added. In 1845, the house was enlarged by the addition of twenty feet to the north end, the galleries removed, modern windows inserted, and the whole inside newly finished. In 1854, great improvement was made in the interior arrangements. In 1875, another and a very complete renovation was effected at a cost of some twelve thousand dollars, and placing it. so far as the interior arrangements are concerned, among the most tasteful and elegant in the State. It has a seating capacity of nearly eight hundred. It is furnished with a fine toned and powerful organ, from the manufactory of Messrs. Hutchings, Plaisted & Co., of Boston, a gift from Hon. George A. Pillsbury and Charles A. Pillsbury, formerly residents of Concord, and honored members of the church and society, but now residing at Minneapolis, Minnesota. Connected with the church is a commodious chapel, for the social religious services on Sabbath and week-day evenings (erected in 1853, and dedicated December 1, 1853), and to this the addition of a ladies' parlor with a kitchen and other conveniences, in 1877, makes it one of the best arranged buildings for the purpose designed, in our city.
A church organization in any community is greatly indebted for its prosperity, both in a material and spiritual point of view, to the pastors who are called to preside over its affairs. This church has been favored with the services of men who have labored faithfully for the promotion of the interests of religion in the good city of Concord. At its formation, in 1818, Rev. William Taylor was called to be its first pastor. He had previously been pastor of the church at Sanbornton, and also missionary agent in the employ of the New Hampshire Baptist Convention. It was, perhaps, mainly through his efforts that the church was formed, and, like all new interests, which at that time ran counter to the general drift of public opinion, it met with some opposition. Mr. Taylor continued as pastor till January, 1826. He was a man well fitted to commence new enterprises; the membership of the church increased from nine to forty-four, and at that time he was considered one of the leading clergymen in the Baptist denomination in the State. Later in life he emigrated to the west, and died at Schoolcraft, Michigan, June 7, 1852, at the age of sixty-eight.
Rev. Nathaniel West Williams succeeded Mr. Taylor in 1826, and continued in the relation of pastor till April, 1831. During the five and a half years of his ministry, fifty-four members were added to the church, making a total membership of seventy-five. Mr. Williams is described as "a man of singular prudence and knowledge of human nature." In his younger years he had followed the sea, and was captain of a vessel. He was sound in doctrine and instruction, an impressive preacher, a faithful pastor, and an exemplary christian. He died in Boston, May 27, 1853, aged sixty-nine. Rev. Joseph Freeman supplied the pulpit for a few months in the year 1831.
Rev. Ebenezer Edson Cummings, d.d., became the third pastor and the successor of Mr. Williams in March, 1832, and remained till May, 1850, making a pastorate of eighteen years, the longest thus far in its history. Dr. Cummings was born in Claremont, November 9, 1800; graduated at Waterville College, Maine, in the class of 1828; ordained pastor of the Baptist church in Salisbury, September 17, 1831. The church, at the time of his settlement, numbered one hundred; only two of this number are now living,—Mr. George Porter, of Pittsburg, Penn., and Mrs. Hazen Walker, of Manchester. During this pastorate, over four hundred and fifty members were added to the church, and at the time of Dr. Cummings resignation as pastor, it numbered two hundred and seventy-seven.
In the meantime great changes had taken place in the business prospects of the town. Concord became an important railroad centre, and the wealth and
