HISTORICAL NOTE

The Ballardvale United Church Records consist of the early records of two previously existing churches, the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the Union Congregational Church. 

The Union Congregational Church, formed in 1854, was an offshoot of several groups in Andover.  Competing with the solidly entrenched South Church in Andover, the early organization appeared to draw Congregationalists who wanted a neighborhood church in Ballardvale, at the same time that the Methodist Society was forming its church in the same area. 

The early existence of two churches in Ballardvale caused friction until the eventual merger one hundred years later.  The merger took place in 1955. 

The Methodist church was located on the hill at Marland and Tewksbury Streets, overlooking the Shawsheen River.  The First Methodist Society had been founded in 1829, in Andover, and occasionally held services in the hall over the Boston and Maine depot, in Andover.  The Union Congregational Church building was used for church services for the merged church from 1955 on, as that church building was the larger of the two.  Occasionally, the Methodist church was used for special events.  A new church building was built in 1965 and the two buildings were torn down. 

SCOPE AND CONTENT

The Ballardvale United Church Records consist of the early records of two previously existing churches, the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the Union Congregational Church. 

The Union Congregational Church, formed in 1854, was an offshoot of several groups in Andover.  Competing with the solidly entrenched South Church in Andover, the early organization appeared to draw Congregationalists who wanted a neighborhood church in Ballardvale, at the same time that the Methodist Society was forming its church in the same area. 

The early existence of two churches in Ballardvale caused friction until the eventual merger one hundred years later.  The merger took place in 1955. 

The Methodist church was located on the hill at Marland and Tewksbury Streets, overlooking the Shawsheen River.  The First Methodist Society had been founded in 1829, in Andover, and occasionally held services in the hall over the Boston and Maine depot, in Andover.  The Union Congregational Church building was used for church services for the merged church from 1955 on, as that church building was the larger of the two.  Occasionally, the Methodist church was used for special events.  A new church building was built in 1965 and the two buildings were torn down. 

Processed by Susan E. Keats, December 1985.