ST. John's episcopal church. 545 The first confirmation was held May 22, 1859, when thir- teen persons received the Laying on of Hands. The first marriage was that of George G. Snow and Caro- line J. Cooke, on Dec. 21, 1858. The first funeral was that of Joseph M. Smith, Feb. 16, i860. There has been a Sunday School and a Ladies Sewing Society from the beginning. Mr. Warner continued the faithful and energetic rector of the parish until September, 1862, three years and nine months, when he took charge of the Church of the Messiah, Olneyville, where, during the summer of 1864, he entered into rest. In January, 1863, the Rev. Robert Murray, Jr., a graduate of Williams College, Mass., became rector, and continued his services until July i, 1865, two and one-half years, when he left to assist the Rev. Mr. Talbot at Woonsocket, upon whose death he became rector of the parish. In October, 1865, the Rev. Gilbert B. Hayden began his ministrations, and closed them August, 1866, after a pastor- ate of nine months. Mr. Hayden was succeeded by the Rev. S. Brenton Shaw, D. D., a graduate of Brown University, who after at various times supplying the desk twenty Sundays, became rector Feb. I, 1867. A lot of land having been given for that purpose, by Mr. Henry Staples, a neat and substantial rectory of ten rooms was built thereon, between September, 1866, and May, 1867, at the unexpected cost of $5,000. During the Autumn of 1873, extensive repairs were neces- sarily made upon the Church, at a cost of $1,200, of which Mr. Allen C. Mathewson kindly gave $500. On Jan. 5, 1879, ^^^ Rev. Dr. Shaw resigned the charge of this Church, to take effect at Easter, having discharged the duties of that office between twelve and thirteen years. On Whitsunday, 1879, ^^^ Rectorship was assumed by the Rev. William Merrick Chapin, Deacon. On St. James's|Day 35 i
