USA > New Hampshire > Strafford County > Rochester > History of the town of Rochester, New Hampshire, from 1722 to 1890, Vol. I > Part 27
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Rev. Jacob Sanborn, a young man of remarkable ability, was stationed here in 1813. He performed a large amount of work with much profit to the society. After many years of service he died at Concord.
In 1814 Rev. Harvey Morey was the pastor. He was a man of great physical strength and a successful minister. IIc married Meribah, sister of Caleb Dame, and after some years located in Rochester where he died Oct. 29, 1830. His wife was one of the first who helped to plant Methodism in this town, and her life was that of a consistent Christian. Their bodies rest in the old cemetery on Haven's Hill.
Rev. Noah Bigelow, from the New York Conference, was pastor in 1815. As a minister, and presiding Elder, he was abundant in labors. He was born in Conway, Mass., March 4, 1783, and died Aug. 2, 1850. His testimony was, "My only hope is in the atonement, on that I really lean, through that I expect to be saved."
He was followed in 1816 by Rev. John Lord who commenced his labors under some discouragements, but so overcame difficul- ties that this was regarded the most prosperous year in the history of the society. A great revival occurred in which more than a hundred persons were converted, and sixty added to the member- ship. He was presiding Elder many years in the Maine Con- ference where he died.
During 1817-18 Rev. Philip Munger was stationed here. He was a physician as well as a preacher, and is said to have excelled
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in both professions. He was born in South Brimfield, Mass., in 1780 ; joined the New England Conference in 1802; and the Maine Conference at its formation in 1824; and died Oct. 19, 1846. He had labored forty years in the ministry, and was a studious, gifted, and successful preacher, and a writer of very marked ability.
Rev. John F. Adams was pastor in 1819-20. The increasing work on the charge, which then included parts of adjacent towns, caused the appointment of Rev. Samuel Norris as a colleague in 1820, but after six months he was transferred to the Landaff circuit. After a ministry of sixty-nine years, Mr. Adams died in 1881 at. the age of 91.
In 1821-22 Rev. Damon Young was pastor and left the society in a prosperous condition.
In 1823 Rers. Jotham Horton and William Mc Coy were colleagues, alternating in their pulpit ministrations to the entire satisfaction of the people. While here Mr. Horton organized the M. E. Church at Dover. He was twice Delegate to the General Conference, and in 1842 was one of the first to. withdraw on account of Slavery. He afterwards returned and was stationed at Dorchester, Mass., where he died in 1853. His last testimony was, " All my hope is in Christ. My sins, my labors, my righteousness, my unright- eousness, I lay at the feet of Christ. I trust only in him."
In 1824 Rev. Benjamin Jones was pastor. He was a faithful preacher for many years in the Maine Conference, and died in Friendship, Me. From 1810 the meetings had been held in the old Court House. Here were held the old-fashioned quarterly meetings which were usually occasions of great power. As in the old meeting-houses of that day, so here in this old court-room no fire was thought of, even in midwinter. But the time had now arrived to arise and build, and measures were taken to secure by subscription the necessary funds. The site of the old Barker tavern which had been recently burned, was purchased as the most desirable location. Charles Dennett, Simon Chase, William Trickey, Daniel Waldron, and James C. Cole were the building committee. It was agreed that the house should be 42 by 55 feet. in size, and of "a plain and decent style." The subscribers were to pay in building material, labor, grain, or cash, as they preferred. Rev. Herschel Foster was appointed pastor in 1825, and the corner- stone of the new church was laid with Masonic ceremonies by
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the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire, on the anniversary of Saint John the Baptist. Hon. James F. Dana was the Grand Master, who commissioned Major Pierce P. Furber to conduct the cere- monies. General Lafayette being entertained at a public dinner at Dover, the day before, Major Furber invited him to be present and participate in the exercises. The deputation from Humane Lodge who bore the invitation consisted of Charles Dennett, James Farrington, and John T. Paine. The answer was received in Rochester on the evening of June 23, and was engraved by E. S. Moulton on a plate of copper in season to be deposited under the corner-stone on the 24th. The following is the answer : -
"I much regret the impossibility I am under, in consequence of previous and positive engagements, to attend my brethren of the Masonic Humane Lodge of Rochester at the celebration which they contemplate on the 24th. My heart will be with them, and I beg them to accept my fraternal regard and good wishes. LA FAYETTE."
Another plate of the same dimensions bearing the following words was also deposited : -
" WESLEYAN CHAPEL
Erected by the Methodist Episcopal Church of Rochester, N. H., which was instituted 1807. THIS CORNER STONE was laid by Humane Lodge, No. 21, in the presence of many Brethren of the mystic tie, and a large assemblage of peo- ple, A. L. 5825.
JAMES C. COLE, Secretary."
Other articles deposited were names of preachers with dates, Dis- cipline of the M. E. Church, Bible, N. H. Register for 1825, Zion's Herald June 15, 1825, Journal of the Grand Lodge of New Hamp- shire, By-Laws of Humane Lodge, New Hampshire Republican, printed at Dover, June 21, 1825. (See Appendix, also page 131.)
The whole cost of the house was $1,923. It was dedicated in October, Rev. Ebenezer F. Newell of the Maine Conference preaching the sermon.
In the erection of this house, Simon Chase, Charles Dennett, and James C. Cole assumed all responsibility, and carried the enterprise to a successful completion. These three men are worthy of special notice as principal characters in the history of this society, who have ever commanded admiration and respect.
SIMON CHASE was born in Berwick, Me., Sept. 30, 1786. He
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first came to Rochester in 1806 as clerk for Joseph Hanson, at $72 a year and his board, and remained four years. Joined the church here in 1808. After twelve years in trade at Milton, he returned, went into company with Jonathan Torr for two years, when he bought Torr's house and in 1835 built a brick store, where he continued business till his death Jan. 21, 1878.
JAMES C. COLE was born in Boston, Mass., in 1791, and came to Rochester at an early age and learned the trade of clock-maker with Edward S. Moulton. He had been baptized when an infant in the Episcopal Church, and joined the church here at the age of eighteen. He began business for himself about 1813, and died Dec. 12, 1867.
CHARLES DENNETT was pre-eminent among the three, and an extended notice of him will be given in another chapter.
These three men each acquired wealth, and had the confidence of all, holding many positions of honor and trust. Their places of business were each a brick building of about the same size and style, with old-fashioned gambrel roof, and all situated on the west side of Main street. Their names will not be forgotten.
In 1826 an act of incorporation was granted to James C. Cole, Charles Dennett, Simon Chase, Ebenezer D. Trickey, and Abner Hodgdon, as Trustees of this society. Rev. Charles Baker was the preacher in charge. Two years after, he went to Maine where he was for many years a popular preacher and presiding Elder. He died a few years since in Somerville, Mass., leaving two sons who are members of the Baltimore Conference.
Rev. John E. Risley was pastor during the years 1827-28. The former year was not prosperous, being disturbed by the " come- outers " under the lead of the notorious " Abby Folsom," then a member of this church. The latter year, however, was one of great prosperity. More than fifty members were added, and a parsonage was built at a cost of $400.
In 1829-30 Rev. Samuel Norris was the preacher in charge, and organized the first Sunday School in connection with this society. Prior to this time, however, a Union Sunday School had been held in the village school-house. It is to be regretted that the Sunday School records for these and many subsequent years are now lost. (See Appendix.)
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Mr. Norris was born in Dorchester, N. H., March 8, 1801. At the age of seventeen he joined the New England Conference, and was in active service as a minister for twenty-two years. He was dignified, gentlemanly, and fearless, commanding the esteem of friends and the respect of opponents. He was twice Delegate to the General Conference. On account of defective hearing he held a superannuated relation for forty years. His name appears on the general minutes for sixty-two years. He died in South New- market June 23, 1880.
In 1831-32, Rev. Benjamin C. Eastman, better known as "Father Eastman," was the pastor. He was a man of great energy and devotion. His principal theme was Holiness, and it is believed that he had a greater influence for the spiritual improvement of the people than any preceding pastor. Mr. Eastman was born in Canterbury June 16, 1788. He joined the New England Con- ference in 1825. His first wife died in Rochester Oct. 5, 1832, and the following year he married Mary, sister of Rev. James Warren of Rochester. He was thirty-three years in the ministry, and died in triumph July 12, 1858.
In 1833 Rev. Leonard Bennett was pastor. A religious work of unusual interest was in progress. But the year closed unfavor- ably both to pastor and people. Mr. Bennett was born in Dublin, Ireland, June 16, 1786, landed in America June 16, 1807. In 1841 he removed to Illinois, where he died in 1846, having been thirty-six years in the ministry.
Rev. James G. Smith was warmly welcomed as his successor, remaining two years. In 1834 is the first mention of raising money for missions. His pastorate was successful.
In 1836-37 Rev. Silas Green was the pastor. He was a good man, and an earnest and successful worker. Many excellent people were converted through his influence. He was born at Chichester Feb. 10, 1801, was baptized by Rev. Jotham Horton in 1823, spent forty-three years in the ministry, and died Nov. 10, 1874. His preaching was emphasized by a holy life. His native modesty and polished manners rendered him agreeable to all classes in society.
Rev. Amos H. Worthing was pastor for the next two years. Though struggling with poor health he labored faithfully and was highly esteemed by his people. In the financial exhibit for 1839
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we find the preacher's entire salary was $383. It was evidently with good reason that the Conference that year issued an address to the churches urging them to a more adequate support of the ministers. " What are dollars and cents when thrown in the balance against immortal interests ?"
In 1840-41 Rev. Elijah Mason was pastor. He was specially active in the cause of Temperance, holding temperance meetings in the school-houses. During his first year a vestry was built at a cost of $400.
Mr. Mason was born in Cavendish, Vt., in 1807, and died March, 1863, having been thirty-seven years in the ministry.
The next two years Rev. William D. Cass was the preacher in charge. He was a strong man. The Millerite excitement was very intense at this period in Rochester, and but for his fearless efforts the church would have been hopelessly divided. He was born in Bradford, Vt., April 2, 1797, joined the New England Conference in 1827, serving in the ministry forty years, eleven of which he was presiding Elder. He was a delegate to the Gen- eral Conference in 1844, at the time of the secession of the M. E. Church South, where he distinguished himself by his courage and zeal in debate in opposition to slavery. He had remarkable rea- soning powers, and could always speak sensibly and profitably for liberty, temperance, education, or the Christian religion. He died suddenly while working in the field, May 7, 1867.
In 1844 Rev. Osmon C. Baker was appointed pastor, and did excellent work here. He was afterwards a Theological Professor in the Biblical Institute at Concord, and in 1852 was chosen Bishop. His eminent labors are too well known to need further mention here.
Much to the disappointment of the people, Mr. Baker was not returned, but after a little time they rallied around the new pastor, Rev. Henry Drew, who remained two years. The latter year the chapel was improved by the removal of the galleries and the addition of four pews with other general repairs at a cost of $700.
Rev. Samuel S. Matthews followed in 1847. His work was hin- dered by sickness ending in his death Sept. 6, in the thirty-second year of his age, after having been in the ministry only three years. Just before his death he said to a friend, "If my death can glorify God more than my life, Amen !"
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Rev. P. Wallingford of Claremont was acting pastor during the remainder of the year, and was followed in 1848 by Rev. Daniel M. Rogers who also supplied a part of the time at Milton Mills. This division of labor was an embarrassment to the work in both places. Two years later the name of Mr. Rogers disappears from the roll of Conference.
In 1849 Rev. Silas Green returned and the year was one of pros- perity.
In 1850-51 Rev. Joseph C. Cromack was appointed pastor. He gave special attention to the finances of the society with gratifying results. Religious interests were no less carefully attended to, and many of the present members were then added to the church. He reported after the close of his pastorate, 250 members, and 43 probationers. His salary was $450.
The next two years were notable ones in the history of this church. Rev. Henry H. Hartwell was the pastor. He had week- day appointments at Barrington, Strafford, Farmington, Union, Milton, and East Rochester. At most of these places he preached regularly once in two weeks, holding a class meeting after the preaching, besides preaching and lecturing occasionally in other places. He preached twice and often three times on the Sabbath, and never had such a thing as a vacation. After twenty years' work in New Hampshire he was transferred to the California Conference on account of a throat trouble which was the natural result of his unremitting labors. After four years in California and Nevada with no prospect of recovery, he returned to New Hampshire in 1867. His work in Rochester was characteristic of the man. The house of worship was enlarged by the addition of twenty pews. Up to this time the house had been externally very plain and unornamented. £ An extensive addition was now made to the front, surmounted by a tower, presenting a very attractive appearance. The cost of these improvements was greater than that of the original "Chapel " in 1825. An organ was also pur- chased at a cost of $600.
In the spring of 1854 the Annual Conference met here for the first time, Bishop Baker presiding. Rev. Sullivan Holman was appointed pastor. This year the benevolent contributions of this church included $100 for missions, and $1,000 for the Seminary at Tilton. The pastor's salary was $500.
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Mr. Holman was born in Hopkinton, N. H., June 13, 1820; began to preach at the age of twenty-one; joined the Conference in 1843; was chaplain of the N. H. Legislature in 1858; chaplain of the N. H. State Prison in 1867, '68, '69; was six years member of the Kansas Conference; returning to New Hampshire in 1877, was again appointed chaplain of the State Prison, which position he held till 1883. He has ably filled many of the best appoint- ments in the State. He is a man of much energy and Christian zeal. He served this society faithfully and was highly esteemed by the people.
In 1855-56 Rev. Henry Hill was pastor. He was an incessant worker. . Much sickness and many deaths greatly increased his labors. His pastorate was highly successful, many being added to the church. Through his efforts $500 was raised which freed the society from debt.
Mr. Hill was born in Claremont, N. H., Feb. 13, 1819. He was forty-five years in the work of the ministry, filling many prominent appointments. 3 He was one of the first to offer his services to the nation in the late war, was appointed chaplain of the Third N. H. Regiment, and had part in thirty-three battles. In 1869 he went West, and was for three years pastor of Simp- son M. E. Church in Chicago. He was a man of great mental endowments, thorough culture, and rare Christian attainments. He died in Chicago, Ill., Sept. 1, 1885.
The pastorate of Rev. George S. Dearborn, covering the years 1857-58, was very successful. He was a strong man of excellent ability, and a strict disciplinarian, correcting some evils which had crept into the society, and left it peaceful and prosperous. He was one of the pioneers of Methodism in Kansas, taking high rank in church matters.
His successor here was the Rev. William Hewes, who was pastor in 1859-60. He was an able preacher constantly drawing large audiences. He is now residing in Lawrence, Mass. His grand- father, Joseph Hewes of North Carolina, was one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Rev. John Lewis Trefren was pastor in 1861-62. Near the be- ginning of his ministry here, a remarkable revival occurred and many members were added. During his pastorate the old par- sonage was sold and removed to Union street, and a new one
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built at a cost of $3,000. In 1862 Mr. Trefren spent six weeks with the New Hampshire soldiers in Virginia, as a member of the Christian Commission. After the war he went to the California Conference of which he is still a member.
He was followed by Rev. Calvin Holman in 1863-64. In many respects these were years of hardship and sorrow. Sunday services in memory of the soldier dead were frequent. Tears of anguish testified to the devoted loyalty with which many parents had sacrificed their loved ones on the altar of their country.
Mr. Holman was brother of Rev. Sullivan Holman already men- tioned, and was born in Hopkinton, N. H., July 7, 1823; joined the Conference in 1846; was presiding Elder of the Dover district for four years beginning in 1859. In 1866 he removed to South Carolina and became presiding Elder of the Florida district. In 1872 he joined the Kansas Conference which he represented in the General Conference in 1876. He resides in Topeka, Kan.
In 1865-66 Rev. Elijah Wilkins was pastor. The society at this time began to agitate the question of "rebuilding the house of the Lord." Mr. Wilkins showed much skill in managing the pre- paratory steps, securing from the pew-holders the legal settlement necessary for removing the old " Chapel." He was an excellent pastor, especially sympathizing in sorrow. He is now chaplain of the New Hampshire State Prison.
He was followed in 1867 by Rev. Frank K. Stratton, under whose auspices the new house was built, Nathaniel Burnham and John Hall being joined with the pastor as building committee. In the mean- time the society held its meetings in the Town Hall. The corner- stone of the new edifice was laid Aug. 1, 1867, in the presence of not less than five thousand persons. The religious services were conducted by Rev. James Pike, presiding Elder, according to the ritual of the M. E. Church. Masonic ceremonies were per- formed by the Grand Lodge of New Hampshire, M. W. John H. Rowell of Franklin, Grand Master. The box of documents was deposited by John McDuffee, Esq., who was an officer of the Lodge and had assisted in laying the old corner-stone in 1825. An address was given by Governor Harriman, of which no report has been preserved, though it is remembered as in every way admirable. In the evening a grand festival was given by the Methodist Society in the new building of the Messrs. Wallace,
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eight hundred persons being present. The new house was
dedicated March 26, 1868. The sermon was by Rev. J. M. Chapman. During the evening there was a reunion of former pastors and friends. In addition to the other literary exercises, the venerable Samuel Norris who had been pastor here in 1829 and 1830, read a versified " Tribute to the Memory of the departed Heroes of Methodism, both Ministers and Laymen in Rochester." (See Appendix.)
In 1868 Rev. Lewis P. Cushman came and remained three years. In 1869 the parsonage funds of the town were divided to the several parishes, this society receiving $864.29. During this pas- torate the several churches united in a series of revival meetings conducted by Henry F. Durant, which resulted in many conver- sions. Mr. Cushman was an able and faithful minister and left the society in harmony and prosperity. He is now laboring among the colored people of the South.
After an interval of seventeen years the Annual Conference met with this society in April, 1871. Rev. Daniel J. Smith was pastor for the next three years. His pastorate was a grand suc- cess. During the autumn of 1873, Rev. C. J. Fowler labored with the churches here with excellent results.
From 1874 to 1876 Rer. Silas G. Kellogg was stationed here. His work was fearlessly and conscientiously performed. His sermons were able and scholarly, drawing large and intelligent audiences. He left as warm friends here as he has outside the heavenly gates. He has been in the ministry thirty-six years.
Rev. Moses T. Cilley, who was pastor in 1877-78, was one of the most diligent of men, always at work. He cleared up the last remnant of indebtedness on the meeting-house, some $2,000, and did excellent work for the spiritual welfare of his people. He joined the Conference in 1861.
Rer. Jesse M. Durrell became pastor in 1879 and remained three years. He was very popular. He excelled in Sunday School work, securing great interest, and the largest attendance for many years. His pastorate was eminently successful.
Rer. William Eakins was appointed in 1882-83. Being a man of broad culture and superior gifts, his labors strengthened and built up the church to a remarkable degree. He is now in the Newark Conference, New Jersey.
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In 1884-85 the church was favored with the ministry of Rev. E. C. Bass, D. D., whose work was faithfully and lovingly per- formed. His pulpit ministrations were of the very highest order, and much appreciated in the community. At the close of his labors here, a local paper voluntarily gave the following tribute : " Dr. Bass by his genial Christian deportment, scholarly attain- ments, and ability as a preacher, has commanded the respect of all classes. Should he at any time get tired of the Methodists we know we can say in behalf of the Congregationalists of Roch- ester, that he would find a home and warm welcome should he knock at their doors."
During this pastorate about $1,600 was expended in repairs on the church edifice, and the necessary funds were raised to purchase a piano for the vestry. But its most striking feature was the unusual mortality among the members of the society. Twenty died whose ages averaged more than 73 years, sixteen averaging above 78, and only four were less than 70. Most of them had been members of the church for more than half a century. Although these two years left the society numerically weaker, yet we trust those who remain are stronger in Christian character because of the faithful ministrations of Dr. Bass.
In the spring of 1886 Dr. Bass was transferred to Gardiner, Me., and in return the Rev. Charles W. Bradlee came from Augusta, Me., to Rochester. In July following the church organ was removed from the gallery to a level with the pulpit platform which was lowered about one third, and the old pulpit replaced by a neat cherry desk. By the will of Miss Martha Robinson, the society received a valuable bequest which was in part expended in improvements on the church edifice. Mr. Bradlee took great interest in these improvements, and the next year the gallery at the rear of the audience was removed, the angles of the ceiling were arched to improve the acoustic effect, the walls were refres- coed, and a new carpet provided. Several new pews and nine memorial windows were put in. The names commemorated are : - Dorothy Jenness, James C. Cole, Simon Chase, Albert C. Manson, Charles Dennett, Martha Robinson, Sophronia E. Bradley, Elizabeth Waldron, and Mary Esther Tebbetts. The house was rededicated on Thursday, November 17, 1887. The "Rochester Courier " says : -
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" At 2.30 o'clock a good-sized audience listened to a masterly sermon from Rev. Dr. Richards of Lawrence on the words 'Show us thy glory.' Following the sermon came the ritualistic service of dedication, conducted by Rev. C. U. Dunning, P. E.
" The visitors and families which entertained them then repaired to the vestry where a bountiful supper was provided, after which there was a most delightful " feast of reason and flow of soul.' Rev. Mr. Durrell presided, and speeches were made by Revs. H. Hartwell, M. Howard. J. B. Davis, G. A. Mills, I. Luce, J. Cairns, M. A. Richards, and Mrs. J. M. Durrell. Letters were read from a number of ex-pastors.
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