The Rev. Samuel F. Pearson (1841-1902), a native of Roxbury, Massachusetts, served with the 40th Massachusetts Regiment for three years during the Civil War and came to Portland in 1872.

He became a strong temperance supporter and was president of the state temperance organization in the 1870s.

In 1878 he began work with others to establish a mission in Portland.

He was ordained in 1879 and became the pastor of Christ's Faith Church at 402 1/2 Congress Street.

In 1900 he was elected sheriff of Portland; he died in the middle of his term.