USA > Vermont > Windham County > Rockingham > History of the town of Rockingham, Vermont, including the villages of Bellows Falls, Saxtons River, Rockingham, Cambridgeport and Bartonsville, 1753-1907, with family genealogies > Part 16
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This bell was cast by the noted firm of bell founders and bears the inscription,
" Revere & Son Boston Mass. Presented by Gen. Amasa Allen, 1819."
The senior partner of this firm was the Paul Revere whom Longfellow immortalized in "Paul Revere's Ride," and the
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History of Rockingham
possession of it is taken pride in by both the village and the church. June 29, 1819, the members of the parish united with the citizens of Bellows Falls in tendering to General Allen, who was one of the wealthy and prominent citizens of Walpole, N. H., a banquet at Webb's new hotel that had two years before been erected upon the east side of the Square. A large and distinguished gathering resulted, at which the after-dinner speeches were continued until the morning hours.
When the island was being graded in the building of the railroad about 1850, a large stone weighing about eighty pounds was thrown by a blast entirely over the Square and descended through the roof of Immanuel church. It struck the cornice on the north side directly back of the organ, cutting off one or two rafters, falling just outside the wall. The place where it was repaired always showed until the church was removed.
As early as 1861, during the rectorship of Dr. Oliver, steps were taken looking toward the raising of funds for the present modern church building. On July 1, 1863, it was decided to erect a new church edifice. Plans and speci- fications for a Gothic church of stone to seat about six hun- dred persons were obtained and work was at once begun on the building. The following committees served : On plans, Rev. Andrew Oliver, Col. Alexander Fleming and William P. Wentworth : on subscriptions, James H. Williams, H. E. Stoughton and Aaron Arms : building committee, Asa Went- worth, Wyman Flint and John Arms. Of all these, who so faithfully served in their time, only Wyman Flint remains with us.
On the 25th of December, 1867, the new church was opened for the first time and the congregation rejoiced in the possession of a house of worship surpassed in beauty by few in the diocese of Vermont. The original cost was about $30,000 but the property has been increased since the erection of the church, until it now has a valuation of about $75,000. In the year 1891, Schouler Memorial Parish House, a beautiful stone structure connected with the church
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Centennial of Immanuel Church
building, was presented by the late Mrs. James H. Williams, 2d, in memory of her parents.
In 1869, a church school for girls was established, known as St. Agnes Hall, the site being the location of the present high school building. This was in successful operation under the supervision of Miss Jane Hapgood, its precep- tress, for over twenty years, and the graduates from that institution are now scattered over a large part of the world.
The centennial anniversary of the signing of the first articles of the church was appropriately celebrated July 28, 1898. A large gathering of those interested in the church were present. An admirable historical address was given by Rev. S. H. Webb of Providence, R. I., a former member of the church. The exercises began the previous evening and continued throughout the day and evening of the 28th. A reception by the parish upon the grounds in the evening of the 28th was followed by a collation and post prandial exercises, at which Rt. Rev. A. C. A. Hall, bishop of the Vermont diocese, took a prominent part.
CHAPTER XIV.
CHURCHES ORGANIZED DURING THE 19TH CENTURY
The first church organized in town in the 10th century, and next to the oldest church now in existence in Rocking- ham, is the First Baptist Church of Saxtons River Village. Its organization marked the first effort to establish religious worship in that village, and during all the years of its history it has exerted a strong influence upon its citizenship.
November 26, 1807, the first meeting of citizens of Saxtons River Village, irrespective of religious affiliations, was held to arrange for a house of worship, resulting in the completion two years later of the "Old South Meeting- house " of the town, as recorded in Chapter XII. An effort to secure preaching was only partially successful. Different clergymen preached in the new building occasion- ally, but the first regular pastor of the village was Rev. Joseph Elliott. The meeting-house was most frequently occupied by Baptist preachers, even before the organization of that church.
June 18, 1812, a church was organized, consisting of six- teen members, ten males and six females, bearing the name " The Baptist Church of Christ in Westminster and Rocking- ham." This church was recognized the same day by an ecclesiastical council convened at Westminster West, of which Rev. Aaron Leland of Chester, Vt., was moderator, and Rev. Joseph Elliot, clerk. The following were the original members, Benjamin Smith, John Tuthill, Samuel Tuthill, Samuel Mason, Enoch Usher, Mary Mason, John Pulsipher, Lucretia Roundy, Lucy Roundy, Nicholas Bools, (Bolles) William Wilder, Sarah Smith, Daniel Mason, Daniel Waite, Elizabeth Waite and Mary Perry. The churches represented in this council were: Chester and Grafton, Vt., Alstead, Chesterfield and Hinsdale, N. H. Of the original sixteen
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Baptist Church of Saxtons River
members, eight united by letters from the church in West- minster, two from the church in Chester, and six by "experience."
July 2, 1812, two persons were baptized, the ordinance being administed by the Rev. Joseph Elliot, who continued to labor as supply for a part of the time, until January 19, 1814, on which day he was duly installed as pastor. Dele- gates were present at this installation from the churches in Windsor, Alstead, Cornish and Grafton, the two latter being represented only by lay-men. Rev. Jeremiah Higby of Alstead was moderator of the council, and Abner Forbes of Windsor, clerk. Mr. Higby offered the introductory prayer and gave the charge to the candidate. Rev. Joshua Bradley of Windsor preached the sermon, made the consecrating prayer and gave the right hand of fellowship. The first deacons of the church were Benjamin Smith, Samuel Mason and Daniel Mason. The first clerk was John Tuthill. Mr. Elliot's pastorate continued without interruption until Feb- ruary 22, 1822, when, at his own request, it was voted to dis- miss him from the pastoral care of the church. During his pastorate there were added by baptism one hundred and nineteen, and by letter twenty-four.
For the succeeding five years the church was without a regular pastor. Among those who acted as supply were Rev. Willard Kimball, who preached for one year, and Rev. Joseph Freeman, then a young man, afterwards an efficient pastor of the church. During the five years mentioned, Rev. Sereno Taylor also preached a year. He was an open com- munionist, although, possibly, the fact was not generally known until the church had hired him. He was ordained as pastor November 2, 1824.
A great religious awakening attended his pastorate, but many of the members of his church were opposed to his views. For this reason Mr. Taylor with twenty of his con- verts, on January 1, 1825, formed an " Open Communion " Baptist church. It is said to have been the first church of that faith in New England and possibly in the entire country.
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History of Rockingham
Mr. Taylor remained pastor of the open communion church, formed under his direction until January, 1827, when he removed to Winchester, N. H. After his departure, the open communion church changed its articles of faith, and, later, became the Congregational Church of Saxtons River.
January 19, 1827, Rev. Joseph Elliot was requested to return and resume the pastorate of the close communion church, which he did. During the five years between the two pastorates of Mr. Elliot, sixty-six were added by baptism and one by letter. Mr. Elliot's second pastorate continued until 1830, and resulted in the addition of twelve members, eight by baptism and four by letter.
During a period of eleven years from June 10, 1822, eight young men from this church were licensed to preach the gospel, viz. : Bela Wilcox, Joseph Gambol, Benjamin Dean, Jr., Abner Goodell, Erastus Willard, Charles H. Peabody, Orlando Cunningham and Charles Bolles. In June of 1830, an effort was made to unite the two churches of the village on a compromise basis, but through the stead- fastness of Deacon Mason and other leading members of this church, it failed.
August 14, 1830, Rev. Richard M. Ely was elected pastor and continued as such until December, 1835, the church worshipping a part of the time in the meeting-house and a part of the time in the old brick school-house. During Mr. Ely's pastorate, seventy-six members were added by baptism and nine by letter.
Rev. Joseph Freeman became pastor in 1836 and remained with the church until December 8, 1839. During his pastorate, sixty-six members were added by baptism and twenty by letter.
During the pastorates of both Messrs. Ely and Freeman, the church suffered some inconvenience by having to share the use of the meeting-house with other denominations. Near the close of Mr. Freeman's pastorate, the question of the erection of a new church was agitated, and the work was entered upon in earnest in 1840. The present building was
A. S.
T
UNION MEETING HOUSE OF CAMBRIDGEPORT.
BAPTIST CHURCH OF SAXTONS RIVER. CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF SAXTONS RIVER. (In 1907.)
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Baptist Pastors at Saxtons River
completed that year, and dedicated December 9, the Rev. Elijah Hutchinson preaching the dedicatory sermon.
Rev. William M. Guilford, the next pastor, invited to the office by vote of the church the same day Mr. Freeman was dismissed, December 8, 1839, remained pastor until 1842. During this pastorate three members were added to the church by baptism and four by letter. Mr. Guilford's suc- cessor was Rev. Lucien Hayden, called to the pastorate March 4, 1843, and he continued in this office until July 3, 1857. In the year 1844, the church and society purchased a lot and erected buildings thereon for a parsonage at a cost of about $1,200. The name of the church was changed Sep- tember II of the same year, to "First Baptist Church of Saxtons River Village," which name it retains to the present day.
Rev. W. N. Wilbur was ordained as pastor January 25, 1858, and so remained until November 30, 1873. During this pastorate, the church building was thoroughly repaired and refurnished at an expense of over $6,000, and the par- sonage was repaired at a cost of about $600. In October, 1872, Mr. Wilbur was granted leave of absence for six months as he had been appointed financial agent of Vermont Academy. His resignation in 1873 was for the purpose of devoting all his time to the interests of this school. His pastorate of sixteen years duration was reluctantly terminated. From the organization of this church in 1812, to the year 1871, the whole number of members connected with it had been six hundred and thirty-nine.
Rev. S. H. Stackpole was the next pastor, assuming his duties March 1, 1875, resigning the pastorate in February, 1882. He was followed by Rev. William H. Randall who was called November 19, 1882, and accepted December 2, 1882. He remained until July 7, 1889, when he resigned on account of ill health. During the time Mr. Randall was over the church thirty-five members were added by baptism and thirty-seven by letter.
Mr. Randall was succeeded by Rev. J. H. Robbins, who
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was called by the church August 18, 1889. The latter pas- torate was of short duration and February 6, 1891, Rev. W. R. Baldwin was called. A pipe organ was added to the equipment of the church during Mr. Baldwin's pastorate. Rev. F. G. Boughton assumed pastoral charge May 25, 1897, and he was followed by Rev. A. E. Foote, October I, 1900. Mr. Foote resigned April 1, 1905, and in May, 1906, Rev. Charles H. Brown of Newport, Vt., accepted a call, beginning his pastorate August 1, 1906.
The Congregational Church of Saxtons River dates from February, 1835. On the 6th of that month, what had been known as the Open Communion Baptist Church of Saxtons River voted to strike out of its articles of faith the clause "Baptism is to be administered by immersion to believers only." On the 22nd of the same month, twenty members were admitted to the church and the name was changed to "The Congregational Church of Saxtons River." (Some authorities give the date of the change as February 6, but the later date is the better accredited. ) The church was unfor- tunate in losing nearly all of the records of its earlier years in the fire which destroyed a number of buildings in Saxtons River, January 22, 1888.
December 13, 1836, Rev. Nelson Barbour was ordained and installed as pastor. At this service Rev. Henry B. Holmes of Springfield, preached the sermon, and Rev. Timothy Field offered the ordaining prayer. The church building was dedicated on the day following, the exercises being included with those of ordination. The membership of the church at this time was about forty. Mr. Barbour was dismissed September 26, 1839. Since that time the follow- ing pastors have served the church :
Rev. Samuel A. Benton, January 15, 1840 to November 23, 1842.
Rev. Amzi D. Barber, 1843 to 1852.
Rev. John G. Wilson, 1852 to 1856.
Rev. Benjamin Ober, January 1, 1857 to December 31, 1859.
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Congregational Church of Saxtons River
Rev. Augustus Chandler, September 12, 1860 to Septem- ber, 1861.
Rev. William J. Harris, October, 1861 to October, 1862.
Rev. Lewis Grout, September 21, 1862 to September, 1863.
Rev. William Spaulding, 1864 to 1865.
Rev. Allen S. Barton, November, 1865 to 1866.
Rev. Levi Loring, April 28, 1867 to April, 1869.
Rev. John G. Wilson, December 3, 1869 to December 5, 1871.
Rev. Joseph Chandler, January, 1873 to January, 1876.
Rev. Amos Holbrook, December 1, 1876 to September 30, 1881.
Rev. William Sewall, April, 1882 to April, 1883.
The present pastor, Rev. George F. Chapin, commenced his work with the church August 1, 1883, and has therefore remained with the church a much longer time than any other pastor in its history. Mr. Chapin's pastorate of over twenty years is especially interesting when we consider that in the fifty-eight years of the church's history previous to his con- nection with it, sixteen different pastors had been settled over it, while the church was without a pastor for nine years at one time.
Among the early members of the church, and those taking the burden of its struggles, were Deacon and Mrs. E. S. Sabin, Deacon and Mrs. John H. Ramsay, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Leach, Mr. and Mrs. John Campbell, Deacon and Mrs. Colin Sabin, Deacon and Mrs. S. W. Warner, Mr. and Mrs. David Butterfield, Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Frost, Mrs. Benjamin Smith, Mrs. Dorinda Cobb, Mrs. A. Lake, Mr. and Mrs. Lysander C. Barber and Mr. and Mrs. L. C. Hubbard.
The present church edifice was erected in 1836, largely through the efforts of Joseph Leach, John Campbell and Deacon E. S. Sabin. They each assumed the responsibility of a third of the cost of the building, a portion of which they received back in later years from the sale of some of the
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History of Rockingham
pews and the contributions of other public-spirited citizens. But to their energy was largely due the success of the effort to have a building of their own. The church had worshipped previous to this in the first church building of the village, which is now occupied by public schools. This they had occupied in common with the Baptists and Universalists.
In 1871, Deacons John Ramsay and S. W. Warner, with Leonard C. Hubbard, were chosen a committee to raise the building ten or twelve feet in order to provide a vestry and social rooms on the ground floor, which was done during that year. In the early 'gos Deacon and Mrs. S. W. Warner purchased and placed in the belfry of the church the bell which has since called to worship.
The church has been especially fortunate in its legacies, probably the most so of any church in the town of Rocking- ham. By the will of Deacon John H. Ramsay, who died January 15, 1896, the valuable parsonage and its grounds, now occupied by the pastor, were received. Mrs. Sarah Jane Warner, widow of Deacon S. W. Warner, died Feb- ruary 21, 1896. Previous to her death, she placed $3,000, in accordance with a long cherished purpose of her husband, in the care of the Vermont Domestic Missionary society, the interest of which is to be applied annually toward the support of the church. In case the church becomes extinct, the $3,000 is to go into the treasury of the Missionary society, to be used for its work. She also devised by will to the church $500 for improvements, memorial windows, etc. Mrs. Julia A. Campbell, widow of the late Dr. Daniel Campbell, died September 16, 1901. She provided in her will for a legacy of $1,000, the interest of which is to be used in the support of the church.
In 1900, extensive repairs and improvements were made upon the interior of the church, including new organ, pulpit and chairs, carpets, kitchen equipment, fresh frescoes and paint, and a number of expensive memorial windows.
From 1883 to 1893, the church shared the labors of its pastor with that at Cambridgeport.
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Universalist Church at Saxtons River
For some years previous to 1841, preaching services were sustained regularly in the village of Saxtons River by pastors of the Universalist denomination. It is probable there was a church organization, but no records have been found that would substantiate a definite statement to that effect.
The services were held in the "Old South Church in Rockingham," now occupied for public schools, and the fact of there being Universalist services held is still remembered by a number of those now living.
Three churches were using this union meeting-house jointly in 1835, Baptist, Congregationalist and Universalist. Detached papers found among the effects of the late Timothy Clark, Jr., show the Universalists continued their services until about 1841. His daughter, "Aunt Julia" Clark, a very aged lady, now dead, said "In 1831, Warren Skinner was the first pastor of the Universalist society at Saxtons River, and Joseph Hemphill, the second. He came here a young man and was much liked. He remained here and at Rockingham town until 1838-9. There has been no preacher of that order since, at Saxtons River." Mr. Hemphill was postmaster at Rockingham from 1847 to 1849. Rev. Warren Skinner was for a number of years pastor of the Cavendish, Vt., church.
As the names of those who were connected with the sus- taining of the Universalist services are of interest, and as nothing can be found of more definite records, the papers and names are copied below, omitting the amount subscribed by each. Many of the names are those of Bellows Falls resi- dents, who evidently attended worship at Saxtons River be- cause there was no Universalist church then in Bellows Falls.
December, 29, 1838
We the subscribers promise to pay the several sums by us subscribed for the support of preaching the gospel of the impartial grace of God at Saxtons River village the year ensuing to commence the third Sunday in April next. The money to be appropriated by Gideon Bemis, Bill Blake, John Minard, John Farnsworth and Stephen R. B. Wales, duly appointed for said purpose : Gideon Bemis Henry Lake, Jr. John Minard Jeduthan Russell John Farnsworth Jonas Aldrich John Whitcomb Erastus Lane
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History of Rockingham
S. R. B. Wales John W. Church
John F. Mellvaine Ransom Farnsworth
H. G. Smart
II. K. Russell
Horace Baxter
S. R. B. Wales for different individ- uals in Bellows Falls
James HI. Warner David Danforth Elijah Jones Otis Gilmore Luke Tolles
Smith Milliken
A. W. Russell
Josiah Williston
Loren Hawkes
Charles Dickinson
John Baker
Curtis Smith, per order
Charles E. Davis
Henry Lake, per order
William Blake, per order Daniel Wait
S. W. Parmenter
Randal Smith
John A. Farnsworth
Abel S. Wolfe
Samuel M. Wood
Timothy Clark
Jason Minard
Mr. Blake
George C. Hager
Mr. Stimpson
David Davis
Edward Miller
Buel Carpenter
Samuel Fletcher
Seth Clark
Joseph Spaulding
Another paper read as follows: "We the Undersigned desirous of Having the Preaching of God's impartial Grace preached in Saxtons River Village do Pleadge ourselves to pay the sums annexed to our names to the Committee John Farnsworth Timothy Clark and Jeduthan Russell on demand after the first day of April 1840."
This paper had the following signatures, in addition to a portion of those given above : Daniel G. Upham, David Smith, Bill Blake, Hiram K. Russell, Joseph Birt (pr order), Ilenry Lake Sen. (pr order), Aaron W. Newton, and Lydia Stiles.
Still a third paper read : "Subscription for Arrearages."
" We the Subscribers being desirous to settle all moneys due for Preach- ing the past year to Br. Skinner amounting to Fifty Dollars we promise to pay the following sums on demand."
This paper had ten signatures. of which the following have not been mentioned before, Elijah Jones and D. A. Dickinson.
Below the signatures was a note :
" For value Received, we promise to pay Warren Skinner or bearer Fifty Dollars on demand with interest after three months.
(signed) Timothy Clarke Jeduthan Russell John Farnsworth
Saxtons River, Feb. 22, 1841.
Paid in full Nov. 2, 1843."
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Early Methodism in Town
In the earliest records of Methodism in this section, Rockingham was included in what was termed the "Athens Circuit,"embracing the towns of Athens, Rockingham, Towns- hend, Newfane, Londonderry, Weston, Grafton, Andover, Chester and Mount Holly. The earliest date given of this circuit is 1803, and John Broadhead and Daniel Young were the circuit preachers, traveling about from town to town, preaching under peculiar hardships. Their remuneration was extremely meagre, and their services were held in private houses, barns and groves. The first quarterly meet- ing was held in Rockingham in August, 1806, in the old town church, with representatives present from all the towns in the circuit. These quarterly meetings were held in the different towns mentioned above, and usually lasted two days, the place for the next meeting being determined by the vote of those present.
Jesse Lee, who preached in all the eastern states, may have preached in Rockingham at an earlier date than that above mentioned as it is known that he spent two days in Windham county in 1790. Among the preachers who served this circuit were Elder T. Broadhead, Joseph Crawford and Solomon Sias. A license to preach was given by the Rock- ingham and Grafton class in 1808 to Chandler Walker.
At a quarterly meeting held at Athens in 1809 the follow- ing resolutions were passed :
" Whereas, it appears to this conference that there is need of a more close attention to the rules of the discipline to prevent the growing evils of pride and conformity to the world.
Therefore, Resolved.
I. The traveling preachers in our circuit be requested to enforce all of our rules of discipline.
2d. As some plead the necessity of wearing gold for the health, a sister may after making it a matter of prayer, to God, wear a necklace, if she first procure a certificate from an approved physician that the necklace is really useful for her health, but not without : also plain wires may be worn in the ears for health."
Volume 3, page 529, of Rockingham town records has the following certificate :
Know all men by these presents,-That I William McKendree, Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church in America, under the protection of 13
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History of Rockingham
Almighty God, and with a single Eye to his Glory, by the imposition of my hands and prayer, have this day set apart Amasa Cowles for the office of DEACON in the said Methodist Episcopal Church ; a man whom I Judge 10 be well qualified for that work ; and do hereby recommend him to all whom it may concern, as a proper person to administer the ordinance of Baptism, Marriage, and the burial of the Dead in the absence of an Elder ; and to feed the flock of Christ, so long as his spirit and practice are such as becomes the gospel.
In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this fourteenth day of June, one thousand, eight hundred and fourteen.
Durham Conference Maine : :
W. Mckendree (Seal)
Rec'd. Nov. 23, ISIS, & Recorded by me, JOS. WEED Town Clerk.
Bellows Falls became a regular station for preaching ser- vices in 1836, Eleazer Jordan being that year appointed presiding elder of the district, which must have been quite extended. Ehjah Mason was appointed as the first preacher in charge, but because of ill health he was released at the end of six months. He left a class membership of forty-two, some of whom were probably residents of Saxtons River, and others of Walpole, Alstead and Langdon in New Hampshire. The second preacher was Reuben Dearborn, and at the end of the conference year, July, 1837, the membership had increased to eighty-seven. From the organization of this church until 1845, Methodist interests in this section of Vermont and New Hampshire were closely associated, a presiding elder's district including territory in both states, and the annual conference was held where the united ministerial forces might decide.
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