USA > New Hampshire > Sullivan County > Newport > Manual of the Congregational Church in Newport, N.H. : organized Oct. 28, l779 > Part 1
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REYNOLDS WISTOPICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
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ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 00056 0836
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RUSSELL & RICHARDSON-SC
Present Church and Parsonage.
MANUAL -
OF THE
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
IN
NEWPORT, N. H.
Organized Oct. 28, 1779.
One shall say, I am the LORD's; and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob; and another shall subscribe with his hand unto the LORD, and surname himself by the name of Israel .- ISA. XLIV : 5.
NEWPORT, N. II. : BARTON & WHEELER, PRINTERS. 1887. .
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1851920
NOTE. K
This Manual has been prepared by vote of the church under the direction of the Executive Committee. The following sources of information have been diligently and carefully used: The original records of the church. ecclesiastical society and town; the Manuals of 1829 and 1878; Wheeler's History of Newport; Jos. W. Parmelee's history of Newport as contained in D. H. Hurd's History of Cheshire and Sullivan Counties; A. S. Wait's Historical Address at the centennial celebration of the founding of the church : Rev. John Woods' sermon on the sixtieth anniversary of the church. and Fourth of July address, 1846, both kindly loaned by his son, Chas. H. Woods, of Minneapolis ; death lists and other papers left by Phineas Chapin, and loan- ed.for this use by his grandson, Bela Chapin, of Claremont; the Bascom. Buell, and Chapin Genealogies; Manuals of the Congregational churches in Acworth and Claremont, N. H., and Orwell, Vt. ; and the testimony of very many present and former citizens of the town.
Great pains have been taken to make this Manual full and reliable. In the historical part all statements have been verified, so far as possible, by refer- ence to the original sources. In the Chronological Catalogue completeness and entire accuracy is not to be expected. Some errors may be due to copy- ing the mistakes of the authorities relied on, while other errors may be due to wrong information or to misinterpretation. All omissions and corrections should be given to the pastor or clerk for future use.
Thanks are hereby extended to many who have aided the pastor and clerk in this work,-especially to Mr. Jos. W. Parmelee for valuable assistance in searching for historical facts, and in reading proofs for the press.
THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. SEPT. 1, 1887.
1
HISTORICAL.
Thou shalt remember all the way which the Lord thy God led thee .- DEUT. S.2.
The first settlers of Newport were possessed of marked intelligence and piety, coming from Killingworth, Saybrook, Groton and other towns in Connecticut. The Congregational church of this town vir- tually came with the first party of seven or eight men, early in June, 1766. The leading spirit of this number was Dea. Stephen Wilcox. then about sixty years of age. Reliable tradition informs us that their very first day here was the Sabbath ; and that they observed it by unitedly worshipping God under the shade of a spreading tree, thank- ing Him for the safe journey, and invoking His blessing on the set- tlement they were about to commence. It is also said that their Congregational descendants have not allowed a single Sabbath since then to pass without some public religious service. For several years they worshipped mainly in the log cabin of Robert Lane. The meetings were conducted chiefly by Benj. Giles, Esq. ; when he was away on public business or teaching in winter, Dea. Josiah Stev- ens officiated. Then the Proprietors' House, erected in 1773, served as the common meeting-place for all public gatherings. From 1775 onwards stated preaching was enjoyed for longer or shorter periods. As the community increased in numbers the need of an organized church was urgently felt. Accordingly, with the assistance of Rev. Aaron Hall, of Keene, a Congregational church was formed Oct. 28. 1779, consisting of seventeen members. (The articles of faith, cove- nant and discipline may be found fully and literally set forth in the Historical Address, by A. S. Wait. at the centennial celebration in 1879. The Church Manual of 1829 contains the same in amended form.) During the next eight or nine months Mr. Samnel Wood. afterward Rev. Dr. Wood of Boscawen, labored here, but declined to settle. The church was greatly blessed in the first three years of its history, receiving 30 accessions in July, 1781, and 7 in the follow- ing year.
Rev. John Remmele, a man of good ability, was ordained the first pastor Jan. 22, 1783. In addition to the lot of land falling to him
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CHURCH MANUAL.
by charter, he received a salary of £70-equal to $233.33-and firewood. His ministry proved unfortunate. His moral character was seriously questioned. Dissensions threatened to destroy the church. Additions were few. His ministry practically ceased in the spring of 1791, although not formally terminated till Oct. 11 of the same year. He carried away most of the records of the church and refused to return them. A partial restoration was afterward effected from papers left on file.
The church was at this period in a state of great weakness. The entire population of the town in 1790 was only 780, divided between the Baptist and Congregational orders. About this time there was a considerable emigration to Orwell, Vt., Crown Point, N. Y., and other places. The invoice of 1794 contained 166 polls. The mem- bership of the church in that year must have been less than 40. But though cast down, they did not despair. At a church meeting in July, 1791, attended by fifteen males and two females, it was vot- ed to "reunite and go on together as a church " upon the basis of the original creed, covenant and discipline.
Jan. 5, 17.96, the church ordained as its pastor one of its own members, Mr. Abijah Wines. He had settled here as a farmer, but feeling a divine call, had left the farm to the management of his effi- cient helpmeet, and obtained a thorough education. Mr. W. was a studious, earnest and faithful minister of the Gospel, and, while still carrying on his farm, reaped a rich harvest for the Master. In the great revival of 1810-11 he received 140 into the church. His sal- ary, after it reached the maximum, was £52, twenty cords of fire wood and $50 for a farm laborer. He was dismissed Dec. 4, 1816.
The next pastor was Mr. James R. Wheelock, son of Pres. Whee- lock, of Dartmouth College, ordained Dec. 2, 1818. He was a man of scholarly tastes, ardent and energetic. An extensive revival soon commenced, resulting in a great ingathering. He received a "set- tlement" of several hundred dollars and a salary of $500. He was regularly dismissed Feb. 21, 1823.
Rev. John Woods, formerly pastor at Warner, was installed Jan. 28. 1824. He was " a learned scholar, a clear thinker, a sound theo- logian, discreet and judicious in affairs ;" of "dignified and courte- ous mien, solemn and thoughtful, with decision and firmness in all his purposes." His ministry of twenty-seven years was crowned with abundant fruit. Near the close of it a large number of mem-
HISTORICAL.
bers withdrew, and, uniting with others of Methodist sentiment, formed the present M. E. Church of this town in May, 1850. Mr. Woods' salary was $450. He was dismissed JJuly 16, 1851.
The same council which dismissed Mr. Woods ordained his sue- cessor, Mr. Henry Cummings, who for fifteen years worthily admin- istered the spiritual affairs of the church. In 1852-3, in common with the Baptist and Methodist churches, another most powerful re- vival was experienced, by which about 100 were added to this church. Mr. Cummings' salary was $700. He was dismissed July 25, 1866.
After a year's vacancy, Mr. Geo. R. W. Scott served a year, and was then ordained pastor Sept. 17, 1868. Prompt and practical in methods, of large enthusiasm and strong sympathies, Mr. S. wrought a good work. Salary, $1,200. He was dismissed Dec. 7, 1873.
After Mr. Scott's dismissal, Rev. E. E. P. Abbott was acting pas- tor until installed Mar. 24, 1875. . Mr. A. united rare scholarship and literary tastes with superior social qualities, and was a faithful pastor. His salary was $1,000 and use of parsonage. He was dis- missed Mar. 3, 1884.
The present pastor, Rev. Charles N. Flanders, was installed May 28, 1884. Salary the same as Mr. Abbott's.
Only one complete Manual has been published prior to this, viz : in 1829. One was contemplated in 1839 and another voted in 1875. The Manual of 1878 contained only the creed. covenant and present membership.
Changes and additions have been made in the creed. covenant and rules, one or all, Dec. 28, 1825, Sept. 15, 1841. Sept. 1875, and Jan. 1885. June 19, 1839, the following vote was passed unanimously : "Inasmuch as the style of the articles and covenant of this church which were adopted at its organization has become somewhat antiquat- ed and admits of improvement ; inasmuch. also, as the Articles of Faith and Form of Covenant adopted by the Sullivan Association of Ministers expresses the same riers of divine truth and divine require- ments in a more explicit and less objectionable manner ; therefore, voted that hereafter in the admission of members the latter be used instead of the former." It does not appear that this course was fol- lowed any considerable length of time.
The fiftieth anniversary of the organization of the church was ob- served Oct. 28, 1829, "as a season of praise to God for past mercies,
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CHURCH MANUAL.
humiliation for present lukewarmness, and prayer for future bless- ings. A sermon was preached by the pastor from Deut. 8 :2."
The centennial exercises of Oct. 28, 1879, were more extend- ed. The order of exercises and historical address were printed. On the morning of the day there assembled in the church a large audience, including former pastors and members of the church, neigh- boring clergymen and friends. The officers of the day were : Dexter Richards, President ; Edward A. Jenks, Toast-Master ; Benjamin R. Allen, Musical Director ; Mrs. Ellen E. Kimball, Or- ganist ; Francis Boardman, Committee on Collation ; Mrs. Wm. W. Hubbell, Committee on Decorations. The order of exercises was as follows : Invocation, Rev. G. R. W. Scott ; Anthem, "Wake the song of jubilee ;" Reading of the Scriptures, Rev. Charles E. Har- rington, Concord ; Prayer, Rev. E. H. Greeley ; Address of Wel- come, Pastor, Rev. E. E. P. Abbott ; Hymn, " O God, beneath Thy guiding hand ;" Historical Address, Albert S. Wait ; Reminiscences, Rev. Henry Cummings and Rev. G. R. W. Scott, the only ex-pas- tors who survived ; Hymn, written by Edward A. Jenks, " A thous- and hearts are swelling ;" Benediction, Rev. C. H. Holbrook, of the Baptist church. At one o'clock the whole congregation sat down to a bountiful collation, served in the chapel. In the afternoon brief responses and addresses were made by past and present mem- bers, representatives of neighboring churches and others. Prayers were offered by Rev. A. W. Bunker, of the M. E. Church, and Rev. C. M. Palmer, Meriden. Tea was served in the chapel at six o'clock. In the evening the past century was discussed in its more general aspects,-material, intellectual and spiritual,-by Rev. Henry Cum- mings, Rev. G. R. W. Scott, and Rev. E. E. P. Abbott. Prayers were offered by Rev. Geo. F. Chapin, Alstead, and Rev. Charles A. Downs, Lebanon, and the exercises closed, the audience joining in the hymn, "Come, let us anew our journey pursue." The day was stormy, but the occasion was an enjoyable and profitable one for all those who were able to be present.
June 26, 1793, the frame of the first meeting-house was raised. On this occasion a young man of nineteen years, fell from the top and soon died. He was the son of Elder Job Seamans, pastor of the Baptist church in New London, and had come to assist in the raising. The sad event was overruled for good, for it resulted in a revival of religion in New London. This house was built by the
十
1.
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HISTORICAL.
town, and stood at the foot of Claremont hill on the cone-shaped ele- vation to the left of the present highway as it bears towards Unity. It was 42 x 52 in dimensions, with tower on the north end and pro- jection on the south, and doors on the north, south and west. It was painted yellow on the outside, but unpainted within. It had a gallery, a high pulpit, sounding-board and deacons' seats, but no bell nor arrangements for heating. Horse-sheds stood on the north-west. The pews were square, of panel and turned work, surmounted by a rail. The seats were hung on hinges. A deed is extant dated Oct. 14, 1808, whereby, for the consideration of twenty-five dollars, Josiah Stevens, Jr., conveys to Phineas Chapin, Sr., " one-half of a pew in the south meeting-house in said Newport, said pew being known by No. - , below or on the first floor, and standing by the wall of said house on the right, or south side of the front. or west. door of said house, and next to said front door." When the pres- ent house of worship was built the old one, or at least the frame, was sold to Jonas Cutting, and by him converted into a barn which still stands on the premises of Wm. H. Davis. The timbers on the west side were cut down to suit the inequality of the ground. Some of the finish of the pews was wrought into the house built by Rev. John Woods, now owned by S. G. Stowell, and occupied by his son.
The present church edifice was erected in 1822, as a private enter- prise, the society merely voting that after it was completed it should be the place of public worship, and investing the fund of four hundred dollars, then in the society's possession. in pews to be rented for the society's benefit. John Leach, a noted builder, framed it. The churches at Acworth, Croydon Four Corners, and other places were built after the same plans. The building committee, consisting of James Breck, Hubbard Newton, Elkanah Carpenter and Caleb Heath, assumed all liabilities and depended on the sale of the pews for recompense. They built with remarkable good taste and liberality, and personally bore much more than their proper propor- tion of the expense. Much labor was given by others in laying the foundation, and in grading the site, which was originally low and wet. The ornate spire has remained unchanged to the present time. The interior, especially the high pulpit, was elaborately finished. Speci- mens of the columns are in the possession of Francis Boardman. The desk projected in such a way as to leave a recess underneath large enough for several persons to sit in. The pulpit was en-
10
CHURCH MANUAL.
tered through this recess by stairs in the rear. The wall pews were square, and the rest parallelogram in shape, but very wide, afford- ing end seats. The hinges, for the most part, sounding board and deacons' seats were dispensed with. There was a bell in the tower from the first, but two others have since taken its place. In the N. H. Patriot for March '10, 1823, appeared the following paragraph : " The new brick meeting-house erected by the Congregational Soci- ety in Newport the last season, will be dedicated to the service of ALMIGHTY GOD on Thursday, the 13th inst. It is expected a dis- course will be delivered on the occasion by President Tyler, of Han- over." People came from all parts of the county to attend the exercises, so that the house was literally packed. The music was by a select choir in charge of Elnathan Duren, a celebrated singing- master. Mrs. Mabel Reed, now in her eighty-fifth year, is probably the only person now living who sang in the choir on that occasion .* The "ORDER OF SACRED EXERCISES" was printed on a sheet of foolscap size, and gives the words of the hymns and anthems in full, but omits all names of the clergymen who participated. We may reasonably infer that Rev. Mr. Wines was one. The order is as follows : Invocation, and reading select portions of Scripture ; Magdalen Odet ; Prayer ; Anthem, " Blessed be Thou, Lord God of Israel ;" Sermon ; Psalm 132 c. M. ; Consecrating. Prayer ; Hymn 141 [select] ; Address to the Church and Society ; Anthem,-" Who can withstand the Power of the Lord?"; Benediction. The church was also rededicated in 1868, with interesting exercises. Chiefly through the efforts of Dr. John B. McGregor, a pipe organ was placed in the gallery in 1835-6. As an inducement to its introduction, he agreed to furnish an organist gratis for three years, and his daughters fulfilled the promise with distinguished ability. In 1868 Dea. Dex- ter Richards replaced it with a larger one, a gift in memory of a be -. loved daughter. Stoves were an innovation of 1832. Repairs and modifications of the interior of this house of worship were made in 1853, when the floor was raised, the pews cut down, the pulpit low- ered, and the seats in the gallery changed ; and in 1868, when it was thoroughly remodeled at an expense of nearly $8000, leaving it in its present arrangement. The present colored glass windows, however, were put in by the Ladies' Benevolent Society in 1877. The grounds were improved and concrete walks laid in Sept. 1882.
*Died since the above was in type. tHymn 104, Select.
11
HISTORICAL.
Nov. 23, 1836, the church "Voted that the pastor and deacons be authorized to lease to school district No. 2 a piece of ground on the meeting-house lot as a site for a school-house, on condition that said district grant them the use of the upper room to be occupied as a ves- try and a school room for young ladies, should it be wanted for such a purpose." The building was erected the following year. but was destroyed by fire March 3, 1843. A vestry was built the following year on the site of the present parsonage, by private subscriptions. This was sold in 1872, and now stands at the lower end of South Main street, having been converted into a dwelling house.
The present chapel was erected in 1872 at an expense of more than $6000. The proceeds from the sale of the former vestry and the first parsonage were applied toward its cost, about $800 was raised by subscription and otherwise, and the balance was the generous gift of Dea. Dexter Richards.
The first parsonage was the house now owned and occupied by Silas S. Booth. It was built in 1852 by Daniel W. Wilcox and Fran- cis W. Comstock, and leased by them to the pastor. Rev. Mr. C'uni- mings. Apr. 1, 1865, the church and society completed paying for it, and obtained a deed of the property. It was sold in 1872. The present parsonage was built by subscription in 1877, at an ex- pense of $3500.
"The Congregational Society in Newport" was incorporated by act of legislature, Dec. 17, 1803. Dec. 30. 1828, it was re-organized as "The Congregational Society for the Support of the Gospel Ministry in Newport," under the law of 1827, and so continues.
The Sunday-school in connection with this church dates from the summer of 1819. Rev. Mr. Wheelock was the first Supt .. and was succeeded by Dea. Joseph Wilcox.
Oct. 28, 1779, the church voted, "That it be looked upon a breach of communion for brethren to be at taverns, or elsewhere, at unsea- sonable hours, drinking, or countenancing such meetings, unless spe- cial business call them to such places."
March 24, 1821, "Voted, That this church disapprove the prac- tice of using ardent spirit at funerals."
In May, 1828, the church adopted a resolution "that, as friends of morality and religion, they will in their families and spheres of action, use their influence by all proper and landable means. to check the progress of intemperance and promote the cause of temperance."
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CHURCH MANUAL.
Sept. 15, 1841, the church adopted a rule requiring a pledge c total abstinence as a condition of admission to the church.
Dec. 19, 1827, the following resolution was passed : "Resolved That we feel ourselves under covenant obligations both as individual and as a church of Christ, to pay special attention to our baptized children ; and we do engage that we will daily read, or cause th Holy Scriptures to be read by or before them ; will pray with and fo them ; and will instruct, warn, exhort and counsel them, from tim to time, as their age and circumstances, and our ability, opportunity and duty may require."
Apr. 15, 1796, "Voted that the communions be stated the first Sabbath in each month." This rule appears to have been exceptiona and of short duration.
June 17, 1829, the church voted to purchase "a new sett of Brit tania containing two tankards, six cups and two platters." May 1 1886, Dea. Dexter Richards and wife presented the church with ar elegant communion service, consisting of two tankards, eight cups and four plates.
Nov. 17, 1824, "Voted that instead of the monthly church meet ing, the church attend a monthly conference and prayer meeting," a which business could be transacted, when necessary. This meeting was held in the afternoon of the second Wednesday of the month until the beginning of Mr. Scott's ministry, when it was given up fo lack of attendance.
The weekly prayer meeting on Thursday evenings dates from the first meeting of the General Association in this town in 1829. To it influence Mr. Woods, in 1839, attributed in large measure the grea increase of conversions during that period.
In his address of July 4, 1846, Mr. Woods said : "Fifteen of the sons of this church are now preachers of the Gospel ; and five wh were preachers have rested from their labors."
Prior to Feb. 18, 1869, candidates for admission to the church were examined in open church meeting; since that date they hav been examined in private by a committee who reported to the church Also, on that date it was voted that "all persons who are member of this church in good and regular standing, shall be entitled to al equal voice in all business matters that may come before the church by vote and speech."
.
ADMISSION OF MEMBERS.
(ADOPTED SEPT., 1875.)
[ After the names of those to be received on confession of faith have been read, re pastor may address them as follows : ]*
DEARLY BELOVED : In presenting yourselves [yourself] before God nd this congregation to confess the Lord Jesus Christ and enter into ovenant with God and this church, we trust that you know the olemnity and blessedness of this hour, and feel the privilege and re- ponsibility of the step you are about to take. You will now attend o our
CONFESSION OF FAITH.
As a church of Jesus Christ, associated in accordance with the eachings of the New Testament for the public worship of God, for he observance of gospel sacraments and ordinances, for mutual dification and encouragement in the Christian life, and for the ad- ancement of the Redeemer's kingdom, we declare our union in faith nd love with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ.
Receiving the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments as the ord of God, and the only infallible rule of religious faith and prac- ice, we confess our faith in the one living and true God, revealed as ne Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, the Creator and Preserver f all things, whose purposes and providence extend to all events, and ho exercises a righteous government over all his creatures.
We believe in the universal sinfulness and ruin of our race,-since By one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin ; and so eath passed upon all men, for that all have sinned."
We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, having aken upon himself our nature, has, by his obedience, sufferings and eath, provided a way of salvation for all mankind; and that. arough faith in his name, whosoever will may be saved.
We believe that, although salvation is offered freely to all, they nly repent and believe in Christ, who, in thus obeying the gospel, re regenerated by the Holy Spirit ; and that all who are thus regen- rated are "kept by the power of God, through faith unto salvation."
We believe that the Christian Sabbath, the Church, and the ordi- ances of Baptism and the Lord's Supper, are of divine appointment,
*This Address adopted Jan. 5, 1885.
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CHURCH MANUAL.
and the duties connected with them of perpetual obligation ; but that only members of the visible church, in good standing, have a right to partake of the Lord's Supper ; and that only they and their house- holds can be admitted to the ordinance of Baptism.
We believe that there is a day appointed, in which God will raise the dead and judge the world ; that the wicked shall "go away into' everlasting punishment, and the righteous into life eternal."
Do you thus solemnly profess to believe?
BAPTISM.
[ The pastor will first address those who come by profession, and who have been baptized in infancy, as follows : ]
You, who were dedicated to God in your childhood, in the ordi- nance of infant baptism, by your believing parents, do hereby declare your personal acceptance of the same, and your belief that the re- generation hereby signified has been wrought within your soul by the Holy Spirit.
[ Then to the others the Pastor will say :]
You, who trust that your hearts have been renewed by the Holy Spirit, but who have never received the outward seal of the covenant, will now, upon this profession of your faith, present yourselves for the ordinance of Baptism.
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