USA > New Hampshire > Hillsborough County > Mason > History of the town of Mason, N. H. from the first grant in 1749, to the year 1858 > Part 22
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CHAPTER VIII.
ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS.
THIE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
THE records of this church commence October 13, 1772. The first entry in the book, is as follows:
A CHURCH COVENANT,
Consented and subscribed to by the brethren, on ye 13th of October, 1772, when they were, by advice of council, embodied into a dis- tinct Chh. Society.
We, whose names are hereto subscribed, apprehending ourselves called of God, (for the advancing of his Son's kingdom, and edifying ourselves and posterity,) to combine and embody ourselves into a dis- tinct Chh. Society : and being for that end orderly dismissed from the Churches to which we heretofore belonged, do (as we hope), with some measure of seriousness and sincerity, take upon us the follow- ing profession and covenant, viz :
As to matters of faith, we cordially adhere to the principles of Religion (at least the substance of them) contained in the shorter catechism of the Assembly of Divines, wherewith also the New Eng- land Confession harmonizeth : not as supposing, that there is any authority, much less any infallibility in these human creeds or forms, but yet verily believing that these principles are drawn from and agreeable to the scriptures, which is the fountain and standard of truth.
And we moreover adhere to these principles in the Calvinistical, which we take to be the genuine, or natural sense, hereby declaring our utter dislike of the Arminian Principles, vulgarly so called.
In firm belief of the above-mentioned doctrines, from an earnest desire that we and ours may receive the love of them and be saved, and with the hope that what we are now doing, may be the means of so great an happiness, we do now, (under a sense of our utter unwor- thiness of the honor and privileges of God's covenant people,) in the most solemn and yet free and cheerful manner, give up ourselves and offspring to God the Father, to the Son the Mediator, and the Holy
249
ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS.
Ghost the Instructor, the Sanctifier and Comforter, to be henceforth the people and servants of this God, to believe in all his revelations, to accept of his method of redemption, to obey all his commands and to keep all his ordinances, to look to and depend upon him to do all for and work all in us, especially relating to our eternal salvation, being sensible that of ourselves we can do nothing. And it is our purpose and resolution (by divine assistance,) to discharge the duties of christian love and brotherly watchfulness towards each other; to train up our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord; to join together in setting up and maintaining the public worship of God among us ; carefully and joyfully to attend upon Christ's sacra- ments and institutions ; to yield all proper obedience and submission to him or them that shall, from time to time, in an orderly manner, be made overseers of the flock ; to submit to all the regular adminis- trations and censures of the church, and contribute all in our power to the regularity and peaceableness of these administrations.
And respecting church discipline, it is our purpose to adhere to the methods contained in our excellent platform, so called, for the substance of it, as thinking it a rule, the nearest the scriptures and most probable to promote and maintain purity, order and peace of any. And we earnestly pray, that God would be pleased to smile upon this undertaking for his glory, that whilst we thus subscribe with our hand to the Lord, and surname ourselves by the name of Israel, we may, through grace given us, live as become Israelites indeed, in whom there is no guile; that our hearts may be right with God and we steadfast in his covenant ; that we who are now combining in a new church of Jesus Christ, may, by the purity of our faith and morals, become one of those golden candlesticks, among whom the Son of God, in way of favor and protection will condescend to walk, and that every member of it, through imputed righteousness and in- herent grace, may be hereafter found among that happy multitude whom the glorious head of the church, the heavenly bridegroom, shall present to himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrin- kle, or any such thing.
N. B. By the expression in the above covenant, "for the sub- stance of it," we intend and promise this, to govern ourselves by the platform so far as that agrees with the only perfect rule, the word of God.
Signed, JONATHAN SEARLE,
OBADIAH PARKER,
ENOSH LAWRENCE, NATHAN COBURN,
NATHAN HALL, JOSIAII WHEELER,
JOHN ELIOT, JASON DUNSTER,
SAMUEL SMITH,
JOSHUA DAVIS,
AMOS DAKIN,
WILLIAM ELIOT.
The above-mentioned brethren, after having signed the cov- enant, and the council expressed their sentiments, that they are now a visible, distinct church, regularly and scripturally embodied ; the church then unanimously Voted, To receive
250
HISTORY OF MASON.
the hereafter-mentioned sisters as standing in full church membership with them, viz :
SARAII, wife of ENOSH LAWRENCE.
LUCY, wife of JOSIAHI WHEELER.
MARY,
NATHAN IIALL.
ELIZABETII,
SAMUEL SMITHI.
SARAHI,
JOIIN ELIOT.
DOROTHY, 66 JOSIIUA DAVIS.
REBECCA,
JASON DUNSTER.
ELIZABETII, JONA. WINSHIP.
SARAII,
AMOS DAKIN.
The proceedings of the town and church, in the call and ordination of Mr. Jonathan Searle, the first minister of the Congregational Church in Mason, and his answer to and acceptance of the call, being found in the town records, are inserted in the Municipal History. See pages 66 to 68. He was ordained October 13, 1772. He was dismissed by the church May 4, 1781, and the town concurred in the action of the church, at the meeting August 14, 1781. The details respecting his ordination, his salary, &c., have already ap- peared in the Municipal History of the town.
The Rev. Ebenezer Hill, the second minister of this church, was ordained, November 3, 1790. His pastoral relation to the church continued until his decease, which took place May 20, 1854. He was, at his own request, released from his contract as minister of the town, December 19, 1835. For the proceedings of the church and town and of the council, in the call and ordination of Mr. Hill, see Municipal History, pages 114 to 119.
In June, 1830, a religious society was, under the statute of July 3, 1827, organized, in connection with the church, and occupied the old meeting house, until November, 1837, when, having built a new house of worship for themselves, they removed to it and have occupied it to the present time.
The Rev. Andrew Reed was installed November 23, 1836, as colleague pastor. He remained in office till December 11, 1839, when he was, at his own request, dismissed, and Mr. Hill resumed the sole charge of the church and society, in which he continued until October 20, 1841, when his son, the Rev. Joseph B. Hill, was settled with him as colleague pastor.
251
ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS.
NEW MEETING HOUSE. FIRST OCCUPIED NOVEMBER, 1837.
He commenced preaching for the church and society, August 1, 1840, and continued till the date of his installation, to preach as a candidate. During this time, a season of revival was enjoyed by the church, the result of which was the addi- tion of 83 members by profession to the church in the year 1841. He remained in office until April 22, 1847, when he was, at his own request, dismissed. After this time, the church was supplied, about two years, by the Rev. Mr. Har- rington, of Lunenburg, Mass. He did not come to reside at Mason, but made his home in Lunenburg.
On the 30th of October, 1850, the Rev. Josiah L. Armes, was installed colleague pastor. He was, at his own request, dismissed, May 13, 1857, and immediately after, the Rev. D. Goodwin was employed by the church, as their preacher.
NAMES OF MEMBERS ADMITTED, FROM OCTOBER 13, 1772 TO JANUARY 1, 1800, AND THE NUMBER OF THOSE ADMITTED, EACH YEAR, FROM 1800 TO 1848.
NOTE. In this table, the letter w. signifies wife, and l. by letter.
1772. Clark Brown, of Raby.
1773. Elias Eliot, Hannah, w. of Rev. Jonathan Searle, Sarah, w. of Lemuel Spaulding, 1. from Pepperell, Elizabeth, w. of Nathaniel Hosmer, 1. from Concord, Ruth, w. of Abel Shed, 1. from Lancaster, Mary, W. of Oliver Eliot, Edmund Tarbell and Mary his w., Oliver Eliot.
252
HISTORY OF MASON.
1774. Sarah, w. of Simon Ames, 1. from Woburn, Samuel Brown, 1. from Holles, Hubbert Russell, and John Russell and Ruhamah his w., 1. from West Cambridge, Sarah, w. of Hubbert Russell, I. from Weston. Thankful, w. of John Whitaker, Sarah, w. of John Tarbell, Dorothy, w. of William Eliot, Ebenezer Blood and Sarah his w., Eleanor, w. of Nathan Hall, Jr.
1776.
1777. Jonathan Winship.
1783. Jonathan Chandler, 1. from Grafton.
During Mr. Scarle's ministry, the following persons were admitted "to own the covenant":
Joseph Barrett and Sarah his w., Christopher, a negro man, (and baptized,) David Hodgman and w., Ebenezer Muzzy and w. (of Raby), Timothy Wheeler and w., Jonas Fay and w., and Daniel Fay and w.
According to the doctrines of the Congregational churches, the children of "believers" only, were admitted to baptism, and, by a strict construction, the privilege of bringing their children to baptism belonged only to members of the church in full communion. Many serious minded persons were not prepared to unite with the church, in its communion, but still were desirous to have their children baptized. Hence, a cus- tom grew up, and was for many years extensively practiced, to admit such persons "to own the covenant," that is, to acknowledge, in their own persons, the duties and obligations of the covenant, although they did not fully assume and promise to observe its requirements. Having so done, they were considered as a sort of quasi or half-way members of the church, and were permitted to receive baptism for themselves and to bring their children to baptism. This custom proba- bly owes its origin, in part, to the old colonial regulations of Massachusetts, which restricted the right of voting in all elections to the members of the churches. On the commence- ment of Mr. Hill's ministry the practice was discontinued.
Under Mr. Hill's pastorship, the following admissions are recorded :
1790. Jonathan Bachelder and wife, 1. from Reading, Hinksman Warren and w. and Joseph Woods and w., 1. from Townsend, Benjamin Knowl- ton, Abel Adams and w., Timothy Dakin and w. and Lydia, w. of Edward Wilson, Jr., 1. from New Ipswich, John Winship and w. and Elizabeth, w. of Jotham Webber, I. from West Cambridge, William Chambers and wife, 1. from Lexington, Ebenezer Hill, 1. from Rindge. 1791. Mary, w. of Amos Dakin, Jr., 1. from New Ipswich, Ebenezer Shattuck and w., and Anna, w. of William Hosmer.
253
ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS.
1792.
John Russell, Jr., -, w. of Reuben Kendall, Roger Weston.
1793. Anna, w. of Jonathan Williams, 1. from Wilton.
1794. Samuel Hill, 1. from Williamsburgh, Elizabeth, w. of Reuben Hosmer, 1. from Acton.
1795. Elijah Davis, 1. from New Ipswich.
1796. Noah Winship and his w., Sarah Brown, of Raby.
Year.
By Profession. By Letter.|
Year.
By Profession. By Letter.
!Year.
By Profession. By Letter.
1800
4
1814
3
1834
12
2
1801
7
1
1815
1
1835
20
3
1802
41
3
'1816
4
1836
5
1
1803
1
1817
2
1837
6
4
1804
3
1819
1
1838
14
2
1805
1
1820
8
1839
1
1806
1
1822
1
1840
1
1807
2
1826
62
3
1841
83
9
1808
1
1827
17
1842
7
3
1809
1
1828
3
1
1843
4
2
1810
1
1831
21
1844
3
1812
25
1832
2
1
1846
2
1813
4
1833
4
1
1848
2
DEACONS.
Nathan Hall, chosen Dec. 29, 1774. Nathan Wood, chosen Jan. 7, 1828.
Amos Dakin,
Dec. 29, 1774. Franklin Mcrriam, "
1837.
Timothy Dakin,
March 7, 1791.
Simeon Cragin,
1837.
Rogers Weston, 66 Aug. 18, 1794.
Oliver H. Pratt, 66
Ang. 27, 1847.
Noah Winship,
Nov. 1, 1805.
Saml. Withington, " Aug. 27, 1847.
H. Richardson, Jr., "
April 29, 1814.
Amos H. Hosmer, "
1855.
Isaac Kimball,
66
July -, J827.
Mr. Searle and Mr. Hill carefully recorded all baptisms, but it is not thought expedient to publish the list.
THE BAPTIST CHURCH.
The first religious institutions of the town were of the Con- gregational form and order, and there seems to have been no disagreement among the proprietors or among the inhabit- ants, on this point, until after the dismissal of Mr. Searle. The first intimation of the dissenting views, was on the occa- sion of the call to Mr. True Kimball, in 1782. At the meet- ing called for that purpose, the vote of the town was unani- mous to give Mr. Kimball a call. The town also voted to give him a settlement of £180, and a yearly salary of £66 13s. 4d. Against these votes "William Eliot and Abijalı Allen dissented in the face of the meeting," for reasons which are stated in the Municipal History, page 103. In this protest, and in the vote to excuse William Dodge and Abijah Allen from paying taxes, found on the same page, are, un-
33
254
HISTORY OF MASON.
doubtedly, to be discerned the first germs of the Baptist Church in Mason.
The records of the church commence as follows :
THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE BAPTIST CHURCHI OF CHRIST IN MASON.
On the 28th day of September, 1786, sd chh was Imbodied. As- sistance from the chh of Christ at Chelmsford, by their pastor, Abia- ther Crossman, and two brethren, viz: Dea. Oliver Prescott and Brother Thomas Hutchins. Likewise from the church at Temple, by two brethren, viz : Dean John Averett [Everett] and Nathaniel Ball. Those that Imbodied were, (males,) Ezra Mansfield, William Eliot and Jonathan Chandler, (females,) Sarah Blood, Anna Law- rence, Hannah Chandler, Sarah Blood ye 2d, and Molly Ball.
There were added, October 26, by dismission from the church in Chelmsford, Brs. Joseph Bullard and Aaron Wheeler, and four sisters likewise were added, viz: the widow Sarah Eliot, Sarah Tarbell, Rebecca Mansfield and Rebecca Hildreth.
1787. March 8. The confession of the chh at Chelmsford, with some amendments, was adopted. Br. Bullard was chosen to serve the table.
June 24. Added by baptism, William Mansur and Willard Law- rence, Sarah Davis, Sarah Bullard, Elizabeth Perry and Elizabeth Austin.
Several of these persons were among the original members of Mr. Searle's church.
1788. Aug. At a meeting, voted unanimously, that Br. Wm. Eliot be set apart as an Evangelist, and that we call for assistance from our sister chhs in the ordination of said Br. Voted to send for council and help to the Baptist chhs at Salem, Chelmsford, Temple and Cambridge. The third Wednesday in Oct. was appointed the time. At a subsequent meeting, the chh at Newton was added. At a subsequent meeting, [no date] Voted to give Br. Eliot a call to settle with us in the gospel ministry, and to continue with us so long as it shall appear it is for the glory of God and our mutual advantage. To which he gave his consent, and was ordained on ye third Wednes- day of October, 1788, by the following council :
In consequence of letters missive from the Baptist chh in Mason, to the Baptist church in Cambridge, the Baptist church in Newton, the Baptist church in Chelmsford, the Baptist church in New Salem, the Baptist church in Temple, for the purpose of setting apart Mr. Wm. Eliot to the office of pastor in said chh in Mason.
First. Elder Thomas Green opened the business by prayer. 2. Chose Elder Thomas Green Moderator of the council. 3. Chose Elder Joseph Grafton Clerk of council.
Present :
From the chh in Cambridge - Elder Thomas Green, Dea. Thaddeus Davis, Dea. Daniel Brooks.
255
ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS.
From the chh in Chelmsford - Elder Abisha Crossman, Thomas Hutchins, Samuel Taylor.
From the chh in New Salem - Elder Samuel Fletcher.
From the chh in Temple - Elder John Peckens, Dea. John Everett, Ebenezer Drury.
From the chh in Newton - Elder Joseph Grafton, Nathan Dana.
The council enquired of the church if they still desired Br. Eliot to settle with them in the ministry. To which they answered in the affirmative. * ** *
*
The council enquired of Mr. Eliot if he accepts the call of the chh. Answered in the affirmative.
Mr. Eliot was called upon to give an account of his Christian experience and his teachings to preach, with which the council voted they were satisfied.
The council examined the chh respecting their Ideas of supporting the minister. It appears, by a vote of the chh, that they held it their duty to support by the rule of equality.
Voted, upon the whole, that the council are unanimous in proceed- ing to the ordination of Mr. Wm. Eliot.
Voted, that Elder Peckens make the introductory prayer. That Elder Green preach the sermon. That Elder Crossman Pray at the imposition of hands. That Elder Fletcher give the charge. That Elder Grafton give the right hand of fellowship, and make the con- concluding prayer.
As the chh, in their letters to the chhs, desired assistance [in] set- ting apart one of their brethren as a Deacon in the chh, Voted, that there is a propriety in their request, and [we] are satisfied with the conduct of the chh respecting this affair.
Voted, that the council, after examining the character and abilities of Mr. Ezra Mansfield, as Deacon, they are free to ordain him as such.
Voted, That the council proceed to set apart Brother Ezra Mans- field to the office of Deacon, in the following manner :
First-Prayer with imposition of hands, with a charge and right hand of fellowship.
Voted, that Elder Peckens pray at the imposition of hands at the ordination of the Deacon. That Elder Green give the charge, and Elder Crossman give the right hand of fellowship.
Voted, that the council adjourn till after divine service.
The council met according to adjournment. Voted, to dissolve the council.
(Signed,) THOS. GREEN, Moderator. JOSEPH GRAFTON, Clerk.
1788. Sept. Rachel Chandler was received, being baptized before.
In 1790, the additions were 2; in 1791, 11; in 1792, 6; in 1794, 1; in 1795, 3; in 1796, 1; in 1799, 1; in 1800, 4; in 1801, 34; in 1802, 15; in 1803, 9; in 1804, 6; in 1805, 3;
256
HISTORY OF MASON.
of these numbers, 56 are judged to have been inhabitants of other towns.
The whole number of members reported in 1805, was 98; in 1806, 101; in 1807, 106; in 1808, 105; in 1809, 79; in 1810, 87; in 1811, 92; in 1812, 94; in 1813, 93; in 1814, 92 ; in 1815, 73; in 1816, 74. In no other years, is the whole number of members entered. During these years, this church embraced members residing in New Ipswich, Temple, Wilton, Milford, Lyndeborough, Brookline, Hollis, Dunstable, Towns- end, Society Land, and perhaps other towns. In 1809, the Milford church was organized, which reduced the number from 105 to 79. In 1815, the list was revised and corrected, and the number reduced from 92 to 73.
The peace of this church seems to have been but little dis- turbed by cases of discipline, but it was not wholly free from such trials. Brother Aaron Wheeler thought he had a call to preach, and "The church agreed to hear Br. Wheeler's gift till we have gained satisfaction respecting his call to preach." His "gift" seems not to have approved itself to the brethren, for, presently after, it is recorded that "The church called upon Brother Wheeler and Brother Chandler to give in their reasons for withdrawing from the chh at the Lord's Table, and not fellowshiping the chh, and setting up a meeting by themselves." They gave their reasons as follows: "1st. Be- cause there is not a oneness in the chh. 2d. Because the chh don't hold to that liberty in improving of gifts in the chh that they agreed to when they Imbodyed." The church took these reasons into consideration, and voted that they were not suffi- cient to justify them in their conduct. The aggrieved breth- ren, at an adjourned meeting, set forth the reasons of their withdrawal more fully and specifically, the principal one of which was, the "not allowing the improvement of Brother Wheeler's gift." The church voted that these reasons, thus newly assigned and set forth, were not sufficient. The matter was, in some way, adjusted; how, the record does not show. The date of these disturbances was 1787. In 1789, Brother
257
ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS.
Chandler received a letter of dismission to the church in Stoddard. Brother Wheeler subsequently withdrew from the meetings of this society, and, for many years previous to his death, was a constant attendant on the meetings of Mr. Hill's society. He kept up a careful watch against any departure from orthodox doctrines.
Under the ministration and watch and care of their worthy elder, this church enjoyed a long season of peace and prosper- ity, their numbers gradually increasing, until, in process of time, assuming the office and duties of a mother church, they established, from members of their own body, new and inde- pendent churches in the neighboring towns, all of which con- tinued to be, in some measure, under the watch and care of the venerable Elder Eliot so long as he was able to journey from place to place, and exercise his ministry among them.
In 1802, it was "Voted, That Dea. Webber, Br. John Adams and Br. Dakin be a committee to admonish those bap- tized persons who have joined Mr. Hill's chh, and report to the chh."
In 1803, "Voted, unanimously, against bearing arms and taking oaths, and to communicate these sentiments to the association."
The place of worship of this society was, at first, the school house near the residence of their elder. Afterwards, a house for worship was erected about one fourth of a mile on the north of the Congregational meeting house. It was a one story building, but it was never finished, inside or out. It was built principally by individuals, with some aid from the society. There is no entry in the church records of the pro- ceedings in the building of this house, but there is a vote recorded, November 9, 1812, the house having been sold, directing "that the money for the old meeting house be dis- tributed among those that built the house," and on the 10th of June, 1817, it was "Voted, That Dea. Webber give a deed to Joshua Blood of the meeting house lot." The house was taken down about the year 1812, after which the society
258
HISTORY OF MASON.
continued their meetings at the school house until the brick house was erected in the village, in the year 1827, after which, but, it is supposed, under a new organization, that house became and continued the place of worship of the church and society.
Dea. Jotham Webber and Dea. Andrew Elliot served in the office of deacon in this church for many years, and each until his death. Dea. Joseph Saunders was elected to the office of deacon, and served as such for several years. Benjamin Rob- inson was afterwards set apart to fill that office, by the church.
In 1827, the brick mecting house was built in the village, and a new Baptist church was organized in 1828. At this time, Eld. Eliot was so burdened with the infirmities of age as to be, in a great measure, cut off from active duties. He died June 4, 1830. After his deccase, this church kept up its organ- ization for some years, but most of its members having united with the new church organized at the village, it soon ceased to hold public meetings for worship, and its existence may, per- haps, be considered as merged in that of the new church.
THE VILLAGE BAPTIST CHURCH.
The original Baptist Church in Mason, being, for many years, composed of members, many of whom resided in ad- joining and some in more distant towns, found no inconven- ience in holding their mectings at their place of worship near the residence of the elder, or at their meeting house near the centre of the town, but as from time to time churches were formed in the adjoining towns, leaving most of the members remaining in this church resident in town, and as the popu- lation, business and importance of the village were, from year to year, advancing, and yet in it there was no place of wor- ship, of any denomination, it was found to be in accordance with the views of a majority of the church to remove their place of worship to that locality. Accordingly, measures were taken to insure the ercetion of a meeting house for this church, which was so far completed in 1827 as to be ready to
1
259
ECCLESIASTICAL AFFAIRS.
1
be occupied. In 1828, a new Baptist church was constituted at the village, consisting of 24 members-ten brethren and 14 sisters. The pastors' names, time of commencement and close of the labors and the additions to the church during the term of cach, are as follows :
NAMES OF PASTORS, TIME OF COMMENCEMENT, AND CLOSE OF THEIR LABORS, AND THE ADDITIONS TO THE CHURCH, FROM 1828 TO 1858.
Names of Pastors.
Time of commencement.
Close of labors.
Ad
Rev. Bela Wilcox,
December 24, 1828,
March 4, 1831,
14 54
John Woodbury,
June 19, 1831,
November 19, 1833,
Joel Wheeler,
January 24, 1834, (or- dained June 11, 1834) June 16, 1835.
January 10, 1835,
21
"
Benjamin Knight,
September 18, 1836,
1
Alfred L. Mason,
Ord. Nov. 27, 1836, June 21, 1845,
Died October 7, 1844, April 1, 1848,
73 16 5
John Woodbury,
April 23, 1848,
April 21, 1849,
Isaac Woodbury,
April 25, 1849,
December 31, 1850,
21
Daniel P. French, A. H. House,
January 5, 1851,
10
April 18, 1852,
January 18, 1852, June 19, 1854,
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