Rev. Perley Bacon Davis Obituary

New Ipswich Historical Society

June 12, 1916

Rev. Perley B. Davis, son of James Davis, who served as deacon of the New Ipswich Congregational church for 33 years, died following a brief illness in West Roxbury, June 12, in his 84th year. He spent his early life in town and was educated at Appleton academy, in which he was assistant teacher four years, during two of which he served as superintendent of the public schools. His long and useful ministry was spent in the vicinity of Boston, where he had been honored and loved by two generations.

After a seven years' pastorate in Sharon, Mass., he became in 1867 pastor of the First Congregational church, then just formed in Hyde Park. For a quarter of a century he led this flock till it increased to 700 members, and he was its pastor emeritus till his death. His next seven years' work was with the Central Congregational church of Dorchester. Then he moved to West Roxbury, where for the last 15 years he had been a minister at large, serving churches in the interval between pastorates with remark- able success. For more than a year he had the care of the church in West Roxbury, and its present pastor says that Mr. Davis received into its membership during that year a larger number than was received in any other year of its history of more than three- quarters of a century.

He continued in active labor almost to the last day of his life. He often said, "I love to preach the Gospel." He cherished his calling as a gift to be enjoyed and a trust to be sacredly fulfilled.

Photo Archives

Group photo, most of the people are looking at the camera. No idea who they are.

James Roger diary entry

7^th February 1913

Hard frost; 2 below zero; wind west; fine bright day. David went for 3 bags grain in forenoon and took 2 loads of wood from Smithville to Charles Knowlton in the afternoon. Charles cut some of the wood for the Hall in forenoon and went with David after. Got letter from Hamish..

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