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 39
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Nov. 23, 1757, a church of ten members was gathered. and Mr. James Scales was ordained the same day. No house of worship had been erected, and the ordination was solem- nized in Putney's Fort, (so called,) and "the numerous spectators attended the solemnity abroad in the open air, the weather being very warm, calm and pleasant for the season." Mr. Scales graduated at Harvard college, 1733. He was ; dismissed July 4, 1770. During his ministry 92 persons were admitted to the church ; 45 of them on profession. A few were probably admitted on the "half way covenant." Mr. Elijah Fletcher, a native of Westford, Ms. and graduate --- of Harvard college, 1769, was ordained Jan. 27, 1773, and died April 8, 1786. During his ministry of about thirteen years, 42 were received to the church ; 12 of them by pro- fession. Mr. Jacob Cram a native of Hampton Falls, and a graduate of Dartmouth college 1782, was ordained Feb. 25, 1789, and dismissed Jan. 6, 1792. On Thursday morn- ing Feb. 5, 1789, the Meeting-house was consumed by fire purposely set. Mr. Cram's ordination was solemnized on a stage erected contiguous to the front of the dwelling house of Benjamin Wiggin, Esq., now, (1855,) occupied by Mr.
S. B. Sargent. During Mr. Cram's ministry, 33 persons were received to the church, 26 of them by profession. Dur- ing the time in which there was no Meeting-house, public worship was held in the barn of Benjamin Wiggin, Esq. After the dismission of Mr. Cram, the church was destitute of a pastor more than eight years. During that period, an interesting revival was enjoyed, as the fruit of which 38 were received to the church by profession. While the church were destitute of a pastor, sad divisions arose, and another church was organized. At length, through the mediation of minis- ters called for that purpose, the divisions were healed. The Rev. Dr. Harris of Dunbarton, who had been repeatedly called for the removal of these difficulties, remarked to a minister settled over the church many years after, that he "saw the individuals who had been alienated from each other, melted down into one body."
Rev. Ethan Smith, a native of South Hadley, Ms., and a
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raduate of Dartmouth 1790, was installed March 11, 1800; ismissed Dec. 16, 1817. Mr. Smith was the author of sev- ral works. His "View of the Trinity" was a valuable ddition to theological literature. Mr. Smith's ministry was minently useful. In 1811, a more extensive revival was njoyed than had probably been witnessed from the settle- hent of the town-192 persons by profession and letter were dmitted to the church during his ministry. Mr. Roger C. Hatch, a native of Middletown, Conn., and a graduate of Yale 1815, was ordained Oct. 21, 1818, and dismissed June 6, 1832. Several seasons of special religious interest were njoyed during his ministry. The whole number admitted o the church in the 14 years of his pastorate, was 147.
Rev. Moses Kimball, a native of the town, and graduate f Dartmouth 1826, and of the theological seminary at An- over 1830, was installed May 7, 1834, and dismissed July 5, 1846. During the ministry of Mr. Kimball four seasons f special religious interest were enjoyed. There were added o the church 179; of these 116 were by profession. Rev. Edwin Jennison, a native of Walpole, and graduate of Dart- houth, 1827, and of the theological seminary at Andover 830, was installed June 6, 1847, and dismissed, on account f ill health, Sept. 5, 1849. Mr. Christopher M. Cordley, a ative of Oxford, England, and graduate of the Western Re- erve college, Ohio, 1844, and of the theological seminary at Indover 1847, was ordained Sept. 5, 1849, and dismissed eb. 4, 1852. A season of considerable religious interest was njoyed during his ministry.
Mr. Marshall B. Angier, a native of Southborough, Ms., nd a graduate of Yale 1844, and of the Union theological eminary, N. Y., 1849, was ordained June 8, 1853. Of the ine ministers who have been settled over this church, but ne has died while in office here. Five of the number are ow living. There are about 200 members in the church at his time. Fourteen persons have filled the office of deacon. One of these left the place, and eleven have deceased. The ociety have a neat and convenient house of worship, and a estry for the accommodation of social religious meetings.
LOUDON.
FIRST CHURCH .- Rev. JAIRUS ORDWAY.
In January 1773, the parish of Loudon was set off from he town of Canterbury. At its first town meeting, held at 26
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the private house of Abraham Bachelder, in the following March, it was voted to raise fifty dollars for the support of the gospel in Loudon the ensuing year ; also, to fall twenty acres of trees on the parsonage, which was located near the center of the town, where the first Meeting-house that was built now stands. From this time until the settlement of a minister in 1789, from fifty to a hundred and fifty dollars were raised annually for the support of the gospel; and preaching was most of the time enjoyed. Various ministers served, by the year, and for shorter periods of time, there being frequent intervals of destitution.
In 1778 arrangements were made for building a Meeting- house, to be located on the reserved school lot adjoining the parsonage. It was forty four feet by fifty eight, with galler- ies, and end porches for stair-flights. Forty five thousand dollars of the depreciated continental bills were raised, to defray the expenses of building. A barrel of rum was pur- chased for the raising, and a great supper provided for the mass. The frame was raised in 1779, and walled in the succeeding year ; the tax-payers receiving the pew privileges and building their own pews respectively, at private expense. In 1783 an acre and a half of the parsonage ground was walled in for a cemetery ; another half acre being reserved for future inclosure.
Efforts were made from time to time to open the way for the settlement of a minister, by a few weeks or months employment of some one on probation. The second call was extended to Mr. Jedediah Tucker in 1789, who was then ordained as the minister of the parish, having the whole township of Loudon as his charge. He received thirty acres of land adjoining the parsonage as a settlement-the use of the parsonage of sixty acres; and a salary of £60, to be increased five pounds annually up to seventy five pounds, Soon after the Rev. Mr. Tucker was ordained, a church was organized with five male members. Copies of the list, taken off several months later, contain 10 members, four of them being females. Several individuals in town entered their dissent, and others did not heartily cooperate in settling a minister, not being united in sustaining the Congregational order, but having preferences for other sects, and especially for the Baptist. Accordingly there were occasional with- drawals, to attend some other meeting in an adjoining town. Mr. Tucker not only occupied a large field, and hard to cul- tivate, but his labors were increased by an extensive prac- tice as a physician, for which services, within the limits of the town, no charges were made. There were no revivals
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luring the early history of the parish-apparently but few conversions, and few additions to the church. A large num- per of public houses were kept, principally for retailing alco- holic liquors. Intemperance prevailed to a considerable xtent ; but other immoralities did not unusually abound ; ind there was a general attendance upon the Sabbath wor- hip. Such was the general state of things, as nearly as can how be ascertained, for a period of eighteen years. In 1808 he collecting of the taxes for the minister's support became difficult. The next year, his salary being some hundreds of lollars in arrears, proposals were made for dissolving the pastoral relation ; but no agreement was concluded. In the own meeting of 1810 it was voted to pay up arrearages of he minister's salary to a certain date, and advance two hun- red dollars together with a year's use of the parsonage .- This proposal was acceded to by the pastor-the relation vas dissolved, and the pulpit left vacant. He did not, how- ver, altogether relinquish his labors, but held frequent meetings in school-houses and private dwellings, in which a eligious influence was still exerted. After the dismissal of Rev. Mr. Tucker, no money was raised by the town, as such, or the support of the gospel. For six years there was no tated supply of the pulpit, and but occasional and irregular ministerial labors were enjoyed.
In 1816 some virtuous young men met together, and ommenced an effort for obtaining a minister, and signed ne dollar each for this purpose. Then it was taken in and by the older people, who enlisted anew in the under- aking. Just at this time Mr. Enoch Corser came to town, nd commenced his labors in what was considered one of the vaste places of Zion. In the fall season a revival commenc- d under Mr. Corser's labors, and was carried on by him, with some assistance, till it became a very extensive and horoughgoing work. Imperceptibly perhaps this revival ommenced farther back, in the efforts of those young men whose hearts were moved by the Holy Spirit to do some- hing toward obtaining a minister. But its power was aug- nented and made visible by the preaching of the gospel- y the pungent appeals, the plain and pointed application of truth. There were upwards of sixty hopeful conversions, but a much smaller number united with the church. The First Congregational Society in Loudon was now incorporat- d. And in January 1817, a call was extended to Mr. Cor- er to settle as a pastor over this church and society, with in annual salary of $400. He, having signified his accep- ance of the call, was ordained in March following. The
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society were now comparatively well united in the minister's support ; the number of the church was fast increasing; the spirit and power of religion were felt among the people, and there was an interesting and hopeful state of things gener- ally through the town. But opposing influences were set at work, and this interest declined. The Freewill Baptists had already commenced their efforts here, and were begin- ning to lead off individuals from the Congregational meet- ing to their own. In 1817 their society was incorporated; they soon obtained the regular services of an elder, and established themselves upon the same ground, so that much of their gain was the loss of the church.
In 1821, the condition and prospects of the Congregation- al society were such as to induce the voluntary relinquish- ment of $100 of the minister's salary for the following year. But during that year a new interest was awakened. A protracted meeting was held, in which a revival commenced and was carried on, increasing continually and extending itself through all ranks of society, until it became the most powerful work that has ever been experienced in this, town. The Baptist church shared largely in this work. There was considerable religious excitement, and at the same time the Holy Spirit was abundantly poured out. The spirit of this revival pervaded the community. The wicked were afraid; profane lips dared not utter their oaths ; and open immoral- ity ceased for the time its customary indulgences. There were at least a hundred hopeful conversions, most of whom united with the churches. In May 1823, the use of the Meeting-house half of the time was given up to the Baptists, and the Congregational meetings were subsequently held half of the time in school-houses. Then measures were tak- en to build a new church edifice, which was to be located a mile nearer the village, for the better accommodation of the southwest part of the town. But this undertaking did not succeed. In 1826 the effort to build was renewed. But some of the members, residing in the southwesterly part of the town, were not satisfied with a central locality, and determined that the new house should be located at the vil- lage, which is four miles southwest of the old Meeting- house, and nearly three miles beyond the literal center of the town. A large part of the society would not help build at the village ; consequently those residing in that part took the enterprize of building into their own hands, and in course of the following year erected their house. This led to an unhappy division ; for, although Mr. Corser preached the dedication sermon, he declined further services. The
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LOUDON.
illagers asked dismission, to form a new church and society, which was refused. They left the society, by entering their protest upon the records against being taxed, according to n article in the charter. Separation from the church was ventually effected by an ex parte council, which organized new church independently of the consent of the old ; thus utting off both church and council from fellowship. Such ction, however, was subsequently taken, and such concess- ons made, that fellowship was restored between the parties ; ind a charitable feeling, it is hoped, has at length generally brevailed. Both societies being weakened by this division, t has since been difficult for either to raise a competent support for a minister. This society raised $300, and the minister continued his labors,-that, has succeeded by mis- ionary aid ; so that preaching in both has most of the time been sustained.
In 1831 protracted meetings were held by the Deerfield Association in all their churches. Their meeting with this church was the means, under God, of its awakening and of an xtensive revival. Meetings were continued with unusual nterest, until a large number experienced religion. Many other churches being revived at the same time, the interest became general, and the spirit and power of the gospel were elt effectively throughout this neighborhood. Then chris- ianity had at least a temporary triumph, such as has not since been experienced. But the fact of its having been fol- owed by long years of comparative coldness and inaction, permits but a tremulous expression of joy in our retrospec- live view of those times. In 1833 protracted meetings were epeated with much less effect. The people were not so easi- y excited ; nor was excitement so much the result of deep conviction as before. Similar formalities were observed ; but aith seemed to fasten too much upon the means,-too little upon God. The Holy Spirit was poured out less copiously ; and but few conversions occurred. At length, difficulties in the way of supporting the minister increased. He became from time to time dissatisfied with the condition and pros- pects of the society, and desirous of leaving, until, late in the season of 1837, after twenty years of enterprising labors, hav- ing been regularly dismissed, he left town. The great work of building up a church from the unwrought materials which this world naturally affords, was mainly accomplished in the early part of Mr. Corser's ministry. Successive revivals soon brought it to its best state, numbering upwards of a hundred, and possessing competent means of sustaining itself. But unfavorable circumstances arose, threatening its prosperity,
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and opposing forces, pushing it backward so far that it has . never been able to recover its former size and strength. It received one shock from the rise of the Freewill Baptists ; a much severer one from its own division ; and, to say nothing of some personal difficulties, when Mr. Corser was dismissed, the church was left in an enfeebled and discouraging state.
Since then not less than eleven different ministers have officiated, six of whom have been stated supplies for a year or more, and one ordained as pastor, the others serving for a shorter period. In 1838, the Meeting-house having become old and out of repair ; also being large, and cold, and incon- venient for a small congregation ; and being occupied half of the time by the Baptists ; arrangements were made for building a new one, which was finally located near the old, at what is called the center of the town.
In the year 1839, a new church edifice was erected near the old one, forty feet by fifty, in simple modern country style, and neatly finished for the small sum of $1600. Un- der the labors of C. W. Wallace, in 1838, there was a pro- tracted meeting held, and something of a revival, resulting in a few conversions. The church and society were united in desiring his settlement, but they failed of securing it for want of sufficient pecuniary means. Parker Pillsbury suc- ceeded, who became a railer at length against all things " of good report." He left the congregation divided on the sub- ject of slavery. Some withdrew their membership, and oth- ers their support. They were then more than ever distract- ed and embarrassed, yet did not "give up the ship," and were not long deprived of the labors of an evangelical minis- try. Rev. John LeBosquet supplied there from June, 1841, to September, 1842. The services of Rev. E. N. Hidden, who supplied the pulpit for a short time, were very desirable, but could not be continued for want of the means of render- ing suitable compensation. There was more than usual re- ligious interest in the winter of 1842-3, under the labors of Jonathan Ayers, which however resulted in the addition of only two members to the church. Rev. Ezekiel Dow was settled Feb. 12, 1845, and dismissed June 9, 1847. Nine individuals united in 1849 to raise the funds in equal shares, and they purchased an acre of land opposite the house of worship for a parsonage lot, and erected suitable buildings thereon.
Rev. E. F. Abbott supplied the church from June, 1849, to March, 1854. The last revival in this place occurred in the fall of 1851. It commenced in a protracted meeting of both societies, held in the Baptist house, with the assistance
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LOUDON.
f Elder Finney and other ministers, where the work rapidly progressed and was mainly accomplished. The stated sup- lies, Elder Sargent and Rev. E. F. Abbott, performed much f the labor. Union meetings were subsequently held for a ew days in the Congregational house ; and frequent meet- ngs of this church continued during the winter. The truth vas made efficacious, so far as human instrumentality was concerned, by those special means and extra efforts usually esorted to on such occasions. Both churches enjoyed a efreshing from the divine presence, and were much revived. Many hearts were changed. In March, 1854, Rev. Jairus Ordway began his labors among this people. Through the blessing of God, the society seem determined to sustain the preaching of the gospel, and if possible, without that mis- ionary aid which is received by several abler societies. In- ant baptism is administered in this church as in others ; though the number cannot be ascertained for want of records. The population of the town is nearly equally divided between he three parishes, the first and second Congregational, and he Baptist; yet only about one third of the inhabitants have any interest in these societies. But an average of not nore than three hundred persons in town attend any relig- ous meeting. The present number of the church is 86. The salary is $350. There have six men been furnished for the ministry.
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LOUDON.
SECOND CHURCH .- Rev. C. WILLEY.
The Second Congregational church in Loudon was organ- zed Aug. 14, 1828, with six members: 121 have united with it since, making the whole number from the beginning 127. The number of infant baptisms recorded is only 24. This church has had only two settled pastors. The first was Rev. Henry White. He was installed Feb. 11, 1835, and dismissed Dec. 26, 1838. The second was Rev. Thomas N. Jones. He was ordained May 24, 1848, and dismissed Feb. 21, 1849. After being absent from the place about three months, he returned and supplied the desk between three and four years. He also preached here a year or more before he was ordained.
Other stated supplies, as we learn from the records and From individuals, are Rev. Messrs. Arnold, Peabody, Eli Smith, W. Nichols, Calvin White, Robinson, Henry Wood,
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Hawley, and Cyrus Mann. . Some of these supplied nearly o L quite one year, and one or two of them two years. Rev. Chas Willey has been preaching here since the first of April, 1853
God's Spirit has been poured out upon the people twice since the church was organized, leading several each time to the Saviour ; once when the church was destitute of preach- ing, in 1832. The other revival was at some period during Rev. H. White's ministry. The people have contributed during the last two years about $ 140 to various benevolent objects. In the three evangelical churches in this town it is thought the average attendance on public worship is not more than one sixth part of the population. Present num- ber of the church, 44. Salary of the minister $ 400.
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NEWBURY
Contained, according to Dr. Belknap, 130 inhabitants in 1775, and in this enumeration Sutton was included. It was incorporated in 1778 under the name of Fishersfield, and the name was changed in 1836. But little effort was early made to secure religious privileges here.
At present the Freewill Baptists have three societies, com- prising, in all, 83 members and three preachers. The town had, in 1850, 738 inhabitants,-136 less than in 1820.
NEW LONDON
Was incorporated June 25, 1779-settlements having been made but little previous to this time. We insert with pleasure the following extract from a letter by Ex-Gover- nor Anthony Colby : "We have no Congregational church in this town. The Baptist people were the first to organize a church here, and there has been no attempt to organize any other, except of the Freewill Baptist or Christian order, and they have not met with great success. We have some ten or fifteen persons in town who are members of Congre- gational churches, most of them females. They are constant attendants at our meetings and are very good people. Our minister often exchanges with ministers of your denomina- tion, and we go on very well. My grand-parents were Con- gregationalists, and their families, excepting my father and mother, who were among the first settlers and aided in the
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NORTHFIELD AND SANBORNTON BRIDGE.
ttlement of the first minister, who lived to be pastor of the urch about forty years ; and we have always supported a inister, and have a good one now. The place would not upport two ministers that would be worth having. To give ou a minute history of our church matters would not aid ou in your object-if it would I would cheerfully give it."
Rev. Job Seamans is the minister above alluded to. He as settled over the Baptist church Jan. 21, 1789-the hurch having been organized the previous year. The above xtract teaches a salutary truth-that one denomination of hristians well supported, in a town of less than 1000 peo- le, is better than more. With a population of 945 in 850, New London has a church of 226 members, and had 00 thirty years ago-a number exceeded by no other Bap- st church out of our cities except Newport, where was a reat revival three years since; and although it would be ery agreeable for the few Congregationalists there to enjoy he privilege of communion, and although we have no doubt ır Master would love to see the privilege extended to them, ill, in our view, they would do well to ride to other towns communion seasons, and lend their aid to the existing hurch, rather than try to secure the planting of a church their own order that must only live a lingering death.
NORTHFIELD AND SANBORNTON BRIDGE.
Rev. C. CURTICE.
Northfield was settled in 1760, and no very effective meas- res seem to have been adopted for the establishment of ligious institutions for many years. In 1806 a Methodist hurch was organized here, and a Meeting-house was built, pen to all denominations. In 1822 the Congregational hurch was organized and reported, in 1823, 21 members, and tev. Liba Conant was their minister. He remained with this eople about fourteen years, and more than 90 were added the church. In 1837 Rev. Mr. Lucas was their minister or a year.
In 1838 Rev. Enoch Corser entered this field, and the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the people, and a season of evival was enjoyed which brought about 50 into the church. He continued his labors for about five years, during which 3 were added to the church.
Rev. Corban Curtice commenced labor here and was set- ed Oct. 5, 1843, and is the present pastor. In 1841 San-
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bornton Bridge and Northfield congregations were united, a remain so to this time. About 70 have been added to : church under the ministry of Mr. Curtice. Ministerial st port $ 475. Congregation about 270. The population Northfield was 1332 in 1850, having lost nearly 100 in 1 years.
PEMBROKE.
The ancient Suncook of the Indians was granted by t name of Pembroke in May 1727, to sixty grantees. Its fir survey was made in 1728, and in the following year settl ments were commenced by several of the grantees, but th town was not incorporated till Nov. 1, 1759. "As the orig nal settlers," says Farmer, "were composed of persons ( Scotch and English descent, foundations were early laid f Presbyterian and Congregational churches. The Congrega tional church was organized March 1, 1737," having but nir male members. The Rev. Aaron Whittemore, of Concord Ms., who graduated at Harvard 1734, was ordained the pas; tor of the church, March 12, 1737. He exercised his minis try till Nov. 16, 1767, when he was seized with paralysis i the pulpit, carried to his home, where he died the next morn ing, at the age of 55 years. No record of the statistics o the church during Mr. Whittemore's ministry has been found A Presbyterian church was organized before the death of Mr. Whittemore, but at what date and how large, no record informs us, but on the 3d of December, 1760, Rev. Danie Mitchel, a native of Ireland, educated at Edinburgh, was ordained as its pastor. He continued his ministry sixteer years, when he was removed by death, Dec. 16, 1776, in the 69th year of his age.
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