A Legacy of Faith and Community

First Communicants

The inaugural group of communicants at Christ Church included Elizabeth Slade, Sarah Slade, Susan Cole, Mr. & Mrs. William Pearse, and John Mason, Esq., wardens. They were joined by vestry members John A. Wood, Joseph D. Nichols, Preserved S. Gardner, Benjamin H. Chase, and John E. Gray. Together, they laid the groundwork for a vibrant church community.

Spiritual Leadership

Under the guidance of The Rev. Amos D. McCoy, rector of the Church of the Ascension in Fall River, this dedicated group faced numerous spiritual challenges. Starting in May 1845, he held evening meetings at the old Union Meeting House, providing support and encouragement as they sought to establish a permanent church organization.

Building a Community

The perseverance of these men and women was instrumental in holding the church together during its formative years. They worked diligently to raise funds, rallying support both “at home and abroad” to secure the resources necessary for a permanent church home.

A New Church Building

Their efforts culminated in the acquisition of land and the formation of a building committee. The first church building was consecrated on December 2, 1847, by the Right Rev. Manton Eastburn, Bishop of Massachusetts. Following this milestone, the Rev. John B. Richmond from Providence, Rhode Island, became the first rector, leading the congregation until the end of 1851.

Incorporation and Early Communicants

On January 7, 1846, Christ Church, Swansea, was incorporated as a parish under the laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, marking a significant moment in the lives of its earliest members. Among the first communicants were Elizabeth Slade, Sarah Slade, Susan Cole, Mr. and Mrs. William Pearse, and John Mason, Esq., who served as wardens. They were joined by the steadfast support of John A. Wood, Joseph D. Nichols, Preserved S. Gardner, Benjamin H. Chase, and John E. Gray as vestrymen. Together, these dedicated individuals formed the heart of a community centered on faith and fellowship.

Leadership Through Struggles

In the early days, the Rev. Amos D. McCoy, rector of the Church of the Ascension in Fall River, provided essential guidance to this emerging community. Beginning as early as May 1845, he hosted evening meetings in the old Union Meeting House, offering spiritual support and encouragement to those who gathered. His leadership was a source of strength as the congregation navigated the challenges of establishing a permanent church organization.

Commitment and Growth

The resolve of the parishioners was unwavering. The men and women of Christ Church worked diligently to maintain their community spirit, holding steadfast to their vision. Through their collective efforts, they successfully raised funds, as the records warmly state, “at home and abroad.” This determination allowed them to purchase land and form a building committee, paving the way for the church they dreamed of.

A Place of Worship

The culmination of their hard work came on December 2, 1847, when the first church building was consecrated by the Right Rev. Manton Eastburn, Bishop of Massachusetts. This beautiful sanctuary became a cherished space for worship and gathering, embodying the faith and dedication of its founders. In January 1848, the Rev. John B. Richmond of Providence, Rhode Island, assumed the role of the first rector, guiding the congregation with compassion and insight until the end of 1851. His presence helped to nurture a growing community that would continue to thrive for generations to come.

Christ Church Parish was incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth on January 7, 1846, as an Episcopal church of the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts. Guided by the Reverend Amos D. McCoy of the Church of the Ascension in Fall River, a dedicated group of men and women worked tirelessly to establish their parish.

In just over two years, this small yet determined community organized the parish, purchased land, erected a church, and laid out a cemetery. For over fifty years, they sustained the church's mission in a town of no more than 2,000 residents, coexisting with at least three other established churches, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to their faith and community.

The Formation of the Ladies’ Society

In June 1846, the Ladies’ Society was established as a testament to the commitment of the women in the parish. This dedicated group organized countless clambakes, suppers, and lawn parties, generating essential funds to support the modest salaries of the rectors and to assist those in need within the community. Their unwavering spirit of service ensured that, regardless of the circumstances, the church remained a beacon of hope and support.

Sustaining Spiritual Leadership

During this period, the church experienced fluctuations in its spiritual leadership. At times, a rector would reside within the parish, while on other occasions, services were conducted by visiting clergymen from Fall River. Despite these challenges, a devoted group of parishioners diligently cared for the altar, maintained the choir, and provided comfort to the ill and bereaved. Their tireless efforts kept the church warm and welcoming, allowing the parish to endure through the years.

A Turning Point in 1900

The year 1900 marked a significant turning point for Christ Church. In 1858, Frank S. Stevens, a man who had found fortune in the stagecoach business in California, settled in Swansea Village. He became a prominent figure in the thriving mill industry of Fall River and a steadfast supporter of the church. Upon his passing in 1898, Stevens left behind a legacy that included financial provisions for a new church building, ensuring that the community’s spiritual needs would continue to be met.

Farewell to the Old Church

In 1899, the parish held its last service in the old church, a simple wooden structure built in Romanesque style. The event was bittersweet; many attendees were moved to tears, reflecting on the memories created within those walls. Whether these tears were for the joy of anticipating a new beginning or sorrow for the cherished past, they remained unspoken. The old building was subsequently deconsecrated, sold, and relocated, paving the way for new opportunities.

A Legacy of Community Resilience

Through the dedication of its members and the transformative support from community leaders, Christ Church has demonstrated remarkable resilience. The commitment of its parishioners and the love that has flowed through its history are testaments to a community that values faith, service, and connection. The legacy built over these years serves as a foundation for the church’s ongoing mission and the lives it continues to touch.

Service of Consecration

On June 6, 1900, a joyous atmosphere enveloped Christ Church as the community gathered for the Service of Consecration. With beautiful weather, townsfolk arrived early by horse and carriage. The town hall opened its doors for clergy and choir members, while guests were entertained at the Stevens’ mansion. When the eleven o'clock service began, the new English Gothic granite church, designed by architect Henry Vaughan, was filled beyond capacity, marking a significant moment for the parish.

A New Era of Leadership

The Reverend Edward Benedict officiated at the service, bringing a full-time leadership presence for the first time in years. His dedication, along with that of his wife, rejuvenated the church community. Though Reverend Benedict passed away unexpectedly in 1907, his impact remained, fostering a spirit of commitment among parishioners.

Lasting Legacy of Service

After her husband's death, Mrs. Benedict devoted herself to Christ Church, founding the Young Women’s Guild, later known as the Katherine Benedict Guild. She actively supported the Ladies’ Society and the Woman’s Auxiliary of the Diocese of Massachusetts. Along with Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius S. Hawkins, she inspired parish members to teach in the church school, create junior groups, and establish a junior choir, ensuring a vibrant community for future generations.

First Episcopal Service

On May 14, 1905, the first Episcopal worship service in the Pottersville section of Somerset was conducted by the Reverend Edward Benedict, Rector of Christ Church in Swansea. This historic gathering took place in a barn, marking the beginning of a spiritual journey for the local community.

Establishing a Permanent Church

Over the next two years, efforts intensified to establish a dedicated place of worship. The mission successfully purchased land and constructed a church on Pratt Avenue, with services commencing on March 3, 1907. The Ven. Samuel G. Babcock, Archdeacon of New Bedford, led the worship until 1910, after which the Rev. John Wynne Jones and the Rev. Sherrill B. Smith, both Rectors of Christ Church in Swansea, continued to guide the community until 1948, nurturing the growing congregation.

The sudden passing of the Reverend Benedict did not diminish the church’s spirit. The Reverend John Wynne Jones stepped into the role with enthusiasm, becoming the first rector to live in the new rectory in 1909. Known for his love of liturgical music, he thrived alongside the church's talented choir. Mary A. Case, the sister-in-law of Frank S. Stevens, took pride in nurturing young voices to enrich the worship experience.