USA > New Hampshire > Coos County > History of Coos County, New Hampshire > 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
Mr. Buxton did not remain long in Lancaster. He was followed by Rev. C. W. Richardson, and he, by a young man of brilliant talents named Burke. During his pastorate the new church was built. The committee for building and the selling of the pews was composed of three men, Gen. John Willson, Presbury West, and Solomon Hemmingway. The church was erected in 1839, and Mr. Burke preached the dedication sermon. His health failing, Mr. Burke was forced to abandon preaching. Rev. Clark Perry was here in 1842. His health, also, was poor, and he did not remain long.
Several attempts were made to make an amicable adjustment of the differences between the old and new churches, the old church taking the initiative at a meeting held March 16, 1837, by choosing E. E. Spaulding and A. N. Brackett a committee to confer with the new church and form a union with them if possible.
[After the record of this meeting, we find an entry in the handwriting of Rev. David Perry, evidently written after his election as clerk, January 5, 1844, reading thus: "Here closes the records of the chh, so far as the present clerk has knowledge, till just before the settlement of the present pastor." He, however, has recorded the invitation of the church to him to become its pastor, dated April 14, 1843; his reply of acceptance of May +, 1843; and the important action of the church in the interest of union with the old church. Nothing officially correct can be given concerning the church from 1836 to 1843.]
November 20, 1843. a regularly appointed meeting of the church was held in conjunction with the original (old) church, as an effort to bring the two churches together on a plan expressed in these resolutions :-
" Resolved, 1. That we deeply deplore the division and consequent alienation of feeling among those in this place who profess love to the Savior, and are, in principle, Congregationalists.
306
HISTORY OF COOS COUNTY.
" Resolved, 2. That to evince our sincere desire for the restoration of peace and christian feel- ing, on honorable and christian princip'es, we hereby certify our willingness to disband the church organization, to which we respectively belong, and submit, if necessary, the principles on which a new organization shall be formed, to a council mutually chosen."
All of the members of the old church expressed themselves in favor of this plan; forty-nine of the new church were also in favor of it, but seven were inflexibly opposed to it. After a full discussion G. Wilder and R. Dearth were appointed a committee of the new church, to confer with Seth Savage and John Mason, a committee of the old church. to see if any- thing more could be done to restore harmony and peace between the churches. The joint committee was empowered to adopt any course deemed by it proper and expedient. After much discussion the committee called a clerical council for advice. This council advised that a confession of faith and covenant which they drew up. should be proposed to the members of the old church, and that the signatures of those who approved of them be obtained; that the articles, etc., then be adopted by the new church as theirs; and that in their adoption by the new, all from the old church who have approved of them, be incorporated into church relation with them. It further proposed that those members who desire it, obtain letters of dismissal and recommendation from the old for the same object, and that the members of each body exercise a kind, conciliatory, and peaceful spirit toward each other.
"NEW ARTICLES OF FAITH: Art. 1. We believe in the existence of one only living and true God; a Being possessed of every natural and moral perfection; the Creator, Preserver, and Gov- ernor of the universe.
" Art. 2. We believe that this Being has made a revelation of his will to man; that the Script- ures of the Old and New Testaments are this revelation, and are the only and sufficient rule of faith and practice.
"Art. 3. We believe that in these Scriptures there is revealed a distinction in the Godhead of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, and that this distinction, though incomprehensible to us, is yet per- fectly consistent with the unity of the Divine Being.
"Art. 4. We believe that God created man a free moral agent, that in the first exercise of this agency he was holy; that by transgression he fell from this state of holiness, and as a consequence, all men are, by nature, entirely destitute of true love to God, and under sentence of condemnation.
"Art. 5. We believe that God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son to re- deem men from this state; and that by his sufferings and death, he made an atonement sufficient for their salvation.
"Art. 6. We believe that this salvation is freely offered to all on condition of repentance toward God, and of faith in Jesus Christ; but that with one consent men naturally and wickedly reject it.
"Art. 7. We believe that it is the office of the Holy Spirit to bring men to accept the salvation thus offered and rejected; and that while all experience his strivings, so that they are without ex- cuse, only a portion of mankind are renewed and brought to Christ by his agency.
"Art. 8. We believe that those who are renewed and united to Christ, are kept by the power of God, through faith unto salvation.
"Art. 9. We believe that Christ has a visible Church, with which it is the duty of all, who pro- fess to have been born again, to unite; and also that he has appointed the ordinances, baptism and
307
TOWN OF LANCASTER.
the Lord's Supper, -the latter to be observed by the regular church members at stated seasons; the former to be administered to believers and their households.
"Art. 10. We believe in the divine appointment of the christian Sabbath, to be observed as holy time.
"Art. 11. We believe in the resurrection of the dead, and in a general judgment, from which the wicked shall go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into life eternal."
These articles of faith were adopted, December 29, 1843, at an appointed meeting, and sixteen members of the old church were added to the new organization. Seven of the new church members were highly aggrieved by this change of creed, among them Deacon William Farrar (who resigned his office as deacon January 5, 1844, ) and Horace Whitcomb. They, how- ever, later came into full harmony and connection. Rev. David Perry was dismissed January 20, 1847. He was an energetic man, with a good spice of self-appreciation in his nature, but his efforts were always in the direc- tion of peace and unity. His was a good pastorate for the church. In February and March, 1847, Rev. Stephen A. Barnard supplied the pulpit several Sabbaths, and an engagement was made with him to be the pastor for one year. He commenced his labors May 9, 1847. During Mr. Bar- nard's pastorate quite a number were added to the church. Up to this time the church had simply been an ecclesiastical body, with no legal organization or powers. It could not hold property, could not make or enforce a contract, consequently the payment of the clergymen devolved upon the voluntary gifts of the benevolent. Those who were desirous of paying the pastor by a legal assessment of the salary on those attendant on his ministrations, were in consultation with Mr. Barnard concerning the formation of a church society, and, as many of these held liberal theolog- ical views, the orthodox members became fearful of an attempt to "cap- ture " the church, and forestalled such an attempt by taking action in that direction themselves, and July 16, 1852, at a meeting held at the store of J. W. Lovejoy, it was voted to take measures to organize an " orthodox " society, which was accomplished July 30, 1852 Porter G. Freeman was chosen chairman, J. W. Lovejoy, clerk. All members of the church pres- ent signed the written articles drawn up for the purpose; and the notice of the meeting was printed, according to law, in a newspaper (Coos County Democrat). The society was organized as " The Orthodox C'on- gregational Church Society." with these members: Gilman Wilder, P. G. Freeman, Charles Baker, H. Whitcomb, Seth Adams, J. W. Clark, Roswell Carleton, C. W. Roby, Daniel Stebbins, Seth Savage, J W. Love- joy, J. F. Freeman. R. L. Adams, N. G. Stickney, Richard Smith, William Boswell. I. F. Allen. (Horace Whitcomb became society clerk in 1859, and held this office, and that of treasurer, for many years. )
Mr. Barnard remained pastor until May 29, 1833. March 17, 1854. Miss Ellen A. White and Mrs. Susan D. F. Cargill asked for certificates of membership that they might join the Unitarian church about to be organ-
308
HISTORY OF COOS COUNTY.
ized, and with which they would be more at home, although they had accepted the explanation of the Gospel given by Mr. Barnard. These were granted, and from this period the two classes of Congregationalists have no religious connection. At the same meeting Seth Adams was chosen deacon.
Rev. Isaac Weston supplied the pulpit from February, 1854, to Septem- ber 14. Nine persons were admitted to membership March 25, 1855, and a large number in 1856. All through the pastorate of Rev. Prescott Fay, which began in 1856, there was a steady growth. "Mr. Fay preached his last sermon, Sunday, June 21. 1865, after having been a faithful and effi- cient pastor for over nine years." Rev. Henry V. Emmons was installed pastor September 11, 1865, and June 5, 1868, rules were adopted for the government of the church, and an "executive " and an "advisory " com- mittee constituted: the former to consist of T. Stephenson, James F. Free- man, and the pastor and the two acting deacons as " ex-officio " members. The " advisory committee " was composed of ladies, and consisted of Mrs. Eastman, Mrs. Walker, Mrs. O. E. Freeman, Mrs. Underwood and Mrs. Edward Savage.
At the close of his fourth year of service Mr. Emmons resigned the pastorate, giving for his principal reasons the inadequacy of support, and the apparent coldness and lack of sympathy towards him on the part of the church. A strong feeling was manifested to retain Mr. Emmons as pastor, and a committee was appointed, consisting of Dea. Burton, Charles E. Allen, Oscar F. Bothell, Isaac F. Allen, Mrs. O. E. Freeman, Mrs. H. F. Holton and Mrs. G. O. Rogers, to procure subscriptions for the purpose of retaining Mr. Emmons a number of years more, as he had consented to remain a term of years, for a salary adequate for his support. October 7, 1869, the committee report that about $920 had been subscribed. On consultation with Mr. Emmons he said that "he could not agree to remain for one year only, but would remain for a series of years at a salary of $1.000, which would include the interest on the $1,300 loan and all ex- penses." October 14. the committee reported $978 subscribed, and the probability that the $1,000 could be raised, and it was voted to retain Mr. Emmons as pastor "on above conditions."
March 31, 1870, T. Stephenson and Hartford Sweet were chosen audi- tors of accounts. At an annual meeting, November 3, 1870, it was voted " that Gilman Wilder and Azro Burton as deacons, Turner Stephenson as clerk and Charles B. Allen as treasurer, retain their several named offices during the pleasure of the church, and until others are chosen in their places." T. Stephenson and James F. Freeman were chosen additional members of the executive committee; Mrs. R. P. Kent, Mrs. H. V. Em- mons, Mrs. Charles Plaisted, Mrs. Dwight Carleton and Mrs. T. Stephen- son chosen advisory committee. It was decided by quite a large major-
309
TOWN OF LANCASTER.
ity, November 2, 1871, on a proposition to have but one sermon each Sab- bath, that "there shall be tico sermons on each Sabbath as has been the custom." The annual meeting was held the same day, and William P. Freeman chosen assistant deacon to Deacon Gilman Wilder: T. Stephen- son, clerk; Charles B. Allen, treasurer; T. Stephenson and J. F. Freeman, members of executive committee: re-elected the advisory committee. February 29, 1872, Charles B. Allen was elected to the clerkship made vacant by the death of that faithful and useful brother, Turner Stephen- son. C. B. Allen is continued clerk and treasurer in 1873: Isaac F. Allen and J. F. Freeman placed on executive committee: Mrs. George O. Rogers substituted for Mrs. Stephenson on advisory committee; Deacon Brown. agent of N. H. Bible society, reports to the annual meeting that he had collected 844 from the society, which was now entitled to one life-member. ship. Deacon Seth Adams was then elected to the position. At the an- nual meeting. October 9, 1873, C. B. Allen was again chosen clerk and treasurer: I. F. Allen and J. F. Freeman continued on executive commit- tee; Mrs. H. F. Holton was chosen on advisory committee in place of Mrs. Rogers.
At a duly notified meeting called June 5, 1874, Rev. Mr. Emmons, on account of failing health, etc., tendered his resignation of the pastorate. The resignation was accepted, and he preached his farewell discourse July 5, 1874. Rev. C. E. Harrington was "called," and, at a council convened October 27. Mr. Emmons was dismissed, and Mr. Harrington installed. His salary was to be $1,000 a year and a parsonage, which a committee was chosen to procure. Mr. Emmons was much beloved, integrity and harmony marked the relations of pastor and people, and he was universally esteemed for his christian worth and gentle courtesy.
September 30, 1875, the clerk, treasurer and executive committee were re-elected for the ensuing year. The advisory committee was continued. with Mrs. R. P. Kent, Mrs. C. Plaisted, Mrs. S. D. Carleton, Mrs. H. F. Holton and Mrs. E. V. Cobleigh as members. A soliciting committee has now become a regular institution, and Deacon Burton, Deacon Wilder, Mrs. E. V. Cobleigh, Mrs. William P. Freeman, Mrs. E. R. Kent and Nelly Fletcher are made its members.
At the annual meeting. September 28, 1876, C. B. Allen was continued clerk, Charles Morse elected treasurer, Mrs. R. P. Kent, Mrs. Charles Plais- ted. Mrs. H. F. Holton, Mrs. S. B. Congdon, and Mrs. Richard Small, made the advisory committee. October 1, 1876, Azro Burton and W. P. Freeman were elected deacons. It was voted that. "the church rise dur- ing invocation, and bow during prayer; and to rise and face the pulpit during the second and third singing." January 7, 1877, the silver-plated communion service presented by R. P. Kent, Esq .. was used to-day for the first time. February 24, 1878, Rev. C. E. Harrington preached his fare-
310
HISTORY OF COOS COUNTY.
well sermon. He was dismissed by a council held February 26. In its report the council said, "we do most deeply sympathize with this church in the evidently reluctant and painful, yet prayerful, consent they give to the proposed separation, and record our hearty satisfaction that the rela- tion between pastor and people has been so mutually kind, affectionate and helpful of spiritual life."
Rev. Charles E. Sumner commenced pastoral work May 5, 1878. The treasurer's report of April 28, 1879, says "there has been paid to Mr. Sum- ner $735, leaving due him $265, of which sum the ladies will pay $63, leav- ing $202 to be collected by subscription." It was voted at the same meet- ing "to adopt the method of weekly contribution to raise money for pastor's salary, instead of personal solicitation as heretofore," yet the sub- scription committee was continued another year.
November 4, 1880 .- The annual meeting passed off quietly, and the old officers re-elected. Rev. Sidney A. Burnaby commenced his labors June 5, 1881, and was installed pastor September 21, 1881. he to receive a salary of $850, the use of the parsonage, and four Sundays vacation during the year. At the annual meeting. September 28, 1882, the pastor and two deacons were constituted the executive committee.
The efficient and faithful ladies of the advisory committee, viz .: Mrs. R. P. Kent, Mrs. Charles Plaisted, Mrs. H. F. Holton, Mrs. S. B. Congdon and Mrs. Richard Small were continued in office. The officers elected at the annual meeting in 1885 were C. B. Allen, clerk; C. E. Morse, treas- urer; N. H. Richardson, deacon; Mrs. C. E. Allen, Mrs. W. A. Folsom, Mrs. I. M. Nettleton, Mrs. N. H. Richardson and Mrs. O. E. Freeman, advisory committee; S. D. Carleton was added to the executive committee, and C E. Allen chosen to attend to the renting of the pews. The officers elected in 1886 were C. B. Allen, clerk; Charles Morse, treasurer; N. H. Richardson and S. D. Carleton, executive committee; Mrs. C. E. Allen, Mrs. Folsom, Mrs. Nettleton. Mrs. Richardson and Miss Emily Rowell, advisory committee; Azro Burton and William P. Freeman, deacons; N. H. Richardson, assistant deacon.
During the half century of existence of this church it has been a power for good, and has kept pace with the rapid advance of improvement in secular matters. It has the largest church edifice in town-the only one with a bell. Extensive alterations and repairs have recently been made, adding much to the convenience and value of the buildings. The seating capacity is 550, and the value of the church $6,000.
The Sabbath-school, organized about the same time as the church. is large and in a flourishing condition, with a membership of 195, and a library of 400 volumes. N. H. Richardson has been superintendent for eleven years.
311
TOWN OF LANCASTER.
First Unitarian Society .*- The " First Church " in Lancaster, became, under the ministrations of its revered pastor, Rev. Joseph Willard, very liberal in its theological position. embracing largely the Arminian views held by the moderate school in the New England church. The more con- servative members did not find the religious tenets of the society altogether congenial to their Calvinistic opinions, and they withdrew, establishing the present "Orthodox Congregational Church." In 1837. the old church, greatly shorn of its strength and influence by this defection of the Ortho- dox party, proposed a reunion of the two congregations, and, after a mod- ification of the covenant of the new church, the old church was merged in the Orthodox Congregational church of Lancaster. The Congregation- alists, having amicably settled their religious differences, proceeded to build a new meeting-house, which was erected in 1839, and is still occu- pied by the Orthodox Congregational society. For a few years the old and new societies worked harmoniously together. Some of the "First Church " declined to unite with the new organization, but most of the congregation of the First society attended the Orthodox church
Rev. Stephen A. Barnard came to the society in 1835. He was a thor- oughly conscientious minister, and faithfully discharged the duties of his holy office. His ministry was highly satisfactory to the congregation, but on account of his liberal views became distasteful to some of the members of the church. In consequence of their dissent, Mr. Barnard resigned in 1852. The Orthodox Congregational church seemed about to sink into the sad condition of its predecessor. For seven months no interest was mani- fested whatever. Thinking that the pulpit was not to be supplied for an indefinite period, the liberal element of the congregation, which had now become distinctively Unitarian in belief. secured the services of several Unitarian clergymen to supply the pulpit of the Congregational meeting- house during the summer of 1853. The rest of the year the Orthodox society held only an occasional Sunday service.
The Unitarians who worshipped with the Orthodox congregation were the liberal element that had controlled the " First Church," and, on account of their liberal views, had led to the withdrawal of the more Orthodox of the First society in 1836. They now made a proposition to the more mod- erate Orthodox to unite with them and engage a Unitarian preacher. Ac- cordingly Rev. George M. Rice was engaged, and preached for the first time as regular supply, January 15, 1854. The Unitarian Congregational- ists expected the hearty concurrence of the society in this new departure, but some of the Orthodox members objected to the new order of things, and began to take steps to revive their dormant party.
The Unitarian Congregationalists, thinking that they had contributed
*By Rev. J. B. Morrison.
312
HISTORY OF COOS COUNTY.
even more than the Trinitarian Congregationalists towards the new meet- ing-house, and desiring, if they legally could do so, to retain possession of it, posted up a notice. February 13, 1854, that " there would be a meet- ing of the First Congregational Society of Lancaster, at the Coos Hotel, at eight o'clock this evening, for the purpose of choosing officers and organ- izing for business." At the gathering of gentlemen convened under the above notice. the society was fully organized. To the constitution, at this first legal meeting, the following names were signed: William D. Spauld- ing, James W. Weeks, B. F. Whidden, John H. White, James B. Weeks, John W. Barney, John Lindsey. William A. White, C. B. Allen, E. C. Garland, J. W. Merriam, A. L. Robinson, Edward Spaulding, William Burns, R. Sawyer. James B. Spaulding, Charles D. Stebbins, James S. Brackett, Hiram A. Fletcher, Hosea Gray, Edward C. Spaulding, Edwin F. Eastman, Nelson Kent, Benjamin Hunking, S. F. Spaulding, J. M. Spaulding.
Matters had now reached a crisis. The Orthodox Congregational church had secured Rev. Mr. Weston, and, on the Sunday following the organiza- tion of the First Congregational society, the ministers of the two Congre- gational societies went to the meeting-house to conduct divine worship. The courtesy of Mr. Weston in this trying ordeal is highly to be com- mended. He knew nothing of the exact state of affairs, and kindly con- sented, under the circumstances, that Mr. Rice should preach in the morn- ing and he in the afternoon. This was the last time the Unitarian Con- gregationalists occupied the meeting-house they had largely contributed towards building, and they made preparations to hold their services else- where. They had loyally supported the ministry of the Orthodox Congre- gational church society, and now were to go out as a newly organized band to carry the spirit of that liberalism which had dominated the "First Church." to larger results in Christian faith and practice.
February 26, 1854, the First Congregational society (Unitarian) held its services in the court house. It started in an auspicious way, although it lost the church home, which it had hoped to retain. The majority of the Orthodox congregation had gone forth with it, and much enthusiasm was roused for the new society. The separation of the attendants of the Ortho- dox Congregational church into two distinct organizations, being settled by the First Congregational society worshiping in the court-house, meas- ures were taken to organize a church in connection with the latter, and, on Sunday, March 12, 1854, the new church was formed with the follow- ing :-
Church Covenant. - " We, whose names are herewith written, declare our faith in the One Liv- ing and True God; in the Lord Jesus Christ; that He was sanctified of the Father, and sent into the world that the world through Him might be saved, and in that Gospel which was confirmed by the death and resurrection of its Author, and which is binding upon us as the rule of our faith and
313
TOWN OF LANCASTER.
practice. Being united into one congregation or church, under the Lord Jesus Christ, we do hereby solemnly and religiously promise to walk in all our ways according to the rule of the Gospel, and in all sincere conformity to His holy ordinances, and in mutual love and respect to each other, so near as God shall give us grace. George M. Rice, William A. White, Ellen C. White. William D. Spaulding, Sarah A. Spaulding, James W. Weeks, M. Eliza Weeks, Persis F. Weeks, Naney D. M. Sawyer, Eliza F. Whidden, Debby A. Kent, Harriet E. Starbird."
The above named people were the first members received into the First Congregational church (Unitarian). Two weeks later, March 26, Mrs. Susan D. F. Cargill and Miss Ellen A. White. on giving their assent to the covenant, were admitted to membership. The admission of Miss White and Mrs. Cargill to the church of the new society is especially interesting to note. They were members of the Orthodox church, and brought from that church certificates of their regular standing. That presented by Mrs. Cargill reads thus :-
"Lancaster, March 17, 1854 .- This may certify that Mrs. Susan D. F. Cargill has for several years past been a member of the Orthodox Congregational Church in this town in regular standing, and that her connection with said Church as a member thereof terminates on the date hercof. By vote of the Church. J. W. Lovejoy, Clerk."
This was the last official connection of any member of the new, with the other Congregational society, and marks the period of utter separation. It is pleasant to note here. that, although there was much feeling between the two societies, the Orthodox Congregational church most generously loaned their communion service to the new church, which held its first communion on the day of its organization, March 12, 1854. It was an act of Christian courtesy that sheds a gracious light over this rite, dear to both churches, one alike in the worship of their common Lord and Master, Jesus Christ.
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.