262
��FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, CONCORD.
��bered with gratitude by future genera- tions.
Nearly seven years now passed with- out a stated ministry. In one case a call to settle was extended, but declined. September 1, 1788, Rev. Israel Evans was called by both the church and the town to settle as minister, and was in- stalled pastor July 1, 1789. Installation sermon by Rev. Joseph Eckley, of Bos- ton, Mass. His ministry continued eight years. No records of the church during this period can be found, and probably but few were added, as the number of members at his dismission was one hundred and twenty-four. Mr. Evans was a native of Pennsylvania, and a graduate of Princeton College, N. J., in 1772. He was ordained chap- lain in the United States army, at Phil- adelphia, in 1776, and from 1777 till the close of the war, was chaplain in a New Hampshire brigade. He resigned his pastorate July 1, 1797, but resided in town till his death, at the age of 60 years, March 9, 1807.
The church, without delay, chose as successor to Mr. Evans, Rev. Asa Mc- Farland, and the town concurring in the choice, he was installed March 7, 1798. The sermon was preached by Rev. John Smith, of Dartmouth Col- lege. The growth of the church under the ministry of Dr. McFarland was rapid and steady. Seasons of quiet, and also of deep religious interest, blessed it, and 429 were added to the membership, and 734 adults and infants received the rite of baptism. Plis min- istry continued twenty-seven years, and closed March 23, 1825. Dr. McFar- land was the last minister provided for by the town, his successor being sup- ported by the society.
Rev. Asa McFarland, d. d., was born in Worcester, Mass., April 19, 1769. He graduated at Dartmouth College in 1 793, and was for two years tutor in the college. He possessed a vigorous and active mind, was discriminating and sound in judgment ; wise and diligent in action. His personal character and position secured to him a wide and lasting influence in the town and throughout the State. Eighteen dis-
��courses delivered on public occasions were published. In consequence of ill health he resigned his office as pastor. He, too, died among his people. By shock of paralysis Sabbath morning, February 18, 1827, he ceased from his labors, in the 58th year of his age.
The council which dismissed Dr. McFarland, March 23, 1825, installed as pastor, his successor, Rev. Nathaniel Bouton. Sermon was by Rev. Justin Ed- wards, d. d., of Andover, Mass. ; Installing Prayer, by Rev. Walter Harris, of Dum- barton ; Charge to the Pastor, by Rev. Asa McFarland, d. d. ; Fellowship of the Churches, by Rev. Abraham Burn- ham, of Pembroke ; Charge to the People, by Rev. Daniel Dana, d. d., of Londonderry.. The spirit of the Most High early rested on this ministry, and many seasons of revival blessed it. Bible classes and Sabbath-schools were organized in different parts of the town, and the faithful labors of the pastor in these, and in the large assembly of the people gathered in a single place of worship, were attended with great suc- cess. In connection with the meeting of the General Association of New Hampshire, held with this church in 1 83 1, a deep work of grace began, and more than an hundred were added to to the church as the result. Large ac- cessions were received in the years 1834, 1836, 1842, and 1843. During the forty-two years of this ministry, 772 members were added to the church, and 629 adults and infants were bap- tised. Three colonies were dismissed and organized into other churches, and the real increase of the church in strength and influence was very great. Churches of other denominations were also organized in town, yet this con- tinued harmonious in action and stead- fast in faith. This ministry was char- acterized by unity, stability and growth. Dr. Bouton resigned his pastorate, of marked and continued success, at the forty-second anniversary of his settle- ment, March 23, 1867, and was dis- mised by council September 12, 1867.
Rev. Nathaniel Bouton, D. D., was a native of Norwalk, Conn., and gradua- ted at Yale College in 1821, and at An-
�� �
