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 22
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
After an interval of a little more than a year, a call was given to Rev. E. Cheever, a native of Reading, Vt.,-a graduate of Bowdoin college-and he was ordained Dec. 8, 1819. He continued pastor until April 8, 1823, there being added to the church in the mean time 22 members. It is evident that the course of his predecessor in reference to infant baptism had not impaired the confidence of the church in the validity of the ordinance, as we find that 39 children were baptized in less than three years. In the spring of 1820 the first Sabbath School was organized here. It was held in the school house, and composed only of chil- dren, a majority of whom in their riper years still love to meet for the study of the sacred oracles.
Rev. Nathaniel Kingsbury commenced his public labors here two weeks after the dismission of his predecessor. He was ordained Nov. 8, 1823, and, after a prosperous ministry, was dismissed April 6, 1836. Those were revival days ; and during this pastorate 154 were received to the church. Two periods of peculiar interest occurred ; the former in 1828, when 34 were added ; the latter in 1831, when nearly 60 united by profession. The ministers were accustomed at that time to aid each other in protracted meetings. They were evidently seasons of thrilling interest and great power ; and those who were converted at these times evince more than ordinary activity at the present day. Never, before or since, has the church been so active in promoting the salva- tion of souls and growth in grace. Prayer meetings held at sunrise were sustained for months, and the converts, young and old, were accustomed to go into the remote districts to aid in social meetings, even during the most busy season of the year. It is often remarked that the Lord of the spirit- ual harvests ordered the showers and the sunshine of the year 1831 so as, in the highest degree, to favor the temporal harvests of those who labored hard in his vineyard. These scenes still live in the vivid recollections of many, who long for their recurrence, and still believe that churches are reviv- ed and blessed according to the efforts used to promote the salvation of souls.
220
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY.
The temperance movement began early during Mr. Kings- bury's ministry. The youth of the present day, where for years no liquors have been publicly sold, cannot even imag- ine the condition of this small community with eight tavern licences given during one year. In some of these places they sold a hogshead per week. It was no easy matter to control public opinion. The church seemed on the point of being rent asunder, and the minister of being driven from his post. Professors would angrily leave the sanctuary, if the subject was alluded to ; but the truth finally triumphed, and intemperance was excommunicated from the community as well as the church. The following anecdote may illus- trate the times : When the new road was building south of the church, Mr. Kingsbury, passing that way, overtook one of his deacons with two pails full of mixed liquor, (grog) who advised his pastor to go on the old road, for the work- men were all so drunk that he would be insulted.
During this period a stove was procured for the church. The fathers and mothers had, until now, sat patiently through the Sabbath services, in the most inclement weath- er; but, though there were ample provisions for ventilation through the rattling windows, and the winds seemed never to forget their right to visit the sanctuary of the mountain top, some few regarded it too oppressive an innovation to be borne ; and reflected severely upon those who could once worship all day sheltered merely by the rough, open boards. It may be recorded here that in 1837 the church was remov- ed to the more sheltered side of the street, remodeled, and furnished with a bell and organ; and that in 1855, with all needed repairs, it was supplied with furnaces.
Rev. Edwin Jennison, introduced by his predecessor, was installed on the day the former was dismissed, and remained until Aug. 19, 1841, during which time 23 were added to the church. The people regarded their pastor as unsurpass- ed by any minister in the county as a sermonizer ; but he visited little. During this period the discussion of slavery began to agitate the church. His health failing, he asked a dismission and took a voyage to Europe, and on his return settled in Ashburnham, Ms.
Rev. B. Smith was installed here Aug. 19, 1841, and con- tinued about nine years ; during which time 32 were added to the church. Some important cases of discipline were finally settled during this pastorate ; and the church, taking decidedly anti-slavery ground, voted to exclude slaveholders from the pulpit and the Lord's table.
Rev. Charles D. Herbert, the present pastor, commenced
----
- -
-----
.... ......
. - *
--
221
MONT VERNON.
his labors July 5, 1850, and was installed Nov. 6. The minds of Christians having been much diverted, the men of the world began to claim more control over the church than its enlightened conscience could concede. Those who loved the truth and opposed folly and dissipation, rallied to their post ; and for this the pastor and Christians were treated with contumely and reproach, especially by transient resi- dents. The watchword of opposers was "Down with the church," and though they loudly boasted that they could destroy it in three months, and for a time exerted all their powers in confident expectation of success, an appeal to the all-conquering sword of the Spirit and to the Captain of the Christian's salvation prevailed. The inexperienced, who had been led by strangers in the way of infidelity, irreligion, folly and hostility, began to behold their conduct in the light of eternity ; they trembled and fled to Christ for refuge, and soon were found building up what they had proposed to overthrow. Christians thus being driven together by a pres- sure from without, their hearts were all melted into one by the Spirit of the living God. Since 1851 there have been occasional conversions and additions. In 1852 quite a num- ber in the academy attained the Christian's hope. There have been 55 added to the church thus far during this pas- torate, and yet, such are the constant emigrations to the manufacturing towns that, the church numbers but 163, the average age of whom is about 56.
By the records of the church, which are deficient, in all, nineteen years, we find the names of 484 members recorded ; add to these, those of 99 who are known to have belonged to this church and we have 583. Doubtless not less than 650 have been connected with it. The records show, that this church has ever loved the ordinance of infant baptism and availed itself of it in proportion to its spiritual prosperi- ty. The number, exclusive of those baptized during the nineteen years not reported, is 454. This church has sent out eight ministers of the gospel-two of them, Joshua Howard and Daniel Weston must have gone forth at a very early day. The names of the others are Solomon Kittredge, Charles B. Kittredge, I. W. Perkins, Darwin Adams, H. A. Kendall, and J. C. Bryant. There has been but one society in this town. In early days we believe that the attendance was general; a few on the south and east have worshiped at Milford and Amherst. Now, of 800 inhabitants, it is believed that about 300 utterly neglect public worship.
Benevolence. Though there are no wealthy men in the community, donations have been liberal for the various
222
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY.
societies, as follows : 1851, $292,46 ; 1852, $268,54; 1853, $265,69 ; 1854, $340,66; 1855, $392,52. In these years collections have been made without the intervention of agents.
The history of this church shows the advantage of a sound ministry in laying the foundations of society ; the value of revivals of religion ; the power of religion to elevate the masses ; and the necessity of a church organization in saving souls.
NASHUA.
FIRST CONG. CHURCH .- Rev. G. B. JEWETT.
The first Congregational church in Dunstable was organ- ized in 1685-the fifth in the order of time in this State- and consisted of seven men. The first pastor, Rev. Thomas Weld, is supposed to have been ordained the same year .- His ministry with them continued until 1702, in which year it is thought that he fell a victim to Indian barbarity. The Rev. Nathaniel Prentice was the second pastor, who, as nearly as can be ascertained, took charge of the church in. 1718, and retained the charge until his decease in 1737. His suc- cessor was Rev. Josiah Swan, whose ministry began Dec. 27, 1738, and ended, by his dismission, in 1746. In the summer of 1747, the church and town united in extending a call to the Rev. Samuel Bird, who, probably, entered upon the duties of the pastoral office the same year. Being what was then termed a new-light, his settlement resulted in a division of the church and the formation of a new church, made up of members of the original church, for the accom- modation of which a new house of worship was erected .- - Mr. Bird was dismissed in 1751. In 1759, by the advice and assistance of an ecclesiastical council called for the pur- pose, the difficulties between the two churches were adjusted and a re-union effected. During the next seven years, the church made three unsuccessful attempts to secure a pastor. The Rev. Joseph Kidder, who was the fifth pastor, was ordained in 1767 and dismissed in 1796. He died Sept. 6th, 1818, aged 77. The sixth settled pastor was the Rev. Eben- ezer B. Sperry, whose ministry commenced in 1813, and ended in his dismission in 1818 or '19. It thus appears, that up to this last date-a period of one hundred and thirty three years since the organization of the church-it had been destitute of a settled pastor fifty one years. After
-
.
.
-
---
-
-
223
NASHUA.
another period of destitution of seven years continuance, the Rev. Handel G. Nott was ordained pastor of the church, Nov. 9, 1826. His dismission took place in October 1834.
From 1685 to 1813 no particular record of the doings or history of the church was kept. Consequently, there are no means of determining either the increase or diminution of its members. From 1813 to 1826, the time when Rev. Mr. Nott assumed the pastoral charge, there were added to the church by letter and profession, fifty members. During the ministry of Mr. Nott, though it continued less than eight years, the additions amounted to three hundred and fifty five. In 1830, seventy two were added, which year is mentioned on the record as "a year of the Lord's special mercy to the church." During the revival which signalized that year, the pastor was assisted in his labors by the Rev. Z. Bates, whose ministrations seemed to be greatly blessed, in the spiritual growth of God's people and in the conversion of sinners.
In 1834, the Rev. Mr. Nott having announced to his peo- ple a change in his views onthe subject of infant baptism- such that he could no longer administer the ordinance-a division of the church ensued, the pastoral relation was dis- solved, and a majority of the original church who still adhered to that divinely instituted and scriptural ordinance, withdrew from the society and established worship by them- selves.
The eighth pastor of the church was the Rev. Jonathan McGee, who was installed Jan. 1, 1835. At his request, he was dismissed June 8, 1842. During the seven and a half years of his connection with the church, two hundred and seventy one were added to its number, 85 by profession and 186 by letter. One hundred and thirty three were dismissed and recommended to other churches. Early in the year 1842 the church enjoyed a season of revival which began under the following interesting circumstances :- There was in the Sab- bath School a class of young ladies consisting of thirty three members, seventeen of whom gave no evidence of regenera- tion. Not one from this large class had become hopefully pious during the year which had just closed. This fact weighed so heavily on the mind of the teacher, that he re- quested the pious members of the class to set apart a partic- ular portion of each day to pray for the conversion of their impenitent classmates, selecting some one for whom they would offer special prayer. On the morning after the Sab- bath on which this request was made, the teacher was sent for to visit the young lady who had been the first object of this special prayer. Finding her under deep conviction of
-- -
224
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY.
sin, he spent some time with her in prayer and religious conversation. Immediately after he had left her, she found peace in believing; and forthwith hastened to the house of her teacher, to tell him what God had done for her soul. During that week four others became the hopeful subjects of renewing grace ; and in a few weeks only one of the sev- enteen remained without hope. The work spread from class to class until the whole school seemed to be baptized with the Holy Spirit ; and His saving influences were granted to some also of the members of the congregation not connected with the school.
The ninth pastor of the church was the Rev. Matthew Hale Smith, who was ordained Oct. 19, 1842. At the time of his settlement, the church was encumbered with a debt of nearly $ 2000. Thinking this to be a serious hindrance to their spiritual as well as temporal prosperity, he earnestly recommended to them an immediate liquidation of the debt by individual subscription, to which suggestion they prompt- ly responded and relieved themselves at once from this heavy burden. The sacrifice some were obliged to make to do this was more than made up to them in spiritual blessings; for the church very soon after was permitted to enjoy a special effusion of the Spirit. During Mr. Smith's ministry of two years and ten months, 117 were added to the church, 82 by profession and 35 by letter. Thirty four were dismissed. On account of ill health, Mr. Smith asked to be released from his labors ; and, accordingly, was dismissed Aug. 20, 1845.
He was succeeded by Rev. Samuel Lamson, who was in- stalled April 8, 1846. After a settlement of two years, Mr. Lamson was compelled by ill health to ask a dismission, which the church very reluctantly granted, April 7, 1848. During his ministry, ten were added to the church by pro- fession, and nineteen by letter. Fourteen were dismissed.
Rev. Daniel March was installed over the church, Jan. 3, 1849. He continued their pastor six years, during which time his labors were incessant and were blessed by the Great Head of the church to the salvation of many souls. Mr. March was dismissed Jan. 9, 1855. During his ministry; 134 were added to the church; eighty one by profession, and fifty three by letter. Seventy were dismissed. From 1835 to 1855 the whole number admitted to the church was 551; 258 by profession, and 293 by letter. In the same time 251 were dismissed. The present pastor, Rev. George B. Jewett, was ordained over the church May 24, 1855. This society pays a salary of $1500, and has contributed about $650 the past year to benevolent objects.
225
NASHUA.
NASHUA.
OLIVE ST. CHURCH .- Rev. AUSTIN RICHARDS.
The Olive St. Church represents a divided half of the old Congregational church of Dunstable. In the year 1834 a separation in that church was occasioned by a change of views on the part of its pastor, H. G. Nott, on the subject of infant baptism. He first merely rejected infant baptism as a scriptural, divinely appointed ordinance, but still re- garded sprinkling as valid, and the preferable mode of bap- tism and adhered to open communion. When Mr. Nott made known his views to the church, July, 1834, and de- clined administering the ordinance of baptism to the chil- dren of believers, extensive dissatisfaction was created in the church, and a mutual council was called for advice. The result of that council was a unanimous expression of opinion that it was inexpedient for the pastor to retain his connec- tion with the church, and he was, therefore, dismissed by a council called for that purpose Oct. 7th, 1834.
After his dismission the religious society employed Mr. Nott to supply their pulpit, whereupon the church by a ma- jority of one or two members, including its officers, voted to withdraw from its usual place of meeting on the Sabbath, and hold worship in another place. A large majority of the society, and nearly an equal division of the church, remained at their accustomed place of worship. In this division the line of separation was not drawn precisely between those who adhered to, and those who renounced infant baptism. As might have been expected, various causes aside from doctrinal views-such as strong attachment to their pastor, and to the house of worship which had been procured of an other denomination in troublous times, by much self-deny- ing exertion and liberality-constrained many to remain where they were. The portion of the church that remained claimed to be the church, but, an ecclesiastical council hav- ing decided that the seceding members constituted the church, those who remained were duly organized Oct. 26th, 1835, and were recognized by an ecclesiastical council called for that purpose as a pedo-baptist church. It then consisted of 141 members. Mr. Nott continued to officiate as the pastor and minister after his dismission about one year. He ultimately joined the Baptist church.
The church then invited Rev. Austin Richards, pastor of the church in Francestown, to become their pastor, and he was installed over them April 6th, 1836. The pastors of
226
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY.
both churches labored side by side in perfect harmony, and the partial alienation and discord that had so unhappily rent the body of the church gradually gave place to a spirit of mutual forbearance, and fraternal affection. They have for years lived together in delightful harmony. And however we may regret the causes which led to the division, yet the time, no doubt, had fully come when the Head of the church foresaw-what its members did not-that another Christian church was needed ; and, probably, in no way could a more equal and desirable division have been made and more have been secured to the orthodox Congregational in- terests of the church, than by the very causes which operated to effect the separation at the time and in the manner in which it was made. To the organization of a second church thus early in the history of this village as a manufacturing and rapidly increasing population is, no doubt, to be attrib- uted the greater predominance of the pedo-baptist, Congrega- tional element, and the greater number of orthodox churches in proportion to the population of the city, than is found in most other cities.
In 1837, one year after the installation of the present pas- tor, there was a revival which resulted in the admission of 65 members to the church. From this period until 1841, though there was no general revival, there were several seasons of much more than usual religious interest, and during this term of four years, 55 were added by profession. In 1841-2, the church was greatly blessed by another revival and, as the fruit of it, 115 united with the church. Among these were some of the most efficient and enterprising of our citizens- those who are now, some of them, among the most reliable and useful members of this church, and others went out to form the nucleus of a third church, and are among the most active and effective in sustaining its interests. Of all who joined the church at this time few, very few, are known to have forfeited their Christian character. From the year 1842 until 1851 there was no general revival, though there were several seasons when the special presence and power of the Spirit were manifest, in waking a portion of the church to greatly increased prayerfulness and Christian activity, and in some hopeful conversions. At one of these seasons 17 were added to the church, at another 15.
In 1846 the house of worship having been for several years insufficient for the accommodation of multitudes who made application for seats, a vote, nearly or quite unanimous, was passed both by the church and society that it was expedient. to form a third church. About 60 members of the church
.
-
[
..
227
NASHUA.
and an equal proportion of the congregation went out to constitute the new colony, carrying with them a pledge of the sympathy and cooperation of the church.
In 1851-2, there was an extensive and memorable work of grace,-as the result of which 101 united with the church -80 at one communion-50 of whom received the ordinance of baptism. The work in the Sabbath School is thus noticed in the Minutes of the General Association for 1852; "They have made a great discovery ; infinitely more important than all that comes from the Patent Office at Washington. "For thirty-five years," says a venerable and esteemed teacher, "for thirty-five years have I been engaged as a Sunday School teacher ; but I have just found that I never knew any thing about Sunday School teaching till this winter. I had
supposed, for thirty-five years, that when the lessons were well recited, and a few earnest and serious remarks were made, our work was done. But this winter has shown us that it was not yet begun !- and that all the lessons of Geography, Chronology, and Biography were all as nothing. This winter, we sought the salvation of the soul. The beginning, middle and end of our teaching has been to pluck perishing souls from everlasting burnings. No teacher ever thought of resting a moment, till this was realized. Thus whole classes, one after another, were converted to God."
"The work commenced in the class of a teacher, whose liability to instant death from chronic disease admonished him continually that he might be on the last hour of his probation. So he labored, and so he prayed. Soon all his class felt it, and conversions became frequent, so as to attract the attention of other teachers. "This," said the devoted teacher, "This is the way, in all this glorious work, that God has wrought in us and by us; in connection with the most marked adaptation of every sermon by our pastor to the peculiar state of mind and the varying wants of the congregation, through every stage of the revival: showing that his heart was in full sympathy with the work of God, watching for souls as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy and not with grief." Rarely has there been a more instructive illustration of the great Christian axiom, that just in proportion to the wisdom and faithfulness and perseverance employed in the application of truth for the conversion of men, will the blessing be found. Why may we not all appropriate the benefit of this great discovery in Sunday School teaching, and though late, begin our lives anew." The whole number admitted to the church by profession since its organization and the installation of its
228
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY.
present pastor, is 338. The whole number received both by letter and profession, 642.
NASHUA. -
PEARL ST. CHURCH .- Rev. E. E. ADAMS.
For several years prior to 1845, the accommodations of Rev. Mr. Richards' house of worship were insufficient for all who were desirous of attending upon his preaching; but until spring of 1846 the way did not seem fully prepared for the establishment of another religious society. At this time measures were taken which resulted, Sept. 3d, in the organization of the Third Congregational Church, now Pearl Street Church, with 66 members, 55 of whom were from the "Olive Street Church." David Baldwin and Josiah Kit- tredge were subsequently elected deacons.
For more than a year, and until their house of worship was completed, the church held their meetings on the Sab- bath, in the Town hall, and their prayer meetings, general- ly, in the vestry of the Olive Street Church. During a period of more than nine months, while the church was wait- ing for her pastor, one member was removed by death, and 18-two by profession and 16 by letter-were added. The number of the church at this time was 83.
Rev. Leonard Swain, the first pastor, was ordained June 24, 1847, and after a very faithful and successful ministry, he was called to the Central Congregational Church in Prov- idence, R. I. and was dismissed April 5, 1852 for that im- portant field of labor. During his ministry were frequent hopeful conversions, and the winter before its close, the church was blessed with a more special revival of religion, the fruits of which were gathered subsequent to his dismis- sion. The removals for this period, were five by death and 42 by letter ; admissions by profession, 47; by letter, 83. From April 5, 1852 to Aug. 31, 1853, while the church was without a pastor, the removals by death were five, and 19 by letter. The additions were, by profession, 33, and by letter, 13. The present pastor, Rev. Ezra E. Adams, late from Havre, France, was installed Aug. 31, 1853, and during this last period of 26 months have been occasional hopeful con- versions, and at the present time are some indications for good. The additions to the church have been by profession, seven ; by letter, 22. Removals have been by letter, 42,
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.