USA > New Hampshire > Rockingham County > Hampstead > A memorial history of Hampstead, New Hampshire, Congregational Church 1752-1902, Volume II > Part 3
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6-Gloria. Choir and congregation.
7-Scripture reading.
8-Prayer.
9-Response, " I cannot do without the Lord, " by the choir.
10-Notices and Offering.
11-Solo, Mrs. Albert HI. Little, " New Hampshire Home Song."
12-Hymn No. 61.
13-Sermon by the pastor; text, "The Lord is in his sanctuary."
14-Hymn No. 677.
15-Leader-" To the glory of God our Father, to the honor of Jesus Christ our Saviour, to the praise of the Holy Ghost our Comforter and Guide,"
Congregation-" We rededicate this church."
Leader-" For prayer and praise and ministry of the Word,"
Con .- " We rededicate this church."
Leader-" For the spiritual good of the community."
Con. - " We rededicate this church."
Leader-" With gratitude for the memory we cherish of the fathers and mothers who have worshipped here."
Con .- " We rededicate this church."
Leader-" For whatsoever things are true, For whatsoever things are honest,
For whatsoever things are just, For whatsoever things are pure, . For whatsoever things are lovely, For whatsoever things are of good report."
Con .- " We rededicate this church."
Leader-" In gratitude and love as an offering of thanksgiving and praise."
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HAMPSTEAD, NEW HAMPSHIRE.
Choir and Congregation-" Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen." 16-Dedicatory Prayer, Rev. R. P. Gardner.
The choir, composed of William 11. Davis, chorister; Mrs. Frank W. Emerson, organist; Mrs. Albert H. Little, Mrs. Henry W. Tabor, Miss Mary G. Davis, Prof. Forrest E. Merrill, C. Park Pressey and II. Clinton Davis, sang the Dedicatory Hymn, to the tune of Coronation, C. M.
" God of the Universe, to thee This sacred fane we rear, And now. with songs and bended knee. Invoke thy presence here.
Long may this echoing dome resound The praises of thy name; These hallowed walls to all around The triune God proclaim.
Here let thy love, thy presence dwell; Thy glory here made known; Thy people's home, Oh come and till. And seal it as thine own.
When sad with care, by sin oppressed, Ilere may the burdened soul Beneath thy sheltering wing find rest ; Ilere make the wounded whole.
And when the last long Sabbath morn Upon the just shall rise, May all who own thee here be borne To mansions in the skies.
The church property, valued at more than $10,000, is not excelled by any church in any New England town of equal inhabitants. Church attendants, as well as the entire people of the community, can look to it with pride and satisfaction.
THE CONGREGATIONAL SOCIETY.
The New Hampshire Observer, published at Portsmouth, N. H., in Vol. X., Nos. 27 and 28, on July 2d and 9th, 1828. printed the following :- -
30
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH HISTORY.
" We, the subscribers, inhabitants of Hampstead, and of the Congre- gational sect or denomination, do hereby associate and form ourselves into a Society assuming the name and style the Congregational Society in Hampstead. to be known and distinguished in law by that name, and do appoint Isaac Smith elerk of this association or society, and do hereby direct him to procure a book of records for the use of the Socie- ty, and to record therein this instrument and our names severally sub- scribed thereto, and to publish in the New Hampshire Observer, a newspaper published in this county, this instrument of association, in order that we may have the benefits, powers, privileges and immunities specified in an act of the Legislature of the State, passed the 3d day of July. 1827, empowering religious associations to assume and exercise co-operate powers, and in order that we, as a corporation, may provide for the support and maintenance of public worship and publiek instruc- tion in religion and morality. and for that purpose receive donations, devices. and bequeaths, and raise all necessary monies, and for the purpose, also, of managing any real estate now held by the Congrega- tional Society in llampstead. or held by any person or body politic for our benefits, or for the purpose of managing any property bequeathed to the Congregational Church and Society in said Hampstead, and that there may be a legal meeting of the Society hereby formed we do here- by authorize Jesse Gordon, Esq., Mr. James Calef and Dea. Jona. Kent, or either of them, to call the first meeting."
" Witness our hands at Hampstead, the twenty-fourth day of Decem- ber, A. D., 1827. John Emerson, Ralph Brickett, Joseph Chase, Caleb Emerson, John Ordway, Joseph Welch, JJoseph Calef, Jonathan Little, Benjamin Garland, James Calef, Isaac Smith, Jona. C. Little, Jona. Kent, Jesse Gordon, Nath'l Little, Isaac Tewksbury, William Tenny, John Currier. Jesse Davis, David D. Irving, Joseph Chase, Jr., JJames Brickett, Jesse Heath, John Ordway. JJr., John Little, Smith Goodwin, Jona. George, Josiah Webster. Nathan Hadley. Joseph Johnson, Isaac lleath, David Little, Amasa Eastman. Joseph French, Oliver Worthen, Abiel Ordway, Henry George, Samnel Nichols, Henry Welch, Clark Noyes, Humphrey C. Cogswell, Daniel Brown. Benjamin B. Garland Joshua Eastman, Phineas C. Balch, Joshua Eastman. Jr., James Brick ett, Jr., Hezekiah Ayer, JJames Gibson, Jesse Ayer.
Subscribing to this association in later years are the names of :-
Moses Heath, Jonathan Wadleigh, James Durgin, Richard K. Brick- ett, Thomas Kent, John W. Emerson, Jacob Irving, Benjamin Sawyer, Jabez T. Iloward, Isaiah Moody, Lyman Worthen, John Gordon, David Irving, Moody H. Brickett. John Heath. William Sanborn, Dudley George, Nelson Ordway, Nath'l C. Smith, John D. Ordway, Francis J.
31
HAMPSTEAD, NEW HAMPSHIRE.
Stevens, John C. Drew, Henry Putnam, JJ. Chase Eastman, John S. Tit- comb, Rufus C. Smith, Francis H. Sawyer, Fred T. Kent. Liuns L. C. Little, Giles F. Marble.
The first meeting of the Society was held in the meeting house Sept. 22, 1828, with Jesse Gordon, moderator, Isaac Smith, clerk, when it was voted " to sell all of the real estate belonging to JJohn True, Esq., deceased, provided that the widow, Anna True, receive but four and a half per cent. per annum during her natural life on the sum of four thousand dollars that shall be due to the Congregational Society in Hampstead, agreeable to the last will and testament of John True," and voted, " to authorize John Emerson, executor of said Will and Testament, to sell the real estate."
March 19. 1859, a committee-Henry Putnam, Benj. B. Garland and Nelson Ordway-were chosen a committee to report on By-Laws, as follows in part, since revised :
ART. 1. The annual meeting of the Society shall be holden on the first Tuesday of March for the choice of officers and the transaction of other business as may be deemed necessary.
ART. 2 (1902). The officers of the Society shall be a Clerk, three Su- pervisors, Treasurer. and Trustee and Collector, all of whom shall hold their offices until the next annual meeting and until others are chosen and qualified in their stead, etc., etc.
The names of the members who have subscribed to the foregoing By-Laws are as follows :-
Jona. Kent, Joshua Eastman, Benj. B. Garland, Joseph Chase, Benj. Sawyer, William Sanborn, L. L. C. Little, Nelson Ordway, N. C. Smith, Rufus C. Smith, John C. Drew, Beniah Titcomb, Alvah Alexander, Wm. 11. Davis, Francis II. Sawyer, John S. Titcomb. Geo. O. Jenness. Perley HI. Shannon, Eliphalet K. Heath. Simon Merrill. J. Chase Eastman, Henry Putnam, Moody II. Brickett, Jesse E. Emerson, Nathan Johnson, Daniel II. Emerson, 1. Wm. George, Horace R. Sawyer. Henry C. Little, George E. Merrill. John Jackson, Amos Buck, George W. Eastman, Oliver Putnam. Alfred P. Emerson, Caleb Moulton, Daniel L. Sawyer. Calvin Robinson. Albert Robinson, John H. Clark, Lorenzo Frost, John C. Little, Jacob Irving. Wmn. 11. Brickett, Silas W. Tenney, C. W. Wil- liams, D. W. George, Alden E. Pillsbury. Jos. G. Brown, Moses B. Lit- tle, J. Wm. Sanborn, C. W. Pressey, A. Wm. Griffin, Win. A. Emerson,
32
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH HISTORY.
John S. Corson, Rufus II. Bailey, E. W. Foss, Loren M. Chase, Myron P. Diekey, Francis W. Coker, John W. Garland. Orren E. Follansbee, Albert L. Eastman, Charles W. Garland, JJohn W. Tabor, Eben Hoyt, AAlbert II. Little, John C. Sanborn, Jesse B. Shirley, George G. Wil- liams, Charles II. Emerson, Carlton Barns, W. Amos Fitts, R. C. Me Niel. JJohn E. Mills, Albion D. Emerson, Forrest E. Merrill, Charles H. Sweet, Henry L. Eastman, Will S. Griffin, Calvin A. Merrick, Elmer E. Lake, Clarence L. Sawyer, Bradley N. Haynes, Albert E. Ilaynes, Amasa W. Hunt, Geo. A. F. Picard, Henry W. Tabor.
Officers of the Society, 1902:
Moderator-John S. Corson. Clerk-Forrest E. Merrill. Treasurer-James W. Sanborn. Trustee-Charles W. Garland. Auditor-John S. Corson. Supervisors-William A. Emerson, W. Amos Fitts. John S. Corson.
PARSONAGES.
The proprietors of Haverhill gave the inhabitants of " Timberlane " a tract of land for " ye first settled minister in the place." This tract of land was situated on the road which leads from Andrew M. Moulton's to Wadleigh Corner. Troubles arose about the land. April 21, 1753, it was voted "to choose a committee to prosecute Thomas Haynes of Haverhill, to final judgment and Execution, for encroaching on ye parsonage land that was given by the proprietors of Haverhill to Timberlane, or any one who shall hereafter trespass on said parsonage land."
August 18, 1753, voted, " to see if ve town will choose a committee to join with Rev. Mr. True in making a division of ye parsonage, pursuant to ye vote of ye town."
Aug. 31, 1753, Voted, " that Mr. Hazzen, Nathaniel Heath, & John Webster be a committee to divide ye parson- age land, pursuant to ye vote of ye town."
33
HAMPSTEAD, NEW HAMPSHIRE.
1753. JANUARY bath. St Days.
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34
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH HISTORY.
Dec. 25, 1853, Voted, that Lient. Morse, Capt. Copp, & John Hunkins be a Committee to agree with Flavius Harris of Haverhill, with respect to ve parsonage land that belongs to ye town & the Rev. Mr. True, if they can agree on reason- able terms, or to leave the matter to Referees."
Rev. Mr. True sold his right in the parsonage land at that time for a small sum to Flavius Harris, who, it is said, " made a profitable investment for his money."
Tradition says that Rev. Mr. Phillips and Rev. Mr. Parker and other preachers, when they supplied the church in Hampstead before 1752. made their homes where Mr. Charles Damon now resides, as did also Rev. Henry True from June, 1752, to the spring of 1753, when he became owner of a piece of land where Francis Merrick's house stood, which was burned in 1879.
The Journal Almanac of Rev. Mr. True, in 1753, has ro- corded in the first line entry in Latin, on January 1st, " Trobes pro mea domo populi secabante," which may be translated to read, " The people out the timbers for my house." It would seem that the people of Hampstead held a sort of a " Bee " for the purpose of preparing a house for the new minister, to be in readiness for his bride in the fol- lowing season.
In 1767 Rev. Mr. True built the house now the residence of Francis HI. Sawyer, where he lived until his death.
April 22, 1783, Voted, " to sell ye parsonage lands lying in Hampstead, and all other common lands in s'd town, and to choose a Committee to ascertain the bounds of ve parson- age meadow." Major Mooer, Capt. Hezekiah Hutchens and Benjamin Emerson, Jr., were the committee to expend the money arising from the sale aforesaid, and it was voted that " it be appropriated and laid out towards purchasing a place or building spot near the meeting house in Hampstead, suit- able for a Gospel minister that may be settled over the church and people, as a parsonage for the use of said minister."
HAMPSTEAD, NEW HAMPSHIRE.
35
-
REV. MR. TRUE'S HOUSE, 1767.
36
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH HISTORY.
The town sold the parsonage lands and purchased the farm " of thirty-five aeres, with house and barn on it," which is now the farm of Mr. Charles H. Ranlett.
In 1852 the town expended the money, six hundred dol- lars, arising from the sale of the farm above, for removing the old pulpit and pews in the old meeting house and making a more convenient room for town purposes, and in building the floor to the upper story and fitting up the room for the use of the Methodists and other denominations, and for social purposes.
"BRICK HOUSE" AS PARSONAGE.
The parsonage farm became out of repair and unfit for the use of Rev. Mr. Kelly and his family. and the town not agreeing to repair it, Rev. John Kelly built for his own use, with the help of two hundred and three dollars from friends of the church, in 1808, the house now occupied by Mrs. Emeline E. Mooer and A. Sydney Little. Here Rev. Mr. Kelly lived till his death in 1848. The income of the parsonage farm was given him " through his natural life."
Rev. J. M. C. Bartley resided during the first years of his pastorate where Mr. Orren B. Ranlett now resides, a short
37
HAMPSTEAD, NEW HAMPSHIRE.
time where Andrew M. Moulton resides, and later in the brick house known as " Cogswell house," now owned by Dea. C. W. Pressey, houses hired for the use of the minister as a parsonage.
June 4, 1859, it was voted that " the committee chosen to see about a parsonage house report at the next meeting," and July 9, 1859, that " R. K. Brickett, William Sanborn, and Moody H. Brickett be a committee to circulate a paper which B. B. Garland has drawn up to see how much money can be
JACOB TOWNSEND RESIDENCE.
raised towards building a parsonage House to be owned by the Society." Rev. Mr. Pratt at first resided at the present Jacob Townsend residence, which he purchased for himself : and later in the " Brick house."
June 3, 1870, it was voted " to choose a committee to see about procuring a parsonage. Joseph Chase, Nathaniel C. Smith and Amos Buck were the committee, and reported that they had looked at a number of places. June 24, 1870, the committee were empowered to build or purchase, as they thought best.
38
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH HISTORY.
The committee purchased the farm now the residence of Dr. E. E. Lake, which was occupied by Rev. Mr. Bullard during his pastorate, and also by Rev. Mr. Watson.
The parsonage was then purchased, much through the liberality of Dea. Joseph Chase.
RESIDENCE OF DR. LAKE .- PARSONAGE, 1870 TO 1893.
Oct. 4, 1893, voted, " to purchase the ' Emerson lot ' for a new parsonage, and that Dea. C. W. Pressey, John C. San- born and John H. Clark be a committee to act as building committee."
The present parsonage was built in 1893, and occupied by Rev. Mr. Gardner from the beginning of his pastorate.
HAMPSTEAD, NEW HAMPSHIRE.
89
PARSONAGE, BUILT 1893.
RECORDS OF PASTORATES, COVENANTS, ETC.
The church was organized June 3, 1752, with sixty-eight members, who subscribed their names to the following :--
THE CHURCH COVENANT.
We, the subscribers. apprehending ourselves called to unite as Chris- tian Brethren in a particular church in this Place. that we may be built as such on the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, JJ. Christ himself being the Corner Stone. do now profess in the Presence of God and his holy Angels his Ministers and People in this Assembly.
That we taking the holy Scriptures called the Bible, to be the rule of our Faith and Practice, believe as followeth; namely, That there is one God, the Maker of Heaven and Earth whose Name is Jehovah revealing himself under the Mysterious Relation of Father. Son and holy Ghost.
And as there is one God so there is one Minister between God and man, the man Christ Jesus, no other than the only begotten of the Father, made flesh, born of the Virgin Mary, who by his Life, Death. Resurrection and Ascension into Heaven, has made way for our Salva- tion, and from thence he shall come again to Judge the Quick and the Dead.
And that some of the Children of fallen Adam were in Christ chose to Salvation, from the foundation of the world. that they might be delivered from the miseries of the Apostacy, received to the favor of God forfeited thereby. through the everlasting righteousness of Christ, of Christ which is the sole meritorious cause of our Sanctification and acceptance in the sight of God, and preserved in their weak and infirm state by Almighty grace to the Kingdom of Heaven.
That the offers of this Salvation, containing the forgiveness of sin. the Resurrection of the Body and Life everlasting are made to all the members of the holy Catholick Church, that are within the Covenant of grace even Jews and Gentiles as many as are Called. The promise whereof is unto them and their children. and that in a union to Christ our Ilead. and surely there is a special Communion of Saints, both with God and one another. which is highly promoted in the fellowship of Particular Churches,
And that we may practice according to our holy Rule. we would now in the most devout manner adoring the Divine grace and Condesention
(40)
41
HAMPSTEAD, NEW HAMPSHIRE.
in taking us into Covenant humbly lay hold on the great Promise there- of through Christ that God Almighty will be a God to every one of us. and to our Seed after us in their generations. and freely Comfort for ourselves and them to be his People forever. And as we have been Taught, and bound by the seals of this Covenant, we will sincerely en- deavor to observe all things, whatsoever Christ has Commanded.
And whereas by this Covenant we are in fellowship with the Univer- sal Church. we being all Baptized into one Body, and having been made all to drink unto one spirit, we profess with them to worship God in the Spirit. to rejoice in Christ JJesus, and to have no Confidence in the Flesh. and in our Personal Conduet and Communion with them in all relations, we would walk worthy of the vocation, wherewith we are Called. in all lowliness and in Love endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of Peace, for there is one Body and one spirit even as we are Called in one hope of our calling.
More particularly. In our personal coudnet exercising ourselves we have always a confidence void of offence. towards God and towards man, walking circumspectly not as fools but as wise, and as he who has Called ns holy, seeking to be holy in the manner of conversation, not rendering evil to any man, but as we have opportunity doing good unto all men, especially unto them that are of the household of faith.
And in all Political relations, whether domestical, eivil or ecclesiasti- eal. to adorn the Doctrine of God and Saviour in all things according as his Grace has appeared unto all men teaching us that designing ungod- liness and worldly Insts we should Live soberly, righteously and godly, in the present world. Walking in our Houses agreeably to the Covenant of marriage and the Parental Covenant: resolving that as for us and our Houses we will serve the Lord. Praying together and also instrnet- ing and Commanding our children and household to keep the way of the Lord.
And under our civil rulers Living quiet and peaceable Lives in all godliness and llonesty, Rendering to all their dues. Tribute to whom tribute is dne, Custom to whom Custom, fear to whom Fear. Honour to whom Honour, to owe no man anything, but to love one another. Pray- ing for the peace of Jerusalem, because they shall prosper that love her. Looking not every man at his own things, but every man also at the things of others.
And in the House of our God, keeping the Ordinances of all things, as delivered to us by Christ and his Apostles, not forsaking the assem- bling ourselves together, but religiously attending on all Parts of Insti- tuted Worships, whether in the ministry of the Word, or Prayer and praises or in Baptism and the Lord's Supper.
And whereas we are Called to fellowship in a particular Church, wherein we are now to be united, in one Body to maintain a special government within our assembly to which end they have chosen to-
42
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH HISTORY.
gether with us a Pastor, to be over us in the Lord. and admonish us. we promise together as a Church as far as in us lies. that all things shall be done decently and in order with charity unto Edifying, that publiek sensures be inflicted on disorderly members, according to the Laws of Christ. for the Destruction of the Flesh. that the spirit may be saved in the Day of the Lord Jesus; And as Bretheren we promise each one for ourselves. that we will not any of ns hate our Brother in our hearts. but in any wise rebuke our neighbor and not suffer sin upon him, yet if a man be overtaken in a fault we which are spiritual will restore him with a spirit of meekness, Considering himself Jest he also be tempted.
Bearing one anothers Burden and so fulfilling the Law of Christ. even the Law of Charity which covereth a multitude of sins, and in faults that deserve reproof when our Brother trespasses against any one of ns, he will go and tell him of his fault alone. that he may gain his Brother, but if he refuse to hear him then take with him one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established and if he refuse to hear them tell the church, and if he hear not the church he shall be unto him as a lleathen and a Publican.
And if there be among us any wicked person polluting the Society we will not be wanting to east out the old leaven that we may be a new Lump. We will not keep company if any man is Called a Brother, be a fornicator or Covetons, or an Idolitar, or a Railer. or a Drunkard. or an Extortioner, with such an one in our Assembly not to enter.
Shall we not Judge them that are within? and Cast out every wicked person and withdraw from every Brother that walketh disorderly as a busy Body, note that man has no Company with him that he may be ashamed. yet count him not as an enemy but admonish him as a Brother.
And on the other hand when such an offending person shall after censure be sorry unto repentance, then contrary wise we will one and all forgive and Comfort him because sufficient to such is this punish- ment inflicted of many.
Finally as members of the flock as we shall stand related to our Pas- tor, we will obey him as having the Rule, and submit ourselves because he shall watch for our souls. as one that must give an account that he may do it with joy and not with grief esteeming him very highly in Love for his works sake, counting an Elder that ruleth well to be worthy of double Honour, especially one that Laboreth with Word and Doe- trine for the Scripture, sayeth the Labourer is worthy of his Reward.
To this Covenant we have set our Hands and thus binding ourselves to the Lord, we may keep his Covenant, remembering his Commands to do them that he may establish us a holy People to himself.
43
HAMPSTEAD, NEW HAMPSHIRE.
Rev. Henry True was ordained June 24, 1752. Rev. Ed- ward Barnard of Haverhill preached the ordination sermon, which was printed as follows :-
" Goodness consider'd as an eminent qualification of a Christian Minister."
" In a sermon preached at the ordination of the Rev. Henry True "
" To the pastorate of the church in Hampstead, in the Province of New Hampshire. June 24, 1752."
" By Edward Barnard, A. M., Pastor of the Church in Haverhill, Mass."
ORDINATION SERMON.
Acts xi. 24: " For he was a Good Man."
The wisdom of God scarce in anything appears more than raising up persons peculiarly qualified to pronounce the special purposes of his grace. And men never act a juster part than when they engage themselves readily, or employ others in the particular business for which their talents seem most adapted. Such reflections naturally arise from the character of Barnabas in the text, in connection with the context.
The sacred historian in the preceding verses informs us of the happy effect of the fiery Tyral, which came on at Jerusalem, when Stephen was stoned. It tended to the furtherance of the Gospel, through the pious labors of some Christians and the sup- ply of the Spirit of their ascended Lord. For as Christ advised his disciples. when they were persecuted in one city, to flee to another, so many who resided in this seat of blood retired to different places and preached the Gospel to the Jewish inhab- itants. At length some natives of Cyprus and Cyrene. having ('tis probable) heard the story of Peter's receiving Cornelius, though a Gentile, into the communion of the church, ventured to preach Jesus Christ to the heathen at Antioch. and to invite them to partake of the blessings of the purchase. This applica- tion was followed with a signal success ; a great number believed and turned to the Lord. An event so remarkable in itself, and so favorable to the Christian cause, soon came to the ears of the
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