History of Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, Part 77

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

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It will have been observed that the town, rather than individuals, supported publie worship at this time. The towns also crected the meeting-houses. The Congregationalists were the "standing order," and so all the tax-payers, for many years, contributed to the support of this denomination. There was a provision, however, by which those conscientiously opposed to this order, and in favor of some other, could be released by the selectmen, in which cases their taxes went to support the denomination to which they were attached. There were many Pres- byterians, some Anabaptists, as they were called, and a few Episcopalians, that in this manner were released from supporting the Congregationalists. But all voters must pay their proportion towards the sup- port of some religious worship, and for many years the town assessed and collected all moneys expended for this object. Various sums were yearly voted by the town for this purpose, until the formation of a church and the settlement of a pastor, when the sum was usually voted by the church, but assessed and collected by the town.

The Congregational Church was organized October 30, 1771. Its records for the first ten years of its existence were destroyed by fire many years since, so it is impossible to give its strength or say very much about it for that time. The names of eighteen per- sons, incidentally mentioned, who must have been members, have been culled from the subsequent rec- ords; and, as most of these are names of men, it is safe to presume that more than fifty must have been added to the church during this period.

It is probable that a Presbyterian Church or society was formed very soon after, for in an old record-book of the Londonderry Presbytery, lost for many years, but recently discovered in one of the antiquarian book-stores of Boston, is this record from the minutes of a meeting held at Newburyport, Mass., May 13, 1772: "Ordered that a certificate be delivered to the Presbyterian society of Goffstown, manifesting their being under the care of this Presbytery." The Presbyterians held a service, more or less, every year

in private houses and barns, but never had a meeting- house nor a settled minister, although a certain Mr. Pidgin preached for them some time. Very little can be ascertained in regard to this church. In the town records, under date of April 16, 1781, fifty-six names of males are appended to a declaration that they are Presbyterians. It is possible that not until this year did they become a separate legal parish, though relieved from paying "rates " in 1773.

From the beginning there were some Anabaptists, as they were then called, "whose parish rates." at their request, were applied to the support of Baptist preaching at Hopkinton, where they attended till 1793. During this year a church of this order was formed in town, though it had hardly more than a name to live until it was reorganized in 1820. They were without a house of worship till 1834, when the present structure was erected.

There were also a very few Episcopalians, whose parish rates were applied at Newburyport, Mass. How often these persons worshiped in that place we have no means of knowing, but they hardly could have gone so far more than once or twice in a year. The town records have this entry under date of March 7, 1791,-"This certifies that Captain John Butter- field hath joined the Episcopal Society in Goffstown, and means to support the gospel in that mode of wor- ship. (Signed), John Smith, John Clogston, War- dens." Under date of March 4, 1793, is this record,-

" This may certify all persons whom it may concern that Mr. Enoch Eaton, of Goffstown, professes himself to be a member of the Episcopal church, now erected in said town, and has helped to maintain the gospel in that line for some time past, as, witness our hands, John Dow, John Butterfield, John Smith, William MrDougal, Wardens."

From this it would appear that there was at that time an Episcopal Church or society in this town, but I have been unable to discover other evidence of it.

As early as 1766 the inhabitants began to move for the building of a place of worship. At a town-meeting held September 29th of this year, it was " Voted, that the meeting-house be built on the south side of the river on the convenientest place in the crotch of the roads as they lead from the bridge to the Mast road." This is very near where the Baptist Church now stands. It was also " Toted, that the house be forty- four feet long, thirty-eight feet wide and twenty-two feet post," and that "it be raised, boarded and shingled by the first day of October next." But the question of the two sides of the river disturbed our fathers, as it has their children, and the opposition to this vote was so strong that the committee did nothing. The town was also about evenly divided upon another question. The settlers on the north side of the river were mostly Congregationalists ; those on the south side were mainly Presbyterians. The latter, in getting a vote to build on their side of the river, gained a temporary triumph. But the votes were soon rescinded. The next July the town voted to build a smaller house " near Deacon Karr's shop," which vote was rescinded at the following March

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meeting in 1768. But our fathers evidently were be- coming wearied with this contention, and so at this meeting fixed upon the location, and empowered Samuel Richards, Enoch Page, William McDoell, Asa Pattee, Joshua Martin, Job Rowell and Thomas Karr to build the house "according to their own mind."

On the 27th of April, 1768, the house, which most of us remember, standing near the school-house at the Center, and which was taken down in 1869, was raised. It was not completed for several years. Vari- ous sums were appropriated from year to year for this purpose. It was occupied as a place of worship as soon as shingled and boarded. In August, 1769, the " pew-ground " in the body of the building was sold at a " vendue," and the avails were used toward com- pleting the house. The names of the purchasers at that time were Samuel Blodgett, William Gilchrist, Robert Gilmore, Captain James Karr, Deacon Thomas Karr, Job Kidder, Joseph Little, Captain John Mack, Daniel McFarland, Samuel McFarland, Asa Pattee, Samuel Richards, Benjamin Stevens and Moses Wells. The " vendue " occupied two days, and was probably accompanied with considerable discussion. Others afterwards secured "pew-ground," until most of the body of the church was sold.

The second house of worship in town was erected in 1815 and 1816, and was dedicated July 3, 1816, Rev. John H. Church, D.D., of Pelham, preaching the sermon. It stood upon or very near the present site of Mr. Samuel M. Christie's house. It was quite a large building, with galleries on three sides, and had a bell. After its erection services were held in this house two-thirds of the time, the other third being in the old house at the Center. In 1845 it was taken down and moved away.

The third meeting-house was built in 1838, which was the one occupied by the Methodists, and which was struck by lightning and burned a few years since. The old meeting-house had become quite dilapidated and uncomfortable, and a new one, upon which the town should have no claim, was very much needed. Besides this, there was a feeling on the part of those living in the Center and east part of the town that they were not receiving so many privileges as the west village, a large part of the preaching being at the latter place. They were also hoping to form a parish of their own, and so have sanctuary privileges every Sabbath. Their desires, however, were not realized, and in 1842 the house was sold to parties by whom the Methodist Church was organized.

During the pastorate of Rev. Isaac Willey, and largely through his influence, the present house of worship was erected, at a cost of about two thousand five hundred dollars.1 It was dedicated in October, 1845, from which time all the Sabbath services were held in

this house. Its seating capacity was increased in 1869 by the addition of twenty-eight pews.

A parsonage, costing, complete, about two thousand seven hundred dollars, was built in 1870, and a chapel or vestry, for the social meetings of the church, was erected in 1875, at an expense of two thousand seven hundred and fifty dollars.

Having spoken of the houses of worship, we natur- ally next come to the ministers of the gospel. A history of the ministers of olden time is largely a his- tory of the church over which they were settled. There was then, on the part of church members, very little of what we now call religious activity. Such a thing as a layman talking religion or praying, other- wise than in his own family, was hardly known. About the only public expression of religious life con- sisted in attending the two very long preaching ser- vices on the Sabbath, being punctual at the commun- ion, and presenting one's children for baptism. Upon all these points they were very strict. The church was, therefore, more largely than now, what its pastor made it.

At a town-meeting held August 31, 1769, it was " Voted, that we keep Mr. Currier four days," mean- ing, probably, four Sabbaths. It is likely he had al- ready preached several Sabbaths, being employed by the committee for that year, and that the town, with a view to his settlement, wished to hear him longer, as we find that, on the 24th of October follow- ing, a committee was appointed to treat with him in regard to settlement. On the 13th of February, 1770, a formal call to settle in the ministry was voted him by the town; but for some reason it was not ac- cepted. It was renewed July 29, 1771, and. was ac- cepted the 17th of August following. He was to have, as a settlement, the use of a certain tract of land, re- served by the proprietors of the town for that purpose, and £40 a year the first five years, 45 the next three years and £50 a year after eight years. His salary was to be paid, one-half in corn and the other half in labor. He was ordained October 30, 1771, the same day the church was organized. Mr. Currier was set- tled by the town rather than by the church. The or- daining council, which also recognized the church, was composed of Rev. Daniel Emerson, of Hollis, Rev. Henry True, of Hampstead, and Rev. Henry Gyles Merrill, of Plaistow, chosen by the town, be- sides five chosen by Mr. Currier, whose names are not given. His ministry was a brief one for those days-a little short of three years. He was very in- temperate in his habits, and was dismissed by the town and church August 29, 1774, without the advice of a council. Probably he did not care to appear be- fore one.

Rev. Joseph Currier was born in Amesbury, Mass .. March 18, 1743; was graduated at Harvard College in 1765, and studied theology in private. After his dismissal from this church he removed to Corinth, Vt., where he died July 24, 1829, aged eighty-six.

I This was the cost in money. Had time and labor been reckoned, the amount would have been largely increased.

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HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

This town shared in the burdens of the Revolution- ary War, furnishing seventy-four men for the army, besides large quantities of beef (thirteen thousand pounds at one time) assigned them by the govern- ment as its quota. For this reason, probably, after Mr. Currier left, there was no stated preaching, but only occasional supplies, till 1781. The fact that the Presbyterians and Anabaptists had been relieved, April 19, 1773, from paying their rates for Congrega- tional preaching may have had something to do with it.

On the 27th of December. 1781, Cornelius Waters was ordained and installed pastor of this church, the call having been voted the 23d of August previous. In this transaction the town had no part. The churches in Sutton, Amherst, Merrimack, Pembroke, Plaistow, Atkinson, Hollis, Concord, Warner, Hop- kinton and Hampstead were invited on the council. As preparing the way for his coming and his success in his ministry, the church observed the 1st day of December as a day of fasting and prayer. Rev. Henry True, of Hampstead, was moderator of the council, and Rev. Jeremiah Barnard, of Amherst, scribe. Mr. True gave the charge to the pastor, Rev. Jacob Burnap, D.D., of Merrimack, gave the fellow- ship of the churches, Rev. Gyles Merrill, of Plaistow, the ordaining prayer, and Rev. Elijah Fletcher, of Hopkinton, the concluding prayer.

He received a settlement of one hundred pounds and a salary of seventy pounds a year for the first five years, and eighty pounds thereafter. He seems to have been a very worthy man. During his minis- try fifty-seven were added to the church and thirty- three "owned the Covenant." During the latter part of his pastorate there were dissensions in the church. A council was called for their settlement, but they were not settled. A day of fasting and prayer was i tion was because at that time none but baptized per- appointed, but the difficulties continued. Mr. Cur- rier was too loose in his habits, and Mr. Waters by some was thought too strict. The lovers of-ardent spirits were determined he should leave. So he asked a dismission, which was granted May 4, 1795, after a ministry of fourteen years. To the record is appended the following: "Notandum Bene. The vote accepting his resignation was passed in the east end of the meeting-house on the common, at the time of the annual parish-meeting by adjournment, and the church condescended to do it to quell the violence, rage and confusion which prevailed in a distracted party of the church and parish in the parish-meeting." The opposition won the day, which was all they cared for, as the leaders ceased attending meeting or helping in the support of worship, so that after three years it was found necessary to expel them.

Cornelius Waters, the second pastor of this church, was born in Millbury, Mass., May 12, 1749; gradu- ated at Dartmouth College in 1774. Like Mr. Cur- rier, he studied theology in private. From here he removed to Ashby, Mass., where he was installed in

1797 and dismissed in 1816. He continued to reside in Ashby till his death, July 30, 1824.

After the expulsion from the church of those dis- affected with Mr. Waters, the sober, second judgment of the people convinced them that they had all done wrong. There had been much hard feeling between the Congregationalists and Presbyterians. An un- holy strife for members had been carried on by both churches. A day of fasting and prayer was appointed, and the Christian people were humbled. A vote was passed by the Congregational Church that they would thereafter be more careful in the reception of mem- bers. The result, in a few words, was that a "plan of union" between the two churches was adopted De- cember 29, 1801, and they became one, under the name of the Presbyterian-Congregational Church of Goffstown. The government was to be according to the Congregational polity, with the right of appeal to Presbytery or mutual council, as the parties might elect.

Up to 1790 the Half-Way Covenant seems to have been in use. This was an arrangement by which adults whose outward lives were correct by " owning the covenant" were permitted to receive the rite of baptism themselves, and present their children for this ordinance. We have the names of thirty-eight persons who were admitted under this covenant. It made bad work with religion wherever it was adopted, as it was virtually a letting down of the bars of the church to any who chose to come in in this way, without any personal interest in the Saviour of sin- ners. This Half-Way Covenant was originally pro- mulgated in 1662 by a council convened in Boston by the General Court of Massachusetts, to settle existing difficulties in the churches. The reason for its adop- sons could vote. But it was adopted or was in use in many places, as here, a long time after this reason had ceased to exist, so far as applied to town affairs. All who "owned the Covenant " could, however, vote on church affairs, and much trouble was sometimes made in consequence. It seems gradually to have fallen into disuse in this place, as, ever after the union of the two churches, the church members regulated their own affairs as now, except that in the matter of choosing and dismissing pastors the act of the church must be accepted by the parish, as now by the society.

Upon the adoption of the plan of union, De- cember 29, 1801, a call was extended to Mr. David Lawrence Morril "to settle with us in the work of the gospel ministry," and he was ordained and in- stalled March 3, 1802. He received a settlement of three hundred dollars and an annual salary of three hundred dollars. For the purpose of meeting the desires of the Presbyterians, six elders were appointed, namely, John Richardson, Jonathan Stevens, Thomas Warren, Thomas Shirley, Thomas Kennedy and Robert Moore, the last three having been, originally,

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Presbyterians. John Taggert and William Story were soon after added. The ministry of Mr. Morril was, on the whole, a successful one, for he was a man of prudence, ability and piety, and so won the confi- dence of the entire community. Thirty-four were added to the church during his pastorate. The Pres- byterian and Congregational elements, however, were not quite in harmony, and many of the former with- drew in 1803. Intemperance prevailed in the church to an alarming extent, but, to thecredit of the church be it said, every case was met by discipline. Mr. Morril's health having become poor, or rather his voice failing him, he resigned his charge and elosed his labors November 4, 1809. His resignation was not acted upon by a council till July 10, 1811. It is probable that in the intervening time he occasionally preached. From this time till the latter part of 1818 there was no regular preaching, although the town appropriated for this purpose in 1816 the sum of two hundred dollars, the society the same amount in 1817, and one hundred and fifty dollars in 1819.

David Lawrence Morril was born in Epping, June 10, 1772. He never went to college, but studied theology with Rev. Jesse Remington, of Candia. In 1808 he received the degrees of A.M. and M.D. from Dartmouth College, and in 1825 the degree of LL.D. from the University of Vermont. IIe continued to reside in this town for many years after his dismissal, in the practice of medicine, and was moderator and clerk of the church until another pastor was chosen. He represented the town in the Legislature from 1810 to 1816, inclusive, the latter year being Speaker of the House. The same year he was elected to the United States Senate for six years from March 4, 1817. He was also Governor of the State in 1824-25. He removed to Concord in the autumn of 1831, where he engaged in the book trade, and where he died January 27, 1849.

In 1816 an ecclesiastical society was organized for the support of Congregational worship, called the Religious Union Society, which was incorporated December 11, 1816. This remains until this day.

In 1819 a call was extended to Mr. Hosea Wheeler, which was declined.

In the spring and summer of 1819 the place was blessed with a very powerful revival, under the preaching of Rev. Abel Manning. Sixty-eight were received into the church in the year 1819, the largest number ever received in any one year. In the "His- tory of the New Hampshire Churches," Rev. E. H. Richardson says of this revival, "There were a few women whose persevering prayers, in the midst of great obstacles, were answered in this revival of re- ligion. They prayed it into existence."

Benjamin Henry Pitman was ordained October 18, 1820, for the term of five years. During his ministry, in 1822, the Religious Union Society received by will of Thomas W. Thompson one hundred and seventy acres of land, the avails of which were to be used for

the support of a Congregational minister. Mr. Pit- man had many warm friends, and he was earnestly requested to remain longer than his five years, but he declined. He was dismissed November 15, 1825. The followingincident occurred during his ministry, which illustrates the difference between those times and these: In the autumn of 1825 the Bog road, so called, was built, and Mr. Pitman, as road surveyor for one of the districts, had charge of a certain part. Strong drink was freely used at that time, and thought no sin, provided one did not take enough to overcome him. On this occasion Mr. Pitman did, and as a consequence got into a quarrel with some of his men. But, to his honor be it said, he afterwards sought and obtained the forgiveness of the individuals and of the church-for the quarrel, not for the drinking. The bibulous propensities of the inhabit- ants at that time were strongly developed. Shall I give you the names of those licensed by the town to mix and sell liquors that year? They were Daniel Farmer, Robert Hall, Jonathan Butterfield, Gideon Flanders, Parker & Whittle, John Smith, Ephraim Warren, Daniel M. Shirley, Eliphalet Richards and John Little.

Mr. Pitman was born in Newport, R. I., November 28, 1789; received neither a college nor a seminary education, but probably studied theology in private. On leaving this place he returned to Newport, R. I. He died March 8, 1868. I cannot ascertain whether he ever preached after leaving this place.

It will have appeared that there was need of a temperance reformation in this place. "When the enemy cometh in like a flood," we have the promise that "the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him." It was just about this time, 1826, when the temperance reformation in this country com- menced. A few had received the light, but most were in darkness. Rev. Henry Wood, who followed Mr. Pitman, was a total abstinence man. He was or- dained May 31, 1826. Through his exertions and that of a few of the church, a vote was passed that year discountenancing the use of liquor at funerals. That was as far as they could go at that time, as rum was used upon every occasion by nearly every person. It was always set before the minister when he made his parish calls. But so much advance had been made under Mr. Wood that, in the winter of 1829-30, a vote was passed by the church testifying against the use of liquors in any form, except as medicine. It is not to be inferred from this that every member of the church had become a teetotaler, but that the light was breaking and the temperance cause advanc- ing. Mr. Wood was not only a temperance man, he was a spiritual man, whom many with us to-day remember with tender interest. His ministry was blessed with revivals, one hundred and fifty-two being added to the church. He seems to have left on ac- count of inadequate support. He was dismissed November 29, 1831.

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HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

He was born in London, April 10, 1796 ; was grad- uated from Dartmouth College in 1822, where he was tutor the following year. He studied theology at Hampden Sidney College, Virginia, 1825, from which institution he received the degree of D.D. in 1867. After his dismissal from this church, November 30, 1831, he preached three and a half years in Haverhill, five and a half years in Hanover, edited the Congregational Journal at Concord for fourteen years, preached at Canaan two years, was United States consul in Syria and Palestine four years, and chaplain United States navy from 1858 until his death, at Philadelphia, Oc- tober 9, 1873.

On the day after Mr. Wood was dismissed Rev. David Stowell was ordained. The ministry of the former closed and that of the latter commenced in the midst of a revival. It is somewhat remarkable that all the discussions in regard to raising Mr. Wood's salary, some of which were heated, did not have the effect of driving away the Holy Spirit ; but doubtless there were fervent prayers continually ascending that teach this truth,-that a revival does not depend on any one man, not even upon the minister. Mr. Stowell was a strong temperance man, and dealt its enemies many heavy blows.

A sermon which he preached in this place forty-one years ago, and which was printed, is said to be a fair example of his style. He was dismissed December 15, 1836, the cause assigned in his letter of resigna- tion being ill health. This letter is full of tenderness and affection, and a hearty vote of confidence in him was afterwards passed by the church.

Mr. Stowell was born in Westmoreland, December 20, 1804; graduated at Dartmouth College in 1829; studied theology in private. Before coming here he taught the Derry Academy two years. He went from here to Townsend, Mass., where he was installed pas- tor June 28, 1837. While there the fellowship of the churches was withdrawn from him, on account of al- leged misconduct. He went to Fitzwilliam and en- gaged in farming for a number of years, and died there March 29, 1854.

All the pastors who have thus far been named have passed to their reward. Most of them were good and faithful men, though not without their faults. They are now seeing the fruits of their labors, as they could not see them here. In most cases the seed they sowed was good; it was watered with their prayers and tears, but it did not spring up till they had passed away. It very often occurs that God seuds one generation into the world to sow seed, the harvest of which another generation shall gather.

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History of Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, Part 77

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