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 17
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61
Oct. 12th, 1836, Rev. Nathaniel S. Folsom was installed pastor. He was dismissed at his own request, Aug. 21st, 1838. He was soon settled in Providence, R. I., where his stay was short. He afterwards became a Unitarian. Dur- ing his ministry twenty two persons united with the church, eighteen by profession. Thirty nine children received bap- tism.
Rev. James R. Davenport was installed pastor here May 15th, 1839. The sermon was preached by Rev. Silas Aikin, D.D., then of Boston. He was dismissed by his own request Aug. 18th, 1842, after a pastorate of about three years. Dur- ing this period fifty seven persons united with the church, thirty two by profession. He baptized forty children. Af- ter his dismission he became an Episcopal minister.
Aug. 16th, 1843, Rev. Jonathan McGee was installed here. The sermon on the occasion was preached by Rev. A. Blan-
!
169
FRANCESTOWN.
chard of Lowell. After a pastorate of about seven years, on account of some dissatisfaction, he was dismissed Nov. 5th, 1850, by his own request, and in accordance with a condition of settlement-six months notice by the party wishing the connection to be dissolved. During his ministry forty four persons were admitted to the church, twenty four by profes- sion, and sixty three children were baptized during this time and the year previous.
Nov. 19th, 1851, the present pastor, Rev. L. Taylor, just dismissed from the Congregational church in Springfield, Vt., was installed. Sermon by Rev. A. Richards of Nashua. He has been pastor four years. During this time forty eight persons have become connected with the church; thirty six children have received baptism. During these four years about $2,000 have been contributed to the various benevo- lent objects. There is but one religious denomination in the town, now numbering about eleven hundred inhabitants. There is and ever has been a good state of morals in the town and remarkable freedom from vice and crime.
An academy of high standing has been in operation for more than fifty years, and has aided in giving to the church and community generally an intelligent and refined charac- ter.
The church from the beginning has held fast the form of sound doctrine as contained in the "Assembly's Catechism," and never has been agitated by schismatic influences, nor vexed by new theories of religion. A thorough and reform- atory discipline has always been maintained. Vital godli- ness has at times been low, but there has been generally a good degree of the spirit and power of religion in the church. A prayer meeting has been sustained for a very long series of years, Wednesday afternoon, and has often been attended by hundreds at a time. The church enlisted in the Sabbath School enterprise in the earliest history of that institution.
The first Meeting-house that was built was torn down and another built in its place in the year 1801. In 1834 that house was turned around, enlarged and beautified at an ex- pense of $ 4,000. The house has ever been consecrated to an orthodox religion. The society purchased it of the town and for many years has had the entire control of it.
The whole number of persons admitted to the church is 926 during the eighty one years of its existence. About 755 of these have joined by profession ; 416 or more of these per- sons have died. Only two survive who were members of the church when Mr. Bradford, the first minister, was settled ; 188 have been dismissed and 12 have been excommunicated ;
12
-
170
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY.
1642 children have received baptism. Under the means of grace here enjoyed seven ministers have been raised up, and all but two were members of this church, viz .: Moses Wil- son, Ebenezer Everett, Samuel Bradford, Moses Bradford, Ebenezer Bradford, Benjamin Burge, Trask Woodbury. There have also been seven ministers' wives trained up here. At present there are 100 persons in town who do not attend public worship. The average attendance upon the Sabbath worship is about 500. About 300 persons are connected with the Sabbath School. The whole number of church members is 310.
GOFFSTOWN."
Rev. E. H. RICHARDSON.
A church was early planted here, and has partaken of the characteristics of the people. A large part of the town was originally covered with valuable timber. Here, in the Pis- cataqua and Merrimack rivers, were, anciently, some of the best fishing grounds in the State, and a favorite resort of a principal tribe of Indians in this region. Lumbering and fishing, therefore, were the main business of the early inhab- itants. The use of intoxicating drinks was common. Intel- ligence, industry and good order, were not prominent char- acteristics of the place. The first settlement of the town dates back as far as 1741 or '42. It was incorporated in 1761. The first tax was assessed upon fifty three persons. Small appropriations for preaching were usually made annu- ally.
But there were two religious interests among the people. A portion, mostly in the south part of the town were of the Londonderry stock, and favored Presbyterianism ; another larger portion were Congregationalists. A house of worship was erected in 1768, and from year to year something was done towards its completion. The year following, "the pew ground," as it was called, upon which each might construct his own pew, was sold at public auction. The avails were appropriated to finishing the body of the house. In 1769 the town extended a call to Rev. Joseph Currier to settle with them in the gospel ministry. This call he declined. It was renewed, however, and he was ordained Oct. 30, 1771. Emerson of Hollis, True of Hampstead, Merrill of Plaistow, were in the ordaining council. Hence we date the organiza-
* Sketch by Rev. J. Willey, former pastor.
171
GOFFSTOWN.
tion of the Congregational church. Against his settlement thirty seven men remonstrated, declaring themselves to be Presbyterians and determined not to pay towards his sup- port. Of his ministry we have no records. He was dismiss- ed August 29, 1774, by mutual consent, without a council. The cause assigned in the records of the town, was intem- perance. From this time the town was without a minister seven years. Money was frequently raised for preaching, and divided between the two societies. In 1781 the Con- gregational and Presbyterian societies were distinctly incor- porated-the latter consisting of fifty six members.
The Congregational society this year extended a call to Rev. Cornelius Waters and he became their pastor. They offered him a settlement of £100 and a salary of £70 per annum, for the first five years ; afterwards he was to receive £ 80 per year. With the ministry of Mr. Waters, were associated good men in maintaining the order of God's house. But difficulties increased until in the early part of 1795 the pastoral relation was dissolved. During his ministry fifty seven were received to the church, thirty three of whom had taken "the half way" covenant upon them.
The Presbyterian church, during this time, had more or less preaching each year in private houses and in barns, but never had a house of worship nor a settled minister. In the autumn of 1801 Rev. David L. Morrill was invited to settle in the ministry in the place. Both societies united in his sup- port, and the church assumed the name of the Congregation- al Presbyterian church. He was ordained March 3, 1802. He was to receive $300 settlement and $300 salary. In 1806 the Presbyterians withdrew, and the Congregationalists assumed the support of the ministry. Mr. Morrill's active services as pastor terminated by mutual consent in 1809 on account of ill health. He, however, continued his relation to the church and acted as their moderator until 1811, when he was formally dismissed and recommended to the fellow- ship of the churches. The number admitted to the church during Mr. Morrill's ministry was thirty two. The preach- ing of the gospel was enjoyed by this people more or less each year, while they were without a pastor, for more than ten years. Mr. Morrill often officiated in services of this kind and was an instrument of good to the church for many years. At different times he was employed in various civil affairs, as Representative of the town, Senator in Congress, and Governor of the State. In 1816 a society was organized for the support of the institutions of religion in the town, called the Religious Union Society. A new and spacious
172
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY.
house of worship was erected in the west village, and from this time the meetings were held two-thirds of the time in the new house, and one-third in the old house in the center of the town. In the winters of 1818-19 a religious interest was awakened in the minds of a large number of persons in connection with the preaching of Rev. Abel Manning, and in the course of the following year sixty five persons were added to this then feeble church. It was the first extensive revival ever enjoyed in the place. It is in the memories of those now living that there were a few women then living, whose persevering prayers, in the midst of great obstacles, were answered in this revival of religion. It is said that "they prayed it into existence."
Rev. Benjamin H. Pitman was settled as pastor of the church in 1820, for the term of five years. During this period there were received to the church by letter and other- wise, twenty three persons. In 1820 a Baptist church was formed in this town which has been sustained with a good degree of interest. There has been a succession of pastors who have labored with much success. In 1822 the Reli- gious Union Society in this place received, by the will of the late Thomas W. Thompson, about 170 acres of land, the avails of which were to be for the support of a Congregation- al minister.
Rev. Henry Wood was settled in the ministry in May 1826, and a religious interest was soon manifest among the people and continued many months. Large additions were made to the church. In 1831 a revival of religion was again experienced by this church. Near the close of this year, Mr. Wood, at his own request, was dismissed. During his min- istry of a little more than five years, there were added to the church one hundred fifty two members. Rev. Daniel Stow- ell immediately succeeded to the ministry of the place, receiving ordination by the same council which dismissed Mr. Wood. During his ministry of five years, sixty eight members were received to the church.
In the autumn of 1837, Rev. Isaac Willey was installed pastor of the church. In consequence of the increase of population in the west part of the town, and the inconven- ience of sustaining meetings in two places, the majority of the people decided on sustaining worship in one place-the west village. But a minority, to the number of sixty four members of the church, living in the center, and in the east part of the town, petitioned to be dismissed for the purpose of forming a new church and of sustaining worship in the center of the town. The church voted its readiness to grant the
!
:
-
--
173
GOFFSTOWN.
above petition. But after erecting a new house in the center of the town and making other efforts, it was judged advis- able, both by the petitioners and by the church, that they should continue united and worship as in former years in the two parts of the town.
In this church there was one of the first decisions in regard to the criminality of retailing intoxicating drinks, in the case of one of its deacons who, by the advice of a council, was excluded for this offence.
In the beginning of 1841 a woman, in the character of a preacher, came into the place and held meetings almost dai- ly. Her hearers increased until the large church, holding nearly 1000 persons, was filled. She professed no connec- tion with any existing church, and was sustained for a time by persons who had been excluded from the Congregational and Baptist churches. It is a fact worth recording, that in the following spring more than one half of the voters in town, and nearly all those who had never been willing to support any other preacher, came into her support. A num- ber of persons who had made a profession of piety hastily, were drawn off from each of the churches. The excitement occasioned by her preaching, after a few months declined, and no considerable good has been discovered as the result of her labors. After a time she encouraged the few followers who adhered to her to become organized into a Methodist church. This was the origin of the church of that order in town. In 1845 a new house of worship was erected, so located as best to accommodate the members of the Congre- gational society-an event most important for its interests. For about thirty years the members of this society had suf- fered the inconvenience and embarrassment of two places of worship, three miles apart.
In the following year the dwelling house of the pastor of this church, and all that was connected with it, was burned to the ground, and he and his family, ten in number, were, in a single hour in the dead of night, left without shelter, food, and almost without clothing. To the honor of the gospel which he was proclaiming in difficult circum- stances, he was able to record in the religious paper of the State, a few months after, that by the liberality of the min- isters of the State and other Christian friends, his loss was in value made up to him.
The pastorate of Mr. Willey was somewhat longer than that of any of his predecessors, and was attended with noth- ing less of trial and of difficulty. For ten years previous to his settlement the church had enjoyed an unusual degree of
174
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY.
prosperity-not less than 220 persons had within this time been received to its communion, and not always with the care and discrimination which age and experience would have dictated. The influence of the rapid growth of the neighboring cities of Nashua and Manchester was felt, in drawing away the population of the town and oftentimes the better portions of it. At the commencement of Mr. Willey's labors the church consisted of something more than 250 members. In the course of the fifteen years and a little more of his ministry, about 80 died, as many more were dis- missed, 20 left in an informal manner, and 15 were excluded. In this time 52 were added to the church,-leaving at the close of his ministry 107 members.
Rev. Elias H. Richardson was settled as pastor of this church and people in 1854 and with better prospects of use- fulness and of support than most of his predecessors. May the chapter next to be written in the history of this church, be a record of its prosperity and of the displays of the grace of God among this people.
It must be admitted that the institutions of religion have received but a feeble support in this town. This was not for want of ability. And while concentrated effort has been hindered by the fact that there have been three villages in town; yet, want of love for gospel truth has been the main reason for this feeble support. Habitual attendants on pub- lic worship in town have probably never equaled one half of the population, and usually, not one-third. In the frequent removals of ministers, which have occurred here, (none ever having died in the place,) the cause has usually been the want of an adequate support. In this place as in many oth- ers in our State, in times past, the people, after having been destitute of the ministry for a time, and having felt their wants in this respect, have roused themselves and raised a salary upon paper. Then they have held out great encour- agement of usefulness and support to a young minister. He has come among them with high hopes. But after a time one and another has become dissatisfied with his ministry, and before he is aware he finds himself, as to a support, resting upon a sandy foundation. This result must be regarded, sometimes, as incidental to the voluntary system of supporting the gospel practiced among us, (and we would have no other,) but the habits of the people differ widely in different places. A young man seeking permanency in the ministry, will do well to look to this point. And the people will do well to remember that in cherishing their pastors they benefit themselves.
--------
·
175
GREENFIELD.
Comparatively few have been ready to aid liberally in the support of religious institutions here, but they have been the means of good to the place, which cannot now be told, but for which, posterity will remember them with gratitude.
The history of this church and society from the beginning, shows that the main source of their difficulties has been the use of intoxicating drinks. Few places have suffered more in this respect. But for the past twenty five years the church has been a barrier to the progress of this evil. She has not been loved by those who have been engaged in the traffic of the article or in the habitual use of it. In one instance, there is reason to believe, her house of worship was set on fire by one who desired to fatten upon the spoils of the people and whose iniquitous work she exposed. In the midst of all these opposing influences this church, though generally feeble, has hitherto lived, and for many years past has been making advances. God has not forsaken her .- Many have here been trained for heaven. There their praises will be to Him who has "wrought all their works in them."
GREENFIELD.
The town of Greenfield was incorporated in 1791. The early inhabitants of the town were disposed in the outset to avail themselves of the privileges of the institutions of reli- gion, and those of them who were members of churches in the places whence they removed, in the same year the town was incorporated, entered into solemn covenant with each other for that object. In 1792, Sept. 7th, nineteen individuals, members of churches abroad, with eight others residents in the place, on profession of their faith, were by an ecclesiastical council called for the purpose, organized into a Congregational church. Thus early embodied in a church, their object was to secure to themselves and those connected with them the privileges of the gospel ministry, and for several years they had the services of one or more to labor with them in that capacity. May 6th, 1799, the church extended a call to Mr. Timothy Clark to settle with them in the gospel ministry, the society concurring with the action of the church. Mr. Clark having given an affirmative answer to the call, was, on Jan. 1, 1800, by an ecclesiastical council regularly constituted, by ordination, pastor of the church. Mr. Clark's ministry continued till May 1811, when he was regularly dismissed from his pastoral charge. On the
176
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY.
4th of Nov. 1811, the church invited Mr. John Walker to become their pastor, and requested the town to concur in their doings. He was ordained Feb. 5, 1812, and was regu- larly dismissed in July 1822. During the first year of his ministry there was an interesting work of grace. An oppo- sition at length arose against him, with which a large minor- ity were so much grieved that they went to the Presbyterian church in Peterborough, and were constituted a branch of that church. Mr. Walker now preaches in Vermont. He is still vigorous and active, although past 71 years of age.
Rev. Francis Danforth was ordained here June 11, 1823, and remained nearly eight years,-was dismissed in April 1831.
EVANGELICAL CHURCH.
Rev. JONATHAN MCGEE.
Jan, 8, 1834, the Greenfield branch of the Peterborough church, which had only enjoyed occasional preaching, and the Congregational church, united in a mixed form of govern- ment under the title Evangelical Church. Into this church entered the whole of the Presbyterians and nearly all the Congregationalists. In July 1834, this church extended a call to Mr. Ezra Jones, then a member of Andover theo- logical seminary, and a graduate of Middlebury college, and by an ecclesiastical council he was set apart to the work of the Christian ministry with this people, on the 18th of Sep- tember. May 22, 1838, he was regularly dismissed. Rev. David Page Smith commenced his labors as stated supply with this church Oct. 1, 1839, and served them in that ca- pacity until April 1845, when the church invited him to become their pastor. He was installed May 8, 1845. He continued his labors with the church until his Master called him away by death, Oct. 1, 1850,-having served the church as a minister of the gospel just eleven years. For three months succeeding the decease of Mr. Smith, his vacant pulpit was supplied by the ministers of the Association to which he belonged.
Rev. Jonathan McGee commenced labor with this church as stated supply Jan. 1, 1851, and has served the church in that capacity to the present time.
At different times during the preceding ministries, there have been seasons of great religious interest, when, through the riches of divine grace, souls have been brought into the kingdom of the Redeemer, by which the church has been refreshed and invigorated. Their results and extent cannot
3 .- 7 .. .
-
177
GREENFIELD.
be fully known. This church has no parsonage and no funds for the support of the gospel. About a hundred dollars is the amount given annually for benevolent purposes. A large proportion of the population connected with the Evangelical Society attend public worship on the Sabbath. The society embraces less than half of the population of the town .- Present number of members of the church 134. The ordi- nance of infant baptism is observed and appreciated as a divine ordinance. For many years past, great harmony has existed between the members of the church and in the soci- ety connected with them. The monthly and Sabbath School concerts have been regularly observed.
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
Rev. J. LEBOSQUET.
The movement, which is detailed in the preceding article, left but a small remnant of the old church. This remnant was re-organized, Nov. 19th, 1839, having the same creed and covenant which had been adopted by the church in the days of the fathers, with the addition of the temperance pledge. In the re-organization, the late Rev. Isaac Robinson, D.D., of Stoddard, and Rev. Humphrey Moore, D.D., were prominent actors. The day following the re-organization of the church, Nov. 20th, 1839, Rev. Bancroft Fowler was in- stalled as its pastor. Subsequently, John Savage (now de- ceased) and Oliver Holt were chosen deacons. Oliver Holt, Abraham Whittemore and William Savage 2d, hold the same office at the present time.
It is but just to put upon record the fact that, soon after the settlement of Rev. Mr. Fowler, a long series of dissen- sions, which had produced a most unhappy influence in the place, came to an end. A minute account of these dissen- sions would make a volume ; and it would be as uninterest- ing as unprofitable, while it is a matter of thankfulness that a good degree of peace and harmony now exists in the town. Rev. Mr. Fowler was dismissed April 22d, 1845. After his dismission, the pulpit was supplied for a year by Rev. Amzi Jones. Subsequently, Rev. Noah Emerson was employed as stated supply, whose labors with this church commenced in the autumn of 1846, and closed in April, 1849. From this last date till the present time, Rev. John LeBosquet has been the acting pastor of this church.
The Congregational church has for its place of worship, " the Old Meeting-house." This edifice (the one which had previously been occupied having been found inconveniently
178
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY.
small) was erected in 1795. It is of ample dimensions. In July, 1852, after having been fitted up in a style both ele- gant and commodious, the upper part was re-dedicated to the worship of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. In the autumn of 1849 a revival of religion was enjoyed in this place, during which about fifty souls were hopefully con- verted ; twenty eight of whom became connected with this church. The present number of members is 103. Whole number from re-organization, 135. Infant baptisms since the same period, 36.
The congregation averages about 150; and there are 300 who may be considered as belonging to this parish, and who attend public worship when it is practicable. The popula- tion of the town is 716, and it has not increased for many years ; and the number who attend public worship is about the same as it was forty years ago; and it is believed that the moral condition of the place is as good as at any former period. Connected with this church, is a Sabbath school averaging one hundred members. A weekly prayer meeting and the monthly concert of prayer are sustained with some interest. The contributions to benevolent objects amount to about one hundred dollars annually. Three men from this place have been furnished to the gospel ministry-two of them being from this church ; one member of this church is now preparing for the sacred office. One lady from this place has been for several years a useful member of the Sand- wich Islands mission. This society has a convenient parson- age. The salary of the present minister is four hundred dol- lars. The Evangelical and Congregational are the only re- ligious societies in town.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.