USA > New Hampshire > Strafford County > Rochester > History of the town of Rochester, New Hampshire, from 1722 to 1890, Vol. I > Part 28
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"In the evening at 7.30, to a full house, Rev. J. M. Durrell (a former beloved pastor) preached a scholarly and inspiring sermon from 'The just shall live by faith.' Quite a number of the visiting brethren took part in the services, and the singing of a large chorus choir led by Mr. Arthur Osgood added much to the interest of the occasion."
This society has furnished ten ministers to the M. E. Church, as follows : -
JAMES WARREN was born in Lebanon, Me., March 13, 1802. His early life was spent in Rochester, where he was converted and joined the church. His life as a preacher began in the old Northfield circuit, where he was widely known and respected. He was one of the pioneers of the Maine Conference, an earnest co- laborer with the heroes of Methodism in early times. He acquired a wonderful familiarity with the Scriptures and the sacred songs of the Wesleys, so that his sermons and exhortations had the solid foundation of God's Word, and his songs of triumphant joy were only excelled by those he now sings in heaven. After his active life was over, he returned to Rochester, where he died Feb. 5, 1880.
EBEN D. TRICKEY, who with his faithful wife was a member of this society, began preaching in 1830, and spent sixteen years in the itinerant work within the bounds of the New Hampshire and Providence Conferences. He resided for a time in Brewerton, N. Y., and afterwards went to California, where he died.
ELIHU H. LEGRO was licensed as a local preacher in 1853, sup- plying various appointments until November, 1861, when he entered the service of his country in Co. D, Sixth N. H. Regiment. He died in Washington, D. C., Jan. 1, 1863.
IRA J. TEBBETTS was a native of Dover, but lived in Rochester from early boyhood, and joined the N. H. Conference in 1871. He is a faithful, earnest preacher, and is now stationed at North Salem, N. H.
19
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DAVID W. DOWNS received his license during the pastorate of Rev. G. S. Dearborn in 1858. He served in the Second Massa- chusetts Cavalry during the war, and joined the N. H. Conference in 1869, and is now stationed at Newmarket.
EDWIN S. CHASE, youngest son of the late William Chase of Rochester, began preaching in Chester, N. H., in 1862, remained several years in Massachusetts, then went to the Southern Cali- fornia Conference, where he has ministered to some of the largest churches on the Pacific coast.
EBEN C. BERRY licensed in 1869, joined the Conference in 1876. In 1885 he was transferred to the Iowa Conference.
JAMES CAIRNS was a native of Scotland, came to America about 1865, licensed by Elder Jasper while Rev. D. J. Smith was pastor here, joined the Conference in 1875, and is now stationed at Suncook.
HENRY E. ALLEN has been in the ministry since 1884, and is stationed at Milton Mills for the third year.
GEORGE S. WENTWORTH also joined the Conference in 1875.
Among the local preachers who have lived and died here was Abraham Richards, who was ordained about 1825.
EAST ROCHESTER METHODIST CHURCH. *
There were Methodist people residing in East Rochester before the village, mills, shops, or railroad had been built. And it is difficult, if not impossible, to determine when or by whom the first Methodist sermon was preached in this place. Abraham Richards, mentioned above, was an ordained local preacher residing here before 1825. From 1840 to 1855 there were living in Leb- anon and Berwick, Me., and in Rochester, within a few miles of East Rochester, five local preachers, Abraham Richards, Lewis Tibbetts, Charles Tibbetts, Lewis Wentworth, and Thomas Fall. These ministers occasionally preached, held prayer and class meetings in school-houses and private dwellings, and sometimes
* Condensed from a sketch by Rev. J. W. Presby.
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conducted a Sunday School either at the East Rochester or Adams Corner school-house.
In 1853 Rev. H. H. Hartwell came occasionally from Rochester Village to hold services at East Rochester. From this time the Methodist pastors at Norway Plains frequently held meetings here. In June, 1854, Rev. Sullivan Holman baptized four persons, two of whom are still worthy members of the Free Will Baptist Church. Others were baptized by Mr. Holman and his succes- sors, some of whom are now members of the M. E. Church. Having no regular services of their own, the Methodist people residing here were in the habit of attending services at the Free Will Baptist Church, which had been built about 1865. But they could not long remain satisfied without the enjoyment of that peculiar means of grace, which has been so abundantly blessed, the Methodist class-meeting. Accordingly a class was formed in 1867, with John Hall for leader. Two years later, A. D. Faunce became leader. About 1870, thinking they could thus accomplish more for the glory of God, the Methodists began to hold Sunday evening meetings by themselves. Through the divine blessing their little company gradually increased until April, 1871, when the services of Joseph Downs, a local preacher living at Pine Hill, Berwick, Me., were secured, and regular preaching and a Sunday School were commenced in Washington Hall. April 8, 1872, Rev. A. A. Cleveland was appointed to East Rochester by Bishop James. The first Quarterly Conference was held June 28, 1872, at the house of A. D. Faunce, Rev. O. H. Jasper, D. D., being the pre- siding Elder. It was voted to make East Rochester "a separate and distinct station or pastoral charge," and the church was organ- ized with the following members : - John Hall, Mary Hall, Aaron D. Faunce, Emily J. Faunce, Orin I. Richards, Eliza Richards, James Copeland, Hilda R. Copeland, John W. Dame, Samuel Driver, Addie M. Cleveland, Eliza Noyes, Lupira M. Eaton, Eliza A. Varney, Mary Tibbetts, Rachel R. Wakefield. Several more united within a few months. Sidney B. Hayes was elected treas- urer at this conference, and has held the office to the present time.
In November, 1872, special revival services were conducted by the pastor, assisted by Revs. L. P. Cushman of Lawrence, Mass., and Hugh Montgomery of Seabrook. About one hundred were
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converted, some of whom are still among the most faithful and efficient members of this church. Others are accomplishing good in other parts of the Lord's vineyard, and one, Rev. F. H. Corson, is a member of the New Hampshire Conference.
Through the jealous opposition of enemies, the church was forced to abandon their place of worship in Washington Hall, in Feb- ruary, 1873. One week later it was unanimously voted to build a house of worship, and $1,380 was subscribed on the spot. On this occasion, as well as others, Bro. Hall's enthusiasm and lib- erality were an inspiration to others. E. W. Tibbetts, John Hall, and Orin I. Richards were chosen building committee. For over three months the Sunday School was kept together and meetings sustained at private houses. March 5, 1873, a lot of land cen- trally located on Main street, was bought of A. D. Gerrish for $250, and as early as possible in the spring the foundations were laid. The work was pushed vigorously, so that the building was dedicated June 5, 1873. The presiding Elder, Rev. O. H. Jasper, D. D., preached the sermon. In the evening, after a sermon by Rev. L. P. Cushman, the first Quarterly Conference was held in the new house. The total cost, including the land and the fur- nishing, was $3,543. At the Quarterly Conference in January, 1874, it appeared that there was a debt of $1,166.81, of which $346 was provided for by reliable subscriptions, leaving $820.81, of which John Hall offered to assume $500, if the church would pay the balance, and within one year the whole was paid.
In 1883 a subscription was raised for building a parsonage, and J. D. Fogg, S. B. Hayes, and L. D. Smith were appointed building committee. The house was built beside the church, on the same lot, and was completed in July, 1884. The total cost was $960.
The list of pastors, with dates of appointment, is as follows : - A. A. Cleveland, April, 1872; A. W. Bunker, April, 1874, now in California; J. Thurston, April, 1876, resides in Dover, on super- annuated list ; A. A. Caswell, April, 1877, died at Chichester June 18, 1881; W. C. Bartlett, April, 1878, now at Hampton; H. H. French, April, 1881, now at Haverhill, Mass. In 1884 the church was supplied by Prof. Rich of Great Falls, L. L. Eastman of Methuen, Mass., and C. A. Littlefield, now at Cliftondale, Mass. Rev. J. W. Presby came in April, 1885, removed to Kansas in June, 1886, and is now in Connecticut. After Mr. Presby left,
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Rev. W. H. H. Mc Allister of Old Orchard, Me., and others, supplied till the last of October, when A. L. Chase, a student in the Theo- logical School of Boston University, took charge, and served as pastor till April, 1887. During his stay the debt on the parsonage was paid, and the spiritual and social condition of the church was much improved. F. I. Wheat, another student from Boston University, took charge in April, 1887, and during the conference year now closing (April 1, 1888), the spiritual and financial condition of the church has been well sustained. There have been full congregations on the Sabbath, the evening prayer and class meetings have been well attended and full of interest, and the Sunday School has increased. A new furnace has been placed in the church, and other repairs have been made, and all paid for.
An important auxiliary to this church is the Ladies' Social Circle, organized Oct. 18, 1882. They have raised about $300, which has been expended on the parsonage and furnishing, and have some $650 in their treasury, $500 of which was presented by Frederick H. Rindge of Cloverdale, Cal., the largest stockholder of the Cocheco Woolen Manufacturing Company at East Rochester. It is intended to use this money for remodeling the church at an early date.
The membership of this church has been small, and composed mostly of those who earn their living by daily labor. The present membership is sixty-seven, with a Sunday School of one hundred and three.
This church has earned a reputation for liberality, promptness, and reliability in financial matters which might well be emulated by some of our large and more pretentious churches. With the exception of one year, there has never been a deficit in the preacher's claim, and several times the pastor has received con- siderable more than his claim. The first year of its existence this church contributed $43 for the missionary cause.
This church is a child of Providence, and the hand of God has been plainly visible in its history from the first. Under the same guiding hand an unlimited career of usefulness and prosperity seems opening before it.
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FIRST FREE WILL BAPTIST CHURCH.
One result of an extensive revival of religion in this town was the formation of the First Free Will Baptist Church of Rochester, April 15, 1829, under the leadership of Rev. James J. Wentworth. The following is the covenant with a list of the seventeen original members who adopted it :-
" We do now declare that we have given ourselves to God; and do now agree to give ourselves to each other in love and fellowship, and do also agree to take the Scriptures of truth for the rule of our faith and practice, respecting our duty toward God, our neighbors, and ourselves.
"We do promise to practice all the commands in the New Testament of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to bear each other's burdens and so fulfill the law of love, which is the law of Christ. We do further agree to give liberty for the improvement of the gifts in the church, both male and female, and to keep up the worship of God, and not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is. We do likewise further agree not to receive any person into fellowship except they give a satisfactory evidence of a change in life and heart, and promise to submit to the order of the gospel as above. Amen.
" Jesse Meader, John York, John York, Jr., Benj. Page, Jr., Joseph Page, Jasper York, Meshach Robinson, Sarah W. Meader, Hannah D. York, Maria J. York, Kezia Foss, Drusilla Pickering, Matilda Pickering, Rebecca York, Sarah Hodg- don, Kezia Jenness, Sarah Robinson."
During the year 1829 the membership was nearly doubled, and continued prosperity with frequent additions marked the history of this church for a long period. Regular monthly conferences were held for some years at the house of Mrs. Bickford, one of the members.
Rev. J. J. Wentworth continued his labors till September, 1832, when Rev. Jesse Meader, one of the original members, was chosen pastor. March 6, 1833, it was voted to hold the conferences half of the time at Bro. John York's, in another part of the town.
In December, 1838, the brethren and sisters of this faith from different parts of the town, having met to consider the question of organizing a new church, unanimously agreed to join this church, and that it should consist of several branches, each branch having the privilege of holding meetings as they shall think proper, and that they should hold a quarterly union conference at the Court House.
In 1840 a house of worship was built at Gonic Village, at a cost of about $2,000, and the conference was held there in Jan- uary, 1841. The church was fairly prosperous under Mr. Meader's
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ministry, which closed with the year 1841. In the following spring Rev. David Swett became pastor. During his pastorate of two years a powerful revival extended over nearly the whole town, as a result of which about sixty united with this church.
In April, 1844, Rev. Aaron Ayer began a successful pastorate of two years. During this time the church took decided action in relation to temperance, in the following votes : -
" Dec. 5, 1844. Voted not to receive any person as a church member who shall make use of distilled liquors or wines as a beverage.
" Also Resolved that it is improper for church members to make use of Cider as a beverage."
Rev. Stephen Hutchinson became pastor in the spring of 1846. He was an excellent man universally respected, but his feeble health compelled him to resign in the middle of his second year of service.
Rev. George W. Whitney came in December, 1848, and remained pastor for five years, which was a season of prosperity to the church. Mr. Whitney was an able preacher and was highly ap- preciated by the people.
The next pastor was Rev. Tobias Foss, who began his labors in the fall of 1853 and remained two years. Mr. Foss was thoroughly faithful and conscientious, but his decided and outspoken anti- slavery views gave offence to some. His labors on the whole were successful, bringing nearly twenty new members into the church.
For the next three years the church had no regular pastor, but was supplied by Revs. J. Meader, D. Swett, and others. In 1857 the meeting-house was repaired and refitted at an expense of several hundred dollars.
In 1858 Mr. Harvey Brewer began a two years' service of preach- ing with this church. May 12, 1859, he was ordained with the following services : - Reading Scriptures, and Sermon, Rev. J. M. Durgin; Ordaining Prayer, Rev. E. Place; Charge, Rev. M. A. Quimby ; Right Hand of Fellowship, Rev. S. Coffin; Address to People, Rev. C. E. Blake.
In May, 1861, Rev. J. R. Cook was engaged as pastor of this church, and died in service July 1, 1862. Mr. Cook was an excellent man, successful in his labors, and universally respected.
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In March, 1863, Rev. Wm. T. Smith became pastor and remained three years. During this period occurred a very gracious revival, and fifty-seven were added to the church.
Rev. George J. Abbot succeeded Mr. Smith in the spring of 1866. Mr. Abbot was a faithful and judicious laborer, and during his four years of service twenty-three united with the church. In 1869 this church received $524.80 from the division of the par- sonage fund.
Rev. G. W. Wallace was next employed for four months, and Rev. Ezekiel True for the rest of the year. There was quite a revival in the "Jenness neighborhood," and several joined the church. In February, 1871, Mr. True left and established a meeting in Rochester Village, where he remained till his death.
Rev. G. S. Hill was pastor for the next four years, beginning in the spring of 1871. During these years several were added to the church. In 1872, largely through the efforts of Mr. Hill, the church building was remodeled and enlarged at a cost of about $5,500, leaving the society some $3,000 in debt.
In the spring' of 1875 Rev. A. P. Tracy became pastor and remained till the fall of 1877. He was an able and faithful preacher. Several were added to the church, and largely through his efforts about one half the debt was paid.
In October, 1877, Rev. A. L. Morey began a pastorate of two years. He was a hard-working, energetic man. A revival occurred through which ten united with the church.
In the fall of 1879 Mr. W. W. Brown was employed, and in August, 1880, he was ordained by a Council from the New Durham Quarterly Meeting. Mr. Brown continued here till February, 1882.
March, 1882, Rev. W. S. Packard was settled as pastor and remained three years. In 1884 a revival added several to the church. Mr. Packard succeeded in raising a subscription by which the balance of the debt was paid and the church building was painted and frescoed. The society was thus placed in good financial condition, with a neat, pretty church all paid for.
In March, 1885, the present pastor, Rev. L. Given, began his ministry here. Some additions have been made, and the church enjoys a fair degree of prosperity.
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WALNUT GROVE FREE WILL BAPTIST CHURCH.
This church grew out of a Sabbath School which was organized through the efforts of Miss Alsaida Ray in June, 1861. Levi W. Allen was superintendent ; George Tebbetts, librarian ; and Samuel Meserve and wife, teachers. The school grew and prospered till in January, 1863, they secured the services of Rer. Harvey Brewer as preacher. During the succeeding fall and winter a revival occurred, and on May 1, 1864, the following persons were bap- tized :- Levi W. Allen, Ellen Bean, Ellen Brewer, Elizabeth C. Hanson, Frank P. Meserve, Mary C. Mills, Wesley B. Mills, Hattie Roberts, Amanda Tebbetts, George Tebbetts, Sarah Tebbetts, Charles Thurston, Abbie A. Wingate, and Francis E. Wingate. A committee from the New Durham Quarterly Meeting, consisting of the Revs. Ezekiel True, Enoch Place, and J. H. Brown, organ- ized these fourteen persons into a church June 29, 1864. August 6, Elizabeth A. Allen, Sarah A. Allen, Samuel R. Hanson, Sarah Locke, Mary Meserve, Samuel Meserve, Benjamin Mills, Sarah Mills, Eliza Roberts, Deborah R. Wentworth, and Samuel N. Wingate were received by letter. Benjamin Mills and Samuel Meserve were chosen deacons; Samuel N. Wingate, treasurer, and Samuel R. Hanson, clerk.
Rev. Harvey Brewer remained pastor till 1865, when he resigned, and Rer. Isaac Pinkham took his place, remaining about a year and a half. In October, 1866, Rev. David B. Cowell became pastor for one year. Up to this period they had used the school-house as a place of worship. In the fall of 1867 a chapel containing eighteen pews was built at a cost of $1,500. This house was dedicated Feb. 27, 1868. Rev. Mr. Snow of East Rochester preached the sermon, Revs. Marsh and Abbot of Rochester, Rev. A. Lovejoy of Great Falls, and Revs. Smith and Pinkham ot South Berwick participated in the services. The next year, 1869, this church received $101.57 from the division of the parsonage fund.
For the next four years the church remained without a pastor, being supplied by different ministers. January 1, 1872, Rev. Plummer Chesley was chosen pastor and remained for seven years. After Mr. Chesley's resignation the following pastors served about one year each : - Rev. W. H. Ward, Rev. E. P. Moulton, Rev. Ezekiel True, Rer. Harvey Brewer, and Rev. F. H. Peckham.
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In April, 1885, Rev. G. N. Musgrove became pastor, and remained till October, 1887. During his ministry a revival interest prevailed, and fifteen were added to the church. In 1885 Amasa Allen was chosen deacon. Some additions have been made in almost every pastorate since the beginning, and the church numbers about fifty at the present time.
FREE WILL BAPTIST CHURCH OF EAST ROCHESTER.
In 1864 Rev. Bial Hobbs began preaching in the school-house at East Rochester. The congregation increased till a house of worship became a necessity. In August, 1865, land was bought, and a building was erected during the following year at a cost of about $6,000. A Free Will Baptist Society had been holding meetings for several years in a school-house at Blaisdell's Corner in Lebanon, Me. They now disbanded to unite with those of like faith in East Rochester, and on Nov. 22, 1866, was organized the " East Rochester and Lebanon Free Will Baptist Society." October 1, Rev. Isaac Hyatt was called as pastor and remained one year. In April, 1868, he was followed by Rev. Plummer Chesley, who resigned after a little more than a year. In 1869 this church received $107.01 from the division of the parsonage fund. Rev. A. Lovejoy served as pastor for the next three years. In 1872 Rev. Thomas Keniston began a pastorate of some over two years. Rev. George W. Hill was pastor from 1875 till 1878, in which year Rev. Ezekiel True supplied the pulpit. In April, 1879, Rev. W. H. Ward became pastor. During his ministry the church building was repaired and a fine-toned bell placed in its tower. The next pastor was Rev. George W. Pierce, who began in April, 1881, and remained two years. Rev. R. McDonald came in the spring of 1883, and after one year was followed by Rev. B. F. Durgin. Rev. G. N. Musgrove was called in the spring of 1885, and remained pastor till August, 1887, since which time there has been no regular pastor.
One of the founders of this church, and during his life-time its most liberal supporter, was Deacon Stephen Shorey. He was always deeply interested in the welfare of the village and did much to advance its interests and promote its growth. He died Sept. 15, 1879.
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Deacon Briant Peavey, one of the principal benefactors of this church, lived on the Lebanon side of the river in the settlement known as Peaveyville. He presented an organ to the church and built a parsonage which his widow presented to the society in accordance with his expressed intentions. He died July 22, 1886.
ROCHESTER VILLAGE FREE WILL BAPTIST CHURCH. *
The growth and prosperity of the Rochester Village Free Will Baptist Society has been phenomenal. Its founders had neither silver nor gold in abundance, but they had intelligence, integrity, and Christian enterprise. Few in number, they were nevertheless powerful in being united, and in comprehending the duties and responsibilities they owed to the church they were founding for the service of God. There are very few brighter or more prac- tical exhibitions of self-denying devotion to a holy cause than are found in the organization and support of this church.
The seed of this church was planted in 1870, and watered by the tears and sustained by the prayers of the faithful few, it ger- minated during the winter's frosts and took deep root in the early spring. One winter evening five persons met at a private house and talked and prayed over the project of organizing a society to represent the faith of Randall. The matter was thoroughly dis- cussed at frequent prayer-meetings held with increasing attendance at the house of Rev. George W. Whitney, then eighty years of age. He entered heart and soul into the work, and let no oppor- tunity pass without saying a word for the cause.
Rev. A. Lovejoy, then of East Rochester, preached two Sundays in the Town Hall, to a handful of believers. This strengthened the little band and encouraged one of the number to write to Rev. Ezekiel True, then pastor at Saco, Me. Mr. True came to Rochester, saw the land that it was a goodly heritage, and returning to Saco resigned his pastorate with a good salary in that city, for the purpose of uniting here with a people who could pay but a meager sum. At the dwelling of Mrs. F. C. Hayes twenty-seven persons met informally to welcome and confer with Mr. True. Twelve of these were eligible to church membership, besides a few who could soon obtain letters from churches elsewhere. Nearly all present signified their wish to become members of the society.
* The following sketch was substantially prepared by Hon. C. W. Folsom.
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April 2, 1871, Mr. True held his first meeting at Wentworth Hall, which had been engaged, but for no specified period. The " Rochester Courier," which had been very friendly to the project from its inception, had the following "local " in its next issue : -
" The Free Will Baptists held their first meeting on Sunday, and the attend- ance and interest shown was all that could be reasonably expected. The hall was rather more than half full in the forenoon, and in the afternoon was well filled by an attentive audience who listened to the word preached with power. The singing was by the congregation, good old fashioned tunes and hymns being in vogue. In the evening about eighty persons were present, twenty-five at least of whom took part, exhortations and prayers following each other in quick succession. Our friends were very successful in their first Sunday's exercises."
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