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 22
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FRANKFORT. A church of thirty-eight members was gathered in Frankfort in 1808, but owing to adverse cir- cumstances it remained nearly stationary for several years. It was not favored with much preaching, till Eld. Robert Lambert took the pastoral charge in 1821 ; nor were they blessed then with much increase till a revival in 1824, added twenty-two to their number. For several years subsequent to this work of grace, they were destitute and inactive, but by the means of occasional preaching and the untiring
*Hiram Bass's Com. and Min. Lin. Asso.
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CHURCH IN UNION.
efforts of their worthy deacons, D. and J. Perkins, its visi- bility was preserved. In 1841, their prospects brightened by the ministry of Eld. N. Adderton, who became pastor, and officiated to the close of 1842. Although but few additions were made to the church; yet the brethren be- came united and more active in the cause of God. Their present pastor, Eld. J. Hallowell, entered upon his ministry with them in 1843, and the church rejoices in hope. It is however still a small church of but thirty-seven members ; one less than its original number .*
UNION, (first called SECOND HOPE). The church in Union originated in part with the Baptists in Hope, as its original name indicates. The second church in Hope was set off from the first in 1801, and organized by Elds. Snow, Hall and Fuller. This church was located in the westerly part of the town next to the town of Union, and the Baptists in its vicinity and in Union, being increased by means of extensive revivals which prevailed in 1808, united in one body, to be called the Baptist church in Union.
They were favored with one-fourth of the labors of Eld. James Steward, for several years, and with the same amount of preaching by Eld. S. A. Flagg, in 1815. In 1816, Eld. L. Rich visited them, and was successful, under God, n awakening the energies of the church to activity, and of winning souls to Christ. The additions now made, and the spiritual zeal which now awoke, encouraged the church to build a house of worship, which was completed in 1818. This season of mercy was followed by one of trials, caused by party feelings, but the monthly labors of Eld. Rich, which were continued till 1821, saved the church from ruin. From 1822 to 1826, Elder R. was pastor. But serious difficulties prevailed in the church. Some became Universalists ; some left, being grieved, and some were excommunicated.
*Min. L. and W. Asso.
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CHURCH IN PALERMO-ORLAND.
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From 1826, for five years, they were supplied monthly by Eld. A. Richardson, of Appleton. And now, by a wise providence, things which had been hidden in a time of trial and contention, were revealed to the confusion of some, and to the encouragement of others. In 1838, the church became united and at rest from internal trials, by the labors of Eld. Simon Fuller, who, at that time, began to officiate as pastor among them. Opposition from without was strong and vehement. The most of the excluded members became Universalists, and were violent in their hostility to the church. But the church still lives and witnesses a pleasing prosperity. They now number fifty-four members, and have peace among themselves .*
PALERMO, SECOND CHURCH. This church appears in the minutes of the Lincoln Association in 1809, with twenty-two members. It was encouraged by refreshing revivals in 1811,'12 and '18 For several years the church was aided by the labors of Mr. Daniel Whitehouse, a licen- tiate, and who was ordained in 1833, and was pastor one year. In 1838 the church was greatly enlarged by a third revival. From 1840, Elder E. J. White was pastor until 1842. Mr. A. Stewart, a licentiate, was with them in 1843, and the church was a respectable body, united and prospering. Sixty-five members.t
ORLAND AND BUCKSPORT, (now ORLAND and PENOB- SCOT.) 'As early as 1784,' says Rev. Benjamin Buck, ' Mrs. Lydia Buck, a member of Eld. Smith's church, in Haverhill, Mass., moved to this then almost unbroken wilderness.' It is an interesting fact that this pious female was the natural mother or grandmother of all by the name of Buck in the town and village of Bucksport. It was first called 'Bucktown,' a name probably derived from these first settlers.
*Eld. S. Fuller's Com. and Lin. Asso. tMin. L. and W. Asso.
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FIRST CHURCH IN BELFAST.
Mrs. Buck remained firm and happy in her Baptist faith and attachments till her death, in 1793. To the influence of her faith, prayers and instructions, we are to look for the origin of those feelings of regard to Baptist principles which prevailed in this place. Mr. Jonathan Buck, one of her sons, although a member of a Congregational church, (for convenience sake) was nevertheless in princi- ple a Baptist. Many of his neighbors and brethren were united in the same society and for the same reason ; and here they remained till conscience and a conviction of duty compelled them to come out and walk agreeably to gospel order. In 1800 Josiah Colson, Joshua Coulliard, Benja- min Buck and Lydia Harriman, separated from the Con- gregationalists, and were organized by Eld. A. Cummings into a Baptist church. This was the first Baptist church in this section. In 1809 it united with the Lincoln Asso- ciation, by the name of Buckstown. By trials and difficul- ties its influence in a few years became almost lost. By the aid of a council in 1812, it was resuscitated, but not without the loss of more than half its members. In 1815 it was Orland and Buckstown ; subsequently 'Bucksport,' and still later ' Orland and Penobscot.' Benjamin Morrill and Benjaman Buck were its first deacons; the latter received a license in 1816, and was ordained its pastor in 1817. He resigned in 1818; since which the church has been destitute of stated preaching. It has experienced some seasons of mercy, the most distinguished were in 1843, which increased its number of members to one hun- dred and five .*
BELFAST, FIRST CHURCH. This church is situated in the pleasant village in Belfast, at the head of Penobscot Bay, and on the south side of Belfast river, first called by the natives, 'Passagasawakeag,' a name signifying the *Eld. B's Com and Min. of L. and H. A.
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FIRST CHURCH IN BELFAST.
' land of sights or ghosts.' The Congregationalists plant- ed their standard here about the year 1796,* and gained a strong power of influence over the place.
The first efforts in behalf of a Baptist interest were made in 1809 by Eld. Case. In June he made his first visit with a view to assist the few Baptists who had gained a resi- dence in town, in securing to themselves gospel privileges. At his advice arrangements were made to organize a church, and on the 30th of July the organization took place, and Eld. Case baptized three persons; and two of them, with others, were embodied into a church. 'The principal motive for doing this,' says J. McCrillis, one of their present deacons, 'was the religious condition of the community,' which, 'for a new place was as immoral as most any place,' and ' little or no vital religion characterized the old Congregational church.' Soon after the church was or- ganized, a Baptist society was formed to aid their cause, but having no regular place for worship, and preaching but very irregularly, the church for several years remained about stationary, and at length lost its visibility. During this struggle with opposing influences, they were assisted suc- cessively by Elders Chase, Pinkham and Wagg, each laboring occasionally for stated periods. But the day for their prosperity had not arrived. In 1818 a new church was organized with seventeen members, and Elder J. Wagg minister. Mr. W. labored with them about two years, but with little success. He was succeeded in the ministry by Eld. Joshua Eveleth, and by his labors the church en- joyed a pleasing prosperity. A brighter day now began to dawn upon the church. In 1826 Elder N. Hooper became pastor. About this time they became able to provide them- selves with a convenient house of worship, in which they enjoyed seasons of devotion without annoyance. In 1833
*Green. Eccl. his. p. 167.
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CHURCH IN HAMPDEN.
their present commodious house was dedicated to God. From the first this new church has enjoyed some annual prosperity, but recently it has progressed in the cause more rapidly.
From the close of Eld. Hooper's ministry in 1827, the church were ten years without a pastor. In 1836 and '37, they experienced severe trials from internal causes. While without a pastor, they were assisted by Eld. J. Hall from 1827, two years ; Eld. White a few weeks; Eld. H. Seaver from 1831, about two years; Eld. H. Kendall in the win- ters of 1833 and734 ; Eld. Wm. Day from 1835, about two years ; Eld. Kendall again a short time, under whose la- bors their trials were greatly removed; Eld. Harris in the winter of 1828. S. G. Sargent was ordained to the pas- toral charge over them .in June, 1838. Under his labors the church has had many refreshing seasons. In 1840 a very pleasing revival was enjoyed, and in 1843, a still more general work, bringing into the church a large harvest. This church, which began with a small number and with few to care for its interests, now claims equal rank and re- spectability with the first religious societies in that pleasant village. In 1840 it originated the second church in Bel- fast. Present number one hundred and seventy-four .*
HAMPDEN. The territory now Hampden, was called by the Indians, 'Sowerdabocook.'t A Mr. Wheeler was the first white man to settle here. He entered this wilderness about 1777, and the settlement which was soon gained, re- ceived the name 'Wheelersborough.' About the same time settlements were opened in Bangor, Orrington, and Frankfort; and in 1788, missionaries of a Puritan faith began to visit these places ; and in 1800 a Congregational church was organized of members residing in these several places. It was not however till 1816 that they organized
"Dea. J. M'Crillis' Com. and Min. W. A. tGreen. Eccl. his. p. 218.
292
CHURCH IN HAMPDEN.
a church in Hampden. Baptists began to make some united efforts in this town about the year 1809, when a small church of twelve members was organized. The same year their number was doubled. For several years they obtained a small annual increase, though not exempt from opposition. Dea. David Vose, one of the original number, rendered them great service in these times of their extremity. Eld. Case occasionally visited them as a mis- sionary. In 1820, Eld. Otis Briggs took the pastoral charge. Mr. Briggs was much occupied in the Academy, of which he was the Principal several years ; yet he was a rich bless- ing to this church, particularly in guarding it against the influence and opposition of other sentiments.
In 1828, a second church in Hampden was formed, and of this Mr. Briggs became pastor, leaving the old one des- titute. For the next four years they had preaching but a part of the time, and by several ministers, but union and prosperity attended them.
In 1833, Eld. Hervey Hawes became their pastor, and preached with this and with the second church, alternately, each receiving one half of his labors. With his ministry commenced a most signal revival, which increased in two years, each church by large additions. Prosperity contin- ued with Mr. H.'s labors ; and in 1836 they completed a neat and convenient brick house for the worship of God. About this time a singular train of providences introduced a series of the most heart-rending trials, which for a season paralyzed almost every effort of the church and pastor. After much labor to extricate the church from these dis- tresses, with but little success, Eld. Hawes, in 1837, re- signed his pastoral charge, and the next year retired from the field. Since that time the church has had three pas- tors, Elders J. Boyd, T. B. Robinson, and A. Joy. Mem- bers sixty-nine.
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CHURCH IN WHITEFIELD-DIXMONT.
WHITEFIELD, (formerly Second Church). In 1808 and 1809, there was an extensive revival experienced in the town in connection with the efforts of the 'old church.' Eld. John King, a member of that church, and ordained as an evangelist in 1807, preached with success in that part of the town where this church exists. In 1809, he baptized several persons there, and on the 13th of March, a church was organized at the dwelling-house of Mr. James Preble, with nine members. Clement Moody was chosen deacon, who still lives to discharge the duties of that office.
This church has never had a pastor, or meeting-house. Yet it has called into the ministry Elds. Wm. Bowler and Robert Lambert ; and while in the church, they were very useful to its prosperity Elds. J. Still and M. Lane, have also preached to their benefit. Says Dea. Moody, ' we have had many seasons of mercy, and many severe and painful trials ; but we have stood.' It is still a small, destitute and hyper-Calvinistic church, of forty-seven members. It has some prosperity this year, by the ministry of Elder E. J. White .*
DIXMONT. A Baptist church was gathered in Dixmont, in 1810. Elder John Chadbourne was their first pastor. In Sept. of that year it had thirty-eight members. Elder C. was their pastor two years, and then Eld. Gideon Cook took the charge, and officiated till 1815, with some success
There was some revival in 1816 ; Eld. Chadbourne was then supplying them. From 1818, the church had but occasional preaching, and in 1824 some revival. Elder Chadbourne was again received as pastor in 1827
In 1831, Eld. Chadbourne was removed by death. The same year Eld. Reuben S. Mitchell was ordained to minis- ter for the church, who continued little more than three years ; since, they have had occasional preaching. In 1842, *Min. L. and D. Asso.
294
CHURCH IN CHERRYFIELD.
Eld. C. P. St. Clair devoted one half of his efforts to their benefit. In 1843, they were destitute and forgetful of their doctrines. They have a total of forty-four members .*
CHERRYFIELD, (first called FIRST STEUBEN). The town of Cherryfield began to be settled about 1760, and was soon called Steuben, but incorporated by its present name. The religious views of the first settlers were Congregational. Not having preaching of any kind for many years, the moral character of the people degenerated. The first preacher who visited them was Rev. E. Snow, in 1787. Others soon followed, and the people had occasional preach- ing, but the morals of the place were but little improved, till about 1796, when some were hopefully converted to God. During the winter of this year, the people of Colum- bia and Addison experienced some revival under the minis- try of Elders J. Young and J. Murphy. In March, some eight or ten of the youth of Cherryfield attended a confer- ence meeting in Addison, at which place the Spirit of the Lord met them, and all but one were awakened. Now a ' Macedonian cry' was heard in C., and Eld. Young came and preached Christ to the people, and many souls were gathered to the Saviour in a revival which followed these events. In July, a church was organized by the name of ' First Steuben,' and J. C. Todd, one of the first who were baptized, was elected deacon. In August, Eld. Case visit- ed the place and baptized several more and added them to the church. Eld. Murphy was soon made its pastor, but seeing but little prosperity, he resigned his charge in 1800.
The next ten years the church had no pastor, but receiv- ing some ministerial aid by the occasional visits of Elders Case, Snow and H. Hale, it made some advancement. And in 1805, it enjoyed some revival, chiefly by the efforts of Eld. Hale. Eld. Case baptized most of the converts, a
*Min. L. and W. Asso.
295
CHURCH IN STEUBEN.
short time after. Their next and successful pastor was Eld. N. Robinson, whose labors began in 1810 and closed in 1821. This was a period of general and pleasing pros- perity. Since the termination of Eld. R.'s labors with this church, it has received the pastoral labors of Elders Phinehas Bond from 1825 to 1831; Wilson C. Rider from 1834 to 1836; E. W. Garrison from 1836 to 1838; and the author of these sketches, from 1838 to 1843. When destitute of a pastor, the church has been supplied by Elders Garrison, Harris and Fogg, and when no supply could be obtained, the cause has been greatly aided by the untiring efforts of the aged and worthy deacon, Elisha Small. During the ministry of these pastors the church has advanced, being blessed with seasons of special revival. The first church in Harrington owes its existence to this church. The principal troubles which have disturbed their peace and checked their progress have been occasioned by the instability of some of its members. Its present number is ninety-eight .*
STEUBEN, (first called SECOND STEUBEN.) The first religious movements in Steuben were made by a Mr. Whitney, a Free-will Baptist, and a small church was gathered here by his efforts. But its visibility was soon lost. As early as 1785, Elder E. Snow appeared as the first Baptist preacher among them. By his instructions the people received more correct views of the gospel, and the pious among them became Baptists. He organized a church in 1796, but having no .preaching, and being few and much scattered, their light in a few years was nearly extinguished. In 1805 Elder Hall came to their assistance. In 1806 Eld. Case was instrumental in the extension of the work. Many were baptized by him and added to the church. The journal of Eld. C. furnishes the following *Ch. Records.
296
FIRST CHURCH IN TRENTON.
account of a baptismal season : ' As I was under the neces- sity of leaving, and some wished to be baptized before I left, we were obliged to attend to the ordinance at sunrise. And, although it was a cold morning in January, it was a pleasant and refreshing season. No inconvenience from the cold was experienced, but so happy were we that we sang praises to God before we retired from the icy water.' From 1810 to 1821, this church received one half of the use- ful ministry of Eld. N. Robinson, pastor of the first church in Steuben. During the first year of his labors the church enjoyed a powerful revival, and was enlarged to seventy-one members; yet it has since gradually diminished, till it has become a feeble band of twenty-eight members. It has received the occasional ministry of Elders Johnson, Buck, and F. Brown, a licentiate .*
TRENTON, FIRST CHURCH. Previous to any religious organization in Trenton, the people had some occasional preaching by travelling ministers. Their character was distinguished for morality and their views of religion were 'Calvinistic.' In 1808 and '09, they were blessed with a revival of religion by the ministry of Elder D. McMaster, a licentiate, and on the 27th of June, Elder Jason Liver- more collected the disciples and organized a church of eight members. The gracious work continued till the church numbered twenty-one members.
In 1816, the labors of Elders J. Cushman, D. McMas- ter, and B. Buck, were signally blessed to the conversion of sinners here and the enlargement of the church. Be- tween this time and 1824, the church passed through a season of perplexity and trial, occasioned principally by the imprudence of a man belonging to the 'Christian Band.' He sowed the seeds of discord, stirred up strife, and thereby interrupted the peace of the church. But God did not
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297
CHURCH IN SULLIVAN.
forsake them. In 1824, by His blessing on the labors of Elder Cushman, a revival was experienced, fellowship was again restored, and the church enlarged.
On the 12th of June, 1828, their present pastor, Elder John King, was inducted into that sacred office by ordina- tion. God has made him a rich blessing.
In 1832, a most glorious revival enlarged this church. Their house of worship was erected in 1833. God has called into the ministry, from this church, John King, James Gillpatrick, Francis Desisles, and George Gordon. The second and third churches in that town have been set off from it, yet it has one hundred and twenty-eight members.
SULLIVAN. As early as 1799, Elder Case visited Sulli- van, and preached a few times at 'Salt-water Falls.'* He says : 'I found but few established christians, and the people generally careless. In 1801, a small Congregational church was organized, but it has never risen to exert much influ- ence.t From this time till 1810, Elder Case performed missions through this eastern country almost annually, visiting this and other settlements, laying the foundation for Baptist churches. This year, 1810, when he arrived in Sullivan, he says he found 'the work of the Lord.' This revival was in connexion with the labors of Elder J. Cushman. Elder Case had the privilege of baptizing the converts, and of assisting in the organizing of the church, March 21, with twelve members. Moses Butler was chosen clerk, and April 22d, Elder D. McMaster received a call to become pastor, and was ordained over the church the 16th of May. His ministry was blessed to the immediate enlargement of the church, and for six years the church prospered under his labors. 1816 was a glorious year for this church. About seventy souls were added as the fruits
*Eld. Case's Journal. +Green. Eccl. sk. p. 165.
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CHURCH IN SULLIVAN.
of a revival. But this bright day was soon darkened by clouds. A series of painful events occurred, which af- fected the character and influence of the pastor, the church, and Elder A. Cummings, who labored some with them. The difficulties occasioned a division, and the organization of a minority into a separate church. But God did not build the house, and it soon fell.
By the assistance of Elder D. Merrill, in 1818, the church resumed its former standing. Elder Cummings was exhonorated from blame in the difficulties, and Elder McMaster was restored to the pastoral charge. But their trials were not ended. In 1822, the storm again arose. Elder McMaster, who it seems had been in fault, was now censured, on account of which he resigned his place in the church, and the members offending with him, saw their inconsistency and confessed their wrongs. From this time the church, like Israel, when their ways pleased the Lord, could strike their tents and go forward. They now began to see days of prosperity.
Having no pastor, they secured a portion of the ministry of Elder William Johnson, from 1822, three or four years. After him, Elder B. Buck became pastor in 1826, and was useful to them for three years. In 1826, the church united with others in erecting a house of worship, a procedure by no means favorable to their prosperity. Another ex- tensive revival cheered and enlarged the church in 1831. But as in the former instance, this was immediately suc- ceeded by painful trials, occasioned by the immoral con- duct of Elder J. Darling, for which he was deposed from the ministry. The church then had rest.
Richard Y. Watson, who had received ordination at Fayette, his native place, in 1829, became pastor of this church in 1834. Since that time the church has enjoyed continued prosperity, and been enlarged by repeated revi-
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299
CHURCH IN CHARLESTON.
vals. At present Elder Watson preaches with this and the church in Hancock, being pastor of both. It has furnished for the ministry one of its members, Rev. John Johnson, and originated, by dismissions, a second church in Sulli- van, and the church in Franklin, and has a present number of one hundred and sixteen members .*
CHARLESTON. The first settlement in Charleston was made in 1800. Elder Case, while performing a mission in Penobscot county, visited Charleston in 1810, where he found a few pious persons.t Elder P. Ruggles had antici- pated his visit by some occasional preaching ; but the work of laying the foundation and erecting the church was re- served for Elder Case. On his first visit he did little more than to explore the field. A Mr. Jameson and wife were the only Baptists then in Charleston. On his second visit, the same year, Mr. Case says, he 'intended only to spend the night.' But by the earnest entreaty of Mr. James Norcross, then a Methodist, but afterwards a worthy deacon in the Baptist church, he consented to return to Charleston, after fulfilling some appointments previously made in other places. He did so. It was Friday evening, and in con- versation with Mr. Norcross, he perceived that he was convinced of his errors, from the following questions and answers which passed : Mr. Norcross asked, 'What do you think about gathering a Baptist church here ?' Mr. Case replied, 'that he did not know as there were suitable ma- terials.' Mr. Norcross then said, with strong confidence in God, and with tears in his eyes, 'I believe there will be.' Mr. Case replied, 'according to thy faith be it unto thee. Mr. Case began to labor, and the Holy Spirit began to work; and the two following Sabbaths persons were bap- tized, among whom were James and Jesse Norcross. Be-
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