USA > New Hampshire > Cheshire County > Dublin > The history of Dublin, N.H. : containing the address by Charles Mason, and the proceedings at the centennial celebration, June 17, 1852, with a register of families > Part 28
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HISTORY OF DUBLIN
appropriations of money. In 1819, fifty dollars were voted for that purpose, to be laid out at the discretion of the selectmen. Mr. Robbins was employed as the teacher. A portion of the singers in town were dissatisfied. Another teacher was engaged by the opposing party, and two singing-schools were kept. The controversy was ostensibly about the style of singing; Mr. Robbins, it was alleged, teaching his pupils to sing with undue loudness, and without suitable expression. The result was that two choirs of singers were formed, each claiming the seats in the church, and each having its leader. On the first Sunday in April, 1820, a candidate for the ministry began to preach, and both choirs assembled in the church; one occupying the seats designed for the singers, and the other the free seats in the side gallery. The service began with the reading of a hymn. The leaders named different tunes; the pitch for each tune was given, and the hymn was sung by each choir, making, at times, no small discord. The preacher supposing, or hoping, that singing once in this way would prove satisfactory to both parties, and that they would not attempt to sing different tunes together a second time, read another hymn; but different tunes were again named and sung; the opposing party, however, having selected a tune with a slow movement, had the advantage, or privilege, of singing the last stanza alone. Before the minister proceeded in the service, Mr. Alexander Eames arose from a pew in the north-west corner of the gallery, and addressed both choirs, reproving them for suffering any circumstances to lead to such an exhibition in the house of God, reminding them of the en- couragement which the town had given for their instruction in sacred music, and of the obligation that rested upon them of engaging in the performance of that part of divine worship in a decent and orderly manner. No more hymns were read on that day, nor on the day of public fast, which occurred in that week; because it was perceived that both choirs were present, and would probably sing as before, in case a hymn should be read. As the town had reserved the control of the singers' seats, a meeting was called for the purpose of deciding who should have the right to occupy them as leaders of the choir. In the meantime, however, both choirs agreed to sing together, pro- vided Mr. Henry Whitcomb, then a resident, would take the lead. He did so, and continued to lead till the decision of the town was obtained. The article in reference to this subject, in- serted in the warrant for the town-meeting, was, "To see what method the town will take to ensure and establish regularity
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and harmony in our public religious services, particularly in the department of sacred music, or act anything in relation to measures to restore and perpetuate order in the musical de- partment." The action taken by the town in reference to the above article was as follows: "Voted to choose leaders, to take the lead of the singing in this town for one year, and that they be chosen by ballot. Chose Joshua Flint, Abijah Richardson, Jr., and Jeremiah Greenwood, leaders on the tenor; chose Zadock Chapman, Luke Richardson, and Cyrus Mason, on the bass. Voted to give up the front seats in the gallery of the new meetinghouse for one year, for the use of the singers, or leaders above-named, and all those who may sing peaceably under them." In the succeeding winter, Deacon John Clark of New Ipswich was employed to teach a singing-school. It was a union school, and, at its close, a society was formed, with a constitution, which secured the regular conduct of the singing in the church; and, in some of its main features, was still ob- served in Dr. Leonard's time.
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC IN THE CHURCH has always been a matter of much interest. No instruments, except a pitch-pipe, were used in the church, till some years after 1790, when a bass- viol was introduced and played by Amos Babcock. He was the maker of the said instrument. He was apprehensive that tak- ing it to the church would create dissatisfaction. Moses Marshall urged him to take such a step, and offered to carry the violin to the singers' seats, if he would use it. Mr. Babcock consented. The viol was placed in the front seat; and, though some were opposed, yet, as Mr. Sprague was decidedly in favor of the instrument's being used in the choir, it occasioned no serious disturbance. After Mr. Babcock, Moses Marshall played the bass-viol in the church through a period of fifteen years. In subsequent years, many instruments of different kinds were used, - violins, flutes, clarionets, and bassoons. Richard Phil- lips, 2d, was distinguished for his power of execution on the double-bass-viol, and on the wind instrument called the trom- bone, which he occasionally took into the church.
The meetinghouse on the hill was taken down in 1852; but, before the present church edifice was completed, the following letter was received by the executive committee of the society : -
"To the First Congregational Society in Dublin.
"Wishing to promote the harmony and good fellowship of the re- ligious society of my own denomination in my native town, I hereby
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present an organ to be placed in your new meetinghouse, for the pur- pose of aiding in public worship; at all times to be under the immedi- ate care and control of the executive committee of said society and their successors in office.
"With the highest regards for your temporal and spiritual welfare, I remain your faithful friend and humble servant,
SOLO. PIPER."
"BOSTON, Feb. 25, 1853."
To the above letter the following reply was made: -
"First Congregational Society of Dublin to Solomon Piper, Esq.
"DEAR SIR, - We hereby acknowledge the receipt of your favor of the 25th instant, addressed to our society, in which you are pleased, for reasons assigned, to present an organ to be placed in our new meetinghouse, for the purpose of aiding in public worship. A fine- toned and beautiful instrument has also come to hand, and is duly installed in its place.
"We could not repress the expression of our feelings towards you until we have a regular, legal meeting. The society, therefore, held an informal meeting, which was numerously attended; and the under- signed were appointed a committee to express to you the gratitude of the society for your munificent, timely, and appropriate gift. It is munificent, on account of its cost and its intrinsic value, compared with any advantages you have personally received from your native town; timely, as it comes to us just in season to be the crowning glory of our new church; and appropriate, because, being a combina- tion of harmonies itself, it is typical of that 'harmony and good fellowship' which should ever characterize members of the same re- ligious society; and, in our case, we think it will aid materially in bringing about what it typifies. We trust that it will indeed prove an aid to our public worship; that its sweet sounds will rightly attune our hearts to the praise of God, and lift our thoughts reverently from our frail temple to that house not made with hands, 'which is eternal in the heavens.'
"Be pleased, dear sir, to accept the unfeigned thanks of the society, whose welfare you have so much at heart, and our personal wishes that every blessing may be yours, both in time and eternity.
"Very gratefully and respectfully, your friends and servants,
JONA. K. SMITH, ASA H. FISK, ASA HEALD, -
Committee."
"DUBLIN, Feb. 28, 1853."
That organ is still in use (1916). Efforts have been made to secure a larger instrument, with greater facilities for playing
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elegant and artistic compositions, with all the possibilities of expression which can be produced by expert performers; but the sweet tones of the present organ, the great respect in which the memory of the donor is held, not to speak of the expense of making a change, have caused all such efforts to end in fail- ure. At the annual meeting of the society, January 8, 1907, a committee was appointed to ascertain if the necessary funds could be raised to procure a more modern organ, but the efforts of the committee did not effect such a result.
THE BIBLE now in use in the pulpit was a gift. At the open- ing of the new meetinghouse for public worship, Mr. SOLOMON PIPER of Boston, the same who presented the organ, presented a Bible and two hymn-books, bound in a substantial and costly manner, for the pulpit. The same Bible is still in use (in 1916), having been rebound, but is getting somewhat dilapidated.
THE HYMNS used in the choir and congregation, till the au- tumn of 1822, were those of Dr. Watts. At that time, Dabney's Collection was introduced, and continued to be used till June, 1845. A committee of the Cheshire Pastoral Association, con- sisting of L. W. Leonard, A. A. Livermore, W. A. Whitwell, and C. Cutler, had prepared a collection of hymns, entitled, "Chris- tian Hymns, for Public and Private Worship." This book was introduced, and continued to be used by the First Congrega- tional Society in Dublin until a hymn-book was issued by the American Unitarian Association. The hymn-book issued by the Cheshire Pastoral Association, and which was used so many years in Dublin, was an admirable collection, and its merits were very widely recognized. Originally intended more par- ticularly for the use of the local churches, it was eventually used by about seventy societies of the Unitarian denomination.
In 1877, the American Unitarian Association issued a revised edition of the Hymn and Tune Book which they had published a few years previously. The society adopted this revised edi- tion of the work, and it has been used in the church contin- uously since. It has again been revised, but the edition of 1877 still holds its place in the church.
THE CLOCK IN THE TOWER of the Unitarian church had for- merly been located in the tower of the Unitarian church in Keene. That edifice was demolished, in 1894, preparatory to the erection of a new stone church on Washington Street. The clock was not placed in the tower of the new edifice, no pro- vision for such a purpose having been made. It was a gift to the Unitarian society in Keene by John Elliot, a native of
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HISTORY OF DUBLIN
Dublin, and a prominent trader and glass-manufacturer in Keene. The clock was purchased through a subscription pro- moted by Mrs. Horace Hamilton, and brought to Dublin and set up in the tower of the Unitarian meetinghouse by Jean P. Howes of Keene. In its former location, it was a good time- keeper. In its present position it has not worked well; it does not keep perfect time, and the striking weight does not work properly. It can probably be repaired so that it would work more satisfactorily.
GIFTS TO THE SOCIETY, not previously mentioned in this chapter, include: -
1. A gift of $1000 from SOLOMON PIPER, a constant bene- factor of the society, accompanying a communication dated, January 2, 1860, which the society voted to accept, with an appropriate expression of thanks, at a meeting held, January 10, 1860.
2. A bequest of Capt. JACOB GLEASON, whose will was dated, February 27, 1873. The amount of the bequest was $250 which the society voted to accept, November 11, 1873.
3. A gift of $400 from Miss BETSY TWITCHELL, on March 12, 1874, which the society voted to accept, with an expression of thanks, on April 18, 1874.
4. A bequest by JONATHAN K. SMITH, amounting, in 1915, to $1626.33, which the society voted to accept, October 20, 1880.
5. The clock which hangs in the vestry, first publicly seen in its present position, April 4, 1884; presented by JOSEPH WILLARD POWERS.
6. A book-rest, placed upon the pulpit-cushion, to elevate the Bible, for the convenience of clergymen who are above the average height; presented by Mrs. HORACE P. FARNHAM, June 1, 1902.
7. Two large green-pottery vases, of graceful design, for use on or about the pulpit; presented, July 1, 1912, by Mrs. MARY L. JONES.
8. The gift of $1000 for the benefit of the society, presented through Mr. Frederick C. Gowing, by a person whose name was not permitted to be made public, was accepted by the society, January 8, 1907, to be called the "Emergency Fund." At the annual meeting, January 11, 1916, the donor having become known, it was voted to call it the "ELIZABETH SNOW Fund."
A cabinet was placed in the vestry, in the summer of 1912,
JACOB GLEASON
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to hold articles illustrating Biblical texts, for the use of the Sunday School, procured by Mrs. M. D. Mason.
A cabinet to hold the communion service was put into the church in 1915.
THE DEACONS OF THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL (UNITARIAN) CHURCH have been a succession of worthy men and honored citizens. There is no record of the time when the first deacons were chosen. Eli Morse and Benjamin Learned were in office when Mr. Sprague was ordained, and, beyond any reasonable doubt, they were elected at the time of the organization of the church, June 10, 1772, the day on which Mr. Farrar was or- dained. Deacon Morse resigned his office, it is supposed, in 1795, and Francis Appleton was chosen in his place in September of that year. Undoubtedly the resignation of Deacon Morse was accepted, and the election of Deacon Appleton effected, on the communion day in September of that year, which would have been on September 6, 1795. Deacon Morse died, July 18, 1814, aged ninety-two. Deacon Learned died, September 5, 1818, aged seventy-seven. Stephen Jewett Woods was chosen deacon, June 4, 1818. He came with his family from Sterling, Mass. He was dismissed, with others, from the First Congre- gational Church, September 30, 1827, for the purpose of becom- ing members of the Trinitarian Congregational Church to be formed in Dublin. He was chosen a deacon in that church, and continued to hold the office until his removal to Dunstable, Mass.
Deacon Appleton resigned his office, November 6, 1831, and the following is an extract from the church records of that date: -
"At a meeting of the church after divine service, Deacon Francis Appleton tendered his resignation, upon which the following resolu- tions, offered by J. K. Smith, passed unanimously : 'Resolved, That, in consideration of the long and faithful services rendered this church by Francis Appleton in the office of deacon, his request to tender his resignation be accepted; and that, while we express to him our regret for his determination, we also express our gratitude and thankful- ness for the fidelity with which he has discharged the duties pertaining to his office.'"
Cyrus Chamberlain and Ebenezer Perry were chosen deacons, April 27, 1832. Mr. Chamberlain, with his family, removed to Pembroke, N. Y., in 1835. He does not appear, upon the rec- ords, to have presented a formal resignation of his office, but,
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on July 1, 1836, Jonathan K. Smith was chosen in his place, who accepted the office two months later.
Deacon Perry, in 1846, removed to Peterborough, but con- tinued to hold his office until 1850, when the following letter, tendering his resignation, was received: -
"PETERBOROUGH, NOV. 25, 1850.
"To the First Congregational Church in Dublin, under the pastoral care of Dr. Leonard.
"BRETHREN AND SISTERS, - It is now more than four years since I removed from the town. Though located on the borders, circum- stances rather than my wishes have made it inconvenient for me 'faithfully to attend and conscientiously to support' with you the institutions of religion. I have long indulged the hope that some way of Providence would carry me back, - that the 'cloud by day or pillar of fire by night' would indicate a resting place where I might spend my days in the place of my nativity, surrounded by time- hallowed associations of early years and Christian fellowship, and lay my bones at last with those of my fathers and kindred. But the future prospect is, as yet, undefined. Under these circumstances, it seems improper that I should longer retain an office, the duties of which have been so imperfectly performed. Justice to our pastor, to my colleague in office, to you, as well as to myself, clearly indicate the propriety of my resignation.
"With many thanks for your forbearance and Christian courtesy, I therefore request you to appoint some worthy brother to fill the place which, for some time past, I have merely occupied.
"In resigning office in the church, I would, with your permission, retain a membership till duty shall point to a different connection.
"With ardent prayers for your prosperity and edification, I re- main, brethren and sisters, yours in bonds of Christian fellowship and love.
EBENEZER PERRY."
Jesse Ripley Appleton was chosen deacon, April 30, 1852. On Nov. 6, 1869, Jonathan K. Smith resigned the office of deacon, in the following letter to the church: -
"To the Members of the First Congregational Church in Dublin, under the pastoral care of the Rev. George M. Rice.
"BRETHREN AND SISTERS, - For a third of a century I have ex- perienced your kindness, forbearance, and Christian courtesy, in my official relations to this church.
"Grateful for the many tokens of your regard, and conscious of many errors and imperfections, - of coming far short of the Christian
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ideal, I would still bespeak on your part the exercise of that charity which 'thinketh no evil.'
"Assuming the office in the meridian of life, the lapse of so many years has brought me to the lengthened shadows of its decline; and I am admonished to seek, in the quietude and serenity of age, a fitting close to an active and busy life.
"I, therefore, respectfully tender my resignation of the office I have so long held, and request you, at your earliest convenience, to designate some one of your number as my successor.
"With fervent prayers for the prosperity of our church and the edification of its members, I remain, brethren and sisters, yours in the bonds of Christian fellowship and fraternal love,
JONA. K. SMITH."
"DUBLIN, Nov. 6, 1869."
On the same date (Nov. 6, 1869), the church voted that the pastor reply to the communication of Deacon Smith. It is fitting that this reply should be given here, in connection with this notice of the latter's resignation. The following is the pastor's reply : -
"DUBLIN, Nov. 13, 1869.
"MY DEAR SIR, - By a vote of the church, last Sunday afternoon, passed on motion of Dea. Appleton, I was requested to reply to your letter read to the church at that time, resigning the office of deacon, which you have so long held, and to express to you, on behalf of the members of the church, their high appreciation of your faithful serv- ices in this capacity, and their best wishes for your future health, and prosperity, and happiness.
"In communicating to you this vote, I cannot refrain from adding the assurance of my own grateful sense of your services to the church since it has been my happiness to be its pastor, of my regret that I am no more to see you, on communion days, discharging your accustomed duty, and of my sincere personal respect and attachment.
"I trust, my dear Sir, that we shall have your presence with us, and the benefit of your counsel for years to come. Our Father spare you to us, so long as the continuance of your life here is a comfort to yourself and a blessing to others, to instruct us by your wisdom, and stimulate us by your Christian example! and, when the last of earth comes to you, may it find you ready for an exchange of worlds, pre- pared to enter into the joy of the Lord.
Yours in Christian love,
GEORGE M. RICE."
James Allison was unanimously elected deacon of the church on May 1, 1870, by a rising vote. "Brother Allison," according
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to the records, "was welcomed by Deacon Smith, and conducted to his proper seat. The pastor expressed his satisfaction, mingled with regrets at the retirement of Deacon Smith."
Deacon Jesse R. Appleton, beginning to feel the infirmities of age, resigned the office of deacon on the thirteenth of March, 1890, in the following letter to the church: -
"To the Church of the First Congregational Society, Dublin, N. H.
"Having, by reason of age and infirmities, become disqualified for the office of deacon, I wish, at this time, to tender my resignation.
JESSE R. APPLETON." " DUBLIN, March 13, 1890."
The records continue: -
"On motion, it was voted to accept Deacon Appleton's resignation. In a few remarks, the pastor thanked Brother Appleton for his long and faithful services, and hoped he would long live to enjoy the honors he had earned. Though no longer in the active duties of the office, he included the sentiment of all when he prayed that he might long remain Deacon Emeritus."
Wilfred M. Fiske was elected deacon, May 5, 1900, and, on that day, was inducted into office, in the usual manner.
Deacon James Allison died, after a brief illness, March 31, 1914, at the age of eighty-four years and eighteen days. He was a typical gentleman of the olden school, well educated and well informed, interested in education, in the schools, and all moral reforms, as well as in the welfare of the church so dear to his heart. He commanded the universal respect of all the inhabitants of the town, and especially of the members of the church, of which he had been a deacon for forty-four years. He had served the church longer in that capacity than any other person, except Deacon Benjamin Learned, who, at his death, had held the office forty-six years. Mr. Allison was a direct descendant of both Deacon Eli Morse and Deacon Ben- jamin Learned, the earliest two deacons of the church, and, as he passed the plates and cups of the ancient communion service, presented in 1774, and which had been so many times carried in the hands of his two ancestors, he seemed like a veritable link in the chain which united the church of today with that of the founders.
As we go to press, with this history, no one has been chosen to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Deacon Allison.
James Allison
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The list of deacons of this church, with their terms of service, bearing in mind the explanations heretofore made respecting the terms of the earliest deacons, is as follows: -
ELI MORSE June 10, 1772, to Sept. 6, 1795.
BENJAMIN LEARNED
June 10, 1772, to Sept. 5, 1818.
FRANCIS APPLETON
Sept. 6, 1795, to Nov. 6, 1831.
STEPHEN JEWETT WOODS
June 4, 1818, to Sept. 30, 1827.
CYRUS CHAMBERLAIN
April 27, 1832, to July 1, 1836.
EBENEZER PERRY April 27, 1832, to Nov. 25, 1850.
JONATHAN K. SMITH July 1, 1836, to Nov. 6, 1869.
JESSE RIPLEY APPLETON April 30, 1852, to March 13, 1890.
JAMES ALLISON May 1, 1870, to March 31, 1914.
WILFRED M. FISKE May 5, 1900,to the present time.
THE COMMUNION SERVICE was observed by the First Church, from the beginning, or at least from an early period, only four times in a year, on the first Sundays in May, July, September, and November. Without a stove to warm the meetinghouse, sitting in the church, after the morning exercises, was too un- comfortable for profitable attention to such a service. After the year 1842, however, the house being warmed, the rite of the Lord's Supper was observed six times in a year, on the first Sun- day of every second month, beginning with January. In accord- ance with ancient custom, a preparatory lecture was given in the afternoon of the Friday before the communion was ad- ministered. This custom was discontinued after the December lecture in 1855. On Feb. 2, 1867, the church voted to hold the communion service in the place of the afternoon service. For- merly it had been observed in the intermission between the morning and the afternoon exercises. On Nov. 6, 1870, the church voted to have the communion service, in future, imme- diately after the morning service. On Oct. 15, 1886, the church voted to celebrate the rite of the Lord's Supper in connection with the usual morning service, the congregation being re- quested to remain to witness the service, those accustomed to participate, or who expressly desired, in that manner, to testify to their loyalty to the great truths of Christianity, being in- vited to partake of the emblems as they were passed. This cus- tom has continued to the present time. During the pastorate of Dr. Seward, the service has been observed at Christmas, Easter, and on the first Sunday in September. During the pas- torate of Mr. Catlin, at the desire of the minister, what is known as the symbolic communion service was tried for a time. The
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bread and wine were present, but were not passed to the com- municants. This method of observing the rite did not give general satisfaction. Mr. Catlin desired a vote upon the sub- ject, both of the church and of the congregation. Each gave a vote in favor of the new method, but there can be no doubt that a majority of the affirmative votes, in both cases, were cast in deference to the supposed wishes of the pastor. This seems to be indicated by the fact that, in the next pastorate, on Oct. 15, 1886, the church voted to return to the old method, which has ever since been followed.
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