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over his head, and his black horse, during one night 

 while in the pasture, changed color by a liberal applica- 

 tion of whitewash. The pastor finally took the hint and 

 left, stopping at the top of the hill, and shaking the dust 

 from his feet as a testimony against them. The next 

 minister was Rev. Obadiah Parsons, who was an eloquent 

 man, and his pulpit services were very acceptable. Sto- 

 ries were circulated discreditable to his moral character, 

 however, and he was finally dismissed. It is related that 

 at the council called to consider his case, the principal 

 witness against him was a colored woman, and the ques- 

 tion arising whether the testimony of a colored person 

 should be received, it was decided at that early day not 

 to receive the same. The church remained without a 

 pastor until the Rev. Ezra Leonard, who is and ever will 

 be held in high veneration by the people of Squam, was 

 settled in 1804, and remained pastor till his death in 

 1832. A remarkable change took place during his ad- 

 ministration, he publicly embracing the doctrine of Uni- 

 versalism in 1811, carrying the whole society with him, 

 with the exception of four or five families. In announcing 

 this change of views, he preached a Universalist sermon, 

 and told them he believed this doctrine, and must preach 

 it if he preached at all. The parish voted to retain him 

 until his year expired, and in the following March the 

 record says it was voted that "he continue to preach the 

 gospel as usual." Mr. Coffin also gave a short sketch of 

 all the ministers of the parish since the death of Mr. 

 Leonard, but want of space forbids our following his 

 remarks further than giving their names, time of service 

 and brief individual notices. 



Rev. Abraham Norwood, one year ; Rev. Elbridge 

 Trull, one year; Rev. John Harriman, three years; Rev. 

 Geo. C. Leach, four years; Rev. M. B. Newell, three 



