History of Merrimack and Belknap counties, New Hampshire, Part 20

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton), ed
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: Philadelphia [Pa.] J. W. Lewis & co.
Number of Pages: 1520

USA > New Hampshire > Merrimack County > History of Merrimack and Belknap counties, New Hampshire > Part 20
USA > New Hampshire > Belknap County > History of Merrimack and Belknap counties, New Hampshire > Part 20

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that the whole scheme failed, and all other efforts in every direction met a like fate. But early in the autumn of 1874 the following agreement was drawn up and circulated among the people :

" We, the undersigned, members of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the city of Concord, believing that the cause of Christ and the best interests of Methodism in our city, as well as the pointings of Provi- dence, demand that a new Methodist Society be established in Concord, and in order to test the feelings of our people in some tangible form, we agree that when one hundred or more of the membership of the church now existing, twenty-five of whom shall be adult male members, shall sigu this agreement, we will ask for letters of dismission from the first Methodist Episcopal Church for the purpose of forming a new society."

The requisite one hundred was obtained, and on the evening of October 30, 1874, they met in Rumford Hall for the purpose of being organized. At this meeting, Rev. Theodore L. Flood, presiding eider of Concord District, officiated, making some appropriate remarks, setting forth the wishes of Bishop Janes, after which the people assembled, by a vote, accepted the conditions, and the church organization com- menced by the appointment of Maurice W. Prince as preacher in charge, and he appointed Luther P. Durgin class-leader.

Immediately the first Quarterly Conference was held,-Present, Theodore L. Flood, presiding elder ; M. W. Prince, preacher in charge; Rev. John W. Merrill, D.D., a superannuated Methodist preacher ; and Luther P. Durgin, class-leader. L. P. Durgin was chosen secretary, when the following board of stewards was nominated and confirmed: Rensselaer O. Wright, George W. Marden, Robert Ramsdell, Jacob B. Gage, Henry C. Sanborn, Luther W. Durgin, A. C. Nash, Charles T. Wason, Hinman C. Bailey. The following board of trustees were also nominated and confirmed : Jacob B. Rand, George L. Reed, Daniel Widmer, Osmore R. Farrar, Charles H. Rus- sell, Daniel E. Howard, Peter W. Myers, William E. Hood, Timothy R. Elwell. Additional class-leaders, Frederick Ruggles, William S. Davis, Alexander Lane; treasurer and district steward, Henry C. Sanborn; recording steward, George W. Marden and the usual church committees.

At this first meeting it was voted unanimously to take the name of "The Baker Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church," in commemoration of the la- mented Bishop Osmon C. Baker. We think it not only proper but important to this history to speak briefly of the life of Bishop Baker. Osmon Cleander Baker was born in Marlow, N. H., July 30, 1812. His father, Isaac Baker, M.D., was eminent in his profession. The bishop entered the academy at Wil= braham at the age of fifteen ; Middletown in 1830; was principal of Newbury Seminary ; entered the ministry ; preached at Rochester and Manchester, and, after one year's service as presiding elder, was made professor at the institute in Concord, N. H. In 1852 he was elected bishop at the session of the General Conference, held in Boston, being the youngest of the Board of Bishops. For nineteen

1 By Luther P. Durgin.

CONCORD.

years he filled the office of superintendent in the church. Great in head, good in heart, pure in life, high in position, but humble in spirit, wise in counsel, yet modest and childlike, not given to show or ego- tism, he was dearly beloved most where he was best known-at home. On Wednesday, December 20, 1871, he quietly fell asleep in Him whom he fully trusted.

And it seemed just, appropriate and timely that a Methodist Church, organized so soon after his decease, in the city where so many years of his life had been spent,-the home of his now bereaved family,-should have the privilege of perpetuating his memory by a memorial church, which, it is hoped, will endure longer than monuments of brass or marble to bless and gladden the world.

It was voted to organize a Ladies' Benevolent Society.

The first public service was held in Phoenix Hall on the Sunday following the organization (November 1st), at 10.30 A.M., and at the close of the morning service all persons desirous of forming a Sunday- school were invited to remain. Rev. M. W. Prince took the chair, and the following persons were elected officers of the school : President, Maurice W. Prince ; Superintendent, Luther P. Durgin ; Assistant Super- intendent and Chorister, Robert Ramsdell ; Secretary, Ezra B. Crapo; Treasurer, Rensselaer O. Wright; Librarian, Timothy R. Elwell. The persons present were organized into classes and the work of a Sunday- school begun.

November 30, 1874, a committee was appointed to secure a lot, looking to the building of a church. On the 28th of December of the same year it was voted to secure the lot on the corner of State and Warren Streets,-the same that is now occupied by the chapel and parsonage.

In January, 1876, the church received the offer of the free use of the chapel on Green Street, the prop- erty of Theodore H. Ford, Esq., and immediately transferred its place of worship to that house. This was the first of very many helps, counsels and finan- cial assistance received from the same Christian gen- tleman.

In the spring of 1876 the board of trustees chose a building committee, and proceeded to erect a chapel on the lot on the corner of State and Warren Streets, and on December 21, 1876, the house was dedicated by suitable services, the Rev. Bradford K. Pierce, of Boston, preaching the dedication sermon; and the dedicatory prayer was offered by the venerable Rev. John W. Merrill, D.D., of this city.

Some incidents of encouragement are worthy of mention in connection with the history of this church :

As the stated occasion for the celebration of the Lord's Supper came for the first time, the church was without a communion service, and the Unitarian society, through one of their officers, kindly volun-

teered the use of theirs; and at the service persons from nearly all the Christian Churches in the city were present, making it truly the Lord's table, to which all that love him were invited. Subsequently J. B. Stanley, Esq., a member of the Unitarian Church of Concord, volunteered and did present to the church a valuable communion service as a memo- rial of his mother, who was of the Methodist faith. A fine pulpit Bible and hymn-book were the gift of Mrs. Jacob B. Rand. The pulpit was made by John B. Watson, Esq., and presented to the church. The altar-chairs were the gift of the children of the Sun- day-school.

The money to meet the various obligations of the church have all been voluntary offerings. In the dark days when financial difficulties arose, when doubt and uncertainty met the church officials on every hand, friends were raised up, the needed funds provided and the good hand of the Lord was plainly visible.

Among the valuable contributions in aid to the work was the gift of the frescoing of the chapel, by Rev. M. W. Prince, the preacher in charge.

At the close of the Conference year, in 1877, came one of those occurrences usual to a Methodist Church, a change of the pastorate. The relations between Rev. M. W. Prince and this people were very tender, and it was with feelings of deepest regret that they surrendered to the inevitable rule, and bade good-bye to one that had labored with and watched over this little branch of God's church very zealously and effi- ciently, and left it growing and prosperous, with a membership of one hundred and sixty-one, in full, and fifteen probationers.

At the beginning of the Conference year the society welcomed its new pastor, Rev. William Eakins, who for two years filled the pastorate very acceptably. During his labors a very profitable revival occurred, and a goodly number were added to the membership of the church.

In April, 1879, the church was fortunate in secu- ring the appointment of Rev. Charles E. Hall as their pastor.

During the two years of his work on the charge the Sunday-school was reorganized, and a reduction of two thousand dollars on the church debt was secured.

At the close of the Conference year, in the spring of 1881, Rev. C. E. Hall gave notice of his intention to make a change in his relations to this church, much to the regret of a large portion of the church and congregation.

Through the effort of Presiding Elder John W. Adams, Rev. Charles Parkhurst, of the Vermont Conference, was transferred and stationed with this church. Mr. Parkhurst brought many excellent qualities of head and heart to bear upon the work. The congregation was enlarged, the Sunday-school increased, two thousand five hundred dollars of the church debt canceled and a good spiritual inter-

HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

est manifested. But the sickness of his esteemed companion caused a breaking up of the pleasant relations that were then existing, and in August, 1882, Mr. Parkhurst removed to Washington, D. C., for the benefit of his wife's health. For twelve weeks the church was without a regular preacher. In the latter part of October the Rev. W. M. Sterling, of Minneapolis, was appointed to supply the remainder of the Conference year, and did re- markably good work for the time given him. But feeling called to return to his old Conference (Maine), Mr. Sterling declined a very decided vote to remain another year. On the first Sunday in May, 1883, the Rev. George W. Norris commenced his labors with this people. He came with an excellent reputation as a preacher and man of God, and during his two years' stay here his previous reputation was more than realized in building up the spiritual life and power of the church. In the spring of 1885 he was called to the office of presiding elder, and Rev. David E. Miller was transferred from the Vermont Conference, and is now preacher in charge.

The present condition of the church is as follows: Church property appraised at sixteen thousand dol- lars, upon which there is an indebtedness of five thousand dollars ; church membership, one hundred and eighty-five in full, nine probationers; a Sunday- school of two hundred members, with a good aud increasing congregation.

The location of the church property is good, its field for usefulness large, and with God's blessing it will fulfill its mission.

The system of voluntary contributions by the peo- ple, for current expenses of the church, was among the earliest measures adopted, and has been main- tained to this day, making it as truly a free church as any can well be.

A building fund association was organized Febru- ary 26, 1884, to aid in the erection of a prospective church edifice.

During the entire history of Methodism woman has held a prominent place in points of privilege and duty in her churches, materially assisting in the car- rying on of all her great enterprises and endeavors to Christianize the world.

In the department of missions this church has not been behind her sister churches. October 16, 1877, the women of Baker Memorial Church united in forming an auxiliary to the Women's Foreign Mission Society, which has been increasing in numbers and efficiency until now.

Mrs. Rachel O. Badger has filled the responsible position of teacher of the juvenile class in the Sun- day-school for nearly eleven years. Mrs. Emily H. Merrill filled the place of class-leader for a long time.

The Ladies' Benevolent Society has been an im- portant factor in the various financial enterprises of the church, and in the promotion of the social ele- ment in the society.

Women have been very efficient as collectors of funds in times of emergency, and foremost in the various enterprises for spiritual growth and seasons of revival.

The First Methodist Episcopal Church in Pena- cook, N. H., was organized October 28, 1847, under Rev. Silas Quimby as presiding elder and Rev. Eben- ezer Peaslee preacher in charge, he being the first regularly appointed Methodist preacher in the place. For several years after the church was supplied by students from the Concord Theological Seminary, after which the following persons have received ap- pointments to this charge: Revs. Ebenezer Peaslee, John Mclaughlin, Mr. Knapp, H. Loud, W. D. Cass, Mr. Sanborn, D. J. Smith, James Pike, J. C. Emer- son, D. C. Babcock, Samuel Roy, N. P. Philbrook, N. Culver, S. P. Heath, W. H. Jones, L. E. Gordon, L. P. Cushman, H. Woodard, E. R. Wilkins, C. W. Tay- lor. Of its early members, many have passed away. They were earnest, faithful men and women, who dared stand for the truth as they believed it. Its present membership is about one hundred and sixty. With a full board of stewards and trustees and a good church property, they are considered a prosperous organization, with future years of usefulness. Pastor, 1885, Rev. C. W. Taylor.

First Baptist Church.1-On the 20th of May, 1818, a number of persons residing in Concord, and belonging to different churches, met at the house of Richard Swain, in said town, for the purpose of ascer- taining what degree of fellowship existed among them in the faith of the gospel, and also to consider what the prospects were of forming a church agreeable to the principles and practices of the Apostles of our Lord.

After a free and full consideration of the first object before them, the following persons gave to each other an expression of their Christian fellowship, viz .: James Willey, John Hoit, Sarah Bradley, Deborah Elliot, Sally Swain and Nancy Whitney.

Soon after others joined them in fellowship and by the advice of brethren from the church in Bow, they being present by invitation, and having well con- sidered the subject, unanimously recommended the small band of disciples, fourteen in all, to embody and organize.

Accordingly, an ecclesiastical council, composed of members from neighboring churches, assembled at the house of Rev. William Taylor and there effected the organization.

The council was composed of the following: Pas- tors,-Ottis Robinson, of Salisbury; John B. Gibson, of Weare; Henry Vesey, of Bow. Deacons, -Cate and Severance, of Salisbury; Wood and Barnard, of Weare; Bryant, of Bow. Brethren,-Kensington and Fifield, of Salisbury ; Samuel Gale, of Weare; Cains and Gile, of Bow.

1 By A. J. Prescott.

CONCORD.

Prayer was offered, and the articles of faith adopted by the brethren seeking recognition, being read and considered, were approved by the council, and the body was unanimously declared to be a Church of Christ duly formed.

The public services were as follows: Sermon, by Elder John B. Gibson; hand of fellowship, by Elder Otis Robinson ; prayer, by Elder Henry Vesey.

The church has settled seven pastors. Rev. Wm. Taylor served for seven years, to 1825, during which he received thirty into fellowship. The records prove him to have been a good minister, " a self-sacrificing man, the very kind needed to lay broadly and strongly the foundation of a new enterprise." Rev. Nath. W. Williams followed and served the church five and a half years, taking in the goodly number of fifty-four. It was said and recorded "He was a man of God, dis- creet, humble and spiritual." Rev. E. E. Cummings followed in 1832 and continued for eighteen years, during which nearly five hundred came into member- ship. The long continuance and abundant fruits of this pastorate must be regarded as especially favored, as one revival followed another through the very faithful efforts of all, with God's blessing, and the community around rejoiced indeed. As many enter- prises of the church were carried forward under the leadership of Dr. Cummings, it must be a great pleas- ure to him, still living in his chosen home in Concord, at the age of eighty-four, to recall the past and con- template the present prosperity of his long-time charge.

Rev. C. W. Flanders succeeded as fourth to minister to the church permanently in 1850, remaining sixteen years, and for the most part they proved to be years of the right hand of the Lord in our Zion. Revivals were enjoyed by the church at intervals not distant and souls saved through his faithful appeals from the pulpit, and in his pastoral ministrations, tender and timely, many will rise up in the sanctuary above and call the dear, good man blessed, while there remain others here below who yet cherish his memory with true and deep affection as their spiritual father, their ready and tender comforter in affliction.

The fifth, Rev. D. W. Faunce, D.D., present pastor of the E Street Baptist Church, Washington, D. C., and the sixth, Rev. W. V. Garner, retiring in July, 1884, had each of them about nine years of efficient service with this church, and are regarded by their brethren as among the abler preachers in our Baptist ranks to-day. Rev. Garner has good reports from his present field of labor at Bridgeport, Conn.

At the present time this church are listening with attention to the instructions and rejoicing in the min- istrations of Rev. C. R. Cram, D.D., late of the First Baptist Church, Boston, with every token of favor and success in a happy and useful pastorate. The church has buried eight good and faithful deacons: Willey, Gault, Crockett, Damon, J. O. Gault, Pres- cott, Winkley and Elwell, the first in 1853, the last in 1872. The five living and serving during the last

five to thirty years are Brethren Flanders, Norris, Humphrey, Prescott and Fairbanks.

Number of members reported at last association, three hundred and two, September, 1884. Whole number received in sixty-six years, eleven hundred and ninety.

In conclusion, we should state the fact that the Pleasant Street Church was formed in 1853, embracing thirty members dismissed from the parent church, and if a fair and full report should be made of all that has been sacrificed and accomplished through the Divine aid in sixty-seven years, we should have fresh courage and patience in laboring according to the plan set forth in Christ's Sermon on the Mount, (Matt. v. 16): "Let your light so shine before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven."

Pleasant Street Baptist Church.1-This church began its career in the spring of 1853. The original members had formerly been identified with the First Baptist Church, of which Rev. E. E. Cummings had, for years, been the successful and beloved pastor. These brethren, from various causes, feeling that the time had come for the formation of a new Baptist interest within 'the city proper, undertook the arduous task of erecting a new house of worship. This work, begun and carried on in the midst of peculiar diffi- culties, was at length completed in January, 1854.

Rev. E. E. Cummings was, at this time, preaching in Pittsfield. So successful had his labors proved, and so strong a hold had he secured upon the hearts of the people in Concord, that they very naturally and unanimously turned toward him as the man who should be invited to the pastoral charge of the new church. Accordingly, an invitation was extended and accepted, the new house opened, and Mr. Cum- mings publicly installed January 11, 1854, at which time the church, consisting of thirty members, was publicly recognized. Great prosperity followed the church under the leadership of Dr. Cummings. For thirteen years he labored with untiring energy in this, his second pastorate in the city of Concord. His wise counsel, his faithful preaching and his devotion to the people whom he served marked this second chapter in his history as a minister of the gospel in New Hampshire as most eventful. Dr. Cummings resigned October 6, 1867; but the resignation was not accepted until April 12, 1868.

On the 18th of May following, Rev. H. G. Safford, of Amesbury, Mass., received from the church an invitation to become pastor in the field lately occu- pied by Dr. Cummings. Mr. Safford's pastorate be- gan June 7th, and continued seven years and six months. During his labors, which were highly effi- cient, the church increased considerably both in numbers and influence. Sound and logical as a preacher, thoughtful and sympathetic as a pastor,

1 By Rev. James K. Ewer.

HISTORY OF MERRIMACK COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

Mr. Safford made for himself a host of friends not ouly in his own society, but throughout the entire community. His pastorate ended October 31, 1875.

Following his resignation was an interim of eight months, when, in March, 1876, a call was extended to Rev. E. C. Spinney, of the Newton Theological Institution. Having accepted this call, Mr. Spinney entered upon his labors in June following. His pas- torate continued four years, and was eminently suc- cessful. Called to the church when the membership numbered one hundred and fifty-five, he succeeded in greatly augmenting its numerical strength, and left it, at the close of his pastorate, numbering two hundred and fifty-eight. Mr. Spinney labored ar- duously during his four years' residence with this people, and greatly endeared himself to a large circle of friends. During his pastorate the house of worship was thoroughly renovated and beautified, and ren- dered more attractive and comfortable.

Mr. Spinney resigned April 31, 1880, to take effect on June 1st following.

On the 11th of July, of the same year, Rev. L. G. Barrett received and accepted a call to the pastorate. Mr. Barrett, who had previously preached in Massa- chusetts and New York, entered upon his labors Sep- tember 1, 1880, and, after a pastorate of four years, resigned July 12, 1884, to take effect September 1st following. Mr. Barrett was an able preacher and an ardent advocate of temperance reform. He left a membership of two hundred and seventy-five, the church having been built up and enlarged in its efficiency during his term of service.

The present pastor, Rev. James K. Ewer, entered upon his labors in this field January 1, 1885.

Free-Will Baptist Church .- (See appendix). Baptist Church, Penacook .- (See appendix).

St. John the Evangelist (Roman Catholic) .- It is impossible to give the exact date when Mass was first said in this city, but it was probably in about the year 1845. It was visited occasionally by various priests, among whom were Rev. Father McDonald, of Manchester, and Rev. Father O'Donnell, of Nashua. Very Rev. Father J. E. Barry, V. G., the first resi- dent priest, came to Concord in September, 1865, and has remained to the present time. Services were first held in Phoenix Hall. Father Barry at once started the movement for the erection of a church building, which was rapidly pushed forward, and March 13, 1868, the present large and substantial brick struc- ture was dedicated. The church now numbers about two thousand souls.

Very Rev. J. E. Barry, V. G., was born in East- port, Me., in August, 1836. He was educated at Holy Cross College, Worcester, Mass., and spent nine years at Sulpician College and Seminary, at Montreal. The first year of his service in the priesthood he was as- sistant at the Cathedral in Portland, Me., under Rt. Rev. D. W. Bacon, D.D., bishop of Portland. Upon the death of Dr. Bacon, Father Barry became the ad-

ministrator of the diocese. June 10, 1875, he was appointed vicar-general by Rt. Rev. J. A. Healey, bishop of Portland. At thetime of Father Barry's set- tlement here there were no Catholic Churches in New Hampshire north of Manchester, and his labors prac- tically extended over the entire northern portion of the State. Father Barry is untiring in his church- work, and his sterling qualities and genial, courteous bearing have won for him hosts of friends, and he is one of Concord's most honored citizens. He has a commodious and pleasant residence, adjoining the church, which is tastefully furnished and replete with all the conveniences of the age.

St. John the Evangelist Church (Catholic), at Penacook, was organized in 1854, and the present church was dedicated in 1868.

CHAPTER III. CONCORD-(Continued).

THE PRESS.1

The Concord Herald and New Hampshire Intelli- gencer, commenced by George Hough, January 6, 1790, was the first paper printed in Merrimack County. It was on paper of bluish cast, twenty by fourteen inches. It was in a year or two enlarged, and ap- peared as the Courier of New Hampshire. It was dis- continued October 30, 1805. Mr. Hough was one of the most accurate printers who ever lived in New Hampshire. He died February 8, 1830, aged seventy- three.

The Mirrour, by Elijah Russell, was commenced October 29, 1792. Moses Davis was soon after asso- ciated with Russell in its publication. No. 130, now before the writer, is styled The Federal Mirror. May 13, 1799, the paper appeared as The Mirror, the word Federal being discarded. It was soon after discon- tinued.

The Republican Gazetteer, by Moses Davis, made its appearance November 29, 1796. Its dimensions were seventeen and a half by twenty-three inches. March 14, 1797, it appeared as Russell & Davis's Republican Gazetteer. It probably continued but a short time. The New Star, neither a large nor brilliant luminary, was issued a short time by the same publishers, in the year 1797. It was published only from April 14 to October 3, 1797.

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History of Merrimack and Belknap counties, New Hampshire, Part 20

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton), ed Publication date: 1885 Publisher: Philadelphia [Pa.] J. W. Lewis & co. Number of Pages: 1520

Author: Hurd, D. Hamilton (Duane Hamilton), ed
Publication date: 1885
Publisher: Philadelphia [Pa.] J. W. Lewis & co.
Number of Pages: 1520