USA > New Hampshire > Rockingham County > Windham > Supplement to The history of Windham in New Hampshire : a Scotch settlement > Part 2
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10
Dissolution of Church and State.
In Scotland from which they early migrated church and state were united, as they are still. In New Hampshire this union existed for a long period, but in the progress of events and the evolution of institutions, a change came. Many people in the state had become restive under compulsory taxation for religious institutions, and at length occurred the dissolu- tion of church and state in the passage by the legislature, and its approval by the governor on July 1, 1819, of what is known as the "Toleration Act." By its provisions no per- son could be compelled to pay a tax for the support of any church. From that time ceased much of the friction which had existed between church and state, but from the records it appears that things in this town remained substantially unchanged until 1827, when was formed the Presbyterian Religious Society.
HISTORY OF THE PRESBYTERIAN RELIGIOUS SOCIETY OF WINDHAM, N. H., AND LIST OF ITS OFFICERS.
In the chapter on Ecclesiastical History in the " History of Windham in New Hampshire," only a brief notice was given of the religious society. It is therefore given at length here, with a list of its officers to the present time. It will thus be preserved, made easy for reference, and accessible to all.
THE FIRST RECORD OF THE SOCIETY.
Upon the clerk's book of the society the following is the first record, in the handwriting of Jeremiah Morrison :
WINDHAM, Feb. 20, 1827.
Pursuant to a subscription for the purpose of forming a religious Society in the Town of Windham the Subscribers are hereby notified and requested to meet at the meeting house in said town on Monday the 5th day of March next at one of the clock P. M. to take the following articles into consideration and act thereon-(viz)
1st. To choose a Moderator to Govern said meeting.
2nd. To choose a clerk to make a record of the proceed- ings of said meeting.
11
First Meeting of Religious Society.
3rd. To choose a committee to draught a constitution for the proposed Society.
4th. To act on any other business that may be thought necessary when met.
JOHN CAMPBELL. SAMUEL ANDERSON. JEREMIAH MORRISON.
At a meeting of the subscribers holden agreeably to the above notice,-
1st, chose Col. Alexander Park, Moderator.
2nd, chose Jeremiah Morrison, clerk.
3rd. Voted to choose a committee of three to draught a constitution for a Religious Society.
Voted to reconsider the last vote.
Voted to choose a committee of Seven to draught a con- stitution for the proposed Religious Society in this town.
Capt. John Cochran,
Doct. J. W. Perkins,
Jeremiah Morrison,
Capt. John Campbell,
Dea. Robert Dinsmoor,
Dea. William Davidson, and
Jonathan Parker, were chosen for the above purpose.
Voted to excuse Capt. John Cochran from serving on the above committee, and chose Isaac McGaw Esqr. to fill the vacancy.
Voted to excuse Capt. John Campbell from serving on the Committee and chose Capt. David Armstrong to fill the vacancy.
4th. Voted that this meeting be adjourned to Monday the 19th of March Inst to hear a report of their Committee and Act thereon-And that the Clerk be requested to notify all who feel disposed to join the Society by posting a written notice at the meeting house to attend the adjourned meeting. JEREMIAH MORRISON, Clerk of the Meeting.
Such is the plain, direct, concise account of the first pro- ceedings of those interested in the formation of the Society.
The adjourned meeting occurred March 19, 1827, agreea- ble to vote. The report of the committee to draft a consti-
12
It Takes a Name.
tution was rendered, and all the articles accepted as prepared, with the amendment of these added words to the 9th article, " excepting that part which relates to the Politicks of the country." (See 9th article.)
The following is the language of the record :
Voted to choose a committee of one in each school-district to obtain subscribers to the By-Laws of the contemplated Society.
Dea. Robert Dinsmoor,
John Armstrong, 2nd,
David McCleary,
Capt. John Campbell,
Samuel Anderson,
Dea. Jesse Anderson, and
Alexander Wilson, were chosen for the above purpose.
Voted to excuse Dea. Robert Dinsmoor and chose Samuel Morrison to fill the vacancy.
Voted. That the Clerk of this meeting notify the first annual meeting of Society by posting a written notice at the meeting house.
Agreeable to the above vote the following notice was posted :
NOTICE.
The members and all who intend becoming members of the Presbyterian Religious Society of Windham, are hereby notified and requested to attend the Annual Meeting of said Society on Wednesday the 4th day of April next at three o'clock P. M. for the transaction of business in the corporate capacity of said Society.
JEREMIAH MORRISON, Clerk.
Windham, May 24, 1827.
At the annual meeting of the Presbyterian Religious Society of Windham, held April 4, 1827, in pursuance of the above notice,-
Chose Capt. John Cochran, Moderator.
Chose Jeremiah Morrison, Clerk, of Society, who was s,worn. Voted that the subscribers' names to the By-laws be read.
Voted to become a society and assume the name of the " Presbyterian Religious Society of Windham."
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13
Constitution and By-Laws.
Voted, that the clerk be authorized to publish the formation of this Society according to law.
Meeting adjourned to Wednesday the 2nd day May next at two o'clock, P. M.
May 2d, 1827, met according to adjournment.
Chose Capt. Barnet Hughes, Moderator protem.
Chose, Dea. Robert Dinsmoor
John Campbell, and John Cochran, assessors.
Chose Samuel Morrison, Treasurer.
Voted to raise one hundred and fifty dollars.
Voted to sell the Collection of taxes to the lowest bidder.
Sold to Samuel Armor, Esq., at two and an half cents on the dollar.
Chose Samuel Armor, Esqr. Collector.
Voted that the money raised be collected and paid over to the Treasurer on or before the last day of October next.
Voted to choose a committee of three to expend the money raised for Preaching.
Chose Samuel Armor, David Campbell and Jonathan Parker for that purpose.
JEREMIAH MORRISON, Clerk of Society.
CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS OF THE PRESBYTERIAN RELIGIOUS SOCIETY OF WINDHAM. ADOPTED MARCH 19, 1827.
The committee appointed to draught a constitution for a Religious Society in Windham ask leave to report the fol- lowing By-Laws. Whereas by an act of the Legislature passed July 1, 1819, any sect or denomination of Chris- tians in this state may associate and form societies, may ad- mit members, may establish rules and by-laws for their regu- lation and government, and shall have all the corporate powers which may be necessary to assess and raise money upon the polls and rateable estates of the members of such association and to collect and appropriate the same for the purpose of Building and repairing houses of Public worship for the support of the Ministry.
Therefore we whose names are hereto subscribed agree to form a Society in Windham for the purpose of supplying the Gospel Ministry and doing and performing all things neces- sary by said act to us allowed. To be styled and known in
14
Constitution and By-Laws.
law hereafter by the name of the Presbyterian Religious So- ciety of Windham. And have adopted the following Rules and By-Laws.
Article 1st. There shall be an annual meeting of the Soci- ety holden on the first Wednesday of April of each year.
Article 2d. At each annual meeting there shall be chosen the following officers by ballot, all of whom except the Mod- erator shall be under oath and shall remain in office until they shall resign, be removed or others chosen and sworn in in their places, to wit. A moderator whose duty it shall be to govern the meeting. A clerk whose duty shall be to keep a fair record of all the doings of the Society in a book by him to be kept for that purpose, and the clerk shall have the power of calling all meetings in the same way and man- ner that the assessors are to call such meetings, in case of their decease resignation absence or neglect.
Three assessors whose duty it shall be to assess and equal- ize all taxes voted by the society; to take their inventory from the inventory of the town unless they shall deem any part thereof to be incorrect, in which case they may take a new inventory so far as such town inventory may be deemed incorrect, and Commit the Assessment list to a collector for collection by warrant under their hands and seals. Also superintend the prudential concerns of the Society. They shall call all annual and special meetings, the special meet- ings called when they think proper, or when petitioned for by ten or more members of this Society.
A Collector whose duty it shall be to collect all monies mentioned in the assessment list delivered to him according to the warrant thereto annexed, and pay over the same to the Treasurer, according to his directions therein given.
A Treasurer whose duty shall be to receive all monies from the Collector and pay over the same according to the direc- tions of this Society. The Collector and Treasurer shall give bonds with sufficient sureties for the faithful performance of their duty in the penal sum of double the amount of all the monies assessed and raised by the Society.
Article 3d. The annual and all other meetings shall be called and notified by posting a Warrant or Notice, signed by a majority of the assessors, at the meeting house in this Town, at least fourteen days before the day of meeting, in which shall be expressed the substance of all the matters and things to be acted upon as well as the time and place of meeting.
Article 4th. All taxes assessed by a vote of this Society,
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15
Members of the Society.
shall be collected in the way and manner that the Society shall direct at their annual meeting.
Article 5th. Each member of the Society paying their proportion of the taxes shall be entitled to vote in the So- ciety.
Article 6th. All monies voted to be raised by the Society for the Ministry and for defraying any other necessary ex- pense shall be by the concurrence of a majority of the legal voters present at any annual meeting, or by a majority of the legal voters of the Society at any special meeting.
Article 7th. All monies voted to be raised, shall be raised and assessed on the polls and estates of members and equal- ized by the assessors in the same way and manner that other taxes are raised, assessed and equalized in this town.
Article 8th. Every member of the Society shall place his signature to the Rules and By-Laws which shall be considered an express Consent thereto, and any persons who shall here- after sign these By-Law at any time, shall thereafter be con- sidered members of this Society enjoying all its privileges.
Article 9th. This Society agrees to conduct all their con- cerns upon liberal principles and according to the original platform and Presbyterian Confession of Faith, excepting that part which relates to the Politicks of the country.
Article 10. If necessary any of the before mentioned offi- cers may be chosen pro-tempore at any special meeting. The Clerk and other officers of this Society shall be a Committee to solicit, obtain and receive subscribers to these By-Laws.
Article 11th. These Rules and By-Laws shall be subject to alteration or amendment by the Society at any annual meet- ing, two thirds of the members present concurring in the proposed amendment.
MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY.
John Cochran. Jacob M. Nesmith. James Park. Isaac C. Park. Milton Ward.
Jesse Anderson. Isaac McGaw. Gale and Dow. James Anderson, 2nd. Benjamin Blanchard. Joseph Armstrong. Eleazar Barrett.
16
Members of the Society.
Benjamin F. Wilson. John Page.
George R. Nesmith.
John Hughes. John Armstrong, Jr. John Hills.
Robert Morrison.
Jacob Harris, Jr.
William Campbell, Jr.
Robt. Dinsmoor.
Jeremiah Morrison.
Margaret Morrison.
Joel Carey.
John Dinsmoor.
Robert Armstrong.
Mary Park.
Betsey Morrison.
Jonathan Cochran.
Isaac Cochran.
Robert P. Dinsmoor.
Ira Dinsmoor.
Theodore Dinsmoor.
Betsey Dinsmoor.
Jonathan Parker.
Jacob Harris.
Barnet Hughes.
John Hemphill.
David Armstrong.
David McCleary.
Robert Hopkins.
Calvin Cutler.
Samuel Harris.
Joseph Park.
Joseph Spaulding.
L. M. Barker.
A. F. Putnam.
4
B. H. Hughes. Christopher Morrison.
Daniel Kelly.
John Kelly,
Silas Dinsmoor.
Samuel Campbell. George Marston.
R. B. Jackson.
Wm. Alexander.
17
Outside Interference Not Tolerated.
William C. Harris. Isaac Cochran.
Dec. 25, 1844.
Ira Weston. Albert Robinson. R. L. Cutler. James Noyes. James P. Hughes.
Isaac P. Cochran. Jeremiah Moore. William Gregg.
From this list of members it will be seen that the solid men of the town, the best and foremost citizens, had joined the society, and taken an active part in its deliberations. It included many who were not connected with the church. Of those who joined previous to Dec. 25, 1844, so far as is known, all have gone to their reward save two,-Dea. Samuel Campbell, of Derry, N. H., and Dea. William C. Harris, of Windham. Isaac P. Cochran, of Windham, is alone left in the list of remaining names who joined at that date. The Great Reaper has garnered a plentiful harvest.
OUTSIDE INTERFERENCE NOT TOLERATED.
A special meeting of the society was called to meet on the 26th of November, 1827, to act on sundry matters. Among them was,-
Article 2nd. Whereas we are informed by order of Pres- bytery that a committee is appointed from that body to meet and confer with the Session and Presbyterian Society in Windham relative to the ninth article of the Constitution of their Society in order that some such modification may be made or article introduced as will render it in view of their Body conformable to the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, and that the above Committee will attend to the duty assigned them on the first Wednesday of December next. Therefore, to see if said Society will agree to meet with them and confer on that Subject-either by a Cominittee appointed by them for that purpose, or in any other way, and pass any other votes or resolves relative to the Same that they may think requisite and proper.
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18
Spicy Resolutions.
The meeting was held. Col. Alexander Park was chosen moderator. A committee of three-Samuel Armor, Capt. John Campbell, Isaac McGaw-was chosen to prepare reso- lutions to be laid before the meeting. They were reported to the society by Capt. Robert Campbell, adopted, and the clerk ordered to make a copy of the resolution and present it "to the Committee of Presbytery when they shall have met here to confer with the Session and Society," which was done.
THE RESOLUTIONS.
Resolved that this Society has great respect for the Learn- ing, Piety and Integrity of the Londonderry Presbytery and would apply to it as soon as to any other Ecclesiastical Body within their knowledge for advice and direction in questions concerning faith and Ecclesiastical Government.
Resolved, that whereas said Londonderry Presbytery act- ing in good faith have in our opinion been misled by false and improper statements, and thereby been induced without our knowledge and consent to interfere with the civil concerns of this Society, we cannot consistently with our peace and honor meet disturbers of that peace on equal grounds or in any other way give countenance to them by appearing before a Committee of the Presbytery on their complaint.
Resolved, that we do not wish to endanger the peace and harmony of this Society which has so happily existed since the formation of the same, by opening a wider door to those who are so noisy and troublesome without lest they should prove disturbers when within. We would therefore leave them to be dealt with by that Honorable Body to whom they have applied, hoping that it will teach them that they must become quiet and peaceable citizens before they can consist- ently become members of any really Christian Society.
-
Sixty-five passing years have wholly hidden from our sight, except what the record reveals, the "true inwardness " of this little controversy, nor is it worth the while to endeavor to discover it. It is enough that it shows that those intelli- gent Scotch-blooded members of the society of two genera- tions ago had decided opinions as to the point where relig- ious authority ceased and civil rights commenced, and did not hesitate upon occasion to express them with vigor com- bined with dignity.
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1
Taxpayers and Taxes for 1827.
Rev. Samuel Harris, after a faithful ministry of more than twenty-one years, was dismissed Dec. 6, 1826, on account of failure of his voice. On Jan. 16, 1828, at a special meet- ing of the society, Col. Alexander Park was moderator, and it was voted to hire Rev. Calvin Cutler to preach three Sab- baths, and Samuel Armor, Esq., Jonathan Parker, and David Campbell, 2nd, were chosen a committee for that purpose. When a call to settle over the church and society was voted at a special meeting Feb. 5, 1828, to Rev. Calvin Cutler, Dea. William Davidson, Samuel Armor, Esq., Dea. Robert Dinsmoor, Capt. John Cochran, and Samuel Anderson were chosen a committee to act in behalf of the society.
At a special meeting held March 12, 1828, John Cochran, moderator, Isaac McGaw, Esq., Capt. Isaac Cochran, and Jonathan Parker were chosen a committee to wait upon Rev. Mr. Cutler and invite him to attend the meeting, which they did. He appeared, read his answer to the call pre- sented him by the society, made some explanatory remarks, and retired.
A committee consisting of Dea. William Davidson, Dea. Robert Dinsmoor, David Campbell, 2nd, Samuel Morrison, Esq., and Capt. John Cochran were chosen to confer with Mr. Cutler, make arrangements for the Presbytery, "and superintend all the prudential concerns relative to his instal- ment."
TAX LIST, TAX PAYERS, AND TAXES FOR THE YEAR 1827-SOCIETY TAXES.
Jacob Abbot,
$5.47.
Robert Armstrong, 2.40.
Widow Mary Park,
2.53.
Col. Alexander Park,
4.06.
Samuel Morrison, Esq.,
3.57.
Jeremiah Morrison, 3.39.
Robert Dinsmoor,
1.27.
Robert P. Dinsmoor,
2.52.
William Dinsmoor,
2.84.
Jonathan Parker,
3.52.
John Dinsmoor, .73.
John Dinsmoor, 2nd,
1.04.
Theodore Dinsmoor,
2.47.
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20
Taxpayers and Taxes for 1827.
Isaac Cochran,
$2.47.
Jonathan Cochran,
1.99.
Ira Dinsmoor, .77.
Jacob Harris,
2.80.
Amos Lawrence,
1.35.
John Armstrong, 2nd,
1.92.
Samuel Wilson,
5.13.
David Armstrong, 2nd,
3.04.
James Noyes,
2.78.
William Barker,
.77.
John Cochran,
2.98.
John Hemphill,
3.27.
Barnet Hughes,
2.96.
John Hughes,
2.28.
David McCleary,
3.59.
Daniel W. Clyde,
.59.
John Carr,
2.41.
Silas M. Garland,
2.24.
John Campbell,
1.90.
John Hills,
.59.
James Park,
3.95.
Ebenezer Lewis,
.77.
Benjamin Blanchard,
1.08.
Daniel G. Davidson,
1.22.
David A. Davidson,
.78.
Isaac McGaw, Esq.,
1.00.
Samuel Armor, Esq.,
3.18.
Perkins A. Hodge,
1.28.
Jacob E. Evans,
2.22.
George R. Nesmith,
1.49.
Samuel Wilson, 2nd,
1.49.
John McKeen,
2.85.
Alexander Wilson,
2.27.
Jacob M. Nesmith,
3.18.
Samuel Harris,
1.26.
Robert M. Campbell,
2.42.
Henry Campbell,
4.69.
David Campbell, 2nd,
3.56.
William Campbell, 2nd,
1.63.
Asa B. King,
.92.
John Clyde, 2nd,
.86.
Samuel Anderson,
3.97.
James Anderson,
2.69.
Margaret Hills,
2.39.
William Davidson,
3.32.
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Officers of the Society, 1828.
William Davidson, 2nd,
$3.24.
David Campbell,
2.22.
David Campbell, 3rd,
2.32.
Samuel Gregg,
.77.
John Gregg,
1.04.
James N. Davidson,
1.57.
Robert Hopkins,
1.37.
James Clark,
2.26.
Robert Morrison,
2.22.
Joseph Armstrong,
.41
Samuel W. Clyde,
.59.
Eleazar Barrett,
1.37.
Daniel Hunt,
1.13.
John Dix,
.59.
John McCleary,
.59.
I have thus far copied largely from the record-book of the society, and have been free in giving details, that those of the present and future might see who the persons were that two generations ago formed the society, and who contributed voluntarily to build up and maintain the institutions of religion in the town. The By-Laws and Constitution of the society have been given in full. And they show somewhat of the intelligence and character of their originators. This full list of tax-payers, of the first tax ever assessed in town for religious purposes, is given that their names may be pre- served. Of the persons named in this list not one is now living : the most of them long since joined the "silent majority," though many of them are well remembered by the active people in Windham today. It will not be necessary to continue to follow thus closely the proceedings and legis- lation of this organization, but to give the list of officers year by year, and sketch briefly the more interesting and salient points of legislation and proceedings of the society.
Annual Meeting, April 2d, 1828. Col. Alexander Park, Moderator. Jeremiah Morrison, Clerk. Samuel Anderson,
David Campbell, 2nd, Assessors.
Capt. John Cochran,
Col. Alexander Park, Treasurer.
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Officers of the Society, 1829-'33.
Capt. Isaac Cochran, Auditors. Jonathan Parker,
William Davidson, 2nd, Collector.
Annual Meeting, April 1, 1829.
Col. Alexander Park, Moderator.
Jeremiah Morrison, Clerk.
Samuel Morrison,
Samuel Anderson, Assessors.
David Campbell, 2nd, )
Alexander Park, Treasurer.
Isaac Cochran, Auditors.
Robert M. Campbell,
William Davidson, 2nd, Collector.
Annual Meeting, April 7, 1830.
Capt. David Armstrong, Moderator. John Cochran, Clerk.
Capt. David Armstrong,
Jacob Harris, Assessors.
David Campbell, 2nd,
Capt. James Anderson, Treasurer.
James Park,
Robert M. Campbell, Auditors.
Silas Moor, Collector.
Annual Meeting, April 6, 1831. Jonathan Cochran, Moderator.
John Cochran, Clerk.
Samuel Anderson,
Theodore Dinsmoor, Assessors.
Leonard Burbank,
Capt. James Anderson, Treasurer.
Capt. Robert M. Campbell, Auditors.
Capt. Isaac Cochran,
William Simpson, Collector.
Annual Meeting, April 4, 1832. Jonathan Cochran, Moderator. John Cochran, Clerk. Samuel Anderson,
Theodore Dinsmoor, Assessors.
Leonard Burbank,
Capt. James Anderson, Treasurer. John A. Gale, Capt. Robert Campbell, ยง Auditors. John Carr, Collector.
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23
The Transition Period.
Annual Meeting, April 3, 1833. Stephen Fessenden, Moderator. Jeremiah Morrison, Clerk. Jonathan Cochran, David Armstrong, Assessors.
Joseph Armstrong, Isaac Cochran, Treasurer.
John Cochran,
Samuel Anderson, Auditors. John Carr, Collector.
For generations in Great Britain church and state had been united, as it is largely there today. When this state was founded the same condition prevailed. It existed in New Hampshire till the passage of the "Toleration Act" July 1, 1819 (see page 132, "History of Windham in New Hampshire "), when that relation or bond between them was dissolved by legislative enactment. The relations between the two had existed for so many generations, and were so intimate, it was not to be expected that they could be suddenly dissolved, and each know and find its appropriate place and rights without some confusion in the towns of the state. It is a matter of surprise that it did not occasion more, for sharp transition periods are seldom pleasant, or conducive to that spirit of friendliness and of broadest charity which are so desirable in every community.
This town did not escape that confusion, and this religious society was called upon for the development of its best legis- lative powers. The first mention in the record of the matter is the following, from the warrant for a special meeting to be held on the 17th of July, 1833: "Article 2nd. To see if said society will choose a committee to compromise with the sev- eral organized Religious Denominations in this Town relative to their claims to the meeting-house and Ministerial Fund in town." . Upon this article no action was taken at the meeting.
The Unitarians and the Methodists had formed societies, and desired the use of the meeting-house a portion of the time for religious services, and a portion of the income of the ministerial fund. As the meeting-house had been built at the expense of the town, their claim was conceded.
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Building of the Church.
As the Presbyterians had a settled minister and preaching each Sabbath, it was, of course, necessary to have a regular place of worship. At a special meeting of the society Oct. 16, 1833, it was " voted that it is expedient to build a house." A committee consisting of Theodore Dinsmoor, Robert P. Dinsmoor, James Anderson, Isaac Cochran, and James Park, were chosen to investigate the subject of building and the location, and to report at an adjourned meeting. Their report was rendered and accepted Oct. 30, 1833. So they withdrew from the "Old Meeting-House," met for a time in a hall, and built the present church. The fund having been left for the support of preaching in the town, no denomina- tion being mentioned in the legacy when given, it was decided that the income belonged equally to all.
Thus ended, in this community, the last controversy grow- ing out of that anomalous condition of things, the union of church and state. It came at a fortunate time for the soci- ety, when it and the church with which it was connected were at their fullness of strength and vigor, and the results were not in the least detrimental to the growth of either. The church was built in 1834, and dedicated Jan. 14, 1835. (See p. 128, " History of Windham in New Hampshire," and account of the Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Dedication of the Presbyterian Church, in this volume.)
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