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 14
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NEW SHARON. The original inhabitants in New Sharon were of different religious views. Some were Methodists. some were Free-will Baptists, but the greater part were favorable to the doctrines of the Congregationalists, and a church of that order was constituted here in 1801. There were no Baptists, and none that felt much sympathy o affection for them. The prevailing sentiments were Ar minian ; and therefore when Rev. Mr. Billings, of Fayette, first visited and preached in 1800, he found much opposi tion to the doctrines he propagated among them. But this opposition in a few years was mostly overcome by a faithfu preaching of the word, and the demonstration of the Spiri which accompanied it.
Mr. Billings having opened the way, other Baptist min isters soon followed him, and by their preaching some in this town and some in the settlement now called Mercer became Baptists, to the small number of twelve, who were constituted into a church in 1802. Their places of wor ship were dwelling-houses and barns, but with the blessing of God which attended the occasional preaching, which was all they could procure for a number of years, their numbers
*Min. B. C. and O. Associations. tGreen. Ecc. Hist. p. 202.
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CHURCH IN NEW SHARON.
and influence increased. Mr. Moses Wood, a licentiate, preached considerable with them in 1808 and '9, when the church was blessed with a precious revival, which swelled their number by an addition of forty. In 1812 and '13, another revival blessed the church. They were about this time supplied with preaching by Elder Samuel Sweat and Ambrose Arnold. Mr. Arnold was licensed by the church in 1811 ; ordained in 1812; and died in 1813. From its organization to 1815, Elders Palmer and E. Taylor, preach- ed much with this church, with acceptance and profit .*
This church was not blessed with a regular pastor till 1816, when commenced a new period in its history. Hith- erto they had had no regular place of worship. This year, 1816, the first meeting-house in town was built, in which the Baptists owned a share, and which they occupied one- fourth of the time till 1835, when their present house was built at a cost of $1800. This house is fifty feet by forty feet. This year, Rev. Sylvanus Boardman became pastor, which connection still continues, and will, probably, till dissolved by death. Mr. B. preached statedly with this church one half of the time till 1836, receiving a salary not much exceeding the proportion of the Ministerial Fund in town, which belonged to the Baptists, which is about $50. His entire ministry was bestowed upon the church- from 1836 to 1839, when, by the request of Mr. B., N. M. Williams was settled junior pastor by ordination.
Mr. Boardman has been a Father to this church, always ready to sacrifice his own interest to the good of his breth- ren. There was not during his ministry any extensive revival experienced, but a gradual progress in the ways of the Lord, added, almost annually, numbers, ability, and influence, to the church. The good accomplished, was permanent.
*John Clark, Ch. Cl. Com.
180
CHURCH IN CANAAN.
Mr. Williams was much beloved by the church and peo- ple, and his ministry was blessed to the conversion of a number of souls. He was useful in the church till he removed to Farmington, in 1842. Rev. L. C. Stevens is their present junior pastor, and the church is in a pros- perous state. There are several benevolent and religious societies connected with, and embraced in, this church, which contribute about $75, annually. Its present num- ber is ninety-three .*
CANAAN, (now called FIRST BLOOMFIELD). As the first settlement which was made (1775)+ in Somerset County, began on the spot where this church is located, it will be proper to confine our attention a moment to the rise of the town, and particularly to the progress of religion as the people increased.
After the Revolutionary struggle was ended, the town settled rapidly, and a Presbyterian minister was employed in 1784. It appears however that the people did not favor his doctrines ; for after a ten years' struggle to bring them under his influence, the people cast off the yoke and em- braced the Arminian doctrines of the Congregationalists. The Presbyterian church was disbanded in 1794, and in 1801,t a Congregational church was organized in its place, or revived, as it appears that a church of the same descrip- tion had existed from 1794. To this church, says Mr. Coburn, 'every body belonged,' as 'no experience was required, but a moderate morality was a sufficient qualifi- cation to membership.'}
But among the many were a few individuals, however, who desired a more orthodox ministry, and to secure which they invited Elders Asa Wilbur and Jabez Lewis, of Sid- ney, to visit them and preach to the people the gospel of Christ. This invitation was extended in 1796. It is not *J. Clarke, Ch. Cl. com. +Green. E. h. pp. 210,211. #S. W. Coburn's com.
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CHURCH IN CANAAN.
certain that at this time any of those who were dissatisfied with the town ministry, had any particular preference for Baptist doctrines. But Messrs. W. and L. came and preached, and in this manner Baptist sentiments were intro- duced. Soon some of the people became piously attached to their principles, and were baptized. Opposition to the Baptists now awoke, 'and no reproaches were too severe to heap upon the adherents to the new religion.' ' Their doctrines were ridiculed and baptism was repudiated.' But the Baptists multiplied, and the pious united with the Bap- tist church in Clinton. In 1803, a sufficient number was found in Bloomfield, to constitute a church. It was organ- ized with fifteen members at the dwelling-house of Mr. Daniel Smith, who became their deacon .* From this time till 1836, a period of about thirty-three years, its history presents a peculiar mixture of trials and blessings.
In 1806, Rev. H. Kendall, while performing a mission- ary tour to the Piscataquis County, made a short tarry with this church, and to them his efforts were especially blessed. A revival was enjoyed and fifty added to the church. But their opposers did not permit them to enjoy the blessing quietly. Eld. Kendall says, ' notwithstanding the violent opposition of Arminianism, the revival spread and many were converted, among whom were Jonathan Steward, converted from Congregational errors, and Robert Coburn and David Steward from the love of sin.' The two former became Baptist preachers. Respecting him- self, he says, 'I was called by Congregational professors, a liar, a thief, &c. &c .; but at length these persecutors confessed their wrongs and all was still.'
From 1809 to 1814, the church was unfortunate in the settlement of the ministry. John Wagg from 1809 to '12, and Joshua Brooks from 1812, two years. The efforts and
*Mr. Coburn's com.
9
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CHURCH IN CANAAN.
proceedings of both these men were altogether unprofitable to the church and to the Baptist cause.
From 1814 to 1822, Elders J. Steward, Francis Powers. and R. Coburn supplied the church, and with good suc- cess. From 1823 to 1825, the occasional ministry of Rev. Samuel Densmore was added to that of those just mention- ed. During this period, another revival was enjoyed. From 1825 to 1829, the church received a supply from Waterville College. From 1829 to 1832, Rev. N. Hooper was pastor. This was a period of trials ; Mr. Hooper be- came unprofitable, and resigned. In 1836, Rev. A. Drink- water received the charge of the church. By his judicious labors, the church experienced almost uninterrupted pros- perity. Respecting their first meeting-house, built 1812, they have had much trial and difficulty. 'In 1841,' says Mr. C., ' it was reduced to ashes, when the house, with all the disputes concerning it were ended.' They now have a" new and convenient house.
The churches Canaan, (formerly second Canaan) Madi- son, Norridgewock and second Bloomfield, are the indirect fruits of this; and brethren J. Steward, R. Coburn and N. Hooper, jr., have become ministers. There are several benevolent societies connected with this body, which con- tribute annually about $75. Seven of its members have officiated as deacons, five of whom have died. It deserves to be remarked, that the old Arminian Congregational church fell by the influence of its own inconsistency, and on its ruins the present church of the Congregational faith was built. By management, this church secured all the ministerial funds belonging to the town, worth about $250 annually, so that the Baptists have had to rly upon the blessing of God upon their own resources .* But although aboring under these unequal circumstances, yet as to
*Mr. Coburn's com. and Min. B. and K. A.
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CHURCH IN NORTH YARMOUTH.
numbers and wealth, they are about equal to their neigh- bors. Present number, one hundred and fifteen.
NORTH YARMOUTH. The first settlement in North Yarmouth was made about the year 1680. The settlers were much annoyed by the Indians, and in a few years the little colony was entirely broken up by them. It was re- settled in 1722, and a Congregational church was gathered and a minister settled here in 1730. The first Baptist minister who preached here was Elder H. Smith, about the year 1780. At this time the Rev. Mr. Gilman was pastor of the Congregational church. Mr. Smith visited the peo- ple and preached Christ to them, in compliance with the invitation, it is supposed, of a Mr. Davis, 'who resided near what is now called Davis' Landing, at whose house he first preached, and whom he baptized in an arm of the sea which made up near his house.' It is said, that ' at this meeting Rev. Mr. Gilman made his appearance, abusively assailed and reproached Mr. Smith, and warned the peo- ple against 'strange fire,' 'New Lights,' and 'wandering men,' calling themselves ministers.' Their opposition and persecution commenced with these pious movements of the Baptists. The baptism of Mr. D. caused much excite- ment. It was said, if not believed, by many, that he was ' crazy,' and 'deranged,' etc., because he was baptized. ' He was the first, and for a time the only Baptist in the town ;' and ' for his love and obedience to the truth, suf- fered much.' It is very probable that Mr. Davis did not live to enjoy the privileges of a Baptist society or church, as his name is not on the records of the church.
Says Rev. Mr. Bradford,* 'About thirteen years after the baptism of Mr. Davis, Elder Potter preached and bap- tized at the Falls. The first whom he baptized were Mr.
*Most of the facts embodied in this account, are selected from an article written by Rev. Z. Bradford, and published in the Min. of Cum. As. for 1843.
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CHURCH IN NORTH YARMOUTH.
Jeremiah Stubbs, of the Congregational church, and Judith Winslow ;' and 'very near this time, he baptized John Drinkwater and Dea. S. York,' members of the same church. This renunciation of Pedo-baptism, and the suc- cess of Baptist effort, excited, as the like had done in many other places, ' a violent spirit of scandal and persecution,' against those who embraced Baptist sentiments ; and the trials thereby occasioned, were to them the more severe, because the most vehement of their opposers were pro- fessors of godliness. It appears, that from this time Mr P. preached often; and the community, inflamed with impas- sioned zeal for ' the Diana of the Puritans'-sprinkling- became enraged at the Baptists.' Bitter prejudices and false representations were common among the people. The following anecdote, related by Mr. B., is an illustration : ' Elder Potter passing the house of a family not professors of religion, but belonging to the Standing order, and who loved the Baptists as well as any in town, who did not espouse their cause-one of them remarked, 'There comes that 'awful creature ;' when one of the family, a little girl four years old, now a member of the church, ran at the window, and as soon as she saw him, exclaimed, 'Why, mother, he's a man-he's a man, mother.'
Elder Potter preached, at one time, in the barn of Mr. Oliver Byram; Elder Wm. Hooper was present, and also Mr. Gilman. Mr. Gilman was very complaisant to Mr. P., and ' sat an orderly hearer' during the discourse. As was the custom with Baptists in those days, Mr. P. ' gave liber- ty' to speak after the sermon ; 'whereupon Mr. G. arose, warned the people again against 'strange fire,' 'New Lights,' etc., and asked Mr. P. ' what he came here for ; who gave him liberty ; who sent him,' &c. ; and conclud- ed by saying to the people, that they had no excuse for leaving his ministry, for he preached the same truths they
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CHURCH IN NORTH YARMOUTH.
had just heard from Mr. Potter.' Elder Case relates this circumstance as having occurred at the first meeting held in town by Mr. P., and that Mr. Gilman further said, 'the Baptists have the scriptures on their side, and that if they followed their preachers, they would make Baptists of them.' Elder Case says, also, this last remark of Mr. G. ' was the means under God of leading Mr. Stubbs from
error into the truth.'* It appears from the account Elder C. gives, that Mr. Stubbs was a man of some educa- tion, and a strong Pedo-baptist. He doubted the correct- ness of Mr. G.'s remark, and resolved on knowing the truth. This he found, and became the first 'lively' stone in the Baptist church.
Several had now become Baptists, and the inconsistencies of their opposers inclined many to favor them. They were however taxed by the old parish. Dr. Baldwin, of Boston, was now consulted as regards the best measures to be adopted to secure exemption from taxes by the ' standing order,' and for the support of Baptist preaching. By his advice, it seems, a voluntary association was formed, and a subscription made, and the Rev. Abraham Cum- mings was procured as a supply. But they were still taxed ; and more, they were persecuted. Having no house of worship, they were much annoyed, and driven from place to place, from one school-house to another, until some eight or ten of them built a school-house at the ' Corner,' where they peacefully worshipped for two or three years.
After suffering the obloquy, the calumny, and the seizure and sacrifice of much of their property to support the intolerant spirit for more than three years, they resolved to become incorporated ; but the act of incorporation was not granted them, however, until 1797. In 1796, the Baptists had obtained an influence and strength to erect a
*Elder Case's memorandum.
186
FIRST CHURCH IN ST. GEORGE.
house for worship, at a cost of £1358 4s 5d. This house was built upon 'Byram's hill,' where is their present location.
On the 18th of January, 1797, the church was organized with seven members, and Dr. Thomas Green was chosen pastor. Opposition to Mr. Green and to the church, 'showed itself in hydra forms.' Mr. Green's ' character was publicly assailed,' and he endured with a pious for- bearance much ' slander and persecution.' Mr. Green was pastor thirteen years, when declining health induced his resignation. He has been succeeded in the pastoral office by Elders Sylvanus Boardman, Otis Briggs, S. Chapin, A. King, J. Butler, and Z. Bradford. During the labors of these worthy servants of God, the church has prospered, and is now a flourishing body of two hundred and fifteen members. The following ministers originated in, and have gone out from this church-Benjamin Titcomb, A. Drink- water, Silas Stearns, B. P. Byram, and E. R. Warren. Rev. G. D. Boardman, missionary to India, received his ordination and his outfit in this church ; also, Sarah Cum- mings, missionary to Burmah, (deceased) and Jane Kelley, missionary to the Indians in the West, were from this church. This church has experienced many precious seasons of refreshing revivals, and many souls have been converted to God.
FIRST ST. GEORGE, (formerly CUSHING.) The terri- tory lying along the St. George river, in the easterly part of Lincoln county, was called Cushing, (or Cushen), until that part lying on the east side, and south of Thomaston, took the name by which it is now known. There were no religious movements in this place, till the Rev. I. Case visited the people in 1784, in the time of the first revival in Thomaston. Elders Case and Snow frequently preached among them, and there being no established order of reli-
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FIRST CHURCH IN ST. GEORGE.
gious faith to exert a controlling influence over them, Bap- tist doctrines were more readily received. A church was constituted in 1789, by the name of Cushing, now the first in St. George, but did not unite with the Bowdoinham Asso- ciation until 1793, when Rev. Ephraim Hall was ordained pastor. It then had nineteen members, but was the same year increased to forty-nine, by a revival of religion. Mr. H. closed his ministry with the church in 1809, and the members were left to sustain the cause, aided only by occa- sional supplies, until 1811, when Rev. Benjamin Eames was elected pastor, who actively and most successfully sus- tained the office until 1839, and still lives the senior pas- tor, to see the prosperity of the church, for whose welfare he so long labored. Perhaps no church in the State has had so uniform, and so uninterrupted prosperity as this church. God has blessed it with several most general and glorious refreshings from his presence. Large additions have been made to its numbers in these seasons of special mercy. Their prosperity did not decline with the age and health of their venerable and useful pastor ; but usual suc- cess has attended the ministry of their junior pastors. It has had two associate pastors, Rev. T. L. Pillsbury was ordained in 1839. He preached about two years, and was succeeded by Rev. Joseph Kalloch, who is the present acting pastor.
There were revivals under the ministry of their first pastor, and a large dismission to constitute a church in Friendship ; six during the active ministry of the second, and another large dismission to constitute a second church in St. George ; and one during the ministry of their present pastor, and a third dismission to constitute a third church in St. George. The church has a total of two hundred and forty-three members, is in a prosperous state, and actively engaged in the cause of benevolence .*
*Min. B. and L. Ass., and Eld. Case's Journal.
188
CHURCH IN ISLESBOROUGH.
ISLESBOROUGH, (or LONG ISLAND). This Island lies in the Penobscot Bay, about south-east from Belfast, and was settled about the same time with that place. The Islanders were mostly destitute of gospel privileges till the Baptists began to preach on the Island in 1790 .* A revival atten- ded their efforts, and a church was gathered here in 1791, by Rev. I. Case, who had the privilege of baptizing those who were pious. Mr. Case was with them occasionally for many years subsequently, and aided them by his coun- sel and preaching .* Other Baptist preachers also, were occasionally on the Island, and assisted this feeble church. In 1804, Mr. P. Pilsbury, who had been licensed to preach by the Pedo-baptists, was baptized on this Island in the time of this special work of grace, by Rev. I. Case, who partic- ipated in the labors by which this revival was promoted. At this time Mr. C. baptized forty-three persons .*
Mr. Pilsbury was also eminently useful in this revival, having already commenced preaching. This year Rev. Thomas Ames was ordained pastor of the church, and a meeting-house was erected for their accommodation. In 1809, Rev. Lemuel Rich was elected the pastor of the church, and for many years was useful to the Baptists on the Island, and some revival in 1815, was a means of en- larging the church. Soon after this the stated ministry of Rev. Mr. Rich closed, and the church was left destitute, and remained so for many years ; had but a small amount of preaching, their numbers very much diminished, and the church once large and prosperous, became small and fee- ble. They began to rise from adversity by the labors of Rev. E. H. Emery in 1832. He preached about three years, when its days of prosperity began again to be repeat- ed. In 1840, the Lord revived his work, souls were con- verted, and the church increased; and again in 1843, were
*Eld. Case's Jour.
189
CHURCH IN VINALHAVEN.
they refreshed and built up, and Rev. W. J. Durgin, has become their pastor, Their present number is one hundred and twenty-eight .*
VINALHAVEN. This church is situated on an Island of the same name, lying east of Thomaston in Penobscot Bay. Previous to 1794, when first visited by Eld. Case, the people had been blessed with but a little preaching. For seven or eight years Baptists had multiplied on the adjacent Islands. This year Eld. Case visited and preach- ed Christ to them, and ' about fourteen souls were con- verted and added as a branch to the church in Thomaston.' Anthony Dyer was appointed a deacon among them. This Branch Church held meetings on Lord's day, seasons for conference, and were authorized to receive candidates for baptism.t Eld. Case visited this Island and others around it, occasionally for several years, and baptized a large num- ber who became Baptists. In 1803 and '04, there were extensive revivals on several Islands in the vicinity of Vi- nalhaven. These revivals were promoted by the ministry of Rev. Mr. Merrill, Congregational minister at Sedgwick, P. Pilsbury and Henry Hale, licensed preachers of that church. On this Island the work was truly interesting. Eld. Case baptized on Vinalhaven, nineteen ; among whom was Henry Hale. These uniting with the members of the old Branch, were formed an independent church.+ About this time the Baptists on this Island built a convenient house for worship. Rev. John Haines became pastor, and for several years the church continued in a prosperous state. Eld. Haines resigned about the year 1810. From this time till 1830, it does not appear that the church enjoyed the blessing of a pastor's labors. But with such supplies as they could procure, the church received many additions, and sustained the cause amidst every discouragement.
*Min. B. L. and W. Asso, tEld, Case's Com, 9*
190
CHURCH IN JEFFERSON AND LANCASTER.
In 1830, Rev. Richard Y Watson, became pastor, and was beneficial to the cause, till he left (1833). Their next pastor was Rev. G. J. Newton, who was with them from 1836, about two years. Being now destitute, there was a loss of members, and a declension of piety in the church, till 1842, when a concern for Zion began to be awakened under the ministry of Eld. N. Copeland, and in 1843, a precious work of revival was experienced, and Rev. Wm. Glover was settled, and is their present pastor. Rev. Benj. Ames and Rev. Sam'l Macomber, received approbation by this church to preach the gospel. The present number of members is one hundred and twenty-four .*
JEFFERSON AND LANCASTER. This church, though united in association with churches in Maine, was located in New-Hampshire. It was organized by Elder Case in 1804+-was divided in 1810 into two churches. In 1829, when the Oxford Association was formed, they did not unite with it.
SUMNER. The towns Sumner and Hartford were first known by one name, ' Butterfield.' In 1798, they were incorporated by their present names. About this time they began to be favored with occasional preaching by Baptists and Congregationalists. The latter were before the Bap- tists in gathering a church. They organized a church in S. in 1802, which embraced members in both towns. Elds. S. Boardman and N. Chase were in Sumner, and preach- ed frequently about this time. In 1802, Mr. John Briggs, who afterwards became a Baptist deacon, was baptized by Eld. Chase, and soon several others who united in the church in Buckfield, of which Eld. C. was pastor. We are told that the Baptists 'here had their enemies,' and their pious endeavors were much opposed. They were not however driven from the field, into which they felt that
*Min. L. A. tEld. C's Jour.
191
CHURCH IN SUMNER-BETHEL.
Christ had called them. They asked only equal privileges with their neighbors. This they claimed, and this they contended for. They multiplied, and in 1804, nineteen, eight males and eleven females were recognized by a coun- cil, as a church of Christ in Sumner. This was on the 14th of June, and the same day Rev. Thomas Macomber was ordained pastor, which office he magnified in the church till 1816, when he resigned. Their next pastor was Joseph Palmer, who officiated from 1817 to 1831. During this period, two revivals blessed the church. The first was in 1823 ; the second about the time he left, which was much promoted by the labors of Eld. Haines. Their pres- ent pastor, Manassah Lawrence, was ordained into the office in 1833, by whose ministry the church prospers. They worshipped in private dwelling-houses and school- houses till 1835, when they completed their present con- venient meeting-house. Though opposed, their increase will not suffer in the comparison with other sects in town .* Present number of the church is one hundred and twelve.t
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