Page:The Granite Monthly Volume 6.djvu/241

 METHODISM IN PORTSMOUTH.

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��Laighton, U. S. Navy, — all deceased. During the early part of Rev. Mr. Humphriss' pastorate, in 1S61, the old- time mahogany pulpit, high, capacious and of good workmanship, which had occupied the large niche or recess in the rear of the church, was reduced in height, and otherwise changed to please both the pastor and people. During the war of the rebellion the church was under the ministry of Rev. R. W. Humphriss and Rev. Sullivan Holman, both pronounced Union men, exceedingly patriotic and loyal. The first public funeral service in Ports- mouth of a soldier of the war for the Union (Nathaniel F. Palmer, who died at the age of 19 years), was at State street M. E. Church. " The church was densely crowded by the large number of friends and citizens who desired to manifest, by their pres- ence, their sympathy for the bereaved friends of the deceased, and respect for the memory of a patriot soldier. The procession was long and imposing. The Portsmouth Cornet Band volunteered their services, and with muffled drums beat the funeral march to the grave. The procession consisted of the Good- win Guards, in full uniform, — volun- teers for the war ; Governor's Horse Guards, also in full uniform ; the mem- bers of the Fire Department, all wear- ing crape upon the left arm ; the Com- mon Council and Board of Aldermen ; the Mayor, Ex-Gov. Goodwin, etc. The exercises at the church were sol- emn and impressive. An address was delivered by the pastor of the church, Rev. R. W. Humphriss, in which the speaker most forcibly and beautifully presented the claims of patriotism. The flags of the city were displayed at half-mast during the day." This is a somewhat lengthy but deeply inter- esting account of the first public fu- neral in Portsmouth of a soldier of the war.

In 1869 the State street church was remodeled on the inside by removal of galleries, change of pews, pulpit and altar, and placing the organ in the rear of the pulpit. A second church, called

��the Brodhead M. E. Church of Ports- mouth, N. H., was organized in March, 1859, and occupied the Hanover street chapel (built and owned by the late John M. Lord, and used by him for Sunday-school purposes, and now for public schools), until their new Church on Court street, near Middle, was dedicated, April 30, i860. The sermon was by Rev. Dr. Erastus O. Haven, of the New England confer- ence, Editor of Zion's Herald, after- ward elected Bishop, and deceased at Salem, Oregon, Aug. 2, 1881.

In Nov.. 1 86 1, the Brodhead M. E. Church was sold to the " Christian Baptist society," who first occupied it Dec. "22, 1 86 1. The members of the Brodhead Church, generally, were transferred to the State street M. E. Church in April, 1862. In 1859 and i860, Rev. Jonathan Hall was pastor ; and in 1S61, Rev. Henry H. Hartwell, who reported an average membership of 80 members and 10 probationers- Mr. Trundy, in his reminiscences, al- ludes to Rev. Daniel Fillmore, who was sent to Portsmouth in 181 7, substan- tially as follows : The prosperity of the church, during the preceding appointments, had been somewhat fluctuating ; a lack of stability existed among all classes, and also in the churches ; but now a time of great re- ligious interest prevailed, occasioned partly by the establishment of a Meth- odist society, and partly by the intro- duction of the Freewill Baptists, a newly organized denomination. Many persons experienced religion at both of these churches ; but quite a num- ber of the converts fell by the wayside. Soon after Mr. Fillmore began his labors, a reformation, almost universal, commenced, and was attended by the happiest results. The Methodist church could not accommodate the mul- titudes who assembled in the evenings. The pews, aisles and porch were crowd- ed with patient listeners. Leave was granted to occupy Jefferson Hall for prayer meetings ; and it was crowded to its utmost capacity. Mr. Fillmore was re-appointed in 181 8, and the in-

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