USA > New Hampshire > Rockingham County > Windham > The history of Windham in New Hampshire (Rockingham country). 1719-1883. A Scotch settlement (commonly called Scotch-Irish), embracing nearly one third of the ancient settlement and historic township of Londonderry, N.H > Part 15
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Much of this same spirit existed in the early settlers here, and it has not entirely died out in their descendants.
A part of the southwesterly portion of Salem was once included in this town, and its people worshipped with the Scotch people in the meeting-house on the hill. They were English people and "Congregationals," and there was but little affinity or sympathy between the two almost distinct classes who met from Sabbath to Sabbath, and this distinction was a moving and influential cause of the dismemberment of this section from Windham and annex- ation to Salem, Jan. 9, 1752.
This fact is noticed in another chapter. It is customary to ascribe to our first settlers nearly all the good qualities that can belong to the race. While they possessed many rare and noble qualities, and while I yield to few in my respect for their characters and memory, candor compels me to say that "the fathers" did not possess all the qualities that "are lovely and of good report." The spirit of compromise did not exist in their natures. Each man wanted his own way, and did not readily yield to the views of the majority. This is seen in their legisla- tion on religious as well as secular affairs. Each was over-sensi- tive lest his individual rights should not be respected, and so leg- islation was seldom satisfactory to the mass of the people. There was continual legislation, and continued protest from those who could not have their own precious way.
The softening influence of time has taken away from their descendants some of their sharp characteristics, and a longer acquaintance with republican institutions has given broader views and a readier acquiescence in the rule of the majority in religious and secular affairs.
My late esteemed friend, the Rev. Charles Packard, had kindly consented to prepare this chapter on ecclesiastical history. He was ready to commence the task, when the messenger came, and earthly burdens were laid down.
I have taken up the work which fell from his hands, and make copious extracts from an historical sermon delivered by him, July 9, 1876, on "The Church in Windham; Foundation, Progress, and Present Condition ; Other Institutions." (Text, Ps. Ixxviii. 4.)
" In the act for incorporating the people into a distinct parish, there was the provision that they ' should from time to time, pro- vide, maintain, and support an orthodox minister of the gospel among them,' a provision that they promptly attended to; for at their first meeting to organize the parish under this act, March 8,
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HISTORY OF WINDHAM IN NEW HAMPSHIRE.
1741, there was this article in the warrant, 'To see what method yon will take, in order to have the gospel preached to us'; and it was voted on this article 'that Nathaniel Hemphill attend the presbytery at Boston in order to have a supplier to preach the gospel to-us.'
" In July, 1742, the parish voted a call to Rev. William John- ston to settle with them upon a salary of €150, and £120 settling money. He was not, however, installed as pastor until the begin- ning of 1747, agreeably to a vote of the parish on Dec. 25, 1746, and then by the Londonderry Presbytery. His salary was £200, and a settlement of £300. At the time of his settlement, or soon after, Nathaniel Hemphill, Samuel Kinkcad, and John Kyle were chosen ruling elders. In July, 1752, Mr. Johnston was dismissed from his pastorate, not, as it appears, from any dis- affection of the people or impropriety of conduct, but for want of support. During his ministry there was no meeting-house for public worship, although the question of building one was several times considered in parish meeting. Their meetings during this time, when the season would admit, were held in barns. Thus the entry in the parish records for May 18, 1747, is, "Voted to hold the sermon at John Kyle's barn one half of the time, and the other half at William Thom's barn."
" Already, in 1729, the town of Londonderry, of which Wind- ham was then a part, on account of the distance and inconven- ience of that part of the town called Cobbett's Pond in assen- bling with the main body of the inhabitants for public worship, had voted a ministerial lot for the inhabitants of that part, that provision might be made for public worship of their own; and in 1753 a meeting-house was built in that part of the parish south of Cobbett's Pond. Feb. 12, 1754, the parish voted to accept the meeting-house, and to defray the expense of building it. The question of location had, however, delayed the building of it, as there was a difference of opinion concerning it; neither on the vote of final acceptance was there entire harmony, some entering their protest.
" After several ineffectnal attempts to obtain a minister, the parish, by their commissioner, David Gregg, applied to the synod of Philadelphia, and obtained John Kinkead, who was installed pastor by the Londonderry Presbytery in October, 1760, with a salary of £1,300 old tenor (£6 being worth one dollar) ; also, £1,300 by way of settlement, and £970 to meet expenses of removal from Philadelphia. Soon after his settlement, -
John Armstrong, Samuel Campbell,
John Morrow, Gawin Armor, John Tufts,
Samuel Morison,
David Gregg,
Robert Hopkins,
were added to the eldership. Though Mr. Kinkead possessed respectable talents and acquirements as a preacher, he lost the confidence and respect of his people, by not maintaining a
125
REV. SIMON WILLIAMS BECOMES PASTOR, 1766.
Christian and ministerial character, and was dismissed in April, 1765.
"In August, 1766, the parish presented a call to Mr. Simon Wil- liams, and in December following he was ordained over the church as pastor by the Boston Presbytery."
It will be noticed that, while Rev. William Johnston and Rev. John Kinkead were settled over the church by the Londonderry Presbytery, Rev. Mr. Williams was settled by the Boston Presby- tery. The reason for this, Rev. Alexander Blaikie, D. D., of Phil- adelphia, has explained in a personal letter bearing date April 5, 1881, which I give with additional information : -
" The original Londonderry Presbytery was constituted pre- vious to 1729, and expired by depletion about 1765. It was called the Presbytery of Londonderry, and nicknamed the Irish Pres- bytery. The Rev. David McGregor, when he received the call from the West Parish of Londonderry, was ordained in 1737, in the absenec of a majority of the members of said court ; but at the next meeting, those who ordained him, Rev. Mr. Moorehead, of Federal-street Church, Boston, and Rev. Mr. Harvey, of Palmer, Mass., were inquired of by Rev. Mr. Dunlap and others why they did ordain him in the absence of the majority, and the Presbytery refused him a seat. His ordination was admitted to be lawful, but irregular. As he was refused a seat, the ordainers stood on their dignity, and Moorehead being moderator, left the house, accompanied by Harvey and McGregor. Moorehead and Harvey refusing to return without McGregor, and the others refusing to receive him, the strife became so bitter that the majority suspended Moorehead and Harvey. They for years had no Presbytery until, about 1743-4, Rev. Ralph Abercrombie came from Scotland, received a call from Pelham, Mass., was ordained by a council, of which, besides Moorehead and Harvey, was the Rev. Jonathan Edwards and others. Mr. Abercrombie, having been licensed by a Presbytery in Scotland, was desirous of con- tinning a Presbyterian in Pelham, and on consultation with Moorehead and McGregor, they having found their congregations favorably disposed, did on the third Wednesday of March, 1745, observe a day of fasting and prayer in view of their assuming presbyterial responsibilities. The three ministers, with their elders, did at the appointed time adopt the Westminster stand- ards and constitute the court. It would probably have been called the Presbytery of Londonderry, but that would produce confusion, so they called it the Boston Presbytery. It began in 1745, at one time developed into a synod with three Presbyteries, Salem, Mass., Londonderry, N. H., and Palmer, Mass., and in less than eight years it was contracted into the Presbytery of Salem, and expired about or near 1793."
In May, 1794, was formed a union of the associated reformed Presbytery of Londonderry, and of the Eastern Presbytery. This body was called the Presbytery of Londonderry. This title it
126
HISTORY OF WINDHAM IN NEW HAMPSHIRE.
retained till 1869. On Nov. 12, 1869, the branches of the Pres- byterian Church called the Old and New schools, reunited, and through the influence of Rev. James B. Dann, of Boston, this presbytery was unfortunately and improperly called the Boston Presbytery, and this name it still retains.
In istý. there existed in the six New England States thirty- tive or thirty-six Presbyterian churches, one half of which were not self-sustaining .*
The yearly salary of Rev. Mr. Williams " was 270, which in value was $233.33. besides a settlement of 260, or $200, with the use of the parsonage, and paying the expenses of his removal. llis ministry continued twenty-seven years, until Nov. 10. 1793, when he died, aged 64 years.
" During his ministry the following were ordained ruling elders : -
John Dinsmoor. Robert Park.
John Anderson. Robert Dinsmoor.
William Gres. Alexander McCoy.
Samuel Morison.
" The meeting-house, though built, was not at once finished : and at a meeting of the parish. Jan. 9. 1772. it was voted to finish
INSIDE VIEW OF CHURCH, WITH . UNUUNG-BOARD OVER THE PULPIT.
" From Lower if Ro. AFvarer BAK !. D. p., author of - History of Fre Vleridus.0 in New Fogland." Marog date Sept. 3. 1.7 ?.
127
FIRST CHURCH AT THE CENTRE OF WINDHAM, 1798.
the house above and below by erecting pews in it, agrecably to a . plan exhibited that day by a committee appointed for the purpose. Also, March 31, 1772, it was voted to ' joice, lathe, and plaster it.' And Sept. 12, 1776, it was voted ' to repair the session house.'
The foregoing cut gives a pretty clear idea of the high square pews and the elevated pulpit in the old inceting-house, from which with " solemn look " the clergymen of Windham looked down upon their listening flock and expounded to them the Word of Life. Over the pulpit is the " sounding-board," which was found in nearly all " meeting-houses " formerly. There was one in the first meeting-house " on the hill," but not in the old meet- ing-house at the centre of the town.
" But soon after the death of Mr. Williams, in 1793, the question of building a new meeting-house at a more central and convenient point than the place where this house stood was raised, and the agitation of this question produced such contention as not only to delay the settlement of another pastor, but to lead to a separa- tion of some of the families from the congregation residing in the southeast part of the town and vicinity, in consequence of the decision to built a new meeting-house near the centre of the town. This was what is now our town-house, which was built in 1798." It was raised July 5, 1798. The first sermon was preached in it, May 18, 1800, by Rev. William Morrison, D. D., of Londonderry. " From 1793 to 1805, the ordinances were occasionally adminis- tered, and provision was made for the preaching of the Gospel; but there was no step taken to obtain a pastor until the 4th of June, 1805, when the town presented a call to Mr. Samuel Harris, and he was ordained pastor of the church by the Londonderry Presbytery, the 9th of October following, with a salary of $400 and a small settlement. Just before his ordination the parsonage was sold, and the avails vested in a permanent fund for the sup- port of the ministry. His relation as pastor continued until Dee. 6, 1826, or a little more than twenty-one years, when he was dis- missed in consequence of losing his voice; but afterwards recov- ering it, he supplied in other places, but resided in town until his death, Sept. 5, 1848, aged 74 years. Mr. Harris was respected and beloved by his people, and successful in his ministry. The church, through his instrumentality, was brought to a higher stand- ard of piety and Christian discipline, and in 1822 was blessed with a powerful revival of religion, the first general revival that had occurred in town. During his ministry, sixty-eight were added to the church, and eleven to the eldership, namely, -
David Gregg. Jesse Anderson. James W. Perkins.
James Davidson. Samnel Davidson. Jacob E. Evans.
William Davidson.
Jacob P. Johnson.
David MeCleary.
Jolin Davidson.
Eleazer Barrett.
" Feb. 6, 1828, the church and society extended a call to Rev. Calvin Cutler to become their pastor, and he was installed over them April 9, 1828, with a salary of $450. His pastoral relation
128
HISTORY OF WINDHAM IN NEW HAMPSHIRE.
. to them continued until his death, which occurred Feb. 17, 1844, in the fifty-third year of his age. During these sixteen years of his ministry with his people, he labored vigorously and success- fully to advance the interests of religion. Members of this flock, still living, speak of him as a man of strong mind, earnest pur- pose, and devoted piety, and as a preacher who gave them strong meat as well as milk for their spiritual nourishment. In 1831 there was a powerful revival of religion in connection with a pro- tracted meeting. It was estimated that one hundred persons were the subjects of this work. One hundred and sixty-two were received to this church during Mr. Cutler's ministry, of whom one hundred and thirty-five were by profession. Of these, sixty were received at one time. In 1833 a division of feeling arose in the town in regard to the use of the meeting-house and ministerial fund, known as the ' Wilson Fund,' which resulted in the with- drawal of the church and society from the old house, and in the erection of a new one, -the one in which we now worship, which was built in 1834 [raised June 27-29], and which is secured by deed to the use of the Presbyterian Church and Society in Wind- ham." This house was dedicated Jan. 14, 1835, and the dedica- tion sermon was preached by Rev. Mr. Cutler. Text, Ps. Ixv. 1. " Mr. Cutler ordained the following-named persons as ruling elders : -
Samuel Anderson. Jacob Harris.
Jonathan Cochran.
Silas Moor. David Campbell.
Benjamin Blanchard. David A. Davidson.
Joseph Park.
Theodore Dinsmoor.
Rei Hills.
His impress on the people was evidently a marked one, as he is spoken of as greatly respected and beloved by them. His interest in the cause of temperance and of Sabbath schools, as well as in the line of other Christian efforts, appears in the records of the session, and is remembered by those still living.
" After Mr. Cutler's death, there was preaching by supplies one year and eight months, when on Nov. 5, 1845, Mr. Loren Thayer was ordained as his successor, with a salary of $500, having received a call from this church and society, Aug. 23 of that year. Like most of his predecessors in the pastoral office, his ministry continued with this people while he was able to perform the duties of a pastor. After a pastorate of more than twenty years, his relation was dissolved April 25, 1866, in consequence of disease that terminated in his death Sept. 19, 1869, at the age of fifty-four years, and he lies buried among his own people, as is true of his three predecessors. The memory of Mr. Thayer is too fresh in the minds of this people to need any particular description of his character and ministry, on this occasion. But you cherish his memory as a pastor, respected and beloved, who labored long and faithfully for your spiritual welfare and that of those who have passed away with him. He labored in faith for many years before seeing a general revival of religion in connection with his minis-
×
L
-
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
TOWN HALL.
129
REPAIRING THE CHURCHI, 1874.
try. But this he was permitted to witness in 1864. During this revival there were one hundred inquirers at a single meeting. As fruits of it, about fifty were received to the church at a following communion. The whole number received to the church during Mr. Thayer's ministry is one hundred and fifty ; one hundred and eighteen by profession and thirty-two by letter; and one elder was added to the eldership, viz. Samuel Campbell.
" After an interval of more than a year in stated supplies, the church and society extended a call, Jan. 20, 1868, to Mr. Joseph Lanman to become their pastor, who was installed over them June 2, 1868, with a salary of $800 and use of a parsonage, to be built. A convenient and pleasant house for this purpose was accordingly built in 1868, at an expense of some more than three thousand dollars." The building committee were John Campbell, Joseph C. Armstrong, and George W. Weston. "Mr. Lanman's ministry commenced auspiciously, but after laboring nearly four years, he resigned Dec. 25, 1871, and was dismissed Feb. 6, 1872. During his ministry ten were received to the church, of whom eight were by profession. The pulpit was then supplied by differ- ent ministers, until the present pastor [Charles Packard] was called, March 10, 1873, and installed April 29, 1873, with a salary of 8800 and the use of the parsonage.'
At the annual meeting of the Presbyterian Religious Society in April, 1874, it was voted to make thorough repairs of the church. Dea. Samuel Campbell, William C. Harris, and William D. Cochran were chosen a repair committee. Their labors were . commeneed the following September, and the work was consum- mated at an outlay of $2,600, so that the house was rededicated Dec. 29, 1874. Rev. Charles Packard delivered the sermon, and a hymn, written by Rev. W. R. Cochrane, of Antrim, was sung by the choir of sixteen voices. The house was filled by an appre- ciative audience, and the exercises were of an interesting nature. A beautiful chandelier, with side lamps for the pulpit, and settees and lamps for the choir, purchased at a cost of one hundred and eighty-seven dollars by the absent sons and daughters of Wind- ham, were, in behalf of the donors, presented by Mr. Isaac A. Cochran, of Melrose, Mass., who stated that this " was a work of love." A resolution of thanks was passed, which was voted to be recorded on the record book of the society with the names of the donors.
" It is a remarkable coincidence, that just one year after a religious interest was developed in connection with a visit of a committee of the Young Men's Christian Association, that led on during the weeks and months that followed, in the beginning of 1876, to a general and powerful revival of religion. That visit of Dec. 28-30 will not soon be forgotten, nor will the meetings and scenes that followed. That cloud of mercy that rested down upon us; that outpouring of the Spirit; that flock of inquiring souls, more than sixty of whom gained light, and hope, and
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HISTORY OF WINDHAM IN NEW HAMPSHIRE.
strength as Christians; those precious seasons of Christian com- munion and nearness to Christ and heaven, we remember still. Nor will they ever be forgotten by those who witnessed them, still less by those who were personally interested in them. How cheering to those who had borne for so many years the burden and heat of the day, as well as to the pastor of the flock; and how blessed to all who were the subjects of the work!
" The cause of Sabbath schools has also enlisted a deep interest from its earliest history among us. The first Sabbath school in town was organized in connection with Mr. Harris's ministry, the previous custom of teaching the children the catechism by the pastor as well as parents, assuming the Sabbath-school form in his day.
" But it was 'the day of small things' with this as with other things. Beginning with the children, as did Robert Raikes, who founded Sabbath schools, the pioneers in this cause laid such foun- dations that they have gradually grown into their present com- manding proportions and importance. After the children, then it was the youth who should be found in the Sabbath school, although at first many, as some do now, repelled the idea as if too old. Then it included adults, both old and young, as if none were too old or too wise to learn still more of the deep things and the all-important things of God's Word. And now we see all classes joined in the social study of the Scriptures; and more than this, all Sabbath schools in the land studying the same lesson on the same Sabbath !
"The Sabbath school beginning in Windham during Mr. Harris's ministry, was ardently sustained under that of Mr. Cut- ler, and has been growing in favor and numbers and success under successive ministers and superintendents, and is in a prosperous condition at the present time. Few congregations have a larger percentage of the whole number in the Sabbath school, than has our own. It is pleasant to see so few turning from it, when the morning service is ended ; it would be still more pleasant to see none, but all rather taking seats as scholars, to learn that wisdom from above that will make one truly wise. As evidence of the great value that attaches to a connection with the Sabbath school, is the fruit of the Sabbath school, as well as other religious train- ing, in the early piety and Christian character of so many of its members. How large a percentage of converts to Christ do revi- vals, and even individual cases show, come from the Sabbath school !
" Sept. 14, 1829, I find the following record of a meeting of the session : 'After consultation on the low state of singing in the congregation, Voted, that it is expedient to adopt some measures to revive sacred music.' What measures were adopted I do not learn ; but this shows, by contrast with our present singing, what progress has been made in sacred music by those who have led our devotions in singing during the nearly fifty years that have
131
DISSOLUTION OF CHURCH AND STATE.
passed since this entry was made. It is well known in the towns around, as well as by ourselves, to what excellence our choir for church singing have attained ; and I refer to it, not in the spirit of flattery or pride, but as one of the improvements of the cen- tury to this people, for which praise is due to God.
" Objects of Christian benevolence have not always received that measure of regard that is due them. Some years the amount contributed has exceeded $300, but more commonly has fallen below that amount, and in later years has been less than $200. Many, who have formerly given the most liberally, have died or removed from town, and their places have not been filled. But according as the people have means, we trust the children will imitate the example of the fathers in the grace of liberality as well as in other graces, and not only so, but abound in it, as the Apostle exhorts us to do. Of the fathers who devised liberal things, mention should here be made of Jeremiah Hills, who left a ministerial fund of $2,000, and a church-repair fund of $1,000; of the mothers, more recently, $100 were left for the ministerial fund by Mrs. Harriet Dinsmoor; this in addition to nearly $2,000 left by James Wilson of Londonderry for the same purpose, in the infancy of the town."
The pastorate of Rev. Charles Packard was closed by his death, Feb. 20, 1881. It was one of eminent usefulness, and he died beloved and lamented by the people of the church and town. During his ministry fifty-three were added to the church, forty- three by profession ; and twenty-seven joined in May, 1876. The number of members of the church at the present time is one hundred and thirty-eight ; males forty-five, females ninety-three. The number in 1826 was one hundred and seven ; males thirty- three, females seventy-four; increase in fifty years, thirty-one. The number at one time was as high as two hundred. During the pastorate of Mr. Packard three persons were ordained ruling elders, Dec. 26, 1878, namely, William C. Harris, Horace Ander- son, and William D. Cochran.
SABBATH SCHOOL.
In addition to the notice prepared by Rev. Charles Packard, the following information is given in relation to it and its officers.
The Sabbath school was commenced in 1817, during the minis- try of Rev. Mr. Harris. Previous to 1832, a Sabbath-school society was formed, with constitution and by-laws, and superin- tendents, teachers, and other officers were elected year by year. A valuable library exists in connection with the school, of which an account is given. '(See chapter on Libraries.) The Sabbath school is in a thriving condition, and includes most of the con- gregation. Since 1832, the following persons have acted as superintendents : -
132
HISTORY OF WINDHAM IN NEW HAMPSHIRE.
Rev. Calvin Cutler, Dea. Jonathan Cochran, Dr. Milton Ward, 1832, '33, '34, '35, "36, '37, '38, and these same officers are supposed to have served till 1841.
Rev. Calvin Cutler, Dea. Silas Moore, Jeremiah Morrison, 1841.
Rev. Calvin Cutler, JJeremiah Morrison, David Armstrong, 1842-43. Mr. Cutler died in office.
Jeremiah Morrison, David Armstrong, Rei Hills, 1844-45.
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