USA > New Hampshire > Hillsborough County > Hillsborough > The history of Hillsborough, New Hampshire, 1735-1921, Volume 1 > Part 30
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HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH.
was purchased. With what pleasure the new bell was finally brought up from the railroad station and deposited in Mr. Chase's dooryard one Saturday about noon may be imagined. As late as it was in the week plans were quickly laid to have it in position so it could be rung the next day. The men who responded to the call for assistance soon saw that it would be impossible to ac- complish the raising in so short a time. Accordingly the bell was rung where it stood in Mr. Chase's dooryard and suspended from the frame in which it had been shipped.
The raising took place the following Wednesday, which was transformed into a gala day for the community. The bell was swung into place without mishap, but there was trouble in ad- justing the rope to the wheel so it was not rung to advantage for two or three weeks, or until some one had been found who could adjust the line properly. Mr. Daniel Smith had supervision of the raising, as being a seaman he understood manipulating the necessary tackle.
The first one to ring the new bell was Mr. John Gibson of the Lower Village. The first person for whom the bell was tolled was George Moore, the third son of Jotham Moore, who died a few weeks after the bell was raised. It was tolled by Mr. Solomon McNiel, Jr. This bell was tolled for John Brown on the day of his execution, December 2, 1859, by Mr. John G. Fuller of the Lower Village.
As the years rolled on the ravages of time upon the old meeting house became more and more apparent, and left without proper care, to say nothing of repairs, it eventually began to demand attention if its walls would be saved at all. Again the women came to the rescue. This time the organization known during the Civil War as the "Soldiers' Aid Society" was re- established as the "Ladies' Circle" in 1872-73, which comprised nearly all of the ladies in that vicinity. This society turned its efforts toward the repair of the meeting house. A series of "fairs" were held, and the proceeds of these, increased by the generous subscriptions of both residents and non-residents the money needed for the renovation was obtained. Upon examina- tion it was found that the timbers supporting the spire were so far decayed as to render that part of the structure unsafe, and so
345
A NEGLECTED CHURCH.
the graceful appendage which had added so much to the beauty and symmetry was necessarily removed. The roof was shingled, the blinds repaired, the shattered glass removed, the outside re- painted, the plastering, which had fallen owing to the result of a leaky roof, was relaid, the open space between the singing gallery and the audience room was closed by a partition, and many smaller changes made. To accomodate the choir a platform was' built over six of the "body pews" at the north end of the house, and the pulpit was lowered about four feet. To crown all of these and other minor improvements, a church reed organ was installed.
Once more the old house awoke to the music of regular ser- vices during the summer months, though it had no settled minis- ter for about ten years. The preaching was without denomina- tional distinction, and among those who preached here were the Revs. Bragdon, Chandler, Chapman, Paul, Adams and Coolidge, with several others.
This laxity of the care of the house and the factional differ- ences of the members of the church had its effects. Some of the parishioners affiliated themselves with other societies ; deaths and removals diminished the number of its attendants, until it became evident it was useless to try and keep up an unoccupied and un- cared for building. So an effort was made to sell the structure and have it meet a respectable fate. Once more opposition, or at least a lack of interest, prevented the accomplishment of this purpose, and so the last meeting was held within its sacred walls August 26, 1891. This was very appropriately a memorial ser- vice, promoted by a few whose earliest childhoods recollections hovered around the spot. In the quarter of a century that has intervened since, all of this little band have joined the "silent majority." The old meeting house was left to "the society of bats and owls."
Finally, in 1893 the house was torn down, so only a memory remained of the sacred structure which had cost so much of time, money and care, which outlay had been recompensed by the faith, hope and hallowed associations it had brought to those who worshipped at its shrine.
346
HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH.
The worth of an object is seldom realized until it has been lost. So, the old meeting house gone; the need of a church build- ing was found more apparent than had been realized when differ- ences of opinion and petty oppositions had doomed the old struc- ture. Efforts were accordingly made to build a new and smaller house, which was accomplished in 1895. John W. Jackman was the master builder, and it was dedicated with appropriate exer- cises in 1896.
It proved that the bell of the old meeting house, before the. demolition of the building, had been purchased by Wirt X. Fuller of Boston. This sacred object Mr. Fuller generously presented for use in the new church building, given in memory of his parents, John Gibson Fuller and Ann Jones Fuller his wife.
This bell, it is claimed, has rung the notes of victory at the close of three wars : In April, 1865, when the glad news of Lee's surrender came up from the Southland ; again when the Spanish- American war ended; for the third time, in November, 1918, when it was known that the World War, mightiest of them all, had been followed by an armistice of peace.
7
Photograph by MANAHAN.
SMITH MEMORIAL CHURCH.
CHAPTER XIX.
THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH AT BRIDGE VILLAGE.
When the Church at Centre Village Lost Its Prestige-Rev. Seth Farns- worth Minister-His Proposal of a Church at Bridge Village- Completion of New Church Edifice 1836-Gradual Decline of Mother Church-Growth of New Church-Millerism of 1843- Agitation of Social Life-A New Organization at Bridge Village -Ministers of the Church-From Rev. Mr. Farnsworth to Rev. Mr. Beal-Removal of the Meeting House from its Early Site to Main Street-The Old Building Made New-Financial Aid by Hon. John B. Smith-The Smith Fund to the Society-Other Bequests to the Society-Memorial Windows-Change of the name of the Society to Smith Memorial Church-Two Names from Its long List of Members-Present Prosperity.
The sightliness of its prominent position and the beauties of its immediate surroundings, which have been so eloquently pic- tured by its admirers elsewhere in this volume, could not in the end save it from the dangers of its isolation. The Rev. Mr. Wallace, already quoted, says aptly : "Geography seemed to have been against the likelihood of maintaining a dominant church at the Centre of the town. The earlier settlers were farmers, and for reasons clearer to them than to us they located on the hill slopes far back from the river. Some have thought it was for reasonable safety from the Indians, whose canoes followed the river as they crossed the state."
The possibilities in such a stream as the Contoocook did not seem to come within the range of the earlier settlers' vision. But in time, other men saw these possibilities, and their dreams led them rather to the river than to the hillside. Manufacturing, in which New England was going to have so conspicuous a place, brought men to the stream who saw that it would be the potent coadjutator of their schemes. 1
So, here on the river's margin, men began to make their, residences where they found their work. Then still more came,
347
348
HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH.
until by 1835 there was a considerable village, when the town had a population of only 1800.
"The Rev. Seth Farnsworth was minister at the Centre, and he seems to have been as judicious as he was good. Under his guidance the plan was proposed to arrange for an out station of the Mother church in Bridge Village. And it was proposed to build a meeting house here. This proposition met with favor from the villagers, and the year 1836 saw the new church edifice completed on the Church Street site, with a good bell and all at the cost of some $3,300. Nov. 23, 1836, the day of Mr. Farns- worth's installation at the Centre, the new building at the Bridge was dedicated."
During the pastorate of the Rev. Seth Farnsworth, a man known far and wide for his eloquence, separate meetings were held for the accomodations of the parishioners living at the Bridge, and after the dedication of the house in the village he preached alternate Sundays at the Centre.
Unfortunately in a few months he was stricken with pneu- monia and died, leaving the legacy of a life well and lovingly spent to his wide circle of friends. The D. A. R. placed a memorial tablet to his memory in the window of the church at the village.
In 1837 the Rev. Samuel G. Tenney supplied here, but it was not until 1839 that an active movement was made to establish a resident minister. The Rev. R. W. Wallace in his address upon' the celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Village Church says most fittingly : "With sincere reluctance, and yet in the faith that they were acting wisely, application was made to the Mother church, to dismiss 28 of its members to form a new church at the Bridge. Knowing fully what it meant to itself, and reading to some extent the horoscope of its own future, the Mother church complied with the request. This was but the beginning of her losses, for soon she was called upon to transfer ten other mem- bers. On May 29, 1839, the new church was duly organized by council, and in its findings the council voiced its deep sympathy with the church at the Centre, while at the same time it bespoke its blessings on the new church at Bridge Village."
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CAREER OF THE NEW CHURCH.
The sacrifices of the old church at the Centre were not at an end, for following closely upon the other demands the Mother church was called to give her minister to the new institution ať the Bridge. The records, considering the importance of this move, seem uncommonly brief merely mentioning the fact that the Rev. Samuel G. Tenney had given up his pastorate here as a resident preacher and become the head of the new church. So for the time at least the door of the old church which had been reared under such trying conditions and with such tremulous hopes and fears was closed. Let it be said to the credit of all in the society that this change and removal of religious headquarters had been accomplished with no friction that appears upon the accounts at this day. (See Political History.)
The Rev. Mr. Tenney resigned in 1843 to the regret of the majority of his parishioners, and in the resolution of the day he is referred to as "irreproachable and exemplary in his morals, sound in doctrine, a faithful and able minister of the New Testa- ment."
He was succeeded in the autumn of that year, 1843, by Rev. Jacob Cummings, who remained fourteen years as the head of the church here, which is sufficient proof of his ability and fitness.
As all churches have, this one at the Bridge Village has had its trials and ordeals, times when the unanimity of its society was threatened. One of these was the days of Millerism, when that doctrine swept over New England a wave of religious excitement stirring the people to uncommon anxiety. Fortunately this feel- ing of uncertainty and unrest did not strike Hillsborough very perceptibly and our church escaped any serious disturbance by it.
This church was among others in the country to meet at Francestown in 1844 to deliberate upon the subject of slavery, which was then beginning to agitate social life in New England, and was one of the first public movements made in that direction.
In 1846 a revival of interest in the church was undertaken, when a committee was chosen to call upon all of the families in regard to religious matters. An elaborate report shows that much good resulted from this undertaking and that the committee was met with kindly receptions everywhere.
350
HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH.
Two interesting events to people in these parts were partici- pated in by this church in 1847; one of these was the ordination of Rev. William Woods at Henniker as a foreign missionary ; while a similar honor was conferred upon Rev. Seneca Cummings at Antrim as a missionary to China. In 1853 this church lent a helping hand to the organization of a new church at Peterbor -. ough.
The new organization at the Bridge Village, if small in num- bers, contained men of representative and sterling qualities. Among these were George Dascomb, Sen. and Jr., both of strong character and of great good in the community who wrought their lives into the foundation of the church. Another was Samuel Morrison of whom it was said "For 42 years this godly man traversed the three miles that separated his home from the meet- ing house as often as the church was gathered together." He was a deacon of the church, and others occupying this honored station were Tristam Sawyer, Dawson Russell, and Frank W. Symonds. Hon. David Steele is not forgotten among these founders, while his good wife Catherine Steele, was a woman of great ability, force of character and refinement as a social leader. Among the first to join the new society at Bridge Village was Clarissa Stowe, a school teacher of bright mind and strong religious convictions, who lived to an extreme age.
Under the pastorate of Mr. Cummings the Hon. John B. Smith was united with the church, and from that time he was ever a zealous worker in the cause, doing much in upbuilding the society, eventually, as his own success in business enlarged giving freely to the church.
Rev. Jacob Cummings was succeeded by Rev. Harry Brickett who became popular both in the pulpit and as a worker among the people. A man of scholarly attainments, having entered the ministry in middle life, after a successful experience as a teacher, he won a large place in the affections of the community outside; of the church. Under his pastorate it has been well said, the church now strong in numbers and influence entered upon what might be called the second period of its existence. It was no longer a problem of existence but rather the amount of good it could do as an evangelizing agent. Mr. Brickett served the church
35I
SUCCEEDING MINISTERS.
from 1857 to 1865, an anxious period, and from 1876 to 1881, in all over twelve years.
Rev. Stephen Morrill succeeded Mr. Brickett at the close of his first pastorate. Twenty-four members were added to the church roll, among them Charles W. Conn, who became a deacon, and Benjamin Dutton, who also became a deacon. Prof. Samuel T. Dutton, who has been designated as an "educator of edu- cators," was another worthy person to join the church during this period.
In 1866 a movement was started to move the church building from its site on Church Street to one on Main Street, where it is at present located. This change was received with general con- sent, and in 1867, under the pastorate of Mr. Morrill, the work was carried out, the structure thoroughly repaired and a vestry added.
The Ladies' Benevolent Society was organized during Mr. Morrill's administration. This society has the credit of doing a good and lasting work in the cause of the church.
Rev. Henry B. Underwood was pastor for 1871-1872, and though his stay was short his work was most acceptable. Ammi Smith, father of Ex-Governor Smith, was affiliated with the church during this pastorate, bringing to it, as another has said: "the weight of a ripe experience and careful life." With the assistance of his father, a noted evangelist, Mr. Underwood aroused a revival which resulted in an addition to the church roll of twenty members.
Mr. Underwood was followed by Rev. John Bragdon, who remained only two years, but with evident satisfaction, when he was succeeded by Rev. Harry Brickett, who had already served one pastorate here, 1857-1865, and was received with great satis- faction. During Mr. Brickett's second pastorate, 1876-1881, several notable persons became members, among them Miss Ellen Marcy, who was taken home early in the promise of a brilliant career.
Rev. Abram Quick answered the next call to remain only two years when Rev. Roderick J. Mooney, of foreign birth, put on the mantle. Possessing a good command of language, with a high degree of enthusiasm, he was an energetic worker. During'
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HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH.
Mr. Mooney's term several prominent people joined the church among them Mrs. Sarah A. Grimes and her son Hon. James W. Grimes and Charles Wyman.
Rev. David W. Goodale, A. M., A. B., Ph. D., held a pastorate over the Congregational church at Bridge Village from 1887-1895. He was educated at Monson Academy, Amherst College and Andover Theological Seminary, all in Mass., and held pastorates at Troy, N. H., from 1878 to 1883; Sudbury, Mass., 1884 to 1886, and after leaving Hillsborough, in Suffield, Conn., 1895 to 1907. He was an energetic preacher and a public spirited citizen, always taking a great interest in educational matters. He was twice chosen to represent the State Conference in the National Council, once from New Hampshire and once from Massachusetts (See Vol. II for family history.) During Mr. Goodale's pastorate the parsonage on Myrtle Street was pur- chased, and earnest activity marked the three years he was in town.
The Senior Christian Endeavor Society was organized in 1889, and has ever done a good and continuous work in behalf of the cause it represents. This society presented the church with a chaste and beautiful communion set.
While Mr. Goodale was pastor the Jackman brothers united with the church, the musical ability of John W. Jackman adding much to that branch of the service. James A. McNight as pastor's assistant and Sunday School Superintendent did a most effectual work.
From 1895 to 1901, Rev. Frederick W. Burrows occupied the pulpit, and a man of excellent literary ability coupled with his eloquence as a speaker, he secured a strong hold on the hearts of his parishioners, so the church flourished under his administra- tion.
Mr. Burrows resigned his charge in 1901, and he was suc- ceeded by Rev. Charles L. Storrs, a young man of marked ability.
A Junior Christian Endeavor Society was organized during the pastorate of Rev. C. L. Storrs, and the branch Sunday School was established at the Lower Village in 1897. During his term of service here a Men's Club was organized. Mr. Storrs resigned in 1904 with the purpose of going to China as a missionary, carry-
Photograph by MANAHAN.
GOVERNOR SMITH RESIDENCE.
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CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH HISTORY.
ing with him the unanimous commendation of the church for his good work done here. This church has always paid one-fifth of his salary. He is on his Sabbatical year.
Mr. Storrs was succeeded by Rev. Charles R. Hamlin, a nephew of the missionary by that name, who was installed December 10, 1904. Mr. Hamlin was an able speaker, who re- mained three years.
This seems to have been a period of church benefits. Albe Stevenson, a native of the town, made a bequest of five hundred dollars, the sum being invested in a clock in 1907, which was to be known as the "Stevenson clock."
Mrs. Catherine (Dascomb) Burnham gave the society five hundred dollars, to be divided equally between the church at the Centre and that at Bridge Village.
In June, 1907, Hon. John B. Smith offered to meet the expense of repairing and remodelling the church, which was done at the cost of thirty thousand dollars. Mr. Smith also gave a fund of ten thousand dollars, the income of which was to be used towards the support of the church.
Sarah C. Fuller made a bequest of five hundred dollars for the equal benefit of the church at the Centre and the one at Bridge Village. Charles A. Jones was appointed trustee of the funds.
April 20, 1908, the society voted to sell the parsonage lot on Myrtle Street.
December 9, 1908, the alterations and improvement upon the meeting house having been completed in a satisfactory manner, making the old structure into a new one, it was proposed to re- dedicate the church to renewed usefulness in its wider field of religious work. It was a day long remembered by those who participated in the movement.
June 24, 1909, Hon. John B. Smith presented the society with the deed for the lot of land on the east side of the church, thus enlarging the grounds about the house and improving the whole situation.
Rev. Mr. Hamlin was followed by Rev. Robert W. Wallace, who was installed January 20, 1908. Mr. Wallace and Mrs. Wallace both left excellent records for work in the church. He
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HISTORY OF HILLSBOROUGH.
1
was educated at McGill College, Montreal, and had preached in Detroit, Mich., and Newport, R. I. Before his settlement here he supplied the pulpit upon several occasions. He remained in service here until his death in 1915, after a long illness. Mrs. Wallace died within a week of her husband, the town feeling the loss keenly. Few of the many ministers who have occupied the pulpits in Hillsborough left a more lasting or happy record than Mr. Wallace whose career was cut short in the midst of his most useful years.
For several years a change in the name of the society had been considered pro and con, and on February 17, 1915, it was voted to substitute in place of the old designation "Hillsborough Bridge Congregational Society" the term "Smith Memorial Con- gregational Church," by which name it is now known.
Memorial windows have been presented to the church, from time to time, as follows:
In the Memory of John Wesley Jackman, by his family. In the Memory of Alice Barnard, a remarkably attractive child, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Watson. In the Memory of Deacon Charles Conn, by his widow. Another by Benjamin F. and Harry Dutton in the memory of the Dutton and Hatch families. In 1919 the Smith Memorial window in memory of Archibald Lavender Smith, who lost his life in the world war, given by his widow.
Rev. Mr. Wallace was succeeded by Rev. Frank Peer Beal, who came to town a young man full of promise. He immediately became a favorite with the young people of the society, which respect he has maintained. He served two years in the world war, and then settled down to earnest work in the church. He severed his connection with the church in 1921.
In its long and successful career the Congregational Church of Hillsborough has been faithful to the high ideals of religious living, and many of its members have not only been honored and respected at home but have received notable recognition abroad. To mention any particular number of these would not be practic- able here, but they have been spoken of elsewhere in this work. It does seem permissible to mention at least two whose memories are revered in the town to-day. Mrs. Catherine Steele, who
355
HONORED MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH.
passed away in January, 1904, at the age of 102 years, the oldest person in the state, was associated with this church for over sixty years, and was noted for her tender grace and Christian virtues.
Another member ripe with years of good work well done was Deacon Jeremiah Dutton, for a long period its clerk, winning happy distinction from his excellent penmanship and accuracy and carefully worded records, as well as for the nobility of his character.
The successful church can never be idle, and among its virtues Smith Memorial Church numbers that of activity, which neither age nor change of shepherds has ever checked, and to-day its field of usefulness was never better tilled, nor its promise brighter.
CHAPTER XX.
THE METHODIST CHURCH.
When Methodism Obtained its Independence in Hillbsorough-The Church at Bridge Village-Promoters of the Society-Meeting House on School Street-Removal to Henniker Street-Enlarge- ment and Improvement of this House-New House Formally Opened-Description-Memorial Windows-List of Pastors- Church at the Centre-Leading Members-When Politics Held the Whip Hand-Methodism Gains a Foothold at the Centre-Meeting House Built-Pastors-Donors-The House-Tribute by Rev. Harry Brickett.
Though younger than the societies that have been mentioned, it has been nearly a century since Methodism has been able to stand alone among the churches in Hillsborough County, it has been over eighty years since it gained its independence in this town. The records are not as complete as we could wish relative to the struggles of the early exponents of the coming faith.
As far back as the days when there were dissenters among those who paid their minister's tax and worshipped in a church of another denomination, there were believers in Methodism serving another master under protest. Accordingly, contempo- rary with the division of the old Congregational church at the Centre, and the building of a new meeting house by that society at Bridge Village to accomodate the increasing members in that vicinity, it was felt those of the Methodist faith should establish a church of their own in town. The most desirable location seemed to be at the "new village," which already gave indications of rapid growth in the coming years.
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