USA > New Hampshire > The New Hampshire churches : comprising histories of the Congregational and Presbyterian churches in the state, with notices of other denominations: also containing many interesting incidents connected with the first settlement of towns > Part 11
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The first Meeting-house in what is now North Hampton was built on the wide and level green near the top of North Hill, as early as 1734. A few rods southwesterly from the Meeting-house there was anciently a garrisoned house, a necessary defence in the times of Indian hostilities. A num- ber of persons in the North Hill parish were organized as the Fourth Church of Christ in Hampton, and Rev. Nathaniel Gookin, son of the late Rev. Nathaniel Gookin of Hampton, was ordained pastor Oct. 31, 1739. He was born at Hamp- ton in 1713, and graduated at Harvard in 1731. His people made what at the time was considered a good provision for his support ; but the great and continued depreciation of the
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NORTH HAMPTON.
currency was very disastrous. The people, to relieve their pastor, voted an addition to his salary of £ 90 old tenor "to help make good the currency." They increased the nominal sum in old tenor from time to time, and on one occasion voted, "Mr. Gookin's salary to go four times double." It was well that the people took some thought for their pastor, for it is said that he was never distrustful, never complained, was always contented and cheerful, and "never took thought for the morrow." He deceased Oct. 22, 1766, aged fifty three years, having sustained the character of a sound divine, a serious, plain preacher, a wise counsellor, and a much beloved pastor of his flock. His ministry continued nearly twenty seven years. Of a volume of records of those years only a few leaves, which evince the accuracy with which the entries were made, have come down to us. Our knowledge of the affairs of the church during those years is gathered from miscellaneous sources. The Hon. Daniel Gookin, one of the sons of Rev. Mr. Gookin, of Hampton, resided several years in this town, was a member of the Congregational church, and held several offices of honor and trust in the community. The second Meeting-house in North Hampton was built in 1761. Its site was a short distance north of the first house. It was occupied about seventy seven years.
Rev. Joseph Stacey Hastings, the second pastor in North Hampton, was born in Newton, Ms. 1742, graduated at Har- vard 1762, was ordained Feb. 11, 1767, dismissed July 3, 1774, and died June 30, 1807, aged 64. During his minis- try, which continued between seven and eight years, 55 were added to the church. The people dismissed Mr. Hastings, on his own request, and offered him the use of the parsonage house, till it should be wanted for another minister. Mr. Hastings chose to resign his ministry, having adopted the opinions of Robert Sandeman. Baptisms in Mr. Hasting's ministry 203.
Rev. David McClure, D.D., the third pastor of this church, was installed Nov. 13, 1776. He was born in Boston in 1748, educated at Yale 1769, dismissed Aug. 30, 1785. He died in Conn., June 25, 1820, aged 71. Soon after Dr. McClure's settlement at North Hampton, an excessive issue and depre- ciation of the currency again befel the country. The issues of paper soon amounted, in their nominal value, to two hun- dred millions of dollars, and the value of the paper bills sunk almost to nothing. In 1778, the people voted their minister . five hundred dollars in addition to his salary. The next year one thousand ; in the winter following, that he might be sure of something more substantial than paper, they voted him a
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hundred bushels of corn. The next year his salary was increased forty for one. Its nominal value amounted to $12,000. When he resigned his pastorate he had continued with his people between nine and ten years, and had received 22 persons to the church; baptisms 170. A preacher, emi- nent for piety and zeal, deceased at the house of Dr. McClure, who placed a monumental stone at his grave bearing the inscription, "The reverend Henry Alline of Falmouth Nova Scotia, in the midst of his zealous travels in the cause of Christ, languished on the way, and cheerfully resigned his life at North Hampton, 2 Feb. 1784, in the 35 year of his age, whose remains are here interred." In less than a cen- tury the inscription on the stone had become illegible, but having been preserved in the church records, was obtained by a relative and replaced in Italian marble with the following addition: " He was a burning and a shining light, and justly esteemed the Apostle of Nova Scotia. Erected by his nephew Joseph Alline." Dr. McClure's ministry in North Hampton was during the American Revolution, and continued till the peace. The circumstances of the churches and of the coun- try were perplexing and disheartening. He considered the support of the ministry and other religious institutions as having become very precarious. In asking a dismission he spoke honorably of the treatment he had received from the people. His resignation was accepted and some privileges in the parsonage voted to him.
Rev. Benjamin Thurston was ordained Nov. 2d, 1785. His ministry continued about fifteen years. Additions 53; bap- tisms 194. He was the fourth pastor of this church. In 1800 he tendered his resignation without assigning any definite reasons. The resignation was accepted, and his dismission voted, Oct. 27, 1800. Mr. Thurston was born in Bradford, Ms., 1750 ; graduated at Harvard 1774. It is said that he died near Raleigh, N. C., aged about fifty four.
Rev. Jonathan French, D.D., the fifth pastor of the Con- gregational church and society of North Hampton, was born in Andover, Ms., Aug. 16, 1778. He graduated at Harvard in 1798; ordained at North Hampton Nov. 18, 1801. Re- tired from the responsible services of his pastorate Nov. 18, 1851. The commencement of his ministry was not marked either by sunshine or shade. It began in a settled storm of political party strife among the people themselves. The - disturbing elements were gathering here before this people and their candidate had any knowledge whatever of each other. All who are acquainted with the history of the polit- ical controversy in this country at the commencement of the
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present century can judge of the perplexities of a young preacher placed between such opposite contending forces. There was an earnest majority of the town for his settle- ment, and a strong opposition to it. Very peculiar circum- stances demanded that the question of settling should be submitted to a large and judicious council. Such a council was convened. Dr. Tappan, Prof. of Divinity at Harv. Col. was moderator, and Dr. Buckminster of Portsmouth was scribe. As appears from the minutes, opportunity was given to the parties to make their several statements as fully as they might desire. The minutes of the scribe testify that " after this had taken place, and after mature and prayerful deliberation, it was voted unanimously, that the objections and opposition that appeared against the settlement were not sufficient to prevent the council from proceeding to ordination." He was accordingly ordained. Mr. French was settled, as each of his predecessors had been, by the town, who voted to him, although the church and society were Congregational, an annual salary so long as he should remain their minister, The salary consisted of the occupan- cy of a small parsonage farm with convenient buildings, ten cords of hard and ten cords of pine wood, and four hundred dollars annually. This connection of the town with the Congregational church and society and ministry, furnished occasional opportunities to agitate the subject of salary in ways which threatened the entire demolition of the ancient foundations, although not an individual was, during Mr. French's pastorate, distrained for the minister tax, and al- though a fund which grew out of a grant of Mr. Dalton, (a minister of the ancient Congregational church in Hampton,) paid more than half of the cash part of the minister's salary here annually. The pastor, in view of a fermentation which was raised when he had been settled about thirty five years, proposed, unsolicited by any one, to release a fourth of the cash part of his salary, and try as an experiment to pay his debts and live of the rest. This movement fully succeeded in quieting the panic, but the pastor soon found himselt obliged to expend to the full amount of what he relinquished from the savings which had been carefully nursed for a time of need. But the Lord is ever true to his name, "Jehovah Jireh," (The Lord will provide.) The quiet which ensued gave opportunity to accomplish a long desired arrangement for an equitable partition of the parsonage and funds, which issued in a peaceful transfer of the present parsonage and the pastor from the town to the Congregational church and society, and to a state of harmony and good will throughout the whole community.
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There have been times of serious trial during the last half century. Some of the elderly people have said to their min- ister, " It seems as if everything was going to ruin. If you die or leave this place, the cause will sink." But God has helped this Zion. There was one man who for many years exerted great influence for good in times of discouragement. He once said to the pastor, " Don't be discouraged,-I will be one of ten to support you." The same man, at a time when much excitement arose on account of the general tax system for the support of the ministry, sent a letter to the town meeting, full of arguments, showing the temporal ben- efits of the ministry and closing with an offer to pay the rates of all who were unwilling or really unable to pay. He said he could not do much, but he could be a " gap man" to help sustain the minister and that he would be, whether their views exactly accorded or not. The last male member of the church who was in it at his settlement, told the senior pastor that when he married and was about to remove his bride, an only daughter, to her new home, her father enjoined it upon them "as they would hope to prosper and enjoy the blessing of God, to be good to their minister"-a principle on which they and many others among this people have acted.
The young pastor's heart was oppressed with the state of things as he entered this field in the beginning of this cen- tury. And the facts too fitly represent many of the churches in the State as they then were, and clearly show that great changes for the better have been made. Notice the picture. The custom of catechising the children was laid aside-household religious instruction was neglected-there were no Sabbath Schools-the Sacramental lecture had been discontinued because so few attended-there were no meet- ings for social prayer-seldom a private lecture or more than the usual Sabbath exercises. Though a town of only about 650 souls, yet 40 hogsheads of "fiery New England" were sold in a year at one store in the place. And yet the farmer in marketing his produce in neighboring towns, often brought home a barrel and in some cases a hogshead, and deposited it in his cellar.
The pastor introduced, at first, reading and singing and then a Bible exercise at intermission on the Sabbath ; then the Sabbath School, and at length the Monthly Concert .- Many were alarmed lest the increase of meetings might tend to irregularities, and even the good man who would pay the taxes of the unwilling ones, was afraid this was being right- eous overmuch. The weekly church prayer meeting was
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begun with the smallest number whom Christ promised to meet. It gradually increased and has been ever since sus- tained. Evening lectures were appointed and well attended. Some tokens of mercy were given. At a later date came the Temperance Reform with its unnumbered blessings.
In the autumn of 1817 there were indications of a revival of religion among us. In about three months from the first development of special interest in "the things which are not seen and are eternal," there were seventeen persons added to our communion. That awakening, in some of its most remarkable cases, could be distinctly traced to the blessing of God upon the public exercises and influences of the weekly prayer-meeting ; the monthly concert ; and to the account given by the pastor, of the narratives of the state of religion as reported at a meeting, then recent, of the General Associa- tion of New Hampshire. There was a season of refreshing in 1821, and twelve persons, most of them heads of families, were gathered into the church. The three intervening years we were not without some special tokens of mercy. But our young people took little interest in the subject of religion. Their minds were carried away with the gaieties and amuse- ments often so attractive to the young. Pious parents saw with great anxiety, their children growing up around them in neglect of the great salvation. Some of those parents had in fresh remembrance, though several years had passed away, a young man, one of their cotemporaries, among whom there was not one in the place more beloved, who unquestionably sacrificed his life a votary to the pleasures of the dancing floor and its attendant amusements. An affectionate sister did not hesitate to attribute his premature death to this cause and could not afterwards speak of such perversions of time and youthful vivacity without deep emotions of grief. About the beginning of 1823, the young people, although of as regu- lar moral deportment as youth in general, appeared to be more than usually inclined to parties of amusement. The feelings of their pastor and of their Christian parents and friends cannot be described. Much prayer was offered on their behalf. The faith of Christians was tried, but at length their prayers were answered. A revival of considerable extent ensued. Among the results may be noticed, that in one direction for about two miles there was hardly a house in which the influence of the Holy Spirit was not manifest. The attention, although more general among the youth than any other class, was not confined to them. A number of heads of families, and some persons past middle age were among the subjects of hopeful conversion. The taste of a
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large portion of the young people was changed. For "those noisy senseless balls," as a young man who knew their history appropriately termed them, were substituted social meetings, which furnished intellectual pleasure and improvement ; and which strengthened and enlivened the most cheerful and refined feelings of the heart. In that revival more than sixty entertained the hope that they had experienced religion. Forty five were received to communion. Several other seasons of refreshing from the presence of the Lord have been granted to us, though none, perhaps, surpassing in interest that which has just been mentioned. In connection with the erection of the present house of worship, and subsequently to its completion, the Lord, to whom it was consecrated, poured upon us a blessing, which we hoped was significant of his favor toward the undertaking.
The church has received 173 " letters missive" to attend councils-has attended 144 of them-but had no occasion for one among themselves for the fifty years of the senior pastor's active service. During his ministry 285 persons were admitted to the church and there were 456 baptisms .- Of 643 deaths in town in fifty years, 79 occurred between the ages of 70 and 80 ; 63 between 80 and 90 ; 20 over 90 ; and 1 at 99.
On the 15th of Nov. 1851, the fiftieth anniversary of his settlement, Dr. French preached a sermon full of historic interest, from which, with his aid, much of this account is taken. At his urgent request the people looked after a col- league during the following year. Mr. John Dinsmore came among them in the spring of 1852, and amidst a most pre- cious outpouring of the Spirit of God, the aged pastor wel- comed to his aid this young brother in the ministry. It was emphatically a time of love. Many expressions of interest were made to the retiring pastor and a hearty welcome was given to the new laborer. Mr. Dinsmore was ordained Nov. 18, 1852. About forty were added to the church as the fruit of this blessed work. The church numbers 178. They paid $280 to benevolent objects the past year and pay a salary of $ 600. This history speaks loudly in favor of a perma- nent ministry. Though one of the smallest towns in the State (population 850) it is one of the most noted, and has exerted in our religious interests an influence second perhaps to none. By holding on upon its pastor it has helped to make him what he is and what he could not have been in an itinerant work, and, in the hand of the Lord he has made them what they are. Had they been divided into sects, they would now resemble many towns in the State where desola- tion reigns.
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NORTHWOOD.
NORTHWOOD.
Rev. OTIS HOLMES.
The first Congregational Meeting-house in this town was erected in 1781, and continued to be occupied for the wor- ship of God until 1840 ; it was thenceforward used as a town hall until March 10, 1847, when it was consumed by fire. On the original site are now standing the district school house and the newly built town hall. The second Congre- gational Meeting-house was erected in 1840, at an expense of about twenty five hundred dollars.
The first pastor of the church in this town, Rev. Josiah Prentice, was ordained May 29, 1799. His ministerial labors were continued, and were eminently successful, until May 10, 1842, when, from advanced age and other infirmities, he requested and received dismission from his pastoral charge. At his ordination there were present, Rev. Lewis Lankton, Rev. Isaac Smith, Rev. Curtis Coe, Rev. T. Upham, Rev. E. Hazeltine, and Rev. J. Carpenter. The first and only Congregational church in this town was formed Nov. 29, 1798, consisting of eight members, four males and four females. The following ministers were present and took part in its organization, viz : Rev. Curtis Coe, Rev. J. Car- penter, and Rev. E. Hazeltine. At the time the church was formed, of eight members, 1798, the population of the town was about 1,000. During the whole time of the pastorate of Mr. Prentice there were about two hundred persons added to the church. It now numbers eighty six members, and the population of the town is 1300. The Rev. Josiah Pren- tice recently died at the age of 83. He was much beloved and was a worthy man.
Soon after the dismissal of the first pastor, the labors of the Rev Benjamin F. Clarke were secured for a short season. Rev. Eliot C. Cogswell received from the church and society a call to settle with them in the gospel ministry, and was ordained Nov. 22, 1842. By his own request he was dis- missed from his pastoral charge, July 18, 1848. Rev. Joseph Tarlton was then employed for a few months.
Rev. Otis Holmes, the present pastor, commenced his ministerial labors here May 1, 1849, and was installed as pastor Jan. 1, 1850. During the last two pastorates impor- tant accessions have been made to the church. Within three years past the church and society have purchased three acres of land, and erected upon it commodious buildings, for a parsonage. The property is deeded to the Congregational
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society of Northwood, with no incumbrance. Within the period under review, two or three young men in connection with the society, had contemplated fitting for the ministry, but were prevented by death. The benevolent enterprises of the age have received a good degree of attention, in the contributions and prayers of this people. Infant baptism has received the earnest attention of all the ministers whose services have here been rendered, and most of the parents who have come into the church have honored the ordinance in their practice. No schisms of any considerable extent have existed in this church. Its present pastor has a salary of $400. For all the good that has been done by this small member of the Redeemer's family ; for all the souls that have been renewed and saved, it may be said, "Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake.
NOTTINGHAM.
This town was chartered in 1722, and in 1727 Joseph Cilley and others made the first settlement. Its population in 1820, was 1126 and in 1850, 1268. After sundry efforts to secure the privileges of the gospel, they united in church relations in 1742, and, at the same time, received their first pastor, Rev. Stephen Emery. They were not to enjoy his labors, however, but for a brief period. He was dismissed after a pastorate of about seven years and died May 24, 1782, aged 70 years. He was a native of Exeter, and a graduate of Harvard college in 1730.
In 1758 Rev. Benjamin Butler of the class of 1752, Har- vard college, was settled and remained until Aug. 1, 1770, a period of twelve years. After his dismission Mr. Butler continued his residence in the place, but employed himself in secular pursuits. The blessings of a settled ministry have not been enjoyed since his removal. Previous to 1800 a call was given to Rev. James Hobart. He had produced a strong impression. The people loved him. But his way was not clear to comply with their request to abide with them .- After an absence of about forty years, he revisited the place. The youthful, ardent preacher was now stricken with the frosts of time, but there was much joy at his coming and their feebleness alone prevented their employing him for a series of years. At this place and Epping Rev. J. LeBos- quet preached during 1839 and 1840. In 1840 a church was
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PLAISTOW.
organized of fourteen members. This was the third that had been formed, the two first having ceased to be. In 1845 Rev. Jonathan Ward spent eleven weeks in Notting- ham and generously declined receiving the appropriation made by the Missionary society for his services, though the people paid him something. Rev. E. C. Cogswell Iabored among them six weeks in 1848, and in 1850, Rev. E. Dow nine months. Rev. C. H. Gates was employed as a supply in the autumn of 1850 for one year. The church then em- braced ten members.
PLAISTOW.
Rev. CHARLES TENNEY.
This church was organized Nov. 4th, 1730, on a day of Fasting and Prayer, specially appointed for this purpose. It was originally styled the Church in the North Precinct of Haverhill, Ms., which then included the territory now com- prised within the limits of the towns of Plaistow and Atkin- son. It was composed of 59 members from the 1st Church in Haverhill. On the 4th of March following, ten more were added from the 1st Church in Haverhill.
At the above named meeting Mr. James Cushing was invited to be their pastor, and was ordained on the 2d of December following. Nothing appears to have occurred, during his ministry, which continued about thirty three years, that disturbed the harmony of the church, or the comfort of the pastor. There was not, perhaps, what may be termed a revival of religion, yet a good number were added to the church-164 in all-115 by profession, and 49 by letter. The greatest number in any one year (1737) was 14. The half way covenant practice was then in use, and during Mr. Cushing's ministry 200 owned the covenant in this way, and had their children baptized. It does not appear, from the records, that he baptized an adult, on receiving members to full communion ; and this practice will account for the great number of infant baptisms during this time, which was 1275. The Rev. Mr. Cushing died May 13, 1764.
On the 6th of March of the following year, Mr. Gyles Mer- rill was ordained pastor of the church, and died April 27th, 1801, after a ministry of about thirty seven years. . The number of admissions to the church was 59-47 by profession, and 12 by letter. The Rev. Mr. Merrill had a peaceful ministry and was greatly respected and beloved by his people. As a
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preacher he was orthodox in faith, of sound learning, discreet, and was justly and highly esteemed. After the death of Mr. Merrill, this church was without a settled pastor twenty five years ; and, during this time, became much enfeebled. The records do not show that more than 8 persons were admitted to the church-for 17 years, not one-exhibiting, conclusively, the sad effects of the absence of a settled ministry.
On the 26th of Dec. 1826, the Rev. Moses Welch, who had been preaching to the people as a stated supply, for about two years and a half, was installed pastor of the church, and con- tinued with them till the 2d of Feb. 1831, when he was dis- missed at his own request. There were admitted to the church after Mr. Welch's installation, 36-3 by letter, and 33 by pro- fession, and all of these 33, except 2, were the fruits of a revival which occurred in 1827. Mr. Welch baptized 26 children.
On the day of Mr. Welch's dismission, the Rev. Samuel H. Peckham was chosen to be pastor, and he was installed the 23d day of the same month. Much of Mr. Peckham's minis- try was unquiet and unpleasant, yet in a very good degree successful. He was dismissed Sept. 10th, 1838, having "the undiminished confidence" of the dismissing council, as "a good and able minister of the gospel." During his ministry, of about seven years, there were added to the church 31 by profession, and 5 by letter ; and 23 children were baptized. Oct. 25, 1772, 13 of the members of this church, resident in Atkinson, were dismissed and recommended for the purpose, in union with others, of being organized into a church in said town. Rev. David Oliphant statedly supplied the pulpit after Mr. Peckham's dismission. A neat and commo- dious house of worship was erected in 1837, in the place of the old house, which had become wholly unfit for use. The new house is the property of proprietors.
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