USA > Maine > Kennebec County > Waterville > Centennial history of The First Baptist Church of Waterville, Maine > Part 4
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and a half years was the beloved pastor of the church. Not being strong, he did not feel able to perform the pastoral duties of the position from which, in great measure, on that account he was excused. He was, probably, one of the most popular pastors the church has had. Dr. Pepper says of him, "Excelling as a strong and winning preacher, he still more excelled in the social meetings by his direct address to the con- science and his sweetly persuasive appeal to the heart." Truly so large was the attendance at these meetings that it became necessary to enlarge the vestry and in his short pastorate sixty-three members were added to the church, forty-three of them by baptism. The sal- ary, also, which until 1852 had been $600, from that time to Dr. Shaw's $800, was now raised to $1200, and the old-time cry of deficit was no longer heard.
Rev. H. R. Mitchell, in loving memory says of him: "With a Christian character ripened by long experi- ence, with a strong mental equipment and development, with a keen, initiative faculty, and with an ardent, sympathetic temperament, he was just the friend and leader whom many young men needed to awaken and develop the best that was in them. He loved young people for their own and his Master's sake. He drew them to him by the manifestation of an interest which was neither professional nor perfunctory, but personal and genuine. He was interested in all that pertained to you, because he was interested in you. He liked to know what you were doing, so that he might help you
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in doing the right, in shunning the wrong. He had great delicacy and tact in dealing with people. He saw what was good in them and took pains to let them see that he appreciated it. He praised judiciously and helpfully, not fulsomely, while his severest warnings and reproofs were mollified with tenderness and love."
In August, 1869, Dr. Shaw tendered his resignation and a reluctant church accepted it because he did not deem it best to withdraw it.
Again it became necessary for the church to find a pastor and in November they called Mr. Henry S. Burrage. He accepted and was ordained December 30, 1869. Dr. T. D. Anderson of New York preached the sermon. He had graduated from Brown Univer- sity in 1861, and entered Newton Theological Institu- tion, but the next year he left to join the army as a private, and in the same regiment "he served as ser- geant, second lieutenant, first lieutenant, and captain." He also "served as acting assistant adjutant general on the staff of General Custer and was made major by brevet." After the war he completed his course at Newton, and spent the next two years in Germany studying. Dr. Burrage was a worker. Monday morn- ings he called his rest time, but the afternoon saw the beginning of his work on the next Sunday's sermon, and all through the week that sermon was in his mind and on his heart. Of course "his preaching was thoughtful and instructive," in the words of Dr. Pep- per. One sermon written at the request of Deacon
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Stevens, then Superintendent, was the History of the Bible School, thus saving to the church its interesting beginnings, which otherwise probably, by this time, would have been irretrievably lost. He took great in- terest in the social side of the church work, the standard of which he raised appreciably.
While in Waterville, Pastor Burrage was united in marriage to Miss Caroline Champlin, daughter of Pres- ident Champlin of Colby College.
On the occasion of the centennial Dr. Burrage wrote: "My ministry in Waterville was so short as not to have been an eventful one-I mean for the church. It was a very eventful one to me, and I look back on it with great joy. The church was in good condition when I came. Dr. Shaw in his short pastorate had done the work of an evangelist, and greatly enlarged the mem- bership of the church. The work then needed was the strengthening of the new members in every helpful way, while at the same time the comforting of the saints was not to be neglected. I tried to be faithful to both. Some repairs in the interior of the church building had been made before I came and a baptistry partly constructed, the baptisms previously having been at the river. It required much urging on my part to get the church to complete the work; but I finally suc- ceeded. The first baptisms were of two Colby students, Barrows and Gurney. The first has only recently died after good service as a minister; the other became a missionary in Assam and translated the whole Bible into the Assamese language.
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"At that time religious papers were just beginning to print notes on the Sunday School lessons, and Dr. Shailer, then the editor of the Advocate, wished to have such lessons in his paper. He asked me to pre- pare them. I did so, and wholly unanticipated by me, this connection with Zion's Advocate led to my leav- ing Waterville to take the editorship of the paper, Dr. Shailer wishing to throw off this part of his work on account of advancing years. It was a call that I felt I could not refuse, and so my ministry came to an end. But it had been a joyful one to me. I greatly loved the work, and the good people to whom I ministered. All my memories of Waterville are happy ones, and I thank God that I was led thither."
Happy also for himself and for the denomination was his editorship of the Advocate for thirty-two years. He made it one of the most significant papers of the denomination and became more conversant with Bap- tist history than any other man whom Maine has pro- duced. His "History of the Baptists in Maine" is the final authority for the period which it covers.
Dr. S. P. Merrill was the first white child born in Nebraska Territory and was born there while his father and mother were missionaries to the Otoe Indians and lived among them. His mother had first been a mis- sionary to the Quapow Indians at Baxter Springs, Southern Kansas, and had borne her own expenses. She was a very spiritually minded woman and after she came to Waterville to live, religious conversations
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between her and Miss Lizzie Robins, sister of President Robins, who was like minded, were listened to with great interest by one of the young ladies of the con- gregation, and were in great measure the means of leading her into a religious life and into the church. This was partly done by the ease and naturalness of their talk about such things.
Dr. Merrill traced his lineage from Daniel Merrill, one of the founders of Colby, and through a family of missionary pioneers in the western states. A graduate of Rochester, Dr. Merrill had been the successful pastor at Adams, New York. He was a personal friend of Dr. Robins, the President of Colby College, and was called to the church through his recommendation.
His was most emphatically an evangelistic ministry. Of wonderful energy and great working capacity, he began at once a campaign for new members, starting special meetings immediately. He came to the church January 1, 1874, and before he had been in town two months, he performed his first baptism here. Numer- ous others followed. The next year he came from his summer home during his vacation to baptize J. Herbert Philbrick, who was going back that week to West Point after a furlough at home. The baptism took place one week day, at the river back of the college buildings, and a special communion service was held on the same evening.
Mr. Merrill was instrumental in bringing Evangelist Earle to town for a series of union meetings held in
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the town hall, and later he joined with the Methodists in meetings with the Lynn Praying Band. As a result the membership of the churches in the city was greatly increased.
Mr. Merrill was much interested in a mission work among the French which was in charge of some of the students of the college. On his appeal to the Home Mission Society Dr. J. N. Williams, Superintendent of Baptist Missions among the French in New England, came to Waterville and advised the sending of a man to take charge of the enterprise. Rev. E. Leger was the man sent by the Society. He was of indomitable courage and made light of petty persecutions. Mid all the difficulties of the founding of the Mission Mr. Mer- rill was a steadfast supporter and secured the coopera- tion of his church.
Mr. Merrill also was a prime mover in the formation of the church at Fairfield, which was accomplished in 1876 and is now one of the most vigorous and most prosperous church organizations in the state.
It was during his pastorate that the church was radi- cally remodelled.
Among the 144 whom he baptized while he was pastor were the foreign missionary, Dr. John M. Foster of China; Dr. Charles F. Meserve, President of Shaw University, Raleigh, N. C .; and Dr. George W. Smith, son of Professor Samuel K. Smith, who became Pres- ident of Colgate University, Hamilton, N. Y .; also Colonel Charles L. Phillips of the United States Army,
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and Hon. Edwin F. Lyford, son of Professor Lyford, and for many years Judge of the Municipal Court at Springfield, Mass. Deacon and Mrs. George Balentine were received by baptism and Deacon and Mrs. Horace Purinton were received by letter.
On his way to the station when he left Waterville, Mr. Merrill called at the house of his staunch supporter and intimate friend, Deacon John W. Philbrick, saying that as that was the first house he entered when he came to Waterville, he wished it to be the last as he was leaving. After several years of service as Finan- cial Secretary of Rochester Theological Seminary, his health failed and he was told to travel. So with two suitcases, one containing his wardrobe, the other his oil stove, he started out. Where he wished to go, he went, found a room and set up housekeeping, staid there as long as he wished, and went on. In this way he travelled around the world, settling down here and there wherever the fancy took him and staying weeks, or even a winter in some places, and days only in others.
The next pastor was Dr. William H. Spencer, who for twenty years led the church in an all round develop- ment of its life. All the different departments of church work, and especially the missionary, were cared for. Dr. Pepper writes, "The statistics suggest the wise, in- cessant watch-care of our beloved pastor, his faithful, able administration of the Word, his abundant pastoral labors, and his judicious superintendence of all forms and departments of our Christian work."
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Dr. Spencer entered Madison University, but when the war broke out he joined the army, became second lieutenant, first lieutenant, captain, and major in the same regiment, lost a leg on the battlefield, and suffered as a prisoner of the war. He finished his college course at Brown and took his theological training at Newton Seminary. He then married Miss Mary E. Stevens, daughter of Rev. E. A. Stevens, D.D., long a mission- ary in Burma, where she was born, and sister of Rev. E. O. Stevens, also a missionary in Burma. It was Mrs. Spencer's sister whom Dr. D. A. W. Smith mar- ried, and they, too, were missionaries. No wonder that when they came to Waterville the missionary interest took a leap. Finding a returned missionary in Mrs. J. W. Philbrick, who had been for some years a mis- sionary in Assam and who had been a great worker in the cause since coming to Waterville, and a few other kindred spirits in the church, together they put new life into that phase of the church work. The vivid touch of personal letters from those in the work, the enthusiasm of those working not alone from the greater and higher reasons, but from personal love and rela- tionship to the missionaries also, the visits of the mis- sionaries themselves on furlough, all this tended to fire the church with some of their enthusiasm and it began to look at such things in some measure through their eyes and imbibe some of their feelings. The mission- ary meetings took on more interest, were more numer- ous, and better attended. The monthly missionary con-
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cert was made quite a factor too, of the church calen- dar. Visits from Mrs. Spencer's mother, sister and sister-in-law, Mrs. Stevens, the missionaries, were of great help to the women of the church, as they were all far above the ordinary woman, their sweet and beautiful and yet strong natures, aiding to attract to the missionary meetings those who would not go to meet persons they could enjoy at other times.
A fine singer and a master of music, Dr. Spencer greatly raised the standard of the musical service of the church. During his pastorate the organ, which for 42 years had been "a grateful aid in our service of song," was replaced by an excellent instrument secured at a cost of $2200, and of Dr. Spencer's selection.
The 75th anniversary of the church occurred during Dr. Spencer's pastorate, with an historical address de- livered by him.
Among the pleasant features of the occasion was the presence of two former pastors, Dr. J. C. Stockbridge and Dr. B. F. Shaw. A sister of George Dana Board- man, one of the earliest members of the church, was also in the congregation.
The first parsonage of the church was bought just before the coming of Dr. and Mrs. Spencer and they seemed to feel that it belonged to the people, so it was opened for them for all possible purposes and on all possible occasions. Here all were welcome, and strong- est influences for good were started that made not only for righteousness, but for the richest, fullest, beauty in
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life and character. Mrs. Spencer was a helpmeet in- deed, and as one they worked early and late for the advancement of the church. She excelled as a Sunday School teacher and leader in all the work of missions.
Dr. Spencer resigned in 1899 and became pastor of the Bethany church in Skowhegan.
In the autumn of 1899, Dr. Edwin C. Whittemore was called from Damariscotta to the pastorate. He was a graduate of Coburn, Colby, and Newton, and had enjoyed the pastoral leadership and inspiration of Dr. B. F. Shaw and Rev. Theodore F. White in his home church at Dexter. An earnest student and a lover of books, of perfect health and an indomitable worker, he studied not only in the line of his special work, but in history, literature, and sociology. He was the editor of "The Centennial History of Waterville." In historical lines he had written the "History of the Damariscotta Association," "Seventy-five Years of the Maine Baptist Missionary Convention," "Seventy-five Years of Coburn Institute," and "The Churches of Maine" for an extensive history of the State, published in New York. In biography he had written the Col- lege Memorial of Professor William Elder and the Convention Memorial of Albert T. Dunn.
During his pastorate Dr. Whittemore served the de- nomination in the state in many capacities. Since 1892 he has been member and secretary of the Executive Committee of the Maine Baptist Convention. For many years he has been secretary or treasurer of the Maine
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Baptist Education Society, also secretary of the Baptist Historical Society since its organization.
Since 1902, he has been a trustee of the Waterville Public Library and chairman of its book committee, also secretary of the Waterville Historical Society.
Mrs. Whittemore has been an ardent church worker. She visited the sick, especially where help was needed. She, going into a house, seemed to know by instinct where to find the needful to accomplish things, or if there were any suspicion that there would be a lack of these, from her own home she would take the necessary food or medicine or whatever she might expect to want, and she always brought cheer wherever she went.
As a Sunday School worker she was remarkably suc- cessful in building up the school in which for many years she was associate superintendent with Deacon Horace Purinton. For several years she was the leader of the Junior Christian Endeavor Society, which, some- times one hundred strong, she met every Sunday after- noon. Many strong Christian workers began their service in this Society.
As a pastor, Dr. Whittemore's work was quiet, un- assuming, efficient. He always seemed to know where he was needed and when. As long as one of the church was prosperous, happy and all things normal, he might see his pastor only at rare intervals, but let reverse or trouble or sorrow come to such a one and his pastor was immediately there to advise, help or sympathize. Indeed, his sympathy was one of his very strong points.
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Entering into a house where the grim messenger had preceded him, he could touch with healing words. The sorrow was not quite so tense, the trouble not quite so heavy, the reverse was not quite so hard to bear after his coming.
At a funeral, he always knew just the right word,- mourners were always comforted, friends were always satisfied. The fourteen years of his ministry were fourteen good years, fourteen years of quiet and hard work and development for the church and of the church. During the period 269 persons were received by bap- tism and the benevolences of the church showed a large increase. The church was incorporated. The parson- age was sold and another bought, which in turn was sold at very advantageous terms, netting a considerable sum for the enlargement of the chapel. The church on the Plains profited much by his advice and sympa- thetic aid.
In December, 1913, Dr. Whittemore was asked to solicit money for Colby's fitting schools, especially Co- burn, which desperately needed funds, and he was con- sidered the man for the work. For this he left the pastorate, but not the church nor the city, for during the years of his work for the fitting schools and as Director of the New World Movement in Maine, he has resided in Waterville and Mrs. Whittemore has found a broadening field of activity in work for mis- sions.
Dr. Arthur S. Phelps became pastor on the first Sun-
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day of September, 1914. Some time before he had preached bere and had received from the church an enthusiastic call. This was not accepted at the time, but later, the church feeling that it could not be refused. the call was accepted.
Dr. Phelps was a graduate of Yale, both college and theological departments. He was a son of Rev. S. Dryden Phelps, D.D., an eminent hymn writer and pastor for twenty-nine years of mas First Baptist Church in New Haven. His brother, Wiam Lyon Phelps is Professor of Literature at Yale
During his theological counse Ampion Phelps was pastor of a church at New Haven. After graduation he was pastor in Denver, Colando, Then in Los An- geles, Cal. Just before coming to Waterville he had returned from a trip around the world with his family.
His ministry at Waterville was greeted with great congregations, the church being frequently packed at the evening lectures. Finding that there was need of more room for the Sunday School, he immediately be gan to plan for it. Plans for enlarging and remodeling the vestry for Sunday School purposes were accepted. The Ladies' Social Union hearilly cooperated and to- ward its large pledge Dr. Phelps generously gave the proceeds of a series of lectures this amount being over $500.
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To the Sunday School Sur Finie w Mr. Cool M. Daggett, great credit should be given, for it was largely due to his perseverance and energy that the old vestries
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THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH WATERVILLE, MAINE
BAPTIST CHURCH OF WATERVILLE, MAINE
day of September, 1914. Some time before he had preached here and had received from the church an enthusiastic call. This was not accepted at the time, but later, the church feeling that it could not be refused, the call was accepted.
Dr. Phelps was a graduate of Yale, both college and theological departments. He was a son of Rev. S. Dryden Phelps, D.D., an eminent hymn writer and pastor for twenty-nine years of the First Baptist Church in New Haven. His brother, William Lyon Phelps, is Professor of Literature at Yale.
During his theological course Arthur Phelps was pastor of a church at New Haven. After graduation he was pastor in Denver, Colorado, then in Los An- geles, Cal. Just before coming to Waterville he had returned from a trip around the world with his family.
His ministry at Waterville was greeted with great congregations, the church being frequently packed at the evening lectures. Finding that there was need of more room for the Sunday School, he immediately be- gan to plan for it. Plans for enlarging and remodeling the vestry for Sunday School purposes were accepted. The Ladies' Social Union heartily cooperated and to- ward its large pledge Dr. Phelps generously gave the proceeds of a series of lectures, this amount being over $500.
To the Sunday School Superintendent, Mr. Cecil M. Daggett, great credit should be given, for it was largely due to his perseverance and energy that the old vestries
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were enlarged and adapted to the uses of the Sunday School.
It was this first year, too, of Dr. Phelps' pastorate that the Northern Baptist Convention decided on the Five Year Program and asked the churches to adopt the measures. This was done here in Waterville. An- other measure adopted was the Every Member Canvass, also by the request of the Northern Baptist Convention. Before the adoption of either of these recommenda- tions, a campaign was held with men in attendance sent by the Convention to explain and press the measures, and who had seen the Every Member Canvass tried and found how successful it was. When this was adopted it was supposed that it was the first ever un- dertaken by the church, and it was, by exactly the same method; but as early as 1849, "The church met accord- ing to vote of adjournment in the vestry, pastor in the chair. The committee appointed to prepare plan for benevolent operation of the church reported. The re- port was accepted. Voted that the church take report article by article. Ist, That our plan embrace these three principles, viz., that we will all give something for the general spread of the Gospel. 2nd, That we will give according to our ability. 3rd, That we will give regularly, systematically and promptly. Adopted -That books be prepared containing the names of all the members of the church and ruled in columns con- venient for annual subscriptions. Adopted-That it be the duty of the Collectors to present the subscription
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book to every member of the church for annual sub- scription. Adopted." This is substantially an Every Member Canvass.
Under Dr. Phelps' leadership the church elected a Student Deacon to have in special charge the work of the church among the young men at the college. As Seniors are selected for this office, each year a new appointment must be made.
Through his influence, too, the church adopted the "Big Brother and Sister" movement and 105 persons designated their willingness to serve as big brothers and sisters to new or young members of the church.
Dr. Phelps, who was a very successful public lec- turer, made much of his Sunday evening services, making them a popular service, having special music and preaching sermons or series of sermons with sub- jects avowedly such as to draw large audiences upon whom he might press the claims of the Gospel. In this he was successful. Very many came to hear, and many tarried to accept the truths so forcibly set forth. Up to the time of the summer vacation, 1918, Dr. Phelps baptized 246 persons and received many into the church by letter. Mrs. Phelps, on account of the state of her health, was not able to do all she would like for the church, but in her quiet way gave needed advice and consolation to many and helped many to decide for Christ and the church.
The Waterville church has been served by a grand
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set of pastors. It would be a difficult task, nay, an impossible one, to show just what each has contributed that no one else could at that time to her growth and development, and just why Providence sent that man and no other at that particular moment, but no one doubts that each has added some one or more elements without which she would not be so strong, so prosper- ous, so influential. Each has done here his work and gone about some other, leaving the next to take up the threads into which he might cast a different color or weave a slightly different pattern that should make of the finished whole a more beautiful design or a more perfect fabric. Now and again have come pastors who have ploughed and worked the soil, have planted and watered the seed, have watched and waited for the ripening grain; then have come pastors, evangelistic pastors they call them, who have reaped the harvest, some thirty-fold, some sixty-fold, some an hundred- fold. Who shall say that sower and reaper do not to- gether share the glory? All praise to each who here put in of his honest best, laboring not for time but for eternity, not for self's aggrandizement but for the glory of God.
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