The history of Hancock, New Hampshire, 1764-1889, Part 22

Author: Hayward, William Willis, 1834-
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: Lowell, Mass., Vox Populi Press, S. W. Huse & Co.
Number of Pages: 1257

USA > New Hampshire > Hillsborough County > Hancock > The history of Hancock, New Hampshire, 1764-1889 > Part 22

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Dec. 18, 1849, a council met at the vestry of the church, at the request of the church and society and their pastor, Rev. Mr. Bur- gess, to act upon the resignation that Mr. Burgess, in consequence of physical inability to discharge his ministerial duties, had sent to the church and society.

The following churches were represented : The Presbyterian church in Antrim, by Rev. J. M. Whiton, D. D., pastor, and Dea. Imla Wright, delegate; the church in Bennington, by Rev. A. Manson, pastor, and Dea. Francis Burnham, delegate; the Evan- gelical church in Greenfield, by Rev. D. P. Smith, pastor, and Dea. Peter Peavey, delegate; the Presbyterian church in Peterboro', by Rev. H. J. Lamb, pastor, and Dea. Timothy Hunt, delegate. Rev. J. M. Whiton, D. D., was chosen moderator, and Rev. H. J. Lamb, scribe.

The council had a private session, after which they reported that on a careful consideration of all the circumstances connected with the case they had voted unanimously that the pastoral and minis- terial relation existing between Rev. A. Burgess and the church of Christ in Hancock be dissolved ; "the dissolution to take effect on the 25th of December present, being the anniversary of his ordina- tion." The council extended their sympathies to Mr. Burgess, in view of the physical inability that had so long interfered with his

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HISTORY OF HANCOCK, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

work and had compelled him to offer his resignation. They also indicated that the restoration of his health and strength would cause them to rejoice, and if such an event were to transpire, it would afford them great happiness to commend him to the churches " as an able, faithful and well approved minister of the gospel whose praise has been in the churches."

Mr. Burgess had made no stipulations for any pecuniary con- sideration in his favor, but the council were pleased to have learned that many individuals had signified a readiness to minister to his necessities in the future, which in the estimation of the council was no more than his twenty-seven years of faithful pastoral labor en- titled him to expect from their hands. The report of the council closed with words of sympathy and encouragement for the church and society, mingled with good advice in regard to the work that was before them.

On the 19th of March, 1850, an invitation was extended to Rev. Asahel Bigelow, of Walpole, Mass., to settle with the church and society as pastor and minister. Dea. Asa Symonds was chosen to communicate the doings of the church relative to the giving of the invitation to Mr. Bigelow to the First Congregational society, and Joel Gates and Dea. Aaron Knight were appointed to act conjointly with a committee chosen by said society, to extend the invitation to Mr. Bigelow. Mr. Bigelow's answer to the invitation extended to him was as follows : -

" WALPOLE, April 10, 1850.

" To the Congregational church and society in Hancock :

" Brethren -You have seen fit to invite me to remain with you in the gospel minis- try. This invitation I have considered with much solicitude, and I trust with sincere desire to ascertain what is duty. It is my wish to be where the great Head of the church would have me be. To this end I have sought His direction, and endeavored to understand the indications of Providence. And now in view of all the circum- stances relating to this subject, specially considering the unanimity of your call, I . can not but regard myself as being directed to you as the scene of future labor; I therefore relinquish the plans which I had previously formed and cheerfully accept your invitation, praying that the connexion which shall exist between us may be for the divine glory, for the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom, and for our mutual happiness both temporal and eternal. Yours in the bonds of the gospel,

" ASAHEL BIGELOW."

Mr. Bigelow was installed pastor of the church May 15, 1850. The following churches were represented in the council: The Presbyterian church in Antrim, by Rev. J. M. Whiton, D. D., pastor, and Dea. Amos Parmenter, delegate; Presbyterian church in Peter- boro', by Rev. H. J. Lamb, pastor, and Dea. John Vose, delegate ; Congregational church in Greenfield, by Rev. J. LeBosquet, acting

ASAHEL BIGELOW.

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CHURCH HISTORY.

pastor, and Bro. John Fletcher, delegate; Congregational church in Bennington, by Rev. A. Manson, pastor, and Dea. F. Burnham, delegate; Congregational church in Francestown, by Rev. J. Mc- Gee, pastor; Congregational church in West Needham, Mass., by Rev. Andrew Bigelow, pastor ; Evangelical church in Greenfield, by Rev. D. P. Smith, pastor, and Bro. A. Jaquith, delegate ; Con- gregational church in Fitzwilliam, by Rev. A. Jenkins, pastor, and Bro. Charles Bigelow, delegate.

The council was organized by the choice of Rev. J. McGee, moderator, and Rev. D. P. Smith, scribe, and opened with prayer by the moderator. After a satisfactory examination of the doings of the church and society in presenting the call, the reply of Mr. Bige- low to the same, the qualifications of the candidate for the useful discharge of the duties of the sacred office, and his standing in the ministry, the council proceeded to assign the parts for the public services of the installation, which were as follows : -

Invoking the blessing and reading of the Scriptures .... Rev. J. LeBosquet. Introductory prayer. Rev. A. Jenkins.

Sermon. Rev. A. Bigelow.1

Installing prayer. .Rev. D. P. Smith, D. D.

Charge to the pastor. Rev. J. M. Whiton, D. D.

Right-hand of fellowship. .Rev. J. McGee.

Address to the people. .Rev. H. J. Lamb.

Concluding prayer. Rev. A. Manson.

After a successful ministry of twenty-five years, Mr. Bigelow, in view of increasing infirmities and years, tendered his resignation as pastor, said resignation to take effect March 19, 1875. This resig- nation was accepted, but Mr. Bigelow continued to reside in town, and remained as the wise counselor and friend of the church and people until his death, which occurred Aug. 16, 1877. After the resignation of Mr. Bigelow, Rev. Theodore C. Pratt was acting pastor for about two years, during, and immediately succeeding, whose labors there was unusual religious interest. After the close of Mr. Pratt's service there was a pleasant and profitable engage- ment of several months with Rev. John W. Coolidge of the Metho- dist church, and the pulpit was supplied by others until the sum- mer of 1879, when Hervey Gulick became acting pastor.

At a meeting of the church held Oct. 6, 1879, there being a large number present, it was voted unanimously that Mr. Gulick be

1 The record is simply "Rev. A. Bigelow." It is probable, however, that the preacher was Rev. Andrew Bigelow.

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HISTORY OF HANCOCK, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

invited to become permanent pastor of the church. Mr. Gulick's reply to the invitation extended to him was as follows : -

" Messrs. Asu Simonds, Orland Eaton, David Hunt, committee of church, and Irving A. Knight, John R. Hill, Jonas W. Goodhue, committee of society :

" Dear Brethren, - I have received and considered your communication from the Hancock Congregational church and society, desiring me to become its settled pas- tor. From the first I have earnestly sought to leave the issue with the great Head of the church, and have prayerfully sought. His direction. The Divine guidance I have come to feel points to my remaining by as clear marks as it can reasonably be ex- pected to manifest itself, and personally I am very happy in this feeling. I there- fore heartily accept the call, and earnestly join my prayers with yours that our new relations while they shall last may by the Divine blessing bring a rich reward of spiritual good to us all. Yours in Christian love and fellowship,

" Oct. 10, 1879.

HERVEY GULICK."

The council called to ordain Mr. Gulick, met on the day that marked the one hundredth anniversary of the incorporation of the town. We give the proceedings as found in the church records : -

" HANCOCK, N. H., Nov. 5, 1879.

" The council called to examine the proceedings of the Congregational church and society of Hancock, in regard to the call of Mr. Hervey Gulick as pastor of said church and society, reported as follows, after the letter missive had been read by Rev. S. H. Partridge, viz. : - "Churches.

Ministers. Delegates.

" Antrim.

Rev. R. W. Cochrane. Mr. C. D. Sawyer.

Bennington. . Rev. James Holmes Mr. Samuel Baldwin.

Greenfield . Rev. S. H. Partridge. Mr. A. N. Hardy.

Hancock

§ Asa Simonds. ( Lewis Symonds.

Harrisville. .Rev. G. A. Beckwith.

Hillsboro' Bridge. .Rev. Harry Brickett ..

Nelson Rev. T. W. Darling. . Mr. J. H. Osgood.

Peterboro' . Rev. George Dustin. Dea. Åvery M. Clark. Stoddard. .Rev. H. H. Colburn

Also, Rev. J. W. Coolidge and Rev. Morris Holman.1

" On motion, Rev. George Dustin was chosen moderator, and Rev. Harry Brickett, scribe. Certificate of church membership of the pastor-elect was read and approved by vote of council.

" The minutes of the church and society in relation to the call and promise of support of the pastor-elect, and of his acceptance of call and conditions, were read and pronounced in due form.

" On motion, a committee consisting of Bros. Cochrane, Holmes, and Gulick, was appointed by the moderator to prepare an order of exercises for the ordination service, if the examination should be deemed satisfactory.

" Voted, To proceed to the examination of the candidate. Conducted by the mod- erator. He was fully examined in regard to church polity, the doctrines, and his personal experience.

" The council by a full vote pronounced the examination satisfactory, and that the ordination proceed.

" Voted, To be adjourned at the end of the afternoon service.

" Attest : HARRY BRICKETT, Scribe of council. GEORGE DUSTIN, Moderator.

1 Rev. Mr. Coolidge, Methodist, of Hancock, and Rev. Mr. Holman, Congregation- alist, of Antrim, were pastors without charge.

HERVEY GULICK.

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CHURCH HISTORY.

" ORDER OF EXERCISES.

" 1. Voluntary, ' How beautiful upon the mountains.'

2. Preliminary statement by moderator. Rev. George Dustin. ª

3. Reading of result by scribe. Rev. Harry Brickett.

4. Invocation. .Rev. H. H. Colburn.

.Rev. James Holmes.

5. Reading Scriptures.

6. Voluntary, 'The Lord is mindful of His own,' etc.

7. Sermon.

.Rev. Dr. Duryea, of Boston.

9. Ordination service of prayer.

.Rev. George Dustin.

.Rev. S. H. Partridge.

.Rev. Harry Brickett.

.Rev. R. W. Cochrane.

13. Hymn 1029 .Rev. T. W. Darling.

14. Concluding prayer. .Rev. J. W. Coolidge.

15. Benediction by the pastor.

" Attest :

JONAS W. GOODHUE, clerk."

On the 31st of August, 1877, a committee of three, consisting of Orland Eaton, Eli M. Baldwin, and Lewis Symonds, were appointed to confer together in regard to revising the articles of faith, for the purpose of simplifying or making them shorter, or introducing such changes as they might deem proper.

Two months later, this committee having reported Oct. 21st, the result of their work, after some slight modification, was accepted and adopted.

Jan. 3, 1878, the same committee reported certain rules for the government of the church, which were accepted and adopted.

I have given but a brief outline of the doings of this church, for a period extending over almost a hundred years. It was founded by noble men and women. It has been fortunate in the choice of its pastors; no settled pastor has ever been sent away, which fact is alike creditable to both pastor and people. Of the four men who have filled that office, it may be said with truth, that there is not a suggestion of a shadow on the fair fame of any one of them.

Mistakes may have been made in the administration of affairs; this must be expected in all organizations. The trouble that grew out of the anti-slavery movement, when fifteen persons became what was then known as " Comeouters," caused some friction, but it did not destroy the church. All members vote in the business meetings, and take part in the social meetings, of this church. It has recently voted unanimously to appropriately observe the centen- nial of its organization, Aug. 28, 1888.

The whole number of persons who have united with the church

S. Hymn 1009.

.Rev. Morris Holman.

10. Right-hand of fellowship.

11. Charge to pastor.

12. Charge to people.

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HISTORY OF HANCOCK, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

at this date (Jan. 2, 1887), is seven hundred and seventy-six ; pres- ent number about one hundred and thirty-five.1

There were two great revivals during the ministry of Rev. Mr. Burgess: one in 1831-32, when over one hundred persons were re- ceived into the church, and the other in 1838, when there were forty-six additions. There was a revival of interest in 1854, when there were twenty-five additions ; also in 1857, when about twenty united with the church, and still later, in 1885, twenty-one were re- ceived into its communion. Like the life of the town, which may be characterized as continuous, the best work of the church has not been in spasmodic growth, but in a steady progress from the beginning to the present hour.2 No part of the history of the town gives me more real pleasure in helping to preserve than this, and one hundred years from now what I say in this connection will be understood better than it will be now.

It has been active in its charities for a long time. The ladies' sewing circle has been accustomed to meet once a month, and has rendered efficient aid in the home-missionary work, and in assisting the poor and suffering at the South and elsewhere, besides doing something for orphan asylums, etc. A ladies' weekly prayer meeting meets on Tuesday afternoon and is well sustained.

During the war the Christian and Sanitary Commissions, and the New Hampshire Soldiers' Aid Society, received aid from the town, but as some of this aid came from outside of the church, it will be noted in another place.

From the monthly concerts there has been collected, between Oct. 7, 1823, and Feb. 6, 1887, mainly for foreign missions, $3795. This is only a part of what has been done. In this connection we give the names of the deacons who have served the church, with the date of their election: -

Robert Duncan. Oct. 20, 1791

Luke Bowers. .Nov. 28, 1832

Daniel Kimball.

Joseph Kimball. April 6, 1835

James Duncan. . Oct. 27, 1791

Avery M. Clark. .Oct. 30, 1850

William Boutell. .May 30, 1805

Henry Knight .May 16, 1860

Stephen Kittredge. . May 30, 1805

Edward Hayward. .Dec. 1, 1864

Asa Simonds. . May 18, 1826

Orland Eaton. Oct. 29, 1874

Stephen Wood.

.May 18, 1826

Eli M. Baldwin June 28, 1877

Aaron Knight.

.Nov. 28, 1832

.Asa D. Wood. Sept. 5, 1885

1 The pastor being absent on his vacation at this writing, we can not be exact.

2 A weekly Wednesday evening prayer meeting has been sustained for about a quarter of a century. About twenty brothers alternate in taking the lead of these meetings at the present time. A young people's society of Christian endeavor has also recently been organized, and is quite active and efficient. While both the last- named organizations would be regarded as " evangelical," neither is strictly denom- inational.

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CHURCH HISTORY.

About the time of the election of Mr. Eaton, a rule was adopted by this church to choose its deacons for a term of five years, they having previously been chosen for life. At the close of his first term Mr. Eaton was re-elected for a second, and for a third, by a unanimous vote at the close of the second. Deacon Baldwin has also been twice re-elected. The present board consists of the three last-named gentlemen.

For further particulars in regard to term of office, etc., see gene- alogical record.

It may not be out of place to say in this connection that the mortal remains of all the pastors and deacons of this church who have passed on to the higher life repose in Pine Ridge and Norway Plain cemeteries. "They rest from their labors, and their works do follow them."

Henry Knight, who now resides in Peterboro', is the only sur- vivor of the deacons of this church, with the exception of the pres- ent incumbents.

Robert Duncan, Daniel Kimball, and James Duncan were set apart for their office, by prayer, Jan. 17, 1792.

Aaron Knight and Luke Bowers were set apart for their office, by prayer and the imposition of hands, May 2, 1833, Rev. P. Holt and Rev. J. M. Whiton assisting the pastor in the service.

Joseph Kimball was ordained July 2, 1835, Rev. E. Jones, of Greenfield, assisting the pastor in the service.

Each of the succeeding deacons has been set apart to his office by prayer on signifying his acceptance of the position.

To the present generation it may appear almost as a matter of course that the Sunday school has been from the beginning. When the church was organized there were few if any Sunday schools in the world, carried on on the plan of the modern Sunday school. In 1781, only seven years previous to the organization of this church, Robert Raikes established the first Sunday school in the world in Gloucester, Eng., on a somewhat secular basis, for the edu- cation of certain children in the suburbs of that town, who were growing up in ignorance and poverty. It was some time before these schools were connected with any church, and for that and other reasons they were looked upon with a certain degree of dis- favor in many quarters. Mrs. Sally (Ober) Boyles, of Marshfield, Vt., under date of Feb. 17, 1883, writes that Sylvester Cochran and Dexter Baldwin, of Antrim, opened a Sunday school in Hancock at

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HISTORY OF HANCOCK, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

the time they were students at the academy here. She states that they were both preparing for the ministry; if so, one of them changed his course. Mr. Baldwin graduated from the Dartmouth medical school in 1823, and became a successful practitioner of medicine ; of Mr. Cochran we shall learn more by and by, as he found a wife in Hancock. Their names, however, in this con- nection should not be forgotten, as they were the pioneers in a good work They had but three scholars, Lucinda Hills, Mary Wason, and Sally Ober. Mrs. Boyles says: "It was a new thing, and the children seemed afraid of it." The date of this school could not have been far from 1820.

Mrs. Boyles was married and left town in 1825; she writes that no other Sunday school was established in Hancock while she re- sided there. It must not, however, be inferred that the religious training of the children was neglected. Perhaps as much pains was taken in that direction as has been in later years.1 (See Doctor Clark's address.) About seven hundred children have been bap- tized by the different pastors of the church since its organization.

BAPTIST CHURCH.

Dec. 17, 1805, a council representing the Baptist churches in Mason, Dublin, and New Boston, met at the house of Joseph Eaton in Greenfield, and organized a church, which was known by the name of the Baptist church in Peterboro' and Society Land, until Aug. 19, 1824, when it was voted to call it " Society Land Baptist Church."

May 24, 1835, it was voted that it be called in the future the Baptist Church of Christ of Hancock and Society Land.2

A meeting-house was built in Greenfield some time previous to 1812, and as early as 1826, a meeting-house was built in Society Land (now Bennington). John Colby, Dea. Eli Maynard, Dea. Asa Knight and some of his family, Samuel Goodhue and John Brooks, with members of their families, with perhaps other residents of

1 It is said that during the latter part of Rev. Mr. Paige's ministry, and later, a good sister, Mrs. Patience (Ward) Ware, was in the habit of inviting the children over to the school-house in the village during the noon intermissions, and telling them Bible stories, and also asking them questions. The first organized Sunday schools in connection with the church work were commenced during Rev. Mr. Burgess' ministry, and have been actively continued since that time. A temper- ance organization is connected with this Sunday school, and has been for years.

2 When Bennington was incorporated in 1842, the name of the church was again changed to Bennington Baptist church. In 1852 it was voted to hold the meetings at South Antrim, and at the present time it is known as the South Antrim Baptist church.

205

CHURCH HISTORY.

Hancock, were active members of this church at an early period of its history. Eli Maynard was chosen deacon Nov. 4, 1827; Asa Knight was chosen to the same office April 16, 1829. Rev. Stephen G. Abbott united with this church in 1838 at Hancock, where at that time there was a branch. Rev. James A. Boswell was pastor in 1835; Rev. Frederick Page, in 1836; Rev. John Woodbury in the early part of 1837. Sept. 4, 1837, a call was given to Zebulon Jones to become pastor, and he was ordained to that office.

On the 22d of April, 1840, the church voted unanimously that it was expedient to form a new church at Hancock Center. This meeting was held at the " Lit. & Sci. Institution," where it is proba- ble religious services had been held since its establishment in 1836. It was voted that the church be organized the 6th of May follow- ing, and that Rev. Mark Carpenter, of Keene, and Rev. David P. French, of Sullivan, and their delegates, be invited to attend on the occasion. These brethren were present at the time appointed, as were also Levi Willard, of Keene, as a delegate ; Rev. Orrin O. Stearns, Rev. S. Abbott, and W. C. Richards, who was at that time principal of the "Lit. & Sci. Institution."

It was decided to comply with the request of those who called the council. It was voted that a letter from the Hancock and Society Land Baptist church, in the possession of those wishing to form the new church, would be received as satisfactory evidence of the good standing of the persons whose names were in that letter. The following are the names of those whose names were in this letter of dismission and recommendation; said letter being signed by L. A. Fletcher, church clerk, and dated April 28, 1840 : -

John Brooks. Abram Davis. Harry Knight.

Samuel Hartshorn.

Emma Brooks. Mary Davis. Betsey Weston. Lucinda Hartshorn.

Joseph Symonds.

Jonas Hutchinson. David Woods. Almira Bartlett.

Esther Symonds. Nancy Hutchinson. Mary Woods. Adeline S. Brooks.

Samuel Goodhue. Mark True.

Ebenezer W. Drake. Francis N. Ball.

Sally Goodhue.

Washington Brooks. Sylvia T. Fisher. William W. H. Ball.

Almira Goodhue.

Lucretia Brooks. Elizabeth Sawyer. Susan S. Ball.

Asenath Goodhue. Ephraim Knight.

The exercises at the recognition of the church were as follows : -

1. Reading of Scriptures and introductory prayer by. .W. C. Richards.

2. Sermon by .. .Rev. M. Carpenter.

3. Consecrating prayer by. .Rev. S. Abbott.

4. Right-hand of fellowship by Rev. D. P. French.

5. Address to the church by. .Rev. Orrin O. Stearns.

6. Concluding prayer by Rev. M. Carpenter.

7. Benediction by .Rev. S. Abbott.

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HISTORY OF HANCOCK, NEW HAMPSHIRE.

At the close of this service Dr. Jonas Hutchinson was chosen church clerk, and continued its clerk until his removal from town. We insert his autograph here :-

Jonas Hutchinson

The !whole number of persons who became members of this church was sixty-one. Services were continued until 1852, when a majority of the members having either died or moved away, the church was virtually given up. As far as I have been able to learn, the pastors that served the church after its organization at Hancock Center, were Rev. Orrin O. Stearns, who was dismissed from the church Nov. 6, 1841; Rev. Sem Pierce, who was pastor in the years 1842-44; Rev. Henry Archibald, who was pastor in 1846-47; Rev. Lorenzo Tandy, who was ordained pastor of the church Feb. 16, 1848, and dismissed at his own request, May 2, 1849, and Rev. William M. Guilford, who was pastor in 1851. The confession of faith of this church was decidedly evangelical and thoroughly Baptist.

The following is the order of exercises at the ordination of Rev. Mr. Tandy : -

1. Reading of Scriptures by Rev. S. Dearborn, of Marlboro'.

2. Introductory prayer by. .Rev. S. L. Elliot, of Claremont.

3. Sermon by. .Rev. G. Robbins, of Keene.

4. Ordaining prayer by. Rev. Henry Tomkins, of Wilton.

5. Charge by. .Rev. E. K. Bailey, of Jaffrey.

6. Right-hand of fellowship by. .Rev. D. F. Richardson, of Mason.

7. Address to the church by. .Rev. O. O. Stearns, of Milford.

8. Concluding prayer by. .Rev. D. G. Mason, of Swanzey.

9. Benediction by .Rev. Lorenzo Tandy.

David Woods and Samuel Hartshorn were chosen deacons June 6, 1840. Stephen Buxton was chosen to the same office June 6, 1846; Stephen Buxton was also chosen church clerk Nov. 6, 1841.

Circumstances did not favor the growth or the perpetuity of this church, but this was not on account of any fault on the part of the members; they were good and true men and women, and in other fields of usefulness to which many of them removed, they have been able to accomplish more than it was possible for them to do within the limits that circumscribed them here.

In 1822 Rev. Lemuel Willis, then a young man, was instrumental in forming a Universalist society, which though never thoroughly

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The history of Hancock, New Hampshire, 1764-1889, Part 22

Author: Hayward, William Willis, 1834- Publication date: 1889 Publisher: Lowell, Mass., Vox Populi Press, S. W. Huse & Co. Number of Pages: 1257

Author: Hayward, William Willis, 1834-
Publication date: 1889
Publisher: Lowell, Mass., Vox Populi Press, S. W. Huse & Co.
Number of Pages: 1257