In an April snow squall Rev. Jarvis A. Ames appeared in West Medford, having been appointed thereto by the bishop at Conference.
The outlook was squally, too, but the sun came out again. The demonstration on an April Sunday in 1861, in the old church on Salem street, didn't frighten him then, and he gave the discouraged ones at once to understand ‘that he was here to attend to his duty for the year of his appointment.’ Frail in body, and not in the best of health, he gave to Trinity Church his untiring effort, and in the face of obstacles that might have daunted stronger men, brought it to a better state numerically, financially, and spiritually.
Details of his work would far exceed my space, and Christian charity throws a mantle of forgiveness over all unpleasant features that bore so heavily on him and others. He served the church three years, and received thirty-two in full membership. During the third year he was laid aside by sickness for nearly three months. Our pulpit was supplied in various ways, several times by laymen, and the term includes women. It is pleasant to note that twice Rev. Brother Cutter of the Congregational Church preached and administered the Holy Communion.
By a supreme effort enough money was raised to pay the interest overdue on mortgage to September, 1877, and the rate was reduced from eight to six per cent., but conditioned on prompt payment.
When executed the mortgage was to Mr. Samuel S. Holton (Sr.), who was ever a benefactor of the church. He had negotiated the mortgage and note, which was signed by the treasurer and secretary of the trustees in their official capacity, and in no way personally endorsed, until by Mr. Holton, at its assignment to the purchaser
