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 28
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368
CHURCH IN HODGDON.
also secured his own downfall. After much difficulty and patient suffering, the church convened a council from the churches in Calais, Baring, and Crawford, in 1839, and by their advice he was deposed from the ministry and excluded from the church. The church then had rest.
In 1838, a brighter day began to dawn upon this church, though surrounded with clouds of darkness and trial. Some indications of a Divine blessing appeared in connection with the labors of Thomas Murry, a li- centiate of Crawford church. The blessing came in 1839. Mr. Murry became a member of the church, and a revival of the work of God increased the church to eighty-eight members, a part of whom lived in Amity and Orient, and were recognized as branches of this church, with Columbus Dunn, deacon of Amity, and Samuel G. Tuck, deacon of Orient. In February, 1838, Mr. Murry was ordained pastor of the church, but was removed to the church in Heaven, by death, the next July. [See Biography of Elder Thomas Murry.] This was a mournful affliction to this church in the wilderness, and surrounded by a large territory of fif- teen towns and plantations entirely destitute of the min- istry of the gospel.
In this their extremity, their cry unto the Lord of the harvest was, 'Send us one to break unto us the bread of life.' Their prayer was heard and answered. Daniel Outhouse, one of their number, was now called of God to be their leader. With their license he preached to their satisfaction and comfort, till 1841, when he was ordained their pastor. In 1840, the church was en- larged by another revival; and in 1841, the branches 'Amity and Orient' were united and recognized as a separate church. They were again deprived of a pastor
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369
CHURCH IN EASTERN CALAIS-BARING
in 1842, by the resignation of Elder Outhouse, but not of stated preaching. Elder E. Watson has labored with success in this church. This church, though re- mote from the high privileges of a christian community, has nevertheless been signally blessed of God, and is prospering, with a present number of seventy members .*
EASTERN CALAIS. The villages and vicinity of Calais were honored of God with the distinguished blessing of a general revival in 1836, under the ministry of Elder James Huckins. To the influence of this revival, this church owes its existence. It is located, as its name indicates, in the east part of Calais, and was organized in 1836; and had, in 1837, thirty-nine members, with Eld. A. D. Thompson for their pastor. Eld. Thompson remained with them, however, but a short time, when they were left destitute; since which they have had many trials, but little prosperity, and remain a feeble church, with their numbers reduced to twenty-seven.t
BARING. Baring is a flourishing village, westerly from Calais, at the distance of five miles from 'Salt- water.' The river St. Croix divides it from St. Stephen, N. B. The first Baptists in Baring were emigrants from distant churches. Mr. James Sargent moved from North Yarmouth to Baring, in 1828. Soon after his arrival, he opened an evening prayer meeting, to be held weekly on the St. Stephens side of the river. Here, aided by one other male disciple, who has since fallen asleep in Christ, he maintained the worship of God, 'amid much popular opposition.' But God, who always hears when his people pray, designed that these disciples should not long toil alone. In 1835, deacons N. D. Shaw and O. Allen, with several other Baptists, became residents in Baring. Meetings were now held more frequently, and
*H. P. Towne's Com. and Min W. A. tMin. W. A.
370
CHURCH IN BEDDINGTON-JONESBORO'.
the Baptists began to secure an important influence in the village.
Soon converts began to multiply, and to unite with the church in Calais. In May, 1838, their number had increased to thirty-seven. They were then induced to leave their brethren in Calais, and organize in Baring. The same day that they embodied, eight were added to the church by baptism.
Their first pastor, Elder O. B. Walker, was ordained among them in 1839, but left them at the close of one year. He was immediately succeeded by Elder W. N. Slason, who devoted to them only one half of his minis- try. By the blessing of God they completed, in 1843, a neat and commodious house of worship. Their num- ber then was fifty-three .*
BEDDINGTON. A small church was gathered here in 1838, consisting of thirteen members; but it has become extinct, occasioned by the removal of its members.t
JONESBOROUGH. Until the winter of 1840, the inhab- itants of this town had enjoyed but few gospel privileges, and no stated ministry by any denomination, though for many years the Lord had occasionally sent to them his servants, and a few had become professedly pious. The first part of this year was distinguished for general re- vivals in the country, and this town shared largely in the blessing.
A few persecuted Baptists resided here, and among them the work of grace was powerful and glorious. This work was eminently promoted by the efforts of E. Nugent, then a private brother of the church in Calais. In May, 1840, the church was organized, with twenty- five members; twenty-three of them were baptized on the day of the organization. Mr. Nugent was licensed
Eld. W. N. Slason's Com. and Min. W. A. tMin. W. A.
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TOPSFIELD-AMITY AND ORIENT-CALAIS VIL. 371
by this church, and preached to them with success two or three years. In 1843, they had sixty-eight members, but were without a house of worship and needed as- sistance .*
TOPSFIELD. Topsfield is a new town, thirty-eight miles from Calais, upon the Houlton road. A few members of the church in Calais obtained a residence here, which opened the way for Baptist efforts. In this new field of gospel labor, the Baptist Quarterly Con- ference, in the eastern part of Washington Association, became much interested, and in the fall of 1839 sent into it Elder E. Powell, of Cooper, as a missionary. The Lord went with him and converted sinners by his instrumentality, and in 1840, a church of eleven mem- bers was recognized in Topsfield. This was indeed a light shining in a dark place, and its influence has been felt by the surrounding community. In 1841, Elder Powell became its pastor, and continues to be useful to the church, which now has eighteen members.
AMITY AND ORIENT. In 1835, Edmund Watson, a licentiate, from Lincoln, Penobscot county, came into this vicinity and was instrumental of much good to souls, and of promoting the prosperity of these branches of Hodgdon church. In 1839, these branches, 'Amity and Orient,' composing eighteen members, were constituted into a church, and in April, Mr. Watson was ordained its pastor. He retained the pastorate for one year only, but continued to preach a part of the time much longer. This church also has been assisted by the missionary labors of Elder E. Powell, and yet they are a feeble church, of but twenty-one members.t
CALAIS VILLAGE. This church is situated in the vil- lage at 'Salt-water.' Here a minority of the Baptist *Eld. E. Nugent's Com. and Min. W. A. tDea. C. Dunn's Com.
1
372
SECOND LUBEC-HOULTON-2D HARRINGTON.
church in Calais lived, and in 1841, they became a separate church. Elder E. D. Very became their pas- tor. He resigned in 1843. They were that year build- ing a neat house of worship. They have increased from fifty-eight to sixty-two.
SECOND LUBEC. This second church in Lubec was organized in 1842, of members living in what is called the South Bay neighborhood, and who had constituted a branch of the first church. A meeting-house was com- menced in this part of the church in 1838, but remains unfinished. They organized with forty-two members, and have increased, by letter, to forty-eight. And while animosity and fightings characterize the move- ments of the first church, this small body press forward in harmony, and prosper.
HOULTON. Thistown occupies an interesting position, as it holds an important relation to the whole Aroostook country. No particular efforts were made in this place by the Baptists, till 1842. In the summer of that year, Elder Henry Kendall, in the employ of the Maine Mis- sionary Society, made a successful effort in this town and its vicinity. His ministry, and the idea of embodying a Baptist church in the village and town, were favorably received. By him, a church of fifteen members was gathered, under cheering prospects. Since their organ- ization they have been favored with a privilege in the Unitarian meeting-house, some preaching by mission- aries and others, and are striving to honor God by ad- vancing his cause and kingdom.
SECOND HARRINGTON. In the winter of 1843, a re- vival of religion extended its saving influence throughout the town of Harrington. In the southern extremity of the town, 'Burnt Point,' (so called) a few Baptists, be- longing to the churches Cherryfield and First Harring-
373
CHURCH IN EAST HARRINGTON-HODGDON.
ton, resided. Here the work of grace was most inter- esting, souls were converted, and in May a church of sixteen members, ten of whom were baptized on the occasion, was embodied. This infant church has increased to twenty-five members, and is exerting a pleasing influence in a growing community. E. Nugent, whose labors were blessed in the revival, is pastor of the first and second churches.
EAST HARRINGTON. Over the neighborhood about the 'Great Marsh Stream,' in the east part of Harring- ton, the first church in Addison shed its benign influence for many years, and a large minority of that church belonged in this vicinity. It was, however, somewhat inconvenient for most of them to assemble regularly with their brethren in Addison. By means of the revival in 1842 and 1843, their number was much increased; and for their better accommodation a church was or- ganized, in 1843, consisting of sixty-six members, with encouraging prospects. The separation of this minority from the church in Addison, did not so lessen their ability as to deprive them of a stated ministry, and this church is able to sustain preaching once in two weeks.
HODGDON, AND RICHMOND, N. B. This church, as its name indicates, is partly in Maine and partly in New Brunswick. It was organized in 1843, with twelve members, and Elder T. Batchelder settled as pastor. Four have since been added, making their present number sixteen.
17
374
WASHINGTON ASSOCIATION.
WASHINGTON 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.
Columbia,
1788| *
227[23|19|131 |40|30|
11 |
250 47
Cherryfield,
1796|11
202
129
5
52 39
33
27
242
98
Steuben, (reorg'zd 1805)
1796
*
87
5
6
24 19
123
4
98
28
Eastport, (reorg'zd 1810)
1801
57
317
74
9
68|34
41
96
448 218
Machia's Port (Machias)
1810
11
231
29
7
53
15
13
32
271 160
2d Addison,
1818
25
140
19
9
24
25
6
184 103
Cutler, (reorg'zd 1817)
1808/24
62
7
8
12 33
14
2
93
40
Crawford,
1825|19
85
9
46
15
2
113 36
Ist Addison,
1820
9,283
32
12
55 55
17
18
324 191
Cooper,
1828
29
26
9
5
6
19
9
4
64
31
Pembroke (reorg. 1822)
1800
11
106
22
1
47
21
6
7
139
59
Charlotte,
1829
30
49
7
5
6 16
4
3
86
62
Calais,
1832
11
221
99
196
38
12
1
331
85
1st Harrington,
1833 26
41
9
8
8.
4
76
56
East Machias,
1834 24
71
32
19
5
7
4
127
92
Hodgdon,
1835|30|107
123
3
53.28
7
5
160
70
Calais E. Ch.
1838 37
28
7
2
5
6
72
52
Jonesborough,
1840
25
40
11
2
4
2
76
68
Amity and Orient,
1841
18
5
1
3
3
71
4
24
21
Calais Vil. Ch.
1841
53
5
6
1
64
62
2d Lubec,
1842
42
6
48
48
Houlton,
1842
15
15
15
2d Harrington,
1843
16
15
3
34|
34
Harrington E. Ch.
1843
66
66 66
Hodgdon, &c.
1843
12
2
16 16
732
*Unknown.
2576
490
90
886
515
319
223
13
3782
1985
3
8
1
1
40
27
Barring,
1840
11
5
2
18
18
Topsfield,
1837|39
1
6
83
'27
20
3,303,182
Lubec,
1826,57
220 24
1
47
14
7
CHAPTER XXI. PENOBSCOT ASSOCIATION.
Original Churches-Harmony, p. 212; Sangerville, 215; Guilford, 227 ; Parkman, 231 ; Athens, 233; Ripley, now Cambridge, 237; Corinna, 238 ; Carmel, 277; Hampden, 291; Dixmont, 293 ; Charleston, 299 ; Dover, 315; Corinth, 316.
Added at their first session from Bowdoinham Association-Frankfort, 286 ; North Hill, 232; Bangor, 311; Munroe, 307; Palmyra, 219 ; Newport, 240.
Added between 1826 and 1843-Dexter; Enfield; Bradford ; Monson ; Levant ; Kirkland and No. 8, temporary churches; Second Hampden ; Greenfield ; First St. Albans ; Abbot; Lincoln ; Lee ; Blanchard, a tempo- rary church ; Plymouth ; Foxcroft, a temporary church; Garland; Pitts- field ; Athens Village ; Exeter ; Old Town; Sebec ; Bangor and Glen- burn ; Newburg; Passadunkeag ; Palmyra ; Springfield : Eddington : Argyle : Newport Village : North Bangor : Patten.
A CONVENTION of thirteen churches, from the Lincoln and Bowdoinham Associations met at Parkman, in January, 1826, and organized the Penobscot Association. At their first anniversary, September following, six other churches from the same bodies, and two new churches, united with them. By these twenty-one churches, sixteen ordained min- isters were then reported, and seven hundred and ninety- five communicants. Thus commenced this interesting body of Baptists, spread over a large and newly settled territory, but rapidly increasing in population .*
At its commencement, this body voted co-operation with the missionary and benevolent societies connected in the denomination in the State, and the usual days of Fasting and Prayer, as the first day of January, and the fourth of July, were recommended to the churches for their observance.
Spirited resolutions have been almost annually passed upon the various topics noticed by similar bodies, and in temperance, religious and ministerial education, and mis- sionary operations, especially in domestic missions, this body have ever evinced a lively and benevolent interest.
*Min. L. and B. Asso.
376
CHURCH IN DEXTER.
These churches have not only resolved, but have labored to meet the responsibilities of their resolutions.
No Association, upon a comparison of means and privi- leges, has done more to promote the extension of the cause than this body, nor has any obtained a more rapid increase. Its territory is large, and many of its churches have been small and feeble, being scattered in thinly populated com- munities, and not favored with much of the preaching of the gospel. In 1838, it numbered forty churches, twenty- four ordained ministers, two licentiates, and two thousand one hundred and ninety-six communicants ; making a net increase, in twelve years, of twenty churches, eight or- dained ministers, and one thousand four hundred and one communicants. It was this year divided, and the Piscata- quis Association formed; and yet it remains an efficient and influential body of Baptists.
It has been highly favored with revival mercies,-the years 1828, '29, '31, '34, '37, '38, and '43. Its table now shows twenty-eight churches, twenty-two ordained minis- ters, and one thousand four hundred and thirty-eight com- municants.
DEXTER. Baptists increased in Dexter, partly by emi- gration and partly by means of the preaching of Elder Z. Hall, pastor of the Baptist church in Parkman. For some years they were a branch of that church, and received a portion of Elder Hall's ministry. December 28, 1825, they were embodied into an independent church, consisting of thirty members. From April, 1826, to 1832, Elder Jacob Hatch was their pastor. But from his missionary zeal, he was absent from them one half of the time from 1830, which was supplied to the church by the employment of Elder W. Marshal. During this period the church was enlarged by twenty-seven baptisms.
July 15, 1832, Eld. E. Hunting became pastor, and sus-
377
CHURCH IN COLD STREAM.
tained the office about two years, and preached occasion- ally, much longer. This church has also been aided by the occasional ministry of Elders T. Macomber and E. Freeman. From 1835 to 1836, Elder C. T. Norcross preached with them about one half of the time, and the next year Eld. D. Bartlett was pastor, and preached statedly. His labors were blessed to an increase of the church, by some revival. The next three years, from 1837 to 1840, Eld. S. Lothrop was pastor. The church prospered under his ministry and aided the formation of the East St. Albans church, in 1840. In 1841, the church had some trials, but was blessed with the stated ministry by Eld. I. S. Smith, and some additions. In 1842, they were destitute, and wandered much from the Lord. In 1843, they were again encouraged and assisted, by the ministry of Elder J. M. Mace, and again enlarged by additions. In 1839, they built for their accommodation a house of worship, in a pleasant part of the village. Their present number is sixty-six, and how important their influence in that village, where the false doctrines of Universalism have so strong a hold. The churches Garland and Exeter took their rise from this body .*
COLD STREAM, (now ENFIELD.) This town is about forty miles northerly from Bangor, on the east side of Pe- nobscot river. A settlement commenced here about 1820. A few of the first settlers were Baptists. In 1826, they commenced holding social religious meetings. These humble efforts were blessed. A seriousness first appeared upon the minds of the youth, and soon the number of pray- ing souls was increased by the converting influence of the Spirit.
Elders J. Roundy and N. Robinson were travelling, this summer, and preaching Christ to those new settlements.
*C. Copeland's Com. and Min, Asso.
378
CHURCH IN BRADFORD.
On the 11th of July, both these servants of God were at Cold Stream. They baptized six persons, who, together with several others, were embodied into a church. Left almost destitute of preaching, this infant church had some trials, in the midst of mercies, in 1827. In 1830, Elders Dexter and J. Hatch, missionaries of the Maine Conven- tion, visited the church, and by the precious outpourings of the Holy Spirit, souls were converted and twenty added to the church by baptism. This gave them strength to go many days rejoicing, and they subscribed to pay $50, in the fruits of their lands, to aid domestic missions that year. From 1831 to 1837, difficulty and trial beset their journey- ings. In 1835, Amos P. Messer, one of its worthy deacons, was ordained as an evangelist, and in 1837, became its pastor, devoting one half of his useful ministry for their benefit, and the other portion of it to the benefit of other feeble branches of Zion, till 1842, when Alvan Messer received license, and preached to them the same amount of time, and was instrumental in the enlargement of the church. In 1843, they received the ministry of these brethren alternately, each one fourth of the time. Their number is seventy-six .*
BRADFORD, formerly BLAKESBURGH. The church in Bradford was organized August, 1827, and was composed of eight members only, five of whom were by letter from the church in Atkinson. Although feeble, without a pas- tor, and scattered in a sparsely settled community, yet the pious zeal of these brethren prompted them to sustain meetings for prayer and conference, and the occasional preaching of the word among them. These efforts were blessed of God. The reviving and converting influences of Divine grace were given, and thirty-four were added by baptism and four by letter, in 1827. Nothing special oc-
*Min. P. Asso. and letters to the Asso.
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379
CHURCH IN MONSON-LEVANI.
curred again, affecting the progress of the church, till 1834, when their number was increased by another spiritual refreshing ; and in 1836, by another. This church has been blessed with several useful members, so that, though it has never had the advantages of a pastor, nor house of worship, it has increased, lived harmoniously, and main- tained respectability.
From its commencement it has been supplied occasion- ally with gospel preaching, mostly by Elder J. F. Page. And from its members, God has called into the ministry, Elders E. Coy, C. L. Cary, and Daniel Small, who are successful in aiding the cause of Christ. Their present number is forty-three .*
MONSON. This church owes its existence to emigration. In 1827, thirteen Baptists, resident in town, were embodied into a church. They have prospered, though without a pastor or a meeting-house. Eld. J. F. Page has preached with them some, every year since their organization. They have also been aided by Elders Z. Hall, T. Macomber, E. Going, and L. Kingman. Elder Kingman labored with them one fourth of the time, in 1843, and they enjoyed a pleasing revival. Their present number is seventy-five. Here also is a Congregational church, in a flourishing condition .*
LEVANT. This town is twelve miles north from Bangor, with a growing village in its north-east corner. This vil- lage is the centre of business, and the usual place for re- ligious meetings. There is in town two meeting-houses and three religious societies-Baptist, Congregationalist, and Universalist. The Baptist church was organized with eight members, in 1828. Previous to its organization, a few Baptists resided in town. R. C. Spaulding, a member of the Theological Institute, at Waterville, while teaching
*J. F. Page's Com. letters of the church and Min. P. Asso.
380
CHURCH IN KIRKLAND.
school in town, in 1826, was employed to preach on the Sabbath. This opened the way for his settlement as the town's minister, which took place in May, when he was ordained to the work. This church, though scattered over a wide extent of territory, promiscuously among other sects, not too favorable to its welfare, has prospered under the faithful and prudent labors of its two able pastors, R. C. Spaulding and T. B. Robinson. Eld. Spaulding labored to make it a reading, spiritual, benevolent, and working church. And he succeeded most admirably. He estab- lished a Sabbath school, in 1832; and the same year a revival was enjoyed, in which a number of the school were converted. He resigned his charge and moved to Corinth, in 1834. The same year, their house of worship was erected, one half of which, however, is owned by the Con- gregationalists.
In 1835, Eld. Robinson entered upon his pastoral charge, and labored successfully in the office till 1839, when an invitation from Hampden, and the limited ability of the church in Levant, induced him to resign his charge of the latter and become pastor of the former. But his stay at Hampden was short. In one year he returned to Levant, again became the pastor of the church, but for want of a competent support was obliged to seek employment in some other part of the gospel field, in 1842. His residence, however, is still in town, and when not engaged in mis- sionary labors, he aids the progress of the church. In 1836 and '38, the church was much enlarged by interesting revivals. Two of its members are in their preparatory studies to the ministry. Present number is fifty-three .*
KIRKLAND. This is a new town, twenty miles north from Bangor. A church of twelve members was gathered here in 1829. At first its prospects seemed encouraging ;
*N. Fisk, Ch. Clk. Com. and Min. P. Asso. and letters of the ch.
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381
NO. 8-SECOND HAMPDEN-GREENFIELD.
but being almost destitute of preaching, and possessing but few gifts, and surrounded by various influences unfavorable to its perseverance, after struggling several years amid trials and discouragement, they were scattered, and in 1838, their visibility was lost .*
No. 8. A church of eight members was gathered in this newly settled plantation, in 1829. At first it prospered under the ministry of Jesse Norcross, a licentiate of the church in Charleston. In 1832, Elder Nathan Thomas became its pastor ; but he labored almost in vain, for this light has ceased to shine-the church is fallen .*
SECOND HAMPDEN. This church is situated in the west part of Hampden, and was organized in 1828, of thirteen members. Eld. O. Briggs became its pastor. He resigned in 1831. In 1833, they built a house for worship, and employed Eld. H. Hawes one half of the time. In 1834, a glorious year of spiritual release was experienced, and the church was enlarged by an addition of forty-four by baptism. In 1835, they were again without a pastor, but were supplied with preaching semi-monthly, and mostly by Eld. Briggs. In 1838, they had some preaching by Elder McMaster ; in 1841 and '43, by Eld. T. L. Pilsbury. But for a period of eight years the church has been declining and diminishing, wasting its vitality and usefulness by in- ternal divisions. It is reduced to a feeble church of thirty- six members. Surely the fine gold has changed, the strong has become weak.+
GREENFIELD AND No. 1, formerly 'OLAMMON.' The first Baptists in this new and rising settlement, were emi- grants from churches at a distance. In 1829, Elders S. Dexter and J. Hatch, missionaries sent into the rapidly increasing settlements in the eastern part of the State, visited this place, and finding materials already prepared,
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