others upon trust that they should at all times thereafter permit the said meeting-house and premises to be used and enjoyed as and for a place of public and religious worship and service of God by the Church, Society, or Congrega- tion of Protestant Dissenters, called or known by the name of the Congregation, or People of Launceston." Mr Jonas Lewis succeeded Mr. Wm. Saltren in the ministry at this chapel; but, having in 1799 resigned his charge, Mr. Richard Cope preached his first sermon there on the 29th June, 1800. Mr. Cope, who afterwards took the degrees of Master of Arts and Doctor of Laws, established a Sunday School at the Castle Street chapel in September, 1800; and it is claimed that this was the first Sunday School founded in the county of Cornwall. In the years 1803 and 1804 two galleries were erected within the building. On the 22nd June, 1809, Mr. John Saltren, who was owner of a garden adjoining the chapel, conveyed that garden, in consideration of .£30, to Messrs. John Pearse and six other named persons as trustees, upon the same trusts as were declared by the hereinbefore mentioned deed of 1 5th September, 1795. This garden was at the higher end of