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 42
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In August 1845, the present pastor, Rev. Edwin S. Wright, graduate of Union college, commenced his labors. Having reached nineteen Sabbaths, he received a unanimous call to
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settle among them, and was ordained as pastor Jan. 7, 1846. . The church at this time numbered 160 members, and a gen- eral state of harmony and peace existed. In August 1847, a revival of religion was enjoyed, which resulted in about forty hopeful conversions. Twenty five of this number were added to the church at a subsequent period. In the fall of 1852 the church was visited again with the outpouring of the - Holy Spirit, in still greater fullness and power. This revival extended into the spring of 1853. It was marked by great stillness and solemnity. No special means were employed except such as were consistent with the increasing demand for meetings of religious inquiry, and more frequent instruction in social meetings. Occasional preaching was also enjoyed from neighboring pastors. Nearly 70 persons indulged hopes during this revival; and 41 were added to the church by the public profession of religion. It was a precious season. The church now numbers about two hundred members. The whole number of members who have been added to the church since its organization is 693. Comparing the num- ber added during ten years in the early period of the church, with the number added for the last ten years, we find that there is not a very marked difference. The population of the town has been lessened by emigration, within a few years, but not to such an extent as to make an essential difference in the comparative result of religious influence. From 1807 to 1817, 83 were added to the church. From 1844 to 1854, 104 were added.
The whole number of infant baptisms, since the church was organized, is 1150. The sum contributed to benevolent objects has averaged, for the last ten years, about $225 an- nually. The average attendance on public worship in the evangelical churches, is not far from three hundred and fifty. Of this number the average attendance upon the worship of the Congregational church, is about two hundred and fifty. The other societies are feeble ; and neither of them maintain constant preaching. The proportion of the population of the town within the bounds of the Congregational parish, is about two thirds. Eight persons have been furnished for the min- istry, from the town, since the church was organized, most of whom are still living, and occupying important fields of labor. The church has enjoyed, during the intervals which have oc- curred between the several pastorates, the labors of the fol- lowing brethren, as stated supplies, viz: Messrs. Charles Boyter, Jonathan Leavitt, D.D., Abner B. Warner, D. S. Brainerd, S. D. Darling, R. W. Fuller, Ezra Jones. In the year 1842, a neat and commodious parsonage was built ; and
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the year 1845 the Meeting-house was also much improved appearance and comfort, by the cheerful contributions of e people. In general, we may characterize the inhabitants the town as peculiarly enterprising in matters of religion. he spirit of the early fathers has been perpetuated in the ildren. Perhaps there are few towns in the State, or even i New England, where the primitive respect for the minis- ny, and for the institutions and ordinances of religion, has len more purely preserved.
CHARLESTOWN.
Very soon after the first settlement was made in the 1wn, a small church was organized, and on the same day, ec. 4, 1754, Rev. John Dennis was ordained and installed their pastor. His salary was £50 lawful money, to be qual to silver at six shillings and eight pence per ounce ; ¿terwards three pounds six shillings and eight pence were ¿ded. So great were the fears of the people of invasion by te Indians that the ordination was at Northfield, Ms. Mr. ennis was dismissed by an ecclesiastical council, assembled Deerfield, Ms., March 31, 1756. For four or five years te people were now destitute of regular preaching.
On the 14th of November 1760, the town invited Mr. ulkley Olcott to become their pastor. He was ordained ad constituted pastor of the church the 28th of May 1761. e continued his connection with the church till June 26th, Then he was removed by death. At this time the church ad their pastor were generally considered as orthodox. It i recorded of him that he was respectable in talents, accep- ible as a preacher, and useful as a pastor. After the ecease of Mr. Olcott, the people held no meeting for nearly ree years. And during a period of seventeen years the trish remained destitute of the stated ministrations of the ospel. During the latter portion of this period, however, ey were supplied by Rev. Dan Foster, who while at harlestown declared himself a Universalist, and wrote a bok in defence of that system of belief. He closed his bors with the church by his death in 1809.
His successor was Rev. Jaazaniah Crosby, D.D., who was dained and installed Oct. 17, 1810, and has continued to l the pastoral office until the past year ; a colleague has ow been settled with him. He was settled as an orthodox inister, but afterwards became a Unitarian. In conse- 28
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quence of this change, some of the members of the churd withdrew from his ministrations. Some of them unite with the church in Springfield, Vt., and others with tl church in Acworth. At length these persons, together wit others residing in the town, who were members of other churches in the vicinity, were organized as a church by a ecclesiastical council Aug. 1, 1835. It consisted of 2 members; seven males and 16 females. Much oppositic was shown to this movement. Rev. Joseph Curtis supplie them about one year. He made a deep impression. TI simple truth fell with power from his lips. Then, afte brief supplies from several individuals, Rev. John C. Wilde labored with them one year. In September 1839, a Meet ing-house was finished and dedicated. It was built mainl by the liberality of the neighboring churches.
In September 1840 the Rev. J. DeF. Richards came, b invitation, to labor among them. There were, then resid ing in the town, less than 20 members of the church an only three male members. But during that autumn Mi Richards was encouraged amidst seeming difficulties .- Among a few, there was evidently a spirit of prayer. small number were hopefully converted and were received a members of the church. The congregation graduall: increased, till the latter part of the following winter, when the tokens of the Divine favor became manifest. In hi account of this work of grace, Mr. Richards says, "Profess ors of religion were greatly revived and encouraged, and sin ners began to inquire what they must do to be saved. The result was a very happy revival, a precious refreshing from the presence of the Lord, the fruits of which were some 2€ hopeful conversions."
On the 26th of May 1841, Mr. Richards received ordi- nation and was installed as pastor of this church. As & salary the society voted that a minister in Charlestowr ought to receive $500, and the use of a parsonage. But being unable to give this, they would exert themselves to pay $300, and would apply to the Missionary Society for $150. They obtained from that society but $100. Con- sequently Mr. Richards' real salary was about $400. On the 13th of June of the same year 19 were admitted into the church. Others were subsequently added.
In the fall of 1842 and the following winter, another vis- itation of God's reviving spirit was enjoyed. "Christians; were greatly quickened and animated, and were led to hum- ble themselves, to confess their sins, and to consecrate themselves to God more entirely. From the first, there was
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zidently manifested a spirit of prevailing prayer, and a wil- ngness to labor and make sacrifices for the cause of Christ." wenty five or more were hopefully converted. A large majority of these were adult persons and heads of families. quite a number of instances, the husband and wife became he subjects of saving grace at the same time. In ten houses, mily worship was established. Twenty four were added the church-19 on profession of their faith, and five by tter. During the first three years of Mr. Richards' minis- y 15 children were dedicated to God in baptism. Mr. ichards continued his faithful labors with the church and eople till October 14, 1851, when, by his own request, he as dismissed from his pastoral relation by a mutual.council, ho cordially recommended him to the churches of our Lord, s an able and faithful minister of the gospel. He has since een settled in Chester, Vt., amid the smilings of a gracious od, among people whom he loves and by whom he is loved. Nov. 8, 1851, Rev. Worthington Wright came, by invita- on, to labor with them for a season. March 4, 1852, he ceived a call to become their pastor. He accepted it, and as installed on the 16th of the same month; his salary, ominally, was $500, but really, in view of the weak state the society, $450, $150 of which he has received from the . H. Missionary Society. The number attending public orship on the Sabbath is usually, in good weather, from 0 to 100. The resident members of the church, when Mr. Wright commenced his labors, were in number 47. Twenty hree have since been received. But in consequence of eaths and removals, the present number of resident mem- ers is 56. The whole number of members of. the church, om its organization in 1837 to the present time, is 134 .- o baptisms of children were recorded previous to Mr. Rich- 'ds' settlement. Since that time the whole number is 40. he amount contributed yearly for benevolent objects is pout $50. The number who attend public worship in angelical churches (though accuracy is impossible) does ot, probably, exceed one-seventh part of the population of he town. The proportion of the population embraced in his parish may be one-tenth ; that is, in reference to families. Rev. Mr. Wright who, aided by the former pastor, pre- ared this history, was dismissed, amid many regrets, hrough failure of his health, Oct. 23, 1855. The moral fluence of this church in the town has been very great hd very good, and, with faithfulness and faith in its mem- ers, it will witness "greater things than these." All opposition to truth must fade away, even while it fancies self strong.
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CLAREMONT.
Rev. R. F. LAWRENCE.
George III. "by and with the advice of" his "trusty and beloved Benning Wentworth, Esq.," chartered this town Oct. 26, 1764. At the second town meeting, less than four years afterwards, two "Titheingmen" and two "Dear Reeves" were chosen,-the business of the latter being the preservation of peace among the hunters, and of the former the preservation of order and wakefulness in time of sacred worship. May 9, 1771, a lawful assembly was holden, "of the inhabitants of the town" which had for its sole business the calling of a minister. For this measure nineteen votes were given and the names are on the record, as are, also, three names in the negative. A committee was chosen "to apply to Mr. Elijah Parsons, but if he fails, to apply to Dr. Wheelock for advice."
December 10, of the same year, a legal town meeting gave "Mr. George Wheaton a call to settle in the work of the gospel ministry, agreeable to the Congregational or Cambridge Platform." They voted him a settlement and a salary. Mr. Wheaton's reply is replete with evidence of his piety and fitness for the holy work. But brief was his day. He was settled Feb. 19, 1772, and died in his native town, Mansfield, Conn., June 24, of the next year, aged 22 years. He restored the right of land to the town, which they had given him, and, though it never became of great value to them, the fact showed his purity of motive. They also voted that a monument, at their expense, be erected at his place of burial. Every remembrance of him is sweet.
Rev. Augustine Hibbard was settled here Oct. 19, 1774, and dismissed in 1785. He was appointed £100 for a settlement, and £ 75 lawful money as a salary. Considera- ble division of feeling existed soon after, in reference to the place where a Meeting-house should be built. Mr. Hibbard's settlement money was not paid for several years, nor were the arrearages of his salary paid till after his dismission, and a suit in law had brought an execution against the town .-- Time after time, collectors were appointed by the town to gather up the remaining "rates" on this score. But what is said about the oppressiveness of the laws at that period is seen to be vain by the following fact: After a committee had made an investigation and found that £ 100 were due the pastor, "Voted," in a lawful town meeting, "that the town pay the above sum, be the same more or less, and the
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ost, and that the Congregational inhabitants be assest there- 'or." None were compelled to pay for preaching which hey did not believe, and he who wishes to pay for none is usually profited by none. Baptists were found at this time here to some extent, and the town decided that they should 'pay know more rates to the Congregational order for the ewter." Dec. 6, 1785, thus summarily is the pastoral elation disposed of in a regular town meeting: "Voted to give the Rev. Augustine Hibbard a dismission from his Church, and Recommendation as a Gospel Minister." A committee was chosen, after this vote, to meet "the dismiss- ng council on the 28, day of Dec. instant," at which time the relation was again dissolved. The town kindly exemp- ted his property from taxation while he continued to reside here. He subsequently went to Canada, entered secular pursuits in which, for many years, he did not honor his pro- ession of love to God. He died December 1831. Terrors und thick darkness covered him for a time, in view of his lereliction from duty, out of which he came into joyful hope In Christ in his last days.
Rev. John Tappan was settled here March 9, 1796 .- Barnes of Hillsborough and Barnard of Amherst were on the ouncil ; also, Haven and Fisher within the present limits f the county, and Shuttlesworth from Windsor, Vt. He ecords the names of eight brethren "in full communion" as oting for him. The town nominally concurred with the hurch in his settlement, Congregationalists alone voting Ind paying money for his support. Through his influence he church placed upon her records in May 1796 the vote hat "if parents could see their way clear to own the cove- ant and have their children baptized and not partake of the Lord's Supper, they should have the privilege." This privi- ege was never improved, however, to any great extent. A ingle instance of admission to "full communion" from this half way consecration is apparent. Mr. Tappan's ministry was not peaceful. His views were not consonant with those of many members of the church. He was dismissed in Sep- ember 1802. Seven members were added during his min- stry. His membership was transferred to this church when he became its pastor, but, painful as is the fact, it ceased the year following his dismission.
He remained in town through life. He entered mercan- ile business and amassed wealth. He died Oct. 1, 1837, iged 68. He was a native of East Kingston and a graduate of Harvard in 1790. He was a man of great energy in busi- hess.
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Rev. Elijah Brainerd was invited in 1803, for one year, to "officiate as pastor," by the church and society. He was: eminently a working man. He brought up the church to & new life. A new covenant and articles of faith were pro- posed by him and adopted, for the reason that those in use, were not "definite and regularly expressed." He says. "from this transaction our children may read and know how we manage church discipline." Beneath this covenant stand the names of 16 men and 20 women, placed there July 20, 1804, with the name of their minister at the head of the list, all of whom have passed from mortal scenes .- His health was feeble. He labored here two years-seven were admitted to church privileges by him.
The church was now in a better condition than at any previous time. It has no records previous to 1796. An aged deacon, fifteen years ago, remarked that the church was organized about 1772, and in 1775 it contained about 35 members and the population was 523. In 1806 a regu- lar Congregational Society was organized which was incorpo- rated in 1815.
Rev. Stephen Farley became the pastor of the church Dec. 24, 1806, and continued until April 31, 1818. Ninety four persons were added to the church-of whom more than one-half-49-were added in the memorable year 1816 .- Mr. Farley was a man of gentlemanly bearing, of pleasant address, of considerable talent, but never of high-toned orthodoxy. During his ministry the congregation was large, and the Meeting-house was enlarged after the manner of the old North at Concord.
In 1815-16 a revival of great interest occurred. Several lay brethren were very active in it, among whom was one Dea. Furgerson from Vershire, Vt. The pastor was not aware of the beginning of this gracious work. "Rev. Broughton White was in town, and Mr. Farley said to him in reply to some inquiries, that no special interest existed among his people. But Mr. White went with Dea. Furgerson to an evening meeting in the house now occupied by Mr. Lewis Perry, and, though the evening was rainy, two large rooms were filled with people. Mr. White opened the meeting and read the Scriptures. The deepest solemnity was manifest amid sob- bings and tears. Dea. Furgerson was full of the strong doc- trines of God's word which had never been abundantly pre- sented by any preacher in town. The opposition was fierce, but the victory great. Forty nine, mostly by profession, entered the church. Mr. Farley made a public confession of his fear that he never possessed spiritual life, but he was
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ever fully reconciled to his situation afterwards, and many h the church, especially the new converts, called for a more ungent, earnest utterance of truth. Puritanism was not h him.
Mr. Farley became, openly, a Unitarian not long after lear'- ng the place. He preached, while a minister here, two strong ermons against Universalism which were printed ; he has within a few years spent a Sabbath in town, preaching to hat society in the utmost harmony. He left the people nsettled in their religious views and exposed to further divi- ions. The latter part of his ministry had been a scene of rial, growing, very much, out of his laxity of doctrinal elief. Several prominent men became vexed with the divi- ions in the church, but still more with the earnest labor of few therein to maintain the truth, left the society, and ought a home in other religious associations.
Rev. J. Nye was introduced to the church in 1820, but it was not until after several months that they could be prevailed pon by the Society to accept him. He was installed June 1821. A presentiment filled many hearts that prayed huch, against his being pastor here. He was settled. His ministry was never a quiet one. Many cases of discipline ere up, one against a member for saying, "Mr. Nye was no hore fit to preach than Judas." The aged always speak of hose as days of sorrow. Yet Mr. Nye was an imposing per- onage, solemn, and very tender on funeral occasions, but ithout that secret unction which gave him the confidence f pious, devout hearts. He was dismissed April 1828. He ever exercised the ministry afterwards. He entered politi- al life but never became popular. In a time of interest in 842, he was moved, wept, and, before a large assembly, poke a few solemn words in reference to our fearful account the next life. He is said to have died at the West. Fif- y were added to the church in this ministry.
It is difficult to set forth the true situation of things at his juncture in this history. Religion was low in its vital nergies, and had been, for many years, throughout the town. Even the great excitement of 1816 was perverted to embit- er many against revivals, and the want of pungency in the reaching which had been enjoyed, during most of the past istory of the town, had strengthened the enmity of a multi- ude against faithfulness in the exhibition of truth in the ouse of God. These influences were not confined to this so- iety. Mr. Barber, the incumbent in the West Episcopal par- sh from 1775 to 1818, was not a man of the Bishop Griswold chool of earnest piety. His influence, for more than forty
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years, was nothing more elevating than that of the men who were his cotemporaries in this field. He at length went home-to mother Rome. The Baptists and Methodists hac done something, but their influence was as yet quite limited over the mass of the people. Mr. Howe, of pleasant memo- ry, came here, but severe contentions arose between the par- ishes of Union and Trinity churches, so that his labors were much hindered.
At this time, among the unconverted men in this parish, a peculiar hatred against men from the "Andover Mill" existed. They openly avowed their purpose to secure a lib- eral preacher in the Congregational church. And in the autumn of 1828, Mr. Moses Thomas, a Unitarian, was em- ployed, and, on the proposition to settle him, eighty six votes were cast by regular members of the society, of which Mr. Thomas received 42 against 44. The little church, however, stood firm. They waited on God. They seemed near ruin. God interposed.
In January 1829, Rev. Elijah Paine came among this peo- ple. The church knew nothing of him. The committee of the society learned he was "not from Andover," and that was a sufficient commendation. All haste was made to set- tle him. The church reluctantly concurred. He, at first, preached on general topics, but, in the course of a year, plainly and eloquently uttered the "whole counsel of God," especially as to practical godliness. The Lord revived his work. All over town, meetings were held often and attend- ed fully. In the most affectionate and tender manner did the preacher touch the minds of children, and many young persons came into the kingdom of God. In the years 1830 and 1831 there were added more than 100 members to the church, and about 120 in his pastorate of four and a half years. In this work deep interest was shown by the deacons of the church, Meigs Stevens, J. Whitcomb, Josiah Stevens, Moses Wheeler, and Abijah Severance, who, with their wives, performed much effective labor.
In the spring of 1833, Mr. Paine was broken in health and spirits ; a debt of $400, which he owed when he came to the place, gave him some solicitude. He needed time and means for recruiting his strength after his peculiar labors. The charm that was in his words in the time of refreshing had passed away, in the view of many ; and, for want of pa- tience both on his part and on that of the people, and be- cause of some dissatisfaction, he asked a dismission at a church meeting, in May, 1833. Says an eye-witness : "The scene was affecting." It was known that opposition to him
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xisted, and that, for that reason, he presented the request. The lambs of the flock were there. Many eyes were suffused ith tears. Five only voted to grant the request. A coun- l was called, which did not dismiss him. He remained un- 1 November 14 following. He then went to West Boylston, Is., saw the tokens of God's reviving power, and, after a ew years, went to his heavenly home. He shines a bright tar in the past, and the future.
This ministry sifted the people. Its light was too bright o allow men to remain uncommitted. In the midst of the evival of 1830, when more than fifty had just experienced he grace of God, one article in the warrant for the annual heeting of the society was, "to see if they would dissolve he pastoral relation." And, just after the call of Mr. Paine, hany saw the true character of his preaching, and prepared protest to present to the council against his settlement, ut, having voted for the call, they saw no reasons they could ffer to sustain their opposition, and concluded to be silent. fter the revival, many joined the Universalists, and others, t the close of his ministry, who were desirous he should re- hain, went to the Episcopal society, and have been its most fficient supporters. During this ministry, the church took ecided ground in favor of temperance, and resolved, in ad- hitting future members, to require a pledge of total absti- ence from strong drink except as a medicine.
Rev. Tertius D. Southworth was settled here June 17, 834-dismissed July 19, 1838, to take effect at the close of he month. In February 1836 the present house of wor- hip was finished and dedicated, and considerable religious nterest was manifested during this and the previous year .- During his ministry 75 were added to the church. He was
clear, sound preacher, and many of those who wished Ir. Paine's removal because they wanted "strong meat," low bitterly complained that they got nothing else .- Ir. Burchard, who was in the neighboring churches as an vangelist, Mr. Southworth conscientiously opposed. Great xcitement prevailed. A young people's meeting was at ength set up, with the best intentions, no doubt, at first. But irregularities crept in, such as visions, and conversations with departed saints. The result was, in 1840, under the resent pastor, the suspension from fellowship of 27 mem- bers of the church, many of whom had been esteemed devo- edly pious. They formed a "covenant" which the church xamined and decided to be inconsistent for its members to ubscribe ; and the committee that were sent to labor "to eclaim such" as had signed it, reported that, "some sup-
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