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HISTORICAL ADDRESS 
 
 AND OTHER EXERCISES 
 
 ON THE 
 
 ONE HUNDREDTH ANNIVERSARY 
 
 OF THE 
 
 FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, 
 
 OF PLAINFIHLD ( MERIDFN ), NEW HAMPSHIRE, 
 
 SEPTEMBER 6. 1892. 
 
 LKHANdN. N M. 
 
 ■.<i;SS OF A. li. FKKKMAN. 
 
 li.'Q2. 
 

 oi 
 
 ^vVo'xcQ of the dburd].-!^ 
 
 Whekkas: In the preparation of this Centennial Address, our 
 beloved Pastor has exceeded our highest expectations, therefore 
 
 Resolved: That we express our appreciation of his faithful, 
 
 efficient, efforts in the ministry of the Word and all other departments 
 
 of the pastorate. 
 
 Stehhen D. Stone, / ,. 
 Converse Cole, \ ^^^^^^^ons. 
 
 William C. True, i 
 
 Converse Cole, [-Church Committee. 
 
 Asa Walker, > 
 
The Exercises. 
 
 Tuesday, September 6, 1892, was an interesting^ occa- 
 sion to the Baptist Church in Meriden, being the looth 
 anniversary of its organization. The church was tastily 
 decorated with flowers, and above the pulpit at the right 
 and left respectively appeared the inscriptions "1792," 
 "1892," in evergreens. The program, under the direction 
 of the pastor, was as follows: 
 
 I. ANTHEM. "I Was Glad When They Said Unto Me." 
 
 Choir. 
 
 INVOCATION.— Lord's Prayer, Rkv. G. C. Trow. 
 
 ADDRESS OF WELCOME. Mr. Wm. C. True. 
 
 RESPONSE. Rev. O. C. Sargent. 
 
 ANTHEM. "The Earth is the Lord's." Choir. 
 
 SCRIPTURE READING. Rev. J. F. Fielding. 
 
 PRAYER. Rev. N. F. Tilden. 
 
 ANTHEM. "Sing and Rejoice, O Zion." Choir. 
 
 HISTORICAL ADDRESS. 
 
 Rev O. Wilson Kimh.vll. 
 
 ADDRESS. 
 
 The primary object of histor\- is to accurately narrate 
 the acts and experiences or man. Therefore the historic 
 subject is man. This paper will deal with the events of a 
 century in which Christian men and women were con- 
 cerned. It is a partial biographical sketch of a branch of 
 the Church of the Holy Christ. It hints at the successive 
 activities and fortunes of a God-fearing few. There is 
 never space for history, or time for its perusal, which does 
 not include God and His dealings with the children of 
 men — especially those in the federal compact of heart 
 through Jesus Christ. 
 
 This church had its birth of organization at the house 
 of one fames Kimball, on the 6th day of September, 1792. 
 In what section, the meagre records make no mention. It 
 is not improbable that the event took place in what is 
 presently known as the True neighborhood. 
 
 ( Subsequent inquiries have led to the unquestioned 
 conclusion that the said James Kimball owned and occu- 
 pied the premises now known as the Parker Cole place 
 
4 A)uni'crsaiy h..xcrciscs. 
 
 the childhood home of the present senior deacon, Con- 
 verse Cole. Standing amid the ruins, recently, a peculiar 
 reverential awe crept over us, and we withdrew with addi- 
 tional convictions that it was none other than the identi- 
 cal spot where the compact was formed. ) 
 
 The council, convened on that occasion, consisted of 
 Elders Jedediah Hebbard and John Drue, with lay breth- 
 ren from" the Baptist Church of Hartford, Vt. After ear- 
 nest prayer for divine guidance. Elder Drue was chosen 
 moderator and Elder Hebbard scribe. The compendium 
 of faith and practice held by those wishing to become a 
 church was found to be in accord with that of the church- 
 es to which the several brethren belonged. They were, 
 therefore, duly formed and subsequently received into the 
 fellowship of sister churches. 
 
 Dropping the thread of religious thought, we note a 
 few of the events and achievements of the secular world. 
 Two years prior to 1792, the District of Columbia was 
 fixed as the future seat of the United States government. 
 Eight years later the capital was fully established at 
 Washington. New Hampshire joined the Union three 
 3'ears previous to the establishment of this Christian body. 
 In 1790 the population of Flainfield did not exceed 1000. 
 
 The federal constitution, that wonderful document, 
 the only alternative against cu'il war, was five years old. 
 (ien. George Washington, its promoter and the first pres- 
 ident of the Union, was serving the fourth year of his first 
 term. About this time the first coach to carry the British 
 mails left London for Bristol. In France, St. Motngolfier 
 raised the first balloon. A little later and Robert Fulton 
 constructs the first steamboat, and operates it upon the 
 waters of the Hudson. A few years pass and the first 
 train of steam cars rolls out of Baltimore for Elliot's 
 Mills Then came the first telegraph in America by Prof. 
 Morse. 
 
 Glancing back to the old country, among the numer- 
 ous inventions is that of the Frenchman Daguerre, by 
 which photographic likenesses of the human face were 
 produced. The spread of the English language — its 
 development among the nations of the globe in the last 
 hundred years — is simply wonderful. You will allow me 
 to call it the gateway for the conquest of Christ's king- 
 dom. The recent Canterberry revision of the Holy Bible 
 was a necessity of the time consequent upon the rapidly- 
 increasing interest among students of the English scrip- 
 tures. Among the marvels of human achievement in the 
 hundred vcars are those with the forces of electricity. 
 
A/n/i-i'ci saiy J :.\c irises. 5 
 
 The lights, the street cars, the tcle[)h()ne, and the thous- 
 and and one other appliances of this niii,dity, yet invisible 
 ai^ent. 
 
 What wouhl our fathers have thouy;ht to hax'e seen the 
 phonograph and listenetl to its touching utterance of the 
 words and music of loving ones long since silent in death? 
 Doubtful indeed if Elder Jonathan Cram, the first preach- 
 er to this Church, could have maintained his mental equi- 
 librium had he suddenly come upon one riding the bicy- 
 cle. In July of this year a relay bic\-cle run from Charles- 
 town, Mass., to Portsmouth, N. II., with important navy 
 \-ard documents, was made in four hours and ten minutes. 
 
 It is a noteworthy fact that the center of population 
 in the United States has moved westward at the rate of 
 nearly fifty miles each decade of the centurw 
 
 Dropping the thread of secular thought, we now re- 
 sume that of the religious. Vm a series of years the 
 church held its public meetings in private dwellings, sub- 
 sequentl\- in the schoolhouses, later alternating between 
 the two situated at East Plainfield and the Tiue district. 
 I do not deem it wise to recite, in this connection, the de- 
 tails of experience during those \-ears of struggle. To 
 mention the eccentric acts of those days would be but to 
 make you mirthful. Suffice it to say that the standard of 
 discipline was at a high altitude, and exceedingly exact- 
 ing. There was much of the grace of love, but law looked 
 head and shoulders higher, at times, to say the least. The 
 main object of the church meeting seemed to be to con- 
 sider the conduct of certain members, to vote, to x'isit, 
 report, excommunicate, etc. Sometimes the ground of 
 the grievance was unsoundness in the cardinal doctrines 
 of the special faith. There were a few along with them 
 in those days who could hardly digest all included in the 
 doctrine of the trinit\\ election, foreordination, persever- 
 ence of the sain'ts, etc. 
 
 The ]:)eo|)!e of prominence were the Blanchards, 
 the Crams, the Hebbards, and the Kimballs. The 
 name of True appears early in the records, and, unlike 
 some others, proves reliable. It was at a meeting hehl at 
 the house of one Daniel True, Ma\- 4th, 1795, that the 
 church voted to ordain Jonathan Cram to the 
 ministr\- of the gospel. Elder Cram was the first to exer- 
 cise the pastoral care, and to minister regularl)- to this 
 church. That he was a worthy man, none will question, 
 but his goodness is not proxeii l)\- his jiractice of preaching 
 sci-nions four hours in length. The low, narrow seats 
 in the school-houses must have se\"erel\- tested the faith 
 
6 Anniversary Exercises. 
 
 of the attendants who sat, without rising, during the pro- 
 tracted service. The house he occupied was situated on 
 the hill overlooking the valley south, near the present 
 residence of brother Wm. C. True, on land now owned 
 by Mr. John Hammond F"rench. The old cellar, partially 
 filled with the accumulating debris and growth of bushes, 
 is the only relic. 
 
 Frequent inxitations came from the Congregational 
 society to unite interests, and worship God with them. 
 The kindness of the Congregationalists was heartily ap- 
 preciated, but for reasons better known to the Baptists, 
 consolidation seemed not advisable. In 1799, by special 
 request of the church in Lebanon, this church sent its El- 
 der and several delegates to examine and aid in the ordi- 
 nation of one Laban Hall to the ministry of Christ. The 
 scr\'icc was appointed to take place at the residence of 
 one Pelatiah Hush. Requests for councils concerning 
 grievances between the two churches in Grafton were 
 quite frequent. Re\'ivals, or special seasons of religious 
 renewing, were not numerous among the churches at this 
 time. 
 
 In the \ear 1800 Uriah Smith, a member of this 
 church, a candidate for ordination as an evangelist, was 
 examined by council convened at the house of Benjamin 
 True, and pronounced "Not ripe enough in doctrinal 
 knowledge." Doctrinal soundness seemed essential in 
 the estimate of our ancestors. To talk glibly, even if 
 nothing is taught substantially, seems an immense ability 
 in the opinions of not a fevv' of today. Reject undeserv- 
 ing applicants, and an increase of ministerial efficiency 
 would follow. 
 
 The records indicate that in the year 1803 the Bap- 
 tists worshipped with the Congregationalists; that at a 
 certain conference meeting deacons Kimball and True 
 were chosen a committee to confer with the Congrega- 
 tional society with reference to securing Elder Kendrick, 
 of Cornish for a given .Sunda\'. Subsequentl)' the said 
 Elder Kendrick preached freciuentl)' for this church, in 
 school-houses and other places. On June 5th, 1812, the 
 names of Reuben and Hannah True were added to the 
 list of church membership. The records are not replete 
 with interesting items between the last named date and 
 1820. P^vidently there were not a few dark da}s during 
 those years. 
 
 On Sept. 20th, of the }ear 1820, several of the breth- 
 ren and sisters, namely, J. Cram, Willis Kimball, Moses- 
 True, Levi Cram, Richard Evans, Anna Cram, Betsey 
 
Aiii/ivirsaiy /ixcrciscs. j 
 
 Cram, and Charlotte Kimball met for the purpose of rc- 
 consccration and pra}-er for the descent of the Spirit. 
 
 In 1 82 1 the church voted to take steps toward the 
 formation of a Baptist Society, and to circulate a sub- 
 scription paper for the purpose of securing funds for the 
 support of preaching according to Baptist belief. Reu- 
 ben True, Richard I^vans, and George Avery were ap- 
 pointed agents to solicit said funds. About this time one 
 juicier Coburn made a visit to these brethren of like pre- 
 cious faith and was invited to preach. He remained with 
 the church, doing most of the preaching, for a term of 
 nearly five }-ears, during which time several imptjrtant ad- 
 ditions were made. It is presumed that Rider Coburn 
 was earnest and of average abilit\'. 
 
 During the \-ears from '26 to '30 l^^lder Kcndrick of 
 Cornish was the principal preacher. I^21der Kendrick was 
 a man of magnificent ph\'siqut — well proportioned, and 
 of commanding presence. He was not classically culti- 
 vated, but possessed mental abilities of no mean order. 
 Religiously he was sound in the faith and brave to a fault, 
 of eccentric habits, yet conscientious. The records gi\'e 
 nothing definite concerning church progress during these 
 years of intermittent pastoral service. 
 
 In February, 1832, the committee requested Clement 
 Hough to communicate with his brother. Rev. Joseph 
 Hough, of Bozrah, Conn., with reference to his settlement 
 as pastor of the church. Mr. Hough came, and after five 
 week's trial was unanimously elected to the pastorate. 
 About this time one Elder John Peacock appears among 
 the passing pictures. Having no special connection with 
 the church, I can spare but this brief mention. In the year 
 1829 an important meeting was held at East Plainfield, 
 near the residence of Dr. Martin, on which occasion steps 
 were t<d<en toward the erection of a church edifice. The 
 constitution adopted specified the dimensions as fifty b\' 
 forty feet, one story high, with steeple and belfr}'. The 
 plans were successfulh' executed, and the completed 
 house dedicated to the worship of God in Ma\-, 1832, the 
 Re\-. Oren Tracy preaching the dedicatory sermon, from 
 the scripture found in Gen. 28: 17. — "This is none other 
 but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven." 
 Of the impressiveness of the service there arc but brief 
 hints. It is taken for granted, however, that intense en- 
 thusiasam centered in the occasion No doubt the burden 
 of building had pressed heavil}- on the few, and common 
 comforts had been sacrificed that the house of hoi)' wor- 
 shij) might be provided. \\\\y the first church building 
 
8 A/uiii'crsai V Rxciriscs. 
 
 was located in the east part of the town we do not know, 
 but presume in the interests of the south Lebanon breth- 
 ren. 
 
 The house being dedicated, a series of revival scrx'iccs 
 began under the supervision of pastor Hough, assisted 
 by brethren from the adjacent churches. The church 
 was revived and souls were saved. Among the important 
 additions was that of Samuel Winkley of precious memo- 
 ry, a man of sterling qualities who subsequently became 
 deacon. Deacon VVinkley seemed a born leader. With 
 consecrated abilities he was enabled to aid in all the 
 varied interests of the body of which he was proud to be 
 a part. About this time meetings were frequently held 
 at the Plain to accomodate those resident in that part of 
 the town. The pastorate of Elder Hough closed earl\- in 
 the year of 1834. He was evidently a good leader and of 
 average preaching abilities. For nearly a year the church 
 was pastorless, then the Rev. J. E. Strong of Gilford was 
 called. The work under pastor Strong seemed to open 
 auspiciousl)'. In January or February of this year a pro- 
 tracted meeting resulted in the conversion of thirt}-or more 
 whose ages ranged from 13 to 32 years. These accessions 
 greatly encouraged the brethren; the church took a new 
 lease of life. In the year 1835 they reported a member- 
 ship of 57, with contributions to benevolent objects 
 amounting to Si I 5.22. Such magnificent offerings, con- 
 sidering the number, are proof positive of the genuine- 
 ness of the work of grace just closed. Pastor Strong re- 
 mained about a year and closed his labors. Again the 
 church was destitute of a visible head. They continued 
 thus for about three years, when Elder Gibbon Williams 
 was chosen to the pastorate. 
 
 About this time the question of change of location 
 began to be discussed. The result was the calling of a 
 special meeting which convened at the residence of T. J. 
 Harris at East Plainfield, March 26th, 1836, on which oc- 
 casion it was decided to dispose of or remove the house 
 to a more central or advantageous site. Sale was made 
 with parties of East Plainfiekl and a new location made 
 at Meriden. The present grounds were purchased of Dr. 
 P^lias Frost. The condescension of Dr. Frost to part with 
 this portion of his beautiful grounds was the result of his 
 close, friendly relations with Maj. Reuben True. The 
 doctor's pew" remains the propertx' of his descendants and 
 is still occupied by his daughter Mary and friends. 
 
 The house, built of brick, with dimension of 40 by 55 
 feet, with symmetrical steeple, was speedily completed; 
 
Anniversary Exercises. 9 
 
 and on Jan. 1st, 1839, it was dedicated to the worship 
 of the one true and living God. A few names come into 
 prominence as important factors in the erection of the 
 present edifice. Reuben True appears the principal agent 
 in the enterprise, then his brother Osgood, Clement 
 I lough, Captain Moses Eaton, and others. Capt. ICaton 
 was the father of our venerable brother Orvill T. Eaton 
 and sister Mary Daniels. The latter a \alued accession 
 to the Church of Lebanon. Capt. V\. will be remembered for 
 his unselfish activities in all departments of church life, 
 especially for his untiring efforts in the erection of the 
 present edifice. These brethren seemed to feel the ne- 
 cessity of Christ's cause ami acted accordingly. They 
 gave liberally of their time and means. Those less able 
 to aid were doubtless appreciative of the generosity of 
 these brethren. 
 
 Rev. Gibbon Williams, the pastor, preached the ser- 
 mon of dedication. Rev. Ira Pearsons and Rev. Reuben 
 Sayer assisted in the dex'otional exercises. John D. Eord 
 of Cornish was musical director. For a time prior to the 
 completion of this house, the church services were held 
 ill a small hall in the parsonage. Again the True bro- 
 thers are the benefactors. They purchase and present to 
 the church the parsonage property consisting of comfort- 
 able house, out buildings and 16 acres of land. Elder 
 Williams was an earnest, able man with intensely progres- 
 sive ideas. About the middle of March of that year he 
 commenced a series of revival services, assisted by 
 preaching brethren from different parts of the state. Dur- 
 ing that season of grace forty-seven souls were converted 
 and added to the church. Other accessions followed until 
 1 84 1, when the membership was one hundred and nineteen. 
 Ill this connection, we meet for the first time in the history 
 the name of Rev. Samuel W. Miles, of Newport, South 
 Wales. He becomes a member of the church at this time. 
 A year later and the name of Elder Williams disappears 
 from the records, and the Rev. Mr. Miles is called to the 
 pastorate. In March of the same year Re\-. Daniel V. 
 Richardson unites with the church. 
 
 During the pastorate of the Rev. Mr. Miles, which 
 extended o\er a period of nearly 20 \ears, no church 
 records were kept. The events of those \-ears, however 
 important to the writer of this paper, are chronicled only 
 on the tablet of human memory. The church speaks in 
 fragmentar)' utterances from the lips of her living par- 
 ticipants of those days. Rev. Mr. Miles was not a native 
 American, in what i)art of tlu' principaJitx- of old Wales 
 
10 Amiivcrsary Exercises. 
 
 he first saw light, none of his Meriden parishioners were 
 ever privileged to know. The impulse to immigrate, the 
 occasion of his coming to this country, were not whispered 
 into the ears of his most intimate friends. He was a 
 man of values ; he knew, and knew enough not to let others 
 know all. He was not absolutely ascetic in habit, yet of 
 retiring disposition, he often sought seclusion. He was 
 unmarried until near the close of life when he wedded the 
 widow of Converse Smith of Plainfield. That he was sin- 
 gular and sometimes severely denounced as erratic goes 
 without saying. 
 
 As a scholar and theologian he had but few peers. 
 His intellectual attainments were of an high order. He 
 had the abilities of the critic and knew how to use them. 
 His sermons were models in every sense, and if doctrinal, 
 they were sound and certain in their effect. His spiritual 
 impressions and experiences seemed to himself to.o secret 
 and sacred to be sent into common language. They 
 must be voiced only from the pulpit which was his throne 
 of power. He was not one to rely upon applause; to ap- 
 preciate him you must stretch to your highest height. 
 With this stalwart thinker and preacher as leader, with 
 his characteristic want of social and spiritual nerve, it 
 does not suprise us that so few church accessions were 
 made during those years. His pastorate, however, was 
 by no means a barren period. Several were received to 
 membership and the church was instructed in the funda- 
 mentals of faith and doctrine. Under his oddities were 
 forces of character which left an impress time cannot efface. 
 Among his last acts was that of committing all his written 
 thoughts to the flames. He also requested that no obitu- 
 ary notice should be published, that his tombstone 
 should bear no inscription beyond his name and date of 
 death. He fell on sleep in the parsonage home where 
 he had long lived and for which he cherished sacred af- 
 fection. He died in the faith he so ably advocated. 
 
 In i86i those members living in the \iciiiity of the 
 "Plain" applied for letters of dismission that they might 
 form a church at that place. This request was granted 
 and the new church was recognized at the ne.xt associa- 
 tional gathering which took place at East Washington. 
 Thus the fond mother was called to part with 30 or more 
 of her dutiful children. She rejoiced, however, that her 
 sons and daughters were to settle so near the home of 
 their childhood. Their edifice is modeled much after this, 
 and was built b\' united efforts of Methodists, Universal- 
 ists, and Baptists. Rev. Daniel ¥. Richardson was the 
 
. b/i/ii'irsiiry Jixiirisis. 1 1 
 
 next pastor of this church; he was a resident of Hanover 
 but his church membership had been with this body for 
 many years. Although receivinu^ no formal call to the 
 pastorate he continued his ministrations for nearl\- 5 years. 
 Rev. Richardson was a stron^i^ man, scholarly, and 
 religiously wise and sound. Under his faithful leadership 
 several important additions were made. He was a man 
 of cultured qualities whose memor\' is precious to all 
 whose privilege it was to know him. He passed to his 
 heavenly reward from his home in Hanover. 
 
 He was succeeded by the Rev. S. L. Elliot of Clare- 
 mont. Rev. Elliot served the church for a brief period 
 not exceeding one year. Subsequenth' the church called 
 the Rev. Charles H. Green. Mr. Green was a man of 
 broad sympathies, of saintl\' bearing, a good minister of 
 Jesus Christ. The church at that time was somewhat 
 reduced; its membership did not exceed 32, but in 
 union there is strength. No inharmonious elements were 
 present in the body. Bro. Green led them to grand 
 achievements in the kingdom; there was no special out- 
 pouring of the spirit, but there was a steady ingathering 
 of souls. 
 
 The pastorate of this choice man lasted but about one 
 year, when he succumbed to consumptive tendencies 
 and was no more, for God had taken him. He, too, died 
 in the hush of the pastoral home. in the ebb of the 
 energies, as the spirit took its upward flight, these words 
 fell from his trembling lips: "He whom I have recom- 
 mended as the sinner's hope is now mine." The church 
 was stricken with grief well-nigh insupportable. The 
 cloud passed, the church arose from its knees, brushed 
 away its tears, and resolutely renewed the conflict for the 
 kingdom. In the autumn of '62 the membership was 
 again reduced. .Se\'eral of the best, namely, the Houghs, 
 were dismissed to aid in tiie formation of a church in 
 Lebanon. Members of this excellent family remain unto 
 this day, however, to perpetuate the honored name in the 
 body of the fathers, to sacrifice common interests, to co- 
 operate in every department of church work. The inter- 
 mingling of Trues and Houghs has developed ideal 
 Christian character. The tender twig transi:)lanted to 
 that field has grown to sizeable and healthful pro[)ortions 
 under the care and culture of its God-fearing husband- 
 men. The mother church felt keenh' her loss both finan- 
 ciall\- and religiously; but, confiding in her God, she re- 
 newed her endeavors to meet the increasing demand. 
 
 To succeed the Re\-. Mr. Green, the church recalled 
 
12 Anni^'tTsary Exercises. 
 
 the Rev. S. L. P^lliott, whose pastorate continued about 
 two years, during which time several additions were made. 
 His next settlement was in Vermont, where he died a few 
 months later, aged forty-eight years. Mr. E. was a man 
 of strong convictions He was graduated at the New 
 Hampton Theological Seminar}- — the ahna mater of the 
 Rev. D. C. Eddy, D. D., the Rev. Amos Web.ster, D. D., 
 and many others of note in the Baptist ministry. 
 
 After an interim of a few months, during which the 
 church relied upon supplies, the Re\'. Stephen G. Abbott 
 was unanimously elected to the pastorate. Important im- 
 provements were made during Mr. Abbott's term of 
 service, which covered a period of five years. The pipe 
 organ now in use was purchased and put in its place at a 
 cost of near $1000; also the commodious vestry, which is 
 an indispensable adjunct for work and worship. Pastor 
 Abbott was a genial Christian gentleman, popular with all 
 classes. His literary attainments were above the average. 
 His sermons were finished productions; his theology of 
 the apostolic type. In the latter part of the fourth year 
 of his pastorate a goodly number were added to the 
 church. Those years of refreshing from the presence of 
 the Lord will not soon be forgotten Brother Abbott has 
 since retired from postoral care, but not from the holy 
 calling of the preacher. He resides at Keene; and while 
 engaged in literar\' pursuits, supplies pulpits as Providence 
 opens the way. 
 
 The next to succeed in the ofi^ice of pastor was the 
 Rev. Horace G. Hubbard, now pastor of the Baptist 
 church at Campton Village. Mr. Hubbard remained five 
 )'ears, resigning in April, '76. Pastor Hubbard proved 
 himself a workman that needeth not to be ashamed. Not 
 so swift as some, but he got there in good condition. P^ar- 
 1\' in his pastorate the Lord let the droppings of his grace 
 fall on pastor and people. The general awakening re- 
 sulted in the calling of evangelist Whittier to the pastor's 
 assistance. The glorious work continued uninterrupt- 
 ed for weeks. Manv souls came into the kingdom through 
 the saving grace of the Christ. lluis another restful 
 oasis in the interesting history of the dear old churcii. 
 
 The next in the line of leaders was the Rev. Albert 
 Ileald. Brother Heald served the church with excellent 
 acceptance for about five years. Nothing special is not- 
 ed. A steady progress is evident. Mr. Heald may not 
 have had the scholastic advantages of some of his prede- 
 cessors, but he must rank with the class of judicious, 
 painstaking pastors. Always open to the converse of his 
 
A/ii/i:'irsan' /t.ir/r/srs. i ^ 
 
 constituents, bavino- an interest in the welfare of all, he 
 could but be popular. Durint^ those years baptisms were 
 fretjuent; but dismissions were common. Members were 
 changing residences, and requesting letters to unite with 
 sister churches. Brother Heald removed to P\'lcii\illc, 
 \'t., where he is still a beloved jDastor. 
 
 To succeed in the office, the church called the Rev. 
 B. F. l.awrence, who entered upon the work in Jul\of the 
 same year. Brother Lawrence was a man of good minis- 
 terial methods, well educated, and of dignified deport- 
 ment. He won pojDular esteem, not by his flattery, but by 
 his well-guarded Christian manhood. Besides the w orl^ of 
 the immediate parish, he preached, baptised, and did pas- 
 toral service in sections adjoining, especially in the Wood- 
 ard district. There several were saved and brought into 
 the fellowship of the church. The interior of the edifice 
 was remodeled, and other improvements made, during 
 this important pastorate. It was with great reluctance 
 that the church parted with this devoted leader. He was 
 called to .Maine, where he still resides. At the close of 
 his pastorate the church numbered 6o members. 
 
 The churcli was again in a shepherdless condition. Af- 
 ter casting about, the e.N:ecutive committee decided upon 
 the Rev. VV^m. P. Bartlett of Campton Village. He was 
 called, and in January commenced his labors as pastor. 
 His serx'ice covered a period of two years and four 
 months, during which several conversions took place, and 
 some worth}' additions were made. Mr. Bartlett has 
 more than the average pulpit abilitw His sermonic 
 methods are biblical; he sometimes enforces gospel truth 
 in a masterly manner. He is well educated, and able to 
 occupy influential positions. His sincerity of intention 
 can be questioned b\- none. He removed to \^ermont, 
 thence to O.xford, Mass., where is still acti\c in the jjas- 
 t orate. 
 
 Vnv se\cral months the church was supplied with 
 preaching b\ the Rev. (ieo. C. Trow, of Plainfield Plain, 
 and others, until August, '89, when the Rev. O. Wilson 
 Kimball of Cottage City, Mass., was unanimously invited 
 to enter the line of sacred succession. During the three 
 vears of the present pastorate the old church has enjoyed 
 man\' heavenly seasons. The word of the Infinite, under 
 the inspiration of his Spirit, has passed out and into 
 hearts, piercing even to the dividing assunder, discerning 
 to the wounded one the healing of the holy Christ. Some 
 heads of households, who had' not seen the interior of 
 God's sanctuary for years, have been recovered, restored. 
 
14 A inn vcrsary Exercises . 
 
 and made meet for the Master's use. They deHght in 
 the sanctifying service of the sanctuary, and endeavor to 
 walk blameless in the presence of the Priest and King of 
 us all. Heaven hears our grateful acknowledgements. 
 God knows we try to appreciate the wonderful dealings 
 of his grace. Among those received by baptism are two 
 worthy students preparing for the work of the ministry. 
 Chester G. Savage, the first licentiate, is pursuing theo- 
 logical studies at Newton Seminary. Thomas Phillips 
 Evans, a devoted student at Kimball Union Academy, a 
 very promising young preacher, came mto the fold by 
 baptism, also M. D. and Jay Brown, brothers, from the 
 state of New York, all careful, conscientious young men. 
 In all, twenty-five have been received by the ordinance of 
 baptism. The work has been progressive — characterized 
 by no undue excitement. 
 
 The parsonage buildings have undergone important 
 repairs. The additions of a comniodious piazza and the 
 new coat of paint over all have greatly beautified the his- 
 toric home. The house of worship has also received a 
 new garment; having had the soiled suit put out of sight, 
 she stands forth clothed in the clean white. An aid soci- 
 ety among the ladies has been organized under the direc- 
 tion of the pastor's wife. Through the timely efforts of 
 this society other improvements may be expected. The 
 wisest and best concede that the church was never more 
 prosperous. The congregations are large and attentive; 
 the Sunday-school united, interesting, and full of hope. 
 
 The church has a well-invested fund amounting to 
 $1300. The largest individual donor was Miss Mary 
 True. The original agents of the fund were the brothers 
 Reuben and Osgood True. Other names appear, such as 
 Samuel Winkley, Hurbank, Eaton, Ch.cUis, Daniels, Sid- 
 ney True, Jesse Spaulding, Mrs. Daniels, Lucy Andrews. 
 Among the number of members who ha\'e entered the 
 ministry we mention Benj. O. True, who graduated from 
 Dartmouth College and Rochester heological Seminary, 
 was for several years pastor of large and influential 
 churches, and is now Professor of Church History in the 
 later-named institution of sacred learning. In connection 
 with Dr. True we appropriately mention the name of 
 Samuel Winkley Cole, son of Dea. and Mrs. Cole, who 
 was converted early in life, and at once assumed the du- 
 ties of organist. He is now a resident of Boston, a teach- 
 er of music, also the efficient organist of the Clarendon 
 Street Baptist Church. His annual visits are refreshing 
 to pastor and people. 
 
. l/n/i-i'iisory /t.xcn/sis. I 5 
 
 The church has always cared kindly for its [)astors, 
 |)a\in<^ the salar\' as at^rced, and often much better. It 
 has, at all times, endeavored to be at peace with all. It 
 has, however, held unswervingly to the spirit of apostolic 
 teaching. There ha\'e been fourteen pastors and seven 
 deacons. Stephen D. Stone and Converse Cole still act 
 in the latter office. For the extended term of 2y years 
 Dea. Stone wrote accurately and eloquently the records of 
 the dealings of God with this church. It has been the 
 privilege of the writer of this paper to peruse those rec- 
 ords; and how' often the tear has stolen down the cheek, 
 and the pen trembled, as we traced the tender thoughts 
 that flowed through his pen! He has written his own 
 blessed epitaph. Dea. Cole's voice, yea, his very soul, 
 has become a part of the body. These men have taken 
 the mantle of the Trues, the Eatons, the Winkleys, and 
 others who preceded in the holy office and work. Many 
 others, descendants of the stalwart fathers and mothers, 
 should be mentioned, but space is not permitted. 
 
 A few items of general information and we close this 
 paper. Who can question the authority of Neander's 
 prophecy? The Baptists have a mighty mission. They 
 are to bring Christendom back to the primitive New Tes- 
 tament order. If they be true to themselves, true to their 
 iMaster, they will be his honored instruments in securing 
 the result. Bishop Smith of Kentucky speaks thus: "God 
 in his providence has permitted the rise of the Baptists 
 for the purpose of ultimately restoring the apo.stolic mode 
 of baptism." Said the late Dr. Wood of Andover, Mass.: 
 "I have wished that our denomination [the Congregation- 
 al] was as free from erratic speculations, and as well 
 grounded in the doctrines and experimental principles of 
 the Puritans as the Baptists. It seems to me that they 
 are the Christians who are likely to maintain pure Chris- 
 tianity and to hold fast the form of sound words. " 
 
 If the Lord has ordained us to such transcendent 
 achievements, to be the leading factors in the world's re- 
 demption — if the eye of the nation looks thus upon us — 
 what sort of people ought we to be in all holy conversa- 
 tion, in conscience, in deportment, in spiritual power? 
 Should we not cling more closely to biblical simplicity 
 and heart purity? Should we not defend the peculiar 
 truths providentially entrusted to our care? Should we 
 not so instruct our children that they may be ready at all 
 times to give an intelligent reason for cherishing the faith 
 of their fathers? Should we not be models of morality 
 and piety? Wh>- not our Christlikeness, our meekness, 
 
1 6 A)t)iivcr$ary Exercises. 
 
 our lov^e for each other, put to eternal silence the charge 
 of hyper sectarianism? 
 
 At the beginning of this centur}- there were less than 500 
 Baptist churchesin thiscountry. The entire membershipdid 
 not exceed 40.000. At the close of the century we have 
 35,890 churches with 3,269,806 members — nearly one in 
 every nineteen of the countrj's population. One hun- 
 dred years ago there was but one real foreign missionary 
 society; now there are nearly 300. The Baptist conven- 
 tion for missionary purposes, organized in 1S14, is now 
 the Missionary Union, having lOOO preachers, 700 church- 
 es, with 85,000 members in heathen lands. The first mod- 
 ern missionaries to heathen lands were Baptists — Carey 
 and others. Joseph Hughes, the first to conceive the idea 
 of giving the bible to all nations, was a Baptist. The first 
 translations of the scripture into heathen tongues were 
 made by Baptists. The first Christian churches in India, 
 Burmah, and China were Baptist churches. 
 
 But we will not glory save in the cross of the cruci- 
 fied Christ. My beloved brethren, look at our history. 
 What hath God wrought! The growth of the Home Mis- 
 sionary department of the Baptist denomination is phe- 
 nominal. Organized in the \'ear 1832, objectively to dis- 
 seminate the gospel of the kingdom among Americans, 
 now has its well-equipped agents in every state and terri- 
 tory, also in Canada and Mexico. It sends its self-deny- 
 ing, able advocates to the frontiers, among the lawless, to 
 preach and teach the truths that enlighten, uplift, and 
 save, to leaven the irreligious lump, and permanently 
 plant the ensign of the cross. These brave men and wo- 
 men, fresh from college halls, stand in the rush of Euro- 
 pean immigration to turn the tide toward God, loyalty, 
 and order. Its consecrated agents are active among In- 
 dians. Africans, Chinese, and Mexicans. Its schools, col- 
 leges, and theological seminaries thickl\- dot the South 
 and West Last year the society sustained i 053 mission- 
 aries, erected 121 churches, in 33 states and territories, or- 
 ganized 115 churches, with 9,388 additions, baptising 4,- 
 3^5 converts; also 27 schools and other departments of 
 gospel work, time will not permit me to mention. 
 
 Every local church rs a part of this body, and 
 annually contributes its share to defray the expense oi 
 the (jod-commissioned work. If this church falls behind 
 in its gifts, it is not because of its want of benevolent dis- 
 position, but because of its want of training in that partic- 
 ular direction. 
 
 Beloved brethren, we have reason for profound grati- 
 
/liiiiifirsarv /ixciriscs. \J 
 
 tude to God our l'\-ithcr and his Son Jesus Christ our Sav- 
 iour, the I Iol\- Spirit, the comfort and <j^uide of the sa\'ed. 
 for the hrii^ht, l)lesscd record of the past of this people; 
 for the <^U)rious fruits of devotion and heart consecration, 
 in the humble as well as in the honored and exalted life; 
 for the \\'\0\ ideals and prosperous conditions of the 
 churches born of this stalwart, \'i;^orous stock; tor the 
 succession of stront^ and earnest ministers of the word 
 pastors pure in heart and life. We fall on our knees, and 
 breathe our prayer of thankss^ix'ins^ for our God-fearing, 
 faithful ancestry; for the fathers and mothers who stood 
 shoulder to shoulder beneath the biu-den in the heat of the 
 day; who withheld not; who swerved not in the often ar- 
 duous maintainance of the institutions of this church. We 
 would, but, O, how feeble om- attempts to tell or tabulate 
 the providencies of a centurx-! 
 
 May we send into the o[)ening century contributions 
 of the best we possess— God's gift of intelligence. Chris- 
 tian culture, and a purpose to build broader and better 
 for those who shall succeed us. Let me touch you ten- 
 derly with the thought of one surviving saint whose eyes 
 saw the first minister — sister Hannah D. True, widow of 
 the late Reuben True, and mother of Benjamin O. and 
 William C. True, past 90 years of age, resides with the 
 latter son. She wrought with her husband in the days of 
 church construction. Would you see the monument of 
 her devotion, look about you. We hold her tenderly but 
 closely. May the setting sun send its shafts of glory and 
 thus gild her pale brow while she passes to the beautiful 
 beyond. "In the cross of Christ we glory, towering o'er 
 the wrecks of time." /;/ hoc sii^>io vinces. 
 
 10. SOLO. "One hundred years ago." 
 
 Miss IT ATT IK Davis. 
 
 11. POEM. Mks. Sakah Cheney Abbott. 
 
 (Read bv Hon. P.. H. Ciii:m;v. editor of the Granite State Free Press, 
 and L". S. Con--ul to Matanzas, Cuba.> 
 
 POEM. 
 
 God in liis wisdom early planned 
 And planted here with careful hand 
 A modest vine the records say 
 
 A hundred years a.^-o today. 
 
 ♦ 
 
 His people, then a scattered few, 
 Together came with purpose true. 
 All, prompted by his word and grace, 
 With one accord were in one place. 
 
1 8 A/n/nuTSdiy f.xciriscs. 
 
 Regeneration, works and faith 
 
 All pointed to baptismal death; 
 
 An emblem of their Lord's own grave, 
 
 Which he had tilled that he might save 
 
 All who believe — and from it rose, 
 
 \'ictor o'er death and all his foes; 
 
 That, like him, they, 'mid toil and strife, 
 
 Might walk the new and better life. 
 
 They took the scriptures for their rule 
 
 Of faith and practice, "old, old school." 
 
 An "Elder,": duly authorized, 
 
 Gave his right hand and organized 
 
 The Baptist Church of Meriden; 
 
 And all the people said "amen," 
 
 And on their way rejoicing went. 
 
 Till God to them a shepherd sent 
 
 To 'tend and fold this little flock 
 
 Beneath the shadow of the Rock, 
 
 In pastures where sweet verdure grows, 
 
 By waters clear, in soft repose. 
 
 This new formed union, Christ the head, 
 
 With his own hand and Spirit led; 
 
 The word was quick; and o'er the plain 
 
 Fell showers of grace like summer rain. 
 
 Time's tide, rolled back one hundred years, 
 
 Lays on the strand joys, griefs and fears. 
 
 The many changes, ill or good. 
 
 We cannot mention if we would. 
 
 Your early members, one and all, 
 
 Have'signalled to the silent call; 
 
 A long procession, till today. 
 
 The FathersI where, (])hl where are they? 
 
 They all have left both plain and hill. 
 
 Instead of sires the children till 
 
 This fruitful garden of the Lord 
 
 And scatter seed which is the word. 
 
 The Pastors' names we may not give; 
 
 Nine have passed on, and six still live. 
 
 The faithful Shepherd all doth hold. 
 
 Awake or sleeping, in one fold. 
 
 This tender slip, of palest hue, 
 
 By morning sun and evening dew, 
 
 Is now a plant with leaves and fruit; 
 
 Grand outcome of its soil and root. 
 
 MB 9 1 
 
.\iini'i'ii sdiy /:.V('/r/S(S. 19 
 
 Many their names, but one we'll call, 
 Who is of atje and speaks for all 
 With ton,tjue, and voice, and readv pen 
 And tirst was known as "little Hen." 
 
 Like Sanuiel, wlien l)ul a child, 
 He heard the voice of (iod and smiled. 
 True to the end, the child reply 
 Ma\- he repeat, "Lord, Here :iin L" 
 
 The Hrst one hundred years are done. 
 Another century is be,i,am; 
 Veterans and youthi now lift vour eyes, 
 A waitini.,' harvest round you lies! 
 
 12. REMINISCK\XE.S of the Choir. 
 
 Dea. Converse Cole. 
 
 n. POEM. Mrs. Sarah Cheney x^bbott. 
 
 (Read by A B. Chellis.) 
 
 We remember the bov who fingered the keys 
 When "our new pipe organ" first wafted the breeze, 
 Well laden with music so pure, and so sweet. 
 We thought with the angels our choir would compete. 
 
 The soul of the leader was fired by the sound 
 Which, with the full chorus, made these walls resound. 
 The whole congregation with spirit and tongue 
 loin in the New Song which the angels ne'er sung. 
 
 Then, here the young man made his graceful debut 
 On the faithful old organ, then shining and new. 
 And the organist lives though the years a full score. 
 And is bound to press onward and on evermore. 
 
 This thrifty young branch from the vine on our tire 
 
 Is reset at "The Hub" where now glows the "Cole-fire." 
 
 So that all who are warmed by its radiance feel 
 
 Thev have found the main spoke in the "much-water" wheel. 
 
 14. BENEDICTION, by Rev. G. W. Gardner, D. D. 
 
 THE EVENING EXERCISES 
 
 opened with an elaborate service of song, tinder the (H- 
 rection of the choir, led by Josiah Davis. Esq. An ap- 
 propriate jM-ayer was offered by Rev. F. A. Farren. pastor 
 
20 Anniversary Exercises. 
 
 of the church at New London, followed by an able ad- 
 dress by the Rev. Dr. Gardner on "The supremacy of 
 scripture in Baptist belief." The choir rendered the im- 
 pressive anthem, "The Lord will comfort Zion." 
 
 Appropriate remarks were made by Reverends J. F. 
 Fielden, Geo. C. Trow, Albert Heald, and O. C. Sargent. 
 Miss Mabel E. Howard, of Kimball Union Academy, read 
 letters from Reverends B. O. True, D. D., B. F. Lawrence, 
 H. S. Hubbard, and W. Porter Bartlett. 
 
 The closing address was made by Rev. N. F. Tilden, 
 and was a bristling, appropriate summary. This was 
 followed by singing by the choir, "Nearer my God to 
 Thee," and benediction by Rev. Ur. Gardner. 
 

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