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 3
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*Ben. v. 1, p.419. tp. 419. #p. 418. §Rev. J.Tripp. |Ben. v. 1, p. 309.
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CHURCHES IN MAINE, 1767-1783.
1647, embraced the plantations of Berwick and Elliot .* Soon the plantation of Berwick became a parish, and in 1713, was incorporated into a town.t One hundred and fifty acres of land had been granted in 1669, for the support of the ministry.} For more than a century the inhabitants had been under the influence of the Congregationalists.
A prominent circumstance which introduced the senti- ments of the Baptists into Berwick, was an incident in the life of Joshua Emery. Previous to the visits of Mr. Smith, Mr. Emery had separated himself from the Congregational connection. Although esteemed a man of eminent tal- ents and a christian, sound in orthodoxy, yet on account of his dissenting views, he obtained little favor with the community. By way of irony and ridicule he was called a ' New Light.'S He invited Mr. Smith to visit Berwick. Subsequently he became a principal actor in the Baptist cause there. With the rise of the church, persecution awoke, and entered a violent crusade against its members and their friends. The presentation of certificates in com- pliance with law did not prevent their being taxed to the support of the standing Armenian faith. || Mr. Emery and John Gowen, two distinguished members of this infant church, were imprisoned through the bigotry of an eccle- siastical hierarchy. Their property was seized and sacrificed to sustain the intolerent spirit. But inspired by a love and zeal kindred to that which burned in a 'Pilgrim's heart,' on the unfrequented heath of Lincolnshire, and which lighted up the nightly surf on which he embarked, the church in Berwick were not to be intimidated by such violence. They persevered; and the blessing of God cheered them in their progress; and their humble and untiring efforts in the cause of liberty, humanity and
*Wms. his. Me. vol. 1, p. 303. +Green. Eccl. Sketches, p. 26. #Kittery town records-Greenleaf, p. 26. §Statements of Rev. James Hooper, Paris. ĮBachus vol. 2, p. 263, and vol. 3, p. 202.
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CHURCHES IN MAINE, 1767-1783.
religion, soon taught their oppressors to moderate their vehemence. Mr. Emery entered the ministry, though never ordained, and long sustained his office with dignity and usefulness. Mr. Joshua Eaton was also a member and united his labors with Mr. Emery, in teaching the people. Under the united efforts of Emery and Eaton, this church, like the rising sun, cast its cheering beams over the surrounding darkness, and sent forth its healthful influences into the new and growing settlements Fines, imprisonment, loss of property ; irony, calumny, threats ; all, could not prevent their operations or their influence. In a few years their numbers were so multiplied as to render it proper to divide. A division was made. The brethren in the north part of the town were dismissed to unite with the Baptists in Madbury, N. H., to form one church. This church was then known by the name of the 'Berwick and Madbury.' Over this church William Hooper was ordained as Pastor, at Berwick, August 14, 1776. He was the first Baptist minister ever ordained into the holy office, on the soil of Maine .*
The original church in Berwick, now takes the name of 'Berwick church at the Great Hill.' Mr. Emery con- tinued to preach with this church till he was succeeded by the ordination of William Batchelder, as Pastor, August 14th, 1796.'+ During a period of nine years, the church flourished under his ministry. It was increased by a gradual accession till 1805, when a large accession was made to its numbers as the fruits of a special and general revival. The church now showed a total of one hundred and eighty-seven members, and Mr. Batchelder left for another field of labor. Having remained destitute about two years, Rev. Joshua Chase was made their Pastor. He continued with them but a few years, and left them with a diminution of
*Rev. John Tripp's communication. Rev. J. Tripp.
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CHURCHES IN MAINE, 1767-1783.
members, although at first the church under his ministry obtained some prosperity. They were now without a pastor several years; and, trials and divisions cast a gloom over the church. On account of peculiar internal disorders, the church was suspended from the privilege of associa- tional connection in 1818; but was restored again to its ' former standing' in the Association in 1821, under the names ' Berwick and York,' and with but twenty members. June 7,'1826, Joseph Gillpatrick was ordained its minister. During hsi labors with them its number was almost tripled, and the church, with the new name of South Berwick and York, was ready to move forward under the ministry of Rev. Nathaniel Littlefield. In 1839, it assumed its present name, 'South Berwick,' and received Rev. J. Hubbard as pastor, who was a rich blessing to the church, till he removed in 1840. In 1838 and '9, a precious revival was enjoyed. Since Mr. Hubbard left, the church has had no pastor, and but occasional preaching .*
This is the oldest church in the State, and has passed through much persecution, many severe trials, and several changes. It has seen precious seasons of divine mercy, and numerous other churches rise and flour sh around it. Here was built the first house for the worship of God, erected among the Baptists in Maine. Of this house the devoted Emery built one-fourth, and gave it to the church.t
GORHAM. The labors of Rev. Mr. Smith of Haverhill, did not close in Maine with the gathering and embodiment of the church in Berwick. He penetrated farther into the interior of the Province, visiting from settlement to settle- ment, preaching Christ, and searching out the friends of Baptist sentiments. He came to Gorham, a town first set- tled about 1740, and where a Congregational church was
"Facts gathered mostly from the Minutes of York Assoc. tStatement of Rev. J. Hooper, of Paris.
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CHURCHES IN MAINE, 1767-1783.
organized in 1750 .* It does not appear that the people had as yet been favored with a revival of religion. Those who were professedly pious, had emigrated from other places. Here Mr. Smith found a few Baptists like sheep scattered in the wilderness. With the feelings of a good Shepherd, he collected them into a fold, and recognized them as a Baptist church 1768.1 Previous to this movement, all was quiet in Gorham. But this step of these humble and un- privileged disciples at once excited the intolerant spirit which had before slept in the breast of the established order. They were reproached, slandered, and vexed with ministe- rial taxes, though less so than was the church at Berwick. We do not learn that they ever had a pastor. In 1796, it appears that they were not in fellowship with the Baptists, and probably became Free-will Baptists. It is quite cer- tain that the church was never a member of any associa- tional body.
SANFORD. This town was first settled about the year 1747, and was then called Philipstown. It is said that no religious communion was formed here till the gathering of the Baptists into a church .¿ The church in Berwick, like a fruitful vine in a genial soil, flourished, spread its branch- es into different and distant places, yielding fruit. Its conflicts only quickened its zeal. Watered by frequent showers of holy influence, it soon caused new shoots of heavenly origin to appear. Sanford was a settlement but a few miles to the north of Berwick. A church was recog- nized here, four years after that in Berwick, in 1772. At first it was a small and feeble band. There were Congre- gationalists here; and a church was organized of that faith in 1786,6 and we regret to say that there was not the best feelings cherished by the latter towards the former. They had a pastor, but the Baptists still remained destitute, and
*Green. Eccl. Sk. p. 89.
+Gathered from statements made by Rev. J. Tripp. #Greenleaf Eccle. Sk. p. 109. @Page 89.
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CHURCHES IN MAINE, 1767-1783.
from 1790 to the settlement of their first pastor, were call- ed to endure the storms of persecution.
Rev. Otis Robinson became the pastor in 1798. Now their days of darkness found an end. A precious and gen- eral revival commenced with the ministry of Mr. Robinson, which, in two years enlarged the church from thirty to one hundred and forty-four. Mr. R. took up his pastoral charge 1810, which left the church without the stated ministry till Rev. Gideon Cook received the pastoral care in 1816, when a second special refreshing was experienced, and the church much enlarged. Mr. Cook continued their useful minister about ten years, and left to officiate in the second church, at Kennebunk-port. After struggling with trials and dis- couragements several years, the church was again restored to a happy state of prosperity, and Rev. Mr. Cook became pastor a second time, in 1832. In 1838, Mr. Cook again resigns his charge, leaving the church in a happy and prosperous state. Having been destitute several years, and having had only occasional preaching, the church suffered a loss of members. Rev. Joseph Gillpatrick, their present pastor, commenced his labors with the church in 1842. This church has existed seventy-one years, and is now a respectable church of one hundred and two mem- bers .* Rev. Paul S. Adams received ordination in this church, September 19, 1838. 1506654
WELLS. As new fields were opened to the Baptists, the Lord of the harvest raised up laborers to enter and cultivate them. In Wells, a town in the immediate vicinity of Ber- .wick, Baptist sentiments next began to gain an influence, and aided by the exertions of Mr. Nathaniel Lord, a licentiate, several persons became pious. This influence was much resisted and abused at that time. To become a Baptist was regarded by the popular sect as evidence of
"The above statements are gathered from Minutes of York Asso.
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CHURCHES IN MAINE, 1767-1783.
a radical deficiency in religious faith, if not in common sense .* Reproaches, however, did not prevent the pious- converts from professing Christ by baptism, nor from securing to themselves the privileges of church communion and fellowship. In October, 1780, fourteen persons were recognized by Rev. Dr. Shepherd and Rev. Wm. Hooper, as a church of Christ, and in November following, Mr. Lord, who had been the principal means in winning them to Christ, was ordained pastor of this little flock, and officiated in the church as such for a period of eighteen years.
During the ministry of Elder Lord, considerable pros- perity attended the efforts of the church. When his labors terminated with this church, it numbered sixty-two, having obtained a net increase of forty-eight in that period. Of the early life of Mr. Lord, we have no information. From the beginning of his ministry with this church, till death closed up his work on earth, 1832, at the age of 78 years, he officiated as pastor 18 years with the church in Wells, and 28 with the church at Berwick. It is said of him that 'he was eminently useful as a preacher and pastor.' The last sermon he preached, was an affectionate address to his brethren, from these words: 'See that ye fall not out by the way.'t
On the 28th of February, 1798, Joseph Eaton was ordained the second pastor of this church. During the period of Elder Eaton's career with the church, it passed through several important changes; sometimes it had seasons of prosperity, and then seasons of peculiar adver- sity. Between 1798 and 1803, the church was much enlarged by special revivals. In 1804, the number of the .
*NOTE. The Congregationalists, who had operated in Wells, from an ear_ ly period, after the first settlement was made in 1643, were much disturbed by the movements of the Baptists, and especially was Mr. Hemmenway, their minister, much perplexed and excited to jealousy and oppressive measures. tMin. of York Asso. 1832.
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CHURCHES IN MAINE, 1767-1783.
church was reduced nearly one half by the dismission of seventy-six members to constitute a second church in Ber- wick, subsequently called the North Berwick. The church now entered a period of trials and discouragements. From 1809 to 1811, several members withdrew connection from the church, being dissatisfied with the doctrines taught by the pastor, Elder E., and as embraced by most of the church, which were 'hyper Calvinistic,' or Antinomianism to an extreme. These dissenting members originated the Free-will Baptist church in Wells. These movements, with other causes colateral to them, produced a sad state in the church,-division and strife, and a gradual decrease of members, so that in 1820, when Eld. E. was succeeded in the pastoral office by the introduction of Rev. Oliver Bar- ron, the church showed a total of twenty-nine members only. For nine years, the first period of Mr. Barron's min- istry in the church, little more was done than to rectify disorders by instruction and discipline. Rev. Abner Flan- ders succeeded Mr. Barron in the pastoral office for a term of one year, and Rev. Isaac Merriam was elected pastor in 1831. Order, peace and love being again established in the church, and the fogs and clouds of Antinomianism be- ing scattered, Mr. Merriam commenced his ministry with encouragement. Nor was his hope disappointed. Revi- vals were successively enjoyed under his ministry, by which in a fraction more than five years, the church was increased from thirty to one hundred and fifty-six members. Rev. Oliver Barron became its pastor a second time in 1837, by whose exertions the church continued to enjoy a pleasing prosperity .* The revival in 1831, introduced three persons into the ministry; John Chick, preaching in New-Hamp- shire, Joseph Storer, and Moses Curtis, who died however
*This history is gathered principally from the Minutes of York Associa- tion, and a communication from Rev. Oliver Barron.
4
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CHURCHES IN MAINE, 1767-1783.
before he had concluded his course of preparation at Brown University. This church is favorably disposed towards the objects of benevolence.
SHAPLEIGH. Shapleigh, a town adjoining Sanford, on the north, was next blessed with the influence of gospel principles. Rev. Nehemiah Davis was the first Baptist to unfurl the glorious gospel banner in this place. Nor was the effort in vain. A few persons became pious Baptists, who, in 1781, united together for the worship of God .* Mr. Davis was their gospel leader till about 1798, when he removed to the State of Ohio. The following circumstance shows the increased influence of Baptist sentiments in the town. In 1802, a meeting-house was erected for the ac- commodation of the Baptists at an expense of $1500.
From among the Baptist professors in Shapleigh, who had for several years considered themselves a church of Christ, and had reported themselves as such to the New- Hampshire Association, a church was regularly organized, in their meeting-house Oct. 6, 1803, and called the second church in Shapleigh ; the remaining persons claiming to be the first church. (The church now constituted contains twenty-two members ; twelve males and ten females.) From this time till 1818, the church prospered, by the occasional labors of neighboring ministers, especially, by those per- formed by Rev. Z. Delano, of Lebanon ; and by the untir- ing and devotional efforts of its deacons, Thomas Shackley Jonathan Ross and John Chadborne. Mr. Chadborne, after preaching by the authority of a license, was ordained the first pastor of the church, Sept. 1818, and discharged the duties of that office for four years, when, by his request, he was dismissed from his charge of the church in 1822. Three pastors have succeeded Mr. C .; Rev. Charles Blan- chard officiated from April 1823 to 1828 ; Rev. Parker L.
*Dea. J. Bragdon.
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CHURCHES IN MAINE, 1767-1783.
Fogg, from 1829 to 1832 : and Rev. Joseph Gillpatrick, from Dec. 1833 to Sept. 1841. During these successive ministrations, the church experienced several refreshing revivals, which swelled the number of members to one hundred and nineteen in 1841. Rev. J. Chadborne and Rev. Luther C. Stevens, originated with this church; and its present deacons are James Ross and Ivory Bragdon .* Since 1841, this church is recognized as the first in Shap- leigh. Those brethren who refer to 1781, as the time they originated as a church, have since passed through several changes. Several persons having become Baptists, in Mil- ton, an adjoining town in New Hampshire, and having united with those brethren, they were constituted regularly in 1828, by the name of 'Shapleigh and Milton ;' in two years after it appears with the new name, ' Acton and Mil- ton ;' and in 1835, the Baptists in Milton, by their request, were dismissed to constitute a church in that town, where the old church takes the name ' Acton,' and thus the old name ' Shapleigh,' is lost among these changes.
After the removal of Mr. Davis, those brethren, called the first church, were destitute of the regular and constant ministry till Rev. Wm. Godding, from Wayne, united with them in 1807, who was one of their firm supporters through all their changes, and who is now a member of the church in Acton. By the ministry of Eld. Godding, their numbers were increased, and in 1816, a pleasing revival was expe- rienced, which increased their number by forty-three bap- tisms. From this time till the church was constituted, 1828, their numbers were considerably diminished. (See history of Acton church.)
LYMAN. Not a year had elapsed after the Baptists com- menced operations in Shapleigh, before a central light was enkindled in a joining plantation, called Coxhall, now Ly- *Com. Dr. W. Stevens.
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CHURCHES IN MAINE, 1767-1783.
man. A church of twenty-nine members was constituted here, in the dwelling-house of Jacob Rhodes, March 5, 1782, and Simon Locke, who had been especially useful to them as a lincensed preacher, was at the same time, or- dained its pastor. Rev. Mr. Locke, like a polar star, remained in this one position, shining ever with celestial beauty for a period of forty-nine years. He was distinguish- ed as a devoted christian, as a plain and faithful preacher of evangelical truth, and as the affectionate and sympathiz- ing pastor. He finished his course and the ministry he had received, in a peaceful death, Sept. 6, 1831.
With a skilful and steady hand, Eld. Locke led this church safely through all the hardships and trials peculiar to the early progress of the Baptists in this part of the State, where clerical oppression, with an iron hand, threat- ened the overthrow of every movement by them in every place. The church did not, like some, obtain a rapid in- crease by special revivals, but by gradual accession, it received an addition of one hundred and seventy members -during the period of Eld. Locke's ministry.
N. G. Littlefield, a member of this church, was licensed to preach the gospel in 1822, ordained as an evangelist in 1827, and became pastor of the church in 1839 or '40. Previous to the death of the first pastor, Mr. Littlefield ren- dered him much timely aid while struggling with the infir- mities of age. Soon after the removal of their venerable pastor, the church was divided, and a second church in Lyman was constituted, with Mr. Littlefield their pastor ; but time and circumstances in a few months convinced all concerned of the impolicy of such a movement. Divided, both churches were too small and feeble to sustain the gos- pel among them respectively ; united, and the work would be comparatively easy. A union of the churches was there- fore effected in 1833, since which the church moves on harmoniously and prosperously.
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WESTERN DISTRICT FROM 1784-1800.
At first, the Baptists in L. worshipped in barns, dwelling- houses and school-houses. In six years after they became a church, they built a small house for the worship of God, at a cost of $700, which accommodated them till 1820, when a second and more convenient house was erected at an expense of $2100. Joshua Smith, Stephen Butler, Lemuel Burnham, Daniel Kimball, Wm. Waterhouse, John Grant, Joseph Cleaves, and Simeon Andrews, have acted as deacons in the church.
CHAPTER IV.
Waterborough-Cornish-a temporary church in Fryeburg-Parsonsfield- Limerick-Buxton.
WATERBOROUGH. This town is situated east of Shap- leigh, and north of Lyman, and presented a convenient field for the occasional labors of Davis and Locke; and the spirit of opposition being violent in the towns south of them, it would be more agreeable, if not more consistent, to occupy those places where at least the liability to trials would be less. In Waterborough, no religious community was as yet formed-the minds of the people were therefore un- trammelled by the influence of any sectarian creed. The influence of the gospel, as exerted by the ministers and churches in Shapleigh and Lyman, was consequently salu- tary in preparing materials for a Baptist church in that place, which were collected and constituted into a church, Oct. 27, 1791. This church moved on peacefully-the clouds of persecution lowered not around its pathway. Rev. Henry Smith, of Alfred, became its pastor in 1794, and for a period of more than forty-two years he fed this people with the bread and water of life, and was with them in a 4*
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WESTERN DISTRICT FROM 1784-1800.
variety of conditions ; although generally they enjoyed a pleasing prosperity-1798, 1815, 1830 and '31, were special seasons of revivals which cheered pastor and church, with large additions, besides the encouragement afforded by an annual increase nearly equal to the diminution by dismis- sions, &c. Mr. Smith lived a farmer in Alfred, till about the age of 34 or 35, when, from a generous heart, from love to God, and compassion for sinners, he left his honest, secular business, for a more heavenly employment, and was ordained to the ministry in 1785, and very probable was an important means in laying the foundation of the church with whom he spent the subsequent part of his life, and among whom he died Feb. 11, 1836, aged 84. Mr. S. possessed a feeling heart, a tender conscience, a correct judgment ;- he was exemplary, evangelical, devoted, and his sermons were solemn, argumentative and impressive .* Mr. Smith's successors to the pastoral office in this church, are Rev. Abner Flanders, from 1836 to 1838 ; Rev. E. Robbins, ordained Jan. 3, 1839, and served from Jan. 1839 to 1842, and Rev. J. Merrill now officiating. The church- es, Alfred and second in Waterborough, have their origin with this church, and Elders John Haines, Stephen Web- ber and Timothy Hodsdon, were once disciples among this people. It is now an efficient, benevolent church of one hundred and eleven members.
CORNISH. This town is still farther north than Water- borough, and was settled at a later period. Among the orig- inal inhabitants, were several pious Baptists from Sanford, who immediately commenced holding meetings for social worship, and was thereby instrumental in the conversion of sinners. Among these converts, in the opening wilder- ness, was a Mr. John Chadborne, who at once became ardently and zealously engaged in the cause of Christ, and
*Com. of James H. Pierce, ch. clk., and file of Min. Y. A.
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WESTERN DISTRICT FROM 1784-1800.
was instrumental in promoting a very extensive revival of religion, which spread with a powerful influence into sev- eral of the surrounding settlements, and laid the foundation for, not only the church in Cornish, but also for churches in several other towns. The converts in Cornish were baptized and became a branch church to the church in Sanford, and Mr. J. Chadborne was elected its deacon ; which office he honored till 1798, when he was ordained as an evangelist, and was very serviceable to the Baptists in the vicinity of Cornish. In 1792, this branch was recognized as a regular church ; and J. Allen and A. Sherborne were made deacons. In 1801, Dea. Sherborne commenced preaching in this place, by whose labors the church was greeted by several valuable additions. Mr. Sherborne was afterwards ordained at Kennebunk-port, and subsequently was engaged as a Home Missionary and died at Utica, N.Y.
June 1805, Timothy Remick was ordained its first pas- tor, and served the church faithfully 27 or 28 years, when, on account of ill health, he resigned his charge. Eld. R. saw the fruits of his ministry in this church but a few years. For about twelve years from the commencement of Elder R's labor with the church, a cheering prosperity was en- joyed, so that in 1816, it had a total of eighty members. From that date, its members began to be diminished, and gradually decreased, till in 1832 it numbered thirty-seven members only. During this down-hill course, the church had many severe trials.
During the year 1833, D. C. Haines, a licentiate of Port- land supplied them with preaching, and his labors were useful to them. But a more serious evil, and more trying season awaited the church, March 4, 1834, the dwelling- house of Dea. N. Jewett,* together with the records, and
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