HISTORY OF MANCHESTER, HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, NEW HAMPSHIRE PART III - ECCLESIASTICAL (CHURCH) HISTORY ---------------------------------- Information located at http://www.nh.searchroots.com On a web site about GENEALOGY AND HISTORY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE and its counties TRANSCRIBED BY JANICE BROWN Please see the web site for my email contact. ---------------------------------- The original source of this information is in the public domain, however use of this text file, other than for personal use, is restricted without written permission from the transcriber (who has edited, compiled and added new copyrighted text to same). ======================================================== SOURCE: History of Hillsborough County, New Hampshire Philadelphia: J.W. Lewis & Co., 1885 CHAPTER VI - Page 86 ECCELSIASTICAL HISTORY Early Church History-- Contention and Discord-- Record History of this Period-- First Congregational Church-- Franklin Street Church-- First Baptist Church-- Merrimack Street Baptist Church-- Pine Street Free-Will Baptist Church-- Merrimack Street Free-Will Baptist Church-- First Methodist Episcopal Church-- St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church-- The First Unitarian Society-- Universalist Church-- Grace Episcopal Church-- Roman Catholic Churches: St. Ann's, St. Joseph's, St. Augustine (French), St. Marie (French). Christian CHurch--St. James Methodist Episcopal Church-- Second Advent Society-- City Missionary Society-- Union Congregational Church, West Manchester-- Spiritiualist Society-- German Church of the New Jerusalem-- Swedish Evanglical Lutheran Church-- First Presbyterian Church (German)- French Protestant Church The early ecclesiastical history of this town is a history of contention and litigation, and to such an extent was this continual strife carried that at one time its baneful influence seriously retarded the settlement of the place. The following is principally the record history of this season of unrest and discord. In 1752 a movement was made for the settlement of a minister, and in the warrant calling the annual town meeting of that year was the following: "To see if the town will Joyn with the town of Bedford In Giving mr. mcDoel a Call to the worke of the ministry Between the two towns and to Do and act in that affair that the town shall think proper." March 5th, it was "Voted to give mr. mcDouell a Cauell to the work of the ministry to Joyn woth the town of Bedford or separat and Distink by our selves." "Voted, John Ridill, Alexander mcmurphey, John Hall, a Comitey to prosequt the given of mr. mcDoul a Cauell to the work of the minestery to Joyn woth the town of Bedford or seprat and Distink by our selves." April 26, 1753, it was "Voted, tow Houndred poundes old tenor for yearly solery to mr. mcDowall Provied he Excpts of our Call to Joun woth the town of Bedford." Nothing further appears on the town records relative to the call of Mr. McDowell. By the records of Bedford it appears that a call was given by Bedford to Mr. McDowell. March 28, 1753, it was unanimously "Voted to present a call for Mr. Alexander McDowell to the Revd. Presbytery for the work of the ministry in this town." But the records of the town show nothing further in relation to him. As early as 1754 the town voted to build a meeting-house and to locate the same on the land near John Hall's house. This location produced much ill-feeling, and on the 3d of February, 1755, thirty of the inhabitants petitioned the selectmen to call a meeting, on the 20th of the same month, to reconsider the vote locating the meeting-house and raising money to build the same; but the majority of the selectmen refused to call the said meeting, thus denying the aforesaid inhabitants a plain and legal right. This refusal of the selectmen produced great excitement, and the inhabitants aggrieved petitioned Joseph Blanchard and Matthew Thornton, two justices of the peace for the province, to call a meeting of the inhabitants as provided by law. They complied with the wishes of the petitioners and issued the following warrant to the constable of Derryfield: "Province of New Hampshire "To Benja. Hadley of Derryfield in the sd Province, Constable of said town,--Greeting, "Whereas it has been mead to appeer to us the Subscribers, two of his Majestes justes of the Peace of sd Province, Qurom Unues that THirty of the freeholders and Inhabitants of sd town of Derryfield, by their Request signed by ye sd Inhabitants and freeholders made to the maj'r Part of the Selectmen of Derrfield aforesaid. When together did one ye third Instant Deliver and present such application in writing for the Calling a meeting of the Inhabitants of sd town to be held on the 20th Day of Feby, Cur't for the following Articles. "First to see if the town would Reconsider ye Vote Relating to the choice of a meeting-house place and make the same null and void. "Also to see if the town would Reconsider that vote for Raising money for Building a meeting-house and order that ye Constable Omit his Collecting the Same and discharge the Severall freeholders and Inhabitants from such part of the Taxes in some proper method as shall then be thot Best and that the sd Select'n did on the said 3d day of Feby, Cur'nt Unreasonable refuse and deny the Calling a meeting for the Propritors aforesd and ye sd freeholders and Inhabitants have applyed unto us for warnt, for the Calling of the freeholders and Inhabitants of Derryfield afresd for ye doing of the Busness afresd to be held on ye first Day of march next,--at ye house of John Goffe, Esqr. "These are Therefor in his majyt name to Require and Command you the ad Constable to Notifie and warn the freeholders and Inhabitants of sd town of Derryfield, that they assemble at the house of John Goffe, Esqr in Derryfield, afres'd, on Saturday the first day of March nixt at ten o'clock forenoon, then and there to act on the following articles. "First to see if the town will Reconsider the Vote Relating to the choice of a meeting-house place and make ye same null and voice. "Also to see if the town will Reconsider the Vote for Raisaing money for Building a meeting-house and order the Constable omit his Collecting the same and discharge ye Severall freeholders and Inhabitants from such part of the taxes in Some proper method as shall then be thot best here of faile not and make due return. Given Under our hands and Seal at Merrymac this six day of Feb. 1755 "[Signed by] Joseph Blanchard, Matthew Thornton, Jusces of ye peace" The meeting was duly held on the 1st day of March, 1755, and it was voted to reconsider the vote "making choice of a meeting-house place," and also to reconsider the vote raising money for building the meeting-house. The following protest was presented and entered upon the record: "Derryfield, March ye 1st, 1735 "Wee, ye under Subscribers freeholders and Inhabitants of ye town of Derryfield, for Divers and weighty Reasons do Enter our Desent against the proceedings of this meeting which wee will make appear at time and pleace Convenient. "[Signed by]: Robert Dickey, Robt. Anderson, Alexr McClintock, Nethenell Boyd, Willm. Elott [Elliot], Willm McClintock, John Cochran, Walter MacFfarland, Saml MacFfarland, Willm Gamble, James MacNeall." It seems that a majority at this meeting were not opposed to the erecting of a house of worship, but opposed the location. "Derryfield, Auguest ye 27 1758. "To the selectmen of the town of Derryfield, Gentlemen, Freeholders and Inhabitants of said town, We the under Subscribers loking upon our- selves as under a great Disadvantage for want of a pleace of Public Worship, as we have rising fameleys which cannot atend at other places and as it would be encoragement for minister to Com and preach unto us if we were forward in getting a place for the public worshipe of God ourselves. "[Signed] Capt. Alexr. McMurphy, John Hall, Robert Anderson, James Riddell, Samuel Boyd, John Dickey, Binjimin Stivins [Stevens], John Riddell, James Humphrey, Hugh Stirling, Mickell McClintock, Robrt Dicky, John Mirrall, James Piters [Peters], William Petiers, William Nutt, James peirse, John Harvey, Wm perham Jr., Thoms Hall." On the 2d of September, 1758, a warrant was issued for a town-meeting, at the barn of John Hall, on the 21st of the same month: "To see if the freeholders and inhabitants of the town would vote to build a meeting-house this present year. "To see what spot of ground the town would vote to build said meeting-house on. "To see how much money the town would vote to raise for building the said meeting-house. "To see what dimensions they would vote to build said meeting-house. "To see if the town would vote to choose a committee to carry on the building of said meeting-house. "To see if the town would vote to raise any money for preaching this year and how much." At the meeting Captain Alexander McMurphy was moderator, and it was "Voted to build a meeting-house this present year "Voted to build the meeting-house on John Hall's land joining the road leading to Thomas Hall's Ferry and the Amoskeag Falls. "Voted to raise six hundred pounds to carry on the building the said meeting-house. "Voted to raise the said meeting-house forty feet in length, and thirty-five feet in breadth. "Voted Capt. William Perham and Lt. Hugh Sterling and John Hall the committee to carry on the building of the above said meeting-house." A frame was put up, but nothing further was done. People refused to pay their taxes, and the committee could make no progress. At a meeting, July 15, 1759, it was "Voted, to collect five hundred pounds old tenor this present year to be applied towards Boarding and Shingling of our meeting-house, said sum is to be taken out of the five hundred pounds new tenor that was voted in the year 1757 for building the above said meeting-house. "Voted, Capt. William Perham, Lieut. Hugh Sterling and John Hall a committee to spend the five hundred pounds old tenor, towars boarding and shingling the meeting-house. "Voted, that John Hall apply to the Gentlemen that have land not cultivated or improved in Derryfield, for money to help us in building our meeting-house in said town. "Voted that whoever pays any money to the above said meeting-house shall have their names and sums of money they pay recorded in Derryfield town book of records." The building committee was accused of mismanagement, and at a meeting, November 15, 1759,-- "Voted 3 men a committee to examine the accounts of the committee that was chosen to build our meeting-house in said town. "Voted Michael McClintock, John Harvey, and David Starrett, the committee to examine the accounts of the meeting-house so far as they have proceeded in building of said house. "Voted, to record the six hundred pounds old tenor that was collected in 1758, and the following sums as they are collected for building the aforesaid meeting-house and each man's name and sum what he pays to the aforesaid house. "Voted to allow all the committee's accounts, as they brought them in before the town, in time and money spent by them in building our meeting-house in said town, so far as they have proceeded in said building. "Voted not to underpin our meeting-house at present but to make one door this year." At a town-meeting, December 3, 1759, it was "Voted, not to collect any more money from the town this year towards the meeting-house. "Voted to borrow what remains due for the meeting house to clear off the committee's accounts, and pay the interest for the same. "Voted that the present Selectmen for the year 1759 borrow money to pay off the committee for building the meeting-house so far as they have proceeded, and the Selectmen in the year 1760, shall be equally bound to pay the money borrowed as the present Selectmen and shall have full power in law to collect the said money from the freeholders and inhabitants of the town." At an adjourned meeting it was "Voted to reconsider the vote that the Selectmen borrow the money, and voted that Capt. William Perham, Levt. Hugh Stirling and Levt. John Hall are impowered by the freeholders and inhabitants of the town of Derryfield to borrow the sum of four hundred and twenty-three pounds six shillings old tenor, and to pay interest such as they can hire the above money for, and all their time and expenses paid by the said town as well as the above sum of four hundred and twenty-three pounds six shillings old tenor. "N.B.--Till such time as the above sum is paid to them by the aforesaid freeholders and inhabitants of said town." The money was hired and the accounts paid off. "Agreabel to a vote of the free houlders and Inhabitantes of Derryfield at a meeting held in the meeting-House of Sd town, Novm. 15, 1759, Voted, one ye third artical of the Warrent to Record the moneay that was Corlected In the year 1758 and the following Soumes as they are Corlected for the Bulden the meeting-houes In Derryfield and eache mans name & Some of monay what hie Peayes to the a for Sd meeting-houes which Eache mans and Soum is hiear Set Down In the followe order: Name // year 1758 // year 1759 // year 1760 "Coln John Goffe // 30L 18s // 19L 7s 0d // 21L 13s 10d Capt. W. Perham // 18L 4s // 15L 3s 0d // 21L 10s 2d Capt. Alex. McMurphy // 29L 0s // 23L 16s 4d // 23L 17s 6d Capt. John Starks 10L 10s // 10L 7s 1d // 19L 3s 2d Lieut. Hugh Shirlea 10L 14s // 9L 15s 4d // 9L 0s 6d Lieut. John Moorrs 7L 4s // 7L 4s 0d // 8L 10s 8d Ens. Daniel Niell 22L 0s // 13L 7s 0d // 13L 3s 6d Ens. Robt. Andrson 13L 0s // 13L 0s 0d // 18L 1s 5d Sergt Wm. McClintock 21L 12s // 20L 2s 0d // 24L 11s 10d Sergt. Abraham Miral 30L 10s // 24L 7s 4d // 18L 1s 0d Sergt. Ebenr. Stivins 14L 5s // 12L 11s 0d // 12L 13s 8d Sergt. James Ridell 7L 8s // 9L 10s 0d // 9L 1s 4d Binjmin Stivens 22L 10s // 15L 9s 4d // 13L 1s 2d Binjmin hidley 23L 10s // 18L 10s 0d // 0L 0s 0d William Quimby 10L 2s // 0L 0s 0d // 0L 0s 0d John Ridell 13L 5s // 8L 4s 0d // 7L 12s 0d Mikel McClinto 9L 8s // 9L 9s 4d // 9L 5s 6d Chairles Emerson 11L 12s // 10L 14s 5d // 11L 7s 2d Thomas Russ 9L 10s // 8L 17s 5d // 11L 4s 10d Elizer Robiens 9L 6s // 8L 19s 0d // 10L 12s 10d James McNight 23L 12s // 19L 2s 4d // 20L 2s 2d William Tagourt 20L 15s // 18L 16s 8d // 18L 3s 10d William Gemble 16L 15s // 14L 1s 9d // 18L 11s 6d John Harve 19L 2s // 15L 15s 9d // 17L 5s 10d Neehmie McNill 10L 15s // 11L 2s 0d // 12L 2s 8 (or 3)d James Umphra 10L 15s // 7L 13s 4d // 8L 18s 10d Adam Dickey 10L 15s // 9L 1s 4d // 9L 0s 8d Thomas Gillis 10L 5s // 0L 0s 0d // 0L 0s 0d John Dickey 10L 16s // 9L 17s 1d // 8L 13s 10d James Pirces 7L 17s // 7L 14s 8d // 0L 0s 0d James Piters 16L 10s // 14L 18s 0d // 9L 6s 10d Joseph Gorge 9L 5s // 0L 0s 0d // 8L 14s 2d David McKnight 7L 10s // 6L 0s 0d // 7L 8s 0d William Nutte 10L 14s // 10L 1s 4d // 9L 8s 8d Robrt Dicky 8L 0s // 8L 15s 5d // 7L 6s 8d John Cunagham 9L 8s // 0L 0s 0d // 0L 0s 0d Moses Carnerd 9L 8s // 6L 19s 1d // 7L 6s 8d Widow Boyd 3L 18s // 4L 7s 0d // 2L 1s 2d Samuel Boyd 10L 19s // 6L 17s 0d // 8L 6s 8d Alex. McClintock 10L 15s // 6L 8s 0d // 7L 17s 2d William Perham 10L 3s // 9L 16s 5d // 10L 14s 4d John Secomb 7L 8s // 6L 0s 0d // 6L 6d 8s Levt. John Hall 16L 2s // 15L 8s 10d // 12L 0d 8s Thomas Hall 0L 11s // 0L 10s 8d // 12L 0s 8d Levt. John Goffe 0L 13s // 0L 17s 4d // 0L 19s 0d William Smith 0L 9s // 0L 16s 8d // 0L 11s 2s James Moors Ears(heirs) 0L 17s // 1L 5s 8d // 1L 4s 5d Sizer Grifen 8L 3s // 7L 8s 9d // 7L 8s 0d --Name-- Paid 1759 // Paid 1760 Ezekiel Stevens 6L 6s 4d // 8L 2s 0d James Willson 0L 10s 8d // 0L 0s 0d David Stiret 6L 7s 0d // 9L 13s 5s --Name-- Paid 1760 John Mirall 6L 6s 8d Samuel Quimbey 18L 11s 11d John Tagourt 6L 6s 8d Obide Huess 6L 19s 4d Wm. Willson 8L 17s 4d Stifen Gorge 6L 6s 8d --- ---- Mr. Thomas Parker of Litchfield 6L 0s 0d James Willson in Lo. Derry, pd. if South 10L 0s 0d John Stuard in Lo. Derry, half a thousand of Boards 10L 0s 0d "Recorded per me, John Hall, Town Clark "March ye 2, 1761." Still (says Judge Potter, in his excellent "History of Manchester") the house remained unfinished. Meanwhile, Mr. Hall was accused of retaining the money given by the non-resident land-holders, and at a special meeting, held the 15th of December, a committee was chosen "to call John Hall to account for the money that he received from gentlemen that has land not settled in Derryfield." As this committee made no report, and there was no further action upon the subject, it is fair to presume that they found no such money in Mr. Hall's hands Thus there was a continual quarrel kept up between the parties, sometimes one controlling the affairs of the town, and sometimes the other, as the partisans happened to be present at the town-meeting, matters pertaining to the meeting-house and to preaching being the subjects of contention. And at an adjourned meeting, held April 2, 1764, the opposition on these subjects was carried so far as to vote not to raise any money for preaching for the year, and not content with this vote, at a special meeting on the 29th of October following, they voted to apply the money already raised for preaching the preceding year, and in the hands of the committee, to pay the debts of the town. Their opposition to the location of the house not only prevented the finishing it, but they would not have preaching in it! However, the other party mustered at the annual meeting, March 4, 1765, in full force, and carried things with a high hand, voting that the selectmen furnish preaching for the current year at the cost of the inhabitants. Thus there was more preaching in the house for 1765 than ever before. Such continual strife had a most deleterious effect upon the prospects of the town. Emigrants of respectable character were very careful to avoid a place of so much contention, and the inhabitants themselves had less inducement and less time for industrious pursuits. What with the spring fisheries, neighborhood canvassing, personal altercations and town-meetings, there was little attention paid to agricultural pursuits. ***TAX LIST OF 1765** The following is the tax-list of this year (1765) the first one recorded in the ancient town records "The copay of the Lieste In Lawfull mony, 1765 "John Hall 1L 15s 8d Widdow Sarah Andrson 0L 0s 6d Ebnezer Stavens [Stevens] 0L 11s 1d Joseph Masten 0L 9s 9d Levt. Daniel McNieal 0L 12s 1d Samuel Stark 0L 6s 3d Ensign James McCallow 0L 9s 2d Capt. John Stark 1L 8s 8d Levt. Archabald Stark 0L 9s 10d John Riddell 0L 6s 9d James Riddell 0L 7s 8d Thomas Russ 0L 10s 8d Johnathan Russ 0L 9s 5d Parash Richordeson 0L 6s 6d Henry Blasdel 0L 7s 8d Benjamin Steaviens [Stevens] 0L 9s 9d Ezekile Stivens 0L 9s 7d Sergt Abraham Merrell 0L 10s 5d Abrham Merrell, Junr 0L 7s 10d Josephe Gorge 0L 7s 7d John Grifeng 0L 7s 4d William Nutte 0L 7s 7d Capt. John Moors 0L 14s 11d Conl. John Coffe 1L 6s 0d Samuel Moorrs 0L 7s 6d Thomas Newman 0L 6s 6d William Tagert 0L 11s 0d James McNight 0L 12s 1d David McNight 0L 8s 5d William Hall 0L 6s 10d Elizer Robens 0L 9s 6d William Pirham 0L 12s 11d John Pirham 0L 7s 7d Charless Emerson 0L 16s 9d John Harvey 0L 11s 2d William Pirham Junr 0L 9s 5d Michael McClintock 0L 14s 5d Samuel Boyd 0L 8s 1d Nathaniel Boyd 0L 7s 4d Widdow Marget Boyd 0L 0s 6d Isabeld McFarlon 0L 0s 5d Capt. Alixander McMurphy 0L 19s 0d James Hornor 0L 7s 1d Alexander McClintock 0L 7s 1d William Gembel 0L 13s 4d John Heron 0L 9s 7d James Perces 0L 6s 7d David Stiratt 0L 10s 6d Sergt. William mcClintock 0L 18s 9d John McClintock 0L 8s 15d William McClintock Jun 0L 6s 0d John Dickey 0L 9s 5d Davit Been 0L 6s 0d Davit Been, Junr 0L 6s 0d James Ramiesy, Londonderry 0L 6S 0d En. William Bller 0L 0s 2d William Smith 0L 0s 6d John Eacken, Londonderry 0L 0s 5d Robt. McCluer, Londonderry 0L 0s 4d Capt. John Goffe, Jun. Bedford 0L 0s 6d Edward Barry 0L 6s 0d Johnathan Mirall 0L 7s 10d John Crown 0L 6s 0d John McCallon 0L 6s 0d Joseph Moorrs 0L 6s 0d Ebinezer Noyes 0L 4s 6d James Graves 0L 1s 6d Joseph Quimby 0L 1s 6d Samuel Quimby 0L 1s 6d Joseph Jouens 0L 1s 6d" But a year of preaching did not produce any better state of feeling, and both parties prepared for a severe contest at the annual meeting in March, 1766. The quarrel had now become almost entirely personal, and the object of both parties was to elect certain leading men to office. True, these men were in favor of or against certain measures, but the men of one party, at least, seem to have been more cared for than measures. On the 3d of March the annual meeting came off at the meeting-house, and the Hall party, taking time by the forelock, were present in force at the time appointed for the meeting, and proceeded to organize and to choose officers. The following officers were chosen, viz.: John Hall, moderator; John Hall, town clerk; Alexander McMurphy, Ebenezer Stevens, John Hall, selectmen; James McNight, constable. After this successful manoeuvre in the choice of the principal town officers, the meeting was adjourned for a half-hour to John Hall's tavern. The object of the adjournment is not set forth, but as Mr. Hall kept a tavern, it may be that they adjourned to enjoy some element of rejoicing not found in the meeting-house. The adjournment over, they proceeded to elect: "Mickael McClintock, Hendry Blaisdel, Charless Emerson, Joseph Gorge, Surviers of Highways; Joseph Marsten, William Nutt, Taything-men; The Selectmen, Fence-viewers; Elizer Robbins, James Riddell, Deer- Keepers; Ebinezer Stevens, Survier of Lumber; Thomas Russ, Sieler of Leather; Mickael McClintock, Elliezer Robns, Committee to settle with Selectmen of 1756; The Selectmen, Takers of Invoice; Joseph Gorge, John Perham, Samuel Boyd, Hog Reeves; William Perham, Clerk of the Market." The meeting then adjourned to the 31st day of March. The business was then all transacted before the arrival of the other party. When they arrived, there was no little excitement, and they forthwith proceeded to organize the meting, and to choose officers. After the choice of a complete set of town officers, this meeting was adjourned. Thus there were two sets of town officers. The last set of officers are now unknown, as their names were not recorded in the town records, they being in the possession of the opposite party. Both sets of officers entered upon their duties and with a will. The utmost confusion was the consequence. To add to the excitement, a special town-meeting was held on the 27th day of June, at which it was voted to finish in part the meeting-house, and fence the graveyard near it. At this time the better part of the community began to look about them in all seriousness and examine the state of things; and well they might. The quarrel was fast driving people from the town. The following is a letter from Colonel John Goffe to Governor Wentworth relative to this election: "Derryfield, September 1st, 1766 "May it please your Excellency "I went at the Request of the Mason Proprietors to the Society Land between Pettersborah & Hillsborah to see where the Trespassers had ben at work & whose Lots they had Improved upon & found they had cleared, at least cut a grate deal of Timber down, had built a camp upon Solly & Marches [Samuel Solley and Clement March] & on Meservey & Blanchards and your Excellency's Lots on the west side of the Contucook River they have don a great deal of work fence it all In with a Considerable Good Runing fence have built a camp on it & altho' no body was their when we were their yet we are prity sure that Doct Perry is the man that has Trespassed upon your lot & petty it is that he should not be prosecuted as he Is the Ringleader of all the Rest, the[re], and son as they Git to work again I have 2 men Ingaged to see them at work & acquaint me with their names.--The Land is Exceeding Good but I think your Excellencys is superior to any at that part of the Society Land and that maid them fellows Covet it it is certainly worth mony--I intended to have wated upon your Excellency when the Infer Cort set but I hurt my self when up their with heat and laying out in the Wet so that I have not ben well sence I came from their.--Your Excellency may Remember that we in Derryfield petitioned the Genll Cort for an act to call a town-meeting for the choice of town officers which when I cal'd John Hall with Colo Barr who have strived all that is in their power to Injure me of late & at the meeting Colo Barr cam on porpos to affront me & Colo Barr Hiered voters for John hall with Large promises [If Colonel Goffe stated the truth in the foregoing, the practice of hiring voters is not so modern] and Webster a Trader at Hiered I have by good Information to come to Threaten his detters in town, if they did not vote for Hall he could not stay upon them &c., so that upon the whole with their Influence hall obtained eighteen voters be side him self and there were eighteen voters on the opposite side of the most substantial men in town so that when they had don all they could that could not git hall any office without voting for himself nor none that was chosen that day & several Rec'd Deeds from Colo Barr & others that day to make them voters which I suppose held them no longer than that Night for I am confident they would not Trust them A shilling ever expecting to Git it.--And as soon as the meeting was over John Hall told Esqr Sheepard the moderator that he had Beat Goffe now & he would have a commission of the peace In spite of any body that should oppose it for Colo Barr & Maj. Emerson and Mr. Webster with his friends at the Bank would procure it for him--now may it please Your Excellency if such an Insulting fellow (for I have heard him Insult the whol Govert) many times and a man that has Live 30 or forty years upon a place & could never Raise half his provision, to Git that post would strive for to make money by it and put the people into confusion for work he dont Incline to & is allway contriving unjust ways to maintain his Luxury & I am very sure your Excellency never will Give a commission to a man that wants it for no other end than to Revenge and Git mony by it. Therefore I Beg your Excellencys favour that John Hall nor non for him may prevail in that Respect. "I am your Excellency most Humble & Devoted Servant "John Goffe. "His Excellency, Governor Wintworth." The following is the tax-list for 1766: "The Copy of the List in lawful money for ye year 1766 of the polls and Estates: "David McKnight 0L 8s 0d James McKnight 0L 10s 5d John Rand, Esq. 0L 5s 4d John Goffe, Esq. 1L 5s 9d Samuel Moors 0L 7s 4d Capt. John Moors 0L 11s 8d William Nutte 0L 6s 0d John Grifen 0L 5s 4d Benjamin Backer 0L 4s 3-1/2d Josephe Gorge 0L 4s 5-1/2d Sergt. Abraham Mirall 0L 6s 1d Johnathan Mirall 0L 5s 7d Ezekiel Stivens 0L 9s 1/2d Benjamen Stivens 0L 7s 0d Handrey Bllisdal 0L 7s 3d Thomas Hall 0L 0s 6d Thomos Russ 0L 6s 4d John Riddell 0L 4s 6d Sergt. James Ridell 0L 7s 1/2d Capt. John Stark 0L 17s 1/2d Ensign James McCawallow 0L 6s 10d Ensign Samuel Stark 0L 4s 5d John Hutchen 0L 4s 0d Levt. Daniel mcNieall 0L 11s 4d Sergt. Ebinezer Stivens 0L 9s 3d Joseph Masten 0L 6s 5d Levt. John Hall 1L 1s 9d Daniel Hall 0s 4s 5-1/2d Samuel Hall 0L 0s 5-1/2d Alix. McClintock 0L 5s 8d James Hornor 0L 4s 1/2d David Stirrate 0L 8s 5-1/2d William McClintock 0L 13s 11d John McClintock 0L 7s 4-1/2d John Dickey 0L 6s 10s William Gembeal 0L 20s 10d Capt. Alexander McMurphy 0L 11s 7d Samuel Boyd 0L 5s 11d Sergt. Nathaniel Boyd 0L 5s 9d Widow Boyd 0L 1s 1d Mickel McClintock 0L 10s 8d James Pirceas 0L 5s 0d William Hall 0L 4s 7d Capt. William Pirham 0L 8s 4d John Pirham 0L 8s 4d Elizer Robens 0L 7s 1-1/2d Chrles Emerson 0L 12s 0d John Harve 0L 13s 3-1/2d William Pirham, Junr 0L 5s 7d James Ramsey, Londonderry 0L 4s 0d Robert McClure, Londonderry 0L 0s 3d John Eacken, Londonderry 0L 0s 4d William Smith 0L 0s 6d Ensign Alex. Bller 0L 9s 9d "Recorded Feb 7, 1767 "per me, John Hall, Town Clark" From a comparison of the town-lists, it will be seen that during the year preceding the making of the tax-list of 1766 there had been a decrease of twelve polls in the town. The list of 1765 contained sixty-htree, while that of 1766 contained but fifty-one. Eighteen men had deceased or left town, and six had been added to the town. But the case was still worse than this. Two of the men added to the list of 1766, Daniel and Samuel Hall, were men of the town just come of age, or never before taxed, so that in reality there had been a decrease of fourteen polls, or more than one-fifth of the polls of the town. In this state of things a petition was forwarded to the Legislature for redress. The petition as follows, viz: "To His Excellency Benning Wintworth Esqr & Commander In Cheiff of His Mayestye's Province of New Hampshier, the Honorable his majestye's Councell And House of Representatives In General Assembly Convened. "The Pettetion of A number of the freeholders & In Habitants of the town of Derryfield Humbly Sheweth, that the first monday of March annually is appointed by charter to be the Day for chusing of Towne offecers for the Currant year and the usual Costom of sd town has been to warn the Town of time and place and Design of holding said meeting with Several articles to be acted upon on sd Day, by posting up a Coppy of Said warrant at three several places in said Town, (viz.) one at John Goffe Esqr's, one at John Hall, & one at Lr. Russes at Nameskeeg, which was a vote of Said Town, but so it was that neither of the places had any Notification Set up, and one of them Particularly Nameskeeg had no Coppy Set up in that part of the town, So that they knew not the time of Day the meeting was to be held; yet notwithstanding two of the Selectmen and town Clarke did contrary to former Costom, with about ten or a Dozen of the Inhabitants and boys and unqualified voters, did Enter and in about five menuits time Chouse all the principal offecers for the town, Notwithstanding one of the Selectmen and the Constable & Several of the Inhabitants opposed them and told them it was not fair to hold the meetin before the Inhabitants came, and that it was not the usual time of day that the meeting vse to begin & that the inhabitants that must pay the Greatest part of the Taxes that shall com upon the town were not presant & that they would be here presantly, yet they proceeded as afore Said, and at five minutes after eleven o' the clock a considerable number Came & in half an hour the Inhabitants Cheifly Came & uppon hearing that the principal offecers were Chosen by a Small Number of voters and many of them not Qualified, they Concluded as that was the Day by Charter to Chuse town offecers they being the Larger part of the Qualified voters belonging to Said Town, maid proclamation that they were going to hold the town meeting & all were Desired to attend and they went to the meeting house and maid Choise of a moderator & Town Clark & Selectmen & all town offecers, & they were sworn to the faithful discharge of their Duty as the Law Directs; So that their is two Sets of offecers in Said town which makes Confusition; we most Humbly therefore Pray your Excelency & Hon'rs to take our Case under wise Consideration and Grant that there may be a Regular town meeting in Said town & that we may have town offecers Choisen as the law directs and that our Confusion may be brought into order, and might be Inabled to Raise the provence taxes, mend high ways & do the nessessery business of the town and that your pettioners may bring in a bill for that End--& your Petten'ors as in duty bound shall Ever Pray. "Dated at Derryfield first of May 1766 "[Signed] John Goffe, William McClintock, Davin Starrett, Samuel Boyd, Nathaniel Boyd, Charles Emerson, William Nutt, John Griffin, John Stark, James McCalley, Samuel Stark, Daniel McNeale, Thomas Russ, John Rand, John Hervey, Samuel Moor, John Moor." It will be seen that some of the men who had generally acted with the Hall party signed this petition. They were doubtless dissatisfied with the unfair proceedings of that party at the annual meeting. In fact, Capt. W. McClintock was present at that meeting, and told them that they were proceeding in an unfair manner. He was one of the selectmen for 1765, elected by the Hall party, and had hiterto been with them. While the matter of the petition was progressing, a meeting was called of the town June 27, 1766, at which it was "Voted to Repear the meeting-House in part thies year. "Voted to Lay a good fllor in the Meeting-House and make three Good Dores and Hinge them one said House and shout upe the ouder windows and a Commadate the Meeting-House with forms Suitable for to Sit on." Meantime the petition came up for consideration before the House of Representatives on the 3d of July, and the petitioners had leave to bring in a bill. On the 8th the bill passed the House and was as follows: "An Act for Vacating the meetings of the Town of Derryfield for the year 1766 held there by the Inhabitants for the Choice of town officers and for Deriecting & authorizing a meeting & the Choice of town offecers for Said year. "Whereas Sundry of the Inhabitants of Said Derryfield have Pititioned the General Assembly Respecting that Some designing men of Said Inhabitants Having Some purpose to effect Relative to the affairs of Said town which they could not otherwise accomplish, huried on the annual meeting Sooner in the Day then is usual & before many of the principal Inhabitants were Come to the place of Sd meeting whereby a Set of offcers were Chosen who were Disagreabel to the principal Inhabitants that afterwards when the said Inhabitants Come they maid Choice of another Set of town offcers who on bothe Sides were Sworn & have proceeded to act in their respective offces whereby the greatest Confusion was like to Ensue in the town & therefore they prayed that both of Said meetings might be Vacted and maid void and a new meetinge Called for the Choice of town officers for this year which having been Examined and both partys heard thereon and it appearinge that the affairs of Sd town are by this means Invollved in Confusion & perplexity which would Isue in Disortion of all the Legal RIghts and Privileges of Sd town; "For Prevention Whereof: Be it Enacted by the Governer Counseil & Assembly that both the Said meetings & all the Electiones their made and the whole proceedings of Each of them be and heareby is declairred null, void and of none Effect but are utterly Vacated and Destroyed and that the persons Chosen to any office at Either and Each of Sd meeting are Hereby Disqualified and Rendered wholly uneable to act in them or any of them and it is hereby further Enacted that a new meeting of Said Inhabitants shall be Called for the Election of town officers for the Currant year and all parsons Quallifyed as the Law Directes for the Qualification of Such as are authorized to vote in the Choies of town officers in the annual town meetings Shall be permitted Wednesday 13 Day of august at 2 clock in the afternoon if they Shall Se caues to Vote at Sd meeting but all others & all minors are hereby Excluded from Voting at Said meetings as they ought to be in all such Cases and John Sheepard Juner of amherst Esqr is Hereby appointed to Call and Govern Sd meeting till the Whole business thereof Shall be Ended & that no Parson Concerned may Justly Coomplain of want of notices the Sd John Sheepard is hereby Derected to Give a Notification to the Last years Constable of Sd town seting forthe the time and place Designs of holding of Sd meeting with the purpous thereof and that Sd meeting is Called by the authority of this act which shall be Delivered to Said Constable at least fifteen Days before the Day appointed for holding Sd meeting and Sd Constable Shall Give parsonal notice to all the Qualfied Voters of Sd Town as has Some Customary times ben the there or leave a Coppy of the Sd Notifiction at the last usual place of the abod of such of said persons as he Cannot meet with at least ten Days before the meeting And all the Town officers which shall be Chosen pursuant Hereunto Shall have the same Power & Authority as any other Town officers have Relative to the Duty of their Respective offces And the Said Constabel is hereby subjected to a penalty of three pounds for Refuseing or Neglecting his Duty herein to be Recovered by the Selectmen that shall be Chosen by Said town for the use of Said town. "Province of New Hampshire "In the House of Representatives, July 8, 1766 "The foregoing Bill having ben three times Read Voted that It pass to be enacted. "Lesiw G. Goodwin, Speaker. "In Council July 9th, 1766, The foregoing bill Read a third time & past to be enacted. "Theod. W. Atkinson, Secretary "Consented to "B. Wentworth "In accordance with this Act, Mr. Shepherd on the 15th of July issued the following Warrant: "Province of New Hampshire "To the Constable of Derryfield in Said Province for the year 1765 "Whereas by a Special Act of the General Court for Sd province, passed at their Session this pris Instant July I am authorized to Call and Govern a meeting of the Inhabitantes of Derryfield in order to Reform some disorders that they have lately thrown themselves into Relative to town officers: "Wherefore you are hereby Required in his Majestys Name forwith to warn the Inhabitants of Said Derryfield QUalified by Law to Vote in Chusing town officers, to Convene at the meeting-House in Derryfield Qualified by Law to Vote, on Wednesday the 23d day of August next at two of the clock in the afternoon, to Chuse Common & ordinary town officers for the Currant year as the Law Directs, and you are to give ten days Notices at least to each person Qualified as aforesaid which notice must be personal or left at the persons Usual place of abode; hereof you may not fail & mack Due return. N B by the above Vested Act you are Subjected to the penalty of three pounds for your Refusal or Neglect. "John Shepard, June'r "Dated July 15, 1766 "Recorded Feb. 28, 1767 "John Hall, Town Clark "Upon this Warrant the Constable made the following return: "Province of New Hampshire "Pursent to the foregoing precept I have Warned the Inhabitants of Sd Derryfield to Meet at time and place & for the purpose mentioned in Sd precipt. "Charles Emerson "Constable for Derryfield 1765." "Dated August 13, 1766 "Recorded February 28, 1767 "per me John Hall, Town Clark." August 13, the following, officers were chosen: "John Hall, Town Clerk; David McNight, Ebenezer Stevens, John Hall, Selectmen; James McKnight, Constable; Mickael McClintock, Hendry Blaisdel, William perham, Joseph Gorge, Surveirs of Higwayes; Joseph Marsten, William Nutte, David McKnight, Taythingmen; the Selectmen, Fence-viewers & praysors of Damige in the town as the Law Direcks; Elizer Robbins, James Ridall, Deer-Keepers; Ebenezer Stevens, Survier of Lumber; Thomas Russ, Sieler of Leather; Mickel McClintock, Elliezer Robens, Committee to settle with Selectmen of 1766; The Selectmen, Take the Invoice of the polls and Estates of the town of Derryfield for ye year 1766; Joseph Gorge, John Perham, Samuel Boyd, James perces, Houg Reeafes; William Perham, Clerk of the Market. "Recorded February 28, 1767 "John Hall, Town Clark." The Hall party was triumphant. At a special meeting called for the 22d of December following, to vote on the following articles: "1stly. To Chues a moderator to Reglate Said meeting. "2dly. to See if the town will Rease any money for prechin then what the Select men hies all Ready provided this year. "3dly. to See how much monay the town will Reaes to Defray the contingent Charges of the town for the present year. "4thly. to see if the town will Complay with the Law of the Government to provied wightes and mishures or if not to Defend the present Select men of any Coste or troble for not providing the afore Sd wights and mishers as the Law hies provided in that Kasse. "5thly. to heir the Reports of the Commitey that was Chosen to Examing Sundry years accounptes in behalfe of the town, to wite, Conel John Goffe, Capt. Alex McMurphy, & mr. Neathainel Boyd Commitey men." The opposition rallied and voted the four business articles down. The record stands thus: "Voted one the 2 artical not to Reaies any monay for Prieching this year. "Voted note to Reaise any money for Necrisey Charges in Behaif of the town for theis year. "Voted one the fourth artical in the warrant not to Reaise any monay to provide wightes & miushers for the town. "One the fifth artical the accoumptes was Read but now "Vot was paste one them and they remaien on Sitled." The excitement was now greatly increased. March 2, 1767, the Goffe party carried the day and elected officers, as follows: "David Starret, Moderator; David Starret, Town Clerk; Elizer Robbins, Alexander McClintock, Nathaniel Boyd, Selectmen; John Harvey, Constable; James McColley, James McKnight, Charles Emerson, John McClientock, Surveyors of Highways; the Selectmen, Fence-Viewers; Charles Emerson, Ebenezer Stevens, Surveyors of Lumber; John Moor, James McColley, Counters of Votes; John Hall, To take Invoice; Alexander Merrill, James Pierce, William Perham, Jr., Hog Constables; Thomas Russ, Sieler of Leather." March 6, 1769, the "Town voted not to pay Levt. John Hall His Demands Relating to the Borrowed money without a suit at Law, it being thought an unreasonable demand." Mr. Hall then commenced a suit against the town for his claim. In the warrant for the annual town-meeting in 1771 there were the following articles: "Fifthly, to Hear the accompt of Corll. John Goffe, and William McClintock as Agents for the town to Defend the Town against the action Levt. John Hall commenced against the town of Derryfield and to approve or not approve. "Sixthly, to See If the Town will Chuse a Committee to settle with Levt. John Hall all the accompts Between said Hall and the Town of Derryfield." At a meeting held March 4, 1771, the accounts of the committee which defended the suit brought by Lieutenant Hall were read, and are of an interesting character, showing the expense of litigation, etc., at that early day. The following is a copy: "Corll. John Goffe as agent for the Town of Derryfield, Dr. "My account of Time and money I Expended in carrying on the Law Sute for the town of Derryfield against Levt. John Hall --"1769, Sept. to time five Days at the Infereor Cort at 2s per Day .... 0L 10s 0d "To travling feas one hundred miles at two pance per mile...0L 16s 8d "To Halfe a Ginne to mr parker as a fee ... 0L 14s 0d "24th Nov to wating on the Rule of Cort at Samuel Thompsons, one day 2s my Hors Hier 3s and Esq. underwood for Summons for Evidences and his attendance 8s ... 0L 13s 0d "To a Fee to mr. autherton half a Ginne ... 0L 14s 0d "To Charge and Expance at Tompson ... 0L 18s 0d --"1770, 27 Feb., to Moses Senters, whan the Rul for Derryfield Case was to Held their one Day my Serlf and Hors .. 0L 03s 0d "to Cash paid Santer for my own and william macClintocks and witnes Expenses... 0L 12s 0d "to Esqr underwood for summons... 0L 04s 0d "For a man and Hors to goe to Esqr Lovewells... 0L 12s 0d "to a Day in Giting paper and preparing for Tryal... 0L 02s 0d "to a Fee to one parson ... 0L 07S 0d --"1779, 5 Sep, to Esqr underwood for fouer witnesses... 0L 02s 0d "to a Notifycation.. 0L 01s 0d "to Charge and Expenses while Swaring Evidence and the Esqrs. Dinner at my House... 0L 06s 0d "to one Days attendance my Salf... 0L 02s 0d [This bill continues in the original document, but is not included here except for the total of the bill] "the above is the whole of the Conlls account Exceptd 21L 19s 0d William McClintock's bill is also detailed in the original document, but not included here, except for the total: "the above is the totel of william mcClintocks account 7L 13s 8d At this meeting it was voted that "A committee of five men be chosen to settle all accounts Between Levt. John Hall and the town of Derryfield, and this Committee shall have full power of substitution in behalf of said town, to make a Complete and final settlement with said Hall and make a report to the Town as soon as may be convenient." The settlement was, no doubt, soon after effected. The expense of this suit to the town had amounted to 43L 17s 8d., more than the whole tax of the town. "2ly, to see if the Inhabitants of Said town will Vote to Give the Revr. George Gilmore a Call to the Worke of the Menistry in said Derryfield to be their Menester. "3ly, to See how much yearly Salary they Will Vote the said Gilmore if he Except their Call. "4ly, to See how much Setelment Money they Will Vote the said Gilmore if he Except their Call. "5ly, to See if they Will Vote to Sand a man or meen to treet with the said Gilmore and agree about the mater as the town pleeses to order." September 6, 1773, it was "Voted to Dismis the above Warrant but the town thought Best to sand for the Revr. George Gilmore, and it was put to vote and the Town voted to Sand for the Revr. George Gilmore as sun as possible to com and preach with us Eight Days upon Fouder Trill." December 23rd, same year, it was "Voted on the third Articul in the Warrant to Give Revt. George Gilmore a Call to the Work of the Ministry to be our settled Minister in Said Town. "Then Voted on the fourth Articul in the Warrant to Give the Revtl George Gilmore thirty Pounds Lawfull money in Cash, for the annual Settled yearly Salary So Long as he the Said Gilmore Contenes to be our settled minister in said Town. "Voted on the Said Articul to Give the Revt. George Gilmore for a Settlement thirty Pounds Lawfull money in Cash and Sixty Pounds Lawfull money to be paid in Labour at two shillings Lawfull per Day for man and the Same for oxen, the Said Labor is to be paid in four years Commencing from the time that the Said Gilmore Excepts and settles with us in Said town fifteen Pounds per year and the Above Cash within one year of the Said time. "Voted, on the fifth articul in the Warrant to Chuse a Committee to treet with the Revt. George Gilmore Relating the above Votes, then Voted David Starret, Samuel Boyd, John perham and Levtn. James macCalley to be the Committee and make report to the Town. "Then Voted to adjourn this meeting till the third monday in february to the house of Levtn. John halls, at one of the Clock in the afternoon on the Said Day. "Derryfield, February the 21st Day, 1774. "Then meet according to adjournment the moderator and Clerk present and the meetin Caled, then Voted to Dismis the Sixth articul in the Warrant by Reson that the above Committee had not Received aney answer from the Revt. Gearge Gilmore." Nothing was done towards repairing the meeting-house during the Revolution, and it became much dilapidated. On the 22d day of May 1780, an attempt was made to sell the "pew ground," for the purpose of raising money to repair the meeting-house, but the project was voted down. June 3, 1783, it was "Voted to Raise one hundred Dollars and to apply the Same toards Repairing the meeting-house in Derryfield and that the same Be Raised this present year the one half in money and the other half in Labour and suitable meterials sutch as Shall Be Excepted By the Committy that Shall be Hereafter Choosen for that purpose. "Voted that Major Webster, Levt. Dan'l hall and Samuel Stark Be a Committy to provide meterials and Labourers to do the Work and to Repair the meeting-house So fer as the aforesaid Hundred Dollars will Do." But the repairs were not completed, and September 24th, of the following year, it was voted to raise fifty dollars towards repairing the meeting-house. In 1790 an effort was made, and with success, to sell the "pew ground" and finish the house, and March 1st of that year it was "Voted to sell the Pew Ground, to finish the Meeting-house." Major John Webster, John Green and John Hall were chosen a committee to sell the pew ground. The committee sold the ground at public auction, on the 22d of June of that year, upon the following conditions: "The Conditions of Sail of the Pew ground in Derryfield meeting-house agreeable to an advertisement bearing Date June the 4th, 1790, by the subscribers is as follows: "1stly, the ground for each pew to be built on, will be Struck off to the Highest bidder, they giving good security to the Committee for the Sum of money that 8d grounds is sold for the to help to repair the meeting-house this year. "2dly. He that Purcheseth any of the above pew ground shall have a bill of Sail from the Committee in their Capassity of the number & price that it Cost them, to be Recorded in Derryfield Town Book. "3dly. The Buyer must pay two-thirds of the purchise in Glass, Nailes, or marchantable Clabboards or Putty at or before the first day of September Next, & and the Remaindering third in Cash at or before the first Day of January Next. "given under our Hand, Dated at Derryfield, June 22d, 1790. "John Webster, John Hall, Committee Men." The sales were thus: Number // Name // Cost 14 // Maj. John Webster // 2L 0s 2 // Daniel Davise // 2L 1s 18 // Daniel Hall // 2L 0s 16 // Capt. John Perham // 1s 5s 30 // James Gorman // 1L 13s 24 // John Green // 1L 2s 22 // Capt. John Perham // 1L 7s 29 // John Hall // 1L 11s 25 // Levt. David Merrell // 1L 0s 1 // John Stark, Jr. // 1L 4s 17 // Jonathan Greely // 1L 8s 21 // Asa Haseltine // 9L 0s 4 // David Webster // 1L 0s 3 // Joseph Haseltine // 1L 4s 32 // William Nutt // 1L 0s 19 // Doctr John Duston // 1L 9s 12 // Abraham Ammy // 1L 6s 26 // Isreal Young // 1L 6s 10 // John Dickey // 1L 5s 31 // Capt. Samuel Moor // 1L 0s 13 // Joseph Farmer // 1L 0s 15 // Peter Emerson // 1L 0s 8 // Archibald Gamble // 1L 4s 7 // Joshua Perse // 1L 0s 23 // Samuel Moor // 1L 1s 9 // Thomas Griffen // 1L 0s 11 // Joseph Farmer // 1L 0s 27 // John Goffe // 1L 0s 24 // Maj. John Webster // 1L 1s TOTAL: 36L 11S "recorded January 11th, 1791. John Goffe, Town Clerk." The purchasers built their pews, immediately, and the lower part of the house was of respectable finish. March 5, 1792, it was "Voted to raise forty dollars to Repair the Meeting House. "Voted that the Selectmen lay out the Money to Build the Gallery Stares and Lay the Gallery flores." The stairs were built and the floors laid, and on the 30th day of October following it was "Voted to sell the Pew Ground in the Gallerys, & the pews to be five feet in frount from the Wall." "Voted that the pew ground be sold at Vendue." "Voted that the Selectmen be a committee to sell the pews." The sale took place on the 10th day of November, 1792, on the following conditions: "Derryfield, Nov. 10th, 1793 "Articles of the Sale of the Pew ground in the Gallerys of the Derryfield Meeting-House. "Artical first, the highest bidder shall be the purchaser. "2dly. No bid shall be excepted less than sixpence. "3dly. the purchesor shall give security to the Exceptance of the Committee to be padi by the last day of May Next. "4thly. the purchesor shall have for his security the plan & the No of the pew struck off to him Recorded in the Town Book. "5thly. the committee shall have Equal Liberty to bid with the other inhabitants. "[Signed] John Stark, Daniel Davis, Samuel Moor, Committee." The account of the sale was as follows: Gallery Number // Name // Cost 2 // William Perham // 1L 10s 0d 1 // David Stevens // 2L 13s 0d 3 // John Stark // 3L 10s 0d 4 // Able Huse // 1L 7s 0d 5 // James Majorey // 1L 6s 0d 6 // Samuel Smith // 1L 5s 6d 15 // Samuel Smith // 2L 12s 6d 14 // Capt. John Perham // 2L 13s 11 // Capt. Samuel Moor // 1L 12s 10 // William Perham // 1L 10s 9 // Able Huse // 1L 5s 0d 7 // Green Simons // 1L 7s 0d 8 // William Stevens // 1L 7d 0d 12 // Daniel Davis // 1L 6s 0d 13 // John Hall Jr. // 1L 8s 6d Totals: 25L 12s 6d The house, however, was never finished. Contention and discord had borne their fruits. The majority of the people cared but little about the building, and at no time was it fit for public worship. The Rev. Mr. Pickels (says Judge Potter, in referring to this old house), an eccentric clergyman of that time, preaching in it as late as about 1803, took his hearers to task for not finishing and repairing the house. After telling them of their duty in this matter in a very forcible strain, as was his wont, he closed by naming to them the penalty for not doing their duty in this particular. "Why," continued he, "if you don't repair the house of God, the d---l will come in and carry you out at the cracks." It is said, that for fear of the penalty, the house was immediately repaired so as to prevent any such egress for his satantic majesty and the delinquent hearers. The Rev. William Pickels was a native of Wales, where he married Margaret Tregallis. After emigrating to this country he preached for a time in Philadelphia. He came into the neighboring town of Bedford somewhere about 1787. He preached in Bedford, some years, a portion of the time. At first he was very popular as a preacher, and it was proposed to settle him, but for some reasons, not readily accounted for, an opposition sprang up against him in Bedford, and became so violent as to forbid the idea of a settlement. His enemies charged him with dissolute habits in Philadelphia, but the charge was stoutly denied by his friends. At length the strife waxed so warm and became so pointed that Lieutenant John Orr offered to lay a wager of fifty dollars that the charge was true. The wager was taken by Mr. Pickels' friends, and Mr. William Riddle was agreed upon as the agent of the parties to proceed to Philadelphia and investigate the charge. His report was to be final. Mr. Riddle went to Philadelphia on horse- back, investigated the matter, found the charge untrue in every particular, returned and reported the result. There was great exultation on the part of the winners and they met at the store of Isaac Riddle, Esq., to rejoice over their victory. Mr. Riddle was designated as their agent to go to Mr. Orr's and get the wager. He accordingly waited upon Mr. Orr and made known the result of the investigation. Without making a remark, Mr. Orr went to his desk and paid over the money. Mr. Riddle took the money back to the winners, and it was spent at the counter in liquor for the multitude. But the result did not stay the opposition against Mr. Pickels, and he was forced to abandon the idea of a settlement. He, however, continued to preach in Bedford a portion of the time for some sixteen years. His friends would pay their money for no other man as long as he was in the neighborhood; and as they constituted near one-half of the people in Bedford, and among them some of the most influential, Mr. Pickels continued to "supply the pulpit" about one-half of the time. The remaining part of the time he preached in the vicinity, mostly in Derryfield. At length an opposition sprang up against him here, probably having its origin in Bedford, and it was thought best to settle the question of his employment in town-meeting. Accordingly, in the warrant of October 19, 1796, was the following article: "4thly. To see if the town will vote to raise money for the purpose of hiring Mr. William Pickels to Preach for them some part of the year Ensueing, if he can be obtained." At the meeting November 7, 1796, it was "Voted to hire Mr. William Pickels one third part of the Year Ensueing to Preach in this town." From this time he continued to supply the pulpit in this town till 1804, sometimes hired for a specific number of Sabbath, and again to "preach out the money raised." About 1804 he removed to Maine, where he continued to reside until his death. Mr. Pickels was an eloquent preacher and a fine scholar, but very eccentric in his habits. He finally announced his belief in the doctrine of universal salvation. **** THE FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH *** This church was formed by the union of a Presbyterian Church, which was organized at Manchester Center May 21, 1828, and a Congregational Church, organized at Amoskeag December 2d of the same year. The Presbyterian Church never had a house of its own and a pastor was never settled in it. For a few months after its formation its pulpit was supplied by the Rev. William K. Talbot. In 1833, Benjamin F. Foster was ordained as an evangelist, and he for some time furnished occasional preaching. Those of its members who united with the Amoskeag Church to form another at the new village in Manchester were Moses Noyes, Lucy Noyes, Robert P. Whittemore, Hannah Jane Whittemore, Jennet Dickey, Elizabeth Hall, Sally Whittemore, Eliza A. Moor, Jerusha Griffin, Maria Noyes, Elizabeth Stark, Abby Stark, Mrs. F.G. Stark. Like the Presbyterian Church, the Congregational was without a house or a pastor of its own. Among those who occupied its pulpit were the Rev. B.F. Foster (who divided his time between this church and the one at the Centre), the Rev. Mr. Noble, the Rev. Mr. French, the Rev. Mr. Stone (afterwards a missionary in Siam), and Cyrus W. Wallace, who began his labors with it on the last Sunday in April, 1839, and who afterwards became its pastor. About that time the church began to hold meetings at the new village in Manchester with the approval of the church at the Centre, sustaining thus the first regular Sunday services in what is now the compact part of the city. At the time when ceased to exist as a separate church its members were Daniel Farmer, George Berry, Samuel Poor, Henry Peacock, Nahum Baldwin, Betsey Farmer, Mrs. Samuel Poor, Mrs. Nahum Baldwin, Lettice McQuesten, Betsey Flanders, Mary Rodgers, Lydia Drew, Harriet Jones, Mary C. Perry, Catharine French, Mrs. Pollard. It had become by this time patent that a union of these two churches would be a gain to each, and that the place for the new church was at the village which the manufacturers were building on the east bank of the Merrimack. The union was effected August 15, 1839, by a council which met first at the house of Phinehas French in Amoskeag village, and then adjourned to Franklin Hall, and the church thus formed was called the First Congregational Church in Amoskeag, a house of worship being built for its use at the new village in 1839. The name was afterwards changed to that of the First Congregational Church of Manchester. Cyrus W. Wallace, then a licentiate of the Londonderry Presbytery, had already, as has been said, commenced his labors with the Amoskeag Church, but did not preach as a candidate for settlement. He supplied the pulpit till November of that year, and then received a call to become the pastor of the church and society. He accepted the invitation and was ordained January 8, 1840, being the first minister ever ordained and installed in the town. At the time of the union of the two churches, Moses Noyes was the deacon of the Presbyterian Church and Daniel Farmer of the Congregational Church, and by mutual agreement, they became deacons of the new church, continuing in office till death removed them, the one in October 1860, and the other October 30, 1865. Dr. Wallace, who had been the pastor of the church since its formation, and whose uninterrupted service with one church far exceeded in legnth that of any other clergyman ever settled in Manchester, sent his resignation to the church, January 11, 1873, and it was accepted by the latter, to take effect the last of August. Edward G. Selden accepted a call to succeed Dr. Wallace, and was ordained December 16, 1873, and dismissed in 1885. By a vote of the church "as an expression of their affectionate regard," Dr. Wallace was made "pastor emeritus" of the church on the 1st of January, 1874. The church has a membership of about six hundred. A meeting of persons interested in forming a Congregational society was held at Amoskeag April 4, 1838. These were organized as the First Congregational Society in Amoskeag Village, and at an adjourned meeting on the 27th adopted a constitution and chose Daniel Farmer, president; George W. Kimball, secretary; Nahum Baldwin, Samuel Poor and George Perry, directors. Shortly after the formation of the society, a vote was passed to form the Amoskeag Joint Stock Company for the purpose of building a church in Amoskeag village. This vote was rescinded, other plans and places were discussed and in 1839 it was decided to build a house of worship on Hanover Street, near Elm. The Amoskeag Company gave the land and the Stark Mills gave five hundred dollars to help build the church. Other means were obtained by making shares of stock, which were soon taken up. The house was begun in the spring, finished in the autumn and dedicated in November of 1839. It then contained one hundred and twenty-two pews and would accomodate six hundred and fifty persons. During the process of building, the society, which had already left Amoskeag, worshiped in Franklin Hall, on Amherst STreet, nearly in the rear of the present church. In 1852 the house was enlarged, the congregation worshiping meanwhile in the city hall. About 1842 a vestry or chapel was built just back of the church. About 1846 the society forsook its original name and took that of the First Congregational Society in Manchester. January 9, 1865, it having been twenty-five years since the settlement of Rev. Dr. Wallace, the event was celebrated by the society and other friends by a gathering at Smyth's Hall, Peter K. Chandler, then president of the society, in the chair. Dr. Wallace preached a commemorative sermon, and addresses were made by the Rev. Thomas Savage, of Bedford, a member of the council convened to settle Mr. Wallace; the Rev. Henry E. Parker, of Concord; the Rev. Nathaniel Bouton, D.D. of Concord; the Rev. Henry M. Dexter, of Boston, and the Rev. William H. Fenn, of Manchester, former pastors of the Franklin Street Society; William G. Means, of Andover, Mass., secretary and treasurer of the first society from 1842 to 1854; and John B. Clarke, of Manchester. Dr. Wallace was made the recipient of several articles in testimony of the regard of his people. The present church edifice was completed in 1880, at a cost of about sixty-five thousand dollars. It is a substantial and commodious brick structure, beautifully located, and has a seating capacity of thirteen hundred and fifty. It was dedicated May 12, 1880. ***** THE FRANKLIN STREET CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH ***** This church was organized May 7, 1844, as the Second Congregational Society, with the following offficers: John Crosby, president; Abram Brigham, clerk and treasurer; William C. Clarke, Thomas Carleton, Walter T. Jacquith, directors. On the 27th of June, of the same year, a church was organized in connection with the society. The first pastor was Rev. Henry M. Dexter, who was ordained November 6, 1844. They worshiped in the town hall until its destruction by fire, then in a chapel on Concord Street and a hall in Patten's block, then in the new town hall until the completion of their present house of worship, on the corner of Market and Franklin Streets. April 25, 1860, the name was changed from Second Congregational to Franklin Street Society. The church building was remodeled in 1878 at an expense of about twenty- three thousand dollars, and the seating capacity increased to fourteen hundred. A tower was added, in which has been placed a chime of nine bells, weighing seven thousand five hundred pounds, the gift of ex-Governor Smyth. Mr. Dexter remained pastor of the church until March 14, 1849, when he was dismissed. His successor was Rev. Henry S. Clarke, who was installed September 26, 1849. The latter remained until July 1, 1852, and November 3, 1852, Rev. Samuel C. Bartlett was installed. He was dismissed February 18, 1857, and his successor, Rev. Aaron C. Adams, was settled on the 22d of July, of the same year. He left September 22, 1858 and Rev. William H. Fenn became pastor February 10, 1859, remaining over seven years, being dismissed July 17, 1866. He was followed by William J. Tucker, who was ordained January 25, 1867, and continued pastor of the church until April 21, 1875. The next minister was Rev. Washington Choate. His installation occurred September 29, 1875, and his dismissal December 26, 1876. William V.W. Davis was ordained and installed September 12, 1877, and dismissed September 25, 1882. Rev. George B. Spalding, D.D., having received a call from this society, resigned his pastorate at Dover, and was installed pastor of this church February 14, 1882, and is the present pastor. ***** THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH (by David P. Perkins) ***** The first church in this town was of the Baptist denomination, and was organized in 1812, under the pastoral care of Rev. David Abbott. It consisted of fourteen members. It flourished under Mr. Abbott's teaching until 1820. At that time it numbered twenty-two, when dissensions among the brethren crept in, and the spirit of religion went out and the church was broken up. In 1829 a Methodist Episocopal Church was organized, and in the following year a house of worship was erected. This was the first meeting-house finished in Manchester. In 1832-32 the Rev. Matthew Newhall, from the New Hampshire Conference, was stationed here. With the above exception, the First Baptist Church of this city was the first church in town to call and settle a pastor. This church was gathered by Rev. John Peacock, who has left on record the initiatory steps of its organization, as follows: "Lord's Day, July 26, 1835 "The Baptist Church in Goffstown voted this day to acknowledge us whose names are here enrolled--the Amoskeag Branch of the Goffstown Church; authorizing us to engage our minister and reward him, to receive members and dismiss them, and to enjoy the communion, &c., &c. "[signed] Elder John Peacock, Mrs. Mary R. Peacock, Hopey Tewksbury, Betsey Tewksbury, Zilpah Gould, Daniel Gooden, John Stevens, Mrs. Susan M. Stevens, Elizabeth McIntire, Abigail Rider." The Branch held its meetings for religious worship in a hall at Amoskeag village and under the faithful services of its pastor accessions to its numbers were received from Sabbath to Sabbath. At length the time came when it was deemed that the interests of religion required a separate organization. December 1, 1836, at a meeting of the Branch, it was voted substantially as follows: "1st. That it is now expedient to form an independent churhc, and for that purpose to ask dismission from the church at Goffstown. "2d. That we adopt as the articles of our faith and practice, "the articles prepared by the New Hampshire Baptist State Convention." "3d. That our pastor be authorized to call an ecclesiastical council for advice, and to take such action as in their wisdom the best interests of the church may seem to require." January 4, 1837, in pursuance of the foregoing action, a council consisting of the following brethren assembled in Roger Williams Hall, at Amoskeag village, to wit: Rev. George Evans, Horace Eaton and others, of the Goffstown Church; Rev. D.D. Pratt, of Nashua; Rev. A.T. Foss, of New Boston; Rev. Mark Carpenter, of Milford; Rev. Bartlet Pease, of Hudson; Rev. Samuel Abbott, of Bedford; and Rev. S.C. Pratt, of New Hampton. After full deliberation, the council voted unanimously to recognize John Peacock, Daniel Gooden, Andrew J. George, John Washer and their associated of the Amoskeag Branch as an independent church. The following are the forty-five original members who were thus publicly recognized: Rev. John Peacock, Deacon Daniel Gooden, John Stevens, Stephen Washer, John Washer, Andrew J. George, Hopie Tewksbury, Betsey Tewksbury, Elizabeth McIntire, Zilpah Gould, Abigail Rider, Eliza McDuffie, Mrs. Mary R. Peacock, Mrs. Marinda Gooden, Mrs. Susan M. Stevens, Mrs. Louisa A. Washer, Mrs. Polly Washer, Emily George, Lettice Caldwell, Abigail Caldwell, Dolly Leonard, Mary J. Tewksbury, Lucy Ann Chellis, Rebecca Dean, Mary Ann Smith, Lucy Reed, Mary Runno, Emeline Towle, Mrs. Caroline H. Goodwin, Rachel Colby, Mary Muzzy, Jane McCoy, Maria Davis, Lavina Kimball, Lydia Caldwell, Sarah Whipple, Lois Smith, Nancy Tewksbury, Rhoda Ann McCoy, Hannah Lord, Sally Follensbee, Harriet N. Plumer, Judith H. Plumer, Sarah Lord, Mary Ann Marsh. Rev. John Peacock continued the pastorate until the following October, when, at his own request, he received from the church, a letter of dismission and recommendation to the church in Peterborough. During these few months, nineteen had been added--by baptism, six; and by letter, thirteen. Removals, ten,--by letter, seven; exclusion, three. July 9, 1838, Rev. Ephraim K. Bailey entered upon the pastorate, and the church, having removed to the new village, assembled for religious worship in Washington Hall, on Amherst Street. October 17, 1839, a contract was made between Daniel Gooden, John R. Goodwin, Dr. J.H. Morse and J.W. Watkins, on the part of the First Baptist Society, and E. Morrison and William McPherson, on the other part, for the erection of a church edifice on a lot of land situated at the corner of Manchester and Chestnut Streets, given to the society by the Amoskeag Manufacturing Company. Agreeably to the contract, a brick building was erected, seventy-six feet long by fifty-eight feet wide and twenty-six feet from the principal floor to the beams. The enterprise was completed at an expense of about six thousand dollars, and in the autumn of 1840 the church was dedicated to the service of God. "At a church-meeting, September 22, 1840, it was Voted That this church shall hereafter be called and known by the name of 'The First Baptist Church in Manchester.'" The pastor, Rev. E.K. Bailey, having served faithfully and successfully during the period of three years and five months, severed his official connection with the church and society December 19, 1841. The results of his pastorate in additions to the church were one hundred and twelve, of whom thirty were by baptism, eighty by letter and two on experience. Removals, twenty-one, --by letter, sixteen; by death, three; and by exclusion, two. Rev. James Uphain entered upon the pastorate January 16, 1842, and resigned January 16, 1843. There were gathered into the church through the faithful services of this beloved pastor, one hundred and thirty,-- by baptism, forty-nine; by letter, seventy-six; experience, four; and by restoration, one. Removals, thirty-two,--by letter, twenty-nine; by death, one; and by exclusion, two. Rev. Benjamin Brierly served as pastor of the church from December 10, 1843 to May 24, 1846, inclusive, a period of two years and six months. It was mainly through his influence that the Second Baptist Church in this city was constituted, about thirty members of the parent church having been dismissed on the 27th of October 1845, for that purpose. During the pastorate of Mr. Brierly one hundred and forty-one members were admitted to the church,--by baptism, thirty-seven; by letter, ninety-nine; and on experience, five. Removals, one hundred and four,--by letter, seventy-four; by death, nine; and by excommunication, twenty-one. Rev. Thomas O. Lincoln's pastorate commenced August 9, 1846, and terminated August 11, 1850. He served four years, resulting in additions to the church of one hundred and thirty-nine,--by baptism, fifty; letter, eighty-four; on experience, two; and by restoration, three. Removals, one hundred and forty-five,--by letter, ninety; by death, fourteen; dropped, thirty-six; and by exclusion, five. Rev. Isaac Sawyer's pastorate care of the church commenced November 3, 1850, and terminated by his resignation May 28, 1854. During this pastorate there were received into the church one hundred and sixty-one members,--by baptism, one hundred; by letter, forty-nine; on experience, nine; and by restoration, three. Removals, one hundred and thirty-one,--by letter, seventy-one; by death, sixteen; dropped, forty; and by exclusion, four. Rev. B.F. Hedden served the church as pastor two years, from September 24, 1854, to September 29, 1856, inclusive. He received into the church forty-seven members,--by baptism, twenty-six; by letter, eighteen; on experience, one; and by restoration, two. During his pastorate there were seventy removals,--by letter, fifty- eight; by death, eleven; and by exclusion, one. Rev. George Pierce was the pastor of the church eight years and six months, from March 15, 1857 to October 1, 1865. During this pastorate there were added to the church one hundred and ninety-one members,--by baptism, one hundred and ten; by letter, sixty-seven; on experience, thirteen; and by restoration one. Removals, one hundred and sixty-three as follows: By letter, eighty-two; by death, thirty-four; dropped from the rolls, forty; and by exclusion, seven. Rev. N.C. Mallory entered upon the pastorate December 10, 1865, and resigned July 1, 1870, having served the church in the pastoral office four years and seven months. The additions to the church received by Mr. Mallory were ninety-five, of whom forty-five were by baptism; by letter, thirty-five; on experience, fourteen; and by restoration, one. Removals, one one hundred six,--by letter, fifty-nine; by death, fourteen; dropped from the rolls of the church, thirty-two; and by excommunication, one. July 8, 1870, the city of Manchester was visited by a most destructive fire, consuming a vast amount of valuable property, and the meeting- house in which the church had worshiped thirty years became a heap of smoldering ruins. The past had been dismissed but a few days, and thus the church was left houseless, homeless and without a spiritual guide. After the loss of their house, among the first things proposed by the church and society was the erection of a new one. A lot of land situate on the corner of Concord and Union Streets was procured and contracts made for the construction of a church edifice on a scale the proportions and expense of which far exceeded the old building. In the mean time the church and society extended a call to the Rev. Alfred C. Graves to become their pastor. The call was accepted, and, January 1, 1871, Mr. Graves entered upon his work. The church and congregation held together with constantly increasing interest, working in harmony, shoulder to shoulder, apparently regarding their great misfortune a blessing in disguise. At first they worshiped in Music Hall, then in the old Unitarian house on Merrimack Street, and lastly in Smyth's Opera-House. The work upon the building went forward with energy, and on the 14th day of July, 1872, just one year from the laying of the corner-stone, the church and congregation held their first meeting for religious worship in their new vestry. Here they continued to worship until the house was fully prepared for occupancy. April 30, 1873, the house having been completed in all its parts, was dedicated to the service of Almighty God. This beautiful structure, occupying a most eligible and central position, is an ornament to the city, a credit to the church and society by whose energy, courage and sacrifice it was erected, and to the denomination which they represent. Mr. Graves continued to labor with the church with marked ability and faithfulness until the 1st of October, 1876, having served a period of five years and nine months, when, by his resignation, his official connection with the church and society was terminated. During the pastorate of Dr. Graves 171 members united with the church,--by baptism, 92; by letter, 50; on experience, 27; and by resotration, 2. Removals, 74,--by letter, 41; by death, 26; dropped from the rolls of the church, 2; and by excommuncation, 5. William Hayne Leavell was pastor of the church five years, from May 4, 1877 to May, 1882, resulting in admission of the church of 142,--by baptism, 87; by letter, 42; on experience 10; and by restoration, 3. Removals, 72,--by letter, 45; by death, 24; and dropped from the rolls, 3. Rev. Clarion H. Kimball, our present pastor, united with the church August 25, 1882. He entered at once upon the duties and responsibilities of the pastoral office. He has gone forward in the work of the ministry with energy and ability, and has been successful in building up the church. The additions received by Mr. Kimball are 68, as follows: By baptism, 47; by letter, 20; by restoration, 1. Removals, 38,--by letter, 27; by death, 10; and by excommunication, 1. It would be an interesting chapter in our history should we state with accuracy the full contributions to the various charitable and benevolent objects of the day. Unfortunately, we have not always kept a record of our receipts and expenditures. It is believed, however, that, in this respect, we are not, in proportion to our means, behind our brethren in other sister churches. Many changes have occurred during the forty-eight years of our existence. Not one of the original members remains. Through sunshine and shadow a kind Providence has watched over us; still, we have had our share of darkness and trial. Some have fallen by the way; many have passed over the river, and entered the promised land. With weariness and watching, others are ready and waiting to follow the loved ones who have gone before. All hope for a brighter day; may the Lord pour out His Spirit upon us, "that we may be as a city set on a hill that cannot be hid; that our light may so shine before men that they may see our good works and glorify our Father which is in heaven." SUMMARY January 4, 1837, Original members ... 45 RECEPTIONS By baptism .... 679 By letter...... 633 On experience.. 88 By restoration. 16 ___________ 1416 _____ Total membership: 1461 REMOVALS: By letter.............. 599 By death.............. 165 Dropped from the rolls..153 By excommunication...... 52 _____ 969 January 4, 1885, whole number on the rolls of the church: 492 ************* MERRIMACK STREET BAPTIST CHURCH ************* This church was organized October 31, 1845. Rev. A.T. Foss was the first pastor. Meetings were held in Classic Hall and other places until the completion of the brick church, corner Elm and Pleasant Streets, which they occupied February 22, 1849. In 1853 they adopted the name of Elm Street Baptist Church. Some misunderstandings arose concerning the purchase of the house, and in 1857 they left, and worshiped in Smyth's Hall until the completion of their present church, October 27th of that year. Mr. Foss was dismissed July 11, 1847, and was succeeded, December 26th by Rev. J.C. Morrill, who left July 15, 1849. The next minister was Rev. O.O. Stearns, who remained not quite a year, and was followed, in January, 1851, by Rev. Isaac Woodbury. January, 1853, Rev. John Peacock, formerly pastor of the old Amoskeag Baptist Church, supplied the pulpit until the middle of April. In July 1853, Rev. J.M. Coburn became pastor. His resignation was accepted October 8, 1855, but seven weeks later he was invited to again become pastor, and accepted the invitation. He remained until December 5, 1858, and Rev. King S. Hall was recognized as pastor March 30, 1859. He left September 4, 1862, and Rev. A.W. Chaffin succeeded him June 10, 1863. He remained until February 2, 1868, when his resignation was accepted. Rev. Alden Sherwin was installed November 8, 1868, and dismissed in April 1879. Rev. N.L. Colby has officiated since June 1879. ********** PINE STREET FREE-WILL BAPTIST CHURCH ********** The Free-Will Baptists held meetings in Manchester as early as the year 1838, and a society was formed in 1839. They built a house of worship, in 1842, at the corner of Merrimack and Chestnut Streets, which they exchanged in the fall of 1859 for the church, on the corner of Merrimack and Pine Streets, previously occupied by the Unitarians. A separation took place in the society, and a large portion of the members left, and organized in 1860 as Elm Street free-Will Baptist Church. A council was called, and the remaining members were reorganized as the Pine Street Free-Will Baptist Church. The first pastor was Rev. J.M. Bailey, who was installed December 21, 1859. He closed his labors November, 1861, and September 10, 1862, Rev. Reuben V. Jenness was ordained. He resigned June 1, 1863, and was succeeded by Rev. Nahum Brooks. The latter resigned May 12, 1869, and was succeeded by Rev. N.L. Rowell, 1869-73; H.F. Wood, 1874-76; J.J. Hall, 1876-69; N.L. Rowell, 1879-81; B.A. Sherwood 1881; H.G. Corliss, 1883-84. *********** MERRIMACK STREET FREE-WILL BAPTIST CHURCH *********** The members of the First Free-Will Baptist Church who left and formed a new church commenced worship in the old brick church on the corner of Elm and Pleasant Streets. After some vicissitudes, they finally purchased the former house of worship, on the corner of Merrimack and Chestnut Streets, which they now occupy. The pulipt was first occupied by Rev. J.B. Davis, who preached for a few months only. In March, 1861, Rev. J.A. Knowles was installed as pastor, continuing until July 2, 1873, when Rev. Samuel McKeown was installed, the church was without a pastor. Mr. McKeown resigned July 1, 1874, and Rev. George M. Park became pastor in November of that year. He resigned December 3, 1879. Rev. Lewis Malvern became pastor March 3, 1880, resigning his charge in December, 1882. Rev. A.M. Freeman has occupied the pulpit since March 4, 1883. ********** THE FIRST METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH ********** As early as 1820 Methodist services were held in the town-house at the Centre by one Reuben Peaslee. Religious services were subsequently held by Rev. John Broadhead, Caleb Lamb and others, and on September 27, 1829, a church was organized in Manchester with eighty persons, among whom were Daniel Webster, John G. Webster, Joseph B. Hall and Isaac Merrill. The erection of a house of worship was commenced at the Centre in 1829, and completed the following year, at a cost of two thousand dollars. The first pastor was Rev. Matthew Newhall in 1830. The following is a list of pastors of this church from its organization to the present: James G. Smith, 1831; Leonard Bennett and Enoch H. Ladd, 1832; Silas Greene, 1833; Caleb Dustin, 1834; William S. Locke, 1835; Converse L. McCurdy, 1835-37; William J. Kidder, 1838; Matthew Newhall, a second time in 1839; Joseph Hayes, 1840; John S.G. Gridley, 1841; William S. Locke, 1842-44; Charles H. Eastman, 1845-46; Ezekiel Adams, 1847; Horatio N. Taplin, 1848; Henry Nutter, 1849-50; Isaac W. Huntley, 1851 to Nov 6, 1852; Elijah R. Wilkins, 1853; Robert S. Stubbs, 1854; Harrison N. Hart, 1855; Henry Nutter, 1856; Loren H. Gordon, 1857-58; Amos B. Russell, 1859-60; Josiah P. Stinchfield, 1861. There was no pastor in 1862; E.R. Wilkins preached here part of the year; Hezekiah A. Matteson, 1863-64; William Hughes for a part of the following year; Nathaniel L. Chase, 1866-67; James Dean, 1868; J. Mowry Bean, 1869-71; Thomas Tyrie, 1872, but left the church, joined the Free-Will Baptists; Charles W. Taylor 1873-74; Watson W. Smith, 1875-76; George N. Noyes, 1877-78; William H. Jones, 1879-81; Joseph H. Brown, 1882; Rev. James W. Presbry, 1883-85; J.W. Bean, 1885. ********** ST. PAUL'S CHURCH - by Rev. J. M. Avann ********** The First Methodist Episcopal Church in Manchester was organized September 21, 1829 at the Centre, where it still continues. The Second Church was organized December 16, 1839, and is now known as St. Paul's Church. Its first pastor, Rev. John Jones, was appointed in June, 1840. During that Conference year a chapel was built on the corner of Hanover and Chestnut Streets. It was subsequently removed to the corner of Pine and Merrimack Streets, has recently been enlarged and improved, and is now owned and used by the Christian Church. Mr. Jones was followed by Rev. Silas Green, who took charge in 1841, and remained one year. His successor, Rev. Elihu Scott, found the chapel too small, and a new building was erected in 1842 on Elm Street, costing with the land and furnishings, sixteen thousand dollars. From that time until 1862 the church was known as the Elm Street Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1856 a third church was organized, called the North Elm Street Methodist Episcopal Church, Rev. E. Adams, who had been at Elm Street two years, was its first pastor. About the middle of the year he took the agency of the Conference Seminary at Tilton, N.H. and Rev. C.N. Smith filled out his year. He was followed by Rev. G.W. H. Clark in 1856-57, and he by Rev. Charles Young in 1858-59. Rev. G.S. Dearborn was pastor in 1860 and part of 1861. Before the close of 1861 he was transferred to Lisbon, and his year was filled out by Rev. Mr. Owens. In the spring of 1862 the two Elm Street societies were united. Bishop Baker named the new organization the St. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church, and appointed Rev. James M. Buckley, now editor of the "Christian Advocate," its first pastor. Rev. D.C. Babcock was appointed in April, 1868, and continued with the church two years, during which time some three thousand five hundred dollars was expended in repairs. Under the labors of Rev. G.W. Norris, in 1878-79, the last dollar of a long-standing and burdensome church debt was paid. The society known as the Tabernacle Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in the spring of 1875. Its pastors were Rev. J.B. Hamilton, three years; the late Rev. L.E. Gordon, of precious memory, one year; and Rev. O.S. Baketel, who closed his labors with the society in 1879, when, in view of a new church enterprise previously strated, and designed to provide a more commodious house of worship, both churches deemed it wise to unite again their strength. For about forty years St. Paul's Church had worshiped on Elm Street. As the city grew in size and business houses multiplied, the noise of trade became so great that it often disturbed the services. The society also suffered from the want of a suitable place in which to hold its social meetings,, for it owned but one story of the building, the first floor being occupied by stores that were not under the control of the church. The building was out of repair, and between spending three or four thousand dollars on it and putting up a new church there was some hesitancy. When Rev. A.E. Drew was appointed to the pastorate, in 1880, he at once began to learn the minds of the people, and found them quite generally in favor of a new church. The title by which the property on Elm Street was held permitted it to be used only for religious services. This was a serious encumbrance upon its sale, and nothing could be done until it was removed. Mr. Drew spent the greater part of a year in securing its removal, and it was only through his determine perseverance that the work of disentanglement was successfully completed. The old house was sold for twelve thousand dollars, and the parsonage which the society owned on Laurel Street for four thousand two hundred dollars, and over nineteen thousand dollars was raised by subscription. A building lot on the corner of Union and Amherst Streets was bought for five thousand seven hundred dollars; the corner-stone was laid June 3, 1882, and the completed structure was dedicated April 13, 1883. The church is built of faced brick, with cut-stone window trimmings, the arches being adorned with bond stones and the buttresses being capped with stone. The audience-room is finished in ash, and with its stained windows and frescoed walls produces a very pleasing effect. It will seat eight hundred persons. The main vestry will seat six hundred, besides which there are class-rooms, parlors, kitchen and dining-room. The parsonage stands immediately north of the church, and in the same style of architecture. It contains eleven rooms, is heated by furnace, lighted with gas, and thus every arrangement for convenience and comfort, and is nicely furnished by the society. It is probably not equaled by any parsonage in the Conference. The entire cost of lot, church and parsonage, as completed and furnished, was not far form thirty-six thousand dollars, and the society believe that a better church for the money does not stand in New Hampshire. There is no mortgage upon the property, and the society is free from debt. The plans of the church edifice was drawn by Wm. M. Butterfield, a member of the church; the building committee consisted of David H. Young (chairman), Hilas Dickey, Wm. M. Butterfield, Charles Hutchinson and Clifford M. Anderson. These gentlemen, especially the first on the committee, gave a great deal of time and earnest effort to the enterprise. Under their supervision the expenditures were made with unusual care, and great praise is given them for the results, so highly satisfactory to all. But credit is especially due to Rev. Mr. Drew, who obtained and collected most of the subscriptions and had a general oversight of the whole work. He toiled early and late, amid manifold discouragements. He determined to conquer, and the church stands as a monument to his energy and persistency. He deserves all the good words that can be said of him in connection with this enterprise. A grateful society will ever hold him in remembrance. The pastorate of Mr. Drew having expired, Bishop Simpson, in April, 1883, transferred Rev. J.M. Avann from the New England Conference (Eastern Massachusetts), and appointed him as the first pastor of the new church. St. Paul's CHurch has always been a revival church. Scarecely a year has passed without a goodly number of conversions. Up to December, 1884, twelve hundred and ten had united with the church on probation, and doubtless five or six hundred other converts have gone from its altars to swell the membership of the other Protestant Churches in the city. The church has never had men of large means among its members, and it has suffered many disadvantages, so that social consideration have drawn many away from it to other churches in the city; besides this, the transient character of a large part of the population has scattered its former members far and wide over the country. The records show that three thousand seven hundred and fifty-one persons have been connected with this church from first to last in full membership. Now that the church has better facilities for work, there is the prospect of increased usefulness, with the assurance that it will hold and assimilate those who are drawn to it. The first year in the new building has been one of unusual success. One hundred and twenty-four have been added to the membership--sixty- three by conversion and sixty-one by letter. The receipts from pew-rents and colelctions during the year have been four thousand six hundred and twenty-seven dollars, one thousand and fifty-two dollars of which has been for benevolent objects and the remainder for current expenses. The present membership of the church is five hundred and twenty. The following is a list of former pastors, with the years of their service: John Jones, 1840; Silas Green: 1841; Elihu Scott, 1842; James W. Morey, 1843-44; Osman C. Baker, 1845; John Jones, 1846-47; Samuel Kelley, 1848; Lorenzo D. Barrows, 1849; Charles N. Smith, 1850; Silas Quimby, 1851; John Spaulding, 1852; Elisha Adams, 1853-54; H.H. Hartwell, 1855-56; Richard S. Rust, 1857; Henry Hill, 1858-59; John Currier, 1860; James M. Buckley, 1861-62; Jonathan Hall, 1863-64; William H. Thomas, 1865-66; Hiram L. Kelsey, 1867; Daniel C. Babcock, 1868-69; E.A. Smith, 1870-72; James Pike, 1873-74; C.B. Pitblado, 1875-77; George W. Norris, 1878-79; A.E. Drew, 1880-82. ************* FIRST UNITARIAN SOCIETY - by Rev. E.B. Payne ************* The Unitarian Church in Manchester did not originate from a change of base on the part of an orthodox Congregational Church, as in so many cases in New England, nor yet in an open and formal session from any existing ecclesiastical organization. It appears, rather, to have been an independent movement, prompted by a desire, on the part of a few persons, to sustain liberal sentiments in religion, and to worship God in a freer and happier way than seemed possible to them in the orthodox connection. In January, 1841, Rev. S. Osgood, a minister then residing in Nashua, began, by invitation, to preach the Unitarian faith in Manchester. Sabbath services were held for four months, when it was thought best to suspend them until the town hall, then in process of erection, should be completed, affording a more suitable place in which to hold the meetings. In March of the following year, 1842, the town hall was secured and services were resumed, with a view of making them permanent. Rev. Charles Briggs, secretary of the American Unitarian Association, in Boston, preached on a Sabbath, and Rev. O.H. Wellington was then engaged for the month of April. On Sunday evening, April 24, 1842, pursuant to a call for a meeting of those interested in sustaining Unitarian preaching in Manchester, the following persons met for consultation at the house of William Shepherd: John D. Kimball, William Shepherd, E.A. Straw, James May, M.G.J. Tewksbury, James McKeen Wilkins, H.F. Richardson, B.F. Osgood, Edwin Bodwell, Herman Foster and J.H. Kimball. After thorough deliberation the following resolution was unanimously adopted: "Resolved, That we will form ourselves into a society for the more effectual support of Unitarian preaching in the Town of Manchester, and that we will proceed, as soon as may be, to organize regularly under the laws of this State." Messrs. Daniel Clark and E.A. Straw were appointed a committee to draft and report a constitution for such a society, and an adjournment was then had until Wednesday evening of the same week. At the adjourned meeting (Wednesday evening, April 27th) the committee, above mentioned, reported a constitution for the government of a religious society, to be distinguished as the First Unitarian Society in Manchester, N.H. The preamble, as indicating the spirit and purpose of the organization, is hereby appended: [This preamble found in the original document, is not included here]. The preamble and constitution were unanimously adopted, and the original signers were as follows: E.H. Straw, William Shepherd, J.D. Kimball, Job Chamberlain, John H. Kimball, James May, George W. Tilden, George Hall, M.G.J. Tewksbury, Daniel Clark, Francis L. Clark, Alfred W. Rhoads, Benjamin F. Osgood, B.F. Manning, Isaiah Winch, J.B. Upham, A.G. Tucker, J.B. Moore, O.P. Warener, H.S. Reed, Charles F. Warren. E. A. Straw was chosen clerk and treasurer, and at a subsequent meeting, May 1, 1842, John D. Kimball was elected president, and Messrs. William Shepherd and B.F. Manning directors. The movement being now well launched upon its career, the members set hopefully to work to realize their objects. Rev. O.H. Wellington became the first pastor. He was ordained July 19, 1842, Rev. C. Stetson of Medford preaching the ordination sermon. The attitude of the religious community towards Unitarianism was shown in the fact that, whereas the pastors of all the churches in the town were invited to be present at the ordination and assist in the services, they all declined except the pastor of the Universalist Church. In the afternoon of the same day Rev. William Channing, of Nashua, preached before an assembly called to organize a church in connection with the society. In view of the above-mentioned action on the part of local ministers, it is curiously suggestive that the text of Mr. Channing's sermon was the words attributed to Jesus in John xvii, 22, 23,--"That they may be one, even as we are one: I in them and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one." The church was duly organized,, the following persons being the original members: Benjamin F. Osgood, S. Manning. Esther Parker, Melinda Osgood, Mehitable Eastman, O.H. Wellington, C.A.K. Wellington, Susan Manning, JohN Caldwell, H.M.A. Foster. [The statement adopted as the basis of their union, found in the original document, is not included here.] It will be seen from these declarations that the founders of the church made it their primary end to emphasize and espouse the practical and vital interests of religious life and work, and were comparatively indifferent to theological and ecclesiastical concerns. For nearly a year more the public services of the new church and society were held in the town hall, but during the following year a lease was secured of a small chapel, built by the Methodists, in 1841, and standing on the corner of Hanover and Chestnut Streets. The first services were held there on July 2, 1842. Some time during the summer this building was purchased from the Methodists and removed to a lot, donated by the Amoskeag corporation, on the corner of Merrimack and Pine Streets. Mr. Wellington remained as pastor only two years, when his health necessitated his departure. He was succeeded by Rev. A. Dumont Jones, who was installed July 10, 1844. Mr. Jones remained only until the end of March, 1845. From that time until 1848 the church was without a settled pastor, the pulpit being supplied by different ministers, none of whom remained for any great length of time, except Rev. M. J. Motte, who preached regularly for one year during 1846-47. This was a period of great discouragement for the friends of the movement. Their numbers failed to increase, and debts were incurred, and the prospect generally seemed unpromising. At one time a motion was made to dissolve the society. This, however, did not prevail, but seemed to inspire the faithful with a determination to persevere. Resolution and zeal brought the enterprise through these disheartening days. A fortunate move was made in February, 1848, in extending a unanimous call to Rev. Arthur B. Fuller, a brother of the famous Margaret Fuller. The call was accepted and Mr. Fuller was installed March 29, 1848. The new pastor proved to be a man of unusual talents, and during the five years of his pastorate the society was greatly increased and strengthened. It was found necessary to enlarge the church, which was done, its seating capacity being increased to the extent of twenty-four pews. The life and work of the church promised large and liberal things, but in 1853, Mr. Fuller, whose abilities had become widely recognized, received a call to the New North Church, in Boston, and resigned his pastoral office in 1855. The society was now established and strong, and since that time has held its ground and steadily grown until it is now one of the leading religious organizations of the city and State. The pastors who have served the church sine 1853 have been as follows: Rev. Francis Le Barren from August 1853 to October 1855; Rev. W.L. Gage, from June 1856 to April 1858; Rev. Sylvan S. Hunting from September 1858 to November 1861; Rev. A.W. Stevens from September 1862 to October 1865; Rev. Augustus M. Haskell, from September 6, 1866 to March 1869; Rev. C.B. Ferry from December 1869 to the summer of 1874; Rev. Harvey from November 1874 to the spring of 1883. The present pastor is Rev. E.B. Payne, who was installed in February 1884. The church worshiped in the building on the corner of Merrimack and Pine Streets until 1859, when an exchange was made for a larger building, formerly occupied by the Free-Will Baptist Society, and standing on the corner of Merrimack and Chestnut Streets. This building, in turn, they sold in 1871, and erected their present house of worship on the corner of Beech and Amherst Streets, dedicating the new church in 1872. [a paragraph on the orthodoxy of the church, found in the original document, is not included here]. **************** THE UNIVERSALIST CHURCH -- by Rev. L.F. McKinney **************** The germ of what is now the Universalist Society of Manchester was started in 1825 at Amoskeag Village, by Dr. Oliver Dean, then agent of the manufacturing company out of which the Amoskeag Company grew. Dr. Dean was a man of energy and a large business capacity, and the success of manufacturing in our city is largely due to his efforts. But he was not only a man of business capacity, but was a man of strong religious principles, and even before he settled permanently in the community he invited ministers of his faith to the village and established Universalist preaching. Services were continued under his direction until 1833, when we learn from the records these facts: On the 4th of September, 1833, the following persons assosciated themselves together as the First Universalist Church of Bedford and Goffstown, and partook of the Lord's Supper: Frederic A. Hadson, John Stark (3d), George Daniels, Hiram A. Daniels, John Mullett, Edwin Smith, David Fiske, Nehemiah Preston, Mary Parker, Mrs. Pattee, Nancy Poor, Moses Gage, John V. Wilson and Caleb Johnson. There is now but one of the original members living, the Rev. J.V. Wilson, who was ordained to the ministry in 1835. The first pastor of the church was Rev. Frederic A. Hadsdon. On the 20th of November, 1833, the church met at the school-house in Amoskeag, and chose Rev. Frederic A. Hadsdon moderator, and George Daniels clerk of the meeting. After adopting a declaration of faith and a constitution, George Daniels was chosen clerk and treasurer, and Wilbur Gay a deacon. The meetings hereafter were held in Amoskeag Hall. The records were kept until November 21, 1833, at which time Archibald Dow was chosen moderator. The meeting dissolved, and no further records of the church can be found. In the following year, 1839, the society removed to the village of Manchester, on the east side of the river, and erected the church now occupied by the society in the same year. The church was dedicated in 1840. The size of the house originally was fifty by eighty feet. The land on which the church stands was given to the society by the Amoskeag Company, and contains ten thousand square feet. It appears by the records that on the 12th day of April 1842, several members of the soceity met at the residence of the pastor for the purpose of consulting on the subject of church organization. A committee was appointed to report on the subject, and on the 10th of May following, a church was organized. Thus it appears that a second church was organized, though there is no record that the first church was ever disbanded. Thus far we have only a record of churches. Whether during this period there had been a parish organization we know not, but there probably was. The oldest record is in 1846. The oldest record there is of a legal meeting is December, 1850, at which time S.W. Parsons was elected president. The society has had in its history ten settled pastors,--Rev. Frederic A. Hadsdon, whose pastorate began with the history of the church and closed in 1837. Neither the records nor the history of Manchester show that there was any other settled pastor until 1840, but older members of the society say that Rev. Hiram Beckwith was settled for two years after the resignation of Rev. Mr. Hadsdon. Rev. N. Gunnison, the next pastor, began his services in May, 1840; he resigned in October of the same year. Rev. George W. Gage was ordained as pastor in June, 1841, and was dismissed at his own request in 1843. In January 1843, the Rev. B.M. Tillotson was settled as his successor, and continued in charge until October, 1859. He was succeeded by Rev. B.F. Bowles in June 1860, he resigned in 1866. The Rev. S.L. Rosifaugh was installed June 26, 1867, and resigned October, 1868. He was succeeded January 1, 1869 by Rev. Thomas Berden, who resigned in December, 1871. The Rev. G.L. Demarest began his labors February 1, 1875. Rev. L.F. McKinney became pastor of the society on the 1st of May 1875, and continues as pastor at the present time, or nearly ten years. After the building of the church the society prospered beyond expectation, and the house proved too small for the congregation; accordinly, in 1850 it was enlarged by an addition of twenty-five feet in width, or one half-its former side; it was rededicated the same year with appropriate services. In 1855 a vestibule was added to the front and the organ now in use purchased at an expense of three thousand dollars. In 1878, the church being in need of repairs, it was determined to raise funds for that purpose. Eight thousand dollars was the estimated cost, which was readily subscribed, and in June of that year, the work was commenced, and under judicious management was completed at a cost of seven thousand dollars. The church was rededicated with appropriate services in October of the same year, Rev. A.J. Patterson, D.D. preaching the sermon. The one thousand dollars remaining was applied to the payment of a debt of fifteen hundred dollars that had long been owed by the society. The following year the balance of the debt was paid, and from that time till the present the entire expenses of the society have been paid from the pew rentals of the church. The society celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of its organization on the 2d of November, 1883, with appropriate exercises. Twice in the history of the society a new society has been organized from it, but neither were destined to live. Nearly every society in Manchester numbers among its members those who once worshiped with the Universalists. Almost the entire wealth of one of the large socieities was in time past connected with this organization. Some of the most influential men in the city and State have been connected with this church, and few churches have done more to educate and liberalize the general public. The church building is now the oldest in the city. The society is free from debt and prosperous. With a faithful membership in the future, as in the past, and the blessing of God, it will still have a work to do that shall redound to the good of the community and the praise of Him who is the source of all truth. ********** GRACE cHURCH -- by Rev. L. Sears ********** The first services of the Episcopal Church were held in the school-house on Lowell street, on the second Sunday in July, 1840, by the Rev. P.S. Ten Broeck, of Concord, and were followed by others, conducted by Rev. T. Edson, of Lowell, and other clergymen. A hall in Union Building was subsequently fitted for services, at which a meeting for the organization of a church, to be known as St. Michael's was held November 28, 1841, and on December 17th the Rev. W.H. Moore was elected rector, and entered upon his duties on Christmas eve. A building, previously used by a Baptist Society, on Concord Street, was hired and occupied in June, 1842, and until December 28, 1843, when the congregation removed to a new church, built of wood, on the north-east corner of Lowell and Pine Streets. On the 5th of June, 1860, the corner-stone of a new church, to be built of stone, was laid on the same lot by Bishop Chase. The name of the church was at this time changed to Grace Church. The church was built after designs by Richard Apjohn, and was consecrated December 4, 1860. The church has grown with the growth of the city, the present number of communicants being over two hundred. The following is a list of the rectors, with the duration of their rectorships: the Rev. W.H. Moore, from December 24, 1841 to April 23, 1848, six years and four months; the Rev. John Kelly, from June 18, 1848 to April 1, 1852, three years and ten months; the Rev. I.G. Hubbard, from May 16, 1852 to April 1, 1866, thirteen years and eleven months; the Rev. W.J. Harris, from June 3, 1866 to January 1, 1869, two years and seven months; the Rev. L. Sears, from November 1, 1869 to the present time, fifteen years and six months. ************** ST. ANNE'S CHURCH (ROMAN CATHOLIC) ************** In 1844, when the Catholic population of the town numbered about six hundred, Rev. William McDonald was appointed as their pastor. They commenced worship the next year in Granite Hall, and, four years later, commenced the erection of a brick church, on the southeast corner of Merrimack and Union Streets, known as St. Ann's. After they have begun to hold services in it, it was found to be unsafe, and they were compelled to take it down and rebuild it. They property, including a parsonage, is now valued at about sixty thousand dollars. The venerable Rev. William McDonald still remains the pastor at St. Ann's assisted by Rev. John T. Lyons and Rev. John Griffin. *********** ST. JOSEPH'S CATHEDRAL *********** St. Joseph's Church was built in 1869, on the southeast corner of Lowell and Pine Streets, being dedicated April 18, 1869. Rev. John O'Brien was pastor until 1877, being succeeded by Rev. Thomas D. Healy, who remained in charge until June 1880, when Rev. Denis M. Bradley became pastor. Rev. James Doherty and Rev. F.X. Burke has been his assistants. This church, on the occasion of the consecration of its pastor, Rev. Denis M. Bradley, as first bishop of Manchester, was raised by the Holy See to the dignity of a cathedral, and is now known as St. Joseph's Cathedral. The right reverend bishop is assisted in attending the spiritual wants of the people by Rev. Thomas Reilley, Rev. Denis Hurley and Rev. John Temin. The church property, including the new episcopal residence, is valued at about one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars. RIGHT REVEREND DENIS M. BRADLEY, BISHOP of MANCHESTER -- Bishop Bradley was born in Castle Island, County Kerry, Ireland, February 25, 1846. His father died in 1853, leaving his widow to care for their family of six children. In 1854 she came with them to America and settled in Manchester, N.H. where the boyhood of Bishop Bradley was passed. He attended the Catholic schools of Manchester, and for a more liberal education entered the College of the Holy Cross, located at Worcester, Mass., where he was graduated in 1867. In September of that year, he entered St. Joseph's Provincial Theological Seminary, located at Troy, N.Y., where, June 3, 1871, he was ordained priest. Shortly after his ordination he was assigned to the cathedral at Portland, Me., by Right Rev. Bishop Bacon, where he remained nine years, during which time he filled the various positions of rector of the cathedral, chancellor of the diocese and bishop's councilor under Bishop Bacon, and also under his successor, Bishop Healy. Close application and long-continued attention to his various duties at Portland impaired his health, and in 1879, with the view of regaining it, he went to Europe, where he remained six months, and returning but slightly improved by the change and rest, re-entered upon his duties at the cathedral, which had become even more exacting than when he left. After a short time, finding that he was unable to discharge the very laborious duties of his position, he was, on his account, chosen by Right Rev. Bishop Healy, in June, 1880, pastor of St. Joseph's Church in Manchester, N.H., which position he held until consecrated to the high position of bishop. It having been found that the diocese of Portland, embracing, as it did, the States of Maine and New Hampshire, were too large to be properly cared for by one bishop, the arch-bishop and bishops of the province of Boston united in a petition to the Holy See to create New Hampshire as a new diocese, with Manchester as the Episcopal See. The Holy Father, in accordance with the prayer of the petition, created the See of Manchester, and approinted Rev. Father Bradley its first bishop. He was consecrated in his cathedral church, in Manchester, June 11, 1884, by the Most Rev. ARchbishop of Boston, at the age of thirty-eight years, four months and six days, thus being the youngest person in the history of the Roman Catholic Church in the United States to hold so exalted a position. There were present at the consecration ceremonies the arch-bishop, six bishops and one hundred and eighty-five priests. Bishop Bradley has under his jurisdiction about eight thousand Catholics, under the spiritual care of forty-five priests. There are in the new diocese forty churches, fifteen parochial schools, two academies for young ladies, two orphan asylums, one hospital and one home for aged women. Bishop Bradley is a gentleman of culture and has the confidence and respect of a large number of the citizens of the State, irrespective of denominational boundaries. ************* ST. AUGUSTINE'S CATHOLIC CHURCH (FRENCH) ************* To Rev. J.A. Chevalier's efforts is due the organization of the parish of St. Augustine. When he came here, in May, 1871, the French were worshiping at St. Joseph's and St. Ann's. He immediately took steps to organize a congregation of the French Canadians of the city, and soon held services in Smyth's Hall, which were well attended. Subsequently his followers worshiped elvens months in a hall at the corner of Elm and Pleasant Streets, and then for two years in the church at the corner of Merrimack and Chestnut Streets. Meanwhile money for a church edifice had been riased, and one was in the process of erection at the corner of Beech and Spruce Streets, its dedication occuring November 27, 1874, which, with the parsonage is valued at sixty-five thousand dollars. Rev. Mr. Chevalier still remains the pastor, and is assisted by Rev. C. Leafertune. **************** ST. MARIE CATHOLIC CHURCH (FRENCH) **************** So large has been the increase of Manchester's French population that St. Augustine Church soon became inadequate to accomodate the worshipers, and in 1880-81 another church, St. Marie, was erected in West Manchester, on Beauport Street, nearly opposite the McGregor bridge. Its dedication occurred in the spring of the latter year. The first pastor was Rev. Joseph D. Halde. He remained in charge of the parish until March 1882, when Rev. Peter Hevey, the present pastor, was appointed as his successor. The church property, which includes a parsonage, is valued at eight thousand dollars. ************ CHRISTIAN CHURCH ************ September 21, 1870, in Whitney's Hall, Ferren's building, occurred a meeting which brought into existence the Christian Church in this city. A society was organized October 19th of that year, and the men and women interested in what is technically known as the Christian belief held meetings in Whitney's Hall for a year. January 15, 1871, the First Christian Church was organized. The first settled pastor was Rev. O.J. Hancock, assuming charge of the church August 6, 1871. The next month the place of worship was changed to the city hall. Mr. Hancock left the church August 28, 1871, and shortly after was appointed superintendent of the Young Men's Christian Association. January 5, 1873, Elisha H. Wright became pastor, remaining until September 9, 1876. The other pastors have been E.C. Abbott, from September 15, 1876 to February 10, 1879; D.B. Murray from April 1, 1879 to April 1, 1880. The present pastor, Rev. Gideon T. Ridlon, has had charge of the church since December 18, 1881. The society owns no real estate, but leases Mirror Hall as a place of worship, which it has occupied since 1876. The church membership is one hundred and forty- one. ************** ST. JAMES METHODIST EPISCOPAL MISSION CHURCH ************** This church was organized June 2, 1881, under the name of the People's Methodist Episcopal Mission Church, with twenty-three names upon the membership list. Services were held in the city hall for eighteen months, the church then removing to the chapel that had been erected on Pennacook Street, near Pine, and has since worshiped there, but for the last few months under a new name,--the St. James' Methodist Episcopal Mission Church. The society greatly prospered under the administration of Rev. William A. Loyne, who acted as pastor from its inception until April 1885, when he was succeeded by Rev. Otis S. Danforth. ******************* SECOND ADVENT SOCIETY ******************* Believers in the second advent doctrine held services in Manchester as early as 1843, and have continued them most of the time since, worshiping in Granite Hall, Merrimack Hall, in halls in Museum Building, Merchants' Exchange and Martin's Block. In 1881 a church was erected between Pearl and Arlington streets, near the Ash Street School-house. Not till 1870 did the Adventists have any organization, but on the 1st of August in that year they formed a society on the basis of a belief in the speedy coming of Christ, and the adoption of the New Testament as a rule of life, making Christian character the only test of membership. The present chapel was dedicated January 2, 1881. The property owned by the Adventists, which includes a parsonage, is valued at five thousand dollars. Elder Charles R. Crossett, who had been pastor of the society since its reorganization, in May 1880, having resigned, a call was extended to Elder B. McLellen, of Lowell, which was accepted in Octoer 1883. The Second Advent Christian Association controls the property. ******** CITY MISSIONARY SOCIETY ******** In the spring of 1847, J.L. Seymour was employed as a city missionary by individuals interested in the cause of religion, who paid his salary and hired a hall, where he opened a Sunday-school and conducted religious services. In this way the idea of a free church was suggested, and the building on the northwest corner of Merrimack and Beech Streets was built in 1850, and dedicated on the 23d of October of that year. The land on which it stands was given by the Amoskeag Company, and the money which built it was the contributions of individuals in the city, and of the Congregational and Presbyterian Churches in the State. The property is being held in trust, on condition that the seats in the church shall be free, and that public worship shall be maintained by the Manchester City Missionary Society, which was legally organized April 24, 1850. Shortly after the church was built it seemed desirable that a church should be reguarly organized to worship there, and December 30, 1852, it was formally organized under the name of the Christian Mission Church, which has been extinct for many years. ***************** WEST MANCHESTER UNION CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH ***************** was organized September 10, 1883 with fiftey members. Ira Barr, George Murdough and Adam Dickey were elected deacons, and Ira Barr clerk. On Thursday evening, September 13th, Charles F. Carter, of Chicopee, Mass, a graduate of Andover Theological Seminar, was ordained and installed as pastor of the church. The building in which the society worships, located on Main Street, was constructed in 1820 by the residents of Piscataquog who were of the Presbyterian faith; but the occupants of the ten dwellings then constituting the village were not able to support a pastor, and services were not held regularly, and in 1842 the proprietors disposed of it. The purchasers fitted the upper portion for educational purposes, and an academy was opened up that year. The Wesleyan Methodists held services in the lower part in 1855. For ten years, from 1856 the Presbyterians occupied it, having organized a church in 1859. In 1870 the church building was given to Mrs. Mary P. Harris, through whose liberality, it was repaired. She placed it in the hands of the Young Men's Christian Association, which leases it to the Union Congregational Society. ************ SPIRITUALIST SOCIETY--This society was organized December 1880. GERMAN CHURCH OF THE NEW JERUSALEM--This church was regularly organized September 4, 1881, by Rev. A.O. Brickman. SWEDISH EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH--This church was organized in June 1882. Services are held at the Mission Chapel. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (GERMAN) -- The church organization was effected July 26, 1882, by the Presbytery of Boston. The Pastor, Rev. Fred Erhardt, was installed October 16, 1882. FRENCH PROTESTANT CHURCH--The organization of this church was effected March 24, 1881, when the first pastor, Rev. Gideon Aubin, was installed ----------------------------------------------------- CHAPTER VII, page 106 Odd-Fellowship-- Other Lodges and Societies By P.G.M. Joseph Kidder: ODD FELLOWSHIP as understood and practiced in this country, though, in a measure, the outcome of an English order, is emphatically an American institution, and will ever be so regarded in history. It claims no great antiquity. Its origin is not clouded in the misty legends of ages long since written on the scroll of time. No mysteries surround its bith; no Eleusinian rites attended its baptism; no Druidic ceremonies were performed as it entered upon its career of usefulness through the instrumentality of men then only known in the humblest walks of life, seeking to lighten the burdens of a common humanity and to promote the interests of those banded together for a common purpose. The leader in this fraternal and benevolent enterprise, that has now culminated in one of the grandest charities of this or any other age, was Thomas Wildey, an Englishman by birth, an American by adoption. A mechanic by trade, of generous impulses, possessing a sympathic heart and an open hand, soon after his arrival in Baltimore, and while struggling for a livelihood among those of his own class in a portion of the city visited by want and pestsilence, he conceived a scheme of mutual assistance and self-help in time of sickness and general misfortune. To this, he thought, might be added the pleasure of a social hour when the toils and burdens of the day were at an end. Full of this idea as he plodded at his trade or rested his weary body at night upon a scanty bed, with the encouragement of one sympathetic soil only, John Welch, he ventured to call a meeting at the Seven States Tavern, on Second Street, for consultation. This meeting occurred on the 26th day of April, 1819, at which time five persons were present, whose names have become distinguished, and one of which, at least, is immortal, for the part taken in the organization of a world-wide charity. We give their names for historic reference: John Welch, JohN Duncan, Richard Rushworth, John Cheathem and Thomas Wildey. These wre the founders of Washington Lodge, No. 1, still active, whose humble commencement marks the origin of American Odd-Fellowship, now grown to be one of the largest, most successful and eminently popular fraternities in the world. Thomas Wildey, in a special sense, was the father and founder of American Odd-Fellowship, and his great name will ever be associated with this wonderful mission of humanity in the world. Owing to adverse circumstances and the unrelenting prejudices that existed against all secret societies in our country, the growth of Odd-Fellowship was slow and feeble. At the end of two decades there were only one hundred and thirty lodges, with a membership of less than ten thousand. The total revenue fell below sixty thousand dollars, while the annual relief did not aggregate five thousand dollars. In 1840 the bulk of the lodges were located in Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania and Virginia, while in thirteen other States and Territories the order had gained a foothold only. About this time people began to consider the excellency of its principles, and to admire its unselfish charity and benevolent works. In three years it took a rapid stride and more than tripled its lodges, membership, revenues and relief. A widespread interest was awakened, and its growth became almost unparalleled in the history of the organization. Like a huge wave, started at the centre of the sleeping lake, it widened and broadened its circles until its influence touched nearly every State and Territory in the Union. It was during the latter part of the year 1843, September 11th, that it gained a foothold in New Hampshire in the organization of Granite Lodge, No. 1 at Nashua. At that time Manchester, now the queen city of the State, was only a vigorous little town lying on the east bank of the Merrimack River. The population was small, but the people had great expectations. Among those drawn to the embryo city in the hope of acquiring wealth and achieving an honorable reputation among their fellows were men of liberal views, sagacious instincts and benevolent impulses. Anxious to promote the material interests of the place and to better their own condition in legitimate ways, they were still not unmindful of the claims of society for a higher civilization and better systems of relief to those in sickness and in want. In various ways they learned of the new benevolent and fraternal order, just established in a neighboring town. They desired to test its practical value by personal knowledge. They would see and know if its pledges and promises were fulfilled through its daily works, and if the results would justify the necessary expenditure of time, money and effort to organize a lodge. Five of this class applied to Granite Lodge and were admitted to membership and took their degrees, and the preliminary steps for a branch of the order at Manchester. Armed with the necessary papers, they applied to the proper source for a charter, and on the 21st day of December, 1853, Hillsborough Lodge, No. 2 was duly organized by grand officers from Massachusetts. The names of these pioneers, representing different trades and professions in life, were Dr. Charles Wells, Walter French, James M. Barnes, Isaiah Winch and Jacob G. Cilley. These brothers, one after the other, having fulfilled their mission, dropped out from the earthly life and entered the lodge of the unknown. The last to part with his lodge was the venerable Dr. Wells, who died December 28, 1884. Of those admitted to the lodge on the night of its institution, only one remains, John S. Kidder, a native of Manchester. The first Noble Grand of the lodge was Captain Walter French, a man of noble presence and generous impulses, who lost his life May 6, 1853, in a terrible railroad accident at Norwalk, Conn., while returning from a business engagement in the South. Popular from its organization, Hillsborough Lodge, like the county from which it derived its name, has ever occupied a proud position among the social and fraternal socieites in teh State. In all, there have been received to membership during the forty-two years of its existence nearly one thousand brothers, embracing representative men from all the honorable walks of life. Deaths, withdrawls and other causes have reduced the number, so that now the list shows less than four hundred in good standing,--the fourth lodge in membership in the jurisdiction. Its total receipts aggregate sixty thousand dollars while the disbursements in charity and relief alone ahve reached twenty thousand dollars. Its present assets, exclusive of furniture, fixtures and other property, are $11,046.45. Since its organization it has never omitted its regular weekly session for the transaction of business, in round numbers, are two thousand two hundred,--a record, perhaps, which no social, religious or benevolent society in the State can claim. The number of Past Grands falls a little below one hundred. For thirty-two years in succession the lodge has celebrated its anniversary with appropriate services in the presence of brothers and their families and invited guests. This lodge is as permanently established as any church in the city, and enjoys a high reputation for works of charity and love. Odd-Fellowship in Manchester grew up with the town and city. On the 21st day of November, 1845, on the petition of Horace Gordon and six other brothers holding withdrawal cards from Hillsborough lodge, our late brother, Samuel H. Parker, then Grand Master, in accordance with the laws of the order, issued a dispensation for Mechanics' Lodge, No. 13, and after the institution installed the officers. It was an event of unusual interest. the new lodge started with the approbation, prayers and best wishes of the mother-lodge. Its growth was phenomenal. Under the wise administraiton of its charter members and others attracted to its membership, it soon became a social and fraternal power, and assumed high rank among its sister organizations. Three of its members, viz, John C. Lyford, George W. Weeks and Charles H. Brown, were elected Grant Masters of the State, and subsequently occupied the distinguished position of representatives in the Soverign Grand Lodge at Baltimore. Many of its brothers have filled important places in the city government, and exerted a large influence in the social and civil affairs of the State. To-day, numerically, Mechanics' Lodge is the largest in the State, and financially it is on a solid basis, having a surplus above its present needs of twenty thousand dollars or more. Its membership per last report was four hundred and twenty-four. Its prospects for the future are of the most cheering character. From the returns of the office of the Grand Secretary, it appears that in 1852 there were thirty-nine subordinate lodges in the jurisdiction, with a total membership of two thousand five hundred and seventy. Through various adverse circumstances during a period of eight years, Odd-Fellowship in New Hampshire experienced a retrograde movement. In 1860 there were only twenty-three lodges, sixteen having become dormant or extinct, reporting only sixteen hundred and forty-one members. The outlook was discouraging, and many brothers dropped out of the order, with the general impression that is would soon collapse, and its mission prove a disastrous failure. In this hour of darkness to the fraternity, a few noble brothers with unflinching faith in their hearts, and willing to make personal sacrifices in behalf of "Friendship, Love and Truth," redoubled their diligence, in the full assurance that their labors would not be in vain. Brother George W. Weeks was Grand Master; and, conscious of the responsibility placed upon him by the Grand Lodge, with the encouragement and assistance of a few whose faith in the institution and its grant principles never faltered, even in the darkest hour, he gave his best efforts in behalf of the trust committeed to his charge. The outflow from the order was stopped. The doubting were confirmed; the feeble made strong. The clouds lifted, and again the sun shone on the enterprise so dear to faithful hearts. The year closed with the loss of a single lodge, but with an increase of seventeen members in the State. The year 1860 was the pivot on which the order turned. It was under Brother Weeks' administration; and from that day forward, now a period of twenty-five years, there has been an annual increase in our numbers, until to-day we report seventy lodges in good condition, with an honored membership of more than nine thousand in the Granite State alone. Fidelity to our principles and faithfulness to our brothers during the war with the South commanded universal respect, and brought hundreds knocking to the doors of the lodges, who would scarcely have known of the order but for the protection, assistance and comfort it brought to the soldier on the tented field, in the camp, the hospital and the prison-pen. In 1866 several young men, members of Hillsborough and Mechanics' Lodges, petitioned Grant Master Doe for a new lodge to be located at Manchester. The movement was approved by the old lodges and some of the influential brothers. On the 8th day of August, Wildey Lodge, No 45, was instituted with imposing ceremonies. Henry A. Farrington, since Grand Master and Grand Representative, for his zeal and activity in the movement, was elected the first Noble Grand; and he performed the arduous duties with much credit. Like its predecessors, Wildey Lodge has made for itself a history of which the order may well be pround Probably no lodge in the State has upon its rolls so many professional men, including lawyers, doctors, ministers and teachers, as Wildey Lodge. In point of ability, character and efficiency, it is the peer of any in the State, and will ever do its part to bear aloft the banner on whose folds are inscribed the beautiful emblems of our order. Its present membership is nearly three hundred. Bearing the honored name of the father of American Odd-Fellowship, may the members ever emulate the zeal and persistency of the founder of the order, who gave his long and useful life to the dissemination of our principles. So shall WIldey Lodge be a pillar of cloud by day, and a pillar of fire by night, to lead many weary feet into the paths of virtue, plenty and peace. Beside the three subordinate lodges here mentioned, there are other branches of the order in Manchester of which we would speak. Wonolanset Encampment, No. 2, has a member of two hundred and twenty- five; and Mount Washington, two hundred and eight. Ridgely Camp, No. 2, of Uniformed Patriarchs, numbers about one hundred, composed mostly of young men who have a taste for military movements and military display. The rich uniforms and the fine martial bearing of the Patriarchs constitute a feature of much attraciton when the members are on parade. During the summer they usually make an excursion or two out of the State for recreation and amusement. SOCIAL REBEKAH DEGREE LODGE, No. 10 is said to be the largest and best organization of the kind in the world. It numbers nearly five hundred members, about equally divided between the sexes. It has been organized more than ten years. With the exception of Noble Grand, the officers are mostly laides. Between the several bodies here named the most friendly relations have ever existed, and they work in the aumost harmony to promote the best interests of the fraternity. They jointly occupy apartments in Odd-Fellows' Block, a building owned by the order, and worth fifty-thousand dollars. Residing in the city are seven Past Grand Represenatives to the Soverign Lodge. The order in the city is a great power for good, and is so regarded by the people. In Hillsborough County there are twelve lodges, equal to one-sixth of the seventy in the state. They are located as follows, viz: Granite No. 1 and Pennichuck No. 44, Nashua; Hillsborough No. 2, Machanics', No. 13, and Wildey, No. 45, Manchester; Peterborough, No. 15, Peterborough; Webster, No. 24, Goffstown; Mount William, No. 37, North Weare; Valley, No. 43, Hillsborough Bridge; Aurora, No. 49, Hollis; Waverly, No 59, Antrim; Custos Morum, No. 42, Milford. These twelve lodges embrace a membership of two thousand two hundred, or very nearly one-quarter part of all the Odd-Fellowers in the State. From this meagre sketch something may be learned of the hold the order has on the people of the county, and the mighty, salutary influence it may exert on all the institutions within her borders. With seventy thousand dolalrs of surplus means, every dollar of which is sacredly pledged to the relief of its members, with the intellectual and moral force represented by the brotherhood, together with the friendhsip, and love begotten of the order, there is reason to believe the institution is permanently located in our midst, and will prosper for an indefinite period. ********** OTHER SOCIETIES ********** Among other societies, etc. are the following: KNIGHTS OF HONOR--Alpha Lodge, No 245, institute March 11, 1876; Temple Lodge, No. 1065, instituted February 27, 1880; Golden Rule Lodge, No 1224, instituted April 29, 1881; Alpine Lodge, No 2886, organized December 28, 1882. KNIGHTS AND LADIES OF HONOR--Harmony Lodge, No 423, instituted April 13, 1881; Unity Lodge, No 642, instituted March 30, 1883. KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS--Granite Lodge No. 3, instituted April 8, 1870; Merrimack Lodge, No. 4, instituted May 6, 1870; Endowment Rank, Section 26, instituted December 18, 1877; Knights of Pythias Mutual Aid Association, instituted May 23, 1872; Knights of Pythias Uniformed Batallion, instituted May, 1882. UNITED ORDER GOLDEN CROSS--Grand Commandery instituted May 1, 1879; Manchester Commandery, No 89, instituted December 8, 1879; Mizpah Commandery, No. 181, instituted February 1, 1882. ANCIENT ORDER OF UNITED WORKMEN--Pioneer Lodge, No. 1, instituted August 9, 1878; Security Lodge, No. 8, instituted April 20, 1883. ROYAL ARCANUM--Delta Council, a mutual benefit association, instituted May 8, 1878. ANCIENT ORDER OF FORESTERS--Court Granite State, No. 6790, instituted April 4, 1881 UNITED ORDER OF PILGRIM FATHERS--Webster Colony, instituted July 5, 1881. IMPROVED ORDER OF RED MEN OF NEW HAMPSHIRE--Passaconnaway Tribe, No. 5, instituted April 1881. PROVIDENT MUTUAL RELIEF ASSOCIATION--Sub-Association No 38, instituted May 1, 1879. ORDER OF THE IRON HALL --Instituted July 20, 1883. AMERICAN LEGION OF HONOR--Rock Rimmon Council, No. 40, instituted October 14, 1879. PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY--New Hampshire State Grange; Amoskeag Grange, No. 3. instituted August 26, 1873. GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC--Encampment Louis Bell Post, No. 3, organized 1868; Mutual Aid Association, instituted March 3, 1876. MANCHESTER WAR VETERANS--Organized in 1866. SONS OF VETERANS--Camp W.W. Brown, No. 1, organized October 1882. SONS OF ST. GEORGE--Heart of Oak Lodge, No. 91 GERMAN SOCIETIES--Turnverein, organized 1870; Order of the Harugari, Barbarossa Lodge, No. 329, instituted February 4, 1874. BOAT CLUBS--Cygnet, institued June 21, 1882; Emerald, organized AUgust 19, 1881; Emmet; Leo; Longwood; Northern Star, organized August 23, 1879; Shamrock, Star, Trident. MILITARY--First Regiment New Hampshire Volunteer Militia; Head Guards, organized July 24, 1865; Manchester City Guards, organized March 17, 1873; Sheridan Guards, organized August 1865; First New Hampshire Battery, Platoon A., organized AUgust 31, 1868; Amoskeag Veterans, organized in 1854; Manchester Cadets, organized in 1873; Amoskeag Zouaves, organized June 13, 1883. INDEPENDENT ORDER OF GOOD TEMPLARS--Grand Lodge of New Hampshire, organized October 11, 1865; Union Degree Temple, No. 20, instituted February 21, 1876; Stark Lodge, No. 4, instituted May 31, 1865; Merrimack Lodge, No. 4, instituted December 6, 1866; Harris Lodge, No. 45, instituted May 22, 1878. ROYAL TEMPLARS OF TEMPERANCE--Granite State Council, No. 1, instituted November 28, 1878. HANOVER STREET TEMPERANCE SOCIETY SONS OF TEMPERANCE--Instituted March 12, 1883. CATHOLIC TEMPERANCE SOCIETIES--St. Paul's Total Abstinence Mutual Benefit Society; St. JOhn's Total Abstinence and Mutual Benefit SOciety, instituted February 18, 1875. WOMAN'S CHRISTIAN TEMPERANCE UNION--Instituted November, 1874. REFORM CLUB--Instituted May 1874. THE OLD LADIES' HOME, located on Hanover, corner of Pine Street. A benevolent enterprise, which owes its existence to the thoughtfulness of Rev. William McDonald, is this institution which adjoins the Orphans' Asylum. It was established in 1880, and its object is to provide a home for aged and indigent women. The Home is in charge of several Sisters of Mercy. ST. PATRICK'S ORPHAN ASYLUM--It was instituted in 1870 and was first located on Laurel Street, and in the same year, upon the purchase by the Roman Catholics of the Harris estate, at the corner of Hanover and Pine Streets, for which fifty-five thousand dollars was paid, it was moved to that place. The asylum is designed to supply a home for orphans and sick and needy women, and is under the direction of Sister Mary Ligouria, assisted by a number of Sisters of Mercy. Instruction is given in the elementary branches of education, and the children are also trained in housework. This worthy benevolent institution was founded by Rev. William McDonald, and the funds for its maintenance are contributed by St. Ann's Church. WOMEN'S AID AND RELIEF HOSPITAL--This institution, located in Bakersville, was established by the Manchester Women's AId and Relief Society in 1878, the free use of the building, owned by the Amoskeag Corporation, having been tendered for this purpose by the late ex- GOvernor E.A. Straw. The building has been put in thorough repair, enlarged by the addition of another story and otherwise adpated to its purpose. It is supported and controlled by the Women's Aid and Relief Society, and its main purpose is to provide a home and nursing for the indigent sick, but patients who are able to pay are received when desired, if there are beds unfilled. MISCELLANEOUS--New Hampshire Agricultural Society; New Hampshire Poultry SOciety, organized 1867; New Hampshire FIsh and Game League; New Hampshire Press Association, organized July 25, 1868; Manchester WOmen's Aid and Relief Assocation, instituted January 21, 1875; Manchester Board of Trade--President, Daniel Clark; Manchester Grocers' Association, instituted May 16, 1862; Manchester Teachers' Association, organized February 16, 1883; Manchester Scientific Association; Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle, organized October 1, 1880; the Grattan Literary and Dramatic Association; Dartmouth Alumni Association; High School Lyceum; trustees of the Elliot Hospital, incorporated in 1881; Electric Light Company, chartered by the Legis- lature in 1881, and organized with a capital of twenty-five thousand dollars; New Hampshire Telegraph Company, chartered July 10, 1876; Northern Telegraph Company, organized in 1866; The Granite State Telephone Company (Bell patents); Opera-House Company; Uncannonuck Road Company, chartered June 26, 1877; Amoskeag Honorary Association, instituted December 1881; Young People's Working Association, organized November 1882; Philharmonic Society, organized October 16, 1883; Ancient Order of Hibernians, No. 1; Ancient Order of Hibernians, No. 2, institutde November 20, 1880; Ancient Order of Hibernians, No. 3, instituted June 1882; St. Patrick's Mutual Benefit and Protective Society, organized March, 1868; St. Augustine Society, organized June 16, 1878, incorporated March 7, 1882; St. Jean Baptiste Society, instituted December 1880; Irish National League, organized April 13, 1883; Sodality of the Blessed Virgin Mary, organized April 1860; Young Republicans' League, organized October 4, 1882; Young Men's Democratic Club, organized December 1882; Franco-Canadien Naturalization Club, instituted August 11, 1882; Derryfield Club, organized April 13, 1875; Jackson Literary Club, instituted December 1880; Manchester Bicycle Club, organized March 22, 1882; Manchester Rifle Club, instituted May 7, 1883; Manchester Shooting Club, organized APril 2, 1879; Society for Prevention of Cruelty to ANimals, organized June 1880; Manchester Horse Railroad, incorporated 1876; Mendelssohn Choral Society organized October 16, 1883; Thalia Club, organized August 1, 1883; Gazaille Transmitter Company, chartered by the New Hampshire Legislature in 1883. 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