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 37
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Members at the organization of the church, 8; added un- er Rev. Mr. Walker, 95; under Rev. Mr. Evans, 124; un- er Rev. Dr. McFarland, 429 ; under Rev. Dr. Bouton, 649 ; otal, 1350.
Rev. Mr. Walker baptized about all in the parish; Rev. Ir. Evans, (imperfect record,) gives 123; Rev. Dr. McFar- und, 734; Rev. Dr. Bouton, 595; total, 1452.
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Members of the First church who have become ministers of the gospel are the following: James Scales, admitted 1736 ! ordained first minister of Hopkinton, deceased ; Tim- othy Walker, jr., licensed 1759, not settled, deceased ; Eph- raim Abbot, admitted 1802, ordained at Greenland ; George W. Hough, admitted 1807, Baptist missionary in Burmah, deceased ; David Kimball, admitted 1811, now at Hanover, N. H .; James Walker, admitted 1811, died at Milton, 1826; Joshua T. Russell, admitted 1811, died in Mississippi ; Jer- emiah Glines, admitted 1812, settled at Lunenburg, Vt .; Samuel G. Tenney, admitted 1816, once settled at Lyndon, Vt .; William Clark, admitted 1816, agent of the A. B. C. F. M. ; Henry Wood, admitted 1816, consul at Beirut, Sy- ria ; Moses Kimball, admitted 1816, now at Weathersfield, Vt .; Henry S. G. French, admitted 1826, missionary at Siam, deceased ; Horace Herrick, admitted 1828, once set- tled at Fitzwilliam; John LeBosquet, admitted 1831, at Greenfield ; Luther Farnum, admitted 1832, resident in Boston ; Ezra E. Adams, admitted 1832, settled at Nashua; William A. Patten, admitted 1833, late pastor at Deerfield ; Ezekiel Dow, admitted 1843, preacher at Monument, Ms.
"Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks; unto thee do we give thanks : for that thy name is near, thy wondrous works declare."
CONCORD WEST ..
Rev. A. P. TENNEY.
In the spring of 1832, several individuals residing in the north west.part of Concord, for their better accommodation in the public worship of God, and with the full concurrence of the First church and society of which several of them were members, formed themselves into a religious society, and agreed to build a house of worship. A neat and commo- dious house was completed, and, in January 1833, was ded- icated to Almighty God, Father, Son and Holy Ghost.
The pulpit was supplied, chiefly by Dr. Harris of Dun- barton, until the first Sabbath in March, when the present pastor began his labors as a candidate for installation .- April 23, in the forenoon, eighty nine members,-twenty seven males, and sixty two females, who had been dismissed ยท for the purpose from the First church,-were duly organized into a new church. In the afternoon of the same day, Rev. Asa P. Tenney was installed as their pastor. The Articles of Faith adopted by the church were similar to those
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enerally used by Orthodox Congregational churches in New England. May 9, brethren Abial Rolfe and Ira Rowell rere elected deacons. Having previously served in the same ffice in the First church, they were not re-ordained Dea. Rolfe was removed from the church militant Feb. 19, 1840. Le was a man of rare excellence, and of great usefulness. [is death, while yet in the vigor of his age, was very gen- rally and sincerely lamented. August 15, brother Hazen tunnels was elected to the office of deacon in place of Dea. wolfe, and, at a subsequent meeting, was solemnly ordained.
The whole number added to this church since its organi- ation is 263, making a total of 352 members. Of the addi- tons 52 were by letter, and 211 on profession of their faith. he present number is 202, including non-resident members. f the 161 removals, 18 were dismissed to be organized, with thers, into a sister church at Fisherville-a village which as sprung up within a few years on the northern border of his parish. Of the whole number received 69 only were aptized, the others having been baptized in infancy-an dinance that is prized and generally observed by the church. he additions have, in great part, been the fruit of revivals, s will be seen by the numbers received to the fellowship the church in specific years, as follows : In 1833, 28 ; in B34, 30 ; in 1835, 13 ; in 1836, 8 ; in 1837, 9; in 1838, 6; in 1839, 2; in 1841, 9; in 1842, 13; in 1843, 53 ; in 344, 6 ; in 1845, 7; in 1846, 3; in 1847, 1; in 1848, 2 ; in 349, 2; in 1850, 1; in 1851, 8 ; in 1852, 1; in 1853, 1; 1854, 3 ; in 1855, 22.
The church was organized amid the influences of reviving race-several conversions having occurred before the organ- ation. And, from the above notice of additions, it appears at special divine influence was enjoyed with little interrup- on for several years. The most general and powerful work grace, which the church has ever enjoyed, commenced irly in the antumn of 1842, and continued through most the following winter. As the fruit of it, nearly eighty ersons expressed hope. Most of the converts were young, id what is unusual, more than half of them were males. f those added to the church nine were from one family, par relatives of good Deacon Rolfe. The revivals which is church has enjoyed, have generally been gradual and iseless, "like leaven which a woman took and hid in three easures of meal." That they may prove as all-pervading id permanent in their effects, should be the desire of all parts. The ordinary means of grace have been chiefly lied on. Protracted meetings were occasionally held, not,
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however, for the purpose of awaking a slumbering chur and a careless world, but, for the purpose of deepening a: extending religious sensibilities already more or less activ The church were, formerly, more wont, than now, to hc special seasons of fasting and prayer. They have, sor times, had something like " Class meetings," conducted ! the pastor at private houses in the different school district -church members and inquirers only attending. A fr quent means has been, general visitation by committees fro the church. But whatever means have been employed, it ( acknowledged : "Power only belongeth unto God." Upc the general harmony that has prevailed among the membe ship, and upon all the useful results of this organizati( may appropriately be inscribed : "Hitherto the Lord hat helped us."
CONCORD.
SOUTH CHURCH .- Rev. H. E. PARKER.
The South Congregational Church, Concord, was organize Feb. 1, 1837, at the time of the dedication of their preser house of worship, and comprised at the time of its organiza tion sixty seven members who were regularly dismissed, f this purpose, from the First Church. Since that period, 1 the close of 1854, there have been added two hundred and tw persons by letter, and one hundred and fifty eight by profes: ion, the aggregate in 1855 being two hundred and eighty five Whole number 427. During the current year 29 have bee added to its numbers-19 by profession, and 10 by letter.
The church has enjoyed one interesting season of revive during its history thus far ; it occurred in the year 1842,- and there has been some increased interest during a part the past year.
Rev. Daniel J. Noyes was the first pastor of the church settled May 2, 1837,-dismissed Oct. 10, 1849, to take th theological professorship in Dartmouth college. A stron attachment existed between him and his people. His min istry was a successful and happy one. The meeting of th pastor and the souls he won, by the grace of God, will be joy ful to them, and will bring eternal praise to Christ.
Rev. Henry E. Parker, the present pastor, was installe May 14, 1851, with a salary of $1000. He has occasion fo grateful acknowledgments for the smiles of the Head of th church upon him in his work. The South church has a grea responsibility, in connection with its sister churches, in thi central point of influence in our State.
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CONCORD EAST.
Rev. H. A. KENDALL.
This church was organized March 30, 1842, and consisted of 42 members, who were dismissed from "The First Con- gregational church in Concord," and recommended for the purpose of being formed into a church on the east side of the river, where no established worship had been main- tained. A house of worship was built and dedicated before the church was formed. The reason of this enterprise is given in the recorded language of the original members :- ' God having favored us with a house of worship where many bre now accommodated with the means of grace, who have previously been deprived of this favor to a great extent, we are called upon by the providence of God to be organized into a church."
The religious history of this parish, prior to the formation of this church, belongs to the history of the First church, ome of whose pillars were spared to be set in this church s the third colony from the original Congregational church n Concord. The mother and her children abide in harmony.
Rev. Timothy Morgan was the stated preacher for one year. Under his ministry there was a revival interest, and about 10 cases of hopeful conversion occurred ; of these, 32 indi- viduals became members of this church. This religious nterest was preceded by protracted religious meetings in the own, and attended by such meetings in the parish.
Rev. Hiram Freeman was ordained and installed as the irst pastor of this church Sept. 27, 1843. He was dismissed une 19, 1846, at his own request, in order to enter the missionary field of the West. Salary, $ 350 per annum. t was raised to $ 400. Rev. Winthrop Fifield was installed astor of this church March 24, 1847. Salary, $ 350. He vas dismissed March 25, 1850.
Rev. Henry A. Kendall, the present pastor, was installed June 26, 1851, with a salary of $ 400.
The whole number of members has been 152. The pres- nt number is 104. The additions in all have been 106-by profession 67-by letter 39. Infant baptisms have been 12, -adult three. The average amount paid for benevolent bjects during the last four years is $ 100, annually. Rev. E. E. Adams, born in this parish, and Rev. Joseph Warren, resident here, have gone into the ministry. The latter is missionary of the Presbyterian Board. Public morals have improved greatly during the period of forty years, espe-
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cially in the decrease of intemperance, profaneness and oper Sabbath breaking.
DUNBARTON.
Rev. JOHN M. PUTNAM.
The church of Christ in Dunbarton was organized, June 18, 1789, consisting of ten members. This event was about forty years after the first permanent settlement was made ir this town by white inhabitants, and twenty four years after the town was incorporated under the name of Dunbarton,- The population of the town was, at that time, nearly the same that it is now. In 1769, about twenty years before the organization of the church, the town erected a rude structure which was used for purposes of public worship, though --
it scarcely bore any resemblance to church edifices of the present day. It stood where the old Meeting-house (belong- ing to the town,) now stands. All around it was then an uncultivated wild.
But a new era was at hand. In the year 1789, the same year in which the church was organized, the town voted, on certain specified conditions, to build a new Meeting-house ; which vote was carried into effect. The same year was also memorable for another event, the settlement of Rev. Walter: Harris, the first pastor of this church, which took place on the 26th of August, 1789-a little more than two months from the time the church was organized. Up to this time. but very little salutary religious influence had been exerted here, and very few made any pretensions at all to being the servants of Christ. The candidates for the pastoral office who preceded Mr. Harris, were not men who were adapted to raise very high the standard either of orthodoxy or mor- als. Arminianism, at that time, was most lamentably rife. and great laxness of doctrine and discipline prevailed in all the churches. The community were still suffering greatly from the deleterious effects, upon their morals and habits of lite, of the War of the Revolution.
On Mr. Harris' taking the charge of this church, a new state of things was ere long manifest ; a new aspect was vis- ible upon the religious interests of the people. He saw that the people were, in a spiritual point of view, languishing and perishing for want of faithful, thorough, evangelical instruc- tion. And very soon after his ordination he commenced, ir a systematic way, the important work of stating, defining
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llustrating and defending the great doctrines of the gospel. Several years were spent in this great work-during which Mr. Harris brought into vigorous exercise all the powers of his acute and discriminating mind-a mind well trained, both in the school of science and in the school of theology ---- mind, naturally capacious and discerning, capable of grasp- ng and digesting great truths, at the same time that it was ired with a peculiar ardor and energy, from the inspira- tion of a heart touched with the mysterious power of divine grace, and blessed in an uncommon measure, with "an unc- tion from the Holy One." In this manner he labored ; not hunning "to declare the whole counsel of God," preaching he truth with an earnestness and affection, and with a fidel- ty and a pungency, peculiarly adapted to take effect.
Two whole years passed away under these faithful labors, und no signs were witnessed of God's reviving influences. The third year also had half finished its course, and no cloud f mercy had yet made its appearance over this hill of Zion. But now had arrived the hour of God's merciful visitation. A stillness, like that of death, now pervaded the congrega- ion on the Sabbath, save when that stillness was broken by he involuntary sighs and half suppressed sobs of those who ad felt the Spirit's power upon their hearts, and were weep- ng over their sins. With such convincing energy did the Holy Ghost descend, that the entire people were moved ; he whole town was shaken as with a moral earthquake, and one were so hardened as not to be interested in the inquiry, What shall I do to be saved ?" Now were Zion's walls ndeed called salvation, and her gates praise ! This was one f the most signal and glorious works of grace ever witnessed h New England. It was such a scene as earth seldom eholds-" such as heaven looks down with joy to view." t introduced to this then infant church about 80 new mem- ers. Thus the little band of ten, who, three years before, vere constituted into a church, in the midst of this moral wilderness, received an increase equal to doubling their num- er three times, during the first three years of their exist- nce :- a glorious triumph, surely, over the kingdom of satan nd the powers of darkness.
To the splendors of this bright day, there succeeded a long ight of comparative darkness. In connection with this first evival, or during the lapse of a single year, it appears that a arger number were received to this church by profession, than uring the whole generation following. During thirty three ears there were, as near as can be ascertained by the records f the church, seventy eight admissions ; two less than the
25
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admissions resulting from the revival of 1792. In the course of this period, however, there was one revival, which occurred in 1816, the fruits of which, amounting to 40 in number, were gathered into the church during that and the following year. The average number received to the church, by pro- fession, when no revival existed, was a little over one a year. But notwithstanding the few admissions during the period under consideration, the church, in many respects, might well be regarded as in a healthful and prosperous state. The members of it were ardently attached to the faith once delivered unto the saints, and, under the discriminating, faithful and highly instructive preaching of their pastor, "whose praise was in the gospel throughout all the church- es," they were nurtured and built up in the faith, and shone as bright lights amidst the surrounding darkness. No man, perhaps, understood church discipline better, or was more thorough, energetic, and, at the same time, discreet in its administration, than Dr. Harris, the first pastor of this church ; and it was owing greatly to his influence, sustained as he was by a goodly number of congenial spirits among his brethren, that the church, as a body, was kept so free from scandal, and maintained so high a character for purity and good order.
The year 1826 marks another memorable era in the annals of this church. A season of refreshing was then experienced from the presence of the Lord, of a similar character to that enjoyed thirty three years previous, an account of which has already been given. At the time of the commencement of this signal work of grace, the relative proportion of profes- sors of religion in this town to the whole number of inhabit- ants, was comparatively small. There were, indeed, at this time, one hundred and seven names standing upon the church records ; but a large number of these were residing out of town. The resident members, as near as can be calculated, were about seventy six or seventy eight. This was a dimi- nution in the number of church members, of somewhat more than one eighth of the whole, since the ingathering of the revival of 1792. But the revival of 1826 put a new face upon things. Long had the ways of Zion mourned. Long had the brethren of this church, at least a portion of them, cried and sighed for deliverance from their spiritual captivity. And now the hour of jubilee had come. The Holy Spirit descended, as at the day of Pentecost, "like a rushing mighty wind," and the glorious power and sovereign grace of God were made manifest, in a most wonderful and overwhelming manner. The whole town was again moved. This revival
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resulted in the addition of about eighty new members to the church. We here see, that one powerful revival of religion may do more, in a single year, for the enlargement of God's people, than is accomplished during a whole generation, in ordinary times, when no such special outpourings of the Spirit are experienced. After the gathering in of the sub- jects of the revival of 1826, there were but two admissions by profession during the remaining ministry of this venera- ble man. It was about four years after this great revival, that Dr. Harris closed his ministry in this place. With great diligence and fidelity, as well as with signal ability and pleasing success, he had labored here for about forty one
years. During this period he had received into this church by profession two hundred and thirty four persons-on an average, between five and six admissions annually. The influ- ence of Dr. Harris' ministry was great and good. As one has aptly expressed it : "His influence, that still liveth, beautiful as a thread of gold, and with the strength of iron t is interwoven with the whole character of this people."
In the year 1830, Dr. Harris, worn down by the weight of years and many infirmities, was, by his own request, dis- missed from his pastoral charge : and the same council which lismissed the first, installed the second, the present pastor of this church, Rev. John M. Putnam, which event took place July 8, 1830. This last act took place with the full appro- pation and expressed wishes of the first pastor, and the unanimous voice of the church and people.
In the spring of 1831, about eight months from the date f the present pastor's settlement, this church was blest with nother of those glorious outpourings of the Holy Spirit, which cause such thrills of joy among the heavenly hosts. The measure of holding a protracted meeting was adopted with much fear and trembling on the part of the church, lest t should fail to be attended with the desired results. For weeks before its arrival, it was made the subject of special, united and daily prayer. It was also made to hold a very prominent place in the public services of the sanctuary .- The people of God seemed truly to humble themselves before their heavenly Father and to feel deeply their unwor- hiness and dependence, and were led to plead with God with peculiar fervor and importunacy, to come and bless them.
On the first day of this holy convocation there was no ery visible effect. But on the second day, Jehovah did ndeed appear in his glory. During that memorable day, cenes were acted, which no lapse of time can ever blot from
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the memory. They will be remembered forever ; for their
record is on high. After a number of pungent and powerful . addresses had been listened to, in which sinners were pressed. by the strongest motives, to immediate repentance, the pas- tor of this church arose, and attempted to speak : but sc oppressed and overcome was he, by the strength of his emo- tions, in view of the awful condition of sinners around him -pressing on to death-that he was utterly unable to pro- ceed. He uttered a few broken accents, interrupted by sobs and tears ; and then, from necessity, ceased, till the deep fountains of feeling within, which had been broken up, were in a measure assuaged. O, the intense interest of that over- whelming moment ! The terrors of Almighty God seemed to hang over the assembly, in such a manner that the hearts, even of Christians, were ready to faint within them. The mount of Calvary presented its blood-stained height-
" There hung a Savior bleeding For their sins upon the tree !"
To this Savior the eye of the sinner was directed. God was .. holding back his vengeance for a short period, to afford op- portunity to those, on whom rested the sentence of condem- nation, to look away to this Savior for life :- for it was only to " look and live!" At this awful moment a decision was called for. He who, a few moments before, had almost sunk down to the earth, under the weight of his agitated feelings, and who was unable to proceed with his remarks, now gath- ered strength to say, "All those who are resolved to give themselves up to Christ now, or who are determined to make the subject of religion a subject of immediate and special attention, and desire the prayers of Christians in their behalf, are invited to remain after the assembly shall be dismissed, and to seat themselves in the central pews of the house."* And now followed a scene, such as no one present had ever witnessed. Sinners were seen pressing into the seats assigned them, in token of their resolution to be the Lord's, and of their desire that, from every Christian's heart the incense of devotion might rise up before God in their behalf. Every bosom felt. Professors of religion, and heart-stricken sin- ners, sat down and wept together. Tears of grief, tears of penitence, and tears of joy were commingled, and poured forth most freely. O, it was then that every one felt that GOD was present. Even the infidel, could he have been a : spectator, would have been compelled to exclaim, surely the
* A similar invitation was given, usually, in connection with the hundreds of protracted meetings held from 1829 to 1835.
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Christian's GOD is here ! This revival resulted in the addi- tion of fifty members to the church by profession.
In 1836, the society with which the church is connected, with entire concert, and delightful harmony of feeling, built a new Meeting-house. During the next ten years this church enjoyed some precious seasons of refreshing from the Lord, though no extensive outpouring of the Spirit has been realized. In 1842, a revival was enjoyed of a limited extent, which brought twelve new members into the church in the course of a year.
The whole number of admissions to this church by profes- sion, (so far as can be determined from the church records,) since its formation in June, 1789, up to June, 1845, includ- ng a period of fifty six years, is three hundred and nineteen; two hundred and thirty four of these were admitted during the forty one years ministry of the first pastor ; and eighty ive of them during the first fifteen years ministry of the present pastor. The average admissions, annually, under the ministry of each of the pastors, during the periods men- ioned, is the same, viz .: between five and six-a remarkable coincidence. At the time of the commencement of the pres- nt pastor's ministry, in 1830, there were, as near as can be scertained, one hundred and twenty four resident members of the church ; in 1845, there were one hundred and twenty ix resident members, since which time there has been no great change except in the diminution of the church by deaths and removals. There are now, (1855,) one hundred und fifteen members. The ministerial support amounts to $470. Contributions to benevolent objects this year $225.
As we contemplate the past, we see many causes of thanks- giving: First, That this church, formed as it was at a time when great laxness and want of discrimination on religious subjects very extensively prevailed, should have been estab- ished upon the firm foundation of genuine orthodox princi- ples. Secondly, That it secured, in its first pastor, a spirit- hal guide, whose moral and intellectual worth were so emi- hent ; and that his life was spared to them through so long h course of years, giving opportunity for two generations to form their habits under his influence, and receive the stamp of his principles and the impress of his piety. Thirdly, That God has, from time to time, visited this church with the out- pourings of his Spirit. Fourthly, That this church has been graciously preserved from those divisions and fatal delusions, which have swept, like a tempest of fire, over so many of the airest portions of Zion.
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