USA > New Hampshire > Merrimack County > New London > A history of the town of New London, Merrimack county, New Hampshire, 1779-1899 > Part 63
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*Read by Mrs. Frank W. Pike at the church centennial, p. 556.
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CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF THE BAPTIST CHURCH.
was all right-no matter about the sense. Another account is related, where the words "On slippery rocks I see them stand ," were sung " On slippery rocks I sees 'em stand,"-but in each instance the music was correct.
There were in the choir at this time persons by the name of Fales, Everett, Sargent, Woodbury, Herrick, Greenwood, and Ayer. Mr. Asa Burpee and all his children were members : Rebecca, Delia, Azubah, Apphia, Dolly, Thomas, Perley, and Abial were more or less constant in attendance on divine ser- vice, the daughters singing the old-fashioned high-counter or the treble with equal facility. Captain Sargent was the next chorister, and with the strong voices mingled the deep, full tones of his bass-viol. Jonathan Everett was his successor, and, in this as in everything else, wielded his tuning-fork with a strong hand and upheld his choir with a sonorous voice. The bass-viol continued to sound the key-note long after the advent into the new or present house of worship, which was dedicated in 1827. Mr. Barrett, a singing-school teacher, trained a choir for this wonderful occasion. A programme of the exer- cises has been preserved, and kindly loaned to us. It has been reproduced in fac simile, and is given at the end of these " Reminiscences."*
We come now to a later period, when an orchestra was established,-not the bass-viol alone to pitch the tunes and lead off, but when the famous Alonzo Bond came to form the New London Brass Band, and it was found that the instrument known as the ophicleide would drown any discrepancies which might occur among the voices, it was considered quite proper that Mr. Henry Gates should take it into the singing-seats as a companion to Mr. Marcus Sargent on the bass-viol. Mr. James Greenwood assisted the treble with his flute, and his brother supported the alto with his violin. William Hayes also played the first violin. Other performers assisted from time to time-Mr. B. O. Swain of Gloucester, Mass., and Mr. Caleb P. Smith, a merchant in town, the former with his flute. the latter with his clarionette. Mr. Robert Colby also played the trombone, and Joseph Messer the flute. The names of the singers at this time were Hayes, Clement, Herrick, Gates, Seamans, Phillips, Sargent, Burpee, Everett, McCutchins,
* The programme appears in this volume opp. p. 294.
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HISTORY OF NEW LONDON.
Mills, Gould, Pillsbury, and Morrill. Miss Louisa Gould left us later to sing in a church in Concord, for a salary. George Hayes was the leader for a little time, followed by Dr. Hos- mer, and he in turn by our present leader, Mr. Anthony C. Burpee.
About the year 1845, it was suggested by Miss Gould that the ladies would sing much better without their bonnets; and as it would hardly be proper to attend church with uncovered heads, a compromise was effected, and small caps were substi- tuted for the bonnets. Not the jaunty, light cap on the top of the head, but good substantial ones of lace, covering the ears and tied down under the chin. This fashion, we are happy to state, prevailed only one year.
In 1837, Mr. Richard H. Messer, our townsman, presented to the choir a fine large seraphine. The different players on this instrument were Miss S. A. Burpee, Miss Miranda Guild, Mr. Robert Messenger,-a gentleman from New York who spent his summers here-Miss Emily Adams, music teacher in the school, Mr. Lucien Hayden, and Miss Angie White.
Among the many excellent singers at this time we remember with especial pleasure the fine contralto of Mrs. J. E. Phillips and the pure, rich soprano of Mrs. R. O. Messer, who gave us duets of remarkable sweetness and power. Later, in 1865, the seraphine was supplanted by the pipe organ, which was pre- sented to the church for the benefit of the choir, by Mr. James B. Colgate of New York and Mr. R. H. Messer of New Lon- don. Miss Angie White (music teacher in the school, and afterwards Mrs. Charles A. Everett) became the organist. The unusual excellence of the singing in the following years was largely owing to her fine musical ability and superior qualifi- cations for the position, as well as the uncommon talent of the choir. In the spring of 1872, under her direction, the choir rehearsed the music for, and attended, the " Peace Jubilee"" in Boston, and received much commendation for their execution of this really difficult music.
During these years the members were as follows : The bass, led by Charles A. Everett, assisted by Messrs. Todd and Brown; tenors, A. C. Burpee, N. T. and J. C. Greenwood ; sopranos, Mrs. R. O. Messer, Miss Libbie McCutchins, Miss M. E. Clement, Miss Fannie Gates, and Miss S. A. Burpee ;
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CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF THE BAPTIST CHURCH.
altos, Mrs. E. A. Jones, Miss Belle Gates, Mrs. Harriet Everett, Mrs. Marshall Fales, Mrs. N. T. Greenwood, and Miss Lillie Sargent. A little later Miss Isa Messer, Miss Genevieve Greenwood, Miss Ella Messer, and the Misses Bickford joined the ranks. We have often received valuable assistance from members of the school,-among them Miss Annie Westgate, Miss Hattie Graves, Miss Lizzie Hodge, Miss Gillette, and Miss Mary Chase ; Messrs. Child, Pulsifer, Collins, Abbott, Alexander, Baker, and Folsom; and later, Miss Laura Ray, Miss Kate Goings, and Miss Rowena Russell. After more than twenty years of arduous service Mrs. Everett resigned her position to find a home in Rhode Island. Miss Emeline Fletcher of New London, and Miss Isabel Bronson of the school succeeded her for two years, when we were fortunate in securing the services of one of our own daughters, Mrs. Fannie Gates Keil, who so ably fills the position.
This brings us to our present choir, whose names still call to mind those of ancient days, with some new ones who worthily fill the places of those who have retired. For bass, Messrs. Farwell, Greenwood, and Crockett; tenors, Messrs. Green- wood, Burpee, and Farwell; sopranos, Mrs. Crockett, Mrs. Pike, Mrs. Burpee, Misses Prescott, Sargent, Shepard, and Clough,-with occasional helps from Miss Lottie Messer, Miss Alice Greenwood, and Miss Eliza Burpee ; altos, Miss Mary Burpee, Mrs. Jones, Mrs. N. T. and Mrs. Harry Greenwood. Misses Mary and Eliza Burpee, with Alice and Robert Green- wood, represent the fourth generation of Burpees who have sung in the choir.
After this imperfect sketch, our teachers deserve a passing thought. Of Mr. Barrett, the first one, we know but little. Mr. Crane of Newport taught a few evenings, when, in one of his journeys to this place, attempting to cross the lake his horse was drowned, and he became discouraged and gave up the attempt. George Hayes, with Deacon Nichols of Sutton, followed him. Mr. Bingham of Claremont came next, and stirred up the singers wonderfully, astonishing all by his ren- dering of the song called " The Maniac," accompanying him- self on the bass-viol in a truly crazy manner. He was followed by Prof. George Wood of Concord, a man of fine taste, who taught us the " crescendo" and " diminuendo," the " pianis-
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HISTORY OF NEW LONDON.
simo " and " fortissimo," the lights and shades of music, of which there was much need; also to give the true expression to the words,-to sing with feeling. Albert Hodgdon and Mr. Willard followed, with others, in their turn, of whom we will not speak.
In the course of the last thirty years the choir, in addition to the weekly practice for Sunday service, and attendance at funerals, has practised for many concerts, and for public gath- erings of different kinds, has bought new music for Memorial Days, and has cheerfully dropped all work for rehearsing. In many instances every other organization but the choir would receive thanks for their attendance.
During these years we remember the anxieties, the fears, and frequent shocks we have sustained-anxieties lest we should fail in the performance of some difficult tune or volun- tary, and the shock caused by some blunder which would nearly throw us all off the track, and the consequent disgust, when we were seated after the performance, as we caught the sympathetic glances of our fellow-sufferers. We also remem- ber the amusement we have felt when the pastor has read six verses of a hymn, and asked us to omit four, and the startling sensation which came over us when the pastor made a mistake, giving us a different hymn from the one for which we had arranged. These sensations have so possessed us that many are the texts which have never reached our inner conscious- ness, and the sermon would be well under way before we were aware of it. There have been times when everything has gone well ; when there has been real enjoyment in the performance of some of the glorious anthems, also in rendering some of the hymns; when we have felt the inspiration both of the words and the music, and have had courage to attempt greater things.
There has been much said of the manner in which choirs in general conduct themselves during the service, when not engaged in singing. Most certainly it does not apply to this one.
In outward appearance at least, a due respect for the ordi- nances of the Lord's house has ever been a characteristic of of its behavior since the earliest time ; and the later generation fall not behind their elders in this respect. Then, too, it is
COL. ANTHONY C. BURPEE.
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CENTENNIAL HISTORY OF THE BAPTIST CHURCH.
often said the pastor must submit to inappropriate music ; but in this case we can safely say it is not so, for who can tell how closely our leader has studied, searching book after book for the proper voluntary.
Other choirs have differences and difficulties, with occasional breaks, when new singers must be found. History is silent in regard to any such event in this choir. On one occasion the question was asked, "Don't you have any trouble in your choir?" On hearing a reply in the negative, again came the question, with an accent of surprise, " Are they all Christians? "
But some may ask, How does it happen? How can it be pos- sible that year after year, week after week, and Sunday after Sunday, the same set of people can meet and never say unkind things to each other? Does not your leader ever find fault, or scold? No such event has ever occurred in the memory of " the oldest inhabitant."
In this connection too much cannot be said in regard to the patience, the untiring study, faithful, punctual attendance on divine service, sparing no pains, or time, or money in the ful- filment of duty, often giving up necessary business to attend the meetings of the choir and rehearsals, without hope of remuneration, with an eye only to the successful perform- ance of the choir on the Sabbath,-we say too much cannot be said in grateful recognition of the services of him who has for the last forty-five years been our leader-Mr. Anthony C. Burpee.
To him, with a few faithful ones, we are indebted for a contin- uous choir. No breaks ; no Sundays, however stormy, but that singing could be depended on if the pastor were there. Under his direction many sweet voices have filled the house with rich- est melody of love divine.
During these years many have passed to the other side, and have joined the heavenly choir; and when we, too, whose hearts have so often thrilled with the music of this world, have passed on, may each one be present, and join in the songs of the redeemed in that upper and better kingdom, " where there shall be no more death, neither sorrow nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things have passed away."
704
HISTORY OF NEW LONDON.
THE SUNDAY-SCHOOL.
READ AT THE CHURCH CENTENARY.
There are no early records of the Sunday-school kept by themselves, nor have any references been found to it, direct or incidental, in the records of the church. The exact date of the formation of such a school cannot be ascertained, but there are members of the church still living who remember the event, though not the year. It was formed while the church wor- shipped regularly in the old house,-therefore as early as 1827 -and, as the oldest members think, not during the active pas- torate of Elder Seamans, therefore subsequent to 1823. It is quite likely that this new line of Christian work and worship was introduced at the coming of the young and aggressive sec- ond pastor, Rev. Oren Tracy, in 1827 or 1828.
As in all the churches, the Sunday-school had originally little organization, and no machinery. In this respect it was more like a prayer-meeting. It had no officers, except, per- haps, a stated leader, or superintendent, who called the chil- dren together during the " intermission " between the forenoon and afternoon services, from twelve to one o'clock, then offered prayer ; and the several classes spent about half an hour in repeating Scripture from memory. The lesson usually con- sisted of a certain number of verses to be learned "by heart"; but very often the bright scholars with retentive memories took a little honest pride in getting more, and sometimes would re- peat a whole chapter. This simple style of doing things was not without its advantages. It brought the child into very close relations with the letter of the Divine Word, and fixed at least a few of the headlands of Scripture in the chart of life.
In those early Sunday-schools there were no general exer- cises, no singing, or very little, no records kept, no contribu- tions taken. There were no " lesson helps," though quite early catechetical books for the younger classes, and question books for the older, were introduced. The library was also introduced quite early, as an attraction where books were scarce.
The names of the earlier superintendents of this school have passed into oblivion. Since 1855 the office has been filled by Nahum T. Greenwood, Charles A. Everett, Andrew J. Kid- der,-for twelve years prior to the centennial-and by Oren D. Crockett from the beginning of 1889.
705
FIRST UNION RELIGIOUS SOCIETY.
For many years branch Sunday-schools have been held in connection with the services at Scytheville, and at Otterville, so that in reality the church now sustains three schools the year around in different parts of the town.
FIRST UNION RELIGIOUS SOCIETY.
The First Union Religious Society of Otterville was organ- ized on the 17th day of March, 1874. The record states :
" This is to certify that N. Addison Parker, Thomas S. " Davis, and Francis P. Messer, and our associates, have " formed ourselves into a religious society, to be known and " called by the First Union Religious Society of Otterville, " according to law in such cases made and provided."
Names of members : N. Addison Parker, Thomas S. Davis, Francis P. Messer, John W. Taylor, Amasa S. Abbot, George P. Sholes, Thomas S. Worthen, Jonathan S. George, Phineas Messer, Edmund Davis, Nathaniel Knowlton, Franklin P. Fisher, Jacob Messer, Asa Ray, M. Luther Ray, Sanford K. Fisher, Edwin P. Blood, P. Russell, John M. Messer, Morrison Blood, Solomon Russell, Michael M. Davis, Richard S. Mor- gan, George Fisher, Reo A. Farwell, William S. Carter, John B. Roby, Fred Farwell, George E. Fifield.
The first officers chosen were, - Amasa S. Abbot moderator, John W. Taylor clerk, N. Addison Parker, George P. Sholes, Francis P. Messer, committee to procure preaching, etc. The first preacher was Sereno Howe, who preached till Jan. 22, 1876. After that date Rev. S. C. Fletcher and students from Colby academy occupied the desk till Feb. 10, 1884. Newton Clough preached until Oct. 18, 1885, then supplies from New London hill till June 27, 1886. Since that time the Rev. John Young, of Sunapee, a venerable and venerated Christian preacher, has occupied the pulpit, with occasional supplies.
JOHN W. TAYLOR, Clerk and Treasurer.
45
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HISTORY OF NEW LONDON.
[The following historical sketches of the various secret fra- ternities and local organizations have for the most part been prepared by committees from the several institutions, appointed for that purpose .- AUTHOR. ] /
KING SOLOMON'S LODGE, NO. 14, A. F. & A. M.
At a grand quarterly communication of the M. W. Grand Lodge of New Hampshire, held at their lodge room in Ports- mouth, January 27, A. D. 1802, A. L. 5802, a warrant was issued, upon petition, to Stephen Hoyt, Jr., John Woodman, Levi Harvey, Jr., Jonathan Woodbury, Joseph Harvey, Thomas G. Wells, John King, Moses Hills, Daniel Woodbury, Caleb Loverin, John Hogg, Ezra Marsh, Ebenezer Cressey, Enoch Hoyt, and Richard Cressey, all Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, constituting and appointing them, with such others " as may hereafter join" them, a regular lodge of Free and Accepted Masons, under the title and designation of King Solomon's Lodge, No. 14, thereby giving and granting unto them and their successors full power and authority to convene as Masons, within the town of New London, in the county of Hillsborough, and the state of New Hampshire aforesaid.
The lodge held its first meeting under the charter and com- pleted its organization June 16, 1802, at the hall of " Bros. Daniel and Jonathan Woodbury, in New London " (now O. D. Crockett's), Daniel Woodman, J. W. elect, presiding. At this meeting Daniel Woodbury was elected treasurer, Levi Harvey secretary, Richard Cressey senior deacon, Moses Hills junior deacon, Enoch Hoyt steward, and Joseph Harvey tiler. Five applications for the degrees of Masonry were received and referred, and were subsequently acted upon favorably. All became members of the lodge, and proved to be pillars of strength during the dark days of the anti-Masonic period which followed some years after. They were Greene French of New London, Josiah Morse of Henniker, Charles Colburn of Fish- ersfield, John Quimby and Samuel Little of Springfield.
At the second meeting, July 21, 1802, the three principal officers, Benjamin Swett, worshipful master, Stephen Hoyt, senior warden, and Daniel Woodman, junior warden, were all present and occupied their respective stations. It was " voted that a committee be chosen to form a code of by-laws," and
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KING SOLOMON'S LODGE.
accordingly, Levi Harvey, Jr., Moses Hills, Joseph Harvey, Ebenezer Cressey, and Stephen Hoyt were chosen. August 18, only routine business. September 15, the lodge " voted to draw six dollars out of the funds of this lodge to make jewells." Also " Voted that the secretary of this lodge give notice to the " grand secretary that the officers of this lodge would wish to " be installed at Portsmouth at the festival in December next." November 10 " it was voted that Bros. Stephen Hoyt, Enoch " Hoyt, and John Ramond be a committee to draft a petition to " the grand lodge, praying for a dispensation of this lodge one " half of the time to the town of Bradford." The committee performed their duty, but for good and sufficient reasons the grand lodge refused to accede to their request. At a special meeting held December 16, " it was voted to remove this lodge " to the hall of Bro. Eliphalet Gay, in said New London, the " next communication." The Committee on By-laws seem to have reported at this meeting, for " it was voted to accept this code of By-laws as they now stand." At the annual commu- nication, held January 12, A. L. 5803, the following officers " were elected and duly installed because of " the present mas- " ter living at so great a distance, and could not attend next " lodge night :"
Stephen Hoyt, worshipful master; Moses Hills, senior warden; Jonathan Woodbury, junior warden ; Daniel Wood- bury, treasurer ; Greene French, secretary ; Joseph Harvey, senior deacon ; Enoch Hoyt, junior deacon ; John Woodman, first steward; Eliphalet Gay, second steward; Ezra Marsh, tiler.
" Voted, That the lodge meet the next communication at Bro. John Woodman's hall." The lodge met " on a special occasion" the next evening, January 13, at which, after open- ing on the "first step in Masonry, it was voted that Bro. '. Benjamin Swett receive thirty-five dollars from the treasury, " and the thanks of this lodge, for his past services as master." " Voted, That Bros. John Woodman, Eliphalet Gay, and " Moses Hills be a committee to return the thanks of this lodge " to Bro. Swett for his past services as master." "Business " done then closed the lodge."
At the regular communication, April 13, we find the follow- ing report, viz. : " The committee that was chosen to examine
1
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HISTORY OF NEW LONDON.
" the accounts against the lodge have made report that every " brother that hath done any service for the lodge shall receive " sixty-seven cents per day, over and above his expenses, and " two pence happenny, or three pence, if bad riding, for his " horse per mile, and that the above regulation be accepted for " what hath been done for the lodge heretofore." It was also voted that this lodge should meet the Blazing Star Lodge, at Hopkinton, to celebrate the festival of St. John the Baptist, June 24, and that the secretary be instructed to procure aprons for the occasion.
June 8, " Voted, To choose a committee to make some alter- ations in the by-laws in choosing officers." They made report at this same meeting, " that the choice of officers should be once in every sixth month." A committee consisting of Bros. Jonathan Woodbury, Stephen Hoyt, and Moses Hills was chosen to arrange affairs for the festival at Hopkinton, and that Bro. Greene French should take care to procure gloves.
" Voted, That Bro. Jonathan Woodbury should invite Elder "Seamans to attend with the lodge at Hopkinton, on the fes- " tival of St. John."
July 6 a new choice of officers was made, at which the three principal officers were re-elected, and the following changes in the board occurred, viz. : Joseph Harvey, treasurer; Enoch Hoyt, senior deacon; John Ramond, junior deacon ; John King, junior steward; Samuel Rogers, tiler, and Eliphalet Gay, marshal.
The records of meetings which follow this election for the next six months, while containing nothing of material interest to the outside world, are of interest to the craft, for the reason that a large amount of work was accomplished, and the pure principles of our noble Order were communicated to minds and hearts that were prepared to receive them, thus enlarging the circle, and strengthening the bond of brotherhood. This one experiment of semi-annual elections seems to have proved suf- ficient, for it was never repeated, and annual elections were held regularly in December, till Dec. 25, 1811, when the weather and travelling were such that only three, Daniel Wood- bury, worshipful master, John Woodman as senior warden, and Job Seamans as junior warden were present. A special meeting was called for Jan. 1, 1812, at which six brethren were
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KING SOLOMON'S LODGE.
present and " voted to adjourn to the 9th inst. and notify all the members who are now absent." At this meeting fifteen members and three visitors were present. It was " voted to " dispense with so much of the third article in the by-laws as " relates to the choice of officers."
" Voted, To adjourn for half an hour."
" Voted, That as the weather being so severe at the Decem- " ber communication that the brethren would not attend, the " present officers remain in office for the year ensuing."
At the regular communication, Feb. 6, 1805, " it was voted to call a special lodge on the last Wednesday in this month."
" Voted, To have a public discourse delivered, as Bro. Bar- ber hath proposed."
" Voted, That John Woodman and Greene French be a com- " mittee to make proper arrangements for said Special Lodge " and public meeting."
The record of this " special lodge" contains the names of the following members and visitors, viz. : Enoch Hoyt, master ; Joseph Harvey, senior warden ; John Quimby, junior warden ; John Woodman, Eliphalet Gay, Samuel Little, John King, Jonathan Woodbury, Charles Church, Joshua Currier, Thomas Pike, Amos Pressey, Samuel Rogers, Greene French, Richard Cressey, Ezra Marsh, and Stephen Hoyt, Master Masons and members ; Osgood Taylor, Ebenezer Noyes, Samuel Roby, Philip Harvey, Daniel Runnels, and Matthew Harvey, fellow crafts ; Diah Hutchinson, entered apprentice ; C. B. Noyes, Joshua Stafford, Arnold Ellis, Daniel Barber, Henry B. Chase, Thomas Webster, Ezra Flanders, John Harris, Daniel Moore, Bro. Larnurd, and Bro. Blanchard, visitors.
" Voted, that Bros. Joseph Harvey, Stephen Hoyt, and Rich- " ard Cressey be a committee to wait on Rev. Bro. Daniel Bar- " ber and present him the unanimous thanks of the lodge, for " his very excellent discourse this day delivered, and request of " him a copy for the press." We are sorry to say there is noth- ing on our records to show that their request was complied with.
August 27, 1806, "it was voted to pay Arnold Ellis five dol- " lars and fifty cents for one large Bible, and procuring the " same out of the fund of the Lodge." This venerable copy of the Holy Bible, that " Great Light in Masonry," which we, as Masons, take as "the rule and guide of our Faith," has
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