USA > New Hampshire > Cheshire County > Rindge > History of the town of Rindge, New Hampshire, from the date of the Rowley Canada or Massachusetts charter, to the present time, 1736-1874, with a genealogical register of the Rindge families > Part 15
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HISTORY OF RINDGE.
his conversation. As a preacher his reputation was deservedly high. His sermons were plain, luminous expositions of Divine truth, fitted at once to secure attention, to awaken the conscience, and impress the heart. He excelled especially in devotional exercises. Free alike from affectation, uniformity, and tedious repetition, his prayers were appropriate and impressive to a degree rarely surpassed. He was laborious and faithful, and possessed in a high degree the esteem of his flock. But it was not by them alone that he was held in high estimation. He had a reputation that was far from being confined even to his own State. He was frequently called to preach on important occasions, and I believe he never failed to satisfy public expectation.
These testimonies of Dr. Robinson, who was thoroughly acquainted with Mr. Payson, and who carefully penned this tribute, nearly thirty years after the death of his friend and former associate in the ministry, possess an authority which no present writer could sustain. The labors of Dr. Payson were early extended beyond the limits of his parish. As a councillor and arbitrator, his advice and assistance were extensively sought and cheer- fully afforded. Very few have been more frequently called to meet in council or assist at ordinations, and several discourses on these occasions were printed. In 1799, he preached the annual sermon before the legis- lature of New Hampshire, from the text, "One sinner destroyeth much good." The discourse was well received, and is said to have had no small influence in leading the General Court to revise and strengthen the statutes for the observance of the Sabbath. If men of his boldness and plainness of speech were to preach before the legis- latures of modern times, it is highly probable that a unit of sinners would be found entirely too limited for a theme of their discourses.
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ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
In 1802, Dr. Payson published a duodecimo volume of 290 pages, entitled : "Proofs of the Real Existence and Dangerous Tendencies of Illuminism." The work could easily be misunderstood at the present day. The argument is mainly directed against certain French and German socie- ties, the members of which were styled "The Illuminati," and contained many vigorous protests against their influence in this country. It was believed and pretty thoroughly proved by the author that these societies were aiming at the overthrow of Christianity, and were destined to threaten the safety of the institutions of the American Republic. It is not an argument against secret societies in general, but a most bitter invective against this particular organization. The book was extensively read, and the flattering notices which it attracted are conclusive that the argument was better understood than is possible at the present day.
Several occasional sermons by Dr. Payson were printed. The following list is believed to be complete : A Sermon at the Ordination of Ebenezer Hill, at Mason, 1790; A Sermon at the Ordination of Joseph Brown, 1795; A Sermon at the Consecration of the Social Lodge in Ashby, 1799; New Hampshire Election Sermon, 1799; A Sermon at the Inter- ment of Mrs. Sybel Waters, wife of Rev. Cornelius Waters, of Ashby, 1802; An Abridgment of two Fast Sermons at Rindge, 1805; A Sermon at the Interment of John Cushing, 1806; A Sermon at the Ordination of Edward Payson, 1808; A Sermon at the Interment of Rev. Stephen Farrar at New Ipswich, 1809; A Sermon at the Ordination of Joel Wright, 1812; An Abridgment of two Sermons at Rindge, 1815; A Sermon at the Funeral of Rev. Levi Pillsbury, at Winch- endon, 1819.
In 1802-3 and 4, Dr. Payson was a member of the Senate of this State, and was at once recognized as an able
28
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HISTORY OF RINDGE.
and efficient member. The journals of those sessions, with the frequent assignment of Mr. Payson to draft important reports, and the merit of many papers of his authorship, are enduring monuments to his memory. He was one of the founders of the academy at New Ipswich, and a trustee of that institution for more than thirty years.
In 1813 he was elected a trustee of Dartmouth College, and ably filled the position until his death. During the unhappy controversy between the College and the Legis- lature, he took a decided position for the maintenance of the chartered rights of that institution, and lived to see his opinions sustained by the Supreme Court of the United States. In 1815 he represented the General Association of New Hampshire in an important Ecclesiastical Convention held at Philadelphia. For several years he was Vice-Presi- dent of the New Hampshire Bible Society, and also a member of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions.
In 1819, an effort was made to change the location of Williams College. Many towns made liberal propositions to secure its location in their midst. These rival claims were so vigorously presented that the question was mutually referred to Mr. Payson, Chancellor Kent, of New York, and Governor Smith, of Connecticut. He performed the duties of this appointment. Immediately following these labors he had an epileptic fit, and returned to his home much debilitated. He soon apparently rallied, and was able to resume his pastoral labors, but failed to regain his accus- tomed strength and vigor. He had previously received the appointment to preach the annual sermon before the Ameri- can Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, in Sep- tember of that year. This appointment, at a late day, he was obliged to decline.
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ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
The first evidence manifested of a permanent mental infirmity occurred on the occasion of a Thanksgiving dis- course, from which it was clearly seen that his mind was disordered, and his intellect was suffering even more extremely than his general health. He remained in an inanimate state of mind, with many lucid intervals, until his death; and, whenever reason returned, his great solici- tude, which found earnest expression, was for the future welfare of his parish and family.
Dr. Payson died February 26, 1820. The funeral dis- course, which was afterwards printed, was preached by Rev. Isaac Robinson, of Stoddard, from the text, "For the which cause I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day."
In accordance with a custom then prevailing, and affording a very proper expression of sympathy for a bereaved congregation, the pulpit was supplied for several Sabbaths, after the death of Dr. Payson, by the ministers of the neighboring churches. Subsequently Mr. Wright was engaged to preach three Sabbaths, and soon after Mr. Goddard preached for an equal length of time. Neither of them was a candidate for settlement. Late in the autumn, Mr. Elijah Demond supplied the pulpit five weeks, and in January, 1821, received a call. Almost simultane- ously he received an invitation from the church in West Newbury, Massachusetts, to which he gave preference. Mr. Demond was born at Rutland, Massachusetts, November 1, 1790; graduated at Dartmouth College, 1816; at Andover, 1820. He was preceptor of New Ipswich Academy for a short time, and after a dismissal from West Newbury he
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HISTORY OF RINDGE.
was settled over the churches at Lincoln, Holliston, and Princeton, Massachusetts.
When no clergyman was secured to preach, Deacon Benjamin Kingsbury occupied the pulpit. He had studied theology with Dr. Payson, but had never formally entered the ministry. He labored for half price, and in this way he preached a continuous sermon on the subject of frugality. His discourses are said to have been of respectable merit, yet fearfully long, as if he mistrusted their quality and was anxious to compensate in measure. Early in this year Rev. Mr. Kendrick preached two, and Rev. William Goodell nine, Sabbaths. In May, a call was extended to the latter, which was declined on account of the proposed salary, which, for some unexplained reason, was less than the sum offered to Mr. Demond. Mr. Goodell graduated at Dart- mouth College 1816, at Andover 1820, and was the well known missionary at Constantinople from 1822 to 1865. He died in Philadelphia, February 18, 1867. It will be perceived that Mr. Goodell and Mr. Demond were con- temporary with Dr. Burnham at Dartmouth, and at the Seminary.
About the first of August, Mr. Burnham visited Rindge for the first time, while journeying from Andover to Vermont, where a field of labor was inviting him, and, at the suggestion of Dr. Leonard Wood, he called at Rindge and accepted an invitation to preach on the following Sabbath. Dr. Wood was one of the instructors in the Theological Seminary at Andover, where Mr. Burnham had recently completed the prescribed course of study, and knowing that the church was destitute of a pastor, he wrote to Deacon Brown, recommending that Mr. Burnham be invited to remain. Happily the letter is preserved. A brief extract, truthful in a high degree, will be approvingly
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ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
read by the many who cherish the memory of Dr. Burnham, and, in connection with his blameless life, will be seen in the light of the fulfillment of a prophecy : "We consider him a young man of sterling worth; though he makes no display he has solid talents and a very blameless character, and is a remarkably sincere, honest, plain-hearted man." Mr. Burnham had not passed his student life unobserved. With such gifts of intellect and heart he approached the pulpit vacated by the death of Dr. Payson. It was soon apparent that his contemplated mission to Vermont was to be deferred. The labor of a life-time had met him on the way. On the sixth of September the church unanimously invited him to remain. In this action the society concurred by a vote of eighty-three, and none in the negative. His letter of acceptance was dated October 13, and his ordi- nation occurred November 14, 1821, having supplied the pulpit continuously since his arrival in town. The church chose Deacon Hubbard, Deacon Brown, and John Perry ; to this number the society joined Ezra Thomas and Samuel L. Wilder, Esqs., to communicate the call to Mr. Burnham. The society also chose William Sherwin, Samuel L. Wilder, Esq., Capt. Joel Raymond, and Deacons Hubbard and Brown, to make arrangements for the entertainment of the council.
The clergymen who composed the council, and took part in the ordination, were Rev. Laban Ainsworth, of Jaffrey, who was moderator, and gave the Ordaining Prayer ; Rev. Eber L. Clark, of Winchendon, Scribe; Rev. Richard Hall, of New Ipswich, Introductory Prayer; Rev. Abraham Burnham, of Pembroke, Sermon from the text, "For we are laborers together with God "; Rev. John Cushing, D. D., of Ashburnham, Charge; Rev. John M. Putnam, of Ashby, Right Hand of Fellowship; Rev John Sabin, of Fitzwilliam,
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HISTORY OF RINDGE.
Concluding Prayer. The council was feasted by Deacon Brown, and at a moderate expense, which indicates consid- erable change in the custom of the times, on such occasions, since the ordination of Dr. Payson.
The pastorate of Dr. Burnham was a continued era of concord. Forty-six years were added to the registers of the church and of the society, without occasion to record the existence of any serious contention. Within a year from his ordination, forty-eight persons were added to the mem- bership of the church, and during his ministry five hundred. and sixteen admissions are recorded, and almost an equal number were baptized, while the aggregate of his parochial labors is beyond computation. Much of the history of this period, which is associated with other events, will be found elsewhere.
The salary of Dr. Payson was paid throughout by the town; that of Dr. Burnham was paid by the society, which succeeded the town as a parish. The amount of Dr. Burn- ham's nominal salary was never changed during his entire ministry, and was four hundred dollars and the use of the parsonage, which was kept in repair by the society. During the later years of his ministry, the donation visits became more frequent, and the amount of the grateful offerings of his parish more considerable, and many supplies of wood were left at his door and fitted for the stove by cheerful labor. Concerning the promptness with which his salary was paid during his long ministry, Dr. Burnham has written : " The salary has been paid in one sum, and for twenty or, more years by one individual - Jason B. Perry, Esq., - and on the very day specified in the contract, excepting the years when the day of payment has fallen on the Sabbath ; then the money has been paid on the preceding day; and this admirable habit, so excellent in its influence on pastor
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and people, has produced such confidence that the pastor feels about as sure that his salary will be paid at the appointed time as that the sun will rise that day."
Rev. Amos Wood Burnham, D. D., was a son of Deacon Samuel and Mary (Perkins) Burnham, and was born in Dunbarton, New Hampshire, August 1, 1791. He entered Dartmouth College 1811, and, having maintained an honor- able standing, was graduated 1815. He pursued the study of theology at Andover, and in 1818 was licensed to preach. Previous to his ordination at Rindge, he was preceptor of the Blanchard Academy at Pembroke, New Hampshire, an institution which owed its origin to his brother, Rev. Dr. Abraham Burnham, and whose society and instructions he enjoyed during his residence at that place.
Mr. Burnham was of small yet not diminutive stature, of light complexion, with a clear blue eye, expressive of unalloyed kindness and sensibility. The briefest acquaint- ance would recognize his sincerity, while a prolonged obser- vation would lead to no discoveries, for he was without guile. The fact of his lameness, and that from his youth he walked with a cane, might easily escape mention. His body swayed in his walk, but he did not limp. There were no angles in his movements, and no infirmity could rob him of his native comeliness. An unassuming and courteous demeanor marked his intercourse with his fellow-men. In all his social sympathies his heart was fresh and young to the last, and continually beamed from a countenance that was never clouded with severity. Possessing no common degree of amiability and kindness, he failed not of a full measure of rational courage and an unhesitating decision of purpose, which suffered the evasion of no truth that appealed to the conscience of men. With him there was no affecta- tion. He was a minister in the pulpit and out of it. He
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HISTORY OF RINDGE.
would unbend at times, and always enjoyed innocent humor with keen relish, but never lowered himself beneath the line of a graceful and serene dignity. His opinions were so moulded into his life, and wrought into the texture of his character, that all his works were the pure waters from the fountain of his religion; and he lived so thoroughly the doctrines of his faith, that his life was one continuous sermon.
In expressing his opinions on questions of moment, he was considerate and guarded, and met new problems with great caution; but when his purposes were once formed, and his opinions moulded, he was tenacious of his conclu- sions, and unyielding in their maintenance ; and while he sometimes shrewdly evaded collisions, he never failed in courage to express his sentiments and openly meet the issue whenever the occasion demanded it. The manner and method were so consistent and uniform, that with him and his labors there were no reactions. Everything grew, and nothing sprang into existence. Each step was a permanent advance, and every new position gained became a base for continued progress.
In theological views he was of the old-school New England stamp, clear and steadfast, yet candid and con- sistent. While he was fond of "holding on," as he was accustomed to say, he was not illiberal, and when com- pared with others of the same school of theology, his views were marked with the full progress of the age in which he lived.
He was remarkable for his thorough and familiar knowl- edge of the Scriptures, and was never at a loss for an appropriate quotation on any occasion. From his extensive theological knowledge and direct methods of reasoning, Dr. Burnham might have been an able controversial exponent of
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the church, but he was an ardent lover of peace, and more frequently sought those fields wherein evangelical men were in harmony, than those in which they differed; and was always sensible to the evils of partisan and heated discus- sion, and earnestly endeavored to avoid the danger of unnecessary controversy.
As a preacher, he was eminently scriptural and instruct- ive. The plan of his discourse was never complex, and the arrangement of thought was so logical and chastely rendered, that the most cultivated listened with delight, and yet so lucid and natural that all could follow him under- standingly. His sermons were always constructed with care, and his thoughts so aptly expressed, that little was left for inference. He read his sermons closely and without action, yet with considerable emphasis, and in a manner of such sincerity and earnestness, that they seldom were carelessly received. He did not rely upon an extreme imagination, nor upon an excitement of the natural sympa- thies, but upon a full and clear presentation of truth in its immediate and practical relations to the lives of men. He generally sought to fix a few thoughts in one discourse, and for this purpose often repeated the prominent ideas until they were deeply rooted in the minds of his hearers. His voice was clear, pleasant, and well modulated; his manner of preaching earnest and solemn. If he did not rise to lofty strains of pathos and fervency, he possessed much of the eloquence of sincerity, simplicity, and ear- nestness.
In other labors he was no less distinguished. Rev. Dr. Barstow has paid this fitting tribute to the memory of his friend and fellow-laborer : -
29
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HISTORY OF RINDGE.
In thorough and practical knowledge of theology, in ecclesi- astical law and usages of the church, he was well skilled. His counsel was widely sought, and he was much esteemed for his wisdom, judgment, and impartial decisions. He was always prominent in all measures pertaining to the welfare of society ; and the town of Rindge owes much of its good name to the influence of his faithful labors.
Dr. Burnham was a frequent contributor to the religious press. The tract prepared by him, "The Infidel Reclaimed," has been translated into several languages, and widely circu- lated. A discourse, delivered November 14, 1861, on the occasion of the fortieth anniversary of his pastorate, is a model historical production. This was published, as was also sermons on the life and character of Samuel L. Wilder, Esq., 1863, and of Rev. Ebenezer Hill, of Mason, 1858.
Dr. Burnham represented the town in the Legislature 1854 and 1855. In 1858, the trustees of Dartmouth College honored him with the degree of Doctor of Divinity; and for more than thirty years he was a member of the Board of Trustees of the Academy at New Ipswich.
At the close of forty-five years of constant and uninter- rupted ministrations, Dr. Burnham presented a written communication, requesting a release from active pastoral labor. A mutual council was convened November 14, 1867, the forty-sixth anniversary of his settlement, when the connection so happily existing for nearly fifty years was dissolved.
The labor of these many years was rendered without parade or high pretension. He never recounted his trials, nor seemed to realize the amount of work he had performed.
In the following words, written of another, many will recognize a similitude of their former pastor : "That which was most admirable about him was not his doing so much,
A. I. Burnham
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but that having done so much he seemed to think he had done nothing. With him it seemed to be an instinctive impulse to esteem others above himself. Few men have ever had more of the spirit of the disciple whom Jesus loved. Whithersoever he came he said, 'Little children, love one another,' not indeed always in so many words, but all his words seemed to say this. It was scarcely possible to fix one's eyes on his mild, calm, benevolent countenance without feeling one's heart softened, without feeling something of an answering kindness of a like good will towards men."
Rev. Amos Wood Burnham, D.D., died at the residence of his daughter in Keene, April 9, 1871. His funeral sermon was preached by his life-long friend, Rev. Z. S. Barstow, D.D., of Keene. A memorial discourse, containing many passages of rare beauty and chaste expression, was delivered by Rev. Dennis Powers, the acting pastor of the church at Rindge. The discourses were printed, and are grateful tributes to the memory of a faithful pastor and an upright man.
From November 14, 1867, until June 3, 1873, was an era of supplies ; the events are so recent and so carefully preserved in the records, that no extended account is here given. It was a period in which many were called and few chosen. Rev. Lysander Dickerman supplied the pulpit for several months during this period, and such were his fraternal sympathies and natural kindness of heart, that it took but little time or proximity to know him well. Of superior intellectual strength and cultivation, his sermons were uniformly thoughtful and attractive. He received a call, which was declined. Subsequently Rev. Dennis Powers was engaged, from time to time, as acting pastor, until the connection was severed by a long and severe
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sickness. He remained nearly three years, but was unwill- ing to be considered a candidate for settlement, and for this reason no call was extended. As a preacher, Mr. Powers was always interesting, instructive, and impressive. He has a voice of rare compass, and modulated with uncommon effect. His sermons were elaborately and carefully composed, and replete with beauty of thought and expression. During his residence in Rindge he was twice elected Chaplain of the New Hampshire Legislature, where his cultivated manners and social qualities surrounded him with flattering attention.
In March, 1873, a unanimous call was extended to Rev. Frank G. Clark, which was accepted. He was ordained June 3, 1873.
The clergymen who composed the council and took part in the installation services were : Rev. F. J. Fairbanks, Ayer, Massachusetts, Invocation; Rev. W. J. Tucker, Man- chester, New Hampshire, Sermon, from the text, "But faith which worketh by love"; Rev. R. Case, Jaffrey, Prayer of Installation; Rev. D. Foster, Winchendon, Charge; Rev. George Dustan, Peterborough, Right Hand of Fellowship; Rev. C. W. Wallace, D.D., Manchester, Charge to the People.
Rev. Frank Gray Clark, son of James L. and Hannah (Baldwin) Clark, was born in Francestown, New Hamp- shire, February 22, 1838. He pursued a preparatory course of study at Appleton Academy, Mount Vernon, and was graduated at Amherst College 1862. During the succeeding five years he was principal of the Francestown Academy. In this position he was highly successful, and enjoyed the unqualified respect of his pupils and of the community. Subsequently he pursued a course of study at Andover Theological Seminary, and graduated 1869; was ordained
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in September of that year, and entered upon the labors of his calling, as city missionary in Manchester, on the first of the following October. In this work he was earnestly engaged until April 1, 1873, when he resigned upon his acceptance of the call from the church and society in Rindge. Mr. Clark has zealously entered upon his labors under favorable auspices, and in the lives of his predecessors he has worthy patterns for imitation.
Since the organization of the church, fourteen persons have officiated as deacons. The list gives the date of each election, and all present incumbents excepted, have held the office until their death or removal from the town : -
John Lovejoy, 1767, died
1795
Josiah Ingalls,
1767, " about 1774
Francis Towne, 1776, 66
Aug. 11, 1811
Edward Jewett, 1780,
Jan. 12, 1825
Eleazer Blake, 1801,
Sept. 27, 1852
David Barker, 1812, June 16, 1816
Hezekiah Hubbard, 1804 or earlier,-died April 22, 1822
Ebenezer Brown,
1817, died Aug. 4, 1849
Benjamin Eddy, 1823, removed to Newton, Mass., 1827
Adin Cummings, 1830,
" Jaffrey, 1855
Luther Goddard, 1830, died
April 26, 1858
Joseph B. Breed, 1851, "
Sept. 23, 1864
Omar D. Converse, 1856.
Jeremiah Norcross, 1864.
The following have also been chosen by the church, but declined to be qualified: Jonathan Sherwin, 1776; Ezra Thomas, 1823; Enos Blake, 1830; and Thomas Jewett, 1864. Deacon Benjamin Kingsbury, Deacon James Bancroft, and Deacon William M. Lamb, whose names occur upon our records, were officers of other churches previous to their removal to Rindge.
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