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 13
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There was a revival at the commencement of Mr. Stick- ney's ministry, and in 1801-2, thirty six persons united with the church by profession. The old people speak of this revival as a "solemn time." The state of feeling was deep and permanent. But very few fell away from a good pro- fession. In the year 1817, there was "a great awakening," and the result was, that about ninety persons united with the church. Of this number only about twenty are now living. It is stated in the records of the church that "from the 11th of May to the 29th of June, sixty eight persons here joined this church. Such a time we never saw before. There is no confusion, the Spirit moves upon the minds of the people in all parts of the town." It is now the opinion of many, on looking back to this season, that there was con- siderable unhealthy excitement at that time. About twenty of those who then joined the church, have since been excom- municated. In Mr. Farnsworth's day, there were two sea- sons of more than usual interest. Four-days meetings were held which are remembered as "solemn and interesting sea- sons." A four-days meeting was held in the time of Mr. Reed, attended by some uncommon interest, and probably by some excitement. Since that time there has been no season remarkable for the displays of reviving grace.
RYE.
Rev. ISRAEL T. OTIS.
This town from its first settlement received the name it now bears, which was given it, as is supposed, because some of its first inhabitants came from a town of the same name in England. It began to be settled about the year 1635 .-- The name of the first settler, it is said, was, Berry. "This town which was taken off from Portsmouth, Greenland,
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Hampton and New Castle, continued about ninety years destitute of the settled ministry of the gospel. The people attended public worship in the neighboring towns. The in- habitants were but thinly scattered, and most of them in low circumstances, and never began to prosper, in any con- siderable degree, as to outward circumstances, until they erected a house of public worship, formed a church, and had the ministry and ordinances of the gospel settled among them. The first Meeting-house was erected in the year 1725. A church was organized July 10, 1726. The first minister settled, was Rev. Nathaniel Merrill. He was or- dained Sept. 14, 1726, was a man of acknowledged abilities, both natural and acquired. He continued in the ministry about seven years and was then dismissed."
" The people now remained destitute several years; but being desirous of having the gospel ministry re-settled among them, they made laudable exertions to that end. Having heard several candidates, they made choice of Mr. Samuel Parsons. He was ordained Nov. 3, 1736. He officiated in the ministry till the year 1784, nearly half a century." The Rev. Mr. Parsons, though infirm by reason of age, and re- peated paralytic shocks, continued to the 4th of Jan. 1789, in the seventy eighth year of his age, when, as we trust, he entered into the joy of his Lord. During his ministry, 206 persons were admitted into full communion with the church and 1600 received the ordinance of baptism. He was a descendant of the family of that name which settled in Springfield, Ms. His father was minister of the first church in Salisbury, Ms.
Rev. Huntington Porter, son of Rev. Mr. Porter of Bridge- water, Ms. was ordained colleague pastor with Mr. Parsons Dec. 29, 1784, and continued in the relation of pastor to the church till his death. During his ministry till the time a colleague was settled with him, about 145 were added to the church. He preached his half century sermon in Jan. 1835, and died in Lynn, Ms. March 7, 1844, aged nearly 89. His remains were brought to Rye and were laid by the side of his two wives. Mr. Porter had a large family. By his first marriage he had four and by his second fourteen children .--- Mr. Porter and his predecessor Mr. Parsons, were connected with the church more than a century.
The first three ministers were settled by the town. A short time previous to the settlement of a colleague with Mr. Porter, his connection with the town ceased by mutual agreement, and a society was formed, called the 3d Religious society of Rye. It is now called the Congregational society
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RYE.
This society, in connection with the church, gave a call to the Rev. Bezaleel Smith, and he was ordained colleague pas- tor with Mr. Porter May 13th, 1849. After the contract between the town and Mr. Porter ceased the town voted that the Congregationalists may have the use of the Meeting- house one half of the time and other denominations the other half. The town also sold the parsonage, which had been given by individuals, containing about 40 acres of land, for the accommodation and towards the support of the min- istry in the early history of the town, when there was but one religious denomination there, and the avails were appro- priated to the discharge of town debts. Deprived of their Meeting-house one half of the time and their parsonage sold, the church and those worshiping with them experienced a trial which they had not known before. Mr. Smith com- menced his labors under these circumstances of trial. Dur- ing his ministry of twelve years, there were added to the church 108 ; a parsonage was purchased by subscription at an expense of $ 1400; and a Meeting-house built with a basement lecture room, at an expense of more than $ 3000. These results of severe trial and earnest labor placed the church on a much firmer foundation. He was dismissed, at his own request, in 1841 and installed the same year in Mont Vernon where he remained about nine years, and has since been installed in East Alstead.
Rev. James F. McEwen succeeded Mr. Smith. He was installed in Dec. 1841 and dismissed in 1846. Several were received into the church during his ministry of less than five years. He had been settled twice before coming to Rye-in Bridgeport, Vt., and in Topsfield, Ms. He died at Brattle- boro, Vt. He possessed good talents, was a good man, but at times was much depressed.
Rev. Israel T. Otis succeeded Mr. McEwen. He was or- dained at Lebanon, Conn. in 1835. He came thence to Rye where he was installed Aug. 4, 1847, and is the present pas- tor of the church. The number of the church-about 100, has remained much the same for many years. At present the Sabbath School is quite interesting. Much has been done in the cause of temperance and much remains to be done. Special Divine influences are greatly needed. In the latter part of Mr. Porter's ministry a Baptist and a Metho- dist church and society were formed. The Meeting-houses of the three congregations have been built within 15 years. The average attendance in each house is-Methodist, about 40- Baptist, 100-Congregational, 175-200.
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SALEM.
Rev. WILLIAM PAGE.
This town was incorporated in 1750. Population in 1775, 1084; in 1850, 1555.
The Congregational church was organized Jan. 16, 1740. Salem was then a part of Methuen ; or as it was sometimes termed in some of the old writings, " Methuen and Dracut district." It was then called the "North parish in Methu- en," and this was called the second church. In view of so important an event as the organization of a new church, a fast was held to seek divine guidance. At that fast, some five or six of the neighboring clergymen were present. That day seems to have been a day of deep interest to all lovers of Zion in this community. It was the birth day of a new church. A covenant was prepared, signed, and assented to, by thirteen individuals. On the same day the church made choice of Mr. Abner Bailey to be their pastor. The parish, as such, had "made choice of Mr. Bayley as their pastor Nov. 13, 1739," and had voted him a salary of £ 140 in bills of credit, and £ 150 in bills of credit as a free gift, in order for his settlement. The following is Mr. Bailey's answer to the call he had received to become the first pastor of the church :- " Gentlemen of the North or Second Parish in Methuen, Inasmuch as you have given me a call to settle with you in the ministry, I accept of your call, hoping that you will not neglect to minister to my necessities. Abner Bailey. Methuen, Dec. 24, 1739." To the above, the fol- lowing was appended: "Gentlemen, inasmuch as you have voted to make an addition to my salary, I relinquish ye vote trusting to your generosity in that case. Abner Bai- ley." Jan. 30, 1740 he was set apart to the pastoral office by laying on of the hands of the Presbytery. "Mr. Barnard, Mr. Parsons, Mr. Balch, Mr. Winget, and Mr. Sargent im- posed hands." After the subject of building a Meeting- house had been considerably discussed, at a parish meeting on the 27th of June, 1738, it was voted, " To build a Meet- ing-house forty feet long, thirty eight feet wide, and twenty two feet post." The house was erected in 1739. In May, 1750, Governor Benning Wentworth, then Commander-in- Chief of the Province of New Hampshire, under king George II., gave the North parish in Methuen a town charter, call- ing it Salem. The church is, therefore, ten or eleven years older than the town. Mr. Bailey continued the acting pas- tor until 1776, when an amicable and final settlement was
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SALEM.
made between him and the town. During the time of his pastorate, he is supposed to have baptized more than five hundred "covenanters." Mr. Bailey, on resigning his charge, expressed a strong desire for the spiritual prosperity of the , people who had been under his watch and guidance for so long a time. But he enjoyed the society of his able successor but for a short time; for on the 10th of March, 1798, he died, aged eighty two years.
At the call of the town and church, Rev. John Smith was ordained, Jan. 4th, 1797, and settled as their pastor. He received, from the town, $300 as a settlement ; $300 sub- scribed by private gentlemen, and a salary of $300 annually, and fifteen cords of wood, annually brought to his door. He was dismissed Nov. 21, 1816. He was esteemed even by opposers of the truth as an able preacher. He died at Ban- gor, Me., April 7, 1831.
After Mr. Smith left, the church were without a pastor for three years.
Rev. William Balch was installed, Dec. 1, 1819, and dis- missed, Aug. 6, 1835. His reputation as a writer is good.
For some cause, at the time and even before Mr. Balch was dismissed, the church and society had become very much enfeebled and discouraged. At this period the Methodist church, which had existed some ten or fifteen years, and had worshiped from one to two miles distant, in order to accom- modate the inhabitants of the whole town, organized them- selves into two churches and societies, one erecting a sub- stantial church edifice near the Congregational church. The other erected a similar place of worship in a little village in the north part of the town, four miles distant. These church- es have been in somewhat successful operation to the present time, and, as is hoped, are doing good.
But though the prospect of a speedy and final dissolution of this church to some seemed so fair, and almost certain, it did not die. Spectators looked on to see the end; but it continued to breathe, and with more and more freedom, until on the 9th of Sept., 1840, it arose and stood erect. On that day it received its fourth pastor, the Rev. Jonas Fisk. Thus, for five years, the church and society were without a pastor, and a portion of the time without any meeting; as was the case for a time previous to Mr. Balch's dismission. That a church should continue to exist even, under such circum- stances, is truly indicative of a particular and over-ruling Providence. Mr. Fisk was dismissed by a mutual council, March 8th, 1843. Rev. W. H. Hayward was employed next and continued his labors as stated supply, until June 6th,
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1847. Then followed the Rev. D. H. Babcock, who preached for two years and closed his labors, Sept. 15, 1849. Mr. Babcock's successor was the Rev. John Lawrence, who con- tinued his work until the summer or autumn of 1852. While here he received a call to be installed as the pastor of the church and society ; and for a time, both he and the people of his charge anticipated the consummation of that relation. But he ultimately declined the invitation.
For a few Sabbaths the pulpit was occupied by students, or resident licentiates from the Theological Seminary at An- dover, until the Rev. William Page commenced his ministe- rial labors here on the first Sabbath in December, 1852, and on Dec. 1st, 1853, was installed and continues pastor of the church and society.
The congregation at the present time on the Sabbath does not often number over 200 even in pleasant weather. A large proportion of them are young people. The present number in the church is fifty eight. Ten united during the last year, six by profession of their faith, and four by letter. About one hundred adults and children are connected with the Sabbath School, which continues during the year. Col- lections for the prominent objects of benevolence are now taken up once a year. The church edifice belonging to this society, though not large, is a very pretty structure ; of good proportions, well painted without, and beautifully grained within, with a neat spire, and a fine toned bell. A few rods from the church stands the parsonage. Beside this house and garden, which might be variously estimated as being worth from $ 500 to $1000, the society own some forty or fifty acres of land, a mile distant, partially covered with small wood and shrubbery ; and have a permanent fund of $ 1500, given some two or three years ago by Thomas D. Merrill, Esq., of Con- cord.
SANDOWN.
The settlement of the town began in 1736, by Moses Tucker and others. A Congregational church embracing 57 members was formed in 1759. Nov. 28, 1759, Rev. Josiah Cotton, a descendant of the renowned John Cotton of Boston, was settled in the gospel ministry, and continued his labors until his death May 27, 1780. Rev. Samuel Collins, born in Lebanon, Conn. followed him in the ministerial work-was settled Dec. 27, 1780, and dismissed April 30, 1788. Rev.
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SEABROOK.
John Webber was settled here March 24, 1795, and dismissed Sept. 15, 1800. At the beginning of the century Methodism made some progress in the town and Orthodoxy has had but slight hold upon the people for many years-with what effect upon their eternal interests time will evince. There isa fund in town for the support of the gospel, and a part of the income is applied in employing Congregational ministers a few Sab- baths each year. Although this church has ceased to live and work, its past labors call for gratitude that it will never cease to be among the things that were, and that were not in vain. Population in 1820, 527 ; in 1850, 566.
SEABROOK.
The grant of towns and their settlement were not always coeval. Seabrook was settled as early as 1638 by Christo- pher Hussey, Joseph Dow, and Thomas Philbrick. It was granted June 3, 1768. Its name was suggested by the fact that so many rivers and small streams run through it. It is a border town. It has Massachusetts on the south and the ocean on the east.
A Presbyterian church was formed here in Nov. 1764, and Jan. 31, following, Rev. Samuel Perley became their pastor. Mr. Perley was a Presbyterian, and probably through his influence that form of church organization was effected. It is reasonable to suppose he was instrumental in gathering the church, as he must have been among this people some time before his settlement, and that occurred only three months after the church was formed. He was a member of the "Boston Presbytery" in 1770, and was one of the men who attended the last meetings of "Salem Presbytery" in Massachusetts and in Maine. In 1775 the " Boston Presby- tery" met at Seabrook and was divided into three. Mr. Perley then became a member of the "Salem Presbytery." He remained in Seabrook until May 22, 1775, when he was dismissed. There were fourteen added to the church during his ministry. He became pastor in Moultonborough and also in Groton. In 1784 he was installed by the Presbytery, pastor of the church in Gray, Me., and held the office until 1791 when he ceased preaching there and was never re-set- tled. He was a member of the Convention that ratified the Federal Constitution of our Union. He remained in Gray until his death, Nov. 28, 1831, at the age of 89 years.
No settled minister followed Mr. Perley for nearly twenty
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ROCKINGHAM COUNTY.
five years. The legitimate result was seen, in the depressed state of morals and of piety in the place. Rev. Seth Noble preached about three years, and others were employed for shorter periods. Some members went to Hampton Falls church. About the year 1799 a new church was formed on Congregational principles, and Rev. Elias Hull was settled as its pastor. He was a native of Tolland, Conn., in 1778. He continued pastor until his death Feb. 28, 1822-a peri- od of twenty two years. He was unable to preach regularly for some time before his decease and but little preaching was enjoyed for years afterwards. The church became scattered. Some removed from the place, some died, some went to oth- er denominations, and two aged sisters went into the new church of which an account will be given in the article fol- lowing.
SEABROOK AND HAMPTON FALLS.
This is the name of a church composed of members from these two towns. An account of the old churches will be found under the names of the towns. In 1837 Mr. Sereno T. Abbott, a graduate of Amherst in 1833 and of Andover in 1836, came among these desolations and awakened a good degree of interest, and on the 12th of July a church was form- ed and he was ordained as its pastor. Twenty three united in covenant bonds. Rev. J. Ward and Rev. D. Sutherland preached here part of a year before the church was formed. In 1836 they dedicated a new house of worship and there had previously been a good degree of interest in religious things. The blessing of God was very manifest upon Mr. Abbott's labors at once. In 1838 there were added 18 by profession and 10 by letter to the church, and in 1839, 23 were added by profession and in 1843 another season of deep interest was enjoyed, and during that and the following year 15 were added to the church. There were occasional additions in the years intervening so that in 1845 the church consisted of 85 members-a very encouraging increase during the first eight
years. Mr Abbott continued his labors amidst many discour- agements. to the close of his life in 1855. By emigration and death the church became diminished, so that it now reports but 68 members. Mr. Abbott was a man of great worth and of true piety. His sketch of Hampton Falls, in this work, was one of the latest labors of his pen, and he entered into the enterprise generally, with a most cordial and earnest spirit.
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SOUTH HAMPTON.
There was formerly a society of Friends in Seabrook, one of the largest ever existing in the State. It has now nearly disappeared, but the state of mind engendered by its past influence is no small obstacle in the way of evangelical progress. But with a population of 1936 souls in these two towns and with the encouragement to be gained from past success, this field should be carefully cultivated-cultivated with an assured hope of a plentiful harvest.
SOUTH HAMPTON.
Incorporated May 25th, 1742. Population in 1820, 416 ; in 1850, 472. In 1743, Feb. 22d, a Congregational church was formed embracing fifteen members, and on the day fol- lowing the people were permitted to "see their teacher," the Rev. Wm. Parsons, who on that day took the oversight of the church. He was a native of Boston, Ms., a son of Har- vard, class of 1735. He was pastor for more than twenty years, until his dismission Oct. 6th, 1762. He died in Jan., 1797, aged eighty two years. There were added to the church during his labors 221 persons-a very fruitful ministry for those times. After being dismissed he removed to Gilman- ton and continued to preach, and also engaged in teaching.
Rev. Nathaniel Noyes, born in Newbury, Ms., Aug. 12th, 1735, a graduate of Yale in 1759, a student of theology with President Davies, was settled here in 1763, and was pastor until about 1801. Nearly thirty eight years were covered by his term of service. At the age of seventy five in the year 1810 he died at Newburyport. During his labors only sev- enty are known to have become members of the church. The town threw open the Meeting-house to other denomina- tions, according to the desire and in proportion to the amount of taxes paid by the friends of the several systems of doctrine. And as is usual in such cases those who had grown weary of the plain reproofs of orthodoxy joined with any thing new that would promise relief from unwelcome present restraints. There has been some good accomplished here by the labors of brethren of other denominations. Rev. Benjamin Sawyer of Amesbury and Salisbury for a series of years often divided to them the word of life ; but they continued to decline until March 20th, 1827, eighty four years from the rise of the church, when he was called to preach at the funeral of the last member, whose name was Ruth Palmer,-a name as worthily recorded here as would be the founder's name were
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it known. She stood firmly, although alone. The records of this church were in the hands of True Morrill, Esq., of Amesbury, Ms., in 1845. John Palmer, Esq., a few years ago, had in his keeping the plates and flagons used by the members of this church "while they were yet with us." What relics !
SOUTH NEW MARKET.
Rev. WINTHROP FIFIELD.
This is the old church of New Market. The early records of this church are lost ; it is not certain therefore when it was first organized. Rev. John Moody, the first minister, was ordained Nov. 25, 1730, and it is supposed that the church was gathered previously or soon after. Mr. Moody died Oct. 15, 1778, in the seventy third year of his age and forty eighth of his ministry. In 1773 Rev. Nathaniel Ewers was settled over what was then called the West society, there being at that time two societies in town. June 29, 1789, the town " voted to receive and accept Rev. Mr. Ewers for the whole town, provided the two societies in said town shall unite." March 31, 1794, it was voted by the town "to agree with Mr. Samuel Tomb to preach as an assistant to Mr. Ewers," and in July following a call was given to Mr. Tomb to settle as colleague. Mr. Ewers was dismissed in July 1797, and died 1806. Mr. Tomb was dismissed 1799. The same year in July Mr. James Thurston was invited to preach as a can- didate for settlement, and Oct. 15, 1800 he was ordained .- The 19th of June previous a church was formed; and this probably was the union of two churches, one of which at least had existed many years before. In 1801 some meas- ures were taken towards procuring a parsonage, and in 1803 those measures were carried into effect. Mr. Thurston was dismissed Jan. 6, 1808.
The length of the ministry of these successive pastors was as follows : Mr. Moody 48 years, Mr. Ewers 54, Mr. Tomb 5, and Mr. Thurston 8, making in all 85 years in which this church enjoyed the labors of a continuous pastorate. And it is greatly to be regretted that there are no records to be found, which afford any information as to the success of these early laborers in this vineyard of the Lord. Yet it is not strange that the records should have been lost ; but it is strange that the church itself, as such, should not have been lost also. For more than twenty years subsequent to the
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dismission of Mr. Thurston (1808) there was little if any preaching of the Congregational order in the parish. And for ten years more, there were only occasional supplies. Be- sides, during more than ten or fifteen years from 1808 the " tables were turned," and the Methodists became the " standing order." The town employed their preachers- voted them the use of their parsonage, the Meeting-house and more or less salary year by year. And they lived on the Congregational parsonage, occupied their Meeting-house and used their church service for some twenty years. It is a wonder that Congregationalism under such circumstances had not become entirely extinct. Nevertheless the old church lived, though under great discouragements and embarrass- ments, for fifteen or twenty years longer ; yea, it still lives. There were those who were true to their covenant engagements, and who chose to adhere to the doctrines of their fathers and to walk in the "old paths," until God should again visit them in mercy, and establish and enlarge their borders .- And a few of them were permitted to live to see that day.
May 27, 1828 a part of the members of this church were dismissed to form a new church at Lamprey River village .- And subsequently for 11 years the ministers of that parish frequently had a third service on the Sabbath or a lecture during the week here ; which labors of love are still remem- bered with grateful interest by this people. The following year (1829) a new society was formed, and different minis- ters were employed to preach to them a few Sabbaths at à time until 1839, when a new Meeting-house was built, and they were supplied with preaching for six months by the members of the Piscataqua Association. In Feb. 1840, the old church was re-organized, and six individuals were received by letter from the church at Lamprey River, making in all nine members. From May following Rev. John L. Ashby supplied the pulpit one year. The prospects of the church and society had now assumed a more hopeful aspect-seven new members were received to the church this year by pro- fession. Three of them were baptized. And on the 15th of Sept. 1841, after having been deprived of so great a favor for more than 33 years, the church was again blessed with the " ascension gift"-a pastor and a teacher. Rev. Elijah W. Tucker was then ordained to this office among them, whose ministry for about four years was owned of God to their edification and enlargement. During this time thirteen were added to the church by profession and three by letter. In 1843 there were nine adult baptisms ; in '44, one. Mr. Tucker was dismissed in Aug. 1845, and the Sept. following
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