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 59
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June 17, 1835, the church having extended a call to Mr. Thomas P. Beach, he was ordained its first pastor. Mr. Beach continued his labors with the church until January 1838. After which, several students from Gilmanton theo- logical seminary supplied them.
October 1838, the church extended a call to Mr. Jeremiah Blake, a graduate of Gilmanton seminary, who was ordained the second pastor of this church Nov. 1, 1838. In 1840, in a neighborhood where scarcely a religious meeting had been held for thirty five years, God poured out his Spirit in con- nection with some special religious efforts. In July, as the fruits of the work, 15 were added to the church Four were the children of a widowed mother who had given them up in baptism. Another was a woman 84 years of age, and blind. Another was a middle aged woman evidently in a decline. From 1840 to 1845 there is a blank in the record. During which time Rev. Mr. Blake was dismissed, and Rev. Jeffries Hall became preceptor of the academy and stated supply to the church. During his ministry their present
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WOLFBOROUGH.
house of worship was erected, which was dedicated Jan. 26, 1847. Rev. Mr. Hall supplied until 1851.
In the spring of 1852 the church and parish extended a call to Rev. Nelson Barbour, who was installed their third pastor June 16, 1852. In this relation he continued until Nov. 27, 1854, when, at his request, his pastoral relation was dissolved by a mutual council. Whole number admitted to this church 117. Present number 58.
WOLFBOROUGH NORTH.
Rev. STEPHEN MERRILL.
Previous to the formation of the church at Smith's bridge, the Freewill Baptists and the Christian connection had each formed two or more churches and erected three or four houses of worship. Very few of the inhabitants in the neighborhood of the Congregational house preferred Congre- gational preaching. Hence missionaries who visited the place preached in school-houses to accommodate the different sec- tions of the town. But at the Bridge a village had been gath- ering and the teachers in the Academy had held public wor- ship in that building. This continued through the ministry
of Rev. Mr. Blake. Meantime, North Wolfborough, for- merly designated by the name of Diman's Corner, six miles from the Bridge, attracted the attention of Rev. Mr. Blake. On the 3d of April 1839 he appointed a lecture, and, finding encouragement in connection with licentiates from Gilman- ton thelogical seminary and two Methodist preachers, com- menced a protracted meeting on the 6th of April. It pleased God to commence a work of grace which in a few months resulted, it was hoped, in the conversion of about thirty individuals. Mr. Robert Fuller, one of the licentiates above named, was engaged by them two-thirds of the time for one year.
June 18th, 1839, a council was called who formed, on the 19th, a second Congregational church known as the North Wolfborough Congregational church-consisting at its organ- ization of 15 members. This is numerically the third Con- gregational church in town, but only one remained until now. Sept. 21st, 1843, Rev. James Doldt was ordained the first pastor of this church. A precious revival was enjoyed at this time which brought an addition of 21 members. In 1844 a house of worship was erected at North Wolfborough, and dedicated to the worship of God. May 1848, Rev. Mr.
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600
CARROLL COUNTY.
Doldt was dismissed by an ecclesiastical council, for want of adequate support. In 1849 Rev. James Hobart performed a few weeks of missionary labor, and once administered to them the Lord's supper. From November 1850, Rev. Stephen Merrill has supplied this church, but has not been installed as their pastor. The whole number admitted to this church is 81. The present number is 56.
EIGHT TOWNS.
ALBANY .- Incorporated 1766. Population 455. Freewill Baptist church of 41 members, and no other.
BARTLETT .- Incorporated 1790. Population 761. A Freewill Baptist church of 33 members.
BROOKFIELD .- Incorporated 1794. Population 552. A Baptist church of 10 members, and a Freewill Baptist church of 38.
CHATHAM .- Incorporated 1767. Population 516. No church, unless there is one of the Christian denomination.
EATON .- Incorporated 1766. Population 1751 in 1850. A Baptist church of 65 members.
FREEDOM .- Incorporated 1831. Population 910.
JACKSON .- Once called Adams. Incorporated 1800 .- Population 589. Freewill Baptist church of 88 members.
MADISON .- Incorporated 1853, taking a part of Effingham. Population 875. A Freewill Baptist church of 73 members.
Loos County.
COLEBROOK AND VICINITY.
Rev. J. B. HILL.
This town and the vicinity in which settlements were made a short time previous to the commencement of the present century, was from its earliest date visited frequently by missionaries from Connecticut, Massachusetts, and the older portions of this State. Among the earlier settlers, but few were professors of religion, yet many had been train- ed under the rules and discipline of Congregationalism, and their predilections were in favor of that denomination. The larger portion of the settlers came up the Connecticut river, either directly from Connecticut and the river towns of Massachusetts, or were descendants of those who had pre- viously pitched their tents in this beautiful valley in the southern parts of Vermont and New Hampshire. Inter- spersed with these were some who came up the Merrimac from Old Northfield, Sanbornton, and that vicinity. Many of them brought with them strong attachments to the church order of their Puritan ancestors, and longed for its establishment and perpetuity in this place. Steps were early taken to found a church, and enjoy the ordinances of the Sanctuary. Yet intermingled with those who cherished this Puritan element of society were not a few of lax prin- ciples, who rejoiced to be freed from the rigidity of ortho- doxy ; and some who came out in bitter opposition to the peculiar doctrines of the "standing order." In many of those early settlements there was little appearance of reli- gion, and some of the settlers seemed to rejoice in the privi- lege of being unchecked and unawed by law or gospel. In some important neighborhoods, the most prominent and influensial citizens were men making no pretensions to per- sonal piety, if not inclined to infidelity, and whose influence in banishing the restraints of religion from the minds of many in the community, is seen and felt at the present day in its injurious effects upon the risen and rising generations.
* See some towns at close of County.
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COOS COUNTY.
Nor was this influence diminished, or its deleterious effects obviated, by the fact, that in this class were found some who were ready to act a prominent part in sustaining and con- troling the preaching of the day. They were the avowed friends of order, and though of lax principles themselves, they seemed to think the public good required in some degree the observance of the Sabbath, and the ordinances of worship, and for this purpose a sustained ministry ; and looked to the Congregationalists to furnish the minister .- With this view many of them freely contributed, not only in pecuniary means, but in personal influence, both for set- tling and unsettling ministers.
In 1802, December 4, a church was organized in Cole- brook by Rev. J. Willard of Lunenburg, Vt., under the name of Monadnock Church, so called from a prominent mountain on the Vermont side of the river, just opposite the place of organization. This nucleus of a church consist- ed of ten members, eight of whom were received from other churches, and two by profession. Of this number four resid- ed in Columbia, (then called Cockburn,) two in Canaan, Vt., two in Hereford, Lower Canada, one in Colebrook and one in Lemington, Vt. This church was subsequently call- ed the Church of Christ in Colebrook and Vicinity. An effort was made at that time to settle Mr. Willard over the church he had organized. The town of Colebrook, in town meeting Dec. 8, 1802, passed a vote to give Mr. Willard a call to settle over them as their minister, and to offer him for salary 200 bushels of wheat to be paid on the first of January, and $ 100 in money at the end of the year, and to cut and draw him thirty cords of hard wood yearly, "pro- vided the towns of Stewartstown, Cockburn, Canaan, Lem- ington and Minehead, (now Bloomfield, Vt.,) would bear their proportion, according to their list." But as there is no record of farther proceedings on the subject, that propo- sition was probably rejected by those towns. Considering the condition of the town at that time, the compensation proposed must be regarded as liberal. No other effort for the settlement of a minister was made until an invitation was extended to Mr. Dyer Burge, by the town of Colebrook, June 17, 1809,-in town meeting it was "Voted to settle Mr. Dyer Burge as a minister in and for the town of Cole- brook in connection with the towns of Cockburn (Columbia,) Canaan, Stewartstown, Lemington and Minehead (Bloom- field,)-provided those towns annually contribute the sum of $ 152 during the term of five years from the settlement. Voted $300 salary, half in wheat." On these terms he was
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COLEBROOK AND VICINITY.
ordained and settled in 1810. One female was the only member of the church then residing in Colebrook. The whole number of members was fifteen ; of whom six were in: Columbia, three in Lemington, two in Canaan, two in Hereford, one in Stewartstown, one in Colebrook. The town of Colebrook levied a tax in 1810 to raise their proportion of salary, amounting to $153,36,-their town, county and school taxes were but $156,23. So that the ministerial tax was just about equal to all their other money taxes. This speaks well of their disposition to support a minister. The number of tax payers that year was 56. After a year or two, Mr. Burge relinquished his claim upon the town and relied alone upon the voluntary contributions- of his parishioners, and keeping school part of the time, for his support.
Between 1802 and '10, missionaries labored on this field part of the time, and, when there was no preaching, reading meetings were statedly held and well attended on the Sab- bath, and five more were added to the church. In 1810, on the settlement of a pastor, a season of more than ordinary religious interest was enjoyed, and 22 more were gathered into the church. Mr. Burge continued as pastor till 1815, and was regarded by the church as an orthodox, able and acceptable preacher, but in consequence of troubles and opposing influences out of the church, he was then, at his own request, honorably dismissed. He afterwards settled in Ohio, and was still laboring there in November 1855.
The church was destitute of a pastor from 1815 to 1825,- but were favored with missionary laborers much of the time. The blessing was not withheld. Seasons of refreshing and . precious ingatherings were enjoyed, particularly in 1822-3 .. In these two years 37 were added to the church. The labors of Rev. A. Rankin in 1822-3, and of Rev. J. L. Hale in 1823-4, appear to have been highly successful. In 1825, Mr. O. G. Thatcher was called, and ordained as pastor of the church for five years. At his own request he was dismissed in 1828. He was regarded as sound in doctrine, an able and faithful preacher, but too much inclined to look upon. the shady side to bear up with the trials and privations he was called to undergo in this umbrageous field. From 1828 to 1830 the church was again dependent upon missionaries. In 1830 the venerable Rev. Moses Bradford, formerly of Francestown, was hired as stated supply, and in 1832 his son, Mr. Ebenezer G. Bradford, accepted a call, and was ordained Feb. 29, as pastor of the church. He sustained that relation till Feb. 1836, and was then dismissed upon
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604
COÖS COUNTY.
his own request. This result was occasioned more by influ- .ences from without, than disturbances or dissatisfaction "within the church. As a preacher and pastor he was esteem- ed, and is still remembered with affectionate regard. From 1836 to '38 the ground was occupied as in former times by missionaries. From 1838 to 1840, Rev. Wm. E. Holmes was employed as stated supply. In 1840 he was succeeded by Rev. Charles A. Richardson, who continued till 1846 .- He was succeeded in March 1847 by Rev. Wm. A. Patten, who officiated three months and then left this field, appa- rently because he deemed the ground too hard for him to cultivate. He was followed, Oct. 1, 1847, by Rev. Joseph B. Hill, who is the present acting pastor of the church .-- Among others who may have labored in this field as mis- sionaries, but are not now recollected, may be found the names of Rev. Mr. Hagan from Hartford, Conn., previous to the organization of the church; Rev. Mr. Page, 1804; Carpenter, 1806 ; Page, 1807; Courser, 1816; N. Waldo, 1819, and 1821; Buxton; Wm. Goddard, 1826; and J. Holt, 1833. Rev. Messrs. Burge, Thatcher, Bradford and · son, Holmes, Richardson, Patten and Hill are the only ones ever engaged on contract, as pastors, or stated supplies .-
The amount of compensation, when stated, has for the most part been very moderate, and for years stated supplies have officiated without any previously stipulated compensation, pledged or promised, except the voluntary contributions of their parishioners. As might be expected, they have not been troubled with surplus funds, after supplying the bare necessaries of life. The amount per year, raised and paid, would probably range from $200 to $300, and but seldom much over the former sum. Occasionally a little aid has been asked and received from the Missionary Society. Of the pecuniary sacrifices for the support of preaching here, but little, in general, can be said. A few have done well, but a vast majority, both within and without the church, seem never to have appreciated the declaration that "it is more blessed to give than to receive." Of course not much has been contributed for the benevolent objects of the day.
The church has from the first been very much scattered. Its members were found in the valley of the Connecticut from Stratford to Canada, a distance of nearly forty miles. The whole number connected with it has been 217. Their residence at the time of uniting was as follows: Colebrook 80, Columbia 60, Stewartstown 36, Lemington 20, Canaan 7, Hereford 6, Stratford 6, Clarksville 2. Of these 63 have died, 91 been dismissed to other churches, 5 excluded-in
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COLEBROOK AND VICINITY.
all 158, leaving 59 at present enrolled as members. Of these, 9 reside from seven to twenty two miles distant, 5 are above 70 years of age.
This church, as the above statement will show, has been greatly reduced by dismissions. In 1837, '38 and '39, 32 were dismissed, including a large proportion of its most effi- cient members, and greatly diminishing its strength. But the cause of Christ was, without doubt, advanced by it .-- Many of those members were a part of a colony that went out to Wisconsin, located at Beloit, and gave that place its high character for order, science, literature, morals and reli- gion. The colony located and settled that place. The first religious meeting ever held in that county was conducted by one of those members the Sabbath succeeding their arrival in that place in August 1837. One of the first objects sought was a church in which to worship God,-thus indi- cating that they were of the true Puritan stock. The school-house, the academy, and soon after the college and female seminary arose. To the inquiry, who were the foun- ders of these, and where were they from, the reply is, they were members of the church in Colebrook and vicinity, and came from that hard field and northern clime.
In 1846, 25 more were dismissed by a unanimous vote, to form a church in Stewartstown. This step, though greatly weakening the mother church, was regarded as demanded for the advancement of the general cause, and was cheerfully taken. The Methodists, Freewill Baptists, Baptists, and Christian orders, have labored some twenty or thirty years on portions of this ground, and have established churches of their order here. So that at the present time there are a sufficient number of houses well built, and well located, as places of worship, for the accommodation of the inhabitants in these towns, and most of them are occupied on every Sabbath. Almost every religious society here has pledged a support, more or less liberal, to its ministers. And they are laboring harmoniously for the advancement of the com- mon cause, and with encouraging success. 'Of these houses, two are in Stratford, two in Columbia, two in Colebrook, and two in Stewartstown. Two are Congregationalist, two Methodist, two Calvinist Baptist, one Christian and Freewill Baptist, and one Methodist, Christian and Freewill Baptist, and one Union, that is open for preachers of any denomina- tion who may see fit to occupy it. In favorable seasons and good weather, the congregations in these churches range from 75 to 200 attendants. About one-third of the popula- tion are thus brought to the house of God on the Sabbath,
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COÖS COUNTY.
when under the most favorable circumstances. The state of morals, low as it still is, when compared with what it should be, is yet far in advance of what it was forty years ago. Over a portion of this territory the Milleritish excite- ment spread like wildfire, during the years 1842, '43 and '44,-and left its usual results upon society. Of the 217 members of the church, 40 have come in by letter and 177 by profession. The adult baptisms recorded are 43, which would leave 134 of those added by profession as having been baptized in infancy. The baptisms of children of the church have been 192.
This history is commended to the perusal of the friends of Home Missions for their encouragement. It calls for grateful praise to our Redeemer.
DALTON."
Incorporated in 1784. Population 750. Formerly known as Apthorp. The Congregational church was organized April 28, 1816, composed of nine members. There have been added to the church since its formation 64, making the whole number 73-twenty six males and forty seven females. The largest number ever added to the church in one year is 16 in 1834,-the fruits of an interesting revival in 1833 and '34, under the labors of Rev. William Hutchinson. The following ministers have been employed by the church since its formation : Rev. Mr. Goddard, who organized the church ; Rev. Messrs. Hoyey, Willey, Luke A. Spofford, Bradford, William Hutchinson, Edward Buxton and Horace Wood. The last named was pastor of the church nearly six years, from July 1839 to May 1845, and the only pastor ever installed over the church. During his labors there were 26 additions to the church, most of whom were young people ; one of whom has since become a minister of the gospel .- Two of the members of the church have become ministers' wives, and several others are now teachers at the West. Since the dismission of the pastor, they have enjoyed the labors, a part of the time, of Rev. Messrs. Marsh and Blake -the latter being of the Freewill Baptist denomination. The church now numbers 29. Among the ministers em- ployed should also be mentioned Rev. Drury Fairbank, who had for many years a fatherly care over this church and people. Often has he rode from Littleton-twelve miles-to attend weddings, funerals and religious meetings.
* Sketch by Rev. H. Wood.
607
LANCASTER.
The church for many years was very feeble. But it was their practice to have meetings every Sabbath, whether they had a minister or not. Their meetings, together with a Sabbath School were, for a long time, carried on mainly by one man. For many years he was the superintendent of the Sabbath School, and many meetings were held, when no other one could be depended upon to lead in prayer. Others would sometimes read the sermon, but the deacon, as he was called, must make the prayers. He was afterwards chosen deacon of the church, but has since moved from the town. Every feeble church and every pastor, that has such a deacon to rely upon, is highly favored. This church has been twice re-organized ; once by Rev. Mr. Buxton of Boscawen, and then afterwards through Rev. David Perry's influence, aided by a council. The first church became somewhat Unitarian.
LANCASTER .*
Rev. E. B. CHAMBERLAIN.
This is an old town. It was granted and settled the same year, 1763. David Page and his family came here, 48 miles from Haverhill by marked trees, there being no inhabitants on the entire route.
About thirty years elapsed before a church was organ- ized. One was gathered in 1794, and Rev. Joseph Willard was installed its pastor. The church was very feeble for many years. But many tokens of God's compassion were shown it. In 1821 it had 59 members. Mr. Willard had a long ministry and had a strong hold upon the people. He ceased to be their pastor Oct. 16, 1822. In January 1824, Rev. J. R. Wheelock was settled among them. He remained but one year. In 1825 they again employed Mr. Willard. They had no pastor until 1829 when Rev. Luke A. Spofford was settled among them. He remained only until sometime in 1831. In 1831-2 a most powerful revival was enjoyed. It brought about 40 into the church, increasing the church to about 90 members.
Oct. 24, 1832, Rev. A. Govan was settled here. The blessing of God was on his labors. Fifteen were added the first year and 12 the second, carrying the church up in num- ber to 121. Mr. Govan was dismissed Aug. 25, 1835. In 1838 we find Rev. C. W. Richardson here, with the church much reduced in numbers and eleven added that year. In
* Sketch by Compiler.
608
COÖS COUNTY.
1841 Rev. David Perry came among them and was settled June 7, 1842. He remained about five years. Some forty or fifty were added to the church during his labors, mainly by letter. Rev. Stephen A. Barnard was employed in 1848 and preached here about five years, but was not settled. Rev. Isaac Wiston was stated supply for a short time, and at present the Rev. E. B. Chamberlain ministers to them the word of life. Some interest was manifest soon after Mr. Chamberlain began his work. Twelve have been added to the church the past year. It now numbers 79.
SHELBURNE. STARK.
SHELBURNE .- Incorporated 1820. Population 480. It is connected with the churches in Maine, as it lies east of the mountains. In 1810 Rev. Caleb Burge was here, and preached to "a solemn assembly." The people were few, and yet struggling amid the trials incident to a new country, and the sweet sound of the gospel was very charming in their ears. In 1816 there was a church of six members ; ten years later it embraced 13 members. In 1839 Rev. H. Richardson was here, and continued his labors for seven or eight years a part of the time, laboring amidst many sacri- fices. Rev. D. Burt is now laboring here a part of the time.
STARK .- Formerly Piercy. Incorporated 1795. Popu- lation 418. In 1810 Rev. Caleb Burge gathered a church here of 7 members. In 1831 there were 13 members. A small Methodist society is here.
STEWARTSTOWN AND VICINITY .*
This church was originally organized by members dismissed for that purpose from the church in Colebrook and vicinity. Residing from six to twelve miles from the house of worship in Colebrook, they found it extremely difficult to attend statedly on the means of grace there, and for many years had been deeply solicitous to have the ministrations of the gospel brought nearer their homes. They endeavored to attend at Colebrook on communion Sabbaths and at such other times as circumstances would admit. Occasionally they were favored with a sermon from the preacher at Colebrook. In
* Sketch by Rev. J. B. Hill.
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STEWARTSTOWN AND VICINITY.
addition to which, in order to maintain and advance their growth in grace and benefit those who were around them, they established a religious exercise on the Sabbath under the name of a "Bible Class," on the principle of mutual instruction.
In the spring of 1846, Rev. Josiah Morse from St. Johns- bury, Vt., a practicing physician, was induced to locate in West Stewartstown and devote his services to both his pro- fessions. Application for letters of dismission was made to the church in Colebrook. Their request was granted, and, on the 1st of July 1846, a church was organized at West Stewartstown, under the name of "The Congregational Church in Stewartstown, Canaan and Vicinity." In the organization the services were performed by Rev. Messrs. Thomas Hall of Guildhall, Vt., C. W. Richardson of Cole- brook, and Josiah Morse of West Stewartstown. The num- ber who then united at its organization, was 20. Four were added before the close of the year. Of these 16 resided in Stewartstown, seven in Canaan, Vt., one in Hereford, Lower Canada. Subsequent additions have been 13-total 37 .- From Stewartstown twenty two, Canaan eleven, Hereford two Pittsburg one. Of these three have died, two have been dismissed, one excluded, leaving thirty two present mem- bers, two of which are non resident. Adult baptisms one, infant baptisms four.
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