USA > New Hampshire > Rockingham County > Brentwood > Annuals of the Brentwood, N.H. Congregational church and parish > Part 3
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
During these fourteen years with no settled minister, at least forty ministers were paid by the parish for preaching a few weeks or months, and five at least were formally called. Under the " candidating " policy the religious life of the Church and its membership waned, and there was much lack of harmony.
Mr. Flint first preached Nov. 9. Dec. I. Voted $100 for preaching. 1801, Mar. 2. Mr. Flint called unanimously in a very full meeting: $300 salary and $500 settlement ; answer requested "as soon as may be." March 30. Voted "to choose a committee for receiving Rev. E. Flint's answer in the affirmative, to join him in appointing a day for the ordination,
19
and make provisions for the same." Ordination, May 27 ; Rev. S. Aiken of Dracut preached ; text, Mal. 2 : 7. Rev. T. Upham of Deerfield gave the charge. There were then in the Church only nineteen members, of whom six lived in Poplin (now Fremont), which had no Meeting House till the preceding year.
Mr. Flint began early to introduce into his parish Christian Literature, moved for a "Social Library," took interest in church music, "had religious lectures as often as once a week ; " had often in his family young men for private instruction,-at one time about six ; required all such to be present, morning and evening, at Family Worship, and to hallow the Lord's Day ; preached in surrounding towns ; left evidence of pastoral fidelity, careful pulpit preparation, and strong attachment to his people.
In the year 1807, at a time when he seemed " like one tottering upon the very brink of the grave," he says : "I trust I can bless God, under my feebleness in some degree, * * as it affords an excellent opportunity for constant self-examination and the trial of faith."
Concerning the suits from 1804 to 1807 brought by parishioners and others against the Collectors of Ministerial Rates (Town Officers), we have room only for Mr. Flint's words thereon, and for the statement that in the end the tax-payers had all the costs to pay, and the prosecutors their share. Mr. Flint says : " My summons to depose," in these suits, " was very dis- agreeable to me; " the case " threatens much evil both to myself and the dear people of my charge. I feel deeply impressed that the aid of ministers should never be called in such cases, except. by the mutual consent of the parties ; nor even then, but with an express view to a friendly settlement of the matter in debate. It is quite out of character for good ministers of Jesus Christ voluntarily, or out of choice, either to commence or promote contention among men in any case whatever. From the nature of their office they should eminently deserve the character of peacemakers." He beseeches God that, when called to depose therein, " I may not dishonor or offend my holy Judge, nor injure my own soul, nor give any just occasion of offense to either of the parties concerned."
During his ten years he buried some of the most valuable members of his church, including both deacons. His ministry was in a time of general religious declension ; the Half-Way Covenant yielding its fruit, Unitarianism developing, revivals and conversions diminishing, common morality waning, inebriety spreading. In Mr. Flint's eleven years here, the town issued twenty- eight licenses to sell intoxicants; ten of these during his first two years, and one of them to a woman. The town provided rum for the bridge and road workers, for its auctions, trainings, etc.
Says Rev. J. French : " Mr. Flint's views and preaching were thoroughly Calvinistic. Although his talents were not of a popular cast, he was much respected and beloved among his people." His sermons were long, but in- fused with the Scriptures ; in them personal appeals were infrequent, though he depicted sin in dark colors, and held the Deity of Christ and His power to
20
save the lost. The Half-Way Covenant he rejected. He died after four days' illness, having preached a funeral sermon one week previously. "He died much lamented by the people of his charge."
On the slab at his grave are these words: "Inoffensive in his deport- ment, beloved of those who were well acquainted with him. A strenuous advocate of the doctrine of Grace, and was very attentive to the duties of the ministerial office, 'Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.'"
The Parish paid his funeral expenses ($25); and at his funeral there was originated, by Rev. Jonathan French, the movement for the N. H. " Min- isters and Widows' Charitable Fund Society."
1812. Pulpit supplied part of the time, Revs. Elliot, Sperry and Wash- burn preaching. 1813. Rev. William Eaton preached; and Piscataqua Missionary Society helped support here Revs. E. Abbott and C. Colton, and, in 1814, Rev. Thomas Holt. The same year Revs. Hosea Wheeler and Nathanael Kennedy preached here; perhaps all of them nominally under the auspices of the " Massachusetts Society for promoting Christian Knowledge." This Society introduced Rev. Chester Colton, July 13, 1813, who preached three months. Though the congregational parish then had 75 members, the Church had only twelve.
1814, June 23. "First Congregational Society of Brentwood," incorpo- rated. Oct. 3, voted. "to build a new Meeting House, 50 feet by 45, at or near the place where the old one now stands." Nov. 14. 37 of the 44 pews below in the projected house sold for $55 to $103 each, and later 5 pews for $250, and 16 gallery pews for $10 each,-in all $3,199. Nov. 29. Mr. Colton called by Society,-two Sabbaths yearly for absence. Early in December a subscrip- tion paper was circulated, to build a two-story " Mansion House," 30 feet by 40, for the minister, "if Mr. Colton accept the call;" 40 of the 71 in the "Society" subscribing $692, and 14 outside subscribing $110. Dec. 15. Society voted to use the glass and some other materials of the old Meeting House for finishing the house proposed to be built for Mr. Colton. Before Dec. 27, Mr. Colton had accepted the call. 1815, Jan. 11. Committees of the Society were chosen to inform the Churches invited to the Ordaining Council for Jan. 25, to entertain the Council, and "to provide the materials and superintend the Dwelling House." The old Meeting House was taken down in April, and part of its materials worked into the new house, which was let out by contract, Jan. 31, 1815, to Joshua Pike, of Hampton Falls, for $2,500. It was raised June 9, and dedicated in September. This undertak- ing to build church and parsonage "was accomplished with a very great degree of harmony," and all within one year. This Meeting House had galleries on three sides, "elliptical" in form, with 18 gallery pews. The singers in the gallery were led, according to the custom, by several musical instruments. The pews below "were generally well filled."
1816, June 19. Piscataqua Association of Ministers met at Brentwood ; I voted that neither wine nor ardent spirits be furnished as a part of the ordi-
.
21
nary entertainment of the meetings of the Association. A similar vote Sept. 9, 1789. Five times the Association met here in Mr. Colton's 10 years' pas- torate, and five times he preached before the Association.
In 1817 Mr. Colton, because of trouble with his eyes, "consented to a respite," and was absent several months, during which Rev. Mr. Hildreth preached. 1818, Sept. I. New articles of faith and covenant, moderately Calvinistic, and warm with spiritual life, adopted by the Church. In 1819, winter and spring, this Church had a spiritual uplifting, and received that year nineteen members by confession, including the widow of Rev. Mr. Flint. Feb. 16. Mr. Colton made a life member of the American Bible Society by 33 ladies of the parish paying $32.
The Sabbath School was first organized May, 1819; though not held in the winter till many years later. April 29, 1825. Mr. Colton, on receiving $654.22, yields all claim to the parsonage property. "He won the hearts of his parishioners ; was thorough, discriminating, and interesting in discussing the doctrines of Grace ; and enjoyed in a very high degree the confidence and affection of the ministers in the vicinity, as well as of his own people." The dismissing council speaks of the "great harmony " of his pastorate and of its great apparent advantage to the cause of religion," and of him as " an able laborer and exemplary." Through most of 1825. Rev. Isaac Willey of Goffstown supplied.
1826, Jan. 30. Rev. L. A. Spofford called. 1827. In view of the low state of religion here, and the fact that so many towns were being visited by the Spirit, voted to have, on June 28, another season of fasting and special prayer for the outpouring of the Spirit. 1828, Sept. 29. Voted to the pastor leave of absence, - six weeks on missionary business. 1829, April I. The exertions of this Church and Society to sustain the ministry, and their unanimity, lead a council to say they " are entitled to high respect, and to be held up as a pattern for neighboring societies." Yet, April 6, they vote only $200 for preaching ; so that the pulpit seems to be vacant for some months following.
-------
1830. After brief supplies by Revs. Riggs, O. G. Thatcher, and W. M. Cornell, in March Rev. Jonathan Ward came. June 17. Voted to meet quarterly, and spend the forenoon in prayer for a revival of religion, and the afternoon in prayer for the children of the Church. April 4, 1831. Voted to repaint the Meeting House. May 25, 1831. Voted to pay for fifty copies of the Address on Family Worship,- one for each family where there are Church members. 1832. Meeting House repainted. June 14, 1832. The pastor, Deacon Tucke, and T. S. Robinson were appointed a committee to visit the members of the Church, and inquire into their spiritual state, and exhort them to greater engagedness and fidelity. Pastor Ward's devo- tion, wisdom, and usefulness while serving this Church over three years, and in the later years of his life here, were manifest to all that knew him well. Among his ministerial brethren he had great influence.
1833, Sept. 30. Rev. Francis Welch was called "for five years." His 1
1
22
ministry was not without fruit, although in its latter part he "was led by pecuniary responsibilities, for the relief of his father, into a train of secular business, which interfered with parochial duties." Oct., 1837, Rev. John Gunnison began; April 2, 1838, he was engaged by the Society for one year. Oct. I. The Church Fund Society was organized, and Mr. Gunnison called to the pastorate.
Early in 1839 there was a Revival, and within a year twenty-four were received by confession, and nine by letter. April 1, he accepted the call, which April 17 a council declined to confirm, because it was on condition "of his leaving by either party giving six months' notice of dissatisfaction." After this condition was rescinded, a council installed him, June 12. May 2. New confession of faith and covenant adopted. 1840. Voted that this year we will raise $100 for benevolent objects, and dispense with soliciting agents. Committee chosen to visit members that neglect the prayer meet- ings and absent themselves from Sabbath services.
1841. Another work of grace; ten received by confession. April 5. The Constitution of the Congregational Society adopted. June 7. To Mr. Gunnison's request for a dismission, the Society said : "As we esteem him a faithful laborer and successful Minister of the Gospel, we do with deep regret concur with the Church." June 8. The council dismissing him speaks of him as an able, acceptable, and faithful minister. Displeasing to some was his zeal for the rising Temperance Reform. He mentions attending the funerals of four drunkards in his parish.
Rev. James Boutwell called unanimously by the Church Aug. 14, and by the parish Aug. 17. Vacation of two Sabbaths yearly. Repairs of par- sonage in October. 1842. Monthly missionary concerts began here about this time; $96 raised, and Pastor Boutwell made life member of both the Home and Foreign Missionary Societies. April 4. New constitution for the "Society." July 6. At Communion Service, the "fruit of the vine " sub- stituted for fermented wine. 1843. Parsonage repainted.
1844, Jan. 9. Pastor and Committee of three to visit all the members, inquire their state, and stir up to greater watchfulness, prayer, and diligence. 1846. Parsonage repairs, $50.
In 1847 the Meeting House was remodeled, with Joseph Graves, Ephraim Robinson, Ephraim Robinson, Jr., Frederic Robinson, Lyford Thyng, and Winthrop Dudley, as committee. Jan. 18. Voted to borrow $500. Jan. 29. A committee appraised the old pews. Nov. 6. Sale of 43 new pews for $2,002. Nov. 11. Rededication : pastor gave the pulpit Bible, and preached from Ex. 20 : 24. The pulpit, costing $47, was donated by widows Sarah Hook and Anna Thyng.
July 27, 1851. Pastor Boutwell preached a carefully prepared Centen- nial Sermon on the history of the Church. May 12, 1852. Council, dismissing Mr. Boutwell, speaks of him as a "faithful, efficient, and useful Minister of the Gospel," and of his people as attached to him. Another says: "His ser- mons were forcible and clear; a child could comprehend him. Upon the
23
doctrines he delighted to dwell. In prayer he was peculiarly able and impres- sive." He mentions six deaths in his parish "caused by Rum." Pulpit supplies this summer, Revs. W. W. Ward, Wardwell, Pratt, Root, and J. M. Stearns. The latter died here after nine months serving the Church, for which service his widow received $424. The last seven months of 1853, the Piscat- aqua Association supplied the pulpit, for which the "Society," Sept. 26, voted their thanks.
1854, Feb. 17. Rev. Charles Dame began here. March 14. called by the Church, and April 3, by the Society; three Sabbaths' vacation. In Mr. Dame's ministry, Oct. 19, 1854, a visiting committee reported a "state of har- mony and Christian spirit among the members." Feb. 28, 1855. Church voted " to print and distribute some rules for the government of the Church, together with a series of questions for self-examination." April 18. The bell, costing $334, was put in its place; and, June 27, the chandelier. 1856, June 29. Miss Mary A. Sanborn chosen S. S. Librarian, and is still serving (1889). From Nov. 12, through five months the pulpit was vacant, and then was supplied three months by Rev. A. P. Chute. Other preachers, A. Burnham, S. Clark, T. E. Roberts, W. S. Thompson, J. Cummins, and A. Patten.
1857, August 9. Rev. Hugh McLeod began work here, and was unani- mously called by the parish, Oct. 12. The Church gave him a like call Dec. 21, 1858; and Jan. 10, 1859, the parish renewed its call.
1858. Religious awakening, 18 received by confession. In Union Hall, at Crawley's Falls, the Baptist and Congregational pastors alternated in preach- ing from. Feb. 4, 1859, to Dec. 4, 1864. In the great Rebellion the pastor was bold and outspoken in his loyalty. In 1863 - 4 the Church granted him 24 weeks' absence to go to the front and work in the U. S. Christian Commission. Becoming interested in this work, he sought and received dismission from his pastorate Oct. 16, 1865. The supplies during his leave of absence were J. W. Ward, Jr., E. Gerry, Page, N. F. Carter, Holliday, E. D. Eldridge, Garland, E. C. Miles, and M. H. Wells. From 1861 to 1864 this town furnished 85 soldiers, paying them in bounties $18,735. As many as a score of them died . or were disabled by the war.
1865, April 21. Rev. J. Boutwell died, sending these last words to this Church : "Tell them I loved them from my first acquaintance with them, and I shall love them to the end. Tell them I wish them peace and prosperity."
1866, April 2. "Society" voted to settle or hire Rev. M. H. Wells ; $500 and parsonage. 1868. Renovation of the inside of the Meeting House. 1866 to 1869. The Church was under the disadvantage of having its minister, Mr. Lasell, living 15 miles distant, and, as a consequence, received not much pastoral care; yet the pulpit ministrations were able and fitted to edify. Other "supplies " were Revs. C. Chapman, E. D. Eldridge, W. H. Barrows, and B. Southworth. From Sept. 1, 1869, through to months there was no preaching or Sabbath school. These circumstances increased the task of the next minister, Rev. W. C. Jackson, who, with experience ripened by service both at home and abroad, labored here faithfully nearly twelve years.
1
24
May 6, 1871. He moved into the parsonage. April 24, 1873. The Church came to the necessity of asking Home Missionary aid ($150), and has been aided ever since. From December the Sabbath school was omitted through four months. Sept., 1874. Repairs on parsonage buildings - $75.
1876, Jan. 2. Mr. Jackson began preaching at Flanders' hall ; Union Sabbath school there from July 31 till Nov. 4, 1883. In the delinquency of the salary there was, Oct. 26, 1877, about $95 "Donation" to the pastor. 1881, Nov. 27. Mr. Jackson's farewell discourse, Luke 10:20; yet he preached at Crawley's till the following May. His sermons are spoken of by all as able and carefully prepared ; and he remains with us, beloved and highly esteemed by all who know him.
During Rev. E. B. Pike's 4} years' ministry here the Church prospered. Special meetings were held from time to time in different parts of the parish; in some of which the pastor was aided by Revs. C. Nichols, J. W. Adams, and Messrs. Folger and Jackson; and 21 were added by confession. There was also material prosperity -considerable repairing of the Church prop- erty and the sheds, and the gift of an organ by Mr. Pike. He was chap- lain at the County Farm from May 1, 1884, to Sept. 1, 1886. A Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor organized Apr. 7, 1887.
1887. During the 18 months while Mr. Mank and the Andover students whom he sent acceptably supplied the pulpit, few meetings of the Church were held except on the Sabbath and on Saturday evening. Other "Supplies " with Mr. Mank were L. C. Kimball, W. C. Cole, T. M. Edmands, Weston, and J. Nason.
1888. Rev. Benjamin A. Dean began July 15; repairs of the parsonage and bell-tower; renewal of the two week-day prayer meetings and of the missionary concert. 1889. Brentwood Pastor began preaching at East Fremont Jan. 20, Sabbath school June 2, and weekly prayer meeting June 12,-followed by religious interest and several conversions.
Sabbath School Superintendents began : T. S. Robinson, 1819, and again in 1834, in 1849, and in 1861 ; F. Welch, 1836; L. Thyng, 1846; E. Stevens, - -; C. S. Tucke, 1852; H. McLeod, 1861 ; H. J. Robinson, 1865 ; L. J. Brock, 1869; D. C. Bean, 1875 ; J. R. Smith, 1882 ; Miss M. E. Pike, 1887.
Sources of the Church Funds : April 1, 1839, Josiah R. Dudley, $100 ; Oct. 24, 1858, Josiah Dudley, $100; Sept. 23, 1863, Anna Thyng, $100 ; Apr. 2, 1866, Miss Sarah Trask, $200; Mar. 21, 1879, Widow Lydia Tucke, $100 ; Dec. 1, 1879, Lieut. John Tucke, $50.
Population of Brentwood: in 1767, 1,064; in 1773, 1,089, slaves 5; in 1775, 1,100, slaves 3 ; in 1790, 976, slaves 1 ; in 1800, 899 ; in 1810, 905 ; in 1820, 892 ; in 1830, 891 ; in 1840, 888; in 1850, 923 ; in 1860, 887 ; in 1870, 895 ; in 1880, 999.
CONFESSION AND COVENANT
OF THE
BRENTWOOD, N. H., CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
ADOPTED, MAY 2, 1839 : REVISED, AUGUST 30, 1889.
I. We believe in one God, a Spirit, infinite, eternal, unchangeable, holy, just, and good ; that He created and governs the universe according to His own will and in infinite wisdom and love.
II. We believe that the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments were given by inspiration of God, and are the only perfect rule of faith and practice.
III. We believe that God exists as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, who are equal in all divine attributes.
IV. We believe that man was originally created holy ; that he fell from this state by sinning against God ; and that, in consequence of his fall, all mankind are by nature entirely destitute of holiness and in a state of positive disaffection to the law, character, and government of God.
V. We believe that man is a free moral agent; voluntary in obeying or disobeying the will of God; and therefore without excuse for transgressing the divine law, continuing impenitent, and not believing and embracing the gospel.
VI. We believe that God, in order to open a way for the salvation of men consistent with the maintenance of His government, gave His beloved Son, who, by His voluntary sufferings and death, made atonement for sin ; through which atonement salvation is freely offered to the whole world.
VII. We believe that a change of heart is necessary to qualify men for heaven ; and that this change is wrought by the agency of the Holy Spirit through the truth; and by the same agency those thus changed are sancti- fied and preserved unto eternal life.
VIII. We believe that the Essential Conditions of Salvation are Repent- ance of sin and Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; and they who thus repent and believe are freely justified and adopted into the family of God; and that they who through continued faith in Christ endure to the end will be finally saved.
IX. We believe that it is the duty of every person to search the Script- ures daily ; . to watch over his heart and life; to observe the Sabbath; to
-
26
attend conscientiously upon public, family, and secret worship; to practice godliness, sobriety, temperance, and brotherly kindness; and that these are fruits of saving faith, and are essential evidences of Christian character.
X. We believe that Christ has a visible Church, into which none but real believers have the right of admission; that these, with their young children, . are the proper subjects of Baptism; that believers only have right to the Lord's Supper; and that it is the duty of all such believers to become mem- bers of the visible Church.
XI. We believe that the Lord Jesus Christ shall come again in the glory of the Father, when He shall raise the dead and judge the world, rendering to every man according to his works ; and that the wicked shall go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.
[Baptism.]
COVENANT.
You do now in the presence of God, angels, and men, solemnly consecrate yourself, and all that you have and are, to the Lord Jehovah, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, in an everlasting covenant, to be His willing servant forever. Relying on the assistance of His Spirit, you will endeavor in all the relations and duties of life to promote the interests of His kingdom.
You promise by the grace of God to deny all ungodliness and every worldly lust, to avoid even the appearance of evil, and to live in strict ac- cordance with the doctrines, precepts, and ordinances which you have now acknowledged in this Confession of Faith.
You also covenant with the members of this Church of Christ that you will regularly worship and commune with them, and walk with them in Christian fellowship and love. You will bear your proportion, according to your ability, in maintaining the worship of God in this Church and congrega- tion. And you will also devote a portion of your substance to promote the Redeemer's kingdom in the world.
You will conform to the discipline of this Church as enjoined by Christ in His gospel, and particularly in the eighteenth chapter of Matthew.
You covenant to abstain entirely from the use of all intoxicating drinks as a beverage. You will watch over, and, as occasion may require, admonish your brethren, in meekness and Christian love.
Should it ever become necessary for you to remove your relation from this to some other Church, you will seek such removal in an orderly and Christian manner; and, so long as you shall continue a member of this Church, you will endeavor to promote its purity, peace, and edification.
Do you thus covenant and engage ?
[The Church will rise.]
We now receive you to the communion, watch, and fellowship of this Church, regarding you as a member of the body of Christ.
27
We ourselves acknowledge the same covenant obligations into which you have now entered. We pray God that both you and we may have grace to be faithful to this covenant, and glorify Him with the holiness which becomes His house.
And now, beloved, let it be impressed upon your mind that the vows of the Lord are upon you. They will follow you to the bar of God, and in what- ever state you may be fixed will abide upon you forever. Amen.
Membership of the Brentwood Church: in 1747, about 30 in K. Church ; in 1751, about 80 in the two churches ; in 1756 (Union Church) probably more than 120; in 1766, 153; in 1801, 22; in 1813, 12; in 1819, 29; in 1820, 46; in 1825, 48; in 1830, 51 ; in 1835, 45; in 1840, 72; in 1845, 77; in 1850, 78; in 1855, 63 ; in 1860, 77 ; in 1865, 59; in 1870, 55 ; in 1875, . 54 ; in 1880, 44 ; in 1885, 58 ; in 1889, 61.
ROLL OF MEMBERS.
We lack the names of those who were received and also died between 1751 and 1766; and of those who were received between 1766 and 1801. The First Church in Brentwood (at Keeneborough) left no records whatever; those names below marked 1 were probably its members. The Second Church in B., organized July 23, 1751, was composed of the first 53 names immediately following. K. denotes dismissed from Kingston Church. The first 31 so marked came in a colony, Jan. 6, 1751. The First Church, called the " Borough," and the Second Church, called the " Gully," became, Jan. 21, 1756, the Union Church. L. denotes admitted by letter; all others by confession. A star (*) includes those who have withdrawn from the church, and those from whom the church has withdrawn fellowship. P. de- notes living in Poplin (now Fremont); and D., moved to Deerfield; and B., dismissed to Brentwood Baptist Church. The Union Church included those marked 2 and the 122 names immediately following the - ---- on page 30. Names of husband and wife united by a brace.
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.