Dorchester Historical Society

Dorchester Illustration no. 2287           Soldiers Monument

The following is from Monuments, Tablets and Other Memorials Erected in Massachusetts to Commemorate the Services of Her Sons n the War of the Rebellion, 1816-1865. Collected and Arranged by Alfred S. Roe. (Boston: Wright & Potter Printing Company, 1910).

Dorchester (City of Boston). — Before this historic section became a part of Greater Boston, its monument for the Civil War was projected and built. It stands in the space in front of the church on Meeting House Hill, is constructed of red sandstone, 31 feet high, obelisk in shape, and is 8 feet square at the base.  It is a very attractive memorial and is highly creditable to the genius of B.F. Dwight, who was the designer.  The names of those who fell in the cause are graven on the surface of the stone.  It was dedicated Sept. 17, 1867 the very day the National Cemetery at Antietam was also dedicated.  The oration of the day was delivered by the Rev. Charles A. Humphreys, then of Springfield, himself a veteran of the Second Massachusetts Cavalry; an ode, written by William T. Adams (Oliver Optic), was sung by the children.  The cost of the monument, $5,301, was met through the diligence of the Pickwick Club, which started the subscription with a promise of $500 and then circulated the paper until the necessary funds were raised.  The First Methodist Church of Dorchester has an interesting tablet to the memory of members, 51 in number, who enlisted.  Of Tennessee marble, 6 by 5 feet in size, designed by Comrade E. W. Fowler of Milton, and surrounded by an emblematic fresco, the three columns of names are surmounted with the words, “Not for conquest but for country.”  The memorial was unveiled March 24, 1895, with significant exercises, which included addresses by the Department Commander, J.W. Thayer, Rev. Dr. Arthur Little, the Rev. G.A. Phinney, pastor of the church, Secretary of the Commonwealth William M. Olin and Comrade Alexander Hobbs. Benjamin Stone, Jr. Post 8 has long met within its own walls, having erected at 91 Park Street, a commodious edifice and dedicated it to the uses of the Grand Army.  Post room, banquet room, all that veterans need for comfort and utility, are fond here.  The total valuation is $7,500.