USA > New Hampshire > Sullivan County > Cornish > History of the town of Cornish, New Hampshire, with genealogical record, 1763-1910, Vol. I > Part 12
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In the autumn of 1833 Oliver Barron became pastor. He was a good man of strong mind and convictions and of great energy, possessing that independence which led him sometimes to unneces- sarily attack the opinions of others. His labors, however, were blessed by the addition of nearly one hundred souls. Among the years of these great revivals, there arose a class styling them- selves "Universalists" that advocated tenets quite at variance with those of the other churches of the town. It is not known that they ever formed any organization in town, although they employed preachers and held many meetings. By consent they often used the meeting houses for their services.
Reverend Mr. Barron strenuously denounced them, giving them no quarter. On a certain Sabbath during his pastorate, these Universalists and the Baptists each claimed the use of the Baptist meeting house for the same hour of service. It became under- stood that the party first taking possession of the pulpit, after
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the unlocking of the doors, should occupy it for their service. After the doors were opened a rush was made for the pulpit by two strong men, representatives of each party, the Universalist leading. Just as they reached the "deacons' seats" at the foot of the pulpit, the hindmost man pushed the other into these seats, and, passing on, took possession of the pulpit. So that day they had Baptist services, but how profitable they were spiritually, the writer cannot say.
In 1837, after a pastorate of four years, Elder Barron closed his labors in Cornish. He was succeeded the same year by Rev. David Burroughs, who was born in Lyndeborough, N. H., August 10, 1810. He was a man of acknowledged ability and was greatly beloved by many.
About this time the anti-slavery movement was deeply agi- tating the people of the North, and the majority of the church, with their pastor, was in sympathy with it, while some enter- tained opposite opinions. For this cause a bitterness arose between brethren, resulting in the withdrawal of some from the church. The pastor's strong denunciation of slavery begat opposition in the community outside, as well as inside the church. Even the air was at times polluted with the ungracious epithets of "nigger," "black abolitionist," etc., but the pastor never failed to calmly express his humane convictions.
Some mischievous individuals bedaubed the white doors of the church with black paint, and on a certain Sabbath morning the pastor ascended the high pulpit stairs and found the pulpit already occupied by a black ram. He retraced his steps down the stairs and occupied the deacons' station as a pulpit for that forenoon. He made no allusion to the matter in his discourse, but the black occupant above, occasionally responded during the service, beside occasionally rising and standing on his hind legs, looking over the pulpit at the audience and causing much amusement for the children and the less seriously disposed part of the congregation.
In the summer of 1897 the writer enjoyed a pleasant corre- spondence with Elder Burroughs, who was then eighty-seven years of age. He wrote that near the beginning of his pas- torate in Cornish, the weekly prayer-meeting became so reduced that often only two beside himself were present, namely: Arunah Burnap and Alvin Comings. "These brethren had faithfully
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remembered their covenant vows and so mutually agreed, if possible, ever to be present. Thus they 'held on' until they saw a grand awakening and nearly a hundred souls added to the church."
Elder Burroughs' pastorate in Cornish ended in the winter of 1841-42. He died August 30, 1898, aged eighty-eight, having spent sixty-five years of active labor in the ministry.
August 22, 1843, the church called Nahum P. Foster to preach for them. He accepted the call and was ordained May 29, 1844. His pastorate in Cornish continued until December 9, 1854, over ten years. He was a man of fine talents, pleasing personality and an agreeable preacher. His union with the church was a pleas- ant one. About thirty members were added to the church during his term of service. He was also a physician of skill, prac- ticing medicine in connection with his ministerial labors. He was born in Fitzwilliam, N. H., February 10, 1814, and died in New London, Conn., May 6, 1876.
In 1845-46 the meeting house was remodeled. The old-time galleries, square pews, high pulpit and sounding board were removed. These gave place to the present audience room on the second floor with a vestry underneath.
In 1846 a new parsonage lot was secured near the meeting house and the present set of buildings were erected.
In January and February, 1856, revival meetings were held, conducted by Rev. John Peacock, evangelist, and about twenty united with the church as the result; sixteen of these were bap- tized February 17, 1856.
Rev. Phinchas Bond was the next pastor beginning in Febru- ary, 1856. His pastorate closed in May, 1858. "He was an earnest, devoted man."
In December, 1858, Rev. D. P. Deming was secured as pastor. His term of service lasted seven years. His motto was, "owe no man anything but to love one another." Reducing this to prac- tice, with the cooperation of the brethren a long-standing debt against the society was liquidated. The services of Elder Deming were very acceptable to the church and community. He was strictly evangelical and always in sympathy with those needing sympathy. This was his mother church. (See Deming Gen.) His services to the church ended December, 1865.
The Sunday school, which hitherto had been active only during
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the warm seasons, decided in 1860 that hereafter it should be active at all seasons of the year. This decision has ever since been complied with.
During the fall of 1866 and winter and spring following, Rev. John A. Baskwell preached for the church, but did not settle as pastor. He, however, rendered acceptable service.
November 17, 1867, Rev. Halsey C. Leavitt of Swanton, Vt., became pastor of the church. He was born in Gouverneur, N. Y., September 27, 1827, and died in West Rutland, Vt., January 2, 1885. He was an carnest and energetic preacher and worker. As a leader in social meetings he had few equals. His biographer says he was "judicious and careful" and as a preacher he was "scriptural, spiritual and faithful." During his ministry of five years in Cornish the church enjoyed the presence of the revival spirit in good degree much of the time. Two or three seasons of revival resulted in numerous conversions. His memorandum makes mention of eighty additions to the church, sixty-six bap- tisms, six hundred and nine sermons, twenty-five communion services, thirty-five marriages, fifty funerals and conducted over one thousand prayer meetings; all of these services rendered within the five years. His union with the church was a great blessing to it.
On January 6, 1872, the church, through the efforts of Elder Leavitt, procured a new bell. It was suspended in the church tower February 17, 1872. The old bell, procured in 1818, had become cracked and unfit for use. The inscription on the new bell, as furnished by the pastor was, "Praise God in His Holi- ness." Elder Leavitt left Cornish Church for Newport Baptist Church in December, 1872.
Rev. Gideon S. Smith succeeded Elder Leavitt, beginning his labors in February, 1873. He continued with the church until February, 1875. He was a conscientious and faithful preacher, but ill health rendered it advisable for him to resign.
Prior to 1875 all of the pastors of the church preached sermons in both forenoon and afternoon on each Sabbath. Beginning in May of that year, they have since rendered but one sermon on each Lord's Day, except at an occasional evening service.
In May, 1875, Rev. George A. Glines came from Hudson and was pastor of the church until May, 1880. In 1890 he was recalled and served the church another five years, ending in 1895. Owing
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to failing health he then retired from the ministry. He was born in Moultonborough, September 17, 1827, and died in Claremont, July 6, 1907. As a preacher he rendered very acceptable service. Between his two terms of service Rev. J. K. Chase from Rowley, Mass., preached one year ending September 1, 1882. Also Rev. Dennis Donovan preached two and one-half years, ending in June, 1886. After the close of Rev. G. A. Glines' second pastor- ate in 1895, Rev. Charles E. Gould came and preached three years, closing in September, 1898. On July 30, 1899, Rev. Charles V. French became pastor until October, 1901. After this the pastor of Meriden Church, Rev. Thomas Adams, supplied the pulpit nearly two years. His services were followed by those of Rev. James Nobbs, who remained pastor a little over a year. He was followed by the present incumbent, Rev. T. C. Russell, who came in June, 1906.
At the present writing (1909), the church, at the age of one hundred and twenty years, presents a great contrast to that of former years. Death has continued to remove her strong pil- lars of spirituality and of finance, until few are left to bear the burden. Few, too, have been the numbers that for many years past have been added to her membership. We will glance back- ward and present a portion of her history of more cheerful aspect.
The decade showing the greatest degree of prosperity of the church was from 1830 to 1840. We present a few items:
1830. Church numbered at opening of year, 111.
Baptized 124, 74 of whom united with the church in Cornish and the rest in Windsor.
1831. Church numbered 180. Raised for benevolence, $160.
1833.
1832. Church numbered 184. Raised for benevolence, $195. Several gold rings contributed.
1834.
Sunday school, 200. Volumes in library, 300.
1835.
Baptized into church, 87. Church now numbered 257. Sunday school large. Home missions, $37.06.
1836. Church numbered 251. Library, 400 volumes. Sunday school, 200, with 20 teachers.
1837. Church numbered 229.
1838. Sunday school, 250. Teachers, 30.
Volumes in library, 400. Donations liberal for all purposes.
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1839. Church numbered 320. Sunday school, 275. Teachers, 30. Volumes in library, 400.
1840. Church numbered 277.
About seven hundred have been baptized into the church, while many have been received by letter, making about eight hundred different members since the organization of the church. The present number is thirty-two resident and nine non-resident.
Evangelists at different times have labored in the church. Prominent among these were Revs. Siloam Short, John Peacock, Edward A. Whittier and Otis L. Leonard. Their efforts always seemed to prove a blessing to the church. Sometimes the revival spirit would be manifest through the earnest prayerful labors of the pastor aided by the faithful members of his charge, and also by neighboring ministers.
It is noteworthy that two of the church clerks served each twenty-seven years in suecession, Dea. Arunah Burnap from 1831 to 1858 and Dea. Henry E. Rich from 1858 to 1885.
Ten men have gone out from the church as preachers of the gospel: George H. Hough, Thadeus Gage, Sanford Gustin, Reuel Lothrop, Calvin Baker, Daniel, Stillman and Horace Richardson, Charles H. Green and D. P. Deming. These were all men of fidelity and devotion to their calling. They have all passed away. Stillman Richardson died when just ready to enter the ministry, but the others filled the measure of useful lives in the work.
Mr. Hough went as a missionary to India, becoming a com- panion of the immortal Judson in his sufferings and his joy. Of Horace Richardson a writer says: "True to Christ and his word, he wrought well, was of beautiful spirit, and leaves to church and family the legacy of an unsullied character." The biogra- pher of Daniel F. Richardson makes mention of "high scholarly attainments; of several successful pastorates; of his release from a palsy just before his death, and his rapturous joy as he then erowned the Savior, Lord of all." Of Charles H. Green a writer says: "Of pure and amiable character whose daily walk with God, rendered his society like rays of sunshine, and his labors were blest." His last words were, "He whom I have preached as the sinners' hope is now my own." (See Green Gen.)
It is interesting to notice that during the early history of the church its members were required to attend divine service, and
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be severely called to account for any absence therefrom. The modern sentiment hardly sustains this policy. But who shall declare the right?
The Newport Baptist Association, of which this church is a member, has met with the church in annual session nine different years: 1833, 1837, 1846, 1849, 1857, 1860, 1869, 1885 and 1896. The New Hampshire State Convention has met there but once, June, 1844.
The church and society have received the following legacies: 1834. Dea. John Weld, $500, the income only to be used for preaching.
1835. Ebenezer Weld, $1,200, the income only to be used for preaching.
1885. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Gould, new pulpit, with chairs, Bible and all furnishings complete.
1886. A library association, 168 volumes for adult readers.
1887. Daniel G. Deming, one half of the yearly income from his estate after his decease in 1887.
1899.
Miss Sarah A. Bryant, about $300, the income only to be used for preaching.
1901.
Henry Gould, $2,200, under the trusteeship of the New Hampshire Baptist State Convention, the income of which shall annually be expended for Baptist preach- ing on the Flat. With this he also bequeathed and devised that his present home, with all its furnishings, should at his decease become the home of the pastor of the church and his family, during his pastorate.
1902. Mrs. Sarah Gould, about $300, the income only to be used for preaching.
In 1883 the old-time open belfry was changed to the closed tower of the present day. This was slated as was the entire roof of the church.
There never has been a baptistry in the church, but on all occasions requiring it, ponds or brooks have been resorted to. August 25, 1889, a committee was chosen to make arrangements for a centennial meeting of the church. Accordingly centennial exercises were held in the church in September, 1889; a sermon was preached by Rev. N. F. Tilden of Lebanon. A history of the church was prepared and read by Rev. George N. Green, who
10
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was then a resident supply for the pulpit. A poetie "Reminis- cence of Cornish Flat Forty and Fifty Years Ago," by Mrs. Susan (Baker) Kenerson was read. The occasion was of great interest to all present.
By virtue of a law previously enacted, the church was incor- porated February 1, 1904.
Episcopal Church.
The existence of the First Congregational Church had termi- nated. Its remaining members were not of one heart and mind. They had apparently abandoned the jurisdiction of the old church and were absorbed in building up two separate places of worship further north and east. (For record of these see Cong. Hist.) The southern and western parts of the town therefore were left unsupplied with religious services. The old meeting house formerly occupied by Mr. Wellman's Church now stood empty. That section had become missionary ground, and open to embrace the doctrines and services of any evangelical church.
During Reverend Mr. Bell's pastorate over the North Church in the fall of 1791, Philander Chase, the youngest son of Dea. Dudley Chase, entered Dartmouth College. While there he acci- dentally came across a "Book of Common Prayer,"-a rare book in those days. Instead of carelessly looking the book over and throwing it aside, he carefully and prayerfully studied it, and compared its forms and ordinances with the Word of God. The more he examined it, the more forcibly it appealed to his sense of what constituted the true way of worship.
These ideas he communicated to his parents, relatives and friends. To these, truth was the great desire of their hearts. They desired something stable and sure in worship and belief. This prayer book seemed to them as a new light to guide them towards a more satisfactory form of worship than they had here- tofore experienced or witnessed. These considerations, joined to well-authenticated claims to apostolic successions in the ministry, were the principal reasons that induced the parents, relatives and neighbors of Philander Chase, to conform to the doctrine and practices of the Episcopal Church. Then again, these in- dividuals had been, in a measure, instructed in the new forms of worship, by distinguished clergymen of the Episcopal order
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who occasionally had visited Cornish and other towns along the river. Prominent among these gospel preachers was Rev. John C. Ogden, afterwards their first pastor or rector, and Rev. Bethuel Chittenden, brother of a governor of Vermont. The visits of this latter gentleman were especially prized by these earnest seekers after the truth.
Their numbers increased until they deemed it advisable to meet and organize as a society. This was done, and they held their first meeting on December 16, 1793, in the old Congregational Church. They drew up the following "Instrument of Associa- tion ":
"We the subscribers, inhabitants of the town and Neighborhood of Cornish in the state of New Hampshire, wishing to enjoy the Benefit of public religious worship and instruction for ourselves and families, do hereby associate ourselves together for that purpose as members and friends of the Protestant Episcopal Church, Agreeing with each other to conform to such future rules and regulations as in the circumstances of this society, parish, or church we shall agree upon-from time to time in Legal regular meetings, by a majority of votes, for the purpose of the same .-
"And we further agree to attend upon the public offices of religion, for the present under the ministry of the Revd. John Cozens Ogden as frequently as he can officiate among us at the old meetinghouse in said Cornish .-
"In witness whereof we have set our hands this sixteenth day of December 1793."
At the same meeting it was "Voted by a majority of the sub- scribers to this parish, that Mr. Ithamar Chase and Jonathan Chase, J. P. be appointed as Wardens until Easter next .-
"Be it known that the above votes were passed and that four- teen persons also signed this subscription, paper or Instrument of Association in our presence on the day above mentioned, testd. by John Cozens Ogden, Presbytere the Episcopal Church and missionary in New Hampshire.
"Voted that this meeting be adjourned unto Monday the 21st day of April next.
ITH. CHASE
Wardens."
JONA CHASE J. P. S
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The Monday after Easter Sabbath has ever since been observed by the church as the date of their annual business meeting.
On their second meeting April 21, 1794, a committee was chosen to petition the General Court of New Hampshire for an act of incorporation under the name of Christ's Church. For some reason the committee failed in the discharge of their duty, and so the matter was postponed until the following year, when the committee was again instructed to renew their petition and forward their project to completion.
The General Court was in session at Hanover on the first Wednesday of June, 1795. The committee then presented their petition. On the 16th of June it came before the court, which ordered a time for hearing later, when, if no objections appeared, their prayer would be granted. The bill passed both the House and Senate December 24, 1795, and the church was incorporated under the name of Trinity Church, which name it has since borne. John Prentiss at this time was speaker of the House, Ebenezer Smith, president of the Senate, and J. Taylor Gilman was gov- ernor. The incorporation of the church was recorded April 9, 1796, by Nathaniel Hall, registrar. This same year the clerk and wardens were directed to request Gen. Jonathan Chase to give a deed of the common land where the old meeting house now stands.
On August 10, 1801, the church took measures in conjunction with other Episcopal churches of New Hampshire for the for- mation of a district or diocese embracing this church. Delegates were appointed and sent to Claremont to a convention assembled there for said purpose and also to another convention at Con- cord. On May 25, 1802, the diocese was formed and a constitu- tion prepared to be adopted by its several churches. This was unanimously adopted by Trinity Church on November 1, 1802.
By the terms of the grant of Cornish lands, the minister who first settled in town, had the benefit of two hundred acres of land, the first Congregational Church receiving this benefit by reason of their priority. The Episcopal Society, however, had its glebe lands; but coming a little later, found them mainly occupied, and in some cases improved by those occupyng them and who were reluctant to relinquish them. This gave rise to disputes concerning titles, and even lawsuits occurred before they could be recovered. But proper measures were taken and satisfaction finally obtained.
ยท
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The old meeting house, built in 1773, was needing repairs, and it did not fully meet the wants of those now worshiping there. Something must be done; either to make extensive repairs or to pull down the old house and build a new and larger one. The latter policy was unanimously adopted. A plan for a new house had been drafted and submitted by Philip Tabor, a carpen- ter and builder. With this plan all were well pleased. Accord- ingly a meeting was convened on November 2, 1801, to take action on the matter. A committee was appointed "to sell the pews of the old house and appropriate the avails for building sd. house." A committee to purchase lumber, and solicit and collect donations was also appointed. The donations of timber and other material were liberal. The work was delayed, however, and the old house stood until after the business meeting of the society on April 2, 1804. It was, however, taken down during that year.
An article appeared in the town warrant of April 15, 1805, which was "to see how much money the society would raise to complete the house," but for some reason the article was "passed over." During the years 1806-07 the records are silent regarding the progress of the work, or the raising of means to carry it for- ward. It is supposable, however, that the work was progressing during those years, for in the spring of 1808, the society "warned" its first business meeting to be held in Trinity Church, which is the edifice of today. Probably the reason why so much time was spent in building was the scarcity of funds needful to speedily accomplish the work. The income from their lands at this time came in slowly, being jeopardized in litigation and the society was awaiting the outcome.
The new house was located upon the site of the old one, and it "was to be 36 x 44 feet, with two porches and a belfry, with a steeple, and of a suitable heighth."
It has numbered among its worshipers a class of noble and gifted men and women whose influence has been potent in all the affairs of the town.
The attendance has never been of the fitful and overflowing kind, but rather of a steady, quiet order that is befitting and favorable to the worship and service of the Highest.
The church has not at all times supported a rector of her own, but has received the ministrations of those from Windsor and Claremont and other churches near at hand. Rev. George
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Leonard is the most notable exception as he was a resident of the town, and officiated as rector eighteen years. The records make mention in their order of Reverends Ogden, Chittenden, Barber, Montague, Felch, Leonard, Smith, Staples, Wright, Flanders, Randolph, Jones, Douglas, Goddard, Ticknor and perhaps others. The services rendered by these worthy men, beside the visits of the Bishop and others, have enabled them to maintain services a large part of the time.
In 1816 the church made an appeal to Bishop Alexander V. Griswold for aid, on the plea that their predecessors had disposed of lands rightfully belonging to them, and now wished these lands might be redeemed by subscription. Following this, the same year, the church was successful in securing donations, and deci- sions in law against those holding glebe lands, which gave them much encouragement.
June 4, 1822, the clerk of the society, Capt. Bela Chase was voted as disqualified to hold office, or even membership in the church owing to his joining the Catholic Communion with his family. He was accordingly dismissed.
According to the records, the society has held its annual meet- ings from 1793 to the present time, a period of 116 years, with the exception of the years from 1875 to 1895. The causes given for these omissions are the same as those applying to all the other churches in town, viz .: 1st, the decline in population being accompanied by a corresponding decline in church membership; 2d, the present generation, as a rule, do not attach the importance to the service of God that their fathers and grandfathers did.
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