USA > New Hampshire > Rockingham County > Derry > The history of Londonderry : comprising the towns of Derry and Londonderry, N.H. > Part 17
USA > New Hampshire > Rockingham County > Londonderry > The history of Londonderry : comprising the towns of Derry and Londonderry, N.H. > Part 17
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Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31
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ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
Mr. Brown's situation was trying and unpleasant, the church and society were agitated and weakened. The individuals opposed to his settlement withdrew from the parish, were organized, and, by an act of the legislature, incorporated as a Congregational society. A church was also formed on Con- gregational principles. This society maintained separate worship a considerable part of the time, for about twelve years, but happily, they did not erect a house of worship, which serves in such cases to perpetuate divisions. Their public worship was held in a hall fitted up for the purpose. The secession was productive of alienations and controversies, which for a time greatly marred the peace and happiness of the community.
After nine years of pastoral service, Mr. Brown, in conse- quence of renewed opposition and alleged imprudences, was, at his own request, dismissed from his charge, in September, 1804. He continued, however, to remain in the town, and died February, 1838, at the age of eighty. He was, without doubt, a man of sincere piety. Living, as he did, a single life, and possessing certain peculiarities of character, he sub- jected himself to many uncandid and unkind remarks, and in many instances, his movements were no doubt indiscreet, not comporting with the sacredness of the office which he sustained. He uniformly manifested a deep interest in the cause of truth and the advancement of the Redeemer's king- dom, in the salvation of his fellow-men ; and although he was required by the presbytery not to preach or perform any official acts in the parish after his dismission, his conduct as a parishioner was uniformly exemplary and commendable, and he was for nearly thirty years a valued friend and helper to his successor. He experienced severe trials, and towards the closing scene of life, endured many spiritual conflicts ; but we trust that, thus tried and purified, his faith in his Redeemer was found unto praise, and honor, and glory. During the ministry of Mr. Brown, John Nesmith, Daniel
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McKeen, and John Taylor, were added as ruling elders to the session of the church.
In 1809, the third or Congregational parish became united to the Presbyterian society, from which it had seceded, and they were, by an act of the legislature, incorporated as the First Parish of Londonderry. In forming this so desirable a union, each society modified some of its peculiarities in respect to church government. In this they manifested their wisdom and their regard to the common good, and for forty years the union and harmony then commenced have been uninterruptedly continued ; so that the division and aliena- tions once existing are now forgotten. They have, during this period, fully realized how good and how pleasant a thing it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.
The present pastor of this church and society was or- dained, Sept. 12, 1810. The services of the occasion were performed by the following ministers. Rev. Abishai Alden, of Montville, Conn., offered the introductory prayer, Rev. Samuel Worcester, D. D., of Salem, preached the sermon, Rev. Samuel Woods, D.D., of Boscawen, made the consecrat- ing prayer, Rev. William Morrison, D. D., of Londonderry, gave the charge, Rev. Daniel Dana, D. D., of Newburyport, presented the right hand of fellowship, Rev. James Milti- more, of Newbury, addressed the people, and the Rev. John Codman, D. D., of Dorchester, offered the concluding prayer.
Of these beloved and respected brethren who officiated on the occasion, none survive but the venerable Dr. Dana.
On the union of the two churches, they proceeded agree- ably to the articles of their constitution to a choice of elders. The following individuals were elected and set apart to that office. Daniel McKeen, James Palmer, Charles Smith, John Burnham, John Crocker, James Moor, Andrew Moor, David Adams, John Dinsmore, Nathaniel Nourse, and James Gregg. Of this number but one, the last named, now sur- vives, at the age of seventy-seven. Samuel Burnham, Mat-
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thew Clark, Jonathan Adams, Robert Morse, William Choate, James Choate, John Humphrey, Henry Taylor, William Ela, Joseph Jenness, Nathaniel Parker, Abel F. Hildreth, Moses C. Pilsbury, Jesse Webster, William Cogswell, Robert Montgomery, Humphrey Choate, James Choate, Jr., and James Taylor, have been, at successive periods, added to the session, eleven of whom are now ruling elders.
In May, 1816, Elder John Pinkerton, a distinguished bene- factor of the town, died. He had long been a useful, respect- able, and influential citizen, steadfast and active in the support of civil and religious order. By a continued course of industry and prudence in business, he accumulated a large estate. In the distribution of his property, after making provision for his heirs, he bestowed nine thousand dollars upon each of the two Presbyterian societies in town for the support of the gospel, and thirteen thousand as a fund for the support of an academy. His name will be deservedly precious in this place, and be had in lasting and grateful remembrance, for his public and private virtues, as well as for his liberal donations.
The Rev. William Morrison died March 9, 1818, after having been the minister of the West Parish thirty five years. He was born in Scotland, and came to this country while a young man, with a view to obtain an education for the Chris- tian ministry. He was furnished with letters from respecta- ยท ble ministers in Scotland, to several ministers in Philadelphia and New York, who received him kindly and encouraged his pious design. But as the college of New Jersey, for which he was destined, had its operations entirely suspended by the revolutionary war, as was the case with similar institu- tions in the land, he had recourse to academies and private tutors, for the attainment of the requisite classical and gen- eral knowledge. Placing himself under the care of the Associate Reformed Presbytery of New York, he pursued his theological course, under the tuition of the Rev. Robert
.
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Annan, then settled in the vicinity of Philadelphia, subse- quently pastor of the Presbyterian church in Boston. His talents enabled him to surmount the disadvantages of a circumscribed education, and supplied in no common degree, the defects of early culture.
Having received license to preach the gospel, he was soon after employed to supply the desk in the West Parish of Londonderry, then vacant by the death of the Rev. Mr. MacGregor. He soon received a unanimous call from the church and society to become their pastor. He accepted their invitation and was ordained, February 12, 1783. Here he continued for thirty-five years in the assiduous and suc- cessful discharge of the duties of his office. He was a man greatly respected and beloved, not only by his own charge, but by the surrounding communities, which often enjoyed his labors. These labors were, indeed, widely extended, being highly valued and eagerly sought by churches abroad. The following extract from a communication of the Hon. James Wilson, will serve to illustrate the estimation in which he was held, and the interest felt in his pulpit and ministerial services.
"It is among my earliest recollections, that old parson Morrison, of Londonderry, used to come to Peterborough once every year, and hold a protracted religious meeting, of some seven or eight days, during which time he administered the ordinance of baptism to the children of the town, and also the Lord's supper to the communicants of the church, after the forms of the Presbyterian church. It was the most solemn and imposing religious service I ever witnessed. To my childish fancy, at the time, the Rev. old gentleman was a long ways better than other men. I remember to have thought that there would have been no sin in worshipping him a little." The character of Mr. Morrison was correctly delineated by the Rev. Dr. Dana, in a discourse delivered at his funeral; from this discourse the following extracts are taken : -
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" His sermons were purely and strictly evangelical ; were luminous and instructive ; faithful and searching ; awfully alarming to the wicked ; yet encouraging to the sincere, and tenderly consoling to the mourner in Zion. Nor were his prayers less impressive than his sermons. Replete with rev- erence and affectionate devotion ; the breathings of a soul apparently in near communion with its God ; full, yet concise ; adapted to occasions and circumstances ; they could scarcely fail to solemnize and edify the learers.
" His manner, in the sacred desk, was peculiar. It had something of patriarchal simplicity, something of apostolical gravity and authority. Yet it was mild, affectionate, and persuasive. It indicated a mind absorbed in heavenly things, deeply conscious of its awful charge, and anxiously intent to fasten eternal truths on the consciences and hearts of men.
" As a pastor, he was faithful, assiduous, and tender ; instant in season, and out of season ; watching for souls as one that must give account ; and finding his delight in the discharge of the most laborious and exhausting duties of his office. How little did he spare himself, even in those closing years of life, in which his emaciated form proclaimed the ravages of disease, and infirmity, combined with age, seemed to demand repose. He was truly the father of his beloved people. But his cares and labors were by no means confined to his flock. The general interests of Zion ; the peace and welfare of churches near and remote, engaged his feelings, and frequently employed his exertions. Few were so often resorted to, as counsellors, in cases of difficulty ; and few have been so successful in promoting the interests of peace and order.
" He took an energetic and interested part in the variety of plans and institutions, to which the present age has given birth, for disseminating the Scriptures, for extending the knowledge of the gospel, for promoting the power of godli- ness, and effecting a reformation of manners. Every design
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connected with the glory of God, and best interests of man, engaged his cordial concurrence, his active patronage, and his fervent prayers. He was much animated and delighted by the recent signs of the times. If we follow him into the private walks of life, we perceive a character consistent and uniform, estimable and lovely. His piety was strict without austerity, and fervent without enthusiasm. If there was a trait in his character conspicuous above the rest it was benevolence, a benevolence which prompted him to unwearied and self-denying exertions in promoting the real happiness of his fellow-creatures; which inspired candor for their failings, and compassion for their distresses ; which could forgive the injurious, and overcome evil with good."
Dr. Morrison lived to the age of seventy. But eight days before his death, he preached a funeral sermon for one of his congregation from Ps. 39 : 4. " Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is ; that I may know how frail I am." It was emphatically his own funeral sermon. The closing scene of his protracted and useful life was consoling and instructive.
On the. Sabbath preceding his death, his sickness, which had confined him for a few days, assumed an alarming appearance, and he evidently considered his dissolution approaching, but he made it known to his family that he was "not afraid to die." To Mrs. Morrison, he said : " You know that the Sabbath was always my best day, and my employ- ment then, my best employment. But this is the last Sabbath I shall spend on earth. In a short time I shall be spending an everlasting Sabbath." He added, with a smile, "will not that be a blessed exchange ?"
He was much employed during the short period which intervened, in repeating favorite passages of Scripture, and uttering pious thoughts and ejaculations. "O, to be with Jesus!" " Come, Lord Jesus!" were expressions frequently on his lips. "I long," said he, "to be away ; but desire to
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submit." "To be with Christ is far better." The last sen- tence that could be distinctly understood, was, " Come, come, Lord Jesus !" With these words on his lips, he expired without a struggle.
The bereaved parish which had so long been his special charge, voted not only to defray all expenses attending the funeral of their venerated pastor, but to procure a suitable gravestone, which bears the following inscription : -
In memory of
the REVEREND WILLIAM MORRISON, D. D., for 35 years the beloved and honored Pastor of this Church. From nature, he inherited an energetic and capacious mind, with a heart of tenderest sensibility ; from grace, all the virtues which adorn the man and the Christian.
As a Divine, a Preacher, and a Pastor, he held acknowledged eminence. With apostolic simplicity and genuine eloquence, he preached Jesus Christ and him crucified. He died, in sweet peace and animated liope, March 9, 1818, aged 70.
When this Monument, erected by his mourning flock, shall have gone to decay, his dear memory will still remain ; for the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.
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HISTORY OF LONDONDERRY.
This parish, which had from its commencement been so highly favored with pastors of distinguished talent, found it not easy to unite in one as their minister. They made trial of several candidates for settlement ; among these were Mr. Ebenezer Cheever, Mr. Elam Clark, Mr. J. R. Ambler, and S. M. Emerson, to each of whom a call was voted by the parish, but not with unanimity ; it was therefore with propriety declined by these individuals, who were subse- quently settled in respectable and inviting parishes. The people remained destitute of a pastor nearly four years. Rev. Daniel Dana, D. D., having resigned the presidency of Dartmouth College, was with great unanimity invited to become their pastor, and was offered a salary of seven hun- dred dollars, six hundred being voted by the parish, and one hundred dollars added by subscription. He accepted the invitation, and was installed by the Londonderry presby- tery, January 15, 1822. The sermon was preached by his brother, Rev. Samuel Dana, of Marblehead, Mass .; intro- ductory prayer, by Rev. E. P. Bradford ; installing prayer, by Rev. John Kelly; charge, by Rev. James Miltimore; right hand of fellowship, by Rev. E. L. Parker; concluding prayer, by Rev. William Miltimore.
In April, 1826, the pastoral relation of Rev. Dr. Dana to the church and society in the West Parish, was dissolved, at his particular request, with the consent though deep regret of the people, as appears from the following extract from their records : "Although our venerated pastor may have failed to convince us that his reasons for asking a dis- mission are sufficient to justify his removal, an event which we cannot contemplate but with painful emotions, yet such is our affectionate regard for him, and our disposition to adopt such measures as will most promote his interest and happiness, that we consider it our duty not to oppose his dis- mission." An expression of feeling alike honorable to their beloved minister, and to themselves. This was the first
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instance of a dismissal in that religious society, since its organization, which was nearly a century.
Dr. Dana having retired from his charge in Londonderry, was shortly after installed pastor of the second Presbyterian church and society in Newburyport.
The West Parish, now vacant, was supplied by Stephen D. Ward, as a candidate for settlement, afterwards by Mr. Ebenezer Everett, to each of whom a call was voted, but not with sufficient unanimity to justify, in their view, an acceptance. Mr. Amasa A. Hayes being introduced to the parish, after supplying the desk for a few months, was, with- out a dissenting voice, invited to become their pastor, with a salary of six hundred dollars annually. The call was accepted, and he was ordained June 25, 1828. The follow- ing was the order of exercises : Introductory prayer, by Rev. Stephen Morse ; sermon, by Rev. Leonard Woods, D. D .; charge, by Rev. E. P. Bradford ; right hand of fellowship, by Rev. Calvin Cutler ; ordaining prayer, by Rev. Peter Holt ; address to the people, by Rev. Thomas Savage; con- cluding prayer, by Rev. John Kelly.
The pastoral connection thus happily formed, and with great promise of usefulness, was soon dissolved. Mr. Hayes had no sooner entered upon the duties of his office, than his health began to decline; though he continued to minister to his beloved charge for more than two years, amidst much weakness and suffering, until his labors were suddenly closed by death, October 23, 1830, in the thirty-third year of his age.
Rev. Amasa A. Hayes was born in Granby, Connecticut, January, 1798. He was graduated at Yale College, in 1824, and the same ycar he entered the Theological Seminary at Andover, Mass. Having completed the prescribed course at that Institution, he received license to preach the gospel, in 1827. Immediately on leaving the Seminary at Andover, he was employed as a candidate for settlement in London-
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derry, and continued to supply the church there most of the time until his settlement the succeeding year.
The following remarks, respecting the character of the Rev. Mr. Hayes, are taken from the discourse delivered at his funeral, by the writer of the present work : "The early decline and final departure of that beloved brother and fel- low-laborer, whose lifeless form is now before us, has saddened our hearts. Though permitted to remain not long with us ; though but lately consecrated, in this place, to the work of the ministry, and though the great Head of the church so weakened his strength in the way, during this short period, that he was able but seldom to meet his ministerial brethren in the interchange of services, or at their more public meet- ings ; yet we have all known enough of the beloved man, of his Christian spirit, his devotedness to his work, and his winning deportment, to endear him to our hearts. Of his fidelity and ability as a preacher, of his engaging and affec- tionate manners as a pastor, the united and strong attachment which this people have borne to him, even while unable to meet their calls, is a sufficient testimony. In patience under . sufferings, which were severe and protracted, in resignation to the divine will, and in Christian fortitude, he was indeed an example. While many, with half the infirmity and suffering which he for months experienced, would have relinquished all attempts at active service, he was seen attending in some good degree to the state of his flock, preparing beaten oil for the sanctuary, and ministering with animation in this holy place. It was his often-expressed desire, that he might not long survive his usefulness, and in this he was singularly indulged. But a few days since, he here conducted, unassisted, the services of a communion Sabbath, and ate with his beloved flock the Christian passover. Yea, it was in the sacred desk, engaged in a labor of love to my own people, that his tongue began to falter, and symptoms of his speedy dissolution to appear. He hastened from the pulpit to his home, there to
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lie down and die. He loved, indeed, his divine Master, and he loved his work. But alas ! God was pleased to weaken his strength in the way, and to shorten his days. The exer- cise of his rational powers was suspended but for a short time. Although unable to say much, his mind appeared calm and serene. His faith and hope in the divine Redeemer disarmed death of its sting, and the grave of its terrors ; and we have good reason to believe, that he has died in the Lord, that he has rested from all his painful labors, and now enjoys the reward of a good and faithful servant of Jesus Christ. It is, indeed, to be lamented, that the life and useful- ness of this man of God have so soon come to a close. His death is a dark dispensation, which calls for mourning ; also for submission ; for the Lord has done it."
At a meeting of the West Parish in Londonderry, Sept. 12, 1831, it was voted to give Mr. John R. Adams a call to settle in the ministry in said parish; and to give him six hundred dollars annually, as his salary. Mr. Adams accepted the call, and was ordained October 5, 1831. The order of exercises was as follows : Introductory prayer, by Rev. Mr. Bradford, of New Boston ; sermon, by the Rev. Mr. Cowles, of Danvers, Mass. ; ordaining prayer, by the Rev. Mr. Kelly, of Hampstead; the charge, by Rev. Mr. Holt, of Peter- borough ; right hand of fellowship, by the Rev. Mr. Parker, of Derry ; address to the society, by Rev. Dr. Church, of Pelham ; concluding prayer, by Rev. Mr. Savage, of Bed- ford. Mr. Adams is a son of John Adams, Esq., formerly of Andover, twenty-two years principal of Phillips Academy. He graduated at Yale College, 1821, and completed his theo- logical course at the Seminary in Andover, 1826. In 1832, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Ann MacGregor, daughter of Colonel Robert MacGregor, of Derry, and granddaughter of Rev. David MacGregor, the first minister of the West Parish in Londonderry.
January 1, 1834, Jonathan Humphrey, James Perkins,
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and Robert Boyd, Jr., having been elected elders, were con- secrated to that office.
In September, 1838, Mr. Adams resigned his pastoral charge, and was dismissed by the Londonderry presbytery in October following. He was subsequently installed over the Evangelical church in Brighton, Mass., and is now the pastor of the Congregational church and society in Gorham, Me.
The Presbyterian society in Londonderry, after having been supplied by several candidates for settlement, Sep- tember 8, 1840, extended an unanimous call to Mr. Timothy G. Brainerd, to settle over them as their pastor, offering him a salary of six hundred dollars, to be paid semi-annually. The call was accepted; and Mr. Brainerd was ordained November 6, 1840. The order of exercises on the occasion was the following: Reading of the Scriptures, by Rev. Ste- phen T. Allen, of Merrimack ; introductory prayer, by Rev. Calvin Cutler, of Windham; sermon, by Rev. Dr. Woods, of Andover ; ordaining prayer, by Rev. E. P. Bradford, of New Boston : charge to the candidate, by Rev: E. L. Parker, of Derry ; right hand of fellowship, by Rev. P. B. Day, of Derry ; concluding prayer, by Rev. J. M. C. Bartley, of Hampstead. Mr. Brainerd was born in the city of Troy, N. Y., but in early life removed with his parents to St. Albans, Vt., where he remained until he completed his studies preparatory for college. He graduated at Yale Col- lege, in the class of 1830. After his graduation, he spent several years in teaching, at Wethersfield, Conn., at Mere- dith, N. Y., and at Randolph, Vt. He also engaged in the study of law, which he pursued until he was nearly quali- fied for admission to the bar. But while at Randolph, his views of duty and usefulness underwent a change, which led him to the choice of the Christian ministry as his employ- ment for life. His theological studies were pursued at Andover, Mass., where he graduated in 1839. In 1841, he
Win Anderson J. Del.
PRESBYTERIAN MEETINGHOUSE AND PARSONAGE LONDONDERRY
B.W. Thayer & Cos Lith.
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ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY.
married Miss Harriet P. Cilley, a native of Nottingham, N. H., daughter of Major Jacob Cilley, and granddaughter of General Joseph Cilley, of Nottingham, and of General Enoch Poor, of Exeter, N. H., both officers in the army of the Revolution. She died September 23, 1848, aged thirty- seven years, leaving four daughters. Mr. Brainerd is still pastor of the Presbyterian society in Londonderry.
In 1836, the Presbyterian society in Londonderry voted to build a meeting-house, to be located on the west side of the Mammoth Road, at the corner and north of the old road leading from Captain Isaac McAlester's house. The house was accordingly built and located agreeably to the above vote ; and at a parish meeting, August 21, 1837, it was voted that divine service commence at the new meeting- house the first Sabbath after it shall have been dedicated.
In consequence of the removal of the place of worship a mile west from the old meeting-house, a considerable number of families on the easterly side of the parish were disaffected. And as their attendance upon divine worship was rendered more inconvenient, they withdrew from the parish, and, uniting with families residing in the lower village of Derry and that vicinity, formed a Congregational church and society. A preliminary meeting, to consider the expediency of form- ing a church in the village, was held July 8, 1837. After due deliberation, it was decided to call a council for this purpose, on the third day of August following. The council met on that day, agreeably to letters missive, and proceeded to organize a church, to be called the " First Congregational Church in Derry." The reasons assigned for forming another church were, that the population in the village was increas- ing ; that there was an important literary institution there, and that the inhabitants might enjoy increased facilities for meeting on the Sabbath, and for occasional religious exer- cises.
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