Wadsworth Congregational Church

History

Our first place of worship was a brush arbor with a board nailed between two trees that served as a pulpit. Later a log cabin became the church which was soon replaced by the frame building that stands in the rear of the present church.

We fondly remember our founder the late Rev.Madison Lindsay. Some of us have the pleasure of claiming close kinship to this great man. I am happy to say that he was my great

uncle. Rev Madison Lindsay was born in 1833 to slave parents in the community. At an early age, he became embittered by the injustice of slavery. He ran away from his master and went to Canada. He re-entered the U.S. and went to Cambridge, MA where he worked as a valet to the former poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.

Rev.Lindsay made a trip to Europe with the poet. Recognizing Rev Lindsay's potential as a leader, Mr Longfellow assisted him in entering Oberlin College at Oberlin, OH. This was a coeducation institution that also admitted Negros. This college worked hand-in-hand with the Underground Railroad.This was the first college in the United States to admit Negroes and women.

After graduation, Rev Madison Lindsay returned to the Dennysville community. He had been given by his benefactor money to buy land and help build this church. The church and community were named Wadsworth after Mr.Longfellow's mother.

In addition to the church, Rev Lindsay organized the first school for Negroes in Guilford County. The school was operated for many years as a private school.It was attended by adults as well as children.Some of the "pupils" came great distances and live

in tents while attending school. Some were able to get jobs and build homes. Others helped Rev.Lindsay's wife, Mrs. Lettie Morehead Linsdsay,were of invaluable assistance to him.

Sunday School: Each Sunday - 9:30am

Sunday Morning Worship: 1st - 4th Sundays 11:00am

Bible Study: Wednesday 12:00pm Noon