[Illustration:  Methodist episcopal church.]

Contrary to the custom in almost every other town of the State, and notwithstanding the statute requirements, public worship in 1809 ceased to be supported by the town, and nearly an equality of religious sects before the law was produced.  In 1817, after the re-union of the Congregational Churches, the parish system was revived.  It should be kept in mind that by far the larger part of the population were members of that denomination, identifying its early history with that of the town.  Rev. Heman Humphrey became pastor, a man of scholarly attainments, and well fitted to encourage the general longing for a complete reconciliation.

In 1821 a great revival took place, and to strengthen the religious interest Mr. Humphrey believed it to be essential that, so far as possible, the town should preserve a solemn quiet, and he endeavored to substitute religious services in place of the ordinary manner of celebrating the Fourth of July.  This plan was, to a considerable number of citizens, by no means acceptable, yet the exercises in the Church were attended by a large and reverent congregation.  The meeting-house stood upon the little square where the people were wont to collect on all anniversaries.  In consequence, there was a very annoying disturbance from fire-crackers, drums, fifes, and even cannon, and the attempt to make this national holiday quiet and serious was not repeated.  Mr. Humphrey two years later became President of Amherst College.  In 1833 the corporate connection of the Congregational Society with the town came to an end through the Constitutional Amendment of that year.  Two years later business was in a state of depression, and emigration went on at a rapid rate.  A missionary from the West made known the need in that great section of Christian emigrants to help mould its character.  From the Baptist Church in one year more than a hundred members set forth, leaving finally but three men in the Congregation.  During the first half of the century other sects acquired a foot-hold, and are now supported by large Congregations, composed of the best citizens of the town.

To turn back again in the narrative of events.  Of the town’s record in the war of 1812, little must be said, although much is deserved.  In this matter, as previously in others, the county, by its warm support of the war party, showed its independence in thought and action of the rest of the State.  Pittsfield was made a place of meeting for recruits; a cantonment for United States troops was established, and a depot for prisoners of war, who numbered at times 1,500 or more.  The town was most largely represented in the Ninth and Twenty-first Regiments.  The former won for itself the name of “The Bloody Ninth;” the latter was that regiment, which, under Colonel Miller at Lundy’s Lane, gained undying fame in a gallant struggle for the enemy’s cannon.

[Illustration:  Residence of E.S.  Francis.]