USA > New Hampshire > Cheshire County > Marlborough > History of the town of Marlborough, Cheshire County, New Hampshire > Part 9
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HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
setts, to be recast. Mr. Greenwood, fearful he should meet with the same opposition, if he attempted to remove the house, that he did in removing the bell, now wished to have the town take it off his hands.
At the annual meeting in 1852, the town voted " to pay Asa Greenwood what he had paid for the old Meeting-house with interest, by his redeeding it to the town."
The people of Marlborough now found themselves no better off than they were before ; having in their possession an old dilapidated building, with no prospect of getting rid of it. The people, tired of the controversy, were now will- ing to let the matter rest, as indeed it did for many years.
We remember of having heard one man remark at that time, "it was the Lord's house, and that he was willing that the Lord should dispose of it in the way he thought best." This feeling seemed to prevail throughout the town ; but, as the Lord did not see fit to dispose of it without human ageney, the subject was again brought up at the annual meeting in March, 1856. At this time, Benjamin Whitney, Thomas White, Jr., and Charles Gilbert, were chosen a com- mittee to investigate and report at the "fall meeting the best method for the town to adopt, to dispose of their interest in the C'entre Meeting-house." This committee reported that they were unanimous in the opinion that the house might be legally sold. This report served to revive the old con- troversy, but nothing was done in relation to the matter, farther than choosing committees from time to time to dis- pose of the property legally.
Marlborough was not the only town in New Hampshire which found it impossible to dispose of their meeting-house in a legal manner under the existing laws. There were many such scattered throughout the older portions of the State: and, in view of this fact. the Legislature of 1858 fortunately came to their aid, and passed an act, the first section of which reads as follows : -
If any meeting-house has ceased to be occupied by the proprietors thereof as a place of public worship for the space of two years. said proprietors, at a meeting called for that purpose, may by major vote
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THE CENTRE MEETING-HOUSE.
decide to sell the same at auction, and appoint a committee with full power to make such sale and execute a conveyance of said house and its appurtenances to the purchaser, said committee first publishing notice of the time and place of sale. .
At the annual meeting in 1860, the selectmen were instructed to sell the house, and make a conveyance of the same according to law. On the fifth day of the follow- ing May, it was again set up at auction, and bid off by James Townsend for fifty dollars. The door-stones were bid off by Rev. T. L. Fowler, and were soon after placed before the doors of the Methodist meeting-house, where they still remain.
Mr. Townsend removed the pews and the best of the finish inside, which he used for building and other purposes ; but the house was allowed to stand until the summer of 1865, when in the stillness of the midnight hour, no longer able to withstand the ravages of time, it fell to the ground. Mr. George Thatcher purchased the timbers. The best part being old pine, he manufactured it into pails ; and nearly every family in town purchased one or more of these pails as a memento of the old Centre Meeting-house.
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CHAPTER VI.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
EARLY EFFORTS TO SECURE PREACHING. - CHURCH FORMED. - SETTLE- MENT OF REV. JOSEPH CUMMINGS. - DIFFICULTIES WITH MR. CUM- MINGS. - HIS DISMISSAL. - PROTRACTED CONTROVERSY WITH MR. CUMMINGS. - HALF-WAY COVENANT. - DIFFERENT MINISTERS EM- PLOYED. - REV. EBENEZER . HILL. - HALLOWAY FISHI CALLED. - HIS LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE. - ORDINATION OF MR. FISH. - HIS CHARACTER. - HIS DEATII. - UNION BETWEEN CHURCH AND TOWN DISSOLVED. - A SOCIETY FORMED. - REV. SALMON BENNETT. - A NEW SOCIETY. - BUILDING OF THE BRICK CHURCH. - REV. MOSES G. GROSVENOR .- REV. GILES LYMAN .- MEETING-HOUSE ENLARGED. - A PARSONAGE BUILT. - RESIGNATION OF MR. LYMAN. - REV. HENRY B. UNDERWOOD. - REV. SILAS P. COOK. - REV. JOHN L. MERRILL. - MEETING-HOUSE REPAIRED AND ENLARGED. - A NEW ORGAN. - THE CHAPEL. - THE SABBATH SCHOOL.
THE Proprietors' charter reserved one right of land for the ministry, and another for the first settled minister; but these could not be made available until a minister was settled.
The early settlers having come from towns in which the institutions of Christianity were maintained, must have felt severely the deprivations to which they were subjected, in having no public worship on the Sabbath. Especially was this the case with those who were members of the Christian church. Accordingly, as soon as they had reared a comfort- able shelter for their families, and brought their fields into such a state of cultivation as to supply their daily food, they commenced to make preparations for uniting in the public worship of God.
No record exists to show that there was any preaching in the township previous to 1771. At a meeting the 21st of
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ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
March in that year, the Proprietors voted "to Lay a tax of one farthing on the acre for to hire preaching with."
" Voted that Mr. Benjamin Tucker, Mr. Daniel Goodenow & Mr. James Brewer, be a Committee to hire a preacher & voted that the preaching begin about the first of June next."
The sum raised amounted to £16 88. 6d., or about $54.75. Whether the whole of this sum was expended for preaching this year is unknown ; but we find on the Proprietors' rec- ords that twelve pounds were paid to Mr. Abraham Wood, and also allowed "Lieut Benja Tucker for boarding Mr. Wood £2 17s. 4d." Mr. Wood was a graduate from Har- vard College, of the class of 1767, and was ordained the first pastor of the church in Chesterfield, December 31, 1772, where he remained till his death, October, 1823, aged seventy-five.
In 1772-73, the same sum was raised for preaching as in the preceding year ; but there is nothing on the records to show who were the ministers employed, beyond the fact that during this time there were five children baptized by the Rev. Benjamin Brigham of Fitzwilliam. It is probable, however, there was some preaching during the summer months by different ministers.
In 1774, the desire to settle a minister seems to have increased ; for, at a meeting the 19th of January of this year, it was voted to "Chuse a Committee to provide a minister on Probation, in order for a Settlement. Voted that Eliphalet Stone, andrew Colburn, and Phinehas Park, be a Committee for that purpose. Voted to Raise half peney on the acre for to provide preaching as afore said."
As no report of this committee has been found, we are unable to give any account of the ministers employed.
At a meeting, July 12, 1775, it was voted "to hire some preaching this summer."- A committee was chosen to pro- vide a minister. At a subsequent meeting, Capt. Jonathan Frost was allowed £1 2s. "for procuring a minister and keeping his horse." Nothing farther toward settling a min- ister seems to have been done by the Proprietors.
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HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
The town being incorporated the next year, it rightfully belonged to the citizens to provide preaching. They, how- ever, did nothing about the matter until April, 1777, when a meeting was held, and it was voted "to hire preaching. Voted, to Raise twenty Pounds for that Purpose. Voted, that Capt James Lewis, Abijah Tucker and David Wheeler Be a Committee to hire Preaching. Voted, to give the com- mittee this instruction, Not to a gree with one for more than fore Sabbaths at first, Not without he hath a mind of settling."
This committee appear to have been no more successful than the former ; but the people were in earnest as to this matter, and the subject was brought up at subsequent meetings.
About this time, the Rev. Joseph Cummings, a native of Topsfield, Mass., came among them; and, after preaching several Sabbaths as a candidate, a town-meeting was called, August 6, 1778, at which it was voted "to Cum into sum method of Settling a minister in said Town."
Voted, to give Mr. Cummings a call to settle with us as a preacher.
" Voted to Chuse a Committee to propose a method of his settling with us.
" Voted, Leut Benjamin Tucker, Capt James Lewis, Leut. Eliphalet Stone, Leut James Brewer, and Mr. Samuel Soper, a committee for that purpose.
" Voted, to Except of this Committees Proposals," which were as follows : -
State of New Hampshire.
Cheshire Ss August ye 6, 1778, att a Legal meeting of the Town of marlborough the sixth Day of August inst, made Choise of Mr. Richard Atwell moderator for sd meeting, Voted to give the Rev, mr, Joseph Cummings of Sea Brook a Call to Settle in Sd marlborough as a gospel minister, Voted By Said town to make the Rev, m' Cummings the fol- lowing proposals for a settlement, to take one share of Land in said marlborough Containing By Estimation one hundred and fifty acres, one hundred acre Lots the Lot on which the meeting house stands on Which we Desire to Reserve four acres . Round the meeting house For publick use, Voted to Clear Eighteen aeres on said Lot Leaving ten trees on
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ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
Each acre in addition to what is already Cleared on Said Lot in two years, From ordination one half yearly, Voted that the Revd mr Cum- mings Shall have Liberty to go onto the ministry Land in said town Cut any quantity of timber of any sort that shall Be Nesesary for his own Buildings. For his salery to have For the first year Forty pounds, for the Second year Forty five pounds, for the third year fifty pounds and to Continue Fifty pounds yearly, until there Becomes one hundred and ten families in said Town then to have Sixty Six pounds thirteen shillings and fore pence yearly so Long as he shall Remain our gospel minister all the above sums to be made equevelent to Ry at three Shil- lings and fore pence pr Bushel."
LIEUT BENJA TUCKER LIEUT JOSEPH COLLINGS Committee in Behalf of marlborough MR DANIEL GOODENOW MR WILLIAM BARKER LIEUT JAMES BREWER DAVID WHEELER Town Clark.
The following answer of Mr. Cummings is dated at Marl- borough, October 12, 1778: -
To the Inhabitants of the Town of Marlborough. Friends and Fellow Christians, - Whereas, it has pleased the great head of the Church to incline your hearts to settle the gospel ministry among you and disposed you to give me (unworthy as I am) an invitation to the important work ; after mature deliberation and many anxious thoughts upon a matter of so great moment; having been importunate with God for direction and asked advice of men -
I conclude to accept your invitation (provided you will allow me two or three Sabbaths yearly during my ministry to visit my friends as they live at a distance,) Humbly confiding in Divine goodness for assistance faithfully to discharge the duty of a gospel minister, and begging your earnest prayers that a blessing may attend my ministerial labors. Heartily wishing that grace mercy and peace may be the stability of our times - I subscribe your affectionate Friend and Servant,
JOSEPH CUMMINGS.
Nov. 11, 1778, was the day chosen for the ordination ; and Benjamin Tucker, Eliphalet Stone, William Barker, and Daniel Goodenow, were chosen to send letters-missive to the several churches selected to call a council to ordain Mr. Cummings ; namely, to the churches of New Ipswich, Fitzwilliam, Swanzey, Dublin, Keene, and Winchendon.
How long Mr. Cummings had preached before his ordina-
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HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
tion is not known, but the following accounts copied from the records give evidence that it must have been, at least, two months : ---
"Voted to Except of Capt James Lewis account For his keeping mr Cummings horse too weeks and three Days one pound and ten shillings.
" Voted to Except of the widow martha frost account for her Boarding mr Cummings fore weeks & his horse, thirty six pound.
"Voted to Except of mr Samuel Serjents account for Bording mr Cummings one fortnit and for keeping his horse three pounds."
The council convened on the day appointed. Rev. Mr. Farrar of New Ipswich was chosen moderator of the council, and Rev. Mr. Brigham of Fitzwilliam scribe. After its organization, it proceeded to form a church, consisting of eight members, with a covenant, the following being a copy : -
We, whose names are hereunto Subscribed, apprehending ourselves called of God into the Church State of the gospel ; do first of all confess ourselves unworthy to be so highly favord of the Lord: and admire that free and rich grace of his, that triumphs over so great unworthi- ness; and then with an humble reliance on the aid of divine grace, therein promised, for them that in a sense of their inability to do any good thing, do humbly lay hold on his covenant, and would choose the things which please Him, -
We do publicly and solemnly declare our serious belief in the Chris- tian religion, as contained in the Sacred Scriptures, heartily resolving to conform our lives unto the rules of that holy religion as long as we live in the world, -
We give up ourselves to the Lord Jehovah who is the Father and the Son and the Holy Ghost, and avouch Him this day to be our God, our Father, our Saviour, and our leader, and receive him, as our portion forever, -
We give up ourselves to the blessed Jesus who is the Lord Jehovah, adhere to Him as the head of his people in the covenant of grace, and rely on Him, as our Prophet, and our Priest, and our King, to bring us unto eternal blessedness. - We acknowledge our everlasting and indis- pensible obligation to glorify God in all the duties of a godly, sober, and religious life, and very particularly we seriously and solemnly promise that we will uphold the worship of God here, and not forsake the assem-
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ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
bling of ourselves together as the manner of some has been that we will attend on the ordinance of baptism, bring our children thereunto waiting for Christ's blessing upon them, and will endeavor to bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord, We also solemnly promise and engage to attend constantly on the ordinance of the Lords supper. We likewise promise and engage constantly to attend on public prayers, preaching of the word and on every part of public worship and perform therein.
We promise and engage to watch over one another as the gospel directs, and to assist our Revd Pastor when God shall give us one in upholding that government and discipline which Christ has set up in his church and to submit ourselves thereunto together with our children, taking the word of God for our only platform, and rule of faith and practice. We seriously promise religeously to observe the Lord's day to keep it holy .- We likewise promise to keep the worship of God in our families,- To make our houses places of prayer; and that we will endeavor to walk soberly, righteously, and Godly among ourselves, set a good example before others; and in a word we will make it our care, to live according to that rule Christ has set us, to do to others as we would they should deal by us .- We also invite our christian neighbors, in this town to join with us in this profession of faith and these covenant engagements; that so this Church of Christ may become beautiful as Tirzah, comely as Jerusalem and terrible as an army with banners.
We promise to hold communion with all regular sister Churches, asking their help, when we stand in need of it and willingly lending them ours when properly desired. We pray that Grace, Mercy and Peace, may be multiplied to all the Churches of our Lord Jesus Christ and that the kingdoms of this earth may become his kingdom and the whole earth be filled with his glory. A.MEN .*
JAMES FLOOD
WILLIAM ADAMS
JAMES LEWIS TIMOTHY BEMIS
SAMUEL SOPER BENJAMIN TUCKER
EBENEZER RHODES
JOSEPH CUMMINGS the first Pastor.
When this had been signed by the covenanting brethren who formed themselves into a "Church State," it was "unani- mously voted by council that they acknowledge them to be a regular Church of Christ." The council then proceeded to make inquiry respecting Mr. Cummings' call to the work of the gospel ministry in this place, and likewise into his
* During the pastorate of Rev. Moses G. Grosvenor, this covenant was laid aside and a new one adopted, which was revised in 1867, leaving it as it now stands upon the records.
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HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
religious principles and qualifications for that position. " Voted that they were satisfactory to the council."
After this, the council voted "that the Rev. Mr. Sprague of Dublin shall make the introductory prayer, that the Rev. Mr. Brigham of Fitzwilliam make the prayer preceding the charge, that the Rev. Mr. Brown of Winchendon give the charge, that the Rev. Mr. Goddard of Swanzey give the right hand of fellowship, and that the Rev. Mr. Hall of Keene make the concluding prayer."
At this time, the meeting-house was in an unfinished state, having no doors or glass windows, and only a loose floor laid inside ; and tradition tells us that the interesting ser- vices of the ordination were performed on the carpenter's bench.
That this council was well provided for is shown by the fact that at a town-meeting, October 20, Lieut. Eliphalet Stone and Mr. William Barker agreed to provide for the council at the ordination for fifty-five pounds, " a seffisioncy "; and it was voted " to accept of the men for the above said purpose."
The salary of Mr. Cummings - $133.33 - not extrava- gantly large at the best, was soon rendered wholly inadequate by the depreciation of paper money, which began in 1777, and went on so rapidly that by 1781 it had become nearly worthless. At a meeting in February, 1780, the town " voted that the Revd mr. Joseph Cummings's salary for the last year Be Doubled forty Times." But even this sum he undoubtedly found to be quite unequal, in actual value, to the original salary. At a meeting in October of the same year, the town voted to "Dubble Mr. Cummings second year's salary seventy two for one, or in other words to give forty Dollars to Mr. Cummings in Lieu of each three shil- lings and four pence Being what was in Lieu of one Bushel of Rie."
At a church-meeting, July 5, 1779, James Flood was chosen deacon ; and Eliphalet Stone, chorister. The Rev. Mr. Cummings undoubtedly presided at this meeting as moderator, though he did not sign the record. Nothing
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ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
worthy of notice appears to have taken place in the church after this meeting, except the admission of a few members, and the baptizing of a number of children, until the difficul- ties arose, which terminated in the dismission of Mr. Cum- mings. So meagre are the records of the town and church at this period that we can get no information as to how these difficulties commenced, but they probably arose from his neglecting the duties of a pastor, and failing to lead a godly life before the people.
The town on its part, had failed to fulfil the contract to clear eighteen acres of Mr. Cummings' land, which was to be completed within two years from his settlement. What excuse there could have been for the nonfulfilment of this contract does not appear ; but it seems that, at the breaking out of the troubles with him, only one-half of the first nine acres had been cleared.
Considerable excitement prevailed throughout the town, the people charging Mr. Cummings with unfaithfulness, and the pastor denouncing the people for not fulfilling their con- tract, and also charging them with unkindness.
If there were any church-meetings held at this time, the record of them has been lost ; and what little we have been able to learn, was gleaned from the town records. At a meeting held Nov. 30, 1780, the town chose Lieut. Benjamin Tucker, Dea. James Flood, Samuel Soper, Daniel Cutting, Lieut. Phinehas Farrar, Reuben Ward, and Lieut. Moses Tucker, a committee "to goe and try to settle Dificulties Between mr Cummings and the Town, and if not, to goine with him in calling and Chusing a Counsel." The meeting was then adjourned to the fifth day of December, at which time this committee was ordered to report. At the adjourned meeting, it was voted to accept of the report of the committee, which is as follows: -
Wee the Subscribers Being a Committee appointed by the Town of marlboro to treat with the Revd. mr. Joseph Cummings to see what method to Come in to, In order to Settle the Difficulties Subsisting Between mr Cummings and this church and Town having attended upon that Business Beg Leave to Report (viz) -
to Chuse a counsil Consisting of five Churches Viz, the Reyd mr,
16
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HISTORY OF MARLBOROUGH.
Farrar of New Ipswich, the Revd mr. Brown of Winchendon, the Revd mr. Lee of Royalston, the Rerd mr. Brigham of fitzwilliam, the Revd m. Goddard of Swanzey, agreed to per me
JOSEPH CUMMINGS
December ye 1=$ 1780
moses Tucker
Committee
Benja Tucker Committee
phinehas Farrar
James flood of the
Daniel Cutting
In Behalf of the Town.
Samuel Soper Church
Renbin Ward L
The council convened on the 26th of December, and was composed of the pastors and delegates from the churches of Fitzwilliam, Swanzey, and Royalston, and two delegates from the church of. New Ipswich. The Rev. Benjamin Brigham of Fitzwilliam was moderator; and the Rev. Edward Goddard of Swanzey, scribe. The following is the result of their deliberations : -
The council was opened by the Revd Moderator with humble prayer to the Father of lights for influence and direction. The council then went into a full hearing of the objections of the committee of the Chh. and Town against the Red Mr. Cummings, and also of the Revd Mr. Cum- mings against the Chh. and people and also their several defenses and having attained all the light and evidence we could, came unanimously into the following resolutions, viz.
With regard to the first general article charging the Revd Mr. Cumn- mings with unfaithfuliess in the great work of the gospel ministry, which general being divided into particulars, was considered in the fol- lowing manner, viz. -
" Part 1-t His not spending a reasonable part of his time in his studies, it was unanimously voted that the complaint was well supported.
Part 24 His not visiting the sick, voted unanimously to be well sup- ported.
Part 3ª Ilis not catechising the children, voted unanimously, that although we do not view this complaint in this particular, to be fully supported. yet we would express our sorrow that the Revd. Mr. Cum- mings has not taken greater pains in this branch of pastoral duty.
Part 4th His not seeking after those that went astray, or those he supposed went astray, voted unanimously to be well supported.
Part 5th His not faithfully warning of particular persons in private, which he has accused to others, voted unanimously to be well supported.
Article HI! In which Mr. Cummings is charged with being unexem- plary in walk. imprudent in conversation. unchristian in comparing, rash in judging, and slandering. voted unanimously to be well supported in all its parts or particulars.
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ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
Article IIIª Charging the Revd. Mr. Cummings with profanity, voted unanimously to be well supported, -
Article IIIIth Charging the Revd Mr. Cummings with deceitfulness. Voted unanimously that although this article with regard to particular instances does not appear to us to be supported by such evidence as the laws of God require in order to full conviction ; yet we are constrained to say that in our opinion there are some circumstances which render Mr. Cummings character at least suspicious.
The council then took into consideration the matters of grievance ou the part of the Pastor and, I Voted unanimously that the people are chargable with breach of contract in not clearing the land and payment of salary, yet that this breach of contract is not such as to afford any reasonable excuse for his unfaithfulness in pastoral duty.
II With regard to unkindness from individuals, complained of by the Pastor, it does not appear to this council that he has just cause of complaint.
This council having seriously considered these things, cannot think that it would be either for the honor of God, the interest of religion in general, or the spiritual peace and edification either of the Pastor, or people that the relations between them should be continued. And must accordingly advise, that the Revd. Mr. Cummings ask and the Chh. and people immediately vote him dismission. And that they mutually refer all matters of controversy of a civil nature, if any such they have to referees as it is the judgment of this council, that they cannot come properly under our cognizance.
After some words of admonition and advice to Mr. Cum- mings and the church, the result of the council was pub- lished in the meeting-house.
Mr. Cummings being asked by the Moderator whether he accepted it, publickly declared his acceptance, and asked a dismission. Whereupon the question was put to the Church whether they accepted it, and did dismiss the Revd Mr. Cummings from his pastorate relation unto them, and the vote being tried, passed unanimously in the affirmative, Where- upon the Moderator in the presence of the council declared the pastoral relations dissolved.
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