History of Cheshire and Sullivan counties, New Hampshire, Part 40

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 40
USA > New Hampshire > Cheshire County > History of Cheshire and Sullivan counties, New Hampshire > Part 40

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).

In our town measures were taken before its incorporation towards building a meeting-house.

The people felt the necessity of having a Sab- bath home where they could assemble to wor- ship God unitedly. Scattered settlers in a wilderness, as well as voyagers far out upon the ocean, can but feel dependent and desirous of expressing their religious emotions at proper times and in suitable places to Him who holds them in His loving embrace. So, as early as 1770, a spot was selected as near the centre of the town as possible, and the first church edifice in Marlborough was raised. It was fifty by forty feet on the ground, and high posted. At that raising there must have been a jolly time, for more than a barrel of the over-joyful was drunk. Then it was thought men could not build nor preach well without their "toddy." About this period a grant of land was set apart for the support of the ministry, and another grant for the first settled minister ; but these were in an unimproved state, and situated near the meeting-house. This house was simply raised the first year, and roofed the next ; and before anything further was done to it, a religious ser- vice was held in it. The outside was not boarded till 1774, and it was not furnished with glass windows and hinged doors till 1790, when it was regarded complete, though at this time it had no chimney nor steeple. To accomplish this work many severe struggles and much self- sacrifice had been required. They evidently, however, felt richly compensated as they assem- bled in that sacred place, offering up prayer and praise to God. It was not supplied with stoves till 1823. Its belfry was added in 1834, and the first bell of the town pealed out from its lofty tower its strong, clear tones, for many years marking the hour of noon, calling the people to the seasons of worship, tolling the departure of those having "crossed the river" and the march to the tomb.

The old meeting-house, if it has disappeared, still lives in the memories of many. It was truly the first meeting-house of our native town. Do you not sce it in imagination, on the hill, with its broad, open common, its long row of

243

MARLBOROUGH.

horse-sheds and its thickly-crowded city of the dead ? It was well lighted within. How the pulpit, standing on the north side, towered above floor and even gallery! The old sound- ing-board hung from the ceiling above it, and close underneath was the deacon's pew, with the communion table. Those box-pews, with their movable seats and high partitions, furnished with open work at the top toward the aisles, were quaint indeed, and would be curiosities to-day. Then those long front-gallery seats on three sides, backed by those elevated pews, would look strange to the young of the present age. But that church used to be crowded with worshippers. The staid people occupied the seats below, the large choir those in front above ; the single men those on the west, and the un- married women on the east ; and the boys and girls took possession of the highest pews when they could, for in those they were mostly out of sight of minister and all the worshippers below. What long and forcible sermons were wont to be preached from the pulpit! and what tremendous singing came down and went up from that gallery ! How the young folks often sported in those pews, and the hard-working and aged nodded as the minister preached an hour or an hour and a half long! The people demanded these protracted services morning and afternoon ; and for years they endured them, even in the winter, without any artificial heat save what might come from a few foot- stoves. During the time between the services the men would converse in squads by the horse- sheds, and the women would assemble in parties among the pews, and then politics, religion and business matters would be discussed ! But the memories of that old church are sacred, and should always remain so. No doubt the pros- perity of our town is largely indebted to the early worship in that sacred place.

However, so long as the people of the town were taxed for the support of preaching, the religious progress was disturbed every now and then. They wanted liberty of conscience in

spiritual as well as in civil affairs. They nat- urally differed as to doctrines. Some were Calvinists, some Arminians and others Arians ; and the ministers strongly felt, at times, it would be no more than right that their views should be preached-occasionally, at least-in the old church.

Now in 1819 a State law was enacted which met the demands, giving to the legal voters the privilege to decide how and when their ministe- rial tax should be paid. This encouraged the different sects in town to assert their rights, and for each to claim the old meeting-house a por- tion of the Sabbaths for religious worship. Accordingly, a division was made, in keeping with the wishes of the people, and, in 1835, the proportion stood as follows for the year : Unitarians, one and two-third days; Baptists, six and two-third days; Methodists, ten and one-third ; Congregationalists, thirteen ; Uni- versalists, twenty and one-half. This method did not work well, for it tended to defeat the permanent settlement of a minister, and oc- casionally resulted in having no service in the church on Sunday.

In 1778 the first minister, Rev. Joseph Cum- mings, of Topsfield, Mass., was settled in town. He was a graduate from Harvard University, and came well recommended. Still, at his in- stallment, some of the brethren chose to conse- crate him to the Gospel work here, hesitated and questioned the propriety of so doing from certain discoveries brought out during his ex- amination. Still, he was settled on a salary of $133.33 annually. But before the end of the first year some disturbances arose; however, a few members were added to the church, and several children were baptized. But people and pastor were dissatisfied with each other, and December 1, 1780, Mr. Cummings was for- mally dismissed. But after this he brought an action against the town for certain damages, and recovered some two hundred dollars. This controversy proved a great injury to religious growth in town, and for a few years the people

244

HISTORY OF CHESHIRE COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

did not seem disposed to settle another minister. However, during this period, supplies were fur- nished by Revs. J. Dammon, John Ramming- ton, Elijah Leonard, Caleb Blake, Ebenezer Hill and Solomon Adams. Either of the last two the town and church would have been glad to settle.

In 1792 Rev. Holloway Fish, of Upton, Mass., preached on trial, was called, and settled the same year as a Calvinist-Congregational minister. Mr. Fish was a native of Upton, a graduate from Dartmouth College in 1790. He was a fair scholar, of a serious turn of mind, and exemplary in his daily walk. He was plain and positive in his preaching. He enjoyed the confidence of his people generally. Dur- ing his pastorate of some thirty years, one hun- dred and seventy-eight were added to the church, and three hundred and three children were baptized. Mr. Fish died in town Septem- ber 1, 1824, aged sixty-two years, and was buried in the cemetery by the old meeting- house.

At his death a separation took place between the town and church, and a new organization was made and denominated "The First Evan- gelical Congregational Society of Marlborough." At its inception thirty-seven men affixed their names to the constitution.

In 1825 this new church gave a call to Rev. Salmon Bennett to settle with them, which was accepted on a salary of three hundred dollars a year. He was soon installed, and continued as their pastor for five years, and increased the church by twenty-five new members.

After the dismission of Mr. Bennett, Rev. Erastus Curtis ministered to this church for one year, and it was without any pastor till 1835. But during this interim their organi- zation was changed, and, dispensing with the previous name, they assumed that of the Trini- tarian Congregational Society of Marlborough.

In 1833 this organization voted to build a meeting-house exclusively for their own use. The money was raised by subscription. It was

with some difficulty that a site for the building was decided upon; but the one was selected where it now stands, and the new church edifice was completed and dedicated October 29, 1834. At this time there were but few houses in the village, and the members of the church in the south part of the town found it hard to become reconciled to its present location. Nevertheless, this prejudice gradually wore away, and all at length were led to feel it was pleasantly and for- tunately situated.

In 1835, Rev. Moses G. Grovenor was set- tled over this church. He was a man of ability and great will-force. He was a graduate from Dartmouth College and Andover Theological Seminary. His sermons exhibited study and originality. In delivery he was animated and at times eloquent. His pastorate lasted five years ; during this time thirty-two members were added to the church. He was a good- looking and appearing minister. His very presence implied that he was master of the sit- uation, whether in or out of the pulpit. He married, for his second wife, Miss Hannah D. Jones, a native of this town, and a graduate from Mount Holyoke Seminary. He died in Boston in 1879.

In 1840, Rev. Giles Lyman was installed as pastor over this church. He was graduated from Amherst College in 1827, and from An- dover Theological Seminary in 1831. He ranked high in his academic and professional studies. By nature he was reserved and diffi- dent; not robust physically, but regular and abstemious in his habits, so that he enjoyed such a degree of health as to enable him to ful- fill his duties. As a sermonizer, he was system- atic and careful in his thoughts and expression. His rhetoric was superior to his oratory. As a pastor, he was true and faithful, doing all in his power to bless his people. As a citizen, he was much respected and deeply interested in the schools and the general welfare of the town. For years he served on the School Board. He con- tinued his ministry here for twenty-eight years,

245

MARLBOROUGHI.

and during this time his church was blest with an increase of one hundred and thirty-eight mem- bers. Of course, many in his church and in the town passed away during his long pastorate. But he was a true friend to the sick and the afflicted. He was loyal to his church and creed, doing his best to render the world wiser and better. His chief concern was, as he ex- pressed it, to save souls. He was remarkably favored in his married relations, having a gifted and devoted helpmate in his Christian work. Mrs. Lyman was really a brilliant woman, in- fusing good cheer into the hearts of all with whom she wrought. The memory of Mr. and Mrs. Lyman will always remain sacred in the town of Marlborough. He departed this life in 1872.

His immediate successor here was Rev. Henry H. Underwood, but he ministered to this people only some seven months.

In 1869, Rev. Silas P. Cook preached on trial for a short period, and then was settled with a great unanimity of feeling on the part of the society, but at his own request he was dis- missed the following year. He was regarded. as a young man of ability and promise.

In 1870, Rev. John L. Merrill was called to this church and installed as its pastor the fol- lowing year. He is a native of Haverhill, this State. He was graduated from Dartmouth Col- lege in 1856, at the age of twenty-three, and afterwards went through a divinity course in Princeton Theological Seminary. He made a good record in both of these institutions. Soon after leaving the seminary he was settled in Chanceford, Pa., where he continued his labors successfully for five years. Then for a year he was principal of the combined High Schools of Lancaster City, Pa. In 1866 he accepted a call to settle over the Congregational Church of Ac- worth, N. II., where he labored for four years with great success, till he was settled in Marlborough, where he is still endeavoring to do faithful ser- vice to his church. He believes in progress ; however, he would not be classed with the new

school of theology. He is strictly evangelical and thoroughly Presbyterian in his views. He so writes, preaches and lives as to be highly re- spected by his followers.

Mr. Merrill has shown himself a real friend to the cause of education, having given consider- able time to the schools in town, and been a prominent factor in making improvements in methods and management.

He has been an earnest advocate of temper- ance and other reforms. He has largely iden- tified himself with the interests of the town for the past fifteen years. During his ministry here extensive improvements have been made in his own chureh edifice, and a chapel vestry has been secured. His church has seemed to pros- per under his leadership.

The Congregational is the strongest church in town, representing the largest membership and the most wealth. They have a good brick church edifice, and a convenient and pleasant parsonage.

THE METHODIST CHURCH. - The first Methodist preaching in town was at the house of Daniel Emerson, in 1793, by the Rev. John Hill. Mr. Emerson was a Methodist by nature, and could not be satisfied with any other doc- trine or mode of worship. So he was ready to make self-sacrifices and do all in his power to introduce what to him seemed the best expres- sion of Christianity. History implies that the first Methodist preaching in the State was in this town. It is said that after that first meet- ing it was not long before there were several of the most respectable familes in Marlborough and adjoining towns formed themselves into a class and quite a number soon became members of this church, constituting the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Marlborough. At this time the Emersons, the Herricks, the Russells, the Richardsons, the Wakefields, Metcalfs and Whites were among the most active workers. The meetings were held in private houses for some time. They had frequent revivals, and their numbers were greatly increased. As they

246

HISTORY OF CHESHIRE COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

had not a minister settled among them, they appointed one of their own members for a given time to lead them. Alfred Metcalf, Ebenezer Herrick, Ebenezer Wallingford, Abner Russell and others served in this capacity.

In 1842 a meeting-house was built at Pot- tersville (now West Harrisville), being consid- ered the most central place, as the Methodists then were situated. This was a decided achievement, for hitherto they had been obliged to hold their Quarterly Meetings in barns and groves. Regular Sunday services were now held in this church, and the Methodist cause advanced rapidly. Meetings continued to be held here till 1859, when Rev. Thomas L. Fowler was supplying this people with preach- ing; it was decided to hold the meetings on the Sabbath half of the time in the Baptist Church at the village, which was then unoccu- pied. This proved to be a fortunate movement, for the population had concentrated largely into the village, diminishing the number of inhabi- tants in the vicinity of Pottersville, and creating a demand for Methodist meetings where most of the people resided. Accordingly, steps were soon taken to purchase the Baptist Church, and with success; so that the meetings were held all the time in the village. The meeting-house at Pottersville was sold and a parsonage was built in the village, giving this church superior advan- tages to what it had heretofore enjoyed. Thence- forth it experienced a gradual growth. It has sustained regular services on the Sabbath, and become a power among the other churches for good. Its preachers, for the most part, have been efficient ministers, doing excellent work for the church and the people generally. Among some of its earlier itinerant preachers were the famous Lorenzo Dow, Bishop Hed- dling and Martin Reuter, who became a college president ; and among those assigned to this charge, laboring for a year or more, whose namesare especially cherished, are Revs. Samuel S. Dudley, Ira Carter, Thomas L. Fowler, - Cole and - Dockerell. With scarcely an ex- among the first to move in this direction, and

ception, the many pastors over this church have been loyal to the temperance cause, and truly interested in the public schools and the common interests of the town.

Every Christian Church seems to have a di- vine appointment and a special mission to ful- fill. Thus it is with the Methodists. By its zeal, devotion and perseverance, it has taken marvelous strides, and accomplished in a given time what no other church has ever achieved. In little more than a century it has come to sur- pass any other Protestant sect in its number of communicants and Sunday-school scholars. It consecrates some two new church edifices every day in the year. While all Christians cannot be Methodists, any more than all the stars can become planets, or all the flowers dahlias, still all must rejoice at the grand Christian work they are achieving and wish them a hearty " God speed !"

THE BAPTIST CHURCH .- Among the earliest settlers of the town there were those who were of the Baptist persuasion, and previous to its incorporation Baptist meetings were occasionally held at private houses. It was not popular then to be a Baptist, and only those who were strong in the faith could endure the contumely that was often heaped upon them. But the sincere and thoughtful in heart and mind are quite certain to succeed in the end. Thus it was with these Christians. Their early leader was Elder Joseph Cummings, who was a man of moral fortitude and mental strength. Like Moses leading the children of Israel, he bid his followers "go forward," and they were obedient to the command. They were zealous in trying to have the town release them from helping support that form of worship which was not most congenial to their hearts. They persisted in this, with others, till they gained their object. After the meeting-house was built then they felt it would be no more than right that they should have the privilege of occupying it a portion of the time. They were

247

MARLBOROUGH.

did not desist from their purpose until suceess crowned their efforts. But after this, perhaps on account of location, several of the leading famlies went to Pottersville to worship, because a strong Baptist society-for those times-had been established there. For years Elder Charles Cummings and the venerated Elder Willard proclaimed the Gospel to the hosts that used to assemble from Sabbath to Sabbath in the old yellow meeting-house, which stood on the hill in Pottersville. These ministers preached as they were moved by the Spirit. Certainly it was with power and demonstration. They seldom failed to pound their Bibles sufficiently to keep their hearers wide-awake. In this old church was started one of the first Sunday- schools in New Hampshire. The text-book used in all the classes was the Bible. Then what an occasion it was to go forth to the river, not far off, to witness and experience a bap- tismal scene! It was usually made solemn and expressive of joy. They thoroughly believed that in thus doing they were being baptized as was their Lord and Master.

But after the Old Harbor had become quite. a village, and the number of this faith had largely increased in town, in 1843, a Baptist edifice was built in the village. At this period and afterwards this church was very prosperous. Though its members did not represent great wealth, still they were earnest in their religious work. They preached and they sang with the Spirit. Among their ministers we forget not the Elder Charles Cummings, who was ad- vanced in years at that time. How venerable he looked as he stood in the pulpit ! His voice was expressive of a good heart, and his thoughts of a strong mind. He preached because he had something to say. The old and young loved Elder Cummings because he loved them. He went home rich to heaven, having laid up great treasures while on the earth. Another gifted preacher was Rev. A. L. Danforth. He was settled in the town some four years. As a writer, he was free and easy, strong and original

in thought, forcible and pleasing in delivery. He was graduated from Middleburg College and Newton Theological Seminary. He de- parted this life a few years after leaving Marl- borough. Still another minister who won the hearts of his people was Rev. Charles Clarke. He was a close student and more than an average preacher. He was thoroughly inter- ested in every good cause and lent his influence for the right, fearless of consequences. His example is worthy to be followed and his name to be always cherished. Other able and efficient ministers served this people. At length reverses came to them through deaths and removals, so that they were unable to support stated preaching and finally were reduced to such a degree that their church-doors were per- manently closed. Possibly this church had fulfilled its mission. At least, it had accom- plished a good work. Many of its worshippers had been among the best people. If some of the earliest Separatists, or Baptists, in town, were opposed and persecuted, the latest have been respected and honored.

THE UNIVERSALIST CHURCH .- Among the early settlers of Marlborough there were a few who believed in the final restitution of all souls ; and near the beginning of the present century there was occasional preaching of this faith, but a record of the society reaches no farther back than 1805, at which time a constitution was framed. Previous to this period the laws of the State had not recognized Universalists as Christians, or allowed them the privileges of other religious bodies. To be a Universalist in those days required not a little moral forti- tude. But those true to conviction never go back on themselves. They feel to be on the Lord's side and are steadfast,-if men do cen- sure and ridicule,-following the call bidding them " come up higher." Of course there were and are some in this communion, as well as in all others, who profess to believe the faith, but fail to live it, thereby proving that they are not its disciples and should never be regarded as

248

HISTORY OF CHESHIRE COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

its representatives. There is no other Chris- tian test than the one that the Master gave, " By their fruits ye shall know them."

In 1816 the first constitution was revised. The meetings previous to this had been held in private buildings, and mostly in the house of Lieutenant Oliver Wright, near the old meet- ing-house. Among the earliest preachers of this faith in town were Revs. E. Paine, Elhanan Winchester, Zebulon and AAdam Streeter. When this society came to share with others in oc- cupsing the meeting-house, it had more frequent and stated services. Among the noted men who preached here about this time were Hosea Ballou, Sr., Thomas Whittemore, D.D., I D. Williamson, D.D., Revs. Sebastian and Russell Streeter.

In 1835, Rev. J. V. Wilson reorganized the society, and it numbered forty members, and this was but a small proportion of those who were wont to worship with this people. Their first Sunday-school was started at this time, and they also seeured a library of some seventy volumes, treating of moral, historical and re- ligious themes.

The tendeney of the town now was towards the village. This was true of religious as well as seenlar affairs. AAccordingly, this society began to hold meetings in the school-house in the village. This continued for some years, but the members so increased that more room was demanded, and in 1851 a wooden church was built by Asa Greenwood and others. Mr. Greenwood was a leading factor in this enter- prise. The house was dedicated the succeeding year, Rev. Lemuel Willis preaching the sermon of consceration. Most of the pews were at once sold to individuals, and the rest were given at length to the Ladies' Society, connected with the church. Thus the Universalists possessed a convenient and pleasant Sunday home, most favorably sitnated. From this time on they grew as never before. They were now able to hold services every Sabbath. Their Sunday- school was revived. When there should chance

to be a minister wanting, a lay-service would be held on the Sabbath.

Rev. Edwin Davis, a native of Marlborough, was the first settled minister in the new church. He so worked that it could never be said of him, " A man is not without honor save in his own country." After him came Rev. Warren A. Bassett, a young man of sterling qualities as to head and heart. He was suffered to minis- ter to this people only about a year before a fatal disease caused his departure to the higher life, leaving the sweetest memories to all who had known him. Rev. Judson Fisher was his successor, who proved himself an able and worthy Christian teacher. After him, Rev. Truman A. Jackson supplied the pulpit for one year, who afterwards gave his life in behalf of his country. Then Rev. H. P. Osgood served this church as their leader for six years. He gave them good sermons and identified himself with the general interests of the town.

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.

History of Cheshire and Sullivan counties, New Hampshire, Part 40

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