USA > Maine > Penobscot County > Holden > Brewer, Orrington, Holden, Eddington : history and families > Part 8
USA > Maine > Penobscot County > Eddington > Brewer, Orrington, Holden, Eddington : history and families > Part 8
USA > Maine > Penobscot County > Orrington > Brewer, Orrington, Holden, Eddington : history and families > Part 8
USA > Maine > Penobscot County > Brewer > Brewer, Orrington, Holden, Eddington : history and families > Part 8
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was then put in place by Amos King, another of the Trustees. The stone was set by the contractor and declared to be "plumb and square."
The dedication of the new church, the present building, took place January 15, 1905, when a souvenir program was issued. This contained a historical sketch of both the old and the new churches, pictures of both buildings, and lists of the people who had contributed so much to the growth and development of the society.
The beautiful stained glass windows of the church were made by Spence, Bell and Company of Boston. In the front of the church, "Christ, the Shepherd" was given in memory of Joseph Shackley, Frank Collins, and James Mayo. The three windows in the rear of the pulpit were given for Elizabeth Cochrane, Frances A. Wiswell, and Mrs. Ruth Carter. Along the side of the church and at the rear of the auditorium are memorials to Rev. J. W. H. Cromwell and Elias S. Boden, Amos H. King, and Corilla Baker King; and to J. N. V. Lane and Minnie Lane.
In 1906, while the Rev. H. G. McGlauflin was pastor the Ladies Aid Society was changed to the Church Aid Society. During the year 1909, the society had a membership of thirty ladies and ten men.
In 1922, the present parsoage was purchased and at the same time the old one on Parker Street was sold. The ladies of the church took care of the entire purchase price and assumed the expense of furnishing and equipping the building.
The church basement was remodeled by the women of the church in 1923 at a cost of $3,000. It was also in that year that Mr. and Mrs. Harrison Brooks contributed a completely furnished kindergarten room on the upper floor of the vestry. This room, given in memory of their son, Donald Brooks, was dedicated to the children of the church.
The Organ Fund Society was formed in 1928, largely through the efforts of the Rev. C. F. Butterfield, pastor. Galen L. Goodwin served as chairman of this society and Forest E. Smith as secre- tary. The new organ was dedicated November 11, 1928. On October 18, 1944, at the Centennial Celebration of Methodism in Brewer, the mortgage was burned.
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The Centennial address was delivered by Bishop Lewis O. Hartman, resident Bishop of the Boston area and the welcome was given by the Rev. Jesse Kenderdine, pastor. At this time Mrs. Ethel Goodwin, president of the Women's Society of Christian Service, read a History of the Church. The mortgage was burned by Bishop Hartman, assisted by Barrington Ivers, financial secretary, and Mr. Maurice S. C. Baker, church treasurer and one of the auditors of the Maine conference. An impressive conclusion was reached when the mortgage was reduced to ashes and the audience rose and song the Doxology.
The present pastor, the Rev. E. Charles Dartnell, came to the church in 1946. During his ministry there has been a great increase in church attendance. In 1949, funds were raised to provide better pensions for retired ministers and to help establish a summer camp for Methodist youth. Sufficient funds were raised for repair work planned at this time but the repairs to the tower were more serious than had been anticipated and a note was negotiated to complete the work. On the Golden Anniversary of the dedication of the present building, January 16, 1955, these notes were burned, signifying the payment of the debt.
In January, 1954, a public luncheon was held in Brewer in honor of Mr. Dartnell. At this testimonial luncheon he was honored by his multitude of friends both in and out of the state of Maine.
While the Rev. Herbert Aldrich was pastor the new church program was adopted. This was the result of the merging of the Methodist Episcopal and the Methodist Episcopal South and the Methodist Protestant Churches into one church, to be known as the Methodist Church. At this time the Brewer group be- came the First Methodist Church of Brewer.
In September, 1940, the Church Aid Society became known as the Women's Society of Christian Service. This group also embraced the Women's Home and Foreign Missionary Society. Eighty-six ladies were charter members of this society.
Other groups active in the church are the Co-Weds, which is a married couples' group; the Men's Club; the Senior Methodist Youth Fellowship; and the Intermediate and Junior Fellowship.
Recent gifts to the church have included the chimes, given by Albert Lyford; tables for the dining room, the gift of Mr.
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and Mrs. Thurle Gray. The chairs for the dining room were purchased by the church.
The chapel was redecorated and the worshipful atmosphere of this small room was greatly enhanced by the addition of an altar table and lectern. This was done in memory of Robert Blethen, a young man of great promise who was fatally injured in a hunting accident.
In the Sanctuary an altar set composed of a bronze cross, candelabra and vases was given in memory of their daughter, by Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Walker.
In 1958, the parsonage was renovated and a new garage was constructed.
A fine spirit of cooperation exists between the church and the other churches of Brewer. For many years each summer there have been union services with the First Congregational Church. Union services are held each Thursday during the Lenten season, the churches and pastors alternating. The Union Good Friday service is participated in by the ministers of the area, the churches of the city being host to the service, each in its turn.
The many loyal members have very good reason to be proud of their church and of its history and to offer thanks to God for their many blessings both as individuals and as a church group.
THE SECOND CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
The Second Congregational Church of Brewer was organized in 1843 and the Parish the same year. Since the church at Holden was at that time known as the Second church; this one was called the Third Congregational Church until December 3, 1855. The service of organization was held at Union Hall at Brewer Village, as South Brewer was then known. Eighteen of the original members came from the First Congregational Church of Brewer. There were twenty-one charter members.
The Ecclesiastical Council met at Brewer Village in Union Hall on January 18, 1843, for the purpose of organizing the church. The petition for organizing a separate church was read, also a letter from the First Church recommending them to the
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council for the new church group. From the latter church came Jeremiah Eldridge, John Rogers, H. R. Smith, Daniel Sargent, John Phillips, Wm. Kent, Sarah J. Smith, Arsenath Smith, Phoebe Rogers, S. H. Sargent, Margaret Sterns, Mary Brewer, Charlotte Keyes, Susan Brewer, Phoebe S. Kent, David Kent, Mary Sargent, and Lucretia Phillips; a letter from the Orrington Methodist church in behalf of Daniel Sargent; and a letter from the Spring Street Church of West Roxbury, Massachusetts, in behalf of George White.
At a meeting held February 8, 1843, Jeremiah Eldridge was elected the first clerk of the church.
The church held its first meetings in Union Hall and probably students from the Bangor Theological Seminary filled the pulpit. Rev. Thomas Smith was the first regular pastor, the church unit- ing with the church at East Orrington, two-thirds of his time to be spent in Orrington; and one-third in Brewer Village, the two churches to pay him proportionately. The church building was dedicated October 8, 1846. The Chapel was erected later and stood several yards away from the other building. In 1860, the parsonage was built by a committee appointed for that purpose by the Ladies' Benevolent Association of Brewer Village. The Ladies Circle paid $1,400 and individuals paid about $800. The land was donated by Daniel Sargent.
In the spring of 1861, the church and the community were saddened by the death of their pastor. Mr. Smith at the time of his death was only 48 years of age and had served the church in Brewer Village for fifteen years.
During the pastorate of the Rev. Willington Newell the annual fast day was instituted. This was held on April 4, the day closing with the sacrament of the Lord's Supper.
Mr. Newell answered a call to another church in 1871 and for several years after that the pulpit was supplied with students and professors from the Seminary. Among the students who supplied was the Rev. C. A. Beckwith, who was later professor emeritus of Chicago Theological Seminary.
Also during this time the Rev. Addison Blanchard, a state missionary, supplied for a time. As a result of his preaching a revival took place during which about sixty persons were received by confession of faith.
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Deacon Daniel Sargent served as clerk of the church for many years. He was one of the pioneers of the community, holding large interests in the lumber industries here. He died August 23, 1885, at the age of 74 years. The church records the date of his death thus: "Deacon Daniel Sargent, one of the original members of this church and a deacon from the date of its organization, died today. He was always faithful in the duties of the church for he loved her as a child and ministered to her wants as a tender father." J. Wyman Phillips succeeded him as church clerk.
The Rev. James Ramage was called to the church in 1892 and served this church and the Orrington Church for eight years. During his pastorate, the last of the original charter members, Samuel Jones, died.
In June, 1896, the church was struck by lighting, the bolt passing from the tip of the spire down the side of the pulpit recess and out at the northwest corner of the building, doing considerable damage to the spire and to the plastering.
The Book of Psalms was introduced at this time for responsive reading during the morning service. A group of young people were organized to furnish the choir music.
While the Rev. J. Christopher Williams served the church, a revival was held under the sponsorship of the Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor and carried to a conclusion by Mr. Williams himself. Many new members were added to the church roll at this time.
During the remodeling of the church, which took place in the early nineteen hundreds, the chapel which previously stood on the corner of Main and Cove Streets, was annexed to the main church building and became the vestry of the church. A service of rededication was held January 7, 1906. A short time after this a beautiful pipe organ was presented to the church by Mr. H. L. Kent, in memory of his father and mother.
The Rev. F. T. Persons came to the church in 1916. At the same time he held the position of librarian at the Bangor Theo- logical Seminary and was also a special lecturer in that institution. In 1919, under his leadership, the 75th anniversary of this church was observed.
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During the years that Rev. George Hallowell was pastor, the Men's Club was revived and took on many new projects in the interest of the church. These men were responsible for the build- ing of the entertainment hall and they also installed a new heating plant.
The Rev. Louis L. Miller came to the parish in October 1927. During his pastorate one hundred and eighteen new members were admitted to the church, a girl scout troop was organized and a girls' choral club and a Daily Vacation Bible School were instituted. It was during the year 1933 that Mr. Miller submitted his resignation, which brought to a close a very challenging benefited greatly through his earnest and consecrated efforts. According to a monthly church paper, The Messenger, of which Mr. Miller was the editor, this church could boast of the largest Men's Club and the largest Christian Endeavor Society in the state of Maine.
After leaving this church Mr. Miller became engaged in temper- ance and social action work under the auspices of the Illinois Temperance League. He held the position of Executive Secretary of McLean County Social Action Committee. In 1952, his book The New Minister was edited.
On April 8, 1933, the name of Rev. Raymond Cosseboom was presented as a candidate for the pastorage of the church. The members accepted him unanimously; but he was not installed as pastor until January 8, 1934. A reception for Mr. Cosseboom and his family was held following the installation. Both Mr. and Mrs. Cosseboom were very popular and held in high esteem by the members of the church and the community. During this time a very active Homemakers' Club was organized and the Men's Club continued their work with even greater zeal.
The One Hundredth Anniversary was observed on January 8, 1943 at which time there was a service of rededication followed by a reception. But, as with other ministers, the time arrived when it seemed wise to move on to other fields of labor and in 1944, Mr. Cosseboom's resignation was accepted with regret. At present Mr. Cosseboom is serving as minister of the Conference Center at Framingham, Massachusetts.
Ever mindful of past profitable experience when the Bangor Theological Seminary had been able to supply young men who
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were attempting to complete their ministerial education and at the same time serve a conveniently located parish, the pulpit committee made inquiries and received the name of Mr. Chesley Laite of Newfoundland. Mr. Laite, as a student, served the church until May 21, 1950, when he accepted an invitation to become pastor of the Federated Church at Houlton. He is at present, 1962, serving at Milroy, Pennsylvania.
During the summer of 1950 the pulpit of the church was supplied by various ministers, following which a unanimous call was extended to the Rev. John H. Miller, pastor of the Newport ministry. He was a very efficient organizer and the church Congregational Church to come to the church at South Brewer. Mr. Miller accepted the call and assumed the responsibilities of his new parish on the first Sunday in January, 1951. Mr. Miller is pastor at the present time.
The growth of the church and its accomplishments during the years of Mr. Miller's service has resulted from the willingness of the people of the church and parish to cooperate with the minis- ter and with each other; and to show their concern over the problems of a growing church in a growing community. In 1957, a building project was undertaken entailing a cost of approx- imately $40,000. The basement of the church was completely renovated, resulting in modern Church School rooms and facilities and better and more serviceable kitchen and dining room ac- commodations, and a heightened Church life. Both the interior and exterior of the church have been repaired, painted and re- decorated and a new wall-to-wall carpet has been laid in the sanctuary. The parsonage, which is situated at the top of the hill on the road leading into Orrington, has been renovated and repaired and is much appreciated by the pastor and his wife.
It seems fitting in closing the history of this church to mention the gift of a Repository and Memorial Book by Miss Drusilla Russell, in memory of Mr. and Mrs. T. Henry Russell. In this book all the memorial gifts presented down through the years since the founding of the church in 1843, are recorded. In the words of Mr. Miller; "For blessed shall be the memories of people who not only love the Lord, their God, but truly serve Him with one mind, heart, and soul."
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CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH
A group of about fifty men and women met in the city hall on April 30, 1895, to discuss the advisability of organizing a Baptist Church in Brewer. This step had been under considera- tion for several years and the group held a strong conviction that there was need for such an organization and the time was now come when the move should be made. On May 15, 1895 another meeting was held at the same location. After prayerful and thoughtful consideration it was unanimously voted to launch forward in this new field of labor. Mr. A. G. Ray, later to become a deacon of the church, presided.
Later in the same year, on August 27, 1895, the Columbia Street Baptist Church of Bangor was asked to meet in confer- ence with the new Brewer Church to consider the matter of twenty-six members of the Bangor church, but residing in Brewer, who were asking for letters of dismission in order that they might unite with the Brewer Church. The request was granted on October 3, 1895, and on October 22, the organization of the First Baptist Church of Brewer was accomplished.
The meeting was held in the Burr Block (later the site of the Merrill Block) where a hall had been secured and comfortably furnished at an expenditure of about $600. Meeting for this purpose of organization were: Allen G. Ray, James H. Smith, Mrs. Lydia Smith, Samuel H. Barbour, Florence E. Barbour, George D. Barbour, Mrs. Alma M. Barbour, Navella Howes, Maude B. Hawkins, Alma M. Gordon, Augusta A. Bunker, Mrs. Lizzie N. Ayer, Prince Eugene Ayer, Joseph N. Hutchinson, Mrs. Josephine Hutchinson, Herbert Hutchinson, Mrs. Becky Dole, Mrs. May F. Savage, Grace M. Savage, Lidia M. Brown, Mrs. Elizabeth M. O'Brian, Addie L. Watts, Henry W. Barbour, and Mrs. Ella M. Miller. The Rev. George Illsley presided at the service. The Articles of Faith as held by the Mother church were read and adopted; officers and committees were elected, and the church was launched upon its mission.
A recognition service for the new church was held on October 31, 1895, at which time it was accepted into the Penobscot United Baptist Convention. Representatives were present from every Baptist church in the Association. The recognition sermon was preached by the Rev. A. E. Kingsley. Welcoming the new church to the city was the Rev. B. B. Merrill, pastor of the First Con- gregational Church.
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Rev. W. E. Lombard was the first pastor, coming to the church in July 1896. Under his guidance the Sunday School was organ- ized and from a beginning of forty-eight, increased to one hun- dred thirty-nine. He remained with the church for two years and was succeeded by the Rev. J. W. Barrows. Mr. Barrows stayed for six years and was rewarded by seeing the church grow from its original membership of twenty-six to eighty mem- bers.
While the Rev. John H. Harding was pastor, 1904 to 1908, the Christian Endeavor Society was organized. The Sunday School, meanwhile, had increased to 150 members and plans were being discussed for a new church home.
Under the energetic efforts and wise leadership of Rev. Wil- lard L. Pratt, the dream of a new church building became a reality and on October 3, 1909, the First Baptist Church of Brewer was dedicated to the service of God. The membership had increased to 121. At the end of a successful five years of faithful service, the church with reluctance, accepted the resigna- tion of Mr. Pratt.
In 1913, the Rev. Benjamin Beatty came to the church as pastor. During his pastorate the Church Constitution was revised and printed in book form. Rev. J. Charles MacDonald became pastor of the church in May, 1916, remaining until June, 1918, when he resigned to enter the service of his country in World War I. After the signing of the Armistice he returned to the service of the church and the membership roll was increased to 275 persons.
The work of the church continued with great success and more members were added to the roster under the leadership of the Rev. Howard A. Welsh. When Mr. Welsh resigned to accept a call to the church at Auburn, the Rev. George F. Bolster became pastor.
The 35th anniversary of the church organization was held in October, 1930. The entire month was known as "Church Month" and much emphasis was placed upon the objectives and missions of the church. Aniversary day was October 22, when addresses were given by former pastors and cordial greetings were extended by neighboring pastors.
Improvements to the church during this time included a new roof and the redecoration of the auditorium and the vestry.
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The Rev. Paul G. Jackson accepted the pastorate in January, 1933. On April 5, of the same year, the name of the First Baptist Church was changed to Calvary Baptist Church. An extensive radio ministry was carried on during Rev. Jackson's term of service.
In 1936 the church celebrated its 40th anniversary, with two former pastors and their wives; Rev. and Mrs. J. C. MacDonald, and Rev. and Mrs. Howard Welsh; also State Denominational Secretary, Rev. J. S. Pendleton, as guest speakers. A banquet preceded the program.
The Rev. Benjamin Beatty served as Interim pastor from November 1, 1943 to March 19, 1944, when Rev. Francis E. Whiting accepted the pastorate and served for about a year and a half. Again Mr. Beatty served as interim pastor.
Golden Jubilee Services were observed during October 21-28, 1945, observing fifty fruitful years. A special anniversary service was held October 22, 1945, with former pastors as special guests: Rev. Howard A. Welsh, Rev. Paul G. Jackson, Rev. W. E. Lom- bard (the church's first pastor), Rev. J. Charles MacDonald, Rev. George Bolster, and Rev. Alton Maxwell, pastor of the Columbia Street Baptist Church, mother church, Rev. John S. Pendleton, D.D., Executive Secretary of the United Baptist Con- vention of Maine. Jubilee Revival meetings were held throughout the week with Rev. J. Charles MacDonald serving as evangelist.
The Rev. Douglas G. Auld came as pastor in April 1947. In 1954, the church voted to withdraw from the American Baptist Convention and at that time they voted to join the Conservative Baptist Association of America. During Rev. Auld's ministry, missions were stressed and an all-time high of missionary giving was reached, $10,210. Because of the need for more Sunday School rooms, and after much prayer, a bid was presented to the City of Brewer for the Chamberlain Street School. The bid was accepted and the purchase was made in October, 1958. This building was to meet the needs of the Sunday School while plans were being made for additional classrooms and a new educational building. On November 6, 1960, Mr. Auld preached his final sermon having served as pastor the longest term in the church's history.
From December 1960 until April, 1961, Rev. Medley Wry served as interim pastor.
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During 1961, the Christian Service Brigade and the Pioneer Girls were organized.
The Rev. Philip C. Hughey Jr., accepted a call as pastor and on October 1, 1961 he occupied the pulpit for the first time. A formal reception was held for Pastor and Mrs. Hughey and their children, Philip III, Susan, Ruth, and Paul, on October 12th. During 1961 missionary giving reached a new high of $11,408.91 by contributing to the support of thirty-eight mis- sionaries and institutions.
The church, during its history, has enjoyed much of the bless- ing of God and the measure of success attending her efforts has well justified the venture of those twenty-six early believers.
ST. TERESA'S CHURCH AND PARISH
Prior to the year 1896, the spiritual needs of the Catholic people who lived in South Brewer were served by the priests of St. John's Parish in Bangor. The people of this area attended St. John's Church for the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass on Sundays and on the Holy Days of Obligation. Some few were afforded the luxury of a carriage or some form of transportation; but many more traveled the distance on foot. A strong Faith, how- ever, made attendance at Mass the paramount issue on the Lord's Day.
The building of the church at South Brewer was started in 1894 under the direction of the Rt. Rev. Edward McSweeney, then Pastor of St. John's Church. A contractor was hired to supervise the work, much of which was done by those who were to become the first parishioners of St. Teresa's Church. For about two years the basement of the church was used for services with the Rev. James O'Brien celebrating the first Mass.
Succeeding pastors included Rev. James P. Gorman, 1904-1911; Rev. Frederick A. Karpe, 1911-1914; Rt. Rev. Msgr. Charles W. Collins, 1914-1915. In July, 1915, Rev. Matthew W. Reilly was appointed pastor. During his period of service both St. Teresa's Rectory and St. Teresa's School were built. The school was a memorial gift of Louis J. Mutty, given in memory of his parents. Since 1920, the Sisters of Mercy have contributed greatly to the spiritual and civic welfare of the parish and of the community by their devotion to the Christian education of hundreds of chil-
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dren who have received their elementary education in St. Teresa's School.
The Rev. John A. Driscoll served the parish from 1926 to 1934, to be followed by the Rev. Maurice Griffin, 1934-1936; Rev. John F. Murphy, 1937-1938; and the Rev. John J. Sullivan, 1939-1940. The Rev. Morris H. Carroll became pastor in 1940. An event which brought great sorrow to him and to the members of his parish was the loss of the church by fire on November 6, 1945. On April 23, 1946, work was started on a new church, located across the street from the scene of the fire. The beautiful new church was made possible by the untiring zeal of Father Carroll, the whole-hearted support of the parishioners, and the generous assistance of those outside the parish. St. Teresa's Parish extends from Dyer Brook in Brewer to Bucksport on the South and to Holden on the East.
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