The Republican journal., 1904-05-19
Until 1895, the man, among ths -. :,

persons, who had appeared "A camd;y
dates, whom the citizens preferred as a
religious guide had not been fond 20 70 a
this year the Rev. Ebenezer Price con
clilated the esteem Of a majority and
against the remonstrance of "a mem
bers of the society, who represented in
a formal manner their Objections
pledging themselves to each other and
to the town to withhold all aid to his
support, and to resist to the last anv
| tax that might be assessed, for the ac.
complishment and maintenance of the
object, Mr.. Price was ordained.
In the following year, twenty of those
non contents demonstrated with the
majority of the town against the vote.
to confirm the title of Mr.. Price to the
lot of land before appropriated to the
first settled minister. This remon-
STRANGE being disregarded served no
other purpose than to embitter the SEN
timents of an opposition already ex-
asperated. The minority did not per
init themselves to slumher. Scion
Stevenson a man memorable for his
sincerity of heart, sound judgment and
consistency OF purpose, and twenty-five
Others with him, carried the subject
before the Legislature, and as relief,
they pray to be incorporated as a sep
arate religious society. Here also the
friends Of Mr.. Price procured major
lty and the prayer of the petitioners
was refused to be granted. The oppo-
sition remained undismayed. New
subjects of complaint were found, true
or false, and old ones urged with new
zeal; so that in April 1901, the town
voted to withhold from MI. Price his
salary, and also as teacher of relig-
ion, they had for him no further en-
ployment.
Iu May 1902 the civil contract be-
| tween Mr.. Price and the town was
| closed by compromise. And Mr..
| Price received a liberal compensation
for his labors.
The town still continued to make an
nual appropriations of money for the
support of religious Instructions; and
in 1905 the Rev. Alfred johnson passed
a season with them, at the close of
dissenting, offered Mr.. johnson a sal
airy of 100 dollars per annum to become
their minister.
The invitation was accepted and Mr..
johnson was duly installed. The strife
of the church, for season, was hush
ed. The town was now making con-
siderable acquisitions in population, by
emigration; among whom many Bap-
lists we're to be found. So numerous
had that class of christians become by
1909, that it was deemed by them ex-
pedlent to be made corporate body.
This stirred the embers of the fire that
had been covered since Mr. Price was
dismissed.
Some professed to believe that re-
llglouS instruction could not be good if
bought with money; and the town was
now much indebted to MI johnson.
Those who should become Baptists, ex-
pected probably, to free themselves
from this inconvenience; and when in
terest and religious impression coin
eide, there is not much doubt of per-
severance. MI. johnson in letter to
the assessors on the fifth of January,
1905, exempted from any additional
taxation, persons who should continue
to fulfil their contract with him; as
suming himself to sustain the loss of
that portion of his salary which the
seceders had they remained faithful,
would have been required to pay. Yet
the Baptist society increased daily, and
in 1911 was incorporated.
Mr.. JohnSon's partial relinquish-
ment of salary was not entirely salts
factory, and in 1912 Mr.. johnson relin-
pushed it entirely during the war with
England then commenced Two years
later, Mr.. johnson dissolved his con-
| nection with the parish.
The population of the village was in
creasing, and in 1913, it was thought
house OF worship was wanted within
it.
Before the time now spoken of, the
Rev. VIM. rockingham had been made
acquainted with the parish. The at
tendance OF the people at religious ex-
erclseS had become an agreeable per-
Torrance of duty. All were DESTROYS
to become interested in the erection of
building that should afford them a
suitable accommodation. Under these
commendable feelings the house on
Church street was built. The work
was originated, prosecuted and finished
| in great harmony, and is, and will be,
strong bond of religious connection.
| On the 18th of Nov. 1918, the house
was opened and dedicated: on the 21st
day of the following July Mr.. Froth-
lngham was installed.
A majority of the early church, hav-
ing found occasion of disagreement
with Mr.. Nottingham, relative to GER
| tain subjects of christian faith, refus-
ed their assistance at his installation,
and new church was organized.
The early church resolutely main
tanned their distinctions, and their
countenance OF Mr. rockingham be-
ing withheld, they continued to be
society separate from the parish. This
society has built house for worship;
and have enjoyed the privileges of an
ordained pastor; but are now without
pastor.
The society of Baptists has continued
to prosper, and is at present supplied
with teacher, the Rev Charles Hoop
er.
The society of Methodists is also
large and devotional congregation;
have built for themselves house; and
in the manner prescribed by that de-
nomination of christians, this branch
of the great Methodist family, is con-
tinually supplied with instructors, who
| are anxious for the safety of man.
The fifth and last religious associa-
ton is that denominated Universalists.
For two years past they were taught
from scripture by Mr.. Drew. They
now have no teacher.
Thus under the salutary influence of
| entire freedom of thouCht nd onipjnp