USA > Maine > History of Methodism in Maine, 1793-1886 > Part 28
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5 By E, C. Robbins,
278
NORTH AUGUSTA. FIRST CLASS.
From 1845 to 1847, Sidney was a separate charge, but was united with Readfield from 1848 to 1850. From 1851 to 1859 Sidney was again a separate charge ; and from 1860 to 1872, it was united with North Augusta ; and the meeting-house and parsonage at Bacon's Corner were used. In 1873, Sidney drops out of sight.
In 1874, North Sidney was united with West Waterville, under the pastoral care of Rev. N. C. Clifford. From that the the society in North Sidney has been connected with the society at West Waterville or Oakland.
The parsonage at Bacon's Corner, was burned about 1873.
The Methodists, in Sidney, have become greatly reduced in numbers by death, and by removals, and no Methodist Sabbath worship is held in the town except in the chapel at North Sidney, which was built in 1881, through the earnest labors of Rev. M. E. King, the preacher in charge.
The statistics are given with the society at Oakland.
The town of Sidney is a large and valuable farming town, but without any special business center. In its religious history, it furnishes an illustration of the evil results of an over-supply of religious societies and houses of worship; there are six meeting-houses in the town standing unoccupied. An earnest itinerant with more regard for the salvation of the people, than for his salary, might render grand service in Sidney.
NORTH AUGUSTA.
The first Methodist elass formed in Augusta, was in North Augusta, about 1802, consisting of about twenty members. Japheth Beale was leader for several years, between 1803 and 1810.
In 1838, the class at North Augusta, was transferred to the Sidney charge, and Sabbath worship was held in the Chapel at Bacon's Corner.
The "North Methodist Society of Augusta" was organized in 1861, a Board of Trustees was chosen, and a building Committee and measures were taken immediately, to build a chapel, at an estimated cost of $664.00. The building was completed the same year. About 1869, during the pastorate of Rev. Mr. Emerich, a substantial and convenient parsonage, with stable, was built, with ample grounds for garden. Mr. Emerich, about this time, withdrew from the church, and joined the Congregationalists, and entered Bates College, where he graduated and entered the Congregationalist ministry, in the West.
279
FIRST METHODIST SERMON IN WINTHROP.
North Augusta has been supplied most of the time, since its organization, by ministers from Conference. The labors of the pastor on the Sabbath, being divided between the Chapel and the Jewett school-house.
In 1881, the chapel was repaired and supplied with a cabinet organ.
Statistics, 1886 : Members, 63 ; Probationers, 36 ; value of Chapel, $1,000; value of Parsonage, $1,200; Sunday Schools, 2; Officers and Teachers, 12; Scholars, 60.6
WINTHROP.
The first Methodist sermon preached in Winthrop, was by Jesse Lee, October 21, 1793, probably in the Fairbanks neighborhood.
In 1794, a class was formed, by Philip Wager, in the house of Peter Hopkins in Monmouth, consisting of Gilman Moody, Nathaniel Bishop. Seth Delano, Mrs. Delano, Mrs. Richmond and some others. Mr. Bishop, about this time, removed to Winthrop village. Bishop Asbury, accompanied by Jesse Lee, on their way to the Conference in Readfield, came to the house of Mr. Hopkins, on the twenty-fourth of August. 1798. An appointment had been published, for preaching at Winthrop in the evening, in the Congregationalist church. Mr. Lee preached, and Mr. Asbury found friendly entertainment in the house of Nathaniel Bishop, a local preacher.
In 1806, 1807 and 1808, there was Methodist preaching in the Fairbank's school house, once in two weeks.
The Methodist society in Winthrop was incorporated, February 27, 1811. There was occasional Methodist preaching in the village till 1825, when. though the society was small and feeble, Mr. Bishop resolved to have regular Methodist preaching in the village. The project met with determined opposition, but Mr. Bishop was not a man to abandon an enterprise which he believed the cause of God demanded. Constant preaching in the village required the building of a house of worship, and it was determined to supply this want. Mr. Bishop assumed the entire financial responsibility of the enterprise, though it taxed his resources heavily. The work was pushed to completion, with all possible dispatch.
The corner stone was laid with appropriate services, June 24th, 1825. July third, the same year, the building being yet uncovered,
6 Rev. C. L. Libby.
280
CHURCH IN WINTHROP DEDICATED.
the first sermon was preached within its walls, by Bishop Soule, while on his way to Conference.
Winthrop was this year, made a station, but was left to be supplied. The society then consisted of fifteen members. Through the efforts of Mr. Bishop, preaching, by local preachers, was supplied through the year.
The chapel was completed and dedicated November 23, 1825. The dedicatory sermom was preached by Rev. Stephen Lovell, from Chron. 7:15-16.
In July, 1826, Mr. Lovell was appointed to Winthrop. The number belonging to the class at that time was twenty-onc, fifteen of whom were members in full connexion. Since that time Winthrop has been regularly supplied by preachers from Conference. Revivals have frequently occurred, and the society has gradually increased in numbers and ability.
In 1842, under the pastoral care of Rev. D. B. Randall, a Union protracted meeting was held, resulting in an extensive revival and large accessions to the churches. The Methodists and Congregationalists worked together in the utmost harmony.
In 1849, a convenient parsonage was built.
In 1854, during the pastorate of J. H. Jenne, measures were adopted for the enlargement and improvement of the church, and for building a vestry. This enterprise was completed the next year. The house was supplied with a carpet and nice furniture, and a sweet- toned organ was purchased, the ladies, as usual, rendering valuable service in these improvements.
In 1882, the parsonage, being incommoded by surrounding buildings, was sold, and a convenient house more eligibly located, was purchased for that purpose.
In the Fall of 1886, through the persistent efforts of the pastor, Rev. C. E. Springer, a tower was built upon the church, and a heavy fine-toned bell procured. The church property is in good condition and unincumbered, and the society in good working order.
Statistics, 1886 : Members, 138 ; Probationers, 35 ; value of Church, $4,400 ; value of Parsonage, $2,500 ; Officers and Teachers in Sunday School, 18; Scholars, 135.
EARLY MEMBERS.
No member of the church in Winthrop, deserves more honorable notice than Nathaniel Bishop. He was born in Hallowell, Maine,
281
FAIRFIELD. FIRST METHODIST PREACHING.
September 17, 1766, and in early life came with his father's family to Winthrop, then called Pond Town, settling in the south part of the town.
In 1793, he was converted under the preaching of Jesse Lee at Mon- mouth and with others, joined the first class formed in Maine, in 1794. He went into business at Winthrop as a merchant and by diligence and prudent management, for many years, acquired a competent estate.
Mr. Bishop may justly be regarded as the father of the Methodist church in Winthrop ; for he contributed more than all others together towards the erection of the house of worship, and to the close of his life, he cherished a deep interest for the welfare of the church. He died in peace, April 15, 1854, aged 89. His sons, Cyrus and Ransom succeeded to his business. They were among the early members of the church, generous in their support of the cause and for many years official members. Cyrus Bishop served, for many years as class leader and Steward and also gratuitously, as sexton, with great fidelity, contributing always to the support of the church, up to the full measure of his ability.
Thurston W. Stevens joined the church in 1825, and was, for many years, an active and generous official member,-a man of remarkable force of character. He died in 1885. Many others have done good service and have gone to their reward.
FAIRFIELD CIRCUIT.
In 1794, on the fifth of March, Jesse Lee preached the first Metho- dist sermon in Fairfield, probably at the Center. Among the fruits of Mr. Lee's labor, was Dr. Ebenezer Phelps, the physician of that place. who was converted and joined the first class.
August 24, 1808, Mr. Lee again visited Fairfield and preached in the old meeting-house and " lodged with Dr. Phelps that night."
Fairfield was at first included in Hallowell Circuit, but for some years does not seem to have received much of the labor of the circuit preacher. A meeting-house was built at Fairfield Centre, in the early settlement of the town in which there was occasional preaching by ministers of the standing order. Sometimes a minister was hired for six months at a time. The sermons were strongly Calvinistic. No conversion or awakening occurred, till the Methodist itinerants came and preached a more earnest and hopeful gospel.
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282
REVIVAL IN FAIRFIELD.
The first revival occurred in 1809, under the labors of Rev. Ebenezer F. Newell, the circuit preacher. The whole town was moved, and a large number of persons were converted and added to the church. A class was formed at the time. The following are the names of some of the members. Ebenezer Phelps, Elisha Nye and wife, Bartlett Nye and wife, Jonathan Tobey and wife, George Ellis and wife, Thomas Nye, Cornelius Nye, Ellis Nye, Bartlett Nye, Jr., Jesse Nye, Joseph Nyc, Joshua Nye, (afterwards a preacher), Temperance Nye, Elisha Nyc, Jr., Sarah Nye, Stephen Tobey and wife, Benjamin Jones and wife, and others.
The meetings were held for seven or eight years, in the house of Elisha Nye, on "Ohio Hill," so called, about two miles north of the Centre.
A Quarterly meeting was held, the same year in the barn of Mr. Rolff, which was crowded with people. After the sermon, the seats were moved out upon the green, in the open air, and the sacrament of the Lord's supper was celebrated. After this service, all seekers of religion were invited forward for prayers. A large number came and knelt at the extemporized altar, while fervent prayer was offered in their behalf. Such seasons were not uncommon in those times. Extensive revivals occurred from time to time, till the Methodists became the predominant religious denomination of the town.
Fairfield was at length set off from the Hallowell Circuit, and, for many years was a circuit, with Sidney. In 1851, it became a separate charge, and continued to be supplied with preachers from Conference till within a few years. When the society at Kendall's Mills, (now called Fairfield) was organized, the members, living in that part of the town, connected themselves with that society.
The membership of Fairfield Circuit has become greatly reduced by deaths and removals, and this once strong and flourishing circuit has become greatly reduced in numbers and ability.
In 1837, a Union meeting-house was built at Fairfield Centre, and the old "meeting-house" is used for a town house.
In 1852, a chapel was built by the Methodists at Nye's Corner.
The records of Fairfield Circuit have been lost. The foregoing account was received verbally from Cornelius Nye, a member of the first class, converted in the revival of 1809, now ninety-one years of age. He has remained steadfast, and is now calmly waiting the summons of the master.
Statistics, 1886 : Members, 35 ; value of Church, $1,000 ; Officers
283
WEST WATERVILLE. FIRST CLASS. CHURCH BUILT.
and Teachers in Sunday School, 4; Scholars, 20; Preachers from Fairfield. Joshua Nyc, Abraham Holway.
OAKLAND, FORMERLY WEST WATERVILLE AND NORTH SIDNEY.
West Waterville was at first included in Fairfield Circuit. The first class in this place. of which any account can be found, was formed by Rev. Luther P. French, preacher in charge of Waterville Misson, in the year 1843. Among the members were D. B. Ward, leader ; Theodore Hill, a local preacher, and his wife : Joseph E. Stevens and Mrs. George W. Pressey.
Meetings were held occasionally by the pastor, L. P. French ; also by S. Allen in 1844. and by other preachers stationed at Waterville. Subsequently the Free-will Baptist vestry was purchased and fitted up for a house of worship.
The extraordinary water power in the place had become extensively improved, especially by the Dunn Edge-tool Manufactory and other similar enterprises. largely increasing the business and the population of the place, till West Waterville was incorporated into a separate town.
In 1872, Rev. N. C. Clifford, a supernumerary preacher of Maine Conference. was appointed preacher in charge of the society, including also the class in North Sidney. Mr. Clifford continued in charge of the society four years.
In the year 1874, encouraged by offers of assistance, by Reuben B. Dunn, measures were taken to build a church. An eligible lot was secured. A plan was adopted. The pastor was appointed agent, and C. E. Joy, architect. The society was poor, unable to build a church without aid from abroad.
Mr. Clifford entered upon his work as soliciting agent, traveled extensively, and labored indefatigably in this work. A tasteful church was erected and finished, externally, and the basement finished for a vestry, and dedicated January, 1875, free of debt, at a cost of six thousand dollars. The old vestry was sold for $125.00.
The following contributions were made: R. B. Dunn, $1,600.00; William Deering, Chicago, $300.00; Rev. J. Colby, $100.00 ; George C. Crawford, $125.00 ; J. F. Taylor., $100.00 ; and a great number of smaller donations were received.
The society continued feeble and received aid from the Home Mis- sionary Soiety, and were unable to finish the audience room of the church. Meetings were held in the vestry, and the society received the
284
CHAPEL BUILT AT NORTHI SIDNEY. CHURCHI AT OAKLAND.
services of a preacher, appointed by Conference, or by the Presiding Elder, in connexion with North Sidney.
From 1877 to 1880, the little society was subjected to a severe test, being served by unsuitable pastors ; one of them was dismissed after a service of six months, by the Presiding Elder, and the other at the beginning of his second year, withdrew and joined the Universalists.
Under the earnest labors of Rev. M. E. King, the pastor, in 1881, there was an extensive revival in North Sidney, and a neat chapel was built and the society at West Waterville rallied from its discourage- ment. Measures were taken during the second year of his pastorate to finish the audience room of the church. This was acomplished, through the generous assistance of R. B. Dunn, during the year 1884, under the pastorate of Rev. C. Munger.
During the years 1885 and 1886, a revival occured at Oakland resulting in a considerable accession to the church at that place.
The church at Oakland is beautifully located ; a tasteful structure, and convenient in its arrangements. The society now has good reason to expect a prosperous future.
Statistics, 1860, Oakland and North Sidney : Members, 96; on Probation, 36; Churches, 2; value $8,000; Sunday Schools, 2; Officers and Teachers 8 ; Scholars, 40 ..
FAIRFIELD OR KENDALL'S MILLS.
This place has grown into importance by its remarkable facilities for the manufacture of lumber. This part of Fairfield was, at first, included in Fairfield Circuit, but no record is extant of the early visits of the preachers. The first Methodist sermon preached at Kendall's Mills, of which any account is recorded, was by Rev. Ezekiel Robinson, in 1827, on the occasion of the baptism of Mrs. Louisa Emery, who had been converted under the labors of Mr. Robinson, in another part of the town. There were, at that time, but few families in this place. Mrs. Emery was the only professor of religion in the neighborhood.
In 1831, Joshua Nye, a local preacher, by invitation, preached at Kendall's Mills, and was so favorably received, that he continued to preach there every fourth Sabbath.
In the spring of 1832, Rev. O. Beal, the Presiding Elder, held a Quarterly meeting in the barn of Mr. Eben Davis, Rev. P. Burgess, preacher in charge and Rev. J. Nye, assisting in the services. In October, the same year, Rev. J. Whitney, preacher in charge of the
285
CLASS AT KENDALL'S MILLS. UNION CİTURCHI BUILT.
circnit. held a protracted meeting in the school house at this place, the pastor being assisted by O. Beal, J. Nye, C. L. Browning and D. B. Randall. A considerable number of influential persons were converted in this meeting and soon after were organized into a class, J. Nye. leader.
The following names appear on the list of members : Joshua Nyc, Mary Nye. Eben Davis, Sarah Davis, Reuben Buck, Amy Buck, Arthur S. Chase, Sally Chase, Timothy Littlefield, Lydia Littlefield, Ann Dinsmore, Frances R. Dinsmore, Louisa Emery, Russell F. Ellis. Bloomy Ellis. Sophronia Philbrook, Diadama Emery, Mary J. Wheeler. Sally Woodman, Abigail Kendall, Sophronia Dinsmore.
Prominent among these was Eben Davis, who, in the protracted meeting above named, found relief from long continued mental depression. Mr. Davis, in early life, was employed in a Book Store in Boston. He was a man of more than ordinary intelligence, a devoted christian, a highly esteemed citizen, and a faithful member of the church till his death, about 1881.
In the spring of 1838, another protracted meeting was held, resulting in important accessions to the society.
The question of building a house of worship was started ; a lot was donated by Messrs. John and Samuel Kendall, and a " Union Meeting-house" was completed and dedicated in 1840, Rev. B. F. Tefft preaching the dedicatory sermon.
The house was owned and occupied by the Methodists and Univer- salists till 1856, when the Methodists, by purchase, became the sole owners. Important repairs were soon made ; a belfry was built, and a bell was presented by Mr. Samuel Judkins.
The society continued under the pastoral care of Rev. J. Nye, who had settled in the place, rendering faithful service for very small compensation, till 1849, when Rev. C. Stone was appointed preacher in charge, continuing but one year.
In 1852, Kendall's Mills was connected with Waterville, Rev. S. Allen preacher in charge. In the winter and spring of 1853, a protracted meeting was held by Mr. Allen, resulting in an extensive revival and an accession of thirty members to the society. At the Conference of 1854, Kendall's Mills was made a separate station. The society has been regularly supplied by preachers from Conference and has steadily increased in strength till the present time.
In 1858, under the pastorate of Rev. E. Robinson, the church was repaired and greatly improved. In 1872, under the pastoral charge
286
WATERVILLE. HARD SOIL FOR METHODISM.
of Rev. D. B. Randall, a basement vestry was built and a furnace proeured at a cost of $1,200.
Revivals have occurred, from time to time, the most extensive in 1875, under the labors of Rev. P. Chandler, when over sixty were received on probation.
The society is in a prosperous condition with a good prospect for future growth and usefulness.
Statistics, 1886 : Members, 111; on Probation, 48 ; Churches, 2 ; value, $6,000 ; value of Parsonage, $1,500 ; Offieers and Teachers in Sunday School, 23; Scholars, 184.
WATERVILLE.
This place, until recently, has been exceedingly hard soil for Metho- dism. The early Methodist itinerants, in Maine, while they visited other adjoining towns, strangely avoided Waterville.
We have no aeeount of any visits to this place by Methodist preachers till 1827 or 1828, when Rev. Ezekiel Robinson, then preacher in charge of Fairfield Cireuit, preached oeeasionally, in Waterville, and organized a small class. This class was of brief continuance.
In 1832, Rev. Martin Ward preached for some time, in this place, and organized a class of seven persons, J. Parker, leader.
In 1833, Rev. P. P. Morrill, preached at Waterville, onee in four weeks, on the Sabbath. In 1835, Rev. M. Wight rendered the same service. The number of members was then twenty-five. About this time, Rev. Asa Heath preached occasionally in Waterville. During these years, there was great opposition to the little society. In utter discouragement, the place was abandoned.
In 1843, Waterville was made a Mission station with an appropria- tion of twenty-five dollars, and Luther P. Freneh was appointed preacher in charge. The town hall was seeured for meetings ; a good congregation was gathered ; elass and prayer meetings were held, and a Sunday School organized. Members, 21; on Probation, 14,-an eneouraging year.
Rev. S. Allen was appointed preaeher in charge in 1844. Missionary appropriation $150,-favorable indieations. Ineipient measures taken for building a house of worship ; a church site bargained for. The pastor was removed to another charge, at the elose of the year, and the building enterprise was abandoned.
1845, Asahel Moore, preacher in charge. 1846, C. Munger,
Methodist Episcopal Church. Waterville, 1870.
287
NEW CHURCH BUILT. R. B. DUNN.
preacher. The same Missionary appropriation continued each year. The society became discouraged, and the charge was abandoned.
In 1851, S. Allen was again appointed to Waterville, with a missionary appropriation of one hundred dollars. There was some talk about building a fine house of worship ; but the enterprise through financial embarrassment, was not attempted. Mr. Allen remained two years. A revival occurred in 1852.
In 1853, D. Waterhouse was appointed to Waterville. In 1854 and 1855, C. Fuller was the preacher in charge.
Active measurs were taken by the pastor, for building a church, an eligible site was engaged, and arrangements nearly matured ; but the opportunity was allowed to slip by. Subsequently, for several years, the society was connected with the Kendall's Mills charge, receiving occasional visits from the preacher. The class meetings were kept up.
In 1866, the society, though few in numbers, and with but little service from the preacher, raised eighty-five dollars for Missions.
In 1867, Waterville was again made a separate charge, with a missionary appropriation of $100. Rev. J. H. Mooers commenced his labors in July ; meetings were resumed in the Town Hall, and a Sunday School again organized. A Union protracted meeting was held resulting in an extensive revival.
In 1868, though the society was left most of the time without a regular pastor, the enterprise of building a church was entered upon with determination. Plans were obtained and contracts made.
In 1869, Rev. A. S. Ladd was appointed to Waterville. The building enterprise was in progress. The estimated cost was $16,000. The amount subscribed was, $4,375, of which Mr. R. B. Dunn had pledged $3,000.
To appearance, the enterprise was, in the highest degree, reckless. The society was poor. Mr. Dunn was the only man of considerable ability. The building, however, went on, Mr. Donn assuming the responsibility, as the emergency required, until the house was finished and furnished in excellent style throughout, including an organ and bell, at a cost of about $18,000. Mr. Dunn paying $14,000.
The dedication was on the twenty-third of March, 1870. Sermon by Rev. J. A. M. Chapman of Boston.
The rapid increase of population in Waterville, in consequence of extensive business enterprises, has brought a large addition to the membership of the Methodist Society. Revivals have also occurred
288
WATERVILLE STATISTICS.
from time to time. The society, for a long time weak and struggling, is now one of the most prosperous in the Conference.
Statisties, 1886 : Members, 208; on Probation, 12; value of Church, $15,000; Sunday Schools, 2; Officers and Teachers, 31 ; Scholars, 207.
289
CAPE ELIZABETH.
CHAPTER XXII.
CAPE ELIZABETH. BROWN'S HILL, 1800. METHODIST SOCIETY INCORPORATED, 1807. MEETING HOUSE, 1808. JAMES LEWIS, 1838. "CAPE ELIZABETH DEPOT," 1866. NEW CHURCH BUILT. KNIGHTVILLE. CHAPEL BUILT, 1880. FERRY VILLAGE. CHURCH BUILT, 1852. PARSONAGE AND VESTRY BUILT, 1877. " BOWERY BEACH " CHURCH BUILT, 1840. THE PRESENT CHURCH BUILT, 1859. CHEBEAGUE. A REVIVAL IN 1802, UNDER MR. GLITTEN'S LABORS. MR. WHITTLE, 1808. S. DENNETT, HIS LONG SERVICES. "CASCO BAY ISLAND MISSION." 1840. SCARBOROUGH, FIRST SOCIETY FORMED, 1802. FIRST METHODIST CHURCH, 1810. SACO. FIRST CLASS, 1807. " WESLEYAN HALL," 1828. CHURCH BUILT, 1840. NEW CHURCH BUILT, 1879. OLD ORCHARD. MRS. PHEBE BANKS. FIRST CLASS. OLD ORCHARD, A STATION, 1882. CHURCH BUILT. METHODIST SOCIETY ORGANIZED. FALMOUTH AND CUMBERLAND. MEETING HOUSES BUILT, 1811. J. TAYLOR, PASTOR, 1826. CHAPEL BUILT, 1883. REVIVAL, 1886. YARMOUTH. YARMOUTH MISSION, 1851-2. NORTH YARMOUTH. FIRST CLASS, 1815. FIRST MEETING HOUSE, 1831. AMMI LORING. FREEPORT. BUILDING OF CHURCH, 1874-5. A DIS- ASTEROUS ENTERPRISE. POWNAL. MEETING HOUSE BUILT, 1844. GRAY SOCIETY ORGANIZED IN 1808. PROSPEROUS IN ITS EARLY HISTORY. WEST CUMBERLAND.
CAPE ELIZABETH (BROWN'S HILL) .
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