USA > New Hampshire > Rockingham County > Hampstead > A memorial history of Hampstead, New Hampshire, Congregational Church 1752-1902, Volume II > Part 17
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The last year of my ministry here was remarkable in my personal experience. Circumstances led me to the investiga- tion of spiritual phenomena, and to deeper, closer thinking, And here, at my home, and in this sanctuary, the angels of God met me. They soon convinced me that they were min- istering spirits, strengthening the soul in its conflict with sin and deepening its love for others. Yes, after ten years of labor, I found my love for others increased, and a deeper longing for a knowledge of divine truth. As it had been my practice to utter truth as I saw it, how could I conceal the change in my views and feelings? Did not the angels do
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much to bring about the change ? They met Jacob in olden time and helped him. Is it strange that they helped me ?
I frankly spoke of my rich experiences, my love for God, and my deeper longings for personal holiness. In a word, I poured out my whole soul. This course was in such marked contrast with my former teaching that my hearers were sur- prised. What can it mean ? they asked. Afraid that some- thing was wrong, and desirous of doing the right thing, they called a council. I consented, and pastors and delegates met and advised that I spend a while in study at Andover Theo- logical Seminary.
The next year and a half at Andover was rich in its results. The professors were men of ability and truth lovers. I found myself in sympathy with their views of truth. Some were unable to help me in my special investigations. One said he " knew nothing about such matters." Was he not wise to withhold his judgment? I honor him. From Prof. Phelps and his aged father I received much information. The elder man confirmed me in my new views, while the professor in- directly influenced me along the same lines. Prof. Park was absent in Europe, I think, when I arrived. Some one advised me to avoid him. Circumstances never brought us together except for a moment. The faculty of the seminary were very kind and helpful, and I hold them in grateful remem- brance.
The application of the church in Tilton, N. H., was handed to me by one of the professors. I answered it, went to Tilton, and, after an interval, was installed as pastor of the Congre- gational Church. I remained with them five years.
I come back to-day, after thirty-two years of reflection and experience, strengthened in my impressions and belief in the value and power of angelic guidance, and in sympathy with many of my brethren in the ministry- I mean the more conservative thinkers.
My interest in this church and people has not waned. This is the only church that I know well throughout my entire ministry. To see my successors doing good work has glad- dened my heart, while the kind attention shown me recently in my age has been most gratifying.
To-day is a rare occasion in my varied experience. Look- ing backward I see that better work has been done by my
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successors as one result of the change. And the two men who have toiled here for twenty-four years have received marked blessing from above. For this I hoped, for this I prayed. The improvements made in this house of worship, its enlargement, and its added beauty, have been in keeping with my desire for your good, and I am satisfied.
This church and this people are dear to my heart. Here I began my work as a minister of the gospel. Here I re- ceived blessing, enlargement, uplifting.
Three times the angel of life entered our little cottage. Later in a few days death removed the little ones so dear to us. The dust of my wife and four children mingle with the precious dust of those whom you have loved. And by their side is room for me and my remaining daughter. But when this body is laid in yonder cemetery do not think of me as being here. Only the cast-off garment that my soul hast worn will be deposited with you.
I may be with you as an angel of light, with larger power for aiding and strengthening your pastors. If infinite wis- dom shall send me here as a helper, I will come on the swift wings of joy and love."
The remarks by Rev. Mr. Pratt were listened to with marked attention, and suggested the following lines, dedi- cated to him by a friend :-
TO OUR PASTOR.
Thin is the veil that hides the unseen portal That leads from out this narrrw place of tears Into wide fields, the blessed life immortal, Where we, rejoicing, spend the eternal years.
We feel a presence rising dark before us, A shadow looming dimly on our way, A gasping cry, and then full shining o'er us, The bright effulgence of an endless day.
The death we fear is but the quiet going From life's dim chamber into quickening day, The careful reaping of a lifetime's sowing
Of seed we scattered on our daily way.
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Perhaps with joy we'll find the end we wrought for Has yielded gracious store of golden sheaves. Perchance with tears too late the purpose sought for, We find left naught to glean but scattered leaves.
What wonder if, with all these scenes before us, We think of loved ones in life's weary day, In full remembrance of the love they bore us, And long to help them on their weary way.
The burning bush that still was not consumed, The mighty triad on the mountain grim,
And spirit forms that all the space illuimed
When Christ in anguish paced the garden dim.
The spirit mild that hailed the favored maiden, And gave sweet promise of the coming child, And those who later, with great tidings laden,
Led the rude shepherds through the pastures wild. All prove you that with watchful love's persistence, We silent guide you on your homeward way, And when you falter, we, with mild insistence, Still lure you onward toward the perfect day.
Sometimes at eventide, when night's descending, And you unconscious breathe a silent prayer, You feel us present o'er you quiet bending, And know, unseen, we stand beside you there.
Hope on, dear heart. The hours you spent in sowing Along the wayside of each weary day, Shall come to you in measure deep o'erflowing In the rich harvest of the bright alway.
The following letter was read in response to the fifth pastor, Rev. E. W. Bullard :-
THE BUNGALOW, LARCHMONT-ON-THIE SOUND, NEW YORK, June 26, 1902.
JOHN C. SANBORN, Clerk of the Hampstead Cong'l Church : Dear Sir :- I thank you, and through you the pastor and peo-
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ple, for the very kind invitation to be present at your one lun- dred and fiftieth anniversary.
I shall be with you in spirit, but shall be unable to be present in person.
My late father, Rev. E. W. Bullard, and former pastor of your church, often spoke of his pastorate among you as years of great happiness, due in a large measure to the loyal support that he received in his work from the church officers and the congregation.
Surely, when any church gives such stalwart aid to the Lord's work, and upholds its pastor's hands, as you did during my father's ministry, then such a church will prosper and be blessed.
I wish you, as a church, congregation and town, all possible joy and happiness in your anniversary, and for the future may God's richest blessings be in store for you.
Very sincerely yours, WILLIAM E. BULLARD (No. 501).
Rev. Albert Watson, sixth pastor, spoke as follows : -
" In response to the kind and gracious welcome given us, I feel like saying, " thank you " most heartily to this beloved pastor and church, whose guests we are to-day.
Even if this is not exactly the " Mount of Transfigura- tion," it is good to be here, to listen to the story of the past, to look into each other's faces, to take each other by the hand, and exchange hearty greetings.
Doubtless we all feel like saying, with Tiny Tim, "God bless us, every one."
In giving reminiscences such as are called for this after- noon, there is great danger of the "ego " coming to the front : and yet one can hardly speak of what he saw, heard and felt during a ministry extending a little over seventeen years without using personal pronouns in a manner that is not altogether pleasant to the ear.
This difficulty, combined with the brief time limit allowed the speakers, baffles one and makes him tremble a little as he undertakes to tell his story.
It is not with a view of calling attention to myself, but in simple gratitude to Almighty God to whom all glory be- longs, that I now submit to you a few facts and figures.
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It was in the early days of 1876 that your attention was called to me, as one who might possibly fit in the vacant place in your church and become your sixth pastor. You sent for me ; "I came. I saw, I conquered." A very hearty and unanimous call followed. We were one at the start. The installation took place March 23, 1876. Now as to reminis- cences.
The most marked event in my pastorate was the great revival which begun Sunday evening, May 21st, a little less than two months after the installation. We had been singing the well-known hymn, " Pass me not, O Gentle Saviour," when the pastor was moved by an almost invisible impulse to stop the singing and press home the truth that if any were passed by it was their own fault. Surely God was present, and willing and waiting to save there and then.
No need of any being " passed by." The blessing is here, A full, free, complete salvation is offered to all. Will you have it ? Will you open your heart, surrender yourselves, and be saved now ? If so, please rise at once. Seventeen stood on their feet, as if moved by a common impulse, most of them heads of families now. The spirit of the Lord was with us in mighty power.
A few extra meetings were called, and in less than two weeks over twice as many more were on their feet in our meetings, saying virtually, "We will go with you, for we have heard that God is with you."
The whole town was moved as it had not been before for forty years. In fact, the influence of the revival extended through the whole of my pastorate. It was emphatically the best thing in it, and it was particularly gratifying to me, a few weeks ago, to hear my successor, Brother Gardner, say publicly, that he " had felt its effect all through his ministry here."
I can hardly begin to tell you its effect upon my own heart. It will be enough, perhaps, to say that I never felt so weak or so humble in all my life ; it seemed as if God almost took the breath out of me. How utterly insignificant I was ! There was no chance whatever for any self-glorification, be- cause, you see, I had done nothing special to bring about such a revival. And yet I had rather have one grand, gra- cious, God-given revival like that than fifty man-made,
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machine-like, manufactured articles called by that name, for such things are very likely to be superficial in character, shallow in spirit, and sadly disappointing in results.
Beginning with a membership of seventy-two, the church life and work grew so rapidly that at the end of five years we were able to report a membership of one hundred and sixty-one.
Whole number received during my pastorate was 182, on confession of faith 136, and by letter 46.
Whole number connected with the church during my ministry was 254, of these 98 were removed by letter, death, or discipline.
The attendance on evening meetings was increased four- fold. There was a corresponding increase in benevolence. You gave on an average, during my ministry, $500 a year, besides meeting current expenses.
This includes what you gave for the building of the new vestry, also the church repairs and alterations from time to time. About one half of the above sum, (or $250), repre- sented your average yearly contribution, for missionary and other benevolent purposes.
I may remark, in passing, that I performed the marriage service eighty-nine times. The oldest bridegroom was 78 years of age, and the youngest 18. The oldest bride 71 years and the youngest 15.
Whole number of funerals attended 226. I had thought of mentioning a long list of names ever dear to me, with a view to noting their excellent virtues and characteristics. but time will not permit. To mention a few would, I fear, be in- vidious, so I deny myself the pleasure of mentioning any.
Permit me to express my thanks, to the whole church and people of this town, for the many kindnesses I received dur- ing my ministry.
And as time is rapidly passing, and soon it will be said of each of us, " He is gone," allow me to say another thing to each, and all who felt themselves in the least degree injured by me (through plainness of speech or anything else), I most sincerely and humbly crave your forgiveness.
How small some of these things seem now about which we differed occasionally ; and how grandly the sweeter and bet- ter things rise and grow before our eyes !
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It is one of the things that gladdens our hearts, this "survival of the fittest." The fact that the weak things, the foolish things, the evil things in life will die (like weeds picked up by the roots) if we give them a fair chance, while the nobler, better, sweeter things of life will live and flourish abundantly : for is it not an eternal truth that no really good thing ever dies ?
I wish to express my obligation to the pastors who pre- ceded me, especially, Bros. Bartley, Pratt and Bullard, who did such efficient work and faithful seed sowing, as to make possible the revival which followed. I shall ever hold, also, in grateful remembrance the brotherly love and encourage- ment I received from neighboring pastors, notably, Rev. Jesse Page of Atkinson, and Rev. Charles Tenney of Chester, both noble men of God, who seemed to deem it a joy to help a young man, and cheer his heart with kind words, now and again.
I should be glad, if time permitted, to speak of the Hamp- stead Young Men's Christian Association, the Young Ladies Reading Class, The Hampstead Lecture Course, The King's Daughters and the Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor ; all of which had their inception dur- ing my ministry here.
With varying degrees of success, they all rendered valna- ble service to the church, and town.
Some of them after serving their desired purpose, very properly fell asleep, or were " merged " into the regular life and work of the church. Others served as distinct organiza- tions and are doing good work to-day.
A prominent New England divine took exception the other day to the common remark "life is a voyage ; " he said, " that is poetic nonsense, life is not a voyage, it is building ; we cannot sail away from our past, and leave it behind, we take it with us and, build it unto our very being, our life, our character." If that is true, then church life is a build- ing. Paradoxical as it may seem, all that has gone before, remains. It is with us. It is part of the building as we find it to-day. The work of the former pastors, the work of the laity, during these one hundred and fifty years is here. It is the business and high privilege of those who are here to-day, and those who shall come after us, to go on building
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better and better, rock to rock, grace to grace, power to power, until the structure shall be completed, and the top stone is brought on with shouting, "grace, grace unto it."
It was much regretted that unavoidable official duties pre- vented the seventh pastor, Rev. Rufus P. Gardner, Supt. of the N. II. Orphans' Home, Webster Place, Franklin, from being present. He, however, sent a most cordial letter, express- ing much joy in the remembrance of the part he took in the life of the church for eight years ; and recalled with pleasure the loyalty of the church people.
Mrs. Forrest E. Merrill rendered the solo, " There is a City Bright," after which, Miss Harriette E. Noyes was intro- duced, and occupied the next hour and fifteen minutes in reviewing the history of the church in the following address.
ADDRESS.
The first principle of history is growth. From history in general, we see the development of humanity. From the history of a community, we shall see its growth and develop- ment.
The Right Hon. James Bryce says: "The task of history is to trace the march of humanity, and to show the relations which each part of it bears to the others." Vives, the first historian of civilization, desired to chronicle " only the events of peace, and progress, and the acquisitions of intellect." The great his- torian, Herodotus, wrote only of the prominent people of the world. Other writers have defined history as " the essence of numerous biographies," as fiction immortalized," as a register of successes and disappointments." Prof. Von Helmolt, however, says, " It is not for the historian to discover the scheme of the uni- verse, but to record the facts of human experience." All nations and all people are makers of history, and however writers may differ, historical narrations are always interesting and helpful, whether they be a review of the revolutions of the past cen- turies, or the evolutions of modern times.
MISS H. E. NOYES, .July 2, 1902.
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The year 1899 was the one hundred and fiftieth birth-day of the town of Hampstead. The year 1902 is the one hundred and fiftieth birth-day of the Congregational Church of Hampstead. I was honored, in 1899, by being permitted to relate some thoughts relative to the history of the town. Today, I am doubly honored by being invited to present a second chapter, or some of the history of the church.
During a period of several centuries nearly all the nations of civilized western Europe had been under the domination of the Roman Catholic Church. The principles of the Reformation, under the active propagandism of Luther and Malanethon,in Germany in the sixteenth century, developed a state of religious discord and social confusion all over England, which resulted in dividing the people of that nation into four religious bodies-the Catholics, the Church of England, the Puritans, and the Pilgrims. The Puritans and the Pilgrims were especially obnoxious to the reign- ing monarchs of England. The growing intelligence of the people of that great realm asserted itself, and about the year 1600 many counties of old England were visited by a " revival of the vital religion." Many learned graduates of Oxford and Cambridge were partakers of the spiritual benefits, and united with the nritan cause.
In the early days of the reign of James I., son of Mary, Queen of Scots, the Hampton Court Conference made an unsue- cessful attempt to reconcile the Puritans to the views of the Catholics, and in July, 1604, more stringent measures were taken against them. A proclamation was issued commanding the Puritan clergy " to conform before the last of November, or dispose of themselves and families in some other way." The law virtually declared England uninhabitable by " non-conform- ists " and by " separatists," as the Puritans and Pilgrims were called.
Persecutions, ruinous fines, imprisonments, and even sentences of death were imposed, until, seeing no way to worship God unmolested in their native land, a number of the best families of England, representing nearly every coat of arms in the King- dom, emigrated and came to Massachusetts Bay, willing to endure danger, deprivation, hardship and exile in a strange
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land, where they could enjoy the privileges of civil and religions liberty for themselves, and transmit to posterity what they believed to be a pure religion and a more scriptural mode of worship.
In the spring of 1640 we find twelve of those sturdy farmers and their families from Essex county, England, with the Rev. John Ward as their master spirit, forming a new settlement, where no white man had ever trod, in the wild woods of ancient Pentucket, on the northern bank of the Merrimack river, which the following year they named Haverhill, in honor of Haverhill, England, the birthplace of Mr. Ward.
Captain Edward Johnson, in his celebrated history of New England, published in 1654, entitled " Wonder-Working Provi- dence of Zion's Saviour," says, "When they came at once to hopes of being such a competent number of people as might be able to maintain a minister, they then surely seated themselves, and not before, it being as unnatural for a right New England man to live without an able ministry as a smith to work his iron without a fire." He further says : "The town of Haverhill is built upon the fair and large river of Merrimack, the people are wholly bent to improve their labor in tilling the earth and keeping cattle, whose yearly income encourages them to spend their days in these remote parts; the people are labourers in gaining the goods of this life, yet they are not unmindful of the chief end of their coming hither, namely, to be made partakers of the blessed ordinances of Christ, that their souls might be refreshed by the continual income of his rich grace, to which end they gathered into a church body and called to office the Rever- end Mr. Ward."
In the month of June of 1641, the General Court of Massa- chusetts, on consideration that the settlers have six or more dwellings erected, appointed a committee to determine the bounds of the lands which they had purchased of the Indians; which territory comprised a large portion of the present towns of Haverhill and Methuen, in Massachusetts : Salem, Plaistow, Atkinson and Hampstead, in New Hampshire; and in the autumn of that year their church, the twentieth in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, was gathered with fourteen members, eight males and six females.
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This faithful band, whose homes were all in the vicinity of what is now called Water street, assembled for worship Sabbath after Sabbath, for seven years, beneath the branches of a noble tree which stood on the brow of the hill in the old Pentucket burial ground.
The Puritan fathers knew no churches, or "houses of the Lord ; " but as other Puritans came to the settlement and pros- pered, they were enabled, in 1648, to build at the " Lower knoll of the Mill Lott," now occupied by the Pentucket and Linwood cemeteries, a rude log house, which they called their "meeting- house, or house to meet in," for prayers and public worship, and also the transaction of all town and civic affairs.
Rev. Rufus P. Gardner, in his historical discourse at the re-dedication service September 1, 1901, gave a descriptive sketch of the several places of worship, pastors, etc., which interested each successive generation, from the pioneers of Haverhill to the worshippers in this church. Therefore in this paper I shall notice more particularly the people and their works.
The fifty years that the inhabitants of Haverhill gathered for worship in their humble house, with its stockade of smooth poles, and armed watch for defence against attacks of a lurking foe, were years of hardship, poverty, dread and peril. The story has been often told of how nearly thirty of their number were murderously slain or taken captive by the Indians, their houses plundered. or reduced to ashes. A whole generation of fathers and mothers had been laid to rest in their burial ground behind the meeting-house, yet at no time do we find them faltering in either Sabbath or family worship.
No man could take the freeman's oath or be invested with power to vote or hold any public office who was not a member of a Congregational church, which was the established church. Thus every family was a family of prayer. They believed in its efficacy, and entered upon no enterprise that they could not commend to heaven by prayer. They sanctified the Sabbath, and felt for that day emotions of peculiar reverence and pleasure. It was the universal custom to gather their children and house- holds about them for morning and evening worship.
Even if famine was at their doors they felt it far safer to
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trust in their God than to engage in any doubtful expedient for a supply of corn. Besides the regular Sabbath and family worship, they often devoted whole days to fasting and to prayer, with mutual exhortation and encouragement. They taught the catechism to their children, and dedicated themselves and their children by the ordinances of baptism and the sacrament. They were people of pure morals, of rigid honesty, and of patient, self-denying industry. They had great courage and strong faith.
During that half century men of character, wealth and influ- ence had settled in the town. So that even in those perilous times the pioneers had prospered in their homes and families, in their church and minister, in their town organization, in their mills and mechanics, in their cultivated fields and meadows, and in their horses and cattle. In 1699 they were seated in their new and more commodious meeting-house on the 'Commons,' now known as City Hall Park.
We read of the heroic courage and unfaltering trust which those zealous worshippers possessed, as they saw their beloved pastor, Rev. Benjamin Rolfe, and his wife, with several members of their church, together with the soldiers who had been sent to their relief, ruthlessly slain at their own doors by a desperate band of French and Indians in their march through the town, and of how they spent not only whole days, but weeks, in exhortation, fasting, and prayer, that the Indian troubles might cease.
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