History of Merrimack and Belknap counties, New Hampshire, Part 202

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 202
USA > New Hampshire > Belknap County > History of Merrimack and Belknap counties, New Hampshire > Part 202

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MEREDITH.

minister. These and other complications served to check, to a great degree, the growth of the church." From 1824 to 1829 the organization appears to have been dormant, but in 1829 a number of students at the New Hampton Institution were zealous in the Master's cause and had a wish to labor in this town and some of the surrounding ones, in the hope of causing a revival. Among this number was an earn- est and talented young man, afterward a successful evangelist, who visited this church and held pro- tracted meetings. He was assisted by Elder Evans, by Elder James Barnaby, also a student and a man who figured conspicuously in the anti-Masonic ex- citement of the times, and hy some of the local brethreu. These meetings were the cause of great good to all the churches in the vicinity. On the 29th of October, 1829, a large number were baptized by Elder Evans. On the 21st of December, Lewis Cas- well joined the church by letter, and it was voted to give him ordination, which was done on the 31st of January, 1830. Elder Caswell proved to be the right man in the right place, and the year that fol- lowed was one of the greatest blessings to the church of any in its history. In 1831 thirteen members withdrew to form the Second Baptist Church of Mer- edith, and in 1833 others withdrew to form the church at Piper's Mills. In 1833 a conncil was convened to consider the charges against Mr. Fogg, then still a member of the church. The charges, "intemper- ate habits," were sustained and he was deposed from the ministry. But Parson Fogg had many excellent qualities ; he is remembered as a friendly, kind- hearted and sympathetic man. He had uncommon gifts ; he once read a paper before a large assembly of ministers on "The connection of time with eter- nity," which created a profound impression. His memory should not be treated lightly, nor his habits be censured too severely. He lived at a time when the use of stimulants was more common than now; when they were less under the ban of society. El- der Caswell resigned after the deposition of Mr. Fogg. He was a man of exalted piety and highly regarded by his people. He was a strong, positive man, unbending and uncompromising in his views touching society affairs, and was one of the few New Hampshire preachers who, from 1827 to 1835, and later, were outspoken in their condemnation of Free-Masonry.

During 1834 and 1835 the church had no regular pastor. In December, 1835, the Rev. A. M. Swain, of Salem, N. Y., was engaged to preach. He re- mained about two years, the society showing a falling off in membership during his pastorship. In 1838 and 1839 the church was destitute of a pastor. In 1839 the church ordained the Rev. Barzilla Pierce as pastor. Elder Pierce remained until 1842. In 1843 the church was apparently in a prosperous condition. During the years of 1844 and 1845, El- der Chickering, of New Hampton, supplied one-

third of the time, and two-thirds for the second or village church. The church struggled on for a year or more, but finding it impossible to sustain preach- ing, in 1846 disbanded by general consent. In justice, however, it should be said that "the good peo- ple who formed its membership through all these years seem to have striven to support the preaching of the gospel and to maintain a proper measure of discipline. That, after nearly seventy years of effort, they were compelled to disband was not their fault. Situated as the church was, half-way between the fast-growing villages of Meredith Bridge (now Laco- nia) and Lake village on one side and Meredith on the other, the result was only a question of time. But the work that was done and the good accom- plished will be recorded in the Lamb's Book of Life, and the record thereof shall not pass away like the things of this world, but will continue un- to the end of time."

The Second Baptist Church was formed, during the revival of 1881, by thirteen members of the First Baptist Church. The petition was signed by Benja- min R. Rollins and eighteen others, and on the 30th of May the request was granted. On the 1st of June the petitioners met and formed themselves into a church. At this meeting they voted to call an eccle- siastical council to assemble June 15th, which was done; the council convened and the organization com- pleted according to denominational custom. The sermon was preached by the Rev. William Taylor, who preached for the church two years, the services being held at the Towle Hill meeting-house. In the mean time the society voted to build a meeting-house of brick, and Elder Taylor selected the location, and the church was built "upon a rock," and although a large undertaking for so small a society, yet it was completed, and some years since entirely paid for. In 1834 the church settled its first pastor, Rev. Christy G. Wheeler, who, on account of failing health, resigned. Mr. Daniel Mattison then supplied, and in December, 1836, he was ordained; but iu November, 1840, he died, leaving a character of most earnest piety. He is remembered also as a man of promise and power. For a year or two after Mr. Mattison's death the pulpit was supplied by New Hampton students ; but in January, 1842, a call was extended to Rev. Samuel Eastman, which was ac- cepted, but he resigned at the end of the year, not being fully Calvinistic in his views. His pastorate, however, was a successful one, inasmuch as there were many additions to the church. From that time until 1845 there was no settled pastor; then Rev. Samuel Cook was ordained and remained with the church until April, 1849, when he resigned. Some time between the years 1845 and 1849 the church solicited and received aid from the State Convention. Elder Cook was a very earnest man, and gained the affection of his people. In May, 1849, the Rev. E. W. Cressy, of Concord, became pastor, but owing to

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HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

the dissension in the church, arising from the revi- sion of the church creed, his labors were of no avail, and December, 1850, he resigned. After that there was occasional preaching; then the house was closed.

In 1852, Rev. Stephen G. Abbott offered to preach if the people would open the house. His offer was accepted, and he was acting pastor until 1855, and the people have reason to think of him and his ser- vices with gratitude.

In 1856, Rev. George Daland, of South Braintee, Mass., was settled ; but at this time the slavery ques- tion was the disturbing element of the country, and the church was not exempt from its influence, and in 1858, Mr. Daland closed his pastorate in Mere- dith.

The following two years the church was without a pastor.

About 1860 the title Second Baptist Church (there being no First Church then existing) was changed to Meredith Village Baptist Church.

In 1861, Rev. Nathaniel Goodhue was pastor ; but, in the fall of 1863, he desired his dismissal, as he was no longer in accord with the tenets of the denomina- tion. He was followed by Rev. H. I. Campbell, who remained about two years.

Rev. Joseph Storer became pastor iu February, 1866, and served until 1872, building up the cause zealously. During this time the church edifice was repaired. Following his resignation the church was closed, but from 1873 to the fall of 1875 the pulpit was supplied by efficient preachers of the gospel, when Rev. Wil- liam H. Stewart took charge of the church and Sunday-school, and by his fervor and zeal revived the local interests of the parish,

Mr. Stewart was a chaplain in the navy aud was compelled to resign at the end of two years, being ordered to report for duty.

Rev. T. M. Merriman was pastor from 1877 to 1879.

The next pastor was Rev. James Graham, who sup- plied for the church from January to May, 1879, when he was regularly ordained.

Mr. Graham resigned July, 1884, and January, 1885, Rev. S. P. Everett, the present pastor, became his successor.

He is a mau possessing characteristics which should win for him success in his chosen field of labor. Quick, energetic, with pleasing manners and of sound doctrinal faith, the church bids fair to go on and prosper under his earnest teachings. The resi- dent membership of the church in 1884 was eighty. The Sabbath-school had one hundred and sixty scholars and fourteen teachers.

CHAPTER VIII. MEREDITH-( Continued).

ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY-(Continued).

The Free-Will Baptist Church-Origin-First Meeting-Baptisms-Un- der New Durham Church-Officers and their Duties-First Monthly Meeting-" Labor and Exclusion"-Separate Organization-Extent -Religious Interest-Branches-Houses of Worship-Early Ministry -Early and Later Pastors-General Conference, Etc .- The Meredith Village Church - Organization - Pastors, Etc. - Reorganization - Names of Organizing Members-First Church Edifice-Pastors- Chapel and Remodeling Church-Membership - Sabbath-School -- Church at Meredith Centre.

The Free-Will Baptist Church .- The Free-Will Baptist Church of Meredith had its origin in this town in the year 1800. Elder Simon Pottle, of Mid- dleton,-a ready speaker, but wanting in caution, which finally proved his ruin,-came into that part of the town now known as Oak Hill, about two and a half miles from the village, and held some meetings. At the first meeting, as the record runs, "seven professed to be brought to a knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus. The work increased in a most glorious manner." This was in August of that year. September 3d, Elder Richard Martin, of Gilford, came and baptized four- teen persons, viz. : Robert Smith, Abigail Smith, Polly Smith, William Pike, Phebe Pike, Nancy Pike, Rebecca Pease, Rebecca Pease (2d), Robert Pease, Nathaniel Pease, Simeon Pease, Theodore Hart, Peter Peters and Sally Sinclair. On the 23d of the same month he baptized eleven more. The next day El- der Pottle baptized a few. Baptisms were frequent there and in Centre Harbor. It is probable the form of the organization took place at the first baptism under the name of "Monthly Meeting of Meredith," and was regarded a branch of the New Durham mother-church. This took place September 3, 1800, as the record of the second baptism (September 23d) says, " and were added to this Monthly Meeting." At their first monthly meeting, October 11th, after their organization, Simeon Pease-years after chosen dea- con-was appointed clerk. At that meeting they pe- titioned the Quarterly Meeting, held the next week at New Durham, to be recognized and constituted a Monthly Meeting. Thirty-three signed the petition, being the then members of the meeting. The following Wednesday, the Quarterly-Meeting convened and their request was granted, and they were received and recognized as a Monthly Meeting and a branch of the New Durham Church. The name, then, of the com- munity of churches was "Free-Will Anti-Pedo Bap- tists." The notice of the Quarterly Meeting's action was signed by Elder John Shepard, moderator, and Elder Benjamin Randall, clerk. They adopted the " Order and Discipline of the New Durham Church," (the first church organized by Elder Randall, the founder of the Free-Will Baptist denomination, in 1780). This "Order and Discipline" recognized for of- ficers, teaching elders, ruling elders, deacons, wardens, treasurer and clerk. The teaching elders were

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MEREDITH.

preachers. The ruling elders were to have the over- sight of the church, and, in the absence of a preach- ing elder, could administer the ordinances. "They must be plain in dress and temperate in living;" they were to "improve their gifts," and, frequently, they became preachers. The deacons, in addition to their proper duties, could administer the ordinances in the absence of a teaching and ruling elder. They also were to exercise their gifts. Wardens were to look af- ter the finances, assessing and collecting taxes for church purposes. The record of the first Monthly Meeting after the Quarterly Meeting recognition says,-

" Opened the meeting with repeated petitions to Almighty God for His assistance and direction in the duties of the day, and He was pleased to answer, te our souls' great joy and satisfaction. All glory to His Heavenly Name ! Each member present related the travail of his mind to great satisfaction, with firm resolutions to press on towards the glorious work. Our meeting continued until about eleven o'clock in the even- ing, with strong cries and grosnings in travail for the prosperity of Ziou, that her gates might he crowded with converts ! We have cause to say it was good for us to meet together, for Zion's God was with us of a truth, aud His Almighty power was made manifest in a wonderful manner. Then concluded with & few songs of praise to our Governor and King !"

Their "Order and Discipline " required the meet- ing to report to the Quarterly Meeting every session by delegates, and to present the book of records for inspection. Labor was carried on with disorderly and delinquent members by the meeting, but " re- jectment " was by the Quarterly Meeting. A letter was made out and forwarded to the party excluded, signed by the moderator and clerk of the meeting.

This form of organization went on for a while, till the meeting requested the Quarterly Meeting to allow them full power to manage their own affairs, and their request was granted. In April following the organiz- ation, John Knowles, of Centre Harbor, was chosen ruling elder, and Nicholas Smith, of New Hampton, deacon ; and, subsequently, they were ordained as such. Afterwards (1803) Theodore Hart was ap- pointed ruling elder, and Daniel Veasey deacon.

The religious interest at the beginning continued, and frequent baptisms were had until, on the 1st of January, the meeting numbered fifty-six. The work gradually spread over this and adjoining towns till the membership embraced not only Meredith, but New Hampton, Centre Harbor and Centre Harbor Neck, Holderness, Moultonborough and Moultonbor- ough Neck. At the end ofthe second year the meeting numbered one hundred and thirty-four. Subse- quently it numbered more than double, if not thrice, that number.

The meetings in their early history were character- ized by great religious fervor and power. Not infre- quently persons were known to possess so much " power " as to lose consciousness and would remain in this state for hours. All understood this; no one was alarmed or thought it strange. There were sea- sons of spiritual agony called a travail of soul. Often conversions took place at these meetings.

The record of an adjourned meeting held at Wad- leigh Cram's, Centre Harbor, February 20, 1801, says,-

" We found it to be & meeting-place, indeed, for Jesus was with us, and 80 refreshed our souls, that, for a long time, there was a shouting like men filled with wine. A number of our young converts, who were about four months old, were filled with the spirit of prophecy and spake with new tongues, declaring the house of Saul waxes weaker and the house of David stronger. Glory to God !"

Their Christian zeal and love, and readiness in obeying the commands of Christ, are seen hy a record of a meeting for baptism, held at William Clark's, in Centre Harbor, January 28th, just previous to the above-mentioned meeting, when Elder Pottle baptized three through the ice at the head of Waukawan Lake, the ice being two feet in thickness.

When without a preacher they conducted their meetings among themselves, the ruling elder pre- siding. The meeting soon covered so large a territory that branch ones were formed, which monthly re- ported to the parent. The first year a class was formed on Centre Harbor Hill, under the care of Ruling Elder J. Knowles, which afterwards grew into a church. The next year a branch meeting was formed on Moultonborough Neck. The following year, 1803, one was formed in the "Second Division " of Meredith, ultimately becoming a church now in existence. Some time after, one was formed in the west part of Centre Harbor and Holderness. Still later, another church sprang up in East Holderness. In 1838 a church was formed at the village out of the old church. In 1839 another one was formed out of its membership on Meredith Neck, which, in 1843, was largely broken up, and which finally became ex- tinct. Thus reduced in membership and territory, the mother-church became small and feeble. This church has had a wide-spread influence. It has had much to do with moulding the religious sentiment and opinions of this region, and in gathering men out of sin. A house of worship was built between 1800 and 1804, not long after the establishment of the meeting. In later years it was remodeled into the form it now has. The church had not in those early years a stated ministry, for a settled pastor was then hardly known in this denomination. The supply was mostly by traveling preachers ; yet, at a comparatively early date, this church had stated supplies and pas- tors. Among the first preachers were Pottle, Martin, Magoon, Dana and Colby. Later were Moody, Hill, Manson, Stevens, the Pettingills, Perkins, Webber, Sanborn, Knowles, Jackson, Moulton, Sinclair and Veasey. Its experience has been varied. For a number of years its prosperity was far beyond any- thing now known in a country place, numbering its membership to three hundred and fifty-two. Then there were seasons of " low-tide." Although so many churches and societies have been formed out of its membership and territory, still it lives, though greatly reduced in size.

In 1832 the Sixth General Conference of the denom-

850

HISTORY OF BELKNAP COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

ination was held with this church. There was a large attendance. The business was transacted at the Pease School-house, and the worship conducted at the church and in the adjacent grove. Of the delegates attending, Rev. S. Curtis, of Concord, still survives. Of the large number of ministers present, not dele- gates, Rev. J. Woodman, Rev. D. Jackson and Rev. D. P. Cilley and perhaps others are now living.

The present pastor of the old (Oak Hill) church is the venerable and faithful Rev. J. Erskine, to whose courtesy we are indebted for the above valuable sketch.

The Meredith Village Free-Will Baptist Church was organized October 18, 1838. The council was composed of the following brethren : Peter Clark, Hiram Stevens, E. Mack, D. Pettingill, H. Webber and E. Wiley. Peter Clark was chairman and E. Mack scribe.

A communication was presented to this council from the First Free-Will Church in Meredith (Oak Hill), setting forth the action of that church and the granting of letters of dismission to fifty-four members of that church for the purpose of organizing a church at Meredith village. With these persons we find the names of Daniel Smith, David Vittum and John Haynes.

The organization was completed and rules were adopted, taking the Holy Scriptures as their guide in faith and doctrine, and a very decided position on the temperance question. David Vittum and John Haynes were chosen deacons, and Josiah C. Vittum clerk. A request was made to the Sandwich Quarterly Meeting for admission to that body, which was granted. Elder Hiram Stevens, an extemporaneous speaker of force and ability, acted as pastor until June 20, 1839, at which time Rev. Hosea Quimby be- came pastor, and remained until some time during the year 1842. He was a quiet, effective speaker, whose sermons appealed to the best elements of his hearers. In November, 1842, I. D. Stewart was invited to preach for a time, and soon after was ordained as pastor of the church. During the following year thirty-four were baptized and united with the church, the num- ber of members at this time being one hundred and four. About the first of the year 1844, Mr. Stewart was dismissed. There is no record of the church after Rev. Mr. Stewart's dismissal until December 21, 1846, when it was thought best to give up the organ- ization and return to Oak Hill Church, which was done.

May 25, 1854, by request, previous to this date, the Sandwich Quarterly Meeting had appointed the fol- lowing as a council to come to Meredith village and organize a church : Rev. L. B. Tasker, Rev. P. S. Bur- bank and Rev. J. Runnels. A church was organized with the following members: David Vittum, Daniel Smith, John Haynes, Francis Hawkins, John How, Mooney Baker, Greenlief Maloon, Ebenezer Stevens and David P. Cotton. The officers were David P.

Cotton, clerk; David Vittum and John Haynes, deacons; and it was voted to take the name of " Mer- edith Village Free-Will Baptist Church," and it was subsequently received by the Sandwich Quarterly Meeting as a member of that body. The confession of faith and church covenant of the denomination was adopted.

January, 1855, Rev. Hosea Quimby was settled as pastor, and remained until January, 1857. About this time the hall where they worshiped was destroyed by fire, and for several years there was no settled pastor.

In 1858 the society commenced to build a church. There was standing on the "Parade " a meeting- house, erected in the year 1776. This building the proprietor kindly gave to the society. It was removed to the village and rebuilt during the following year.

June 26, 1861, A. B. Meservey was ordained, and was pastor until April, 1862, when he resigned the pastorate to become the principal of New Hampton Institution. July 17, 1862, Rev. L. B. Tasker was called to the pastorate and remained until April 26, 1863; soon after Rev. Francis Reed became pastor and was dismissed June 11, 1865. In April, 1866, Rev. J. Erskine was settled as pastor. May 10, 1866, James McLean and J. S. Vittum were chosen dea- cons. In June, 1869, the New Hampshire Ycarly Meeting held its sessions with this church. Rev. Mr. Erskine was dismissed November, 1870, aud J. H. Durkee was ordained September 28, 1871, and settled as pastor. November, 1871, Alvah Cotton and H. F. Hawkins were chosen deacons, and in September, 1872, Rev. Mr. Durkee was dismissed. Rev. L. Given was pastor from February 27, 1873, to September 16, 1875, and from this time until May, 1878, the society depended on supplies, and meetings were sustained only a part of the time. August 16, 1878, Rev. R. H. Tozer became pastor; was dismissed June 13, 1880. From September 11, 1880, to April 6, 1882, Rev. N. S. Palmeter was pastor. In April, 1882, Rev. J. Burn- ham Davis became pastor, and in September, 1882, John Hodsden was elected deacon.

During the fall of 1883 the society built a chapel at a cost of nine hundred dollars, and in the spring of 1884 the church was repaired and remodeled at an expense of sixteen hundred dollars, the seating capacity of the church being increased one-third. The church and chapel are very pleasantly and neatly fitted up, much taste being shown in all their appurtenances. It is now a model building for a small society.

The house was rededicated July 3, 1884. May 16, 1885, Rev. Mr. Davis was dismissed. Since its last organization there have been two hundred and sixty- six members connected with the church, and at the present time the society is in a prosperous condition. The Sabbath-school has always been considered ot vital importance and its interests receive proper at- tention.

851

MEREDITH.

The Free-Will Baptist Church of Meredith Cen- tre had, as we are informed by the present pastor, Rev. L. E. Hall, an organization as early as 1813, for a covenant is in existence bearing that date, to which are affixed ten names. The records are very incom- plete, affording absolutely nothing of the progress or growth of the church. At present it has a good meeting-house, vestry and parsonage, with sixty-four resident and thirty-four non-resident members.

CHAPTER IX.

MEREDITH-(Continued).

Representatives to General Conrt-Societies-Chocorua Lodge, F. and A. M .- Belknap Lodge, I. O. O. F .- George S. Cram Post, G. A. R .- William S. Leach Camp, S. of V .- Temperance-Waukawan Lodge, 1. O. G. T .- White Mountain Lodge, I. O. G. T .- Blue Ribbon Club- Meredith Mechanic Association-Meredith Village Savings-Bank- Weekly News-Public Library and Reading Room.

Representatives to General Court .- The first representative sent by Meredith to the General Court was elected at a town-meeting, duly warned and held at the North Church, March 11, 1793. "Eighty-four votes were cast for Ebenezer Smith, and none for any other person," to serve one year.

1793. Ebenezer Smith.

1794. Chase Robinson (until June).

1795. Ebenezer Smith.

1829. Warren Lovell.

1796. Ebenezer Smith.

Stephen Perley.

1830. Stephen Perley.

Warren Lovell.

1798. Richard Boynton.

1799. Richard Boynton.

1800. Richard Boynton.

1801. Daniel Smith.

1802. Daniel Smitlı.

1803. John Mooney.

1804, Winthrop Robinson.

1805. Winthrop Robinson.

John L. Perley.

1835. John L. Perley. Samuel Bean.

1836. Samuel Bean.

John L. Perley. Ebenezer Bickford.

1810. John A. Harper.

1811. Jonathan Ladd

1812. Jonathan Ladd.

1813. Daniel Smith.

1814. Daniel Smith.

1815. Daniel Smith.

1816. Ebenezer Pitman.

1817. Ebenezer Pitman, Jr. 1818. Ebenezer Pitman, Jr.

1819. Captain Ebenezer Pitman.

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History of Merrimack and Belknap counties, New Hampshire, Part 202

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