History of Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, Part 24

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton)
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: Philadelphia : J.W. Lewis
Number of Pages: 1168

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Like the Presbyterian Church, the Congregational was without a house or a pastor of its own. Among those who occupied its pulpit were the Rev. B. F. Foster (who divided his time between this church and the one at the Centre), the Rev. Mr. Noble, the Rev. Mr. French, the Rev. Mr. Stone (afterwards a missionary in Siam), and Cyrus W. Wallace, who be- gan his labors with it on the last Sunday in April, 1839, and who afterwards became its pastor. About that time the church began to hold meetings at the new village in Manchester with the approval of the church at the Centre, sustaining thus the first regu- lar Sunday services in what is now the compact part of the city. At the time when it ceased to exist as a separate church its members were Daniel Farmer, George Berry, Samuel Poor, Henry Peacock, Nahum Baldwin, Betsey Farmer, Mrs. Samuel Poor, Mrs. Nahum Baldwin, Lettice McQuesten, Betsey Flan-

MANCHESTER.

ders, Mary Rodgers, Lydia Drew, Harriet Jones, Mary C. Perry, Catharine French, Mrs. Pollard.

It had become by this time patent that a union of these two churches would be a gain to each, and that the place for the new church was at the village which the manufacturers were building on the east bank of the Merrimack. The union was effected August 15, 1839, by a council which met first at the house of Phinehas French in Amoskeag village, and then adjourned to Franklin Hall, and the church thus formed was called the First Congregational Church in Amoskeag, a house of worship being built for its use at the new village in 1839. The name was afterwards changed to that of the First Congregational Church in Manchester. Cyrus W. Wallace, then a licentiate of the Londonderry Pres- bytery, had already, as has been said, commenced his labors with the Amoskeag Church, but did not preach as a candidate for settlement. He supplied the pulpit till November of that year, and then re- ceived a call to become the pastor of the church and society. He accepted the invitation and was or- dained January 8, 1840, being the first minister ever ordained and installed in the town.

At the time of the union of the two churches Moses Noyes was the deacon of the Presbyterian Church and Daniel Farmer of the Congregational Church, and by mutual agreement they became the deacons of the new church, continuing in office till death removed them, the one in October, 1860, and the other October 30, 1865.

Dr. Wallace, who had been the pastor of the church since its formation, and whose uninterrupted service with one church far exceeded in length that of any other clergyman ever settled in Manchester, sent his resignation to the church January 11, 1873, and it was accepted by the latter, to take effect the last of August. Edward G. Selden accepted a call to succeed Dr. Wallace, and was ordained Decem- ber 16, 1873, and dismissed in 1885. By a vote of the church, "as an expression of their affectionate re- gard," Dr. Wallace was made " pastor emeritus" of the church on the 1st of January, 1874. The church has a membership of about six hundred.

A meeting of persons interested in forming a Con- gregational society was held at Amoskeag April 4, 1838. These were organized as the First Congrega- tional Society in Amoskeag Village, and at an ad- journed meeting on the 27th adopted a consti- tution and chose Daniel Farmer, president; George W. Kimball, secretary ; Nahum Baldwin, Samuel Poor and George Perry, directors.

Shortly after the formation of the society a vote was passed to form the Amoskeag Joint Stock Com- pany for the purpose of building a church in Amos- keag village. This vote was rescinded, other plans and places were discussed and in 1839 it was decided to build a house of worship on Hanover Street, near Elm. The Amoskeag Company gave the land and

the Stark Mills gave five hundred dollars to help build the church. Other means were obtained by making shares of stock, which were soon taken up. The house was begun in the spring, finished in the autumn and dedicated in November of 1839. It then contained one hundred and twenty-two pews and would accommodate six hundred and fifty persons. During the process of building, the society, which had already left Amoskeag, worshiped in Franklin HIall, on Amherst Street, nearly in the rear of the present church. In 1852 the house was enlarged, the congregation worshiping meanwhile in the city hall. About 1842 a vestry or chapel was built just back of the church.

About 1846 the society forsook its original name and took that of the First Congregational Society in Manchester. January 9, 1865, it having been twenty- five years since the settlement of the Rev. Dr. Wal- lace, the event was celebrated by the society and other friends by a gathering at Smyth's Hall, Peter K. Chandler, then president of the society, in the chair. Dr. Wallace preached a commemorative sermon, and addresses were made by the Rev. Thomas Savage, of Bedford, a member of the council convened to settle Mr. Wallace; the Rev. Henry E. Parker, of Concord ; the Rev. Nathaniel Bouton, D.D., of Concord ; the Rev. Henry M. Dexter, of Boston, and the Rev. William H. Fenn, of Manchester, former pastors of the Franklin Street Society; William G. Means, of Audover, Mass., secretary and treasurer of the first society from 1842 to 1854; and John B. Clarke, of Manchester. Dr. Wallace was made the recipient of several articles in testimony of the regard of his people.

The present church edifice was completed in 1880, at a cost of about sixty-five thousand dollars. It is a substantial and commodious brick structure, beauti- fully located, and has a seating capacity of thirteen hundred and fifty. It was dedicated May 12, 1880.

The Franklin Street Congregational Church was organized May 7, 1844, as the Second Congregational Society, with the following offi- cers: John Crosby, president ; Abram Brigham, clerk and treasurer; William C. Clarke, Thomas Carleton, Walter T. Jaquith, directors. On the 27th of June, of the same year, a church was organized in connection with the society. The first pastor was Rev. Henry M. Dexter, who was ordained November 6, 1844. They worshiped in the town hall until its destruction by fire, then in a chapel on Concord Street and a hall in Patten's block, then in the new town hall until the completion of their present house of worship, on the corner of Market and Frank- lin Streets. April 25, 1860, the name was changed from Second Congregational to Franklin Street So- ciety. The church building was remodeled in 1878 at an expense of about twenty-three thousand dollars, and the seating capacity increased to fourteen hun- I dred. A tower was added, in which has been placed

HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

a chime of nine bells, weighing seven thousand five hundred pounds, the gift of ex-Governor Smyth.

Mr. Dexter remained pastor of the church until March 14, 1849, when he was dismissed. His suc- cessor was Rev. Henry S. Clarke, who was installed September 26, 1849. The latter remained till July 1, 1852, and November 3, 1852, Rev. Samuel C. Bart- lett was installed. He was dismissed February 18, 1857, and his successor, Rev. Aaron C. Adams, was settled on the 22d of July, of the same year. He left September 22, 1858, and Rev. William H. Fenn became pastor February 10, 1859, remaining over seven years, being dismissed July 17, 1866. He was followed by William J. Tucker, who was ordained January 24, 1867, and continued pastor of the church until April 21, 1875. The next minister was Rev. Washington Choate. His installation occurred Sep- tember 29, 1875, and his dismissal December 26, 1876. William V. W. Davis was ordained and installed September 12, 1877, and dismissed September 25, 1882. Rev. George B. Spalding, D.D., having re- ceived a call from this society, resigned his pastorate at Dover, and was installed pastor of this church February 14, 1882, and is the present pastor.

First Baptist Church.1-The first church in this town was of the Baptist denomination, and was or- ganized in 1812, under the pastoral care of Rev. David Abbott. It consisted of fourteen members. It flour- ished under Mr. Abbott's teaching until 1820. At that time it numbered twenty-two, when dissensions among the brethren crept in, and the spirit of religion went out and the church was broken up. In 1829 a Methodist Episcopal Church was organized, and in the following year a house of worship was erected. This was the first meeting-house finished in Manches- ter. In 1831-32 the Rev. Matthew Newhall, from the New Hampshire Conference, was stationed here. With the above exception, the First Baptist Church of this city was the first church in town to call and set- tle a pastor. This church was gathered by Rev. John Peacock, who has left on record the initiatory steps of its organization, as follows :

" LORD'S DAY, July 26, 1835.

" The Baptist Church in Goffstown voted this day to acknowledge us whose names are here enrolled-the Amoskeag Branch of the Goffs- town Church ; authorizing us to engage our minister and reward him, to receive members and dismiss them, and to enjoy the communion, &c., &c.

" Elder John l'eacock, Daniel Gooden, John Stevens,

Mrs. Mary R. Peacock,

Hopey Tewksbury, Betsey Tewksbury, Zilpah Gould,

Mrs. Susan M. Stevens, Elizabeth Melntire, Abigail Rider."

The Branch held its meetings for religious worship in a hall at Amoskeag village, and under the faithful services of its pastor accessions to its numbers were received from Sabbath to Sabbath. At length the time came when it was deemed that the interests of religion required a separate organization.

December 1, 1836, at a meeting of the Branch, it was voted substantially as follows :

"Ist. That it is now expedient to form an independent church, and for that purpose to ask dismission from the church at Goffstown.

"2d. That we adopt as the articles of our faith and practice 'the arti- cles prepared by the New Hampshire Baptist State Convention.'

"3d. That our pastor be authorized to call an ecclesiastical council for advice, and to take such action as in their wisdom the best interests of the church may seem to require."

January 4, 1837, in pursuance of the foregoing ac- tion, a council consisting of the following brethren assembled in Roger Williams Hall, at Amoskeag vil- lage, to wit :

Rev. George Evans, Horace Eaton and others, of the Goffstown Church; Rev. D. D. Pratt, of Nashua ; Rev. A. T. Foss, of New Boston ; Rev. Mark Carpen- ter, of Milford ; Rev. Bartlet Pease, of Hudson ; Rev. Samuel Abbott, of Bedford ; and Rev. S. C. Pratt, of New Hampton.

After full deliberation, the council voted unani- mously to recognize John Peacock, Daniel Gooden, Andrew J. George, John Washer and their associates of the Amoskeag Branch as an independent church.

The following are the forty-five original members who were thus publicly recognized :

Rev. John Peacock, Deacon Daniel Gooden, John Stevens, Stephen Washer, John Washer, Andrew J. George, Hopie Tewksbury, Betsey Tewksbury, Elizabeth McIntire, Zilpah Gould, Abigail Rider, Eliza Mc- Duffie, Mrs. Mary R. Peacock, Mrs. Marinda Gooden, Mrs. Susan MI. Stevens, Mrs. Louisa A. Washer, Mrs. Polly Washer, Emily George, Lettice Caldwell, Abigail Caldwell, Dolly Leonard, Mary J. Tewksbury, Lucy Ann Chellis, Rebecca Dean, Mary Ann Smith, Lucy Reed, Mary Runno, Emeline Towle, Mrs. Caroline H. Goodwin, Rachel Colby, Mary Muzzy, Jane McCoy, Maria Davis, Lavina Kimball, Lydia Caldwell, Sarah Whipple, Lois Smith, Nancy Tewksbury, Rhoda Ann McCoy, Hannah Lord, Sally Follenshee, Harriet N. Plumer, Judith H. Plumier, Sarah Lord, Mary Ann Marsh.

Rev. John Peacock continued the pastorate until the following October, when, at his own request, he received from the church a letter of dismission and recommendation to the church in Peterborough.

During these few months, nineteen had been added, -by baptism, six ; and by letter, thirteen. Removals, ten,-by letter, seven ; exclusion, three.

July 9, 1838, Rev. Ephraim K. Bailey entered upon the pastorate, and the church, having removed to the new village, assembled for religious worship in Wash- ington Hall, on Amherst Street. October 17, 1839, a contract was made between Daniel Gooden, John B. Goodwin, Dr. J. H. Morse and J. W. Watkins, on the part of the First Baptist Society, and E. Morri- rison and William McPherson, on the other part, for the erection of a church edifice on a lot of land situ- ated at the corner of Manchester and Chestnut Streets, given to the society by the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company.

Agrecably to the contract, a brick building was erected, seventy-six feet long by fifty-eight feet wide and twenty-six feet from the principal floor to the beams.

The enterprise was completed at an expense of

1 By David P. Perkins.

MANCHESTER.

about six thousand dollars, and in the autumn of 1840 the church was dedicated to the service of God.

" At a church-meeting, September 22, 1840, it was Voted, That this church shall hereafter be called and known by the name of ' The First Baptist Church in Manchester.' "

The pastor, Rev. E. K. Bailey, having served faith- fully and successfully during the period of three years and five months, severed his official connection with the church and society December 19, 1841.

The results of his pastorate in additions to the church were one hundred and twelve, of whom thirty were by baptism, eighty by letter and two on expe- rience.

Removals, twenty-one,-by letter, sixteen ; by death, three; and by exclusion, two.

Rev. James Uphain entered upon the pastorate January 16, 1842, and resigned January 16, 1843. There were gathered into the church through the faithful services of this beloved pastor, one hundred and thirty,-by baptism, forty-nine; by letter, seven- ty-six ; experience, four ; and by restoration, one.

Removals, thirty-two,-by letter, twenty-nine; by , by Mr. Mallory were ninety-five, of whom forty-five death, one; and by exclusion, two.

Rev. Benjamin Brierly served as pastor of the church from December 10, 1843, to May 24, 1846, in- clusive,-a period of two years and six months.

It was mainly through his influence that the Sec- ond Baptist Church in this city was constituted, about thirty members of the parent church having been dismissed on the 27th of October, 1845, for that pur- pose.

During the pastorate of Mr. Brierly one hundred and forty-one members were admitted to the church, -by baptism, thirty-seven; by letter, ninety-nine; and on experience, five.

Removals, one hundred and four,-by letter, seventy- four ; by death, nine; and by excommunication, twenty-one.

Rev. Thomas O. Lincoln's pastorate commenced August 9, 1846, and terminated August 11, 1850. He served four years, resulting in additions to the church of one hundred and thirty-nine,-by baptism, fifty ; letter, eighty-four; on experience, two; and by restoration, three.

Removals, one hundred and forty-five,-by letter, ninety ; by death, fourteen ; dropped, thirty-six ; and by exclusion, five.

Rev. Isaac Sawyer's pastoral care of the church commenced November 3, 1850, and terminated by his resignation May 28, 1854. During this pastorate there were received into the church one hundred and sixty-one members,-by baptism, one hundred ; by letter, forty-nine ; on experience, nine ; and by resto- ration, three.

Removals, one hundred and thirty-one,-by letter, seventy-one; by death, sixteen; dropped, forty; and by exclusion, four.

Rev. B. F. Hedden served the church as pastor two years, from September 24, 1854, to September 29, 1856, inclusive. He received into the church forty-seven members,-by baptism, twenty-six; by letter, eigh- teen ; on experience, one; and by restoration, two.

During this pastorate there were seventy removals, -by letter, fifty-eight ; by death, eleven ; and by ex- clusion, one.

Rev. George Pierce was the pastor of the church eight years and six months, from March 15, 1857, to October 1, 1865. During this pastorate there were added to the church one hundred and ninety-one members,-by baptism, one hundred and ten ; by let- ter, sixty-seven : on experience, thirteen ; and by restoration, one. Removals, one hundred and sixty- three, as follows : By letter, eighty-two; by death, thirty-four; dropped from the rolls, forty ; and by exclusion, seven.

Rev. N. C. Mallory entered upon the pastorate December 10, 1865, and resigned July 1, 1870, having served the church in the pastoral office four years and seven months. The additions to the church received were by baptism ; by letter, thirty-five ; on experience, fourteen ; and by restoration, one. Removals, one hundred and six,-by letter, fifty-nine; by death, fourteen ; dropped from the rolls of the church, thirty- two; and by excommunication, one.

July 8, 1870, the city of Manchester was vis- ited by a most destructive fire, consuming a vast amount of valuable property, and the meeting-house in which the church had worshiped thirty years be- came a heap of smoldering ruins.

The pastor had been dismissed but a few days, and thus the church was left houseless, homeless and with- out a spiritual guide. After the loss of their house, among the first things proposed by the church and society was the erection of a new one.

A lot of land situate on the corner of Concord and Union Streets was procured and contracts made for the construction of a church edifice on a scale the proportions and expense of which far exceeded the old building.

In the mean time the church and society extended a call to the Rev. Alfred C. Graves to become their pastor. The call was accepted, and January 1, 1871, Mr. Graves entered upon his work. The church and congregation held together with constantly in- . creasing interest, working in harmony, shoulder to shoulder, apparently regarding their great misfortune a blessing in disguise. At first they worshiped in Music Hall, then in the old Unitarian house on Mer- rimack Street, and lastly in Smyth's Opera-House. The work upon the building went forward with en- ergy, and on the 14th day of July, 1872, just one year from the laying of the corner-stone, the church and congregation held their first meeting for religious worship in their new vestry. Here they continued

HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

to worship until the house was fully prepared for occupancy.

April 30, 1873, the house having been completed in all its parts, was dedicated to the service of Almighty God. This beautiful structure, occupy- ing a most eligible and central position, is an orna- ment to the city, a credit to the church and society by whose energy, courage and sacrifice it was erected, and to the denomination which they represent.

Mr. Graves continued to labor with the church with marked ability and faithfulness until the 1st of Or- tober, 1876, having served a period of five years and nine months, when, by his resignation, his official connection with the church and society was termi- nated.

During the pastorate of Dr. Graves 171 members united with the church,-by baptism, 92; by letter, 50; on experience, 27; and by restoration, 2. Re- movals, 74,-by letter, 41 ; by death, 26 ; dropped from the rolls of the church, 2; and by excommunica- tion, 5.

William Hayne Leavell was pastor of the church five years, from May 4, 1877, to May, 1882, resulting in admissions to the church of 142,-by baptism, 87; by letter, 42; on experience, 10; and by restoration, 3. Removals, 72,-by letter, 45; by death, 24; and dropped from the rolls, 3.

Rev. Clarion H. Kimball, our present pastor, united with the church August 25, 1882. He entered at once upon the duties and responsibilities of the pastoral office. He has gone forward in the work of the ministry with energy and ability, and has been successful in building up the church. The additions received by Mr. Kimball are 68, as follows : By bap- tism, 47; by letter, 20; by restoration, 1. Removals, 38,-by letter, 27; by death, 10; and by excommuni- cation, 1.

It would be an interesting chapter in our history could we state with accuracy the full contributions to the various charitable and benevolent objects of the day. Unfortunately, we have not always kept a record of our receipts and expenditures. It is believed, however, that, in this respect, we are not, in proportion to our means, behind our brethren in other sister churches.

Many changes have occurred during the forty-eight years of our existence. Not one of the original mem- bers remains, Through sunshine and shadow a kind Providence has watched over us; still, we have had our share of darkness and trial. Some have fallen by the way; many have passed over the river, and entered the promised land. With weariness and watching, others are ready and waiting to follow the loved ones who have gone before.

All hope for a brighter day ; may the Lord pour out His Spirit upon us, " that we may be as a city set on a hill that cannot be hid ; that our light may so shine before men that they may see our good works and glorify our Father which is in heaven."

SUMMARY.

January 4, 1837, Original members 45

RECEPTIONS.

By baptism 679

By letter

633

On experience 88

By restoration

1416

Total membership 1461

REMOVALS.

By letter 599

By death

165

Dropped from the rolls 153

By excommunication 52

969

January 4, 1885, whole number on the rolls of the church 492

Merrimack Street Baptist Church was organized October 31, 1845. Rev. A. T. Foss was the first pastor. Meetings were held in Classic Hall and other places until the completion of the brick church, corner Elm and Pleasant Streets, which they occupied February 22, 1849. In 1853 they adopted the name of Elm Street Baptist Church. Some misunderstand- ing arose concerning the purchase of the house, and in 1857 they left, and worshiped iu Smyth's Hall until the completion of their present church, October 27th of that year. Mr. Foss was dismissed July 11, 1847, and was succeeded, December 26th, by Rev. J. C. Mor- rill, who left July 15, 1849. The next minister was Rev. O. O. Stearns, who remained not quite a year, and was followed, in January, 1851, by Rev. Isaac Woodbury. January, 1853, Rev. John Peacock, form- erly pastor of the old Amoskeag Baptist Church, supplied the pulpit till the middle of April. In July, 1853, Rev. J. M. Coburn became pastor. His resig- nation was accepted October 8, 1855, but seven weeks later he was invited to again become pastor, and accepted the invitation. He remained until Decem- ber 5, 1858, and Rev. King S. Hall was recognized as pastor March 30, 1859. He left September 4, 1862, and Rev. A. W. Chaffin succeeded him June 10, 1863. He remained till February 2, 1868, when his resignation was accepted. Rev. Alden Sherwin was installed November 8, 1868, and dismissed in April, 1879. Rev. N. L. Colby has officiated since June, 1879.

Pine Street Free-Will Baptist Church .- The Free-Will Baptists held meetings in Manchester as early as the year 1838, and a society was formed in 1839. They built a house of worship, in 1842, at the corner of Merrimack and Chestnut Streets, which they exchanged in the fall of 1859 for the church, on the corner of Merrimack and Pine Streets, previously occupied by the Unitarians. A separation took place in the society, and a large portion of the members left, and organized in 1860 as Elm Street Free-Will Baptist Church. A council was called, and the re- maining members were reorganized as the Pine Street Free-Will Baptist Church.

The first pastor was Rev. J. M. Bailey, who was installed December 21, 1859. He closed his labors in November, 1861, and September 10, 1862, Rev. Reu-

MANCHESTER.

ben V. Jenness was ordained. He resigned June 1, 1863, and was succeeded by Rev. Nahum Brooks. The latter resigned May 12, 1869, and was succeeded by Rev. N. L. Rowell, 1869-73; II. F. Wood, 1874- 76; J. J. Hall, 1876-79; N. L. Rowell, 1879-81; B. A. Sherwood, 1881; H. G. Corliss, 1883-84.

Merrimack Street Free-Will Baptist Church .- The members of the First Free-Will Baptist Church who left and formed a new church commenced wor- ship iu the old brick church on the corner of Elm and Pleasant Streets. After some vicissitudes, they finally purchased the former house of worship, on the corner of Merrimack and Chestnut Streets, which they now occupy.

The pulpit was first occupied by Rev. J. B. Davis, who preached for a few months only. In March, 1861, Rev. J. A. Knowles was installed as pastor, continuing such till the 1st of March, 1871, from which date until July 2, 1873, when Rev. Samuel Mckeown was installed, the church was without a pastor. Mr. Mckeown resigued July 1, 1874, and Rev. George M. Park became pastor in November of that year. He resigned December 3, 1879. Rev. Lewis Malvern became pastor March 3, 1880, resign- ing his charge in December, 1882. Rev. A. M. Freeman has occupied the pulpit since March 4, 1883.

The First Methodist Episcopal Church. - As early as 1820 Methodist services were held in the town-house at the Centre by one Reuben Peaslee. Religions services were subsequently held by Rev. John Broadhead, Caleb Lamb and others, and on September 27, 1829, a church was organized in Man- chester with eighty persons, among whom were Daniel Webster, John G. Webster, Joseph B. Hall and Isaac Merrill. The erection of a house of worship was commenced at the Centre in 1829, and completed the following year, at a cost of two thousand dollars.

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History of Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, Part 24

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton) Publication date: 1885 Publisher: Philadelphia : J.W. Lewis Number of Pages: 1168

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton)
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: Philadelphia : J.W. Lewis
Number of Pages: 1168