Canterbury in Merrimack County, New Hampshire — The American Northeast (New England)
The 'Worsted' Church
Photographed By Kelly Marsh, November 2, 2023
1. The 'Worsted' Church Marker
The unusual name of the former Union church that stood nearby from 1839-1958 came from its elaborate interior that was embellished with scripture, homilies and other decorations made from found materials like cotton gauze, paper and worsted wool. The handiwork of local author, poet and lecturer Sarah Elizabeth Harper Monmouth drew visitors to the church to see the "curious paper work" on display inside. Monmouth's personal story of frugality after being swindled out of an inheritance captivated people as much as her decorations did.
Erected 2023 by New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources. (Marker Number 0283.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Women. In addition, it is included in the New Hampshire Historical Highway Markers series list.
Location. 43° 23.41′ N, 71° 29.777′ W. Marker is in Canterbury, New Hampshire, in Merrimack County. Marker is on Shaker Road, on the right when traveling south. South of Baptist Hill Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Canterbury NH 03224, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Shaker Village (approx. 4.6 miles away); Canterbury Veterans of All Wars (approx. 5 miles away);
this page online
More about this marker. Sits up on a hill around a sharp corner.
Also see . . . The Worsted Union Church (Canterbury, NH Historical Society).
1871: Soon after the Chicago fire, when many people throughout the country were making contributions for the victims, Mrs. Sarah Elizabeth Monmouth – widow of a civil war Colonel – came to the church on a benevolent mission. She made such a moving appeal for the inhabitants of Chicago with such earnestness and charm that the congregation asked her to remain a few days. When she found out that the church was only being ministered to once a month she offered to read them published sermons if the Congregational Society would agree to give her(Submitted on November 6, 2023.)some of the income from the Ham Fund. They agreed and she began a ministry there that lasted eight years.Photographed By Kelly Marsh, November 2, 20232. The 'Worsted' Church marker and what is left of the building.
Immediately the church was repaired. The interior was changed; the vestibule was fitted up for her occupancy during her weekly visits from her Canterbury homestead and the pulpit was changed so that the choir was behind the preacher. And from her own funds, she began embellishing the church with scripture mottos of her own creation and elaborate & colorful decorations made from wallpaper cut-outs, tissue paper, cotton gauze, rags and worsted (wool yarn or fabric). It was her detailed use of worsted that led to the naming of the church The Worsted Church.
Photographed By Kelly Marsh, November 2, 2023
3. The 'Worsted' Church Marker
Photographed By Kelly Marsh, November 2, 2023
4. The 'Worsted' Church Marker
What remains of the building.
circa 1935
5. Mt. Zion motto in the 'Worsted' Church postcard
Credits. This page was last revised on November 6, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 2, 2023, by Kelly Marsh of Moultonboro, New Hampshire. This page has been viewed 77 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 2, 2023, by Kelly Marsh of Moultonboro, New Hampshire. 5. submitted on November 6, 2023. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
