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 15
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BETHEL. This town was first called 'Sudbury Canada,' from the circumstance that it was granted to certain per- sons of Sudbury, Mass., for services performed in Canada in ' the old French war,' and the first settlement was made by a Mr. Samuel Ingalls, in 1776. The first settlers were prejudiced in favor of no particular sect of religious faith. The Baptists occasionally visited this town soon after the churches in Paris and Hebron were organized, and in 1795 a church of seven members was constituted. At first, they did not prosper. They enjoyed the ministry of Rev. John Chadbourn, but had no increase. At the end of seven years their number was reduced to but two members. In 1802, assisted by travelling preachers, they received an addition of three by baptism, and May 28, 1803, one more ;
*B. Cary Ch. Clk. com. tMin. O. A.
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BOWDOINHAM ASSOCIATION, 1790-1804.
and on the following day, for the first time, they partook of the Lord's supper. In 1804, the church enjoyed a special revival, and were made to forget their days of adversity. Ebenezer Bray was ordained as pastor in 1807. He was a useful under-shepherd until his convictions of duty induc- ed him to resign in 1812. Twenty-nine were added under his ministry.
The church was now destitute of a pastor, but prosper- ed by occasional supplies from neighboring ministers, among whom Rev. A. Drinkwater was the most frequent, from 1812 to 1817. The next year Rev. Daniel Mason was elected pastor, and devoted the remainder of his life in the cause of this church. He died in 1835. Mr. M. was indefatigable in his efforts, laboring with his own hands for most of his support, of his family, and in the ministry as much as his circumstances allowed him. There was no special revival in the church while he administered to them, but a cheering gradual prosperity. He was succeeded the next year (1836) by Rev. Benj. Donham, who was ordain- ed as pastor in October, and continues their successful guide and instructor. Present number one hundred and thirty-two .*
CHAPTER XI.
History of the Bowdoinham Association from 1790 to the formation of the Lincoln Association in 1804-Extensive revivals in 1798 and 1799-the Lord's Supper administered at the Association in '98-an Ordination in '99-success of the ' Gospel Mission'-Dr. Baldwin present, and Ordina- tion of Mr. Titcomb in 1801-Revision of Articles of Faith in 1802.
In 1790, the total of communicants in the Bowdoinham Association was three hundred and seventeen, embodied in six churches. Connected with these churches were four ministers only. These servants of Christ were active
*Rev. J. Tripp's com. and Min. of O. A.
193
BOWDOINHAM ASSOCIATION 1790-1804.
and untiring in their efforts to extend His cause through- out the country. God owned their labors and gave them abundant success. They saw new churches rising in dif- ferent directions about them, and ministers multiplying to aid the work. These accessions to Zion encouraged their zeal and gave new vigor to their faith.
The next meeting of the Association was held at Balls- town, in 1791. The brethren were rejoiced by an acces- sion of four new churches, which increased the number of communicants by seventy-seven. These were regarded as seals to their labors, by which they were induced to increase their voluntary missionary supplies to the destitute, and to extend their travels into more distant settlements. To encourage these churches, a circular was now addressed to them on the doctrine of 'Perseverance,' an extract of which exhibits the views of the Baptists at this time on that precious doctrine. Says the letter, 'The soul at regeneration has all the graces of the spirit implanted in the heart, which are acted out towards their proper object, Jesus Christ ; in mental and practical duties. The chris- tian is made an active being in God's service. He must therefore strive, wrestle and run in the ways of God.' Here is practical piety bearing evidence of experimental ; and here is living faith, attended by its appropriate evidence, good works .*
In 1792, the Association was made joyful by the reports of several refreshing seasons which had been experienced by the churches, which had increased their numbers, and enlarged their influence, by the addition of four new churches, and two ministers of Christ, and five licensed preachers. This was truly encouraging to the few pastors who looked with such anxious solicitude over the enlarg- ing field. The Association embraced already all the *Min. B. A. 1791.
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BOWDOINHAM ASSOCIATION, 1790-1804.
southern and middle parts of the State. These churches occupied central positions in the different sections of this territory. As many of these churches had no pastors, and possessed but few means for an increase of spiritual or religious knowledge, a letter was addressed to them by the Association on the importance of a 'right reading of the Bible.' This letter was therefore timely, and its con- tents show its appropriateness. A larger amount of volun- tary missionary labor was now pledged than had been at any former meeting.
Four new churches were received to Association in 1793. Nothing especially new was transacted at its annual meeting for this year. The apparent desire seemed to be prevalent in the meeting to maintain a pious vigilance in the cause.
At their annual meeting in 1794, they had new evidence of the triumph of truth. Two new churches were reported and received, and five had entered the ministry by ordina- tion. In the course of business on this occasion, the im- portant question, 'Is the ordination of deacons agreeable to apostolic order ?' came up for the consideration and de- cision of the Association, which was unanimously answered in the affirmative .*
Of their annual meeting in 1795, there were no minutes published. The circular for that year, preserved in their book of Records, is an interesting exhibition of ' pious zeal,' written by Rev. Elisha Williams.
In 1796 the Association, though not cheered with re- ports of special revivals in the churches, was in a state of general prosperity. God had blessed them with union, a gradual increase, and a more extended influence. And although there was much opposition to their cause in many places, truth triumphed, and the number of ministers was
*Min. B. A. 1794.
195
BOWDOINHAM ASSOCIATION, 1790-1804.
increased, by Nehemiah Gould, Joseph Bailey, James Hooper, and Mephibosheth Cain, who had during the year entered the holy work by ordination ; and the addition of the church in Clinton encouraged success in the more northern settlements.
In 1797, the Association was enlarged by the addition of the churches in North Yarmouth and Harlem, (now first China) ; and the introduction of Elders Thomas Green and Job Chadwick to this new field of gospel labor, was a valuable accession to the ministry. The Baptist cause still advanced amidst opposition. Says the circular for this year, ' As the days in which we live are days of trial, and as error, both in principle and practice, is cast out as a flood after the church of Christ; crying, Lo, here ! Lo, there ! may you lift up a standard for the people.' This was indeed a time of struggling between truth and error ; between the followers of Baal and the friends of God; as the history of one of the churches (North Yarmouth) re- ceived this year, evinces.
Extensive revivals advanced the cause gloriously in many churches in 1798. More than one hundred converts were reported from the town of Bowdoin, as the fruits of Elder Potter's ministry. This was regarded as an extraordinary work, considering the scattered population in a new coun- try. The origin of the Baptist church in Litchfield, which was organized this year, is traced to the influence of this revival. The cause also had made progress among the new settlements in the north part of Kennebec County. The churches, New Vineyard and Farmington, were revived, and the ministerial influence received new power by the introduction of Rev. John Tripp, into Maine. This year occurred the first difficulty among the Baptists, requiring the attention and aid of the Association. It was in the church at Buckfield. A committee of six was appointed to
196
BOWDOINHAM ASSOCIATION, 1790-1804.
attempt their relief by their prayers and counsels. The day was designated, and by a 'vote, the churches were requested ' to observe the same day in special prayer to God, that he would give to both church and committee, wisdom and direction.' This was an example worthy of imitation. For the first time, the ordinances of baptism and the Lord's supper, were administered at the anniver- sary season of this body. The practice, however, was of but short continuation.
In 1799, the Lord wrought wonderful things for the churches. The revivals this year were to those in 1798, as the copious showers that succeed the few drops of rain. They were more general and extensive. Their anniver- sary was made unusually interesting by the ordination of Elisha Williams. As the ministers and churches mul- tiplied, a missionary zeal increased. The circular sent to the churches, (written by Elder Tripp), breathed a mission- ary spirit, and was an appeal to them for a greater activity. This appeal found a response in the pious hearts of the brethren. A love for the destitute now became ardent, and as evidence of its purity, besides sustaining the old system of missionary effort by voluntary supplies, by an extra number of pledges, a plan of operation was origi- nated, called ' The Gospel Mission.' This plan was, to raise money to sustain missionary efforts among the new settlements. Elders Green, Williams and Woodard, were appointed a committee of superintendence, and Eld. Case, who was about giving himself wholly to itinerant labors, was engaged as their missionary. Fifteen dollars were contributed to aid the enterprise which was the first taken in the Association for such purposes.
In 1800, the most sanguine expectation of the Associa- tion as regarded the operation of the 'Gospel Mission' in this incipient period of action, was more than realized. The
197
BOWDOINHAM ASSOCIATION, 1790-1804.
report of their missionary, Eld. Case, was full of interest. He reported that he had visited the new settlements, plan- tations and destitute churches in the eastern part of the State, gave a pleasing account of the advancement of the Redeemer's cause in many places, and that a door was opened for extended exertions in that region. In view of this report, the efforts of the Association were enlarged, and future success shows that these efforts were not in vain. At this anniversary, this body was enlarged by the reception of the churches Brunswick, Leeds, Woolwich, Medumcook and Warren.
The anniversary of the Association in 1801, was render- ed delightful by the presence and preaching of Rev. Mr. Baldwin of Boston, and by the ordination of Rev. Benj. Titcomb. The territory now occupied by this body, being extensive, the inconveniences to many of the churches, occasioned by distance, prompted them to petition the Association, for a division of the churches to form a second body. But after some mutual deliberation, the subject was postponed. The churches regarded the Association as a council to whom they referred important questions for a decision-and the Association frankly and affectionately gratified them, by considering such questions as they might propose. At this meeting the interesting and somewhat difficult question, 'Is it agreeable to the gospel for chris- tians to bear arms ?' was presented. The following impor- tant decision was given : 'Although we do not conceive that our holy religion requires us to draw the sword, or to bear arms in its defence ; yet, as we are members of civil community, and are protected by the laws of the land in which we live, we think it not incompatible with the spirit of christianity which enjoins our obedience to civil magis- trates to bear arms in defence of the government which protects us. The 'Gospel Mission' was still an object of
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BOWDOINHAM ASSOCIATION, 1790-1804.
special interest, and sustained with zeal. Elders Nathaniel Chase, Oliver Billings and Robert Low, had entered the work of the ministry, and the church in the city of Portland was received into the Association.
In 1802, the Association was still encouraged with gen- eral prosperity. Their number of laborers were increased by Elders Sylvanus Boardman, Ichabod Temple, and Ja- bez Lewis, who had during this Associational year entered the ministry ;- and the churches, Freetown, (now first China,) second Buckfield, and Mt. Ephraim, (now Swan- ville,) were added to their numbers. Besides a general progress, several of the churches had experienced exten- sive revivals, and received large additions. Hitherto there had been important deficiencies and a want of uniformity in the Articles of Faith and Covenant, adopted by the dif- ferent churches. The Articles of Faith at first adopted by the Association, as expressive of the doctrines and prac- tices of the denomination in the State, were this year re- vised, giving to them a greater particularity and fulness of expression, and were printed in their Minutes, and sent to the churches with a recommendation for their adoption. The alterations made in these Articles, were not designed to change the sentiments, but by a modification of lan- guage, to give to them a greater perspicuity and prominent- ness. These Articles were generally received and adopted by the churches.
At the annual meeting of the Association in 1803, the important question of division again came up for consider- ation, the expediency of which was now referred to the churches for their individual decision, which was required to be reported at the next anniversary. This was deemed by the Baptists the most rational and democratic way of settling all matters, which involved the interest and convenience of these several independent bodies. Their united 'will' was the governing principle of the Association.
199
BOWDOINHAM ASSOCIATION, 1790-1804.
The flame of missionary love and zeal continued to burn. Some idea of the feelings which were cherished in respect to the work of sending the gospel to the destitute may be seen from a short extract of the circular letter, sent this year to the churches. This letter was written by Eld. Chadwick. The writer says, 'the glorious spread of the gospel in this, our day, should inspire us with fervency and gratitude; look round ! The fields are all white, oppression is withering, God is on his way; He reigns triumphant; let the earth rejoice.' Forty-eight dollars were contributed at this meeting to aid the 'Gospel Mission,' which was not an insignificant sum for those times.
We are now brought (1804) to an important period in the history of the Baptists, and particularly of the Bowdoin- ham Association. This body had become numerous, and was scattered over a wide extent of territory; and besides the churches then in it were multiplying in the very remote settlements. On account of distance and bad roads, these could not unite with their brethren who resided in more central parts. They were therefore deprived of Associa- tional privileges. The subject of division having been referred to the churches for their decision, they, from a consideration of these circumstances, decided that it was ' expedient' to divide. It was therefore divided, by setting off the churches east of the Kennebec river, sixteen in number, to be organized by the name of Lincoln Associa- tion, as most of these churches were within the limits of the county of that name.
Much had been accomplished by the 'Gospel Mission,' for the destitute while these churches remained in one body, although no distinct organization for that purpose had existed. It was therefore important that before these churches and ministers separated, some system of general co-operation should be originated. This was done by
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SECOND CHURCH IN SIDNEY.
organizing the Maine Missionary Society, the design of which was to aid the destitute in this new and rising State ;- and with $130, raised at this meeting, this society entered upon the work with a spirited zeal, and under most auspicious circumstances. This Association was en- larged at this meeting by the addition of five ordained ministers ; Jesse Martin, Peter Moor, Joseph Adams, John Haines, and Thomas Macomber ; and of six churches, Canaan, Sumner, Islesboro', Vinalhaven, Bethel, and Jef- ferson and Lancaster. So that at the division of the Asso- ciation, it numbered forty-eight churches, thirty-two ministers, and two thousand one hundred and twenty-one communicants.
CHAPTER XII.
Churches which united with the Bowdoinham Association during the seven years, between the formation of the Lincoln Association in 1804, and the formation of the Cumberland Association in 1811 : Second Sidney-Se- cond Bowdoin-Belgrade-Norway-Hallowell-Minot (now Auburn)- Freeport-Second Lisbon (now first in Webster)-Perjepscott (now Danville,) - Cornville -Harmony -Denmark - Weld -- Sangerville - Bridgton-Hartford-Monmouth-Palmyra-New Portland.
SECOND SIDNEY .- This church is situated in the east part of Sidney, and was gathered in 1806. There was a revival in town in 1805,* by means of the ministry of Eld. Wilbur, and the efforts of the First church, which extended into the east part of the town, and several became pious, and, living at some distance from that church, their desire to be constituted into a distinct church was granted. This church had no stated preaching till 1809, when the Lord of the harvest provided for them a pastor, by placing over them in charge Rev. Joseph Palmer. But the church was small and feeble, and Mr. Palmer removed to another field in 1812. The church were not blessed with the labors of
*Eld. Case's Jour.
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201
SECOND CHURCH IN SIDNEY.
another pastor till November, 1826, when they were favor- ed with the ministry of Rev. Ezra Going. In 1824 there was an extensive revival in this church. The principal means employed to promote this work of grace was the ministry of Rev. E. Going, then 'a licentiate. Sixty-five were added by baptism, which gave the church an ability to support a pastor. Mr. Going was ordained in 1826, and remained about two years. In 1831, Lemuel Porter, a student in Waterville College, was ordained to the work of the ministry in this church. He preached here fre- quently for two or three years. The next pastor was Rev. Amos Lefavor, settled in 1835. He however left in about one year. In 1836, Sumner Hale, a licentiate, and student of Waterville College, supplied them frequently; and in 1833 and '39, Rev. J. C. Morrill supplied. In 1839, Rev. Sumner Hale became pastor, but was succeeded in 1842 by their present pastor, Rev. William Tilley. From the resignation of Rev. E. Going to 1839, the church ex- perienced a rapid decrease of members. But since that time there has been a coming up to the help of the Lord ; a more general devotion of the church to his cause, and days of prosperity are gradually returning. This church has a convenient meeting-house, and present number of seventy-seven members .*
BOWDOIN SECOND CHURCH. As the Baptist cause ad- vanced in Bowdoin, several persons in the north part of the town embraced their doctrines ; and in 1805, twenty- five in number, were organized into a church. They had previously belonged to the first church in town. Conven- ience dictated their separation. Before they united with Bowdoinham Association, a most glorious and extensive revival was experienced in that part of the town by means of the pious and untiring efforts of Rev. H. Kendall, of *Min. B. and Ken. Asso. .
202
CHURCH IN BELGRADE.
Litchfield. Before the revival influences departed, sixty- nine were added to the church. A meeting-house was soon built at a cost of $1800, and Rev. Ichabod Temple was settled (1807) pastor. Mr. Temple also was useful in pro- moting the revival. He was a faithful pastor. He removed to the State of Ohio in 1820.
Rev. Noah Norton, their next pastor, was ordained in 1822. His ministry was much blessed to the edification and growth of the church till 1836, when he removed to Brunswick.
Since the resignation of Elder Norton, the church has had no pastor, but has been favored with a stated ministry. The same year, (1836,) one of their number, James Rid- ley, was ordained as an evangelist, and favored the church with his ministerial gift, till he removed to Monmouth. Deacon Jacob Golder of Lewiston, united with this church, began to preach and was ordained as an evangelist, (1840,) and the church has been blessed with a portion of his labors. Elders D. Pierce and J. Day, also have supplied them frequently when destitute of a pastor. The most extensive revival ever experienced by this church was in 1824 and '25, while Mr. Norton was pastor. This work was general, powerful, and most convincing. Upwards of one hundred souls were converted to God.
This church has at different times been much reduced in numbers by large dismissions. One whole church was organized of members dismissed from this, who emigrated to the State of Illinois, and deacon Smith was ordained as their pastor. This church has passed through no un- common trials, but has much occasion for gratitude for a general prosperity. Its present total is one hundred and twenty .*
BELGRADE. Elder I. Case and Rev. Asa Wilbur, were *Moses Dennett, Ch. Ck. Com.
203
CHURCH IN BELGRADE.
among the first Baptists to preach the gospel here. Elder Case preached frequently, and as many of the settlers as became Baptists united with the church in Readfield, till it was deemed expedient to gather a church here. This was done Aug. 29th, 1806. It was composed of twelve members. From the first movements of the Baptists in this town, till 1810, there was no regular preacher statedly employed. Elders Case, Wilbur, Gould, Palmer, Moses Low, Kendall, and Bisbee, preached frequently ; the latter of whom was ordained in 1808. Elias Taylor, another member, was approbated to preach in 1808, and ordained its pastor Sept. 1810.
The first twenty years of this church's existence, was a period of prosperity, and previous to 1830, it passed through no very severe trials ;- the church was united, and Elder T. was useful. About this time a day of dark- ness commenced. The church became divided, and now instead of union, discord reigned; discipline, meetings and the ordinances of the gospel were neglected, and the church was disrobed of its beauty and shorn of its strength. Mr. Taylor, the pastor, became discouraged, resigned his office, and withdrew his ministry (1833,) and a total over- throw seemed to be threatened. From the time of Elder T.'s resignation, till 1839, the church was supplied by various ministers, but the state of its affairs were such as to paralyze every effort. At length, some began to reflect more seriously upon the condition of the church. They saw the church, like Israel in Babylon, in bondage to its enemies, and without strength to work its own deliverance. In this emergency, application was made to the Kennebec Association for assistance. Assistance was afforded, by a committee from that body, who met with the church Dec. 18, 1839, and after much prayerful investigation, they advised a re-organization. The advice was received and
204
CHURCH IN NORWAY.
ten members renewed fellowship and covenant, and adopted the temperance pledge, as an article of their government. Time has evinced that this was a wise and prudent proce- dure. From this time to the present, union has character- ized their movements, prosperity has attended their efforts, and the ordinances of the sanctuary have been carefully and punctually observed.
Rev. Wm. Smith, a licentiate from the church in In- dustry, was received to membership, and ordained as an evangelist, June 26, 1836. He preached one year. In 1838 Rev. D. McMaster began to preach to the church, and was in 1839, elected pastor. He resigned in 1842, and was soon succeeded by Rev. L. Packard, their present pastor. The church is now in a state of prosperity. Its number is increased to seventy-seven members. Elders Taylor and McMaster are still among its worthy members .* Besides those, whose names have been already mentioned, deacon A. W. Cummings and Benjamin Jackson have received license from this church to preach the gospel.
NORWAY. The Congregationalists gathered a small church by their missionaries in 1802. But for many years it was few in number and limited in its influence. Baptist preachers visited the place with but small encouragement, for a considerable length of time. A small church of ten members however was constituted here in 1806. This church was the offspring of the church in Paris. The late Wm. Parsons was their first deacon, and Martin Stetson is his successor.
The principles of a large portion of the people in town ever have been quite skeptical ; consequently evangelical truth and effort have always met with serious obstacles, and the Baptists in common with other orthodox commu- nities, have made but slow progress. Universalism has a strong hold here.
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