USA > New Hampshire > Rockingham County > Hampton Falls > History of the town of Hampton Falls, New Hampshire : from the time of the first settlement within its borders, 1640 until 1900 > Part 3
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31
HISTORY OF CHURCH AND PARISH.
ery of some parts of the land the town of Hampton bought of Rev. Timothy Dalton, and to report their proceedings forthwith."
September 16, 1745, the town of Hampton held a meeting in which they vote "That we will prosecute all, or some of the persons that came into our meeting on the 24th of June last, and behaved in a disorderly manner." The selectmen were authorized to pros- ecute.
The town of Hampton Falls held a meeting on the 30th of Sep- tember, 1745, duly warned for the purpose, and passed a vote choosing Joseph Worth, Benjamin Hilliard, and Jona. Swett to "commence an action or actions against the town of Hampton and prosecute the same to final judgment for their denying the right of the inhabitants of the Falls parish to vote in the meeting held on the 24th of June last. And also to defend any and all the in- habitants against any action which may be brought for their con- duct at said meeting." There is no record of any action being taken in either town under these votes, and it is probable there was none.
In 1:60 it was put to vote to see if the town would proceed in a course of law to recover some part of the parsonage or ministerial lands, and it was voted in the negative.
Thus ended a long controversy with the town of Hampton.
The parsonage was burned February 18, 1249, while occupied by Mr. Whipple. The day following (19th) the parish voted to rebuild the house. Jonathan Fifield, Samuel Walton, Josiah Batchelder, and Jonathan Swett were chosen building committee. The new house was forty feet in length, thirty-two feet wide, two stories high, with one chimney. The cost was £1,807 16s. 2d. old tenor. This house stood upon the site of the one now occupied by Mrs. Joseph T. Sanborn, and was torn down in 1832. Deacon Emery Batchelder, who assisted in taking it down, said it was a good house at that time. It was painted inside and out. The chimney contained three flues; the inside of each was large enough for a bed-room. He considered it a better house and more con- venient than the one which took its place and is standing at the present time.
After the fire and until the house was rebuilt, Mr. Whipple occu- pied a house owned by Benjamin Swett, innholder, where Mr. Morton lately lived. This house stood on the east side of the road at the top of Morton hill; the lilac bush now standing in the road
32
HISTORY OF HAMPTON FALLS.
was in front of it. The rent of this house, cow yard, and well was thirty pounds, old tenor, per year.
1744 Certain persons gave the Church trouble by being refractory and refusing to be admonished of their error. They were Quakers.
Mr. Whipple disapproved of the course of Whitefield, and was one of the clergymen who wrote the Boston ministers, representing the evils which would result from admitting him into their pulpits.
Mr. Whipple officiated at both the marriages of Mechech Weare, July 20, 1:38, when he married Elizabeth Shaw, and December 11, 1:46, when he married Mrs. Mehitable Wainwright.
December 24. 1:56. the selectmen called a meeting as follows:
Wheras it has Pleased God, in his Providence to visit our Rerd Pastor Mr Joseph Whipple with sickness so as he has been for some- time past taken off from his publiek Labors in the ministry among us and there doeth not yet appear any prospect that he will be able for some time to Preach among us-Therfore to see if the Parish will agree to hire some Suitable person for to Preach among us till such a time as Mr Whipple shall be able to Preach again & co.
Mr. Whipple died February 12, 1157. A meeting was called the day following (18th) when a committee was chosen, consisting of Dea. Jonathan Fifield, Capt. Richard Nason, and Col. Mechech Weare, to take charge of the burial, the expense not to exceed four hundred pounds, old tenor, which would be about forty pounds sterling. At a meeting March 15, Colonel Weare and two others were chosen a committee to secure preaching for two or three Sabbaths: also voted that Mrs. Whipple should have the use of one half the parsonage house for one year: also one half the garden, the fruit of thirty apple trees, the use of half the barn, the pastur- ing of a cow at the upper parsonage, the improvements of the whole lower parsonage for pasturing a horse and cutting hay for a horse and cow; also the full produce of an acre of rye sown at the upper parsonage.
Mr. Whipple was buried in the old cemetery by the side of Mr. Cotton. The following inscription is upon his tombstone:
Here lies the body of Reyd Mr Joseph Whipple who having wisely and faithfully Discharged the Pastoral office-In Second Church in Hamp- ton. Deceased Feby 17th 1757 In the 56th year of his age, aud 31st of his ministry highly esteemed and beloved in life And in death much. lamented
33
HISTORY OF CHURCH AND PARISH.
CHURCH RECORD KEPT BY REV. JOSEPH WHIPPLE.
Jan. 27 1727 At a Chh. meeting held at Mr Benjn Veseys
1 Voted That yr be eight Sacraments in a year
2 That every communicant Pay two Shillings to defray the Charge therof.
3 That making a Relation in Public shall not be Required of any one who Desire admission into the church provided they give good satisfaction to ye minister who examines them. nemine contradient.
feb. 28 172S At a Chh meeting-Voted that Jonathan Cram & his wife be suspended from the communion, for a season for their Breach of the seventh commandment.
2nd That mr Longfellow, mr Healey & Mr Wadley stir up those that are behind toward the charge of the Sacrament.
20 Mar. Jonathan Cram & his wife made a publick confession & were restored again to their former privileges.
At a Chh meeting feb. 27, 1730, Voted a Desmission to Sam! Locks wife & to Jer. Beans wife to the Chh of Kingston
2nd Voted That what money is in the Deacons hands & what shall be gathered by a contribution be Reposited in Dean Sanborns & Batch- elders hands-to be expended in repairing & providing utensils for the Lords table.
Att a Chh. meeting June 5th 1:30, Benjamin Prescutts wife made a public acknowledgment to the chh. for her breach of the 7 Com- mandment & was accepted.
Also the Chh voted that if any had children under seven calender months, they should be called to an account before the Chh.
The breach of the seventh commandment appears to have been the cause of discipline in most of the cases which appear upon the church records.
1732. At a Chh meeting March 3 .- Voted That Capt Jethro Tilton, Jonathan Fifield & John Batchelder, Call upon those who are behind in yr proportion to the charges of the Lords Table
Mar. 5 Enoch Clark was suspended from the Lords Table for breach of the seventh Commandment.
Ap. 16 Jacob Garland was suspended from the Lords table for the sin of drunkeness.
May 14 Enoch Clark was Restored to his former Chh Privileges, and then Dismissed to Greenland.
July 16 Jacob Garland made a publick confession of his sin and was restored to his former privileges
Mar. 4 1733 Ellen Norton wife of William made a publick confession of her breach of the seventh commandment & then was Dismissed to Greenland.
Aug. 31 1735 Abraham Haskell an occasional Communieant was Suspended from the Lords table for breach of Sabbath
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HISTORY OF HAMPTON FALLS.
Sept. ? Was restored again after a public acknowledgment of his offense.
Sept 21 Henry Roby & Abigail his wife made a publiek Confession before ye Congregation for vr. breach of ve seventh commandment.
Rachael Shaw wife of Gideon made a publick acknowledgment of her breach of ye seventh commandment.
Oct. 5. Henry Roby & Abigail his wife renewed the Cort and had ye child bapttized
Oct. 5. Rebecea Garland the wife now of Benj Towle made a con- fession before the Congregation of her breach of the seventh com- mandment-had her child baptized & was dismissed to Hampton Chh.
Oct. 12 Mary Cram the widdow of Saml Cram made a publick acknowledgment before the congregation for the breach of the seventh Commandment-and two Sabbaths after was taken into full com- munion.
Mar. 3 1736 Elizabeth Dow the wife of Ezekiel Dow made a pub- lick acknowledgment of her breach of the seventh commandment & allowed the privilege of the communion
Mar. 3 Att a Chh. meeting Voted 1st an acceptance of Elizabeth Dow's confession & co.
2nd Joseph Worths admission into the Chh from Dr Colmans
3 A Dismission to Sarah Smith the new wife of Mr. Morril to Salis- bury 2d Chh.
4 That every communieant should pay 2-6 this year in order to defray the charges of the Lords table
Mar. 21 Ruth Roby made a publick acknowledgment before the Con- gregation of her breach of the seventh Commandment
Ap 24 1737 The Chh Voted 1st That they would make an Enqy. into the report concerning Joseph Draper being guilty of violation of the 8 commandment.
2d That Deaeon Wear, Deaeon Sanborn, & Deacon Batehelder be a committee of the Chh. to make Enqy. into the affair & make report to ye Pastor in writing.
July 31. The above named committee made report to ve Chh. & yr being no proof offered of Drapers being guilty-It was voted that he continue to Enjoy Gospel privileges as before.
Nov. 17 The 3 Deacons were chosen by the Chh as messingers to be witnesses of Mr. Foggs ordination at Kensington
Mar. 1 1738 Att a Chh meeting after Lecture Voted That every communicant shall pay 2 Shillings & sixpence this year to defray the charges of the Lords table.
2d That the arreas of the Communicants that were of this Chh & now of the Chh at Kensington be given to that Chh. to help furnish the Lords table & that it be Deposited in the hands of the Deaeons at Kensington for that end.
Att a Chh. meeting in the meeting house-The Chh voted
1
That they would Choose two Deacons
2 That Mr. Jonathan Fifield & Mr. Josiah Batchelder be the per- sons
35
IIISTORY OF CHURCHI AND PARISH.
Oct. 28 1739 A letter from several persons belonging to the East part of Kingston being read-They invite the presence & assistance of the Chh in the ordination of mr. Peter Coffin-Voted that we comply with the request & that the three Eldest Deacons Viz. Deacons Wear, San- born & Batchelder, be Delegates from the Chh in yt affair.
A letter from several persons att and about north hill in Hampton. Requesting the presense & assistance of this Chh in the ordination of Mr. Nathl Gookin being read. Voted that they will comply with the request & that the two younger Deacons Viz. Deacons Fifield & Batch- elder & Mr Mechech Weare go as messengers from this Chh.
feb. 23 1739 The Chh being stopped after the publick worship Voted, that each communicant pay the Deacons for the year ensuing to Defray the Charges of the Lords table 2-6.
Jan. 18 1740 The Chh being stayed after the public worship & a letter being read to them from the Revd mr. Marsh of Amesbury to joyn in Council to give advice to him under some difficulties-Voted that the Chh would concur with the request-& that Deacon Fifield & Deacon Josiah Batchelder go as messengers or Delegates from this Chh.
feb. 26 1741 Having stayed the Chh. after publick service-Voted that Each communicant pay 2-6. for the year ensuing to defray the charges of the Lords table.
Mar. 1 Stayed the Chh. after the blessing (The Congregation having had leave stayed) I read to them the result of the Council Att Amesbury.
feb. 20 1743 Stayed the Chh after meeting & read a letter from South Hampton to come & help in gathering a Chh & ordaining mr. William Parsons on the 23 Instant. The Chh. voted to send ve Elders & mesengers & Deacon Fifield & Deacon Josiah Batchelder were chosen delegates
Mar. The Chh. chose Deacon Fifield & Deacon Josiah Batchelder to go as Delegates from this Chh with ye Pastor as witnesses of Mr. Web- sters ordination.
Mar. 2 1742 Stayed the Chh. after Lecture and they voted that each communcant pay this year 3 shillings toward defraying the charge of the Lords table.
Ap. 9 1743 Stayed the Chh. after Lecture & they voted that each communicant should pay this year 3 shillings towards the defraying the Charge of the Lords table.
May 15. Stayed the Chh. after meeting and read them a letter from the Chh at Amesbury, Desiring the presence & assistance by yr Elders and messengers, to council and advise with regard to Revd mr Marshes Dismission from his Pastoral Relations among them.
Voted. That they will attend yr presence by yr Elders & messingers- Voted that Deacon Fifield & Deacon Josiah Batcheller be Delegates from the Chh. on this occasion Voted that Mercy Longfellow wife of Jonathan be Dismissed from her present Relation to this Chh. to In- corporate with the Chh of Xt in Nottingham.
June 5 Read a confession of AAnna Batchelder before the congrega-
36
HISTORY OF HAMPTON FALLS.
tion-After they withdrew, the Chh. accepted her acknowledgment, and then (After Sacrament) Dismissed her to the first Chh in Hampton.
A motion being made by the Pastor whether those who have of late absented themselves from the communion of the Chh. Should now be enquired of as to the reasons of yr absence, It was voted that Deacon Fifield, Deacon Josiah Batchelder and mr mechech weare be a com- mittee of the Chh to inquire into the cause of their absence and report to the Pastor
July 16 Stayed the Chh after meeting & read the Chh the Reasons (as they are called) given in by the aforesaid committee-What they had heard from the Several persons yrin mentioned why they ab- sented from Communion & Left the confidence of ym. with the Chh, that they might weigh ym and See if yr be any force in ym.
Aug. 14 Stayed the Chh after meeting & read to them again the grounds, or reasons several of this Chh have given to a committee of this Chh. who were chosen by the Chh. to Enqr into the Reasons of yr absenting themselves from communion, Also Read a paper to the Chh wch Several of the members of the Chh. had given to us, & Signed by them wich InvaliDates the Reasons given in by our absenting commu- nicants & after weighing and considering the same, The Chh Voted- That the Reasons wch. Job Haskell, Jeremiah Preston, John Philbrick, Abigail Prescutt, Mary Preston, Phebe Cass, Martha Cass, Abigail Cass, & Mary Blake, have offered are Invalid & Insufficient for yr absent- ing themselves from the Lords table.
2 Voted that they be admonished to Return to yr Duty and con- stant communion with this Chh. in all ordinance of word & Sacrament, then reading to the Chh. an admonition to be communicated to said Delinquents the Chh .- Voted-That this should be communicated to you Mutually, by the Hands of Deacon Jonathan Fifield, Deacon Josiah Batchelder & mr mechech wear, the committee formerly chosen to Enqr why they absented.
The reasons why these persons and others who had absented them- selves from the Communion and fellowship of the Church was that they were, or had become Quakers.
A motion being made concerning Jonathan Crams Absenting from Communion-It was agreed that he had not Laid matters properly, before the Chh. for yr Cognizance.
Voted that Elizabeth Cram be admonished to Return to her Duty and Communion with this Chh. in all ordinances & the above named Committee admonished her accordingly
Aug. 25. This day a Chh meeting was called. Accordingly met at Daniel Sanborns house to consider Some Difficulty Subsisting between Jonathan Cram & Capt. Jonn Tilton-they being Desired to go to- gether & make up yr Difference & a Committee of the Chh being with them, they made up yr Difference so that It was not Laid before the Chh.
Jan. 22 1744 Stayed the Chh after meeting & Read a letter from the Chh of Xt in AAlmsbury, Requesting the Presence & assistance of this
37
HISTORY OF CHURCH AND PARISII.
Chh. in the ordination of mr Elisha Odlin accordingly-Voted that the Chh would offer yr Presenee & that Deacon Jona Fifield & Deacon Josiah Batcheller go as Delegates from this Chh. with the Pastor for the purpose asked in sd letter.
Mar. ? Stayed the Chh after Lecture & having proposed to them to raise money to Defray the Charges of the Lords table the year ensu- ing-Voted that each member pay 3 shillings for the end aforesaid.
Sept. 2 1744 Elizabeth Cram the wife of Jonathan having been with the Pastor of the Chh. & acknowledged her error he Informed the Chh yrof, with her prayers for the future by the blessing of God, to keep close to God, in the way of his holiness. The Chh Voted that she be admitted to communion as heretofore
Nov. 18 Stayed the Chh after publick worship & Read to them a convietatory admonition-Drawn up with Reference to those who have with drawn communion from ns. & who have been once admonished to Return to yr Duty, & then propounded some things to the Chh. to be acted upon, & they passed the following vote Viz.
1st That Jeremiah Preston, John Philbrick, Job Haskel, Abigial Presentt, Mary Preston, Mary Blake, Phebe Cass, Martha Cass, & Abigail Cass, be again admonished to Return to yr Duty and Com- munion with the Chh. in word & ordinances & that the above Referred to admonition be administered to them
2d That the above mentioned Persons be suspended as to having any hand or vote in the Government of the Chh. till they return to the Communion of the Chh in word and ordinance & Declare yr return.
3d That the Deacons notify Sayd persons to attend next Lords Day after Publick worship to Receive the admonition.
4th That Deacon Fifield, Deacon Josiah Batchelder & mr . Mechech wear, be a committee to Enqr of John Preseutt. widow Shaw, Jere- miah Gove's wife, and Enoch Gove's wife why they absent from word & Sacrament & bring yr Reasons in writing
Nov. 25 Agreeable to vote. pasd 18 November, Stayed the Chh after meeting & Read the admonition voted to Jeremiah Preston, Job Haskel, John Philbriek, Abigail Cass, Abigail Prescutt, Mary Preston & Martha Cass .- Phebe Cass & Mary Blake did not appear.
feb. 24 1745 Stayed the Chh after meeting & Voted that each com- municant pay to the Deacons three Shillings to Defray the Charges of the Lord's table.
Ap. 14 Stayed the Chh after Sacrament & then Voted a dismission to Abigail Longfellow now the wife of Benj Brown to the Chh of Xt at Kensington.
feb. 2 Stayed the Chh after Lecture & Voted that each communicant pay the Deacons 3 shillings & six pence towards Defraying the Charges of the Lords table.
1747 feb. 1. Read a letter from the first Chh in Portsmouth Re- questing assistance in Mr. Langdon's ordination
1st Voted to grant ye Request
2d Voted that Deacon Fifield, Deacon Batchelder & mr Mechech weare be delegates from this Chh on this occasion
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HISTORY OF HAMPTON FALLS.
The Mr Langdon referred to above was Rev. Dr. Samuel Lang- don, who was installed pastor of Hampton Falls church in 1781 and continued until his death in 1797.
feb. 21 1747 Stayed the Chh after Lecture & they Voted that each communicant Shall pay five Shillings to Defray the Charges of the Lord's table for the year ensuing.
Ap. 12 Stayed the Chh after Sacrament & voted to dismiss Abigail Goss to Rye.
May 10 Stayed the Congregation after Service & propounded to them whether Josiah Batchelder, Saml Shaw & Caleb Sanborn be assistants in Reading and Sitting (tuning) the Psalms Voted as far as I could observe in the affirmative.
June 21 Stayed the Chh after meeting and read them a letter from the 2d Chh in Salisbury praying yr presence & advice upon a difficulty arisen in the Chh .- Voted that the Pastor & Delegates Viz Deacon Fifield & Batchelder with the Pastor attend upon the Request of the letter.
Oct. 18 Mary Luverin made a publiek acknowledgment for her violation of 7 Commandment & the Sabbath following had her base born child baptized.
Mar. 2 1748 Stayed the Chh after lecture and Voted 1st That the Deacons Call upon those that have not payed their proportion of Charges to Defray the Expenses of the Lord's table in time past
2d That each communicant pay six shillings this year to defray the charges of the Lord's table
Mar. 1 1749 Stayed the Chh after Lecture. After laying the ease of Mary Williams wife of Walter Williams before the Chh for the violation of the 7 commandment-Voted That Mr Joseph Worth & Capt. Prescutt be a Committee to Inform her that the Chh. is offended with her & expeet that she give them Satisfaction, & Return to Duty,- That each Communicant pay eight Shillings toward defraying the Charges of the Lord's table this year.
Ap. 16, 1749 Stayed the Chh. after the Sacrament & Read the report of Capt. Presentt & mr Joseph Worth, being a committee ehosen by the Chh. which they made concerning Mary Williams wife of Walter, Upon which the Chh Voted That Mary Williams the wife of Walter be suspended from all special Privileges in this Chh. until she comes & gives Satisfaction to the Chh. for her violation of the seventh com- mandment.
Oct. 14 Read a Recommendatory Letter from the Pastor of the Chh of Christ at Kensington, Respecting Jane Knowlton, & this Chh Voted to admit her to special ordinance & accordingly She did this day Sitt down att the Lord's table with us.
feb. 28 1750 Stayed the Chh after Lecture & they Voted that each communicant pay 7 shillings old tenor, to defray the charges of the Lord's table for the currant year
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HISTORY OF CHURCH AND PARISH.
Sept. 14 Stayed the Chh. after Lecture. Read a letter from 34 Parish in Kittery, Respecting Mr. Josi. Chase's ordination-Voted that the Chh. would offer yr Presence by ve Elders & Delegates.
2d Voted That Deacon Fifield & mr JJoseph Worth be the delegates on this occasion.
Dee. 2 Stayed the Chh after Sacrament & read a letter from the Chh of Newington Respecting Mr. T. Chase's Installment
Voted-that the Pastor & two Deacons go upon that service.
Also Voted, that the two Deacons make Inquiry of these that have absented from the Sacrament the Reasons of yr Conduct & Deliver the same to the Pastor in writing to be laid before the Chh.
Jan. 13 1751 Stayed the Chh after meeting and Voted to Dismiss Benj Veasey &' wife in order to Incorporate with a Chh at Brentwood feb. 27 Stayed the Chh after Lecture & Voted that each communicant pay seven Shillings, old tenor for the defraying the charges of the Lord's table the currant year.
.Ap. 14 Stayed the Chh after Sacrament. Read a letter to them from the second Chh of Xt in Kittery to come & assist them in the ordination of mr Benj. Stevens-Voted that they would afford yr pres- ence & assistance-Voted that Deacon Fifield & Deacon Batehelder & mr weare be Delegates from this Chh.
June. 25 1751 Att a Chh meeting at Deacon Batchelder's, Past the following votes.
1st The widow Mary Shaw having long absented from word & ordi- nanee & various methods being used to bring her to Duty, but to no purpose Voted that her conduct is ground of offence to this Chh.
2d Voted that she be suspended from the enjoyment of Special ordinances in this place until she return & Declare her Repentance &s purpose to walk Regularly & in Communion with us.
Reuben Sanborn's wife's ease Respecting her absence from the Lord's table being mentioned-Voted that the case be deferred for further Consideration & Declare that it was not Propper to Baptize the Child she brought up. upon her account. all things considered
Elizabeth Swett's Case being proposed-Voted that it be Deferred for further Consideration.
Jaeob Green having absented from Communion for some consider- able time-Voted, that he be exhorted to Return to his duty & that pre- vious to his Return & Communion he give Reasons for his past Conduct.
Jonathan Cram having put in a paper of charge against Jonathan Tilton & wife-which being read to the Church Voted That It don't appear to us that Brother Cram has took the 2d Steps the Gospel Re- quires in order to Reconcilliation & By a paper Signed by two men which was Laid before the Chh .- Voted that it appeared to us that the controversy between our Brethren Jonathan Cram & Jonathan Tilton were made up between them on or about September last .-- And Wheras, Brother Jona Cram has exhibited complaint against Mar- garet Tilton not Supported.
40
HISTORY OF HAMPTON FALLS.
Voted that Bro Jnn Cram take proper methods to be reconciled to his Sister Margaret Tilton & if any offence has been given or taken since the Date above Respecting his Brother Jonathan Tilton-He take the proper methods for reconcilliation & attend his Duty at the Lord's table
Elizabeth Cram the wife of Jonn, having absented from the Lord's table for some considerable time Voted That She be admonished to return to her Duty & Previous to her coming to communion She give in her Reasons for her past neglect
Voted a dismission to Lydia Hoit now the wife of Mr Smith to the first Chh in Exeter.
Nov. 10 1753 Stayed the Chh after meeting & Read a letter from the Chh in Salisbury Asking the presence & assistance of this Chh in the ordination of mr. Edmund Noyes.
1st Voted that this Chh will offord their presence by ye Elders & Messengers
2d Thet mr. Mechech weare Deacon Fifield & Deacon Batchelder go as Delegates from this Chh.
Also Voted That Mary Brown now the wife of mr .- Moulton be Desmissed to the first Chh in Hampton.
feb. 26, 1752 Stayed the Chh after meeting 1st Voted that the widow Mehitable Steward be exempt from paying charges for the support of the Lord's table
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