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 5
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Rev. Peter Holt was settled, Feb. 27, 1793, and dismissed April 25, 1821-a ministry of twenty eight years. He was a native of Andover, Ms., a graduate of Harvard, 1790. He subsequently settled in Peterborough. He died March 23, 1851. He was a man of great worth. Sixty seven persons joined the church in his time.
Rev. Forest Jefferds, a native of Wells, Me. and graduate of Bangor Theo. Sem., 1825, settled here, October 25, 1826, and remained till Oct. 30, 1831,-five years. Fifteen individ- uals became members of the church under his ministry .--- Rev. Mr. Utley and Rev. J. LeBosquet supplied for a time.
Rev. Calvin Chapman, the fifth pastor of the church, a native of Bethel Me., graduate of Bowdoin in 1839, of Andover in 1842, was settled Dec. 8, 1842, and continued till April 14, 1845. Ninteen were received to fellowship in the church by him. Rev. Enoch Corser was a stated supply for some time, after Mr. Chapman left.
Rev. Lyman White, a native of Roxbury, and, in 1846, a graduate of Dartmouth, and of Andover in 1849, was em- ployed by the church, May 16, 1849, and was settled Jan. 4, 1854, and remained as pastor about one year. During Mr. White's faithful labors of nearly six years, considerable increase of the congregation was witnessed and a great in- crease in the zeal of the people in securing pecuniary means of support for the ministry. New families from different parts of the town took seats in the house of worship; the Sabbath School had a hundred attendants. His ministry was a useful one. He has been employed in Easton, Ms. since leaving Epping. Sixteen persons joined the church during his labors here. It is a beautiful town, there is a pleasant, convenient house of worship, other denominations are not covering the ground fully; it should enjoy the ministry of the gospel con- stantly, and is abundantly able to sustain 'it. Present number of the church, 50. Population in 1820, 1558; in 1850, 1623.
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EXETER.
FIRST CHURCH.
In 1638, a settlement was begun here by John Wheel- right and others. They formed a civil compact, and chose their magistrates in popular assemblies. Wheelright pur- chased of the Indians, in 1629, the country between the Merrimack and Piscataqua rivers. In consequence of his opinions he had been banished from the colony of Massachu- setts. For an account of the nature of his offence, the reader is referred to the History of Hampton in this work. In the year 1638 also, a church of eight members was formed by him and those who, as his adherents, had been dismissed from the church in Boston. After three years, Exeter came under the rule of the colony that banished him. Wheel- right and his friends removed to Wells in Maine, and the church was broken up. An attempt to form another church in Exeter, was forbidden by the General Court on account of their divisions.
Rev. Samuel Dudley was the next minister. His term of service continued from 1650 to Feb. 10, 1683, the day of his death. No church is known to have existed during this ministry of thirty three years. Mr. Dudley was a son of Gov. Dudley, of whose character Farmer speaks in terms of high approval. Cotton Mather gives him the credit of hav- ing done much, by the " orthodox piety" which controlled his administration of civil affairs, to save the country "from the contagion of the famalistic errors, which had like to have overturned all." His zeal in this direction has been warmly censured by many who hold loose notions. But "the candid and judicious," Farmer says of the Puritans generally, "will rather wonder at the wisdom of the views, the disinterested nobleness of principle, the self-sacrificing heroism of those wonderful men to whom the world is indebted for the most perfect institutions of civil and religious freedom known among men." From the character of the father that of the son may be anticipated. He is spoken of as a "person of good capacity and learning." He received a call to settle in Portsmouth in 1656, which he declined.
The third minister of Exeter, the Rev. John Clark, was settled and a church was organized at the same time, consist- ing of twenty eight persons, nearly one half of whom were dismissed from Hampton church to be organized here. The ancient Volume of the Records begins thus : "The order of proceeding in gathering a particular church in Exeter. Af- ter conferring together and being mutually satisfied in each
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other, we drew up a confession of faith, and the terms of the covenant, which we all signed, the Sabbath before the or- dination." Mr. Clark was ordained Sept. 21st, 1698. And the record continues, "we were, by the elders and messengers of the several churches, owned as a church of Christ, and John Clark declared to be a minister of Christ Jesus." He was born in Newbury, Ms., Jan. 24, 1670. He continued in his work at Exeter until his death on the 25th of July, 1705, having been pastor of the church about seven years. His family connections were highly respectable. He died in the strength of manhood. One of his sons was first minister of Kingston.
The fourth minister of Exeter and the second pastor of the present "First Church," was Rev. John Odlin. He was born in Boston, Nov. 18, 1681. In 1702 he graduated at Harvard, and was ordained at Exeter, Nov. 11, 1706 .- He married the widow of his predecessor. He was one of the proprietors of Gilmanton, and his son John Odlin was one of the first settlers of that town. Mr. Odlin died Nov. 20, 1754, at about seventy three years of age. In May, 1743, "a number of the church were separated from their communion"-this was preparatory to the formation of a second church, which was effected in 1748.
In May, 1743, the church voted "to concur with the town in choosing Mr. Woodbridge Odlin to settle as a Colleague with his honored father the Rev. John Odlin." He was or- dained Sept. 28, 1743. His father preached the sermon from Col. 1: 28, at his son's settlement, and lived to enjoy his ministry nearly eleven years. During this pastorate of thirty-two years, thirty-six persons came into the church, and 1276 baptisms were administered. The "Half-way Covenant" was in use here-" all persons of correct senti- ments and sober life, might profess religion and have their children baptized, though they did not come to the Lord's Table."
Rev. Isaac Mansfield was the next minister,-ordained Oct. 9th, 1776. The sermon was preached by Rev. Mr. Thayer of Hampton, from Ezekiel 33: 7-9. The Charge was given by Rev. Mr. Fogg of Kensington ; the Right Hand, by the Rev. Mr. Webster of the second church in Salisbury ; the Ordaining Prayer was offered by the Rev. Mr. Noyes of the first church in Salisbury. Mr. Mansfield was born at Marblehead, Ms., 1750, and was a graduate of Harvard, 1767. In Aug. 1787, " according to his agreement with the parish," he was dismissed by a council of three churches, of which Messrs. Fogg, Langdon and Mcclintock
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were pastors. The council say of him, "We are constrained by duty and love to testify the sense we have of the valua- ble ministerial gifts with which God hath furnished Mr. Mansfield, and which have been well approved, not only among his own people, but by the churches in this vicinity." Two hundred and forty five were baptized during his minis- try of eleven years, and twelve persons were admitted to the church. After his dismission he removed to Marblehead .- He became a magistrate. He died in Boston, in 1826, at the age of seventy six.
This parish received its seventh minister, June 2d, 1790, when Rev. Wm. F. Rowland was ordained its pastor. A native of Plainfield, Conn. in 1761, he was a graduate of Dartmouth in 1784. Rev. Dr. Thatcher, of Boston, preach- ed, and Dr. Langdon offered prayer, Rev. Dr. Mcclintock gave the Right Hand. After a ministry of thirty eight years, at his own request, he was dismissed, Dec. 5, 1828 .- He died at the age of eighty two, in the year 1843. Rev. Mr. Hurd, the minister of the second church, preached his funeral sermon. During his ministry 128 persons joined the church, and there were 295 baptisms. He was a man of good abilities, and in prayer had great freedom and apparent access to God.
Rev. John Smith, the next minister of this people, was a native of Weathersfield Conn. He graduated at Yale in 1821. He was installed March 12, 1829. Sermon by Rev. N. Bouton, D. D .; Prayer by Rev. Mr. Miltimore of New- bury ; Right Hand, by Rev. Mr. Hurd. At his dismission by his own request Feb. 14th, 1838, the council say, the pas- toral " relation continued nearly nine years with mutual har- mony and affection, and with much advantage to the cause of religion. Mr. Smith baptized 139 and admitted to church privileges 170 persons.
Rev. Wm. Williams, who had been twice before settled, was installed here May 31, 1838. Rev. M. P. Bramin preached the sermon. On account of the state of his health as well as on account of some existing difficulties, he re- signed his office Oct. 1, 1842. He has since entered the medical profession.
Rev. Joy H. Fairchild was a native of Gilford, Conn. in 1789. He was the youngest of sixteen children. His moth- er was, before marriage, Mehetabel Waterhouse of Saybrook. Conn. Having been settled twice previously, Mr. Fairchild was installed here, Sept. 20, 1843. Rev. R. W. Clark preached, and Rev. N. Adams, D. D. offered the prayer of Installation. Mr. Fairchild resigned his place June 18,
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1844. He says in his letter to the church, "I am accused of a crime which I never committed but which it is not in my power to disprove. I do not wish to preach the Gospel any longer than I can be useful, and as my usefulness must now be ended, I hereby resign my office as pastor of this church." His case has been very extensively investigated before both civil and ecclesiastical tribunals, and for several years he has been re-settled in the work of the ministry in South Boston.
Rev. Roswell D. Hitchcock, the eleventh minister of this people, was ordained Nov. 19, 1845; sermon, by Rev. O. Fowler of Fall River. He continued in the ministry here until 1853, when he was dismissed at his own request .-- Twenty nine persons were admitted to the church by him. Rev. Wm. D. Hitchcock followed him in a short ministry. He was settled in very promising circumstances Oct. 5, 1853, but was cut off by death in about one year, and rests from his toils in the presence of his Master and Lord. Since that time the church has been vacant. It consists of 122 mem- bers and is well able to sustain the institutions of religion on a liberal scale.
EXETER .*
SECOND CHURCH .- Rev. ISAAC HURD-Rev. A. D. MANN.
This church was formed under the influence of the "Great Awakening" a century ago. The pastor of the first church set himself against Whitefield. Zealous hearts could not brook this. Several councils were called by the parties, and their decisions were not harmonious. At one time when Whitefield preached to the new church whose formation Mr. Odlin had opposed, the latter "solemnly warned and charged him against preaching in his parish." The secession took place in May 1743, when the church voted to unite with the town in calling Rev. Woodbridge Odlin, son of the pastor, to settle as colleague with his father. The friends of the " Great Revival" esteemed this proceedure full evidence of the fixed opposition of a majority of the church to the work of God. Forty one persons were organized into a church June 7, 1744.
Of this church, Rev. Daniel Rogers was the first pastor .--- He was ordained Aug. 31, 1748. He was a graduate of Har- ward in 1725. He was a descendant of John Rogers, the martyr of Smithfield. At the funeral of Whitefield he was
* Sketch by compiler.
EXETER. 51
one of the pall-bearers. He ardently loved that wonderful man, believing him to have been the instrument in his salva- tion. His ministry and his life closed at once, Dec. 9, 1785. For thirty seven years he held the pastoral office. Sixty- one were added to the church under his labors.
Peace was not easily established between the two chur- ches. A mutual Council, however, was agreed upon in 1775. That council investigated the grounds of the differences which subsisted between these parties and proceeded to give their judgment in regard to the course taken by each. That judgment presented clearly the faults of both parties and was a just and christian rebuke of such disorder, irregularity, and unchristian reflections, as had occurred. The result was so framed that, without any humiliating concessions and ac- knowledgments and entreaties to be forgiven, an acceptance of it would imply all the confessions necessary and would be a pledge of mutual forgiveness and renewal of fellowship and communion. A passage or two will show the course taken by the council to effect reconciliation. "Provided the new gathered church, (so called,) shall manifest their consent to, and acceptance of, the judgment of this council, and their readiness to practice agreeably thereto, we advise the pastor and first church in this town to forgive their brethren what- ever has been offensive in their late transaction and, not withstanding the exceptionable steps they have taken toward their being formed into a church-state, yet, that they own them as a church of our Lord Jesus Christ, and their pastor, (so called) as a minister of Christ, and receive them to Chris- tian communion in all ordinances and acts thereof as they do other churches. And now, dear brethren, we have pro- proposed such terms, as, upon a mature and impartial weigh- ing matters, we think highly reasonable for you to comply with and such as we judge necessary to secure the interest of religion, the honor of Christ, and the peace and safety of these churches, we therefore cannot but hope that God will convince you of your duty and incline you to an hearty com- pliance therewith." To the other party the council said, " we cannot but hope that, considering the circumstances you will, upon their submitting to and accepting of our judgment and advice, forgive whatever has been done by them grievous and offensive to you and treat them accordingly by all proper acts of Christian communion." Acceptance of the result was expressed by the New church as appears on their record Aug, 4, 1755. The spirit of peace did not, however, follow this apparent reconciliation. It was not until March 29, 1788 that the dispute was terminated. Both churches were
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ROCKINGHAM COUNTY.
without pastors. On the above day they united with each other in partaking of the Lord's Supper administered by Rev. Dr. Buckminster.
In 1792, Nov. 20, Rev. Joseph Brown became the pastor of this church. He was born in Chester, England, in 1762. He was removed in 1797 after a ministry of five years. He died at Deer Isle, Me., where he was pastor of a church, in 1804. Thirty eight were added to the church during his labors here. He was educated at Lady Huntington's Semi- nary in England. Thus the attachment of the people to the disciples of Whitefield was visible in their choice of these two pastors. The church seems to have been an ex- ample of the " Elective Affinity" principle, before the name was known in eeclesiastical matters. Towards the close of the last century, several of the more influential members of the New Church returned to the communion of the First Church ; and the former gradually lost ground after Mr. Brown was dismissed, and, early in this century, became nearly extinct. It so remained until it was resuscitated Dec. 24, 1813.
Rev. Isaac Hurd was installed pastor of this church Sept. 11, 1817. He was born in Charlestown, Ms., Dec. 7, 1785. He received his theological education in Edinburgh and be- gan preaching in London. In 1813, having returned to this country, he became pastor of the First Church in Lynn, Ms. He resigned this office in May, 1816. He came to Exeter amid peculiar trials. The church was feeble. At its re-organization, four years previous to hisarrival, it em- braced only eleven members. It was indeed a feeble lamb of Christ's fold. But his heart was touched with sympa- thy for it. By the grace of God he hoped to see it thrive. He has. About one hundred and fifty were added to its numbers during his ministry. Several precious seasons of revival have cheered him and the church in their work of faith and labor of love. After a ministry of thirty years, at the age of sixty two, he welcomed a colleague to perform the more arduous labors of the pastoral office, while, as se- nior pastor, his solicitude and love for the people will be continued as long as life endures.
Rev. Samuel D. Dexter was ordained colleague pastor of this church Dec. 2, 1847. But his day was brief. He died at Roxbury, Ms. April 20, 1850, aged twenty four years .- He was a native of Boston, Ms. and a graduate of Harvard and Andover. His early death was deeply felt. A precious work of grace was enjoyed while he was pastor. Twenty four came into the church in one year.
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GOSPORT.
Rev. Asa D. Mann, the present colleague pastor, was set- tled Nov. 19, 1851. He was a native of Randolph, Ms. and a graduate of Amherst in 1838, and of Andover in 1842. He was settled in Hardwick, Ms. in 1844. The church numbers 94. Eleven were added by profession the last year. Though smaller numerically than in some past times, this church may yet, more fully than ever, carry out the spirit of its founders, who, although some errors were found in their measures, were evidently "laborers unto the kingdom of God."
FREMONT.
Poplin was the original name under which this town was chartered in 1764. It received its present name by act of the Legislature July 8, 1854. Its population in 1820 was 453; in 1850, 509.
It has never enjoyed the benefits of an established minis- try of any order. No Congregational church ever existed here, although it has not been wholly passed by in the min- istration of the truth. More attention has been given to this town by the Methodist ministry than by any other .- With a house of worship and a population of 500 souls, some evangelical influence seems very desirable to be brought into vigorous action for the moral and religious improvement of the people.
GOSPORT.“
Gosport is a small town of 102 inhabitants on the Isles of Shoals, which are seven in number, chiefly in New Hamp- shire, but partly in Maine, and situated about 10 miles S. S. East from Portsmouth harbor in the open sea ; composed of ledges of rock of granite, slate, gneiss and green stone, with but little soil fit for cultivation. They were discovered in 1614, by the celebrated navigator Capt. John Smith, who pub- lished the first map and chart of New England and its coast. He gave them his own name, which, however, has not been retained. They were settled at an early period for the pur- pose of pursuing the fisheries, and as affording a secure re- treat from the incursions of the Indians. Business was here
* Sketch by Rev. L. Alden.
--
--
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ROCKINGHAM COUNTY.
prosperous. And here the elder Wm. Pepperell, father of the illustrious Baronet, laid the foundation of his ample for- tune. Besides the fisheries, there were, in aftertimes, salt works, a wind mill and an extensive rope walk. Previous to the war of the Revolution, there were from 300 to 600 inhab- itants.
A Meeting-house was erected, previous to 1641, on Farm Island, now the site of the Appledore House, a place of pop- ular resort in the warm season. The first minister was Rev. Joseph Hull from England. He was settled in Weymouth, Ms. in 1635 and labored in the ministry at the Isles of Shoals after 1639. He was succeeded by Rev. John Brock from Shadbrook, England. He was born 1620, graduated at Harvard College 1646. He remained here from 1646 to 1649, when he was settled in South Reading, Ms. where he died June 18th, 1688. It was said of him, " He dwells as near to heaven as any man upon earth." The next minister was Rev. Samuel Belcher, a native of Ipswich, Ms. He graduated at H. C. 1659. He labored here sometime about 1672, and was settled in West Newbury, Ms. 1698, resigned in 1711 and died at Ipswich, March 10th, 1716, aged 74. About this time a new Meeting-house, 48 ft. by 38 was built on Star Island. Previous to the close of the 17th century, Rev. Samuel Moody preached awhile here as he had also in Newcastle. He was son of Rev. Joshua Moody of Ports- mouth, and graduated at H. C. 1689. Early relinquishing the clerical profession and assuming that of a military offi- cer, he was commander in an expedition against the Indians at the Eastward. In 1705 he was stationed at St. John's Fort, Newfoundland, and in 1709 at Casco. He corresponded with father Ralle, French Catholic missionary at Norridgewock, and was repeatedly the organ of communication between the Indians and our Government during the war. He was final- ly located at Falmouth, now Portland, Me. and was regard- ed as the leader of the colony there. He died April 5th, 1729. Rev. Joshua Moody supplied from 1707 to 1732. He was a native of Salisbury, Ms. and graduated at H. C. 1707. He was employed as a teacher of youth, at Hampton, some- time previous to his death, which occurred at Newbury, Ms. 1768, at the age of 82. He was followed by Rev. John Tucke, a native of Hampton. He was the first Pastor or- dained at this place. Rev. Jabez Fitch of Portsmouth delivered a discourse, at his ordination, from Matt. 4: 19-" I will make you fishers of men." His salary was £ 110 per annum. To this was added £50 towards a house. He prac- ticed medicine among the people of his charge, as was not
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unusual with ministers, at that period. "He was esteemed a good man and a devoted minister." During his ministry, occurred a great Revival of Religion in New England. A convention of ministers was called to confer upon it, in July 1743, on the day succeeding the commencement. Rev. Mr. Tucke, being unable to attend, addressed a communication to that venerable assembly, from which the following is an extract : " Providence is now sending sickness into my family, so that I cannot be in Boston this week ; I therefore send my thoughts in writing. I acknowledge the work, in this land, to be a blessed work of God ; and I believe it is the duty of Christ's ministers to give an open, conjunct testimo- ny unto it. We have a revival of religion amoug us. I beg your prayers for my family, my people and myself. I am, with all due regards, Your humble servant. Gosport, July 4th, 1743." He departed this life Aug. 12th 1773, aged 72. On the monument erected to his memory-a superb horizon- tal slab of freestone, at Star Island, is the following inscrip- tion : "Underneath are the remains of the Rev. John Tucke, A. M. He graduated at Harvard College A. D. 1723; was ordained here July 26, 1732, and died Aug. 12, 1773, aged 72." He was affable and polite in manners ; amiable in dis- position ; of great piety and integrity ; given to hospitality ; well learned in history and geography, as well as general science ; and a useful physician, both to the bodies and souls of his people. After his death, Rev. Jeremiah Shaw supplied till ,1775, when most of the inhabitants were dispersed, in consequence of their exposure to the enemy, then invading the country-but a few families remaining here.
In the year 1800, the number of inhabitants was 120, in 15 families and occupying 11 houses. At this period, Hon. Dudley Tyng of Newburyport, in behalf of this people, so- licited the aid of the Society for propagating the gospel among the Indians and others in North America ; and an appropriation of $ 100 was made to sustain the preaching of the gospel. He also aided in building a Meeting-house 36 feet by 24 of stone, which was dedicated Nov. 14th, 1800. Rev. Josiah Stephens was then employed in the ministry. He was a native of Killingworth, Ct. He had served in the Revolutionary War, was in the battle of Bennington; and is said to have maintained his habits of devotion amid the bustle of the camp. He deceased, July 2d, 1804. The fol- lowing is the inscription on his monument : "In memory of Rev. Josiah Stephens a faithful instructor of youth, and a pious minister of Jesus Christ, (supported on this Island by the Society for propagating the gospel) who died July 2d,
.
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ROCKINGHAM COUNTY.
1804, aged 64 years. Likewise of Mrs. Susanna Stephens, his beloved wife, who died December 10th, 1810." From the death of Rev. Mr. Stephens till 1824, there was only occasional preaching.
In 1822, a society of gentlemen, with a ladies' auxiliary society, was formed in Newburyport, for the religious in- struction of the people of the Isles of Shoals, which sup- plied a teacher for about nine years ; and also repaired the Meeting-house, the interior of which had been accidentally burned. In 1824 Rev. Samuel Sewall commenced preach- ing and continued to supply till his decease, which occurred at Rye, where he had gone on business, March 15th, 1826, at the age of 61 years. After the death of Rev. Mr. Sewall, the regular preaching of the gospel, by Congregational min- isters, was suspended. Since that period, several ministers of various denominations have labored here, at different times. Rev. Origin Smith was stationed here, and labored very successfully, till he was obliged to leave from the impaired state of his health. Others have followed him in the ministry, viz: Rev. Messrs. Hall, Blodget, Sumner, Eastman and Mason. The latter, after two years of very useful and acceptable services, from 1853, has now left, find- ing a change of clime essential to his health-having in a high degree secured the esteem and respect of the people
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