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 50
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NEW HAMPTON.
pastor elect, relative to his Christian experience-his call and introduction to the work of the gospel ministry -- his doctrinal knowledge and general qualifications for the gospel ministry,-and having obtained comfortable satisfaction in all these particulars, the council voted unanimously that they felt it their duty to proceed on the morrow, by the leave of Providence, to the ordination of the pastor elect. Mr. Hebard was ordained June 25, 1800.
The confession of faith and the covenant are very solemn and evangelical. The following is the concluding part of the covenant : "In our fellowship together and in our mu- tual watch over each other, we covenant most solemnly to take the word of God and especially the New Testament for our directory and platform,-so as ever to observe and be governed by the directions therein contained, in all our deal- ings with each other; and to require that conduct of each other which this Word of Life requires, and to condemn that. conduct in each other which this Word of Life condemns. To all which we do most fully and solemnly bind ourselves, in a firm reliance on the grace of our Redeemer, to work in us continually, both to will and to do of his own good pleasure."
In 1801, the records show about 135 members,-probably about one half of them resident in the easterly part of Bridgewater, which town was then bounded by Hill (then New Chester,)-the other half were mostly residents of New Hampton. The last item recorded in the records by Rev. Mr. Hebard, who acted as clerk as well as pastor, is dat- ed Aug. 6, 1815. Extract from the records Nov. 13, 1833 : "This day the Congregational church in New Hampton met according to previous agreement at the Meeting-house in Smith's Village, not having met together till now for more than than twelve years, having been scattered like sheep upon the mountains without a shepherd. In conse- quence of deaths, removals and union with other churches, the church now consists of only 12 members, a part of whom are unable to be abroad by reason of bodily infirmities. The church voted to renew covenant. A new confession of faith and covenant having been proposed by Rev. Mr. Perkins, was adopted. Chose Rev. James W. Perkins stat- ed clerk. Three members of the church in Loudon were received by letter of recommendation. Rev. Mr. Scales of Henniker, Rev. Mr. Knight of New Chester, and Rev. Mr. Saunders of. Bridgewater were present to assist in the servi- ces. After examination had, thirteen persons were received into the church by profession, after assenting to the articles
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BELKNAP COUNTY.
of faith and covenant, by vote of the church." The last " entry in the church records by the Rev. Mr. Perkins, was made Aug. 4, 1839.
Oct. 7, 1842, at a meeting of the members of the Congre- gational church in the town of New Hampton, at the dwelling-house of Rufus G. Lewis, agreeable to notice ; present, brothers A. B. Sanborn, Noah Mason, R. G. Lewis and Timothy Merrick of the New Hampton church, and Rev. Daniel O. Morton pastor of the Congregational church, and Chester Stone officer in the same at Bristol: "The church of New Hampton having been for a long time depriv- ed of a pastor and occasional ministerial labor, and being desirous of the 'blessing of the Lord' which maketh rich and addeth no sorrow with it, are anxious to devise some plan calculated to give them greater religious privileges than they enjoy at present, by securing to their families the visits of the minister of God, and in the community their services at lectures, prayer meetings and at times the public service of the Sanctuary. After reading the Scriptures and uniting in a season of prayer for direction in the delib- erations of the meeting, Rev. Daniel O. Morton was chosen moderator, and R. G. Lewis, scribe. After consultation upon the subject at some length, it was unanimously Resolved, That under existing circumstances, it is desira- ble that the members of the Congregational church in the town of New Hampton should unite themselves with some of the sister churches in the vicinity ; and that we recom- mend this measure to such of the members as are not pres- ent-and that such connections may continue only until such time as the Providence of God may seem to indicate that a re-union, and renewed establishment of church ordi- nances, be desirable for the promotion of His cause .- Resolved, further, That the scribe of this meeting be authorized to give letters to such members as are in good standing, and are desirous of uniting with sister churches, after having first settled in his own mind, by inquiry and conversation with Christian brethren, the applicant is deserving ;- and that he be authorized to do such other acts as may be necessary to carry into effect the spirit of these resolutions, being aided by consultation with Christian brethren." The records of the Congregational church close with a list of 19 members who had received letters of recom- mendation to the church in Bristol, May 4, 1842, and of one other member to the same church, May 6, 1843.
It is proper to add that in New Hampton was located the Female Seminary of the Calvinistic Baptists, a school
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SANBORNTON.
of great influence, and commanding an extensive patronage for very many years. The Theological Institute of the same denomination was also located in New Hampton. These seminaries are now transferred to Fairfax, Vt. In 1854 the Freewill Baptists came into possession of the premises and now have a flourishing school.
SANBORNTON.
Rev. JAMES BOUTWELL.
The Congregational church here was organized, consisting of seven members, in 1771, and Rev. Joseph Woodman was ordained its pastor, Nov. 13 of the same year. This was at a very early period in the settlement of the town; before there was a Meeting-house, or even a school-house in which meetings could be held for public worship ; and the ordina- tion services of Mr. Woodman were performed in a private dwelling-house. Mr. Woodman's pastoral relation to the church continued thirty five years ; though for two or three of the last years he was taken from his labors by ill health. He was dismissed Nov. 13, 1806. A spirit of unanimity and harmony prevailed in the church and society during his min- istry ; but no special revival of religion was experienced, and the church continued small. Nothing specially trying oc- curred during this period till toward its close, when Baptist preachers came in, led away many, and soon built up a flour- ishing Baptist church and society. This was a severe trial to Mr. Woodman, and many others. He lived a year or two after his dismission, and died at the age of 66 years.
His successor, Rev. Abraham Bodwell, was ordained pas- tor of the church Nov. 13, 1806. At the commencement of Mr. Bodwell's ministry the church consisted of 46 members, 18 males, and 28 females. During his ministry 307 were added to the church, 75 were dismissed, 119 were removed by death, and 5 were excluded, leaving 154. The number of baptisms during the same period was 484, a small propor- tion of which were adult. During the first ten years there is nothing specially interesting to record ; no general revival ;. about 30 were added to the church, mostly by profession. But the year 1816 was a season long to be remembered by the Congregational church and society in Sanbornton. It was a time of refreshing from the presence of the Lord .- A general and powerful revival of religion was experienced, which came "not with observation." No new measures had
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BELKNAP COUNTY.
been adopted, no extra means had been used. At the very first it could be said, "Surely the Lord is in this place ; and I knew it not." Almost the first appearance of it seemed to be, that some were rejoicing in hope, and others inquir- ing what they should do to be saved. In this way the work was carried forward, with stillness, solemnity and power .- No help from abroad except a Deacon Clough from Canter- bury, who, hearing of the revival, of his own accord came and spent several weeks in the place, going about from house to house, admonishing sinners, and exhorting them to flee from the wrath to come. His time and labor were not spent in vain. As a fruit of this revival, one hundred, or a little more, were added to the church. These were of almost ev- ery age, from twelve to more than fifty years. The greater part of them continued to exhibit satisfactory evidence of a real work of grace, wrought in their hearts. Some few in the hour of trial and temptation fell away. After this, several smaller revivals were experienced, which took place in and between the years 1825 and 1838. The hopeful con- versions in these seasons of refreshing amounted to about ninety. Some of these revivals were connected with pro- tracted meetings, which afford evidence that such meetings resulted in some benefit. But in most cases here, they left the church in a very undesirable state. And from the last date, 1838, to the close of this ministry, 1852, there were no revivals, and but few additions to the church.
In consequence of feeble health and increasing age, Rev. Mr. Bodwell requested in 1851 to be dismissed from his pas- toral charge, but the church did not grant his request. In the spring of 1852, however, this request was renewed, and the church having invited Rev. James Boutwell to become their pastor, the Rev. Mr. Bodwell was dismissed June 24, 1852, by the same council that installed Mr. Boutwell.
It is worthy of record, that at the close of his ministry of almost 46 years, Mr. Bodwell retained the confidence and af- fection of his people undiminished. The change of pastors was effected with perfect harmony, and a part of his annual support is still continued to Mr. Bodwell. Soon after the present pastor's settlement a season of unusual religious interest occurred. The number added to the church since June, 1852, is 14-and the whole number of members is 144. The following persons have held the office of deacon in this church : Benjamin Darling, Nathaniel Tilton, Samuel Lane, Benjamin Philbrook, Simeon Moulton, Joseph Sanborn, Mo- ses Emery, John S. Lane, Richard Lane, James B. Abbott, M.D., and A. Bodwell Sanborn.
Grafton County.
ALEXANDRIA.
This town was granted in 1767, settled in 1769 and incor- porated in 1782. It had 707 inhabitants in 1820 ; in 1850, 1273. A church was formed here about 1788, and Rev. Enoch Whipple was settled the same year, and remained until 1794. This church became extinct.
A Congregational church was organized here in 1823 of seven members, and in 1831 it had 22 members. The church has had preaching only a small part of the time-how much cannot be fully ascertained. In 1837 Rev. Mr. Holt preached here one half the time, in 1839 Rev. Mr. Turner labored one half the time among them. In 1841 the church was broken up by the members taking letters to join other churches.
BATH.
Rev. THOMAS BOUTELLE.
The first church formed in Bath was in 1778, on the Presbyterian platform. Several of the first settlers were from the southeast part of the State, and their minister was a Presbyterian. After the Revolutionary war, several prom- inent individuals came in and settled here, from Massachu- setts and Connecticut, who were of the Puritan stamp .- The Presbyterian church was therefore dissolved, and in 1791 a Congregational church was organized in its stead, consisting of 19 members. The first organization of the town by the choice of officers, &c., was in 1784. Previous to this the business had been done by the proprietors. In October of this year the town gave a call to Rev. Ebenezer Cleaveland to settle with them in the ministry, offering him "a salary of 220 bushels of wheat per year." A few months after, they voted "to give him forty pounds as a further encouragement to his settlement ;" also "forty pounds for
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GRAFTON COUNTY.
building him a dwelling-house, to be paid in labor and building materials." This call was declined. In 1790, an invitation was extended by the town to Rev. Enos Bliss to settle with them in the ministry-they voting "to give him an hundred acres of land, the clearing, sowing and har- vesting ten acres yearly for ten years to come, and after that to furnish him with a hired man so long as he continues as minister of the town." At an adjourned meeting they voted "to give him fifty pounds for the first year, then to advance five pounds yearly till it amounts to seventy pounds ;" also, "to procure one right of land (the number of grantees under the charter was 100) to be made secure to him and his heirs." Notwithstanding the liberal provision thus made for his support, he did not accept of the call.
A good man of the name of Estabrooks, with a large fam- ily, sat down on a piece of land in town at one time with a view to farming, and to receive what the people might be pleased to give him for preaching. Pressed down by sick- ness and poverty, he only survived two or three years. Till the year 1803, a shanty-like building was the only place of worship-meetings being held in barns and dwelling- houses. In that year the inhabitants, numbering about 900, who were generally agreed in their preference for Congre- gational worship, concluded to build a large Meeting-house ; which was finished in two years at the cost of $ 3000, raised by the sale of pews.
In January of 1804, David Sutherland, a native of Scot- land, educated for the ministry in the Scottish Ecclesiasti- cal Congregational Seminary, (over which, subsequently, the celebrated Dr. Ralph Wardlaw presided,) who had crossed the Atlantic the preceding year, with a view to laboring among the Scotch settlers in Barnet and Ryegate, Vt., was invited to spend a Sabbath in Bath. In the course of the year he spent several Sabbaths. In the beginning of 1805 he received a call from the church, to the pastoral office, and, according to the laws and customs of those times, from the town, to settle as town minister, on a salary of $400, to be assessed on the voters in town, exempting, of course, such as chose to lodge their names in the town clerk's office as dissenters. Neither was coercion allowed by the pastor in the case of those whose names were on the tax bills. This connection continued thirty years, during which time several very precious and extensive revivals occurred, which brought large accessions to the church, which at the pastor's settlement consisted of 30 members ; although, by reason of deaths, removals and excommunications, at no
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BATH.
time much exceeded 200. But the pastor had reason to believe, from what he witnessed on death-beds, that many had become converts to the grace of. God, who never came into the church.
In the year 1835 the inhabitants of the two villages, and others, living in the east part of the town, built a Meeting- house in the lower village, which occasioned a division in town and church. A church was organized in the old Meet- ing-house and in the new, the pastor retaining his connec- tion with the worshipers in the new. The worshipers in the old Meeting-house called and settled Peter Nicols, who lost his health soon after his ordination, and died of a lingering consumption. During his sickness, Joseph Marsh was em- ployed as "stated supply," whose services continued about two years-after which the old Meeting-house was abandon- ed, and the people began to turn their faces towards the village church. In 1843 the pastor resigned his office, and was succeeded by Rev. Edward Cleaveland whose services continued seven years-under whose ministry the churches became united. He was succeeded in 1850 by the present incumbent, Rev. Thomas Boutelle. Four members of this church have gone into the ministry-Amasa Buck, James T. Woodbury, Enoch N. Bartlett, and Edward Kimball .- Stephen Bartlett, a most promising young man, with his heart fully set on the ministry, was cut off in the midst of his college life, by death. Michael Sargent, during his col- lege course, had the ministry in view, but, after graduation, studied Law. The following sentence occurs in the last letter he wrote to his former pastor: "I abandoned my purpose of studying divinity, and studied law, by which I have filled my purse, but wounded my conscience." He was found dead soon after in his bed, one morning, without any known cause. About one-third of the population belong to this parish. There is a Methodist society in the southeast part of the town-some in the northeast part go to the Methodist meeting in Lisbon. One-fourth of the population live on the Connecticut river, and are separated from the rest of the inhabitants by a mountain running the whole length of the town. Of these, some go to the Congregation- al society in Barnet, Vt., and still more to Wells River, Vt. The average attendance probably does not exceed 400,-on very pleasant Sabbaths, perhaps, 500-a less number than attended on "father Sutherland's" preaching alone, he says, thirty or forty years ago !
REVIVALS .- An interesting one took place in 1811, imme- diately after the prevalence of the spotted fever in the town,
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GRAFTON COUNTY.
of the subjects of which about 30 united with the church .--- A still more memorable one commenced in September, 1820, and extended into the fore part of 1821. On the second Sabbath in September, three men became deeply impressed with their lost and perishing condition as sinners. During the following week, their wives and several others were awa- kened. The good work spread rapidly, and soon became general throughout the town. The salvation of the soul was now the all-engrossing subject among all classes. As results of this great and glorious work, 105 individuals, in the course of the next nine months, united with the Congregational church ; and a considerable number also joined the Metho- dists. In 1827-8 another gracious season was enjoyed, which brought 30 into the church. Another similar work occurred in 1831; during this year 38 were added to the church .--- The last extensive revival in this town was in the winter and spring of 1851. About 60 were numbered among the subjects of the work. The first Sabbath in May of that year was a memorable one; when 44 individuals, nearly all of them adults, and many of them heads of families, came out and publicly covenanted to be the Lord's; and more than half of them received the ordinance of baptism. Several others subsequently united with the church. Other seasons of unusual religious interest have been enjoyed, but these were the most memorable.
BETHLEHEM.
Rev. THOMAS HALL.
Incorporated Dec. 27, 1799. Of the early settlers of this town but little is definitely known. So far as can be ascer- tained, few only of them were pious. They are supposed to have been industrious, enterprising and moral persons. They are regarded as having been friends to the Sabbath, the gos- pel and its institutions. It is not known that any action was ever taken by the town at any of its meetings, for the introduction and the establishment of the gospel in the place. From the settlement of the town until 1802 there was no stated preaching. The people were occasionally sup- plied by missionaries from various places. From the time of the organization of the church Oct. 1802, until the labors of the first pastor were commenced, the people enjoyed more preaching than they did before the establishment of the church. Though many missionaries and pastors in the neigh-
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BETHLEHEM.
borhood labored in this field, yet no one is known to have labored for the term of one year. Usually the time of labor was short. The church at its constitution contained 13 members. Since 1829 this church has had three pastors. Rev. William Hutchinson was ordained Jan. 27, 1830, and dismissed Jan. 12, 1833.
Rev. Edmund Burt was ordained over this church at Fran- conia, Jan. 13, 1841-dismissed Aug. 20, 1845. Rev. Daniel McClenning was ordained over this church April 28, 1852- dismissed Aug. 15, 1854. The terms of settlement were that the first pastor should preach one half of the time to this church, and the other half to the church in Whitefield over which he was ordained at the above date. The other two were to preach half of the time here, and the other half at Franconia. The first pastor was settled on a salary of $ 300, the other two on a salary of $ 340. A part of the salary of each pastor has been paid by the New Hampshire Missionary Society. Between the dismission of the first and the settlement of the second pastor, the Rev. Charles W. Richardson supplied this church and that at Franconia for five years. Rev. Mr. Esty supplied this church for five years or more between the dismission of the second and the settlement of the third pastor.
Rev. Thomas Hall, their present minister, commenced his ministrations to these churches the 10th of December 1854. The dismission of each pastor was the result of his own request. Each left his field of labor in the confidence and affection of the people. Harmony marked the union to the last. The three pastors are still remembered by the church and people with warm affection. The result of these dis- missions was sadness, depression and discouragement, but not despair in regard to the future. The church became more earnest in prayer to God, that he would speedily send them another faithful, spiritual guide ; and that he would graciously open their hearts to more liberal efforts for the maintenance of the gospel. There has never been in the church anything like a schism, unless division in regard to the application of the rules of discipline be regarded as one. In this the church as a body has stood firmly and harmoni- ously together. This church has never had a parsonage or any funds for the support of the gospel. There has been for years more or less of contributions in behalf of the A. B. C. F. Missions, and for the N. H. D. M. Society ; and occasionally for other benevolent objects. The average attendance on the worship of God at two places-the Free- will Baptist and at the Congregational house-is estimated
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GRAFTON COUNTY.
at one hundred each. This is about one-fifth of the popu- lation. The whole number of members from the organiza- tion of the church up to the present time is 104, as gathered from the records of the body-present number of members 57. Infant baptisms recorded, 67. It is not known that any individual from this town has ever entered the ministry of any denomination. There has been but one revival of very extensive power-this occurred in 1828. As the fruits of that revival twenty four were added to this church, and a number to the Methodist church. There have been several other seasons of refreshing, as the result of which more or less were brought into the church. The activity of the church and the degree of open wickedness in society com- pared with forty years ago, it would be difficult truly to deter- mine. Church members now perform a great deal more labor than was performed forty years ago. The age in which Christians live now is entirely different from what it was then, as to the amount of labor required, and the activity demanded. While it is evident that the present members of the church are more active, and are doing more for the extension of Christ's kingdom, than were those on the stage forty years ago, yet it may not be questioned that the piety of the first was as intelligent and steadfast as is that of the present day. The Sabbath and the sanctuary are not now regarded with as much reverence and interest as in former days. As to open wickedness in society at the present time compared with that forty years ago, the writer is decidedly of opinion that there is more now than then. There is more Sabbath breaking, neglect of the worship of God, more pro- fanity, more fraud and deception, more open dishonesty, more direct hostility to the Christian religion. Still, our hope is in God.
BRIDGEWATER.
About the year 1790 there was a Congregational church organized in Bridgewater, by Rev. Mr. Page of Hebron, and others, as a branch of Hebron church. At this time there was no other church in town ; all were of one mind and one heart. Previous to this, a number of substantial men had moved into town, from the lower part of New Hampshire and from Reading, Ms. Mr. Page, at this time, was preach- ing in Hebron. He used to come and preach in Deacon Boardman's barn. "Father Chapin" and others used to come and preach. About the year 1802, they began to build a.
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BRISTOL.
Meeting-house-a two story, old fashioned house. It was fin- ished in 1806. About the year 1798, Dea. Joshua Fletcher of Plymouth, N. H., moved into town near to the Meeting- house. He preached till 1822. In 1825, Rev. Charles Bowles was ordained and engaged for five years. He preached three and a half years, and was dismissed by a council. At this time there were 38 church members, and there had been, up to this time, 20 children baptized. From this time the church and society have continued to hire preaching, more or less, up to the year 1850. Since Mr. Bowles left, some members have died-some have moved out of town-some have united with Plymouth and Bristol churches, so that now the Congregational church in Bridgewater is almost ex- tinct. The Meeting-house is out of repair, and is owned by four denominations. The Methodists and Freewill Baptists occupy the Meeting-house in the summer season. Two Freewill Baptist churches embrace 78 members.
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