USA > Massachusetts > Barnstable County > Wellfleet > Brief history of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Wellfleet, Massachusetts > Part 4
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Rev. E. H. Hatfield followed Brother Colby in 1858. His congregations were very large, and he made many friends in both societies here. There was no marked revival ; but his labors 1858. were not wholly in vain. His second year was much like the first. He seemed to enjoy himself ; and his many attentive hearers attested their 1859. appreciation of his preaching. He loved fishing and hunting, and indulged in them quite freely. Some think he has prolonged his life in this way. All the social meetings were kept up, and were sea- sons of refreshing to those who attended them.
Brother Hatfield was born and converted at White Plains, N.Y. Of the first class of the Methodist Episcopal Church in that place, numbering seven, his grandparents made four ; and none of them was less than fifty years a Methodist. Their names were John and Charity Hatfield, and Robert and Margaret Miller. Thus educated in Methodism, Brother Hat- field commenced preaching in 1846, and in 1848 joined the Providence Conference ; since which time, with the exception of one year, he has been on the effective list.
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HISTORY M. E. CHURCH,
Rev. James Mather followed Brother Hatfield, and witnessed some prosperity and a few conver- sions under his labors. He was esteemed 1860. a true minister of the gospel, and had the cordial support of his people. Through much hard labor, amid the excitement of the war, he passed his second year; and a very deep seriousness was 1861.
manifested toward its close in the sabbath- evening services. The vestry was often crowded beyond its seating-capacity, and many were almost persuaded to surrender to Jesus; yet there was no break, and in this condition he left them. There were two hundred and eighty-two members, and the collection for missions was one hundred and six dollars.
James Mather was born near Manchester, Eng., to which city he removed when young. He was a candidate for the Wesleyan Conference, and passed the regular examinations at the district meeting ; but, on account of the great number of candidates for several years, there was a large surplus of ministers, and he was advised by the secretary of the Confer- ence, the celebrated Dr. Newton, and Rev. Joseph Taylor, one of the ex-presidents, who were his pas- tors, to come to the United States, and join the Meth- odist Episcopal Church. Feeling that this was the call of God, he acted upon it in 1843, and was at once, through the letters of these men, employed under Rev. F. Upham, then presiding elder. In 1844 he joined the Providence Conference, and was ordained deacon with the second class ordained by Bishop Janes. He has since been constant in the work, and God has been with him. In 1868 he was a delegate
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WELLFLEET, MASS.
to the General Conference. He is now (1876) on his fourth year as presiding elder of New Bedford District.
When Rev. John Howson came for his second term, he found a very general deep interest in reli- gion ; and, under God, he led many to Jesus.
Over two hundred bowed at the altar as ear- 1862. nest seekers ; and, when Conference time came, the gracious work had not ceased, and only a few had been gathered into the church. By some strange mistake, Brother Howson was not returned ; and the results were disastrous to many. It was impossible for any other man to do among those converts what he might have done. " A stranger will they not fol -. low." The missionary collection was one hundred and twenty-two dollars, and the number of proba- tioners fifty-nine.
Rev. A. N. Bodfish came in 1863, and labored hard to feed and fold the lambs. Probably he did all that any stranger could do, but only a small 1863.
proportion of the converts were saved to the church. For. want of room the pew-holders this year decided to rebuild their house. Several meet- ings were called ; and at last a committee was ap- pointed to appraise the old pews, and their report was $2,200. These were bought up by brethren who were called stockholders. The building-committee consisted of Daniel L. Rich, Freeman A. Baker, Al- fred Smith, Zoheth Sparrow, and Lewis H. Higgins. They raised the building nine feet, and remodelled the inside by lowering the singers' gallery, placing in it a beautiful organ of Hook's make, - costing
1
62
HISTORY M. E. CHURCH,
$1,800, - reseating the audience-room, and frescoing the walls, erecting a new pulpit and altar-rail, and enlarging and heightening the vestries ; all at an expense of $14,500, and making one of the largest and most convenient churches on the Cape at that time. The pews sold for $19,600, and the stockhold- ers presented a good piano for the large vestry, a sacramental service, and pulpit-furniture. The dedi- catory services were held Dec. 22, 1863 ; and the ser- mon was by Rev. J. A. M. Chapman, from Ps. xxvii. 4. The report for this year shows a membership of three hundred and thirteen, with fifty-nine proba- tioners.
In his second year Brother Bodfish had good con- gregations, but the life of the church ran low. The
failure of so many of the converts under 1864. Brother Howson produced a kind of reaction, and all that the pastor with his people could do did not prevent a low ebb of spiritual life. Twenty-eight came into the church, and the missionary collection was two hundred and ninety-four dollars.
Asa N. Bodfish was born in Barnstable, Mass., and converted in Wareham in 1831. He then served the church as an exhorter, class-leader, steward, and trus- tee, for twenty years. In 1850 he was licensed to preach, and the following year joined the Providence Conference, of which he has since been an active member. A church was built at North Dighton, Mass., during his pastorate ; and generally the charges which he has served have enjoyed prosperity with his labors. He is now (1876) in Mystic Bridge, Conn.
---
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WELLFLEET, MASS.
CHAPTER XI.
W. V. Morrison. - Revival. - Charles Nason. - Providence Annual Conference held in Wellfleet. - Conversions. - Loss of Schooner " Ellery C. Anthony." - Death of Aged Members.
REV. W. V. MORRISON was the next pastor ; and he labored prayerfully and earnestly for two years. In a series of extra meetings during the win- ter of his first year, there were glorious mani- 1865. festations of the Divine presence. A deep conviction of sin was quite general throughout the village, and many turned to the Lord. Thirty were received on probation ; of whom most were steadfast, and some are now among our most reliable members. The work also extended to the Congregational Church, in which the results were blessed.
Sixty were added to the Sunday school this year ; and the average attendance was two hundred and ten. The missionary collection was three hundred and twenty-three dollars.
The second year passed with a healthy religious life in the church, but few conversions. A series of meetings was held for five weeks with Rev.
I866. L. D. Bentley assisting the pastor ; but the apparent results were far below what was antici- pated. Brother Bentley's manner of working was not generally appreciated ; many could not easily
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HISTORY M. E. CHURCH,
work with him. Brother Morrison labored in these services with his characteristic interest and devotion : he did what he could. Through the two years he was esteemed a good preacher and a faithful pastor. Many remember his effectual, fervent prayers.
In his last quarterly report he says, " I desire here to say that, so far as I am concerned, my relations with this church have been of the most pleasing character. " Kindness has marked the conduct of all, both young and old, in the church and out of it, toward me. I remember this with gratitude, and also the thought that I have, in return, endeavored to preach Christ fully, to visit from house to house as I have had opportunity, and to set before all a Chris- tian example worthy their imitation. I have come short of doing all I wished to do, but have a conscious- ness of having endeavored to do the right thing."
William V. Morrison was born in West Middlesex, Penn., and joined the Methodist Episcopal Church in May, 1850. He was licensed to preach in 1853, and graduated at Alleghany College in 1854, and at the Biblical Institute at Concord in 1857. He joined the Providence Conference the year he came from the Institute, and has been doing good work as an itinerant ever since. In 1874 he was appointed presiding elder over Fall River District, which place he fills at this writing.
Rev. Charles Nason came the following. spring, and was well received by the people. He was a true
minister, faithful in the pulpit and among his 1867. flock. At the first Quarterly Conference, he reported that he had called pastorally at every house
65
WELLFLEET, MASS.
in town where he had a member, and, when there was sickness, many times. During the year there was peace and harmony, but not such apparent re- sults from the labors of pastor and people as they desired.
A number of interesting neighborhood meetings were held during the autumn months, and also a three weeks' series of services in the vestry of the church, commencing watch-night, in which the people of God were greatly quickened ; but not many un- converted were reached. Brother Nason did not lose a sabbath service in the year, and the church was never closed 'on the sabbath. Nine were received from probation. Nine removed by letter, and seven died, this year.
Among those called home, was Brother Knowles Dyer, who for about fifty-seven years was a beloved and honored member of the church, and most of the time was class-leader, steward, and trustee. He left many precious testimonies, which are yet treasured' in many hearts. He had great power in prayer and exhortation. A man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, he was ready when the summons came.
The Providence Annual Conference held its session with this church March 25-30, 1868, Bishop Scott presiding. It was well attended and cordially entertained. Other families than our own 1868.
entertained the preachers, and did every thing they could to make their tarrying here agreeable. The services in the church were attended by throngs, and left a sweet and heavenly influence among the people. A banquet was given the Conference Monday even- ing, which all seemed to enjoy.
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HISTORY M. E. CHURCH,
At this Conference, Brother Nason was re-ap- pointed, and entered upon another year of labor for the promotion of the best interest of the church and the Redeemer's kingdom. Larger results were seen this year. In one month, twenty-three bowed at the altar as seekers of religion ; and all of them professed conversion. One sabbath morning eleven were bap- tized, nineteen were received on probation, and five into full membership.
From a quarterly report given Dec. 3, we extract the following : -
" As it will be a year, in a few days, since the schooner ' Ellery C. Anthony' sailed from Newport Harbor, for Tangier Sound, I suppose we are under the painful necessity of admitting that she must have been lost with all on board. Capt. William H. Higgins, and William Newcomb, jun., were both highly respected members of this church. They were called suddenly, but, we trust, were prepared for their change.
" We rest our expectation not upon any dying tes- timony, but upon about twenty-five years of Chris- tian experience, in which they exemplified those traits of character which only proceed from regenerate hearts. Not only their families, but our church and community, are deeply afflicted by this sad bereave- ment."
John Harding died in this conference year, aged seventy-four years and nine months. For forty-eight years he was a noble servant of God, always at his
67
WELLFLEET, MASS.
post, doing good service. For him death had no sting. He passed calmly and triumphantly to be with Jesus.
Father Henry Baker was also called home in the eighty-third year of his age. He had been connected with this church fifty-three years; and her interests never held a secondary place in his heart. He was much revered as a father in Israel. In full assurance of hope, washed in the precious blood, he went to the Saviour and the loved ones gone before; and there awaits his children, who are travelling after him in the narrow way.
Charles Nason was born in Kennebunk, Me., in 1822, and was converted and joined the church in 1842. In 1848 he was received into the Maine Con- ference as a probationer, and appointed to Gray and Windham Circuit. Instead of taking an appointment the next year, he entered our first theological school, the Biblical Institute at Concord, N.H., from which he graduated in 1851, with the second class from that institution, and the first receiving a regular diploma. In 1852 he came into the Providence Conference, and has since been in its ranks. For three years he was chaplain in the Union army, and one year pre- siding elder on the Norwich District. For the last three years (1874-76) he has been appointed chap- lain and agent of the Rhode Island Hospital. A. good man, he has been a blessing to many churches.
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HISTORY M. E. CHURCH,
CHAPTER XII.
Walter Ela. - A. J. Church. - C. S. Macreading. - Revival.
REV. WALTER ELA came to Wellfleet in the spring of 1869, and his year with this people was one of hard
labor and but little success. A few were con- 1869. verted, and joined the church ; and some of the members were richly blessed in the great efforts which were made for the good of souls. Yet there was not that general interest, on the part of those who should have supported their pastor, which he hoped to see. The sabbath school was very well sustained, and the benevolent collections were good. On the roll of the deceased this year are the names of Reu- ben Higgins, Joshua Hamblen, jun. (more than thirty years a member), Joseph Baker, and Joshua Hamblen. The last named was eighty-six years of age, and had been in this church for over fifty-two years. He out- lived his wife and all of his eleven children, and waited patiently for his call, " Come home."
Brother Ela was converted at the Maine Wesleyan Seminary, at Kent's Hill, in 1852. He was first licensed to preach at Decatur, Ill., in the autumn of 1858, and came into the Providence Conference in the spring of 1861. In a very good list of appoint- ments, he has served the church well; and is now
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WELLFLEET, MASS.
(1876) toiling hard for the Master in South Manches- ter, Conn.
Rev. A. J. Church followed Brother Ela; and, al- though through most of the first year the religious life was quite low, towards its close there was a great reviving and ingathering. The 1870. Wellfleet people took little interest in the camp- meeting after its removal from Eastham. This year the pastor, in his persistent way, procured good tents and a place to put them up ; and over fifty of his flock went with him to enjoy the meeting at Yarmouth.
Some little time after the new year came in, Hugh Montgomery of New Hampshire came on the invita- tion of the pastor, and preached every evening and Sunday for twelve days; then the pastor, sustained by the church, carried on the meetings for five weeks, and about one hundred gave an evidence of having received the Saviour. One stormy Sunday morn- ing, twenty-nine presented themselves at the altar for baptism ; 296 members, with 105 probationers, were reported. The collection for missions was $320.
The second year of Brother Church's ser- ' 1871. vices was one of business depression, such as this people have often seen ; and it always seems to affect the energy of the people in Christian work. Yet there was considerable activity and some growth. During the extra meetings held, twelve seekers bowed at the altar. Sixty joined in full membership during the year, and nineteen were baptized.
The third year which Brother Church spent 1872. here was not a harvest year, but much like
the second. He was granted a leave of absence for
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HISTORY M. E. CHURCII,
a tour in Europe, which he improved well. For about four and a half months he was away from his people ; and, although the pulpit was supplied, they felt the need of a pastor with them. There were a few conversions, and some additions to the church, but not enough to make good the losses by removal and death.
No protracted meeting was held; and the reaction from the revival two years before, with the business depression, made the work go heavily. The Sunday school was prosperous, and the singing in all the ser- vices was greatly improved.
A. J. Church was converted in 1844, while kneel- at a bench in a schoolhouse beside his mother. In 1846 he began teaching, which profession he followed, attending school a part of the time, for five years. Then he spent six months as a supply at Carthage, N.Y. In 1852 he entered the Biblical Institute at Concord, and graduated two years later. He joined the Maine Conference on probation in 1858, having then been preaching within its bounds three years. In 1862 he was transferred to the New Hampshire Conference, and again in 1868 to the Providence Conference.
At Stafford Springs, Conn., he is now (1876) preaching, and doing all the work of an efficient pastor.
Rev. Charles S. Macreading, who came after Brother Church, very soon won a place in the hearts of all the people. He had been a sailor, and 1873. seemed particularly adapted to work among such a people. He made a great many calls, report-
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WELLFLEET, MASS.
ing, one quarter, one hundred and eighty-five ; and mingled among the people generally very freely. Although there was no revival, and no conversions were reported this year, few ministers in Wellfleet have made so many personal friends.
His wife, now a widow, is a most amiable and efficient woman ; and her presence and labors were highly appreciated here. The latter part of the year, the Congregational Church was without a pas- tor ; and Brother Macreading visited quite largely in that society, and attended all the sick and dying. So in both churches here, and among many who seldom attend church, he was much beloved.
His second year was much like the first, marked by business depression and low life in the church. There were, however, a few conversions. The pastor worked hard for the church and 1874. the unconverted, but something seemed to prevent the full enjoyment of that for which he labored and prayed. Brother Littlefield, with others from the State Committee of the Young Men's Christian Asso- ciation, spent a little time here in union services ; but the moving, melting power was not realized. After all their faithful presentation of the truth, and earnest prayers with the hearty co-operation of both pastors, only a few unconverted were reached ; and in our church there was no general awakening. Brother Macreading felt sad over this ; yet he knew it was not his fault. He tried to do all in his power, by prayer and personal and public effort. He went from here at the end of this year, with the love of all who had known him.
2
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HISTORY M. E. CHURCH,
Charles S. Macreading was born in Marshfield, Mass., in 1834; the son of Rev. C. S. Macreading, formerly of the Providence and the New England Conferences. He was converted while a student at Wilbraham Academy, and received a license to preach while in college at Middletown, Conn. In 1860 he joined the New England Conference, but soon entered the naval service of the United States ; and when honorably discharged he occupied the position of master's mate. In 1865 he joined the Providence Conference, and served in its ranks to the day of his death, at Middleboro', Mass., May, 1875. Our whole community was moved when the tidings of his death came to us. Many prayers were offered from our church and from our Christian homes, for the sadly bereaved widow and the two lovely daughters. With them we look forward to the reunion of heaven.
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WELLFLEET, MASS.
CHAPTER XIII.
A. P. Palmer.
THERE were few indications of an increasing in- terest for the first eight months of the next year. The pastor, A. P. Palmer, tried to lead the church nearer to God; but the embarrassments oc- 1875. casioned by the.removal and death of his predecessor, and the failure of our one line of business, made it hard work. There were, however, some true hearts who were constant in prayer, and every possible effort to help him ; and together they prayed and toiled on, with faith in God. The last two weeks of the cal- endar year were weeks of prayer. On four days in each, besides Sunday, we held services afternoon and evening. There was no preaching ; but we made an effort to secure as large an attendance as possible, and then talked, sung, and prayed together. Through a close self-examination, which led to confession and full consecration, we drew nigh unto God; and he drew nigh unto us. No seekers presented themselves during these two weeks; but many professors were filled with the Spirit. The Congregational Church also held similar meetings, so that when on the 4th of January, Brothers Littlefield and Shaw came among us, we were in some measure prepared to labor with them for souls. Under their labors both churches
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HISTORY M. E. CHURCH,
were greatly blessed, and in those two days about forty said, " Pray for us." The work thus begun continued for several weeks in union services, and in the separate churches, until over one hundred and twenty-five professed conversion. . Most of these were young people, and many young ladies. About fifty united with our church, on probation.
The Committee on Records reduced the member- ship in the returns this year, by putting " Removed without letter " opposite some twenty-seven names. These persons have been out of town for several years, and do not contemplate returning for a resi- dence : they are no help to us financially, or in any way except as they pray for us. We counted only the resident members.
The same servant was returned from the next 1876.
annual Conference, and, thus far this year, has been doing what he could for Christ and this church. Up to this writing (January, 1877) there has been no great ingathering. Some have professed conversion, and a fair proportion of. the converts of last year have been received into full membership. A weekly young people's meeting has been sustained through the year, and has proved a means of grace to many. Some of these converts have removed to other places ; and some are trying to live religion without coming into the church, and they have met with the usual success in such cases. But those who came right forward, fully determined to use all the means given, are doing well, and promise much to the church.
All our social meetings are well sustained, except
WELLFLEET, MASS. 75
the classes. Here, as in other places, there has been a growing tendency for some years to neglect the class-meeting. Oh that all might see how much they lose by such neglect ! We hope by personal effort to secure a return to the old paths.
CONCLUSION.
Having thus glanced over a period of nearly eighty years, and seventy-five years of actual church history, we are impressed that God has given his peculiar blessings here, and few churches in our Conference or in the Old Bay State have had greater prosperity.
There have been sixteen notable revivals, and some of them were seasons of great power. Hun- dreds have been converted, and there has been an unusual degree of spiritual life. Our present mem- bership (January, 1877) is two hundred and eighty- seven, with twenty-five probationers. But if the children could have been kept at home, as in many other churches, our numbers would be very much larger. It has been the work of this church to raise up men and women to serve other churches. In Philadelphia, especially in one church, Wellfleet has a very good representation. In the churches of Boston and New York and many other cities in all directions, Wellfleet's sons and daughters are found in no inconsiderable numbers. It has been said, " Take Cape Cod Methodism out of Boston, and there would not be much left." We say, Take the souls which were born in Wellfleet out of some of these ·churches, and they would feel the loss. It is a com- fort to the fathers and mothers who are living, and an
d
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HISTORY M. E. CHURCH,
honor to those who are in heaven, that their children are standing so nobly for Christ wherever they reside.
Wellfleet has an interest in the Boston University. Isaac Rich was born in Wellfleet, and his mother was a very highly esteemed member of this church. He was never a member here, because his father removed to Boston, like many others, for business' sake, when he was quite young. One sister is now of our flock, and a brother lives in the south part of the town.
Brotherly love has characterized this people, as the words of many of their ministers attest. Oh that it may dwell in the hearts of all the members more and more, that, as in former days, they may unitedly seek to extend the Saviour's kingdom ! The days of power and glory are not passed. The work which God has given to this church is not yet finished. If the talents which she has are sanctified and devel- oped, if there is pure faith and unity, the future shall be like the past, only more glorious.
The following is a list of the preachers, with the years of their services : -
JOEL STEELE. 1807.
ERASTUS OTIS .
1808.
JOSEPH A. MERRILL 1809-10-11.
ROBERT ARNOLD 1812,
ELIAS MARBLE 1813.
BARTHOLOMEW OTHEMAN 1814.
THOMAS C. PEIRCE
1815.
ORIN ROBERTS .
1816.
BENJAMIN KEITH . 1817.
EPHRAIM WILEY 1818-19.
EDWARD HYDE . 1820-21.
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WELLFLEET, MASS.
LEONARD BENNETT 1822-23.
S. G. ATKINS . 1824.
LEWIS BATES 1825-26.
JOEL STEELE . 1827-28.
B. F. LAMBORD
1829-30.
N. S. SPAULDING .
1831.
S. B. HASCALL .
1832.
HECTOR BROWNSON
1833.
WARREN EMERSON 1834-35.
B. F. LAMBORD 1836.
ITEMAN PERRY.
1837-38.
I. M. BIDWELL 1
1839.
PAUL TOWNSEND
1840-41.
JONATHAN CADY .
. 1842-43.
G. W. STEARNS
1844-45.
JOHN LOVEJOY
. 1846-47.
CYRUS C. MUNGER
. 1848.
SAMUEL FOX .
. 1849-50.
JOHN HOWSON .
1851-52.
J. E. GIFFORD 1853.
ERASTUS BENTON
1854-55.
E. K. COLBY.
1856-57.
E. H. HATFIELD
1858-59.
JAMES MATHER
. 1860-61.
JOHN HOWSON .
. 1862.
A. N. BODFISH . 1863-64.
WILLIAM V. MORRISON 1865-66.
CHARLES NASON . 1867-68.
WALTER ELA 1869. ·
A. J. CHURCH
1870-71-72.
C. S. MACREADING . 1873-74.
A. P. PALMER
. 1875-76.
1 Horace Moulton finished out the year.
.
APPENDIX.
APPENDIX.
-
THE GROSS FAMILY.
THE Gross family, to which several allusions have been made, were so prominent in our Methodism that we append the following brief statements : -
Thomas Gross was a deacon in the Congregational Church when his wife Abigail was in our first class of 1802; but he came with her a few years later. They had fourteen children, of whom thirteen grew up to manhood and womanhood, and all were con- nected with the Methodist Episcopal Church. The ten daughters were members of the Wellfleet church. These " ten sisters," as they were called, met in Boston in 1850, for a family visit, their ages then ranging from eighty-three to fifty-nine. The group was daguerrotyped ; and many have looked with peculiar interest at the picture of the venerable Christian ladies. They were all singers, all married, and all but one had children. One was the wife of Rev. Elijah Willard, and another of Rev. Bartholo- mew Otheman. The first wife of Rev. Joel Steele was the granddaughter of Thomas and Abigail Gross, and the daughter of one of the "ten sisters." The first wife of Rev. Abel Stevens, LL.D., was another
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APPENDIX.
granddaughter of the first Gross family, and daughter of another of the "ten sisters."
Only two of the fourteen children are now living, - Maria Atkins, in Truro, Mass., aged eighty-three years ; and Deborah Payne, in Provincetown, Mass., aged eighty-seven years. One died in childhood. Of the other eleven who have died, all but one lived to be eighty-five years of age, or over; and all died in the triumphs of Christian faith.
The descendants are numerous, and the blood is still pure. Almost all of them are Christians, and members of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
SOUTH WELLFLEET METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
Perhaps some further mention should be made of the Methodist Episcopal Church in South Wellfleet.
The old members have all deceased, and the records cannot be found ; and, after making considerable effort, only these few facts could be gathered.
A church was dedicated in 1835, by Rev. Enoch Bradley, preacher in charge at North Truro. When a class was organized, or how many members there were when they built the house, cannot be ascer- tained. In 1836 the first pastor, Rev. Franklin Fisk, was sent. This was his first appointment ; and he was almost pressed into this by Father Webb, the presiding elder, and some other members of the Conference. He had been teaching on Martha's Vineyard, with the design of entering the Wesleyan University ; but gave up this plan, and went to Conference at Springfield, Mass., having a recom- mendation.
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APPENDIX.
After receiving his appointment he says, "My journey thither, and contact with my first acquaint- ances, are as much of a romance as any thing told by the author of the 'Circuit Rider.'" Twenty-eight members were reported at the close of the year.
The next year South Wellfleet was coupled with Eastham, " one to be supplied." In the fall or early winter, the presiding elder sent one Brother Lawton (his full name we do not learn), as a supply to this church. Through Brother Fisk we learn that he had been a resident of one of the Southern States, a lawyer, an avowed sceptic, and editor of an infidel paper. By some means being aroused to a sense of his real condition and the truth of Christianity, and realizing the embarrassments he would meet in dis- closing his convictions among his old associates, he fled to the North, making a stand at New Bedford. Immediately he made his mission known to the Methodist ministers and people of that place ; and, when the time of the Vineyard camp-meeting came, he accompanied them to that meeting, as an earnest seeker of religion. Though the place and most of the people were strange to him, he was forward in asking all Christians to pray for him ; and in such a way, and with so much carnestness, as to awaken deep sympathy and fervent prayer in every heart. It was not a long struggle : he was soon very hap- pily converted, - falling to the ground, and lying for some time apparently insensible. Soon after his conversion, he was sent to South Wellfleet, but, for some unknown reason, remained only a few months. Some say he went into the practice of law.
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APPENDIX.
In 1838 Rev. Anthony Palmer was the pastor, and it was also his first appointment. He saw some prosper- ity, -at least twenty-five souls converted in the year. " My salary," he says, " was one hundred dollars clean cash. My board cost me nothing, as I ' boarded round.' "
In 1839 Rev. C. A. Carter was sent to South Wellfleet, and Brother A. Palmer to South Yar- mouth ; but by a subsequent arrangement these appointments were reversed, and Brother Palmer remained in South Wellfleet. This year he had the same salary as before, and fifteen were converted.
Then for three years this appointment was again coupled with Eastham. In 1849 Rev. T. B. Gurney was pastor of the South Wellfleet Church ; and in 1850 and 1851, Rev. J. B. Hunt. Then it was again put with Eastham, until it disappears from the min- utes. Several years ago the building, which had been long unoccupied, was sold and moved away. One of the pastors says, " A few faithful brethren built that church for their children ; but these chil- dren, when they grew up, went to other parts. I was interested, as a pastor should be, in the property of the society ; but my conviction was that the build- ing of that church was a mistake ; " and so it proved.
TMF
Ry IRE
MAY 75
N. MANCHESTER, INDIANA
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