History of Stained Glass Windows

From from the "History of Market Street Baptist Church 1780-1980"

1928: In September the Special Repair Committee was instructed to get the cost of various kinds of windows. It was at this time that the eleven memorial windows were put in the sanctuary. The money was contributed by relatives and organizations in memory of loved ones.

• The window in the right stairway was given by the Bethians, a Sunday School class of fourteen young ladies organized in 1926 under the leadership of Miss Grace Sargent. This group was founded for the purpose of promoting good fellowship and performing acts of Christian service. These ladies were always ready and willing to assist in all church activities and to earn money for the church and its needs.

  
  

• The first window on the right upon entering the sanctuary was given by Mr. and Mrs. George Hodge. Mr. Hodge was moderator for many years and was on the Singing Committee as well as other committees, ready to serve his Lord when needed.

  
  

• The second window was given by Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Anderson in memory of their daughter, Dorothy, who had died young.

  
  

• The third window was given by Mrs. Mary E. Batchelder in memory of husband, Thomas and her mother, Mary E. Folger. Mrs. Batchelder was baptized November 30, 1886, at an evening service and Mr. Batchelder served on various committees.

  
  

• In the choir robe room Dr. John Abbot Douglas is memorialized by his wife. He was a well-known doctor in the area. When need for a parsonage arose in 1900, Dr. Douglas contributed $500 to secure a lot for the building.

  
  

• On the left side of the stairway Foster Gale’s name is on the window. He served for many years as treasurer of the Proprietors. His handwriting is copied under the record for the sale of lumber and other items from the old meetinghouse. He was born April 16, 1836 and died May 2, 1902.

  
  

• Lizzie B. Webster, whose name is on the first window on the left of the sanctuary, was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Webster, and sister of Annie Webster. She was baptized December 18, 1887 and died on September 28, 1892.

  
  

• Mrs. George Hodge gave the next memorial window in memory of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Enoch Hoyt.

  
  

• The last window on the left was given by George Wells in memory of his wife, Grace D. Wells, daughter of Dr. John and Helen (Howard) Douglas. She joined the church October 2, 1892. Both Mr. and Mrs. Wells supported the church in every way. She was superintendent of the Cradle Roll Department and was on other committees. He was a deacon for forty-three years, clerk for fifty-five years, assistant superintendent of the Sunday School, and a trustee for twenty-seven years.

  
  

• The window in the church school office is in memory of Rev. Mr. William Wilson, a beloved pastor of this church from 1904-1911, returning in 1926. On February 23, 1926, he died suddenly after being here only one month. His wife continued to serve the church for many years.

  
  

• The window in the back of the sanctuary was given by the Corner Class in memory of Deacons Stephen Woodman, Andrew Fielden, and Frank Prevaux, Mr. and Mrs. William True, Priscilla Blake, and Abby Fielden. In 1845 Deacon Woodman moved to Amesbury from South Hampton and united with this church, serving as a deacon for thirty-eight years. Andrew Fielden and his wife, Abby, united with the church, he in 1866, and she in 1869. They served on committees and wherever there was a need. Frank Prevaux joined the church May 7, 1869 and served for many years as auditor and deacon. Mr. and Mrs. William True were on various committees. Mr. True was baptized October 5, 1883 and served as a deacon and a trustee. He left money to the church to be used for a special purpose. Priscilla Blake, wife of Clarence Blake, was very active in teaching and playing the piano for the Sunday School children until her death in 1920. (pages 66 & 67) 

1971-In July a special meeting was called and the Business & Finance Committee recommended that the Hauser Company Studios repair and cover the stained glass windows with protective covering at a cost of $6,265. This work was completed during the following month.