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 11
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*Elder Case's com.
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FIRST CHURCH IN LIVERMORE.
members were seventeen in number, (ten males and seven females.) The first nine years from its organization it had no pastor, but was assisted by occasional preaching ; and having within itself many valuable gifts, it increased in numbers and influence. It deserves to be recorded that Isaac Lovell, one of these original members, distinguished himself by his benevolence and liberality. He sustained a large share in the erection of their second house of wor- ship, and at his death he made a donation to the church of about $600, to aid the support of the gospel.
Mr. Boardman was ordained its first pastor Feb. 2d, 1802, and 1810, by his request was dismissed from his charge of the church. Mr. Boardman being the first set- tled minister in the town, obtained by a vote of the town the lands reserved for such, a boon which few Baptist min- isters in this State ever gained. The church has also enjoyed a portion of a fund arising from other lands designed for the support of the ministry in town.
Mr. Boardman was succeeded in the pastoral office in this church by Rev. John Haynes, who entered upon its duties May, 1811, and was successfully engaged for the spiritual welfare of the church until 1822. Since his resignation the church has been supplied by several min- isters and pastors successively employed ; Rev. David Nutter from 1824, nine or ten years ; Rev. R. Milner, one year ; Rev. Nathan Chapman, from Brewster, Mass., from 1836, two years ; Rev. Chas. Miller, from 1839 to 1843. [J. Billings is their present pastor.]
This church has been blessed with several seasons of revival, which increased their numbers by large additions. It has also aided the organization of four churches in its vicinity by numerous dismissions, and still has a total of one hundred and seventy-three members .*
*Rev. John Haynes's com.
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139
FIRST CHURCH IN NOBLEBORO.'
FIRST NOBLEBOROUGH. As early as 1787, there were
a few Baptists in Nobleboro.'* Elders Case, Potter and Woodard were instrumental in planting the principles of the Baptists here ; and twelve having embraced their doc- trines, were by brethren Case and Woodard, constituted into a church in 1793.+ They were small, and destitute of a pastor, and travelling preachers having a wide field open in the interior of the State, and being constantly pressed with earnest solicitations to occupy that field, could afford the small churches along the coast but little if any aid. This church, therefore, made slow progress. In 1808, the Lord of the harvest sent to their assistance Rev. Phinehas Pilsbury, who was ordained at Fayette, Jan. 3d, 1805, and whom God had made a distinguished blessing of spiritual mercy to the people in many places. Brighter scenes now began to open before this church, and the pre- diction made by Elder Case on the first baptismal occasion in that place, that 'God had glorious things for Noble- borough,' began now to be fulfilled. The history of the Baptists in N. from that period proves that Elder C. was not mistaken in his impression. A revival commenced with the labors of Elder Pilsbury, and he soon by election, became its first pastor, and for a period of twenty-seven years, he was joyfully employed in the office; and under his ministry the church rose from a 'little one to be a strong nation,' and the beautiful vine, bearing several fruithful branches. The first revival swelled its number from twen- ty-two to seventy-nine ;- a second in 1815, added by bap- tism one hundred and twelve ;- a third in 1824, added one hundred and thirty-one-and during the intervals of these revivals, there were occasional additions, but not sufficient to prevent a net loss of members, so that the prosperity of the church has been somewhat periodical.
#See his. Thomaston Ch. +Eld. Case's Jour.
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CHURCH IN GREENE.
Elder P. was succeeded in 1836, by Rev. Enos Trask, who became its second pastor. As commenced the pas- toral labors of Elder P., so did the ministry of Mr. T., with a precious revival, which added to the church one hundred and fifty-one by baptism. The same year fifty-four were dismissed to constitute a third church in the town. In 1840 and '41, there were forty-one added, and fourteen dismissed to constitute a church at Damariscotta Mills ; and in 1842, sixty-nine more were added as the fruits of a sixth revival. Elder Trask is still faithfully and success- fully engaged with this interesting and highly favored church, with a present total of two hundred and ninety- nine members .*
GREENE. Soon after a settlement was commenced, Rev. James Potter carried the gospel to the people. Several professed Christ and united with the church in Lewiston, and with that church enjoyed many precious seasons. In 1793, they were dismissed from L., and by brethren Case, Potter and Macomber, were regularly organized into a church of Christ, consisting of twenty-seven members.t Mr. Potter afforded them much assistance by his frequent visits and labors, until they were blessed with a pastor. There was some revival in 1794, which added nineteen to the church. Rev. Lemuel Jackson, of Sidney, became the first pastor in 1797-soon after he entered upon the duties of his office in the church, another season of mercy added thirty-five more to its number .¿
A brief notice of Lemuel Cummings, the first deacon of this church, constitutes an interesting item in its history. Mr. C. was born in Charlestown, Mass., 1745, removed to Maine in 1775, and made a permanent residence in the town of Greene. He was a pious Congregationalist. The
*Eld. Case's com. and Min. Bow. and Lin. A. tEld. Case's Jour.
Min. B. A. Pot. Nar. Eld. Case's Journal.
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CHURCH IN GREENE.
new settlement was then entirely destitute of the preaching of the gospel, and Mr. C. felt for their salvation. Like Nehemiah, he first prayed and then proceeded to exertion. By his suggestion the people began to assemble on the Sabbath for religious services some time previous to the efforts of Elder Potter, and Mr. C. officiated as leader in these meetings, prayed, read, exhorted, and was instru- mental in the conversion of some souls. During the first Baptist movements, Mr. C. was very indifferent as regards the ordinance of baptism ; having never investigated the subject, he passed it off with the old trite remark, 'It is not essential.' At length, however, his mind was impressed with several inquiries upon the subject. He revealed his convictions to no one, but pursued his investigations alone, the result of which was a firm belief that 'Christ was immersed in the river Jordan, as an example and pattern to all his followers.' He was now baptized by Rev. Wm. Stinson, united to the church, and became its worthy and highly useful deacon, in which office he served the church till age induced him to resign, and give place to his son Lemuel, who experienced and professed piety in the time of the previous revival in 1805, by the labors of Rev. Phin- ehas Pilsbury .* From 1802 to 1808 the church had no pastor, but provided with a gift like that of Dea. C., it could hardly fail of prosperity. As has been remarked, in 1805 there was some revival, and the church enlarged. In 1808, Rev. Thomas Wyman preached for the church one year, and an interesting revival was experienced. The next year Rev. John Daggett became pastor, Another glorious season of refreshing was experienced from the presence of the Lord in 1817. This increased the church by sixty new members. Mr. D. was pastor ten years. From 1821 to 1824, the church was again without a pastor, and suffered *Waterville Intelligencer. 7*
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CHURCH IN WAYNE.
a loss of members. Rev. Daniel Pierce now became pastor. In 1826, the Lord appeared again in the plenitude of his grace, and blest the church with a most luxuriant harvest. Seventy-four were added by baptism. Rev. D. Nutter, and other ministers in the vicinity, aided the work. Mr. P. closed his care of the church in 1828 ; since which time the church has had several ministers and pastors, by whom their pulpit has been generally supplied. Rev. S. Fogg supplied from 1829-1831 ; D. P. Bailey from 1833 to 1835, when he was ordained as an evangelist ; in 1839 the venerable father P. Pilsbury became pastor, and the next year the church were enlarged by an addition of fifty- four by baptism. This aged pastor is still laboring suc- cessfully in this church .*
This church has built a second house of worship, has licensed, ordained, and sent into the gospel field two min- isters-Rev. Reuben Curtis, and Rev. D. P. Bailey. Its present number of members is 186.
WAYNE, (first called NEW SANDWICH. ) The next church gathered by the Baptists in the interior of the State was in this settlement. Some of their travelling preachers occasionally passed through the place, and preached to the few inhabitants, by means of which several persons be- came pious. As a consequence, meetings for social wor- ship were commenced, and held statedly, from the begin- ning of 1793. This year Elder Potter visited them, and several more were converted under his ministry, all of whom he baptized ; and the next year, January 9th, they were, by a council, organized into a regular Baptist church. consisting of eleven members, (nine males and two fe- males.) For many years this feeble church was assisted and edified with occasional preaching. Eld. Potter, Jack- son, and Case were among them frequently, and the As-
*Min. Bow. Asso.
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CHURCH IN WAYNE.
sociation did not forget them in the distribution of their voluntary supplies to the destitute. By these aids, the church made a slow progress, obtaining an annual net increase for a period of six years.
Several persons had united with this church from the settlement, called Littleboro', now the town of Leeds, among whom was Thomas Francis, who was ordained to the work of the ministry in 1798; and in 1800, the church was diminished by the dismission of Mr. F. and several others, to constitute a church in that settlement. Though now enfeebled, the church was like the little host of Joshua, ' faint yet pursuing.' From 1800 to 1817, being desti- tute, and favored with but a small amount of ministerial assistance, the church passed through much adversity, the members were scattered and diminished. But that Eye that never slumbers, watched over them, and that Redee- mer that never forgets his own, in 1817, by raising up one of their number, Nathan Thomas, to break unto them the bread of life, opened pleasant prospects before them. Mr. T. was qualified with a license, and the church strength- ened by his ministry, returned to the sanctuary as one that ariseth out of obscurity. From this time to 1828, the church was greeted with annual additions, which prepared its members for the reception of richer blessings which was then in reserve for them. During the years 1829 and '30, the church was like one leaning on the bosom of her beloved. The revival then experienced, constitutes a pleasing era in its history. Its number was more than tripled, and the increase of faith, joy and ability, held an encouraging ratio to the increase of members. This revi- val was promoted by the faithful labors of Rev. Ezra Going, who was then their preacher.
This church has had five regular pastors ; Wm. Godding, 1802-1806; Nathan Thomas, 1817-1819; T. B. Rob-
144
SECOND CHURCH IN WEBSTER.
inson, 1831-1835; D. P. Bailey, 1836-1838; R. C. Starr, 1841-1843. It has received also for stated pe- riods, the ministry of several useful preachers. It has sent two ministers, Thomas Francis* and Nathan Thomes, into the gospel field. As a general remark, as regards its pas- tors, they were good men, faithful preachers and prudent pastors. The church and society have formerly had some perplexity about their house of worship, which, at first, was a ' union house,' but now, being the principal owners, they peacefully worship there.+
WEBSTER SECOND. The history of this church is some- what singular. The original town of Bowdoin embraced a large territory. That part where this church was first located, was called, in 1799, Thompsonborough; in 1802, it was incorporated by the name of Lisbon, and a few years since, its name was changed to Webster. The church here was constituted of about twenty members, as the fruits of the occasional ministry of brethren Potter and Macom- ber, in 1794. It has passed through a routine of names, and has undergone a reorganization. It was called the First church in Lisbon until 1836, when it was induced to give up its old charter, and begin anew, with the name of ' Lisbon Corner.' It has since appeared with the name Second Lisbon, and now Second Webster, leaving the originally Second church in the town to hold the First in rank and name. The Baptists in this town have never risen to a high eminence, nor acquired a very great influ- ence. The church we now describe has, however, had several good and faithful ministers, and many worthy and stable members. It was assisted in its infancy by the min- istry of the late Elder B. Cole, and between the years 1797 and 1800, by means of his aid, it saw its best and most prosperous days. In 1803, Rev. Ichabod Temple
*See His. of Leeds Ch. +Min. B. A .- Pot. Nar .- Zion's Advocate.
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CHURCH IN HOPE.
became pastor, but resigned his charge in 1806, leaving the church with a loss of members. In 1817, Rev. Daniel Pierce received license, and the next year ordination, in this church, and it enjoyed some revival under his minis- try. In 1819, Rev. James Stuart became a member, and was beneficial to the church; from 1820 to 1823, Elder Pierce again afforded the church some ministerial aid ; 1825, Rev. S. Owen supplied the church a part of the time. From that time to 1836, generally destitute, and favored with but a small portion of preaching; but since that period, Rev. Jotham Day and Rev. A. Lothrop have rendered important aid. Deacon Joseph Killgore was among the early members, and has distinguished himself for devotedness to the interests of the church. Its present number is forty-three .*
HOPE. Baptists began to increase in Union and in the westerly part of Hope, then called Barrettstown, previous to 1787.+ Soon their influence was felt throughout the town. And it appears from the best data of facts we have, that Ebenezer Cox, a resident Baptist, was the first to make any considerable efforts to evangelize the people. He was among them in 1794. Rev. E. Hall came to their aid about the beginning of 1795; and although there was much opposition to their doctrines, yet a few having pre- viously become pious, received baptism by Mr. Hall in Jan. of that year. This baptismal season was the first in the easterly part of the town, where this church exists. The few Baptists in the westerly part of the town, now united with those in the easterly part, and a church was organ- ized by Mr. Hall and others, at the dwelling-house of Dea. Samson Sweetland, in 1795. It consisted of eleven mem- bers, seven males and four females. These brethren re- mained united in one body until 1801, when those who *Min. B. A. tEld. Case's Journal.
146
CHURCH IN HOPE.
resided in the west part of the town, were dismissed to form a new church in Hope, which was constituted by brethren Snow, Hall and Fuller .* It has been supposed that a church existed in the west part of the town previous to 1795. But we find no evidence of its existence.
The church in Hope has had but four regular pastors, who have devoted all their attention to the wants of the church. Three of these were Elders Andrew Fuller, from 1798 to 1804; James Steward,+ 1809 to 1812; Isaac Smith, 1821 to 1823 .¿ Besides these pastors, the church has had a succession of ministers, who have labored a por- tion of the time statedly. These were Elders E. Hall, Lemuel Rich, § Daniel Ricker, Daniel McMaster, Eliab Coy, and Charles G. Porter. These servants of Christ were all useful to the church. It should be stated that E. Cox has rendered important service to this church ; first as a deacon, then a licentiate, and then as an ordained evan- gelist, preaching to the church when destitute, to a con- siderable amount, even down to 1840. This church has been blessed with many precious seasons of refreshing revivals, the most distinguished of which were in 1799, 1808, and 1841. It has furnished three gospel ministers, Ebenezer Cox, ordained at Hope Oct. 5, 1822; Joseph H. Melvin, ordained at Knox, Nov. 17, 1841; and Amos B. Pendleton, ordained at Hope, Dec. 8, 1841. This church has always had to contend with strong opposition from various sources; but the most trying has been sus- tained by the influence of the delusive doctrines of Univer- salism. It has lived out the storm, and continues to pros- per, enduring all its trials with a pious fortitude. It has now the privilege of a faithful pastor, Rev. M. Dunbar, ordained in 1843, and has a total of ninety-five members.||
*Rev. Simon Fuller's Com. and Rev. Mr. Pendleton. +Mr. Steward is a hyper-Calvinist ; see Biographical notice, (anecdote.) #Rev. Melvin Dun- bar, 1843. 6L. Rich, (see B. notice ; A. B. Pendleton's Com.) ||Rev. A. B. Pendleton's com.
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CHURCH IN NEW GLOUCESTER.
NEW GLOUCESTER. Baptists commenced here amidst much opposition, about the year 1780. Elders H. Smith and N. Lord, whose names have already appeared in these sketches, were the first Baptist preachers in this then new settlement. As there were but few Baptist ministers in the State, their visits here were unfrequent, but were in their influence, effectual in laying the foundation for the progress of gospel truth. June 26th, 1780, occurred the first baptismal occasion, from which time meetings for the worship of God were regularly held in the town by those favorable to the Baptists. They were favored also, when no regular Baptist preacher was present, with occasional Free-will Baptist preaching. In 1781, Rev. James Potter visited the people. He says he 'found most of the pious among them embracing Free-will or Arminian sentiments ;' which, after some conversation with him, some of them renounced and became more orthodox in their faith. Some revival was enjoyed, and a few others converted ; and by Elder P. a church was soon organized, consisting of about twenty .* In this church there was an unhappy admixture of Calvinism and Arminianism, which produced an effer- vescence, causing much altercation and trial.
In 1782, Mr. Job Macomber, from Middleboro', Mass., came to their aid, and by license preached with them about one year, with but small success, as the discord in the church still continued. In 1784, Mr. Merrill was ordained among them, who labored several years with no great pros- perity.
This church found another obstacle to their progress. Like other churches previously formed amidst a Pedo-bap- tist influence, they were seriously oppressed. A Congre- gational minister was settled, and a church of that faith constituted in this town in 1765.1 Their influence, unin-
*Pot Nar. and Rev. J. Tripp's com.
+Green. Ecc. his. p. 117.
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CHURCH IN NEW GLOUCESTER.
terrupted for several years, gave a Pedo-baptist modification to the religious views of the people. As a consequence, Baptist doctrines were generally rejected. More than this ;- they were oppressed-they were persecuted-and yet they prospered. Their prosperity was gained, and their conquest won, wholly by the influence of candor and divine truth.
Soon after the Baptists were organized into a church, to avoid the evils of persecution, and to secure a liberty of conscience, they, on application, obtained from the legis- lature the privilege of being incorporated into a Baptist Society, with powers and privileges equal to other parishes. But the Baptists soon found this to be tothem only another form of bondage, and after four years continuance, the Society was dissolved. The church then proceeded in simple capacity, met and endured their trials alone .* ' On several occasions they were compelled to pay taxes for the support of ministers they never heard ; and in whom they had no confidence. Often was their property seized by the officer, and sold to satisfy the persecuting disposition of the 'Standing Order.'t
In 1793, Rev. Mr. Potter supplied them with preaching a part of the time. But the old division remained, and finally resulted in a separation and dissolution of the church. How true it is, 'a house divided against itself, cannot stand.' In 1794, by the ministry of Eld. P. another revival was enjoyed, and all those persons who were truly ortho- dox Baptists, twelve in number, were, on the 16th of Oct. 1794, by Messrs. Potter, Case, and others, regularly con- stituted into a church. This church stands as if built on the sure foundation. John Warren, Isaac Gross, and D. Nelson, were its first deacons ; the two last of whom were its main supporters, and by them, under God, was carried through its fiery trials .¿
*Rev J. Tripp's com. tMin. C. A. 1842. #Rev. J. Tripp's com.
149
CHURCH IN CLINTON.
Rev. Robert Low became its first pastor in 1800, and resigned in 1807. He has been succeeded in the pastoral charge, by Elders Daniel. D. Lewis, R. C. Starr, Alvan Felch. These were all useful pastors. Rev. E. W. Free- man and Rev. A. Wilson, have also preached to the church with acceptance and success. They now worship in their second house, built in 1837, at a cost of $2500. Since their last organization in 1795, it has been blessed with several interesting revivals, besides a usual and uniform prosperity, and continues to be an influential body under the ministrations of Rev. Joseph Ricker, their present pas- tor, and the labors of O. C. Gross and David Allen, their present deacons. It has a present total of one hundred and fourteen members .*
CLINTON. This church was gathered in 1796; and Mephibosheth Cain, who had been instrumental in laying its foundation, became pastor the same year. Eld. Case assisted in his ordination. Previous to these movements, Elders Wilbur and Lewis of Sidney, had labored occasion- ally and with some success in Clinton, Bloomfield, and in the surrounding settlements. This church being the only one of a Baptist faith in the vicinity, those who became Baptists in Canaan, now Bloomfield, united with it, in membership and efforts.t
Eld. Cain commenced his ministry with this feeble church in the midst of all the embarrassments of a new country, has led it on through all scenes of prosperity and adversity which it has experienced, and still lives to aid its progress. For a period of thirty-four years, he was the acting pastor, during which, he saw the church rise and fall. In 1818, a revival more than doubled its number. It then had one hundred and four members, and was now in its highest state of prosperity. Trials succeeded, and a de-
*Min. C. A. t His. 1st Bloomfield.
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- SECOND CHURCH IN CHINA.
crease of members ; its fall was great. In 1831, it had but eighteen. But days of prosperity have again returned, and its progress has been onward and upward. This year Rev. Samuel Knox became the junior pastor, and things began to be set in order, to the encouragement of their aged and anxious pastor.
Rev. Mr. Knox preached about two years, when his place was filled by the labors of Dea. Joseph Spearing, who had received a license to preach, and by his labors there was some revival in 1833. Mr. S. aided the church several years with a portion of his labors. In 1836, Dea. Lucius Packard received a license to preach, and the church was again refreshed with revival influences, and some additions. In 1837, Mr. Packard was ordained as an evangelist, and the church encouraged. The church next enjoyed a por- tion of the ministry of Eld. S. Knox, in 1838, and again in 1840 ; and in 1841, Joseph Spearing became an associate pastor, and remained two years, which were years of trial and difficulty in the church. During this last period of the church's history, its venerable pastor has been able to preach a part of the time, and aid his associates in the ministry by his counsel. The present number of the church is sixty-eight .*
SECOND CHINA, (formerly first HARLEM. ) This church is located in the south part of China, and owes its existence to the influence of a revival experienced in Vassalborough and its vicinity, in 1788. Several persons became Baptists here at that time, and united with the church in that town. The number gradually increased ; and in 1797, they took their leave of their brethren in V., were organized into a separate church of nineteen members, by the name of Har- lem, and Rev. Job Chadwick was chosen pastor. For a few years the church prospered, receiving an annual addi-
*Min. of B. and K. A.
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CHURCH IN NEW VINEYARD.
tion. Mr. C. was pastor till 1805, and supplied the church occasionally for several years afterward. It has since had several pastors, but being situated amid a sparse population, its number has always been small. They worship in a neat and commodious brick edifice, at the south end of the 'Pond,' in 'South China.' Constant Abbot, Daniel Stevens, William Bowler, and Mr. Chadwick have officiat- ed in the pastoral charge of the church .* In 1812, a third church in China was organized of twenty-six members, previously dismissed for that purpose from the (then second church) in Vassalborough. This organization continued its rank among the churches for a period of fifteen years, when, by the advice of the Association, the second and third churches in China united in one, to retain the rank. of the second church. As regards the third church, it never had a regularly settled pastor, nor owned a house of worship; it never enjoyed a general revival of religion which very considerably increased its numbers, nor exerted a very wide influence on the cause of Christ. No minister did more to promote its welfare, than Rev. Jabez Lewis. When it united with the second church, it only increased that church by about twenty members. Since the union was formed, these brethren have moved on in harmony, obtaining from that time to the present, a gain in the ag- gregate about equal to the losses sustained. The present number is sixty-four.t The churches Waldo and Albion owe their origin to the third China; their original mem- bers being once members of that church.
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