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 27
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*Eld. W. N. Slason's Com. and Min. W. A.
tEld. Wm. N. Slason's Com.
354
CHURCH IN COOPER-MARIAVILLE-CALAIS.
blessed to their peace and fruitfulness. In 1843 they were a destitute body of sixty-two members.
COOPER. In 1828, a revival was enjoyed in the east part of Cooper, under the labors of Elds. A. and E. Bedel. The converts united with the church in Charlotte; but towards the close of the year they were dismissed and recognized with others as the church in Cooper. In 1836, Elder Evan Powell became pastor. He sustained the pastorate, preaching for them a part of the time till 1842, when he resigned, to give his attention to the cultivation of a more promising field. The church, in 1843, were destitute, with thirty-one members .*
MARIAVILLE, first called 'SECOND MARIAVILLE.' In the fall of 1829, the Baptists in Mariaville took their dismission from the church in Amherst, called 'First Mariaville,' and by their request were recognized as a church. Their number was twenty-four, and their prospects flattering. For several years they were as- sisted by the labors of P. N. Kimball, a licentiate, and in 1831 the church was much enlarged by a revival. From 1832 to 1842, they passed through many trials, yet enjoyed spiritual prosperity, with preaching not more than one fourth or one half the time. Elder B. Buck became its first pastor, in 1842. In 1843, the church was in an encouraging state, with ninety-four members.t
CALAIS. Calais lies along the western bank of the St. Croix river, and has two pleasant and flourishing villages, one known by the name of 'Salt-water,' at the head of the tide; the other, called 'Mill-town,' is two miles above. The lower village is about twenty miles above Eastport. There are villages opposite to these on the English side of the river, and they are places of considerable business.
*Min. E. M. and W. A. tMin. E. M. and H. A.
of B K 0 a từ I U a
re
355
CHURCH IN CALAIS.
Previous to the spring of 1832, the Baptists made no religious efforts in this town. But few of the denomi- nation had gained a residence here. The circumstances which opened the way for the gathering a church, were somewhat peculiar and interesting.
In March previous to the organization of the church in May, 1832, Samuel Kelley, a present deacon of the church, and resident at 'Salt-water,' together with some others, attended a quarterly conference held by the Baptists in Charlotte. At this meeting, says deacon Kelley, 'I became very much impressed with the duty of aiding in the formation of a Baptist church in Calais, and named the subject to two of my Baptist brethren who were from Calais; but they gave it as their opinion that we could not build the house for want of timber.' Deacon Kelley was not, however, discouraged by their unbelief. He says: 'I became more and more anxious, and in conference with some of my brethren of the meeting, I received encouragement to go on. At the close of this meeting I returned home happy in the an- ticipation of a church in Calais. I arrived home, and while taking some refreshment, and refreshing the pious heart of my companion, who also was a Baptist, by an account of the meeting, I remarked, how thankful I should be to have some Baptist brother come in, with whom I could converse upon the things of the kingdom. I was then informed that a man in the other room desired to see me. I rose from the table and said to my wife, my request is granted-a Baptist has come.' The following conversation then followed between deacon Kelley and the stranger :- 'Are you a Christian?' 'I hope I am.' 'Are you a Baptist?' 'I am.' 'Then, ' said dea. Kelley, 'God has sent you to me.' This man soon moved into town, and became one of the original members of the church.
356
CHURCH IN CALAIS.
'Soon after this,' says deacon Kelley, 'I was met in the street by one who inquired for dea. Kelley. Having introduced myself, he said that he understood we desired to organize a church, and he recommended a young minister in the Province, by the name of Robinson, who would be of great service to us. The stranger left me, and I have never seen him since. I wrote immediately to Mr. Robinson, and he came. At the close of the first service two persons, and members of the English Methodist church, rose, witnessed to the truth, and de- sired to unite with the Baptists in forming a church. Two females and the husband of one of them, and a Methodist class-leader, were among the first baptized.' We regard these circumstances as the more interesting from their providential occurrence, thus evincing the hand of God in these movements. Elder Robinson was successful, and the church desired was recognized in May, consisting of eleven members.
At their first conference in June, six persons offered themselves and were received for baptism. They were the first baptized in town. Prosperity in the church commenced with its existence, and for several years the Baptists gained rapidly in numbers and influence. In December, 1832, they commenced building their house of worship at 'Mill-town,' where this church now as- semble. As the fruits of a revival on the British side, and at a place called 'the Reach,' forty-eight were in May, 1833, set off from this church and embodied there.
From their organization to the settlement of E. N. Harris, they were supplied first by the ministry of Eld. S. Robinson, and then by William H. Beckwith, a li- centiate. Mr. Harris preached about two years, before his faith was wrecked upon the quicksands of Univer- salism. Elder J. Huckins was their second pastor, from
-
at in tl S h N a t
to
18
357
FIRST CHURCH IN HARRINGTON.
1835, about three years. This was a period of unusual prosperity. In 1836, the church in East Calais was set off, and in 1838, thirty-eight members were dismissed to form the church in Baring. Elder E. D. Very was their next pastor, and officiated for them till the brethren at 'Salt-water' were recognized as a separate church, in 1841, when he became their pastor. They then set- tled Elder W. N. Slason. This church also contributed some of the materials for the church in Topsfield. It has furnished for the ministry, Thompson, Magee, Burns, Nugent, Porter, and Todd. The latter in 1843 was in a course of preparatory studies. Surely, in view of these facts, we may exclaim, 'what hath God wrought!' Where, in 1832, only eleven Baptists appeared, in 1843, we find nearly three hundred. This church had eighty-five .*
FIRST HARRINGTON. This town lies east of Cherry- field, and the first Baptists here became members of the church there. In 1832, twenty-one members from the church in Cherryfield, together with five others, were recognized as the Baptist church in Harrington. In a few months, Elder B. Buck became their pastor, and continued until 1840. Under his ministry they enjoyed a season of revival, in 1834, when twenty-two were added by baptism. For two or three years they pros- pered. Difficulties then arose, which continued till the fall of 1842, when union and encouragement was re- stored by the blessing of God, on the labors of a visiting committee, sent to their aid by the Association.
Soon after this, by their invitation, Elder E. Nugent came among them, and God made him instrumental in building up the church, and in the spring of 1843, he was ordained as their minister. He preaches for them
*Dea. Sam'l Kelley, Com. and Min. W. A.
358 BRANCH POND-REED'S BROOK-EAST MACHIAS.
half of the time, with profit. They have a convenient house of worship, and number fifty-six members .*
BRANCH POND. A church by this name was gathered in 1833, and September, 1834, had twenty-six members. In 1838, it received some increase, but has never been blessed with a stated ministry. God has however raised up from among them, one, Elder Thomas J. Swett, to preach his gospel. Their present number is thirty-two.}
REED'S BROOK. This church is in the vicinity of Ellsworth, and was gathered as the fruits of the occa- sional labors of Elders Lord, King and Cary, in 1834. 'Previous to 1826,' says deacon Garland, 'there was no church, no house for prayer, among us;' but that year, Elder John King devoted a portion of his useful labors for the spiritual benefit of souls in this neighborhood, and the Lord converted many to himself by this means. But the Methodists came in, and soon divisions arose, and Elder King being called away, the Methodists got up a class, took the ground, and held it about seven years.'
In the winter of 1834, the people here were blessed with another revival, which resulted in the organization of a Baptist church. 'At this time,' says dea. Garland, 'we had great persecutions;' but God it seems prospered them in the midst of the fire. Though never blessed with stated pastoral labors, yet they have, by what as- sistance they could obtain, increased from thirteen to thirty-five. In 1842, they had a pleasing revival under the labors of Arial Kelley, a licentiate.}
EAST MACHIAS. Previous to any united efforts by the Baptists in the East Machias village, Pedo-baptism had planted its erroneous standard, and most of the people had rallied around it. But at Machias-Port, the faith
*Ch. Records. +Min. of H. A. #Dea. B. Garland's Com. and M. H. A.
fi
P 1
359
CHURCH IN EAST MACHIAS
and practice of the Baptists were more correctly under- stood, and a church of considerable influence had for many years existed. This light had shed some of its rays over the East village, and some, by searching care- fully for gospel truth, became Baptists, and united with the church at the Port. Though living in a community who were strongly opposed to the sentiments of Baptists, their influence was felt and their number slowly increased. In 1833, they began to be moved by a sense of duty, to make a more united and direct attempt to sustain the gospel and its true institutions in the village; and, in the spring of 1834, they took up their connection with the church at the Port, and were embodied into a church at the village, by the name of East Machias. Their number was twenty-four, twenty of whom were females, and two of the males only resided in the village. Thus commenced the little church in East Machias. Few, and much opposed, and being mostly females, nothing short of a pious faith could predict or anticipate success. But their trust was in God, and they prospered.
Soon after their embodiment, Mr. E. N. Harris began to labor as a minister of the gospel among them. But his labors soon terminated, and Eld. William H. Beck- with was their pastor from August, 1835, one year. This was a time of prosperity, in which they were en- couraged by additions, and erected a neat and beautiful house of worship, furnished with a bell and clock. Eld. W. N. Slason was their next successful pastor, from August, 1836, one year. In 1838, Elder E. D. Very supplied their pulpit about seven months, and received ordination as an evangelist. In 1839, Eld. C. Emerson, from the Port, became their pastor, and preached semi- monthly, and by his labors God enlarged the church. It deserves to be noticed here that, although those who
360
HANCOCK ASSOCIATION.
practiced Pedo-baptism at first cruelly opposed the movements of the Baptists, in 1840, they united with them in protracted meetings, to promote a revival. But we fear that all the opposition did not then cease.
In 1842, the church settled Elder T. B. Robinson as pastor, but sickness severed the connexion in a few weeks, and the church has since remained destitute of an under-shepherd, and have had occasional preaching only, by Elders Emerson, Hunting, Fogg, and R. W. E. Brown. Their present number is ninety-two, and, although destitute of a pastor, they are blessed with a valuable gift in their worthy deacon, William Brown .*
CHAPTER XIX.
HANCOCK ASSOCIATION.
Original Churches-Eden, p. 309 ; First Sedgwick, 263; Bluehill, 272 ; Surry, 278; Deer Isle, 282; Isle au Haut, 302 ; Trenton, 296 ; Sullivan, 297; Orland and Bucksport, 285; Brooksville, 305; Mt. Desert, 305 ; Gouldshoro', 340; Penobscot, 342; Swan Island, 343; Amherst, 346 ; Hancock, 348 ; Franklin, 348; Second Bluehill, 351 ; Second Sedgwick, 304; Ellsworth, 351 ; Mariaville, 354 ; Branch Pond, 358 ; Reed's Brook, 358.
Churches added between 1835 and 1843-Village church Ellsworth; Little Deer Isle ; West Trenton ; North Penobscot; Second Hancock ; North Sedgwick ; Long Island ; Aurora.
ON the second of September, 1835, the delegates from twenty-two churches in Hancock county, held their first meeting at the Baptist meeting-house in Trenton, and proceeded to organize the Hancock Association. It numbered eleven ordained ministers, eight of whom were pastors, four licentiates, and one thousand nine hundred and four communicants.
Besides the usual business transacted at such annual meetings, spirited resolutions were passed, in favor of ministerial education, temperance, the tract cause,
*P. Foster Folsom's Com. and Min. W. A.
C S
0
i
1
t
t i
CI
a b
361
HANCOCK ASSOCIATION.
religious publications, anti-slavery principles and im- mediate emancipation, and foreign missions. The Asso- ciation voted to correspond with the several Associations in the State and in the Provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, and to co-operate in the work attempted by the State Convention. Sabbath schools are also recommended to the attention of the churches. In the transactions of business at subsequent anniversaries of this body, we find but two things of particular historical importance.
In 1836, to the question, 'What course ought the church to pursue in regard to a member in good standing, who wishes to leave the church to join another of a different order?' it was voted, 'that, in such a case, it is the duty of the church to labor untiringly to estab- lish such a member in the truth of the ordinances, and to remove all difficulties; but if no proper effort can accomplish this desirable object, the church have done its duty. If the member leave, and join another order, he has not only embraced error, but walked disorderly, and can no longer be retained a member; but the whole intercourse and labor with such member should be ac- companied with tender christian affection and sympathy, which would not withhold a written testimonial of his moral and religious character, if requested.'*
In order to lessen the business of the annual meeting, it was voted 'to hold a semi-annual meeting on the fourth Wednesday of June in each year, to attend to benevo- lent objects.'t
The Associational years 1838 and 1843, were pre- eminently distinguished for extensive revivals and large additions to the churches. And from 1835 to 1843, the Association was enlarged by eight churches, four or-
*Min for 1836. +Min. 1840.
362
ELLSWORTH VILLAGE-LITTLE DEER ISLE.
dained ministers, and six hundred and ninety-seven communicants .*
ELLSWORTH VILLAGE CHURCH. In ancient times it was no uncommon thing to see new and splendid cities rise upon the ruins of others; and sometimes the spoils of the earlier were appropriated to enrich and beautify the later. Previous to the recognition of the village church in Ellsworth, a Baptist church had existed in town several years. Never having prospered, it was disbanded in 1837, and some of its members united with others, dismissed from the church in Surry to constitute this village church, which then consisted of twenty-nine members. In the spring of this year, Elder Allen Bar- rows entered upon his charge of their spiritual affairs. Unlike the old church, this has seen days of prosperity. In the winter of 1838, this Zion was made to rise and shine, and the glory of God was upon it. To the joy and encouragement of both pastor and people, this re- vival enlarged the church by sixty-one by baptism and eighteen by letter. Their old and broken sanctuary was repaired, and a flourishing Sabbath school estab- lished. This church prospers, with eighty-six members.t
LITTLE DEER ISLE. A small church of twenty-three members was organized on this island, in 1838, and Elder Samuel Macomber was reported to the Hancock Association as their minister, or bishop. This church, however, has not prospered. Its visibility is maintained, but with a gradual loss of members. It needs the aid of a missionary.Į
WEST TRENTON AND THIRD TRENTON. In the year 1839, a very extensive and interesting revival was en- joyed in the first church, and by the labors of Elder King, its pastor, and the assistant labors of Eld. Eben.
*Min. 1843. tEld. A. Barrows' Com. and Min. H. A. ¿ Min. H. A.
d a S
to th C 1 b t
Pi
WEST TRENTON-N. PENOBSCOT-N. SEDGWICK. 363
Pinkham and F. Desisles, extended its converting influences into the various sections of the town. The town being naturally divided by narrow creeks or arms of the sea, it became expedient, for the convenience of the brethren in these divisions, to form other churches. Consequently, the west church and third church in Trenton were organized. The former had, in Septem- ber, 1839, forty-four members, and the latter twenty- two. The west church has obtained but little progress, while the third church, by a revival in 1843, nearly doubled its numbers. Both are however in a pleasant and flattering condition; the first has forty-one, and the second forty members. They have never had the ad- vantages of a pastor, but have been blessed with consid- erable ministerial labor, by which they have profited .*
NORTH PENOBSCOT. This church was organized in September, 1841, with fifteen members, and Augustus Rafnel was ordained its deacon. It was composed of persons who had moved into this vicinity from other churches. They have since been favored with but little preaching, and have had little increase, as to numbers, influence or ability. Their present number is seventeen. f
SECOND HANCOCK. In 1842, as the fruits of the wide spreading influence of Baptist sentiments in Hancock, a second church, of forty-two members, was gathered in the town, and mostly of members dismissed from the first. This church is progressing in usefulness, with John Googins, deacon.
NORTH SEDGWICK. This church was organized in March, 1843, with thirty-six members, dismissed from First Sedgwick, Brooksville, and Second Bluehill. The reason of this organization was their distance from these churches, and a revival had increased the number of
Min. H. Asso. tMin. H. A. and J. Perkins' Com. ¿ Min. H. A.
364 LONG ISLAND-AURORA AND PLANTATION NO. 20.
disciples in their midst, who needed a spiritual home. And, as an interesting fact in their history, within a few weeks, their number was increased to one hundred and four, their present number. They are much assisted in their efforts by Elders A. Allen and C. P. St. Clair, who are members .*
LONG ISLAND. This Island is situated twelve miles east of Naskeag Point, the south east extremity of Sedgwick, and the outer land in Placentia Bay. The church here originated with a powerful work of grace and mercy, in the winter of 1843, in connection with the ministry of Elder C. P. St. Clair, and was composed of twenty-six members. The revival continued several months, and the church was increased to forty-six, its present number.
Although in years past, these islanders were blessed with the occasional visiting and preaching of such min- isters as Elders A. Cummings, S. Allen, D. Dodge, S. Macomber, and a few others, they were notorious for their profanity, general wickedness, and intemperance; and when the work of God commenced, opposition to it was strong among them. But a stronger than they was there, and most of the twenty-three families now resident on the Island are praying families. How changed the scene! Piety, peace, order and harmony now reign, where once sin, infidelity and polluting habits degraded society.}
AURORA AND PLANTATION No. 21. In this newly settled community, Baptists have increased with the pop- ulation. The Baptists in Amherst, from whose church a large part of these members were dismissed, exerted a favorable and pious influence on the society in Aurora
*Zion's Adv. March 11, 1843, and Min. A. +B. Lunt.s Com. and Zion's Advocate, 1843, March.
365
HANCOCK ASSOCIATION.
and No. 21, when this church was organized, of twenty- four members. Elder Jeremiah Jewett was their pastor in 1843 .*
HANCOCK ASSOCIATION .... TABULAR VIEW.
ORGANIZED 1835,
CHURCHES IN 1843.
When const.
Orig. No.
Baptized.
Letter.
Restored.
Dismissed.
Expelled.
Died.
Dropped
Lost.
Gained.
Whole No.
Present No.
Ist Sedgwick,
1805|85 551 :47|12 |276 |68 |67|
24.
[683|260
Eden,
1800
4 190
8
18 16
16
47
202 105
1st Bluehill,
1806
19.386
75
16
74 34
46
19
36
473 280
Surry,
1806
17 132
11
76
14
24
10
168
56
Deer Isle,
1807
22 192
5
35
12
19
115
219
38
1st 'Trenton,
1809
8 242
10
4
62
21
21 10
22
260
128
Sullivan,
1810
12 226
10
3
57
34
36
8
248
116
Brooksville,
1816
68,253
33
11
82
80 34|
14.
354 153
Mt. Desert,
1816
15.185
25
1
27
24,15
29
225
131
Gouldsboro',
1816
10
26
1
3|
9
1
37
26
Penobscot,
1820
35
51
5
22
71
5
20
91
37
Amherst. (1st Mariaville)
1821
16
130
7
1
51
61
8
22
153
77
Swan Island, (reorg. '27.)
1821
12
78
2
1
25
8|
11
1
13
206 133
Franklin,
1825 28
48
15
2
11
8
2
81
62
2d Sedgwick,
1828:35
184.
17
2
26
2
13
10
236
187
Mariaville,
1829 24
86
16
3
6
10
10
3
100
94
Branch Pond,
1833.26
12
38
32
Reed's Brook,
1834 13
17
6
5
2
2
3
41
35
Ellsworth Vil. Ch.
1837 39
73
26
19
4.
2
10
3 128
86
Little Deer Isle,
1838 23
1
23
22
3d Trenton,
1839 22
22
44
40
North Penobscot,
1841|15
5
2
20
17
2d Hancock,
1842 42
2
3
42
43
North Sedgwick,
1843 36
45
23
104|104
Aurora and Pl. No. 1,
1843 24
24
24
Long Island,
1843 26
20
46
46
782
3813
395
69
978
415
395
54
407
22
4574
2641
6
40|10 32
39
1203
98
Orland and Bucksport,
92 . 58
Hancock, (2d Sullivan)
1824 17
178
11
6
47
33
81
9
2
97
72
2d Bluehill,
1825 27
61
9
3
13
3
4
1
2
46
41
West Trenton,
1839 44
141
*Min. H. A.
1799 30 163 10
CHAPTER XX.
WASHINGTON ASSOCIATION.
Original Churches-Columbia, 269; Cherryfield, 294 ; Eastport, 337; Steu- ben, 295 ; Machias-port, 340 ; Jonesboro' and Addison, 344; Lubec, 345; Cutler, 347; Crawford, 351 ; Addison, 350; Cooper, 354; Pembroke, 352; Harrington, 357; East Machias, 358 ; Calais, 344 ; Charlotte, 353.9 Churches added between 1835 and 1843-Hodgdon ; Eastern Calais ; Bar- ing ; Beddington ; Jonesboro'; Topsfield; Amity and Orient; Calais Village; Second Lubec ; Houlton; Second Harrington ; East Harring- ton ; Hodgdon and Richmond, N. B.
THE delegates and ministers of sixteen churches in Washington county, met at Columbia, in August, 1835, and organized the Washington Association. . At this meeting, the church in Hodgdon was added to their number, making seventeen churches, with one thousand two hundred and three communicants. These were blessed with the preaching of seven ordained ministers only. This Association received as their portion of the funds held by the Eastern Maine Association, $47,90. This body has enjoyed unusual prosperity, considering the limited means which many of the churches have possessed.
Its number of churches, in 1843, was twenty-eight; ordained ministers, eleven; and communicants, one thousand nine hundred and eighty-six. Several of the churches have never had pastors, and some of them have always been destitute of any very regular preach- ing. These have received some assistance from the Convention, and quarterly conferences within its own bosom.
This Association cherishes a respectful regard to all the benevolent operations of the christian world. The catalogue of resolutions, which had already become familiar, if not formal, in other Associations, were
367
CHURCH IN HODGDON.
adopted and sustained by this body. In no one thing is this Association more particular, than in their respect and care for the ministry. They recommend to the churches the expediency of advice, by council, even in granting licenses to their members; and that they take special care not to receive into their pulpits persons not properly qualified to preach the gospel.
This body embraces a large field of missionary ground, and the churches are doing what they can to cultivate it. Nor do they labor in vain, as their annual increase proves. Twelve new churches were added between 1835 and 1843.
The multiplication of churches in this Association, has been in some cases owing to the division of large ones in the same town. This division of churches is considered by many a fault peculiar to the Baptists generally in the State. And undoubtedly in some in- stances it is a source of evil. If it does not alienate the attachments of brethren, it often weakens their ability to support a pastor, and tends to multiply churches beyond the number of ministers to supply them with wholesome preaching. It sometimes occasions the re- moval of a worthy pastor, and sometimes induces feeble churches to encourage gifts to the ministry which are wholly unsuitable to the office.
HODGDON. This town is in the remote eastern part of the State, and on the road leading from Calais to Houlton. It is a newly settled town, and by emigrants principally from the neighboring Provinces. Some of them were Baptists. A church was organized in Janu- ary, 1835. Elder Elisha Bedel, a missionary sent here under the direction of the Maine Baptist Convention, was elected their pastor. But instead of a blessing, he proved the occasion of many painful trials to them. He
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