USA > New Hampshire > Minutes of the New Hampshire Baptist Convention, 1878 > Part 6
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14. Doctrinal sermon preached by Rev. J. N. Chase. Text, John 20, 22. Thème, "The Reception of the Holy Spirit." Assisted in devotional ex- ercises by Rev. J. H. Wells and Rev. I. J. Burgess.
15. Adjourned with prayer by Rev. E. L. Scott, and benediction by the Moderator.
EVENING.
16. Prayer meeting at 7 o'clock, holding 30 minutes, led by Rev. I. J. Burgess.
17. Address by Rev. C. H. Corey in behalf of the Home Mission Soci- ety work for the Freedmen.
18. Sermon by Rev. L. D. Hill of Waldoboro, Me. Text, James 5: 16. Theme, "The Efficacy of Prayer." Assisted in devotional exercises by Rev. C. H. Corey.
19. Adjourned with benediction by Clerk.
THURSDAY FORENOON.
20. Prayer service at 9 o'clock, led by Rev. W. H. Alden, D. D.
21. At 9.30 singing, followed with prayer by Bro. W. A. Hodgkins and Rev. J. N. Chase.
22. Roll of delegates read by Clerk.
23. Committee on Next Session, through Rev. D. H. Stoddard, made the following report which was adopted. Meet next year with the church in Great Falls; Rev. W. H. Alden, D. D. to preach the Annual Sermon, with Rev. O. P. Fuller as alternate; Rev. H. O. Walker to preach the doc- trinal sermon, with Rev. I. J. Burgess as alternate; History of So. Hamp- ton church to be given by the pastor.
24. Committee on Church History reported through Rev. W. H. Alden, D. D., recommending the reading of the history of the church in Dover by the pastor.
25. Committee on Treasurer's Report reported through Rev. O. P. Ful- ler. Adopted.
26. Voted, That we commend to the earnest interest of the churches of this Association, the N. H. Baptist Convention, the American Baptist Mis-
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sionary Union, the Woman's Baptist Missionary Society, the American Baptist Publication Society, and the Northern Baptist Education Society, and all the members of our churches are urged to contribute of their prayers, and aid by their offerings of money as God has prospered them.
27. Voted, That we lieartily bid God speed to all associations organized for the spread of the principles of Total Abstinence from all intoxicating liquors, and that we will do what we can to aid in the good work.
28. Voted, to pay the Clerk five dollars for services and expenses.
29. Voted, To present the thanks of this Association to the Baptist church and society in Dover for their cordial and generous entertainment both at their homes and in their chapel, also to the choir, the organist and the chorister for their kind and faithful services.
30. Voted, To recommend the churches in this Association to observe the first week in January as a week of prayer.
31. Committee on Obituaries reported through Rev. I. J. Burgess as follows :
One has been taken from the ranks of the ministry in this Association during the past year. Rev. Horace Eaton died at his home in Wakefield, Mass., June 15, 1878, at the age of 68 years. For a year previous to his departure he had been supplying the Baptist church in Chester. Respect- ing his early life and labors in the ministry we have been unable to obtain the information desired. We learn that he was ordained in Bedford, and was subsequently pastor of the Baptist churches in Salem, Richmond, Wilton, and twice at Chester. He also served the N. H. Baptist Conven- tion for about three years, closing his labors in 1861. For several years he was obliged to withdraw from the ministry on account of ill health. He was a faithful minister of Christ, eminently doctrinal in style, and aimed to produce results, not by labored composition but by a faithful, earnest, and positive setting forth of Bible truth. He has completed his work and gone to his reward. At the last meeting of this Association in Newton, he feelingly set forth the self-denying efforts of the church in Chester to complete their house of worship and asked our sympathy and help. His departure suggests to us the thoughit that ere another anniver- sary of our Association occurs, some one of us present may close up his term of service. Let us work while we may.
We would also mention among the prominent men of the Association who have died the past year, Dea. John F. Moses of Exeter. For more than sixty-seven years lie was a true and faithful member, and for more than sixty-two years nobly served the church in the office of deacon. His influence is felt among all classes in the community in which he lived, and throughout this Association where he was ever recognized as a pure, devoted man of God.
32. Rev. D. Gage spoke in behalf of the N. H. Baptist Convention.
33. Rev. D. H. Stoddard spoke in behalf of Foreign Missions.
34. Rev. J. Clement spoke with reference to the church in Chester.
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35. Remarks made in memory of Rev. H. Eaton by Rev. D. Gage. and by Revs. J. N. Chase and N. Hooper in remembrance of Dea. Moses.
36. Sermon preached by Rev. J. E. Dame of Farmington. Text, 1st Cor., 3: 11. Theme, "Christ the only Foundation." Assisted in devo- tional exercises by Rev. N. Hooper and Rev. D. H. Stoddard.
37. Adjourned with prayer by Rev. C. Newhall.
AFTERNOON.
88. Met at 2 o'clock. Singing of "I love thy kingdom, Lord," followed with prayer by Rev. I. J. Burgess.
39. A committee of three were appointed, consisting of Rev. N Hooper, Rev. J. N. Chase and Rev. W. H. Alden, D. D., to disburse Widows and Orphans' Fund, being limited to $100 in any one case.
40. History of Dover church, read by pastor, with a brief outline of the history of this Association for the past 50 years.
41, Reminiscences tender, pleasant, joyful and sorrowful, were given by Revs. N. Hooper, D. Gage, J. N. Chase, W. H. Alden, D. D., O. P. Fuller C. A, Towne and Sister Cotton.
42. Minutes read by Clerk. Adopted.
43. Adjourned to meet with the church in Great Falls, on the third Wednesday in September, 1879, after singing of "Blest be the tie that binds," and closing remarks, prayer and benediction by the Moderator.
Reports were presented from all the churches in the Association. Wed- nesday at one o'clock a meeting of the Woman's Missionary Society was held in the vestry of the Charles Street church. Reports from different churches were given, together with prayer and conference as to methods of working and securing increased interest among the members of the churches. The entire session of this fiftieth anniversary was one of sound gospel preaching, harmonious counsel, earnest prayer and renewed conse- cration.
N. HOOPER, Moderator.
CHAS. A. TOWNE, Clerk.
NEWPORT ASSOCIATION.
FORMED, 1828.
NEW LONDON, Sept. 25, 1878.
1. The Association met at the time and place designated by the Com- mittee on next meeting.
2. It was called to order at 10 o'clock A. M., by the Clerk.
3, Rev. Ira Pearsons was chosen Moderator; Rev. G. A. Glines, Clerk, and N. T. Greenwood, Treasurer.
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4. Prayer was offered by Rev. L. Hayden, D. D., of Washington, D. C.
5. Rules of Order were read by the Clerk.
6. Visiting brethren were invited to a seat with us. The following. brethren accepted the invitation: Rev. G. F. Pay, Rev. Wallace Crocker of the Vermont Central Association : Rev. F. Merriam and Bro. A. Pear- son of the Meredith Association: Rev. H. G. Hubbard and Bro. W. G. Hubbard of the Milford Association; Rev. A. P. Mason D. D., Rev. J. N. Murdock, D. D., of Boston, Rev, D. Gage of Manchester, N. H., and Rev. L. Hayden, D. D., Washington, D. C.
7. Listened to the reading of the letter from the New London church.
8. Partial report of the Committee of Arrangements.
9. Suspended the business of Association to listen to the Annual Sermon by Rev. A. Heald, of Meriden church, Text, Luke 24:49,-Theme, "The necessity of the Baptist of the Holy Spirit."
10. Voluntary by the choir.
11. Collection for Widows and Orphans' Fund; amount $4.62.
12. The following Committees were appointed.
On Arrangements-Revs. S. C. Fletcher, H. C. Leavitt, and G. B. Smith,
On Minutes-Rev. G. A. Glines, Seth E. Cole, Dea. J. J. Mason.
On Next Meeting-Rev. S. C. Fletcher, S. M. Green, J. W. Peterson.
On State of Religion-Revs. W. Hurlin, J. S. Swaim, S. H. Anderson. On Resolutions-Rev. P. S. Adams, E. H. Smith, G. B. Smith.
On Auditing-E. M. Kempton, D. F. Richardson, Chas. Crockett.
On Obituaries-Rev. N. F. Tilden, C. D. Nevins, Rev. A. Heald.
13. Voted to accept the above Committees.
14. Voted to adjourn until 1.30 o'clock P. M.
15. Prayer by Rev. E. P. Merrifield of Lyme church.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
Prayer meeting for one half hour led by Rev. H. C. Leavitt of Newport church.
16. At 2 o'clock resumed the business of the Association.
17. Prayer by Rev. P. S. Adams of Newport church.
18. Listened to the reading of the letters from the Newport and Cornish churches.
19. Voluntary by the choir.
20. Suspended business to listen to the Historical Sermon of the Asso- ciation by Rev. S. C. Fletcher of the New London church.
21. Voluntary by the choir.
22. Voted to adjourn to 6.30 o'clock for prayer and conference.
23. Prayer by Rev. H. C. Leavitt of the Newport church.
EVENING SESSION.
24. Prayer and conference for thirty minutes, led by Rev. D. Gage of Manchester.
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25. At 7 o'clock resumed the business of the Association.
26. Prayer by Rev. S. H. Anderson of the East Washington church.
27. Listened to the reading of letters from former pastors in the Associ- ation. Rev. F. D. Blake formerly of New London church, Rev. C. A. Pid- dock formerly of Claremont church, E. Dodge of Hamilton, N. Y., Rev. E, E. Cummings, D. D., of Concord. N. H.
28. Listened to an address by Rev. L. Hayden, D. D., of Washing- ton, D. C.
29. Listened to an address by Rev. A. P. Mason, D. D., in the interests of Home Missions.
30. Listened to an address by Rev. D. Gage, our venerable State Mis- sionary, in the interests of Domestic Missions.
31. Listened to an address by Rev. J. N. Murdock, D. D., in the inter- ests of Foreign Missions.
32. Voted, To adjourn to meet at 8.30 o'clock Thursday A. M.
THURSDAY MORNING.
After a very interesting devotional service, led by Rev. Ira Pearsons of Newport church, resumed the business of the Association.
33. Prayer by Rev. J. S. Swaim of the Claremont church.
34 Listened to the reading of letters from the following churches. Meriden, Goshen, Canaan, East Washington, South Acworth.
35. Listened to the report of the Treasurer, H. G. Hubbard. Ác- cepted.
36. Listened to report of Committee on next meeting by Rev. S. C. Fletcher.
37. Listened to a report of Committee on the results of lay efforts dur- ing the past year by Bro. E. M. Kempton, of Newport church.
38, Resolved, That one or more brethren be appointed by tlie several churches to labor within the limits of the association to develope a deeper religious interest during the ensuing year.
39. Voted, That Dea. H. D. Parker of Goshen, be the chairman of such delegation.
40. Listened to report on Resolutions. Adopted.
41. Listened to report on Obituaries. Adopted.
42. Voted, That the Clerk procure a trunk for the Association.
43. Voted, That the Clerk report the state of religion in the Associa- tion to the Convention.
44. Resolved, That we request the History of the semi-centennial of tlie Association of its author Rev. S. C. Fletcher for publication. Referred to Revs. N. F. Tilden and J. S. Swaim with the author.
45. Resolved, That we regret exceedingly the sickness of Rev. E. E 1 Cummings, D. D., of Concord, which prevents his attendance at this meet- ing.
46. Listened to a verbal report from the church in Unity, by Rev. G. F. Pay, and remarks by Rev. H. C. Leavitt.
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47. Voted, To commit the Unity church to the consideration of the lay delegation.
48. Listened to the reading of letters from the following churches : Clare- mont, Lyme, West Plainfield, Lebanon.
49. Report of the Committee on the state of Religion by Rev. J. S. Swaim. The Committee on Religious interest report that a revival spirit has prevailed in three of the churches which have reported 23 of the bap- tisms. A good degree of religious interest prevailed in seven of the church- es, some of which are enjoying the stimulating influence of precious revi- vals. Three churches report a low state of religion. There have been 35 baptisms in the Association, which have occurred in eight of the churches.
50. Report of the Committee on Resolutions by P. S. Adams :
Resolved, That the blessings vouchsafed to this body by the Great Head of the Church during the fifty years of its history, demand our devout gratitude and appeal to us most powerfully for increased consecration, de- votion, earnest zeal and persistent effort in the Master's service.
Resolved, That the fact that the membership of this body is much less than at a former period of its history and the average baptisms are so few, should excite the serious inquiry why it is so ?
Resolved, That persevering effort should be put forth by these churches to reach the mass of non-church goers within their limits and by Christian love and tender sympathy constrain them to come to the place of public worship and social prayer.
Resolved, That Colby Academy now so complete in all its appointments presents to us a broader basis than ever before for our confidence, and in- creased reason for cordial support and liberal patronage, and our earnest prayers that as it has been in the past so it may be in the future a marked power for good.
51. Report of the Committee on Obituaries by Rev. N. F. Tilden.
Your Committee on Obituaries would report as follows : Of the four- teen churches composing this Association, nine have been visited by death the past year. In Newport six have died; New London one; Cornish seven ; Meriden two; Claremont three; Lyme three; Plainfield one; East Washington six; Hanover one; total thirty.
In Newport died sister Lois H. Fletcher, aged 99 years. She was con- verted in early life and joined the church in 1793,-making a church life extending nearly a score of years beyond the three score and ten of human existence.
Of the deceased in Cornish, we would mention Dea. A. Burnap, who died at the age of eighty-three years. He was a member of the church fifty years,-during twenty-seven of which he was clerk and during twen- ty more deacon, making forty-seven consecutive years of official church service.
The Lyme church met with a severe loss in the death of Dea. G. Flint, who had been deacon and clerk of the church since its organization, a pe- riod of forty-seven years.
Although not a member of any organization within the limits of the Association, your Committee cannot fail to notice the decease of Prof. E.
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Knight, whose home was with the people of New London. In the space allotted us we can only say he was an efficient and enthusiastic teacher, and as a mathematician he stood among the foremost in the State. He commenced his labors as a teacher at New Hampton, and when the school in that place was removed to Vermont, he came to New London, and en- tered upon the real work of his life-as an instructor in the New London Literary and Scientific Institution, now Colby Academy. He was ordained as a pastor in Sutton, with which church he continued as a member until his death. He was more of a logical turn of mind than impulsive,-was firm in the faith of the denomination for whose interests, religions and in- tellectual, he long toiled and prayed.
52. Nearly an hour was devoted to prayer and free conference.
53. Resolved, That as an Association we record our grateful apprecia- tion of the generous hospitalities of the members of the church in New London, and that we shall remember with pleasure this commemoration of our Fiftieth Anniversary so fitly observed with them.
NOTE, From a lady, a resident member of the church, -one word with regard to the choir which added so much to the interest of the meetings during the sitting of the Association. Among the early settlers of New London were some fine singers. The Fales, Burpees, Woodburys, Ever- etts, Messengers, Gays, Adams, Sargents and Herricks. From that time till the present, one hundred years, lacking a few months, representatives from each generation of these families have been included in the choir, and now in 1878, four of the fourth generation discourse sweet music to all who listen to them on each return of the Sabbath day. The present chorister has led the choir thirty-five years.
54. The following resolution was presented by Rev. L. Hayden, D. D., of Washington, D. C. :
Resolved, That we hereby express to our venerable and highly esteemed brother, Rev. E. E. Cummings, D. D., of the city of Concord, who assist- ed in the organization of this Association, our grateful appreciation of his long continued and successful labors in this State, our deep regrets for his providential absence from our semi-centennial festivities, and our fervent prayer that filled with divine favor, his latter end may be more blessed than the beginning.
55. The Committee on Next Anniversary report, That Rev. J. S. Swaim of Claremont, preach the Annual Sermon, and that Rev. G. B. Smith of Plainfield, be his alternate; and recommend instead of the Doctrinal Ser- mon, the time be left to the discretion of the Committee of Arrangements. That the Association meet with the Baptist church in Newport on the 4th Wednesday in September, 1879.
56. After singing the 116th Hynın in Psalmist, and interesting and deep- ly impressive remarks and prayer by our venerable father in Israel, Rev. Ira Pearsons, of Newport, the Association closed its Fiftieth Anniversary.
IRA PEARSONS, Moderator.
G. A. GLINES, Clerk.
NOTE. On the day preceding the meeting of the Association, a Sunday
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School Convention was organized, which is to meet annually in connection with the Association. E. L. Wheeler, of Scytheville, is Secretary.
WHITE MOUNTAIN ASSOCIATION.
FORMED 1842.
STRATFORD, June 12, 1878.
The Association came to order.
1. Chose Rev. Silas Dean, Moderator.
2. Chose Chester Thomas, Clerk.
3. Committee of Arrangements, Rev. D. Gage and Brethren S. W. Cur- tis and E. A Baldwin.
4. Prayer by Rev. W. V. Garner.
5. Invited visiting brethren to sit with us; the following brethren re- sponded : Rev. David Gage, State Convention; Rev. W. V. Garner, Salis- bury Association ; Rev. J. D. Tilton, Meredith Association; Rev. A, Sher- · win, Milford Association ; D. Taylor, D. D., Portsmouth Association ; Rev. N. W. Alger, Danville, Vt. Association ; Rev. F. W. Rankin, Mere- dith Association.
6. Reading of the rules of order.
7. Committee of Arrangements reported in part.
8. Reading of letter from Stratford.
9. Listened to the Annual Sermon by D. Taylor, D. D., from Eph. 4: 4, 6.
10. Prayer by Rev. J. D. Tilton.
11. Adjourned to meet at 2 o'clock P. M.
AFTERNOON.
12 Came to order. Prayer by Rev. D. Gage.
13. Heard the letters from Lancaster and Lunenburg.
14. Listened to sermon by Rev. A. Sherwin from 1st Peter 2: 24.
15. Congregation sung "Coronation."
16. Report of Committee on Topics, First, the duty of the churches to supply themselves and others with the ministry of the Word. Second, the relation of the churches to the Temperance reform. The first was re- sponded to by Revs. W. V. Garner, D. Gage, N. W. Alger, A. Sherwin and J. D. Tilton.
17. Prayer by Rev. F. W. A. Rankin.
18. Adjourned to meet at 8 o'clock P. M.
19. Evening session. Prayer by Bro. Rankin.
20. Sermon by Brother Garner.
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21. Prayer by Bro. Taylor.
22. Adjourned to 9 o'clock A. M.
SECOND DAY.
23. Came to order. Prayer by Rev. R. Barry.
24. Listened to reading of letters from Jefferson and Carroll.
25. Committee on Next Session report that the next session be held at Lunenburg, Vt., on the second Wednesday in June, 1879, and that we depend on visiting brethren for the Annual Sermon.
26. Listened to sermon by Rev. F. W. A, Rankin, from John 20:8.
27. Chose a Committee on Obituaries-Rev. N. W. Alger, Rev. D. Gage and Chester Thomas.
28. Prayer by Rev. N. W. Alger.
29. Adjourned till 2 o'clock p. M.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
30. Came to order. Prayer by Bro. W. H. H. Collins of the Methodist church.
31. Rev. N. W. Alger from Committee on Obituaries presented the fol- lowing :
Rev. E. Evans was born at Gloucester, Cape Ann, 1778. He joined the United States navy and served four years in the war of 1812. He lost his right arm in an engagement June 4, 1815. Although it was some years after this before he was converted, yet this was the means used to bring him to Christ, as the ball that took his arm killed the man on the other side of him. He made a profession of religion, was baptized in 1826, was licensed to preach the gospel by the church in Jefferson, N. H., in 1846, and for four years he preached in Randolph, Jefferson, Carroll, and this place. He was ordained at Lunenburg, Vt., Sept. 11, 1850, where he re- mained nine years very generally respected and beloved. His last attempt to preach was at Gorham Hill in the summer of 1873, but he was not able to finish his sermon. He passed to his reward Dec. 24, 1877.
Chester Thomas called attention to the labors of Rev. Philip Chamber- lain in this vicinity, particularly in Jefferson, N. H., and Lunenburg Vt., who passed away in February last at Milford, N. H. Rev. D. Gage and Rev. J. D. Tilton gave us a very interesting account of their acquaintance with Brother Chamberlain in his genial and ripe old age.
32. Resolved, That the work of the N. H. Baptist State Convention pre- sents claims for the benevolent consideration of our churches of the first importance, that an earnest effort be made by each church to raise the full amount of their assessment.
33. Resolved, That it is the duty of the churches of this Association to put forth very strenuous exertions to provide the permanent ministry of the Word for themselves and the co nmunities where they ar : located.
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34. Resolved, That while it is the proper labor of the churches to be careful to maintain good works as well as to avoid evil, there is a special demand for labor to promote righteousness and Temperance in all our borders.
35. Voted, To instruct the Clerk to give an account of the state of re- ligion in the churches to the Convention.
36. A vote of thanks to the people of Stratford for their kindness and hospitality and for the assistance of the choir.
37. Voted, To adjourn to 7 1-2 o'clock .
38. Prayer by Brother Tilton.
EVENING SESSION.
39. Prayer by Brother Gage.
40. Sermon by Rev. J. D. Tilton. Luke 23: 39-48.
41. Voted, To adjourn to meet with the Baptist church in Lunenburg, Vt., on the second Wednesday in June, 1879.
42. Prayer by Rev. Silas F. Dean.
SILAS F. DEAN, Moderator. CHESTER THOMAS, Clerk.
N. H. BAPTIST SUNDAY SCHOOL CONVENTION.
EXETER, Oct. 15, 1878.
1. At 10 1-4 o'clock A. M., the Secretary, Rev. Wmn. Hurlin, called the Convention to order. Rev. W. V. Garner was chosen President pro tem. After singing, Rev. E. C. Spinney and Brethren A. J. Kidder and F. S. Crawford were appointed a Committee on Nominations, and prayer was offered by Revs. W. H. Stewart and A. J. Hopkins.
2. The Secretary read the Constitution of the Convention, and also the Minutes of the Convention of last year, and the Financial Account which showed that the expenses of the year were twenty-nine cents, and that the amount deposited in two Savings banks is $25.55, and the cash balance on hand, seventy-eight cents. Accepted.
3. The Committee on Nominations reported, and the following officers were chosen :
President-Rev. W. V. Garner, Concord.
Vice President-Bro. N. T. Greenwood, New London.
Secretary and Treasurer-Rev. Wm. Hurlin, Antrim.
4. Rev. J. N. Chase reported for the Committee of Arrangements and the report was adopted.
5. Rev. W. V. Garner opened the questions, "What is success in Sun-
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day School work?" and "By what methods is it gained?" Rev. W. H. Leavell read an essay on "The agency of the Sunday School in the forma- tion of character." Remarks were then offered by Revs. T. C. Gleason, D. H, Stoddard, Wm. Hurlin, E. C. Spinney, J. E. Dame, J. D. Tilton, F. Merriam, A. J. Hopkins, J. N. Chase, S. C. Fletcher and Brother A. J. . Kidder.
6. The pastor of the church with which the Convention may meet, with Rev. J. F. Fielden and Dea. G. Holbrook, were appointed a Committee of Arrangements for next year.
7. Rev. J. N. Chase, on behalf of the church in Exeter, gave a cordial welcome to the members of the Convention.
8. After singing, followed by prayer by Rev. J. L. Sanborn, adjourned till 7 o'clock P. M.
EVENING.
9. Service of Song, conducted by Supt. H. C. Moses.
10. Prayer by Rev. D. Taylor, followed by singing.
11. Address by Supt. T. B. Garland on "Reading as connected with Sun- day Schools."
12. Singing, followed by an address by Rev. G. W. Gile of Lawrence, Mass., on "How to secure the attendance of Sunday School scholars at Public Worship."
13. Remarks by Revs. F. Merriam, S. S. White, D. Taylor, N. J. Clark, W. V. Garner and W. H. Leavell.
14. Prayer by Rev. G. W. Gardner, D. D. Adjourned.
W. V. GARNER, President.
· WM. HURLIN, Secretary.
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NEW HAMPSHIRE BAPTIST PASTORAL ASSOCIATION.
1. The Association met in Exeter in the Baptist church Oct. 15, at 2 o'clock P. M.
2. After singing, prayer was offered by Rev. J. D. Tilton.
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