At the close of the year some notice was taken of our fifteenth anniversary, and Brother Upham made an excellent historical address, a printed copy of which is preserved in the church records.
During his second year some changes were made in the furnishings of the church building in the form of new seats, carpet and hymnals. The pipe organ (of which an interesting history might be written, and which had been disused for several years) was sold and replaced by a reed organ, bought by the Ladies' Society.
Brother Upham finding the Scripture true that it was ‘not good for man to be alone,’ took unto himself a wife, so a parsonage became needful. As no house was available a good friend built one and rented it to the church, and to it, after the ‘Ladies' Aid’ had a hand in the furnishing, the pastor brought his bride. It was hoped that his would be a three-year term, for he was doing a grand work. Unhappily the doctrinal thought already alluded to had taken more pronounced form, and at Conference of 1888 he was appointed to the Old South Church at Reading, where he successfully served the then full term of five years. During his first year there all hearts were saddened by the untimely passing away of his estimable wife, whom all had learned to love. Beautiful in life and character was she, and lovely as the lilies in our window that is her memorial.
Baker Memorial (Boston) and Westfield next claimed him, and while at the latter he was called home. Twenty-one names are on our register received by him.
