USA > New Hampshire > Sullivan County > Claremont > History of the town of Claremont, New Hampshire, for a period of one hundred and thirty years from 1764 to 1894 > Part 10
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
Rev. W. B. T. Smith, son of the Rev. Henry S. Smith, was rec- tor from June 23, 1872, to June 23, 1876. Rev. Isaac G. Hubbard, D. D., was rector from October, 1876, until his death, March 30, 1878. Rev. W. B. T. Smith was again rector from 1880 until No- vember 16, 1884. Rev. W. W. Campbell was rector from June, 1885, to July 1, 1888. Rev. Joseph G. Ticknor became rector June 1, 1889.
TRINITY CHURCH.
The subject of a division of Union parish, and the establishment of a church at the village having been agitated for some time, at a special meeting at Union church, August 26, 1843, it was “ Voted that the wardens are hereby authorized and directed in the name of Union church, to convey by assignment of lease or otherwise, all the right, title and interest of Union church, and all privileges
8
106
HISTORY OF CLAREMONT.
and appurtenances thereof, to Trinity church in Claremont, in pur- suance of an article in the warrant."
On September 20, 1843, the parish of Trinity church, Clare- mont, was duly organized. Thirty-seven gentlemen, at that time, signed the articles of association; others signed at later dates. September 30, of the same year, having adopted a code of by-laws, the parish proceeded to elect the following officers ; James P. Brewer, clerk; Charles M. Bingham and Lewis Perry, wardens; Philander C. Freeman, James M. Gates, Josiah Richards, David W. Dexter, and Charles Mitchell, vestrymen; John W. Tappan, treasurer; Thomas Leland, delegate to the special convention of the diocese, at Concord, October 4, 1843. It was then "Voted, That the Wardens of this Church procure, if they think practica- ble, from Union church, a conveyance of Trinity Chapel and the land and all the appurtenances belonging to the same, to Trinity church." April 8, 1844, P. C. Freeman was appointed by the parish meeting "an agent to attend to the transfer of Trinity Church, from the members of Union Church, Claremont, N. H." The transfer was made prior to June 26, 1844.
According to the "History of the Eastern Diocese," Trinity church was received into union with the Diocese of New Hamp- shire, at the special convention at Concord, October 4, 1843, and its delegates took part in the election of the Rev. Carlton Chase, D. D., bishop.
The Rev. Eleazer A. Greenleaf officiated at Trinity church from November, 1843, to Easter, 1844. On December 30, 1843, at a special meeting of the parish of Trinity church, the following res- olution was offered by Thomas Leland, Esq., and was unanimously adopted :
Resolved, As the sense of this Society, that the Wardens and Vestry of this parish be instructed to invite the Rev. Carlton Chase, D. D., to become Rector of said parish, and to make such contract for his salary as they may think for the best interest of the Society. And, in case he accepts of such a call, to make all other arrangements proper for raising means for his salary, and for his institution as rector."
Dr. Chase accepted the rectorship of Trinity church, and entered
107
HISTORY OF CLAREMONT.
upon its duties at Easter, 1844. His salary from the parish was five hundred dollars. At the annual convention in June, 1844, he reported sixty families, three baptisms and eighty-four com- municants.
The old Trinity chapel, after having been used for the church service thirty-four years, was taken down in the early part of 1852. The corner-stone of the present edifice, on the same site, was laid on June 16, 1852, by Bishop Chase, assisted by the Rev. Henry S. Smith, rector of Union church, Claremont, and the Rev. Marcellus A. Herrick, rector of St. James church, Woodstock, Vt. Under the corner-stone the following-named articles were deposited:
1. Printed copies of the journals of the diocese of New Hamp- shire from 1843 to 1851, inclusive.
2. A list of the communicants of Trinity church from its organ- ization in September, 1843, to June, 1852-the whole number being one hundred and seventy-two.
3. One number each of three religious newspapers published severally on or near the twelfth of June, 1852, to wit : The " Church- man," "The Christian Witness and Advocate," and "The Cal- endar."
4. One number each of the newspapers published in Claremont village - the "National Eagle," and the " Northern Advocate."
5. A declaration, of which the following is a copy : "I, Carlton Chase, D. D., Bishop of the Diocese of New Hampshire, in the fifty-ninth year of my age, and in the eighth year of my episco- pate - Millard Fillmore being President of the United States, and Noah Martin being Governor of New Hampshire - this sixteenth day of June, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty-two, lay this corner-stone of Trinity Church, and with my own hand make this deposite."
6. A schedule of donations from churches and individuals from abroad, to aid in the erecting of Trinity church.
7. An account of the organization of the parish, with a list of officers for the year 1852. Also, the names of the architects, Messrs. Wills & Dudley, of the city of New York; of the builders, Messrs. Washburn & Nichols, of Albany, N. Y .; of the building
108
HISTORY OF CLAREMONT.
committee, Messrs. Charles M. Bingham, Lewis Perry, Charles F. Long, and Alvah Stevens.
· 8. A paper containing the names of subscribers and donors to the building fund, and stating generally the terms of the contract for erection.
The chancel window was the gift of All Saints Church, New York. The cost of this church edifice was about seven thousand dollars. Additons and alterations since made have augmented considerably that sum. It was duly consecrated by Bishop Chase, in the presence of the convention of the diocese, May 25, 1853.
Bishop Chase resigned the rectorship of this church June first, 1863, as follows :
DIOCESE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE.
To the Wardens and Vestry of Trinity Church :
DEAR BRETHREN,-Proceedings in the late Convention, by which the Diocese as- sures my full support, and solicits for itself my undivided cares and labors, make it my duty to resign the Rectorship of your Church. This I beg leave now to do. And in doing it, I assure you, Brethren, that my connection of nineteen years with Trinity Church has afforded me innumerable occasions of happy and grate- ful remembrance. As your Bishop I shall still be in your service, and shall be most happy at all times to do what I can for Trinity church.
With much affection and respect, Yours in most holy bonds,
CARLTON CHASE.
Bishop Chase died on the eighteenth of January, 1870, at the age of seventy-six years.
At an adjourned meeting of the members of Trinity Church cor- poration, June 22, 1863, it was "Voted that the Wardens and Vestry be authorized to tender the Rev. John Milton Peck, of Warren, R. I., an invitation to officiate in this church as Pastor one year for the consideration of 800 Dollars as Salary." Mr. Peck accepted this invitation, and entered on his duties August 2, 1863. Subsequently his salary was increased to one thousand dollars and the use of the rectory. He resigned in June, 1867. Mr. Peck reported to the committee in June, 1867, twelve baptisms, twenty confirmations and one hundred and sixty communicants.
Mr. Peck was subsequently rector of Trinity church, Rutland,
RT. REV. CARLTON CHASE, D. D.
109
HISTORY OF CLAREMONT.
Vt., and of other parishes. He died at Longwood, Mass., July 25, 1890.
On the first of August, 1867, the Rev. Isaac G. Hubbard, D. D., took charge of Trinity church. To the convention of 1868, Dr. Hubbard reported ten baptisms, eleven confirmations, two hun- dred and one communicants, and one hundred Sunday-school scholars.
In 1871 the parish sold its rectory for three thousand dollars, and purchased the Dr. Robert Gleason house and grounds adjoin- ing the church lot, for four thousand five hundred dollars. In 1884 the old buildings on this lot were sold for about one hundred and fifty dollars, to be removed, preparatory to building new.
In September, 1866, George G. and Lemuel N. Ide, brothers, pre- sented to Trinity church a bell weighing one thousand and fifty- seven pounds, and costing, with mountings, etc., five hundred and thirty-one dollars and sixty-two cents, "for religious and church uses only."
The following explains itself :
CLAREMONT, N. H., Dec. 19, 1871. To the Rector, Wardens, and Vestry of Trinity Church :
Gentlemen,- I have had prepared a Memorial Tablet in memory of Rt. Rev. Carlton Chase, D. D., our late worthy Bishop and Rector, which I herewith offer for your acceptance, to be placed in the chancel of the Church. Very truly your associate in the Vestry,
GEO. L. BALCOM.
Dr. Hubbard, on account of ill health, was granted a vacation, his place being supplied by the society, and went to Europe, his expenses being paid by contributions of members of his parish and others.
By reason of continued ill health, Dr. Hubbard resigned his rectorship March 31, 1875, to take effect the first of the following May. The Rev. C. R. Batchelder, Rev. Mr. Pearson, and others supplied until the Rev. Henry Ferguson was called and com- menced his labors as rector the 3d of March, 1878. On account of the poor health of Mrs. Ferguson, Mr. Ferguson resigned in December, 1880. The Rev. Charles S. Hale was called, and
110
HISTORY OF CLAREMONT.
commenced his rectorship at Easter, 1881. He resigned March 9, 1885, his resignation to take effect after Trinity Sunday, May 31, 1885. The present rector, the Rev. James B. Goodrich, commenced his labors the following October.
In February, 1882, a new organ was placed in the church, at an expense of $3,150. In 1884 a choir-room was added to the church, which, with furnishings, cost $1,375. A chancel choir of men and boys was organized in February, 1882. In August, 1884, a legacy of $8,000 was received from the estate of Mrs. Carrie, widow of Frank Evans, of Boston, with which to build a rectory for Trinity parish, which was completed in 1885. The number of communicants in October, 1893, was 185. The officers for that year were, Henry Judkins and Charles H. Long, wardens ; Charles H. Weed, Herman Holt, Harry C. Fay, Isaac H. Long, and George A. Briggs, vestrymen; Frank P. Vogl, clerk.
BAPTIST CHURCH.
CHAPTER IX.
BAPTIST
CHURCH.
In 1785 a Baptist society was formed in Claremont. There was no stated preaching, however, until the following year, when Rev. John Pickens was ordained. The formation of this new religious society increased the bitterness of feeling against the ministerial tax system. The members of the new society refused to conform to the requisitions of the law, pleading that they were of a different denomination from the original church organization.
The town records show that on September 6, 1785, " The In- habitants of the Town of Claremont assembled at the dwelling- house of Mr. Ebenezer Rice in s'd Town," and "Voted on the fourth article in the warning that those people that call them- selves Baptists pay no more taxes to the Congregational order for the fewter."
This secured from taxation, by the terms of the law, such per- sons as were conscientiously of a different persuasion, and attended constantly public religious worship on the Lord's day.
In July, 1776, a church of seventeen members was constituted and recognized. Mr. Pickens remained but a few months, under whose ministry the society flourished. In the Manual of this church, published in 1884, it is stated that after the removal of Mr. Pickens, from various causes the church "became extinct in a few years." In 1815 the Baptists, Methodists, and Univer- salists united and built a meeting-house on the spot where Trin- ity church now stands; and in 1821 the Baptists and Universalists sold their respective shares to the Episcopalians, and the building was made over, called Trinity chapel, and was occupied as a
112
HISTORY OF CLAREMONT.
place of worship by the latter denomination until 1852, when it was taken down to make room for Trinity church. In the fall of 1820, Rev. Isaac Kimball labored three months as a Baptist missionary in Claremont. In January, 1821, the scattered mem- bers were brought together, and a church of seventeen members was constituted. The names of these members were as follows : Joseph Cummings, Thomas Warner, Ezra Smith, Jesse Bunnel, Mehitabel Dodge, Milly Bunnel, Eunice Smith, Prudence Sweet, Betsey Bunnel, Ruth Bond, Prudence Richards, Hannah Cum- mings, Betsey Patrick, Lydia Wilkins, Sally Draper, Mehitabel Bunnel, Charlotte Petty.
Under Mr. Kimball's labors the church membership increased to fifty-four. The six following years the church was without a pastor and worshiped in a hall connected with Clark's tavern, on the north side of Sugar river. Notwithstanding the disad- vantages endured in this time, there was an accession of several men of standing and wealth. In 1827 the First Baptist Society was formed, and a chapel was built on the east side of High street, which was occupied six years.
In January, 1829, the Rev. Leonard Tracy was settled as the first pastor of the church, and his connection with it continued eight years, during which the Manual, published in 1884, from which much information is derived, says "the foundations of much of its future prosperity were laid." In 1833-34, encour- aged by the growth of the church and society, a lot at the junc- tion of Main and Central streets, where their handsome house of worship now stands, was purchased, and the erection of the building was commenced, which was completed and dedicated in November, 1834.
The Rev. Darwin H. Ranney succeeded Mr. Tracy, and began his labors in March, 1838, and continued them until September, 1839, after which the pastorate was vacant until September, 1840, when Rev. J. M. Graves became pastor. He held the office about three years, during which it is recorded that " the church gained in strength and efficiency, although it did not increase in mem- bers."
113
HISTORY OF CLAREMONT.
The Rev. William B. Jacobs succeeded to the pastorate in November, 1843, and "filled the office with fidelity for about three years." His successor was Rev. Thomas G. Wright, who began his labors in July, 1847. "Though the number of members decreased during this period, yet the character of the church was greatly improved, and a foundation was laid for future success. Some long standing difficulties were settled, disorderly members were removed, and the body became more homogeneous and harmonious." He closed his labors with this church in June, 1851.
The Rev. Oliver Ayer was settled in July, 1851. " His pas- torate was the longest the church has yet enjoyed, - thirteen years, - and was blessed with seasons of refreshing from on high. The year 1858 was especially memorable in the number of acces- sions by baptism." Mr. Ayer, though not a noisy or very attractive preacher to the generality of hearers, was a man of culture and refinement; his sermons were finished, sound, and logical, setting forth in no questionable terms his belief in the doctrines he preached. No one who heard him could doubt his sincerity; and no one who knew him, whether they subscribed to his peculiar doctrines or not, could fail to respect him as a citizen and clergyman. Mr. Ayer was settled as pastor at Groton, Mass., for several years, but by reason of age and infirmities is now retired and lives at Providence, R. I.
In October, 1864, Francis W. Towle was called to the pastorate of this church, and ordained the following month. "During his pastorate the church enjoyed steady growth in number and re- sources. Early in 1872 the society began the work of enlarging and repairing its house of worship. A new vestibule, tower, and chapel were built, the interior of the main house remodeled, refurnished, and frescoed. The whole cost of the repairs exceeded nine thousand five hundred dollars. The service of dedication was held January 2, 1873." Mr. Towle resigned in July, 1873, and became professor in Colgate University, Hamilton, N. Y. From there he went to Concord, Mass., where he died in 1892.
Charles A. Piddock served as supply from October, 1873, be- came pastor in March, 1874, and was ordained the same month.
114
HISTORY OF CLAREMONT.
His pastorate extended to July, 1877, and " was characterized by revival spirit and work, and by numerous accessions to the church." Mr. Piddock is now editor and proprietor of the " Christian Sec- retary," Hartford, Conn.
Rev. Joseph S. Swaim was called to the pastorate in October, 1877, and having been ordained in Cambridge, Mass., " continued his labors until February, 1883, the church during this time being united and prosperous and steadily increasing in numbers." Mr. Swaim is now pastor of the First Baptist church, New Bedford, Mass.
Rev. T. G. Cass was next called, and began his labors as pastor in April, 1883, and resigned and was dismissed March 27, 1885. He was succeeded by Rev. Joseph H. Robbins, who was settled June 7, 1885. Mr. Cass is pastor of a church at Norwich, N. Y.
The Rev. Joseph H. Robbins succeeded Mr. Cass, was dis- missed in August, 1889, and is now pastor of the Baptist church at Chester, Vt.
The Rev. O. C. Sargent was recognized as pastor on October 20, 1889.
The number of members of this church in 1893 was 323; the whole number since its organization, 1,119.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
Many of the following facts are gathered from a "Historica- Sketch," by the Rev. M. V. B. Knox, then pastor, published in 1892 :
The date of the first preaching of Methodism in Claremont, probably cannot at this distant period be definitely fixed, but it was undoubtedly between the years of 1795 and 1798. One authority states that the Rev. Mr. Daniels, the first Methodist preacher who died in New England and was buried in the adjoin- ing town of Unity, preached the first sermon here. Another statement is, that the eccentric Lorenzo Dow was the first to preach here, when he was nineteen years old, which would fix the date as 1796, he having been born in 1777. The statement is that Mr. Dow first preached in the neighborhood known as
METHODIST CHURCH, CLAREMONT.
115
HISTORY OF CLAREMONT.
Puckershire. It is known that in the winter of 1798 Lorenzo Dow preached once in four weeks in what is called the Green Mountain district, and that his labors resulted in some conver- sions and the formation of a class at the house of Eliphalet Rob- ertson, who sometimes acted as leader. Dow's eccentricities were finally thought unbearable, and "he was advised to leave the town, which he did in quite a characteristic manner. Riding to its line, with thoughts and maledictions the results of which it may be impossible to tell, and the nature of which the last day alone may reveal, he dismounted, and, rapping his shoes together, shook the dust of Claremont off them, solemnly declar- ing that he should never enter the town more until solicited by those who were anxious for his labors as a minister of the Lord Jesus Christ. Never being invited he never did return, and his testimony thus feelingly given still remains."
The first organized Methodism in Claremont was a class formed of those who were converted under the labors of Mr. Dow, in the Green Mountain district. The leader was Eliakim Stevens. In 1801 Claremont was included in the new circuit of Hanover. A quarterly meeting is reported in Claremont May 7, 1801, connected with which were nine baptisms. In 1802 the mem- bership in Claremont consisted of Eliakim Stevens, Prudence Stevens, Eliphalet Robertson, Mary Robertson, Susanna Stevens, John Amidon, Dorcas Tolman, Susanna Stoddard, Cynthia Fiske, Hezekiah Mills, Phebe Farrington, Amos Stoddard and Betsey Howell.
Under Rev. Elijah Willard's preaching a revival of religion occurred at Draper Corner, several families being converted. Mrs. Moore, an influential lady, encouraged the work by opening her house to meetings. She became a Methodist, as also her daughter Ethana, afterwards the wife and widow of Rev. Caleb Dustin. A class was formed under the leadership of Jacob Smith, of Unity, a local preacher.
In 1806 Rev. Caleb Dustin labored here successfully. From this time up to 1815 the Methodists held their meetings at private houses, and wherever else they could find accommodations. In
116
HISTORY OF CLAREMONT.
that year the Methodists, Universalists, and Baptists united and erected a meeting-house on the spot where Trinity church now stands. During the year 1821 the Baptists and Universalists, who had owned and occupied this meeting-house jointly with the Methodists, sold their shares to the Episcopalians, who at once put the house under alterations and repairs. This was a great disappointment and inconvenience to the Methodists, as the Epis- copalians, owning two thirds -a controlling interest -refused its occupancy to the Methodists for their fourth quarterly meeting, which was appointed for the eighteenth of August. As the day approached, Mr. Daniel Chase, a Universalist, who kept what has latterly been known as the Sullivan House, tendered the use of a large new horse-barn, which he had just finished, for the meeting, and his dance-hall for the love-feast, which was accepted.
After this meetings were held for a time at Draper Corner; then in an old, red cabinet shop at the north side of the Upper Bridge, on Washington street, and finally in the hall of the " Old Clark Tavern," on North street, which was occupied about two years. "In this hall Wilbur Fisk and other able, godly men preached the word."
In 1826 the Methodists of Claremont undertook to build for themselves a meeting-house, and in quarterly conference, held January 4, it was " voted to raise a committee of three to esti- mate the sum and obtain subscriptions to build a meeting-house in Claremont." Nathan Howard, Thomas Davis, and Eli Draper were appointed said committee. Eliakim Stevens, Nathan Howard, Thomas Davis, Asa Dinsmore, and Eli Draper were constituted trustees. The enterprise was at once begun.
A subscription paper, dated January 26, 1826, and headed as follows, was circulated :
Whereas, it is the duty of all that have means and opportunities to promote the public worship of Almighty God, and, whereas, the Society of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church in Claremont, N. H., labors under many inconveniences and embarrassments for want of a house of public worship, therefore we, the subscribers, promise to pay the sum set against our names, respectively, to the said Methodist Society, or a committee which they shall appoint, to be by them appropriated for the erecting a free house of public worship in or near the
117
HISTORY OF CLAREMONT.
village, in said Claremont, of such dimensions as shall by them be judged suit- able, and upon such principles as shall accord with the discipline and usages of their church.
At an adjourned meeting held January 26, 1826, the following board of officers was chosen : Eliakim Stevens, president; Nathan Howard, secretary; Thomas Davis, treasurer and agent; Asa Dinsmore, Nathan Howard, Eliakim Stevens, Thomas Davis, Harvey Mclaughlin, trustees. At this meeting the society " voted to proceed to build a chapel for public worship," and that " Thomas Davis, Eliakim Stevens, and Nathan Howard be a committee, whose duty it shall be to purchase a site for and superintend the building of said chapel."
Mr. Austin Tyler, a man of no particular denominational affin- ities, magnanimously offered them a very eligible site on Sullivan street, as a gift, which was gratefully accepted. "When the timber was collected, the brethren, desirous of securing the blessing of God upon their humble effort, solicited the services of the Rev. Mr. Nye, the Congregational preacher, as their own was too remote on other parts of the circuit to be conveniently called. Mr. Nye met them in the lot containing the scattered materials for the chapel, and solemnly invoked the divine aid on the workers and work." The meeting-house was raised, partly finished, and occupied for service through the summer season in this condition, the congregation sitting on rough seats, men on one side of the house, women on the other, while the carpenter's bench made the minister's pulpit. The house was finally completed and ded- icated in December, 1829, the sermon being preached by Rev. B. R. Hoyt.
The official members of Claremont voted, in 1833, a request to be separated from the other places, and constituted a separate appointment. At a quarterly conference held at Unity, June 29, 1833, it was "voted that Charlestown and Claremont become stations." But the quarterly conference included Unity, Clare- mont, and Charlestown until the conference year of 1835-36.
At the first quarterly conference the new station had formed itself into a missionary society. The first stationed preacher was
118
HISTORY OF CLAREMONT.
C. W. Levings, but matters were not prosperous, and, at the quarterly conference of June 25, 1836, his dismission from the charge, at his own request, was assented to, and he left.
John Jones, who followed Mr. Levings, " was successful in his work, but was greatly impeded by a long course of sickness. The people helped him in a characteristic manner. To meet the ex- penses of his illness, the sum of seventy-three dollars and eighteen cents was raised, over and above his regular salary, and awarded him as a gift- this being the whole amount of expenses incurred by his sickness. He reported one hundred and nineteen members."
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.