Fifty Notable Years

Rev. Frederick A. Hodsdon was a native of Berwick, Me. In his childhood his parents removed to Kenduskeag, where his early years were mostly spent. When but eighteen years of age, he was the subject of religious impressions, and gave himself by personal consecration to the service of Christ. He became a Universalist in spirit as well as in belief, and resolved to devote his life to the ministry. He was a student with Rev. J. B. Dods and Rev. S. Cobb, D. D. His first settlement was in Readfield, Me., his next in Danvers, Mass., his third in Goffstown, N. H., and from his labors here there came the church now existing in Manchester. He was next in Kenduskeag, his old home, where he purchased a place of residence, and was for a time pastor of the society there. In 1839 he preached the sermon at the dedication of the Universalist church in Belfast, and was unanimously invited to become pastor of the society; but was obliged to decline on account of previous engagements. A few years after he accepted a second invitation to the place, where his ministry was very prosperous. In 1849 he acted as General Agent for the Maine Universalist Missionary, Educational, and Tract Societies. In 1850 he accepted a call to New Haven, Conn., where his labors were highly successful. Failing health compelled him to resign his charge, and return to his home in Maine. He did not however, relinquish the work of the ministry, but preached at times in different places, until, on recovering his strength, he was induced to become again minister of the society in Belfast, where he continued for most of the time until he was obliged to abandon the active work of his calling. He was for a little time Chaplain of the 24th Maine Regiment, and minister to the Second Society in Portland. Before his departure he had a long and painful sickness, through which his strong faith sustained him. He died Aug. 19, 1869, aged 64 years.

Mr. Hodsdon was one of the most faithful and honored of our ministers. His convictions were strong, his motives the purest, his preaching clear, earnest, and convincing. A devout man himself, he made others devout and prayerful. The cause of vital religion prospered under his ministry. Of attractive and commanding personal appearance, courteous in manners and Christian in spirit, he won the hearts of old and young, and made hosts of friends wherever he resided or was known. The savor of his noble life still lingers in the churches which enjoyed his ministrations.

Rev. Ezekiel W. Coffin was one of the truly faithful of the ministerial fraternity. He came from Gilead, Me., where he was born August 14, 1810. His parents were Methodists, but in his youth his attention was called to the doctrines of Universalism by the preaching of Rev. Sylvanus Cobb. He afterwards resolved to devote himself to the ministry. He was a student with Rev. Mr. Averill of Eddington, Me., and was ordained June, 1840. He was first settled at Centre Harbor, N. H., for four years; then at Weymouth, Mass., then at Canton St. Church, Boston; afterwards at North Attleboro, Annisquam, Beverly and Shirley, Mass., Jaffrey, N. H., Bryant's Pond, Me., Orange, Mass., West Concord, Vt., and Bernardston, Mass. His ministerial life included about forty-three years.

Those who knew Mr. Coffin bear ample testimony to his many excellent traits, both as a minister and a man; that he lived the doctrine which he taught, and that in his last sickness "he gave the whole community a lesson of patience and resignation in suffering." His illness extended over a period of three and a half years, and was very painful; but he never lost his faith and courage. After he had become so helpless that he could not walk, or even stand, he still continued his work. Faithful friends bore him in his chair to the pulpit on each returning Sunday, and for more than two years he thus, – like Father Murray in his last preaching days, – delivered his testimony while sitting. Weak in body, but strong and upraised in spirit, he gave his testimony to his people inspired with that glorious apostolic assurance, "For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. But the word of the Lord endureth forever. And this is the word which by the Gospel is preached unto you."

Rev. Edward Augustus Drew was for a few years a useful minister. He was born in Plymouth, Mass., Nov. 22, 1845, and died in Lynn, Mass., Oct. 11, 1874, in the twenty-ninth year of his age. He was very studious from early life. Graduating from the High School in his native town, he entered Tufts College in the autumn of 1863. To assist in defraying his expenses, he was obliged to teach during the winters, and by his ambition and perseverance he took many prizes, besides graduating at the head of the class of 1867. He then became a teacher of the ancient languages in the Medford (Mass.) High School, where he remained two years. In 1869 he became Principal of the Green Mountain Institute, now known as the Green Mountain Perkins Academy, at South Woodstock, Vt. He afterwards took the position of Chase Classical Instructor at Dean Academy, which he occupied until the summer of 1871, when the conviction that he should enter the ministry induced him to enter Tufts Divinity School, where he graduated in June, 1872. He was first settled as pastor of the Universalist Church in Newburyport, Mass., and in one year afterwards became pastor of the Second Universalist Society in Lynn, where he remained until his death. His labors were blessed with excellent results, but his course was impeded by failing health. Another has written of him: —

"He was highly appreciated and esteemed as a preacher of the Gospel. His manner was pleasing, his language well chosen, his thoughts clearly presented, his illustrations appropriate, often the fruit of his scholarly reading and taste; and there was a blending of the doctrinal, practical, and spiritual in his discourses that made his preaching both instructive and inspiring, and adapted to interest and benefit all classes of hearers. Outside of his own church he was greatly esteemed and beloved."

Rev. Norris Coleman Hodgdon was born in Epping, N. H., Aug. 22, 1818. His means of education in the beginning of life were limited, but he was fond of books and study, and earnest and persevering in his search for knowledge. After becoming a conscientious believer in the faith of Universalism, he made every effort to strengthen his own convictions, and to awaken the attention of others to the claims of Christian truth. He preached his first sermon July 23, 1841. He then preached a short time in Baltimore, Md., Philadelphia, New York, and Brooklyn; went to Maine in 1843, and was ordained in Paris, December 28, of the same year. He preached in that vicinity for a short time, and then awhile in Ludlow, Vt. He was afterwards settled in East Randolph, Chester, Jacksonville, and Vernon, Vt., in Kingston, N. H., Harvard, South Dedham, Marlborough, and Foxborough, Mass. His last settlement was for one year in Pittsfield, Me. While living in Vernon, Vt., he compiled and published a book called "A Denominational Offering from the Literature of Universalism." It contains extracts from different writers in exposition and enforcement of the doctrine and spirit of Universalism, and has been well received. While attending a meeting near Wilton, Me., in 1877, he was stricken with paralysis, from which he rallied, and was able for a while to read and write and visit his friends. He moved to Benton after his illness, where he passed the last years of his life. He was a faithful, earnest man and minister.

Rev. S. P. Landers, of Central New York, entered the ministry in 1836. He was for a little time in Andover, Mass., and in 1841 began his work as pastor in Worcester, where he laid the foundation of the Universalist church in that city. He afterwards resided in West Cambridge (now Arlington), preaching on Sundays, and devoting his other time chiefly to his favorite pursuit, horticulture, and to the interests of a private seminary established by members of his own household. He was highly esteemed for his many virtues. "His whole family," writes his daughter, "are Universalists, and have been since Universalism as such has been known in the land. In his native town (Afton, N. Y.) half the Universalists are named Landers, or are related to them."

Rev. John Nichols, of Cohasset, Mass., had pastorates in different places in Massachusetts, and in Claremont, N. H. He was pastor in Holliston nine and in Beverly ten years, and while in the former place represented the town in the Legislature of 1848-9. He was a pure-minded, warm-hearted, toiling man. In every one of his settlements he wrought a good work, and the influence of his character and deeds made not only the minister, but the cause he represented, respected. He was in sympathy with every moral reform, but was called suddenly away. While preaching his last discourse in Beverly, he was stricken with paralysis, from which he never recovered, his farewell sermon being thus his farewell to earthly scenes.

Rev. Robert Killam was another faithful, modest, and earnest man. His pastorates were in three considerable towns in Massachusetts. He closed his earthly work in West Scituate in 1866, aged seventy-six. He was a Bible Christian, a plain and clear expositor, practical in his preaching as in his daily conduct. Another writes of him: "He early saw and illustrated the duty of applying the Gospel to all the affairs of life. He joined the advancing hosts in the grave questions which have convulsed the nation, his countenance aglow with youthful fire when he argued the equal rights of man."

Rev. Charles Henry Webster was born in Georgetown, Mass., Dec. 5, 1817. He was from early life fond of books and study, and determined if possible to obtain a liberal education. But at the age of eighteen, while attending school at Bradford (Mass.) Academy, he was accidentally injured in one of his eyes, and did not fully recover for some years. He was afterwards able to prepare for the ministry at Clinton, N. Y., and was first settled at Beverly, Mass.; afterwards at East Lexington, South Dedham, East Boston, Chicopee, Mass.; at Auburn and Lewiston, Me.; at Collinsville and Granby, Conn. At the last-named place he lived nine years, acting for two years as State Missionary. In December, 1864, he was appointed chaplain of the 29th Maine Regiment, and served to the close of the war. His son, a young man of much promise, died of wounds received in the service. Mr. Webster's first wife was Miss Mary Buckminster, of Georgetown, Mass.; his second, Mrs. M. C. Granniss, a lady long and favorably known to the denomination by her contributions to the "Ladies' Repository" and other periodicals. Upon his second marriage he went into secular business, still continuing to preach as opportunity offered. He died of pneumonia, after great suffering, March 8, 1877, in his sixtieth year. He was one of the true and brave spirits who endured obloquy and repudiation by family and friends because of his fidelity to his religious convictions, and was made more than victor in his persistent and devoted life.

Rev. Asa P. Cleverly did good service in the ministry. Ordained in 1834, he became the pastor of societies in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. He had not the wide recognition of some ministers, but his character was pure, and the best results of faithful Christian exertion were found in every parish in which he labored. The pastors following him had cause to speak in praise of the good works of their predecessor. He died in Boston in 1871, aged sixty-four.

Rev. Thomas J. Whitcomb was born in Hanover, Mass., June 4, 1801, and died in Canisteo, Steuben County, N. Y., Feb. 9, 1877. He attended for a while the academy in the neighboring town of Hingham, and studied for the ministry with Rev. Paul Dean, in Boston. He was ordained in Washington, N. H., in June, 1827. In 1830 he was at Hudson, N. Y., and was afterwards located at Schenectady, Victor, Cortland, Newport, Springville, Buffalo, and Alexander, N. Y., and, in 1844-46, at Hightstown, N. J. In 1868 he went to live in Cambridgeboro', Crawford County, Pa., where he resided four years. He then removed to Canisteo, and remained there until his death. He has left an excellent name as a citizen, minister, and pastor. Rev. Dr. Le Fevre, who knew him well, says: —

"Brother Whitcomb was not what is termed a sensational preacher, nor did he possess rhetorical powers, but he was a good preacher, and left on his hearers the conviction of his earnestness and devotedness. As a disciple of the Master, he followed his direction 'Go preach the Gospel!' That was the sum and substance of his message. In his pastoral relationship he was very efficient."

Rev. George W. Whitney, born in Nashua, N. H., March 27, 1843, was another of our worthy ministers called away from his earthly work in the prime of his usefulness. He received his early religious training in the Congregational Church, when after his eighteenth year becoming an attendant at the Universalist Church, of which Rev. J. O. Skinner was pastor, he embraced the doctrines there taught, and subsequently entered upon the study of divinity. His first sermon was preached on the day of his majority, at West Windsor, Vt., where he preached part of the time in 1865. He was afterwards located as pastor in Westminster, Beverly, and Quincy, Mass., and in 1878 assumed the pastorate of the parish in Augusta, Me., remaining here until the progress of his disease (consumption) forced him to resign. He preached his last sermon Jan. 9, 1881, concluding a rich and successful ministry. He had the inborn elements of a Christian minister. He was a logical, ready, and gifted speaker, but his great strength lay in his earnest and sympathetic nature, which found out the best qualities in his hearers and roused them to action. When conscious that his life-work was ended, he saw the approach of death with calmness; his sufferings seemed but to develop greater spirituality. In one of his last letters to a friend, he says: "Never until these days of trial and sickness has the spiritual and divine been so real, or my faith in another life so strong." He died in Waltham, Mass., May 26, 1881.

Rev. Robinson Breare came into our ministry from England. He was in early life a member of the Wesleyan Church there. In 1832 he was inducted into the ministry of that church, having been examined by the Rev. Richard Watson, the author of Watson's "Institutes." In 1839 he was sent as a missionary to Halifax, N. S. In 1841, while engaged in the work of a revival in his church, a Universalist book was put into his hands, and after a careful reading of it, and long and prayerful inquiry and meditation, he became a believer in the Gospel of God's impartial grace and salvation. And there in Halifax, in the face of persecution by his former parishioners, in spite of the severance of all former friendships, he began, in painfulness and trial, the work of building up the Universalist Church. From that time, the work has gone steadily forward. Our church in Halifax is as true and substantial as any that exists in the Province.

Mr. Breare remained in Halifax until the first church was built. He then came to Massachusetts, where he labored from 1844 to 1853. In this last-named year he came to Ohio, where he successfully canvassed for the "Star in the West." Afterwards, for two years, he was employed as missionary by the Ballou Association. In 1856 he came into Gallia County, where he lived during the remainder of his days, having his home at last in Wilkesville, Vinton County. He was loved and honored wherever known, and no man, it would seem, could have had a more complete consecration than he to the Christian cause. With his immovable faith in Universalism, he united the enlightened and fervent zeal of a true Christian revivalist.

CHAPTER XVIII.

SKETCHES OF MINISTERS —continued

Workman of God! O lose not heart,But learn what God is like;And in the darkest battle-fieldThou shalt know where to strike.Lyra Catholica.

REV. ZADOC H. HOWE, of Maine, after receiving an academical education in Readfield, Me., prepared for the ministry, and was ordained in 1846. After a service of some years in his native State, he removed to Monroe, Madison County, Wis., where, after preaching a year and a half, he was compelled by failing health to suspend his labors. A severe bronchial trouble, making public speaking difficult, was the cause of frequent removals. For the last six or seven years of his life he was postmaster of Monroe. During the war of the Rebellion he was appointed chaplain of the 5th Wisconsin regiment, but was obliged after a few months to resign. He was a gentle and pure-souled man, with keen intellectual powers. One who knew him well, has written of him: —

"In theology, as in his theories of reform in general, he was very radical, holding firmly and conscientiously to the naturalistic views of the so-called liberal wing of the theologians, and did not feel himself in complete harmony with the policy of the Universalist denomination. Yet embracing with his whole heart its fundamental and distinguishing tenets, his soul was all aflame with noble and generous impulses."

Rev. Willard C. George was one of the preachers of Maine, having had pastorates there in Bremen, Dresden, and Calais. He was one of the most modest of men, of feeble voice, but a speaker who was very acceptable to his hearers, because of the good thoughts brought out in his discoursing. Convinced that his health required a change of occupation, he adopted the medical profession, making a visit to Europe to gain information from foreign sources that might aid him in his new vocation. On his return home he published a book of his travels and observations abroad. He was a successful practitioner in several places, and finally returned to his native town, Norway, Me., where he died in October, 1869, aged fifty-seven. He was not only a sound theologian, but was well versed in the physical sciences, upon which he frequently lectured. He never abandoned his purpose to return to the ministry as soon as his health would allow. He was a devoted Christian, and gave his life to much of the good work which Christianity requires.

Rev. Mark Powers began his preparation for the ministry with Rev. L. H. Tabor, then of West Charleston, Vt., in February, 1854, and in July, 1855, was ordained at Washington, Vt., where for four years he lived, preaching there and at Strafford, twenty miles distant. He afterwards removed to Strafford, where he continued to preach for six years, making in all ten years of labor in the latter place. He then removed to Gaysville, Vt., where he continued for four years, and from thence to West Concord, which was his last settlement. In Strafford he induced the Universalists to buy out the Free Will Baptists, who claimed to own one half of the meeting-house, and to repair it, and was thus instrumental in giving them a house of their own, and freeing them from the constant annoyance to which a union house had subjected them. Essentially the same thing was accomplished while he lived in Gaysville, while the effort there resulted also in a better edifice. In West Concord, his ministry, though short, was successful. His sermons were sound, his spirit excellent, and the result of his teaching every way good. In the autumn of 1870 Mr. Powers attended the Centenary Convention at Gloucester, Mass., where he was taken with a hæmorrhage of the lungs from which he never recovered. He died in June, 1872.

Rev. Lewis Leonard Record was born in Minot (afterwards Auburn), Me. He graduated at Bowdoin College in 1845. In 1850 he was ordained, and was settled as a preacher in Houlton, Me., in Scituate and Anisquam, Mass. In 1863 he went into the army as chaplain of the 23d Massachusetts regiment of volunteers, and served eleven months. While with the army in North Carolina he was attacked with the yellow fever, from the effects of which he never recovered. When his strength was somewhat restored, he engaged in missionary work, and did good service, especially in Biddeford and Saco, Me., preparing the way for a new house of worship in that locality. In 1870 he moved to Marlboro', N. H., where he labored earnestly and successfully until July, 1871, when he was compelled to desist from labor, and from that date he steadily declined until his death, which took place in Marlboro, Dec. 7, 1871, in the fifty-sixth year of his age. At his burial the clergymen of different denominations in the town acted as pall-bearers. He was highly respected, and his whole being was consecrated to the cause of the Gospel.

Rev. Henry H. Baker was born in Minot, Me., Nov. 24, 1811, and died of paralysis in Rochester, N. Y., Sept. 28, 1881. He was aided by friends in obtaining an education with the expectation that he would become a Methodist preacher; but being converted to Universalism in his school days, he was unable to comply with their wishes, and desired to enter the ministry of his newly-adopted faith. Being restrained from this by the fear of alienating his friends, he determined to study medicine; but after devoting a year to this, he yielded to his stronger impulse, and by advice of Rev. D. T. Stevens, then of Lewiston Falls, Me., abandoned medicine and began the study of divinity. He was ordained in 1841. His first pastorate was over the societies of Windham and Gray, Me., where he preached on alternate Sundays for two years. He was afterwards settled over the parishes in Elliot and Kittery, Me., in Essex and Georgetown, Mass., in Ludlow, Vt., in Hammond, Fort Plain, St. Johnsville, Fordsbush, Argusville, and other neighboring towns, N. Y., one year in Orange, Mass., and six years in Middleport, N. Y. After this he lived in Rochester and preached in Conesas, when his health declined, and he preached only occasionally as his health would permit. He was a member of the Massachusetts Legislature from Georgetown while he lived there in the winter of 1850-1. He was an earnest, sincere, and faithful servant of the Christian Master.

Rev. James W. Ford was born in Orford, N. H., in 1796, and died at Kendall's Mills, Me., Dec. 16, 1861, aged sixty-five. He was educated for the medical profession, and gained a good reputation as a physician, having served in that capacity in Westbrook and Waterville, Me. His love of Universalism, however, gradually led him into the ministry. He appears as a new minister in 1841, at Claremont, N. H. He was at Morristown, Vt., from 1842 to 1844; at Glover, Vt., 1844 to 1847; at Winchester, N. H., 1847 to 1851; at Springfield, Vt., 1851; at Springfield, Mass., 1852 and 1853; at Holyoke, Mass., 1854-5; at Norway, Me., 1856 to 1860; at Kendall's Mills from 1860 until his decease. Wherever he resided he was respected as a physician and minister. After an illness of several months he passed away quietly and peacefully, leaving a family and numerous friends to cherish his memory. He was buried with Masonic honors, and two Methodist clergymen assisted in the funeral services.

Rev. E. H. Lake was born in Haverhill, Mass., and moved to Lynn when fifteen years old. He soon became constant at church and active in conference meetings. In 1839, when only seventeen, he commenced preparing for the ministry, and soon after began preaching in school-houses in the surrounding towns. He was afterwards settled successively in Middleton and Bridgewater, Mass., and East Kingston and Westmoreland, N. H. About 1850 he removed to South Carolina on account of failing health, and travelled extensively in that State, North Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, Florida, and Mississippi. He wrote much for the Universalist paper of that region, held several public discussions, published a book, and did the full work of a very strong man. He was a ready speaker, earnest, keen, yet pleasant, and had a retentive memory. He was difficult to manage in controversy, but was always orderly, respectful, and kind to his opponent. He had purchased a small farm of 100 acres in Magnolia, N. C., where he resided with his family. He had seemed to be on the borders of the grave with consumption for two years, but still kept actively engaged in his profession, and died while on a visit to Rev. A. Bosserman, then just released from prison in Richmond, in the autumn of 1862, aged about forty years.

Rev. L. B. Mason died in May, 1864, in Madison, Wis. He was favorably known as a minister and highly esteemed in New England. He was at one time pastor of the Second Universalist Church in Lowell, Mass. From this city he moved to Haverhill, Mass., and was pastor of the Universalist Church in that place several years. From Haverhill he was called to the pastorate of St. Paul's Church in Chicago. He became proprietor and editor of the "New Covenant," and conducted the paper with much ability and discretion. After the breaking out of the Rebellion, he became chaplain of the 12th Wisconsin Regiment, but the hardships and exposure incident to the position were too much for his frail constitution, and he was compelled to resign his office in the autumn of 1863, after having faithfully served his regiment from the day of its organization. His men loved him devotedly, and testified to his faithfulness as a chaplain. But he came home quite broken in health, though afterwards preaching and working when many men of feebler determination would have been utterly discouraged. On one or two occasions he fainted in the pulpit when officiating, but still persisted in his work till within a few weeks of his decease.