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 16
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For nearly a century there has been what is styled a " standing committee " connected with the church, whose duty has been such as is usual in similar organizations. In earlier times each committee was chosen for a special
226
HISTORY OF RINDGE.
purpose, and was discharged as soon as that duty, was performed. February 10, 1786, the first committee to serve for an unlimited time was chosen, and for the next seven years Deacon Lovejoy, Deacon Towne, Deacon Jewett, Barnabas Barker, Ephraim Hunt, Samuel Page, and David Adams served upon this committee. February 1, 1793, the committee was reorganized, and their particular duties defined to be "to inquire into the qualifications of such as desire to unite with the church, and to take notice of the improper conduct of any member." From this date the committee has been continuous. The list gives the order of election and duration of service : -
Dea. Francis Towne, 1793,
died Aug. 11, 1811 1795
Dea. John Lovejoy, 1793,
Dea. Edward Jewett, 1793,
" Jan. 12, 1825
Jonathan Sherwin, 1793,
Feb. 23, 1804
Benjamin Kingsbury, 1793,
June 10, 1827
Dea. Hezekiah Hubbard, 1793,
April 22, 1822
Dea. David Barker, 1793,
Thomas Wetherbee,
1793, removed 1800.
Oct. 24, 1846
John Perry,
1823, resigned 1832,
Aug. 7, 1834
Gates Rand, 1823, resigned 1830,
Jan. 21, 1858
Enos Blake, 1832,
1832,
Nov. 27, 1859
Dea. Joseph B. Breed,
1838,
Sept. 23, 1864
Dea. Jeremiah Norcross, 1851.
Dea. Omar D. Converse, 1856.
Jason B. Perry, 1858.
Thomas Jewett,
1858, removed 1865.
James Ramsdell,
1864,
Sept. 20, 1873
Otis Hubbard,
1864.
Stephen Hale,
1872.
Ivers H. Brooks, 1872.
Martin L. Goddard, 1872.
George R. Thomas, 1872,
" May 20, 1873
Eliphaz Allen, 1812, resigned 1838,
Oct. 25, 1830
Ezra Thomas, 1823,
¥ April 5, 1855
Dea. Benjamin Eddy, 1823, removed 1827,
66 1852
Dec. 3, 1867
James Robbins, Samuel Stearns,
1838,
April 6, 1871
William Barker, 1823,
June 16, 1816
CHAPTER X.
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY CONTINUED.
Charter Stipulations Concerning Meeting-Houses. - The Common. --- Fears of the Indians. - Voted to Build a Meeting-House. - Building Raised. - Cost of First Meeting-House. - House Occupied. - Seat- ing of the Meeting-House. - Second Meeting-House Built. - Cost of Building. - Preparations for the Raising. - Dedication. - Members of other Denominations Excused from the Ministerial Tax. - Relig- ious Society Organized. - The Methodists ask for Privileges in the Meeting-House. - Town Grants the Society Liberty to Remodel the Meeting-House. - Extensive Repairs Made. - Internal Arrange- ment. - Repairs made in 1870. - Reduction of Society Debt.
A CLAUSE in all the charters granted by the Masonian proprietors required the grantees to build a convenient meeting-house in each grant within five years from the date of their charter, provided they were not prevented by Indian hostilities.
At the first meeting of the proprietors or grantees of Monadnock Number One, under date of February 13, 1750, it was voted "that in four years from October last past there be a meeting-house built in said Town at ye charge of ye proprietors." But this early promise was for several years delayed, although in the meantime twenty acres in the exact centre of the town had been reserved for a site for the edifice, and was frequently referred to as the "meeting-house place," and occasionally as the "training
228
HISTORY OF RINDGE.
ground." This common of spacious proportions included the present common, the cemetery, and extended as far south as the residence of Miss Sarah Shurtleff, and was there bounded by an east and west line of about fifty-six and one-half rods. The opposite boundary of equal width was north of the Methodist parsonage.
When the prescribed time in which the proprietors had voted to build had almost expired, and no progress being made, the records under date of September 24, 1754, give the following reasons for the failure: "Whereas, this Propriety are enjoined by Charter to build a Meeting-House in said tract amongst other things conditioned in order for complyance with the Grant, under Reservation of their being no Indian Warr within the time limited for doing the said duty and Inasmuch as at present the Indians have made devastation and committed Hostilities on our Fron- tiers That we esteem it Hazardous both as to our lives in performing said work as well as the Indians consuming it when done. Therefore Voted that we do not at present proceed to build said House."
Evidently satisfied with the manner in which they had put themselves on record, and substantial reasons did exist to give force to this expression, they took no further action for some time, and nothing is heard of this important enterprise until 1759, when it was "voted not to build at present." This action was soon followed by two others of like import ; but in 1761 the time for action came. May 28, "The question being put to see if ye Proprietors will proceed to build a meeting-house in said Township for ye public worship of God and it passed in ye affirmative. Then voted that ye length of said house be fifty feet and forty feet in breadth and that ye posts and all the timber of. said house be cut proportionable thereto, in the judgment
229
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
of ye committee ; and ye committee are to provide timber boards shingles and all other necessaries for to build said house and to proceed so far in finishing said house as to close in the same to lay ye lower floor and make and hang ye doors and that ye same be done by ye last of August 1762. Then chose Moses Hale Abel Platts and Jonathan Stanley, a committee and they are fully empowered for ye purpose aforesaid. Voted that ye cost of building the meeting-house be borne by the whole propriety."
At the same meeting, Josiah Ingalls, Moses Hale, and Abel Platts were empowered to lay out the twenty acres of land that previously had been reserved for a common and " meeting-house place." The second prescribed time in which the house was to be completed had nearly expired, ‘ and another year was added, and subsequently the delay until 1764 was ratified by vote of the proprietors.
The legislation on the subject now began to evince an earnestness of purpose that contemplated no future delay.
In the summer of 1764 the building was raised, and. frequent votes of instruction to committees, and for raising money, followed, all of which were expressions of a deter- mination to speedily complete the edifice. Enoch Hale, William Carlton, and Aaron Taylor were to clear the common, and several roads centering towards the place were laid out, and ample provisions were made for the raising.
Every man owning an improved lot of land was to provide dinner for two men, and that there was purchased the conventional barrel of rum is of course expected, and the fact well established by the records. It is well known that such entertainment was a feature of the times, and consequently demands no extended notice here. We have no doubt it was used prudently, and with our knowledge
30
230
HISTORY OF RINDGE.
of the frugal habits of our fathers, it would be safe to infer that none was wasted.
The fact that a motion to furnish liquor to the workmen while the building was being framed was voted down, might call forth some complimentary remarks if it was certain that the voters and the workmen were one and the same body of men, and if the following votes concerning a supply for the raising had not been so emphatic, and displaying an unusual unanimity and anxiety while the proposition was being acted upon.
First, with commendable prudence, it was voted to invite the non-resident proprietors "to furnish a supply of liquor for the raising." This vote was altogether too uncertain. At the same meeting it was ordered that Jona- than Stanley, Abel Platts, and Nathaniel Page-three of their eldest and most reliable men, -procure the liquor, if the non-residents do not; and lest there should be any remaining doubt about the supply, in the true spirit of "whether or no" it was immediately agreed "to provide one barrel of rum for the raising." After this cumulative action the intention of the meeting will never be misunder- stood. These votes, like many others, were never recon- sidered, nor the time for their fulfillment lengthened out. It was a meeting of rare unanimity. With this question so happily settled to the satisfaction of all present, it passes with alacrity to the remaining article in the warrant, and voted to have as much preaching this summer as will expend the half dollar. Let no one presume that an expenditure of this amount for rum, and half a dollar for preaching were unequitable appropriations for their spiritual wants, until he has been informed that the sum really was half a dollar on each right of land, as shown by the record of the meeting at which the money was raised for this purpose.
231
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
The meeting-house was partially completed in the sum- mer of 1764, and meetings were probably held within during the season. It is certain, however, that in the following year, at the advent of Rev. Seth Dean, the house was occupied from Sabbath to Sabbath. Considerable sums of money were expended at this time in clearing and grading the common. The following spring it was ordered "to finish the meeting-house fit for comfortable meeting," and in 1766 the proprietors' meetings were called to assemble in the meeting-house. These, as well as the town-meetings which superseded them, were subsequently held therein. Thomas Peabody, of Lunenburg, was the master carpenter, and had with him as experienced workmen Capt. Jacob Gould, of Lunenburg, Jonathan Hopkinson and Henry Coffeen, of Monadnock Number One. In addition to these, nearly every resident of the place was paid for labor, and very many for materials furnished.
Thomas Peabody and Capt. Gould owned land and paid taxes here, but it is not probable that either were ever permanent residents. Jacob Gould, who settled in Rindge, was a son of Capt. Gould. Henry Coffeen and Jonathan Hopkinson resided here several years, and sub- sequently removed to Jaffrey.
A noticeable feature at this day is the decree "any of the inhabitants shall have the liberty to work at cutting the timber for the meeting-house and to score in and but of for the huers for common wages, that is such hands as the committee shall think proper to employ." The pay- roll can be found on the proprietors' book of records. It affords valuable information concerning who were residents at this date. Very few are now living who remember the first meeting-house in Rindge, and, with the exception of
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HISTORY OF RINDGE.
a primitive and temporary structure in New Ipswich, the first in this immediate portion of the State.
All descriptions which have been preserved agree in representing it of plain exterior, without steeple or cupola, while the internal arrangements were so frequently amended to meet the increasing demands for additional accommoda- tion that any general description would be impossible. It possessed neither fire-place nor chimney. And there, in the cold of winter, from Sabbath to Sabbath, were assembled many devout worshipers, little dreaming of the comforts and changes of the coming years. Truly "our fathers did worship God in the wilderness, and are dead."
The materials furnished for the structure are entered at length upon the records. About one hundred and fifty pounds were paid for boards and plank; twenty-two thou- sand shingles were purchased for sixty-six pounds, and twenty pounds were paid for clapboards; the slit work cost about sixty pounds, which was purchased, as well as a greater part of the boards and plank, at the mill of Josiah Ingalls, and the remainder at the mill of Jonathan Hopkinson; the nails and spikes were furnished by the carpenters at an expense of fifty pounds; the underpin- ning, which was set under the direction of Enoch Hale, cost eleven pounds, and numerous items for labor amount to four hundred and eighty pounds. In addition to these sums, two hundred pounds were raised which probably covered the expense for glass and other material which are not mentioned upon the records.
After the edifice had thus been made "fit for comfort- able meeting," the proposition to more completely finish the house was several times proposed, but no positive meas- ures were adopted. Soon after the incorporation of the town the meeting-house was turned over to the new
233
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
organization. Without doubt, the anticipation of this event on the part of the proprietors was the occasion of their neglect to improve the appearance and convenience of the house.
After the ordination of Mr. Dean, the proprietors voted that the annual rental of the pews should be sold to the highest bidder; but before any progress was made another meeting was held at which it was voted : -
To Lay the sum of five hundred pounds, masachusets old tenor, on the pue ground, and to Chuse a commitee to dignify the pue ground in the meeting-house and prize them according to their judgment, Chose namely Nathaniel Page, John Coffeen and Page Norcross who are to have their pues from three other Commitee namely Enoch Hale, Esq'r, Samuel Sherwin and Elezer Coffeen.
Voted to give the highest [tax] payers the first Choice of the pues, and so on till they are Disposed of, they paying the price set on the pue and they taking them for their seets.
The following article and vote indicate that, under this arrangement, a few of the pews were not rented : -
To sea if the propriety will say what the Commitee for the Disposing of the pue ground [shall do] whether they shall sell them at Vandoe or what they shall Doe with them, whether they shall sell them to the highest Bider or whether they shall sell them to such as have Land in the town or to such as Live handy to our meeting-House.
This article was broad enough to admit of any action, provided it related to the sale of the pews. By the term so often employed to sell the pews was meant to sell a yearly rental. Other references to this subject upon the records make it evident that such was the idea intended to be conveyed. The proprietors when assembled made
234
HISTORY OF RINDGE.
known their choice of the numerous propositions contained in the article by voting "to Dispose of the three pews onsold By public Vandoe, namely, the Northeast Corner Puc, and the pue on the Left hand of the west Dore, and the Left hand pue on the body."
The committee chosen to dignify the pews were expected to determine, by their edict, which should be the more hon- orable seats in the meeting-house, and it was their especial duty to carefully estimate the dignity of each individual, and assign to him a seat sufficiently exalted to meet the demand of each particular case. It was a grave responsi- bility, and one requiring the exercise of great wisdom and prudence. In this light it was regarded by our fathers ; and from fear the committee would secure for themselves seats too exalted, they chose a second committee to curb the self- esteem of the first. If any think we are wiser and less pretentious to-day, let them remember that vanity is an inheritance that seldom suffers in transmission. If our fathers coveted the highest seats in the synagogue, the same conceit has become intensified with each succeeding generation. The comparison is not in our favor. Then a committee was chosen to gauge the dignity of the indi- vidual, now he complacently estimates it for himself; then the person's age and worth were taken into consideration, now his seat in the synagogue is graduated by his purse ; then one could gain refreshing glimpses of himself as others saw him, now he blinds himself with pride, and over- estimates his real worth. The rivalry in the sale of pews, at the present time, and the stately pride that occupies the broad aisle, are evidences that we are as unmindful as were our fathers that the incense of acceptable worship must arise from the altars of humility and humbleness of heart.
235
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
The meeting-house was also seated by a committee in 1771, and again in 1780. The names of the inhabitants, with the pew which each was expected to occupy, were entered at length upon the records. On these occasions no rents were paid, and the committee were instructed, in the assignment of the seats, to take into consideration the age and amount of taxes paid by each individual, and grade his position accordingly.
In 1773, the town "voted to finish ye meeting house in Rindge by pitching and sanding ye Roof, plastering ye inside of ye house, and building ye Galleries, with allowance for pews in ye same, and Chose Mr. Solomon Cutler, Mr. William Carlton, and Mr. Nathan Hale to see said work performed." In 1779, one hundred pounds were also expended for additional repairs.
The increase in population soon began to demand a new and more commodious house. This movement was perhaps hastened by an offer from Dr. Payson to give the town a bell if a new meeting-house was built within a prescribed term. The town promptly passed "a vote of thanks to Rev. Mr. Payson for his generous offer respect- ing the meeting house," and a committee was chosen "to propose a plan to lay before the town." This com- mittee reported without delay, but this hopeful action found an untimely grave in a vote "not to build at present." But the existing inconveniences of the old house, and an increasing demand for more ample accommodations, were not buried with it, and were again represented in the warrant for a town-meeting, held June 2, 1794. At this time it was voted to build a new meeting-house, and the meetings continued by adjournment until the following March, and six subsequent meetings followed. There was in all no less than sixteen meetings of the town to consider
236
HISTORY OF RINDGE.
and adopt measures in relation to the undertaking. At each some progress was made, and the proceedings are carefully presented in the following statement.
The opposition to the undertaking had mainly come from a few owners of pews in the old house. To avoid all contention and continued opposition from this quarter, the old house was granted to the proprietors of pews, and the building ordered to a new location beside the old pound, which stood partly beneath a large oak tree, where the dwelling house of Daniel H. Sargent now stands. And thus the owners were undisturbed in the possession of their property. But having carried their point with very unsatisfactory results, and having no immediate use for the bone of contention, it was subsequently sold, not on account of the doctrines that had been taught within the walls, but rather on account of the soundness of the timber that composed the frame. The curious can now find many of the timbers once in this ancient structure, and which were hewn from the native forests one hundred and twelve years ago, reframed in the barn of Charles A. Wilder, who is ever happy in pointing out to the visitor these Orthodox oak. A committee of eleven was also chosen "to talk with the proprietors of the pews and see what will content them." But no report of the result of these conferences appears upon the record. And the unanimity with which the results were reached would indicate that nearly all oppo- sition had disappeared.
A committee, consisting of Lieut. James Crumbie, Edward Jewett, Esq., Dea. Francis Towne, Dea. Benjamin Kingsbury, Daniel Rand, Esq., Lieut. John Barker, Mr. David Barker, Capt. Solomon Rand, Mr. Eliphalet Wood, Lieut. Joseph Mullikin, and Mr. Joseph Barker was chosen to prepare a plan for a new meeting-house. This committee
237
ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
soon reported, and the proposed plan was adopted, "except the color of the doors them to be mahogany."
The accepted plan contemplated a building sixty-six feet long and fifty-two feet wide, and defined the number and arrangement of the pews. Then a committee of three, Daniel Rand, Esq., Edward Jewett, Esq., and Mr. Jonathan Ingalls, was impowered "to let out the meeting-house to build," with instructions to sell the pews from the plan in advance, and apply the proceeds in payment of the con- tractors ; while the credit of the town was pledged to make up any deficiency if the sale of pews did not amount to a sufficient sum. A contract for building according to the plan was made with John and David Barker, who performed the work to the acceptance of all concerned. There had been several decisions and as many reconsiderations con- cerning the location of the new building, until it was finally agreed "to set the house so far Northerly of the spot of ground where the old house stood as the graves in the burying yard will admit of without interrupting them."
None of the former locations were more than a few feet from the site finally selected. Deacon John Lovejoy, an early settler, an influential man, and for many years a deacon of the church, had been buried only a few months. His new-made grave fell within the boundaries marked out for the location; yet, in disobedience of the town's vote, the meeting-house to-day covers his remains, a proud monument to the memory of one who gave the years of his life to the cause of Him for whose worship the house was reared.
At this time the crown of the hill where the meeting- house stands was carted into a basin between the eminence and the residence of George A. Whitney, Esq., and the bank wall east of the edifice was built.
31
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HISTORY OF RINDGE.
There had been several votes, each rescinding the former, before it was decided what should be the form and height of the steeple. Finally David Barker was requested to present a plan, which was at once accepted, and the contract for building was offered to the lowest bidder. The records award the work to John Priest for $330, but subsequently the contract was executed between the town and the Barkers, and the money was paid to them.
There were fifty-eight pews on the ground floor, of oblong shape, and seats upon opposite sides, and twenty- eight similar ones in the galleries. One was reserved, and stands upon the plan as the "Town's Pew," and another, the most desirable one, was presented to Rev. Dr. Payson. The remaining eighty were sold for sums ranging from $91 to $30. The amount received from the sale of pews amounted to $3,448. The items of expense were as follows : -
To John and David Barker, contractors, $3,316.33
To John and David Barker for steeple, 330.00
To Committees for removing old house, grading the Com- mon, and underpinning, 680.54
To expenses of the raising, 268.13
Deacon Edward Jewett, Capt. Solomon Rand, and Capt. Salmon Stone were chosen "a committee to raise the meeting-house," which business was probably managed to the acceptance of all interested. Their report, made to the town November 7, 1796, is as follows: -
The subscribers being appointed a committee to provide for, and raise Rindge Meeting House beg leave to report as followeth :
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ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
£ s. d.
That they let out the raising at 18 0 0 The victualling at 31 4 0 · Liquor and other stores of Mr. Wilder 25 10 7
Paid sundry persons for Lemons Cider and other articles and expenses .
I 5 7 1-2
The committee spent 5 days each and Capt Stone 1-2 a Day more exclusive of the time of raising at 6s. per Day each .
4 13 O
80 13 2 I-2
The Rum Barrel sold at 4s. 9d. .
4 9
80 8 5 1-2
All of which is humbly submitted by
EDWARD JEWETT, SOLOMON RAND,
Committee.
SALMON STONE,
Rindge Aug. 29 1796.
Let any one examine the timbers in the frame of this building, and he will comprehend that the raising was no ordinary undertaking. The town do not give evidence of being unmindful of the difficulty of the task, nor were proper preparations overlooked. Reference has been made to the committee elected to superintend the work of the day, and to provide all necessary comforts. In addition, Major William Gardner, Major Benjamin Davis, Deacon Benjamin Kingsbury, Mr. Thomas Todd, Deacon Francis Towne, Dr. Ebenezer Hartshorn, Ensign Joseph Platts, Lieut. Ebenezer Davis, and Mr. Samuel Page, were delegated "to clear the ground of all idle spectators where they are in the way of the workmen." Who could have had the audacity to disobey the commands of this rare combina- tion of military, ecclesiastical, and professional dignitaries, not omitting the humble citizens who were sifted into the committee in proper proportions to preserve them from an untimely burial beneath the weight of their own honors!
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HISTORY OF RINDGE.
When the meeting-house in a neighboring town was raised, the deacons were selected to mix and distribute the grog. If a similar duty fell to the lot of the above committee, it must have been a memorable sight to have seen the deacons decanting into those huge reservoirs the soul of the beverage; the majors-next in rank -adding the proper amount of sugar; Ensign Platts vigorously squeez- ing the lemons; Dr. Hartshorn, with professional exactness, adding the modicum of nutmeg ; while Lieut. Davis is agi- tating the materials into a chemical union, and the humble, yet useful, citizens are hastening each with a pail of water to temper the whole to an approved point of combination. It has been shown that one empty barrel was sold after the raising. The ruse is too thin. The faithful historian must declare that at current prices of the time the amount paid for liquor would have purchased, and without doubt did purchase, several barrels for the occasion. And seldom has the town had the honor of welcoming so many strangers within her borders as were then assembled in honor of her hospitality.
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