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 41
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61
March 24th, 1824, Mr. Abijah Cross was settled as pastor of the church. He was dismissed April 1, 1829. Soon after the settlement of Mr. Cross, the church adopted a creed fully expressing orthodox views as the views of the church. At the time of his settlement, there were eighty eight mem- bers of the church supposed to be resident in town. Seven-
413
SALISBURY.
een were added during his pastorate. During his ministry, n effort was made by the Rev. Benjamin Huntoon, a Uni- arian clergyman, to organize a Unitarian church. He suc- eeded in finding five individuals, most or all of whom had withdrawn from the church, and formed them into a Unita- ian church, and they had preaching half of the time for a rear or so.
Rev. Andrew Rankin succeeded Mr. Cross. He was in- talled July 11th, 1830. He was dismissed Oct. 1832. During his pastorate, 17 were admitted to the church by profession, and 11 by letter. During his ministry there was pleasing state of religious interest, in which about twenty Individuals are supposed to have been hopefully converted.
Rev. B. F. Foster was settled pastor of the church Nov. .3, 1833, and continued in this relation thirteen years-was lismissed by mutual council July 23, 1846. There were 80 admitted to the church by him-40 on profession of their faith, and 40 by letter. Several seasons of unusual religious nterest occurred during his ministry, the most marked of which was in the winter of 1842-3. As the fruits of this evival, about twenty were admitted to the church in the course of a few months. Others have since come in who hen entertained hope. Nov. 7th, 1846, a call was extended o Rev. Moses Kimball to become their pastor, but the call vas not accepted. Rev. E. H. Caswell was ordained pastor June 28, 1848, and was dismissed by mutual council in Feb- uary following. Four were admitted to the church by pro- ession and one by letter.
Rev. E. D. Eldredge was installed pastor of this church June 12, 1849. He was dismissed, on account of ill health, y mutual council Nov. 1, 1854. During the ministry of Mr. Eldredge, 26 were received into the church,-19 by pro- ession and four by letter. The labors of Mr. Eldredge were very useful to the church and acceptable to the people gen- erally, and it was with much regret that they yielded to his request to discontinue his connection with them. The church s now without a pastor.
The Congregational church in Salisbury has been in exist- ence eighty two years ; 449 have been received into it since ts formation ; it has had seven pastors. Various influences have operated against its prosperity and enlargement, in the moral dereliction of its first pastor, the doctrinal change of ts second, the frequent changes subsequently, and the rise of various other denominations. The income of the land originally granted for the support of the gospel, also, is now claimed and shared by at least six different societies. The.
414
MERRIMACK COUNTY.
number in the church is now only 88, but a happy state of unanimity exists, and a strong purpose to sustain the gospel among them. It has always borne a liberal and an intelli- gent part in carrying forward the benevolent objects of the present day. The lambs of the flock are generally consecra- ted in baptism, to the Great Shepherd. There is cause of gratitude to Him who planted this vine in the wilderness, who has watered and nourished it, who still spreads out its - branches, that his friends may sit under it with delight. He makes it yet to stand, a pillar and ground of the truth ; a break-water to the surging waves of wickedness. Seven natives of the town have become ministers,-one is a Unita- rian, the others Orthodox Congregationalists :- two are dead ; four are still living, actively engaged in their high calling. The hill on which the first Meeting-house was built is called "Searle's hill." From this hill a very exten- sive view may be taken of the town. A little plat of ground surrounded by a stone wall, contains the ashes of the first dead of the place. No monument reveals their names. The owner of the land instinctively forbears to break the soil with his plow, lest he should disturb the quiet of the sleep- ers beneath. This burying place is a fit emblem of the obscurity which will hereafter rest upon the memory of us all.
WARNER.
Rev. H. O. HOWLAND.
The Congregational church in Warner was gathered Feb. 5, 1772, two years before the town was incorporated, and Rev. William Kelly ordained the same day. The church had no particular confession of faith, and parents were allow- ed to offer their children in baptism on the half way cove- nant. The whole number of members in full communion probably did not exceed 30. Mr. Kelly was settled by the town. The charter of the town required the grantees to settle in it forty families, within three years, each having a house 18 feet long and 16 wide and three acres under tillage, also that they lay out three rights or shares, one for the use of the first settled minister, one for the use of the ministry in town forever, and one for the use of schools; that they build a Meeting-house, settle and maintain "a learned orthodox preacher" from and ever after the term of three years, from the date of the grant. During the first part of Mr. Kelly's ministry the people were united, peaceful and
--- ---
415
WARNER.
appy. But after about twenty years, sectarian delusion egan to spread, and it was represented as oppressive to be gally taxed to pay for preaching. People might give what hey pleased, but, to be taxed was tyranny. Mr. Kelly, without relinquishing his contract, was willing they should ry the plan of voluntary giving ; but the whole amount he eceived in a year did not exceed $60, and that chiefly from hose who were willing to be taxed. Near the commence- hent of the year 1801, Mr. Kelly asked a dismission, which ook place in March following, and the arrearage of his sal- ry was collected by a suit at law against the town. This aised a popular clamor against Congregational ministers nd gave sectarians an advantage which they were willing o improve. To pay Mr. Kelly and defray the expense of he lawsuit, the town sold the right reserved "for the use f the ministry forever," and applied so much of the proceeds s was necessary to liquidate the debt. A small surplus of wo or three hundred dollars was put on interest.
In 1813 the interest had accumulated to about one hun- red dollars, and the selectmen expended it in employing Ir. John Woods, a young man just licensed to preach, ight Sabbaths. He was afterward employed several Sab- aths by the assessors of a society which had just been incor- porated. In the mean time a town meeting was notified nd held, which voted him a call and a salary. But oppo- ition arose, and at a subsequent meeting the call from the own was re-considered. But the church and society had so ncreased in numbers and strength that they united in giv- ng him a call, with an offer of $400 yearly as a salary .- Mr. Woods left them with the promise that he would see hem again. He was immediately employed in Massachu- jetts, where he was offered $700 yearly with a liberal settle- nent, which he made up his mind to accept. But on revis- ting Warner, he found such a readiness to remove objections ind introduce articles of faith corresponding with his views, hat he reversed his decision and the next Sabbath gave hem an affirmative answer, and was ordained June 22, 814. His labors were soon blest with a revival of religion und numbers were added to the church. The practice of examining candidates in the presence of the church was Introduced, and attracted considerable attention. The con- hection between the doctrines of grace and Christian expe- ience was pointed out, and the church, which had been eaning towards Arminianism, became, almost to a man, sound in the faith.
Mr. Woods' connection with his people was pleasant,
416
MERRIMACK COUNTY.
harmonious and affectionate. But the society, always feeb. in the course of a few years was much weakened by deat and removals ; and from year to year an arrearage was acc mulating, until the society felt unable to bear or remove t] burden. The Association of ministers being about to me - in the place, it was thought expedient to ask the advint of a council, hoping that some way might be pointed out } which help might be obtained. But the wisdom of wir men failed. There was then no benevolent society front. which aid could be expected. Mr. Woods' dismission too place, June 1823, and was to the people very unexpected and many began immediately to inquire, "Why do you le him go?" And such offers were made relative to aid i supporting him that a subscription was started, which wa soon filled-the numbers subscribing for his support bein more than three times as many as had aided in supporting him previous to his dismission. But the arrearage stil remained unpaid, and, for that reason, he thought it his dut- to accept a call from another people. The house in which Mr. Woods was ordained, and in which he preached with bu little interruption for about four years, was built by pew holders, but was controlled by the town. In 1817 he was laid by from preaching, by ill health, for about a year, and other denominations, more particularly Universalists, rushed in and claimed the right to occupy whenever they pleased although it was well known that the house was built by and for Congregationalists and that they owned seven-eights of the pews. This led the Congregational church and society . to abandon the old house and to erect a new one, which was dedicated Oct. 20, 1819. It cost $2,400. This house was afterwards removed to a more convenient location in the vil- lage, where it is now occupied by the church and congregation.
Since the dismissal of Rev. Mr. Woods, the following men have been installed pastors of the church: Jubilee Wellman, installed Sept. 26, 1827, dismissed Feb. 15, 1837; Amos Blanchard, installed Feb. 15, 1837, dismissed Dec. 10, 1839 ; James W. Perkins, installed March 4, 1840, dismissed Jan. 30, 1846 ; Robert W. Fuller, installed June 10, 1846, dis- missed Oct. 24, 1850; Harrison O. Howland, installed Jan. 4, 1854. When Mr. Wellman commenced his labors here a revival immediately followed, as the fruits of which 29 were added to the church. In 1831-2 revivals were again enjoyed under his ministry, from the fruits of which 48 were added to the church. If we except the year 1830, additions to the church were made annually during his labors ; amount- ing in all to 111, but few of whom came by letter. The
417
WILMOT.
urch was very much strengthened during the ministry of [r. Wellman. A revival was enjoyed during the ministry
Rev. Mr. Blanchard, and again in 1842 during the min- try of Rev. Mr. Perkins. Since 1842 no revival has been joyed here. Five members of this church have entered e ministry. Present number of the church is 125. The astor's salary is $ 500.
WILMOT .*
The Congregational church in Wilmot was organized Jan. 1829, with seven members, two males and five females, all , y letter from neighboring churches. The excellent Rev. ohn S. Winter, then preaching in Danbury, by occasional isits and preaching in Wilmot, was the instrument in gath- ring these persons into a church, and served as their moder- tor for several years. Baptists and others were found here, ad churches and occasional preaching. This church existed ithout a pastor until about 1838, with only occasional and ansient supplies, among whom was Rev. James Hobart for short time. In 1838 Rev. John Clark was elected pastor, nd labored with good success among them until 1842.
March 13, 1843, Rev. Nathan Howard, of Andover, was hosen pastor and ordained and hired to supply their pul- its, one year at a time, to labor one half the time with the hurch in Andover, and the other half in Wilmot. In 1849, Cev. C. W. Richardson was employed for one year the whole me, and labored with good success. For two years, com- iencing May 1850, Rev. Reuben Kimball supplied this hurch one half, and since 1852 has supplied them for the hole time until Dec. 1, 1855.
This church has no parsonage or funds. They are scat- ered over a long extent of territory north and south among he mountains and vallies, are hardy, industrious and enter- rising, but not wealthy. They prize the institutions of relig- on as indispensable to their comfort, and can raise about 200 for the support of the gospel. They worship in two, nd sometimes in three union houses. Contributions to be- evolent objects have not been regular or abundant. The hole number of members of the church from its organiza- ion is 60-present mumber is 30. Number of infant bap- sms 38. Baptisms on profession, 14. Number of men irnished for the ministry by the town is three.
* Sketch by Rev. R. Kimball.
418
MERRIMACK COUNTY.
Several seasons of revival have been enjoyed, which har added numbers to this and to other churches in town. regard to intemperance, morals and education, and good ord society is obviously advancing. But the influence of uni instead of independent houses of worship, is decidedly un vorable to the progress of pure Christianity in this comm nity, insomuch that many citizens seem to think they disco , er so much of what looks to them like religious jealou and sectarian strife, that they stand aloof from the mea ( of grace-a poor, narrow covering for any neglect of duty their part.
Sullivan County.
ACWORTH.
Rev. E. S. WRIGHT.
The town of Acworth received its charter in the year 1776. It was not permanently settled until the summer of 1778. he first town meeting was held March 12, 1771. The ear- settlers of the town were principally from Londonderry, in his State, and from Windham and Ashford, in Connecticut. The present Congregational church was organized March 2, 1773. The day was observed with fasting and prayer. ight persons, having subscribed to the covenant, were duly onstituted in the church relation, by the assistance of Rev. ulkley Olcott, and Rev. George Wheaton. The names of his little company are as follows: Henry Silsby, Thomas utnam, Samuel Silsby, Dean Carleton, Bethiah Šilsby, Ra- hel Putnam, Elizabeth Silsby, Anna Cross. In 1781, a plan f church government was adopted, which combines a mix- ure of the Congregational and Presbyterian systems. The hly feature of Presbyterianism now remaining, relates to atters of church discipline. The pastor and deacons con- itute the church session, to whom difficulties are first re- rred and decided, unless there is an appeal to the church; i which case, the Congregational method is pursued. In any instances, the practical results of this mixed mode of overnment have been highly conducive to the peace of the hurch. Difficulties, which, if at once presented before the hurch as a body, would have produced an agitation for months or perhaps years, have been quietly adjusted in a hort time.
Rev. Thomas Archibald, a native of Londonderry, and a raduate of Cambridge college, was the first settled pastor. Ie was ordained Nov. 11, 1789. At this time, the church onsisted of fifty eight members. His ministry continued nly four years, and during this period, but ten were added o the church. He was dismissed June 14, 1794.
On the 14th of June, 1797, after just three years, Rev. ohn Kimball became the pastor of this people. He was a
420
SULLIVAN COUNTY.
native of Massachusetts, and a graduate of Cambridge college. His theological sentiments were regarded as somewhat Ar- minian, and as a consequence, many of the prominent points of the Calvinistic system were in a measure suppressed in the public preaching of the Word. From all we can learn of the habitual character of his preaching, we should judge that it was more distinctly practical than doctrinal, and tending more to the proper regulation of the outward life, than to a deep and thorough sense of the utter depravity of the heart, and of the need of sovereign grace, as the only ground of ac- ceptance with God. His labors however, were in some mea- sure blessed to the people; and a mutual attachment sub- sisted between pastor and people, which is still cherished by a few survivors. His ministry continued sixteen years. Dur- ing this time, sixty four were added to the church. He suf- fered much from bodily infirmity during the last few years of his ministry, and, in consequence of the disability thus oc- casioned for the full discharge of his pastoral duties, he was dismissed by mutual consent, May 4, 1813. He removed to Littleton, Ms., his native town, where he continued to reside until his death, which occurred a few years since.
Soon after the dismission of Rev. Mr. Kimball, God, in his providence, sent to this people a pastor, who in the re- sult proved to be one, whose ministry was to mould the re- ligious character and habits of the people, more effectually than any which had preceded it. The Rev. Phineas Cooke, having been converted while pursuing the study of the law in Keene, and having turned his attention to theology, was licensed to preach the gospel, by the Monadnock Association, in October, 1812. In July 1813, he was invited to preach in this place, the previous minister having just been dis- missed. All things now conspired to show that God had raised up, and qualified this devoted servant of Christ, for this field of labor. The hearts of the people were made ready for his coming. On the Sabbath of his introduction here, a full house indicated the public interest in the stran- ger. The congregation presented an unusual, and deeply affecting appearance. More than half were clad in the ha- biliments of mourning. The spotted fever had swept away in one year, sixty six persons, out of a population of only; fourteen hundred. The hearts of the people were softened by affliction ; and they were prepared to give earnest atten- tion to the instructions of the pulpit. The sympathies of the afflicted soon coalesced with those of the messenger of. mercy, who entered the abodes of suffering, and the house of mourning, to give "beauty for ashes, the oil of joy fo
-
421
ACWORTH.
hourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heavi- ess."
After spending fourteen months with the people, Mr. looke was ordained Sept. 7, 1814. At the time of his set- lement, political feeling ran so high, that it well nigh coun- eracted the effect which the preacher's labors had produced harmonizing the religious feelings of the people. An ora- on which Mr. Cooke had delivered in Keene, of a political ature, had been published, and had preceded him here .- Ind though published before his conversion, or at least be- bre he commenced the ministry, the old leaven still per- aded the public mind. Consequently, as he was settled by ote of the town, political parties arrayed themselves much s though they were about to choose a political magistrate. t is said, that the moderator could not declare the vote ntil a division of the people was made, one party passing the right hand and the other to the left. At length, Mr. ooke was chosen minister of the people, by a majority of nly one.
The ordination services were held on a platform outside he Meeting-house. It was supposed, that more than twen- y five hundred persons were present. The sermon was reached by Dr. Seth Payson of Rindge, from Gal. 4: 16,- Am I become your enemy because I tell you the truth ?" he choice of the people was soon confirmed by a special lessing resting upon their pastor's labors. At the first ommunion in October following, sixteen persons were added the church by a public profession. For three successive ears, the Holy Spirit continued to manifest his presence. [r. Cooke remarks, in his farewell sermon, preached, March 1829, as follows : "The cloud of Divine mercy came over s, and rested, not as did the sun in Gibeon, and the moon the valley of Ajalon, for a lengthened day, but for three hole years. O, those years of the right hand of the Most ligh ! My soul hath them still in remembrance." During ne year 1815, thirty two; 1816, twenty five ; and 1817, six- y five were added to the church. In the year 1815, on the ommunion Sabbath, an instance of the force of Divine truth hen accompanied by the Spirit of God, occurred, which is orthy of record. The communion table was spread with he customary emblems ; and several persons were propound- d for admission to the church on the occasion. The house as filled with attentive souls. When the text was an- ounced, "Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by ?" a eath-like stillness is said to have ensued. The whole ser- ice, and the whole day were marked with unusual solemni-
422
SULLIVAN COUNTY.
ty. On examining candidates for the church afterwards fourteen individuals referred to the sermon preached on tha morning, as the principal cause of arresting their attention A long revival followed, which embraced several of the pub- lic schools, and which did not reach its height until the win- ter of 1817. Such was the wonderful result of the outpour- ing of the Spirit during these three years of revival, that the church which had numbered only seventy members, increased during this time to two hundred and twelve.
From this time, until the year 1826, no general reviva. was enjoyed. In October of this year a work of grace began which continued until the spring of 1827. Not far from eighty persons expressed hope, of which number forty four were added to the church. In 1821 a new and commodious Meeting-house was built, which still remains in its primitive proportions and ample dimensions. Rev. Mr. Cooke con- tinued to be the pastor of the church, enjoying the confi- dence and affection of the people, until March 1829, a period of fourteen years and a half from his settlement.
From Acworth, he removed to Lebanon, where he labored long and successfully. He was dismissed from Lebanon, in May 1848. In the following month he removed to the north parish in Amherst, Ms., where his eldest son was settled in the ministry. He was almost constantly employed by va- cant churches in the region. His last sermon was preached in the First parish, in Amherst, where he had been supply- ing for three months. After an illness of little more than a month, he died at his residence in North Amherst, April 28, 1853, at half past 6 o'clock, P. M., in perfect resignation and peace. Agreeably to his request his remains were conveyed to Acworth, to rest among the people of his former charge. An appropriate monument is about to be erected to his memory, as a token of their respect and esteem.
Rev. Moses Grosvenor was settled over this church and! society, Oct. 14, 1829. His ministry continued about three years and a half. During this time, a revival of religion oc- curred, which resulted in the hopeful conversion of many per- sons, some of whom were heads of families, and in the acces- sion to the church of some who, under the previous ministry, had failed to share in the blessings of those marked and pow erful revivals. He was dismissed April 25, 1832.
The Rev. Joseph Merrill, formerly of Dracut, Ms. was set- tled Oct. 16, 1833. The ministry of Mr. Merrill continued nearly five years, during which period he was favored with the confidence and affection of the people, and was blessed with an interesting work of grace. The revival alluded to
423
ACWORTH.
egan in the use of the ordinary means of grace, with the xception of a church visitation and a four-days-meeting, uring which neighboring brethren were invited to preach. The closing day of the meeting forty or fifty persons assem- led in the town house for religious conversation and inquiry, hile the church engaged in prayer. Just at this time, the Rev. Mr. Burchard, a noted evangelist came into the region. Ie was holding a meeting at Springfield, Vt., about twelve niles distant. Many of the people, in the glow of their eligious interest, were anxious to have him visit this place. Le accordingly was invited to come, a majority of the church oting in favor of his coming. When he came, there were ome who were not satisfied with him. Some of the most ubstantial members of the church stood aloof. They felt hat they could not conform to his peculiar measures. But till, God so overruled, that the work of grace went on, and large number were added to the church. In a letter to he present pastor, in reference to the labors of Mr. Burchard ere, Mr. Merrill remarks as follows : "I should judge that bme became Christians, who apparently would not under rdinary means. Still I have thought that we should have rospered as well upon the whole, if we had gone on in our wn way. Some have attributed my dismission to his labors h Acworth ; and, he himself was apprehensive of it. But. here were other causes, if this had any influence." Mr. Terrill was dismissed July 11, 1838 ..
For three years, the church was without a pastor. During his time, the services of the Sabbath were sustained by the fficers and members of the church, when without a stated apply. Most of the time however, the pulpit was supplied. t length Rev. Thomas Edwards was settled, Aug. 19, 1841. [e was dismissed Feb. 16, 1843. The organization of a Iethodist society soon after Mr. Edwards commenced his bors, and the withdrawal of some persons from the Con- regational church for the purpose of connecting themselves ith the Methodists, gave rise to some difficulties in regard o church order and discipline ; which, together with other nfavorable circumstances, did not allow the pastor to remain ong enough to make full proof of his ministry among the eople. Rev. R. W. Fuller followed Mr. Edwards as a stated upply. He remained about two years, during which time here were quite a number of hopeful conversions, and sev- ral additions to the church.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.