2002.088.004

The " Statistics of the First Universalist Church of Methuen, Mass." Record Book is a compilation of statistics from both the Clerk of the Parish and the Clerk of the Church. The dates include 1902 - 1926. The book includes the following: A copy of the Constitution, Rules and By-Laws of the First Universalist Society, Methuen; a copy of the Profession of Faith and Covenant with the Winchester Profession; member lists including the dates of admission, name of member, and remarks; lists of children with dedication or baptism dates; marriage lists with names of bride and groom, ages, occupation, parental names, places of birth and nationality; and funeral lists with dates, names, ages, date of death, age at death, burial place and cause of death. No addresses of members are given.
Folder #1 has a 3-page copy of the " Record of Young People of Gleason Memorial Church Serving in the World War of 1917 - 1918. This record includes veterans' names, service training and record.
Folder #2 has 2 papers. One is dated April 1924 and lists the number of members(105), divided by men ( 30) and women(75). It also lists the number of residents(70) and non-residents(35) The second paper is titled " Corrections Since" It lists 3 dates, names of ministers and deacons with title of the sermon. On the reverse side are names and dates from 1921 - 1926. The list does not indicate the purpose.

admin: The clerk of the " First Universall Society" in Methuen was an elected individual, chosen annually by ballot of the male church members and "sworn to the faithful discharge of his duty" according to the Constitution, Article 1 drafted April 6, 1824 in Methuen. Within First Universalist Society, Methuen collection there are also clerk's records of the church, which are not the same as the clerk's records of the parish. The statistic book combines data from both records. According to the Constitution, Article !V, it states, " A book or register shall be provided in which shall be recorded by the pastor...all Baptisms, Dedications, Marriages, Funerals, etc., performed or attended by him or by another for him." In the same onstage, in the By-Laws, Article !,#2, it mentions the use of two clerks, one of the parish and one of the church.

The record book measures 8 x 10.5 inches with a black cover and red binding. The book 140 pages with many blank pages. The book is in very poor condition, with the cover detached and the binding broken. It is tied with a cotton cord. Folder #1 has a 3 page mimeographed report. Folder #2 has two sheets of paper.

Inventory created by B. Brown, October 2002. One copy is with the collection; a second copy is in the archivist's office.

The record book is in very poor condition. It is tied with a cotton cord.