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 54
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61
.
547
HEBRON. GROTON.
HAVERHILL NORTH .*
For more than half a century after its first settlement the town of Haverhill constituted one parish. The first two pastors of the first church were, according to the custom of those days, ministers of the town. Its territorial dimen- sions, together with the location of the great body of its inhabitants, rendered it inconvenient for them to meet in one place. This led to alternate meetings in the north and south parts of the town, and ultimately, in 1815, to a divi- sion of it into two parishes.
In June 1815 a church was organized in the north parish. As nearly as can now be ascertained, it consisted originally of about forty members. A part of these had previously belonged to the first church, and a part to the church in Bath. Others were from time to time added, making a total of eighty eight who, up to the present time, have been mem- bers of it. Of these only ten now remain connected with it. This church has had no settled pastor, and, for the most part, has been destitute even of a stated supply. It has always been too feeble to assume the entire support of a pastor, and, for most of the preaching which it has enjoyed, it has been in part dependent on missionary aid. It is not known that it has enjoyed a single revival of religion of any consid- erable extent. Its present prospects are dark, but what may be in store for it is known only to the Great Head of the church. Who knows but He may return and visit this vine, which has struggled so long to maintain a feeble existence in a barren soil, and cause it to revive and flourish ?
HEBRON. GROTON.+
Rev. LIBA CONANT.
GROTON .- Its first name was Cockermouth. It was grant- ed in 1761, and re-granted five years afterwards. In 1770, Gould, Melvin, Hobart, Bennet and Farley, made a settle- ment amid many sufferings during the first winter, in conse- quence of having failed to raise enough to sustain them comfortably. In 1796 it took its present name.
In 1779 a Congregational church was formed, and Rev. Samuel Perley a graduate of Harvard in 1763 was settled. He was dismissed in 1785. In the surrounding towns some believers in Christ were found, and a successful effort was
* Sketch by Rev. E. H. Greeley. + Sketch by Compiler.
548
GRAFTON COUNTY.
made to bring them into one church. Over this Rev. Thomas Page was ordained in 1790, and its numbers were quite large ; he continued until his death May 3, 1813 .- Nov. 9, 1803, Rev. Wm. Rolfe was settled as colleague, and remained until his death in June 1828-a ministry of 25 years. There must have been much religious principle here at an early day. When the church was first gathered and a pastor settled, there must have been less than 200 souls in town, and but 373 when the second pastor was settled.
Rev. D. Perry was in Hebron and Groton in 1827, and 11 were added to the former and 17 to the latter church.
Rev. A. P. Tenney, a native of Corinth, Vt., now of West Concord, was settled here as pastor of both Hebron and Groton, June 18, 1828, and dismissed Feb. 11, 1833. In 1832 an addition of 25 members was made to Groton church which now numbered 81. In 1820 this church reported 64 members.
HEBRON .- About half of the town was included in Groton. It was incorporated June 15, 1792, and had in 1800 only 281 inhabitants-last census, 565. Yet this 281 inhabitants "erected a handsome Meeting-house in 1800," but were without a settled ministry for years. In 1820 a church of 43 members is reported here. There were added 11 mem- bers the first year of Mr. Tenney's labors here. In. 1831 there were added 17 and the next year 10 members, and the church numbered 82.
In 1835 Rev. Daniel Pulsifer was employed here and in Groton, and continued his work with commendable zeal about five years. In 1841 Rev. James Hobart began his labors in this field, and continued them three or four years. In 1845 Rev. Liba Conant, who in other fields in the State showed himself a workman that "needeth not to be ashamed," entered these towns and has been their acting pastor for more than ten years. They had fallen in numbers and strength very much before he began his labors-Groton having only 33 members and Hebron 21; now Groton has 30 and Hebron 28. The Meeting-house in Hebron was re-modeled in 1847. A small Baptist church of 29 mem- bers exists in Hebron. In the exercise of much self denial has Mr. Conant broken the bread of life to this people. May Simeon's language yet express his joyful experience. He has seen great things in his ministry in other fields. A kind spirit seems to exist here among minds of different religious views, as is intimated by the fact that 130 pupils are found in their union Sabbath School in Hebron. Temperance has prospered here in advance of many towns.
- -
549
LEBANON.
HILL.«
A Congregational church was organized here Feb. 19, 1815, by the assistance of Rev. William Rolfe of Groton. The church gathered consisted of two members, Carr Huse and Israel Adams. This church was supplied the greater part of the time from its organization with the public ministra- tions of the gospel, but did not have a settled minister till Jan 6, 1831, when Rev. Isaac Knight was ordained their pastor. He remained pastor of the church about six years.
May 2, 1838 Rev. Hazel Lucas was installed, and Jan. 16, 1839 was dismissed. After this they were supplied most of the time with Congregational preaching until April 26, 1843, when Rev. John LeBosquet was installed pastor of the church. He was dismissed April 24, 1849. Since that time the church was supplied two years by Rev. Daniel Sawyer. There have been gathered into the church, by profession and letter since it was formed, 160 members, but not more than seventy five or eighty have belonged to it at one time. It now numbers 34. There have been three revivals of consid- erable interest and power-one in 1831-32, in 1840-41 and in 1849-50. There have been other seasons from time to time of a good degree of religious interest, and more or less conversions and additions to the church. Most of those that have been received into the church by profession, as the fruits of these revivals, have been young people, and a good portion of them those that were baptized in infancy. This church has been from time to time greatly afflicted with dis- orderly members, which gave occasion to the enemies of Christ to blaspheme and take advantage. The church still has a name to live, and it is hoped there are some here who are true disciples of Christ and lovers of his worship and . ordinances. There is preaching in the place of the Metho- dist and Freewill Baptist order most of the time, and Con- gregationalists aid in supporting them to some extent, as they cannot support a minister of their own order, and by way of exchanges they obtain some Congregational preaching.
LEBANON.
Rev. CHARLES A. DOWNS.
In 1760, eighty two persons, the majority of whom resid- ed in Lebanon and Mansfield, Conn., associated together
* Sketch by Joseph Prescott.
550
GRAFTON COUNTY.
and obtained from Benning Wentworth, the royal governor, the charter of this town, bearing date July 4, 1761. The town was immediately surveyed, and clearings commenced. Four men remained during the winter of 1762. The next year several families came on, and settled permanently .- The earliest record of the town now extant is as follows :- "A true copy of ye vote, passed at a town meeting held in Lebanon, on May ye 13th, 1765. At ye motion of Mr. Asa Kilbourne, (viz., after choosing a moderator,) Queryd, wheth- er we will have a minister in the town this summer or not ? Voted in the affirmative. 3d, Voted that we first send subscriptions to ye neighboring towns, and get what we can subscribed ; and what remains wanting to supply the pulpit six months will stand 'sponsible for ; to be paid at ve end of said six months. 4th, Chose Aaron Storrs to carry a sub- scription-to take care to get as much in ye neighboring towns as he can. 5th, Voted the selectmen take it upon them to seek quarters for the minister, and provide for his accommodation." The town at this time did not contain more than twenty families, yet they were not unmindful of the obligation owed to God, and the blessings to be found only in the gospel. As early as 1768 the question of build- ing a Meeting-house was agitated, and the town voted to build one. But owing to some disagreement about its loca- tion, the vote was not carried into effect until 1772. The first house built, was 48 feet in length, 34 in breadth, and 12 feet posts. In 1768, the town voted to give a Mr. Wales a call to settle in the gospel ministry. "His salary the first year was to be £50, to rise annually £5 till it should be £70." Something in the answer of Mr. Wales to this call, seems to have offended the fathers; for they voted not to receive him, and that all their proceedings in relation to him were null and void. And farther they refused to make him any compensation "for ye loss of his horse, supposed to be gored to death in Levi Hyde's pasture, ye last year."
This church was organized Sept. 27, 1768, in the presence of Rev. Bulkley Olcott of Charlestown, and Rev. James Wellman of Cornish. Six names are appended to the arti- cles of faith, and the covenant ; and what is somewhat unu- sual they are all names of men. Rev. Isaiah Potter, after two seasons of probation, was constituted pastor of this church and people Aug. 25, 1772. He was ordained in the open air, on a stage erected beneath a large elm tree, stand- ing on the bank of the Connecticut river. The ordination sermon was preached by the Rev. Mr. Olcott of Charlestown. The services are said to have been solemn and interesting .-
.. ...
551
LEBANON.
At the close, the newly constituted pastor affectionately addressed his flock, especially the younger members, exhort- ing them to refrain from any vain amusements, dancing and the like, as altogether unsuitable to the occasion, though customary. The sacrament of the Lord's Supper was administered for the first time Nov. 15, 1772. Thus, in nine years from the first settlement of the town, a church was organized, a minister settled and the ordinances of the gos- pel enjoyed. July 24, 1777 was observed by the church as a day of fasting, humiliation and prayer, "on account of the distress of the war and the near approach of the enemy after Ticonderoga was given up," when the church solemnly renewed their covenant with God. April 28, 1782, fifty three persons were received into the church, the fruits of a revival, upon the same day. Not long after thirty three more were added at one time. Considering the number of inhabitants in the town-not exceeding five hundred-the like can hardly be found in any of our churches. The event seems to have made a deep and most salutary impression upon the church, leading them to humble confessions of sin to God and one another, and prayers for forgiveness. Four- teen years previous to this time the church was organized with six members ; it now numbered two hundred and four, almost half of the whole population.
The records of the church give evidence that discipline was faithfully and energetically maintained from the begin- ning. An idea of their sentiments may be formed from the following : "March 3, 1784, the church voted that they consider it unbecoming in a profession of godliness, for young persons, professors, to practice frolicking and vain mirth ; likewise for elderly persons to indulge in idleness, in foolish talking and jesting-that they will set a watch about them in future and refrain." To the close of Mr. Potter's ministry there are no events recorded of special interest .- Frequent additions were made to the church, amounting in all to 372. Out of this number were 12 ministers of the gospel, among whom were Samuel Wood, D.D. of Boscawen, Walter Harris, D.D. of Dunbarton, and Benjamin Wood of Upton, Ms. Mr. Potter was born in Plymouth, Conn., graduated at Yale college, studied theology with Dr. Smalley of Berlin, Conn., and was a fellow student with Nathaniel Emmons, D.D. Two of his brothers were also ministers. He was settled by the town July 6, 1772. In addition to the £ 62 granted by the proprietors towards the settlement of the first minister, the town voted to give him £ 38. His annual salary was £ 50, for two years, and then to increase
552
GRAFTON COUNTY.
five pounds annually up to eighty. In mental abilities he rose far above the average, sound in doctrine, logical in his discourse, mighty in the Scriptures, judicious in counsel, a shrewd observer of men, "fervent in spirit, and diligent in business," his whole soul pervaded by a reigning spirituality. It has been said, that when he was settled, the number of those called revival ministers in New Hampshire was less than ten, and that he was one. His ministry was crowned with great success-through his efforts the church was built up in numbers, in doctrine and in grace.
The following anecdotes concerning him have been pre- served. One of his congregation once complained to him that his sermons were too short. Mr. Potter asked him if a short sermon in a cold day (it was before stoves were in use) would not do, if it was a good one ? "Certainly," replied the man, "if it is a good one." "But if it is a poor one it certainly ought to be short," said Mr. Potter. "Yes," replied the man in confusion. During the latter part of his ministry, the use of the Meeting-house was apportioned to the several denominations in the town, so many Sabbaths to each. After preaching a sermon, one of the congregation said to him, "Mr. Potter, you preached a good Universalist sermon to-day." "Ah ! indeed ? Well, if that is the case, we will let this pass for one of their days for occupying the house." Mr. Potter was of commanding stature, being over six feet in height, and possessed of great physical strength. It is said that he has been known to mow half a day at a time without once whetting his scythe-yet cutting his full quantum of grass, bringing it down by sheer strength. He was out in the Revolution as chaplain to one of the New Hampshire regiments. As he was one day walking round the camp he saw two men attempting to lift a can- non upon its carriage. Pushing the men aside and lay- ing hold of the trunnions, he raised the piece alone and quietly walked away. One of the men in his astonishment used some profane language. Being informed that the man who had performed such a feat of strength was a chaplain, he hastened after him, and hat in hand humbly begged his pardon for the language he had used. In his last days a cloud settled upon his mind, unsettling his reason. He died July 2, 1817, aged 71, having been the pastor of this church about forty five years.
The history of the church for several years after the death of Mr. Potter was drawn up by one of the members of the church, and placed upon their records, "that they might ever retain a grateful remembrance of God's mercies, in that
-
553
LEBANON.
they had not been utterly forsaken ; that they might perpetu- ate to generations to come, the remembrance of past events ; that they may learn wisdom from the things which we have suffered, and by watchfulness, diligence and perseverance, and by a timely attention to every Christian duty, the church in future may be preserved from such trials as she has experienced for many years past." This record is main- ly followed for the period which it covers. From the time when Mr. Potter ceased to preach, until his death, a period of eleven months, the pulpit was supplied by the labors of several ministers, for a few Sabbaths each, under a joint committee of the church and people, whose object seemed to be to procure a great, popular preacher, to suit all denomi- nations, so that all would help support preaching and taxes be light. The church was slumbering and would not be awaked to a sense of its duty,-nor to discover impending danger. The church was soon made to feel of how little account she was, and how small her influence when merged in the population of the town and allowing them to provide instruction for her. For the multitude took the entire con- trol of the Meeting-house, paying no regard to the church, and providing such preaching as the church could not fellow- ship. No choice was left her but to withdraw from the Meeting-house and be without preaching, or to set up a sep- arate organization, distinct from the town. Accordingly on the 18th of August 1818, the church withdrew from the Meeting-house, being virtually excluded, and remained more than two years without any stated meetings. On the 14th of June 1820 a council was convened by letters missive from the church, to advise them in their trying circumstances .--- Following the advice of the council the church delayed to commence public worship by themselves, till October 1820. The church then, with a few others who adhered to them, began to maintain public worship by themselves-first in a private house, then in a school-house till they were exclud- ed from that, then in another school-house till they were excluded from that also,-being supplied by the labors of different ministers, for a short time each. The church was much weakened by the refusal of something over thirty of the members to cooperate with them. The majority of these finally returned to the church.
In the month of February 1823, the town assumed the right to control the occupancy of the Meeting-house, and apportioned the use of it among the denominations of the town, as follows : To the church 14 Sabbaths ; to the Ford party 22 Sabbaths ; to the Universalists 12 Sabbaths ; and 36
554
GRAFTON COUNTY.
to the Baptists 4 Sabbaths. In a new division in 1827, the church were allowed 20 Sabbaths in the year.
On the 6th of November the Rev. Calvin Cutler was ordained over the church and people, in the work of the ministry. He was an able, faithful and laborious minister, and his labors were attended with the Divine blessing .- There were 49 persons received into the church from the close of the ministry of the first pastor to the dismission of Mr. Cutler. The church having no Meeting-house, nor any settled place of worship, and part of the support which he was entitled to receive, failing him, and a low state of reli- gion prevailing, Mr. Cutler was constrained to resign his office as pastor, and was dismissed by a council in May 1827. He afterwards settled in Windham, where he died, greatly respected and beloved. The church again began to support preaching by temporary subscriptions, employing ministers for a short period. They still delayed to build a Meeting-house, hoping that they might yet be permitted to occupy the house on the common, according to the inten- tions of its builders, and that there the church and all the people might enjoy the privilege of hearing the gospel faith- fully preached, as during the last twenty five years of Mr. Potter's ministry. They were still denied this right and forced to worship where they could, often in places intended for public amusement, and under unpropitious circumstances.
In these discouraging circumstances, severely testing the constancy and faith of the church, on the 3d of November 1827, a number of the brethren met together to take counsel concerning their prospects and their future course of action. They concluded that they must build a house which should be entirely under their control. The plan adopted to raise funds was, that the brethren of the church should give in proportion to their several estates, and that others should give according to their free will. In a few months, by the contributions of the church and the generous donations of others who sympathized with them, funds sufficient to pur- chase land and build a house were raised. The frame was erected on the 24th of April 1828, and the house dedi- cated to the worship of Almighty God on the 13th of Aug. 1828. The cost of the house and the lot of land was $ 3162.
Dea. Nathaniel Porter gave to the church, a house and nearly two acres of land to be used as a parsonage-a most timely and generous deed. In addition the church raised a fund of a thousand dollars, the annual interest of which was to be devoted to the support of the gospel. Having thus a place of worship which they could call their own, the church
555
LEBANON.
began to look again for a pastor. On the 28th of January they voted unanimously to give to the Rev. Israel Newell of Plainfield, a call to be their pastor. Mr. Newell saw fit to decline the invitation.
Feb. 7, 1829, they invited Rev. P. Cooke of Acworth to preach to them, as a candidate for the pastorate of the church. In April of the same year they gave him a call, which he accepted, and was installed May 8, 1829. In the early part of his ministry here Mr. Cooke experienced many trials, but was found adequate to them. Under his care the church was prosperous, increasing in numbers and strength every year. In 1835, the Spirit was poured out copiously upon the church and 67 persons were added to their number during the year-39 uniting upon the same day. Mr. Cooke continued to be the pastor of the church until May 13, 1848, when he was dismissed by a council .- That he was an unusually successful pastor, the records of the church give ample evidence, 233 persons being received into membership during that period of nineteen years.
In person Mr. Cooke was tall and commanding, possessed of remarkable social qualities securing to himself strong friendship ; a judicious councillor, an interesting speaker, possessing unusual powers of adapting his discourse to all occasions ; a diligent and delighted observer of the ways of Providence ; well acquainted with the Scriptures, and abun- dant and apt in his quotations from them ; a sound theolo- gian, and a fervent Christian. Many are the seals of his ministry both here and elsewhere. Many were awakened by his presentations of the truth ; many did he point to Christ as their Savior ; many did he build up in the faith of Christ. After his dismission he went to North Amherst, Ms., preaching in various places, till a few weeks before his death, which was April 28, 1853. [See Acworth.]
In July 1848, Rev. Charles A. Downs of South Norwalk, Conn., began to preach to the church as a stated supply, and continued to do so until Nov. 22, 1849, when he was installed as pastor of the church. The church, after the dis- mission of Mr. Cooke, was involved in many difficulties, which were in the course of time happily adjusted. In Oct. 1849, thirty seven persons were dismissed to form a Congre -- gational church at West Lebanon. There have been added to the church during the ministry of the present pastor 57 persons. Salary of the pastor $500, with the use of the parsonage. For the last twenty five years, the society has failed but once to pay the pastor his salary upon the day it became due,-a fact worthy to be recorded in letters of gold ..
556
GRAFTON COUNTY.
This is a sketch of the external history of this church .-- Her real history cannot be written, but will be rehearsed with thanksgiving and praise amid the glories of Heaven .- She has passed through great trials, enduring at periods a great fight of afflictions, but outliving them all. She has also received extraordinary blessings from her great Head, who purchased her with his own blood. Whole number of members from the beginning 702; ministers of the gospel among these 19 ; of settled pastors there have been 4; aver- age length of pastorates to the present time has been eigh- teen and a half years; number of infant baptisms can be given only from 1824 and is 89; present number of mem- bers 148. There are in town two Congregational churches, one Methodist church, and a Universalist society. The church has adopted a systematic plan of benevolence, dis- pensing with the services of agents, each object being pre- sented at a stated time by the pastor. Amount contributed in 1854, $210.
LITTLETON.
Rev. E. IRVIN CARPENTER.
The police of the town was organized in 1787. The first effort known to have been made in behalf of the gospel, was a vote passed in 1791 " to hire preaching two months." The next year, £ 9 were voted for the same purpose. After this, although articles were sometimes inserted in the annual warrants to see if the town would make any appropriations for religious purposes, nothing was done till 1796, when the town voted " to pay James Rankin for going for the minis- ter." The next action of the town was taken in 1799, in raising " a committee to hire a minister to preach out the money subscribed." The following year, three shillings were voted on " the pole and other equivalent estate." In 1802, $ 100 were voted. Subsequent to this, no legal tax was assumed or voted for the purpose of preaching. The only further effort by the town, was that of subscribing $ 200 in 1811, towards a Meeting-house. And this subscription was to give them the right of occupying the house when built, for their corporate meetings.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.