USA > Maine > History of Methodism in Maine, 1793-1886 > Part 23
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223
CHURCH FINANCES.
Quarterly Meeting held at Readfield, October 20, 1795.
COLLECTIONS.
DISBURSEMENTS.
Monmouth,
$3.25
Jesse Lee,
$2.17
Winthrop,
2.99
Enoch Mudge, 16.00
Readfield,
10.21
Elias Hull,
16.00
Goshen (Vienna),
1.22
Farmington,
4.60
New Vineyard,
2.00
Middletown (Strong),
4.21
Uppertown (Avon),
2.00
Littleborough (Leeds),
1.86
Greene,
.58
$34.17
$34.17
Quarterly Meeting held at Farmington, January 20, 21, 1796.
COLLECTIONS.
DISBURSEMENTS.
Livermore,
$8.90
Enoch Mudge, $16.00
Jay,
5.23
and his traveling
Farmington (upper part),
.93
expenses,
4.56
Farmington (lower part),
4.50
Elias Hull, 16.00
New Sandwich (Wayne),
2.11
and his traveling
Littleborough (Leeds),
.97
expenses,
5 17
Green,
1.00
Jesse Lee,
6.90
Winthrop,
2.10
Surplus,
6.90
Readfield,
4.67
New Sharon,
2.50
Monmouth,
5.00
Private Gifts,
17.60
$55.53
$55.53
It appears by the surplus carried over to the next Quarterly meeting, that the Stewards were careful not to overpay their preachers.
The accounts were continued in similar style, year after year, for many years, with gradually increasing receipts. How the preachers managed to live on such small pay, we are not informed. Those were days of heroic sacrifice. The preachers were made welcome to the homely hospitality of the people, and their horses were provided for without charge. Their clothing was the plain homespun, manufac- tured and made into garments, by the women, and worn by the people. The people were poor in money. Their crops, though bountiful, could not be exchanged for cash, without great difficulty.
221
CIRCUITS "SET OFF." KENT'S HILL SOCIETY.
The number of members this year in Maine, increased to 357. The work continued to prosper in the Province, through the labors of faithful and able itinerants.
In 1797, Readfield cirenit was supplied by Joshua Taylor and Robert Yallaley, Mr. Taylor doing double service as Presiding Elder and preacher in charge. The number of members, on Readfield circuit, was three hundred. The circuit continued without material change till 1803, when Hallowell circuit was set off.
In 1807, Livermore Circuit was set off, and from time to time other circuits were formed, till at length this once large circuit was confined to East Readfield. For many years the place was connected with some other place, under one pastor, as Manchester, Sidney or Mount Vernon. For several years past it has stood by itself.
The first Methodist meeting-house in Maine, was built under the adviee of Jesse Lee, in East Readfield, in the fall of 1794, and dedieated by Mr. Lee, June 21, 1795. The New England Conference held its session in this house, commencing August 29, 1798. This was a memorable oceasion, and drew a large crowd of spectators, from the surrounding country.1
The old ehureh, though a very plain structure, was the place of meeting on the Sabbath, for the people in all that region for many years. A house was purchased for a parsonage, many years ago, and for some time, was occupied by the preacher in charge. But the house was at length sold and the avails invested as a fund, for the support of preaching. About the year 1857, the meeting-house was removed to a site near the street, and largely, through the generosity of Hon. J. A. Sanborn, was reconstrueted and furnished with a steeple and bell. Meetings are now held only in the mild season of the year.
In 1886, the number on Probation was 13; members, 26 ; value of church, $2,000 ; officers and teachers in Sunday School, 60.
KENT'S HILL .- READFIELD CORNER.
The class at Kent's Hill was probably formed soon after the class at East Readfield ; the exact time is not known. A small house of worship had been erected, but not finished as early as 1799.
Luther Sampson, a well-to-do farmer on Kent's Hill, though not a member of the church till several years later, felt himself constrained by a eonvietion of duty, to see that the house of worship was finished. As he could not persuade his neighbors to aid in the enterprise, he
1 See pp. 28 and 29 of this volume.
225
KENT'S HILL SOCIETY. OLD RECORDS.
accomplished it himself at an expense of about one thousand dollars. It was dedicated by Jesse Lce, August 6, 1800, a plain structure of moderate size, with rough benches for seats, used as a house of worship for many years.
Iu the old book of Records for Readfield Circuit, under the head of Kent's Hill Society, there are records of exclusions and withdrawals, indicating a more thorough enforcement of discipline than is common at the present time. The exclusions are for various causes ; some of them as early as 1798, " Excluded for neglect of duty," "Improper conduct," "Wrong conduct," "Using ardent spirits - too much, "Trading on the Sabbath," "Lightness," "Improper use of ardeut spirits," " Withdrew for Lukewarmness," " Being irresolute."
In 1804, there were many accessions and baptisms. Joseph Baker was the preacher in charge. Luther Sampson and Lydia Samupsou were baptised that year. This fact is somewhat remarkable, as it was at least five years earlier, that Mr. Sampson, under au imperative conviction of duty, finished the meeting-house on Kent's Hill.
In 1805, Comfort C. Smith, (a member of Conference) withdrew, " uot being satisfied with doctrine and Discipline." Sally Smith withdrew in 1806.1
Kent's Hill remained a part of Readfield circuit till 1835, when it appears, for the first time in the minutes, as a separate charge, (though including probably, Readfield Corner and part of Fayette and sometimes Mt. Vernon ; E. Crooker, preacher in charge.
About this time a new house of worship was built, ou a more couvenient site. The old building was sold and removed to a lot nearly opposite Bearce Hall, and used for some years, as a cabinet shop, now occupied for a store by Mr. N. Jewett.
Kent's Hill being a small rural village, has always been connected with some contiguous neighborhoods, in the support of a pastor. For many years past it has been connected with Readfield Corner, the preacher dividing the Sabbath between the two places. The establishment of Maine Wesleyan Seminary at this place in 1825, gave special importance to the locality.
About the year 1831, Luther Sampson felt it his duty to provide a parsonage for the preacher of the circuit. For this purpose, he purchased an ample lot and had a building finished into a double tenement, to accommodate the preacher and the Presiding Elder. He
1 Furnished by Rev. C. Stone.
15
226
READFIELD CORNER.
supplied the building with plain furniture, and a library, and planted the grounds with choice apple trees. The rooms were small, and the house was plainly furnished, but these were days of economy. The house, with improvements from time to time, was occupied by the preacher till 1881, when under the pastorate of L. H. Bean, the old parsonage was sold, and an excellent house and lot, more favorably loeated, was purchased for the use of the preaeher.
The church was enlarged and repaired in 1865, under the pastorate of S. Allen, at a cost of eighteen hundred dollars ; also repairs and improvements have been made since that time.
The growth of the Seminary has been such as to give the place great importance, and Kent's Hill has become one of the most desirable appointments. Kent's IIill is "beautiful for situation," commanding an enchanting view of the surrounding country, for a great distanee, diversified with hill and valley, lake and forest scenery.
The society at this place, has been noted for generons responses to the elaims of charity, leading all the churches in the Conferences, in contributions to the Missionary cause, in proportion to ability.
READFIELD CORNER.
Methodism at Readfield Corner, was, for many years, exceedingly feeble. For a long time meetings were held only part of the time, in a union church. The predominant religious denomination, was of the Universalist persuasion.
The Methodists at length gained in numbers, and as the joint ocenpaney of the house of worship, led to dissatisfaction, the Methodists, abont twelve years ago, built for themselves, a neat ehapel, where they have maintained constant Sabbath worship.
1886. The statistical returns for Kent's Hill and Readfield Corner were : Probationers, 40 ; Members, 140 ; Churches, 2 ; value, $7,000; value of Parsonage, $1,800; Sunday schools, 2; Officers and Teachers, 24 ; seholars, 440.
MONMOUTH CIRCUIT.
Monmouth Cireuit has been one of the most substantial and flourishing eirenits in Maine. Jesse Lee visited the place and preached the first Methodist sermon, October 22, 1793. The gospel seed sown by him, during his brief visit, took root in good ground, and bore abundant fruit.
227
MONMOUTH CIRCUIT. THE FIRST CLASS IN MAINE.
Monmouth and all the surrounding region, at first, was included in Readfield circuit.
Philip Wager, the first preacher in charge, formed a class in Monmouth about the first of November, 1794, consisting of fifteen persons ; among these were : Nancy Nichols, Gilman Moody and wife, Daniel Smith and wife ; the other names have not been preserved. This was the first Methodist class organized in Maine. The class still lives and flourishes. Jesse Lee, then Presiding Elder, visited the place November 12th, 1794, lodged at Esq. Dearborn's ; preached the next day at Captain Hopkin's tavern, and, as was his custom, met the class, then recently formed.
The first Methodist meeting-house in Monmouth was built in 1796, and dedicated May 31st, of that year, Jesse Lee preaching the dedicatory sermon.
On Thursday, August 23, 1798, Bishop Asbury, accompanied by Jesse Lee, while on their way to the Conference in Readfield, spent the night, the guests of Caleb Fogg. Asbury preached the next day in the meeting-house at Monmonth.
On Thursday, August 5th, 1800, Mr. Lee was again in Monmouth, and preached at the house of Mr. Blake, (probably East Monmouth,) at eleven o'clock, and at the meeting-house at four o'clock. "The large congregation was deeply affected."
On Saturday, August 7, 1808, Lee was again in Monmouth, on his final visit to Maine. "He preached in the meeting-house, and attended a prayer meeting at Brother Fogg's in the evening." The circuit preachers in the meanwhile, had been busy and successful in their work. Methodism had become thoroughly rooted and grounded in Monmouth. Many of the substantial people of the town became members of the church, and, until the present time, the Methodists are the leading denomination of the community.
In 1800, Rev. Epaphras Kibby was appointed to Readfield Circuit. While preaching a funeral sermon in the union meeting-house in Monmouth, a wonderful influence came upon the preacher and his hearers.
A lady in the congregation became overpowered with conviction. Her distress of mind was manifest in her countenance; she soon received a sense of pardon, and gave a joyous testimony in the presence of the people. Her husband was also deeply affected. This lady was Mrs. Lydia Mclellan, wife of General James McLellan. They soon afterwards, removed to Bath, arose to opulence, and
-228
CONFERENCE AT MONMOUTII. MEETING-HOUSE DESTROYED.
became foremost members of the Methodist Church in that place, distinguished for their munificence, and for the generous hospitality of their splendid home. As the result of the remarkable funeral :service at Monmonth, a revival commenced and spread through that region.
July 2, 1802, the New England Conference commenced its session in the house of Mr. Sewall Prescott in Monmouth. Bishop Asbury ,presided, assisted by Bishop Whatcoat.2
June 15, 1809, the Conference again assembled in Monmouth.3
In 1827, Monmouth circuit was set off as a separate charge from Readfield Circuit ; the circuit embracing Wayne and Leeds. Moses Sanderson preaeher in charge.
The meeting-house built in 1795, was destroyed by fire in 1843. A new ehureh was built in 1845. This building was removed in 1866 to au exeellent site, purchased for that purpose, in the village, containing a convenient parsonage. A vestry was afterwards built upon the same lot. In 1881, through the active agency of the pastor, Rev. O. S. Pillsbury, the church was nieely refinished and supplied with a tower and a fine toned bell.
Revivals have been of frequent oeeurrenee in Monmouth. Adjaeent towns have been set off from time to time, till Monmouth has beeome a separate charge, receiving the entire services of a pastor. The church property is in good condition and unincumbered. The society is in a healthy and flourishing state.
Statisties, 1886 : Probationers, 46; Members, 136; Churches, 2; value, $7,500 ; Parsonage, value, $2,000; Sunday sehools, 2; Offieers and Teachers, 17; Scholars, 190.
Monmouth has been fertile soil for Methodist ministers, as the following list of preachers shows :
Caleb Fogg, Gilman Moody, Samuel Hillman, Abner P. Hillman, Rishworth J. Ayer, Henry M. Blake, Ira T. Thurston, Henry P. Torsey, Charles H. Titus, James R. Day, Melville E. King, Howard A. Clifford. Loeal preachers : Daniel Smith, John B. Fogg, George Hannaford, David Thurston, Lewis G. Dudley.4
FARMINGTON.
On the 15th of October, 1793, Jesse Lee preached the first
2 See pp. 66, 67. 3 Sec p. 83.
4 Sketches by Rev. G. D. Holmes, and gleaned from other sources.
229
FARMINGTON. FIRST METHODIST SERMON BY JESSE LEE.
Methodist sermon in Farmington, in the tavern of Moses Starling, Esq., on the west side of the river.
The next day he was introduced to the home of Stephen Titcomb, Esq .. about three miles below the village, where he was hospitably entertained and where he ever after found a cordial welcome. Mr. Lee returned the next day through New Sharon, Mt. Vernon and other places, preaching as he went to Hallowell, and on to Lynn, Massachusetts.
Early in January following, he came again to Maine and in the course of his travels came to the Sandy river in June. On Sunday, the 15th of June, he and Mr. Wager preached in Deacon Tufft's barn near Farmington Falls, and were the guests of Mr. Titcomb. He also passed through Farmington on the twenty-sixth of November following, on his way to Strong, and returning on the twenty-seventh preached at Mr. Bradford's in Farmington. He also visited Farm- ington in August, 1800, and in August 25, 1808, for the last time, and preached in the meeting house at Farmington Falls. The people were greatly moved by the preaching of Lee. And the labors of the early itinerants were abundant in results. A considerable number of the substantial people of the town were gathered into the church.
The first class in Farmington was on the west side of the river, probably 1795, Jotham Smith, leader. Another class was soon formed on the east side of the river, in the neighborhood of Elvaton Parker, who, with his wife and most of his family, became members. This class was soon merged in the first class, and William Gay was appointed leader, who continued in this office sixty years. About this time stated Sabbath preaching was held in this part of the town.
In 1798, a class was formed in the lower part of the town, consisting of Stephen Titcomb, wife and daughter, John Gower and wife, Jonathan Knowlton and wife and others, foremost people.
In 1800, a meeting-house was built at the Falls, mostly by the Methodists. This was a cheap building, never fully finished, and was suffered to go to decay. In 1826 it was removed, and a union meeting-house was built at a small distance, now occupied by the Methodists and Free Baptists (1886).
In 1831, the Brick Meeting House (so called) was built on the. west side of the river, near the northerly part of the town,5 a very unwise location, as there was no probability of the growing up of a village around it. In consequence of this blunder, the
5 History of Farmington, by Hon. Thomas Parker,
230
SECESSIONS IN FARMINGTON.
Methodist force in Farmington, was, for many years kept out of the Center village. This house continued to be the principal place of Methodist worship for about eighteen years.
For many years, Farmington was included in Readfield Circuit. In 1825, it was set off with other surrounding towns to form the Strong Circuit. Subsequently, Farmington was connected with New Vine- yard, Strong and Phillips, Vienna, and sometimes with New Sharon.
In 1842, Farmington appears upon the minutes, for the first time, as a separate charge, and has so continued, with the exception of a few years, till the present time. Temple is now connected with Farmington.
In 1842, a secession occurred, under the lead of Rev. J. Talbot Gay, a native of Farmington, who had, for several years, been a member of Maine Conference. Being censured for insubordination, he located, and withdrew from the church, and soon commenced holding meetings in Farmington, and had many followers, several local preachers joining with him. A Protestant Methodist Church was formed, which drew in a considerable number of Methodists. This organization however soon became feeble and ceased to continue operations. About the same time, some prominent members of the Methodist Church being dissatisfied with the action of the General Conference, on the subject of slavery, withdrew and organized a "Wesleyan Society." These two secessions greatly diminished the strength of the Church in Farmington. The action of the General Conference, in 1844, removed the grounds of discontent, and the leading seceders returned to the Church.
In the year 1847, Rev. F. A. Crafts was appointed to Farming- ton. He commenced holding meetings at Farmington Center, and seeing the importance of planting Methodism at this central point, he took measures to secure the erection of a house of worship at this place. A Board of Trustees was appointed with this end in view. But his health failed, and he found it necessary to take a lighter appointment, and the enterprise went by.
The Methodists in Farmington were mostly in the rural neighbor- hoods. In 1849, several influential Methodists had removed to Farmington village ; among them C. J. Talbot, Esq., Register of Deeds, and George W. Whitney, Esq., Clerk of the Courts.
Encouraged by the earnest counsel of these men, the society resolved to build a chapel in the village. They were obliged to resort to stratagem to secure a suitable lot in the village ; not an unusual experience in the history of Methodismn.
231
NEW CHURCH IN FARMINGTON. CONFLAGRATION.
Rev. S. Allen was appointed to Farmington this year, 1849. The Chapel was completed and dedicated in November following.
Protracted meetings were held in sehool houses in the rural districts, and at the Falls, resulting in extensive revivals and considerable accessions to the church. Similar movements were continued the next year, and the ehureh became greatly strengthened. Revivals have oeeurred from time to time. The society gained in numbers and ability. The chapel was several times enlarged or improved.
In 1877, under the pastorate of Rev. C. Munger, an elegant church was ereeted in place of the chapel, which the society had outgrown. The new ehnreh was the most convenient and elegant Church edifiee in the County. Several members of the church contributed largely towards the building of the church. Mr. Eliphaz Gay, exceeded all others in his contributions, giving over $1000.
Farmington charge has beeome one of the most desirable in the Conference ; "out of weakness it has been made strong." The condition of things was hopeful and encouraging. The society, by generous giving had extinguished the debt, and were looking for prosperity, when, about the last of October, 1886, a fire was kindled, and swept throngh the village, in spite of all exertions to arrest it, and soon the beautiful Methodist Church with two other churches and a large part of the village was a smouldering mass of ruins. An insurance of eight thousand dollars, will enable the society to proceed in the early spring, to the erection of a new ehureh.
STATISTICS, FARMINGTON AND TEMPLE.
Probationers, 50; Members, 200; Churches, 2; value, $14,500;6 Parsonage, I, value, $2,000; Sunday schools, 2; Officers and Teachers, 24; scholars, 195.
Preachers, from Farmington : John Allen, J. Talbot Gay, Benjamin F. Sprague, Elbridge Gerry, Samuel Ambrose. Loeal preachers : John Gower, John Norton, Peter E. Norton, Gideon Lambert, Jeremiah Butler, Merchant Holly, B. F. Dodge, M. Brown, Ch. E. Jennings, J. Wellman.
SOME OF THE EARLY METHODISTS OF FARMINGTON.
Stephen Titeomb, a native of Kennebunk, removed with his family to Farmington in 1776, while the township was a wilderness. He was the first man who selected a lot for a farm in Farmington, which he cleared, and for sixty years, eultivated. He became a thriving
6 Before the fire. .
232
EARLY METHODISTS IN FARMINGTON. STRONG.
farmer, and the hospitality of his excellent home was cheerfully rendered, especially to ministers of the gospel. He joined the Methodist society, with his wife and three daughters, in 1798,7 and became Steward and Class-leader. Ile was also a civil magistrate and a highly respected citizen, and died at the age of ninety-five. His children, seven in number, grew up to mature life, and were respected residents of Farmington. Ilis eldest daughter was the first of the family, to profess faith in Christ, at the age of fifteen, under the labors of Jesse Lee ; she was active and faithful in christian duty. She became the wife of Hon. William Allen of Norridgewock, and to the close of life, maintained her christian profession and her faithful attachment to the Methodist church. Two of her sons have, for many years, been members of the Maine Conference. Lydia Titcomb, a daughter, joined the Methodists at the age of about nineteen, and maintained her profession till the close of life in 1881. at the age of ninety-five.
John Gower was one of the early converts to Methodism, and for many years was a highly esteemed local preacher in the Methodist Church.
William Gay was born in Newburyport, Massachusetts, September 17, 1772, and removed to Farmington about 1790. He was one of the first converts under the preaching of Jesse Lee, in Farmington, in 1793. He was appointed Class-leader about 1795, and continued in that office sixty years. He was an honest man and a devout christian ; he died in peace, December 9, 1856.
STRONG.
The first Methodist sermon preached in Strong, then called Middle- town, was by Jesse Lee, in the house of William Read, Esq., June 16, 1794.8 He also preached in Avon or Uppertown, the next day. Mr. Lee's next visit to Strong was the twenty-sixth of November, the next year.9 The next morning the neighbors were called together, and he gave them a sermon from Col. 3: 19.
Lee also preached in Strong, August, 1800, and August 30, 1808, while on his last visit to Maine.
7 The eldest daughter had joined the elass three years previously. The two younger daughters subsequently.
8 History of the Methodists, by Jesse Lee. According to tradition, Mr. Lee preached in Strong about the 15th of September, 1793. But the writer finds no historie evidence of his preaching in Strong earlier than the date given above.
9 Thrift's Memoirs of Jesse Lee, page 204. Also Stevens' Memorials of Methodism, page 322.
233
FIRST CLASS IN STRONG. FIRST MEETING-HOUSE.
Much interest was excited by Lee's preaching and personal intercourse with the people, and a general awakening was the result ; some of the leading people of the town were converted, and united with the Methodist Church. Methodism has ever held a prominent place in the religious history of the town.
A class was formed in 1794, probably by Philip Wager, consisting of William Read and wife, Eleab Eaton and wife, Richard Clark and wife, Edward Flint and wife, John Day and wife, Nathan Thompson and wife ; William Read. Leader.
The first house of worship erected by the Methodists, was a small plainly finished building in the southerly part of the town, nearly opposite the house of Richard Clark, in 1814. About the same time, a similar house of worship was built by the Methodists in the easterly part of the town, now a part of New Vineyard.
The Methodist church in Strong village, was built in 1835, largely through the liberality and active efforts of Benjamin Eastman, Esq., at that time, a citizen of Strong, and a prominent official member of the Methodist Church. The building has recently (1884) been greatly improved by the addition of a tasteful tower and a fine toned bell. The Strong society, was at first, embraced in the Readfield Circuit, and does not appear in the minutes, till 1825.
This year, the Maine Conference was organized, and the Sandy River towns were set off, and called Strong Circuit. Subsequently, as societies grew up, new circuits and stations were formed, from time to time, till 1838, when Strong was made a charge by itself, and with occasional exceptions, has continued a separate charge till the the present time (1886).
For several years past, Strong and West Freeman have been united.
Statistics, 1886, Strong and West Freeman : Probationers, 17; Members, 98 ; value of Church, $3,700; value of Parsonage, $500; Officers and Teachers in Sunday school, 12 ; scholars, 125.
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