decay, a century and a half passed before another place of worship was
erected within the limits of Lowell. In December, 1822, a committee was
appointed by the Merrimack Corporation to build a suitable church, and
in April, 1824, the sum of nine thousand dollars was appropriated for
the purpose. The church was organized February 24, 1824, as "The
Merrimack Religious Society," and the Episcopal form of worship was
adopted. The first religious services were conducted by the Reverend
Theodore Edson, on Sunday, March 7, 1824, in the schoolhouse. The church
edifice is known as St. Anne's, and was consecrated by Bishop Griswold,
March 16, 1825. The Reverend Dr. Edson was the first rector. After a
pastorate of over half a century, he died in 1883. In the tower of St.
Anne's is a chime of eleven bells, mounted in 1857, and weighing five
tons.

[Illustration: Bvt. Brig. Gen. HENRY LIVERMORE ABBOTT.
Born in Lowell, January 21, 1842. Killed in battle of the
Wilderness, May 6, 1864.]

[Illustration: Major EDWARD GARDNER ABBOTT.
Born in Lowell, September 29, 1840. Killed at the battle
of Cedar Mountain, August 9, 1862.]

The First Baptist Church was organized February 8, 1826. The church
edifice, built the same year, occupied land given to the society by
Thomas Hurd. It was dedicated November 15, 1826, when the Reverend John
Cookson was installed as pastor. He was dismissed August 5, 1827, and
was succeeded, June 4, 1828, by the Reverend Enoch N. Freeman, who died
September 22, 1835. The Reverend Joseph W. Eaton was ordained pastor,
February 24, 1836, and dismissed February 1, 1837. The Reverend Joseph
Ballard was installed December 25, 1837, and dismissed September 1,