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 7
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It deserves to be remarked here that, in 1830, Baptist churches existed in twenty-one towns in the county of York, leaving only three, Elliot, Kittery and Biddeford, unoccupied by churches, though Baptist professors reside in, at least, two of them. These towns still remain with- out any Baptist organization.
YORK ASSOCIATION .... TABULAR VIEW.
ORGANIZED 1785.
CH
HES IN 1843.
Orig. No.
Tot. in 1800.
When const.
Baptized.
Letter.
Restored.
Dismissed.
Expelled.
Died.
Dropped.
Lost.
Gained.
Whole No.
Present No.
S. Berwick,* First Sanford, Wells,
12| 60|1768|296|21 |
144 1772 245 12
5 109 63
46
12
70
96
14
63 1780 305
19
2 123
65
47
7
5|389
152
Lebanon & N.Berwick, 52
1801
181
9
3
58
32 42
34
245
79
Acton, or 1 Shapleigh,t Kennebunk, 1 Arundel, First Shapleigh,
15
1803
131
27
53
17
28
15
30
173
30
22
1803
199
5
43 20
21
44
226
98
S. Berwick Vil. Church, 15 Cape Neddock, Second Sanford,
12
1829
85
9
2
35
5
6
1
4|108
65
Kennebunk Vil.Church,
17
1835
72
21
1
20
2
1
6
111
82
Mt. Hope, Sanford,
18
1842
4
5
1
1
27
27
Second Shapleigh,
15
1841
9
9
1
3
1
1
37 27
Springvale, Sanford,
13
1843
13
13
222
320
2147
255
16
734
328
309
80
420
29
2914
1071
*Gr. Hill B Reorg.
1821. +Reorg. 1830
53
1781
285
20
2
109
33
52
,17
31
360
118
1824 276
84
130 23
23
28
18,375
189
17
1830
59
14
3
15
17
1
1
80
45
1| 49|50 25
204
378| 396
50
85
SACO RIVER ASSOCIATION.
SACO RIVER ASSOCIATION.
This Association embraces seventeen churches in this State. The histories of sixteen of these have already been given. The church in Alfred Gore, consisting of fourteen members, was added in 1844. The anniversary that year vas at Kennebunk-port. The circular letter was on the mportance of giving our youth a religious education.
'Consider,' says this letter, ' the importance of giving outh a religious education. There is on their part an ctual demand for it. They, in common with adults, are ubjects of physical, intellectual and moral wants. To heet the actual necessities of youth, all these must be sup- lied. To neglect either, is to impair their vigor. To upply their physical wants, you give them food and rai- nent. To meet their intellectual, you provide them with ooks and teachers, to give them a knowledge of the arts nd sciences. To meet their moral wants, you should give hem a knowledge of God.'
ACO RIVER ASSOCIATION ..... TABULAR VIEW.
ORGANIZED 1842.
CHURCHES IN 1843.
Tot in 1800
When const.
Orig. No,
Baptized,
Letter.
Restored,
Dismissed,
Expelled,
Died.
Dropped
Lost.
Gained.
Whole No.
|Present No.
yman,
36|1782 29 200|21}
21 92 23,48
20|259|106
Vaterborough,
68,1791 un 268 35
112 30,33
1
88
375
111
ornish,
48 1792
136
8
1
44 38 43
4
5 193
70
arsonsfield 1st,
90 1792
236
19
346
82
imerick,
40 1796 25
118
29
4
50,19:36
10
&
191
68
imington,
1804 16
24
1
1
2
5
12
42
23
lollis, firam,
1809,18
18;
5
3
8 16
6
4|
44
18
1820 21
190 33
3
47
16 30
12 247 157
1825,49
108
9
22
2 22
1
166,120
1827 7
84
59
2
44
14 13
35
152 116
forth Kennebunk-port,
1835 110
8 13
2
1
31
28
irst K. and Lyman, Ifred,
1836 31
14
8
1
4
2
2
54.
44
arsonsfield 2d,
1838
|33
2
1
33
28
282
302
1668
261
25
529
261
349
24
204
96
2484
1194
4
3
20,21
35
10
191
125
Vaterborough, 2d,*
1805 25
56
7
11
10
23
10
88
34
il. Ch., Kennebunk-pt., orth Buxton, aco,
1843
124
36
12
12
2
6
72
64
Reorganized 1842.
1802 14 172
2
71 53 48
9
83
-
The whole number of members reported in a church, may be greater or ss than the reported alterations would make-in the former case, the sur- lus is put down in the column ' gained,' in the latter case the deficiency in e column ' lost.' 6
CHAPTER VIII.
CENTRAL PARTS OF THE STATE.
Origin of Baptist principles in this part of the State-first Church in these parts at Bowdoinham-second at Thomaston-third at Harpswell-first Association in these parts, formed by these three Churches in a dwelling- house in the town of Bowdoinham, and called " the Bowdoinham Associ- ation .??
THAT section of the State in which the Baptists next be- gan to operate and multiply, was along the western side of Kennebec ; and soon after, they commenced progress in the eastern part of what is now Lincoln County, and among the people in the new settlements along the western shores of Penobscot Bay. These movements were began soon after Baptist churches first commenced operations in York County. The circumstances which opened the way for the Baptists in this new country were somewhat singular if not mysterious, and as interesting as singular. As in almost every part of the State, so in this, the Congregationalists had planted themselves in all the leading settlements, and most flourishing and promising towns. But God had in reserve fields and opportunities for the Baptists, and in his own time and by his own wise method, did he open these fields to them, and confer these opportunities.
Considerable settlements were made along the shores of the Kennebec and Androscoggin rivers, previous to 1770, but in the more interior, they were commenced at later periods. About this time openings in the forests began to appear, where are now Bowdoinham and Bowdoin, and the inhabitants were continually removing from the settlements along the rivers to those commenced in the interior. A few pious families were among the first to commence the set tlement called Potterstown, (now Bowdoin.) These soor
87
ELDER JAMES POTTER.
began to hold regular meetings for social religious wor- ship .* Having no minister, they spent the time in pious conversation, prayer, and singing praises to the Lord. These were seasons of refreshment, spiritual and heavenly refresh- ment.
In January 1781, Mr. James Potter, whose history fills an important place in the annals of the early Baptists in this part of the State, removed with his family from Tops- ham to Bowdoin, or Potterstown.t Mr. P. entertaining favorable views respecting the religion of Christ, although not pious at heart, was much gratified to find religious worship maintained in this new settlement, and became a constant attendant upon these seasons of devotion. How interesting to a pious mind to trace the peculiar means which are employed by a gracious God to develope his wise designs ! Mr. Potter, a chosen vessel of mercy, was now to be converted, and called to be an apostle to these inhabitants in the wilderness. And these social meetings were selected as the important means to bring him from the love of sin to the love and service of God .¿
Soon after Mr. Potter took up his residence in Potters- town, he was converted by the grace of God, and became actively engaged in the cause of Christ. His prayers and exhortations gave new interest to these social meetings, and added to their influence. He began to feel that he ought to profess Christ publicly, by uniting with a chris- tian church. He therefore united with a Congregational church in Harpswell ; but with the faith and practice of this church, he was not satisfied. He turned his attention wholly to the Bible, and although he knew nothing of the Baptists, he saw clearly that the immersion of believers only, was scripture baptism. He says that ' he saw him- self, and all others unbaptized, who were not baptized by immersion upon a profession of faith.'§
*Potter's Nar. p. 7. tPotter's Narrative, pp. 7, 8. #P. 14. @P. 14.
88
LABORS .OF N. LORD.
Although convinced that Pedo-baptism and sprinkling were unscriptural modes of baptism, he did not at once separate himself from the church with which he had united ; but immediately without the usual forms of qualification confered by the church, he began to labor for the conver- sion of sinners. Nor did he labor in vain. A reformation commenced in Potterstown, March 1782, and continued through the following spring and summer. During this revival, Rev. Nathaniel Lord, of Wells, while on a journey through this part of the State, and who was the first Baptist preacher whom the people had ever seen or heard, visited and preached two discourses to the people in Potterstown. His preaching was to these thirsty disciples as the pure waters of life. 'After the service was over,' says Mr. Pot- ter, he went out and sat down with about fifty young christians around him, and we did rejoice and praise God together.' Mr. Potter, with no uncommon interest and emotion, says to Rev. Mr. Lord, that he had learned ' that he was a Baptist.' Mr. L. replied, that he was. Mr. Pot- ter, after requesting him not to relate his peculiar senti- ments, wished the privilege of stating to him his own views of the gospel and gospel ordinances, as he was called a Baptist, and that after hearing his statements, he desired him to decide whether he was a Baptist or not. His wishes were granted, and after Mr. Potter had related his views, Mr. Lord informed him that ' if he believed what he had told him, he was one, for he told all that they believe and hold.'* From this time Mr. Potter began to travel and preach Christ to the people in the different surrounding settlements and towns. He was beloved by the people, and received earnest solicitations from almost every place in this then new country. And his ministry was blessed to the conversion of many souls, which became the spiritual
*Potter's Narrative, p, 17.
ch
89
ELDER I. CASE.
germs, where have originated several flourishing Baptist churches.
His peculiar views upon gospel ordinances, however brought down upon him the anathamas of the Congrega- tional clergy, who considered the introduction of Baptist sentiments as opening the way for a rapid spread of hetero- doxy, which would fill the country with strange delusions. Mr. Potter was frequently interrogated respecting the soundness of his principles, the genuineness of his motives, and by what authority he preached the gospel. In 1783, however, Mr. Potter intimates that their opposition began to be more moderate*, or to use his own language, 'some of them began to be more friendly.' In this way Mr. Pot- ter toiled on in the cause of truth and righteousness, till Oct. 1783, when the Lord of the harvest, in great compas- sion, sent to his assistance Rev. Isaac Case, of Rehoboth., Mass.t Never were the labors of a preacher, or his com- ing more timely. Converts were multiplying as the fruits of special revivals in many places, and for want of a proper administrator, they sighed in vain for the ordinances of the gospel. When Mr. Case came into this section of Maine, the field therefore was 'already white to the har- vest,' and he began immediately to gather in the precious fruits.
Mr. Case arrived at Brunswick, Oct. 21, 1783. Being an entire stranger, he tarried that night at a public house. The next morning, on inquiring for some pious persons on whom he might call, he was directed to the dwelling of a Mr. Woodard. Mr. W. and wife being pious, gave him a cheering welcome. At their request, Mr. Case preached at their house in the afternoon and evening of the same day, and the afternoon of the next day he preached at the dwelling-house of Mr. Samuel Getchell. These opportuni-
*Potter's Nar. p. 18. +Mr. Case's Jour.
90
ELDER I. CASE.
ties gave Mr. Case a favorable introduction, and prepared the way for his subsequent reception in the neighboring settlements .*
There being some revival then in progress on Sabasde- gan Island, in Harpswell, he went to that place, where he saw the power and love of God displayed in the conversion of sinners. On the evening of the 23d of October, he preached his first sermon on the Island, and to use his own description of the meeting, 'the Lord poured forth the effusions of the Holy Spirit ; sighs, groans and tears were among the people.' Several persons were awakened to see their lost condition by nature; among whom were two brothers, Isaac and Ephraim Hall, who were subsequently made joyful in nope and became useful ministers in the Baptist churches. These were the first 'seals' of the min- istry of Mr. Case in Maine.t Oct. 25, in compliance with the earnest solicitation of a pious female, whose heart was filled with the love of God, and compassion for perishing sinners, Mr. Case left the Island, and made the people in Potterstown a visit. At a place called the 'New Mead- ows,' he met Mr. Potter. Here these two holy men formed an interesting and religious acquaintance-interesting to Mr. Case to find a fellow-laborer in this wide-spread mis- sionary field, and most cheering to Mr. Potter to receive so spiritual and devoted an associate in the good and abundant work before them. After spending the day and evening with Mr. Potter and the people at Potterstown, Mr. Case, with Mr. Potter, returned to the Island. On the following Sabbath, they not having made arrangement for a meeting, attended at the Congregational meeting-house, and Mr. Case preached in the afternoon. But, says Mr. Case, we ' being received rather coolly,' met in the evening whom- soever were disposed to attend at the dwelling-house of a
*Mr. Case's Jour. +Mr. C's Jour.
P 1 J
1
i
2
t
I
-
91
FIRST BAPTISM BY MR. CASE.
Mr. Purington. The work on the Island was general. On visiting, says Mr. C. 'in almost every family some were weeping in the bitterness of their souls, others rejoicing in hope.'
October 29th, Mr. Case visited Georgetown (now Bath) where the labors of Mr. Potter had been blessed to the conversion of souls, and for several weeks he went from place to place, and from house to house, preaching, exhort- ing and praying, and ' the hand of the Lord went with him.' If opposition arose, he heeded it not.
November 4th, Mr. Case administered the ordinance of baptism to a female, on the Island, which was the first instance of baptism by Mr. Case in Maine, and the first administered by any Baptist east of the town of Gorham. About this time a Rev. Mr. Randall, the celebrated Free- willer, came to the Island and labored with success a short time. Mr. Case spent about three months in this section, uniting his labors with Mr. Potter; during which he visit- ed most of the settlements in this vicinity, preaching to the people, and baptized many converts*
From an impression of duty, Mr. Case left these settle- ments in January 1784, and directed his way eastward. He felt that the Lord had a special work for him to do in that direction. His convictions were confirmed when he arrived at New Castle. 'Here,' says he, ' I received evi- dence that my convictions of duty to go eastward were of the Lord.' 1 4. circumstance was this-at this place he met two messengers from Thomaston, who were on their way to Sabasdegan, to invite him to ' come over nd help them.' He proceeded forthwith, as Peter went to the house of Cornelius, to Thomaston, where he found the people prepared to receive the word of the Lord. Mr. Case, on his arrival, found a few pious souls who had been spend- *Mr. Case's Journal.
92
MR. CASE'S FIRST VISIT TO THOMASTON.
ing that very day in fasting and prayer in view of his com- ing. Thus the way of the Lord was prepared. On the 31st of January, he preached his first sermon in Thomas- ton, which was the opening of a new era in the religious state and character of the town, it being blessed to the awakening of three persons to a sense of their rebellious character against God, and lost condition in sin. A most glorious and extensive revival of religion was the immediate result of these movements .*
A wide and extensive field for gospel labor was now open before Mr. Case. He therefore made Thomaston his place of residence, where he remained about eight years, preaching in that and in the adjoining towns, settlements, and on the Islands in Penobscot Bay ; while Mr. Potter remained in the vicinity of Kennebec, travelling and preach- ing in the new settlements, which were annually multiply- ing in the interior of the State. Many were the obstacles which these servants of the Lord had to overcome. The country was new, roads were bad, or no roads at all. They had therefore to travel on foot, or on horse-back, to carry the word of life to the destitute, and in many instances opposition, slander, and ridicule tried their patience and fortitude.
· The weapons which the enemies now wielded against the Baptists in this part of the State, were in some res- pects unlike those which were applied against them in York County. To prevent their increase, every attempt was made in almost every place to prejudice the minds of the people against them. 'Ignorant Fanatics,' ' Bigoted Bap- tists,' ' New-Lights,' ' Close Communicants,' etc., were no uncommon epithets.
Irony, slander, and reproaches were heaped upon them.t No wonder they considered them- selves as the sect ' every where spoken against.' But con-
*Mr. Case's Jour. +Mr. C's Jour.
93
BOWDOINHAM CHURCH.
scious that they were not persecuted for impious motives, or evil deeds, but for righteousness' sake, they rejoiced and persevered. When reviled, they reviled not again.
As the history of the several churches will embody most of the incidents and particular circumstances important to the history of these early movements, we shall proceed to give in brief narrative and order of time, as they were or- ganized, their history severally, and shall commence with the church
BOWDOINHAM. The first Baptist church in Bowdoinham was constituted on the 24 th of May, 1784 .* This church owes its origin to a revival experienced in this town, under the labors of Mr. James Potter in 1782; at which time there were no Baptists in this part of the State, nor had Mr. Potter or the people ever seen or heard one of their preachers; and there being no church of any faith in the vicinity, these disciples remained without the ordinances of the gospel and church privileges. Between this time and the organization of the church, Rev. N. Lord, of Wells, Rev. Simon Locke, of Lyman, Rev. I. Case, and Job Macomber, preached occasionally to them, by whose ministry they were instructed and comforted. They had no particular trials to endure, and no persecution. Mr. Case visited Bowdoinham, in November 1783, and on the 24th day of that month he baptized six persons, who were the first to receive the ordinance in this place. Mr. Case relates the following instance as connected with this bap- tismal season. After baptizing five persons who had been previously received as candidates, a woman came forward to the water and desired baptism. She was informed that if she believed in Christ with all her heart, she might. She then related what the Lord had done for her soul, which relation evinced that she had experienced a work of
*Syms Gardner of 2d Ch. 6*
94
BOWDOINHAM CHURCH.
renewing and saving grace, and consequently she was re- ceived as a proper subject of baptism. While preparing to go ' down into the water,' her husband came forward filled with anger and great rage, and threatened to kill himself if his wife was baptized. The husband was warned of his guilt and danger, and the wife was baptized, and instead of suicide, the man was slain by the law of God, and then made alive by the blood of Christ .* Others were subse- quently baptized, and thus the foundation was laid for a church. The church being formed, a central point of in- fluence was created, and a home provided for the converts in the vicinity. About the time the church was constituted, Mr. Job Macomber, from Middleboroegh, Mass., who had previously taken up his residence in Bowtinham, became a member, and was ordained as its first pasur in August of the same year. As there was no convenient place pro- vided for the ordination, a stage was erected under the open canopy of heaven, on which he was set apart for the great work of preaching the gospel of Christ. Rev. I. Case preached on the occasion, and Rev. Simon Locke, participated in the exercises.
Elder Macomber discharged the duties of pastor till 1810, when he was succeeded by Daniel Pierson, one of its members, who was ordained May 9, 1810. Elder P. continued with this church till a second church in Bowdoin- ham was constituted, when he resigned his charge of the first church and became pastor of the second. Twenty-nine were now dismissed from this church, which left it small, feeble and destitute of a pastor.f Although blessed with oc- casional revival visitations, its numbers never exceeded six- ty-eight, and it was now reduced to a total of twenty-four. Rev. Elihu Purington, from Topsham, became a member in 1818, and subsequent to the resignation of Eld. Pierson,
*Rev. Mr. Case's journal. +Syms Gardner, of 2d Ch.
t P
b a P t k
a
95
THOMASTON CHURCH.
administered to the church though not as pastor. Remain- ing destitute of a pastor's care, it did not obtain much prosperity; and influenced by a high tone of Antinomian faith, in 1840 it withdrew its connection from the Bow- doinham Association, of which it was one of the original members .* It was never able, (or disposed) to provide for its own accommodation a house of worship, and being opposed to the general movements of benevolent associa- tions, it has never done much for the general interests of Zion, or the cause of humanity .; Thus has waned the first light enkindled in this new wilderness.
THOMASTON, now known by the name of 'FIRST THOM- ASTON.' This was the second Baptist church constituted east of the York Association, and the first east of the Kennebec river. Thomaston is in the eastern part of Lin- coln county. The first settlement here was commenced about 1741, and between this time and 1756, some efforts were made by the Rev. Robert Rutherford to establish the Congregational principles, but it does not appear that he succeeded. He died in October, 1756. There was no church formed here of any faith previous to the gathering of the Baptist church by Rev. I. Case, in 1784 .; Previous to the arrival of Mr. Case in January of that year, a few pious persons lived in the town who sighed over the spirit- ual condition of the people. When Mr. Case came, he was made welcome by many joyful hearts, and especially by Mr. Brown and family, with whom he first tarried. The anxiety expressed that he would remain and preach to the people were to Mr.Case, favorable indications for good ; and the first sermon which he preached being blessed to the awa- kening of three persons, strengthened his hope that his labor would not be in vain. The next day, (Sabbath) he preached at the dwelling house of Mr. Oliver Robbins, whose wife
*Min. B. A. 1850. tSyms Gardner of 2d Ch. #Green. Eccl. his. p. 172.
96
THOMASTON CHURCH.
was the only pious Baptist to be found in all this eastern country .* Another person was awakened at this meeting, and thus commenced the special season of mercy which became general in Thomaston, and which spread into several surrounding neighborhoods. Many souls were soon converted to God, and some who had strayed like the prodigal, were reclaimed, among whom was Mr. Elisha Snow, whose name is remembered especially in all the churches in the eastern part of the State. Mr. Snow im- mediately entered the ministry of the gospel, and was eminently useful in the work till he was eighty years of age. He died in his ninety-third year.
Frequent seasons for humiliation, fasting and prayer, were among the most efficient means which promoted the progress of this revival. The first baptismal season was on the 26th of Feb., when Mr. Case baptized fifteen converts. This season is still remembered as one of great mercy and joy. March 12th, eighteen more received the precious ordinance. The work now became more powerful and glorious, in view of which Mr. Case exclaims, "Tis won- derful to see God's work among poor sinners; and we may stand still and see the salvation of God.' In April, twenty- five more happy converts embraced baptism with rejoicing ; and in May 23, six others.
The foundation being now laid, and suitable materials prepared for a Baptist church in this far eastern settlement, it was believed to be duty to bring them together. Con- sequently on the 27th day of May, 1784, the disciples of Jesus in Thomaston, assembled in the barn of Mr. Oliver Robbins, voted Eld. Case Moderator, and Samuel Brown Clerk. They then voluntarily gave themselves to each other in solemn covenant and church relation, and received the hand of Fellowship from the Moderator as a church of *Mr. Case's Jour.
P
t
t
97
THOMASTON CHURCH.
Christ in gospel order. The same day, fourteen were bap- tized, three of whom were added to the church, making fifty in all; forty-seven constituting the original number ; and, on the 30th, the church celebrated the ' Lord's Sup- per' for the first time. Rev. Mr. Case was now joyfully received as the pastor of the church, who continued his ministry with them about eight years, when he removed to another field .* The original members of this church at . this time were not all fruits of the extensive revival in this place. Under the labors of Messrs. Case and Snow, disci- ples had been multiplied in other places, wherever they had travelled and preached. In Camden, Warren, St. George, Damariscotta, on Deer Island, Long Island, Fox Island, Isle Haut, converts had been gathered to Christ. In May 1787, persons had become pious by means of their labors, and had been brought into connection and fellowship, and under the watchcare of the church in Thomaston, from Ballstown, (Jefferson,) N. Castle, Nobleboro', Waldoboro', Friendship, Cushing, Warren, Union, Camden, Castine and Fox Island ; so that at this time this church embraced a territory in extent more than 30 miles. About this time a serious trial disturbed the peace of the members in Thom- aston ; the cause of which was lodged in the bosom of the church, which resulted in a painful rending of the body. Thirty-four members were excommunicated Sept. 1790, among whom was the Clerk of the church, who refused to deliver up the records to the church. But, says Eld. Case, ' the building was of God, it therefore withstood the storm.' The origin of the trial and division arose with a difference of opinion respecting the doctrine of Atonement, between Mr. Snow and S. Brown.
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