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 18
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*The history of this church is gathered from a sketch in the Min. of K.A. 1838, and subsequent copies of Min. of K. A.
232
CHURCH IN BRIGHTON-CANAAN.
In 1818, the Lord sent his reviving and renewing influences among them, and souls were converted ; and on the 29th of August, a church of sixteen members was organized ; P. Cummings and J. Coburn were chosen deacons.
The church became strongly attached to Mr. Hall, and extended a call to him to become their pastor. This call was heard, and on the 14th of Jan. 1819, he was ordained, and has been the faithful and affectionate pastor from that time to the present ; and it would seem that his usefulness has increased with his age. Eld. Hall has received for salary from $70 to $100 per annum, besides a title to 200 acres of ministerial land, voted him by the town, he being the first settled minister. Receiving therefore a comforta- ble support, he has devoted his energies to the cause of God. His extra parochial labors, have been many and arduous. The surrounding settlements here felt the influ- ence of both the pastor and church in P. The church in Cambridge, Dexter, and Blanchard, owe their existence mostly to efforts made by the Baptists in P. Dec. 20, 1831, heir present house of worship was dedicated, in connexion with a quarterly meeting. At that meeting God commenc- ed a gracious revival, which proved a rich blessing to the church. In 1839, and in 1843, seasons of special mercy were enjoyed, and the church much enlarged. Rev. Ran- som Donham and Rev. Joseph Hall, now a Free-will Bap- tist preacher, originated with this church. It has a present total of one hundred and ninety-nine members .*
BRIGHTON, (called NORTH-HILL). A small church of thirteen members was organized here in 1818; but never had much prosperity. In 1825, it had twenty-four members. It was dropped from the Penobscot Association in 1832.
CANAAN, (formerly CANAAN SECOND) was organized in the south part of the town, with nineteen members, in *Wm. Brewster, Ch. Clk. Com. Min. B. and P. and P. Asso.
233
CHURCH IN NORRIDGEWOCK-ATHENS.
1819. M. Cain, of Clinton, preached with them one quar- ter of the time until 1834. From 1834, Rev. Sam'l Knox preached with them a part of the time for about two years, when the church enjoyed happy seasons. From 1837 to 1842, the church was blessed with preaching by Rev. L. Packard, one fourth of the time. They are still a feeble church of forty-five members. It conferred licenses on S. Cook and Nathaniel Hubbard .*
NORRIDGEWOCK, This is the shire town in Somerset County ; was incorporated in 1788, and by a rapid increase a small village rose on the banks of the Kennebec river. Here was gathered a small Congregational church in 1797, and from 1814, it has had the stated labors of a pastor. The Methodists also commenced in this town about the same time with the Congregationalists. These sects, oc- cupying this field thus early have since held a commanding influence over the people.
In 1819, a Baptist church was organized of ten mem- bers. It was not till 1838 they were able to secure the labors of a stated pastor. The blessing was now enjoyed under the ministry of Rev. T. Goldthwait for the space of about four years. The next year (1842) the church was not only destitute but greatly reduced by a large dismission to constitute a second church. Deacon Jos. Pratt has been one of its principal supporters through all its existence. It has now twenty-six members only, and is destitute of a pastor f
ATHENS. The first settlement in this town was made about the year 1799. Soon the Methodists commenced preaching here, and were next followed by the 'Christian Band,' so called, and as a consequence the people were generally brought under the influence of Arminian doc- trines. In 1819, there was some awakening in town. Pre-
*Rev. I . Packard's Com. and Min. of B. and K. A. +Min. B. and K. Ass.
234
SECOND CHURCH IN GARDINER-STRONG.
vious to this, however, the churches in Cornville and Har- mony, exerted some influence over the people, and gathered some members from among them. Two persons by means of the awakening in 1819, became Baptists. There were now ten Baptists in the place, and these were on the 17th of September, organized into a church. This little band went forward, forgetting the things that were behind. But like other small churches in new towns, it had but few gospel privileges for many years. Elds. E. Taylor and John Daggett, preached here occasionally. Rev. Tozier Lord also rendered the church much important aid in 1825 and '26. After this Elder Stanley of Cornville, preached one fourth of the time for some years, which was to the church a period of comfort and prosperity. Under the ministry of Elder N. Copeland, in 1834, the church was revived and cheered by additions. They have since been aided by Rev. R. Jones, Rev. C. Taylor and others. They have a total of fifty-six members. They are much indebted to their pious and active deacons, E. Cole and E. Cun- ningham .*
GARDINER, SECOND CHURCH. This church was organ- ized in 1820, with fifteen members. They were a feeble band, not able to sustain a pastor, or build a house of worship. They have forty members.
STRONG. The Methodists commenced in Strong as early as 1805, and a small Congregational church was gathered here in 1810, but for several years made but little progress. A Baptist church oftwelve members was organ- ized here in 1820. From 1822 to 1826, Rev. Samuel Knox acted as their pastor. In 1834, as the result of a union protracted meeting, twenty-two were added by baptism. From 1835 to 1838, Rev. Wm. Wyman preached
*Zion's Adv. Feb. 1835-Min. B. and P. Asso. and Eld. R. Jones' Com.
235
CHURCH IN CHESTERVILLE-ANSON.
to them one-fourth of the time. It is now a feeble and destitute church of twenty-eight members .*
CHESTERVILLE. Congregationalists commenced minis- terial efforts here as early as 1789, and 1796 ' the church in Chesterville,' (including all the members of that faith in Chesterville and Farmington) was organized. Rev. Jotham Sewall was an original member. This church has ever had the lead in religious influence, and has pros- pered more than any other sectin town. Previous to 1805 the Methodists began and have maintained some influence.
With the increase of population several Baptists from the church in Fayette became residents in this town. In 1820, twenty members dismissed from the church in F. were constituted into a church in Chesterville. This church, although assisted by the ability of its worthy dea- con, William Bradbury, many years, and by the faithful preaching of Elder Samuel Dinsmore, Elder Boardman, Elder Wyman, and a few others, was never enlarged, ex- cept by a small increase during the first years of its exis- tence. The church commenced a sad declension about the year 1831, and in 1839 its name was dropped from the denomination. In 1838 it had thirty members.t
ANSON. Congregationalists and Methodists commenced in Anson also before the Baptists. The former gathered a church in 1804, which has prospered ; the latter estab- lished a circuit in 1809. The increase of Baptists, at first, was mostly by emmigration. Some, however, became such by occasional Baptist influence in town. It was not till 1820 that a church was gathered, and then consisted of eighteen members only. In 1823, Rev. Francis Powers became a member and preached about one-fourth of the time till 1838. This was a period of some prosperity. Mr. J. A. Badger, a licentiate, and some other neighbor-
*Min. B. and K. Asso. ¿Min. B. and K. Asso.
236
SECOND BOWDOINHAM-EAST DIXFIELD.
ing ministers since have bestowed considerable labor upon the church, but latterly its prospects and influence have diminished. It has never been cheered or enlarged by a revival, but has, on the contrary, had to endure many severe trials. It is now a destitute church of thirty-two members .*
BOWDOINHAM, SECOND CHURCH. This church is the offspring of the first church, and although the old stalk has decayed and fallen, the branch lives and flourishes. It was organized Dec. 1820, with twenty-seven members, and is situated in the pleasant village of that town. Rev. Daniel Piersons was then elected pastor, and served the church about six years in the office, and still remains a worthy member. Since his resignation the church has enjoyed preaching at stated times, by Elders R. Milner about two years, John Butler, E. W. Cressy, W. T. Sargent, and William O. Grant. [Wm. Bailey is now their pastor, 1845.] In 1837 the church and society was accom- modated with a new and convenient house of worship, built principally by Wm. Purington, one of its worthy members. The first and only revival in this community of Baptists was in 1840, under the labors of Mr. Cressy, by which the church was considerably enlarged. It is now a flourish- ing church, and is exerting a healthful influence over the village. It has sixty-nine members.f
EAST DIXFIELD, (formerly 'DIXFIELD.') The Con- gregationalists formed a church of ten members in town in 1806, and in 1820, it had increased to about twenty .¿
A Baptist church was organized in Sept. 1817, and soon after Nathan Mayhew was ordained pastor. The church consisted of thirty-three members. In 1819 it was enlarged by another revival. But it was soon after left destitute, the members were scattered, and the church lost
#Min. B. & K. As. +Cyrus Gardiner's Com. #Green. Eccl. his. p. 192.
237
CHURCH IN RIPLEY.
its way in the wilderness of sin. Some, however, of these strayed ones were afterwards brought back and enclosed in a new fold. In April, 1831, a new church of twelve mem- bers was constituted, and called 'East Dixfield.' Since 1837, this church has been blest with the ministry of Eld. Mayhew, one half the time. It is still a feeble band of but twenty-eight members .*
RIPLEY, (now CAMBRIDGE.) In the winter of 1808, Rev. Thomas Macomber, while performing a mission under the direction of the Maine Missionary Society, passed through No. 5, (now Ripley.) It then contained but two or three families, and in different openings. He called at the house of Mr. Jacob Hale, to tarry for the night. They were favorable to religion, and desired Mr. M. to preach that evening. Notice was given to a family four miles dis- tant, which was their nearest neighbor, and Mrs. Hale said this was the 'first sermon she had heard for six years.'t In 1809 Rev. H. Kendall passed through the place, and called on Mr. Hale. Eld. K. says, ' there were two pious females in town, who lived a mile apart, and a swamp be- tween them, in the centre of which these females met oc- casionally for prayer.' About two years after, Mr. K. vis- ited the settlement again, and baptized Mr. Hale and his wife, who were the first baptized in Ripley.} ·
In 1822, this place was visited by Eld. Case, during a voluntary mission. Mr. C. says, 'the new settlement re- sounded with the praises of God.' There was a revival, the fruits of the efforts of a pious school teacher. 'Fourteen had been baptized.' Before Mr. C. left, a church was or- ganized, and Jacob Hatch ordained pastor.§ For three years, during Mr. H's ministry, the church increased grad- ually. In 1828, Dea, Forest Hatch was ordained pastor.
*A. Fletcher's Com. B. A. tMe. Bap. Reg. 1808. #Eld. Kendall's Jour. §Eld Case's Jour.
11*
238
CHURCH IN CORINNA.
A pleasing success attended his ministry, till it was termi- nated by death, May 3d, 1834. His last labor was to bap- tize twenty-two persons, among whom were his sister, his daughter, and aged father. He was much lamented by the church.
The church now takes the name of Cambridge, and is aided in its progress by its worthy deacon, D. King. After being destitute about three years, they settled Rev. R. S. Mitchell ; but his stay was short, and the church remained in a low state. Since 1841, they have received a portion of the labors of Rev. A. Clarke, to their comfort and prosperi- ty. They number seventy-three members. This church has had many trials, but under God it has triumphed .*
CORINNA. A Baptist church was constituted here in Sept. 1822. The original members, ten in number, were mostly from the Baptist churches in Livermore. But a week or two previous to their organization, Eld. Case vis- ited them. He found them holding regular meetings for worship, and by his advice, they at once proceeded to an embodiment.t They were favored with occasional preach- ing by Elders J. Martin and J. Hatch. Mr. B. P. Win- chester preached to them in 1828, and in 1829 was ordain- ed pastor. He has since labored faithfully and constantly for the cause of God among them. This church has never been blest with an extensive revival, but has pressed on through many trials to the present, and still prospers with fifty members. Previous to the settlement of their pastor, a painful difficulty arose in the church, which divided the members; and afterwards it continued to paralyze the ef- forts of the pastor. Dec. 28, 1835, by means of the faith- ful and prayerful labors of a council, and the blessing of God, fellowship was again restored. Since that time, the church has had rest, union, and prosperity. Their places
*Min. B. Pen. and Pis. Asso. tEld. Case's Journal.
239
CHURCH IN WINTHROP.
of worship are private dwellings and school houses .* East St. Albans received members from this church.
WINTHROP. The original members of this church were dismissed from the church in Readfield, and were organiz- ed, thirty in number, June 22, 1824. A Baptist meeting- house was built in East Winthrop, in 1823, and a gracious revivals was enjoyed in the latter part of that year. Mr. Case says, 'The revival which had commenced in Read- field, spread into the eastern part of Winthrop with great power, and most of the influential in society were converted, and a large part of the lovely youth embraced the Saviour.' This revival, under the labors of Rev. Phinehas Bond, then a licentiate, continued till, the winter of 1825. Says Mr. Fuller, of the church in W., Elds. O. Briggs and J. Haines, were instrumental in promoting this revival. July 11th, 1824, this church was increased by the addition of seventy- four by letter, from Readfield church. And in May 1825, Rev. John Butler was installed as pastor, which relation was continued with prosperity to the church till May 1831. In a few weeks after the close of Eld. B's labors, Eld. S. Fogg commenced preaching among them, and a pleasing revival enlarged the church. From this time till 1836, the church was supplied, mostly by Elders Fogg and R. Low. There was some revival in the spring of 1835, and a number of the youth were converted. The writer of these lines, then a student in Newton Institution, preached a few weeks with the church at that time.
From 1836 to 1839, Rev. J. Ingraham was their suc- cessful pastor. He was succeeded by Rev. D. E. Burbank, who entered upon his public work among them Sept. 1839. His ministry was sanctified to the good of both the church and society. But his labor with them was short. He died in Winthrop, Oct. 1840, in a triumphal view of his final
*Rev. B. P. Winchester, and Min. B. Pen. and Pis. Asso.
240
CHURCH IN NEWPORT-MONMOUTH.
rest. Rev. F. Merriam, their present pastor, was imme- diately ordained over them. By his ministry, the church advances in usefulness and increases in numbers. This church is distinguished for its temperance and missionary spirit. It has enrolled on its records one hundred and twenty-eight members .*
NEWPORT. A very few of the early settlers in this town were Baptists, who, like thrifty vines in a new and rich soil, were productive of much fruit. Rev. Paul Ruggles of Etna, preached occasionally to their edification and strength. In 1817 a church was embodied with only five members. In two years it increased to eighteen. From 1819 to 1822, they were destitute and had many trials, and became much scattered. In 1823 Eld. R. Coburn was received as their pastor. Mr. Coburn labored successfully with them till 1835. During his ministry this church had many seasons of refreshing. The most interesting revivals were in 1834, the fruits of a protracted meeting, which continued thirteen successive days.
In 1836 it was supplied by Rev. Wm. Oaks. In 1837 the small church of ten members in Stetson, united with this church. It is much wiser to unite strength than to weaken by division. Since this union they have been supplied one-half to three-quarters of the time by Elders Hatch, Steward, and B. D. Small. The doctrines of Miller has caused many trials in this church, yet they prosper ; and now number eighty-one members. Elder D. Steward received license and ordination by this church.t
MONMOUTH. Rev. James Potter visited that part of Monmouth in which this church is situated in 1783. He says ' the people generally attended meeting and gave good attention to the word. They were free to converse, but disposed to cavil. And I discovered no fruit in this place
*Church Records. tPeleg Whiting, Ch. Clk. and Min. B. and P. Asso.
241
SECOND CHURCH IN CANAAN-MOSCOW.
to my satisfaction.' Although from the days of Potter, preachers have passed and repassed through the town and preached on their way ; and although a church in the north- east part of the town had once existed, yet there were not a sufficient number of Baptists found in town after the fall of the old church, to render it expedient to organize, till 1827, when this, the first church in Monmouth, was constituted. Even then the number was fifteen only. They prospered, and in 1828 they erected their house of worship. From this time to 1837, they secured preaching about three-quarters of the time and received an annual increase. In 1836 Rev. S. Hinkley was ordained as an evangelist, and in 1837 they enjoyed a precious revival by means of the special efforts of Rev. J. Butler. This year they had stated preaching by Elders J. Ridley and Wm. Day, who preached alternately one-half of the time each. In 1838 Mr. Ridley became pastor, whose useful labors were continued till 1842. In 1843 another revival was experienced, and their present pastor, Cyrus Case, was ordained. Truly the Lord has done great things for this body of Baptists. The church has increased from fifteen to one hundred and ten members .*
NORRIDGEWOCK, SECOND CHURCH. This church was organized in 1828, with eighteen members. But opposing influences at once checked its progress, and for want of strength and aid, it faded and was lost to the denomination in 1831, with twenty members.t
MADISON. This church united with Bowdoinham As- sociation in 1828, but of its particular history we have obtained but little information. It then had thirteen mem- bers, with Charles and Isaac Morse deacons, the latter of whom received license to preach in 1834. He was bene- ficial to the church. Rev. Mr. Stanley preached here *Zion's Advocate, Dec. 7, 1837, and B. A. tMin. B. A.
242
SECOND HALLOWELL-THIRD GARDINER.
occasionally in 1835, and a pleasing revival added about a dozen to the church, Oct. 1835. Mr. Morse was ordained and preached a part of the time in 1836. Elder Cain sup- plied them some in 1838, and Wm. Wilbur was licensed to preach. He also was useful in the church. Since that time it appears that the church has passed through many trials, had but few privileges, and enjoyed but little pros- perity. It is still a feeble church of twenty-eight members .*
HALLOWELL, SECOND CHURCH. This small church is situated in the north-west corner of Hallowell, and centers in the village, 'Cross-Roads.' Several members of the church in Readfield residing at and near this village, feel- ing that it would be for their convenience to be united in a church capacity, were by their request dismissed from that church and embodied as they desired in Dec. 1830, and numbered twenty-one members. But time has shown that what was for their convenience was not for the exten- sion of the Baptist interest.
Although able to erect for their accommodation a small house of worship, and favored with the ministry of Rev. Joseph Torrey, from 1830 to 1832; Rev. Allen Barrows, (ordained Sept. 23,) from 1834 to 1835; Rev. T. Gold- thwait, (ordained 1838,) 1838, and Rev. J. H. Ingraham 1839, and a part of the time since, its prosperity has been but a fraction more than nothing. It is now under the censure of the first church in Hallowell, for receiving her excluded members. Considerable difficulty and trial has been occasioned already by the circumstance, and what will be the issue time must reveal. It has thirty-three members.t
THIRD GARDINER. This church was organized in 1834, and in Sept. it had thirty members.t Having never had
*Min. B. and K. A. tRecords of Readfield Ch. and Min. B. A. #Rev. Mr. Piper's com.
SECOND CHURCH IN MONMOUTH-PITTSTON. 243
the advantages of a pastor, or a stated place of worship, and having to endure many trials, principally occasioned by the influence of those who are not friendly to the pros- perity of the Baptists, they have made but slow progress, and obtained but small increase. The church has been favored with occasional preaching by Baptist preachers in its community ; and Elders Cross and Bedel have bestowed upon this church a portion of their ministry at different stated periods. The church has experienced revival sea- sons, by which they have been strengthened, and encour- aged to perseverance. They are however a feeble band of disciples, and enjoy comparatively but few means of grace. Their present number is forty-nine .*
EAST MONMOUTH, or the SECOND CHURCH IN M. In 1837, a very extensive revival spread its influence from the first church over the centre of the town, and among the people in the more eastern, especially. This revival was promoted by the labors of Elders Ridley and Day, and a protracted meeting, in which Rev. J. Butler participated. To this work of the Lord this church owes its existence, and was constituted during its progress, with seven mem- bers. In Sept. this number was increased to twenty-five, and Rev. Wm. Day received the pastoral charge. The good work of the Lord continued, and in 1838 eighteen more were added to the church. Eld. Day resigned his charge in 1840, since which the church has been destitute ; had no stated ministry ; suffered a loss of members ; but is united and steadfast ; and is striving to keep the faith ; having a total of thirty-seven members.t
PITTSTON. This was constituted of members from other churches, Dec. 1840. It is located in a pleasant and grow- ing village on the east bank of the Kennebec river, oppo- site Gardiner. Aided by visiting ministers, it has made *Min. B. A. tMin. B. A.
244
BOWDOINHAM ASSOCIATION, 1804-1843.
some progress. Recently its prospects brighten, having formed a connection with the village church in Gardiner, for the support of Rev. J. W. Lawton, as pastor. Mr. L. resides in Pittston, and the new Baptist interest is reviving around him. This church has fifteen members .*
MONMOUTH CENTRE. This church was constituted in 1842, and is situated in the centre of the town, as its name indicates. Rev. S. Hinkley is its pastor. It is a small church of only ten members.+
SECOND LITCHFIELD. This church was constituted in 1843, with twenty-two members, and is increased to twenty- eight. Rev. James Ridley is their pastor .¿
SECOND LEEDS. This church is situated in the south- east corner of Leeds. Here lived a few members belong- ing to the First church in town, and for their convenience they were in July 1843, organized into a separate church, and Rev. W. Foss soon became their pastor. They have increased from twenty-seven to thirty-four members .¿
CHAPTER XIV.
BOWDOINHAM ASSOCIATION FROM 1804 TO 1843.
ALTHOUGH this Association was much reduced by the division in 1804 ; yet the next year they were greatly en- couraged by the intelligence from the churches. Extensive revivals and large additions, indicated to them that God approbated this new arrangement to promote a wider spread of gospel truth. A larger number of communicants were added to the Association than had been received in any previous year. The wants of the Maine Missionary Society received special attention, and was relieved by a contribu- tion of $150. The circular was an appropriate address
*Zion's Adv. (1841) ; B. A. tMin. B. A. #Min. B. A.
245
BOWDOINHAM ASSOCIATION, 1804-1843.
upon 'Good Works.' This theme is defined, and exhibits the views of the Baptists upon this subject. The writer says, ' By doing, we do not mean what some call ' good works,' which are done from selfish motives, to pacify a defiled conscience, or to escape future punishment ; be- cause such are no more than 'outer court' worshippers. But by doing, we mean having respect to all God's com- mandments, an obedience, which has not self at the bottom, but proceeds from faith and love.' A correspondence was now opened with Lincoln Association.
In 1806, by means of missionary and other extra labors, four new churches had been gathered and were added to the Association. And as the vineyard was extended, God raised up laborers to cultivate it. Elders Thomas Wyman, Jacob Jewell, George Ricker and Henry Kendall, had commenced their work in this gospel field. Two hundred and thirty-five dollars were raised in the Association for the aid of Missions ; but it deserves particular notice, as an interesting fact, that these servants of God did not de- pend wholly upon these outward means for success. Al- though the treasury of the Missionary Society was richly replenished, yet they felt that the blessing of God on the laborers' work was indispensable to their usefulness. It was therefore at this meeting, by a vote, recommended to the churches to observe the first day of January as a season for 'Humiliation, Fasting and Prayer.' That the particular objects of this movement might be properly understood, this recommendation was accompanied with instructions, to pray, especially ‘ for an increase of labor- ers ;' ' for the pardon of the manifold provocations of the baptized church ;' ' for the descent of the Holy Spirit upon them ;' and ' that God would send down a liberal spirit upon these baptized churches,' &c. The day was observed, and a blessing was received.
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