USA > New Hampshire > Hillsborough County > Mont Vernon > History of the town of Mont Vernon, New Hampshire > Part 10
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In making the changes the floor of the old church, running on an incline from the entrance to the back of the auditorium, was taken out, and replaced in such a way as to make the rooms below a little higher posted and more usable than before. A dining room, select- men's room, and kitchen were arranged on the ground floor, in the place of the old basement, used partly as a town hall, and partly as a furnace room. The two entrances on the east end were closed, and a large one made in the centre. The two short flights of stairs on either side of the lower entry, leading to one of corresponding size above, were torn out, and a wider stairway made on right of entrance. The same arrangement regarding changes of entrances into the church audi- torium were made in the upper hallway. The main hall is exactly the same in size and form as was the old church auditorium, the only changes being in making the floor level and in the frescoing of walls and ceiling. The stone steps were not changed The furnace was in use in the old church. The windows were changed from small panes of glass to larger ones, but not as to the size of the frames. The space formerly occupied by the choir loft has been made into a
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commodious stage, with curtains and foot-lights, and an ante-room on either side.
When the building was remodelled into a town hall there were found sundry interesting relics of former times, which had gotten out of sight in the unfinished roof or in the belfry tower. The most in- teresting was a baptismal bowl made of white metal, pewter or Britannia, about nine and one-half inches in diameter and two a half inches in depth. It is of "repousse" or hammered work on the side, with a rim apparently turned on a lathe, and in the centre of the bottom inside, it has, in relief, as a crest, a stag's head, and under- neath a monogram, the lower part of which is worn smooth, but the upper part shows half of two letters in seript which may be "P. R." or "B. R." or B. B." or some combination similar. None who have seen the bowl ean recall that it was ever in use in their day. It apparently must have disappeared in 1837, when the meeting-house was moved and remodelled, and some who have examined it are of the opinion that it is a piece of Paul Revere's handiwork, and that it is his monogram which is on the bottom of the bowl. The crest, however, is not identified as his, even if he had one, and the letters of the monogram are too indistinct as to their lower half to be legible.
The other things found at the same time were an old-fashioned tin lantern, with holes all around to let the light shine through, two very old-fashioned oil lamps of metal, made to hang on the wall, and an old-fashioned whale-oil hand lamp of the style known as the "petti- coat" lamp.
The new town hall was dedicated on the evening of September 8, 1897. Speeches were made by chairman of the committee, W. G. Burnham, who introduced Hon. Geo. A. Marden, of Lowell, Mass., as president of the evening, who introduced the following speakers : Gov. Geo. A. Ramsdell, a former student at the Academy here, who made a reminiscent and very interesting speech ; Hon. Chas. H. Burns, of Wilton ; John H. Colby, Esq., of Boston ; Hon. Arthur H. Well- man, of Malden ; Hon. George A. Bruce, of Somerville; Col. W. H. Stinson, of Dunbarton ; Mr. Chas. E. Osgood, of Boston.
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CHAPTER VIII.
THE NEW MEETING-HOUSE.
HOW THE PROJECT STARTED-BUILDING COMMITTEE-THE DEDICATION -DEDICATORY SERVICE-FULL PROGRAMME CF EXERCISES-RE- PORT OF BUILDING COMMITTEE-THE NEW MEETING-HOUSE TURNED OVER TO TIIE SOCIETY-ACCEPTED BY THE SOCIETY- DEDICATION SERMON-FULL DESCRIPTION OF THE EDIFICE-ME- MORIAL WINDOWS.
Just when the project for a new meeting-house took definite shape is not known. As early as 1890 a movement was begun to raise money for remodelling the old meeting-house, which had become an apparent necessity. The pulpit was located at the easterly end of the audience room, between the doors of entrance, and everybody who entered the room had to "face the congregation ;" while the floor had a determined slope, rising several inches from front to rear, to enable all readily to see the occupant of the pulpit. It was very awkward for the late comer, no matter how great his or her assurance or lack of self-consciousness. The whole building needed renovation and repair.
After considerable agitation in this direction, without making much progress, the project of building a new meeting-house was sug- gested, but it was considered almost preposterous to expect to secure the necessary funds. A timely and most generous offer, however, from two ladies, descendants of a native of the town, opened the way, and in a short time the necessary amount was secured.
A building committee was chosen by the Society, consisting of Hon. Geo. A. Marden, of Lowell, John H. Colby, Esq., of Boston, Clark Campbell, John T. McCollom and Wm. H. Kendall of Mont Vernon, who were empowered to report on a site, and, later, were authorized to erect a new church building. As the report of this
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committee made at the dedication gives. in detail, the story of the enterprise. it will be necessary only to refer to it as given quite fully below. It was a strenuous enterprise for the little community, even to raise the $6000. required to secure the liberal donations of Mrs. Richardson and Miss Stevens, but there was a generous rivalry among former citizens, natives, summer visitors, and local organizations, in contributing money, and on the 7th of July, 1896. the fine little church edifice was complete, both in finishing and furnishing, and ready for dedication. The Manchester Daily Union, which published an extended report of the dedication, said :
"The dedication of the church had been carefully planned, and it was not the committee's fault that the weather kept away many who might otherwise have attended. Meteorological conditions were anything but favorable. There had been a steady drizzle for three days, and this morning found no change. A heavy black cloud hung omninously over the hill, and the rain drizzled and dripped in the most approved fashion, until noon. Then the cloud settled down over the hill and enveloped the entire town.
"Then it poured. Great basketfuls of rain fell out of that cloud and anybody who happened to be out got wet. But there was quite a crowd out to the dedication with all the disadvantages. The morning train brought along a few visitors and many others interest- ed in the church drove into town.
Among the visitors were the Rev. D. W. Waldron, Boston city missionary, and Miss Waldron ; I. E. Noyes. president of the Metro- politan National bank, Boston: Sydney F. Squires. Boston ; the Rev. F. H. Page, Lawrence, Mass. ; the Rev. H. P. Peck, Milford; the Rev. Dr. R. A. Beard, Nashua; Miss Catherine A. Stevens. New York city : the Rev. C. A. Towle. Iowa : Prof. C. S. Campbell, Pin- kerton academy, Derry; the Rev. C. F. P. Bancroft, principal of Phillips academy. Andover, Mass. ; Dr. C. M. Kittredge. Fishkill-on- the-Hudson : ex-Sheriff Johm M. Clark. Boston : Col. James F. Hill, Boston ; H. Porter Smith, Cambridge, Mass. : Mrs. Asa Stevens, New York city; Mrs. J. A. Parker. Summit, N. J .; the Rev. William H. Hopkins. Poughkeepsie, N. Y. ; the Rev. R. H. McGown, a former pastor of the church. Everett, Mass .; the Rev. T. M. Davies and wife, Manchester, and the Rev. Dr. W. R. Cochrane, Antrim.
THE DEDICATORY SERVICES.
The dedicatory exercises began promptly at 1: 30 o'clock, and the church was comfortably filled, although a few chairs were ar- ranged in the aisles for the slight overflow.
THE NEW MEETING HOUSE. Dedicated July 7, 1896.
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There were on the platform, the Rev. R. H. McGown of Everett, Mass. ; Rev. Dr. Warren R. Cochrane of Antrim ; the Rev. Nehemiah Boynton D.D., of Detroit, Mich., and Deacon William H. Kendall, George A. Marden, Clark Campbell, John T. McCollom, and John H. Colby of the building committee.
The following was the order of exercises :
EXERCISES.
1. ORGAN PRELUDE. SOLON W. STEVENS, Esq., Organist First Congregational Church, Lowell, Mass.
2. INVOCATION.
REV. JOHN THORPE, Andover, N. H., A Former Pastor.
3. ANTHEM-"Except the Lord Build the House," Gilchrist
BY THE CHOIR.
4. SCRIPTURE LESSON. REV. AUGUSTUS BERRY, Pelham, N. H., Former principal of Appleton Academy.
5. ARIA-"With Verdure Clad," From The Creation
MRS. O. F. DAVIS, Plymouth, Mass., A former preceptress of the Academy.
6. REPORT OF BUILDING COMMITTEE AND TRANSFER TO FIRST CON- GREGATIONAL SOCIETY.
HON. GEO. A. MARDEN, Lowell, Mass., Chairman.
7. ACCEPTANCE BY FIRST CONGREGATIONAL SOCIETY. DEACON WM. H. CONANT, President.
8. OFFERTORY.
9. HYMN-Written by Mr. H. Porter Smith, Cambridge, Mass. Tune " Anvern."
Choir and Congregation.
God of our fathers! here we raise A grateful song, a hymu of praise,- Thou safely didst the fathers lead, And hast supplied their children's need.
With a new song to-day we come Within these walls, our Sabbath home; Firmi on this mount our temple stands, Accept the labor of our hands.
In what our hands, dear Lord, have done, Our hearts have been with love led on; The gifts a joy, the labors sweet- Behold this house of Thine, complete !
This house shall be a beacon light, Far reaching from its beauteous height; Triumphant Faith its walls inspire, Its altar burn with heavenly fire.
Now may Thy grace our souls renew, Give us of Thee a clearer view. May all our lives be sanctified, And, like this temple, beautified.
Then shall the prophecy of old, Be here fulfilled to bless this fold, And ours the word of promise be- The Lord will build a house for thee.
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10. DEDICATION SERMON.
REV. NEHEMIAH BOYNTON, D. D., Detroit, Mich.
11. HYMN-Written by Dea. W. H. Conant, Choir and Congregation.
Tune, "Italian Hymn."
Oh, Thou whose presence fills These temples of the hills With light and power,
Enter this sacred place With consecrating grace,
Send Pentecostal shower,
While now we seek Thy face, This holy hour.
Bring Zion's favored hour To young and old.
Here, where our fathers prayed, And sure foundations laid,
In early days, Memorial stones we place,
Stand on this hill-top, then, Thou witness unto men, In His dear name.
Sound out o'er hill and plain-
That future years may trace
God's Love and Truth remain,
Christ and His Cross are gain- Ever the same.
12. DEDICATORY PRAYER.
REV. WARREN R. COCHRANE, D.D., Antrim.
13. BENEDICTION. BY THE PASTOR, REV. T. J. LEWIS.
After the introductory exercises. in accordance with the above program. George A. Marden of Lowell, Mass., chairman of the build- ing committee, then transferred the keys of the church to the society. His words were :
CHAIRMAN MARDEN'S REPORT.
I do not know just when this movement for building a new meeting house was started. The original proposition was to remodel the old meeting house, and the first money raised by that indefatigable and most successful organization, the Ladies' Home Circle, for improved church accommodations, was for remodeling.
Later a most generous proposition was made by Mrs. M. Grace Richardson and Miss Catherine A. Stevens of New York, daughters of the late Calvin Stevens, a native of this town, that if the sum of $6000 should be pledged towards the building of a new church edifice, they would each add the sum of $2500 to the fund. This proposition gave new impetus to the enterprise, and subscriptions began to come in so freely that active steps were taken to put the society in shape to utilize them. It was found on investigation that the society had virtually lapsed, from failure to hold its annual meetings legally, and the first step taken was to resuscitate the organization by petitioning a justice of the peace to call a meeting, as provided in the Public Statutes, when the society could be re-organized.
This meeting was held May 11, 1895. Officers were duly chosen, a code of by-laws was adopted, and it was voted that names of a build- ing committee of five members, "to erect a new church building", should be reported at the next meeting of the society.
Thy wondrous love and grace, And speak Thy praise.
Here may a fruitful soil Reward the lab'rer's toil An hundred fold.
Endue Thy Church with power,
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A subsequent meeting was called on the 25th of May, and a full discussion of the enterprise was had, and announcements were made as to funds pledged, from which it appeared that the amount required by Mrs. Richardson and Miss Stevens, to wit: $6000, had been pledged. The society then unanimously voted that a new church should be built, and a committee of five should be appointed to carry this vote into effect. It is in behalf of that committee that I now beg leave to report.
Your committee was first instructed to inquire as to the cost of several lots which had been suggested as a site for the new meeting house, and at an adjourned meeting held June 8, 1895, it was voted that the building committee "be given full powers as to the location and erection of the church." The committee at once organized and investi- gated the several sites proposed. and at a special meeting of the socie- ty, held August 17, 1895. it was further voted that "the building committee have full power to locate, build and equip a church edifice for the first Congregational society." The money subscribed was at once called for, and a large proportion of it was soon in the hands of the treasurer of the committee.
The site selected for the new building was this spot, on the land originally given by James Woodbury, and conveyed by him January 5, 1786, to the Second parish of Amherst "for the use of a meeting house spot, and likewise for a common." Mont Vernon did not at that time exist as a town, and Mr. Woodbury was a citizen of Amherst, occupy- ing the house across the way, now owned by Dr. C. M. Kittredge. The Second parish had been incorporated in 1781 "for transacting ministe- rial affairs," and the petition for the act of incorporation alleges that the petitioners had for some time maintained public worship in a commodious meeting house erected for the purpose, and on this same land. which in 1786 was conveyed by Mr. Woodbury to the parish. For in 1784 the parish voted to "to choose a committee to take a deed from Lieutenant Woodbury in behalf of said parish for the ground that the meeting-house stands on, " a copy of which deed is now in our possession.
In 1802 the parish voted to petition the Legislature to set it off from Amherst. and incorporate it as "a distinct town," and also to ask that a strip half a mile wide from Lyndeborough be joined with it. In 1803, December 15, the new town was incorporated under the name of Mont Vernon.
In 1804 the town voted to "take a transfer of all parish matters" including all moneys, grants and obligations in favor of said parish, and thus the town succeeded the parish as trustee under the Woodbury deed, of the property conveyed by him to the parish. The town records show that the town exercised all parish functions in transacting minis- terial affairs (to use the exact language of the act incorporating the parish), including the repairs and alterations in the meeting house. the care of and jurisdiction over the Woodbury property, the calling, set- tling and dismissing of the minister in connection with the church, and levying taxes to pay the minister's salary voted by the town.
No mention of a "society" appears in the records until 1821, when the town voted "the interest of the funded money" (whatever that might have been), to "the Congregational society for the support of of the Gospel." and this was passed annually for several years, and it seems that this was the town's only contribution to the minister's sala- ry, there being no mention of any tax levied for this purpose.
In 1832 it was voted by the town that "the Rev. N. Kingsbury's society keep the meeting house in repair the present year."
In 1836 it was voted "to take the money called the ministerial mon- ey to defray the expenses of the town. to be paid into the town treasury." This indicated a growing divorce between the town and its original
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parish functions, and in 1837 the town voted to choose a committee to confer with a committee of the Congregational society concerning "any proposition which might be made by said society for new model- ling of the meeting house."
The two committees were chosen and met and reported, and the town accepted the report and passed the following votes:
(1). That the town unite with the Congregational society in this place in remodeling the meeting house.
(2). That one-half the ground floor of said meeting house be appro- priated for a Town Hall.
(3). That the town finish the Town Hall appropriated for their use, and that they sustain the roof of said house. making all repairs which may be required from time to time.
(4). That the Congregational society be at the expense of all alter- ations excepting what pertain to the Town Hall; that they sustain the body of the house, making all repairs which may be required from time to time. and that the said Congregational society have sole control of said house, excepting the Town Hall for the transaction of town busi- ness.
(5). That the town choose an agent to convey their right or interest in the meeting house to the Congregational society, reserving the right to the town agreeably to the above votes.
Jonathan Herrick was chosen the agent to make the conveyance, and he probably made it in due form. although there is no record of the same, any more than there is a record of the original conveyance by the parish to the town.
It is not probable that any action has been taken on this subject by the town since 1837. until January 18, 1890. when it was voted that "the town relinquish all claims to the Town Hall, provided that another place is provided for town meetings."
I have recapitulated these facts to show that this Congregational society had an existence many years ago, which was recognized by the town, and that it had and still has certain clear and indisputable rights in the property, jointly with the town; further, that it undoubtedly suc- ceeded to the functions for which the parish was established originally, and which the town for several years exercised, but finally transferred to, or allowed to be assumed by. the Congregational society.
These facts had not become definitely and fully established by the record when your committee began its work. but they were assumed to exist because they coincided with the known practice of both the town and the society, and hence it was decided, on the whole. to be best to locate the new meeting house on the Woodbury lot, as retaining all rights of the society, which might be lost by removing its place of wor- ship to another locality, and on the whole, as being as convenient a location as could be found.
To utilize this location it seemed wise to move the parsonage down the hill and erect the meeting house substantially on the vacated site. This job was let to Mr. Haviford Thompson of Milford, who began work in August, and had completed the same about the first of September. This change has been a great improvement to the parsonage. which now has a large, high-posted cellar. in place of a little hole in the ledge, and by the kindness of Dr. Kittredge has an ample supply of excellent water, whereas before it had next to none. The change also enabled other improvements to be made in the parsonage, and a considerable portion of the amount expended upon it out of the church building fund would properly be chargeable to some other account.
The total amount of money, including that represented by savings bank books at their face value received up to date, has been $11,702.01.
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HISTORY OF MONT VERNON.
Of this amount, including interest reckoned to July 1, 1894, there is $832.73 on three books in the Milford Savings bank, on which only 10 per cent has been paid, leaving to be collected in the uncertain future, if ever, $749.47. There have been sundry subscriptions in work, the exact amount of which can only be estimated. The cost of the church, iucluding the moving and improvements of the parsonage, the carpet. the chairs for the vestry, the furnaces and the pulpit, architect's serv- ices and insurance is, in round numbers, $12,000. The original prop- osition was to build the church, without furnishings, for $11.000. This has actually been bettered, and if our Milford Saving bank money had been good for its face, we should have come out without any considera- ble shortage. As it is, we shall need a round $1000 to clear up our obligations, leaving the money at Milford as, perhaps, a "permanent investment."
It is impossible to estimate accurately the number of individual contributors, as the money deposited in the savings banks represent many whose names are not known, as well as sums accumulated by the Home Circle and the King's Daughters. But of the total amount re- ceived, $8233 in spot cash was given by persons non-resident in the town, and aside from the amounts coming from the savings banks, the indi- vidual contributions of residents of the town is less than $1150, and of this amount $825 was contributed by five persons.
And now, Mr. President, in behalf of the committee, I turn over to you the keys of this beautiful house of worship, so well appointed for its purposes, and in which every citizen of this little town may, if he will, have an equal proprietary interest, and in which all should feel a common pride. Beyond and beside the sacred use to which it is about to be dedicated, it will prove that "thing of beauty" which "is a joy forever," and a material minister to the needs and wants of a communi- ty which depends so largely on the outside world for its subsistence.
The society which you represent, as I have shown, is an ancient or- ganization, with an honorable and self-denying record. It has main- tained the faith of the fathers these many years in the old meeting house, it will do no less in this more modern temple as the years go by.
DEACON CONANT ACCEPTS.
The acceptance of the building was by the president of the so- ciety, Deacon William H. Conant. The deacon spoke as follows :
"It becomes my pleasant duty as president of the Congregational society to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the building committee for its self-denying faithfulness and devotion in the months past, until they present today this completed and beautiful church edifice, admirably adapted to the purpose for which it was designed. A good Providence has raised up and qualified these men to call forth gifts, quicken en- thusiasm, inspire confidence, harmonize conflicting views and manage, with wisdom and discretion, this work so as to get the best results for the amount expended. And they have spared no time or effort to make the enterprise a success.
"We also wish to express our obligation to those kind and benevo- lent ladies whose ancestors lived here for many generations, who suggested the building of a new church instead of repairing the old one. and who contributed so large a proportion of the amount necessary to its accomplishment. Also to the numerous friends and donors, many
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of whom are with us today; to the Home Circle, the King's Daughters and other organizations who have for years worked patiently and saved for this object; and to all who have by the smallest word of encourage- ment or in the humblest way contributed to the result.
"I accept in behalf of the society the keys to the building with a sense of the obligation which they imply and the labor and sacrifice which this finished temple represents. The Lord has indeed done great things for us, whereof we are glad. We promise that it shall be held for the high and sacred purposes for which it was intended and to which today it is dedicated. We hope it will enable us to hold the Christian Sabbath and Christian worship to us and our children in the coming years.
"And while some have thought that this church is too good for this little town on the hilltop, we regard it as none too good for the Master we love and the God we serve. It must be our effort to avail ourselves of our new and increased facilities for worship, to enlarge our faith, our zeal, our Christian hope, to the full measure of our enlarged privi- leges and opportunities, and to make this church a witness to the truth in the present and in coming years "
When Deacon Conant had finished and a collection had been taken, the choir and congregation sang a hymn written for the occa- sion by H. Porter Smith of Cambridge, Mass.
The dedicatory sermon was preached by the Rev. Dr. Nehemiah Boynton of Detroit, Mich., formerly pastor of the Union Congrega- tional Church, Boston. His address was a masterly effort and thrilled his congregation with its eloquence. His text was found in Ephesians v : 27, "That he might present it to himself a glorious church. not having spot or wrinkle, or any such thing ; but that it should be holy and without blemish."
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