USA > New Hampshire > Hillsborough County > Bedford > History of Bedford, New Hampshire, from 1737 : being statistics compiled on the occasion of the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the incorporation of the town, May 15, 1900 > Part 36
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 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115 | Part 116 | Part 117 | Part 118 | Part 119 | Part 120 | Part 121 | Part 122
24
354
HISTORY OF BEDFORD.
The vane on the meeting-house represents the sun, moon, and seven stars and is hung on Mr. Nathan Kendall's crowbar.
FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF CHURCH DEDICATION.
The fiftieth anniversary of the dedication of the church was cele- brated Sunday, December 24, 1882. Dedication had been on Decem- ber 25, 1832, but it was thought best that the commemorative exer- cises be on the Sabbath day. The pleasant weather of the day per- mitted the attendance not only of many from the out districts and surrounding towns, but also of many old people. The church, which had been thoroughly repaired and greatly improved in the summer of 1881, was tastefully decorated for the day; baskets of flowers were about the pulpit, from which also hung a large evergreen star, and at the opposite end of the church, on the balcony flanking the clock, were the dates 1832-1882 in evergreen figures.
The choir, enlarged for the day, consisted of twenty members, of whom two, Mr. and Mrs. James Gardner, sang at the dedication. Willard C. Parker was chorister. The hymns were not only appro- priate, but largely those of the fathers-and set to the old-time tunes.
The programme for the morning was as follows :
ORGAN VOLUNTARY.
DOXOLOGY.
INVOCATION.
SCRIPTURE SELECTIONS.
SINGING.
SCRIPTURE SELECTIONS.
PRAYER. By Rev. C. W. Wallace.
SINGING.
SERMON-An extract from the original sermon preached by Dr. Savage from the text Hag. 2 :9. Read by the pastor.
SINGING.
ADDRESS-Reminiscences of fifty years. By Rev. C. W. Wallace.
SINGING.
BENEDICTION.
By Rev. Dr. Wallace.
The programme for the afternoon was as follows :
ORGAN VOLUNTARY. SINGING.
SCRIPTURE LESSON.
PRAYER. LETTER.
By the pastor. From Ira C. Tyson, pastor from 1869-'80.
ADDRESS-The Revivals of Fifty Years. By Elder Samuel Gardner.
355
NEW PRESBYTERIAN MEETING-HOUSE.
ADDRESS-The Thursday Afternoon Prayer-meeting.
By Elder Elijah P. Parkhurst.
SINGING.
ADDRESS-The Former Pillars of the Church.
By Deacon Thomas G. Holbrook.
PAPER-The Women of Bedford.
Prepared by one of the ladies and read by the pastor. LETTER-Relative to Mrs. Ann Orr, from Rev. C. Carpenter of Mt. Ver- non. Read by the pastor.
SINGING.
REMARKS. By Hon. David Atwood of Madison, Wis. ADDRESS-The Sunday-school in Fifty Years. By Elder John Hodgman. BRIEF REMARKS. By Rev. Dr. Wallace, Elders Parkhurst and Hodgman, and Deacon Holbrook.
SINGING.
BENEDICTION.
By Rev. Dr. Wallace.
During the afternoon exercises those present at the dedication were requested to rise. The following thirty-one persons responded :
Daniel G. Atwood,
Samuel Gardner,
Hannah Atwood,
Frederick Hodgman,
Eliphalet Bursiel,
Maria Hodgman,
Nathaniel Flint,
George Hodgman,
Annis Campbell French,
John Hodgman,
Hugh R. French,
Thos. G. Holbrook,
Charles Gage,
Submit Walker Holbrook,
James Gardner,
Oliver L. Kendall,
Nancy Bursiel Gardner,
William McAffee,
Walter Nichols,
Elijah P. Parkhurst,
Zachariah Perry,
Sanford Roby,
Rodney M. Rollins,
Charles F. Shepard,
Eliza A. Morrison Stevens,
David Swett,
Elvira Walker,
Sarah Walker,
W. Walker,
Cyrus W. Wallace,
Eliza B. G. Woodbury.
THE CHURCH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION.
On Tuesday, August 15, 1899, was celebrated the 150th anniver- sary of the organization of the Presbyterian church in Bedford. The occasion was fittingly observed. Not only were the people of Bedford themselves present, but sons and daughters of the town, many of whom had not been in the town for years, came from far and wide. The people of the town not only kept their latch strings out, but held their doors invitingly open, and everything tending to promote the comfort and convenience of their guests, both invited
356
HISTORY OF BEDFORD.
and uninvited, was done. Carriages met all trains at Manchester, and at noon was served to all at the town house such a dinner as is seldom seen in country places in these days, especially as to the num- bers present. The people of the town, irrespective of religious dif- ferences, joined heartily with those of the church in the celebration, as the two organizations have always worked together.
The town of Bedford was organized just a year later than the church, and in the petition (made in 1750) to the governor for in- corporation, the townspeople stated that they desired to be set apart together, in order that they might the better support the faith of their choice. -
The following account of the celebration appeared in the Man- chester Daily Union :
The day's exercises, which, with an intermission for dinner, con- tinued from morning until evening, were partly of a secular and partly of a religious nature. The church edifice was crowded to its utmost capacity, many patiently standing during the sessions.
It was a time of reminiscences and recollections, and also of hope- ful looking into the future. The honorable history of the church and its people was recounted, while there was also expressed the hope and belief that the days yet to come would have their worthy sheaves, to be added to the harvest of good things, good lives, and good influences already garnered.
Visitors to the town began to arrive early Monday afternoon and continued to come all through the celebration. There were dele- gates from the Presbyterian and Congregational churches of the nearby towns, and others interested. The transportation facilities were excellently managed and all were comfortably carried to and from the place of the celebration.
The church had with it two of its former pastors, who were cor- dially welcomed and given prominent places in the proceedings.
The church building, handsome in architecture and bright in its new paint, with its quaint high pews, galleries and other old-time arrangements, was bright with flowers and made a fitting place for the exercises. Commodious and convenient in its arrangements, sit- uated in an attractive location, and with its attractive design, the people of the town have always just cause to be proud of it, and never more so than on Tuesday.
The church edifice was well filled when, about 9:30 a. m., the ex- ercises began, and people were constantly entering. It was not long until the seats were all filled. Seated on the platiorm were the pas- tor, Dr. W. C. Lindsay, Governor Frank West Rollins, President Tucker of Dartmouth college, the Rev. Ira C. Tyson, a former pas- tor, and others who took part in the exercises.
After an organ voluntary by Mrs. Lyman Kinson, the church or-
357
NEW PRESBYTERIAN MEETING-HOUSE.
ganist, whose playing throughout was very acceptable, all present united in singing the ancient doxology, beginning " Praise God from whom all blessings flow."
The divine blessing was then invoked upon the exercises of the day and on the ancient church, its pastor and people, by the Rev. E. A. Nelson of the Westminster Presbyterian church of Manches- ter, the people uniting in the Lord's prayer at the close.
Gounod's beautiful anthem, "Send Out Thy Light," was then sung by the chorus in an excellent manner, showing the results of the faithful practice which had been put in under the painstaking and faithful training of Harry C. Whittemore, choir master of Grace church, Manchester.
Lessons from the Scriptures, appropriate to the day, were then read by the Rev. Albert Watson of Windham, after which the Rev. Dr. Little of Dorchester offered prayer.
A hymn followed. It was Perronett's old hymn, " All Hail the Power of Jesus' Name," and was sung to the tune of "Coronation," with which it has always been associated. And with the congrega- tion joining with the chorus there went up such a volume of praise as, it is safe to say, had seldom if ever been raised in the edifice. It was an old-time example of congregational singing.
The address of welcome was then delivered by Dr. W. C. Lind- say, the pastor, in his customary graceful style. He spoke as follows :
" Brethren and Friends : This is the great festival day of Bed- ford Presbyterian church, sacred to the memory of the past and re- dolent with the glory of the future. Like Janus, the day has two faces; one face thoughtfully regards the past, rich with experience, with memories and with priceless traditions of truth and virtue; while the other face looks beautifully and earnestly to the future, richer still with transcendent hopes and unfulfilled prophecies. It was a custom in ancient Rome, on solemn occasions, to bring forward the images of departed friends, arrayed in their robes of office, and carefully adorned, while some one recounted the deeds they had done, not to glorify the past, but in the hope of refreshing the mem- ory of their deeds and of inspiring the living with new impulses to virtue. 'For who,' says Polybius, 'can behold without emotion the forms of so many illustrious men, thus living, as it were, and breathing together in his presence ? Or what spectacle can be con- ceived more great and striking ?'
" So to-day the images of some of Bedford's departed ones will be shown you, not in robes of ceremony or costume of office, but in the native coloring of their truthful and simple characters. From many places, remote and near, we have come together to-day beneath the benedictions of this church, older than, not the golden fleece and Roman eagles, but than the country we love so well and the flag which floats grandly above us. To-day friend meets friend from distant scenes and places, and warm hand clasps bring back to mem- ory days of long ago. To-day our people hold open house to wel-
358
HISTORY OF BEDFORD.
come the loved and honored guests, who have come to share in our pleasures and add to our joys. And we have come to this church, a company of brothers and sisters, some with the silvered locks of re- vered age, and some with the fresh forms that glow in the golden blood of youth. We are here to call back the past and get inspira- tion for the future. It is my special privilege and joy to welcome you in behalf of the church.
"We welcome you, Mr. Rollins, as the chosen leader of this state. We welcome these fellow-laborers in Christ, the former pastors of this church and other pastors from the churches of Christ about us. We welcome you, churches of our own faith, Antrim, Londonderry, New Boston, Litchfield, Windham, and Manchester, German and Westminster. Also the Congregational churches, neighbors of ours and beloved. We welcome you all-young and old alike, and may this, our holiday and holy day, bring harmony and soul joy.
" The grand fundamental law of humanity is the good of the whole human family, its happiness, its development, and its progress. In this cause, Christianity leads. It is the influence more powerful than the sword, and it yet shall lead mankind from the bondage of error into the service which is perfect freedom. The cause of our gathering to-day is the following of the wisdom of experience and the wisdom of Hope, to be mindful of the future and not neglectful of the past; to be awed by the majesty of antiquity, but not to turn with indifference to the future; to look to the ages before as well as those behind.
"We stand on the threshold of a new era, which is prepared to recognize new influences. The ancient divinities of violence and wrong are retreating to their kindred darkness. The sun of our moral universe is entering a new eclipse, no longer deformed by those images of animal rage such as Cancer, Taurus, and Leo, but beaming with mild radiance in the form of the heavenly signs of Faith, Hope, and Charity.
" So, may it be our privilege to-day to light a fresh beacon fire on the venerable walls of this ancient church, sacred to Truth, to Christ, and to the holy church universal. Let the flame spread from pew to pulpit, from pulpit to town, from town to state, from state to nation, and from nation to the world, till the long line of fire shall illuminate all the peoples of earth.
" We welcome you to this church, this town, our homes, and our hearts."
* At the close of the address, Mrs. Celia French Dascom, a daugh- ter of Bedford, read an original poem, written by her for the occa- sion, which was as follows :
359
NEW PRESBYTERIAN MEETING-HOUSE.
A POEM.
(But call to remembrance the former days .- Hebrews, 10: 32.)
While this town was yet clothed in primeval bands, The fathers were busy with brains and with hands Clearing forests and turning the soil, rock-strown; To prepare for themselves and loved ones, a home. They earnestly worked-this object in view- These men of the past, the steadfast, the true.
Strong men and brave women in unison wrought; In those far away homes God's message was taught, Catechism and Bible their text-books were then- Other helps, in those days, were few, I ken. So they studied the Word, were fervent in prayer, Feeling deeply their need of divine help and care.
Conversation and mein, at times, were austere; Their children were taught aged ones to revere. They were taught great respect for the Sabbath day, To keep within doors, nor indulge in much play. They served God with some fear, perhaps with some joy, While resting this day, from their worldly employ.
Over hills and through valleys, they hither came, 'Mid fast-falling snow, or more cheerless rain. They believed in a worship, simple yet strong, They came out from the world, nor moved with the throng. The prayers of those saints in the olden days, Will be answered yet. To God be the praise.
They have gone on high, to receive their reward, They have heard " Well done " from the mouth of the Lord. Still a remnant is left, to work and to pray, God's spirit remains, He will not say-Nay. This church is yet dear to the Crucified One, He will finish, make perfect, the work here begun.
The past has had seasons, most precious and sweet, When Christians have gathered God's Spirit to meet, When they loyally bowed at the foot of the cross Feeling there, that the pleasures of earth were but dross. Confessing their coldness; of faith, their great need, They were willing to walk as the Spirit might lead.
Then they sang the refrain, Oh, gather them in, The wanderers of God on the highway of sin; Faith's prayers were soon answered, God came in his might, Redeeming lost souls from the darkness of night; So we praise Him to-day, in songs, blended with tears, For His care of this church, three times fifty years.
An intermission of fifteen minutes followed, during which time the Bedford orchestra played several selections very acceptably.
At the close of the intermission, the choir sang the Te Deum Laudamus, arranged mainly as a chant, in an admirable manner. The Rev. Dr. Tucker, president of Dartmouth college, was then introduced as the speaker of the morning, his theme being "The Presbyterian Church." He found in the subject given him many things to laud, and after briefly analyzing Presbyterianism and
*
360
HISTORY OF BEDFORD.
pointing out what he considered its strongest points, he proceeded to hold them up as worthy of respect. Dr. Tucker spoke in part as follows :
"My announced address is merely a brief and informal introduc- tion to the reminiscences to follow. This day is not for the discus- sion of Presbyterianism. This day is set apart for the remembrance of those who acted their parts. One hundred and fifty years is not a great period in the life of the church, but it is in the life of a church. When we pass from the general to the individual, time makes a great difference. Time, as well as breaking down, destroy- ing, causes good to give way to better.
" What we celebrate to-day is that this church has not given way, has not been superseded by any other. It still ministers to the descendants of its founders and original members and in the same way. Then, too, we have reason to rejoice because this church has not had the difficulties and dissensions met with so often in cities.
"There are, I think, two causes of its stability-the age in which it was born and the stock from which it was made. The eighteenth century time was one in which tremendous powers were working. It was an age in which were laid the foundations on which we are enduring to-day. And as to the Scotch, who founded this church- whatever may be said of the Scotch mind, it cannot be said that it accomplished nothing. The Scotch, I have sometimes thought, see straight, but not always widely. No one ever found they lacked endurance. The Scotchman, when he has put his hand to the plow, does not look back. He keeps on and he plows a straight furrow.
"My only qualification to treat of Presbyterianism lies in the fact that during my brief ministerial life I was part of the time in a Presbyterian church and part in a Congregational church. I did not go far enough into Presbyterianism to see many faults, but I. did go far enough to see something of its other side.
" Presbyterianism is essentially affirmative. It deals in positive affirmations as to truth and conduct. All communions reach the greatest ends of their existence in meeting the needs of their own people. And so, Presbyterianism has strength in direct affirmation.
" The Presbyterian church is for the believing man. The doubt- ing man has no place in it. I sometimes think it has no way of dealing with doubt, but it does speak right out to the man of faith. Presbyterianism stands for that power which deals affirmatively with affirmative truth. It knows how to build in personal character, with cumulative power. It has produced a very large proportion of the statesmen of this country. Presbyterianism has not been, as Congregationalism has been, a great educational power-with little but noted exception it has not produced great colleges and univer- sities as has Congregationalism-but what stands to its credit is its great constructive power, building itself up into the life of the nation.
" Princeton did a wonderful work, through its sons, in building
361
NEW PRESBYTERIAN MEETING-HOUSE.
the constitution, because Princeton stood for men who knew how to build into what they were doing, the best in them.
" Presbyterianism does not lose ground. It builds to stand, what- ever it does. There are very few weak and struggling Presbyterian churches. Its genius lies in its special practicability. It knows how to build, how to locate, how to adjust. Presbyterianism stands for the Westminster confession, but does not obligate every convert to it. It guards its ministry with that confession. When contro- versy breaks out, there is lack of elasticity and it does not readjust- itself quickly. The blows tell, but the faith is built to stand.
" The Presbyterian church to-day makes a great contribution to the religious and professional life of the day. And, I believe, its truth will be appreciated more in the future than it has been in the past. This truth is as to the authority of God. We have been careless in handling the truth of the sovereignty of God, and when Presbyterianism comes to exalt the sovereignty of God, then we shall have a religion, a theology that shall give us a future bright and shining.
" I rejoice with you in your celebration to-day. You seem remote, compared with others; you seem a little people here in New England. But the church you represent covers the nation. It stands for the power of the nation, and has been built into the nation itself. And in so far as you live that life and follow its example you will not only grow in grace yourselves, but add to that which will be of infinite benefit to this country."
The Rev. Dr. Arthur Little of Dorchester, Mass., was next intro- duced. He gave some interesting reminiscences of some of those who had gone out from Bedford and made more than ordinary names for themselves, or, who remaining at home, were of special mention. His reminiscences included mention of Rev. Thomas Savage, who for forty years was pastor of the church, of Rev. Cyrus W. Wallace, a native of the town, for forty-two years pastor of the First Congregational church in Manchester, of the Rev. Lemuel Chandler Spofford, of Col. James Woodruff Savage, son of Rev. Thomas Savage, of Ann Orr, the noted teacher, Zachariah Chandler, Deacon Samuel McQuesten, Deacon Daniel Mack, and members of the French and Woodbury families, including in their number saintly men and women, worthy representatives of the church. He also read a poem written for the occasion by Miss Mary Tucker, which was full of appreciation of the past and of hope for the future.
An interesting letter was read from the Rev. Albert D. Smith, a former pastor, the text of which is given below :
NORTHBOROUGH, Mass., Aug. 5, 1899.
Miss Martha R. Woodbury, Corresponding Secretary of Anni- versary Committee :
I have delayed answering your note of invitation to the celebra- tion of the 150th anniversary of the organization of the Bedford
1
362
HISTORY OF BEDFORD.
church in the hope that something might arise that would make it possible for me to attend. At this late date, it seems too remote to hope for. I had my summer plans all arranged when the invitation was received, and involving, as they did, not only myself and fam- ily, but others also, I was unable to change them.
I regret exceedingly that I shall be unable to be present. I should have been glad to share in the feast of wit, reason, and religion which all those present will enjoy. I shall miss the meet- ing, under happy auspices, with many friends whose faces it is a pleasure to look into. I would have been glad to speak my word of congratulation in its place. But I must apparently miss all that and send only a cold written word of good cheer.
If the genial Dr. Holmes knew " what was so" when he wrote,
"In fact, there's nothing that keeps its youth, So far as I know, but a tree and truth,"
then a church that wakes one day to find itself 150 years young must owe that youth constantly renewed to the truth. May the celebration of this anniversary prove another renewal of youth and a re-enthroning of truth, that the church may see its 300th birthday in more spotless purity, in the vigor of a stronger youth, in the possession of larger truth, and with a record of more noble and more glorious service behind it.
With the hope that the day may be all that those who love the church best could desire, I am
Yours in Christian fellowship, ALBERT D. SMITH.
This brought the morning exercises to a close. Under the leader- ship of the marshal and his aids, the guests were next escorted to the town house where a bountiful dinner was provided.
Shortly after 2 o'clock the exercises were resumed, the Bedford orchestra having rendered most acceptably several selections while the audience was being seated.
The first address was given by A. W. Holbrook, president of the flourishing Christian Endeavor society of the church. The good work of the society since its organization in August, 1891, was briefly reviewed, and presented in an interesting manner.
Dr. Lindsay then introduced His Excellency Gov. Frank W. Rollins, who, before beginning his address, read to the audience a parchment which had been received by mail during the day by which the Rev. W. C. Lindsay, Ph. D., was notified that Rutherford college, North Carolina, had conferred on him the degree of Doctor of Divinity. Governor Rollins then spoke as follows :
"One hundred and fifty years-two full lifetimes-three genera- tions-is a long period in the history of a new country like ours, though but a brief span in the rearward spreading ages of this old world. One hundred and fifty years counts but as a day in the pro-
363
NEW PRESBYTERIAN MEETING-HOUSE.
cession of the ages, and as we know not the divisions of time in the great eternity-do not even know that time exists, for no one has ever even vaguely understood infinity and time without end-our years may count as days or our centuries as months; but in this spick and span new world, discovered but yesterday, one hundred and fifty years covers a multitude of great undertakings, of magni- ficent achievements.
"Our ancestors seized this new world, wrested it from the savage redskin and from the no less savage forces of nature-they found it raw, wild, unfruitful. The task before them was one to fill the strongest heart with foreboding, but those men and women were made of stern stuff, their hearts were strong, their constitutions iron, their courage magnificent. Neither hunger nor cold nor heat, nor savage men nor savage beasts, could hold them in check. Death had no terrors for them, sickness they had no time for, nerves they had never discovered.
" The history of this church is woven into the history of our coun- try, for its growth and progress has been within our historic period. And what a history ! No American can read it without justifiable pride. Its pages are the pages of a romance more wonderful than novelists have been able to produce. They teem with the mighty deeds of a mighty people, following each other in wondrous proces- sion, and crowded into the short space of a few centuries. While the Old World slept the New was stealing up to it by forced night marches-working double time-toiling with brain and hand in the arts, in the sciences, in agriculture, and in manufactures. Quietly, unostentatiously, they toiled on until they overtook and passed the astonished nations of the East, and now the Old World is watching us as we push steadily onward, with grave questionings as to its own future.
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.