USA > New Hampshire > Rockingham County > Newfields > History of Newfields, New Hampshire, 1638-1911 > Part 36
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77
On January 7, 1840, the Pascataqua Association meeting at Lamprey River voted "that a committee of Messrs. Tomb, Smith, Richmond and Newman be appointed to look up the professors of religion at Newfields, Newmarket, and advise and assist them with reference to the reorganization of the old church."
In 1843 the pastor at Newfields writes, "During the year we have enjoyed the outpourings of God's Spirit among us, and the cause has been strengthened. Seven family altars have been erected; a good proportion of the subjects of grace have been heads of families. Ten have been added to the church by pro- fession. The cause of temperance has made good progress during the year."
The report for 1846 states that "There is nothing of special interest in the state of the church to be noticed." The old church in the town of Newmarket having become nearly extinct, it was revived and reorganized in 1840. The place of worship is in Newfields village in the south part of the town about one and a half miles from the old meeting-house and parsonage near the center, Rev. Preston Pond, stated supply.
Rev. Elijah W. Tucker was ordained to the ministry Septem- ber 15, 1841, and became pastor of this church and labored faithfully for four years. During his ministry sixteen were added to its membership. Mr. Tucker was dismisesd August, 1845, and the September following Rev. Preston Pond was engaged to supply one year. Subsequently Rev. Edwin Holt supplied the pulpit on the Sabbath for six months. After this there was only occasional preaching until 1851, when Rev. Charles E. Lord supplied one year. Among the good things of his ministry was the forming of the Ladies' Sewing Circle
387
CHURCHES OF NEWFIELDS
which still continues its activities and proves a real helper of the church.
Rev. Winthrop Fifield became pastor February 15, 1852, and so remained till his death May 9, 1862. Under his admin- tration the church was greatly encouraged and a score of persons were added to its membership. The parish purchased in 1855 nine acres of land, and largely through his efforts a convenient set of buildings for a parsonage was erected at an expense of $3,000, and conditions became more hopeful than for several years previous. In 1857 the average attendance on church services was 160.
Before Mr. Fifield entered the ministry he studied medicine and became a practising physician, and was thus prepared to minister to the physical as well as spiritual needs of the people, which he did most faithfully. The following tribute is quoted from the church records: "Rev. Winthrop Fifield was pastor of this church from February 15, 1852, till his death May 9, 1862. As a citizen he was public spirited, interested in everything that would benefit community, active in the temperance cause and strong in anti-slavery sentiments. As a Christian he was humble, prayerful, steadfast; as a preacher he was plain, prac- tical and earnest; as a pastor he was social, sympathetic and laborious. His health, always feeble, gradually failed, and his death was peaceful and triumphant." His death was greatly lamented and a serious loss to the church and community.
After the death of Mr. Fifield the Pascataqua Association supplied the pulpit several months for the benefit of his family.
Rev. Elias Chapman became pastor December, 1862, and so continued till 1867. In 1864 the statement is made that "there are some things in this little society which indicate vitality in some additions to the congregation, and in a considerable feeling that the little chapel must be enlarged. For this object the ladies have received $130." Rev. Isreal T. Otis supplied the pulpit in 1868, and was followed November, 1869, by Rev. Joseph Bartlett, brother of Rev. Samuel C. Bartlett, D.D., for many years president of Dartmouth College. During his pastorate the church, for many years a beneficiary of the Home Missionary Society, became self-supporting. The church build- ing was enlarged and a vestry made beneath the audience room. The Sabbath services, including the Sabbath School, were well attended and twelve were added to the church. Mr.
1
388
HISTORY OF NEWFIELDS.
Bartlett was very fraternal in thought and method and was highly esteemed throughout the community. His pastorate continued till August 31, 1877.
He was succeeded by Rev. Alexander C. Childs who was pastor from October 1, 1877 to September 30, 1879.
His successor, Rev. James H. Fitts, began to supply the pul- pit April 18, 1880, and on May 11 the church and society gave him a call to become pastor. He accepted and immediately began pastoral work. For several years the affairs of the church were very prosperous. The Sabbath services and social meetings were well attended, and frequent additions made to the church. The Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Societies increased in interest, a Mission Circle was formed in which the young people found much pleasure and profit. The parsonage was renovated in 1882, enlarged and painted. Later repairs were made on the exterior of the church.
Thus the years passed bringing God's spiritual and temporal blessings. But in the midst of this prosperity the business of the community began to decline, and so continued till by deaths and removals churches and schools were greatly depleted, and nearly every good work was interrupted. Yet the pastor and people who remained labored on till the morning of November 22, 1900, when the pastor, apparently in good health, while conversing with a neighbor, dropped lifeless to the ground, a victim of heart disease, thus closing his earthly ministry. Mr. Fitts was a devoted pastor, an influential citizen, active in the schools, and interested in every good work. After his death neighboring ministers supplied the pulpit for a few Sabbaths.
This church became associated January 6, 1901, with the church in Stratham under the pastoral care of Rev. George E. Lake, and held its service in the afternoon. The people were soon inspired with new courage and the work of the church revived.
Much needed repairs in the interior of the church were made in July, 1901, including new steel ceiling, carpet and curtains. Also extensive repairs on the exterior in July, 1904.
Mr. Lake labored earnestly and faithfully till October 30, 1904, and was succeeded April 10, 1905, by Rev. Bernard Cop- ping who has continued pastor till the present time. His enthusiasm enlivens and inspires the people in the work of the church. Most of the congregation are members of the Sunday
389
CHURCHES OF NEWFIELDS
School. The missionary societies and temperance work are well sustained, and according to its membership, it ranked the last year among the first in the county in its benevolent contri- butions, and exceeded its apportionment.
Very few names of the early members can be found as some of the records have been lost. At the reorganization of the old church February 12, 1840, the following persons are mentioned: Dea. Thomas Drowne, Mrs. Comfort Drowne, Mrs. Azubah Smith, received the same day by letter from the church at Lamprey River, Rev. William J. Newman officiating, Mrs. Jerusha Tarlton, Mrs. Mary K. Jenness, Mrs. Abigail Hervey, Mrs. Hannah Lane, George Wiggin and Benjamin Coe.
The names of the deacons on record are: Thomas Drowne, Benjamin Coe, William Hervey, Jonathan Colby, in the order of their service.
After the death of Deacon Hervey and the removal from town of Deacon Colby, John C. Hanson officiated for a time, then removed from town, and Lorenzo Dow took his place till his death, September, 1901. Since then J. Lewis Coe has been the officiating deacon.
Several from this church have entered professional life.
Rev. John William Lane, son of Charles and Hannah (French) Lane, graduated from Amherst College, 1856, and Andover Theological Seminary, 1859; was pastor, Whately, Mass., 1860-79; and North Hadley, Mass., since 1878.
Charles Edward Lane, his brother, graduated from Phillips Andover Academy, 1861, Amherst College, 1865, and Andover Theological Seminary, 1868; was licensed to preach, December, 1867, and during vacations was missionary in Vermont. He preached in Rindge, August 9, 1868, and died in Stratham, August 17, 1868.
Charles W. Fifield, son of Rev. Winthrop Fifield, entered the ministry and had pastorates in New York state.
Charles Lane Hanson, son of John Clinton and Anne Lucy (Lane) Hanson, graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy, 1888, and Harvard College, 1892; was instructor in English, Worces- ter (Mass.) Academy, 1892-95; English High School, Worcester, 1895-97; Durfee High School, Fall River, Mass., 1897-98; and since 1898 has been master and head of the English Depart- ment in the Mechanic Arts High School, Boston. He is one of
390
HISTORY OF NEWFIELDS.
the editors of "the Standard English Classics," and author of "English Composition," both published by Ginn & Co.
His brother, William Clinton Hanson, M.D., graduated from Phillips Exeter Academy, 1894, Harvard College, 1899, Har- vard Medical School, 1905, and was appointed assistant of the secretary of the Massachusetts Board of Health May 1, 1907.
Olivia Emeline, daughter of Charles and Hannah (French) Lane, was for years before the Civil War a teacher in the South.
Mary Elizabeth, a sister, married September 14, 1871, Rev. Jacob Chapman, a native of Tamworth, N. H., who was pastor of the Congregational Church in Deerfield, and after- wards of Kingston, N. H.
Anne Lucy, another sister, was student at the Merrimack Normal Institute under Prof. William Russell, 1852; taught in this and neighboring towns for a few years; was assistant in Pinkerton Academy, Derry, 1861; graduated from Mount Holy- oke Seminary, 1865; and taught the High School, Newfields, 1865-67. She married John Clinton Hanson, a thriving mer- chant in town, November 30, 1867. For several years they have resided in Cambridge, Mass.
Isophene K. and Annie H. Dow, daughters of Lorenzo and Elizabeth (Winslow) Dow, graduated from the Plymouth Normal School, 1875, and for years ranked among the most successful teachers in the state.
This church has had a special interest in Miss Abby Colby, a missionary in Japan many years. She was a niece of Dea- con Colby, a member of his family, and connected with this congregation much of the time while he resided in Newfields.
Probably there have been others in the history of the church equally worthy of mention, who, with God's blessing, have gone out into the world to give it faithful and helpful service.
We append a list of supplies and pastors:
John Moody, 1730-78. Nathaniel Ewer, 1773-97.
Samuel Harris, 1833. Mr. Barton, 1834.
Samuel Tomb, 1794-99. James Thurston 1799-1808. John Brodhead, 1809-22.
Constantine Blodgett, 1835-36.
Charles D. Jackson, 1836.
William F. Rowland, 1836-37.
Bezaleel Smith, 1828-29. Thomas T. Richmond, 1839.
John L. Ashby, 1840-41.
William M. Cornell, 1829-30. Ossemus Tinker, 1831-32 Elijah W. Tucker, 1841-45.
М.Е. СИЧИ
KICK
391
CHURCHES OF NEWFIELDS
Preston Pond, 1845-46.1
Joseph Bartlett, 1869-77.
Edwin Holt, 1846-47.
Alexander C. Childs, 1878-79.
Charles E. Lord, 1851-52.
James H. Fitts, 1880-1900.
Winthrop Fifield, 1852-62.
George E. Lake, 1901-05.
Elias Chapman, 1862-67.
Bernard Copping, 1905-10 .-
Israel T. Otis, 1868.
Methodist Episcopal :- Rev. George Pickering, presiding elder of the Boston district, was the first Methodist minister to preach in Newfields. This was in 1807, by invitation, in the parish church at the Junction. He was soon followed by Rev. Alfred Medcalf who supplied the pulpit of that church for a year. During 1808 Mr. Medcalf organized a "Class" in accordance with early Methodist Church usage. This "Class" seems to have had a nominal connection with the Society at Portsmouth, but for more than twenty years no record of membership or action can be found. For many years the town was without a "settled" minister. In 1810 Rev. John Brodhead was invited to occupy the parish parsonage and preach in the parish church when his duties did not call him elsewhere. This arrangement continued for thirteen years by annual vote of the town. For those times it was a most unusual exhibition of cordiality towards a Methodist preacher.
In 1828 Rev. Matthew Newhall was appointed to Durham and Newmarket. This is probably the date of the full organi- zation of the church. Sabbath services were held in the school house, formerly the Wesleyan Academy, also at the Piscas- sic school house. A "class-room" was fitted up in "Father Brodhead's" house and meetings were often held in the homes of Samuel Tarleton, senior, and Samuel Paul. Land was obtained from Miss Sally Hilton and deeded to the church May 5, 1835, and a church edifice erected. Rev. John Brodhead, Samuel Paul and George W. Kittredge were appointed building committee, and John Pease and Samuel Cilley were the builders. During the process of erection Mr. Cilley fell from the belfry to the ground, but strange to say did not sustain permanent injuries.
Daniel D. Brodhead gave the bell, also violoncello, flute, clarinet, and music books to the choir. The church was com- pleted and dedicated in the spring of 1836. At that time the church membership was 64.
1 Rev. Preston Pond was of Wrentham, Mass., a nephew of Prof. Enoch Pond of Bangor Theological Seminary. From Newfields he went to Milford, Mass., and died while making ready to take charge of a new movement in Boston.
392
HISTORY OF NEWFIELDS.
While in Washington, D. C., 1828-32, Rev. John Brodhead enjoyed the friendship of Rev. William Ryland, chaplain of the navy yard, who was pronounced by the statesman, William Pinckney, "the greatest pulpit orator he had ever heard." Mr. Ryland contributed generously toward the new church, and in his memory it was named Ryland chapel. Father Brodhead died in 1838. His portrait still hangs in many homes and "his name was spoken with reverence and affection by all who knew him."
In 1854 Miss Mary Fowler gave a lot opposite the church for a parsonage which was built in 1855. Samuel Neal, Joseph Kuse and Henry Thing were the building committee. The barn was built in 1866.
During the pastorate of Rev. Moses T. Cilley in 1870 the church was raised, according to the fashion of the time, and vestries were finished underneath.
In 1881, Rev. Otis Cole, pastor, the auditorium was remodeled by a new altar, pulpit platform, pews and furnishings, and the organ removed to the recess in the rear of the pulpit. By a noteworthy coincidence, during Mr. Cole's second pastorate, in 1906, the auditorium was again improved by the introduction of electric lights, steel ceiling and steel covering of the walls.
The following is a list of ministers who have served the church:
Matthew Newhall, 1828.
Samuel Beedle, 1852.
Caleb Lamb, 1829.
Matthew Newhall, 1853.
Daniel I. Robinson, 1830.
N. L. Chase, 1854-56.
Elijah Mason, 1831-32.
William Hewes, 1857-58.
Samuel A. Cushing, 1833.
Frank K. Stratton, 1859-60.
William J. Kidder, 1834.
John W. Adams, 1861-62.
James H. Patterson, 1835.
Eleazer Smith, 1863-65.
John Brodhead, 1836.
W. P. Ray, (supply), 1866-67.
William Padman, 1837.
George N. Bryant, 1868.
William Padman, 1839.
Moses T. Cilley, 1870.
John Adams, Henry Drew, (supplies) 1840. Amos H. Worthen, 1841.
A. A. Cleveland, 1871.
Franklin Furber, 1842.
O. S. Baketel, 1877-78.
George W. T. Rogers, 1843.
S. C. Farnham, 1879.
H. N. Taplin, 1844-45. C. N. Smith, 1846-47.
Otis Cole, 1880-81. Mellen Howard, 1882.
Frederick A. Hewes, 1848-49.
Charles W. Taylor, 1883.
Cadford M. Dinsmore, 1884-86.
Edward R. Perkins, 1887-89.
Charles Greenwood, 1850. William Hewes, 1851.
David W. Downs, 1869.
G. W. Stearns, 1838.
H. A. Matteson, 1872-73.
Charles H. Chase, 1874-76.
393
CHURCHES OF NEWFIELDS.
Buel O. Campbell, 1890.
Albert L. Smith, 1891-95.
Almon B. Rowell, 1896.
Alvah E. Draper, 1897-98.
William B. Locke, 1899-1902.
Idelbert B. Miller, 1903-05.
Otis Cole, 1906-07.
Henry Candler, 1908.
Lyman D. Bragg, 1909-10 .-
.
The list is long. We make no attempt to estimate the ability, character, or labors of these men, but it may be of interest to note a few facts concerning some of them.
Rev. John Adams who supplied in 1840 was somewhat widely known as an eccentric revivalist who did much good, familiarly called "Reformation John." His home was at "Adam's Point," Durham.
Rev. William Hewes, pastor for two terms, was a physician and practised as well as preached on his various charges.
Rev. John W .. Adams was the efficient and beloved chaplain of the Second New Hampshire Regiment of Volunteers, 1863-65.
Rev. Eleazer Smith was chaplain of the New Hampshire state prison for many years.
Rev. Buel O. Campbell has been a missionary teacher in Chile since 1892.
Rev. A. L. Smith has been twice an occupant of the parsonage -first during the pastorate of his father, Rev. Eleazer Smith, and later as pastor for five years- the longest single term of any incumbent to date.
Rev. O. S. Baketel has become prominent in the Sabbath School work of the denomination. The present year (1910) he has been appointed editor of the Methodist year Book and General Minutes.
Two members of the church have entered the ministry-the late John B. Wentworth, D.D., long an influential member of the Genessee Conference, and John W. Sanborn, also a member of that Conference.
The Sabbath School has been well organized and well attended from the beginning.
Auxiliaries of the denominational foreign and home missionary societies have been sustained with intelligent interest and given hearty support.
The Female Benevolent Society formed in 1842 by Mrs. Brodhead, Miss Deborah Hilton, Miss Mary Fowler, Mrs. Lydia (Locke) Kimball and others has had a continuous exis- tence from that time to the present, Mrs. Kimball having been
394
HISTORY OF NEWFIELDS.
an officer and an efficient member for fifty-four years previous to her death in 1896.
It may not be out of place here to refer to the influence upon the community of the two academies (Methodist schools) aside from the educational advantages offered to the young people of both sexes. Helpful and pleasant associations were shared by many who were not directly connected with the schools. The teachers were men and women of superior attainments and sterling character. The out-of-town pupils were intelligent, ambitious, promising young people from many different locali- ties, boarding in the families of the village and mingling freely with the people. Neither of the schools remained here many years before being removed to broader fields, but the stimulat- ing influence they exerted lingered long as a distinct benefit to both young and old.
Universalist :- Rev. John Murray, the first apostle of Uni- versalism in America, preached in Portsmouth soon after 1770. It is probable that his influence reached this locality; for, when a little later, Rev. Hosea Ballou went horseback over Massa- chusetts and southern New Hampshire, he found Universalists here. Mr. H. Jenness Paul says he remembers when Hosea Ballou was regularly entertained at "Uncle Sam Tarleton's."
In 1824 Universalist sentiment hereabout was crystallized by organization of the Rockingham Association, a very popular, prosperous body. This Association met in Newmarket in 1831, holding business meetings at the house of Benjamin Brooks. This village was represented by George O. Hilton and Joseph Lang. During the fifties this village was a mission station for Universalist preachers, and Rev. A. J. Patterson, D.D., of Portsmouth, Rev. George W. Bicknell, D.D., of Portland, Me., Rev. B. F. Eaton of Hampton and Rev. Mr. Hicks of Dover came often and preached in the town hall.
The Ladies' Universalist Social Union was organized in 1859. They held weekly social meetings and while the ladies sewed, George O. Paul read a sermon and all joined in singing. The membership fee for ladies was twenty-five cents, and for gentle- men fifty; weekly dues for ladies three cents and for gentlemen five. Out of these small but regular contributions they sustained preaching and bought a Sunday School library.
At this time more than fifty names are recorded as follows: Mrs. C. Thomas, president; Mrs. A. Morton, vice-president;
Church key fields N.H.
395
CHURCHES OF NEWFIELDS
Mrs. W. M. Paul, secretary and treasurer; Mrs. George O. Paul, Miss Mary A. Paul, Mrs. William Badger, Mrs. C. Smith, Mrs. Charles Sanborn, Mrs. D. Joslyn, Mrs. I. James, Mrs. R. Her- vey, Mrs. A. Houghton, Mrs. S. C. Kennard, Mrs. E. B. Locke, Mrs. Plummer Smith, Mrs. S. P. Badger, Mrs. A. White, Mrs. J. Saunders, Mrs. C. H. Littlefield, Miss Helen Morton, Miss Adeline Houghton, Miss Josie Houghton, Miss Caroline Hay- den, Miss Juliette Pease, Miss Rose Pease, Miss Adelaide Pease, Mrs. Lucius Pike, Mrs. Rufus Sanborn, Miss Lois Barton, Amos Paul, William Paul, Samuel Tarleton, Hollis Pease, Joseph Lang, Oliver Sanborn, Calvin Smith, G. Oliver Hilton, Joseph Pease, George W. Pease, Charles Sanborn, Albert Mor- ton, Andrew Thurston, Plummer Smith, William Houghton, John Houghton, James M. Tetherly, Charles W. Littlefield, Samuel P. Badger, Edwin B. Locke, W. O. L. Badger, Charles R. Paul, John B. Tetherly, George O. Paul, George W. Morton, Albert Field, Lucius M. Pike, Seneca C. Kennard, Plummer Thompson.
In 1871 the Universalist State Convention met here and held its sessions in the Methodist church. A parish was organ- ized July 31, 1872, when the following signed the paper: Amos Paul, Samuel Tarleton, Hollis Pease, John Pease, W. L. Walker, Charles E. Durell, L. M. Pike, D. F. Davis, J. B. Tetherly, J. M. Robinson, G. O. Paul, George W. Pease, G. B. Rundlett, W. M. Paul, G. B. Spead, C. H. Littlefield, John E. Simpson, Calvin Smith, F. J. Beal, A. J. Philbrick, N. G. Tripp, W. P. Spead, Stuart S. Ricker, Frank Tilton.
The leading spirit in the movement was Amos Paul without whom the church would probably not have been built. They began at once to raise funds for a church edifice which was completed and dedicated December 17, 1873, and at the same time Rev. Luther F. Mckinney was installed as its first pastor. His successors have been as follows:
Rev. E. A. Read, 1875-77. Rev. William H. Trickey, 1887-91.
Rev. Royal T. Sawyer, 1877-79.
Rev. Edward Smiley, 1892-96.
Rev. Benton Smith, 1879-82.
Rev. Allen Brown, 1896-97.
Rev. A. L. Rice, 1882-83. Rev. Nancy W. P. Smith, 1897-1907.
Rev. Henry S. Fiske, 1883-87. Rev. Winfield S. Turner, 1907-1910.
Of the above Rev. L. F. Mckinney, after several years in the ministry, served the state as congressman two terms, 1886-87 and 1890-91. He was appointed minister plenipotentiary to
396
HISTORY OF NEWFIELDS.
the Republic of Columbia, South America, April 25, 1893, and served four years.
Maj. W. H. Trickey was appointed May, 1907, commandant of the Soldiers' Home, Tilton, N. H., and still holds the position.
The church organization was effected in 1874. Careful records of the religious life of the Universalists have been kept and are still in existence.
The parsonage, a commodious and handsome dwelling form- erly the home of Capt. Nathaniel Burleigh, a retired sea cap- tain and son-in-law of Ward Hilton, was bought in 1879. The Sunday School was started long ago but no early records are obtainable. Mrs. W. M. Paul, however, started it in her own house where it continued to meet till large enough to use the town hall. Mrs. Paul has the unparalleled record of seventy years of continuous Sunday School teaching. For several years Charles E. Durell was superintendent, and has been suc- ceeded by George W. Pollard, Miss Bertha J. Hobbs, Mrs. Juliette P. Conner, Mrs. Edna A. H. Paul, Mrs. Isabelle V. Wiggin and Miss Juliette P. Conner.
For nearly twenty years there has been a prosperous young people's organization for religious and social purposes in con- nection with the church. It began in 1889 under the name of Young People's Guild, later called Young People's Christian .Union. The Constitution is signed by ninety-two names This list includes many of the young people from other churches who found in the Guild a needed social and literary center.
This church has been highly favored in her ministers-persons of high moral worth and Christian character who have labored, not alone for the church, but for the improvement and upbuild- ing of the town. The following is quoted from the historical address given by Rev. N. W. P. Smith at the thirtieth anniver- sary of the organization of the parish:
We have stood for a generation a lighthouse to warn from dangerous places, salt to save from corruption, a school to instruct, a hearthstone to warm, a mother dispensing bread.
Rev. William Cutter Hanscomb was the first Universalist minister at Lamprey River. His memoir was written previous to 1840.
Roman Catholic :- The first mass was celebrated in Exeter in the fall of 1849 at the house of Daniel Fenton by Rev. J. O.
CATHOLIC CHURCH.
397
CHURCHES OF NEWFIELDS
Donnell of Lawrence, Mass. Rev. John McDonald of Haverhill, Mass., commenced making regular visits to Exeter and New- market about 1850. Services were first held in a building, later converted into a dwelling house, in which in 1882 lived Thomas and John Griffin. The first pastor was Rev. Father Walsh, who occupied the stone house on "Zion's Hill" pur- chased of the Universalists. He was succeeded by Revs. Father Charles Egan, Lewis McDonald, C. W. Calligan, Dennis Ryan.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.