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ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01815 5298
MANUAL
GENEALOGY 974.202 H77M
OF THE
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH IN
HOPKINTON, NEW HAMPSHIRE.
Adopted by Vote of the Church, September 30, 1876.
-
CONCORD, N. H .: PRINTED BY THE REPUBLICAN PRESS ASSOCIATION. 1876.
Allen County Public Library 900 Webster Street PO Box 2270 Fort Wayne, IN 46801-2270
MANUAL
OF THE
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
IN
HOPKINTON, NEW HAMPSHIRE.
Adopted by Vote of the Church, September 30, 1876.
CONCORD, N. H .: PRINTED BY THE REPUBLICAN PRESS ASSOCIATION. IS76.
HISTORICAL SKETCH.
The history of this church dates back to and is inti- mately connected with the earliest settlement of Hop- kinton. In those early days, church and state were as- sociated together ; civil and ecclesiastical affairs were mingled. Our forefathers were churchmen; and it was a principle adopted by them to entail the same ideas upon their descendants, and upon their heirs, grantees, and assigns. In the grants of land made by the Pilgrims, was the almost invariable condition that the grantees build a meeting-house and settle a minister. In the grant of this town, which was made to John Jones, of Hopkinton, Mass., by the province of Massachusetts, January 16, 1735, was this provision, imposed by the great and general court of that prov- ince, that within three years they should " build and finish a convenient meeting-house, and settle a learned and orthodox minister." Thus, in the original grant of this town, this church has its fountain-head.
In accordance with the condition imposed upon them, the grantees took prompt action in regard to a place for the worship of God. The proprietors held a meet- ing May 24, 1739, and voted " to build a meeting- house, to be finished by the last of October next." Said meeting-house was to be twenty-five by thirty-
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five feet, eight feet between joints, with a basil roof. Sixty pounds were voted to pay the expenses of building. This vote was never carried out. The first settlement of the grant was made in 1739, by emi- grants from Hopkinton, Mass. It was made in trouble- some times. These forests were infested with roving bands of Indians. In 1744, the French and Indian war began, and nearly all the Indians of this state were on the war-path. The war put an end to the first settle- ment of this town, and scattered the settlers ; and not till the close of the war was the settlement resumed.
On November 30, 1750, the proprietors held a meet- ing, and made additional provisions for a church. At this meeting it was voted to set off one share of land to the first minister in the settlement, in fee simple; and also one share of land "for the use of the ministry in the town forever." This was voted on the condition that " a meeting-house be built within three years, and a learned and orthodox minister be settled within seven years."
This latter condition was complied with by the set- tlers. On the 23d day of November, 1757, seven days before the expiration of the time specified in said vote, this church was regularly organized, and a "learned and orthodox minister " was ordained and settled. This first minister was the Rev. James Scales, who was a graduate of Harvard college of the class of 1733, who came from Massachusetts to New Hampshire as a teacher, and who came to "New Hopkinton " to or- ganize and to be the first honored pastor of this church.
No meeting-house was yet built. The church was organized, and the ordination of Mr. Scales was sol- emnized in Putney's fort, which was for a few years used for a meeting-house. This fort was situated on
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Putney's hill, near the summit, about one mile west of where the present meeting-house now stands. The or- dination of the first minister was a grand occasion for the early settlers. Though late in the autumn, the day was one of bright sunshine ; the weather " warm, calm, and pleasant for the season." A large number of the settlers were gathered together from this and surround- ing settlements, to be present at and to witness the or- dination, and to attend upon the organization of this the church of the frontier,-the fourth church formed in what is now Merrimack county, the thirty-third church in the state, and, at the time, the only church north of Keene and Amherst between the Merrimack and the Hudson rivers, except the churches of Concord and Boscawen on the Merrimack.
On the day of the formation of the church, and as the basis of its organization, a covenant was presented, adopted, and signed by the following named persons, who became the fathers of this church,-to wit, James Scales, David Woodwell, Aaron Kimball, Jonathan Straw, William Peters, Joseph Eastman, Jr., Peter How, Abram Colebe, Matthew Stanley, and Enoch Eastman.
This church has thus a history of 119 years. It has stood as the light of four generations. It was fostered by the early settlers, and many of them became its members. The Woodwells and the Kimballs were the first to settle on this grant. The first years of the church were those of trial and hardship as well as of danger. The Indians continued for years to disturb the settlers ; but pious men and women were in the church, equal to every trial or emergency, and the little church grew and prospered. It had its roots of life deeply buried in strong hearts. Strong hands held up the
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church banner,-such men as Cram, and Fletcher, and Scales ; while the ministry had the firm support of such men as the Colbys, the Stanleys, the East- mans, the Sargents, and the Longs. The church has always had a "learned, talented, and we may say orthodox ministry." With such a ministry the church gradually emerged from its obscurity in the wilderness, and rose in numbers, power, and influence. In 1776 it numbered about eighty members. Rev. Elijah Fletcher was its able and patriotic pastor, who served well the church, the state, and his country. In 1800 the church had about one hundred and forty members. At this date Hopkinton was one of the leading towns of the state. It was the thirteenth town in the state in population, and was equal to Concord in size. It was at this time an aspirant for the state capitol. The gen- eral court met here on three or four occasions. It was already a half-shire town with Amherst, of Hillsborough county. The courts were held here, and, before the erec- tion of the court-house, in the meeting-house of this church.
Naturally, with the town thus prominent and pros- perous, this church,-the church of the town,-became one of the leading churches in the state. Rev. Ethan Smith was its able pastor. His pastorate, beginning with this century, was long and successful. In 1810 and ISII the church was blessed with a powerful re- vival, which added nearly one hundred to the roll of members ; and the church was greatly strengthened.
In 1823, during the ministry of Rev. Roger C. Hatch, the church was strengthened still more by continued additions, and by another revival, though of less power than the one twelve years before. Forty-eight were added to the church as the fruit of this religious interest.
The pastorate of Rev. Moses Kimball was a prosper-
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ous one. Thirty-eight were added to the church as the fruit of a revival in 1839, while one hundred and eighty- two were added to the church during his ministry of about twelve years. Mr. Kimball was dismissed July 15, 1846. The church now numbered two hundred and forty-seven members, the largest number ever on its rolls at one time. The fifty years previous to this, or the first half of this century, was the golden age of this church. The next twenty-eight years mark an cra of decline in the church, both in numbers and influence. Several causes operated to bring about this decline :- (1) Removal of the state capitol to Concord, and the consequent decline of business in Hopkinton ; (2) emi- gration ; (3) short and not very successful pastorates. This decline was partially arrested in 1857 by a revival under the ministry of Rev. Marshall B. Angier, which added twenty-seven to the church. But the decline continued until 1874, when the membership of this church was reduced to one hundred and fifty-three, about forty of whom were absentees, being a reduction of about one hundred members within thirty years.
The years 1875 and 1876 will be memorable ones in the history of the church, as the beginning of another period of the church's prosperity. In the spring of 1875 a revival began in the church and society, which continued through the summer, and increased in the fall and winter with great power, in which a large num- ber were converted. Fifty-five have been gathered into the church already as the fruit of this interest, and the work of grace is still continuing. The membership of the church is now two hundred and seven. The church now stands, in number of members, where it did fifty years ago; and it is the nineteenth Congregational church in the state.
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The church has thus been blessed with five revivals during its history. Coming as they did at intervals, they were the showers that refreshed this garden of our Lord, and made it to bring forth much fruit. The church has had thirteen pastors, whose pastorates amount in the aggregate to ninety-eight years, making the average pastorate to be eight years, while during twenty-one years of its history the church has had no settled minister.
The church has had seventeen deacons, of whom only the present three are alive.
The present pastor and members of the church look back with gratitude upon our history. It has been eventful ; but we can see the hand of God in each and every event, making all things work together for the good of the church. The church's hope and prayer is, that God will still more lift upon us the light of his countenance, and continue to bless us more and more. " Peace be within these walls, and prosperity within these palaces."
THE ECCLESIASTICAL SOCIETY.
The year 1818 marks an important era in the history of this church and society. Previous to 1800, the town had a voice in the call and settlement of the pastors of this church, and the minister's salary was paid by the town, being considered as a part of its regular expenses. This custom seems to have its authority in a law of the state, which gave a permit to towns to levy a tax for the support of a minister. The three first pastors of this church were wholly supported by the town. The fourth pastor was in part so supported. But such an union of church and state could not always exist in
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this state, where the settlers, as they came in, were of varied religious opinions, and many of them members of other churches than the Congregational. Thus a conflict arose on the subject of this taxation, carried on by those who felt, and not unjustly, that the tax to sup- port the " orthodox" minister was an unjust burden for them to bear. Early in the ministry of Rev. Ethan Smith, a revolt was made against this tax; and the further custom was adopted by the officers of this town to ask the tax-payers, at the time of the assessment, if they would be "taxed for the support of Mr. Smith." If willing, they were taxed; if unwilling, they were not.
In March, 1818, the friends of this church, wearied with this conflict, held a meeting and framed a consti- tution, which, on their petition, was made the basis of a special act, which was passed by the representatives and senators of the general court of this state, enti- tled "An act to incorporate a Religious Society by the name of the First Congregational Society in Hopkin- ton," which act was passed June 18, and approved by the governor June 19, 1818. By this act said society became a body corporate, with the general powers of an incorporation to sue and to be sued, to plead and to be impleaded, &c., and with the especial authority to build and keep in repair its own meeting-houses, and to raise the means for the support of its own ministers. On the fourth day of August, after the passage of said act, the members of the society met, and this ecclesias- tical society was duly organized. From the date of its organization, the society has had the management of all the pecuniary affairs of the church. It has had the charge of all funds left to the church for its benefit ; and, associated with the church, it has had an equal (2)
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voice in the call and settlement of its pastors. Since the meeting-house was ceded to the society by the town, which was on February 16, 1839, the society has had the control of all the real and personal property of the church and society. This leads to a brief sketch of the
MEETING-HOUSES.
Until 1766 this church used Putney's Fort as its meeting-house. This first meeting-house was, in its use and character, somewhat like the first church of Plymouth. It was, as the times demanded, a military church, and its members belonged to the real church militant. The fort was of necessity their first meeting- house. Though it had no " cannon on its walls, point- ing in all directions," and no "armed sentinel at the door," yet the safest place to meet for the worship of God was, for several years in the early settlement, within the strong log walls of the fort. In the year 1766, nine years after the church was organized, the first meeting-house was erected,-not, however, on the hill where it was first intended, but in the valley cast- ward, on the spot where the present house now stands.
This first meeting-house stood until February 5, 1789, when it was burned. Prompt measures were, however, taken by the town to rebuild, and on June S, of the same year, another and larger meeting-house was up, all ready for occupancy. This second meeting-house we can somewhat describe. It was 46x62 feet, high posted, made for galleries, of which there were three. It had a large porch at cach end, and seven entrances. It had the usual square pews with hanging seats, high pulpit, and the accompanying sounding-board. A
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steeple was added in 1809 for a bell, which soon came. This second meeting-house stood fifty years, when the time came for a change. In 1839 the church had out- grown its accommodations. A larger meeting-house was needed. During this year, as has been stated, the society became possessed of the meeting-house as its property, which was, by vote of the society, remodelled and enlarged again into the present pleasant, neat, and comfortable house of worship, which will seat about five hundred. At the time the meeting-house was re- modelled, a clock with three faces was attached to the belfry. During the year 1850, Rev. Christopher M. Cordley being pastor, the society purchased a conven- ient site and erected a chapel, which will seat about one hundred persons. In 1872 means were obtained in the church and society, and from liberal friends of the church resident elsewhere, for the purchase of an organ valued at $1,800, which was that year put into the singers' gallery. In the summer of 1875, a fine chandelier was put into the meeting-house by a member of the society, a gift from him. Thus the wants of the church have been supplied one after another.
In addition to the real and personal property men- tioned, the society has a fund of about $4,000, be- queathed by deceased friends of the society, for the sup- port of the preaching of the gospel in this church. $2,600 was bequeathed by Mr. Amos Bailey, about $1,000 by Mr. James Spofford, and about $500 by Miss Sophia W. Bailey. Only the bequest of Mr. Bailey is, however, now in the possession of the so- ciety. The two latter bequests have been made re- cently. The church and society are free of debt, and in a prosperous condition.
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THE SABBATH-SCHOOL.
Our Sabbath-school is an important institution con- nected with the church, and the history of the church would be incomplete without a sketch of its rise and progress. The first attempt to organize a Sabbath- school in Hopkinton was undenominational, and sepa- rate from the several churches. Schools were first or- ganized in the out districts. One at Farmington's corner was started in 1817. Classes were formed in the dis- trict south of the village in the autumn of 1818. In 1819 a school was first held in the meeting-house of this church. In 1821 a Sabbath-school was held on Beech hill. For many years the Congregationalists, Baptists, and Episcopals united in maintaining the Sab- bath-school, which became soon an established institu- tion in the town. In 1822 the school had so prospered that it was found necessary to hold it regularly in the Congregational meeting-house. In 1848 the Sabbath- school of this church was regularly organized, and a constitution was adopted. The school has had its rise and fall with the church ; yet, through all these years, it has been kept up and weekly sustained. The school is now in a prosperous condition. It numbers about one hundred and thirty-five members. The average at- tendance is about one hundred. During the past eigh- teen months nearly forty members of the school have been converted, and have become connected with the church. Thus has the Sabbath-school proved to be a nursery to the church, as it is intended. The superin- tendents have been as follows, in the order named : Stephen Sargent, Hiram Clifford, M. B. Stebbins, Alfred A. Rollins, William K. Rowell, Melvin Colby, Ira L. Allen, Tilton Symonds, Charles C. Burnham,
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John M. Harvey, and Daniel Sawyer. Melvin Colby is the present superintendent.
FORMULA OF ADMISSION.
Beloved Friends :- You now present yourselves in this formal manner, before God and men, to make a con- fession of your faith in Christ. We trust you have well considered the nature of this act, and are well pre- pared by divine grace to make it sincerely. We trust that you consider this act a privilege, and that it is a privilege you enjoy. Having examined the Articles of Faith adopted by this church, you will now profess the same before these witnesses.
CONFESSION OF FAITH.
I.
We believe that there is but one God, the Creator, Preserver, and Governor of the universe ; a being of in- finite power, knowledge, wisdom, justice, goodness, truth, and love ; the self-existent, independent, and im- mutable fountain of good.
II.
We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments were given by inspiration of God; that they are profitable for doctrine, for correction, for re- proof, and for instruction in righteousness; and that they are our only rule of doctrinal belief and religious practice.
III.
We believe that God is revealed in the Scriptures as the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost; that these three
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persons of the Godhead are equal in power and glory, and are personal distinctions of only one God.
IV.
We believe that God has made all things for himself ; that known unto him are all his works from the begin- ning ; and that he governs all things according to the counsels of his own will.
V.
We believe that the divine law, and the principles and administration of the divine government, are perfectly holy, just, and good; and that all rational beings are bound to approve of them as such.
VI.
We believe that God created man in his own image, in a state of rectitude and holiness; and that he fell from that state by transgressing the divine command in partaking of the forbidden fruit.
VII.
We believe that in consequence of the transgression of our first parents, sin entered into the world, and all men have become sinners, dead in trespasses and sins ; that the heart of man is now by nature destitute of the love of God and of true holiness, and is in a state of positive disaffection with the law, character, and gov- ernment of God.
VIII.
We believe that Christ the Son of God has, by his obedience, sufferings, and death, made an atonement for sin ; that he is the only Redeemer of sinners; and that he will save all who come unto him and believe on his name.
IX.
We believe that salvation is free; that it is offered
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unto all men; that whosoever will may take of the water of life freely ; and that every soul is a free moral agent ;- but such is human sinfulness, and human de- pendence upon the Holy Spirit, we believe that no one will come to Christ, except the Father by the Spirit's influence draw him.
x.
We believe that those who embrace Christ were chosen in him before the foundation of the world, that they should be holy and without blame before him in love ; and that they are saved, not by works of right- eousness which they have done, but according to the distinguishing mercy of God, through sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of the truth.
XI.
We believe that those who cordially accept of Christ as their Saviour, and become converted, will not be left to perish ; that, though they may fall into sin, they will be kept by the power of God, through faith, unto salvation.
XII.
We believe that there will be a general resurrection of the just and of the unjust.
XIII.
We believe that all mankind will one day stand be- fore the judgment scat of Christ, to be judged and sen- tenced according to the deeds done in the body ; that at the judgment the state of all will be unalterably fixed ; that the wicked will go away into everlasting punish- ment, but the righteous into life eternal.
XIV.
We believe that Christ has a visible church in the
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world, into which only those should be admitted who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and who give credible evidence of conversion unto him.
XV.
We believe that the sacraments of the church are Baptism and the Lord's Supper ; that Christians only, in good and regular standing in some Evangelical church, can consistently partake of the Lord's Supper ; and that Christians and their households only can be admitted to the ordinance of Baptism.
So you believe.
[Here the ordinance of Baptism will be administered to those unbaptized.]
You will now attend unto the
COVENANT.
You do now, in the presence of God and men, avouch the Lord Jehovah, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, to be your God, the supreme object of your affections, and your chosen portion for ever. You cordially acknowl- edge and receive Christ as your Saviour, Prophet, Priest, and King, and as your final judge ; and the Holy Spirit as your Sanctifier, Comforter, and Guide. You humbly and cheerfully consecrate to God all your powers of mind and body, and all you possess. You this day consecrate yourself to Christ, and to his service, en- gaging to walk and work with us in the observance of all Christian ordinances, duties, and privileges ; and that, by the aid of the Spirit, you will deny all ungod- liness and every wordly lust, and will live soberly, right- eously, and godly in the world.
You do now join yourself to this church to engage in its work, to submit to its discipline, as far as it is con-
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formable to the rules of the gospel, and to receive the benefit of its influence, instruction, and admonition ; and you covenant to strive, to the best of your ability, for the peace, edification, and purity of the church ; and to walk with its members in all memberlike love, meek- ness, and sobriety.
Thus you covenant and engage.
[The members of the church will now rise.]
We, then, the members of this church, do now re- ceive you into our body and communion. We promise to watch over you with Christian affection, to care for and assist you in your Christian life, ever treating you in love as a member of the body of Christ. This we do, imploring of the Great Shepherd of Israel, our Lord and Redeemer, that both we and you may have grace to be faithful to this covenant, and to glorify Him, our Blessed Saviour, with that holiness which becomes his house for ever. Amen.
[Here the pastor may give the Right Hand of Fel- lowship to each candidate, with such remarks as he may choose to add.]
DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES, AND STANDING RULES.
1. This church is regarded by all of its members as a Congregational church. We recognize and firmly hold to the simple faith of the Apostles in Christ as the Son of God, and the principles laid down in the teaching of Christ and his Apostles as to church government. We hold to the independency of the church ; that all power. as to the rule and government of the church, resides in the congregated body of the church : yet, we hold to the fellowship of the churches, and to their intimate re- lations with each other ; and that, on matters of impor- (3)
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tance, the church should at times seek the advice and counsel of sister churches of Christ ; and that whenever the church unites in calling a council, or an ex parte council is called by an aggrieved member, the church should respect the decision of the council called.
2. The permanent officers of this church shall be a pastor and deacons; also, a clerk, treasurer, and a standing committee, which are to be chosen annually, and hold their offices for one year. The pastor and deacons shall be members, ex officio, of the standing committee.
3. All the officers of this church shall have the au- thority and perform the duties common to their offices, acording to the usages of the Congregational churches.
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