Methodism movement

The Methodist church sinks her teeth into our shores

The liberal spirit of the present day had not come forth, and persecution of those of a different belief by the stronger party, was thought to be doing God's service. However, a little band of 9 joined together and the Methodist church was established under the charge of Rev. George Cannon, the first preacher stationed here. The society grew and flourished notwithstanding the persecution, and as all church affairs were settled at Town Meeting, there were some lively discussions at the meetings. A little over 2 years after the first sermon was preached, the Methodists withdrew and built a house of worship under great difficulties from persecution by the Orthodox. The timber for the frame of the building was cut up by a mob and used as bonfire on which was also placed the effigy of the Methodist preacher.The Methodists also possessed pluck, and though in the minority, showed that they were not always passive: at one time the keeper of the church where the Town Meetings were always held, and one of the selectmen being Methodist got possession of the key to the building and locked out the Orthodox, refused to give them the key to the building so they could hold a parish meeting. A bass viol had been bought by the town for the Church and Samuel Kilby, the player, when he turned Methodist, concluded that the viol had turned Methodist also and took it with him as part of the spoils. This viol is in existence today in the keeping of Mr. George C. Hill. The first Methodist church was built on the site of the dwelling house opposite the residence of Charles B. Snow on Bradford Street. The building stood until 1818 when it was torn down and another built on the corner of Bradford and Ryder Street, where the house of Dr. Henry Shortle stands. This stood one year when it ws enlarged, forty more pews were added and the building stood until 1837.