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 25
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At its second anniversary in 1806, this body rejoiced in view of the gradually extending prospects of their cause in this new part of the State, but they mourned over the low state of their churches. The churches, 'Unity,' ' Co- lumbia' and ' Bluehill,' were added. It was recommended to the churches to observe in concert with the Bowdoin- ham Association, the first day of January, as a season of Fasting and Prayer, for special blessings. The only mis- sionary operations as yet commenced by this body was that of voluntary supplies.
Four new churches, Northport, Montville, Carmel and Surry, were added in 1807, and several ministers entered this new field; some by ordination, and others from other parts of the State. There was evidence that their cause was acquiring a more extended influence.
The anniversary in 1808, was an unusually interesting session. Elder Pilsbury, in the circular, says : ' that unan- imity which prevailed during our present session, that one-
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fu
327
LINCOLN ASSOCIATION.
ness of soul which possessed our breasts, together with the soul reviving intelligence in your letters, almost overcome us, and constrained us to cry out, 'Truly, what hath God wrought : God is good to Israel.' The days of Fasting and Prayer continued in the churches were not in vain. Most extensive revivals had enlarged the churches, and ten new ones were received at this meeting, with an increase of ministers. Their success encouraged them to press on to victory, believing that truth would finally rise in holy triumph over error and darkness.
From 1809 to 1818, the Baptists in this Association met with some opposition, and were guilty of short seasons of declension and inactivity ; but generally were devoted to the cause of God, and obtained extensive prosperity, and a wider spread of influence. Twenty-five churches were brought into union with the Association, some of which, however, had existed several years previous, and the body was increased by an addition of about two thousand mem- bers. Nor was their zeal, their benevolence, their confi- dence of success, and their spiritual power increased less than their numerical strength.
The years 1815, '16 and 17, were distinguished for extensive revivals, and large additions to many of the churches by baptism. During these years, therefore, things that had withered by declension were revived, and things hat were scattered, were gathered together. The solitary places were made glad, the barren heath put on a beauti- ful blooming.
As the churches multiplied, and the field enlarged, God raised up ministers and pastors to take charge and to cul- ivate it. In 1817 this Association was blessed with the ac- ive labors of thirty-four ordained ministers and five licen- iates. A missionary spirit and zeal characterized their movements. The system of voluntary supplies was con-
328
LINCOLN ASSOCIATION.
tinued till 1811, and in 1812 a Missionary Society was organized to aid the destitute within the limits of the Association, and the churches were requested to raise ' one cent a month from each member,' to aid the design of the society, and some of the churches entered into the work, and for some years fully met the expectation of the Asso- ciation, while others were delinquent. In the Foreign Missionary cause the Association moved simultaneously, and liberally with their brethren in the State. In 1815, ' The Female Cent Society,' to aid Foreign Missions, was created in the bosom of the Association. This society has done much for the cause by their weekly contribution of 'one cent' severally.
During this period also, many questions were examined and disposed of which were considered of importance to the union and welfare of the denomination, and the cause of God generally. In 1813, the Association decided by vote, ' that it is expedient that a council be called by the churches to depose an Elder from, or restore him to office.' In regard to the formation of the pastoral connection, the Association gave as their united opinion, that 'whenever a regular ordained minister in our order shall enter into an agreement with any of our churches to be their teacher, he is considered by us as their stated minister or pastor ;' and as regards the baptizing and ordaining persons from a Pedo- baptist connection, this body of Baptists say : ' that ordi- nations administered in that church which by principle practise the baptizing of the impenitent, confer no author- ity upon any who may be afterward baptized and joined to the kingdom of God, which does and always has received the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.' The observance of the first day of January as an annual season for Fasting and Prayer, was still continued
t
329
LINCOLN ASSOCIATION.
in the churches. In 1812, the fourth day of July was set apart for the same purpose.
In 1817 it was proposed to divide the Association, which proposition was referred to the churches, to be by them decided at the next anniversary. By their request, there- fore, the body was divided in 1818, by setting off the churches east of Penobscot river, to form a separate con- nection. The number set off for this purpose was thirteen, with their pastors and ministers. At this meeting, (1818) the Association gave public notice that the selling of ardent spirits near the place of the annual meeting of this body at the time of its sessions, is hereafter peremptorily disal- lowed .*
With the year 1818, terminates the first period in the history of this Association. The extent of territory occu- pied, the long distance from the extremes to the centre, to be travelled over by the churches at these extremes, and the existence of several churches beyond them, who, by distance, were deprived of Associational privileges, occa- sioned a division in 1818. This division originated the Eastern Maine Association, composing the churches in the counties of Hancock and Washington, and all east of the Penobscot river.
By this movement thirteen churches were dismissed, leaving in the Association forty-six to carry forward the work in Lincoln, Waldo and Penobscot. These forty-six churches numbered two thousand four hundred and seven- ty-nine communicants, who were aided, instructed and comforted by the ministry of nineteen ordained and four licensed ministers. With these churches and ministers, we now enter upon a second period in their history. This period will bring us down to the second division of this body in 1825.
*Gathered from the Minutes of the Association.
330
LINCOLN ASSOCIATION.
Between 1818 and 1825, the Association made consid- erable advancement, and in its advisory capacity transacted much important business relating to the interests of the Baptists.
At their anniversary in 1819, the following important regulation was by a vote of the Association, recommended for the observance of the churches : 'Voted, when mem- bers of one church move into the vicinity of another, and do not join it, nor walk with the church to which they belong, they are to be disciplined; and, when members remove and no information is received from them, they are subject to discipline ; and, when members are dismissed to join another, it shall be their duty to give information that they have been received.' At their meeting in 1822, the ' Monthly Concert' to pray for success in missionary ef- forts-to establish 'Sabbath Schools,' and to patronize the 'Waterville Intelligencer,' and 'Baptist Magazine,' were subjects recommended to the attention of the churches, and in 1823, it was agreed ' to petition the Legislature to exempt ministers of the gospel in the State from taxation.' During this period the usual days of Fasting and Prayer were continued, and God prospered the churches, as will be seen by the rise and progress of the churches which appeared within its limits, and by the general increase of all the older churches.
The Association was not enlarged (1823) by the addi- tion of any church this year ; but in 1824 it received into fellowship the churches, Waldoboro' and Albion.
With 1825 closes the second period in the history of this body. The progress of the Baptist cause in Penobscot County had given to the Association an extent of territory of about one hundred miles from North to South. For the convenience therefore of the brethren in that County, seven churches and five ministers were set off to form a sep-
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LINCOLN ASSOCIATION.
arate organization. Notwithstanding this reduction, there yet remained forty-eight churches and twenty-five ministers and two thousand six hundred and fifty-nine communicants, to cultivate the field already possessed, and to assist in ex- ploring and in gaining possession of fields yet unoccupied.
Within this second period three Foreign Missionary So- cieties, auxiliary to Baptist Board of Foreign Missions, were formed within the limits of this body ; the Lincoln, Damariscotta and Waldo. Each of these societies took under its supervision, a definite section, and was the medi- um of communication between that Board and the churches included in its limits. This was a wise and successful arrangement.
In 1827, measures were taken to raise what was denom- inated a ' Ministerial Fund.' The object of this fund is to provide for the comfort of aged, infirm and indigent minis- ters, whose energies have been expended in the cause of God, and for the relief of widows of deceased ministers. In 1828 the attention of the churches was directed to some of the various benevolent and religious movements in the christian world; to the Missionary, the Tract, the Bible, Temperance, the Sunday School cause .* Also, to Zion's Advocate, a paper about to be published in Portland, by A. Wilson, for the Baptists. In 1829 it was recommended that the churches adopt the principle of 'Total Absti- nence' from all intoxicating drinks. Several new churches united with this. Association during this period, and the number of ministers was increased. The year 1828 was a memorable period in this body. It was remarkable for extensive revivals in the churches, and for the increase of a benevolent and missionary spirit. The churches in Waldo County, seventeen in number, with ten ministers, were set off this year to form the Waldo Association.
*In 1829, a society was formed to secure a Ministerial Fund, called the Lincoln Baptist Benevolent Society.
332
LINCOLN ASSOCIATION.,
In 1829 this body voted respecting excluded members, ' that it is by no means agreeable to gospel order, to admit to speak or pray, when their exclusion is founded upon immoral conduct.' In 1830 the first church in Whitefield, on account of some peculiar views and practices, contrary to those of the Association, was dropped from its connection.
In 1831, a spiritual declension commenced, which re- sulted in a drought that dried up and withered the spiritual life and energy of the churches. The calamity became general in 1833. But in 1834, there were some small showers of mercy on a few branches of this body, but soon the scorching heat of a summer drought, again wasted the pious activity and prosperity of these bodies. In 1838 springs began again to break forth in this desert, and the thirsty hills were refreshed with rain and dew, and nearly five hundred communicants were added to the Association, but the more copious showers and the more full streams were reserved until 1842. This year more than eight hundred baptisms were witnessed as the fruits of general revivals in these churches.
During these changes, however, missionary enterprises were promoted, and at the annual meetings of the Asso- ciation, resolutions favoring objects of benevolence and charity, and others opposing heterodoxy, infidelity, war, slavery and intemperance, were adopted. In their circular addressed to the churches in 1840, the views of the Bap- tists in this body on the subject of ' Close Communion,' are expressed and defended. The circular was from the pen of Eld. Kalloch, of Thomaston. He gives his readers a definition of the qualifying term close, as follows : 'The term close is here used to qualify communion ;' 'it implies that none but members of the visible church are qualified to participate in the 'Lord's Supper,' it being an ordinance of the church.'
C
a
333
LINCOLN ASSOCIATION.
This Association at its third division, commenced op- erations with twenty-five churches. At the annual meet- ing in 1842, it contained thirty-five, when a fourth division was made, by making the Waldoboro' river the principal separating line. Those churches west of this river were to be organized into a new Association. During this period several new churches were organized, mostly in places where the Baptists had exerted an influence for some previous years. They are therefore as new shoots from the old vines.
In 1843, the Lincoln Association contained nineteen churches ; nineteen ordained ministers, and two hundred and fifteen communicants. It was increased that year by an addition of nearly four hundred. It is an efficient, in- fluential and benevolent body.
LINCOLN ASSOCIATION ... TABULAR VIEW.
ORGANIZED 1805.
CHURCHES IN 1843.
When const.
Orig. No.
Baptized.
Letter.
Restored.
Dismissed.
Expelled.
Died.
Dropped
Lost.
Gained.
Whole No.
Present No.
Ist Thomaston,
1784|47 664
41 |45 224:222 92|
41
1705|208
1st St. George,
1783 26 585
27 50 253, 143 61
11|638 243
Hope,
1795 11
260
51
23
94 115:41
322
95
Friendship and Cushing,
1800 137
382
25
15
169
58|37
85
444|110
Warren,
1800 14
487
41
5 110
73 60
19
542
285
Islesboro',
1791
*
227
11
1
49
50 27
17 239
116
Vinalhaven,
1804
*
286
15
10
69
62 36
7
13
301
124
Matinicus, (reorgan'd '43)
1808 16
26
4
11
9
9
42
9
1st Camden,
1808
25
149
16
5
24
58;
15
20
72
2d Camden,
1808 14
132
48
3
52
28 20
15
112
Union,
1801
21
135
24
10
49
44 25
18
180
54
2d Thomaston,
1816
30
228
93
9
132
46 29
6
251 147
Appleton,
1816
20
76
16
5
24
36
16
2
112
43
2d St. George,
1817 80
1303
42 32
44
88
50
23
425 252
3d Thomaston,
1833 38
338
106
14
35
38
23
482 400
1st West Thomaston Vill.
1836|57
70
23
11
30
11
9
3
150
108
Cushing,
1842 98
2
1
4
1011
97
3d Camden,
1842|13
20| 20
3d St. George,
|1842 30
11
3
33 33
562
3883
587
239
4359
1183
444
17
191
46
5371
12528
*Unknown.
-
2
5!
190 194
334
DAMARISCOTTA ASSOCIATION.
DAMARISCOTTA ASSOCIATION.
This was the name taken by the churches set off from the Lincoln Association in 1842. Its first anniversary was held at Whitefield, Oct. 4, 1843. It then contained seventeen churches; seventeen ordained ministers, and two thousand one hundred and thirty-five communicants. One church was received at that meeting, and their table shows three hundred and one additions by baptisms. Under these cir- cumstances this Association began its progress, and is not less powerful, useful, or benevolent, than the Lincoln.
SOUTH WHITEFIELD. This church owes its existence to the second church in Whitefield. It was organized in 1843, with fifteen members dismissed from that church. They have sixteen members. Elder W. Bailey is pastor, are united and persevering, and anticipate by the grace of God to prosper .*
DAMARISCOTTA ASSOCIATION. ... TABULAR VIEW.
ORGANIZED 1843.
CHURCHES IN 1843.
When const.
Orig. No.
Baptized.
Letter.
Restored.
Dismissed.
Expelled.
Died.
Lost.
Gained.
Whole No.
Present No.
Bristol & Miscongus,
1792|19
84
21 31
1st Nobleborough,
1793 12
630 17
22
204
99 51
28
659 296
Woolwich,
1800 16
168
11
1
61
34
29
4
196
76
1st Jefferson,
1807 75
405
31
12
69
62 63
14
511 315
2d Jefferson,
1807
33
185
121
8
8
21
48
15
15
138
47
2d Nobleboro'
1819|14
362
34
10
44
29
38
28
400
286
New Castle and Alna,
1822 26
73
29
2
42
14
8
128
57
Waldoboro',
1824|13
186
35
2
14
7
16
7 244 216
3d Jefferson,
1825
22
76
13
8
17
15
9
111
78
2d Whitefield,
1828 11
156
11
8
49
24 21
18
185
81
N. Ch. Whitefield,
1832
29
13
3
12
2
1
15
45
14
Patricktown Plantation,
1835
18
41
13
2
9
3
8
72
66
Washington,
1835
12
52
21
4
1
1
10
85
70
3d Nobleborough,
1836
54
65
8
2
8
9
51
2 127
109
Damariscotta Mills,
1841
38
1!
39
39
So. Ch. Whitefield,
1843 15
1
16| 16
417
2759
289
78
518
418
309
7
205
25
4363
2572
*Dam. Asso.
W
th
P
to
C
t
19
9
52
34
24
7 23
237|116
1st Whitefield,
1809
9
1820 12
246
33
4
17
6
9
42 14
291
221
Wiscasset,
4| 89| 46
12|23|31
Dropped.
CHAPTER XVII.
EASTERN MAINE ASSOCIATION.
Whole period of its existence 16 years from 1818 to 1834; then yielded its name to two Associations, one to be called Hancock, the other Wash- ington.
THIS ASSOCIATION was first organized at Bluehill, on the 12th of Nov. 1818. Eld. N. Robinson preached on the occasion, Isaiah, 61 : 1. In this body the Baptists in the counties of Hancock and Washington, and all east of the Penobscot river, united. It originally was composed of twelve churches previously dismissed from the Lincoln. Their first anniversary was in Steuben, Oct. 1819; three churches were added at that time. This body occupied this entire field till 1834, when the churches had become numerous and some of them large, and the distance from one extreme of territory occupied to the other, was so great that a division of the Association was deemed expe- dient ; and by unanimous agreement, the Eastern Maine Association was dissolved, and the next year the present Hancock and Washington Associations were organized.
During the existence of the Eastern Maine Association, the Baptists in this section of the State moved on pros- perously. As we have seen it commenced with twelve churches, and these churches were assisted by nine ordain- ed ministers. A correspondence was, at its first meeting, opened with Lincoln and Bowdoinham Associations in Me., with New Brunswick and Nova Scotia; also, with the Baptist Board of Foreign Missions; and it was recom- mended to the churches to raise twelve and a half cents on a member for Domestic Missions.
'The domestic welfare of these churches received the
336
EASTERN MAINE ASSOCIATION.
attention of the Association, and five hundred copies of Dr. Fuller's letter on discipline, was distributed among them. This was in 1820. From the prevailing spiritual declension in all this eastern country, it was recommended that the churches observe a season of Fasting, Humilia- tion and Prayer, for the revival of the work of the Lord; and that they raise one cent a month on a member for Do- mestic Missions. Their prayers were heard, and in 1822, God revived his work in several of these churches. The next year the Association entered upon a train of means to establish a fund for the widows of deceased Baptist minis- ters. The churches were requested to give their attention to the expediency of requiring their members upon a removal, to take letters of dismission, and to the cause of temperance.
In 1826, it was certified to the Association, that some of the churches were remiss in many important duties, such as to attend regularly upon the Lord's supper, to keep up family prayer, and render their aid in support of the gospel. Whereupon, the Association recommended ' stated seasons for communion ;' that means be employed 'to remedy the evil of neglecting family prayer,' and that all who refuse their 'equal burden' in support of the ministry, 'be dis- ciplined by gospel rule.'
Instead of the usual list of resolutions, the following vote was passed : 'That we highly appreciate the importance of Bible, Missionary and other Benevolent operations at the present day. Waterville College and Zion's Advocate re- ceived the cordial approbation of this body, and simultan- eously with other Associations, these churches began to promote the interests of Sunday Schools.
The year 1833, God wrought wondrous things amidst these churches. Multitudes by his grace were brought from darkness to light, which increased the number of
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CHURCH IN EASTPORT.
communicants in the Association by four hundred, and in 1834, by three hundred and two by baptism. This gave to the Association thirty-eight churches, nineteen ordained ministers, seven licentiates, and three thousand two hundred and nine members.
During these years the churches had prospered, and had fellowship with each other at their communions. Much business for Zion's interests had been transacted, and much good for souls had been accomplished within her borders. Bible and Tract Society, Male and Female Missionary Societies, Temperance Societies, and Sabbath Schools, were encouraged by this Association.
CHAPTER XVIII.
The churches which composed the Eastern Maine Association,-East- port ; Gouldsboro'; Deer Isle; Columbia and Addison; Penobscot ; Swan Island ; Jonesboro' and Addison ; Lubec ; Mariaville; Cutler ; 2d Sullivan ; Hancock ; Franklin ; Addison ; 2d Bluehill ; 2d Sedgwick ; Ellsworth ; Dennysville; Charleston ; Cooper; 2d Mariaville; Calais ; Harrington ; Branch Pond; Reed's Brook, and East Machias.
EASTPORT. Eastport is on 'Moose Island.' This lies in the mouth of the river St. Croix, and is the most eastern land belonging to Maine, or on the coast. It was settled at an early period, but not incorporated till 1798; and in 1818, it contained one thousand five hundred and eleven inhabitants. The first settlers were of no particular religious sentiments, and no united efforts were made to evangelize them previous to 1796. The Baptists were among the first to raise the gospel standard. Their first movements, says my informant, Mr. C. Hayden,* son of the late deacon C.
*C. Hayden Ch. Clk.
333
CHURCH IN EASTPORT.
Hayden, of the Baptist church, 'is involved in much ob- scurity.'
It appears that in 1794, Eld. J. Murphy, a licentiate from a Baptist church in Nova Scotia, commenced preach- ing on the Island. The few resident Baptist professors were quickened, and 'it is believed that some few persons were converted under his labors, and by him it is supposed that the first baptism in town was administered.' In Jan. 1796,' says Mr. H., ' a number of persons, part Baptists and part Pedo-baptists, formed themselves into a church under the lead of Eld. E. Manning, of New Brunswick. But this body soon fell to decay.' ' Afterwards,' continues Mr. H., ' a number covenanted together in the form of a church, and agreed to support a Mr. Gooch, as their min- ister.' This body also soon died.
A remark from Elder Case, who visited the Island about this time, will throw some light on these movements .* ' Several years before I visited this people,' says Eld. C., ' some were converted under the labors of Eld. Murphy, but for want of correct gospel instruction, they embraced erro- neous opinions respecting the ordinances of Christ.' 'I found among them one Mr. Gooch, who professed to be a preacher of the gospel, but denied and opposed the ordi- nances and order of the church of Christ. He ridiculed all who had correct views of the gospel truth. I pitied both him and the people, and spent sometime with them, and endeavored to correct their errors.' ' But Gooch was violent in his opposition, ridiculed and slandered me, and all that I said and did. But the Lord blessed his own word, the people received light, many were convinced, and not long afterwards were baptized by Elder E. Brooks, of Waterborough, N. B., and by him organized into a church .* Those who had been led away by Gooch, now
*Eld. Case's Jour. 1799
339
CHURCH IN EASTPORT.
left him, and he retired from the place.' ' The only body,' says Mr. Hayden, 'that sustained its visibility for any length of time was formed Aug. 8, 1802.' This must have been the church organized by Eld. Brooks; Eld. J. Mur- phy became its pastor. It then numbered fifty-seven mem- bers, some of whom resided on Deer Isle, and some on Campobello, N. B., some in Lubec, and some in Perry and Pembroke.
These members, for several years, passed through many distressing trials. Says Eld. Case, who was here occasionally for some years as a missionary, this church, 'for want of a wise and skilful under-shepherd, became scattered, so that in 1810,* it became expedient to gather them together, and organize them by a special renewal of their covenant engagements.' Elder Daniel Merrill, who was preaching a short time on the Island, assisted Elder Case in this work.
Elder Murphy, at his request, was dismissed from the pastoral charge in 1805. They were then destitute till af- ter their re-organization. Being now encouraged to per- severance, they settled in 1811, Elder H. A. Clarke. This connexion continued till 1814. Although the church had obtained some prosperity, yet on account of dismis- sions to form churches, in Pembroke and Lubec, they were in 1814 comparatively feeble.
A house of worship had been commenced on the Island in 1794, and finished in 1796. In 1815 this house was taken possession of by the British soldiers, who then had possession of the Island, and by them moved from its orig- inal position, and converted into a ' mess-room' for the offi- cers.f Thus the house of God was made a den of thieves. From this time the church worshipped in private and school houses, till 1820, when they were convened in a new sanc-
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