USA > Maine > A history of the Baptists in Maine; together with brief notices of societies and institutions, and a dictionary of the labors of each minister > Part 10
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During the period of their former pastor, the church was blessed with usual prosperity, and several seasons of special mercy and grace, when the number of the church was enlarged. The most distinguished of these seasons occurred, first in 1814 and '15, when seventy were added to the church; and the second, 1830 and '31, when sixty more were united to the body by baptism. Their pros- perity, therefore, did not decline with the energies of their pastor, which gradually failed by means of advancing age and increasing infirmity. This church has experienced 'no peculiar persecutions ;' but has passed ' many trials,' occasioned both by 'internal and outward circumstances.'
Rev. Mr. Davis was a graduate of Newton Theological Institution, and coming directly from that 'school of the Prophets,' he was qualified for the important station, and the results which have attended his ministry have met the most sanguine expectations of those who elevated him to it. Between the time of his ordination and 1841, by the blessing of God upon the united labors of these associated
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pastors, the church received the precious harvest of eighty converts. This was a season of joy and gratitude.
This church, located in a central point of influence, has originated several important and flourishing branches of Zion. Members were dismissed in 1802, to constitute the second church in Buckfield ; in 1806 the church in Norway ; in 1824 church in Poland; in 1827 the church second Hebron; in 1836, second Hebron and Poland churches united to form the church Poland and Oxford; in 1828, church in Woodstock and Greenwood; in 1828, church in Hamlin's Gore ; in 1829, church in Woodstock and Paris : in 1830, church in Lincoln, Penobscot county. These churches were set off because localities and circum- stances so demanded.
Of the number and names of the deacons we have received no information. 'Rev. George Ricker, of Minot, originated in this church, Deacon John Willis was ordained as an evangelist by this church in 1811, and died in 1812. Others have become preachers who first united with this church, but their history cannot be gathered from its records.' The present number of the church is two hundred and one .*
LEWISTON. The history of this church is important to the history of the Baptists in the interior part of the State. Between the years 1782 and '89, the number of Baptists increased in the different settlements in this section of country, by means of the occasional labors of brethren Potter, Case, Macomber and some others, who travelled and preached among them. As there were but few ministers, and these already settled as pastors, instead of organizing small churches in all these settlements, as a matter of prudence, those who had become pious in Lewiston, Bowdoin, (now Webster ) Greene, Freeport, Wales, New Gloucester, Pejep-
*Rev. C. B. Davis's com.
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scot, (now Danville,) united in an association, called a 'Conference,' and agreed to meet every fourth month at Lewiston, for mutual religious worship. Though scattered over so great an extent of territory, this conference was sustained by a general attendance of its members from 1789 to 1792, when the church in Lewiston was formed by Elders Case, Potter and Macomber. This organization took place on the 3d of March, in which fifty-five persons were united. During the existence of the conference, these disciples enjoyed many precious seasons, and their numbers were increased. In 1791, Rev. Levi Chadbourne came among them, whom these thirsty disciples received joyfully, but unfortunately for their cause, he within one year, ' like the dog which turns to his vomit,' turned into the ways of sin, destroyed his usefulness and was deposed from the ministry. Their cause however did not fall with him. Baptists continued to multiply.
A church being constituted in Lewiston, and Baptists increasing with a rapidly growing population in the different settlements where they resided, it was thought advisable that the brethren in their several places should hold sepa- rate conferences. This was not, however, done at once. In 1793, those who belonged in Greene were constituted in a separate church; the same year those in Webster set off as a conference; and in 1794; those in Pejepscot, as a conference, with the privilege of attending meetings and seasons of communion at Lewiston; in 1794, those resid- ing in Webster, and those in New Gloucester, were dis- missed to constitute new churches ; and 1797, those in Freeport were dismissed to join the church in North Yarmouth. The vacancies made by these dismissions were more than filled by additions made by baptism, as the fruits of a precious revival between 1794 and '96. Benjamin Cole, by whose efforts the church in Lewiston, and the
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brethren in Webster were essentially assisted in these days of ministerial destitution, was ordained in Webster in 1802, and became pastor of the church in Lewiston, and with this people he remained the affectionate and successful pastor until his death, Sept. 10, 1839; with the exception of short intervals in missionary labors, and one year which he spent as an evangelist, during which he strengthened and comforted many feeble churches.
In 1808, the brethren residing in Danville, were set off to unite with others in a church in that place; and again the vacancy is filled. In 1808 and '09, a very interesting and refreshing season was enjoyed, and the church enlarg- ed. James Garcelon, one of the original members of this church, was ordained at Webster, Sept. 1809. The most of his ministry was devoted to the benefit of destitute churches, officiating one year only in this church as pastor. He died Dec. 28, 1838. From its origin to 1826, this church experienced uninterrupted prosperity, and had fel- lowship among its members. But with the close of this period commenced a season of trial and discouragement ; yet it, like the bush which Moses saw, passed through the fire unconsumed. The causes of their trials may be men- tioned as affording to Baptists, at least, a useful lesson.
The trial now endured, originated ' with the hypocrisy of a Mr. Frost, and some imprudence on the part of the church.' In building a house for the worship of God, the Baptists were induced to unite with the Universalists, on the condition that the Baptists should control the house. The house was built by the friends of God and the friends of Baal. How could they agree ? A Mr. Frost of Lisbon, (now Webster) was introduced as a Baptist preacher. He. had previously renounced the views and practices of the Methodists, and was a professed Baptist ; but ' a wolf in sheep's clothing, and the Universalists understood the
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hypocrisy.' They esteemed him highly, and labored to secure a majority of the proprietors in his favor, that he might be settled as the minister of the people. His settle- ment was contracted, and he entered upon his work, and when he supposed that the contracts were permanently con- cluded, he publicly avowed himself a decided Universalist. Being dismantled of his hypocrisy, his dark visage, and vileness appeared to all. Now the church arose in its strength, seized upon the condition in the original contract, and by the help of God, resumed the control of the house, and Mr. Frost retired disgraced; and since their recovery from this captivity, they have enjoyed peace and prosperity. God has raised up in this church five preachers ; B. Cole, J. Garcelon, Joseph Roberts,* Jacob Golder,t and James Garcelon, jr., the present pastor of the church ;¿ and as we have already noticed, with it five churches have originated. Present number of members forty-two.§
READFIELD, (first called WINTHROP). The original town of Winthrop embraced the territory now Winthrop and Readfield. A settlement was commenced where now stands the flourishing Winthrop village, about 1770. In 1773, the people commenced the work of erecting a house for the worship of God, and arrangements were made to settle a Congregational minister. It does not appear that they succeeded in the permanent settlement of a pastor until 1782, six years after a church of that faith was or- ganized.|| The whole territory since called Winthrop, was then known by the name ' Pond Town.'[] That part now
*Eld. Roberts was born in Durham, Me., experienced religion in Bruns- wick, united with this church and licensed to preach-labored in Danville- dismissed with others to form Danville church 1808, and was ordained pastor. tElder Golder was deacon in this church previous to his entering the ministry.
#There was also a Mr. John Wagg, licensed by this church, and ordained at Norway, but finally made shipwreck of his faith.
§Min. B. A. and Thomas Hodgkins; Com. and Pot. Nar.
IlGreen. Eccl. his. p. 174 Eld. Case's Com. 1
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CHURCH IN READFIELD.
called Readfield, became an incorporated town in 1790. The central positions in these settlements being occupied by the Congregationalists, the Baptists were limited to some outer neighborhoods. Here they commenced, and here they accomplished much good for the spiritual welfare of souls.
In 1791, both parishes, Winthrop and Readfield, being destitute of stated preaching, Eld. Potter found his way there, but devoted his efforts to the interests of the people residing in the south-east corner of Readfield, and in the vicinity now called." East Winthrop." By the blessing of God upon his labors, and in answer to the prayers of the converts in Sidney, where a special revival was in progress under the ministry of Eld. Potter, some persons became pious Baptists in Winthrop and Readfield. This prepared the way for more extended efforts by the Baptists. Rev. Isaac Case, of Thomaston, was the next Baptist preacher to operate here. He came in the spring of 1792, while on a mission to the destitute in Oxford County. Finding some pious Baptists here, destitute and unbaptized, surrounded by a growing community, he spent several weeks among them, baptized several, and returned to Thomaston, leaving
promise to visit them again in a few months. He re- deemed his promise, and while with them baptized several more. The baptized believers in this vicinity desiring other gospel privileges, Eld. Case proceeded to organize them into a regular church, to be called the Baptist church in Winthrop. For want of a more convenient place, the meeting on this occasion was held in a barn. It was nev- ertheless a joyous season to the twenty happy souls then united in church fellowship.
Elder Case became deeply interested for this little church; and although pleasantly settled, with a large church in Thomaston, he could not resist the invitation to
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CHURCH IN READFIELD.
become their pastor. He yielded to their request, removed his family to Readfield where they now peacefully reside, and took the pastoral care of the church. Monthly additions were made to this infant church during the summer, giving it a total of thirty-five, when it united with the Bowdoin- ham Association. This new situation was surrounded by several inviting fields, which Elder Case did not fail to occupy.
During the autumn of 1792, by request he visited the lower part of the town, or a neighborhood, immediately joining the west part of Augusta. God. went with him, and at the end of a few months, thirty-five happy converts were added to the church, making their number seventy. This last addition brought into the church, persons who resided in Hallowell and Augusta. The centre of territory now embraced within the limits of the church, was therefore in the south-east corner of Readfield ; and here, in 1793, house for the worship of God was erected, which was the first Baptist meeting house in this part of the State. The name of the church was now changed to 'Readfield.'*
Elder Case, after holding the pastoral office in this church with pleasure to himself and profit to the people, resigned his charge for the purpose of devoting his time to mission- ary efforts. He has, however, aided the church when des- titute of a pastor, with his occasional ministry. When he took up his pastoral relation, this church numbered only fifty-seven, large dismissions having been made to aid in forming other churches. At one time, the church held members from Winthrop, Hallowell, Augusta, Mt. Vernon, Belgrade and Monmouth.
The church was now destitute for several years, and having but a small amount of ministerial privileges, like the Israelites in the absence of Moses, they became worldly,
*Elder Case's Journal-Min. Bow. Ass., 1793.
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and consequently had little prosperity. In 1804, Elder Pillsbury, of Sedgwick, made the church a visit, which was to them like the return of Moses from the Mount. He preached about one year, and sixty were added to the church. The church was now destitute of a pastor two years, but prospered. Rev. Robert Low took up his resi- dence in Readfield, in 1807, and the same year was elected pastor of the church. And for a period of eight years the church received a gradual increase under his ministry. His labors closed September 10, 1815, and he was suc- ceeded in the pastoral charge by Rev. Josiah Houghton, who was eminently blessed in his ministry to the church, for a period of seven years. This period was succeeded by one of two years which constitutes an important era in the history of this church. In 1824, by invitation, Oren Tracy, a licentiate, and student of Waterville college, came and preached to the church. The work of the Lord appeared, and a general revival was experienced in all the immediate vicinity. The year previous, the brethren residing in East Winthrop, erected their commodious house of worship. Here the work of revival was powerful that year, in connection with the ministry of Phinehas Bond, who was also a licentiate. The occasional visits of Elder Otis Briggs and J. Haines, were made beneficial in the work, and in 1824, a church was organized here. Seventy-five were dismissed to aid that organization, from the church in Readfield, which left that church with a small total of members. But the revival under the ministry of Mr. Tracy, more than restored its numerical strength, seventy-seven being added by baptism .*
Since that period this church has had four pastors; Rev. Joseph Torry, from February 18, 1826, to Nov. 11, 1830; Elder Robert Low, from 1832 to 1834; Rev. Wm.
*Ch. Records.
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CHURCH IN FAYETTE.
Johnson, from 1834 to 1837; and Rev. Wm. Smith, from 1837 to 1841, and is now destitute. During this last period of the church's existence it has moved on in love, but has sustained a loss of members.
James Murphy, Samuel Fogg, Thomas Goldthwait, E. J. White and Wm. Cross, were first members of this church, but officiated in the ministry elsewhere. The churches, Mt. Vernon, Belgrade, first Hallowell, Winthrop and Hallowell Cross Roads, owe their origin mainly to the influence of this church. It has a new and commodious meeting house, built near where the old one stood, and dedicated in 1839 ; and has a total of seven members .*
FAYETTE, (first called STERLING.) The original settle- ment in Fayette was called first 'Taytonstown,' and second 'Sterling,' and then incorporated with its present name. It was begun in 1788. Rev. Eliphalet Smith, of Massa- chusetts, first introduced the gospel, in 1790. The people were then poor, but industrious, and lived in log houses covered with bark. Some few became pious by Mr. Smith's labors. Rev. I. Case visited them in 1792. He says, he ' found that it then was in contemplation to form a church upon the 'mixed communion' plan, Mr. Smith being an ' open communionist.' He says, further, that an attempt was made to convince him of its scriptural propriety ; whereupon he proposed the following simple question : ' If a person should come to your house and you should invite him to walk in, but he should object to coming in at the door, would you take down one side of your house to ac- commodate him ?'* This simple question was to them full of meaning, and led them to see that their views upon the subject were incorrect, and to embrace believers' baptism as the only proper way to church communion. Before Eld. Case left the settlement, a conference was held, and
*Ch. Records, and Elder Case's Com. +Mr. Case's Jour.
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Mr. O. Billings and wife, with others, requested baptism, whom he had the pleasure of receiving to that gospel ordi- nance. By the advice of Mr. C., a council was convened in Aug. 1792, who organized a church of twenty-three members. The same year, Mr. Smith was elected its first pastor. The subject of communion being now settled, the church in union and love, advanced prosperously. Mr. Smith continued pastor six years. The whole of his labors were not however devoted to the benefit of this church. When the church was not supplied with preaching, the reading of a discourse constituted a part of the service on the Sabbath, and Mr. Oliver Billings was appointed one of the principal conductors of their meetings.
Notwithstanding these brethren were subjected to those laborious toilings for subsistence peculiar to a new country, and in 1794 to the expense of building a house of worship, they did not forget the wants of their pastor. It was ' voted that each individual should carry in as much corn or grain as he should see fit, to defray church expenses.'* In 1798, Mr. Smith closed his ministry with the church. Mr. Bil- lings having received the approbation of the church to preach, was ordained in 1800 as an evangelist, but shortly after became pastor, and continued actively engaged in the faithful discharge of the duties of that office until the infirm- ities of age laid him aside.
The church has had several associate pastors, who have sustained the active duties of the office; and perhaps no church in the State has been blessed with more signal re- vivals. In 1804 and '05, by the united labors of the pastor and Rev. P. Pilsbury, seventy-seven were added to the church as the rich harvest of a revival ;- in 1816 and '17, another revival, added sixty-nine ;- in 1824 and '25, Rev. John Haynes acting pastor, seventy-two were added ;- and
"Church Records. 7
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CHURCH IN MISCONGUS ISLE AND BRISTOL.
while Rev. Josiah Houghton, and Rev. L. C. Stevens were associate pastors, there were revivals with somewhat less additions. Rev. P. Bond, their present pastor, entered upon his duties in the church in 1841. In 1842, the church was called to part with their aged, their affection- ately beloved and venerable pastor, Rev. O. Billings.
They have a new and commodious house, dedicated Jan. 10, 1838. It has had three regular pastors, Smith, Billings, and Bond; and four associate pastors, Martin, Haynes, Houghton, and Stevens. Those who have assisted their aged pastor (Eld. B.) at different stated times, are Elders P. Pilsbury. J. Palmer, C. Marble, S. Dinsmore, (who died among them in 1827) J. Butler, S. Fogg, E. W. Garrison, Thomas Wyman, and Caleb Clarke. Rev. John Billings, was son of Eld. O. Billings, and professed religion in this church; also, Rev. R. Y. Watson, present pastor of the churches, Hancock and Sullivan, first united with this body. This church has always been eminently distinguished for a missionary spirit, and the churches, 'East Livermore and Chesterville,' owe their existence, in part, to its influence. It is still a prosperous and influential church, with one hundred and forty-seven members, and an efficient pastor .*
MISCONGUS ISLE AND BRISTOL. Miscongus Island lies at the mouth of Damariscotta river, and is separated from Bristol, by a small strait. A small Baptist church was gathered here in 1792, consisting of nineteen members. By whose influence they became Baptists, is not certainly known, but most probable by the occasional preaching of brethren Case, Macomber and others. Andrew Fuller was ordained at Nobleborough in 1794, and the same year be- came pastor here, but remained with the church but about four years. Connected with his labors, there was a small increase. Rev. Samuel Flagg was ordained pastor of this
*Rev. L. C. Stevens's Com. and Eld. Case's Journal.
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FIRST CHURCH IN LIVERMORE.
church in 180S. He had rendered them important services previous to his settlement, and subsequently, he continued to assist the church for a period of about thirty-two years, with but little encouragement or success. A few of the members residing on the main, in Bristol, it took the name it now bears in 1807. Bristol was first called 'Pemaquid,' and was among the earliest settlements on this part of the coast of Maine ; and a Presbyterian church was organized as early as 1766, on the ' Westminster Confession or Pres- byterian rules.' The Pedo-baptist faith has ever since held the power of influence in Bristol. Since the removal of Mr. Flagg, the church has been destitute, tried and en- feebled. It had forty-six members in 1843, having been cheered that year with an addition of ten by baptism .*
1
FIRST LIVERMORE. The first settler in this town, says Elder Case, was ' Dea. Livermore, an Arminian Congrega- tionalist.' He made an opening in the wilderness about the year 1780.1 In 1792, there was a number of inhabitants in town, with not much gospel preaching, and but few who gave evidence of piety. But their religious character was soon changed. The first revival was in 1793.+ This work of grace commenced in a somewhat singular way. Mr. Z Delano, who subsequently became a Baptist preacher, but then a thoughtless sinner, while on a visit in Winthrop, heard a sermon preached by Elder Case, in the Congrega- tional meeting house, from Rom. 1 : 5. While listening to the preacher, the Lord discovered to him his 'sin and his wretched condition as a sinner.'t Mr. D. returned home ' filled with a sense of his own ways,' and 'remained in a distressed state of mind several months.+ Mr. D. submit- ted to Christ in the winter of '93, and opened the worship of God in his own family, but revealed not his piety to his neighbors. His light, however, was not to be shut up
*Min. B. and I . A. +Elder Case's com.
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always within the walls of his own house. It must shine out. An interesting providence of God brought it forth. Elisha Williams, son of a Congregational minister, of East Hartford, Conn., a liberally educated young man, was at that time in Livermore, teaching school. One morning while passing to the school-house, he had occasion to call on Mr. Delano. He found Mr. D. in the midst of his family conducting his religious devotions. This was un- expected by Mr. W., not knowing of a pious family in the town, and being himself careless of religious things. The event was blessed to Mr. W. He thought of himself-his advantages-his neglect of God and religion. He left Mr. D., but ' before he reached his school he was so over- whelmed with a sense of his lost condition, that he was constrained to call upon God for mercy.' That mercy soon appeared. He became a happy convert .* This was the commencement of a work of mercy among the people. Those who became pious were privileged with clear and cheering views of the gospel plan, and were bold to invite sinners to Christ. Yet the impenitent were violent in their opposition .* Still the grace of God prevailed, and although a Pedo-baptist orthodoxy had the power of influence previous to this revival, several became Baptists ; and in August of '93, a church of their faith was regularly constituted. In this revival, Elder Case and Mr. Smith, of Fayette, were the principal Baptist ministers, and Mr. S. aided the church for a short period after it was organized. Mr. and Mrs. Williams, after much prayer and study of the scriptures, were convinc- ed of the incorrectness of their Pedo-baptist notions, and were baptized and united with this church, and subsequent- ly Mr. W. very eminently distinguished himself as a min- ister of the gospel.
The Baptists found opposition not only from the world,
*Elder Case's com.
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but from some who ought to have been friendly to the cause of truth. There were several respectable, moral and edu- cated Congregational persons, who retained their faith through the revival. They were opposed 'to the doctrines of grace,' and ' set about forming a church upon the Arminian Congregational plan.' To aid them in the work, they sent for Rev. Mr. Johnson of Freeport. He came, and ' while attending to the business for which he was called, he rather made light of the revival, considering it of but little consequence.' The church, 'as it was called,' was organized. Shortly after they applied to a Mr. Ezekiel Emerson, to visit them and administer the sacrament to the church. He came, but before proceeding to grant the privilege desired, he examined their articles of faith, and condemned them as heterodox. He was a 'good man,' and preached the gospel to them, for which he was accused by them of favoring the Baptists. His preaching was nevertheless the power of God unto salvation to several of this small band. They were converted to God, became Baptists, and their church was soon found among the ' things that were.' Rev. S. Boardman and Rev. Ransom Norton, were among those whom God called at that time with an holy calling. After these things passed away, the Baptists moved on in their cause having no serious obstacles to resist their progress. It is worthy of note, and an inter- esting fact connected with these early successes of the Baptists, that God raised up as fruits of these first efforts, four who have been good ministers of Jesus Christ ;- Elders Zebedee Delano, Elisha Williams, Sylvanus Boardman, and Ransom Norton. Six other ministers, distinguished for usefulness, have gone out from this church ;- Henry Bond, Otis Robinson, William Godding, Thomas Wyman, Jason Livermore, and William Wyman .* The original
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