USA > Maine > History of Methodism in Maine, 1793-1886 > Part 26
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The name of Joshua Soule is signed in a bold hand. Then follow the minutes of the Quarterly Conference at Pigeon Hill, November 5th, 6th, 1808.
About the year 1800, Timothy Merritt preached in Poland for some time, and his labors were followed by an extensive revival. Poland is first named in the minutes in 1802. Philip Munger preacher in charge. The circuit embraced Lewiston, Poland, Hebron, Otisfield, Gray, Paris, Norway, and probably several other towns. The quarterly meetings in those days, as on the other old circuits, were occasions of great interest ; the people often going many miles to attend them.
The hospitality of the people, in the vicinity of the meetings, was cheerfully rendered to the members who came from distant places. Revivals, not unfrequently commenced, at these meetings and spread through the surrounding community, bringing large accessions to the society. The preachers were revivalists. The labors of John Adams, in 1816 and 1817, were especially successful. Many of the most prominent people of Poland and vicinity were converted and gathered into the church, and many of their descend- ants have gone to other places to become workers in the church.
Of the prominent families of this region, none were morc distinguished than that of Moses Emery who was the first settler, and a large proprietor of land in a tract of land called Bakerstown, constituting, subsequently, the towns of Poland, Minot and two other towns. Mr. Emery, with most of his family became Methodists, and their homes were open with welcome hospitality to the Methodist itinerants.
Moses Emery, a son, became a local preacher, and long continued to render valuable service to the church, highly esteemed for his intelligence and usefulness. Nathan Emery, another son, became a preacher and devoted his life to the itinerant work.2
Poland Circuit has been the birth-place of at least forty ministers and ministers' wives, most of them Methodists. Among the ministers were Nathan Emery, W. F. Farrington, M. Rollins, Moses Davis, Isaac Downing, Edward A. and Levi Stockman, J. W. and E. G. Dunn, and M. C. Pendexter, Prof. Merritt Caldwell, Rev. C. P. Bragdon, and Prof. S. M. Vail, cach married a daughter of Samuel
2 See sketch of Nathan Emery and of the Emery family, pp. 49-50 of this volume.
257
PROMINENT MEN AND WOMEN OF POLAND.
Cushman, a worthy Freewill Baptist, though his family werc Methodists.
Among the prominent men of Poland, were the descendants of Josiah Dunn, already mentioned. Hon. William Dunn was a Methodist ; his family were largely identified with Methodist history. One of the daughters married Rev. W. C. Larrabee, and another married Rev. Benjamin F. Tefft, LL. D., both men of wide reputation.
Reuben B. Dunn, son of Josiah A. Dunn, is a prominent business man and generous benefactor of the church, now living in Waterville, and a danghter of Josiah Dunn is the wife of Rev. N. C. Clifford, a member of Maine Conference. D. McDunn, of Portland, is a prom- inent member of Pine Street Church.
Poland Circuit, like most of the grand old circuits, has been reduced in territorial. extent from time to time, by the formation of new circuits and stations, till its limits are all now confined to Poland and Minot. Its membership has also become greatly reduced by deaths and removals.
. Methodism. however, has achieved a grand success upon the old Poland Circuit. Many of the children of Methodist parents of this circuit, have become workers in the cause of the church elsewhere, while many have been transferred to the church triumphant.
Statistics, East Poland and Minot, 1886 : Members, 41 ; Proba- tioners, 7; Churches, 2; value, $4,700; valne of Parsonage, $800 ; Sunday schools, 2 ; Officers and Teachers, 14; Scholars, 61.
BOWDOINHAM CIRCUIT.
Bowdoinham is largely indebted for the establishment and success of early Methodism in the place. to the influence and labors of Rev. Timothy Merritt, one of the distinguished early itinerants in Maine.
In 1803, to relieve the socicties of the burden of supporting a preacher's family, if support it may be called, he located and took a farm in the eastern part of Bowdoinham, laboring for the support of his family, during the week and preaching on the Sabbath ; often rowing with his boat in summer, or skating upon the ice in winter, up and down the river, to reach his appointments, and extending his travels in other directions. This kind of work was continned fourteen years. when he resumed his itinerant labors, and was stationed in Boston, and other important places in the New England Conference.
Among the fruits of his gratuitous toil, in the service of the 17
258
BOWDOINHAM CIRCUIT.
church, was the planting of Methodism in Bowdoinham. A society was gathered by him in the cast part of the town. The names of Hatch, Brown, Maxwell and Decker, are found in the list of early members of the class.
A chapel was built at East Bowdoinham, which was long occupied by the little company of Methodists. This house was afterwards moved to Decker's Hill, near Richmond, to accommodate the class in that town. East Bowdoinham was, for some thne, connected with the Richmond Circuit. After several years, a union church was built in the village, at Cathance Landing, which was occupied on the Sabbath, when the circuit preacher visited this part of the charge.
In 1803, Bowdoinham circuit, embracing all the territory from Bowdoinham and Litchfield to North Yarmouth, appears, for the first time, on the minutes of the Conference, and True Glidden was appointed preacher in charge. This was called, the next year, Dur- ham Circuit.
Extensive revivals prevailed at different times in this part of the old Durham Circuit ; and the memory of those veterans who traversed this extensive region is precious in the annals of the church.
After Bowdoinham became a station, the names of Greenhalgh, Thwing, D. Fuller, Yates, Hawkes and Morse are among those that labored in the village ; while the revivals at East Bowdoinham, under the labors of Strout and Blair, of the Richmond charge, are not forgotten.
In 1847, the Methodists of Bowdoinham abandoned the old Union Meeting-house, and built for themselves a convenient and pleasant church. In this enterprise, W. H. Lunt was especially active. A comfortable parsonage was also secured.
Bowdoinham is the native place of Rev. Daniel Waterhouse, who for forty years was an active member of the Maine Conference. Rev. C. C. Covel, a local preacher, resided in Bowdoinham many years. He joined Maine Conference in 1842. Among the prominent native members of the church in Bowdoinham, are, Orrington Lunt, now of Chicago, his brother, William H. and Stephen Lunt.3
Statistics, 1876 : Members, 66; Probationers ; value of Church, $7,800 ; value of Parsonage, $500; Officers and Teachers in Sunday School, 17; Scholars, 180.
DURHAM CIRCUIT.
Durham was, at first, part of Bowdoinham Circuit, which was 3 Sketch by C. F. Allen.
259
REMARKABLE QUARTERLY MEETING AT DURHAM.
formed in 1803, True Glidden preacher in charge. Previous to this time Asa Heath had visited and preached in Durham; also James Lewis, a local preacher, living in Gorham.
August 4th and 5th, 1804, a Quarterly meeting was held in Durham, which was a season of remarkable interest. Joshua Taylor, the Presiding Elder, being absent, Timothy Merritt supplied his place. The meeting on the Sabbath was held in a grove, near the place where the church now stands.
Mr. Merritt, standing upon a cart, for a pulpit, preached with wonderful power from Amos, 7: 2. " By whom shall Jacob arise ? for he is small." The sermon was followed with an exhortation by David Dndley and a fervent prayer by James Lewis. The people were overwhelmed with emotion and many fell to the ground. There was earnest praying, and there were loud cries in every direction, through the congregation. The preachers and brethren spent the afternoon in praying for anxious seekers. The excitement was so intense, that the administration of the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, usual on Sunday afternoon of the Quarterly meeting, was necessarily deferred.
A woman who was in the congregation, disgusted with the excitement, declared it to be "the work of Satan," and said she "'would stay there no longer." She mounted her horse and rode away, but she had proceeded only a short distance, when she was over- powered and fell from her horse, as dead. She was carried into a house, by christian friends. When she could speak, they found she was " under conviction." The friends prayed for her, and she soon ".found the Lord."
The meeting was continued till Wednesday night ; the sacrament being administered Wednesday afternoon. This extraordinary Quarterly meeting, resulted in a gracious revival, in which over one hundred were converted, and received into the Methodist church. Among these were: George Ferguson, William Jones, John Tyler, Daniel Harwood, Abel True, Samnel True, John Hatch, Richard Doane, Jacob Randall, and their wives. Of the Congregationalists who joined the Methodists at that time, were Deacon Daniel Harmon and wife, Deacon William True and wife (the parents of Rev. Charles K. True, afterwards professor in Wesleyan University).
This religious awakening was denounced as fanaticism, by the Congregationalist pastor ; but the revival went on and brought into the Methodist church, the principal families of that community ; and the place became prominent in the early history of Methodism in the
260
METHODIST CORNER. CLASS PAPER.
State. Ever since that time, this neighborhood has borne the name of "Methodist Corner."
The enterprise of building a house of worship, was soon commenced and accomplished under an act of incorporation, from the Massachu- setts legislature in 1810.4 At that time, it was difficult to obtain an act of ineorporation, for the purpose of building a Methodist house of worship. This house was reconstructed and greatly improved in 1867.
Copy of Durham Class Paper, No. 2. "Joshua Soule, presiding Elder." "Robert Hayes, James Spaulding, John W. Hardy, Circuit Preachers." "Woe to the idle shepherds."
"N. B. Every Friday last preceding the Q. M., is to be observed as a day of fasting and prayer."
"Durham, July 12, 1809."
NAMES.
Baptised,
F.
David
Dudley
M
Eleanor
Dudley
66
Rieliard
Doane
66
Mary
Doane
66
66
Sarah
Doane
F. Lemuel
Roberts
Nabby
Roberts
F.
Thomas
Roberts
66
Submit
Roberts
W.
66
66
Ezekiel
Turner
M.
66
Joanna
Turner
66
Betsey
York
S.
66
Daniel
Roberts
66
66
Enoch
Davis
M.
Sally
Mariam
Brown
66
Reuben
Roberts
S.
6 6
Luther
Plummer
66
F.
Hannah
Plummer
66
Susanna
Roberts
Susanna
Roberts
Davis
4 The society at Scarboro was incorporated in 1805; in CapeElizabeth, 1807; Poland, Gray and Windham, 1808; Durham, Thomaston, 1810; Falmouth, North Yarmouth, Winthrop, Otisfield, Hallowell, in 1811.
Edward
Doane
261
CHURCH IN BATH.
Durham Circuit was made a separate charge in 1806, including Durham. Pownal, Danville, Lisbon and Litchfield. Subsequently, from time to time, the circuit was divided, till 1849, when Durham was made a charge by itself, and has been supplied by preachers from Conference.5 West Durham and Pownal now constitute onc charge.
Statistics, 1886 : Members, 67; Probationers, 12; Churches, 2; value, $4,000 ; Parsonage, 1 ; value, $500 : Sunday Schools, 2 ; Officers and Teachers, 16 ; Scholars, 100.
Ministers originating in Durham : C. K. Truc, D. D., John Ricc, H. N. Macomber, E. Blake, M. R. Hopkins, Wm. H., Geo. C., and J. B. Crawford, A. Turner, E. H. McKenney, Ansel Gerrish, John Newell, E. S. Stackpole.
BATH.
In 1793, Jesse Lee, while on his first visit to Maine, came to Bath about the twelfth of September, and preached three times. This was the first Methodist preaching in the place. Philip Wager, while in charge of Portland circuit, preached several times at Bath, and formed the first class, consisting of James Ward, Huldah Grace, Widow Gardiner, Elizabeth Weeks, Betsey Webb and Elcanor Morrison.6
At the Conference held in Thompson, Connecticut, September 19, 1796, Enoch Mudge was appointed to Bath, then a circuit including several towns cast of the Kennebec river. For some reason not explained, Elias Hull supplied the Bath Circuit, and Mr. Mudge took Mr. Hull's place. on Penobscot Circuit.
In 1797, Robert Searle was appointed to Bath. In 1798, Robert Yallalce and Aaron Humphrey were the preachers. A revival occurred this year.
In 1800 and 1801, Timothy Merritt was appointed to Bath and Union Circuit, and in 1802, to Bath. The next year, Mr. Merritt located at Bowdoinham, on a farm, where he remained till 1817, serving often as a supply for Bath, where he was highly esteemed.
The Methodists, when they had no service of their own, usually met with the Baptists under the ministrations of Rev. Silas Stearns.
The little class formed in 1796 seems to have declined, and Methodism long struggled for existence in Bath. In 1806, General
5 Sketch by Rev. C. W. Morsc.
6 The writer was so informed by James Ward, who was a member of the first class; in Bath,
262
MRS. MCLELLAN. CHURCHI BUILT, WESLEY CHURCH.
MeLellan removed from Monmouth to Bath. His wife was a devoted christian and an ardent Methodist. John Blake and family soon afterwards removed from Monmouth to Bath. His wife was a Methodist. Mrs. McLellan, Mrs. Blake and David Berry, who was leader, formed a elass, and continued with great constancy, to meet for elass meeting, nine years, in a small building in Mr. Mclellan's yard, before receiving any aecession to their number,-a noble example of patient enduranee. The Congregationalists and Baptists preoccupied the field, and the outlook for Methodism was exceedingly discouraging. Mrs. MeLellan was a woman, not only of deep piety, but of extraordinary foree of character ; she had faith in the success of the eause, and did mueh to inspire the little band with eourage. The little company held fast till deliveranee came, in an unexpected manner.
About the year 1816, a Methodist exhorter, named Seribner, came to the place. His rusty garments, and unprepossessing appearance, did not long conceal his christian zeal and eloquenee. A gracious revival oeeurred under his labors, and about two hundred were converted. The most of the converts were gathered into the other ehurehes, as the Methodists had no regular place of worship ; yet the Methodist elass received an eneouraging aeeession.
The next year, Rev. John Wilkinson, a member of Conference, loeated and settled in Bath, as a druggist. His eoming was a great help to the little society, in their social meetings, and by preaching, as his health would permit. He was assisted, for a short time, by two preachers by the name of Ambler and Chamberlain. A revival oeeurred. Meetings were held in the "old meeting-house," belonging to the town, situated on the road to Mill Cove, about one mile from the village.
During this year, a one-story house of worship was eommeneed, but the enterprise was abandoned.
In 1819-20, Rev. Charles Virgin was appointed to this eharge. During his pastorate, a two-story meeting-house with pews, was built and dedieated in the summer of 1820. This house with additions and improvements, served the society, till the present church was built in 1869. In 1842, a faction withdrew and formed the North Street Free Baptist Church.
In 1852, The Beaeon Street Church was built, to accommodate the members living in the upper part of the eity, and seventy members were detailed, to form the nueleus of the new society, in that part of the eity.
263
DEBT PAID. PROMINENT MEMBERS.
The old church at that time took the distinguishing name of "Wesley Church."
The building of the new church in 1869, and the purchase of a costly organ, brought upon the society a heavy debt. This, with the decline of ship building business, brought the church under a heavy burden of discouragement.
By special request of the society in 1882, Rev. A. S. Ladd was appointed to this charge, with an assurance that the society would co-operate heartily with him, in measures to raise funds to pay the heavy debt. Through the generous co-operation of the society and liberal aid from some members of Beacon Street Church and other friends, the object was accomplished during the two years of Mr. Ladd's service. The burden was removed and an era of brighter hopes dawned upon Wesley Church.
This first church in Bath, though it has struggled up from feeble- ness, through great discouragements, has been favored with many seasons of revivals, under the labors of faithful pastors The people have been distinguished for noble-hearted generosity, characteristic of people engaged in marine enterprises.
The most extensive revivals were in 1830, '34, '41, '48, '58, '61, '73, '86. The largest membership was reported in 1875, viz., 312 members and 41 probationers.
Of the members of the church in Bath, deserving special mention, is Mrs. Lydia Mclellan, who came to the place in 1806, and earnestly and prayerfully identified herself with all the interests of the church, abounding in works of charity, till her death, May 22, 1860 : she and her husband, General James McLellan, who united with the church in 1838, did more for Methodism in Bath, than any other two persons. They were distinguished for their munificent hospitality and their christian liberality.
Rev. J. B. Husted, once pastor of the church in Bath, now of South New England Conference, married a daughter of General and Mrs. McLellan. Mrs. Blake was a mother in Israel. For a long time prayer and class meetings were held in her kitchen. She was esteemed and loved by all her neighbors. Their son, Rev. Samuel P. Blake, was, for fifty-two years, a worthy member of Maine Conference.
Rev. John Wilkinson, already mentioned, continued at Bath, till about 1861 ; always faithful to the church. He was highly esteemcd for his christian character, and his useful labors.
The late Hon. Elisha Clarke united with the church, in 1836, and
264
MINISTERS FROM BATHI. BEACON STREET CHURCHI.
continued to the close of life, a few years since, an active, and most of the time, prominent official member.
George W. Duncan joined the church in 1843, and died in 1879. He was, for many years, a prominent official member, and an uncommonly generous supporter of the church.
Zina HI. Blair, once a member of Conference, located, on account of failing health, has of late years, come to prominent position in the affairs of the church. Others, no less worthy, have rendered valuable service and have honored their christian profession.
Ministers who have entered the itinerant work from Bath are : Samuel P. Blake, Albert Church, Swanton Ranks. Preachers' wives : Mrs. Harriet (McLellan) Husted, Mrs. Emeline (Morse) Ranks. John Deering united with the church in 1827, and was, for many years, a local preacher and a faithful worker. He died triumphantly, February 26, 1856.
Statistics, 1886 : Members, 236; Probationers, 16; value of Church, $15,000 : value of Parsonage, $2,000 ; Officers and Teachers in Sunday School, 22; Scholars, 216.
BEACON STREET CHURCII, BATHI.
In the year 1853, a tasteful and convenient church was built on Beacon street, in the upper part of the city. This building was completed and thoroughly furnished at a cost of $8,000; a fine toned bell and an organ were also procured, all largely through the generosity and judicious oversight of Charles Davenport, Esq., who though not a member of the church, has always taken a generous interest in its welfare, The church was dedicated at the time of the sessions of the annual conference of 1854, by Bishop Janes.
The first preacher appointed to Beacon Street Society, was H. M. Blake. The subsequent appointments have been successively as fol- lows : H. B. Abbott, A. J. Church, H. Nickerson, S. F. Wetherbee, H. M. Blake, C. Fuller, J. E. C. Sawyer, C. Munger, R. Sanderson, K. Atkinson, L. H. Bean, E. T. Adams, W. S. Jones, G. F. Cobb, H. E. Foss.
Under the pastorate of L. H. Bean, a convenient parsonage was built, at an expense of $2,000.
The society has been favored with revivals under a faithful ministry and its prospect for usefulness is highly encouraging. Among the members are a considerable number of thorough-going business men,
265
PHIPSBURG.
who look well after the affairs of the church; among these as deserving special mention is Captain Guy C. Goss, the famous ship builder. From the ship yard of Goss & Co., more vessels have been built, during the last ten or fifteen years, than from any ship yard in the world. Captain Goss has served very acceptably for several years, as Superintendent of the Sunday School, and has found time, under the pressure of his extensive business, to attend the social meetings of the church.
Statistics, 1886 : Members, 156; Probationers, 25; value of `church, $8,500 ; value of Parsonage $2,500; Officers and Teachers in Sunday School, 23; Scholars, 283.
PHIPSBURG.
Phipsburg is famous in history, as the place where the first European settlement was commenced in New England.
On the 18th of August, 1607, thirteen years before the Mayflower landed at Plymouth Rock, Captain George Popham, with his company of adventurers, landed at this place, and made preparations for establishing a colony. Fort Popham is now a fashionable place of resort, on pleasure excursions, in the summer.
Phipsburg, with other towns, near the mouth of the Kennebec, was, at first, included in Bath Circuit.
Timothy Merritt while in charge of Bath, preached occasionally at Phipsburg ; this was probably the first Methodist preaching in the place. Preaching was continued there by the preachers stationed at Bath.
Melville B. Cox, when a young man, taught school at West Bath, and preached at West Bath and Phipsburg alternately. The preaching was in the school house at "Pitch Pine Hill," about a mile below 'Winnegance." Afterwards a church was built at "Drummore, " a mile further south. Francis Brown, still living at West Bath, was converted under the ministry of Melville B. Cox, and attended his school. West Bath and Phipsburg, were, for some years, a separate charge, but ceased to be so, about 1862.
Rev. C. C. Covel was born in Phipsburg and entered the ministry from that place. Phipsburg continued to be served by preachers from conference from 1834 till 1852. The society at that placc, by deaths and removals has greatly declined.7
7 Rev. E. S. Stackpole.
-
266
STEWARD'S ACCOUNT.
LISBON.
Lisbon at first formed a part of the Bowdoinham Circuit, which was organized in 1803, and included Bath, Bowdoinham, Bowdoin, Topsham, Georgetown, Pejcpscot, Danville, (now South Auburn) Durham, Pownal and Lisbon. Afterwards classes were formed in Litchfield, Wales, Lewiston, Richmond and Phipsburg, and these were added to the circuit. In 1806, the name was changed to Durham circuit. In 1830, Lisbon was made a part of Monmouth circuit.
In 1835, " Lisbon Circuit" was formed, consisting of Lisbon, (which then included Webster, ) Wales and Lewiston. During the years 1836-7, Lisbon was united with Durham circuit; but in 1838, was restored to its previous limits.
Preaching was continued at Sabattisville on alternate Sabbaths till 1850, when that appointment was abandoned.
In the Steward's account for 1809, we find the following account of the "disbursements" for the year : "Expense, $2.12, J. Soule, $3.00; J. W. Hardy, $8.62; J. Spaulding, $1.05; R. Hays, $6.16; L. Sargent, $2.45 ; total, $23.40." Preachers then "lived on faith and of the gospel." Their home was in the saddle and they " boarded round."
In 1815, we find the following :
" Distributions : O. Beale, $11.08; R. Hays, $47.80; J. Paine, $23.90 ; expense, $7.00; total, $90.00."
Some grateful preacher has written the following comment, appended to the above record: "Lord fulfill thy promise to the benevolent. Amen."
As early as 1824, the records show that luxury had crept into the church. We read of "table expenses." Some preachers lived in houses, and indulged in the unnecessary expense of supporting a family. The receipts for that year were as follows : Caleb Fogg, $61.73 ; Aaron Sanderson, $30.86.
In 1840, the times had become quite corrupt, as indicated by the following prodigal "estimates." "Table expenses, $52.00;" "House rent, $15.00;" "Horse keeping, $20.00;" "Fire wood, $18.00 ;" "Quarterage for preacher and wife, $200.00;" "for two children, $32.00 ;" "moving, (fifty miles,) $10.00;" "Horse shoeing, $4.00:" total, $351.00.
What part of the above estimate was paid, was not stated. The record for successive years will show, however, that it was not considered necessary to pay much more than fifty or seventy-five cents on the dollar.
267
RICHMOND.
The first meeting-house was built in 1817, on the site of the present church. It was roughly finished, and with free seats till 1840, when extensive repairs were made. A vestibule and steeple were added, and box pews were made in which the worshippers could be safely buttoned in. These pews were sold to cover the expense of repairing.
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