The Christian Society - the Church at New Rye in pdf format
 

Epsom Churches

Part III - The Christian Society - the Church at New Rye

        The beginnings of the Christian Society has its roots in the adjacent town of Allenstown, NH,  which was best chronicled in an article in the Granite Monthly magazine of January 1912. John Dowst, who spent much of his life accumulating the history of Allenstown, wrote the article as the earliest records of the town prior to 1843 were destroyed in a fire. He writes:

"The first religious services of which we have found any record were held at the house of Ede Hall Burgin in April, 1791 by Elder Elias Smith, then on his way from Haverhill to Newmarket, NH. Unlike many of the older towns of the State, and perhaps, some no older than our own, it never had a church of the Congregational order with a minister supported by taxation and a long disagreement over the location of the church edifice, as was frequently the case. Perhaps the principal reason for this was the fewness of the inhabitants and their location, then, as now, like a fringe around the borders of the town, instead of clustering around a central village. We find that some of those in the eastern part of the town went  to Epsom and Deerfield to attend services; those in the Western part to the church on Pembroke street, and probably the Halls and others in the South parish to Candia."

"The earliest preaching in town, of which we find any mention, was by traveling or evangelistic parsons, and the meetings were evidently held in private houses in cold weather, and in barns in the summer, for in those days they had no school houses, but hired a room in a private house in which to conduct the school. This Elias Smith, then a young man just beginning his ministry, visited Allenstown and preached at intervals until 1840, and, perhaps later. He, with Elder Abner Jones and one other, founded the New England section of the Christian Church. I found that a church was organized here July 10, 1807, which would make it one of the earliest in the history of the denomination, for Elder Abner Jones did not commence to preach until 1801 in Lyndon, Vermont.   Elder Randall, founder of the Free Will Baptist denomination, preached at Samuel Kenison's July 8th 1802, and Elder Mark Fernald was a frequent visitor here during his long ministry, beginning in 1808 and ending in 1852."

"The records give the details of the organization and rolls with additions for some years, articles of faith and belief, and seem to have been kept well by Hall Burgin, Clerk, the last entry being dated July 3, 1828. A creed, or statement of belief, was adopted and on September 26, 1818, Elder Abner Jones was called. He was evidently in no hurry to accept, for the records of January 15, 1821, almost two and one-half years later, read, 'By order of Elder Abner Jones, I hereby record that he accepts of and aggress to comply with the above desire. Hall Burgin, Clerk.'"

Many of the Epsom Residents in the New Rye section of town, on the Allenstown border, attended church in that town, and from the rolls, we see the following families:Benjamin, David and Moses Robinson, Josiah and Bathsheba Allen, and the families of Dickey, Tripp, Bickford, Worth, and Davis. The Allenstown church apparently continued to flourish, and on August 1, 1859, Edwin T. Philbrick, son of Simeon, grandson of Jonathan, and a member of the church, was ordained to the Christian ministry in the old meetinghouse in Allenstown. There he is said to have preached two or three years. This story is continued in the Hurd History of Belknap and Merrimack Counties, the Epsom History by John Dolbeer:"About the year 1860, Edwin T. Phlbrick, then living in that part of Epsom familiarly known as 'New Rye' left his forge and anvil, reorganized the old church and was ordained its pastor in the month of August, 1859. As the larger portion of the attendants at the Sabbath services came from Epsom, and the conveniences at the old Allenstown Church were very poor, it was decided to build a new church edifice, and the summer of 1861 witnessed the building of the Christian meeting-house and the organization of the 'First Christian Society of Epsom.' The church was dedicated September 8, 1861, the Rev. A.G. Comings of Lee, NH preaching the dedicatory sermon."
"From that time the Christian Church of Allenstown became the First Christian Church of Epsom, with the Rev. E.T. Philbrick as its pastor, who continued in that relation for several years, during which time many additions were made to the church and society. Following Mr. Philbrick, the Rev. J.P. Stinchfield, a Methodist minister supplied the pulpit for one year, from April 1869. Rev. Benjamin Dickson of Wolfborough was the next supply, preaching to them two or three years, and was followed by Rev. M.M. Cleverly of Lynn, Mass., and he by Rev. George D. Garland, and after him Rev. James Philips. Between the services of the above-named clergymen, the pulpit was frequently occupied by different persons for a few Sabbaths at a time."
"Since 1881 there has been but little preaching in this church by ministers of the Christian denomination, but the summers of 1881, 1883 and 1884, Rev. E.C. Cogswell, occupied the pulpit, and the services were attended by many who formerly attended the Congregational Church in the other part of town." [Note: Rev. Cogswell preached at the church "in the other part of town" from Decemeber 1876 to June 1881]

CONSTITUTION

of The First Christian Society of Epsom

October 1861

We the subscribers being desirous of uniting ourselves together for the purpose of religious worship, by virtue of the provisions of Chapter 144 of the Revised Statutes of the State of New Hampshire, do hereby form ourselves into a religious society and adopt the following articles and agree to be governed by the same so long as we may continue members of said society.

Article 1st: This society shall be known by the corporate name of The First Christian Society of Epsom.

Article 2nd: The officers of this society shall be chosen annually and shall consist of a Moderator, a Clerk, a Treasurer, and an Executive Committee of three members.

Article 3rd: It shall be the duty of the Moderator to preside in the meetings of the society, keep order, and call for and declare the votes of the society.

Article 4th: It shall be the duty of the Clerk to notify the society of its meetings, keep a fair record of all the votes and essential proceedings of the society, together with the names of the subscribers to this constitution, in a society book prepared for that purpose.

Article 5th: It shall be the duty of the Treasurer to collect the money raised by the society and to pay over the same to the order of the Executive Committee and to keep a record of the money collected and paid out in a book prepared for that purpose, and his acts (accounts) shall at all times be open for the inspection of the society, or any of its members.

Article 6th: It shall be the duty of the Executive Committee, under the direction of the society to let the sittees in the house belong to the society and make leases of the same, to make all such repairs upon the house furniture, and fixtures, as the society shall order, and to assess a tax for the same, and perform such other duties as the society may direct.

Article 7th: The annual meeting of the society shall be holden on the First Monday in April at their  meeting house, written notice of which shall be given by the Clerk by posting up the same in the meeting house, two weeks at least before said meeting, and occasional meetings may be called by the Executive Committee, when thought necessary, written notice of which shall be given in the same manner as of the annual meetings.

Article 8th: At the annual meetings, the officers for the ensuing year shall be chosen by ballot, and the Clerk shall be sworn for the faithful discharge of his duties.

Article 9th: This Constitution may be amended whenever three fourths of the members of the society shall agree thereto.

Article 10th: Any person may separate himself from this society, by leaving with the Clerk, a written notice by him signed, of the intention so to separate, and paying all legal assessments and arrearages from whim when due to said society.

Article 11th: Any person may become a member of this society by signing this, having been admitted to the privilege by a vote of three fourths of the members present at any regular meeting.

Samuel Wells, Abraham Bickford, Levi Cass, William H. Straw, Charles C. Doe, Jonathan Brown, Jacob Smith, (Levi Andrews), Gardner W. Piper, Simeon L. Sanders, William L. Brown, Henry Knox, Edwin T. Philbrick, Stephen D. Haynes, Samuel L. Cass, Hanover O. Wells, Joseph Chapman, Levi Andrews.

The members of the First Christian Society of Epsom met October 11, 1861 and organized by choosing the following officers:

Moderator, Edwin T. Philbrick    Clerk, Henry Knox    Treasurer, Simeon L. Sanders   

Executive Committee;  Henry Knox, Charles C. Doe and William H. Straw.

MINUTES OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 1861-1876


Notice
We the undersigned residents of the town of Epsom in the County of Merrimack and State of New Hampshire, in accordance with the provisions of Chap. 144 of the Revised Statutes, have associated ourselves together for the purpose of forming a religious Society and have adopted and signed a Constitution by which we are to be governed and have adopted as our corporate name "The first Christian Society of Epsom."

Samuel Wells
Simeon L. Sanders
Abraham Bickford
William S. Brown
Levi Cass
William H. Straw
Henry Know
Edwin T. Philbrick
Charles C. Doe
Stephen D. Haynes
Jonathan Brown
Samuel S. Cass
Jacob F. Smith

A true record - Henry Knox, Clerk

The members of the first Christian Society of Epsom met October 11th, 1861 and organized by choosing the following officers
1st For Moderator Edwin T. Philbrick
2nd For Clerk Henry Knox
3rd For Treasurer Simeon L. Sanders
4th For Executive Committee Henry Knox, Charles C. Doe, William H. Straw
5th Then voted to dissolve the meeting

A true record Henry Knox, Clerk

The members of the first Christian Society of Epsom meet March 17th 1862 according to legal notice and organized by choosing Charles C. Doe Moderator.

2nd For Clerk Henry Knox
3rd For Treasurer Simeon L. Sanders
4th For Executive Committee Henry Knox, Charles C. Doe, William H. Straw
5th Voted to dissolve the meeting.
A true record Henry Knox, Clerk

The members of the first Christian Society of Epsom met according to previous notice on the six day of April 1863 and organized by choosing the following named officers

Art 1st for Moderator whole number of votes cast six and Charles C. Doe having six votes was declared elected who took the oath of office.

Art 2nd For Clerk whole number of votes cast nine Henry Knox had four and H.O. Wells five and declined to serve.
2nd Ballot Whole number of votes cast ten Henry Knox had four and Samuel Wells had six votes and declined to serve.
3rd Ballot Whole number of votes cast eleven William H. Straw had two votes and Henry Knox had nine votes and was declared elected who took the oath of office.

Art 3rd for Treasurer whole number of votes cast ten Simeon L. Sanders had ten votes and was declared elected.

Art 4th For first executive committee whole number votes cast eight Henry Knox had eight votes who declined to serve
2nd ballot whole number of votes cast was eight Charles C. Doe had one vote, Simeon L. Sanders had two votes, Abraham Bickford had five votes and was declared elected.
Art 5th for 2nd Committee
Whole number votes cast was eight Charles C. Doe had one vote Hanover O. Wells had one vote and Levi Cass had six votes and was declared elected.

Art 6th for 3rd Committee
Whole number of votes cast six votes
Simeon L. Sanders had one vote
Stephen D. Haynes had five votes and was declared elected.

Art 7th Voted to instruct the Clerk to get the Meeting House Insured

Art 8th William S. Brown and Charles C. Doe were chosen a committee to examine the chimneys and report at the next meeting

Art 9th voted to adjourn to April 13th 1863

First Christian Society met April 13th according to adjournment

1st Chose Edwin T. Philbrick Clerk Pro Tem
2nd Voted to raise seven dollars to repair the chimneys by a tax on the Settees
3rd voted to instruct the executive committee to collect what money they can by subscription towards defraying the expenses of insuring the House
4th Voted that the Ex committee be instructed to notify those persons who have not paid for their Settees that unless they pay up within three months they will be Let or sold to other persons
5th voted to dissolve the meeting
Henry Knox Clerk
A true record Henry Knox, Clerk

The members of the first Christian Society April 4th 1864 according to previous notice and organized by choosing the following named officers

Art 1st For Moderator whole number of votes cast eight Edwin T. Philbrick had the whole number cast was declared elected and took the oath of office

2nd For Clerk whole number of votes cast was eight Gardner W. Piper had 1 vote Henry Knox seven votes and was declared elected who took the oath of office

3rd voted to admit Gardner W. Piper as a member of this society there being more than three fourths of the members present voting in the affirmative

4th voted to admit John B. Philbrick as a member of this society there being more than three fourths of the members present voting in the affirmative

5th For Treasurer whole number votes cast ten Simeon L. Sanders have the whole number votes cast was declared elected
6th For Ex Committee
Whole number of votes cast 9 Gardner W. Piper having the whole number cast was declared elected

7th For 2nd Committee
Whole number votes cast 9 Henry Knox had 1 vote Hanover O. Wells had 8 and was declared elected

8th For 3rd Ex Committee
Whole number of votes cast 11 Charles C. Doe had 1 vote Joseph Chapman had 10 votes and was declared elected

9th Voted to pay Charles C. Doe eight dollars and forty five cents out of the treasury

10th voted that Charles C. Doe and Simeon L. Sanders shall serve in taking up the collections at meetings the ensuing year

11th Voted that William S. Brown, Simeon L. Sanders and Charles C. Doe serve as a committee to look after the wants of the Minister for the ensuing year

12th voted that the Executive Committee and the Ministerial Committee decide on some plan to raise funds to support preaching the ensuing year

13th voted to dissolve the meeting
Henry Knox, Clerk

A True Record Henry Knox, Clerk

The members of the first Christian Society of Epsom met April 4th 1865 according to previous notice and organized by choosing the following Officers

1st For Moderator
Whole number of votes 10
Charles C. Doe had 1
William S. Brown had 1
Abraham Bickford had 8
Mr. Bickford declined to serve

2nd ballot
Whole number of votes cast 7
Edwin T. Philbrick had 2
Charles C. Doe had 5 and took the oath of office

2nd For Clerk
Whole number of votes cast was 8
Henry Knox had 8 votes and took the oath of office

3rd For Treasurer
Whole number of votes cast 9 Simeon L. Sanders had 9 votes and was declared elected

4th For 1st Executive Committee
Whole number of votes cast 10 William S. Brown had 10 votes and declined to serve.
Second ballot for 1st Ex Committee
Whole number votes cast 10 Gardner W. Piper had 10 votes and was declared elected

5th For 2nd Ex Committee
Whole number of votes cast 7 Hanover O. Wells had 2 Charles C. Coe had 7 and declared elected

6th For 3rd Ex Committee
Whole number votes cast 9 Hanover O. Wells 3 Samuel S Cass had 6 votes cast
Mr. Cass declined to serve
2nd ballot for 3rd Ex Committee
Whole number votes cast 6 Simeon L. Sanders had 1 Hanover O. Wells had 5 votes, Mr. Wells declined to serve

7th 3rd Ballot for 3rd Ex Committee
Whole number of votes cast 8 Abraham Bickford had 1 vote Stephen D. Haynes had 2 votes Simeon L. Sanders has 5 votes and was declared elected

8th Voted the following named Persons should act as sextons during the several Months for the ensuing year. For April Oliver Brown; May Levi Cass. June Simeon L. Sandrs; July Gardner W. Piper; August Abraham Bickford; September Samuel S. Cass; October Stephen D. Haynes; November Charles C. Doe; December H.O. Wells; January H. Lear; February Joseph Chapman; March William H. Straw

9th Voted to dissolve the meeting
Henry Knox Clerk

A True record Henry Knox, Clerk

The members of the first Christian Society of Epsom met April 2, 1866 according to previous notice and organized by choosing the following officers

1st For Moderator - Simeon L. Sanders having the whole number of votes 8 and was declared elected

2nd The Clerk being absent choose Hanover O. Wells Pro Tem

3rd Voted to adjourn to Saturday April 7th 1866 at 7 o'clock PM

The members of the first Christian Society of Epsom met April 7, 1866 according to adjournment and proceeded to the choice of Clerk

1st Whole number of votes cast 9
Henry Knox 4
Samuel S Cass 1
Hanover O. Wells 4

Second ballot for Clerk Henry Knox 5
Hanover O. Wells 6 and Hanover O. Wells being declared elected took the oath of office

2nd For Treasurer
Whole number of votes 10 Simeon L. Sanders had 10 votes and was declared elected

3rd For 1st Executive Committee
Whole number of votes cast 6 Gardner W. Piper had 6 votes and was declared elected

4th For 2nd Executive Committee
Whole number of votes cast 9
G.W. Piper 1 Samuel S. Cass 8 and Samuel S. Cass was declared elected

5th For 3rd Executive Committee
Whole number of votes cast 8
Jacob F. Smith had 2 Jonathan Brown 6 and Jonathan Brown was declared elected

6th Voted the following named persons should act as sextons during the several months of the ensuing year. For April Stephen D. Haynes; May William Straw; June Samuel S. Cass; July Jacob F. Smith; August Hanover O. Wells; September Charles A. Brown; October Simeon L. Sanders; November Abram Bickford; December Levi Cass; January Charles C. Doe; February Joseph Chapman; March Charles A. Chapman

7th Voted to dissolve the meeting
Hanover O. Wells, Clerk
A True Record Hanover O. Wells, Clerk

The members of the first Christian Society of Epsom met April first 1867 according to previous notice and organized by choosing the following officers

1st For Moderator
W.H. Straw had 1 Charles C. Doe 5 and was declared elected

2nd For Clerk
Whole number of votes 5 Hanover O. Wells having that number was declared elected

3rd Voted to adjourn to April 15th 1867 to 7 o'clock PM

The members of the first Christian Society of Epsom met April 15th 1867 according to adjournment and proceeded to the choice of

1st Treasurer
Whole number of votes 8 Charles C. Doe 1 Simeon L. Sanders 7 and was declared elected

2nd For 1st Executive Committee
Whole number of votes 8, Gardiner W. Piper having that number was declared elected

3rd for 2nd Executive Committee
Whole number of votes 8, Levi Cass 1, William H. Straw 7 and was declared elected

4th For 3rd Executive Committee
Whole number of votes 8 Samuel S. Cass 1 Abraham Bickford 7 and was declared elected

5th Voted to dissolve the meeting
Hanover O. Wells Clerk
A True record Hanover O. Wells, Clerk

The members of the first Christian Society of Epsom according to previous notice met April 6th 1868 and organized by choosing the following officers

1st For Moderator
Levi Cass 1 vote
William H. Straw 5 votes
Mr. Straw declined to serve

Second Ballot whole number of votes 4 Charles C. Doe having that number was declared elected.

2nd For Clerk
Whole number of votes 7 Hanover O. Wells having that number was declared elected

3rd For Treasurer
Whole number of votes 7 Simeon L. Sanders having that number was declared elected

4th For first Executive Committee
whole number of votes 8 Stephen D. Haynes 2 William H, Straw 6 and was elected

5th For second Executive Committee Whole number of votes 8 Stephen D. Haynes 4 Abraham Bickford 4

2nd Ballot
Whole number of votes 8 Stephen D. Haynes 1 Abraham Bickford 7 and was elected

6th For Third Executive Committee
whole number of votes 7
Samuel S. Cass 1 Gardner W. Piper 6 and was elected

7th Voted to have the report of the committee on repairs

8th Engaged Charles A. Chapman to open and take care of the house

9th Voted to dissolve the meeting

Hanover O. Wells, Clerk
A true record Hanover O. Wells

The members of the first Christian Society of Epsom met April 5th 1867 and organized by choosing the following officers

1st For Moderator
Whole number of votes 8
H.O. Wells had 1
Joseph Chapman 2
Wm H. Straw 5
Mr. Straw declined to serve

2 Ballot
H.O. Wells had 1
Joseph Chapman 8
And was elected

2nd For Clerk
Whole number of votes 7
H.O. Wells having that number was elected

3rd For Treasurer
Whole number of votes 8
Simeon L. Sanders having that number was elected

For first Executive Committee
Whole number of votes 9
William S. Brown had 1
Henry Knox had 8 and was elected.

4th For 2 Executive Committee
Whole number of votes 9
Joseph Chapman had 1
William S. Brown had 8 and was elected

5th For Third Executive Committee
Whole number of votes 9
Samuel S. Cass had 3
Joseph Chapman had 6 and was elected

6th Voted that the executive Committee shingle the meetinghouse

7th voted to dissolve the meeting

H.O. Wells Clerk
A true record
Hanover O. Wells Clerk

The members of the first Christian Society of Epsom met according to previous notice met April 4th 1870 and organized by choosing the following officers

For Moderator
1st whole number of votes 7
H.O. Wells has 1
Levi Cass 6 and was elected

For Clerk
2nd whole number of votes 5
Samuel S. Cass having that number and was elected

For Treasurer
3rd whole number of votes 6
Simeon L. Sanders having that number and was elected

For Executive Committee
Whole number of votes 4
H.O. Wells having that number and was elected

4th whole number of votes 6
Simeon L. Sanders having that number and was elected

5th whole number of votes 6
Abraham Bickford having that number and was elected

Adjourned to the 16 of April 1870
Met according to adjournment
Samuel S. Cass
Clerk
A true record Samuel S. Cass, Clerk

The members of the first Christian Society of Epsom met according to previous notice April 3, 1871 and organized by choosing the following officers

For Moderator
1 hole number of votes 6
Levi Cass has 1
Charles C. Doe 5 and was elected

2 For Clerk
hole number of votes 6
C.C. Doe 1
Samuel S. Cass 5

3 For Treasurer
hole number of votes 5
S.D. Haynes has 1
S.L. Sanders has 4 and was elected

4 For Executive Committee hole number of votes
5 H.O. Wells has 5 and was elected
6 Charles C. Doe 6 and was elected
7 W.H. Straw 6 and was elected

5 voted that the executive Paint the meeting house providing that it can be done for 40 dollars and Levi Cass bid of the Ashes for 19 cts It was voted to dissolve the meeting
Samuel S. Cass, Clerk
A true record Samuel S. Cass

The members of the first Christian Society of Epsom met according to previous notice April 1, 1872 and organized by choosing the following officers

For Moderator
1 hole number of votes 4
Samuel S. Cass 1
William H. Straw has 3 and was elected

2 For Clerk
hole number of votes 4
Hanover O. Wells has 1
Samuel S. Cass has 3 and was elected

3 For Treasurer
hole number of votes 4
Simeon L. Sanders has 4 and was elected

4 For Executive Committee
hole number of votes 4
H.O. Wells has 1
William H. Straw has 3 and was elected

5 hole number 4
H.O. Wells has 4 and was elected

6 hole number 4
Stephen D. Haynes has 3 and was elected

Adjourned to the 17 of April 1872 met according to adjournment and voted to paint the House one coat

Samuel S. Cass
Clerk
A True record Samuel S. Cass
Clerk

The members of the first Christian Society of Epsom met according to previous notice April 7, 1873 and organized by choosing the following officers

For Moderator
1 hole number of votes 8
William H. Straw 3
Charles C. Doe 5 and was elected

For Clerk
2 hole number of votes 8
Charles C. Doe has 1
Samuel S. Cass 7 and was elected

For Treasurer
3 hole number of votes 8
Samuel S. Cass has 1
Simeon L. Sanders 7 and was elected

Executive Committee
4 hole number of votes 7
Simeon L Sanders has 7 and was elected
Voted to excuse Mr. Sanders from serving as committee
1 hole number of votes 8
Samuel S. Cass has 1
Levi Cass 7 and was elected
2 Committee
Hole number votes 8
William H. Straw q
Charles C. Doe 7 and was elected
3 Hole number votes 8
William H. Straw 1
Samuel S. Cass 7 and was elected

Samuel S. Cass Clerk
A True record Samuel S. Cass Clerk


The members of the first Christian Society of Epsom met according to previous notice April 6, 1784 and organized by choosing the following officers

For Moderator
1 Hole number of votes 3
Charles C. Doe has 3 and is elected

2 For Clerk Hole number of votes 6
Stephen D. Haynes has 1
Samuel S. Cass has 5 and is elected

3 For Treasurer
Hole number of votes 6
Stephen D. Haynes has 1
Simeon L. Sanders has 5 and is elected

4 Executive Committee Hole number of votes 6
Simeon L. Sanders has 1
Levi Cass has 5 and is elected

5 Hole number of votes 6
Charles C. Doe has 1
Levi Cass has 1
Simeon L. Sanders has 4 and is elected

6 Hole number of votes 6
Stephen D. Haynes has 1
Samuel S. Cass has 1
Charles C. Doe has 4 and is elected

Samuel S. Cass Clerk
A True record
Samuel S. Cass Clerk

The members of the first Christian Society of Epsom met according to previous notice April 5th 1875 and organized by choosing the following officers

For Moderator
1st Whole number of votes 7
Charles C. Doe has 1
Hanover O. Wells 6 and was elected

For Clerk
2nd Whole number of votes 7
Samuel S. Cass has 1
Hanover O. Wells 6 and was elected

For Treasurer

3rd Whole number of votes 7
Hanover O. Wells has 1
Simeon L. Sanders 6 and was elected

For Executive Committee
1st Whole number of votes 7
Hanover O. Wells has 1
William H. Straw has 1
Simeon L. Sanders 5 and was elected

For 2nd Executive Committee
2nd Whole number of votes 7
Stephen D. Haynes 1
William H. Straw 6 and was elected

For 3rd Executive Committee
3rd Whole number of votes 7
Charles C. Doe has 1
Hanover O. Wells 6 and was elected

Voted to dissolve this meeting
Hanover O. Wells Clerk

A true record Hanover O. Wells Clerk

The members of the first Christian Society of Epsom met according to previous notice April 3rd 1876 and organized by choosing the following officers
For Moderator
1st Whole number of votes 4
Charles C. Doe having that number was declared elected

2nd For Clerk
Whole number of votes 7
Samuel S. Cass has 3
Hanover O. Wells had 4 and was elected

3rd For Treasurer
Whole number of votes 7
Levi Cass had1
Simeon L. Sanders had 6 and was elected

4th For Executive Committee
Abraham Bickford had 7 and they were
Henry Knoxs had 7 declared elected
Stephen D. Haynes had 6

5th On motion of William H. Straw voted to change the time of holding the annual meeting from the first Monday in April to the first Monday in January

6th Voted to dissolve the meeting
Hanover O. Wells, Clerk
A true record
Hanover O. Wells Clerk

[end of minutes]

[enclosed are several loose papers of meeting notices]

Notice
The members of the first Christian Society of Epsom are hereby notified that the annual meeting for the choice of officers for the ensuing year will be held at their meetinghouse on the fourth day of April next at 7 O'clock PM

Henry Knox, Clerk
Epsom March 26th 1864

Notice
The members of the first Christian Society of Epsom are hereby notified that the annual meeting for the choice of officers for the year ensuing will be held at their meeting House on Monday the second day of April next at 7 O clock PM.
Epsom March 17th 1866
Henry Knox, Clerk

Notice
The members of the first Christian Society of Epsom are hereby notified that the annual meeting for the choice of officers for the ensuing year will be held at their meeting House on the third day of April next at 7 O'clock PM
Epsom March 20th 1871
Samuel S. Cass Clerk

Notice
The members of the first Christian Society of Epsom are hereby notified that the annual meeting for the choice of officers for the year ensuing will be held at their meeting House on Monday the seventh day of April next at 7 o Clock PM

Epsom March 15th 1874
Samuel S. Cass Clerk

This church also soon suffered from a small number of members and financial difficulties and in 1881 was closed except for some summer services. In 1887, the old Congregational Church on the other side of town combined with the Christian Society to form the Union Congregational Church of New Rye. A hand written copy of the agreement was found in the attic of the home of Carleton Rand.

"The Congregational Church of Epsom, NH at a regular meeting held at the house of worship June 30, 1886 voted to adopt the following revised edition of their covenant and articles of faith."

"The Christian Church of Epsom at a regular meeting held at their house of worship also voted to adopt the same and at a united meeting held at Odd Fellows Hall Aug. 21, 1886 both bodies unanimously voted to unite together in one church to be known as the Union Congregational Church of Epsom and adopt the following ARTICLES OF FAITH:

1        We believe that the scriptures of the Old and New Testament are the proper and the only ___ ___ of faith and practice and that they were given by divine inspiration. Taking those as our guide

2        We believe in the existence of Jehovah as one God revealed in the Bible also in nature; a being of perfect and adorable attributes.

3        In the real divinity of Jesus Christ; and in the Holy Spirit the Divine Renewer Comforter Guide and Sanctifier who together with the Father are supremely to be worshiped and Glorified

4        We believe in mans entire ____ of holiness to the new ___ and that there is no salvation from the guilt and power of sin except by repentance and faith in the dominant and meditation of Christ.

5        In the __ equality of all believers and in Christ as the Head of the Church

6        In the Resurrection pf the dead both of the just and the unjust.

7        In the Judgment of the world in Righteousness by Jesus Christ at the appointed day

8        In the Everlasting punishment of the wicked and the Everlasting happiness of the Righteous in the future ___

9        We believe in an Invisible and Spiritual Church, one on earth and in Heaven, in the Lord's day as a day of holy rest and worship, in the ministry of the word and in the two appointed sacraments of the Church Baptism and the Lord's Supper." 

 

Photos - 1) the Church at New Rye  2) Wedding of Minot Yeaton and Helen Green at the New Rye Church - shown is Rev. Blue, Nov. 2, 1902