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 23
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*Eld. S. Fogg's Com. and Min. H. A.
tFacts gathered from Eld. C.'s Jour., 1810.
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CHURCH IN CHARLESTON.
fore Mr. Case left, Mr. Ruggles came to their assistance, and aided in organizing the church.
In May 1811, Eld. Case visited the church, and several persons who were waiting for baptism now had the privi- lege of honoring Christ in the ordinance, among whom was a Mrs. D. whose conversion was too remarkable to be forgotten. We had a relation of the circumstances con- nected with that event from herself, and so singular was the work of the Holy Spirit, that Elder Case has all the circumstances as related by her at the time, in perfect recollection. The circumstances were as follows : When but a youth, while on a party sleigh ride from Hampden to Bangor, on the river, and in a sleigh drawn by two horses, the ice gave way, and Mrs. D., with her companions, were plunged beneath the watery element, but fortunately all but the horses were saved. During this immersion of Mrs. D., her soul by the instantaneous and powerful working of the Spirit was converted to God. The rapid progress of thought and experience in this short moment, as she dis- tinctly recollects, was as she was falling, a most vivid and impressive thought of death filled her mind. This was instantly succeeded by an overwhelming consciousness of her sins, her guilt, and her just condemnation, and this with a view of the character and law of God shining in incomprehensible brightness reflecting his love and justice ; and then in a moment every energy of her soul seemed concentrated in one unyielding desire for mercy. At this instant those who escaped from the water, drew her upon the unbroken ice, when her soul was filled with love to God and Christ, and her tongue unloosed to praise his name. She says that ' she hardly thought of her temporal salvation, but with unutterable astonishment and gratitude, she beheld that glorious grace which gave her heavenly delight.' This was no delusion. Her subsequent life of piety is evidence of its reality.
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CHURCH IN BELMONT-CASTINE.
The church moved on from year to year, with influence and enlargement by the occasional labors of Elders B. Ames, P. Ruggles and B. Bisbee, and some others. In 1814, Eld. Henry Hale became its first pastor. He offi- ciated about ten years and resigned his charge, but still lives to aid the church by his counsels and prayers. Since Eld. Hale resigned, the church has had four pastors ; Eld. John Roundy, the author of this work, John Johnson and S. S. Brownson, the present incumbent. During the min- istry of the first three, the church enjoyed revivals and prospered, but not without most severe trials. These trials were most afflicting to the church during the last part of the second pastor's administration, and a few years next after his dismission ; and although after much labor they consider- ably diminished, yet, their influence have more or less af- fected the progress of the church during the ministry of each subsequent pastor. It is now, however, rising above them and making more rapid advancement, with one hun- dred and eleven members. It once numbered one hundred and sixty .*
BELMONT, (first called GREENE. ) It appears from the Min- utes of Lincoln Association, that a Baptist church was gathered in Belmont in 1809, and in 1811 it had twenty- four members. In 1819 Eld. J. Bridges was returned as pastor ; members thirty-eight. But it was dropped from the Association in 1821. In 1842 another church was organized with twenty-one members. Eld. Daniel Farn- ham was pastor in 1843. The church had increased to thirty-eight members.t
CASTINE. A church of thirteen members was gathered in Castine about the year 1812, as the fruits of migration, and the occasional preaching of missionaries and itinerant preachers. But it never prospered and soon lost its visibility.
*Gathered from the Rec., Eld. C.'s jour. and Rev. C. T. Norcross' Com. tMin. of L. and W. Asso.
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FREEDOM-2D MONTVILLE-ISLE AU HAUT.
FREEDOM, (first called BEAVERHILL.) The Baptists in Freedom were first gathered in that part of the town called " Beaverhill,' in 1805, by the labors of Eld. N. Robinson, and united with the first church in Palermo, of which Mr. R. was then pastor, (see history of that church.) In 1812 there was some revival in Palermo and Beaverhill, and for the convenience of the brethren in the latter place, they were embodied into a separate church. They had forty-six members. In 1814 Thaddeus Bailey received a license to preach and was beneficial to the church. In 1821, Elder Daniel Ricker received the pastoral charge, and labored with them till 1834, though not the pastor so long. Eld. E. Coy next aided the church for three years with a part of his ministry. Since 1833 they have had no pastor, and but a small amount of preaching. During ten years their number has decreased about one half, including some small dismis- sions to aid in the formation of other churches. Their present number is thirty-three .*
SECOND MONTVILLE. This church originated with a revival which blest the people of Montville in 1812, under the labors of Elder Job Cushman, pastor of the first church, and Wm. Davis, then a licentiate, who united with the second. In September of that year, it had thirty-three members. For nearly twenty years it was not blessed with a pastor, or many gospel privileges, consequently it enjoyed far less prosperity than the first church. Its numbers suf- fered a gradual decrease. During its existence and pro- gress, it received some ministerial aid from Eld. Simon Fuller, but its vitality was too near extinguished to be revived by the application of any outward means; and it lost its name and place among the churches in 1832.+
ISLE AU HAUT. On the Isle au Haut God revived his work in 1815, by the ministry of Eld. Samuel Allen of Deer
*Min. L. and W. Asso. tMin of L. A. and W. A., 1812 and 1831.
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SECOND CHURCH IN THOMASTON.
Isle, and a church of seventeen members was organized and put under his charge. The next year the blessing of revival was conferred upon Deer Isle, by which the church there was enlarged, and for the good of both, the two churches united in one body. This connection continued till 1838, when the branch on the Isle au Haut withdrew and joined a church on the 'Little Deer Isle.'
THIRD CHURCH IN CHINA, (first called SECOND HAR- LEM.) See history of the first church, p. 151.
SECOND THOMASTON. As the inhabitants increased in Thomaston, so increased the Baptists among them. By frequent revivals the first church became numerous and cov- ered a large territory. Owing to the distance from the west village where a large part of the members resided, and to the increasing call for their united labors in that rapidly growing place, it was deemed expedient to embody these brethren into a separate church. They therefore took their leave of the mother church, and were recognized on the 20th of January, 1816 ; Job Washburn was chosen deacon, and Hezekiah Prince, church clerk. The former afterwards became its useful pastor, and the latter render- ed during his life most efficient services to the church. Eld. S. Baker preached one Sabbath in a month till the next December. From that time to 1820, they received the occasional labors of Eld. A. Fuller and Eld. B. Ames. The following circumstance shows how this church vener- ate the christian Sabbath. The first case of exclusion was for setting fire to a brick-kiln, so as to violate the require- ments of that day.
Eld. John Wakefield received ordination by the call of this church, and labored with them as an evangelist a part of the time, about two years. In 1822 deacon Washburn was ordained as an evangelist. He was elected pastor in 1824, and continued to officiate till 1841. Under his min-
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SECOND CHURCH IN SEDGWICK.
istry the church enjoyed more than usual prosperity, and were blessed with several extensive revivals; and from strong attachment to Eld. W., on the part of many, there was some unpleasant altercation in view of his dismission. But soon the excitement passed away, and the church united in the settlement of William Lamson, who served them one year. In 1836 there was a division of this church, the circumstances of which make it an event important to the history of the Baptists in this village. By mutual agreement, that part of the church living in the east part of the village, and about the old house of worship, were organized by the name of the 'First Baptist church in West Thomaston.' For the circumstances which led the way for this division, we refer the reader to the history of that church. Eld. Washburn became a member of that new church in 1841, and has since officiated as chaplain in the State prison. A commodious, but perhaps too expen- sive house of worship had been erected in 1837. During the summer of '42, their pulpit was supplied by Rev. E. Hutchinson. In November Rev. A. Felch became their pastor, who continued one year. [Rev. L. B. Allen was their pastor in 1845.]
SECOND SEDGWICK. A part of the members of the first church in Sedgwick, living at what is called 'Sedgwick Bay,' a place some distance from the centre of the town, a separation was deemed advisable. A second church was organized in 1328 of thirty-five members. By the Lord's blessing, in a few months this number was nearly doubled. Eld. E. Pinkham was pastor from 1828 to 1832, and from 1835 to 1839; Eld. Amos Allen 1834, and Eld. L. King- man 1841, and Eld. S. M. Rice 1843. And the church has been much assisted by the occasional labors of Eld. N. of the first church .* God has frequently revived his work *John C. Tibbett's Com.
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SECOND BROOKSVILLE-MT. DESERT.
among them, so that now they are prosperous, with one hundred and eighty-seven members.
BROOKSVILLE, (first called SECOND SEDGWICK.) This church originated with the first church in Sedgwick. In the vicinity of what is now Brooksville, a number of per- sons became pious in 1816, by means of an extensive revival in Sedgwick. Forty-one were dismissed from S., who united with others in forming this church in B. It had sixty-eight members in September. Eld. A. Allen soon began to labor for their spiritual advancement, and be- came its pastor in 1818, and was their useful leader till 1833, when the church had a total of one hundred and sixty-one. He was succeeded by Eld. Ebenezer Mirick, their present pastor. And although a faithful minister of Jesus Christ, yet the church since 1834, has sustained a net loss of eight members. There have been in this period large dismissions to aid other churches. Of its members, Lemuel Norton and Noah Norton, Jr., have become min- isters. It has one hundred and eighty-three members, and enjoys moderate prosperity .*
SECOND BROOKSVILLE. During the same revival in 1816, and soon after the first church in B. was embodied, a second church was organized. The next year when it united with the Association, it numbered thirty-six, and had for its pastor, Eld. Edward Carter. This was among the unwise movements of Baptists. In 1824 the pastor became discouraged and gave up his charge, and after struggling without progress till 1833, they were dropped by the Association, and the brethren advised to unite with the first church. In 1832, they numbered twenty-two, and in 1834, fourteen united with the first church.t
MT. DESERT. The early settlement of this mountainous Island is full of interest to the historian. For particulars *Min. L. E. M. and H. Asso. tRec. of Asso.
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SECOND CHURCH IN BROOKSVILLE.
we must refer the reader to Williamson's history of Maine, vol. 1, pp. 193, 201 and 216. It was on this spot that two Jesuits, Bairde and Masse, first planted the Papal cross on the soil of Maine in 1608; and it was here that a French colony was soon after commenced and a fort of defence erect- ed. But as we have seen, the French were driven in 1613, from the Island by the colonists of Virginia-the Papal cross thrown down and another erected in honor of the Anglican Episcopacy. From this time till after the revo- lutionary war, the Island remained a desert indeed. Then commenced a permanent settlement, and soon Congrega- tionalists began to favor the people with the gospel by their missionaries, and 'previous to 1798,' they had a church on the Island.
. Previous to 1790, Elders E. Snow and Case raised the Baptist standard on the Island, and this year, a very exten- sive revival on the northern side of the Island was witnessed by them; and in 1799, a church was constituted there, now Eden .* The true light which now began to shine, soon cast its radiance over the whole Island, and Baptists multiplied in every part of the Island. But in Mt. Desert, the southern part, those who embraced their sentiments remained in the Congregational connection till 1816. This year, this part of the Island was blessed with a revival, and those who had been halting between two opinions, now decided for the Baptists, left the Congregational church, and were with others embodied into a church, consisting of fifteen members. The principal minister in this work was Eld. Bryant Lenin, who, with Eld. Case and a council, organized the church. It was a small building, but being 'fitly framed together,' it prospered, and in one year its number was more than doubled. Being destitute of a pastor, and meeting with some opposition from the church
*Eld. Case's Jour. 1799.
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CHURCH IN MONROE-APPLETON.
which some had left for 'conscience sake,' and for the truth, they experienced but few alterations for seven years. In 1821 Eld. L. Norton became pastor, and officiated six years, but his course was fruitful of trials rather than suc- cess. He was dismissed therefore in 1828, and has since became a Free-will Baptist preacher. During the next five years, the winds howled and the storms beat against the church, but its faith was not enfeebled, nor its hope with- ered. And in 1833 the anticipated blessing came in a most refreshing and extensive revival, which strengthened the church by an addition of thirty-eight members. The ability of the church was now increased, and they extended a call to Eld. Calvin L. Cary to become their pastor, who was ordained over them in July 17, 1833.
With the occupancy of their old house of worship, they had many severe trials, there being other owners in part, but now they have rest in their own new house, built in 1837. The church owns a fourth of another house in another part of the Island. Few churches have been more harmonious among themselves than this, and none more prompt in discipline. It has one hundred and thirty-one members, who are engaged in the various works of benev- olence .*
MONROE, (first called HERMON.) A church of twenty members was gathered here in 1816. Eld. R. Lambert has labored with them during two short periods. But for want of correct instruction they fell out by the way. By receiving members excluded from the church in Frankfort, they exposed themselves to the censures of the Waldo Association, and they withdrew from that body in 1836, but were restored in 1840.+ The church is still a feeble and destitute body of but twenty-two members.
APPLETON. Previous to a revival of the work of God *Rev. C. L. Cary's Com. and Min. of H. A. tMin. W. Asso,
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SECOND CHURCH IN ST. GEORGE.
in 1816, 'vice and immorality' abounded in Appleton, and but here and there a praying person could be found. This year the Lord sent his servant, Eld. John Roundy, among the people, whom the Spirit of the Lord made a messenger of mercy to many souls. Materials for a church were now prepared and brought together. The church was organized in October, consisting of twenty members. About the same time Eld. Abiathar Richardson began to preach to their edification. He was ordained their pastor in Octo- ber, 1820. The church has never been blessed with extensive revivals, but with a general prosperity. Its numerical increase has been however small, consequently they have not been able to provide for their accommodation a house of worship. In 1822 some of its members were dismissed to aid the embodiment of a church in Searsmont. Its prospects are good. It numbers forty-three members .*
SECOND ST. GEORGE. The Baptists in St. George mul- tiplied rapidly under the able and faithful ministry of Eld. Ames. For the extension of their influence and usefulness, it was judged expedient that a second church be set off from the first in 1817. It was organized in Sept. with eighty members. Till 1837, Eld. Ames officiated as pastor in both churches, preaching one half of the time with each, and God blessed his labors with wonderful success. Both churches were blessed with a revival.
In 1838, Eld. Wm. Johnson became its pastor, when both churches had a constant ministry, and both were again blessed with a refreshing from the divine presence. To the second church one hundred and fifty-one were added by baptism. Eld. Johnson continued with them about two years, and was succeeded by Eld. Alfred Lothrop, when the church was again enlarged by a revival. In 1840, its nu- merical strength was now nearly double that of the mother
*U. N. Dyer, Ch. Clk., Com. and Rec. of Min,
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CHURCH IN EDEN-PROSPECT-2D NOBLEBORO'. 309
church, In 1843, it numbered two hundred and fifty-two .*
EDEN. (See his. of Mt. Desert church). Elders Snow and Case visited this part of the Island as early as 1790. In 1799, God revived his work here under their ministry.+ A church was organized, with thirty members. In 1801, Benj. Downs became its pastor ; but his unchristian con- duct brought the church into severe trials, and for about fifteen years, they had little rest. In 1812, Eld. Lemuel Jackson endeavored to restore prosperity, and was partially successful. In 1814, Samuel Swett became pastor ; but by unchaste conduct, he brought another dark cloud over the prospects of the church, and occasioned his own dis- missal from the ministry. But notwithstanding these. disasters, the church made some progress, and sustained respectability. Sympathy and compassion were enlisted in its favor, and timely aid was afforded them. Elder Case made them frequent visits and comforted them. In 1816, Eld. Lemuel Rich preached here with some success.
In 1817, Eld. Enoch Huntting became the town's min- ister and the church's pastor. By a wise and faithful ministry, he led them forward fifteen years, and was much beloved by the people. He resigned in 1832, leaving the church in a prosperous state. Since that time they have had no pastor, and consequently their cause has been retro- grade. Members, ninety-eight .¿
PROSPECT. A church of eleven members was gathered in Prospect in 1817, by Eld. Thomas Merrill. In 1825, it was left destitute, and in 1836, the Association dropped the church, and recommended the members, twenty in all, to unite with other churches most convenient. §
SECOND NOBLEBOROUGH. Nobleborough is a town which has been highly favored of the Lord. It has been
*Rec. of the Asso. tEld. Case's Jour. #Comfort Thomas' Com. and Rec. of Asso. §Rec. of Asso .- Waldo Asso. 1836.
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SECOND CHURCH IN NOBLEBORO'.
distinguished for extensive revivals of religion. The first church under the ministry of Elder Pilsbury, increased with unusual rapidity, and its influence was felt in adjoin- ing towns. In 1819 a second church organized with four- teen members. They resided in the towns of Nobleboro', Bristol, and New Castle. Elder Manning, of Nova Scotia, preached the constituting sermon. Most of these original members have entered into ' rest.'
Elder A. Judson, from Plymouth, Mass., (father of the Missionary,) was their pastor two years. In 1823, Elder D. Dunbar, from Scotland, then from New Brunswick, became their pastor. God owned his ministry. In 1824 a very general revival added ninety to the church. Mr. Dunbar left this for another field of usefulness. Elder Winthrop Morse was their next preacher about one year, and Elder C. Blanchard became pastor in 1827. In 1832, the prospects for a general revival began to brighten, and the next year the blessing was abundantly realized. Sev- enty-five were added by baptism, as the ingathering of the harvest. Elder B. resigned in 1836, and the church was supplied till 1838, with preaching by Elders J. F. Burbank, and P. Pilsbury. Elder W. T. Sargent was pastor from his ordination, 1838, about one year ; after him they had a supply from Thos. Frost, at Thomaston. These frequent changes operated unfavorably on the general prosperity of the church, although some temporary good was done by occasional efforts. Elder H. Hawes entered on the pasto- ral office here in 1841, and has been eminently blessed in two extensive revivals. They have recently built a large and convenient meeting-house, and are progressing in the various religious enterprises, with a total of two hundred aud eighty-six members, making a net increase of one hun- dred and fifty-three since Mr. H. began to labor with them .*
*Joseph Cotter's Com., and Records of Asso.
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CHURCH IN BANGOR.
BANGOR. About the year 1780 settlements began to ap- pear along the banks of the Penobscot river, and a few families had gained a residence at the mouth of the Kendus- keag, where now is the city of Bangor. As this settle- ment increased, professors of religion also increased. The Congregationalists, who now sustain so prominent an influ- ence in the city, were the first to make religious efforts in the settlement, by their missionary, Rev. Mr. Noble, who was sent by the Legislature of Massachusetts, in 1788, to itinerate for the spiritual good of those new settlements on the Penobscot. He was succeeded by a Mr. Boyd, in 1800, and the latter by Rev. Mr. Loomis, in 1811, when a Congregational church was organized in Bangor .* It is believed that ' as early as 1802, Baptist principles were in- troduced into Bangor' The Baptists were so few, and their sentiments and religious practices so little loved by the people generally, that for several years it was thought inadvisable to organize a church. They therefore attended upon the Congregational ministry, to the support of which they ' were obliged to contribute.' In 1817 they commen- ced holding special prayer meetings at their dwelling- houses. How sure the promises of God! When his elect cry unto Him day and night, He will avenge them speedily. In November of that year, by the direction of the Maire Missionary Society, Elder Case commenced a mission in the counties of Waldo and Penobscot.t In December he visited Bangor, and finding a few hungry, thirsty, and anxious Baptists, he remained a short time with them, and by his prayers, preaching and counsels, they ' were cheered and encouraged.'
During this missionary visit, Elder C. baptized two per- sons, the first administration of the ordinance agreeably to gospel direction and example in town,t and by his advice a
*Green. Eccl. Sk. pp. 218, 219. tEld. Case's Journal, 1817.
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CHURCH IN BANGOR.
council was convened, whom he assisted in the organiza- tion of a church, the same month, consisting of eleven members, five males and six females.
At this time the population of Bangor did not exceed probably the number of one thousand, and among these was a Congregational church, and a Methodist congregation. In the aggregate, the Baptist influence was small, and their disadvantages many. ' Although the road was open for a rapid progress in the christian race, as private christians, yet as members of a visible church, they had assumed new duties, relations, and responsibilities ;' and to accomplish the work ' of their high calling,' it required much patience, perseverance, and more than all, 'living faith.' For two years they had no regular preaching, but held stated meet- ings for devotion, and had comfort among themselves. In 1819, Eld. Otis Briggs became their pastor, and aided their advancement about two years.
In 1827, feeling the inconvenience of meeting in private dwellings and in school houses, they began to desire a more suitable place of worship. But there were difficulties in the way. Their number was few, and their means inade- quate to the undertaking. But they resolved to make the trial ; nor was their attempt in vain. They found liberal friends. Among their contributors, was the late N. R. Cobb, Esq., of Boston, and the Hon. N. Brown, of Provi- dence. In 1828, the house was completed at a cost of $10,000. It is a brick edifice, fifty feet by seventy feet, and furnished with a good bell, mostly by the generous lib- erality of the late B. Bussey, Esq., and J. P. Boyd, Esq. It . occupies a central and favorable position in the city. While the work of building was in progress, God in great mercy smiled on the builders.
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