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 8
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In the spring of 1792, Rev. Mr. Case resigned his pas- toral care of the church, and was succeeded in 1794 in the
*Mr. Case's journal, and com. of Rev. L. B. Allen, pastor, 1842.
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THOMASTON CHURCH.
pastoral office by Rev. E. Snow ; since which the church has enjoyed the faithful labors of a succession of worthy pastors, by whose ministry they have experienced several pleasing and fruitful revivals. In 1795, by Eld. Snow's labors, the church was revived, and made to forget in part its former affliction. But this refreshing was, to the more wonderful work of divine grace and mercy which appeared in 1808, as the 'former' is to the 'latter' rain, when one hundred and forty-eight additions by baptism cheered and encouraged the church. Revivals were experienced in 1811, when fifty were added; 1815, fifty added; 1824, Eld. S. Fogg, pastor, twenty added; 1831 and '32, Rev. A. Kalloch, pastor, sixty-nine added ; 1842 and '43, Rev. L. B. Allen, pastor, sixty-seven added .* These are among the special and peculiar blessings which this church has received from God. But many trials at different times have afflicted the church. One we have described. A second commenced with the instability of Samuel Baker, who had left the Methodist connexion and united with the Baptist church in T., and was ordained colleague pastor to Elder Snow in 1808. As is frequently the case with such as hastily change their doctrinal views, he made shipwreck concerning the faith, and was excluded from the denomi- nation in 1813, for preaching the unscriptural and skepti- cal doctrines of Universalists. Since that time, the church has been much annoyed and perplexed by his changes. Upon his apparent humble repentance and sincere confes- sion of his erroneous views and practices, he was restored to the confidence and fellowship of the church, March 7, 1813, and on the 24th day of the same month, and for simi- lar offences, was again excluded. In this way, and for similar reasons, Mr. Baker has been excluded and restored again and again, till but a small degree of confidence in his integrity is felt by any.
*Com. Rev. L. B. Allen-Rev. I. Case's journal-Lincoln Asso. Min.
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CHURCH IN HARPSWELL.
Several members of this ancient church have become ministers. Elisha Snow, ordained at Harpswell; Tristram Jordan, ordained in the church, 1808, (June 5) ; Thomas Merrill, received as a licensed preacher from the Congre- gationalists ; and Isaac Bridges, licensed January 24, 1812. And the following churches owe their existence, in part, to dismissions from this ;- Cushing, Fox Island, West Thomaston, Appleton, and 3d Thomaston. It has existed fifty-nine years. The whole number of persons who have belonged to it is seven hundred and five. Present number, 1843, is two hundred and eight .*
HARPSWELL, now " EAST BRUNSWICK." Harpswell, or Harpswell neck, is a strip of land at the mouth, and along the western side of Kennebec river. It was settled at an early period in the history of Maine, and was soon occu- pied by the Congregationalists, and became a district Parish to that denomination in 1750,t and soon after a church of that faith was organized. Connected with this parish was the large Island, called " Sabasdegan," on which resided a considerable number of inhabitants, who were also under the influence of a Pedo-baptist faith. Baptist principles were unknown among the inhabitants of Harpswell, till proclaimed on this Island by Rev. Isaac Case and Mr. Potter, who first visited this people in 1783. In the course of two or three months, Mr. Case preached twenty-five sermons on the Island, which were blessed to the conversion of many souls, several of whom he baptized. Mr. James Potter was an efficient co-laborer with him in this work. Some opposition was manifested, and, Mr. Case says he was treated 'rather coolly' by Mr. Samuel Eaton, the Congregationalist preacher in Harpswell. But opposition ' was overruled to the furtherance of the cause, rather than to check its progress.' During the year of'84, *Rev. L. B. Allen, Com. and Miss. L. A. +Green. Eccl. History, p. 68
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CHURCH IN HARPSWELL.
Mr. Potter preached to the comfort and instruction of these baptized disciples and their friends, and their number slowly increased. On the 19th of January, 1785, a church was organized on this Island, by Rev. I. Case, and Rev. J. Macomber, consisting of thirty-one members. These original members resided in Harpswell, Bath, Brunswick and Bowdoin. This was another refuge for the Baptist disciples scattered in this new and broken country .*
A short time after the organization of this church, Mr. Potter was baptized, and united with it ; and on the 5th of October, 1785, he was ordained by Messrs. Case and Macomber, as an evangelist, but was soon called and ac- cepted the pastoral charge of this church. Mr. Case preached the sermon from, 'Lo, I am with you always,' &c. Elder P. continued the acceptable pastor till the church was constituted in Bowdoin, 1788, when he resign- ed his care of the church in Harpswell, and took charge of that in Bowdoin. It does not appear that this church was increased much during its infant state. Something more than twenty were added, however, to it during the continuance of Mr. P.'s ministry with them. About the time that Mr. Potter retired from the church, Elisha Snow, of Thomaston, became a member, was ordained in 1790, and continued their minister about two years. He was succeeded by Rev. Samuel Woodard, of Brunswick, who was ordained at his own house, October 11. 1792. Rev. Samuel Mariner, another of its members, upon the resigna- tion of Elder Woodard, was called to the pastoral office, by ordination, January, 1802. Elder Mariner was pastor till his death, 1832, a period of about thirty years. These pastors became members of the church previous to their ordinations, so that it may be said truly, that God raised up in the church its own pastors and teachers.
*Rev. I. Case's Journal, and Min. C. A. and B. A.
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ORIGIN OF BOWDOINHAM ASSOCIATION.
Since the revival in 1783, this church and people have been blessed with four precious and refreshing seasons from the presence of the Lord. In 1798, Elder Wood- ard, pastor ; in 1816, Eld. Mariner, pastor, and in '34 and 40. From thedeath of Eld. Mariner, the church has been destitute of a pastor, but its pulpit has been supplied the most of the time, by the successive ministry of Elders S. Owen, H. Kendall, D. Pierce, Wm. Johnson, J. Butler and N. Hooper .*
This church has had several names. First, ' Harps- well ;' second, 1834, 'Harpswell and Brunswick ;' and third, ' East Brunswick,' its present name. By a dismis- sion of members, this church has aided in the building up of several others in the vicinity, but how many and what, we have no means to determine.
Although opposition has always marked its pilgrimage, it has, nevertheless, usually experienced a pleasing prosperity. The whole number gathered into this fold from its com- mencement to 1843, is about two hundred, and it has a present total of eighty-three members.
CHAPTER IX.
ORIGIN OF BOWDOINHAM ASSOCIATION.
THE three churches before described, increasing in numbers, power and influence, and Baptists rapidly multi- plying in the new settlements in every direction around these central points of gospel light, encouraged the belief that the prospect was brightening, that other churches would soon arise to co-operate in the general work of evan- gelizing the whole State. It was deemed, therefore, not only expedient, but even the duty of these churches, to commence holding annual meetings, in which all the
*Rev. I. Case's Journal and Min. B. A. and C. A.
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BOWDOINHAM ASSOCIATION.
churches might associate, and deliberate upon things rela- ting to their own welfare, and the prosperity of Zion in general. These views, and the feelings of fraternal love and interest which dwelt in the hearts of these early Bap- tists, originated the 'Bowdoinham Association,' which was organized at the dwelling house of Rev. Job Macom- ber, in Bowdoinham, on the 24th day of May, 1787. This meeting was composed of delegates from the three church- es, Bowdoinham, Thomaston, and Harpswell ; and with their pastors, Elders I. Case, J. Potter, and J. Macomber. It was organized by choosing Elder Case, Moderator, and Ebenezer Kinsman, Clerk. Rev. J. Potter preached the first sermon, from Luke 5 : 34, 35 ; and E. Kinsman pre- sented a circular Letter. This was a memorable day to the Baptists in this part of the State. Being but few in number, (as the entire number of Baptists represented in this meeting was 183 only,) and in the midst of a rapidly growing population, and an increasing Baptist community, it became important that every measure adopted, every sentiment expressed, and every motive professed, should be according to gospel love, truth, and righteousness ; and that every precedent established should be such as all the churches and Associations which might afterwards arise, could follow with safety and delight. In the course of bus- iness, the Association adopted a summary of doctrinal articles, which constitute the foundation, yea, which em- body the very soul and spirit of the articles of Faith and Covenant now universally adopted by the denomination throughout the state. Our churches and Associations have not indeed clothed these sentiments all in the same dress, or used the same language, yet their doctrines and practic- es, so far as we are able to discover, are essentially the same.
The design of this movement is also expressed on this occasion, and recorded for the perusal of the churches.
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BOWDOINHAM' ASSOCIATION.
The document to which we refer reads thus : 'In asso- ciating ourselves we disclaim all pretensions to the least control on the independence of particular churches; our main design is to establish a medium of communication relative to the general state of religion ;- recommend such measures ;- give such advice ;- and, render such assis- tance as shall be thought most conducive to the advance- ment, peace and enlargement of the Redeemer's kingdom n the wer
Two measures in particular were then adopted to promote the objects contemplated in this design. Besides the requirment of an annual epistle from each of the churches, it provided that 'a sermon shall be preached at the com- mencement of each annual meeting, calculated to bring into view the expediency of sending the gospel to the destitute, at the close of which a contribution shall be taken for that purpose;' and secondly, 'a circular shall be addressed annually to the churches containing something profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, righteousness ; and, also, a letter of correspondence to those Associations with whom correspondence is maintained.'
Upon the question whether it was agreeable to truth and the example of Christ and his Apostles to receive unbap- tized persons to the 'Lord's Supper,' or allow any person or member, to receive that privilege, who will commune with such, the important decision was made by vote at this meeting, ' that it is not agreeable.' Of the meeting of this body in 1788, there are no records. It held its session that year in Harpswell. The next year, (1789,) the Asso- ciation met a Ballstown, now Whitefield, with an addition of three new churches, and one ordained minister, (Rev. Elisha Snow.) This was to the Baptists, a precious and encouraging season. They now opened correspondence with the Warren Association, Massachusetts and Rhode
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BOWDOINHAM ASSOCIATION.
Island, and New Hampshire-and a circular was addressed to the churches upon christian faithfulness and honesty, which was an important document in those times. In 1790, the Association met at Harpswell. God gave evident man- ifestation of his approbation of this Association at their first meeting. The exercises were blessed to the conver- sion of one soul, and each subsequent meeting was cheered by his gracious presence.
To show the comparative increase of the Baptists with the increase of population in the State, we remark that in 1764, four years before there was a Baptist church in the State that out-lived the storm of persecution, there were twenty-three thousand six hundred and eighty-eight whites and three hundred and thirty-two blacks in Maine. There were three thousand five hundred and seventy-two families and two thousand seven hundred and eighty-nine houses. In 1790, there was a population of ninety-six thousand five hundred and forty, and only eleven Baptist churches, with not more than five hundred members .*
It may seem somewhat surprising to the present genera- tion who are accustomed to see the Baptists multiplying so rapidly in these eventful days of enlarged means and won- derful prosperity, that they should make so slow progress at their commencement. But should those who thus wonder, consider the persecutions of some, the trials, the obstacles to success common to all in a new country ;- could they see the minister travelling on foot through the woods, guided only by 'spotted trees,' to get to destitute settlements ;- could they see the scattered settlers, walking six, ten or twelve miles to an evening meeting, or drawn through the unbeaten snow on an ox-sled, seated on a bundle of straw, to the place of worship where they might hear the words of life, the wonder would seem to be, that
*Wms. his. Me. vol. 1, p. 549.
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FIRST CHURCH IN BOWDOIN.
they multiplied so fast. The minister was encouraged to endure hardness as a good soldier, from the success he witnessed ;- and the people were excited to make great exertions to hear such ministers as manifested so much concern for their souls. As the result of such movements, the obstacles notwithstanding, churches continued to in- crease.
CHAPTER X.
Churches added to the Bowdoinham Association from 1788 to the time of its division, 1804-First Bowdoin-First Vassalboro'-Second Vassal- boro'-Whitefield-First Sidney-Litchfield-Hebron-First Buckfield -Paris-Lewiston-Readfield-Fayette-Miscongus Isle and Bristol- First Livermore-First Nobleboro' -- Greene-Wayne-Webster-Hope -New Gloucester-Clinton-2d China-Farmington-Second Litchfield -Wales-Jay-Mt. Vernon-Brunswick-Leeds -- Woolwich-Friend- ship-Warren-Portland-First China-Swanville-Second Buckfield- New Sharon-Canaan-Islesboro'-Vinalhaven-Jefferson and Lancas- ter-Sumner-Bethel.
BOWDOIN, FIRST CHURCH. The town of Bowdoin was first called Potterstown, and was among the first settlements in Kennebec County. In this place, and for which it is memorable in the history of the Baptists in this part of the State, was the first revival of religion to introduce the sen- timents of the Baptists into the country, the circumstances of which have already been described. Rev. James Potter, who had previously become pious, was instrumental in pro- moting this work of grace. Elder N. Lord, of Wells, visited them at the time of its progress, and although the people were generally under a Pedo-baptist influence, his instructions, as given in two sermons only, led several of the converts to search the Bible to see if what he taught was according to the word of God. 'I' e result was, as is generally the case, those who took the Bible only for their guide, became Baptists. But there being no Baptist ad- ministrator, they did not publicly profess their faith in
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FIRST CHURCH IN BOWDOIN
Christ and in his gospel, till 1784, more than a year after this revival, when they were baptized by Elder Case, and became connected with the Baptist church in Harpswell. This connection continued, notwithstanding their distance of a dozen miles or more, until 1788, when, by the assist- ance of Elder Case, they were organized as the church of Christ in Bowdoin, and Elder Potter became their pastor.
The name which this church then assumed, is some- what peculiar, and is expressive of the strong Calvinistic doctrines they embraced, and which have since obtained considerable prevalence in this section. It was denomi- nated 'A Regular, Particular Baptist Church.' Its early progress was onward, especially while under the min- istry of Mr. Potter, whose labors were continued till 1811, when age and infirmity led him to resign his charge of the church. He died in full view of the promised rest, March 2, 1815. In 1798 and '99, a very precious and extensive revival was experienced, when a large addition was made to the church, which, together with occasional additions, showed an increase of one hundred and forty-five to its mem- bers while he was pastor. The influence of this church was felt in all the adjoining settlements, by means of which a foundation was laid for several of the present flourishing churches in that vicinity, among which are Lewiston and Greene.
After the revival in 1798, the church could no longer be accommodated in barns and private houses. They therefore erected a house for the worship of God, in 1799, at a cost of about $1500. That year David Buker and Samuel Smith were elected and ordained as deacons. Humphrey Purington, Thomas Adams, Asahel Polly and John Small, also have acted as deacons, by a vote of the church. Elder J. Dinslow was an associate deacon, with Buker and Smith. Joseph Dinslow was ordained to preach
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FIRST CHURCH IN BOWDOIN.
the gospel of Christ, by a council convened at the request of the church, 1794, and after the resignation of Mr. Pot- ter, became the stated minister of the church, but not their pastor. He was elected pastor, but declined the charge, from a conscientious belief that few ministers have a pas- toral gift, and that it was especially true of himself. He therefore consented to be their minister only. Mr. Dins- low began to preach soon after he was elected deacon, and was useful to the church when destitute, and was especially instrumental in aiding its progress till 1820; seventy-five being added to the church while he preached to them as the fruits of a special refreshing in 1815.
Nothing of special interest occurred affecting the inter- est of the church after the period of Elder Dinslow's min- istry closed till in 1829, when the church was cheered and assisted by a donation of $700, by John Thompson, one of its members, the interest of which was to be expended annually for the benefit of the church.
In 1834, they suffered the loss of their house of worship, by fire, which was supposed to be the work of an incen- diary. They were now obliged to meet in school houses, till their present neat and convenient house for worship was opened by appropriate services, November, 1839. The lot of land on which it stands, was presented to the church and society, by Solomon Eaton, Esq.
When destitute of a pastor, or stated preacher, this church has received occasional, if not stated supplies, by Elders L. Jackson, B. Cole, J. Garcelon, W. Stinson, E. Purrington, S. Owen, and D. Pierce, respectively and suc- cessively, as often, at least, as one Sabbath in each month, which labors have been of great utility and comfort to its members. Besides these labors, the church has always been blessed with eminently valuable gifts in their deacons, who have most readily and profitably supplied the defi- ciency of a preacher, when none was provided.
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FIRST CHURCH IN BOWDOIN.
The peace and prosperity of this church is greatly owing to a wisely regulated and promptly maintained discipline, for the promotion of which Dea. . Buker was peculiarly qualified; and its spirituality to the activity of Dea. E. Brown, who was ordained to that office in 1822. The rich experience, the unwavering faith, and upright example of deacon B. exerted a healthy influence on the character of the church, and a pious attractiveness on all around him.
This church, though generally cheered with an encour- aging prosperity, has endured many severe trials. 'Trials,' says one of its worthy members, ' of all kinds common to this sect every where spoken against.' In its infancy it had to contend with some heated and zealous Arminians, who labored to prejudice the minds of young christians against the Baptists. Their hard expressions were charged upon them, but they continued in their unjust animadver- sions, and unfeeling aspersions, till a certain distinguished person among the Baptists requested a public discussion of some doctrines which had been sinfully misrepresented. ' The discussion was attended with this result,' says Mr. Potter, 'since which, to the present time, the Arminian sentiments have been disowned by us, both by saints and sinners.'*
This church still claims to be regarded as upon the true original Baptist Platform, and are very seriously inclined to charge their brethren generally in the State at the pres- ent day, with having removed from the original principles of the Baptist Faith. This charge, undoubtedly, is true, as respects some peculiar views of some particular and nice points of theology ; but we do not as yet discover any ma- terial change in the essential doctrines of their profession and faith.
This church has existed nearly fifty-six years ; has always
"Pot. Nar. p. 26.
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FIRST CHURCH IN VASSALBORO'.
had much trouble as respects the proper mode of support- ing the ministry ; and this trouble some how or other so happens when but little is done in this business. At first, they came up to the work of supporting the ministry much better than latterly ; and it is worthy of notice, that their prosperity at that time holds a just proportion to their libe- rality. In 1800, the church had a total of members of one hundred and ten ; in 1810, of one hundred and twenty ; 1820, of fifty-nine ; 1843, of twenty-five. Its decrease has been occasioned, however, very much, by large and frequent dismissions ; but not more so in its last days, than in its former, when it enjoyed its greatest prosperity .*
VASSALBOROUGH. This town lies on the east side of Kennebec river, a few miles above Augusta, and was set- tled about the same time, (1770.) The first religious so- ciety gathered here was a society of Quakers, or Friends, which obtained considerable influence. The next reli- gious movements were made by the Baptists. In 1788+ Rev. N. Lord, of Wells, visited this settlement, and his preaching was cordially received by the people generally. As the result of Mr. Lord's labors, a revival laid the foun- dation for a Baptist church and community in this town. Elder Lord was followed by Elders Potter, Snow, and Case, who made similar occasional visits, and was benefi- cial in extending the privileges of the Baptists here, and extending their influence into adjoining settlements.}
Elder Macomber, of Bowdoinham, had the privilege of introducing the precious ordinance, by baptizing several persons, in 1788, who were the first to receive the bless- ing in this wilderness ; and soon others, in some of the surrounding neighborhood, followed Christ's example in the same rite. These scattered disciples were collected
*We are indebted to Mr. Green, a member, for much of the information we have received of this Church, the amount of which is here embodied. +Eld. Case's Jour. #The same.
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FIRST CHURCH IN VASSALBORO".
by Elder Case, who had previously baptized the most of them, and organized into a regular church .*
This was the first church in that town, and consisted of eleven members. At the time of the first baptism, there were not more than one hundred inhabitants in the town, and these lived in the utter neglect of religion, and the Sab- bath was almost wholly disregarded. There were some who professed piety, but they had wandered from the Lord, and exerted no favorable influence on their neighbors. Among the first to profess their love to Christ, by baptism, were Nehemiah Gould and Jabez Lewis, who subsequent- ly were ordained to the work of the ministry, and useful in promoting the cause of the Redeemer in the State.
This church occupied a central power of influence, and was soon increased in numbers. Several of the mem- bers residing in Harlem (now China), the prosperity of the cause required that they should be set off to exert an influence in a separate capacity ; consequently in 1796, a church was constituted in this settlement, of nineteen members, and located in the south part of that town. This year, Job Chadwick and N. Gould were inducted into the office of pastors ; the former of the church in Harlem, and the latter, of Vassalborough. Thus God raised up from among these disciples, two, to be their spiritual guides, men, who were experienced in all the peculiarities of a new country, and therefore qualified to lead the flock of God in such times. About this time the church in Vassalborough enjoyed union and prosperity. In a few years it embraced members who lived in Freetown, (now the north part of China, and where is situated the first church). These were dismissed, and organized into an independent church in 1800.
*Mr. Case's Jour.
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