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 26
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Feb. 4, 1851, the church were unanimous in calling the
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Rev. Alonzo Hayes to become their pastor. He was install- ed April 30, 1851. Mr. Hayes left for Washington, D. C., March 1853, but without a dismission. In 1852 the church numbered 46,-Jesse Morse and Abijah Richardson deacons. Since Mr. Hayes left, different preachers have supplied the pulpit. None, except Rev. Geo. S. Kemp, supplying for the term of one year. The ministerial lots have been sold at different periods for $1,440. The last was sold Oct. 27, 1777. Until 1842 the Unitarian society have held by vote, the interest of what was given by Mr. Sprague and the avails of the ministerial lands, and have applied the interest for the support of the ministry. In 1842 the interest of the ministerial land fund was divided among three societies. The Trinitarian Congregational Society receive only $ 13,15. In the year 1837, the Trinitarian Congregational Society built a parsonage, which cost $1,500. Only one native of Dublin has entered the ministry, Rev. Clarendon F. Muzzy. He went as a missionary to Madura. The church records show that there have been from 1827 to the present time, 27 adult, and 54 infant baptisms. Since 1827, 73 have been added to the original number, (eight,) that then consti- tuted the church.
Rev. E. F. Abbott was installed pastor here, with encour- aging prospects, in December 1855, and Mr. Hayes was at the same time dismissed.
FITZWILLIAM.
Rev. JOHN WOODS.
The first minister who labored here for any considerable period, is supposed to have been Mr. Nehemiah Parker, who graduated at Harvard college in 1763, was ordained at Hub- bardston, Ms. June 13, 1770, and died Aug. 20, 1801, at the age of 58. He supplied the people in Fitzwilliam in the autumn and winter of 1768.
In Nov. 1770, Mr. Benjamin Brigham, from Marlboro', Ms. who had graduated at Harvard college, in 1764, received an invitation to settle in Fitzwilliam, in the work of the gos- pel ministry. In the January following, 1771, he gave the proprietors, who invited him, an affirmative answer, which was formally accepted by them. No church had then been organized. March 27, 1771, was appointed for the ordina- tion of Mr. Brigham ; and on that day a Congregational
* Facts furnished mainly by W. D. Locke.
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church, consisting of six members, was organized, and Mr. Brigham was ordained over it as its first pastor ; the ser- vices being held at the public inn -- the Meeting-house yet being unfinished, and in a state unsuitable for the occasion.
" Mr. Brigham was a good Divine, and an able and faith- ful pastor, the friend of peace, truth and righteousness .- While he lived he was greatly esteemed and beloved by his people and all his acquaintances, and at his death he was greatly lamented."
Rev. Stephen Williams, the second pastor, was ordained Nov. 5, 1800 ; and after sustaining the relation of pastor for two years, was dismissed December, 1802. But very little has been learned of him since his leaving this place .- He died several years since, at Woodstock, Conn., probably his native place.
Rev. John Sabin, the third pastor of this church, was born at Pomfret, Conn. April 17, 1770 ; graduated at Brown university, 1797 ; was ordained to the work of the gospel ministry and settled over the First church in Fitzwilliam, March 6, 1805, and died Oct. 14, 1845, at the age of seventy five years and six months, and in the forty first year of his ministry.
Rev. Abraham Jenkins, born at Barre, Ms., March 14, 1811, and graduated at Amherst college, Ms., 1838, was ordained the fifth pastor of the church, Feb. 16, 1848, having sup- plied the pulpit for four months preceding. Mr. Jenkins was dismissed 1853. His was an efficient ministry, but it terminated amidst many difficulties early in 1854.
Rev. John Woods from Newport, a native of the town, was soon employed by the church, and, though advanced in years, has entered upon his work with much vigor and good prospects of success, having fully the affections of the people.
From the dedication of the first Meeting-house in 1771 or "72, to the dedication of the second, Nov. 6, 1816, a period of more than forty years, a large proportion of the citizens. met and worshiped under the same roof upon the Sabbath. When the subject of building a new house was agitated, a serious division arose on account of its location. Numbers, however, when the location was settled, left the Congrega- tional worship, and united with the Baptists who began to establish themselves here. Nothing schismatical on the ground of doctrinal belief, entered into the elements of this division. But this house, built at a cost of about $ 7000, was burned the following January 17, by lightning. The next November another house, erected upon nearly the same spot, but costing a little more, was dedicated. Both these
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houses were built by vote of the town, and were, as was cus- tomary then, under its control .. Providentially, the old house was not taken down until after the dedication of the third one, built in 1817. With the exception of the Bap- tists, the citizens continued to meet and worship at the same house till March 1831, when much division existed as to what doctrines should be proclaimed from the pulpit, and the town voted to divide the use of the house among different denominations. Mr. Sabin, and a large portion of his church and people, worshiped in the village school room, and in a carpenter's shop, till the completion and dedication of their present house Oct. 31, 1832. The body of those that re- mained at the town's house, subsequently formed a Unita- rian society, and have generally had preaching of that per- suasion up to the present time. The church and people worshiping with Mr. Sabin, organized themselves into a soci- ety, Sept. 8, 1831, taking the name of the Fitzwilliam Orthodox Society, and have since supported their preaching by a tax upon the members of that society. About 200 of the inhabitants of the town have worshiped constantly with the Orthodox since the erection of their present house. The Baptists erected a house of worship in 1841. Since their organization about forty years since, they have usually enjoy- ed the labors of a pastor. The average attendance at their house of worship is perhaps 100. It is presumed that about one half of our population of 1500 aim to worship with the Baptist and Orthodox churches. It may here be remark- ed, that almost all the native citizens of the town, upwards of 40 years of age, were subjects of infant baptism, either under the half way covenant, or by parents in full commun- ion. This church has been divided upon doctrinal points, more or less, for upwards of forty years. A separation took place in 1831, when Mr. Sabin with a large majority of the first church left the town's Meeting-house. For a few sub- sequent years, while under his ministry, the church and soci- ety happily flourished. More recently, the introduction of Articles of Faith and Christian discipline, has developed as still existing, some diversity of views of Christian doctrine.
The ministry of Mr. Brigham was undoubtedly a salutary one. He died in the midst of life, " greatly beloved." The ministry of Mr. Williams, the second pastor, was short and less happy. He was charged with the sin of intemperance. Mr. Sabin was not ordained by the first council convened for that purpose, on account of supposed lax doctrinal views .- A subsequent council, entertaining a different shade of sen- timent, ordained him, and after a few years he was fellow-
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shiped by the ministers of the first council, and eventually became greatly beloved and respected by them. The church too, was divided, and those opposing his settlement became most firmly attached to him in after life, while some of his early friends labored against him in the final division of the church and congregation. He was eminently a practical man,-not disposed to contest subjects of theology in the pulpit, and earnestly desiring and laboring for peace, avoiding needless discipline in the church. His counsels were original and safe, and his influence very extensive and happy. His min- istry of forty years was one of great punctuality and gen- eral usefulness. Under his ministry there were several inter- esting and refreshing seasons. In 1823, '32, '34 and '35, the largest numbers were added to the church. The largest number added in one year (30) was in 1834. These seasons more nearly resembled a general revival than any others, before or since that period. Mr. Herrick and Mr. Jenkins labored in contact with many difficulties. Six natives of town and members of the first church, have prepared them- selves and labored in the gospel ministry. Three of this number are still preaching the gospel ; one other died in course of preparation before entering college, and one recent- ly died after having graduated at Andover theological semi- nary. One young man, formerly member of this church, died a missionary teacher at the Sandwich Islands, under the employ of the American Board. One young man is now preparing for the ministry. This church has never owned a parsonage nor had any funds for the support of the gospel, with the exception of small donations. In the year com- mencing June 1852, the church and society gave for benevo- lent purposes something over $ 500. In 1853, the amount of contributions and donations exceeded that sum. By esti- mate for the last twenty years, their benevolent offerings have averaged $ 400 annually. Present number of the church 157. Infant baptisms from the beginning to January 1855, 1212.
GILSUM.
Rev. EZRA ADAMS.
This town, first called "Boyle," was granted 1763, to Gilbert, Sumner and others,-called Gilsum, from the union of the first syllables of the names Gilbert and Sumner .- The first settlers were farmers in indigent or moderate cir-
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cumstances-most of them from Massachusetts and Connec- ticut. They were mainly industrious, virtuous and religious, and of the orthodox Congregational faith. The Congrega- tional church was organized Oct. 27, 1772, of persons in full communion with other churches. But no record of the number is extant.
It cost the town much effort to erect a house of worship, the frame of which was twice removed before it found a per- manent resting place. It was completed and dedicated about the commencement of 1794, though previously more or less occupied. The first pastor of the church, Rev. Elisha Fish, a graduate of Harvard, 1779, was installed May 29, 1794, and died March 28, 1807. He was a man of decided- ly evangelical sentiments, and probably gave to the church the character for orthodoxy and stability which it still retains. In the winter of 1805-6 the town was favored with an interesting revival of religion in which between twenty and thirty became hopeful subjects of grace. Of this num- ber, 12, all of them heads of families, united with the church at one time. Previous to this revival, at the suggestion of the pastor, the church observed a daily concert of prayer between eight and nine o'clock, A. M .; and when the bless- ing descended they felt that it was in answer to prayer.
During the ministry of Mr. Fish the Wesleyan Methodists began to hold meetings in an outskirt of the town. They gradually gained an influence in some families, particularly those of the deacons, the wife of one of whom left her own church to unite with them. And several of the children in both families became Methodists. Three members embrac- ed the Restorationist system, and after much patient labor, were excommunicated. A few of the children of the church also renounced the Abrahamic covenant, and united with the Baptists. After the decease of Mr. Fish the people became still more divided in their religious sentiments. Many became indifferent, or opposed to paying for the support of the gospel. Hence it was preached but a small portion of the time. The church became discouraged and her prospects more dark from year to year. In 1816, however, the Con- gregational portion of the community united in the forma- tion of a religious society, which rendered them independent of town control, and enabled them to act with greater facili- ty and efficiency than before. But being few and feeble they could raise but little for the support of the gospel .- Hence the way was prepared for still another denomination, the Christ-ian, to rise and flourish in town. This denomina- tion was planted in 1818, and, under a very zealous leader,
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forty converts were made and baptized-among them four members of the church and some children of the church .- Not only these but many others withdrew from the society, leaving it, as well as the church, a very feeble band-a by-word and reproach among the people. A few, however, continued steadfast and shared with the church all her trials and successes.
At this period it became evident to the little band that something must be done, or the cause which they held so dear would certainly fail. Accordingly, in the winter of 1819, it was proposed one Sabbath morning in one of their families to repair to the house of a good deacon and statedly hold a reading meeting-which before had been held only occasionally when they were destitute of a minister-until Providence should open the way for them to enjoy the preaching of the word. Success crowned the effort. And, though but here and there one was seen repairing to the meeting, while hundreds flocked to the other meetings, a nucleus was formed around which good influences continued to cluster and increase. Here they excited one another to increased liberality and effort to sustain what they felt to be " the faith once delivered to the saints." Here they resolv- ed, in the strength of God, to labor till success should crown them. Nor did they resolve and labor in vain. From that time they raised more money for the support of the gospel. They also organized a Sabbath School, formed a choir of singers, subscribed for religious periodicals, and contributed something to the cause of Christian benevolence. And in 1820 they made a successful application for aid, in the sup- port of the ministry, to the New Hampshire Missionary Society, under whose patronage they have been able to enjoy a stated ministry, with little interruption, to the pres- lent time.
Previous to 1830 they erected a parsonage, which, soon after its completion, was occupied by Rev. Ebenezer Chase their second pastor, who was installed Sept. 22, 1830. Dur- ing his ministry 20 were added to the church. But owing; as is supposed, to his having spent his early days in another connection, and not being yet accustomed to moving in an atmosphere so Puritanic as this, he was led to ask a dismis- sion, which was granted, and the connection dissolved April 26, 1833. Next, Rev. Seth S. Arnold supplied the people three years. Subsequently, Rev. William Hutchinson labor- ed here three years ; Rev. Henry. White, one year; Rev. George Langdon nearly two years; and Rev. James Tisdale seven years, and several others for shorter periods. Several
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of the above named were invited to a settlement. All, how- ever, except Mr. White, declined. He assented and a coun- cil was convened. But a sudden and unsuspected opposition sprung up, to the disappointment and grief of many in the church and society, which induced him to reverse his deci- sion and soon leave the place. In Jan. 1850, Rev. Ezra Adams, a graduate of Amherst, 1835, commenced his labors here, and was installed March 19, 1851. He still holds the relation of pastor to the church, to the mutual satisfaction, it is believed, of the parties concerned. In the winter of 1852-3, a revival of religion of some extent was enjoyed by the different societies, of the fruits of which, nine were add- ed to the Congregational church. The whole number of additions to the church since its organization is 184; by profession 121; by letter 63. Infant baptisms recorded, 218. During the dark period with the Congregational church and society, the use of the Meeting-house was so divided among the different denominations that they worshiped much of the time in private dwellings, and in 1834, under the counsel and encouragement of their minister, Mr. Arnold, they erected the present house which they now occupy, and which is secured in trust for the society, at an expense of $2000. A portion of this expense was defrayed by the sale of the parsonage, it being no longer wanted by the society, as the location of the new house was, by a disin- terested committee fixed in the then new village which had sprung up nearly a mile from the center of the town. And it is worthy of remark that the decision of this committee was cheerfully acquiesced in, although it nearly doubled the distance from meeting of several of the most prominent fam- ilies in the society. In erecting the house a debt of about $1100 was incurred, which continued to embarrass the soci- ety for several years. But during the ministry of Mr. Tis- dale, with the blessing of God on a strenuous effort, it was cancelled. Since this time the society has remained free from debt and has been gradually gaining strength. For many years the society has followed that most equable meth- od-taxation-of raising money for the support of preaching and other necessary expenses. Previous, however, to the assessment, all those without the society who are supposed to be friendly to its objects, are invited to subscribe some- thing in its aid. And many are usually found to respond more or less fully to this invitation. And it is felt by those who have been longest conversant with its interests, that the Congregational portion of the town have in a measure outlived the strong prejudices against them that once exist-
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ed, and, having in general been highly favored in the minis- try which they have employed, their influence has done much in restraining vice and promoting a general respect for religion. Mr. Adams' salary is $300, but with no specifica- tion as to how it shall be paid. It is paid, and to it are added from time to time many other tokens of regard, either individually, or in annual visits. The present number of church members is 44. Average annual contributions since Mr. Adams' settlement, $60. Ministers furnished from this town, four. Probably one-third of the inhabitants of the town may be called regular attendants on the means of grace, one-third occasional, and one-third non-attendants. Of the two former, one-half are attached to the Congregational interest ; the other to the Baptist, Christian, and Methodist, who worship together in the Methodist house. They report 75 members of their union Sabbath School. The Congrega- tionalists report 80.
HARRISVILLE.
Rev. WM. G. TUTTLE.
The village of Harrisville is partly in Dublin and partly in Nelson. The boundary line separating these two towns passes through the village, dividing it into nearly equal por- tions. The Meeting-house is in Nelson, the parsonage in Dublin. Previous to the formation of a church in this place, the majority of those who attended meeting went to Nelson. Owing, however, to the distance, many in the village and vicinity could go only occasionally. . Hence the spiritual wants of a large number were inadequately supplied. This led to the appointment of religious meetings on the evening of the Sabbath, and to the organization of a Sabbath School, which, for several years, was accustomed to meet in the store house belonging to the proprietor of one of the factories. Af- terwards a small chapel was erected for the better accommo- dation of religious meetings and the Sabbath School.
In process of time, there arose a difficulty in the church in Nelson respecting the propriety of the course pursued by their minister, the Rev. Josiah Ballard, in regard to a ser- mon preached on the subject of baptism. As some efforts were made by a certain evangelist to draw off some of the recent converts, and induce them to join a Baptist church in the village of Munsonville, Mr. Ballard thought it his duty to preach on the ordinance of baptism, with the design of
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showing that sprinkling is a scriptural mode of baptism. The sermon on this subject, and the general course pursued by the pastor of the church, were approved by some, and condemned by others. The Harrisville portion of the church stood unitedly and firmly with their minister. For a Sab- bath or two there were two separate congregations. Subse- quently, it was thought advisable by those members residing in this village and vicinity to take measures toward the organization of a church here. Accordingly they requested letters of dismission, and invited the Nelson church to unite with them in calling an ecclesiastical council, with the view of organizing a new church. The request for letters of dis- mission was granted ; the council was called, and a church formed Sept. 22, 1840, consisting of 31 members. The first Sabbath after the organization, 13 were received by letter from the parent church, making the whole number 44. A call was immediately extended to the Rev. Josiah Ballard to become their pastor, with the assurance of $400 as yearly compensation. The call was at first accepted, but upon more mature deliberation, was declined.
March 11, 1841, the Rev. O. C. Whiton was invited to preach one year, with a salary of $400. He accepted the invitation, and entered upon his labors on the 18th of April. Dec. 31, 1841, the church availed itself of the legislative act for becoming a corporate body, and adopted the constitution of a society. Aug. 11, 1842, Rev. O. C. Whiton was in- stalled pastor of the church by an ecclesiastical council called for the purpose. On the same day, the Meeting-house was dedicated to the worship of the Triune God. Rev. Mr. Whi- ton continued his very acceptable and eminently useful labors for four and a half years, when he was called from his work on earth to his reward in heaven. His death occurred Oct. 17, 1845,-his age was 51 years. He was much beloved by the people of his charge, and is still remembered by them with an affection that time can never efface. Through his instrumentality, many are now rejoic- ing in Christ as their friend and atoning Saviour.
Immediately after his decease, the church and society se- cured the services of the Rev. Jeremiah Pomeroy, which were enjoyed for four years. His efforts to build up the Redeem- er's kingdom here were signally blessed. After an interval of a few months, the Rev. Dan H. Babcock was employed for one year.
The present pastor, Rev. Wm. G. Tuttle, was ordained April 16, 1851. The friends of Christ have, from the begin- ning, been obliged to make considerable effort to sustain the
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institutions of the gospel in this place. Being few in num- ber, it was only by a very great effort that they succeeded in building the chapel, and afterwards the larger and more con- venient brick church. The burden of this enterprise rested especially upon the man for whom the village is named ; he generously contributed one half of the sum necessary for their erection. Owing to the manufacturing character of the pop- ulation, the permanent residents are not numerous. This feature of society operates unfavorably to the growth and prosperity of the church in several ways : 1st, temporary res- idents do not feel that degree of interest in attendance upon public worship which is usual with such as are permanently located : 2d, Many of those who do attend meeting leave the place so soon, that it is difficult to perceive all the good results of preaching which might otherwise be seen : Third- ly, they do not feel inclined to give into the treasury of the Lord, according to their ability : And then, fourthly, it is difficult for a minister to keep up such a familiar acquain- tance with a floating population, as is most conducive to their spiritual interests. It will be obvious, from these con- siderations, that a church in such circumstances should be a missionary church, bestowing much labor upon those, who, while living with us are not of us ; whose treasure is else- where, and whose hearts are there also. In consequence of the increasing number of foreigners, who find employment in the factories, and other influences hostile to the welfare of Zion, the morals of the place cannot be said to compare favorably with what they were ten or fifteen years since .- The annual amount of benevolent contributions sometimes exceeds $ 100, and sometimes falls short of it. The present method of raising money, for these purposes, is by the circu- lation of subscription papers, once a year. Belonging to the church there are two small funds, the interest of which goes toward the repairing of its buildings, and the support of its minister. One of these, called the "Harris Fund," is $1200. It was given by the late Bethuel Harris, one of the earliest settlers of the village and a warm friend of Zion .- The other fund consists of $1400, given by Miss Chloe White. A portion of the above mentioned property is inves- ted in a convenient and comfortable parsonage, situated at a short distance from the Meeting-house. In addition, there is also a small brick building owned by individual members of the society, which, at first, was used as the place of pub- lic worship, but is now occupied by the church as a vestry. The whole number who have been connected with this church is 113. Number baptized, 17.
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