church was begun the same year. It was dedicated June 25, 1828. Rev. Mr. Chase continued rector till 1841. The church flourished during his ministry. In later years it declined with the business prosperity of the town. However, the church has been open most of the time. Important improvements have been made upon the interior of St. Andrew's church. During the ministry of Rev. Mr. Schouler the chancel was reconstructed. It was further improved, and the church frescoed and painted in 1875.
The first organ in town was set up in St. Andrew's church about 1846. It was purchased of the Rt. Rev. Carlton Chase; it had been his parlor organ. The instrument is still in its accustomed place in the unused gallery of the church. It did musical service for many years. In 1874 a new and handsome organ was set up at the left of the chancel, at a cost of about $2000. This church is much indebted to the energy and liberality of many of its friends at home and abroad. Its elegant font was obtained through the exertions of the late Elizabeth T. Lerned, about 1866. The present organ was secured by the energy of Miss C. C. P. Lerned. The altar and lecturn cloths, together with the chandeliers and lamps, were the gift of Mrs. G. T. Roberts, of Philadelphia, Pa., about two years ago.
Since 1841 there have been clergymen of St. Andrew's:—Rev. Calvin Wolcott, one year from the second Sunday in May, 1842; Rev. Silas Blaisdell, 1845 to 1847; Rev. Henry Low; Rev. Edward F. Putnam; Rev. N. F. Ludlum; Rev. Francis Chase one year to November 3, 1862; Rev. William Schouler, July 1, 1865 to Jan. 29, 1868. Since Feb. 2, 1868, the church has been supplied by the Rev. H. A. Coit, D. D., of St. Paul's School, Concord. During the time Rev. Hall Harrison has been the almost, or quite, constant rector.
THE FREE WILL BAPTIST CHURCH.
We have already mentioned the defection in the original Baptist church which resulted in the separation of a party, led by Dea. Jonathan Fowler, who organized the Free Will Baptist church. This organization took definite form on the 17th of September of the year of separation, or 1823. The location of this church at Contoocook is suggestive in view of the valuable social results wrought by it. In the earlier times Contoocook had an unenviable reputation. The highest social laws were largely set at defiance. A minister on his way to preach at Contoocook was informed he was going to a bad place. Now all is changed. The influence of the Free Will Baptist church has been a prominent agent in promoting an improved state of society.
The original organization was known as the Union Baptist church. It consisted of twelve members. On the 28th of September, 1826, Jonathan Fowler and Thomas White were chosen deacons. The society was incorporated on the 30th of June, 1827. A meeting-house was constructed the same year; it was raised April 11, finished October 27 and dedicated October 29. Various improvements have from time to time been made on this house since its erection. In 1872 a bell was added.
Rev. David Harriman was pastor of this church from its foundation till May 10. 1828. Rev. Arthur Caverno succeeded till February 24, 1833. Rev. David Moody followed till February 27, 1837; Rev. Hiram Holmes supplied till November 30, 1839; Rev. John L. Sinclair continued a pastor till November 11, 1839? Rev. Abner Coombs was installed pastor July 16, 1840; dismissed May 15, 1842. Rev. D. Sidney Frost became pastor May 19, 1842; dismissed April 17, 1845. Rev. Barlow Dyer became pastor May 18, 1845; dismissed March 4, 1849. Rev. S. T. Catlin became pastor December 20, 1849; dismissed in 1851. Rev. Francis Reed became pastor May 20,1851; dismised in March, 1859. Rev. C. H. Witham became pastor the first of July, 1859; dismissed June 2, 1861. Rev. Thomas Keniston and others suppled from June, 1861, till May, 1863. Rev. Asa Ranlett became pastor May 23, 1863; dismissed in October. 1865. Rev. John L. Sinclair became pastor a second time in January, 1867; dismissed in March, 1869. Rev. George W. Knapp became pastor in
