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 46
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by the parish, or occupied by previous appointment, provid- ed he did it at his own expense. This was going for the largest liberty ; but it was the occasion of much ill feeling and difficulty in subsequent years. These difficulties were happily adjusted in 1816 by an instrument in which the principal Congregational members agreed to pay the disaf- fected proprietors 75 cents on the dollar, on property owned by them in the house, they promising to be content hereaf- ter. So much interest was felt in public worship by the people at that time, that, during the two years the house was in finishing, temporary seats were put up, and occasional meetings held in it on the Sabbath. Soon after the wood work and painting were completed, a bell was procured and suspended in its place, to the wonder and delight at least of the youth. They had never heard one before, and would often watch and listen for half an hour out of doors, even on cold winter evenings, to catch its first peals. As this was the first bell in this vicinity, till many years afterwards, it excited so much envy among our neighbors in adjoining towns that they called it the " Meriden Idol!" This house continued to be occupied as a place of public worship most of the time for nearly fifty years. On the 10th of April 1843, an effort was commenced to repair and remodel the house, which was completed in 1846, at a cost of $2849,46.
KIMBALL UNION ACADEMY .- As this Academy is inti- mately connected with the cause of Christ, it claims some notice in a religious history of this parish. It owed its ori- gin to the suggestions of a poor, but pious young man from this State, while pursuing theological studies in the North of England. He had gone there to enjoy the advantages of an institution with a partial course of studies, affording gra- tuitous instruction and aid to young men of promise, in in- digent circumstances, and candidates for the gospel ministry. It was at first proposed to establish a similar institution in this country-to be denominated "The New Hampshire and Vermont Theological Seminary." Flattering encouragement was held out, that material pecuniary aid could easily be procured from England and Scotland for the endowment of such a seminary. After mature and careful deliberation in several conventions of clergymen, from Vermont, New Hamp- shire, Massachusetts, and Connecticut-the last of which, held at Windsor, Vt., was opened with a sermon by Presi- dent Dwight of Yale college-the original design was given up. In consequence, however, of a liberal donation, prom- ised by Hon. Daniel Kimball of Meriden, N. H., it was re- solved by this convention to establish a school, with a consti-
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tution essentially embraced in the present charter of the in- stitution. Its object, as set forth in the first section of the charter, should be-" to assist in the education of poor and pious young men for the gospel ministry, and such others as may be admitted by the Trustees, on tuition ; to be denom- inated the Union Academy.
The will of the benevolent donor fixed the location in his native village; it provided for the pecuniary assistance of that class of young men indicated above, only in their pre- paratory course for college. It was incorporated in 1813; its first building was dedicated Jan. 7, 1815; and the first school opened on the following day. At the decease of Mr. Kimball, which happened two years after the opening of the school, he bequeathed to it the principal part of his valuable estate as a permanent fund ; which amounts at present to nearly $50,000. A new and beautiful edifice was added to the original buildings in 1840; and a female department, with a full and systematic course of study, was at that time opened. Since that time, the patronage of the school, al- ways large, has been much increased. The average number of pupils, per term, has been over 200; the largest number at any one time, 310. The classes fitted for college have averaged, for the last fifteen years at least, more than 25 each; and the number assisted as candidates for the minis- try, from 15 to 20 each year.
The characteristic features of the school have been, its permanency, its extensive board of thoroughly educated teachers, and the consequent amount of instruction fur- nished in comparison with other schools, its careful and thorough discipline, and its decidedly religious character. During the forty years of its active existence, it has had but four principals. The first held his office four years ; the se- cond, three ; the third, thirteen ; the present incumbent has entered upon the twenty first year since his appointment. Assistant teachers, many of them, have been almost as per- manent.
It will be perceived by the circumstances of its origin, that it was baptized as a child of the church. It was the design of its pious founder to make it a fountain of righteousness, as well as of knowledge. All its trustees and teachers must be professors of religion, and subscribe to the Assembly's Shorter Catechism, as the platform of their faith. It has al- ways shared largely, and principally, in the sympathies and patronage of New England churches. Its benevolent pro- vision for the assistance of candidates for the ministry adds materially to the number of pious students in attendance. It
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might be expected, therefore, as the result of this consecra- tion and these advantages, that the dews of Heaven would often distil upon it, and the blessings of a covenant-keeping God would not be withheld. Such has been the case, in the history of the institution up to the present time. There have been many precious and powerful revivals of religion, result- ing, we may believe, in the consecration of much youthful tal- ent to the service of the church and the world, as ministers, missionaries, teachers, and useful citizens in all the profes- sions and callings of life. During the last twenty years of the school, there have been but four or five, out of the num- ber, in which there has not been more or less special religious interest ; in some instances, extending through each term of the year ; in others, the refreshing seasons have been brief, but of great power and effect, subduing under their influence almost every individual ; in others still, there has been the gentle shower, without observation, yet leaving behind most pleasing evidence that it was from Heaven, in a new dedica- tion of one and another to the service of Christ. So may it continue to be in the future history of this seminary of the church, only let these gracious influences be increased a hun- dred fold, with a corresponding increase of watchfulness and prayerful interest on the part of all the friends of religion and Christian education.
NEWPORT.
Rev. HENRY CUMMINGS.
The charter of the township of Newport was granted in 1761. Five years later the first permanent settlement was made by eight young men from Killingworth, Conn. Upon the first Sabbath after their arrival, which was in the month of June, they convened for public worship. And it is said, that neither they nor their Congregational descendants have allowed a Sabbath since to pass without assembling them- selves for religious services.
The first place of worship was under a tree. Thence they resorted to a private log house, which afforded all the con- veniences that they enjoyed for six or seven years. Here, they were wont to listen to a layman, who read to them out of the Scriptures, and from published sermons. But, in November 1772, it was voted that a house 30 feet in length, and 20 in width, with one fire place, be built at the cost of the proprietors, to be finished in July 1773, to be used for relig-
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ious worship and for a school house, if need be, and that for this purpose a tax of fifteen shillings lawful money be levied on each proprietor's right. The first thing found in the records of the town with regard to preaching, is a vote of April 1778, to instruct a committee to confer with Mr. Hor- ace Kendall, to see if he would stay and preach, the town contributing every Sabbath for his support. In October 1779, measures were taken by the Congregationalists in town to organize a church. Rev. Aaron Hall, of Keene, was the only minister present from abroad. He acted as moderator of the meeting. Aaron Buell was chosen scribe. Articles of faith, rules of discipline, and form of covenant were adopted and signed by eight males and nine females. The following year the town extended a call to Samuel Wood, (afterward Rev. Dr. Wood of Boscawen, ) and offered him £ 100 as settlement and £ 45 as salary for two years, the latter to be afterward increased £ 5 a year till it reached £ 70.
In 1783, January 22d, Rev. John Remele, having been pre- viously invited by the church and town, was installed as the first pastor. The town voted to give him a permanent sala- ry of £ 70 and his firewood. Only thirteen were added to the church during the ministry of Mr. Remele, which continued for nearly eight years and nine months. He was dismissed Oct. 10, 1791.
After being destitute of a pastor for about four years, the church made choice of one of its own number-Mr. Abijah Wines, for the office. The society concurring, Mr. Wines was ordained Jan. 5th, 1796. The provision for his support included £ 70 at settlement, and a salary of £ 45, to increase annually £ 1 till it reached £ 52, together with 20 cords of firewood. Mr. Wines continued pastor of this church almost twenty one years. During his ministry 212 were added to the church. He possessed a discriminating mind, a sound judgment, and was a successful preacher. He left proof of his talents as a controversial writer, in an "Inquiry into the nature of the Sinner's Inability to make a new heart." Mr. Wines was dismissed at his own request Nov. 26, 1816.
Nearly two years later, Mr. James R. Wheelock received a call to the pastorate, and having accepted, was ordained Dec. 2, 1818. Though his ministry was but little more than four years in duration, yet in that time 148 were added to the church. He was dismissed by a mutual council Feb. 23, 1823.
January 28, 1824, Rev. John Woods was installed pastor of the church. He had been for nine years pastor of the
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· church in Warner. For more than a quarter of a century, he broke to the church in Newport the bread of life. Dur- ing that time 329 were added to the church. He was dis- missed July 16, 1851. And the same council ordained Mr. Henry Cummings as his successor, with a salary of $ 700. The whole number added to the church since the ordination of the present pastor, has been 129. The whole number received to membership since the organization of the church is about 910. The number at present belonging to it is 249.
The most powerful revivals that this church has ever experienced, were in 1810, in 1819, and in the autumn and winter of 1852-3. Revivals of less extent but of valuable results, were enjoyed in 1781, before the church had a pastor, in 1798, also in 1802, in 1816 and in 1830. The church indeed owes its existence and its prosperity to revivals of religion. None of the revivals which have been named were the result of extra effort, but were the fruit of a faithful exhibition of Divine truth by the regular ministry, accom- panied by the prayers and efforts of the lay members of the church,-the help of neighboring ministers being called in as occasion seemed to require.
The revival of 1852-3 found the church weakened by divisions which had resulted, more than two years previously, in the withdrawal of considerable numbers who had assisted in the formation or reviving of a Methodist society. The first indications of special religious interest were manifested at a season of fasting and prayer. This was held Sept. 18th, in accordance with the recommendation of the General Asso- ciation to the various Congregational and Presbyterian churches in the State, in view of the low condition of reli- gion. For several weeks subsequent to this occasion, no unu- sual feeling was apparent, save in a very few members of the church. But the sudden death of two sisters in the prime of life, and members of the church, occurring at this time within a few days of each other, deepened the growing seri- ousness of many. Near the close of October the first instan- ces of conversion came to light. Thenceforward the work advanced with increasing power. But its movements were noiseless. Every day added to the number of believers. In January, 53 made profession of their faith in Christ, and before the close of the year the aggregate had swelled to one hundred. About 25 were heads of families, and 60 mem- bers of the Sabbath School. All ages were favored from 10 to 70. Nearly the whole church was revived, and some who had secretly indulged a religious hope for twenty or thirty years, found this refreshing as life from the dead, and were
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NEWPORT.
able to come out boldly as the disciples of Christ. The work affected the whole community, and made striking exhi- bition of the sovereignty of Divine grace. About as many were added to each-the Baptist and Methodist churches- as to the Congregational.
Whether the church made choice of any person to officiate as deacon previous to the settlement of Mr. Remele, the records do not show. Josiah Stevens was elected to that office in 1783, and after performing well its duties for ten or twelve years, he entered the ministry, and before missionary societies had been formed, with a little aid from others, he found a moral desolation at the Isle of Shoals, Gosport. Here he labored among a people but little above abso- lute heathenism, and the benevolence of his heart found full scope. The inhabitants were not recognized as belonging to any town or State, were wholly without any religion, and without law save as they were a law unto themselves. Mr. Stevens collected them on the Sabbath and taught them the fear of the Lord. A Meeting-house was erected, and the regular preaching of the gospel established. He also opened a school on week days and gave instruction to their children. He obtained a justice's commission, brought them under civil regulations as a town, and it is believed, was once or twice chosen to represent them in the Legislature of this State .- But it pleased God to terminate his useful labors there, just at the time when he had secured an influence that began to be felt in every nook and hole of that dark corner of the earth. His body lies buried there beneath a slab erected by his friends, which tells a short but truthful story of his character and labors. He died about the year 1808. The other deacons of this church are Jesse Wilcox, chosen in 1791 ; Uriah Wilcox, 1795 ; Moses Noyes, June 1819 ; Josiah Stevens, 1829 ; Sylvanus Hurd and Joseph Wilcox at the same time ; Elnathan Hurd, -; Henry Chapin and David B. Chapin, in 1835.
The church never had any glebe lands, parsonage or funds for the support of the gospel. In March, 1821, the church voted that they disapprove of the practice of using ardent spirit at funerals. In May, 1828, they " Resolved, that as friends of morality and religion they will in their families and spheres of action use their influence by all proper and laudable means to check the progress of Intemperance and promote the cause of Temperance." In 1831 the church adopted the principle of total abstinence in the admission of members. In all these votes this church was somewhat in advance of churches generally at that day. In 1827, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted :
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"1. Resolved, That we feel ourselves under covenant obli- gations both as individuals and as a church of Christ, to pay special attention to our children, whom we have dedicated to God in baptism ; and we do engage, that we will daily read, or cause the Holy Scriptures to be read by or before them ; will pray with and for them ; and will instruct, warn, exhort and counsel them from time to time, as their age and cir- cumstances, and our ability, opportunity and duty, may re- quire.
"2. Resolved, That unless providentially prevented, we will meet at least twice every year, viz. on the last Thursdays of May and September, to present ourselves and our baptized children before the Lord, that we may unitedly implore the blessings of our covenant God upon them ; that they may be instructed in the things of religion, and their minds be im- pressed with a proper sense of their special obligation to God on account of their peculiar privileges, as the children of his covenant people."
An observance of such seasons of prayer and conference by churches, with their children, would do more to give the Abrahamic covenant honor than any other means. It would say to all men, we believe and therefore seek the Lord for our children. Few men ever were more laborious in the ministry than Mr. Woods, and while his removal was a great trial, he is happy in his new field, and happy in seeing the people prosperous and united in their relations with his suc- cessor.
PLAINFIELD.
Rev. JACOB SCALES.
The town was chartered by George III. in 1761. Of the sixty eight shares into which the town was divided, two were for Gov. Wentworth, one for the Society for Propagating the Gospel in Foreign parts-a society formed in England in 1701-one for a glebe and one for the first settled minister. The church of England, the Episcopal church, has the exclu- sive avails of the glebe, and the share for propagating the gospel. The town raised no money for hiring a preacher of the gospel till 1771, or 1772. They then voted to meet at Nathaniel Dean's, on the Sabbath, in Dec. 1771. They chose a committee to treat with Mr. Isaac Smith, then preaching in town, to settle as the minister of the place. The town voted him a salary and then increased the amount
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and invited him a second time to become their pastor, but he declined, and was afterwards settled at Gilmanton. This town never afterwards made so vigorous efforts for the settle- ment of a minister.
In 1773, or 1774, Rev. Abraham Carpenter, a "strict Congregationalist," was settled according to the rules of the denomination in Plainfield, without any action of the town. In March 1779 the town voted to accept Mr. Smith Carpen- ter as the minister of the town. He received the right of land, consisting of 360 acres. It was probably never worth $400 to him. He continued to preach in town eight or ten years longer, in his own kitchen, and in other private houses in the winter; and in the open air, or in a Meeting-house having neither doors nor windows, in the summer. In 1782 there was more than usual attention to religion, and several neighboring ministers came and assisted him. After a few years, he was dismissed by his own congregation, and became pastor of a church in Rutland, Vt., where he died, and where his grave is. Rev. Lemuel Haynes of West Rutland preach- ed at his funeral from 1 Thess. 2: 19-" For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing ? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming ?" He was considered a decided Christian, loving God, and rejoicing to be the servant of his people in preaching the gospel and teaching the youth. In a quiet and sober manner he fin- ished his ministry, and went, we believe, to receive the reward of one who had been "faithful in a few things." The light of the church and of his labors were soon extinguished. For twelve or fourteen years there was no stated preaching west of the middle of the town.
· September 20, 1804, a church of ten members was organ- ized, and called the First Congregational church in West Plainfield. The same day, the church voted a call to Rev. Micaiah Porter to settle with them in the work of the minis- try. After waiting more than nine months, Mr. Porter re- turned an affirmative answer to their call; and immediate measures were adopted for his installation. The pastors and churches in Hanover, Lebanon, Cornish and Meriden, united in council for his installation. He was installed July 16, 1805. The council met at Mr. Smith's on the river, and went to the Meeting-house, six or seven miles, for the instal- lation. In October following, Hon. Francis Smith, a brother of Rev. Isaac Smith, and Ebenezer Cole, were chosen dea- cons ; and the church adopted the articles of faith and cove- nant recommended by the Union Consociation. In 1831, the church adopted the articles of faith and covenant in use
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at Lebanon and some other places. Rev. Mr. Porter lived in the place twenty five years, but the people depended on others to preach for four or five years before his death. Dur- ing his life 27 were received into the church. Only four of them are now among the living members. As he was una- ble to preach, Rev. Mr. Goddard preached one year, and Rev. Dyer Burge six months.
After his death in September, 1829, a Mr. Cook, from Deering, preached one year, and received several into the church. His appetite and his passions undermined his use- fulness. His labors in other places and seven years assign- ment in a state prison may be passed without farther notice.
After him Rev. Jacob N. Loomis labored in the place two years. His services in the pulpit and the parish were very acceptable and useful. Had he and Mrs. Loomis been per- manently settled here, great good might have been expected as the result. Fifteen were received to the church in ten years after the death of Mr. Porter. Seven of them continue in the church.
In the autumn of 1838, Rev. William Hutchinson com- menced preaching in the place. He was a man of an excel- lent spirit ; but his health had failed years before, while teaching music. He planned many things promising useful- ness, and was spared to execute some of them. He was in- stalled May 28, 1839, and died April 24, 1842. The efforts of a protracted meeting brought a number into the church. He received by letter and by profession twenty five. Only eight of them are found with the church now. Though Mr. Hutchinson did not live three years after his installation, but pined away in consumption, still he was able to preach more than three years after his labors commenced and he received a call to settle. In the years 1839 and 1840 two Meeting- houses were built. The second was built by Universalists, Baptists, and Methodists, and dedicated by the company. Within a year or two several of the company were organized as an Episcopal society.
Rev. Jacob Scales commenced preaching here early in Oc- tober, 1842. The N. H. M. S. has paid him annually $ 100, and the minister and people have raised on an average more than $50 annually for benevolent objects. Still the church, society, and minister have diminished in pecuniary strength from year to year. For twelve years previous to January, 1855, only nineteen have been received to the church. The whole number of resident members is now only twenty six, five of them males. Nine are non-resident. During these twelve years there have been one hundred and eighteen
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funerals in the parish ; eighty three Mr. Scales attended. He solemnized twenty one marriages. No one of the sons of Plainfield has become a minister ; five of the daughters have married ministers. Weston Bela Adams of Meriden was for several years a good and successful minister, but he died in the meridian of life.
SPRINGFIELD. SUNAPEE. UNITY.
SPRINGFIELD .- It was granted in 1769, and its first set- tlement was three years after by Israel Clifford and others. Waters rising in this town run to the sea both by the Mer- rimack and the Connecticut rivers. This is one of the three towns in this county which have increased in population during ten years.
A Congregational church was gathered here before 1820, but was very feeble. Rev. Charles Boyter was installed its pastor in June, 1828. Its members at this time were 17. Mr. Boyter was first sent by the Missionary Society for 4 weeks. He left in 1830, and the society, after expending about $ 400 in less than five years, were pained to see the church left alone. Ten members were here in 1836. No record of any church appears in the Minutes of the Methodist, Baptist, or Freewill order of Christians in this town. Would not an effort of our Missionary Society be suitable if it should re- sult only in securing-what is a most common effect of our attempting to build any of the old wastes-the waking up of the brethren of other names to newness of life ? A popu- lation of 1270 ought not to be willing to live without the gospel.
SUNAPEE .- Formerly Wendell ; settlements commenced here in 1772. The people were from Rhode Island most of them. The first minister was Rev. N. Woodward, a Bap- tist. The people were not strongly fixed in the love of re- ligious institutions. A small Congregational society was in- corporated June 24, 1819. The population at this time did not exceed 600. A church was also gathered of twelve members, by Rev. William Gould. Not long after, Rev. J. Hovey labored among them, and a sweet outpouring of the Holy Spirit was granted, bringing fifteen persons into the fold of truth. In 1829 there were 14 members in the church. A church of Freewill Baptists here, numbers 23 ; Methodist, 22, and 16 on probation. Population 787.
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