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 21
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Oct. 20, 1841, Rev. Joseph Bancroft Hill was installed colleague pastor with his father, and in this year 91 were admitted to the church-58 in one day. He was dismissed April 22, 1847. Thus we are permitted to record the rich grace of a sovereign God to this church. And the means God has blest have been, principally, preaching the plain doctrine of the Bible on the Sabbath ; preaching frequently
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MASON VILLAGE.
lectures in different sections of the town ; visiting the mem- bers of the church ; conference meetings ; prayer meetings, and personal conversation. And in a special manner God has blest the Sabbath School. Most of the youth who attend the school are hopefully pious. To His rich grace be all the glory. [The history thus far was prepared by Rev. E. Hill ten years ago.]
In 1847 a second church was formed, in Mason Village, to which many members took letters of dismission and rec- ommendation. This left the first church weak, involved in perplexity, doubt and fears ; but the praying ones laid hold on the promises, hoped in God and went forward. For two years they were regularly supplied by Rev. Mr. Harrington late of Lunenburg, Ms.
The present pastor, Rev. J. L. Armes, was installed over this church Oct. 30, 1850. There have been in all about 500 added to the church since its formation. The present number is 106. There is connected with the house of wor- ship a good and substantial parsonage, recently built, and owned by the pastor and a few other individuals. The house which is now used as a house of worship has been built eighteen or twenty years, and is the third erected since the settlement of the town 106 years ago.
Father Hill, as he was familiarly called, remained pastor and associate pastor to the time of his decease, being 64 years, 7 months and 17 days ; for 46 years he was sole pas- tor, and the church prospered under his care. The simple narrative he has given is his own best eulogium.
MASON VILLAGE.
Rev. E. M. KELLOGG.
Pursuant to letters missive from a committee appointed for the purpose, an ecclesiastical council convened in Mason Village June 3, 1847, to consider the propriety of organiz- ing a Congregational church in that place. The council was organized by choosing Rev. E. W. Bullard moderator, and Rev. C. Whiting scribe. Eight persons-four male and four female-presented letters from the churches to which they respectively belonged, and were organized into a church called the "Second Congregational Church of Mason." The church adopted the Articles of Faith and Covenant of the First Church. On the 20th of June 1847, 58 persons were received into the church by letter, from the first Congrega- tional church in Mason.
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HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY.
March 20th, 1849, the church gave a unanimous call to Mr. William Olmsted to become their pastor ; who, on the 11th of April following, was ordained to the work of the gospel ministry and installed pastor of the church by an ecclesiasti- cal council, of which Rev. W. Follet was moderator, and Rev. C. Whiting scribe. During the winter previous to the ordination there was a season of religious interest, which continued somewhat into the following summer, and num- bers were hopefully converted to Christ. At each of the four communion seasons during that year subsequent to the settlement of the pastor, there were some additions to the church,-in all, by profession 33 ; by letter 13 ; total 46. The first church edifice built for the Congregational church in Mason Village was of wood above the basement, 70 feet by 43 on the ground, containing 64 slips-about 400 sittings -- and was erected by individuals. It was dedicated to the triune God on Sabbath the 16th of Dec. 1849; sermon by the pastor from Acts 28 : 15. The pastor of the church, Rev. William Olmsted, died in Colchester, Conn., the place of his birth, on the 6th of June 1851, aged 30 years. His labors were owned and blessed of the Great Head of the church-37 persons having united with the church by profession during his brief ministry.
On the 20th of May 1852, Rev. E. M. Kellogg, having received a unanimous call, was installed pastor of the church by an ecclesiastical council, called for the purpose, of which Rev. Samuel Lee was moderator. Under the present ministry, there have been 17 additions to the church. There have been 162 members from the beginning-the present number is 114. Ministerial support, $ 600.
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MERRIMACK.
The first house built in this town was occupied by John Cromwell from England. He traded extensively with the Indians, using his foot as a weight in the scale in purchasing their furs. They discovered his deception and formed a de- sign to destroy him. This was known by him in time to bury his dishonest gains and escape. The Indians came ; their victim was beyond their reach, but they enjoyed the lesser gratification of their revenge in burning his dwelling. These events were long previous to the settlement of the place in 1733,-Cromwell's house was standing in 1679. It was incorporated April 2d, 1746. Population in 1775, 606;
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MERRIMACK SOUTH.
in 1850, 1250. The Congregational church was formed Sep- tember 5, 1771.
Rev. Jacob Burnap, D.D., was ordained pastor of this church Oct. 14, 1772. Born in Reading, Ms., he was a grad- uate of Harvard in 1770. He continued in the ministry here until his death, Dec. 26, 1821, at the age of seventy three- a pastorate of forty nine years and two months. Dr. Burnap was a scholar. He was a man of quiet, honest life, and of serious manners. He could happily adapt his public exer- cises to emergent occasions. He admitted to the church 194 members.
Rev. Stephen Morse, a graduate of Dartmouth in 1821, was settled here July 6, 1825, and closed his work in just three years. He studied theology with Rev. Mr. Perry of Bradford, Ms. He was re-settled in Troy, went thence to New York and subsequently to Vermont.
Rev. Stephen T. Allen, a son of Amherst college in 1833, was settled here May 3, 1839. Under his ministry the church and congregation were strengthened. He reported 72 members to the General Association this year, and this is the first time the church is found in the minutes of that body. He remained about ten years, during which time 75 persons were added to the church, which, after allowing for removals, left 106 members when he was dismissed.
Rev. E. G. Little was settled here Sept. 5, 1850. His ministry was a fruitful one. Ninety seven additions were made to the church, which would have carried it up to al- most double the number that came under his charge at his settlement, but death and removals had carried away forty three, so that, at the close of his work during the past year, there were 160 members.
The church is now without a pastor, although able to give a salary of $ 500. When such churches remain long unsup- plied we must conclude that the people are not prepared to welcome and prize our Lord's gift of a pastor, or that minis- ters are not easily to be obtained. May one, whose coming shall be as of "a cloud full of rain" over the earth, soon stand among them,
MERRIMACK SOUTH.
Rev. D. SAWYER.
This church is located in the south west corner of Merri- mack ; was formed of persons living in the south part of the
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HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY.
town, in Hollis, Amherst, Milford and Nashua, and is known by the name of Union Evangelical Church of Merri- mack. This church was organized Oct. 21st, 1829. It originated from the establishment of a prayer meeting at a school house within the limits of this parish, which was for some time under the direction of only two pious men. The first meeting of this kind that had ever been held there, was in the evening of the first Sabbath in Jan. 1828. During that year, two persons were hopefully converted.
In the autumn of the same year, Rev. Samuel H. Tolman labored among the people, under the appointment of the N. H. Missionary Society. Efforts were immediately made to build a house of worship. The frame was raised on the 16th of May 1829, and on the 7th of Oct. the same year, the house was dedicated. The church, at its organization, embraced eighteen members, six of whom were men. Rev. Samuel H. Tolman was the first pastor, installed Jan. 5th, 1831. Dismissed in 1836. During Rev. Mr. Tolman's labors there were two interesting seasons of refreshing from the presence of the Lord, which resulted in a precious ingathering of souls. At the dismission of their pastor the church numbered over 80 membrrs. After this, for seven years and a half, they were destitute of a settled pastor. During this period eight ministers were employed for a longer or shorter period,-Rev. L. Colburn three months ; Rev. Eli Smith, nine months ; Rev .H. Moore, three years ; Rev. Mr. Lock, a Methodist clergyman residing in the place, nine months ; Theodore Wells a licentiate, Rev. Mr. Holt, Rev. James Miltimore and Rev. B. Ela, each a short time. During this period the church diminished nearly one half.
On the 6th of March 1844, Rev. John Shepard was installed pastor of the church. After three years of painful anxieties, the pastoral relation was dissolved. At the time of Rev. Mr. Shepard's instalment, there were only 46 mem- bers, resident and such absent members as were expecting to return. During Mr. Shepard's ministry, the work of disci- pline was carried on and several members were excommuni- cated. At the close of his labors, which took place in Jan. 1847, there had been no increase of members above the ·excommunications.
On the first Sabbath in April 1848, Rev. Samuel H. Tolman was again employed as stated supply. From this time, the church began to recover from the unhappy condition into which it had fallen. Mr. Tolman labored five years, closing his labors April 1st, 1853. During this period, eleven
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MILFORD.
were added to the church,-seven by letter, and four by profession. In this were included the acting pastor, and three members of his family.
Rev. Daniel Sawyer commenced his labors here on the last Sabbath in May, 1853, and is the acting pastor. The church is now in a more harmonious state. During the autumn of 1853, and the winter of 1854, considerable interest was manifested in a remote neighborhood, bordering upon Nashua. During the year 1854, eleven members were added to the church. Present number of communicants 44. This church has no parsonage; no funds. Amount of annual contributions not known previous to 1853,-since that time, a year and a half, $40,94. Average attendance on public worship, for the year and a half past, has been about 80. The whole number of members from the formation of the church, 121- number of infant baptisms 42. One member of this church has entered the ministry. There have been three revivals, two considerably extensive. The present activity of the church is commendable. This is an important field of labor, being located in a central point between Nashua, Hollis, Milford, Amherst and the north church in Merrimack, between five and six miles from each There is no other society within the limits of this parish. Much labor is required here for the suppression of intemperance, Sabbath breaking, and their attendant vices. The church has been in existence twenty five years. It has received missionary aid, varying from $50 to $100 annually.
MILFORD .*
"Rev. E. N. HIDDEN.
The Congregational church in Milford was organized Nov. 19, 1788. It consisted of nineteen members. It was usual at that time to admit persons into the church by half way covenant, so called, only for the purpose of consecrating their children by baptism. From 1788 to 1802, a period of about fourteen years, there were none admitted into the church except a few by letters from other churches. During this period the church employed between sixty and seventy candidates to preach to them. Several of them they invited to the pastoral office.
In March, 1802, they gave a call to Humphrey Moore to become their pastor. In August following he gave his
* Sketch by Rev. Dr. Moore and the pastor.
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HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY.
answer in the affirmative. On the 13th of the next October he was ordained. He continued to be their pastor till the beginning of the year 1836, a period of one third of a century. At the close of his pastorate the church consisted of two hundred and twenty five members. During his ministry, three hundred and thirty five were admitted into the church. Cause of dismission : the church and the society wanted a better minister. One consequence : they have ordained four good ministers within nineteen years.
In 1803, the year after Mr. Moore's ordination, 39 persons were added to the church; in 1828, 63; in 1831, 37; in 1835, 39 were admitted to the church. Only six young men belonging to the town are known to have become ministers of the gospel.
Rev. J. W. Salter was installed pastor April 27, 1836. He was dismissed Oct. 24, 1838. The chief cause of his be- ing dismissed so soon was the want of union of feeling and effort among the people for his support. He removed to Connecticut, where he still resides, preaching occasionally, but not a settled pastor.
Abner B. Warner was ordained pastor Feb. 6, 1839, and dismissed on account of ill health Oct. 27, 1846. He was afterwards settled in Medford, Ms., where he died, May 1852.
Rev. Lycurgus P. Kimball was installed pastor May 19, 1847, and was dismissed on account of ill health Aug. 7, . 1849. He afterwards removed to the west, and died in Bushville, Ill., Jan. 29, 1851.
Rev. E. N. Hidden was installed Nov. 21, 1849, and is the present pastor. The number of members is now 304. There has been no general revival for many years, but a goodly number have been added to the church within a few years- some by profession-but mostly by letter. It is worthy of note that the first pastor, Rev. H. Moore, D.D. is still living, vigorous and active in body and mind, though in the 78th year of his age. Possessed of an ample fortune, the fruit of his own industry -- he is a great help both to his pastor and the parish.
In the early settlements in the State, it was common, in laying out of towns, or after they were laid out, to appropri- ate a tract of land for encouraging the settlement of a min- ister, and for his support afterwards. Many years ago, par- sonages were in common use for the support and comfort of ministers. But these present facilities had no tendency to produce industry and economy. But the natural conse- quence was, many ministers' widows were truly objects of charity, having no home or provision for their support.
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MONT VERNON.
Many years ago ministers were settled for life; and they generally held their office for that period. If they were dis- abled by age, or any other cause, it was common to settle a pension on them. But in our revolutionary war, a suspicion of toryism in a minister was a sufficient cause for his remov- al from office. If, in those days, it was heard that a minis- ter was dismissed, it was a matter of course that he had been guilty of some gross misdemeanor. Seventy years ago, a minister's salary in a common country town was £ 100 annu- ally. Fifty years ago, it was $400 and a settlement of $600. In those times towns were required by law to sup- port the ministry by general taxation. But no one was required to pay taxes for the support of a minister, whose denomination was different from his own. Only six young men, belonging to Milford, are remembered, who have become ministers of the gospel. Three-fourths of a century ago, when ministers were the only publicly educated men in their towns, and their heads were crowned with magnificent wigs, they were venerated as a superior order of beings. Within half a century a candidate, going to the place of his ordina- tion, was preceded by a large procession, led by a band of martial music, in military style, till he and they arrived at the Meeting-house.
MONT VERNON.
Rev. CHARLES D. HERBERT.
This place is delightfully situated upon an eminence, which commands a view of towns and villages in the Merri- mack and Souhegan vallies. When the setting sun bursts from the clouds in summer upon the vast expanse south and east, villages in Massachusetts appear ; and from the spire of the church or the cupola of Appleton academy, you may perceive with the aid of a glass the snow-white sail upon the distant ocean. The verdure of the farms which cluster around this eminence naturally suggested its name.
The pioneers, worthy, hardy, and many of them religious men, began the settlement of the place about the year 1765. The majority of them were from Beverly and Tewksbury, Ms. Mr. James Woodbury was the first settler upon the hill, who put up his log cabin a little south of the place where the church now stands ; and soon after erected the first framed house. Being embraced within the limits of Amherst, the people went there for public worship. It was
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HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY.
then a long and circuitous road ; but the fathers and moth- ers were of puritan stock, and cheerfully walked from the extremes six or seven miles to the village below. In the winter it was common for whole families to ride down to church upon their ox sleds ; and it is remarkable with what regularity they contrived to be present in the rude, cold sanctuary. In the summer, they would occasionally have preaching during the week in the barns of these remote dis- tricts. The pioneers early looked forward to the time when this section should become a separate parish. Active meas- ures to effect this were taken upon the settlement of Rev. J. Barnard over the church in Amherst, which occurred March 3, 1780. The people of this part of the town insisted upon having a more decidedly pious and orthodox ministry, and proceeded to supply themselves. In September following, a council was called which organized here what was called the second church in Amherst. No records of these trans- actions are to be found, or of the church for the first thirteen years. We are told by the most aged men, that the first deacons were Messrs. Howard, Ward, and Oliver Carlton .- It is evident that the original members were remarkable for their sound orthodoxy and the quiet fervor of their piety.
During the autumn after the organization of the church, Rev. Mr. Coggin from Chelmsford, Ms., preached to a large congregation in Major Cole's barn, upon the importance of immediately erecting a house of worship. This, in the pov- erty of those revolutionary times, was no small undertak- ing ; but the result was, that, on the following April, each farm in the community sent in its free will offering of tim- ber for the frame and covering of the present house of God. It is related that the heaviest timbers were drawn upon the snow-crust, without obstruction from walls and fences even at the last of the month.
In June 1781, fifty four individuals were constituted by the General Court the second parish of Amherst. The names found in the act of incorporation, are interesting as being the progenitors of the present active residents of at least the third generation. They were not the rude out- laws that often congregate upon the frontier ; but the hardy, noble, pious men who felt that they were laying the founda- tions of future society. About this time, Lieut. James Woodbury presented the society the lot of land where the Meeting-house stands, and also another for the burying ground. So urgent was the demand for the house that as soon as the frame was covered, and before the floor timbers were laid, it was occupied for worship without any formal
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MONT VERNON.
dedication. They finished the house gradually, as they were able. During the first winter they worshiped there, sitting upon rough benches, with an open, single floor, and most of the windows loosely boarded up. To this place they came, women walking even from the Chestnut hills, five miles distant, with nothing to warm them but the glad tidings of salvation, which they could scarcely hear for the raging of the winds without. The old fashioned square pews were constructed as families felt able, the " pew ground," merely, being deeded by the parish. While there was for a time much space thus left for benches, both below and in the gal- lery, they had the ground of four or six of the best pews, in front of the pulpit, elevated and permanently reserved for free seats. The new church and parish had several candi- dates, to more than one of whom they gave a call ; but we cannot speak definitely, for want of records.
Rev. John Bruce, the first pastor-whose name is cher- ished with so much affection by the aged of the place-com- menced his labors in the summer or fall of 1784, and near the close of that year received a call to settle. His having scarcely completed his theological studies, and having had an invitation to be the pastor at Mason, will doubtless account for the fact that he was not ordained here until Nov. 3, of the following year. He was born at Marlborough, Ms., in 1757, and entered Dartmouth college at the age of twenty, where, by his studious habits, his mild, serious and duti- ful behavior, he obtained from his instructors the title of " the good Mr. Bruce." This lovely character he sus- tained during the twenty five years that he resided in this place. He died suddenly, of apoplexy, March 12, 1809, on the morning of the Sabbath ; and, when his flock assembled to hear him speak of heaven, they were told that his spirit had gone to that home to receive, at the hand of his Redeem- er, the crown of his rejoicing.
Mr. Bruce was eminently a successful minister. The exact number added to the church during his pastorate cannot be ascertained ; for, of the first ten years and the last eight, there are no church records. During the seven years from 1794 to 1801, it appears that eighty three members were added by letter and by profession. The year 1799 was ren- dered memorable by rich displays of grace, and, within about a year, fifty were added by profession. Recent investiga- tions have brought to light, in the hand writing of Mr. Bruce, what is undoubtedly a list of the members of the church living immediately prior to this accession, when it seems that there were 110 connected with it. This revival was the first
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HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY.
known in this section, and it awakened much interest far and wide. Many years afterwards, Rev. Mr. Bradford of Francestown remarked, that, when he was informed that numbers in Mont Vernon were converted unto Christ, he was so much affected that he shut himself up for the day and wept and prayed. The showers of grace which watered this church under the faithful and unostentatious ministra- tions of its first pastor, prepared the way for many succeed- ing triumphs of mercy.
Rev. Stephen Chapin, having been dismissed from the pas- torship of a neighboring town, on account of his deep and discriminating orthodoxy and his bold, unadorned, uncom- promising style of preaching, immediately received a call from this church. This was done after observing a day of fasting and prayer for the guidance and the blessing of the Great Head of the church, Rev. Messrs. Moses Bradford and Eli Smith being present by invitation. As might have been expected from a ministry thus introduced, great good result- ed. A new impulse was given to discipline, wanderers were reclaimed, and those residing in town who ordinarily com- muned with the church were required to unite or give their reasons annually. During a pastorate of nine years, 115 were added to the church. Rev. Dr. Harris of Dunbarton, in the installation sermon, (which was published,) proclaim- ed that God had "much people in this city ;" and it was even so. In 1817, God honored his truth in the conversion of large numbers ; 51 on one occasion taking the vows of God upon them.
But the day of separation hastened on and from a quarter least suspected. A child being presented for baptism, Mr. Chapin refused to administer the rite, announcing a change in his views respecting the mode and subjects of baptism. So completely were the hearts of all united in him that it was supposed that the flock would follow the shepherd. He had an opportunity of presenting his views publicly at a meeting appointed for the purpose, when it was expected that the subject should be freely discussed by the brethren. They took the precaution to invite Rev. Mr. Moore of Mil- ford to aid in the discussion, who managed affairs with his accustomed skill. Members of the church stood their ground in argument and proved themselves too well indoctrinated to be swerved from the faith of the saints. Great as was their love to their pastor, their affection to the covenant with Abraham and to their children was greater; and it is remarkable that not a single individual of the church renounced infant baptism. This incident doubtless led Mr.
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MONT VERNON.
Moore to write and publish a work on this subject. A coun- cil being called, Nov. 18, 1818, the pastoral relation was dissolved. Mr. Chapin was treated with great tenderness and affection by his ministerial brethren. Though he might refuse to hold fellowship with them on earth they anticipat- ed an unrestricted communion in Heaven. Mr. Chapin was a graduate of Harvard, a pupil of Dr. Emmons ; he received the degree of D.D. and died while president of Columbia college, Washington, D. C.
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