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 56
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From June 1782 to June 1785, under the labors of tran- sient ministers, 33 were gathered into the church. But dur- ing Mr. Sawyer's ministry, disorders existed which required the frequent exercise of discipline. The attention to this which he felt it his duty to give, excited toward him some ill will, which contributed, with other things, to render his ministry short. He was dismissed Dec. 17, 1795. During the nine years of his pastorate here, though laborious and faithful, (as he is believed to have been, ) he received only six members to the church. After the dismission of Mr. Saw- yer, Rev. Stephen Williams labored here, but how long is uncertain. In 1799, a Mr. William Forsythe was requested. to settle. But a disaffection arose which occasioned a re- monstrance to be made to the council convened to ordain him, in consequence of which he was only ordained as an evangelist. He was followed by Mr. Sylvester Dana, who, May 20, 1801, was placed over the church as its pastor .- The provision made for his support was $666.67 settlement, in two annual instalments, and $ 400 salary. He remained pastor of the church for twenty one years. And his labors
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appear to have been successful. In 1810 and in 1819 revi- vals existed of considerable extent and power, which resulted in important additions to the church. During his ministry, 190 members were added. He was a firm friend of missions, and urged on his people the duty of active benevolence .- Previous to Mr. Dana's settlement, two Meeting-houses were erected, one on the river, and the other three miles east of it. In these he preached alternately, till, near the time of his dismission, he suspended his labors in the east Meeting- house. Difficulties had now arisen in the church and among the people, which resulted in his dismission April 30, 1822. The next day, (May 1,) the council being still in session, 24 members were dismissed from the church, and organized into a separate Congregational church, to worship in the west Meeting-house. To this Mr. Dana continued to minister, preaching in that Meeting-house half the time, and half the time in Fairlee, Vt.
Not long after Mr. Dana's settlement, other denomina- tions began to obtain footing in the town ; and various indi- viduals availed themselves of the opportunity granted to them by the law of withdrawing from among his supporters. As the number of seceders increased, the town, after the dis- solution of its contract with him, not long before his dismis- sion, ceased to act on the question of sustaining the minis- try ; and in April 1820 a society was formed for the purpose, styled, " The Orford Union Congregational Society." This society adhered to the original church, in connection with which it was organized. The church, (now properly denom- inated The First, or East,) in August, 1822, invited Mr. James D. Farnsworth to become its pastor. He accepted, and was ordained June 1, 1823. His salary was $ 500. Mr. Farnsworth preached, as his predecessor had done, alternate- ly in the two houses. During his ministry, the place pre- sented the somewhat unpleasant anomaly of two ministers of the same denomination, pastors of sister churches, living within a few rods of each other, and preaching alternately in the same house of worship. Mr. Farnsworth was an accep- table preacher, and possessed many good qualities as a pas- tor. Soon after his settlement, Bible classes, Sabbath schools, and catechetical exercises for children, were instituted. In 1826, the awakening and converting influences of the Spirit were shed upon his charge, and 43 were added to the church by profession. In 1831, the dews of heavenly grace descend- ed on a portion of his field of labor, and 17 were gathered into the church. This merciful visitation appears to have continued into the following year ; and some thirty or forty
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expressed a hope of having become new creatures. During his ministry, we find notices, more or less frequent, of con- tributions, by the church and people, to different objects of Christian benevolence. He was much beloved, and his dis- mission, which occurred April 9, 1832, was generally lament- ed. Difficulty of support was the cause. The church and society gave the most honorable testimonials of their affec- tion for him, and their appreciation of him. He received to the church during his ministry 102 members. At his dis- mission it embraced 172.
For eleven years the church was now destitute of a pastor. It was supplied half the time, for some five years, by Rev. S. Davis. After him, Rev. Lot B. Sullivan preached a year ; and after him, Rev. Joseph Marsh for nearly three years .- These labors appear not to have been in vain, since, during these eleven years, fifty three persons were received to the church.
June 26, 1845, Mr. Andrew B. Foster was ordained as pastor here. In addition to a parsonage, containing a few acres of mowing and a few of pasturing, he received a salary of $350; and the society, though small, were pretty liberal in the way of presents. Mr. Foster was popular as a preach- er. Public worship was well attended ; the Sabbath school flourished ; and things appeared prosperous. But his min- istry here was short. His health failed, and he requested dismission, which was reluctantly granted him, Nov. 22, 1847. Ten were added to the church during his ministry. Rev. Edwin R. Hodgman was here one year, and they had other occasional supplies.
In October, 1851, Rev. Jotham Sewall commenced labor- ing here ; and was installed Feb. 16, 1853. The support afforded him was $350, with neat, new parsonage buildings and a garden spot. To this was added the article of fire- wood, and sundry other valuable helps. The society raises the salary by subscription ; excepting that the avails of a farm, given about the year 1800 for the support of the min- istry by a widow Spooner and renting for $57, are divided equally between this and the other Congregational society. He received eight members to the church ; he was dismissed in 1855.
Nearly eighty five years ago this church was organized. Including the original members, 425 have been received to its fellowship. But it is now much reduced. For a number of years, the population of the town has been diminishing. Between 1840 and 1850, it lost 300 inhabitants. And the church has had large drafts made upon it by dismissions and
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deaths. It contains, now, 86 members; and nearly half of these are non-resident-some are in parts unknown. Bap- tisms of children, 461, but, for some years past, this impor- tant ordinance has received far less attention than formerly. But, only 65 out of 425 were baptized at the time of admis- sion to the church. The proportion of those received from the world who were baptized in infancy was as three or four to one. Nine men, who may be regarded as sons of this church, have entered the Congregational or Presbyterian ministry ; among whom is Rev. John Sawyer, second pastor of this church, now residing in Garland, Me., and still able , to preach some, though an hundred years old ; also, Cyrus Mann, Joel Mann, Royal Mann, Daniel C. Blood, Daniel Newell, I. Morey, and John Wheeler, former President of Burlington college. Five Methodist ministers have arisen here. The average size of the congregation is less than one hundred. The amount annually contributed to different ob- jects of Christian benevolence is about sixty dollars. In the easterly part of the town, worship is maintained a part of the time by Methodists and Freewill Baptists ; but, on an average, less than one half. Those who may be called regu- lar attendants on public worship, (and a part of these only a portion of the time,) in a population of 1400, cannot exceed four hundred, and, probably, falls considerably short of that. This is thought to be a smaller proportion of the inhabitants than attended public worship forty years ago. And it is a painful fact, that many of the descendants of early church members and others who constantly visited the sanctuary, are seldom if ever seen within a house of worship.
ORFORD.
WEST CHURCH .- Rev. W. A. SMITH.
The West Congregational church of Orford was organized by an ecclesiastical council April 30, 1822. Its members had previously been connected with the First Congregational church-28 persons united with it at its organization. Rev. Sylvester Dana was its first pastor. He was installed Feb. 19, 1823. Its first deacons were, Asaph Rice elected May 22, 1822 ; Isaac Drake elected Oct. 7, 1825 ; Joshua Swift elected March 22, 1827. A Sabbath School was established at the formation of the church and has ever since been maintained. During Mr. Dana's ministry, the church enjoy- ed some seasons of special interest, and 102 members were
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added to it. Mr. Dana was dismissed Jan. 1, 1833. At the same time the Congregational church of Fairlee was consti- tuted, and 32 members of this church were dismissed to con- nect themselves with that church. After Mr. Dana's dis- mission, the Rev. Nathaniel Lambert supplied the desk for a few months. April 8, 1833, the church extended a call to Rev. Daniel Campbell ; it was accepted, and he was installed May 29, 1833. June 20, 1833, Mr. Nathan Dewey was chosen deacon. Sept. 1, 1838, Mr. Peter Marsten and Mr. Jonathan Clark were chosen deacons. During Mr. Campbell's ministry 61 members were added to the church. Mr. Campbell requested a dismission Aug. 1, 1847, and was dismissed by an ecclesiastical council Sept. 7, 1847. Mr. Campbell continued to reside in Orford till his death, which occurred Oct. 1, 1849.
Rev. William Clark commenced his labors with the church April 2, 1848. He was ordained and installed May 17, 1849. Mr. T. D. Rowell was chosen deacon Nov. 5, 1851. During Mr. Clark's ministry, the church was blessed with a season of special religious interest, resulting in an accession of 22 mem- bers-32 were added to the church under his ministry. Mr. Clark was dismissed at his own request by a council called for the purpose, April 22, 1852. Mr. Clark is now a mis- sionary of the A. B. C. F. Missions in Arabkir. Rev. Ira Case commenced his labors with this church in Oct. 1852, and was ordained and installed Nov. 30, 1852. Mr. Henry Blanchard was chosen deacon of this church June 1, 1853. Mr. Case asked a dismission June 10, 1854, on account of. the inadequacy of his support.
Rev. W. A. Smith is now supplying the church on a tem- porary engagement. Since the organization of the church, about 80 members have been dismissed to join other churches, and a considerable number have been removed by death .- The church now consists of 75 members. The church has adopted the practice of contributing regularly to objects of benevolence. Within a few years a handsome church edifice has been built, and a convenient parsonage has been pur- chased. The prospects of the church are encouraging.
PIERMONT.
Rev. I. DAVIS.
The Congregational church in Piermont was formed in 1771. In 1776, Rev.John Richards was settled as their
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pastor. He was dismissed in 1802 ; died in 1814 aged 89 years. The church was re-organized March 10, 1803, under the direction of Rev. James Hobart of Berlin, Vt. The cause of this re-organization is not fully known. But it is believed that the church under Mr. Richards acted upon the half way covenant, and that part of the first church went to Haverhill church, and part united in forming the new church. March 10, 1803, 29 persons were formed into a church and adopted new articles of faith and covenant.
In Feb. 1811, Rev. Jonathan Hovey was settled as pastor, and was dismissed Feb. 1817, as appears from the testimony of aged members of the church. The records being very defective, the dates may not be entirely accurate. Rev. Robert Blake commenced his labors here in 1821, according to the Minutes of the General Association, and continued them till 1836. He was an acceptable and useful minister of Christ. Eighty three were added to the church during his ministry. The remembrance of him is still precious to this people. Rev. Edward Fuller labored in this field from 1836 to 1840. During his ministry six persons were added by letter and one by profession.
Rev. Increase Davis commenced his labors here, April 1840, and has continued them to the present time. There have been during this time three revivals of religion. In the space of thirteen consecutive months 55 were added to the church. Eighty five have united with the church during Mr. Davis' ministry, and great harmony has prevailed in the church. Weekly prayer meetings have been constantly maintained. The whole number of members at present is 106-males 72, females 34. May the church in her inmost heart say, "My soul thirsteth for God."
PLYMOUTH .*
Rev. W. R. JEWETT.
This town was granted in 1763. Quite a number of men from Hollis entered the town the next year, and their inter- est in the kingdom of God is manifest in the fact that before two years had expired they formed a church. This church was gathered, not on the ground, but in Hollis, and went into the wilderness beneath the banner of Christ as their avowed Leader and King. The same year, 1765, after the organization of the church Rev. Nathan Ward was ordained
* Sketch by Compiler.
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as their pastor. This too was done at Newburyport, Ms., July 10, 1765. The pastor inducted into office at one place, the church constituted at another, thereby bringing upon them the united and fervent prayers of many hearts, meet the few people scattered over the hills of Plymouth and receive their welcome and their blessing. Mr. Ward labored here till Jan. 4, 1798, when he was dismissed ; he died in June 1804, aged 83 years. He was minister about twenty nine years. He was converted under Whitefield, and im- bibed much of his spirit. He pressed the doctrines of the gospel upon the heart. Rev. Jonathan Ward, now well known in the State for his love of doctrinal truth, is his son.
Two seasons of refreshing from the presence of the Lord, blessed his ministry. The first occurred about two years after his settlement, and about twenty were brought into the church. This must have been a large number in so small a population. Another revival occurred in 1790.
Rev. Drury Fairbank was ordained, after an interim of two years, Jan. 8, 1800, and dismissed March 18, 1818-a ministry of eighteen years. He is found among the mem- bers of the General Association in 1811. In 1816 a revival was enjoyed here and sweet were its fruits. He left the church at his dismission with about sixty members.
The same year (1818) Rev. Jonathan Ward was engaged to preach, and continued until September 1829. The bless- ing of God at once attended him. The church received quite an accession of members, and during his ministry some 40 or 50 persons were added to the church.
Rev. George Punchard was ordained March 11, 1830- dismissed in 1844. At this time the heavens were opening over all parts of the land to pour down salvation. But upon few ministers have such signal marks of the divine approval in the form of continued success been placed, as are found in this case. For three years the heavens seemed to give a rain of righteousness. In the first year of his labors 33, in the second 28, in the third 46 were added to the church-107 in three years. More than 160 were added to the church in this pastorate, most of them by pro- fession. The church at one time numbered 199. But his health declined and he was obliged to desist from his work. He is author of an interesting work on our church polity.
The present pastor, Rev. Wm. R. Jewett, was installed June 25, 1845. He is laborious and affectionate, and deserves well at their hands. The church had declined in numbers somewhat from its best estate when he entered the field. It numbered not far from 150. About sixty have
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been added under the present pastorate. Mav this church ever possess the spirit and principles which the law of asso- ciation always couples with the endeared name-Plymouth.
THORNTON.
The town of Thornton was first settled in 1770. The first settlers were anxious to have the gospel preached among them. As early as the year 1778 or "79, the Rev. Experience Estabrook was preaching among the people. April 11th, 1780, a church was organized consisting of 12 members .- The church was organized in the presence and by the assist- ance of Rev. Nathan Ward pastor of the church in Plym- outh, and Rev. Selden Church pastor of the church in Camp- ton. On the same day, a " Call" was given to Mr. Esta- brook to settle, signed by all the male members of the church, eight in number. It was agreed that if any differ- ence should arise between them which they could not settle, "it should be left to the Grafton Presbytery, until some Presbytery or Association should be formed nearer." Mr. Estabrook was ordained as pastor of the church Aug. 23, 1780. As near as can be ascertained, this church joined the Grafton Presbytery in the year 1781. About this time, some difficulty arose in the church in consequence of a man not being willing to have his child baptized, his wife being a member of the church. The next difficulty was with a member for driving his team on the Sabbath farther than was allowed. But upon his saying " that he would not do it again unless very necessary," the church were satisfied. June 11, 1786, the church "voted to choose three church officers to act in the double capacity of deacons and ruling elders." It was in this year that Mr. Estabrook was dis- missed. During Mr. Estabrooks' ministry, six years after the formation of the church, it had increased from twelve to forty nine members. He preached in a log school house in the winter, and in barns during the summer. In December 1786, Mr. Estabrook proposed for a dismission. Whereupon a town meeting was immediately called, when it was'" voted that a committee of five be appointed to consult with Mr. Estabrook, and see upon what terms he is willing to be dis- missed." The following is his answer :-
" Thornton, Dec. 26, 1786.
This may certify that I am willing, and do hereby bind * Sketch by Wm. G. Brown.
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myself, (if the people in this town see fit to dismiss me from the work of the ministry,) to resign up, and give back to the town as much of what the town gave me on settle- ment, as indifferent men shall judge I ought to give up. As witness my hand. EXP. ESTABROOK."
Then, "voted to dismiss Rev. Exp. Estabrook from the pastoral charge of this town." Also, " voted not to refer the above mentioned terms to indifferent men."
Mr. Noah Worcester united with the church in 1783. He came into the town a year or two previous, purchased a tract of land upon which he worked a part of the time, and a part of the time at his trade, (a shoemaker,) while another portion of his time he spent in study. Having an active and vigorous mind, he soon acquired at his own fireside such literary knowledge, that the degree of A. M. was conferred upon him by the faculty of Dartmouth college. About the time that Mr. Estabrook was dismissed, Mr. Worcester con- templated entering the ministry. "June 2, 1787, voted to settle Mr. Worcester as a minister of the town." The ordi- nation of Mr. Worcester took place in October 1787 in the open field.
In 1789 the Meeting-house was built, the payment for building materials being made in "wheat, rye, corn, and flax." The following record is also made, " Mr. Rankin of- fered one gallon of rum, as his part of the spirit, for raising the Meeting-house." In 1793 it was voted, "that the Meet- ing-house be sweeped six times a year, by a Saxon, chosen by vendue." Nearly all the families, within eight or ten. miles of the Meeting-house, were in the habit of punctually attending meeting on the Sabbath. A church covenant was adopted when the church was formed in 1780, which was re- vised in 1790; in 1806, a new church covenant, articles of faith, and church practice was adopted. Some of the earlier members of the church were from Scotland, and received cer- tificates of church membership, before leaving their native land. A copy of one we will here introduce, and in connec- tion with it relate a mournful incident: "These do certify that the Bearer hereof, Duncan McDearmid and Elisabeth McLallan his Spouse, are natives of this Parish of Fortingall, (County of Perth) Resided amongst us mostly from their Infancys, behaving themselves Soberly and honestly, free of Church Scandal, or any Ground of Censure known to us ; and have been Communicants with us for several years by past." Signed by the Minister and Elders. While Mr. Mc- Dearmid and family were crossing the water, in coming to this country, he was taken sick and died. As they were
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about committing the body to a watery grave, a large shark was observed, keeping close to the vessel. Mrs. Mc Dearmid could not consent to have the body of her husband thus buried, so it was concluded to keep it on board till the next day. But the shark followed the vessel a week, at the end of which time they arrived at New York, where the body was committed to its mother earth.
Mr. Worcester continued his labors, as a minister of the town, till about the year 1808 or 1809, when he went away, and as was expected, to come back again; but he never came back to preach much. But he was still the pastor of the church until 1817, when that relation was dissolved by the Plymouth Association, which, as was sometimes done in those days, at the request of the church, resolved itself into a council. During his ministry, about sixty five persons united with the church, mostly by profession. It appears that a good degree of harmony existed in the church most of the time that Mr. Worcester preached, till near the close of his labors, when he embraced the Unitarian views respect- ing the Divinity of Christ. About this time, he wrote and published a book, entitled, " Bible News," in which he ad- vocated the above mentioned views of Christ's Divinity .- This caused a division in the church, some of its members inclining with Mr. Worcester, and walked no more with the church. No minister fell in with his views except his broth- er. Nothing was done by the town for the support of preach- ing, after he left town.
Until 1823, the church was supplied with preaching but part of the time. The names of the ministers who supplied the desk, were Washburn, Bemis, Brown, Webber, and Dr. Spicer. The church appears to have been in a low state .- In 1820, a religious society was formed, and chartered by the name of the "United Congregational Society in Thornton." Shortly after its formation, it numbered 65 members. This society immediately voted to build a new Meeting-house, which was completed in 1822, at a cost of $3000. In 1824, a parsonage was built, which cost $700, and which is now owned by the society. At the dedication of the Meeting- house, the following items of expenses, incurred by ministers and delegates, were charged to the society :- " Amount for victualling 54 persons, $9.00; for brandy and W. I. rum, $ 5.00 ; for sugar, $1.00; total, $15.00. In a prayer, offered by the Rev. Mr. Sutherland, at the dedication of the Meet- ing-house, the following expression, relative to the pulpit, was used : " O Lord, may no unclean bird ever be permitted to enter this cage." And it is worthy of remark, that of the
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ten ministers, who have since successively ministered the Word of Life to this church and people, from this pulpit, not one has been known to bring reproach upon his profes- sion, or a wound upon the cause of Christ.
Rev. Andrew Rankin commenced his labors here in 1823, and was settled in 1824. During the first and second years, 33 joined the church; of this number, 20 joined at one time. Mr. Rankin was dismissed Feb. 4, 1829. He was an efficient laborer. In 1825, a new church Covenant, and Confession of Faith, was adopted. There were admitted to the church during Mr. Rankin's ministry in the town, which was nearly six years, 46 persons, mostly by profession. The church, during a part of this time, had severe trials and diffi- culties to pass through. It appears that labor was taken up with a number of the members, most of whom, on their con- fession to the church, were restored. But one individual, a prominent member, was finally cut off from the church. He soon after professed to be a Universalist, and about this time, a number of the members of the society embraced the same views, and these, together with many others, for various rea- sons, left the society, so that in 1837 only eight members belonged to it.
In June 1829, Rev. Kiah Bayley was engaged to preach, and continued his labors with the church about three years. Under his ministry four persons were received to the church by letter and three by profession. Soon after he left, the Rev. Sylvester Dana was hired to preach, and continued with the church nearly three years. As nearly as we can learn, 29 persons were taken into the church during his min- istry, most of them by letter. The church was first assisted by the New Hampshire Missionary Society while Mr. Dana was here. The aid received was $ 100. In September 1837, Rev. James Thompson was engaged to preach, and labored with the church and people two years. Aid received from Missionary Society, $ 100. No persons admitted to the church under his ministry except himself and wife. March 1838, a confession of faith and church covenant was pre- pared and adopted, the old one having got misplaced, not having been copied into the church book. After Mr. Thomp- son left, the Rev. Jonathan Ward preached for about one year. This was in 1840. Jan. 12, 1841, Rev. Samuel Kings- bury commenced ministerial labors here. He preached nearly two years, was aided by the Missionary Society $ 100. Four persons were received to the church by profession while Mr. Kingsbury was here. After Mr. Kingsbury left, the church hired preaching for a few weeks or months at a time, for
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