In his history of New Hampshire, William Lamson wrote: “Unquestionably the constant persecutions and repeated litigations which the Baptists were subjected in those years had much to do with retarding their growth. The standing order (the Protestant State Church), believed that it was the church of God, and that it was truly serving God in compelling the Baptists and other Separatists into conformity, as they were in the prayer closet or in the worship of the sanctuary. Scattered over the state there may have been many of our faith who were longing and praying for the time when they should be permitted to worship God and obey his ordinances, with none to molest or make them afraid….. They were as sheep not having a shepherd.”

Although its early history has been lost, the first record of a Baptist church in New Hampshire was in the historical notes of the church in Newtown. On this day (October 1), 1767 in a business meeting, a moderator and clerk were elected, after which support for Bros. Stewart and Carter in their battle against the taxes levied against them by the “standing order” was discussed. The remainder of the meeting was in regard to the salary of their pastor, Bro. Hovey. It was further decided that any men who refused to participate in providing for the annual pastoral compensation of £50 would not have the protection of the assembly against the standing order.