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 35
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windows !" Richly rewarded does he now feel for years and tens of years of labor, trial and discouragement. "He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubt- less come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." The little band ready to perish, becomes in five years a flourishing church of more than 300 members-its greatest number at any one time. Few additions occur from this time until 1827, when some 25 persons united with the church.
Oct. 17, 1831, Dr. Wood completed a half century of ministerial labor in Boscawen, and noticed the event by ap- propriate services. In view of the past, he adopted the language of Paul for his text: "I was with you in weak- ness, and in fear, and in much trembling." In this dis- course, he stated that he had received into the church by pro- fession 480, of whom 109 had removed their relation, 119 had died, 30 had been excommunicated, and 238 remained.
The following year, Rev. Salmon Bennett was invited to settle as colleague with Dr. Wood, and was installed Dec. 5, 1832. During his ministry of four years, interesting revivals occurred, and considerable additions were made to the church. At length difficulties arose in respect to his salary which induced him to ask a dismission ; and his con- nection with the church was dissolved Oct. 25, 1836. Dr. Wood now remained sole pastor of the church and society. But his labors were nearly finished. In less than two months, he was removed to the church above. On his last Sabbath, he preached from the text, "I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day ; for the night cometh when no man can work." The next Saturday eve- ning, Dec. 24, the time when he commenced his earthly Sab- baths, he entered into his everlasting rest. His last words were, " All is well." Well, it might be with him, who had filled up a life of 84 years in the service of his blessed Redeemer, having learned of Christ from his mother's lips, while fondly leaning his head on her lap, and become hope- fully pious before he was five years old. At the mature age of 24, he left the farm to begin his preparation for the min- istry, and yet enjoyed the privilege of preaching the gospel fifty five years.
Deep was the interest which he felt in the church, on which he had bestowed his life-long toil and care. He look- ed upon its members as his own children. Indeed, they were nearly all his spiritual children. To the society he gave most of his property, which still remains a permanent fund, yielding an annual income of about $ 200.
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BOSCAWEN.
The usefulness of Dr. Wood was not confined to his own people. He is said to have fitted about 100 students for college, and aided more than 60 in their studies for the min- stry. Though called, while he lived, to pass through evil As well as good report, his name is now held in great venera- cion by all classes, both in the town where he resided, and throughout the wide circle of his acquaintance.
The church and society very soon took measures to secure the settlement of another minister ; Rev. Caleb B. Tracy, a graduate of Williams college, and of Andover theological seminary, was invited to become their pastor, and installed Sept. 12, 1837. Interesting revivals occurred during his ministry-particularly in the winter of 1842-3, when on one occasion 54 persons united with the church. About this time, a Calvinistic Baptist church was organized, and a Meeting-house built-the first and only society, of other denominations, within the bounds of the east parish. For two or three years past, they have not sustained public wor- ship, and many of them attend meeting at the Congrega- tional church. Not long after, a Congregational church was organized at Fisherville, to which several persons, 13 or more, removed their relation from the First church. Difficulties having arisen to interfere with his comfort and usefulness, Mr. Tracy asked a dismission. A mutual council was called, and his connection with the church and society dis- solved, Oct. 29, 1851. Divisions, produced by various causes, prevented united action in the settlement of another minis- er. For nearly two years the people were without a pastor; out the pulpit was not suffered, for a single Sabbath, to stand inoccupied.
At length, the church and society united in extending a unanimous call to Rev. Ambrose Smith, a graduate of Dart- nouth, and Andover theological seminary. He was installed June 15, 1853, and is the present pastor. Salary $600. At the present time, a good degree of harmony and external prosperity are enjoyed. An increasing number attend meet- ng on the Sabbath, and much interest is manifested in the preaching of the gospel. The congregation under favorable circumstances exceeds 200, and this is characterized as a church-going people. Yet large numbers habitually neglect public worship-perhaps one half of the whole population of the parish, which is about 700. The weekly prayer meeting, und also the monthly church meeting are well sustained. The Sabbath School is continued summer and winter; and luring the interim of divine service, some 18 or 20 classes tre gathered for the study of God's word, composed of all
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ages, from little children just beginning to lisp the Saviour® name, to veterans in his service of more than four score year! The ladies have a Maternal Association, and also a Femal Benevolent society, which hold monthly meetings. Th attendance on the latter often exceeds 80, and the avails o . their work were about $75 the last year. Collections fo benevolent objects are made regularly, on the first Sabbat] of every other month. The "old Boards" are generally pre - ferred as the channels of their beneficence-donations th last year, in all, exceeded $ 300.
This church early took a decided stand in favor of temper ance. In 1832, it was voted, that all who should thereafte: be admitted, would be considered as adopting the pledge of total abstinence from the common use of ardent spirits. The church has also declared itself strongly opposed to slavery In 1843 a resolution was passed "that as a church we wil not hold christian fellowship with those, who, for the sake of gain, continue to hold, buy or sell human beings as slaves." It is also printed among the " standing rules" of the church. that " slavery is a sin, against which we, as a church and in- dividuals, are solemnly bound to protest, and exert our influ- ence in all suitable ways."
This church has sent out some 12 or more of its number to preach the gospel-some among the heathen. More than 600 persons have been united to it since its organization, on profession of their faith in Christ ; and we trust it will be said, of many dwellers in Zion's holy mount, that they were born here. Yet while large numbers have been added from time to time-218 within the last 25 years-the church has, during this time, decreased from 300 to 145 members-show- ing the necessity of large and constant accessions to church- es, in the country, to keep their numbers good, on account of constant removals by death, and especially, of late, by emigration.
This church is sound in doctrine, and strongly attached to the Abrahamic covenant. Within little more than a year, the present pastor had the privilege of impressing its seal on 15 lambs of the flock. But while we have much reason for thankfulness in view of past blessings and present privileges, we mourn, in common with other churches, the absence of the Holy Spirit, whose powerful influences have been so often felt here in other days. Often is heard in the conference room, the prayer, "O Lord, revive us again, as in years past."
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BOSCAWEN.
BOSCAWEN WEST.
Rev. EDWARD BUXTON.
In the year 1791, the inhabitants in the westerly part of Boscawen petitioned for the convenience of a Meeting-house. One was built by the town during that year. The pulpit, t this house, was partly supplied by Rev. Samuel Wood, as minister of the town, till the dissolution of his contract with he town in 1802. After that, it continued to be pretty onstantly supplied, by different preachers, the expense being lefrayed mostly by private subscriptions. As it was not to be expected that the town would again settle a minister, a considerable number of the people were desirous of adopting ome systematic method of providing for the preaching of he gospel. A society, therefore, consisting of 60 or 70 nembers, was formed, called the Westerly Religious Society n Boscawen.
Soon after, there was a special attention to religion, and small number became hopefully pious. This event induced he society to express their desire to have the stated preach- ng of the gospel, by extending an invitation and proposals o the Rev. Ebenezer Price, who had for several months been aboring among them, to settle with them in the ministry. Their proposals being conditionally accepted, the Second Congregational Church in Boscawen was formed, Sept. 10th, 804; and on the 26th of the same month, united with the eligious society in the settlement of Mr. Price as their pastor.
To this church have been added, by profession, 313; by etter, 47,-in all, 370. Removals have been as follows : by lismission, 117; by death, 90; by exclusion, 13, leaving in present connection with the church, 58 males and 91 females ; n all, 149 members. Deacons of this church have been lected as follows : In 1805, Benjamin Sweatt and Eliphalet Kilburn. Benjamin Sweatt died Oct, 11, 1810, aged 55. Eliphalet Kilburn died Dec. 11, 1844, aged 92. In 1811, Enoch Little was elected, who died April 1, 1848, aged 85. In 1825, James Kilburn was elected, who in 1843, removed o Andover. In 1831, George T. Pillsbury was elected, who lied May 17, 1836, aged 44. In 1836, Jeremiah Gerrish was elected, who died Oct. 30, 1843, aged 49. In 1843, Enoch Little and Eldad Austin were elected, who continue to fill their office as deacons of the church.
Rev. Mr. Price was dismissed from the pastoral charge of his church, May 10, 1837. In his communication to the
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church asking his dismission, he says, " Whereas of late inll has appeared to some in and others out of the church, that my removal from my pastoral relation is expedient ; and ac- cordingly measures have been taken to effect it ; but in these movements, to prevent any breach in the church and society. the majority in both have yielded to the wishes of the minor- ity, on certain specific conditions, which have been complied with, expressive of justice and unabated affection to the pas- tor ; therefore, in view of these combined efforts of my peo- ple for the insurance of this object, however self-denying in itself, yet, trusting that it is the will of God, I consent to the giving up of my contract with the society, and my pas- toral relation to the church; and do hereby ask to be dis- missed from the ministry with you."
The present pastor and successor of Mr. Price, Rev. Ed- ward Buxton, was installed Dec. 13, 1837. The Sabbath School connected with this church, consisting of children, parents and grand-parents, has been prosperous for many years. Father Price, ever since his dismission from the pas- toral charge of the church, has, with unabated affection to the people, served them in the capacity of superintendent of their Sabbath School, being now in the 85th year of his age.
The special rules of this church are of long standing. One of them is: "Any member of the church, refusing to unite with, or withdrawing from the religious society, in the view of the church is chargeable with a breach of covenant." An- other is : "No one can be admitted into the church without giving the temperance pledge." Another: "There shall be, in future, a standing or permanent committee of the church, composed of the officiating pastor and deacons, and six breth- ren of the church, whose power shall be merely advisory."
This church was somewhat disturbed by conflicting views on the subject of temperance and slavery. Its position in regard to temperance is shown by its rule on that subject. It has endeavored to maintain a reasonable and scriptural anti-slavery sentiment, with decided disapprobation of ultra and disorganizing views and means in regard to slavery.
This church has been blessed with nine revivals of religion, the largest of which are indicated by the following additions to the number of its members : In 1815, were added by pro- fession 36; in 1820, 31; in 1835, 54; in 1843, 32. Bap- tisms have been as follows: children, 413; adults, 89-in all, 502.
This church makes annual contributions for most of the objects of Christian benevolence ; especially for Home and Foreign Missions, and for the American Bible and Tract
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BRADFORD.
ocieties. The members of this church have ever manifested sacred regard for the doctrines of grace; in which they ere fully instructed by their first, revered pastor. After he articles of their confession of faith, they say, "For a hore full declaration of our faith, we refer to the Assembly's shorter Catechism, which we esteem as a good summary of Christian doctrine, founded on the word of God." This is a edo-baptist church. In its covenant, its members express- y engage to dedicate their children to God in baptism ; and is believed that God has blessed to them the administra- ion of household baptism, as a means of promoting the sal- ation of their children.
BOW.
This town was first granted, May 20, 1727, to Jonathan Viggin and others ; but its settlement progressed very lowly, for its inhabitants numbered only 350 in 1775, forty ight years after it was granted. And no evidence has come efore us that a church, of any name, existed here until Imost seventy years after the above event.
The Baptist church in Bow was first organized in 1795 ; nd Rev. Benjamin Sargent was ordained in 1797 over the hurch and society, where he continued until 1801, when he emoved to Pittsfield, and has since died. Rev. Thomas Vaterman ministered to the people from 1804 to 1807 ;- uring which period a new church had been formed of Bap- ists and Congregationalists, and subsequently dissolved, the wo denominations forming distinct societies. From 1807 o 1815, the Baptist church was without any pastor. July
1816, the Baptist church was re-organized ; and on the , 3th of Feb. 1817, Rev. Henry Veazey was settled. It ppears that a church composed of Baptists and Congrega- ionalists once existed here, and out of this sprung one of ach order. In 1824, the name of a church in Bow appears on the Minutes of the General Association, with 24 mem- bers. Since that time but little preaching of our order has been enjoyed here. Population in 1850, 1055.
BRADFORD.
Rev. C. RUSSELL.
Soon after the first settlement of this town the people rected a Meeting-house in September 1796, near the center
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of the town, in a very pleasant location. The house was
owned principally by the Congregationalists who worshiped
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therein for seven years, before the formation of a church .- Previous to the settlement of a pastor, the people sat under the ministry of Rev. Benjamin Wood, Rev. Mr. Pearley, Rev. Abisha Clark, Rev. Messrs. Colton, Stanford, Rolfe, and Moulton.
A Congregational church was gathered and organized Nov. 24, 1803, consisting of 15 members. The first deacons were John Brown and David Ingals. The first pastor was the Rev. Lemuel Bliss, a graduate of Dartmouth college, and a theological student with the Rev. Samuel Wood of Boscawen. He was ordained over the church March 6, 1805, and died July 4, 1814. The number added to the church under the ministry of Mr. Bliss was 15-12 by pro- fession and three by letter. The interim from the death of Mr. Bliss to the settlement of the Rev. Robert Page, was filled by the labors of Rev. Hosea Wheeler, Rev. Mr. Lang- ley, and Morse. The church gave Mr. Wheeler a call for settlement ; but the council, convened for that purpose, found him more a Calvinist Baptist in sentiment than a, Congregationalist, and, therefore, refused to settle him,- They gave Mr. Morse a call, but he declined its acceptance. Four members were added during this interim.
The next pastor was the Rev. Robert Page who was ordain- ed over the church May 22, 1822,-dismissed April 16, 1828. The number added to the church during the ministry of Mr. Page was 35. He left the church and people, very much against their wishes, under the impression that he might be more useful in some other field of labor. A delinquency in paying his salary, he construed as an indication of want of proper interest in his services. A reformation commenced before he left, which it may be interesting to notice. In the winter of 1826-7 a weekly prayer meeting was commenced at the house of the pastor on Saturday evening, the object of which was to pray for a revival of religion. That meeting was never omitted. It was always small-sometimes consisting of only one man and the pastor's wife, he himself being from home for an exchange. Every thing looked discouraging .- The next winter, especially, all was dark. Thoughtlessness, neglect of religion, sinful amusements, vice, and opposition to Christians had become alarmingly prevalent. The state of religious feeling in the church was very low. It was the darkest time the pastor had ever seen. It seemed as though every thing good would go down. But in April one and another, who had no hope, began to drop in at the prayer
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BRADFORD.
heeting. The hearers began to give more fixed attention p the preaching of the Word. The labors of the minister here were drawing to a close. In that dark time he had sked a dismission,-as in some other cases he has perhaps nnecessarily done-and arrangements had been made for his event. As the time drew near he preached more plain- and closely. These facts, combined, had an influence, it hay be, in producing a more fixed and inteested attention. he last Sabbath he spent there, several of the youth came his house, after the public services, to converse with him h the subject of personal religion. All these became hope- illy pious. That attendance at the prayer meeting was he first indication of any special attention to religion, and hat Sabbath inquiry meeting the first public commence- ent of the revival. It rapidly increased. Soon it became eneral, and it continued about a year. It was the greatest vival ever enjoyed in the place. It is believed there were, the town, over 100 who hoped they had experienced newing grace. The late pastor was not privileged to gath- in the harvest. He had used his influence, in connection ith that of some of the church, to induce Rev. Mr. Kent, nce that the adventurous pioneer missionary at Galena, 1., to labor among that people. He was with them about he year. He was the reaper. In less than one year 67 ersons were gathered into the church, of whom two became inisters of the gospel. But the former pastor had the joy knowing that he had been sowing the seed for six years, hd, in the latter part of the time, in four Bible classes, as ell as on the Sabbath,-which, together with that sown by hers before him, at length yielded such a plentiful harvest. The Rev. Orlando G. Thatcher was next installed over the urch Dec. 2, 1829, and died Aug. 19, 1837. The acces- on to the church under Mr. Thatcher was 31. The next astor was the Rev. Stephen Rogers who was installed Dec. 0, 1838. Previous to his installation, the Congregational hurch and people built a new and elegant Meeting-house, ear their former one, in which they worship at present .- t is furnished with a good bell, gallery clock, and means r lighting it. The dedication of the house, and ordination f two deacons, viz. Jeremiah Colby, and Silas Abbott, took lace on the day of installation. The number gathered into he church during the ministry of Mr. Rogers was 74. His bors closed amidst an undesirable state of feeling. He as dismissed July 22, 1846. Soon after Mr. Rogers' ismission, the church chose, as their pastor, Rev. Daniel oodhue, who was ordained May 2, 1848 and dismissed
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May 31, 1853. Six were added to the church previous to his dismission.
Since November 1853, the church and people have enjoy- ed the ministerial labors of the Rev. C. Russell. The num- ber of additions to this church since its organization, by profession has been 197, by letter 35; in all 232,-excom- municated 22,-the present number is 51. This church has passed through seasons of light and shade. She has enjoyed prosperity and suffered adversity ; but the great Shepherd of Israel has never forsaken her, but still continues his loving kindness. His promise, "I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee," is felt to be truly fulfilled.
" As birds their infant brood protect, And spread their wings to shelter them ;
Thus saith the Lord to his elect, So will I guard Jerusalem."
CANTERBURY.
Rev. HOWARD MOODY.
The original proprietors of this town considered it a mat- ter of the first importance, that religious institutions should be strictly maintained. Accordingly, their records inform us that they raised money from time to time for the support of the gospel. The first appropriation was made in the year 1735. In 1742, they taxed themselves each three shillings and ninepence. It appears that the name of the first preacher was James Scales, a graduate of Harvard college in 1733. He was repeatedly chosen town clerk. In 1743 we find a vote to give him £20 for his ministerial services. In 1750 the town agreed to have constant preaching, until a minister can be settled in the town. The first Meeting- house was built of logs. The same year a thousand acres of land were voted for the use of the ministry. In 1756, the Rev. Robert Cutler received a unanimous call to settle over the people; he continued to preach in the town for two years, but for some reason was not installed over the people. He was the first settled minister at Epping. He was after- wards installed in Greenwich, Ms., and died there in 1786, aged 64. Mr. Timothy Walker of Concord, who graduated at Harvard college in 1756, was employed a short time .- He afterwards went into civil life, and was a member of the council, and chief justice of the Court of Common Pleas.
In 1760, Mr. Abiel Foster, a native of Andover, Ms., and a graduate of Harvard college, was invited by the church
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CANTERBURY.
And town to become their minister. He was ordained Jan. 21, 1761, and continued the pastor of the church till 1779, when, by mutual consent, the connection was dissolved. A number of candidates were employed, to some of whom invi- ations to settle were given, but insurmountable obstacles prevented, until in October 1790, when Mr. Frederick Par- ker was invited by the church, unanimously, to become their pastor. He was ordained Jan. 5, 1791. He was born at Shrewsbury, Ms., May 4, 1762; graduated at Harvard in 1784, and died, very suddenly, in Canterbury, April 21, 1802, in the fortieth year of his age. Two candidates, Rev. Daniel Staniford and Mr. Myrick were employed previous to November 1802.
During this year the Rev. William Patrick was employed to preach as a candidate. Mr. Patrick was born in Warren, Ms., July 4, 1773, graduated at Williams college September 1799; read divinity with the Rev. Charles Baccus, D.D .; was licensed to preach in June 1801 ; ordained and installed pastor of the church in Canterbury, Oct. 26, 1803, and was lismissed, at his own request, Nov. 22, 1843; and, on the ame day the present pastor, Rev. Howard Moody, was ordained and installed over the church. Mr. Patrick is still iving and active, and has preached half the time in town ince his dismission. The first records of the church having been lost, the exact time of its organization is not known.
The number added to the church during the ministry of Mr. Foster was 33; to the settlement of Mr. Parker, six ; . luring the ministry of Mr. Parker 52 were added. Up to he time of the settlement of the Rev. Mr. Patrick, the church had acted on the half way covenant. One hundred und twenty united in this. From the time of the settle- nent of Mr. Patrick, the practice ceased. The whole num- ber of communicants received to the church during the forty years of the pastorate of Mr. Patrick was 353 ; 28 have been received under the present pastor. The church never enjoy- ed a revival before the ministry of the Rev. Mr. Patrick .- During his ministry no less than seven seasons of special religious interest were enjoyed. One, which occurred dur- ng the years 1810 and '11, was a very general and powerful revival; as the fruits of which, 79 were gathered into the church and a large number was added to the Freewill Bap- tists. The church, within a few years, has been greatly weakened by the deaths of many valuable members and the emigration of others. The church at present numbers about 125, many of whom are non-residents. The society has funds accruing from the sale of the parsonage, which a few 24
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MERRIMACK COUNTY.
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