History of Strafford County, New Hampshire and representative citizens, Part 11

Author: Scales, John, 1835-1928
Publication date: 1914
Publisher: Chicago : Richmond-Arnold
Number of Pages: 988

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Rev. John Lord, since a prominent minister in Maine, now deceased, · seems to have visited this locality and preached to the people, organizing a class, and subsequently a Sunday school. "Reformation" John Adams also visited and labored among them, as did Mr. C. G. Chase, a local preacher of excellent reputation, who was for many years after an influential and useful man in this church. Thomas Greenhalgh, a calico-printer, employed at his art in the very beginning of what is now the Cocheco Print-Works, and an English local preacher, also labored with them. The late Solomon Gray and the late George W. Wendell, of Great Falls, both resided at the Upper Factory at this time, and were pioneers in Methodism in Dover. Father Gray was a class-leader, and probably the first in that office in this church.

Dover was erected into a distinct charge in 1823. Rev. Jotham Horton was appointed as the preacher; admitted to the Conference in 1820. He preached alternately at the Upper Factory and in the old courthouse at the village.

Measures were taken in 1824-Mr. Horton's second year-for the erec- tion of a house of worship. A lot of land (that on which the present house stands) was procured of the heirs of the celebrated Maj. Richard Walderne, whose grave is in the immediate vicinity. It was donated on condition that it should be used only and always for the sacred purpose to which it was devoted. The committee appointed to conduct the enterprise conveyed the lot and buildings in due form and time by deed to the trustees of the society as a legal corporation.

The church was not quite completed when Mr. Horton's term of service expired. Rev. John N. Maffitt was appointed his successor. His ministry, owing to his remarkable and peculiar eloquence, secured much attention. The church was finished and dedicated by Rev. Ephraim Wiley, of Boston, April 28, 1825. Mr. Maffit remained in the pastorate two Conference years. Dur- ing his ministry in 1827, January 28th, a regular "legal society" or parish organization was formed, according to the usage of those days. The first board of trustees were Joseph Smith, Lewis B. Tibbetts, Barnabus H. Palmer, Richard Walker, George Piper. George W. Edgerly, and Theodore Littlefield. The Rev. Benjamin R. Hoyt, the presiding elder, acted as moderator at the

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meeting at which the legal society was formed. Elder Hoyt served as pastor two years, with great success.

A parsonage house was built in 1828. A vestry had been built previous to that in 1827. When Elder Hoyt closed his two years' work the number of members in the church was reported as 125.

Rev. John F. Adams was successor of B. R. Hoyt as presiding elder, and served four years. In 1829 Rev. Bartholomew Otheman became minister in place of Elder Hoyt. The number in the church when he left in 1830 was 212.

The Quarterly Conference records begin Dec. 22, 1828, with Rev. J. F. Adams as presiding elder, and B. R. Hoyt preacher-in-charge. In the report of this appears the first note of preacher's salary.

Rev. John G. Dow succeeded Mr. Otheman and served the customary two years. During his pastorate the house of worship was enlarged by the addition of sixteen and a half feet to the rear end. The vestry was also enlarged and the whole inclosure fenced. The membership in 1832 was 224. Rev. R. H. Deming followed Mr. Dow in 1832 and remained one year ; his successor was Rev. Holmes Cushman, who did not complete his year. The membership had then dropped to 225. Rev. James Perkins was the next pastor. It was during this time that the great agitation of the public mind on the slavery question began to cause considerable trouble and disturbance in the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Perkins sympathized strongly with the growing anti-slavery sentiment of the time, and readily admitted to his church and pulpit Rev. George Storrs, who came to lecture on the sin of slavery, the "vilest that ever saw the sun." It was on such an occasion that an attempt was made to mob Mr. Storrs, when Mr. Perkins and Rev. Mr. Root, pastor of the Congregational church, with other friends, led the lecturer between them safely through the raging rabble to the pastor's house. Mr. Perkins began his labors in 1833, and closed his two years in 1835. The membership in 1835 is reported as 225. Rev. Eleazer Smith was appointed to the charge as Mr. Perkins' successor in 1835, but by a peculiar arrangement the latter was permitted to remain in Dover a third year, and Mr. Smith served at Great Falls, to which charge Mr. Perkins had been appointed.

Rev. E. Smith became pastor in fact after Mr. Perkins, as he had been in name for the year before. This was in 1837. Rev. Silas Greene was appointed as his successor in 1838. He labored two years with great acceptance. He returned a membership of 314 in 1839.

Rev. J. G. Dow was the presiding elder from the Conference of 1832 to that of 1836, and Schuyler Chamberlain succeeded him in 1837, and served till 1840.

At the Conference of 1840 Rev. E. Scott was appointed pastor. Through his efforts a fine bell was placed in the church tower, and many other improve- ments were effected.

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The New Hampshire Conference held its annual session in Dover in 1841. The bishop presiding was Rev. Joshua Sonle, D. D.

Rev. Elijah Mason was appointed pastor next after Mr. Scott, in 1842. He remained two years, and was generally respected as an able and devoted minister, but these were troublons times in the country and in the church. The anti-slavery agitation and the excitement attendant upon the preach- ing of William Miller, and the predictions of the coming of Christ and the end of the world in 1843 were more or less sources of controversy and party feeling in the Dover church.

Besides, unfortunately, just at this time there arose "no small stir" among the people on the question of instrumental music in the church. This last mat- ter resulted in a very bitter controversy, and was undoubtedly the real cause, if not the occasion, of the extensive secession which took place during Mr. Mason's second year, 1843. That the question of slavery in the church, and the policy of the church on that matter, as well as the "Second Advent" excitement, contributed their share in disaffection and alienation may be very true, yet it is evident that no division would have resulted but for the agita- tion on that fruitful source of difficulty, church music. As it was, some sixty members withdrew from the church. This secession finally organized into a "True Wesleyan" church, and built a small chapel on Charles street (now the Charles Street Free-Will Baptist church), where they flourished for a while. Like similar movements elsewhere, however, it soon came to naught. Some few of those good people came back to the old church, some scattered among other denominations.

Rev. Jacob Stevens succeeded Mr. Mason in 1844, and labored two years. March 15, 1845, there were two hundred scholars in the Sunday school.

Rev. Samuel Kelley came to this charge as the successor of Mr. Stevens in 1846. Mr. Kelley's two years were prosperous. The church was repaired at a cost of about $900.

Rev. Charles N. Smith followed Mr. Kelley as pastor in 1848, and con- tinued two years. Membership, 173 in full; 41 probationers.

Rev. Justin Spaulding followed Mr. Smith in 1850, and served two years. Number of members in 1851, 180; probationers, 10; Sunday school scholars, 228; raised for missions, $51. At the close of his second year, in 1852, members, 160, a loss of 20, probably by a needed revision of the records; probationers, 19; Sunday school scholars, 230; raised for missions, $105; salary, $500.

Rev. J. C. Cromack came to the charge in 1852. He served two years. He had some revival, and left the church in good condition. His salary was $550, the largest ever paid up to this time. He reports at the close of his ministry in 1854, members, 212: probationers, 38; Sunday school scholars, 240; raised for missions, $185.

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Rev. Lewis Howard was Mr. Cormack's successor, coming in 1854. He served two years. He reports at the close of his second year, members, 220; probationers, 6; Sunday school scholars, 230; missionary money, $50.

Rev. F. A. Hewes was Mr. Howard's successor. He died in 1860 at South Newmarket, and was buried in our cemetery at Pine Hill. He reported at the close of his service, members, 225; probationers, 8; total, 233; raised for missions, $71; number of Sunday school scholars, 233. The church was frescoed and some other repairs effected during Mr. Hewes' service.

Rev. Calvin Holman came to the pastorate in 1858. He served one year, and was then appointed presiding elder of Dover District. The salary was advanced to $700 this year. Members in 1859, 252; probationers, 47; total, 299, a gain of 66 during the year; Sunday school scholars, 375, a larger number than at any previous time; missionary money, $73.10.

Rev. James M. Buckley came in May, 1859. He reported at the conclu- sion of his two years, members, 293; probationers, 50; total, 343, a gain of 44 in two years.

Rev. Dudley P. Leavitt came in 1861, and served two years. At the close of his first year a total membership of 207, 19 of them being probationers. Number of scholars in Sunday school, 310; raised for missions, $115.

Mr. Leavitt was followed by Rev. Linville J. Hall, who served two years. During his terms the old vestry was abandoned, and a new and commodious chapel erected on the eastern side of the church, at a cost of more than $2,000. It contained a principal room, seating some 200 persons, used for general prayer meetings, and two fine class rooms.

The parsonage also was removed to the site of the old vestry, and brought to face St. John street. An addition was built on the rear, and the whole building greatly improved in capacity and convenience. He reports at the close of his labors in 1865, 299 members and 26 probationers; total, 325. Sunday school scholars, 241, and $90 raised for missions.

In April, 1865, the New Hampshire Annual Conference held its session in the Dover Church, Bishop .Ames presiding.

Rev. O. H. Jasper was appointed to the charge from this Conference. He served two years, commanding the respect and confidence of the church and the community by his ability as a preacher and his faithful pastoral administration. The indebtedness of the society for the removal of the par- sonage and the building of the new chapel was liquidated. It being the occasion of the celebration of the centenary (A. D. 1867) of American Methodism, the people appropriated their contributions in this direction. Mr. Jasper reports at the close of his labors, members, 250; probationers, 22; total, 272. Another sifting of the membership had evidently taken place. The Sunday school numbered 280. The largest sum was raised for missions

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of any year up to this time, $300. Mr. Jasper left the church in a healthy condition.

Rev. James Pike was appointed presiding elder, as Mr. Manson's suc- cessor, in 1867. He served four years from that date.

Rev. R. S. Stubbs came as Mr. Jasper's successor in 1867. He had two good years. An extensive revival was enjoyed during his labors, which added considerable strength to the church. He reports at the close of his second year, in 1869, 259 members and 70 probationers.

Mr. Stubbs was naturally desirous of remaining a third year in our pastorate, but this arrangement did not meet the approval of the "official board," that body having taken the ground that the old rule of two years should still be the maximum limit of pastoral service in the Dover Church. Mr. Stubbs was removed ostensibly on this ground, and naturally there was considerable discontent among some of the people, but no serious injury resulted.

Rev. James Thurston was appointed as the successor of Mr. Stubbs in 1869. He remained two years. He was received with unexpected cordiality, and sustained by a strong official board and a generous people. He hopes his ministry, so pleasant to himself and family, was not without its good fruits to the church and people. He found a large list of probationers left by his predecessor-seventy in number -- but was not able with his best efforts to find many of them, or to lead a large number of those he did find to full Christian life and church membership. Mr. Thurston's health was very poor during a part of his term of service, and failed entirely just at the close of his second year. He reports at the Conference of 1879, members, 310; proba- tioners, 8; Sunday school scholars, 263; collected for all benevolent pur- poses, $600, $300 being for missions. This was the largest sum ever yet raised for church benevolences. The salary was $1,300, the same as it had been for some three or four years previous.

Rev. O. H. Jasper, D. D., was appointed presiding elder at the expiration of Mr. Pike's term in 1871. He served four years, having his residence in Dover.

In 1871, Rev. M. C. Brittain, who had been transferred from the Balti- more Conference, was stationed at Dover. Owing to habits of intemperance, which he said he had formed in the navy, in which he had served as a chap- lain, he resigned the charge at the request of the official board and the presiding elder in December. He removed from the city soon after his resignation. The church was deeply affected with grief at this unfortunate event, but treated Mr. Brittain with the greatest kindness, and bore with him some time with charitable hopes of his reformation, which was of no avail, notwithstanding his strong promises and feeble efforts.

By request of the Quarterly Conference, and with the greatest concur-

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rence of the church and congregation, the presiding elder appointed Rev. James Thurston, who was still residing in this city, as a supernumerary minister, to assume the pastoral charge of the church. Taking charge in January, he acted as pastor the rest of the Conference year, preaching occa- sionally as he was able, but supplying the pulpit by help from abroad most of the time. This sad episode in our history resulted in less harm to the society than was feared, though a source of some discouragement and a slight loss.

In 1872, Rev. C. W. Millen was appointed pastor, and reappointed in 1873. A new house for the society's use on the Hedding campground was erected at a cost of $400. Mr. Millen reports at the Conference of 1874, members, 290; probationers, 19; total, 309; Sunday school scholars, 302. Mr. Millen's salary was $1,500.

Rev. Wilber F. Crafts came in 1874. Numbers in church in 1875, 265; probationers, 80; total, 345, a gain of 55. Sunday school scholars, 353. Raised for missions, $218, $41 of which was by the Women's Foreign Mis- sion Society.

The juvenile department of the Sunday school was organized as a separate, though not independent branch, under the direction and care of Mrs. Crafts.

Rev. O. W. Scott came to the charge after Mr. Crafts, in 1875.

It was decided early in the first year of Mr. Craft's labors to build a new church. This enterprise was commenced in August, 1875, and the elegant structure which now stands on the site of the old edifice was completed and dedicated to God by Bishop Foster, September 6, 1876.

The old church, which had served its purpose for fifty years, though un- suitable for the uses of the society on account of limited capacity and ill adaptation in style and convenience, was yet dear to the older members of the church, and given up with natural reluctance.

The last service in it was held on Sunday, August 1, 1875. The service of the laying of the corner-stone was observed on October 2, 1875, under the direction of Rev. Dr. Barrows, presiding elder of Dover District, who gave an address and laid the stone. The prayer for this service in the ritual was offered by Rev. J. Thurston. The singing was by the choir of the church, led by John S. Hayes. A large congregation attended, and the service was solemn and impressive. The stone contains documents giving an account of the building and demolition of the old edifice, the names of the present pastor, presiding elder, church officials, building committee, city papers, coins, etc., closely sealed up in a copper box.

The new church was dedicated September 6, 1876. It is built of brick, with basement entirely above ground. It is 56 feet wide and 100 feet long, exclusive of the chancel and tower projections, which make its entire length

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about 120 feet. Its walls from the ground are 45 feet high, and the tower, which is at one corner, has a height of 140 feet. The tower contains a chime of nine bells, with an aggregate weight of 8,600 pounds, costing about $3,600. These bells are of excellent tone. This is the only chime of bells in a Methodist Church in the world, except the Metropolitan at Washington. The basement contains a complete set of church rooms. Aside from the entries it has a lecture room, with seats for about 600 persons; a smaller vestry, with 175 sittings; a library room, opening into both these apartments, for the accommodation of both the adult and juvenile divisions of the Sunday school; a completely appointed kitchen, a parlor for the ladies' circle. The organ was built by Hutchins & Plaisted, of Boston, and cost $3,000. The church will seat nearly 1,000 persons. The entire cost of the building with furniture was $35.700.

Rev. Morris W. Prince was appointed as the successor of Mr. Scott, and remained till 1879. L. C. Field was pastor from 1879 to 1880; C. E. Hall, 1880-1881. The present pastor is the Rev. Elwin Hitchcock, who is the forty- third minister, in regular succession, and the church is in a prosperous condition.

The First Universalist Society was organized March 23, 1825, on which occasion Jonathan Locke was chairman, and J. H. Curtis, clerk. Hiram Rollins, N. W. Ela, Joseph Badger and John Moore were also prominent members. This society was reorganized in 1837, under the name of the First Universalist of Dover. They have a neat house of worship, pleasantly situated on Third street. It was erected in 1837, and dedicated December 8th, the same year. It cost $2,800. Rev. Rufus O. Williams was their pastor. He was installed May 23, 1838. Resigned his office May, 1841. A fine-toned bell was placed upon the church November, 1842, at a cost of $375. It weighs 1,365 pounds. The church was publicly recognized with appropriate services December 25, 1838. Rev. Eben Francis was born in Boston, May 28, 1819. Began his labors in Dover June 6, 1841; ordained pastor October 13, 1841 ; dismissed 1844.

His successors have been W. G. Anderson, 1845-46; J. G. Forman, 1847-48; Thomas J. Greenwood, 1848-58; F. E. Hicks, 1858-61; Benjamin F. Eaton, 1862-66; E. Hewitt, 1868-70; J. Crehore, 1871-73; H. W. Hand, 1877-78; J. Gorton, 1878-79.

The house was sold in 1874. But the organization was preserved and worship was renewed in 1883. A new and elegant brick church of fine archi- tecture was erected on Central avenue by the munificence of Thomas W. Peirce, a former citizen of Dover, in commemoration of his parents. The building is called the "Peirce Memorial Church," and is an ornament to the city.

The First Free-Will Baptist Church. Some time in or near the year 1824,

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individuals, members of Free-Will Baptist Churches in the main village and at "Upper Factory," began to assemble at the latter place for religious worship. In 1826 a revival was enjoyed.

Organized September 15, 1826, with twenty-five members, at the house of Mrs. Webster, at Garrison Hill. Elder Roger Copp was moderator, and Samuel Davis served as clerk. September 2, 1827, the Lord's Supper was administered for the first time by Elder E. Place. Garrison Hill schoolhouse being too small for the assembly, they gathered under some shady oaks near by.

Meetings were held in Garrison Hill schoolhouse, old courthouse in oppo- site direction, in a hall in Sawyer's building on Landing, an unfinished room over the blacksmith shop on the hill, Main street, which took the name of "Iron Chapel," at Deacon Jenness' vestry under G. W. Wendell's house, corner of School and Main streets, at the academy, and in many private dwellings in the village and at Upper Factory.

October 27, 1830, steps were taken to purchase a lot and to erect a meeting house on (what is now known as) the corner of Chestnut and Lincoln streets. This was accomplished at a cost of $2,000, and May 20, 1832, it was dedicated; sermon by Rev. A. Caverno. The strength and efficiency of the church was essentially in the women who worked in the factories, who, under God, were the soul of the movement in building a house of worship. In September, 1834, the church numbered 250.

From 1838 to 1839 was a time of severe trials, resulting in a division and the formation of a new church (now Washington street). Under the bless- ing of God, a precious revival followed.

In 1843, under the labors of Elder Hiram Stevens, the church endured a severe shock from the intense excitement of Millerism, in which the pastor for a time was carried away. It soon recovered, by the help of God, from the injury received. From the unfortunatet trials of 1872 and 1873, near the close of Rev. E. A. Stockman's pastorate, it has measurably recovered.

August 17, 1851, the society abandoned its house of worship on Chestnut street for a new one, remodeled at a cost of $1,500, on Charles street, since which time three thousand dollars or more have been expended in vestry, repairs and changes. The church has seen many trials, but it has also seen many precious revivals and many souls converted. Sixteen hun- dred have been members of the church, as near as can be ascertained by the records.

Pastors: Andrew T. Foss, in 1827, one year and a half ; Mayhew Clark, in 1829, short time; Nathaniel Thurston, in 1831, about three years; Enoch Mack, October, 1835, to May, 1837; A. D. Smith, June, 1837, about two years; Aaron Ayer, in 1839, about two years; Hiram Stevens, in 1842, about two years: S. W. Perkins, in 1844, some over one year : A. D. Smith,

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in 1846, three years; A. Caverno, in 1849, to April, 1852; Mooers Cole, August, 1852, to May, 1855; A. Caverno, May, 1855, to May, 1856; J. M. Durgin, May, 1856, to April, 1860; James Rand, October 14, 1860, to September 29, 1867; John Malvern, March, 1868, to September 24, 1871; E. A. Stockman, November 15, 1871, to January, 1873; Charles E. Blake, June, 1874, to July, 1875; E. W. Ricker, February, 1876, to March, 1882; H. F. Wood, May, 1882. The church was disbanded in 1899, several min- isters having served up to 1895.

The First Unitarian Society of Christians in Dover. The first meeting for forming this society was held August 28, 1827. The society was organ- ized on September 4, following.

The first meeting for public worship was held at the courthouse, Novem- ber 4th of the same year, when Rev. Henry Ware, Jr., then pastor of the New Brick Church, Hanover street, Boston, and afterwards Professor of Pulpit Eloquence in Cambridge Divinity School, officicated. The house was built of brick, seventy by eighty-three feet, in the year 1828, situated on Locust street, opposite head of Kirkland street, and cost $12,000. It was dedicated, and Rev. Samuel Kirkland Lothrop ordained February 17, 1829. The dedicatory services were performed by Rev. Dr. Nichols, of Portland, and ordination sermon by Rev. Dr. Parker, of Portland. The church was gathered the evening previous.

Mr. Lothrop was born in Utica, N. Y., October 13, 1804, was graduated at Harvard College in 1825, received his theological education at the Theo- logical School at Cambridge, and was approbated for the ministry August, 1828. He was pastor of the church and society until May, 1834. He was succeeded by Rev. Edgar Buckingham, who was ordained December 30, 1835. He resigned June 17, 1839, and removed to Trenton, N. Y. Rev. John Parkman, native of Boston, Mass., graduated at Harvard College in 1831, had been settled in the ministry in Greenfield, Mass., and was installed pastor of this church and society April 22, 1840. He remained until 1849. His successors have been :

Henry F. Bond, ordained May, 1851.

Edwin M. Wheelock, ordained January 27, 1857, appointed chaplain, October, 1862, of the Fifteenth New Hampshire Volunteers.

Francis E. Abbot, ordained August 31, 1864.

Thomas W. Brown, settled December 15, 1869, left May 2, 1875.

Charles A. Allen, settled September 5, 1875, resigned March 30, 1879.

W. R. G. Mellen, began labor October 1, 1880, served several years and has had able successors to the present time.

Franklin Street Baptist Church was constituted with thirteen members, and recognized in the usual form by a council on August 23, 1828. The names of members were John Alden, Samuel Chase, John Roberts, Dorcas

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Alden, Charity Woodward, Hannah Wentworth, Louisa A. Ayer, John Gould, Joshua W. Bazin, William E. Lord, Mary E. Harris, Sarah Went- worth, Sarah J. Ayer.

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History of Strafford County, New Hampshire and representative citizens, Part 11

Author: Scales, John, 1835-1928 Publication date: 1914 Publisher: Chicago : Richmond-Arnold Number of Pages: 988

Author: Scales, John, 1835-1928
Publication date: 1914
Publisher: Chicago : Richmond-Arnold
Number of Pages: 988