USA > New Hampshire > Belknap County > Barnstead > History of Barnstead [N.H.] from its first settlement in 1727 to 1872 > Part 4
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The site for this church was given by Eli Bunker, as we have previously stated. The deed runs as follows :
" This may certify that I, the subscriber, promise to give Charles Hodgdon, Rufas Evans, Jonathan Young, and Joseph Bunker, a committee chosen by a body of men for the purpose of erecting a meeting-house in the north part of Barnstead, as committee nien for said proprietors, a deed of a piece of land for the use of said meeting-house, any time when said meeting- house is built, and a parade 27 rods by Dr. Jewett's, and running back from said road so far as 25 rods toward the river, which is to be left as a square for said parade; on which is not to be erected any building excepting for the use of said church, or meeting-house, any time when said committee shall demand it, which is to be free as their property so long as there is a meet- ing-house to stand there."
As witness my hand, Barnstead, May 1, 1796.
BENJAMIN NUTTER, BENJAMIN HODGDON.
ELI BUNKER.
Recorded, 1821. ENOS GEORGE, Town Clerk.
54
HISTORY OF BARNSTEAD.
1803
The dedication of this church took place September 16, 1799, and was attended by a large crowd. They had come long distances. Among the items of expenses as appears, the following named persons paid to Jeremiah Jewett the sums set against their names, " it being for the ministers and their attendance on that day."
Richard Sinclair, for myself and Major John
Nutter 3 shillings.
Charles Hodgdon .3
Rufus Evans 3
66
Moses Rand 3
Joseph Bunker
3
Lemuel Bunker 1-6
Enoch Bunker
1-6
Aaron Chesley
3
James G. Carr
1-6
66
John Bickford. 1-6
" The Selectmen of the Town to JEREMIAH JEWETT, Dr.
For twelve dinners, four bowls of punch and three pints of rum, being for the ministers; also, din- ners for the singers, and horse keeping, and drinks
$8.17
Sept. 16, 1799. Rec'd pay. JEREMIAH JEWETT, Taverner."
THIRD MEETING-HOUSE.
This was called the Second Congregational Meeting- house. It was built in 1803. It stood upon land pre- sented by Joseph Tasker, Esq., and near his residence ; was boarded and shingled, but not finished.
The society who sustained its erection were actuated to some extent by a spirit of competition, claiming that its location was more central than that at the parade.
55
THIRD MEETING-HOUSE.
1820
But after the settlement of Rev. Enos George, at Barnstead, the conflicting interests of its inhabitants rapidly diminished.
This church structure continued unfinished up to the year 1820, and then it was removed and located at " Winkley's Corner." Its removal was superintended by Col. John Bickford, and the building was drawn to its final location by a team of two hundred oxen. John Peavey, Esq., took an active part, and expended much in this matter.
The house was spacious-two story-windows above and below, with glass 7 by 9, and with seventy-two lights to the window. It had a high pulpit. The work was mostly completed, its outside, however, was never painted.
To pay the expense of finishing and furnishing it, and to raise funds to assist in the support of a preacher, they resorted to a public sale of the pews.
At the auction there was a large assembly. The auc- tioneer opened the sale by announcing that he would dispose of the pews severally on the lower floor of the house first. And then from the deacon's desk, holding up a full bottle of brandy, he commenced by further an- nouncing to the crowd, that each bid would entitle the bidder to a fresh drink.
Accordingly all the pews were disposed of in a hurry, the centre ones first, then those under the galleries, (as the bidders waxed warm) at a great price, and so on until the whole were sold. Some of these pews were sel- dom if ever occupied.
The reader will doubtless note a marked difference between the habits and fashions of that day, and the cus- toms of this our day of temperance pledges, church levees, missionary fairs, and Sabbath school gatherings.
56
HISTORY OF BARNSTEAD.
1825
When the house was dedicated the fathiers and mothers gathered themselves togetlier and bowed with reverence and humility at its altar. Preaching was had here according to the denomination for which it was built, most of the time ; and yet, oftentimes, it was open on the Sabbath for any and all ministers who might be disposed to occu- py it.
As time advanced it began to decay and at length became a monument of neglect. The small lights became targets for the boys, until the last one was seen, as if to sigh in its loneliness.
In the year 1848 this house was taken down and its timbers were turned to other uses.
NORTH MEETING-HOUSE.
This is a very neat, modern building, and was erected by the Congregational society of Barnstead in 1820, at the north part of the town, near the residence of Samuel G. Webster, Esq. It was repaired in 1853 ; has been kept in repair, and still remains an ornament to that locality.
FREEWILL BAPTIST MEETING-HOUSE.
This is a very respectable edifice. It was built and has been generally occupied by the denomination from which it takes its name. It is kept in good repair, and is better for Christian use and service, than for great show, or for a specimen of architectural design.
CENTRE MEETING-HOUSE.
This house was erected in 1840. It is modern in its structure ; has a tower ; has been kept well repaired, and generally is well sustained. The first Congregational
57
ITS FIRST MINISTER.
1803
church of Barnstead at first had an interest in it, the Parade church being a branch of the church organization in this locality, they more or less, for a considerable time, occupied it. But it is now supplied for the most part by clergymen from other denominations.
HIS ORDINATION AND FUNERAL.
DAVID KNOWLTON, a Freewill Baptist, was ordained in 1803. Being the first settled minister, he thereby would have been entitled to the lands allotted by the charter of Barnstead to its first settled minister.
But Knowlton, believing that pay for preaching ought not to be exacted by ministers of the gospel, refused to claim the land by right of priority, and at or before his ordination, executed a release of all title acquired, or which he might acquire to said lands at his ordination or settlement in Barnstead as its first minister.
Elder Knowlton was a son of the Rev. David Knowl- ton of Pittsfield. He was but twenty-seven years of age at his installation, and died about two years afterwards. His funeral was at Pittsfield. Rev. BENJAMIN RANDALL preached the sermon. Text : Num. xxiii : 10 :
" Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his ! "
Six ministers bore him to the grave. One of them supported the afflicted widow on the way, and nearly one thousand people attended them to the last resting place of the first settled minister of Barnstead. So died the good man, beloved and deplored.
SETTLEMENT OF THE SECOND MINISTER.
Record. "1801. DEC. 14. The following committee was chosen to confer with the Rev. Mr. Balch respecting
8
58
HISTORY OF BARNSTEAD.
1803
a settlement : James Tasker, Rufus Ewers, Moses Rand, John Nutter, John Bunker, Joseph Bunker, David Drew, Doct. Jeremiah Jewett, James G. Cann, Benjamin Nutter, Stephen Dudley, Ebenezer Nutter, James Allard, John Bickford, Sen.
Voted, The above committee confer with the Rev. Mr. Balch, and make a report at the adjournment of this meeting.
Voted, To adjourn till the last Monday in October, at the westerly meeting-house.
SAML. NELSON, Town Clerk."
REV. ENOS GEORGE.
" 1803. Nov. 10. The town chose a committee to confer with Rev. Enos George respecting his settlement as a teacher. The following committee was chosen : Major John Nutter, Charles Hodgdon, Joseph Tasker, Esq., Lemuel Bunker, Stephen Jones, Rufus Ewers, Jere- miah Jewett."
The committee reported favorable to the town.
The town then voted $1000 settlement, and a sal- ary. This is on condition that said Rev. Enos George give to the town a quitclaim deed of the ministerial right in said town. However, the ministerial right or the $1000, is at his option ; provided the said George chooses the said right, it is his. But if the $1000 instead, all shall remain unpaid until the next meeting. If he is taken away by death, it shall be at his disposal ; or if continu- ing with us ten years it shall be his; but if he leaves before the ten years, he shall refund as many hundred dol- lars as it lacks of the ten years. He is to preach in two
59
REV. ENOS GEORGE.
1803
meeting-houses, and some other places, that shall be agreed upon by said town. Mr. George reserves three Sabbaths in the year.
CHARLES HODGDON,
In behalf of the Committee of the Town."
The installation of Rev. Enos George over the First Congregational Church in Barnstead, took place Sept. 26, 1804. The season was pleasant, the day delightful. The sun shone upon the green foliage, and the silvery waters of the Suncook reflected the beautiful legacies left to her by the departed summer. The people far and near gave heed to the occasion, and the gates of the temple were crowded.
The ordination sermon was by Rev. Stephen Hull of the First Church in Amesbury, Mass. Text: 2 Cor. v : 10. The charge was by Rev. John Kelly of Ham- stead. Right hand of fellowship, by Rev. J. Tucker of Loudon. Rev. Enos George read the 116th Psalm, sec- ond part, C. M.
Mr. George had been invited to this pastorate by a unanimous vote ; and at his installation he became legally entitled to the ministerial lands of the town, awarded in the original charter to its first settled minister.
In his ministry he was influential and successful. His open social qualities entitled him to the respect and esteem of all, and led the way to his long life in useful- ness to the church of God and to the people of Barnstead. He had held meetings in various parts of the town during the winter previous to his ordination, and ever afterwards continued to preach alternately at the north, east and west houses, until, by the infirmities of age, he was com- pelled to resign his charge, and leave the field to other
60
HISTORY OF BARNSTEAD.
1816
laborers. His undeviating faithfulness and good manners during his ministry brought him many friends. Their annual visits to him and to his household, and the boun- teous gifts which they from year to year awarded to him, will long be remembered. The fame of Rev. Enos George as a man and a minister, will not be lost sight of in all the coming generations at Barnstead.
Aside from his ministerial duties, Mr. George found · time to do great service, and to accomplish much for the community. From the year 1805 up to the year 1824, through the winter months, he served as a teacher of youth in the village school at the Parade; and there is many a man who profited by his wise teachings and admonitions, and who still lives to honor him and to cherish his memory.
From the year 1816 up to the year 1856, forty years, (and of course by forty annual elections), Mr. George performed the duties of Town Clerk. The town records of those long years, evincing his legal knowledge, his good penmanship, and his faithfulness to duty, will con- stantly remain to him a monument of praise.
Mr. George had much distinction as a public speaker. He had served as chaplain to the New Hampshire Legis- lature. In his address he was ready, prompt and eloquent ; as an elocutionist he always made the most of whatever he undertook to read. In form Mr. George was perfect; his height about 5 feet 10 inches ; his weight about 150 pounds ; his complexion sandy ; his hair almost red, worn long, combed back, and nearly erect ; it faded but little in old age. His dress was usually of the finest black, neat long coat, hat rather wide brimed. His apparel in early days, was a dress-
ز
Gros Gronger
---- -
61
ITS CLERGYMEN.
1824
coat, after the fashion of those times, old-fashioned breeches, long boots, with red tops, and with tassels swinging in front; a white cravat tied in a bow. He always wore a double-ringed watch chain, which held a key, set with a fine cornelian stone, red and beautiful, and · a large gold seal. In summer he was often seen having on a long calico gown tied in a knot behind ; and if not in his study, might generally be found in his garden, in which he took great delight, busily at work.
Rev. Enos George was the son of Enos George, and grandson of Miah George. His more remote ancestor was Francis George, who came from the south of Eng- land about 1680. The Rev. Enos was born June 2d, 1781. Ilis mother was Dorothy, the daughter of Barnes Jewell, an Englishman.
· In 1804, July 10, Miss Sophia Chesley, a lady of much merit, became his partner in marriage. She was the daughter of Jonathan Chesley, of Barnstead, previously of Durham, N. II. Her life was domestic, yet full of benevolence and kindness. She died February 13, 1858, at the age of 76. Very soon afterwards, October 29th, 1859, at the age of 78 years, Mr. George died. He left the world as he had lived, in the triumph and belief of a glorious immortality. Their remains rest but a few rods easterly of the Parade church, in which he had so often and so eloquently preached the Gospel to the people of Barnstead. His many friends, with becoming generosity, have erected a monument to his memory.
MINISTERS.
Among the Clergymen who, at the early part of the present century, had occasionally preached in Barnstead, other than Joseph Adams, Knowlton, and George, may
62
1856
HISTORY OF BARNSTEAD.
be mentioned the Rev. WILLIAM BALCH, from 1784 to 1801, Rev. JOSEPH BUCKMINSTER, Rev. JOSEPH HAVEN, Rev. · WILLIAM PARSONS, Rev. PELETIAH TINGLEY, and others, also occasionally.
Elder NATHANIEL WILSON, a Freewill Baptist, was ordained here in 1805 ; resided in the first framed house. ever erected in Barnstead ; preached 35 years, and died in 1843. His wife was Fanny Proctor, of Loudon. Their children were Fanny, afterwards the wife of Elder Wil- liam Demeritt, of Durham ; Samuel, who emigrated to the west among its first settlers ; and Panthea, who mar- ried James Woodhouse. Panthea, with her husband, continued to reside at the old homestead, and sent out nine sons and daughters, eight of whom were teachers, and among whom was Betsey T., wife of the late Captain Henry Savage, of Alton, who fell among many others at the terrible battle of Chancellorville. Mrs. Savage now resides in Boston.
The following Clergymen were cotemporaries with Enos George as occasional laborers, and are entitled, at least, to a brief notice :
Rev. E. H. CASWELL, a Congregationalist ; he gradu- ated at Middlebury College in 1844, and from the Theo- logical Seminary, at Andover, Massachusetts, in 1847, and preached in Barnstead in the years 1853 and 1854.
Rev. THOMAS GOODWIN preached here in the years 1855 and 1856, and about that time perhaps some others.
Rev. WILLIAM O. CARR, a Congregationalist, was a native of Derry, New Hampshire, was a graduate of Dartmouth College, and from the Andover Seminary. Mr. Carr was settled over the Parade church in 1861, and still remains in the same field of labor, much respected and
63
ITS CLERGYMEN.
1861
much beloved. He was ordained at Centre Barnstead, February 13, 1861, and by this ordination he then became the acting Pastor of its Congregational churches.
The ordination services were as follows :
SERMON, By the Rev. Joshua S. Gay, of Chichester.
ORDAINING PRAYER AND RIGHT HAND OF FELLOWSHIP, By the Rev. Luther Townsend, of Loudon.
CHARGE TO THE CANDIDATE, AND ADDRESS TO THE PEOPLE, By the Rev. J. A. Hood, of Pittsfield.
Rev. AMOS BLANCHARD, of Lowell, was to have preach- ed the ordination sermon, but his attendance, as well as the presence of some other clergymen, was prevented by an intervening snow-storm.
Of late, the west, the centre, and north parts of the Town have made separate and distinct organizations for the support of public worship, and generally each church, for the most part of the time, is supplied with a Pastor.
Elder HECTER CAUFIELD has had the care of the church at the Centre, at least, for a considerable portion of the time since 1866.
The North church has been supplied from its early date by Ministers, as follows : by Elder Peletiah Ting- ley, a Freewill Baptist, in 1777, and since then, Elder David Moulton, jr., in 1803-he died in 1809 ; Elder John Buzzell ; Elder Joseph Boody, sr. ; Elder John Caverly ; Elder Nathaniel Wilson ; Elder David Garland, and Elder Haskell.
Elder JONATHAN NELSON, a Freewill Baptist, born in Barnstead in 1785, ordained here in 1823, preached mostly in Vermont.
64
HISTORY OF BARNSTEAD.
1863
Elder SAMUEL LORD, a son of William, born in Barn- stead in 1780, ordained in 1820, died in 1849; resided mostly in Vermont.
Elder DANIEL MOULTON, a native of Pittsfield, b. in 1780, ordained in 1803, died in 1805.
Elder JOHN CAVERLY, of Strafford, b. in 1789, ordained in 1827, died in 1863, often preached here.
Elder DAVID L. EDGERLY, a Freewill Baptist, preach- ed at the Parade and at Clarktown, about 1860.
Elder MOSES A. QUIMBY, a Freewill Baptist, from Epsom, preached occasionally at the Centre House.
Elder JOSEPH HARVEY, an Adventist, from Pittsfield, has of late preached in North Barnstead.
Rev. J. BLAKE, a Congregationalist, ordained in 1838, continued here more or less up to 1861.
Rev. A. W. FISKE, a Congregationalist, from Fisher- ville, preached at the Centre and at North Barnstead one year, up to 1867.
METHODISTS.
Elder EBENEZER GERRY, and Elder THOMAS TREAD- WELL, Methodists, have each in turn preached in the Northwest part of Barnstead, but as late as 1870 they had no church edifice.
ADVENTISTS.
This people have a church edifice in what is commonly called the Proctor neighborhood. Rev. William Bodge has been their minister.
ATTENDING CHURCH.
In the olden time, on the Sabbath morning in summer, the roads and cross-paths of the town became dotted with
65
ITS SABBATH DAYS.
1863
pedestrians. The economical fashions of that day ought not to be forgotten. Among others we well remember the following : before arriving at the church each lady would exchange her thick shoe for a more comely one, while the cast-offs would be consigned to some old log fence, or other safe place, until her return. This habit has been described thus :
"Then when the week hath turned its toil away, How mild and silent is the Sabbath day ! The modest maiden churchward as she goes, Proud in good looks, and go-to-meeting clothes, Across the glen, untouched of dust or dews, Bears in her hand her nice embroidered shoes ; Her stockings, too, home-knit, of purest white, Now, near the temple, pulls them on aright; Then in the precinct of that holy place, Where loud the Parson, grave, dispenses grace, Shines forth a beauty flounced; there seated down The belle of all the beauties in Barnstead Town." [ Caverly.]
The wants of the inhabitants were few, and well supplied ; they neither desired nor sought the luxuries of life, nor the wasteful frivolities or follies of the cities. The stillness of the Holy Sabbath came and went without ought to break its quietude; no bell sent its booming swells through the old forests, as if to start the wild deer from his coy retreat, nor to toll the church-going inhabi- tants to the sacred altar. Who, of that day, does not love the church of his childhood-the greetings of men and women from afar, their kindnesses, their sweet saluta- tions and smiles, while they gathered to the gates of the sacred sanctuary? At this date the recollection of the Sabbath scenes are still vivid to the memories of many.
9
66
1863.
HISTORY OF BARNSTEAD.
How quaint to be seen, the two coming together, On the steady old nag, enjoying one mind, Unheeding the pathway, the wind or the weather; While closely she sticks to the pillion behind.
It was with slow and quiet tread that the entrance to the sanctuary was approached. All were well dress- ed in good home-made cloth; the men were circum- spect, the boys strong, and the girls were florid with the bloom of health and beauty. The Deacons had seats near the communion table, and there from Sab- bath to Sabbath, constantly on duty, Deacons Nutter and Hodgdon officiated for many years. The aged and wealthy were seated on the broad aisle, and there you would find Captain Eliphalet Nutter, Eli Bunker, Charles Hodgdon, Benjamin Hodgdon, Aaron Chesley, Abraham Bunker, and others of an equal grade. The boys and people of less means took accommodations in the gal- leries. The tythingman was held to a strict account. It was within his province to keep good order ; under his orders, no dog was permitted to rove in the aisles, the canine race being held to prompt obedience within the pews of their masters. The church service was from the hours. of ten to twelve o'clock, and in the afternoon from one to three. This Parade meeting-house for the first thir- ty years of its existence had in winter no warming apparatus other than a common foot-stove ; the fires in it were usually started by a brand from the fireplace of a near neighbor. The hours of intermission were spent in the neighboring houses, in social chat, at which all the news of the week would be well learnt ; and the guests while resting at the recess would usually be treated to apples, pies or doughnuts, as the convenience of the family sup-
67
RELIGION.
1863
plies would warrant, until at the stated hour of service all were again in their places. Such were the habits of our Fathers in fulfilling the duties of a New England Sabbath.
AN INCIDENT.
It happened one day when the congregation was still, listening to the last sentences of the sermon, as we well remember, a small boy alarmed us by getting his head caught between two ballusters at the top of a pew. All eyes were at once turned to the scene of commotion ; the preacher could not be heard; the hearers arose to learn the cause of the uproar ; the minster stopped and stood mute ; the tythingman and others advanced to the rescue. The boy had pushed his head between the banisters, and to his surprise, the same power which crowded his head in there would not force it out again, and he roared most lustily ; the mother coaxed him ; the tything- man scolded ; but all to no purpose. It seemed that the banisters were even nearer together than when his head first went in ; at length, by a few cuts with a jack-knife, the boy's head was disengaged, the outcry abated, and quietude was restored to a troubled people.
THE FREEWILL BAPTISTS.
As Barnstead was near the great head and origin of this religious order, it may not be inappropriate in this connection, to speak of the principal men connected with it, who had preached more or less in this town, and who were the leaders in laying a foundation for this now prosperous and influential denomination of Christians.
68
HISTORY OF BARNSTEAD.
1868
BENJAMIN RANDALL, its originator, was an advocate in behalf of the doctrines of a general atonement, condi- tional election, free communion, and a voluntary support of the ministry. With these characteristic principles, he founded a denomination upon the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ being the chief corner stone.
The first church of the order was organized at New Durham, N. H., June 30, 1780. It consisted of seven members. Their names were as follows: Benjamin Ran- dall, Robert Boody, Nathaniel Buzzell, Joseph Boody, Judith Cartell, Margaret Boody, and Mary Buzzell.
From this beginning in 1780, the denomination now (1868) numbers 1276 churches, and 1221 ordained minis- ters, and about 59,211 communicants.
Its founder, Benjamin Randall, was born at Ports- mouth, N. H., Feb. 7, 1749. His education was from the common schools. At the age of twenty-one he was awakened at the preaching of George Whitfield, and met with a change in a few days afterwards by hearing of the death of that celebrated divine. Whitfield died Sept. 30, 1770, at Newburyport. "
Randall finally settled in New Durham, where he con- tinued to reside during the most part of his thirty years of ministerial labors. His free and open doctrines to a considerable extent, were favorably received in New Dur- ham, Barrington, and Barnstead, and adjoining towns,- whenever and wherever Randall and his preachers from time to time held forth.
Randall died at New Durham, of consumption, Octo- ber 22, 1808, aged 59 years. The funeral services were on the 26th. The sermon was by Elder John Buzzell. Text, Timothy iv : 7-8 :
" I have fought a good fight."
2
69
RELIGION.
1863
Several ministers were present. Six of the oldest bore him to his final rest. It is said the assembly of people was such as had never before been seen at a funer- al, in that part of the country ; and that the scene was solemn and impressive.
After the lapse of fifty years, and after most of his co-laborers " had gone hence," the connection, in its appreciation of his heroic and saintly labors, erected to his memory a monument of marble.
Joseph Boody, above mentioned, was Joseph, senior, who, after aiding Randall in the formation of the first church, and in the taking of the preliminary steps towards the organization of their then new denomination, settled in the north part of Barrington (now Strafford), adjoining Barnstead, and there, and in the neighboring towns, preached for over thirty years. His tall person, dignified appearance, and heavy voice, were prepossessing ; his great wit, severe sarcasm, and peerless independence, rendered him a successful antagonist as well as orator. Though he was not without his faults, he did much during his ministry as a co-worker with Randall in laying the foundation for that denomination of Christians which they had originated, and which is now becoming widely extensive, influential, and prosperous. He was born in Barrington, May 16, 1752, and died at his residence in Strafford, January 17, 1824, aged 72 years.
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