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 51
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BRISTOL .*
Rev. JOSEPH GARLAND.
The Congregational church was organized Nov. 15, 1826. Clergymen present, Rev. Jonathan Ward, Rev. Andrew Ran- kin, and Rev. S. Arnold. The N. H. Missionary Society had made some expenditures on this field before Mr. Arnold oc- cupied it. The records do not say when Mr. Arnold com- menced his labors, but show that he was with this church and people till May, 1828. Rev. Job Cushman succeeded Mr. Arnold, and continued till August, 1829. At a church meeting a vote was passed declaring unanimously that his labors had been highly acceptable to the church and people, and that his clerical and private deportment had been such as to procure for him general respect, esteem and confi- dence. August, 1829, application was made to the N. H. Missionary Society for assistance to aid in payment of Mr. Cushman's services, but without success, (probably owing to informality.) Mr. Cushman was succeeded by Rev. John S. Winter, who continued his ministrations till March, 1837. In May, 1837, Rev. Mr. Wellman was the minister. Rev. Joel Wright was the pastor in June, 1841.
March 1, 1842, at a regular church meeting, the Rev. Dan- iel O. Morton was unanimously invited to become the pastor
* Sketches of Bristol, Bridgewater, and New Hampton,-by Rev. J. Garland and a committee.
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of the Congregational church in Bristol, and Mr. Morton continued the minister of the church and Congregational society till March 25, 1852, the day he died and entered into the rest of Heaven. In June, 1852, Rev. Joseph Garland was engaged and continues to be the minister of this church and society. The Hon. Thomas W. Thompson of Concord, N. H. gave in his will, to the town of Bristol, three lots of land towards building a Meeting-house for the Congrega- tional society in Bristol-the house to be built within six years after his decease, and the house to be of the same size of the one in Franklin. The town refused at first to accept the legacy, until individuals gave a bond to save the town harmless. The house cost $1800. The lands sold for $ 1200, and the deficiency was met partly from the sales of pews, and partly by subscriptions from individuals. Funds about $800. Collections for Foreign and Domestic Missions, and to build churches at the West, from April 2, 1852, to Jan. 1, 1855, $203.87. Two hundred and sixty three persons have been received to the church by letter and profession. Members of the church, 76. Freewill Baptist church, 43. There is a Methodist church and society in Bristol village, with a very good chapel and constant preaching, and also a Freewill Baptist society, who have a new Meeting-house and stated preaching.
An incident during Mr. Arnold's ministry may well claim a place in the memory of every inhabitant of the town at least. Of $30 given to a benevolent object, $20 were given by a young lady who had experienced religion, and who re- marked, "I have taken more satisfaction in earning this money than I did in spending all my wages till I entered my 23d year."
Mr. Morton was a man of a heavenly spirit. He was use- ful in Shoreham and Springfield, Vt., many years. In 1831 the compiler of these histories was among the careless young men in Middlebury college, and Mr. Morton was there often during the season of revival in college that year. At a solemn meeting in the college chapel he preached from the words, "Wilt thou not from this time cry unto me, My Fa- ther, thou art the Guide of my youth?" During that night, by the influence of that discourse and of faithful personal labor of a fellow student, the writer believes and thanks God for the hope that he was enabled to cry acceptably-" My Fa- ther, thou art the Guide of my youth." The kindly tones and winning smile of the preacher seemed irresistible-but God was there.
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CAMPTON.
CAMPTON.
Rev. CHARLES SHEDD.
Campton was so called from the camp which the propri- etors erected when they surveyed the town. It began to be settled in 1767 ; the first town meeting was Nov. 30, 1771. Many of the settlers were Christians, who ascribed their con- version to the preaching of Whitefield, and were accustomed to hold religious meetings on the Sabbath, especially those who came from Newbury, Ms. and its vicinity. Others who came from Connecticut, are said to have been favorable to the half way covenant and to have cherished Arminian sen- timents. The church was formed in 1774, but it was not till 1807 that a strictly orthodox creed was adopted. No records of the church to the year 1800 exist.
Dr. Emmons was the first candidate for settlement, and, for a time, the probability was strong that he would remain here, but Providence ordered otherwise. After the town had, in May 1774, raised a salary and £ 105 worth of labor which was to be given the minister whoever might settle among them, on the 29th of August we find among other votes the following : "Whereas we agree, that the ministerial office is of Divine institution, for the edifying and guiding of his church, and to continue to the end of the world ; and they who are called to this office ought to be endowed with com- petent learning, ministerial gifts, as also with the grace of God, sound in judgment, "not a novice" in the faith and knowledge of the gospel ; without scandal, of a holy conver- sation, and such as devote themselves to the work and service thereof : being thus agreed in the internal qualifications and outward acquirements of Mr. Selden Church ; we hereby vote and call him to the pastoral charge and care of this town and congregation, so long as he shall continue in the faith and order of the gospel." Then follows Mr. Church's letter of ac- ceptance, which was read at the same meeting. The town then proceed, " Whereas, we have heard the answer of Mr. Church, and it appears that he is willing to settle with us in the work of the ministry ; we therefore vote and settle the sums of settlement and salary that were voted at a legal meeting, May 26, 1774, and accordingly establish the same for use and service so long as he shall continue to be our minister. At this meeting the times of annual payment were fixed ; also, the drawing of 30 cords of wood each year, was agreed to, as an additional benefit. This meeting was adjourned to Oct. 10, 1774, at which time it was voted to make a general
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entertainment free of cost on the occasion of the ordination ; and after choosing a committee of arrangements, voted, that the rum and sweetening necessarily expended for the ordina- tion, shall be provided at the town's expense, and be equal- ed on the levy, and collected by a rate in money as soon as may be." Mr. Church was ordained in October, the day not being recorded.
Having now obtained a minister, the next thing that occu- pied the town's attention was a Meeting-house. Only some preliminary steps were taken, when the war of the Revolu- tion came on and all effort was suspended. Aug. 30, 1779, it was voted to purchase the dwelling-house of Joseph Pul- sifer, and fit it up for the use of the town. In 1791 this house was moved to a more convenient spot near the Pemi- gewasset river. Mr. Church's ministry in this place contin- ued about eighteen years. He was dismissed in 1791, but still remained in the place. At a meeting of the town Oct. 13, 1792, it was voted to give him a new call for settlement, but this vote was never carried into effect. This was the last effort on the part of the town to settle a minister. Mr. Church has always been spoken of as a good and useful minister ; and near the close of his labors here he had the satisfaction of witnessing several cases of hopeful conversion. This revival was an important crisis in the history of the church, as it now began to rouse itself from the deadness of the old Arminian faith. From 1791 to 1800, the church and town had no settled minister, and only occasional sup- plies ; but meetings, conducted by the deacons, were regu- larly and fully attended on the Sabbath. In 1799 there were a number of hopeful conversions. Dea. Evans of Hebron, a devoted Christian, occasionally came and visited from house to house, and assisted in conducting the meet- ings.
In 1800 Rev. Pelatiah Chapin was invited to preach. He refused to be installed as pastor, saying, that he was like his horse which would certainly break loose if he were tied, but would stand untied any length of time. This expression may be regarded as characteristic of the man. He could preach ably and talk strangely. In 1805 he avowed the sen- timents of the close communion Baptists, and formed a church of that order to which he preached more or less for several years. This was the only proper schism that has ever occurred in this church. Several important members went with him, and much bitterness was engendered. Mr. Chapin possessed some excellent traits of character with some that were less desirable. He was an earnest preacher
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CAMPTON.
and a zealous partisan. His ministry was not accompanied largely by the influences of the Spirit. Mr. Chapin was the first to occupy the east Congregational Meeting-house, which was raised in 1799 and finished in 1802.
The next minister was Rev. Daniel Staniford, who was employed as a stated supply for one year, commencing in the fall of 1806. It was during his ministry that the church adopted a new creed and covenant, which with some abridge- ment have continued ever since. From 1807 to 1810 the church was again without the preached gospel, but did not fail to hold meetings on the Sabbath. During this and other intervals, the ordinances of baptism and the supper were administered occasionally by some neighboring minis- ter. In 1810 Dr. Kitridge, formerly a physician, supplied one year. In February 1812, Rev. John Webber was in- stalled, and was dismissed March 23, 1815. A large propor- tion of Mr. Webber's preaching pertained to the Abrahamic covenant, accompanied with severe thrusts at the close com- munion system. He is thought to have been decidedly an Arminian. He was charged with many imprudences, and his course was fitted to render him unpopular as a minister.
During the summer after Mr. Webber's dismission, indi- cations of a work of grace appeared, and during the fall and winter, the Spirit was poured out in a wonderful manner. This was one of the most remarkable revivals that any little church ever enjoyed, resulting in the hopeful conversion of about a hundred persons. Let it be remembered that the church was without a pastor; was small and feeble, with only six resident male members; was surrounded with ob- stacles, and almost overwhelmed with discouragements ; that it was chiefly confined to the east side of the river, or to about one half of the town; and that a large portion of the people of this half, but a short time previous, had with- drawn and given their support to another church, and who will not wonder at the greatness of the work! But after the work commenced, help was obtained. A licentiate, who was a student in theology under Professor Shurtleff at Han- over, by the name of Warren Day, was employed to preach, and his labors were signally blessed. Rev. Mr. McKeen of Bradford, Vt., Rev. Mr. Hovey of Piermont, and Rev. Mr. Fairbank of Plymouth, rendered important aid. Some of the converts, too, were like ministers. Thus God remem- bered his covenant, and blessed the fidelity of those praying souls who so steadfastly maintained the worship of God on the Sabbath, in times of darkness and destitution. The church was now greatly strengthened. The additions soon
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made, as shown by the records, amount to about seventy, and the whole church numbered nearly one hundred.
In 1816 Mr. Amos P. Brown preached as a candidate .- Mr. Brown had not received a liberal education, but had studied theology with Dr. Wood of Boscawen, and is spoken of as a devoted Christian minister. He was ordained as pas- tor, Jan. 1, 1817. But some dissatisfaction arising, he asked a dismission, which was effected June 26, 1822. During his ministry the land pertaining to the present parsonage, con- sisting of 12 or 14 acres, was given by Col. Samuel Holmes, not a member of the church, together with sixty dollars for building a house. The old men contributed to build the house, and the young men the barn. Col. Holmes also gave the board of the workmen on the buildings.
The next minister was Jonathan L. Hale, who was settled June 23, 1824. Mr. Hale was settled under flattering pros- pects. The Congregational people on the west side of the river, who had for the most part attended meeting at Plym- outh, now formed themselves into a society called the Second Congregational society, removed their relation to the church in Campton, and in 1824 built their present Meeting-house. Meetings were held at either house, according to the propor- tion contributed by each for the support of the gospel. A bridge was also built across the river by private subscription, for the accommodation of the religious community. No church seemed more happy or prosperous than this, while. thus united under the ministry of Mr. Hale. No sooner was the new Meeting-house dedicated, than God appeared to fill it with his glory. It was a time of refreshing; 50 or 60 were reckoned as converts ; 27 were added to the church dur- ing that summer, and a few afterwards. In June, 1831, a protracted meeting of three days was held with good results. The following is the record : "A number, about the time of the meeting and since, have indulged hope ; 20 have united with the church. Others will, it is probable, when the church shall be in a proper state to receive members." Mr. Hale was a faithful and laborious minister ; more efficient as a pastor than as a preacher or a disciplinarian ; kind and affectionate, rather than discriminating and forcible. But, in time, diffi- culties grew up out of a case of discipline, which divided the church into two parties called the minority and majority, and which threatened to destroy its peace. Perhaps these difficulties were one cause, though probably not the only cause, of Mr. Hale's dismission, April 18, 1832.
The next minister was Rev. Benj. P. Stone, D.D. He was installed June 12, 1833. The time of his settlement
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CAMPTON.
was limited to five years. During this period, the former difficulties were apparently removed, and the church again enjoyed a good degree of harmony and spiritual prosperity. About 30 were added to the church during his ministry, some of them being the fruits of former revivals, but most of them new converts. Being called to the service of the N. H. Home Missionary Society, he obtained dismission Sept. 11, 1837.
The next minister was Rev. Thomas P. Beach, ordained Feb. 21, 1838. Now commence the dark and perilous scenes which try men's souls, and which it is painful ever to record. Indications of the approach of a moral tempest were discov- ered several months before the awful outburst. At length came an overwhelming freshet, sweeping before it the drift- wood that had accumulated in the church and societies .- Mr. Beach was hastily settled, a call being made to him after one Sabbath's preaching, and his answer given at the second. But his settlement was obtained not without hesi- tation, on the part of the council .. He had no certificate of church membership, and none of regular permission to preach. He had been permitted to hold meetings in Wolf- borough, then a destitute place, and to act the part of an exhorter for one year only. Of this he took advantage to call himself a licentiate, and as such was employed for a time by the Home Missionary Society. In respect to his examination as made known by members of the council, we say nothing. In respect to the way in which he was first introduced to this church, we would also be silent. Mr. Beach was an abolitionist of the Garrison school. The top- ics of abolition, war and temperance were foremost with him. With these subjects he was familiar, and on these he could speak with considerable power. In March 1841, when sev- eral of the church had learned what his character and con- duct had been, previous to his ordination, and were also discovering new evidences of his unfitness as a minister of Christ, charges were preferred against him before the church. They were fully sustained. At this time he abandoned the church, at least the majority, as a band of miscreants, pub- licly proclaimed his withdrawment of fellowship, renounced the pulpit and his own ordination, and took his stand on the floor with the assembly ; denounced the institutions of the church, the Sabbath and the ministry, together with all the several benevolent associations which are sustained by the church; denied the inspiration of the Scriptures, and advocated infidel sentiments in a most unscrupulous man- ner. He came not to all these results at a single bound, 34
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GRAFTON COUNTY.
but step by step, and in the course of a few months. In May he sent to the church his withdrawment of fellowship, the language of which is very temperate, compared with what he was accustomed afterwards to use : "To the major- ity of the members of the Congregational church in Camp- ton, who attended the church meeting when the charge was sustained against the pastor, which D. Willey brought .- Dear Brethren,-Having long considered the step I am about to take, as positively required of me by the Spirit of the gospel, viz., to reprove iniquity, by renouncing fellow- ship with the wrong-doers ; and having long labored to con- vince you of your unchristian position in regard to the pre- vailing sins of this time, such as slavery, war, and intemper- ance; and especially your errors in respect to the spirit enjoined by the good shepherd, in restoring errant members of the flock-having done this publicly and privately, and yet having failed to win you to the spirit and duties of Christianity ; I hereby declare, that I can no longer recognize you as a church of Christ, and before God, angels and men, I do solemnly record my entire renunciation of fellowship with you as disciples of the Lord Jesus, till you bring forth fruits meet for repentance. Fervently praying that God will give you repentance to the acknowledging of the truth, and obedience of the faith as it is in Jesus, I remain your servant for Jesus' sake. T. P. BEACH. Campton, May 23, 1841."
In July, a council was called to advise the church as to its proper course, and in August another council was called, by which he was deposed from the ministry on five charges, in substance, as follows :- first, refusing to administer the Lord's Supper to the church ; second, withdrawing fellowship from a majority of the church in a written communication ; third, fomenting divisions in the church ; fourth, avowed contempt of ecclesiastical authority ; fifth, certain other offences, not necessary to be recorded here. Mr. Beach was excommunicated from the church soon after the session of this council. He was now at liberty to act the part of a come-outer. He fully improved his opportunity. Arrests here and there, and imprisonment were the consequences .- Long continued excitement and acts of extravagance tended to break his constitution, and thus he found an early grave. The settlement of this man in the ministry was a great calamity to this church and community. He carried with him about a third part of the members of the church, most of whom subjected themselves to excision. The effects of his influence, together with the accompanying defection, will . probably not cease during the present generation, at least.
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CAMPTON.
We are happy to learn, that, after Mr. Beach left New England, and went to Akron in the State of Ohio, where he engaged in teaching and was successful in that avocation-on reviewing his career at Campton, his views and feelings un- derwent a great and very desirable change. More than once he remarked to his wife, in speaking of what he had said and done at Campton, "it does seem as though I must have been crazy." It always seemed painful to him to allude to the subject-but he did allude to it occasionally, and with sorrow. He became a constant attendant on the ministry of an orthodox Congregational clergyman, the Rev. Wm. Jennings, and was on intimate terms with him. Had he lived, there can be no doubt he would have communicated with the church at Campton, and done what he could to un- do the evil that followed his erratic course there. His death was sudden. Feeling a little indisposed, he gave up his school for a few days for rest. . With his wife he visited his brother, a physician, in Sharon, ten miles from Akron, but was soon taken worse, the disease settling in his head, de- priving him of reason, and soon terminating in death. One week from the day he left his school, he was buried.
The next and last minister is Rev. Charles Shedd, ordain- ed March 24, 1842. He was upon the ground a short time after the meeting of the council that deposed his predecessor. The church needed a guide. They were just coming out of Egypt, but the great and terrible wilderness was before them. No pastor could flatter himself with the hope of ease or of immediate success. The language of faith was, "Here is a living church which the great Head has wonderfully preserved, and will continue to conduct through all trials." The members now clung together, and prepared themselves for the work of discipline. Their strength had been greatly reduced, a third part at least of the members of the body being deeply, and in most cases, fatally diseased. Limb after limb was severed. Twenty one persons were separated from the church, as the direct consequence of the defection. Of these only two have been restored on confession.
But better things were in store. During the winter of 1846-7, there were indications of the Spirit's work, and a few were hopefully renewed, seven of whom were admit- ted to the church a few months afterwards. But the church did not then seem prepared for a revival. Obstacles still existed, and there were only occasional accessions, till the summer and fall of 1852. It was now a time of prayer. The language of Christians indicated wrestling and agony. Many anticipated a revival. At the communion on the first
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GRAFTON COUNTY.
Sabbath in January 1853, four were admitted to the church. It was a solemn season, never to be forgotten. The work then began with power. The Tuesday following was the day appointed for the pastoral visit. One hundred assem- bled, nearly all of them youth. The Holy Spirit was there. Convicted sinners were there. In the evening a few remarks were made touching the present religious interest. It seem- ed like Pentecost. It was literally a Bochim. Some sank upon their seats overwhelmed with emotion, and were unwilling to leave the house, till they were conversed and prayed with. They came again at an early hour the next morning, and found peace. The work proceeded with great stillness, and was supposed at the time to embrace 60 or 70 persons. Twenty seven have united with this church, sev- eral with other churches, and others have yet made no pro- fession. The interest continued about two years, extending into some of the remotest parts of the town. It is proper here to notice those remarkable days of fasting and prayer which were observed by the church, and the effect of them. The pastor asked permission to appoint such days whenever he thought proper ; and this was when he discovered that the work began to flag and needed a new impulse. Such appointments were made and observed several times ; and, invariably, the effect was most striking in the occurrence of new cases of conviction and conversion. Since March 1842, 40 have been admitted to the church by profession, and eight by letter. The whole number at present is about 80. On account of the loss of the early records of the church, it is impossible to present other desirable facts. The Congre- gational ministers raised in this town, and formerly members of this church, are John Clark, Christopher Marsh, John Worcester, Daniel Pulsifer, Leonard Rogers, Isaac Willey, Worcester Willey, and Samuel H. Willey, all still living.
CANAAN.
Rev. M. GEROULD.
In 1795, four individuals, of Congregational faith and or- der, residing in Canaan, became connected with the church in East Hanover, under the pastoral care of Rev. Dr. Bur- roughs. In 1799, he came to Canaan, accompanied by one of his deacons, and, after a public lecture, these four persons and nine others entered into covenant relation ; and this was then constituted a branch of the Hanover church, and for
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CANAAN.
the first time had administered to them the sacrament of the Lord's Supper. From this period until 1803, Dr. Bur- roughs occasionally visited this branch of his church, preach- ed the gospel, and administered the ordinances, taking with him a deacon to officiate on such occasions. In the spring of 1803 a meeting was held, at a school-house on "South Road," by him and Rev. Mr. Dickinson of Meriden, when those who composed a branch of the Hanover church were constituted The Congregational Church of Canaan, by adopt- ing a Confession of Faith and Covenant, and choosing Mr. Pillsbury their deacon. Soon after this, a Rev. Mr. Cleve- land, from Connecticut, was employed to labor with them in the gospel for a short time. Then they were supplied occa- sionally by ministers furnished by the N. H. Missionary So- ciety, through whose influence the church became gradually, though slowly, increased. In the winter of 1804-5, there was some special religious interest, which brought a few into the church. From about this time, they had only occasional preaching by missionaries and others, until 1814, when a Mr. Rolfe was employed one half of the time for that year and a part of the next, and the church had now increased to some thirty members. Only brief periods of preaching were en- joyed after this, with long intervals between, and this kindly furnished by the N. H. Missionary Society, until February, 1821. Then the Rev. Charles Calkins was employed con- stantly for some eighteen months, with favorable results ; for, it is believed that his faithful preaching, kind and af- tectionate intercourse with the people, did much to awaken the desire for a permanent ministry.
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