History of Cheshire and Sullivan counties, New Hampshire, Part 108

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton)
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Philadelphia : J. W. Lewis
Number of Pages: 1200

USA > New Hampshire > Sullivan County > History of Cheshire and Sullivan counties, New Hampshire > Part 108
USA > New Hampshire > Cheshire County > History of Cheshire and Sullivan counties, New Hampshire > Part 108

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The Rev. William B. Jacobs succeeded to the pastorate in November, 1843, and "filled the office with fidelity for about three years." His successor was Rev. Thomas G. Wright, who began his labors in July, 1847. "Though the number of members decreased during this period, yet the character of the church was greatly im- proved, and a foundation was laid for future suc- cess. Some long-standing difficulties were settled, disorderly members were removed, and the body became more homogeneous and harmonious." He closed his labors with this church in June, 1851.

The Rev. Oliver Ayer was settled in July, 1851. " His pastorate was the longest the church has yet enjoyed,-thirteen years,-and was blessed with seasons of refreshing from on high. The year 1858 was especially memorable in the number of accessions by baptism." Mr. Ayer, though not a noisy or very attractive preacher to the generality of hearers, was a man of culture and refinement ; his sermons were finished, sound and logical, setting forth in no questionable terms his belief in the doctrines he preached. No one who heard him could doubt his sincerity ; and no one who knew him, whether they subscribed to his peculiar doctrines or not, could fail to respect him as a citizen and clergyman.

In October, 1864, Francis W. Towle was called

to the pastorate of this church and ordained the following month. "During his pastorate the church enjoyed steady growth in numbers and resources. Early in 1872 the society began the work of enlarging and repairing its house of worship. A new vestibule, tower and chapel were built, the interior of the main house remodeled, refurnished and frescoed. The whole cost of the repairs exceeded nine thousand five hundred dollars. The service of dedication was held January 2, 1873." Mr. Towle resigned in July, 1873.

Charles A. Piddock served as supply from October, 1873, became pastor in March, 1874, and was ordained the same month. His pastorate ex- tended to July, 1877, and " was characterized by revival spirit and work, and by numerous acces- sions to the church."

Rev. Joseph S. Swaim was called to the pas- torate in October, 1877, and, having been ordained in Cambridge, Mass., " continued his labors until February, 1883, the church during this time being united and prosperous and steadily increasing in numbers."

Rev. T. G. Cass was next called, and began his labors as pastor in April, 1883, and resigned, and was dismissed March 27, 1885. He was succeeded by Rev. Joseph II. Robbin, who was settled June 7, 1885.

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH .- The follow- ing facts are gathered mainly from a "Historical Sketch " by Rev. M. V. B. Knox, published in 1882:

On the strength of hearsay, it is reported that the first sermon preached in Claremont by a Methodist was by Rev. Mr. Daniels, the first Methodist preacher who died in New England. He was buried in the adjoining town of Unity. Others say that the eccentric Lorenzo Dow, at the age of nineteen years, preached the first sermon delivered by a Methodist in this town, in the neighborhood known as Packershire. It is known that in the winter of 1798 Lorenzo Dow preached once in four weeks in what is called the Green Mountain District, and that his labors

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resulted in some conversions and the formation of a class at the house of Mr. Robertson, who some- times acted as leader. Dow's eccentricities were finally thought unbearable, and " he was advised to leave the town, which he did in quite a charac- teristic manner. Riding to its line, with thoughts and maledictions, the results of which it may be impossible to tell, and the nature of which the last day alone may reveal, he dismounted and, rapping his shoes together, shook the dust of Claremont off them, solemnly declaring that he should never enter the town more until solicited by those who were anxious for his labors as a minister of the Lord Jesus Christ. Never being invited, he never did return, and his testimony thus feelingly given still remains."

The first organized Methodism in Claremont was a class formed of those who were converted under the labors of Dow, in the Green Mountain District. The leader was Eliakim Stevens. In 1801 Claremont was included in the new circuit of Hanover. A Quarterly Meeting is reported in Claremont, May 7, 1801, connected with which were nine baptisms. In 1802 the membership in Claremont consisted of Eliakim Stevens, Prudence Stevens, Eliphalet Robertson, Mary Robertson, Susanna Stevens, John Amidon, Dorcas Tolman, Susanna Stoddard, Cynthia Fiske, Hezekiah Mills, Phebe Farrington, Amos Stoddard and- Betsey Howell.

Under Rev. Elijah Willard's preaching a re- vival of religion occurred at Draper's Corners, several families being converted. Mrs. Mason, an influential lady, encouraged the work by opening her house to meetings. She became a Methodist, as also her daughter Ethana, afterward the wife and widow of Rev. Caleb Dustin. A class was formed under the leadership of Jacob Smith, of Unity, a local preacher.

In 1806 Rev. Caleb Dustin labored here suc- cessfully. From this time up to 1815 the Method- ists held their meetings at private houses, and wherever else they could find accommodations. In that year the Methodists, Universalists and Baptists united and erected a meeting-house on | by them appropriated for the erecting a free house of

the spot where Trinity Church now stands. Dur- ing the year 1821 the Baptists and Universalists, who had owned and occupied this meeting-house jointly with the Methodists, sold their shares to the Episcopalians, who at once put the house under alterations and repairs. This was a great disappointment and inconvenience to the Method- ists, as the Episcopalians, owning two-thirds-a controlling interest-refused its occupancy to the Methodists for their fourth Quarterly Meeting, which was appointed for the 18th of August. As the day approached, Mr. Chase, of the Sullivan House, tendered the use of a large, new horse- barn, which he had just finished, for the meeting, and his dance-hall for the love-feast, and they were accepted.

After this meetings were held for a time at Draper's Corner ; then in an old, red cabinet-shop at the north side of the Upper Bridge, on Wash- ington Street, and finally in the hall of the "Old Clark Tavern," on North Street, which was occu- pied about two years. " In this hall Wilbur Fisk and other able, godly men preached the word."

In 1826 the Methodists of Claremont undertook to build for themselves a meeting-house, and in Quarterly Conference, held January 4th, it was " voted to raise a committee of three to estimate the sum and obtain subscriptions to build a meet- ing-house in Claremont." Nathan Howard, Thomas Davis and Eli Draper were appointed said committee. Eliakim Stevens, Nathan Howard, Thomas Davis, Asa Dinsmore and Eli Draper were constituted trustees. The enterprise was at once begun.

A subscription paper, dated January 26, 1826, and headed as follows, was circulated :

" Whereas, it is the duty of all that have means and opportunities to promote the public worship of Al- mighty God, and, whereas, the Society of the Metho- dist Episcopal Church in Claremont, N. H., labors under many inconveniences and embarrassments for want of a house of public worship, therefore we, the subscribers, promise to pay the sum set against each of our names, respectively, to the said Methodist So- ciety, or a committee which they shall appoint, to be

HISTORY OF SULLIVAN COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

public worship in or near the village, in said Clare- mont, of such dimensions as shall by them be judged suitable, and upon such principles as shall accord with the discipline and usages of their church."

At an adjourned meeting held January 26, 1826, the following board of officers was chosen : Eliakim Stevens, president ; Nathan Howard, secretary ; Thomas Davis, treasurer and agent ; Asa Dinsmore, Nathan Howard, Eliakim Stevens, Thomas Davis, Harvey MeLaughlin, trustees. At this meeting the society " voted to proceed to build a chapel for public worship," and that "Thomas Davis, Eliakim Stevens and Nathan Howard he a committee, whose duty it shall be to purchase a site for and superintend the building of said chapel."

Mr. Austin Tyler, a man of no particular de- nominational affinities, magnanimously offered them a very eligible site on Sullivan Street, as a gift, which was gratefully accepted. " When the timber was collected, the brethren, desirous of securing the blessing of God upon their humble effort, solicited the services of the Rev. Mr. Nye, the Congregational preacher, as their own was too remote on other parts of the circuit to be con- veniently called. Mr. Nye met them in the lot containing the scattered materials for the chapel, and solemnly invoked the divine aid on the workers and work." The meeting-house was raised, partly finished, and occupied for service through the summer season in this condition, the congregation sitting on rough seats, men on one side of the house, women on the other, while the carpenter's bench made the minister's pulpit. The house was finally completed and dedicated in De cember, 1829, the sermon being preached by Rev. B. R. Hoyt.

The official members of Claremont voted, in 1833, a request to be separated from the other places, and constituted a separate appointment. At a Quarterly Conference, held at Unity, June 29, 1833, it was " voted that Charlestown and Clare- mont become stations." But the Quarterly Con- ference included Unity, Claremont and Charles- town until the Conference year of 1835-36.

At the first Quarterly Conference the new sta- tion had formed itself into a missionary society. The first stationed preacher was C. W. Levings, but matters were not prosperous, and, at the Quarterly Conference of June 25, 1836, his dis- mission from the charge, at his own request, was assented to, and he left.

John Jones, who followed Mr. Levings, " was successful in his work, but was greatly impeded by a long course of sickness. The people helped him in a characteristic manner. To meet the ex- penses of his illness, the sum of seventy-three dol- lars and eighteen cents was raised, over and above his regular salary, and awarded him as a gift- this being the whole amount of expenses incurred by his sickness. He reported one hundred and nineteen members."

The next year Moses Chase was the preacher, " and the place was favored with a revival of great power. So many were the additions, that he re- ported the membership at two hundred and twenty- one."

At the annual meeting of the society, Septem- ber 4, 1837, "Charles H. Mann, Erastus Clark and Frederick A. Henry were made a committee to see how a house-lot could be bought and a par- sonage-house built." An adjourned meeting, held September 16th, of the same year, "Voted to proceed in the building of a house as soon as four hundred dollars should be raised." This sum was soon pledged, and Samuel Tutherly, William Proctor and Frederick A. Henry were appointed a build- ing committee. It was found necessary to enlarge the meeting-house, and it was decided to abandon the parsonage project for that time.

The Quarterly Conference, in January, 1838, resolved itself into a domestic missionary society, auxiliary to the Domestic Missionary Society of New Hampshire. Iu that year Rev. William Hatch succeeded Mr. Chase in the pastorate. The Quarterly Conference, in May, "Resolved, in the opinion of the Quarterly Conference, that our Dis- cipline prohibits the use of intoxicating liquors, except as a medicine, and that no person ought to be received into the church unless he will live up

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to this rule." The same Conference, in April, 1839, resolved,-

"1. That in our opinion the use of intoxicating drinks as a beverage is sin.

" 2. That if any member of our church in this place shall be guilty of so doing, such member or members ought to be dealt with according to the rules of disci- pline, unless speedy reformation renders it unneces- sary."

Rev. James M. Fuller, in 1839, succeeded Mr. Hatch, and, at the close of the first year, reported a Sunday-school, with twenty four officers and teachers, one hundred and eleven scholars, and three hundred volumes in the library.

Mr. Fuller stayed two years, and reported the number of members of the church at two hundred and one. He was succeeded by Rev. Eleazer Smith.

About this time the Second Advent or Miller ex- citement, manifested itself, threatening the interests of the church. In a Quarterly Conference, April 15, 1843, it was "Voted that those brethren who sustain meetings abroad are requested to refrain ; if not, they are invited respectfully to withdraw from the church," and G. W. Wilson, E. Clark, A. M. Billings and others immediately withdrew. At the close of his second year Mr. Smith reported two hundred and ninety members of the church.

The New Hampshire Annual Conference-then including Vermont as well as this State-met at Claremont, for the first time, in June, 1843. The public services were held in the town hall. "On the Sabbath an immense audience assembled, fill- ing not only the town hall, but the grounds about it. The venerable Bishop Waugh, standing on a platform erected for that purpose at the south door, proclaimed with masterly effect, in behalf of the ministry, ' We preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord.'"

Mr. Smith was succeeded in 1843 by Rev. Elihu Scott. "His first year's pastorate was greatly in- jured by the desolating influence of Millerism, defections in the membership multiplying so that he reported but one hundred and eighty members at the close of that year." At the end of his sec-

ond year, Millerism having collapsed, Mr. Scott reported two hundred members of the church.

At the close of Mr. Scott's term the Quarterly Conference, having tested the station system, "Voted to request the bishop to form CI remont Station into a circuit, by adding one or more towns, and to send two or more preachers." But the ex- perience of a year or two under this plan reversed the request, and Claremont has since remained a station.

In 1845 Rev. Silas Quimby succeeded Mr. Scott, and at the end of the year reported the member- ship at two hundred and thirty-three. Rev. Jus- tin Spaulding succeeded Mr. Quimby, remaining one year, and was succeeded by Rev. Jacob Stevens, in 1847, remaining on the charge about three-quarters of the year, when he retired on ac- count of poor health, and the year was filled out by Rev. Matthew Newhall, a supernumerary preacher. This year the Quarterly Conference "Voted to adopt a number of resolutions against the circus soon to be exhibited in this place." It also voted to admit " a seraphim in the gallery."

Rev. Joseph C. Cromack was the next preacher During his pastorate the church bought the house on Pleasant Street, now owned and occupied by Dr. F. C. Wilkinson, for a parsonage. In 1850 Rev. Lewis Howard succeeded Mr. Cromack, and in 1851 the Quarterly Conference ordered twenty- five dollars to be " paid to Jonathan Miner for leading the singing." On February 23, 1852, the society "Voted to build a new meeting-house, and that Samuel Tutherly be a committee to obtain subscriptions. Plans for the house were presented and adopted, and, at a meeting on March 6th, it was "Voted that the rent of pews go toward the preaching ;" and, at another meeting, a week later, " T. Sanford, S. Tutherly and James Sperry were made a committee to dispose of the old meeting- house and lot, purchase a new lot, raise subscrip- tions and build a new meeting-house." This committee was also authorized to sell the parsonage, and the trustees were directed to hold the funds arising from that sale until they could build or purchase another, which was to be done within six

HISTORY OF SULLIVAN COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

years. "The trustees were also authorized to use the money arising from the sale of the parsonage in the new church, with the interest of it to go for house-rent for the preacher." F. A. Henry and E. E. Bailey were added to the building committee; subscriptions to the amount of $2,484.50 were soon obtained ; the old meeting-house was sold for $650, and the parsonage for $1,191; a new church- lot was purchased on Central Street ; a new meet- ing-house was erected, which, with furnishings, cost $5,601.76 The new " church was dedicated to the service of Almighty God, January 25, 1853, by Bishop Ormon C. Baker." During the building of the new meeting-house, and up to 1854, Rev. John Mclaughlin was the preacher. The mem- bership at the elose of his pastorate numbered two hundred and eighty one.

Mr. Mclaughlin was succeeded by Rev. Fred- erick A. Hewes, whose pastorate, for two years, was quite successful, and the church and society were strong and prosperous. The second session of the New Hampshire Conference was held in Claremont, in May, 1856, presided over by Bishop E S. Janes. The Conference sermon was deliv- ered by Rev. Elihu Scott, a former pastor. Rev. W. F. Evans succeeded to the pastorate in 1856. During his pastorate the debt that had remained on the church since its dedication was fully paid.

Mr. Evans was succeeded, in 1858, by Rev. O. H. Jasper, D.D., a popular and powerful preacher, during whose pastorate of two years mueh good was accomplished. In 1860, Rev. R. S. Stubbs took the place of Mr. Jasper. At the annual meeting of the society, 1860, it was voted that the church be lighted with gas; and "Eli Smith was requested to furnish and take charge of singing, at his discretion, either in the gallery or in the congregation." In 1862, Mr. Stubbs was suc- ceeded by Rev. H. H. Hartwell. During his first year the Sunday school increased from two hundred to two hundred and ninety-two, and the Sunday-school library numbered over a thousand volumes. The membership at the close of his second year, was reported at three hundred and twenty-four. Rev. S G. Kellogg followed Mr.

Hartwell in 1864. He preached here three years, in which time he preached three hundred and eighty sermons, attended sixty-nine funerals, and baptized eighty-one persons.

In 1867, Mr. Kellogg was succeeded by Rev. D. C. Babcock. After a few months' service, he accepted the secretaryship of the New Hampshire State Temperance League, and Rev. C. W. Mil- ler supplied the remainder of the year. In 1868 Rev. S. P. Heath came and remained here two years, which " were crowned with substantial sue- cess." Following Mr. Heath came Rev. H. L. Kelsey, in 1870. During the years 1870 and 1871, a new, handsome two-story parsonage house was built on a lot adjoining the meeting-house lot, on Central Street, under the direction of Hon. C. H. Eastman, chairman of the board of trustees, assisted by Mr. Kelsey. The job was contracted to George H. Stevens for two thousand seven hun- dred dollars for house, barn and well. On the completion of the job, Mr. Stevens was paid some- thing in addition for extra work. The ladies of the church furnished the new house with carpets, stoves, tables, etc.

In 1873, Rev. N M. Bailey succeeded Mr. Kelsey, and continued here for two years, with marked success. During his pastorate "it ap- pears that two women were elected on the board of stewards,-Mrs. Ann Perkins and Mrs Melissa Fitch. They served five years, resigning in 1879, in spite of all efforts to retain them." In 1875, Rev. E. R. Wilkins eame in place of Mr. Bailey. " During his pastorate of three years, the people were pleased with him, and he with the people. His indefatigable pastoral labors were greatly appreciated." In 1878, Rev. Daniel Stevenson, D.D., succeeded Mr. Wilkins. " His sermons were of a high order." In the summer of 1879 he resigned his charge, and accepted a re-transfer to the Kentucky Conference, from which he had come to the New Hampshire Conference four years before. He entered on the presideney of the Augusta Seminary and Female College. Rev. M. V. B. Knox, of the South Kansas Conference, who was recuperating in Northern Vermont, was

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secured to fill out the remainder of the year. During the year 1879, Mrs. Julia A. D. East- man, widow of Hon. C. H. Eastman, to carry out an expressed wish of her late husband, donated the money (one thousand five hundred dollars) to erect a memorial chapel, sixty-one by thirty-nine feet, and paid for carpet and other furnishings, at a cost of about two hundred and fifty dollars more. It joins the church on the northeast cor- ner, and contains a vestry capable of seating two hundred and fifty people, large parlor, library and vestibule. It was dedicated December 22, 1880, by Presiding Elder George J. Judkins.

In 1881 the Annual Conference was again held in Claremont, meeting April 20th. “Bishop Thomas Bowman presided with marked ability and success." Mr. Knox continued his pastorate until 1882, and was succeeded by Rev. Henry Dorr. During his first year here Mr. Dorr met with a serious accident. He was thrown from his carriage, injuring his foot or ankle so badly as to render amputation between the knee and foot necessary. In 1885 Rev. G. M. Curl succeeded Mr. Dorr.

JUNCTION CAMP-MEETING GROUNDS .-- In 1871 the subject of securing permanent camp-meeting grounds for the Springfield, Vt., and Claremont, N. H., Methodist Conference Districts, began to be agitated. A preliminary meeting of commit- tees of those districts was held at Dr. O. B. Way's office in Claremont, on January 2, 1872. Rev. James Pike was chosen chairman, and Dr. Way, Secretary. A camp-meeting convention, consist- ing of all the preachers of the two districts, and one layman, from each charge, was held at Clare- mont Junction, June 2, 1872. Rev. James Pike was chosen chairman ; Rev. P. Wallingford, sec- retary, and Rev. J. H. Hillman, assistant secre- tary. Grounds of William Ellis, William Jones and D. Cauy, near the junction, were examined and purchases ordered.

The first permanent officers consisted of the following gentlemen : President, Rev. James Pike, D. D .; Vice-President, Rev. J. W. Guernsey ; Secretary, Rev. Philander Wallingford ; Treas-

urer, Dr. O. B. Way ; Executive Committee, H. H. Howe, A. L. Jones, A. C. Davenport, Rev. H. W. Worthen, Rev. H. L. Kulsy. The first camp- meeting was held there the last week in Septem- ber, 1873. The ground had been cleared of trees and other obstructions, seats built, a preachers' stand erected, and several portly cottages were put up by societies and individuals. Good water has been brought to the grounds, and other im- provements have been made from year to year, so that it is quite an attractive place. Camp-meetings have been held there each year since 1873.

FIRST UNIVERSALIST CHURCH .- From a manu- al, prepared by the present pastor, Rev. Lee S. M'Collester, and published in 1853, the following facts in relation to this church are gathered :

" The object of the formation of this church is the cultivation of Faith, Hope and Charity in our own hearts; the diffusion of gospel truth and light among our fellow-men ; and a systematic application of Christianity in our daily life."

There was occasional Universalist preaching in Claremont as early as 1824, by such eminent clergymen as Revs. Russell Streeter, Otis Skinner, Samuel Willis, Samuel C. Loveland, John Moore and others. The services were then and for several succeeding years held in the hall of the Sul- livan House. The church ever since occupied by this society was built and dedicated on the morn- ing of Wednesday, October 24, 1832. Rev. W. S. Balch was then the settled pastor. The services were conducted by the pastor, “assisted by Revs. T. F. King, J. Gilman, and John Moore, and formed the opening meeting of the first New Hampshire State Convention of Universalists ever held. This convention had its regular or- ganizing session in the afternoon of the day of the dedication, and continued through Thurs- day."

" The first organization of the church occurred during Mr. Balch's settlement, probably about 1834. In March, 1836, Mr. Balch resigned and the following November was succeeded by Rev. J. G. Adams, who continued here fifteen months." Rev. John Nichols immediately followed Mr.

HISTORY OF SULLIVAN COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

Adams and remained here until 1843. Rev. R. S. Sanborn followed Mr. Adams, and was imme- diately succeeded in July, 1844, by Rev. O. H. Tillotson, who remained one year. Rev. Samuel Willis was settled in May, 1845, and remained about five years, during which special attention was given to Sunday-school work and to the per- fection of the organization of the church. Ac- cording to the records, "The form of church government contained in the Universalists' Guide, was adopted December 7, 1845, as the Constitution of the Universalist Church, of Claremont." Mr. Willis closed his pastorate in the fall of 1849. For the next few months the pulpit was supplied by Revs. A. A. Miner, O. H. Tillotson, W. S. Balch and Mr. Clark. Rev. J. D. Pierce was settled in February, 1850, and continued until May, 1855, and for about a year and a half the church was without a regular pastor, the pulpit being supplied by Revs. H. A. Philbrook, S. A. Spencer and some others, and by lay reading.

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History of Cheshire and Sullivan counties, New Hampshire, Part 108

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) Publication date: 1886 Publisher: Philadelphia : J. W. Lewis Number of Pages: 1200

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton)
Publication date: 1886
Publisher: Philadelphia : J. W. Lewis
Number of Pages: 1200