USA > Maine > History of Methodism in Maine, 1793-1886 > Part 29
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In the year 1800, there were a few Methodists living in the vicinity of Brown's Hill, in Cape Elizabeth, who were members of the class in Portland.
Samuel Snowdon a colored preacher, was one of the first Methodist preachers who held meetings in this part of the Cape. Mr. Snowdon preached many Sabbaths in the place. Rev. Asa Heath and Samuel Barnes also preached here occasionally.
In June, 1801, Rev. Reuben Hubbard, then stationed in Portland frequently preached on the Cape.
In 1802, Rev Asa Heath held meetings in the place. During this year, several persons were converted.
In June, 1803, the first class was organized.
Rev. Dan Perry rendered valuable service. The spread of Methodist principles excited opposition. To avoid controversy and secure their rights, the Methodists petitioned the town authorities to
19
290
BROWN'S HILL. CAPE ELIZABETH DEPOT.
be set off into a society by themselves, but their petition was denied. They then petitioned the General Court for an act of incorpora- tion, which was granted in 1807. This was the first incorporated religious society in Cape Elizabeth.
In 1808, Rev. Joshua Taylor, then residing in Portland, preached in the place often, and encouraged the people to build a house of worship. A plain, roughly finished house was built near the residence of William Dyer, who, with James Dyer, William Trask and James Roberts formed an association and carried the enterprise to a completion. This rough building was used with good results. The meetings were profitable, and many were converted.
Cape Elizabeth was included, at first, in Falmouth Circuit, and was regularly supplied by the preachers of that circuit, till 1824, when the place was supplied by preachers appointed to Scarborough Circuit.
In 1837, Cape Elizabeth appears, for the first time, in the minutes, and was left "to be supplied."
Rev. James Lewis of Gorham, a local preacher, preached often in the place, and rendered excellent service. There were many conver- sions under his labor, and the church was greatly strengthened. Through the influence of Mr. Lewis the old church at Brown's Hill was thoroughly repaired and the house of worship at "Two Eyes," so called, commenced in 1833, was completed this year.
In 1866, the name of the charge was changed to "Cape Elizabeth Depot."
Under the energetic labors of Rev. F. C. Ayer, the pastor, a new, beautiful church was erected, at a cost of thirteen thousand dollars. The subscriptions and the money received from the sale of pews, amounted to eight thousand dollars. The balance of the debt (five thousand dollars) was assumed by the two brothers, Eben T. and Henry Nutter. The dedicatory service was an occasion of much rejoicing.
In 1871, Mr. E. T. Nutter purchased an excellent bell for the church tower. The old parsonage was sold, and a new one built on land donated by two generous sisters. The society at Cape Elizabeth Depot is well established, and well supplied with all needful church accommodations.
A beautiful chapel was built at Knightville, in 1880, at a cost of $3,000 ; William Chase, G. C. Channing and S. E. Woodside, taking a prominent and generous part in the enterprise.
Knightville continued a separate charge till 1883, since that time it has been united with the Cape Elizabeth Depot charge.
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291
FERRY VILLAGE. CAPE ELIZABETH.
Statistics, Cape Elizabeth Depot and Knightville : Members, 104; on Probation, 5 ; Churches, 3; value $13,000 ; value of Parsonage, $2,000 ; Sunday Schools, 3 ; Officers and Teachers, 40 ; Scholars, 250.1
CAPE ELIZABETH FERRY.
In 1839, Rev. Jesse Stone was appointed to Cape Elizabeth. The charge then included the entire territory of Cape Elizabeth. The labors of the preacher were confined mostly to the Ferry village, the Point, so called, and Brown's Hill.
During the year 1840, the meeting-house was commenced at the Point, and finished in 1842.
Rev. George D. Strout was the next preacher. There were encouraging indications of a revival, but these hopes were disappointed by the Millerite excitement.
In 1851, the charge was made a Mission, and a house of worship was commenced at the Ferry, which was completed the next year. The name of the charge was subsequently changed to " Ferry Village. Church."
In 1862, under the charge of Rev. B. Freeman, the congregation greatly increased, and the church edifice was enlarged and greatly improved at an expense of two thousand dollars, raised for that purpose.
During the pastorate of Rev. J. M. Woodbury, from 1874 to 1877, a parsonage and vestry combined, were built, at a cost of $1,500, leaving a debt of $800. Under the labors of Rev. S. F. Wetherbee, 1878, 1879 and 1880, there was an extensive revival interest, and a large accession to the church. Money was raised for repairs and to pay indebtedness. An organ and a new carpet and stove were purchased for the church. Under the pastorate of Rev. J. Collins, in 1883 and 1884, money was raised for improvements on church property, and a fine-toned "centennial " bell of 1,021 pounds weight was procured for the church tower.
Rev. T. P. Adams, the present pastor, is now upon his second year's service as pastor. The church, under his care has been favored with revivals and the memberhip has been largely increased. The Sunday school is in a prosperous state.
The improved Steam Ferry Boat, upon the route between Cape Elizabeth Ferry and Portland, has greatly increased the prospects of the village. The village church, has a promising outlook for the future.
1 Rev. F. Grovenor.
:292
BOWERY BEACHI. CHIEBEAGUE.
Statistics : Probationers, 48; Members, 88; value of church, '$3,400 ; Parsonage, $1,106; Sunday Schools, 1; Officers and Teachers, 35 ; Scholars, 270.2
BOWERY BEACH.
This is the Southerly extremity of Cape Elizabeth, formerly called the Point, commanding a fine view of the ocean. A house of worship was built at this place in 1840, and meetings were held here in regular turn by the preacher in charge of the circuit.
In 1842, there was an extensive revival at this place, under the labors of the preacher in charge, Rev. George D. Strout.
Bowery Beach has been a separate charge about ten years. The present house of worship was built in 1858 or 1859. The location is remarkably pleasant in the summer. The society is small.
Statistics, 1886 : Members, 42 ; on Probation, 5 ; value of Church, $3,000. Parsonage, $1,000 ; Officers and Teachers in Sunday School, 9; Scholars, 36.
CHEBEAGUE.
This is the largest of the numerous islands in Casco Bay. About the year 1802, a Methodist preacher, by the name of Glitten from ' England, came to Moges Island and held meetings. His christian name is not remembered, but the record describes him as a preacher of great power, and that he passed from place to place, like a flaming seraph. It is also recorded that in 1808, Rev. Edward M. Whittle came to Long Island, in Casco Bay, and preached on the Island and on Chebeague for a time ; and that a great revival followed his labors. Mr. Whittle is described as argumentative and sound, always sticking to his text. In exhortation, he was powerful and eloquent ; often bold in denunciation. His appeals were tempered with thrilling pathos and tenderness. Mr. Stephen Bennett, then a young man, was converted under the preaching of Mr. Whittle, and became a local preacher. For many years, Mr. Bennett preached on Chebeague and other islands of Casco Bay, and was highly esteemed by the people.
In 1828, Rev. James Carruthers, a Congregationalist Missionary, was sent to the Islands. A great revival resulted from his labors. In May of the same year, Moses Rollins, a Methodist preacher, eame to Chebeague. Under the labors of Mr. Carruthers, Bennett
2 Rev. T. P. Adams.
r
293
CHEBEAGUE CHURCHES. SCARBOROUGH.
and Rollins, the revival continued, till most of the people on the Island were converted.
In 1829, Jonas Weston and David Hill preached, for a time, on Chebeague.
In the fall of 1839, Richard Lombard, a local preacher, came to Chebeague and remained two years. Up to this time, the Island had been connected with Freeport ; but Methodist preachers from Portland, often preached there.
In 1840, the Islands were formed into a Mission, called " Casco Bay Islands Mission," and supplied, most of the time, by preachers from Conference.
In 1855, a house of worship was built. A disagreement occurred in regard to the location, and a faction withdrew and built another house of worship, and organized a Protestant Methodist Society. Since that time, the charge has been regularly supplied. In 1885 and 1886, under the pastorate of Rev. John Collins, an excellent parsonage was commenced and nearly completed.
Statistics, 1866: Members, 114; on Probation, 15; value of Church, $1,500 ; Parsonage, $1,100 ; Officers and Teachers in Sunday School, 12; Scholars, 75.3
SCARBOROUGH.
The records of the Methodist Socicty at Scarborough, have been lost. All of the earlier history of the society that can now be obtained, is from the indistinct remembrance of a few aged people.
The first Methodist sermon preached in the place was by Asa Heath in 1800, in the house of Samuel Waterhouse, on Beach Ridge .. Mr. Heath was laboring on Portland Circuit. Soon after the sermou, a revival occurred, and Mr. Heath moved to Scarborough.
The first society was formed in 1802, Asa Heath was preacher in charge of Falmouth Circuit, which included all the towns west of Portland, as far as the labors of the Methodist itinerants extended. The province of Maine was included in one District, Ralph Williston,. Presiding Elder.
The first Board of Stewards at Scarboro, consisted of Richard Waterhouse, Moses Waterhouse, James Foss, Isaiah Milliken, Nathaniel Boothby, Wentworth Dresser; most of whom retained' their office during life.
The revival referred to was very extensive. Richard Waterhouse.
3 Rev. B. Freeman.
294
EARLY PREACHERS AT SCARBOROUGH.
was one of the fruits of this revival, and his house became a welcome home for the preachers. Jesse Lee, Joshua Taylor, Calch Fogg, Philip Munger and Lewis Bates were his guests.
In 1803, Alfred Metcalf and Dan Perry, were the preachers on Falmouth Circuit and Joshua Taylor, Presiding Elder.
In 1804, Philip Munger was the preacher on Falmonth Circuit, and Joshua Soule, Presiding Elder.
In 1805, Scarborough appears for the first time, in the list of appointments. Scarborough was a circuit including most of the towns west of Portland, to the State line.
In 1806, Joseph Farrar was the preacher on Scarborough Circuit, Oliver Beale, Presiding Elder. This year the State was divided into two Districts, Joshua Soule, Presiding Elder of the Kennebec District.
In 1807, Lewis Bates was the preacher on Scarborough Circuit. In 1808, Samuel Hillman was the preacher. This year, Conway Circuit was formed.
In 1815, Buxton Circuit was set off from Scarborough Circuit. and subsequently, from time to time, other places were set off, as new societies were formed, till, at length, the Scarborough charge was confined to the town limits.
Wentworth Dresser, was the first class leader. He was succeeded in that office by Richard Waterhouse.
The Methodists worshipped, at first, in the old Congregationalist Church, the Congregationalists having built a new church. While Asa Heath was the preacher in charge, he went to the church one Sunday morning and found the pulpit had been demolished by some evil minded person. He preached from Psalm LXXIV, 6 : "But now they break down the the carved work thereof with axes and hammers."
The first Methodist church in West Scarborough, was built in 1810. The present church in 1840.
In 1830, under the labors of John W. Atkins, the preacher in charge, there was an extensive revival.
In 1831, the ell of the parsonage was built. In 1858 or 1859, under the labors of J. Woodbury, preacher in charge, the main part of the parsonage was built.
One of the most eminent members of the church in Scarborough, was Mrs. Polly Waterhouse, wife of Moses Waterhouse, and mother of Rev. Stephen Waterhonse. She was a woman of rare talents, and deep spirituality. Her ringing testimony and fervid exhortations in public meetings, together with her godly every day life, made her a
295
SACO. FIRST CLASS.
shining light. These rare endowments of some of the old time Methodists. contributed immensely to the success of our cause in those early days.
Statistics : Members, 31; value of Church, $800; value of Parsonage, $800; Officers and Teachers in Sunday School, 8; Scholars, 60.4
SACO.
This town is memorable for being the place where the first Methodist sermon was preached in Maine. On the tenth of September, 1793. Jesse Lee, the Apostle of Methodism in New England, came to Saco, and was entertained at the house of Dr. Josiah Fairfield. The same evening he preached in the house of Elisha Ayer, from Acts 13 :41, "Behold ye despisers and wonder and perish," &c.
About the year 1800, Robert Yallalee, a local preacher, who had settled in the vicinity, formed a class in Saco composed of Methodists, Free Will Baptists and any others who would join. This class was not recognized and soon became extinct.
Saco was, at first. included in Scarborough Circuit, which includes Cape Elizabeth and all the towns on the coast westerly, to the New Hampshire line ; Asa Heath, preacher in charge,
There is no record of any organized Methodism in Saco before 1807, though there was occasional preaching by the Methodist itinerants, as they passed through the place. Bishop Asbury passed through Saco, in his journeys to Maine, and his preaching gave an impulse to Methodism in this region.
Early in 1807, the first class was organized in the "Dennett neighborhood," on the Buxton road, consisting of John Bryant, leader, Mrs. Bryant, Joseph Berry, Mrs. Berry, Joseph Dennett, local preacher, Lydia Cousins, Mary A. Redman, Benjamin Hall, Susan Hall, Sarah J. Hall, Rhoda Merrill, Susan Edgecome, Nicholas Dennett, Mrs. Dennett, Daniel Libby, Mrs. Libby, Robert Bond, Mrs. Bond, none of whom are now living, (1885,) except, Mrs. Scammon, formerly, Mrs. Hall, who lives on the Portland road, and is a devoted Methodist.
In 1824, a Quarterly meeting was held for the first time in Saco.
In 1826, the York Mills were built, which brought many Methodists to Saco ; and Eben Lombard, a local preacher from Gorham, coni- menced regular Sabbath meetings in Saco village, in an attic room on
4 Rev. E. K. Colby.
296
FIRST CHURCH AT SACO.
Free Street, called Moody Hall. More room was required, and the meetings were removed to Mozart Hall, on Stover street.
In 1827, Arundel Circuit was formed, embracing Saco and the towns west of it to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and Aaron Sanderson and Ansell Gerrish were appointed preachers in charge. Meetings were held regularly, in Saco, principally by Mr. Gerrish and Mr. Lombard.
A class was formed in the village, which, for many years, met in Brother Berry's house on Water street, near the end of Spring Island bridge. The increasing interest demanded more room, and through the liberality of Brother Nitcher, a hall was finished near where the Saco house now stands. The Methodists were to have the use of it ten years, for finishing it. This was called Wesleyan Hall, and was dedicated the first Sabbath in January, 1828. This year Saco was set off to Scarboro Circuit, and Moses Hill, appointed preacher in charge; P. P. Morrell, J. W. Atkins and Thomas Greenhalgh, following as pastors successively.
In 1833, Saco was set off from Scarboro Circuit, and made a separate station, T. Greenhalgh, preacher ; and from that time, the station has been regularly supplied by preachers from Conference. There have been revivals from time to time, and the church has steadily increased in numbers and ability.
During the pastorate of N. D. George, in 1838, measures were taken for building a church, and a lot was secured for that purpose, at the corner of School and Middle streets. The enterprise was accomplished and the new church was dedicated October 13, 1840; sermon by Rev. G. F. Cox. A great revival followed the dedication, and the interest continued through the two succeeding years. In the year 1843, over one hundred were added to the church. This revival continued through the year 1845.
In 1847, Biddeford was set off from Saco, and became a separate charge.
In 1864, Rev. Mr. Earle, the evangelist, was employed, and an extensive revival followed his labors. Fifty-nine members were added to the society, and the church was repaired.
The years 1875, '76, '77, '78, '79, and '80, were prosperous years. There were large additions to the church. The new church, long talked of, was built under the successful pastorate of Rev. L. H. Bean, and dedicated January 15, 1879. The congregation was largely increased, and also the Sunday school. The succeeding years, down
297
OLD ORCHARD. CAMP-MEETING ASSOCIATION.
to the present time, have been years of prosperity. A debt of three thousand dollars, resulting from the building of the church, has recently been provided for, largely through the liberality of Charles S. Bryant, who pledged one thousand dollars, provided a sufficient amount should be raised to cancel the debt. The whole amount has been pledged, and several hundred dollars in excess, which will be used for painting the church.
Statistics, 1886 : Members, 204; on Probation, 13; value of Church, $15,000; Officers and Teachers in Sunday School, 25; Scholars. 179.5
OLD ORCHARD.
Methodism at Old Orchard owes its origin to the labors of Jesse Lee. Among those who were converted through the preaching of Lec at Saco, in 1793 or 1794, was Phebe Stackpole, the first Methodist resident at Old Orchard ; she became Mrs. Phebe Banks ; she lived to the age of ninety-four, and died in the triumph of faith. In the house of her son, still standing, the early itinerants used to preach and hold class meetings.
Old Orchard formed a part of Scarborough Circuit. Among the members of this class fifty or more years ago, were : Phebe Banks, Mrs. Pritham and daughter, Isaiah Milliken, James Foss, Jonathan Bachelder. Foxwell Staples and wife, Mr. John Leavitt, Mrs. Jane Googins. Misses Lydia, Jane and Sally Banks, daughters of Mrs. Phebe Banks.
The second generation has been well represented, in the Methodist church, at this place. The society was supplied with preaching, in regular turn, by the early preachers appointed to the Circuit. The growth of the church at Saco, at length, required the labors of the pastor mostly at that place, and stated preaching at Old Orchard, was, for a long time, discontinued.
In 1860, Mr. James Brown, a Baptist brother, was instrumental in establishing a Union Sunday School in the place, and securing preaching by different ministers from the neighboring places.
The organization of the Orchard Beach Camp-meeting Association, about 1872, under Methodist auspices, was an important era in the history of Methodism, at Old Orchard. This enterprise attracted Methodist people, from various quarters, as permanent residents, and made this an important field of labor.
5 Rev. M. C. Pendexter.
298
CHURCHI AT OLD ORCHARD BUILT.
Rev. L. II. Bean, while in charge of the society at Saco, from 1878 to 1881, interested himself in the place, and in turn with other ministers, preached at Old Orchard, Sunday afternoons. About this time, Rev. Charles Andrews, a superannuated minister of Maine Conference, settled here, and rendered good service in the social meetings.
In 1881, Old Orchard was connected with Scarborough ; J. M. Woodbury, prcacher in charge. The services at Old Orchard, however, were nnion services ; several different denominations making up the congregations. Brother Charles Andrews acting as class leader.
In 1882, Old Orchard was recognized as a station, but was left to be supplied.
At the close of the Camp-meeting season, Rev. W. H. H. McAllister from Vermont, who had been residing at this place for the summer, was induced to remain and preach for the people, withont regard to denominational distinctions. A project was commenced to build a church. The sum of $1,800 was subscribed, readily. The Camp- meeting Association donated the Tabernacle to be used as material, and the lot on which it stood. The work was immediately commenced and on the ninth of November, the corner stone was laid with appro- riate services, and the Methodist Episcopal Society of Old Orchard, was organized, the same day, consisting of sixteen members, received . by letter from other charges. A year of prosperity followed, in which the building of the church and the edifying of the body of Christ kept pace.
Mr. McAllister was returned to the charge in 1883, and was succeeded by Rev. H. Chase, who still remains in charge of the society. The prospect of permanent prosperity is highly encouraging.
Statistics, 1886 : Probationers, 8 ; Members, 37; valne of church, $4,000 ; Officers and Teachers in Sunday School, 13; Scholars, 55.6
FALMOUTH AND CUMBERLAND.
In 1807 or 1808, Rev. Joel Winch, then stationed in Portland, by invitation, preached in the school house near the site of the present Meeting House. Afterwards Rev. Joshua Taylor and Rev. Edward M. Whittle preached occasionally in the same place.
In 1812, Rev. Martin Rnter located at Cumberland Foreside, and for two or three years, preached to the people and organized a small
6 Rev. W. H. H. McAllister.
299
FALMOUTH AND CUMBERLAND.
class. Mr. Ruter was re-admitted to the New England Conference in 1814, and appointed to North Yarmouth and Freeport, and, in 1815, was sent to Salisbury, Massachusetts.
The people were left without much carc, and the place was left out of the circuit. Soon after, Rev. Cyrus Cummings, located in Cumberland and preached for some time, but soon removed from the place. For some years after this, there was no Methodist preaching in the place. but occasional preaching by Baptist ministers.
About 1811, the meeting-house, now occupied, was built, and by the act of incorporation, was, "for the use of the Methodist society." A request being sent to the Quarterly Conference at Portland, for Methodist preaching, Rev. Joshua Taylor, a local preacher, residing in Portland, was engaged to preach half the time, on the Sabbath in this place. This arrangement continued several years, he receiving, as compensation. his traveling expenses.
In 1826, Mr. Taylor removed his family to Cumberland and became resident pastor, the original class having become extinct by deaths and removals. Mr. Taylor organized a new class of twelve members. This class has been kept alive till the present time. Mr. Taylor continued in charge of the society till 1840, supplying, occasionally afterwards. In 1844 or 1845, he removed to Portland.
An extensive revival occurred in 1831. The pastor, Rev. J. Taylor, was assisted by Rev. J. Lord and P. C. Richmond. Among the converts were J. C. Perry, afterwards, for many years, a faithful member of the Maine Conference ; also E. Sturdivant, Esq., and several members of his family and many others in the neighborhood. Other revivals have occurred at different times.
The most prominent members of the society, were Captain Ephraim Sturdivant, who, through life, contributed liberally, by his influence and money, to the support of all the interests of the church ; also Captain Adams Merrill, Captain George and Samuel Davis, Captain Cyrus Sturdivant, Captain Randall Norton and Eben Ramsdell. Rev. E. Dnran, a local preacher, for many years, rendered valnable service.
During the years 1882 and 1883, through the active exertions of the pastor, Rev. E. W. Hutchinson, a neat and substantial chapel was built, in the neighborhood of the post-office in Cumberland, at a cost of $1,500; dedicated free from debt. The house is neatly finished and furnished, and is a great advantage to the society.
An extensive revival has been recently in progress in the neighbor- hood of the new chapel. Seventy-five conversions.
300
YARMOUTHI.
Statistics, 1886 : Members, 38; Probationers, 63; Churches, 2; value, $3,000; Parsonage, 1; valuc, $1,200; Sunday Schools, 2; Officers and Teachers, 12; Scholars, 100.7
YARMOUTH.
Yarmouth was formerly included in the town of North Yarmouth Many years ago the town was divided ; that part containing the villages took the name of Yarmouth. This place has been quite thoroughly occupied by other religious denominations ; the Congregationalists having two large churches, the Baptists and Universalist each one. Efforts have, however, been made from time to time, to establish Methodist meetings at this place.
In 1850, " Yarmouth and Freeport Mission" was established, S. M. Emerson, preacher ; 1851 and 1852, "Yarmouth Mission," A. F. Barnard, preacher ; 1853, Cumberland and Yarmouth Mission After this time, Yarmouth was a separate charge, and supplied by preachers from Conference, till 1867, with gradually declining interest, when the place was left to be supplied for several years, and at length abandoned.
About 1851, the old academy building was procured and fitted up for meetings. The building was of moderate size, and quite unchurch- like in its appearance, located side by side under the shadow of a large Congregational church. No more effectual a plan could have been adopted to place Methodism at a discount, in the estimation of the people. Like a small tree planted under the shadow of a large one, the Methodist congregation dwindled, and the place was abandoned.
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