History of the First Universalist Church in Somerville, Mass. Illustrated; a souvenir of the fiftieth anniversary celebrated February 15-21, 1904

A troublesome problem (which still remains unsolved) to increase the attendance at the teachers' meetings occasioned the changing of the gatherings from monthly to once in three months in 1858-1859, at which times essays were read, articles in denominational papers discussed, etc.

In 1860 a clock was purchased at the expense of $5; and although our present clock is not the one, it might be, as much of its youthful fastness has disappeared, and it is inclined to be a little behind the times.

For some purpose not made clear in the records, a number of slates were bought in 1860, probably for the use of the younger scholars. And an item in the June 10, 1861, record, requesting the sexton to furnish a pail of water at each session for drinking purposes, shows that the principles and water imbibed in those early days so impressed the young minds that to-day Somerville heads the van of cold water cities in Massachusetts.

The records of 1862 bring to our minds the unhappy event which called so many of the young men from their homes. Several officers and teachers resigned that they might help uphold the nation's honor, protect the Stars and Stripes from insult, and, with God's help, save a nation from disruption.

At Christmas, 1863, a collation and tree were given to the children, and something of this sort has been practically a yearly occurrence ever since.

During Anniversary Week in the “sixties (and ” seventies, also, perhaps), mass meetings of all the Sunday School children in the Union were held at Music Hall or Tremont Temple, and special cars were each year provided to convey the school.

It is evident the parish did not run the fairs at first,