Stewart and all, I know that when NH was being settled the towns hired a minister for the church that the majority of town residents went to. Here in Merrimack, as with most NH towns, it was the Congregational Church. I believe that in Bedford it was the Presbyterian Church. The ministers were paid with a separate tax on all residents. Many people didn't like the tax and refused to pay or protested against it. Around 1815 (I'd have to look up the exact date) NH passed the Toleration Act. This act banned direct payment to the minister. Support for upkeep of the church continued because most churches were also the "town hall" and all town meeting were held there. I'll look up some further information later today and post it. Steve McKay Merrimack Historical Society