USA > New Hampshire > Rockingham County > Hampstead > A memorial history of Hampstead, New Hampshire, Congregational Church 1752-1902, Volume II > Part 9
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55
102
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH HISTORY.
The following is a copy of the records of the council :-
HAMPSTEAD. June 21. 1:59.
In pursuant of letters missive from the Congregational Church and Society in this place. an Ecclesiastical Council assembled. composed as follows: From Atkinson, Rev. Jesse Page, pastor; Bro. Jesse Little. Dele. Winter St. Chh., Haverhill. Rev. Leonard S. Parker, Pastor, and Bro. Francis Butters. Dele. 2d Cong. Chh .. Weymouth, Mass., Rev. J. P. Terry. Pastor. Union Chh., Braintree. Mass., and Weymouth, Rev. Jonas Perkins. Pastor; Dea. John P. Nash. Dele. Chester, Rev. Il. O. Howland. Pastor; Dea. William Tenney. Dele. Derry 1st Chh .. Rev. E. N. Hidden, Pastor: Dea. Benj. Poore. Dele. Windham Pres. Chh .. Rev. Loren Thayer. Pastor. Auburn. Rev. James Holmes, Pas- tor: Dea. J. Bussell. Dele.
Council organized by the choice of Rev. Mr. Hidden. moderator; James Holmes, Seribe.
The usual papers were presented, and it was voted to proceed to the examination of the candidate, Mr. Theodore C. Pratt. for ordination as pastor of this Church and Society.
Mr. Pratt read a brief statement of his doctrinal belief. After a full examination and a statement of his religions experience and reasons for entering the ministry. it was unanimously voted that the examination be considered satisfactory, and that we proceed to assign the parts for the public exercises, which were as follows :-
Invocation and reading of the Scriptures-Rev. 11. O. Howland.
Prayer-Rev. Loren Thayer.
Sermon-Rev. J. P. Terry. Text, Acts 19. Theme. " The Christian Pulpit."
Ordaining Prayer-Rev. Jonas Perkins.
Charge to the Pastor-Rev. L. S. Parker.
Fellowship of Churches-Rev. Jesse Page.
Address to the People-Rev. E. N Hidden.
Concluding Prayer-Rev. James Holmes.
Benediction by the Pastor.
Jan. 1, 1861, Rev. Mr. Pratt compiled the Articles of Faith and Covenant. as follows :-
ARTICLES OF FAITH.
I. We believe there is one God. the Creator, Preserver, and Moral Governor of the Universe; a Being of infinite power, knowledge, wis- dom. justice, goodness and truth; the self-existent, independent, and immutable Fountain of Good.
103
HAMPSTEAD, NEW HAMPSHIRE.
References-Dent. 6: 4; Rev. 4: 8; Is. 42: 8; I John 5: 7; Hleb. 3: 4; John 1:3; Neh. 9: 6; lleb. 3: 4: Prov. 16: 33; Is. 9: 6; Phil. 2: 13: Eph. 1: 11: Rom. 10: 27; Col. 2: 3: Ex. 34. 6: 7; Ps. 90: 2; Ps. 1: 3 .6; John 3: 27; James 1: 17.
11. We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments were given by inspiration of God; that they are protitable for doctrine. for correction. for reproof. and for instruction in righteousness. and that they are our only rule of doctrinal belief and religious practice.
Ref .- II Tim. 3: 16: Il Pet. 1: 21; Ileb. 1: 1; I Pet. 1: 11; Is. 8: 20; ets 17: 11: Ps. 19: 7. 8: Matt. 22: 29; Mark 7: 7. 8; Gal. 1: 8. 9; Rev. 22: 18. 19.
III. We believe that the mode of divine existence is such as lays a foundation for a distinction into three persons. the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; and that these three are one in essence, and equal in power and glory.
Ref .- Matt. 28: 19; John 1: 1-3; 1 John 5: 7; John 8: 19; Hleb. 1: 3, 8: Acts 5: 3. 4; Rom. 8: 26. 27.
IV. We believe that God has made all things for himself; that known unto him are all his works from the beginning; and that he gov- erns all things according to the counsel of his own will.
Ref .- Prov. 16: 4; Acts 15: 18; Dan. 4: 35: Ts. 43: 6. 7: Rom. 11: 36: Col. 1: 16; Acts 2: 23: Col. 2: 3: Eph. 1: 11: Ps. 33: 11; Rev. 17: 17.
V. We believe that the divine law and the principle and administra- tion of the divine government are perfectly holy. just and good: and that all rational beings are bound to approve of them as such.
Ref .- Rom. 7: 12; Gen. 18: 25: Matt. 22: 37-40; Deut. 32:4; Job 8: 3; P.s. 89: 14. and 145: 17; Rev. 19:2.
VI. We believe that God at first created man in his own image. in a state of rectitude and holiness. and that he fell from that state by transgressing the divine command in the article of forbidden fruit.
Ref .- Gen. 1: 17; Eccl. 7: 29; Gen. 3: 3 and 6.
VHI. We believe that in consequence of the first apostaey the heart of man in his natural state is destitute of all holiness, and in a state of positive disaffection with the law, character and government of God; and that all men, previous to regeneration, are dead in trespasses and sins.
Ref .- Rom. 5: 12: Rom. 8: 7; Eph. 2: 1; Gen. 6: 5; 1I Cor. 3: 14; Ec. 8: 11: 1. 1: 3. John 1: 42: Col. 2: 13.
VIII. We believe that Christ, the Son of God, has, by his obedience. sufferings and death. made atonement for sins; that he is the only Re- deemer of sinners; and that all who are saved will be altogether indebt- ed to the grace and mercy of God for their salvation.
Ref .- Matt. 26: 28; I Cor. 7: 23; Titus 3: 7; Rom. 8: 32: I Cor. 6: 20; I Pet. 1: 18. 19; Gal. 3: 13; Rom. 3: 24; Phil. 2: 8; Eph. 2:5. 8: leb. 2: 9; John 1: 16; Thm. 1:9: I Pet. 5: 10; Titus 2: 11.
104
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH HISTORY.
IX. We believe that, although the invitation of the Gospel is such that whosoever will may come and take of the water of life freely. yet the depravity of the human heart is such that no man will come to Christ, except the Father, by the special and efficacious influence of his Spirit, draw him,
Ref .- Rev. 22: 17; John 6: 41; John 4: 10, 14; Rev. 21: 6; 11 Cor. 5: 14; lleb. 2:3. 9; John 5: 6; Rom. 8: 30; Gal. 5: 15; Eph. 1: 19; II Pet. 1:20; Ezek. 11: 19.
X. We believe that those who embrace the Gospel were chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world. that they should be holy and without blame before him in love, and that they are saved not by works of righteousness which they have done, but according to the distinguishing mercy of God. through sanctification of the spirit and belief of the truth.
Ref .- Eph. 1: 4. 5; Luke 18: 7; Acts 13: 48; Rom. 8: 28. 30; Matt. 24: 22.24; Col. 3: 12: I Thes. 1: 4: Titus 1: 1; I Pet. 1: 2; Rev. 13: 8; Rom. 3:20; Gal. 2: 16.
XI. We believe that those who cordially embrace Christ. although they may be left to fall into sin, never will be left finally to fall away and perish; but will be kept by the mighty power of God throngh faith unto salvation.
Ref .- John 4: 14; 6:37; 10: 27. 28; Rom. 8: 1; I Pet. 1:5; I Thes. 5: 9, 10; Phil. 1: 6: 1 Cor. 1: 8, 9, 10; Job 17: 9; Ps. 125: 2; Matt. 1: 14; Col. 3: 3; Heb. 10: 30.
XII. We believe that there will be a general resurrection of the bodies, both of the just and unjust.
Ref .- I Cor. 15: 21. 22; Job 19: 20; Is. 26: 19; llos. 13: 14; Matt. 22: 29-33; Johm H: 23-25; Matt. 16: 21; John 5: 28, 29; Acts 4:2; Rev. 20: 12.
XIII. We believe that all mankind must one day stand before the judgment seat of Christ to receive a just and final sentence of retribu- tion, according to the deeds done in the body; and that. at the day of judgment, the state of all will be unalterably fixed, and that the punishment of the wicked and the happiness of the righteous will be endless.
Ref .- Ee. 12: 14; Matt. 25: 34, 41: PA, 50: 6; Ec. 11 : 9; John 5:22; Acts 10:42; Matt. 8: 1; 13: 40; 24: 50; Luke 13: 23-28; Rev. 22: 14; II Tim. 4: 7; Rom. 6: 23; 1 Cor. 2: 9; Rev. 2: 10; Dan. 12: 2, 3.
XIV. We believe that Christ has a visible church in the world into which none in the sight of God but real believers, and none in the sight of men but visible believers, have right of admission.
Ref .- Matt. 16: 18; 18: 17; Aets 2: 47; Cor. 6: 14-18; Cor. 1: 2; I Cor. 1: 1; 1 Thes. 1: 1, 2, 3; Ps. 50: 16.
XV. We believe that the sacraments of the New Testament are bap- tism and the Lord's Supper; that believers in regular church standing only can consistently partake of the Lord's Supper; and that visible
105
HAMPSTEAD, NEW HAMPSHIRE.
believers and their households only can consistently be admitted to the ordinance of Baptism.
Ref .- Matt. 28: 19; Acts 2: 39; 16: 15. Matt. 26: 26-30; Gen. 17: 10: Rom. 4: 11; 11: 17-24; Acts 15: 1, 24-29; Gal. 5: 1-2: 1 Pet. 3: 21; Luke 18: 15, 16: I Cor. 1: 16; Heb, 9: 10.
COVENANT.
You do now. in the presence of God and men, avouch the Lord Jeho- vah, Father, Son. and Holy Ghost. to be your God. the supreme object of your affection, and your chosen portion forever.
You humbly and cheerfully devote yourself to God in his gracious covenant, you consecrate all your powers and faculties in his service. and you promise by the aid of His Spirit to cleave to him as your chief good.
You do now cordially join yourself to this as a church of Christ. cov- enanting to walk with its members in Christian fellowship and in due attendance on all the institutions of Christ.
Thus, in the presence of God, you solemnly covenant and promise.
In consequence of these professions and promises (the church rise). we do now receive yon into our communion, and promise to watch over yon with Christian affection and tenderness. ever treating yon in love as a member of the body of Christ, who is Head over all things to the Church.
And now, beloved in the Lord, let it be impressed upon your mind that you have entered into solenm circumstance, from which you can never escape. Wherever you go these vows will be with you. They will follow you to the bar of God. and in whatever world you may be fixed, will abide upon you to eternity. Yon can never again be as you have been. Yon have unalterably committed yourself. and henceforth you must be the servant of God. The eyes of the world will be upon you; and as you demean yourself so religion will be honored or dis- graced. Yet be not overwhelmed. Jesus Christ is your helper. May he guide and preserve you till death, and at last receive you and us to that blessed world where our love and joy shall be forever perfect. Amen.
From Church Records
June 26, 1860, voted. " to devote the entire afternoon to the communion service, commencing September next." The vote was " cordial, neither brother or sister voting in the negative."
106
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH HISTORY.
Sept. 2, 1860. " The communion service took the place of the afternoon service. The congregation were present and gave attention."
May 2, 1862. Voted, " that the church stand during prayer in church and request the people to do the same."
Dec. 12, 1869. " Rev. Mr. Pratt sent a letter of resigna- tion to the church and society, which was accepted, and a council met June 4, 1870. The churches represented were Free Church of Andover, Mass., Rev. James P. Lane, Pastor, Dea. Thomas Clark, Dele. First Parish Church of Methnen, Mass., Thomas J. Grassie, Pastor, Joseph Howe, Dele. Pres. Ch., Windham, N. H., Joseph Lannan, Pastor, Joseph Park, Dele."
The pastoral relations were dissolved, and took effect Jan. 9, 1870.
FIFTH PASTORATE.
Rev. E. W. Bullard had supplied the pulpit for several weeks, and Nov. 23, 1870, on motion of Dea. Sanborn, it was voted "to extend a call to him to become the pastor.'
The committee chosen to make necessary arrangements for his installation were William H. Davis, Dea. William Sanborn and John C. Little.
The installation occurred Dee. 14, 1879, " and an Ecclesi- astical Council convened in the Congregational meeting house to examine, and, if advisable, to install Rev. E. W. Bullard, consisting of Rev. Jesse Page of Atkinson, N. HI., Dele .: Rev. Calvin M. Terry, Pastor, No. Plaistow and Haver- hill, Wm. B. Carlton, Dele. Rev. S. Bixby, Pastor, Dea. E. S. Judkins of Kingston. Rev. M. A. Gates, Pastor, Moses Kelly, Dele., of Salem, N. II. Rev. R. Seeley, D. D., Pastor, and B. F. Brickett, Dele., North Church, Haverhill, Mass. Rev. J. C. Paine, Pastor, B. E. Merrill, Dele .. Groveland, Mass. Isaac W. Smith, Dele., Franklin St. church, Manches-
107
HAMPSTEAD, NEW HAMPSHIRE.
ter. N. Il. Rev. Thomas J. Grassie, Pastor, Wm. C. Sleeper, Dele., Methuen, Mass. Rev. Joseph Lannan, Pastor, Rev. James P. Lane. without charge.
The following exercises were given: Reading Scripture and prayer, by Rev. Joseph Lanan : sermon, Rev. R. II. Seeley, D. D. ; installation prayer. Rev. Calvin Terry : charge to the pastor, Rev. Thos. J. Grassie : right hand of fellowship, Rev. J. C. Paine : address to the people, Rev. J. P. Lane : concluding prayer. Rev. S. Bixby: benediction, Rev. E. W. Bullard, pastor elect.
Failing health compelled Rev. E. W. Ballard to send a letter of resignation to the church and society. Oct. 9, 1875. which, under the circumstances, was accepted, and Oct. 25. 1875, Rev. Jesse Page of Atkinson. N.H .. Rev. Charles Ten- ney of Chester, Rev. William Page of Windham. Rev. E. W. Haskins of Derry, N. H., Dea. Wm. Ambrose, delegate, united in the council for dismissal at that time. Rev. E. W. Bullard gave utterance to his friendly feelings toward his people, and the hope that he had ever cherished of "dying in the harness" seemed destined of God to fail of fulfil- ment.
SIXTH PASTORATE.
Feb. 21. 1876, Dea. William Sanborn. Dea. Caleb Williams and Bro. JJacob Irving were chosen a committee to unite with the Society Committee in extending a call to Rev. Albert Watson to become their pastor.
Feb. 29, 1876, Rev. Albert Watson sent a letter of accept- ance. The council convened at the meeting house Thursday, March 23, 1876, for his installation. Rev. Charles Tenney, Pastor, and John A. Hasleton, Dele., Chester, N. Il. Atkin- son, Rev. C. T. Melvin. Pastor : Dea. Bailey Knight. Dele. Derry. Rev. R. W. Haskins, Pastor: Bro. H. R. Underhill, Dele. East Derry, Rev. E. S. Huntress, Pastor : Bro. Jonas
108
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH HISTORY.
llerrick, Dele. Salem, N. H., Rev. Samuel Bowker, Pastor : Albert Robinson, Dele. So. Lawrence, Mass., Rev. Clark Carter, Pastor. Olive St. Church, Nashua. N. H., Bro. T. W. H. Hussey, Dele.
Rev. David Bremmer, Rev. Mr. Winslow, and Rev. Joseph Kimball were invited to sit with the council.
Rev. E. W. Bullard of Stockbridge, Mass., was invited, but was unable to be present.
The installation exercises were : Introductory service, Rev. David Bremmer: sermon, Rev. Clark Carter : prayer installing, Rev. Samuel Bowker: charge to the pastor, Rev. E. W. Huntress : right hand of fellowship, Rev. R. W. Has- kins : charge to the people, Rev. Charles Tenney : benedic- tion, by Rev. Albert Watson, pastor elect."
July 1, 1876, voted, " to accept the report of the church committee, Bros. Sanborn, Williams, Irving, Watson, Tit- comb and Davis, and strike out the 10th article of the creed." (See Articles of Faith, 1861.)
" July 1, 1876, voted, " to discontinue the use of ferment- ed wine at the communion table and use unfermented wine instead."
Sept. 5. 1879, "the committee chosen to consider the advisability of adopting some new methods of discipline, made the report, after careful deliberation, your committee feel that it would not be advisable to make any new law or adopt any new methods of discipline at present. but would recommend :
1st. That all of the officers and members of the church do their best, with a loving spirit, to restore such as may have been overtaken with a fault.
2d. That the present rules of discipline, as laid down in Matthew 18: 15-17, be faithfully enforced with those who persist in an evil course."
Apr. 29, 1880, " The committee on absent members made the following report, which it was voted to print and present a copy to every member of the church :-
109
HAMPSTEAD, NEW HAMPSHIRE.
HAMPSTEAD. N. H., May 1. 1880.
By-Laws in Relation to Resident Members who Neglect the Meetings of the Church :-
1st. " All resident members of the church who neglect two commun- ion services in succession. except in cases of sickness or other circum- stances wholly beyond their control, shall be deemed worthy of disci- pline."
2d. " All resident members who shall wilfully neglect the prayer meetings or the preaching service of the church for three months in succession, shall also be deemed worthy of discipline; unless a satisfae- tory explanation is made to the church, action shall be taken at once. according with Matthew 18: 15-17."
. No Christian can wilfully neglect any of the meetings of the church without violating a direct scriptural injunction. See flebrews 10: 25."1
NOTE .- It should be distinctly understood that while these by-laws have reference only to those who neglect the meetings of the church. the rule of discipline is still in force in relation to those who fail to ful- fil their vows. and especially to those who are guilty of immoral conduct."
By-Laws in Relation to Church Members :-
Ist. Any absent member who neglects to communicate with the church, or attend any of its meetings for twelve months, shall be tem- porarily suspended from the church by a vote of the church."
2d. " If the address of such negligent absent member is known. the clerk shall immediately notify him of the action of the church in rela- tion to his case."
3d. " If a satisfactory explanation is made. the church shall at once restore him to membership."
4th. But in case no such explanation is made in six months. his name shall be dropped from the record, and he shall no longer be con- sidered as a member of the church."
Feb. 24, 1884, the following resolutions were adopted :-
". Whereas, gambling. lotteries and gift entertainments have become very prevalent throughout our land, to the great detriment of good morals and the well being of society, we hereby
Resolve 1st. That we. as a Christian church, consider it our doing to resist all evil and do everything in our power to promote righteousness and the best interests of society at large. We therefore,
Resolve 2d. That we will steadfastly oppose the above-named evils with precept and example.
Resolre 3d. That we are in hearty sympathy with all societies and organizations which have for their object the uplifting of man and the relieving of distress, and will co-operate to the extent of our ability and all legitimate means for the promotion of their welfare."
110
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH HISTORY.
Oct. 30, 1884, voted. "to grant the request of Dea. San- born to resign at the expiration of his twenty-five years of service as deacon, and that hereafter all deacons should be chosen for a term of three years."
July 2, 1885, " A motion was made to discontinue the afternoon service for the rest of the church year," but July 9, voted, "to discontinue the afternoon service for an indefi- nite time."
Nov. 17, 1887, voted, " to accept the report of the church committee and have 300 copies of the church manual print- ed."
ARTICLES OF FAITH, 1887.
As a church of Jesus Christ. associated in accordance with the teach- ings of the New Testament for the public worship of God, for the observances of Gospel sacraments and ordinances, for mutual edification and encouragement in the Christian life, and for the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom. we declare our union in faith and love with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ.
I. We receive the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament as the Word of God and the only infallible rule of religious faith and practice. Tim. 3: 16; Hleb. 1: 1; John 5: 39.
II. We confess our faith in the one living and true God. revealed as the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost. Deut. 4: 4; James 1: 17: Matt. 28: 19.
III. 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 death passed unto all men for that all have sinned." Heb. 3: 23: Rom. 6: 23: Eph. 2: 1.
IV. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ. the Son of God, having taken upon himself our nature. has. by his obedience. sufferings and death, provided a way of salvation for all mankind, and that, through faith in his name. whosoever will may be saved. John 3: 16: Acts 4: 12: Rev. 12: 17.
V. We believe that Christ established a visible church in the world. that the sacraments are Baptism and the Lord's Supper, and that pro- fessed believers only can consistently partake of the Lord's Supper while they and their children are proper subjects for baptism. Luke 22: 14-20; Aets 11: 14, 47; Acts 14: 15.
VI. We believe that there will be a general resurrection of the dead. and that all mankind must one day stand before the judgment seat of
111
HAMPSTEAD, NEW HAMPSHIRE.
Christ to receive a just and final sentence of retribution. according to the deeds done in the body; that at the day of judgment the state of all will be unalterably fixed, and that the wicked " shall go away into ever- lasting punishment, and the righteous into life eternal." Dan, 12: 2; John 5: 28. 29; Rev. 20: 12-15.
COVENANT.
Dearly Beloved :- In the presence of God and this assembly. you do now freely and cordially enter into the everlasting covenant of grace. You acknowledge the Lord Jehovah, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost to be your God, the supreme object of your affection and your portion for- ever.
You humbly and heartily consecrate yourself (selves) to God in this Covenant, promising that by divine help you will cleave to him as your chief good, devote your life to his service, hearken to his word, observe his ordinances, and keep his Sabbath; and that henceforth, denying all ungodliness and every worldly Ist. you will abstain from the use of all intoxicating drinks as a beverage, discountenance in every appropriate way their sale and use, and endeavor in every respect to live soberly. righteously and godly in the world.
You do cordially join yourself (selves) to this church, and engage to submit to its rules of government and discipline, to do all you can to promote its interests, to strive for its purity. peace and prosperity. and to work with its members in faithfulness and love.
You thus covenant and promise.
We. then, the members of this church (here the members will rise). affectionately receive you to our Christian fellowship. We welcome you in the name of our Lord and Master to a share in the duties, privileges and glories of his church. We pledge to you our love, our sympathy. our counsel, and our prayers. And now, beloved, remember that you are fellow-citizens with the saints and of the household of God. Let your constant prayer be that Christ may dwell in your hearts, and that you may be rooted and grounded in love. The Lord bless you and keep you. The Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious unto you. The Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.
Now unto Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and peace. both now and forever. Amen.
Sept. 29, 1890. A letter was publicly read presenting the new pulpit furniture to the Congregational Church and Society from Albert L. Eastman and wife.
112
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH HISTORY.
Oct. 9, 1891, Dea. Caleb W. Williams sent the following request : " Having served you as deacon for nineteen years, and having removed from town, it becomes me to resign my office, praying that you may be led by a true spirit and make a wise choice." IHis resignation was accepted, and Dea. San- born invited to serve out the remainder of the year.
June 26, 1890, voted, "to close the church during the making of some repairs on the church and hold meetings in the vestry."
Oct. 14, 1891, Rey. Albert Watson having received a call to a larger field of labor, sent a letter of resignation, which was voted upon, a council called. and all parties concluded that no justification could be found to admit of the pastoral relations being dissolved, and Rev. Mr. Watson advised to withdraw his resignation, which was happily done, all sing- ing, " Blest be the tie that binds."
May 25, 1893, a communication was received by the church and society asking that the pastoral relations be dis- solved, in view of his being called to Mystic Side Congrega- gational Church at Everett, Mass., where his duty called him.
Forrest E. Merrill, Dea. C. Pressey. and Dea. J. W. Gar- land were chosen a committee to call a council to advise in the matter. The council was composed of J. M. Goodridge, delegate, of Atkinson, N. Il. ; Rev. J. G. Robertson, pastor, S. O. Morse, delegate, of Chester, N. II. : Rev. H. B. Put- namn, pastor, G. M. Barker, delegate, Derry, N. HI. ; Rev. R. (. Drisko, pastor. Dea. J. Montgomery, delegate, East Derry, N. H. : Rev. Philip Easterbrook, pastor, Dea. Giles Merrill, delegate, No. Parish, Haverhill, Mass. : Rev. J. B. Moore, pastor, Charles HI. Webster, delegate, Salem. N. H. : Rev. S. 1. Gerrold, pastor, Hollis, N. II. : and Rey. Albert Watson was released as pastor.
113
HAMPSTEAD, NEW HAMPSHIRE.
SEVENTH PASTORATE.
Oct. 28, 1893. the committee of the church and society extended to Rev. Rufus P. Gardner of Marion, Mass., a unanimous call to become their pastor, subject to the follow- ing conditions : " That the pastor's salary shall be $1000 annually and the use of the parsonage, with three Sundays vacation each year, the call to date from Nov. 1. 1893."
Rev. Rufus P. Gardner accepted the call, and an ecclesias- tical couneil convened at the church at 2 o'clock, Dec. 5, 1893, with the following roll of the council : Atkinson, N. HI., Rev. George H. Scott, pastor, Prof. T. B. Rice, delegate ; Chester, N. H., Rev. J. G. Robertson, pastor, J. A. Hasle- ton, delegate : East Derry, N. HI., Rev. E. C. Drisko, pastor : No. Parish, Plaistow and Haverhill, Rev. P. Easterbrook, pastor, Charles H. Haseltine, delegate : West Parish, Haver- hill, Mass., Rev. J. N. Lowell, pastor, Fred W. Stickney, delegate ; Mystie Side Congregational Church, Rev. Albert Watson, pastor : Congregational Church, Marion, Mass., Rev. C. Dryer and W. C. Gibbs, delegates ; Congregational Church, Hampstead, Forrest E. Merrill, delegate : Salem, N. H., Rev. S. Sherman Gove, pastor, J. H. Hall, delegate : with invited ministers, Rev. T. C. Pratt, Candia, N. H. : Rev. A. J. McKeon, Amherst, N. H. : and Rev. Dr. George H. Reed of Haverhill, Mass.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.