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 30
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FOXCROFT, received in 1842 from Penobscot, (see p. 385.) ST. ALBANS and HARTLAND, received in 1843 from Penobscot, (see p. 396.)
GREENVILLE AND SHIRLEY. Shirley was incorporated in 1836, and Greenville in 1834. These towns are among the extreme settlements in the northern part of the State, and are situated upon the higher branches of the Piscata- quis river, and near 'Moosehead Lake.' The church bearing the above name was organized of ten members from these towns, near the southern extremity of this Lake. In 1843, Stephen Darling of Greenville, and Otis Cobb, were chosen deacons. Three others have since united with this small company of disciples in the wilderness. They are scattered over a large territory and desire the labors of a missionary.į This church was gathered by the labors of Eld. O. B. Walker, who was sent there on a mission two weeks by the Maine Domestic Missionary Society.
SECOND PALMYRA, was organized in 1843, with twelve members from the 'old church,' with twenty others, the fruit of a revival, and has increased to fifty-five. It had the occasional ministry of Elders Joseph and J. P. Roberts.
*E. Crocker's Com. and Min. Pis. A. tMin. P. Asso. ¿ Zion's Adv. 1843.
396
PISCATAQUIS ASSOCIATION.
HARTLAND. This is a feeble church of sixteen mem- bers. It was embodied in 1843, with eight members, and is assisted by the occasional ministry of Elders D. M'Mas- ter and S. A. Maxim .*
PISCATAQUIS ASSOCIATION .... TABULAR VIEW.
ORGANIZED 1839.
CHURCHES IN 1843.
stituted.
When con-
Orig. No.
Baptized.
Letter.
Restored.
Dismissed.
Expelled.
Died.
Dropped.
Lost.
Gain.
Whole No.
Present No.
Harmony,
1808|28
96 21
61
65|47|10
8
|145| 21
Sangerville, (Piscataquis)
1808 12
132 35
2
86
32
13
1
28
|179
21
St. Albans and Hartland, Guilford,
1813
14
202
46
12
103
41
15
22
262
99
Parkman,
1819
10
78
21
9
27
25
13
3.109
56
Dover,
1818
12 147
62
2
75
132
12
221
85
Cambridge, (Ripley)
1822
31
65
43
7
42
36
$9
16 139
73
Corinna,
1822|10
53
44
8
32 31
7
1
6,107' 50
Atkinson and Milton,
1825 22
50 12
8
24 27
5
3
85
34
Dexter,
1825
30
102
65
6
84 38
13
1
1
197
66
Monson,
1827|13
63
23
2
19
4
4
1
99
75
1st St. Albans,
1829
15
19|16
7
4
6
50
23
Abbot,
1827
9
33
17
1
18
12
5
3
59
22
Athens Vill. Ch.
1836
7
30
7
4
1
6
4
44
37
Sebec,
1835
5
28
4
2
4
3
2
37
30
Foxcroft & Dover Village,
1840|11
23
33
1
4.
67
70
East St. Albans,
1840 31
11
3
9
3
2
8
45
39
Greenville and Shirley,
1843 10
3
13
13
2d Palmyra,
1843 32
13
45
45
Hartland, Milo,
1843
8
4
4
16 16
1840 12
13
6
31
31
356
1687
623
77
759
401
147
44
112
53
2659
1294
*Min. P. A.
t
1818
16
299
197
12
103
33
15
13
31
412
193
Athens,
1810
7
214,52
55
|31
17
16
9 273 173
2d Sangerville,
1839|11
4
9
2
2
21
24
22
10
C
CHAPTER XXIII.
WALDO ASSOCIATION.
Churches whose histories have been given-First . Vassalboro', 109 : Second Vassalboro', 112 : First China, 176 ; Second China, 150 : First Palermo, 262 : Second Palermo, 288 : First Montville, 276 : Second Montville, 302; Freedom, 302 : Knox, 268 : Appleton, 307 : Belfast, 289 : Waldo, 314 : Albion, 217 : Searsmont, 319 : Monroe, 307 : Frankfort, 286 : Wind- sor, 313: Dixmont, 293: Swanville, 177: Islesboro', 188 : Belmont, 301.
Added between 1828 and 1843-Winslow : Second Searsmont : Second Belfast : Frankfort Village : Unity.
IN 1828, the churches in the county of Waldo, and in that part of the County of Kennebec, lying on the east side of Kennebec river, and belonging to Lincoln Association, by their request, were dismissed to form the Waldo Asso- ciation. These met by their delegates, in Palermo, Oct. 10, 1828, and organized. Their first annual meeting was held at Montville, in August 1829. Three more churches from Lincoln Association united with them. At this meet- ing the body was enlarged to seventeen churches, nine ordained ministers, three licentiates, and seven hundred and forty-nine communicants.
The sentiments of this body as regards the various benev- olent objects which receive the attention of the denomina- tion at large, are in harmony with their brethren, as the following vote, passed in annual meeting* shows: 'We manifest our cordial approval of the benevolent operations of the day ;' and resolutions appropriate to the various objects have been adopted. These churches approve of Temperance, Sabbath Schools, Ministerial Education, Missions, Bible and Tract causes, and disapprove of Pope- ry and Slavery.t
They also disallow one church the right to receive a
*Min. W. A. tMin. 1834.
18
398
CHURCH IN WINSLOW.
member expelled from another,* and account it contrary to pure and proper discipline to drop members.t They consider it reprehensible for an evangelist to baptize persons within the limits of a church favored with a pastor, without first consulting him; and further, they condemn the prac- tice of baptizing persons, and not uniting them with a reg- ular Baptist church .¿ As regards members wishing to leave and connect themselves with other religious societies, they allow at the request of the person leaving, the giving a writing, certifying the act of withdrawal from such a mem- ber, and the reason thereof.§
Since the organization of this body, several alterations have occurred and enlargements made, which are impor- fant to its history. The two churches in Vassalboro' have become one church-second Montville and Prospect are among the lost. The Association has received Monroe, Frankfort, Windsor, Dixmont, Swanville, Islesboro', from the Lincoln ; and the churches which have arisen as fruits of their influence, under God, are, second Searsmont, se- cond Frankfort, Winslow, Belmont, and Unity. The church in Hope has returned to the Lincoln.
The present number of churches, twenty-one; ordained ministers, thirteen ; licentiates, one; and communicants, seventeen hundred and fourteen-making an increase of members, nine hundred sixty-five. 1843 was distinguished for extensive and glorious revivals among these churches.
WINSLOW. This town, nearly opposite Waterville, was incorporated in 1771. From 1826 there had been occa- sional preaching by Elders Webber, King, Proctor, Bart- lett, and Copeland. In the spring of 1837, there was some revival in the east part of the town, under the labors of brethren Bartlett and Knox. Souls were converted and baptized, and a church of twenty-five members was em-
*Min. 1836, p. 6.1 Min. 1835, p. 7. #Min. 1843, pp. 6 and 7. 6 Min '43, p. 6.
1 V t
bo bl E no T S I n b
2D SEARSMONT-2D BELFAST-FRANKFORT VIL. 399
bodied. Previous to the death of Eld. Palmer, they were blessed by his ministry. They have also had assistance by Eld. S. Knox, and by students from Waterville. They have no pastor, and a school house is their place of worship. Their present number is thirty-five .*
SECOND SEARSMONT. In 1838, a second church in Searsmont was organized with ten or twelve members, and T. Bailey was chosen deacon. In 1840, their number was nearly doubled. They have been checked in their progress by some severe internal difficulties. They had twenty-four members in 1843.+
SECOND BELFAST. This church is situated in the east part of Belfast, and embraces members in Belfast and West Prospect. Several members of the church in Belfast village resided here, and in the winter of 1840, C. G. Porter, a licentiate of the church in Calais, labored among them, and God owned and blessed his ministry to the quickening of his people, and to the conversion of sinners. At first the converts united with the church at the village, but their numbers increased till a church of twenty-six members was embodied in this part of the town. Mr. Porter continued to preach for them one half the time till the end of 1841, when A. B. Pendleton became their pas- tor, but soon resigned. They have since prospered with occasional preaching, and have increased to seventy-one members, twenty of whom were baptized during a revival in 1843.₺
FRANKFORT VILLAGE CHURCH, (or Second Church in FRANKFORT.) This village is on the Penobscot river. In Nov. 1841, a few Baptists, (eleven) were organized into a church. The first year of their existence they began to arrange for the building a house of worship, which they
*Jos. Taylor, Ch. Clk. Com. and Min. W. Asso. tMin. W Asso. 1843 and C. G. Porter's Com. Min. W. A.
400
CHURCH IN UNITY.
have accomplished. They have recently enjoyed a pre- cious revival under the labors of Eld. C. G. Porter, which has increased their numbers to sixty-five .*
UNITY. This town was incorporated in 1804, and the same year a Congregational church was organized by Jotham Sewall, but for many years it was small and des- titute.t The Baptist church is of recent origin. It was constituted in 1843, of eighteen members, with Eld. E. H. Emery, pastor .¿
WALDO ASSOCIATION ..... TABULAR VIEW.
ORGANIZED 1829.
stituted.
When con-
Orig. No.
Baptized.
Letter.
Restored.
Dismissed.
Expelled.
Died.
Lost.
Gain.
Whole No.
Present No.
§ Vassalborough,
1788|11:380|28|10 227 |107|44
121
429,149
2d China, Knox,
1800
19|160
41
11
46
4.6
19
23
220 97
1 st China,
1801
17
419
81
14 133
74 43
7
517 154
17
Ist Palermo,
1805
148
180
19
7
116
49 18
15
247
46
Montville (1st Ch.)
1807
5
155
30
16
45
54
19
14
190
74
1st Frankfort,
1808
38
93
14
7
52
42 12
9
145
37
2d Palermo,
1809
122
123,24
3
56
35,15
5
169
65
Belfast (Vil. 1st)
1809
8 221,64
8
84
37
15
9 293
174
|| Belmont,
1809124
33
10
7
3
2
17 17
107
44
Freedom, (1st Beaverhill)
1812 46
68
23
4
83
23
18
20
138
33
Monroe,
1816 20
14
6
1
4
1
6 12
209
89
Waldo,
1820
13
54
9
4
22
15
13
76
30
Albion,
1824 24
148 36
37
38|17
42
208
74
1st Searsmont,
1837
25
- 5 13
1
1
43
35
2d Searsmont,
1833
12
4 14
1
1
5
29
24
2d Belfast,
1840
126
46
8
1
8
80
71
Frankfort, Vil. Ch.
1841 |11
48
7
1
66
65
Unity,
1843 18
181 18
§1st and 2d united in 1840. IGreene, reorganized 1842.
494
2737
544
105
1185
709
319
205
31
3779
1586
*Min. W. Asso. tGreen. Eccl. sk. p. 203. #Min. W. A. 1843.
1
CHURCHES IN 1843.
1767 19 213
42
4: 96
80 28
10
274 64
Swanville(1st Mt.Ephraim)
1801 11
127
16
110
13
11
2
67
38
Dixmont,
1810|38
61
8
5
10
38
63
17
9
66
47
Winslow,
1827
13
30 23
6
5
1
34
22
Windsor (2d Malta)
1820|26
155 28
20
11|18
273
A
Dropped.
C
CHAPTER XXIV.
KENNEBEC ASSOCIATION.
Churches from other Associations-First Sidney, p. 116 ; Second Sidney, 200; Clinton, 149; Industry, 151; Farmington, 153; Mt Vernon, 158 ; New Sharon. 178; Bloomfield, 180; Belgrade, 202 ; Cornville, 241 ; Milburn, 223 ; Moscow, 223 ; Waterville, 229 ; Canaan, 232 ; First Nor- ridgewock, 233 ; Second Norridgewock, 241; Strong, 234 ; Chesterville, 235; Madison; 261 ; Anson, 235; New Portland, 221.
Added between 1830 and 1843-Fairfield ; Augusta ; Starks ; Avon ; Second Bloomfield ; Solon ; Oak Hill.
THIS body was organized in Industry, September 1, 1830, with twenty churches, nine ordained ministers, and nine hundred and nineteen communicants .* A large part of the churches embraced within the limits of this body are in the Counties of Somerset and Franklin.
In 1841, the following questions were proposed by the second church in Norridgewock :f
1st. 'What is the duty of a church in reference to communing, where a difficulty exists between two or more of its members?'
2d. 'What is the duty of the church in reference to their members, who are under such circumstances?'
These important queries were answered by the Asso- ciation as follows: 'The church has no power to set aside the command of Christ-'Do this in remembrance of me.' If, however, an extreme case should occur, in which obedience to this command cannot be rendered, the omission of it cannot be wrong.' To the second, it was replied, 'It may be consistent to suspend both par- ties from religious privileges, where investigation cannot be had, or results formed. But in no case are the in- nocent and the guilty to be treated alike for a longer
*Min. of K, A, 1830. +Min. 1841.
402
KENNEBEC ASSOCIATION.
time than is necessary for investigation and deliberate results.'
Resolutions had been frequently passed by this Asso- ciation, deprecating 'Slavery' in the United States as a most extensive evil and flagrant sin; but in 1843, the subject came up in a new form, and asking for a decision as regards how the churches, not directly affected by the sin, should treat slave-holding church members, at their communion and fellowship. The question came from the church in Augusta, and was referred to a committee of three: Warren, Trask, and Bailey. This committee reported the following resolution: 'That it is the duty of our churches to exclude from their fel- lowship, individuals and churches who are guilty of the sin . of slavery, as they would for any other fla- grant immorality.' Upon deliberation and discussion of this resolve, it was ascertained that a few only of the brethren present were in favor of its adoption, and the following was offered as a substitute, which passed almost unanimously: 'Resolved, That while we would carefully discriminate between different degrees of guilt, we think it is the duty of the churches, after faithful, scriptural admonition, to withdraw fellowship from in- dividuals and churches who persist in the sin of slavery ; this withdrawal being based upon the same reasons that exist in relation to any other flagrant sin.'*
Belgrade and First Sidney churches have undergone a new organization ; and Chesterville, Fairfield, and Second Norridgewock, have become extinct. In 1843, the Association had twenty-five churches, twenty-one ordained ministers, and one thousand five hundred and sixty-nine communicants; increase in thirteen years, } six hundred and fifty. The most distinguished revivals were in the years 1832, '38 and '43.
*Min. of K. A. 1843. +Min. 1843.
ch
fi it fo 1 0 b
re in fe A
Ba
403
CHURCH IN FAIRFIELD-AUGUSTA.
FAIRFIELD. In 1831, several brethren belonging to Baptist churches in Waterville, and some other places, residing in the south part of Fairfield, were organized into a church of about twenty members. But, as many feared and anticipated when it was formed, it has fallen. At the annual meeting of the Association in 1837,* it was recommended to these brethren to unite with other churches.t Their number never exceeded twenty-seven. AUGUSTA. Augusta, the capital of the State, was first settled in 1771, and incorporated in 1797. In 1840, it contained 5314 inhabitants. The first religious society formed here, was the Congregational church, in 1794 .¿ The Baptist church here is comparatively of recent origin. Pious Baptists and members of other churches had for many years gradually increased in the village. In 1831, L. Porter, then a student in Waterville Col- lege, preached here occasionally, by the request of some of the resident Baptists, and the same year a Baptist church of thirty members, was gathered. Their first place of worship was the old Court house. This was spacious and convenient.§ Here they had occasional preaching. The officers and students at Waterville aided their undertaking. By these means they pros- pered, and were increased in less than one year to the number of sixty-five members.
In 1834 and '35, they were supplied almost statedly with the ministry, by J. C. Morrill. || During these years the church enjoyed unusual prosperity, in the addition of members, and in the increase of outward means and facilities for progress. With some assistance from abroad, they built a house of worship, which was furnished with a good bell by the liberality of Col. Alfred
*See Min. 1837, p. 4. +Min. 1836. #Green. Eccl. sk. p. 198. §Zion's Adv. Dec. 22, 1831. |Min. 1835, p. 11.
404
CHURCH IN STARKS-AVON-2D BLOOMFIELD.
Reddington .* In 1836, Rev. C. Blanchard became pas- tor, and continued about one year. In 1838, T. Curtis was installed their pastor, but left them in about two years, destitute and in a low and discouraged state. They were next supplied a short time by P. S. Adams; but they still 'remained somewhat unfruitful.'t In 1841, E. R. Warren became their pastor. In 1842, a very general revivalį blessed the church and society. The church was enlarged by seventy-seven by baptism, and others by letter. In 1843, it had one hundred and ninety-three members.§
- STARKS. This town, on the west side of Kennebec river, was incorporated in 1795. A Congregational society was established here in 1804. Several members of the Baptist church in Industry lived in Starks, and in 1833, a church of fifteen members was gathered, most of whom were dismissed from Industry. They had preaching monthly. In 1837, they were increased by a special revival, and by another season of mercy in 1842, which increased the church to its present number of forty-five members. In 1840, D. T. Allen became their pastor. ||
AVON. This town was incorporated 1802. Here the sentiments of the Methodists have long prevailed. The Baptist ministers came and preached, and some of the people became pious and were baptized. A few materials being now prepared for a church, it was embodied May, 1836. Their present number is ten. TT
SECOND BLOOMFIELD. In the southern part of the town of Bloomfield, where this church is located, the people were nearly destitute of gospel privileges, and were ex- ceeding careless and unconcerned about eternal things. In 1835, Eld. L. Packard began preaching occasionally
*Min. 1835, p. 11. +Min. 1840, p. 10. ¿ Min. 1842, statistics. §Min 1843. ||Min. K. A. TJ. Libby Ch. Clk. Com. Min. 1843.
B C N N S
0 ized KE = 3 C Ist Cli Ind Fa Mt Ne
here. 1 was org preachi time. SOLO constit ritory lon, a have crease
405
CHURCH IN SOLON-OAK HILL.
here. In Oct. 1837, a church of thirteen members was organized. Mr. P. was pastor from 1838 to 1842, preaching for them one half and then one fourth of the time. Their present number is thirty .*
SOLON. In Dec. 1840, a church of eleven members was constituted. These members are scattered over the ter- ritory of four towns, Embden, Concord, Bingham and So- lon, and present an inviting field for a Missionary. They have preaching about one fourth of the time, and have in- creased to eighteen members.t
OAK HILL, NORRIDGEWOCK. This church was organ- ized in 1842. It has twenty-one members .¿
KENNEBEC ASSOCIATION .... TABULAR VIEW.
ORGANIZED 1830.
CHURCHES IN 1843.
When const.
Orig. No.
Baptized.
Letter.
Restored.
Dismissed.
Expelled.
Died.
Dropped.
Lost.
Gained.
Whole No.
Present No.
1st Sidney (reorgz. 1843) Clinton,
1796 26/206
18
11
69 39|21
65
250
68
Industry, (1st N. Vineyard)
1797
9|165
27
4
57
26 24
42
201
50
Farmington, (reorgz. 1810)
1797
7 146
30
6
45
15
21
15
183
93
Mt. Vernon,
1799
17
144
25
2
36
27
41
40
188
44.
New Sharon,
1802
12
178
36
31
28
29
41
226
93
Bloomfield (Canaan)
1803
15
1267
36
7
104
46
30
35
318
115
2d Sidney,
1806
19,171
45
1
56
19
56
236
77
Belgrade, (reorg. 1840)
1806
12
191
36
3
35
36
22
62 10
229 77
Cornville,
1801
20
210
41
6
61
39
29
17
271
131
N. Portland (reorg. 1837)
1810
9
55
15
3
16
3
21
79
36
Moscow (Bakerstown)
1812
11
58
3
2
12
11
4
10
72
37
Skowhegan, (2d Canaan)
1813
20
72
14
6
15
34
4
27
106 42
Waterville,
1818
20
1313
116
1
121
20
35
17
449
1257
Canaan,
1819
16
46
10
2
7
5
9
8 25
72
45
Norridgewock, Anson,
1820 18
38
10
7123
4
3
66
32
Strong,
1828 13
19
12
1
11
4
1
44
28
Augusta,
1832 30
174
64
33
5
16
16
209
193
Starks,
1833 15
28
5
2
1
3
1
48
45
Bloomfield (2d)
1837|13
14
15
5
2
2
2
42
30
Solon,
1840 11
7
2
20
18
Norridgewock, Oak-hill,
1842|16
8
2
21
21
374
2711
604
54
800
469
358
62
484
3618
11617
11791|16 133|
7
41|38/22|
134|
156| 21
*John Wheeler, Ch. Clk. Com. and Min. Asso. +Min. Asso. '42 and '43. 18*
55
26
1819 10
25
20
39
9
6
1820 12
40
10
11
13
12
2
62
28
Madison,
1836
7
3
5
2
1
15
10
Avon,
2
28
CHAPTER XXV.
CUMBERLAND ASSOCIATION.
Original Churches-East Brunswick, p. 99; Hebron, 119; First Buckfield, 122 ; Paris, 123; First Livermore, 135; New Gloucester, 147; Jay, 156 ; Brunswick, 159; First Portland, 170; Second Buckfield, 177; North Yarmouth, 183; Jefferson and Lancaster, 190; Sumner, 190; Bethel, 191 ; Norway, 204; Minot, 207: Freeport, 208: Danville, 210: Den- mark, 213 : Weld, 214 : Bridgton, 217 : Hartford, 218.
Added between 1811 and 1843-Bath : Second Livermore : Waterford : Scarboro': Peru : Cape Elizabeth : Byron : Canton : Turner : Poland : Oxford : Harrison : Hamlin's Gore : Woodstock : Village Church Bruns- wick : Chebeague Island : Free Street Portland : Harpswell : Durham : Main St. Brunswick.
TWENTY-TWO churches situated mostly in Cumberland and Oxford Counties, were dismissed from the Bowdoin- ham in 1810, to form a new Association west of Androscog- gin river. Two new churches, second Livermore and Bath, united with them; and the Cumberland Association was organized at North Yarmouth, Oct. 2, 1811. These twenty-four churches were blessed with the ministry of twenty-two ordained preachers and two licentiates, and embraced one thousand one hundred and sixty-five com- municants. This Association adopted the same articles of Faith and Covenant, with some verbal amendments as the Bowdoinham and Lincoln, and united with them in the cause of Missions and Literary and Theological Education. :
The first question proposed to this new body was by the church in Hebron, in 1812 : ' Can a church by vote dis- solve itself, otherwise than to join some other church or churches ?' This was a question of some importance, and was referred to Eld. Blood of Portland, for an answer .* The answer submitted to and adopted by the Association was virtually as follows : A church may dissolve in cases of doctrinal errors ; inconvenient locality of its members ;
*Min. C. 1812, p. 6.
F
re T
W
t t f
and to But OW tan QU fel be
407
CUMBERLAND ASSOCIATION.
and when distance renders it impossible for its members to meet regularly for worship, conference and discipline. But in no other case can a church consistently vote its own dissolution. The second question of special impor- tance was submitted by the second church in Livermore. Question : ' Is it scriptural for one church to receive into fellowship a person who has been excluded from another belonging to the same Association ?' This question was referred to a committee of three, Blood, Boardman, and Titcomb, to be answered at the next annual meeting ; when the following report of the committee was unani- mously adopted : 'Each church is independent with respect to discipline. An association of churches have not power to abrogate the censure of an individual church-there- fore, for one church of the same faith and order to receive an excluded member from another church of the same faith, order and association, is contrary to order.' The same decision upon a similar question was given by the Bowdoinham Association. The subject of Foreign Mis- sions was recommended to attention and liberality at the meeting in 1814.
In 1817, the propriety of ordaining deacons, came up for decision. This query was referred to the churches to be answered in their letters the next year, and there the matter ended. Upon the question, ' What are the measures to be pursued, and the formalities to be attended to, in order that a public preacher be cloathed with all the au- thority and vested with all the powers of a minister of the gospel of Christ? This question grew out of the custom then being introduced of settling a pastor by installation. A similar question in 1821 was suggested by the same custom. On both occasions the answers were against in- stallations. In 1823 a committee was raised to aid in forming the State Convention. In 1824 resolutions were
408
CUMBERLAND ASSOCIATION.
first passed on temperance. In 1825 a social library was recommended in each church. In 1828 the churches in Oxford County were set off, with one or two others in Cum- berland, to form the Oxford Association. In 1829, Bible . Class and Sabbath School instruction, Tract and Bible Societies, first commended to the churches as highly im- portant to their welfare. In 1830 Zion's Advocate was recommended to the patronage of the churches ; also, the Am. Colonization Society was noticed favorably. In 1832 the Association concurred with the Quarterly Conference in the employment of a County Missionary. In 1834 res- olutions appointing special seasons for prayer to be observed by the churches in favor of ministerial education and literary institutions. In 1835 a proposal was made to form a benevolent Society, to assist aged ministers and relieve their widows and orphans. The proposal was accepted. In 1636 the Christian Review was recommended to the churches, and the County Sabbath School Union formed. In 1837 the organization of the Foreign Bible Society, approved by the Association, and Home Missions received attention. In 1839 the following question was referred to a committee, viz. Champlin, Humphrey, Jones, Hart and Ricker : ' Are we required by the word of God to acknowl- edge and fellowship as sister churches, those whose mem- bers live in the allowed practice of a heinous sin ; such as holding their fellow-men and brethren as property, &c .? '* In 1840 it was resolved that it was inexpedient for the Association to give any advice on the question. The circular letter is dispensed with, and its place in the Minutes is required to be filled with a brief history of one of the churches composing the Association. During the history of this body, these churches have done much for the various causes of benevolence, for literature and for
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