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 24
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239
PELHAM.
accordingly dismissed May 12, 1847. Sixteen were added to the church during this ministry. Rev. Eden B. Foster was next engaged for one year. He commenced his labors the second Sabbath in June 1847. Before the year expired, the church and society voted, nearly unanimously, to give him a call for settlement, voting him $600, afterwards increased to $700 as an annual salary. He was installed June 21, 1848. In November or December of 1852 he received a call from the John Street church in Lowell, Ms. He was dismissed Jan. 18, 1853, having received eight per- sons to the church, and one was received after he left. No pastor was obtained until the summer of 1854, when a unan- imous invitation was presented to Rev. Charles Rockwell, with a stipulated annual salary of $700. He was installed Aug. 30, 1854. All the funds belonging to the society for the support of the gospel are about $1000 in railroad stock bequeathed the society by Mr. James Cutter, who deceased in 1853. There have been 384 members from the beginning. Of infant baptisms there are on record 744. Four young men from this church have pursued a course of study, and have been ministers of the gospel. The people of this town are not so much a "church going people," as formerly. It was once very common to see one-half of the entire popula- tion at meeting, especially through the summer season .- But at the present time the average number who attend public worship would fall rather below one-fourth of the population. No powerful revivals of religion have been enjoyed in this place as in many places. Yet the Spirit of the Lord has manifested itself in several instances in an especial manner, in awakening and converting sinners. Dr. Church's labors in the first year of his ministry, were the means of the conversion of 27 who professed their faith in Christ. Then again in 1813 and '16 there were evident tokens of the Spirit's presence, and quite a number were renewed in heart. From midsummer 1827 to midsummer 1828, nearly 40 were added to the church as the fruits of a revival enjoyed at that time. And again in the latter part of 1831 a "protracted meeting" was held and resulted, as was hoped, in the conversion of 20. In the year 1836, although no especial revival was enjoyed, still, the operations of the Spirit were manifest in the conversion of some 16 souls. During the past year, there has been one life member made by contribution to the American Board ; three to the American Home Missionary Society ; three to the American Tract Society ; and one, in part, to the Society for the aid of Western Colleges,-in all, more than $500 devoted to benevolent objects. The present number of the church is 89.
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HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY.
PETERBOROUGH.
This town has a somewhat intricate ecclesiastical history. Many dark and many bright points are in it. The pastors of this church have been Rev. John Morrison a native of Pathfoot, Scotland, settled in 1766-dismissed in about five years ; Rev. David Annan of Cupar of Fife, in Scotland, settled in 1778-dismissed in 1792 ; Rev. Elijah Dunbar a native of Canton, Ms., a graduate of Harvard in 1794, set- tled Oct. 23, 1799-dismissed June 27, 1827 ; Rev. Abiel Abbot, a Unitarian, was settled the day Mr. Dunbar was dismissed. The church became Congregational under Mr. Dunbar and finally a majority of them Unitarians. In 1840 Dr. Abbot received Rev. Curtis Cutler as colleague pastor of the Unitarian church.
The settlement of this town was commenced before 1740, by emigrants from Londonderry, and from Lunenburg, Ms. The present Unitarian church was originally Presbyterian, and was probably gathered at, perhaps before, the ordination of Mr. Morrison in 1766. He remained here less than six years ; and his successor, Mr. Annan, not quite fourteen. Both were from Scotland. Of neither of these men will truth allow a favorable representation : though both were respectable in point of talent. They were orthodox in sen- timent, but reprehensible in deportment. Both contributed to beget in the popular mind an indifference to Presbyte- rianism, and a prejudice against orthodoxy, the effects of which were lasting and unhappy. Mr. Morrison, after his dismission, became skeptical and profligate, joined the Brit- ish army, and died in South Carolina, Dec. 10th, 1782, aged 39. He was born May 22d, 1743. Such was the conduct of Mr. Annan that, some years after his dismission, he was deposed from the ministry by the Presbytery of London- derry. He went to Ireland, and there died in 1802, aged 48. He was born April 4th, 1754. The pestilent examples of these two men were enough to bring a blight on religion in any place ; the chief wonder is, that they were tolerated so long. A tithe of their immoralities would, at this day, put down the character of a minister almost below hope of redemption. At the settlement of Mr. Dunbar, 1799, the church adopted the Congregational discipline. In his theo- logical views, he was Anti-Calvinistic. Several members of the church still adhered to Presbyterianism, though they generally attended his ministry for many years : on condi- tion, however, that the communion be administered once in a year in Presbyterian form, at the expense of the town.
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PETERBOROUGH.
A Presbyterian church was organized by the Presbytery of Londonderry, June 19th, 1822, consisting of several mem- bers of the old church, who had never adopted Congregation- al principles, and dissented from the Arminian views of the pastor. This body, with the aid of other individuals, erect- ed in 1825 a Meeting-house, a mile from the village, which was afterwards removed to the village, and received Rev. Peter Holt as their pastor. He saw much fruit of his faith- ful labors here ; and after his resignation, ministered to the church in Deering, as stated supply, from 1835 to 1841 .- He left in the church in Peterborough 122 members.
Rev. William Pine followed Mr. Holt-was settled in June 1836 and dismissed in less than a year. Rev. Mr. Barrett then preached here for a time.
Rev. James R. French, a native of Prospect, Me. in 1809, was settled here in 1840, and dismissed in 1847. He reported but 105 members in 1841. For several years previous to his settlement, trials and discouragements fill the history of the people of God in Peterborough, and there were found many honest hearted Christians who remembered "the days of old," who, as they reviewed the events of "father Holt's" minis- try and his dismission, were wont to declare it their belief that the judgments of God were following them. But a sea- son of prosperity, of union, of activity, and of large increase followed, commencing in 1839 and continuing until 1849. Now was seen a full attendance upon the means of grace, a large and flourishing Sabbath School, and general harmony in the church and society. In 1841 and '42, sixty two mem- bers were added by profession and twenty eight by letter.
Rev. Henry J. Lamb was installed pastor of the church in July 1847 and dismissed in Nov. 1852. In 1853 Rev. Andrew Bigelow supplied the desk six months, closing his labors in July.
The deacons at the present time, are, John Vose, Watson Washburn, Samuel Maynard. The pastor's salary has usu- ally been raised by voluntary subscription. In one or two instances a tax has been levied upon the members of the society connected with the Presbyterian church. The sum paid to pastors has varied from $ 400 to $ 500 per annum. The present number of communicants is 56.
CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
A Congregational church was organized in Peterborough in Oct 1853, since which time the two churches have worshiped together in the Presbyterian house, whenever they have
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HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY.
enjoyed the labors of a minister. Rev Mr. Merwin was employed six months in 1853 and 1854, by the Presbyterian church. Rev. Daniel McClenning was employed nearly a year by the Congregational church, closing his labors in September 1855. The deacons of the Congregational church are Nathaniel Moore, Joel Fay, Andrew H. Farnsworth .- The present number of communicants is 40.
With a population of 2,222 in 1850, it is important that a strong evangelical influence should be foundabiding here. To secure this there must be among the chosen people of God, forbearance, union, labor and obedience to Jesus' word -" Have faith in God."
SHARON.
A small town containing 400 inhabitants in 1820, and now 226. No religious organization exists here, and no permanent ministry of truth is enjoyed. The place has not been wholly overlooked by the friends of God, and not entirely passed by of him. In 1835 Rev. J. Holt labored here three months, and felt encouraged by the state of things. A church of seven members was formed, and Rev. E. Hill preached the word of life unto the people. In 1839 Rev. Charles Shedd was employed by the Missionary Society to preach here. Again in 1842 God visited this little waste place, and 18 hopeful conversions were reckoned, and ten were added to the church under the labors of Rev. E. Hill. In 1844, the Rev. S. Harris formed here a church with three male and six female members. Who can say that aid came in vain from the stronger churches to this people? Will not the Lord remember that little spot yet again ? May we not more justly ask, will the prayers and alms, and faith of God's people be continued in reference to this and similar fields ? They offer the best theater in which Christian love can display her untiring zeal.
TEMPLE.
Rev. GEORGE GOODYEAR.
The view from the highest ground here is very fine. 3 was said by Farmer and Moore, thirty five years ago, that, It from the Temple mountains in the west part of the town,
* Sketch by compiler.
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TEMPLE.
" twenty Meeting-houses may be seen when the atmosphere is clear." Originally a part of Peterborough Slip, it was incorporated Aug. 26, 1768.
The Congregational church was gathered Oct. 2, 1771, and at the same time Rev. Samuel Webster of Salisbury, Ms. was ordained pastor, and remained until his death in about six years. He was followed by Rev. Noah Miles who was a native of Westminster, Ms., graduate of Dartmouth in 1780, and settled in the ministry here Oct. 2, 1782.
A few things gathered up concerning these ministries by Dr. Whiton, we think fit to place before the reader :- " The ministry of the first pastor, Mr. Webster, though short, left a favorable impression of his piety and worth. Being zealous in the cause of his country, he engaged, with the consent of his people, as a chaplain in the Northern army, in 1777. He was soon seized with hemorrhage from the lungs, returned home in a debilitated state, and died Nov. 14th, 1777, aged 34. He was born Sept. 16th, 1743. He gave to the town a lot of land for the support of the gospel. Soon after the accession of Mr. Miles in 1782, the influence of the great revival in New Ipswich extended into Temple, and left precious and durable results. Mr. Miles was eccentric in his modes of expression and illustration, but was held in high respect for probity, consistency, and decision. He died Nov. 20th, 1831, in the 50th year of his ministry, and 80th of his age, in full hope of a better life beyond the grave."
The number of members in the churches in the State first enters the Minutes of the General Association in 1819. Temple acknowledges at that time 65 members. In 1821-2 a very powerful work of grace was enjoyed and the church was much enlarged. About 50 were added to its commun- ion. It does not again appear in the minutes until 1832 after the death of Mr. Miles, and with its numbers reduced to about 60.
Rev. Leonard Jewett, a native of Hollis, educated at Dart- mouth in 1810, was settled here March 6, 1833, and dis- missed July 5, 1844. Failure of health required his resigna- tion. He enjoyed, to a good degree, the affections of his people, and they parted with him with regret. He removed to Hollis. In 1833 10 were added to the church; in 1836- 38 ; in 1837-14; in 1838-7, and the church numbered 125-almost double the membership when he settled.
Rev. Walter Follet, a graduate of Middlebury in 1825, was settled here July 25, 1844, and dismissed after about ten years service. Since 1810 the population has gone down from 941 to 579, and the institutions of religion always lose
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HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY.
by a decrease of population. Quite a number came into the church during Mr. Follet's ministry.
April 25, 1855, Rev. George Goodyear became the pastor of the people. The church now embraces 94 members, in a population of 579 souls-173 less than in 1820. In 1838, about one fifth of the entire population were in this church. God has here, evidently, a people for his name, and they should feel that, for the honor of that name, he will hear their supplications if attended with a spirit of humiliation, and of active, Christian labor.
WEARE.
Although no Congregational church now exists here, it is worthy of record that one once existed. June 17, 1789, a church was duly formed. It was not strong. The habits of thought of the people were not consonant with the doc- trines of our churches. But the church lived and exerted some good moral influence. Thirteen years after its organi- zation, it had sufficient ability to offer successful inducements to Rev. John Clayford from England to settle among them in the ministry. He was ordained Oct. 20, 1802, and labored here almost six years. He was dismissed may 4, 1808. A Baptist church was formed here in 1783,-a Freewill Baptist church Oct. 20, 1806. The town was incorporated Sept. 21, 1764. Population in 1820, 2781; in 1850, 2436.
WILTON.
The first church in Wilton was organized, and Mr. Jona- than Livermore, the first minister, was ordained on the same day, Dec. 14, 1763, the next year after the incorporation of the town. He was a native of Northborough, Ms., born 1739, graduated at Harvard 1760. He was in the pastoral office fifteen years ; and was dismissed by an ecclesiastical council 1778. He died here July 20, 1809, aged 79 years. Eight persons entered the church at its organization ; 40 families, only, resided in town at the time. About two weeks after its formation, as appears from the church records, the wives of six men were received into the church,-proba- bly wives of men received at its organization. The Lord's Supper was first administered here May 27, 1764. The
* Sketch by Rev. W. Richardson.
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WILTON.
whole number received into the church during this ministry was 147,-118 by profession and 29 by letter. No articles of faith or rules in regard to admission to the church appear, except a covenant to which members were required to give their assent when received into the church. This covenant stands on the records as follows :- " You now solemnly and publicly give up yourself to God in an everlasting covenant, acknowledging the Lord Jehovah to be your God ; acknowl- edging God the Father to be your Creator ; the Lord Jesus Christ to be your Savior ; the Holy Spirit to be your Sanc- tifier. You promise to take the Holy Word of God for the man of your counsel,-declaring that you fix your hopes and expectations on the promises, and that, through divine grace enabling you, you will live according to the instructions therein exhibited ; obeying all the precepts, and complying with all the ordinances therein enjoined. You enter, partic- ularly, into covenant with this church, engaging to hold communion with it, in all the ordinances of the gospel- especially, Baptism and the Lord's Supper-and promise to submit to its discipline, wherein it observes the laws of Christianity given by Christ and his Apostles, and that, as far as God shall enable you, you will live in the constant practice of all Christian duties-secret, private, public, and social,-that you will love God, honor the King and do good to all men, especially to the household of faith. Amen."
"I promise, in the name of the church, that we will watch over you, not for your halting, but for your edification and comfort, praying that we and you may be built up together, a spiritual house, and may offer spiritual sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God, and that we may finally meet together in his heavenly kingdom." A son of Mr. Livermore stated that a majority of the people in town, (and he knew of but one individual exception) were members, either in full com- munion, or were admitted to the church by the half way covenant, and had their children baptized ; consequently we find in the records 316 baptisms under his ministry.
Mr. Abel Fiske who was born in Pepperell, Ms., 1752,- graduated at Harvard, 1774,-was ordained here Nov. 18, 1778,-retained his office twenty four years, till his death, April 21, 1802, aged 50 years. During his ministry 245 were received into the church; 179 by profession and 66 by letter. It is said by those who knew Mr. Livermore, that he was a faithful, devoted and successful minister of the gos- pel, and highly esteemed by his people.
Mr. Thomas Beede, a native of Poplin, born 1771,-grad- uated at Harvard, 7198,-was ordained in Wilton, March 2,
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HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY.
1803. He retained his office twenty six years and was dis- missed by a vote of the church, Jan. 15, 1829. During his ministry 126 were received into the church ; 115 by profes- sion and 11 by letter, and 126 baptisms are recorded.
A confession and covenant were drawn up at the time of his ordination and adopted by the church, and they are pre- cisely the same now in use in the second Congregational church. The confession commences thus :- "You believe in one only living and true God, in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost." It embraces not only the Trinity, but all the essential doctrines of the gospel as held by ortho- dox churches at the present time. Mr. Beede was consider- ed Trinitarian in his views during the first part of his min- istry, and union and harmony prevailed in the church gener- ally till the year 1822, when a vote was passed by the church which caused dissatisfaction, and resulted in the secession of the second Congregational church. Mr. Beede at this time became a decided Unitarian. After leaving Wilton he was settled over a Universalist church in Maine.
Mr. Stephen A. Barnard was ordained as a Unitarian minister, Jan. 13, 1830, over the first church, held his office three years and was dismissed at his own request, by a vote of the church April 25, 1833. Five members were received into the church under his ministry. At his settlement the Confession and Covenant were again revised, and the doctrines of the Trinity, of depravity, and the necessity of regenera- tion are left out. It has been said that Mr. Barnard has since become orthodox and is now settled over an orthodox church. Abner Dumont Jones succeeded Mr. Barnard, and was ordained Jan. 1, 1834. These minutes were taken from their records about this time and we have no means of trac- ing the history of that church any farther. The First Bap- tist church in Wilton was formed April 7, 1817, consisting of 18 members. The Second Congregational Church in Wilton was organized July 18, 1823, consisting of 17 mem- bers, seceders from the first church. The first pastor, Wil- liam Richardson, was a native of Gilmanton, studied theol- ogy at Andover, and was ordained over the church Dec. 15, 1830. He was dismissed by an ecclesiastical council Oct. 29, 1840. There were added to the church 119 under his ministry ; 40 infant, and 17 adult baptisms ; 21 removed by death. After Mr. Richardson's dismission Rev. Charles Whiting was settled in 1843, and remained about six years. Twenty one were added to the church during his ministry. In 1846 it reported 120 members; it now embraces 84, and these, by faith in Jesus' name, may yet see as in days past. the salvation of our God.
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Cheshire County.
ALSTEAD.
Rev. S. G. TENNEY.
The town of Alstead, originally "Newton," was granted August 1763 ; first represented at a Provincial Congress in 1775 ; and in March 1776 the first town meeting was holden. It is believed that the first settlers of this town reverenced God and divine institutions. Religious meetings were sta- tedly held, with much harmony and profit, when the num- ber of families was very small and they were destitute of preaching.
The first baptisms were administered September 1768, by Rev. Thomas Fessenden, of Walpole. In 1770, the town chose nine men to conduct religious worship. One of this number was appointed to procure a minister. In 1773, a committee was chosen to select a site for a house of worship. The same year, the town employed Mr. James Treadway to supply them with preaching; and, subsequently, they gave him a call to settle with them in the ministry. He declined because no church was there organized. In 1776, a vote was passed by the town to build a house of worship; yet this object was not effected till 1781. In 1777, a church was gathered. But in consequence of the loss of its first records, no details can be gathered respecting its organization. In anticipation of the interesting and important event of organ- izing a church, those who were expecting to constitute it held a fast. They met in a barn, and Rev. Mr. Fessenden, of Walpole, was present. The Lord's Supper was first ad- ministered to the church by Rev. Mr. Hall, of Keene. The same year a call was renewed to Mr. Treadway, but a large and important minority opposed his settlement, and a union was not formed. In 1780, the late Dr. Payson, of Rindge, was employed as a candidate. In June, 1781, the church and town gave Mr. Jacob Mann a call to settle with them in the ministry. They offered him the right of land, designed for the first settled minister, and thirty pounds settlement, and sixty pounds salary, to be increased ten pounds at the
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CHESHIRE COUNTY.
end of seven years, and to continue increasing ten pounds for every seven years afterwards. Mr. Mann, at first, declined the call, but it was afterwards renewed, and he was ordained in February, 1782. In May, 1789, he was dismissed. He was a graduate of Brown University in 1774.
In 1788, a considerable number of this church, becoming dissatisfied with the minister, or ministers employed, (who were thought, by many, not to be pious,) withdrew and united with others, in constituting the second Congregation- al church, located in the East Parish. In September, 1790, the church and town gave Mr. Samuel Mead a call to settle with them in the ministry. They offered him two hundred pounds settlement and seventy five pounds salary. His sal- ary was, subsequently, raised to eighty pounds. He was ordained in June, 1791; and was dismissed in 1797. Un- settled and erroneous sentiments caused the dismission of both Mr. Mead and Mr. Mann. The council that dismissed Mr. Mead say, "how could a society, set up for the light of the world, so long countenance as a Christian minister, a man whose unsettled and erroneous sentiments give so much reason to suspect that he himself had need to be taught the first principles of the oracles of God?" The moderator of this council was Rev. Aaron Hall, and the scribe Rev. Seth Payson. Various preachers were employed, after Mr. Mead left until 1815,-Rev. Archibald Campbell in 1799, and Rev. Shipley Wells in 1811, remained one year each. The church remained about eighteen years without a settled pastor, and, during this long period, became very much unsettled and greatly disheartened ; and the people in town had become so divided into different denominations that the gospel could no longer be supported as formerly by the town. At this crisis the church, and those out of it who were willing to unite in supporting the gospel, resolved to make an effort to obtain an act of incorporation, as a religious society. This was granted in June, 1815. This movement inspired the church with new courage, and it resulted in a revival of re- ligion. Thus God sanctioned their efforts, and a new era commenced in the history of the church. God smiled and they rejoiced.
In the spring of 1815, they employed Mr. Seth S. Arnold, a graduate of Middlebury college in 1812, to preach. He was a man of excellent spirit. They subsequently gave him a call to settle with them; and, in January 1816, he was ordained as their pastor. They gave him a settlement of $700, and a salary of $400. In the fall of 1833, Mr. Ar- nold, in consequence of protracted feeble health, proposed to
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ALSTEAD.
the church and society to employ another minister, and, on April 24, 1834, Rev. Darwin Adams was installed over them, at which time Rev. Mr. Arnold was formally dismissed. In September, 1842, Mr. Adams was dismissed. Their next pastor was Rev. Robert Crossett. He was installed in May, 1843, and dismissed May 1850. The cause of the dismis- sion of the two last pastors is not very dissimilar to that of very many that have occurred during the late fastidious and fickle period. There has been unusual religious attention, in this town, in 1788, 1798, 1808, 1815, 1819, 1826, 1835, and 1841. In 1788, there was a general revival of religion throughout the town. In 1815 this parish was visited with a precious season of refreshing from the presence of the Lord, by the fruits of which, the church was considerably increased in numbers and strength. In the spring of 1835, sixty per- sons, Fand in the spring of 1841, twenty two persons were added to the church, as the result of a protracted meeting, at each time. The other seasons of revival were more lim- ited, or confined, principally, to the east parish.
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