USA > Maine > Androscoggin County > Turner > A history of Turner, Maine, from its settlement to 1886 > Part 8
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* At a public meeting hield May 25, 1803, the town voted " unanimously to settle the Rev. Mr. Charles Turner in the ministry, upon condition the pastoral relation be dis- solved at the option of either of the contracting parties, and on condition he accept of four dollars and one half per week during the time he shall actually supply the pulpit, and on condition the church will give him a call to settle in the place." A committee was also raised "to request the church to give the Rev. Mr. Charles Turner a call, agreeable to the above conditions."
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HISTORY OF TURNER.
the church was not extinct. The church then, in presence of the Council, voted to change their form to that of a Congre- gational church, and seven male members subscribed a confes- sion of faith and covenant. *
Previous to these transactions of the church, Mr. Amasa Smith, a candidate for the Gospel ministry, being on a journey, and passing through the town, was employed by the inhabitants to supply them with preaching. After having preached a num- ber of weeks, the church unanimously gave him a call to settle with them. The town concurred in the invitation, and Mr. Smith was ordained there May 23, 1804.
The inhabitants of the town were not fully agreed in the set- tlement of Mr. Smith, t and the immediate consequence of it was the establishment of a society of Universalists, in which fifty-four persons were incorporated, and thirty others joined them within a year. These measures left the Congregational part of the inhabitants free to organize themselves as a distinct parish, in which capacity they have since acted.
The lands which had been reserved for the use of the minis- try in the town, and those for the use of schools, had been sold a little before this by order of the Legislature, and the proceeds vested in a Board of Trustees, to be applied for the respective
* This matter must have awakened a deep interest, for on June 15, 1803, the town, in public meeting, voted "to choose a committee to inquire into the standing of the church, and to make such other inquiries relative to church discipline as they shall think necessary." The town also seems to have been determined to settle a minister independently of the church, for having chosen a committee to " supply the pulpit with preaching," they instructed that committee to ascertain if the proceedings of the town were legal, and if legal, then proceed agreeable to their mission in supplying the town with preaching."
t At a meeting held September 26, 1803, the town chose a committee to wait on Mr. Smith and ascertain if he would " supply the pulpit four Sundays longer." The meet- ing was adjourned to October 24th, when it was voted, twenty-four to fifteen, to invite Mr. Smith to become their pastor. The meeting then adjourned to November 7th, when a motion having been made to reconsider the vote of invitation, it was voted to give Mr. Smith a call to settle in the town, forty being in favor and twenty-five against. The large vote at this meeting shows the interest felt in the question.
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HISTORY OF TURNER.
purposes for which they were designed, as soon as the interest of the school fund should amount to two hundred dollars, and the ministerial, when it amounted to three hundred and fifty dollars. The school fund became productive in 1808, and the ministerial fund in 1811 .*
As there was no assistance from the ministerial fund for the support of Mr. Smith, and as nearly half of the town had become a distinct society and were not taxed in raising his salary, the burthen upon the remaining part was considerably heavy.
It had been agreed between Mr. Smith and the people, at his settlement, that, when two-thirds of the people requested it, he should be dismissed. In the spring of 1806, a meeting was called to consider the subject, but two-thirds were not found to vote for the proposed dismission. A committee was chosen, however, to consult with Mr. Smith with regard to the subject, and he and they agreed that his dismissal should eventually take place. It was finally accomplished October 7th, of the same year, and on the 22d of the same month he was installed pastor of the Second church in North Yarmouth.
The ministry of Mr. Smith at Turner was short, but, it is hoped, not wholly without good effect. Much of the seed of divine truth was sown, but the extent of the harvest, viewed in all its consequences, can be known only to God. Eight per- sons, while he was in the pastoral office, became members of the church.
After the dismission of Mr. Smith, four years passed away, and the church was destitute of a pastor. During this period the place was visited by several missionaries, mostly from the Hampshire County Missionary Society.
In the spring of 1810, Rev. Allen Greely began to preach
* May 28, 1802, the town voted that " Luther Cary, Esq., Mr. William Bradford, and Mr. John Loring be a committee to petition the General Court for liberty to sell the parsonage and school lands laying in Turner." This was probably accomplished soon.
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as a candidate for settlement. At this time the church con- tained only twenty-one members. In the course of the summer, Mr. Greely received the united invitation of the church and society, and was ordained October 24, 1810.
The next summer after his settlement, a few individuals had their attention excited to the things of the eternal world, but there was no general awakening. More than six years passed away, and gross darkness covered the people. At length, in the summer of 1816, God was pleased to impress seriously on the minds of a number. The influences of the Spirit were silent, and its effects solemn. The influence continued during two seasons, and, in consequence of it, the church was enlarged so as to contain more than sixty members.
Mr. Greely's history of this church closes here. He continued to be the pastor of the church till May 29, 1844, a period of thirty-four years.
Rev. Henry Eddy was pastor from 1844 to 1846.
Rev. Woodbridge L. James, from 1846 to 1847.
Rev. John Dodd, from 1847 to 1854.
Rev. Samuel Bowker, from 1855 to 1860.
Rev. Simeon C. Higgins, from 1860 to 1863.
Rev. Stacy Fowler, from 1864 to 1866.
Rev. Benjamin F. Manwell, from 1866 to 1867.
Rev. Ferdinand W. Dickinson, from 1868 to 1870.
Rev. Alvin B. Jordan, from 1871 to 1872.
Rev. Frederick E. Emrich, from 1872 to 1873.
Rev. Uriah Small, from 1873 to 1875.
Rev. Edwin S. Tingley, from 1876 to 1882.
Rev. Richard H. McGown, from 1882 to 1885.
Rev. Albert N. Jones, from 1886 to
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HISTORY OF TURNER.
THE BAPTIST SOCIETY.
The early town records show that some of the citizens wished to be freed from the obligation to pay their proportional part of the tax raised by the town to support public worship. They caused an article to be inserted in the warrant for town-meet- ing for this purpose. This was repeated year after year without effect, and at length they joined in the petition which was presented for the incorpora- tion of a Baptist Society, since, if they were legally members of a properly incorporated society, they would be released from the obligation to pay a tax for the support of the settled minister of the town; and it is probable that their subscriptions to the funds of the society petitioned for, were not large. A copy of their petition is presented, with the names of the petitioners, and the action of the General Court thereon. The spelling of two or three names is peculiar. Irish is written in the petition, " I Rish," and in the act of incorporation it is printed, " Rish"; and " Doble" is printed " Dobb." The plantation is written Buckstown, but in the act it appears as Bucktown, now called Buck- field. The petition is without date, as follows: -
To The Honorable The Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in General Court assembled :
The Petition of a Number of the Inhabitants of Turner
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and the Plantation called Buckstown in the County of Cum- berland.
Humbly sheweth, That your Petitioners, Inhabitants of said Towns have formed themselves into a Religious Society by the name of The Baptist Society of Turner and Buckstown, and whereas they think it necessary for the Good Order of said Society that they Should be Incorporated, Therefore Pray the Honorable Court to incorporate them, and your petitioners as in duty bound shall ever pray.
Joseph Roberts, Jun.
Simon Records.
John Shurls.
Joshua Keen.
William I Rish.
Josiah Keen.
William Berry.
Edmund Irish.
Samuel Crocker.
John Buck.
Andrew Ellet.
William Selley.
John W. Ellet.
Nathaniel Smith.
Jonathan Philbrook.
Jonathan Roberds.
Joshua Wescott.
Jotham Shaw.
William Doble.
James Jordan.
Jeremiah Hogsdon.
Caleb Young.
Jeames Hogsdon.
Amos Brown.
Thomas Lowell.
Richard Taler.
John Swett.
Joseph Chase.
David Warren.
John I Rish.
Joseph Roberds.
Samuel Blake.
John I Rish, Jun.
Samuel Andrews.
Enoch Hall.
Asa Smith.
Mark Andrews.
Joshua Davis.
Henry Jones.
Thomas Irish.
Benjamin Selley.
Stephen Lowell.
William Lowell.
Jonathan Record.
Eleazer Chase.
Benjamin Jones.
Jesse Bradford.
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HISTORY OF TURNER.
Josiah Smith, Jun.
Josiah Smith.
Laban Smith.
Daniel French.
Daniel Child.
Daniel Merrill.
Hezekiah Bryant.
John Brown.
Levi Merrill, Jun.
Ezekiel Bradford.
Richard Phillips.
Joseph Leavitt.
John Dillingham.
Nathaniel Gilbert.
Samuel Gorham.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, June 10, 1791. Read and committed to the standing Committee on applica- tions for Incorporations of Towns, etc. Sent up for concur- rence.
DAVID COBB, Speaker.
IN SENATE, June 14, 1791.
Read and concurred.
SAM'L PHILLIPS, Presidt.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, June 26, 1792 On thePetition of Joseph Roberds and others, Inhabitants of the town of Turner and Plantation called Buckstown, praying to be incorporated into a Society by the name of the Baptist Society.
Ordered that the petitioners or one of them notify the Inhab- itants of the town of Turner and Plantation of Buckstown by leaving an attested copy of this petition and order thereon with the town clerk of Turner and Plantation clerk of Buckstown to appear the second Wednesday of the next sitting of the Gen- eral Court and shew cause if any they have why the prayer of said petition should not be granted.
Sent up for concurrence.
D. COBB, Spkr. IN SENATE, January, 26, 1792,
Read and concurred.
SAM'L PHILLIPS, Presidt.
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HISTORY OF TURNER.
Indorsed on the petition is a certificate from Ichabod Bonney, town clerk of Turner, dated - April 2, 1792, that service has been made on the town.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
June, 1792.
The Standing Committee on the subject of incorporations having considered the petition of sundry inhabitants of the Town of Turner and Plantation of Buckstown, praying to be incorporated into a religious Society by the name of the Bap- tist Society of Turner and Buckstown,
Ask leave to report as their opinion, that the prayer of said Petitioners be granted and that the Petitioners have leave to bring in a bill for that purpose, which is submitted.
STEPHEN CHOATE, per order. IN SENATE, June 9, 1792. Read and accepted and ordered accordingly. Sent down for concurrence.
SAM'L PHILLIPS, Presdnt.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, June 11, 1792. Read and concurred.
DAVID COBB, Spkr.
An act for incorporating a number of the Inhabitants of Turner and the Plantation called Buckstown, in the County of Cumberland, into a distinct religious Society.
SECTION I. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- resentatives, in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same,
That Simeon Record, [here follow the names of the petition- ers,] members of the said religious Society, together with their estates, be, and they hereby are incorporated by the name of
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HISTORY OF TURNER.
The Baptist Society of Turner and Bucktown, with all the privileges, powers and immunities, to which other parishes in the Commonwealth are by law entitled.
SECT. 2. And be it further enacted, That Josiah Thatcher, Esquire, is hereby authorized to issue his warrant, directed to some principal member of said Society, requiring him to warn the members of the said Society, qualified to vote in parish affairs, to assemble at some suitable time and place in said town or plantation, to choose such parish officers as are by law required to be chosen in the month of March or April annually, and to transact all such matters and things as are necessary and may be legally done in said Society.
This act was passed, November 17, 1792.
From the manuscript history of Turner by Dr. Timothy Howe, and from notes prepared by Hon. Job Prince for the map of Androscoggin County, the following statements respecting the Baptist Society in Turner are gathered.
Soon after the town was incorporated, Elder James Potter, an itinerant preacher of this denom- ination, who was laboring to establish churches in Buckfield and Hebron, visited Turner and baptized a few persons. When the society was incorporated in 1792, twenty or more of the active citizens of the town joined it. But nothing was accomplished for several years, and those who had connected themselves with the society lost their interest, and the parish ceased to manifest any religious life. In 1811, Elder Lewis Leonard, of Albany, New York, visited the town, preached several times, and baptized
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HISTORY OF TURNER.
two persons, and from this time there was a deeper interest in the subject of religion. In 1816, there was a revival in town which widely prevailed, but a large part of those who came under its influence connected themselves with the Congregational church, yet ten persons were baptized by immer- sion, and eight of them joined the Baptist church in Minot, there being no church organization of that denomination in Turner. Elder Ricker, of Minot, was employed to preach one-sixth of the time for two years, the people worshiping on the other Sabbaths at the Congregational church, for the most part. May 12, 1814, a Baptist church was organized, composed of eight men and fifteen women, all residents of Turner. Some were mem- bers of churches in Hebron, Livermore, Buckfield, Minot, Canton, Leeds, and Greene, and brought letters of dismission and recommendation from the churches of which they had been members. The public services of the occasion were held in Deacon Nathan Cole's large barn, which was put in order for the purpose. Elder Nathan Nutter presented to each member the right hand of fel- lowship. Elder Ricker spoke of the propriety and necessity of appointing officers, and advised the church to choose deacons. Nathan Cole and Thomas Merrill were then chosen to this office. The deacons were set apart by prayer and laying
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on of hands by the elders. Deacon Charles Bär- rell gave them the right hand of fellowship. Elder Norton addressed them on the importance and duties of their office, and the services were con- cluded with prayer by Elder Palmer, and singing.
Their first pastor was Rev. Adam Wilson, D.D., who was with them from 1824 to 1828, when he removed to Portland.
In 1829, Elder John Hull, from the province of Nova Scotia, was engaged, but he died the same "" year.
Elder Charles Miller, from Sterling in Scotland, commenced preaching with them in 1830, and con- tinued with them till 1833.
Elder William O. Grant came in 1833, but re- mained only one year.
Elder Josiah Houghton became their pastor in 1835, and was with them until his death which occurred in 1838. His death was sincerely mourned by all.
Elder Eliab Coy came in 1838, and remained one year.
Elder J. F. Curtis became their pastor in 1839, and after preaching with them about nine months, left for the State of Georgia.
In 1841, Rev. Adam Wilson, D.D., was again their minister, and continued with them until 1843, when he returned to Portland. At this time the commu-
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nicants in the church numbered one hundred and thirty-three.
Nathaniel Butler, D.D., became the pastor in 1844, and resigned in September, 1850.
July 9, 1851, Rev. C. Ayer commenced his pas- torate, and resigned October 27, 1853.
He was succeeded by Rev. L. D. Hill, February 26, 1854, who resigned January 9, 1858.
His successor was Rev. H. B. Marshall, October 20, 1859. He closed his labors with the church December 11, 1861.
Rev. Abner Morrill became pastor October 4, 1862 ; his pastorate ended July 25, 1864.
He was succeeded by Rev. John Richardson, who remained until 1868.
His successor was Rev. I. Record, who continued with the church until September 10, 1876.
Rev. A. A. Smith became pastor December 3, 1876, and resigned November 30, 1879.
Rev. S. A. Severance began his services as pastor July 3, 1881, and closed them in May, 1883.
The present pastor, Rev. C. T. Clarke, began his ministry here November 18, 1883.
THE UNIVERSALIST PARISH.
A society was formed at an early day, and meas- ures were taken to secure an act of incorporation, as will appear from the following papers copied from the records at the State House in Boston.
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HISTORY OF TURNER.
To the Honorable, the Senate and House of Representatives of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, in General Court assembled. The petition of the subscribers, Inhabitants of Turner, in the County of Cumberland and Commonwealth aforesaid, humbly sheweth :
That under a sense of the propriety and the expediency of the maintenance of public, social worship and of worshiping the Supreme Being according to the dictates of their own con- sciences ; but being of different religious sentiments from those of the other Inhabitants of the town, with whom that unan- imity which ought to subsist between the members of one and the same religious Society, cannot be expected, Your petition- ers, with a full determination always to demean themselves as quiet and peaceable citizens of the United States of America, and to yield all due subjection to the laws of the Land and the government under which they take their residence, and never to interrupt, molest or disturb any other religious Society in their religious worship, deeming it consentaneous with the con- stitution of this Commonwealth, whereby all religious sects are tolerated, have this day mutually agreed by subscribing to a number of good and wholesome rules and regulations have in fact formed themselves into a distinct religious parish by the name of The First Universal Gospel Parish in Turner, having by the said rules and regulations obliged themselves to main- tain the public worship of God in said parish according to the dictates of their own consciences. Wherefore they humbly pray your Honors to take this their situation under your impar- tial, judicious consideration, and in your superior wisdom and charity, by an act of said General Court to incorporate them and all who may afterwards join them, together with their estates, into a distinct parish by the name aforesaid, with all like privileges and immunities which have been granted to any other religious parish or Society in this Commonwealth, reserv- ing liberty for any one, with his estate, to leave said parish and
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HISTORY OF TURNER.
join any other who may please, and your petitioners as in duty bound will ever pray. Dated at Turner the 24th day of Decem- ber, of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and three.
Jabez Merrill.
Benjamin Chamberlain.
Arthur Bradman.
Cyrus Leavitt.
Samuel Pumpilly.
Joseph Leavitt, Jun.
Levi Merrill.
William Bradford.
Seriah Merrill, or Seriab.
Ephraim Turner.
Hezekiah Bryant, Jun.
Asa Bradford.
Hezekiah Bryant.
Joseph Bonney.
Richard Phillips.
Abiel O. Turner.
Jesse Bradford.
James Leavitt.
David Hood.
Chandler Bradford.
Reuben Thorp.
Henry Jones, Jun.
John Soul.
William Gorham.
Aaron Soul.
William Bradford, Jun.
Nathaniel Sawtell.
Samuel Kinsley.
Benjamin Sawtell.
Samuel Kinsley, Jun.
Joshua Whitman.
Ichabod Bonney, Jun.
Elisha Pratt.
Daniel French, Jun.
Ezekiel Bradford, Jun.
George French.
Isaac Jones.
Elijah Gilbert.
Benjamin Jones, Jun.
Josiah Gilbert.
Bennet Pumpilly.
Elijah Gilbert, Jun.
Jabez Merrill, Jun.
Church Pratt.
Abraham Maxim.
Joseph Merrill.
Richard Phillips, Jun.
Jabez T. Merrill.
Cushing Phillips.
Caleb Gilbert.
Robert Bradman.
Moses Allen.
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS.
IN SENATE, February 29, 1804.
On the petition of Benjamin Chamberlin and others, inhabi- tants of the town of Turner in the County of Cumberland,
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HISTORY OF TURNER.
praying that they may be incorporated into a Religious Society, by the name of The First Universal Gospel Parish of Turner,
Ordered, that the petitioners cause an attested copy of their petition, with this order thereon, to be served on the town clerk of the said Town of Turner forty days, at least, before the second Tuesday of the first session of the next General Court, that all persons concerned may then appear and there shew cause, if any they have, why the prayer of said petitioners should not be granted.
Sent down for concurrence.
DAVID COBB, Presdt.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, March 1, 1804. Read and concurred.
H. G. OTIS, Speaker.
CUMBERLAND SS, 2d April, A. D. 1804.
I served an attested copy of the annexed petition and order thereon, on town clerk of the town of Turner.
ATTEST: ARTHUR BRADMAN, clerk of the proposed First Universal Gospel Parish in Turner.
This certifies that on the second day of April A.D. 1804, I was duly served with an attested copy of the annexed petition and order thereon.
ATTEST: JOSEPH BONNEY, Turner town clerk.
This may certify that at a legal town meeting held May 14th 1804, there was a clause in the warrant to see if the town would choose some person as an agent to appear on the second Tues- day of the first session of the next General Court to make such objection to the incorporation of the Universal Society of this Town as the town shall think proper to order and direct.
The following vote was passed, viz :
Voted unanimously not to send a man as an agent to appear on the second Tuesday of the first Session of the next General
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HISTORY OF TURNER.
Court to make objection against the incorporation of the Uni- versal Society of the town.
TURNER, May 26, 1804.
A true copy as of record.
ATTEST : JOSEPH BONNEY, town clerk.
IN SENATE, June 9, 1804.
Read and committed to the Standing Committee on applica- tions for incorporation of parishes, and to hear the parties and report.
Sent down for concurrence.
H. G. OTIS, Pres.
The following petition will show that there was objection to the incorporation of the Universalist Society, and that there was reason for certain state- ments in their petition of their intention to be peaceable citizens and not molest any other relig- ious society.
To the Honorable, the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled at Boston.
May Dom. 1804.
The undersigned inhabitants of the town of Turner in the County of Cumberland, Respectfully represent that the people of said town [believing as a large portion of them do, that the happiness of a people and the good order and preservation of Civil government essentially depend upon Piety, Religion and Morality, and that these cannot be generally diffused through a community but by the Institution of the Public Worship of God and of Capital instruction in Piety, Religion and Morality,] did on the month of October last pass a vote to settle among them such an Instructor. In this transaction there was not that unanimity the undersigned and those who voted with them could have wished.
IO
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HISTORY OF TURNER.
A number of people in this place have been in the habit of viewing Religious Institutions, false objects of expense ; and as such, are determined to avoid them. This description of per- sons being in the minority and finding opposition in Town una- voiding, no plan occurred to them so likely to answer their purpose, as an application to the Honorable Legislature for an act of incorporation.
A petition was consequently presented to the last General Court praying that Benjamin Chamberlain and others might be incorporated into a Universal Society.
The undersigned will not be thought sensorious by those acquainted with the petitioners, when they say, that pecuniary motives and not religious principles influenced the conduct of the body of them; indeed many of them expressly avowed it, but as their schism embraces every description of persons; so it is not improbable some may have acted from other motives ; a small number appear to have acted Conscientiously, and as the undersigned have no disposition to abridge the rights of Conscience; so it shall be thought fit and reasonable by your Honorable Body to incorporate the petitioners, the undersigned will silently submit, but those part of their petitioners that pray that provision may be made for any, who may be disposed to join them hereafter, and for liberty for any [which may amount to all] to abandon their incorporation, at their option, are in the opinion of the undersigned so unreasonable, espe- cially the latter, and would have such a direct tendency to perpetuate discords and divisions, that they beg leave Respect- fully to Remonstrate against their request being granted, because it is a fact and the petitioners are in possession of it, that should they be exempted from contributing to the support of their present minister, it would so diminish the number of those now liable as to render it in a degree difficult and bur- densome for the residue to support him.
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