USA > Maine > History of Methodism in Maine, 1793-1886 > Part 30
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Recently, under a change of conditions, the small Methodist society is showing signs of more vigorous life, and has a fair prospect of future prosperity. The Yarmouth society is now connected with the East`North Yarmouth charge.
NORTH YARMOUTH.
North Yarmouth and Freeport appear first in the minutes under the pastoral care of Rev. Martin Ruter, 1814. The next year, North Yarmouth appears by itself under the care of Rev. Cyrus Cummings.
The records of the society have not been preserved, only a meager account of its history is therefore possible.
7 Rev. W. P. Merrill.
301
NORTH YARMOUTH. CHURCH BUILT.
In 1816, '18 and '19, North Yarmouth was connected with Buxton ; after this, North Yarmouth does not appear in the minutes for many years : it was probably included in Durham or Poland Circuit.
In 1815. the first class was formed, Israel Noyes, leader, and his children. Benjamin. Hugh, Israel, Amos, Polly, Sarah and Priscilla were members.
The first house of worship was built in 1831. The house has been repaired and improved, from time to time, and is in good condition.
North Yarmouth was probably a part of Durham Circuit for some years after its name disappeared from the minutes.
In 1833, it was connected with Freeport and other contiguous places in a circuit, as the following extract from an old class paper shows : ".Class Paper, made February 4, 1833. Calvin Rice, L. D. William H. Norris, P. E. C. C. Munger, Ct. P." "Let brotherly love continue," &c.
Then appear about fifty names, their presence or absence regularly marked. for six months. The circuit was then called Freeport Circuit, embracing probably, Freeport, North Yarmouth, North Pownal, West Pownal.
In 1849, Pownal was detached from the circuit, and the connection of North Yarmouth can not be traced for some years for want of records.
In 1872, North Yarmouth was connected with Pownal and South Auburn. For several years past the North Yarmouth charge has been called East North Yarmouth, and has included Yarmouth village.
In 1830, Rev. Benjamin Burnham built a house at North Yarmouth removed his family into it, and passed his years of superannuation there. The house was purchased by the Methodist society for a parsonage.
Mr. Ammi Loring, a wealthy farmer of the place was, for many years, a liberal supporter of the church and of every benevolent cause. He bequeathed about twenty-one thousand dollars, in equal parts, to the Maine Wesleyan Seminary, the Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the Preachers' Aid Society of the Maine Conference.
Statistics, East North Yarmouth : Members, 58; on Probation, 1; value of Church, $1,200 ; value of Parsonage, $600 ; Sunday Schools, 2 ; Officers and Teachers, 14; Scholars, 61.
FREEPORT.
Jesse Lee preached in Freeport "to as many as were willing to
302
FREEPORT. POWNAL. GRAY.
hear, " on the thirteenth of September, 1793. This was the third Methodist sermon preached in Maine. It does not appear that this sermon was followed by any marked results. Methodism has never gained much foothold in this place.
In 1814, North Yarmouth (then including Cumberland) and Freeport, formed a circuit under the pastoral care of Rev. Martin Ruter, subsequently somewhat famous in Methodist history.
In 1833, Freeport, with North Yarmouth was a circuit, under pastoral charge of Rev. Cyrus C. Munger.
In 1850, Yarmouth and Freeport were made a Mission.
In 1874 and 1875, a bold experiment was entered upon. Freeport was made a station, and a church was built, the enterprise proved disastrous ; a heavy debt was ineurred, which the little society were unable to pay. The trustees were sued. The church was sold and Methodism eame to an inglorious end in Freeport. The financial management, in this case, was exeeptionally unwise.
POWNAL.
In the year 1815 or 1816, there was an extensive revival, under the labors of Joshua Randall, Daniel Plummer and Caleb Fogg.
A elass was formed in this place as early as 1816, and meetings were held, occasionally, in what was ealled the Paine School House.
Evening leetures were given, about onee in four weeks, for several years, by the preachers of Durham Cireuit.
In 1844, the church was built at North Pownal. Benjamin Randall was class leader for a long time. North Pownal is now eonneeted with West Durham in a eireuit.
Statistics, West Durham and North Pownal : Members, 67; on Probation, 14; Churches, 2; value, $4,000 ; Parsonage value, $500 ; Sunday Schools, 2; Officers and Teachers, 16; Scholars, 110.
GRAY.
This town was favored with a visit from Jesse Lee, who preached at Mr. Randall's, on Sunday, November 9th, 1794. He writes : "I had liberty in preaching, and the people paid great attention."
Bishop Asbury also eame to Gray August 20, 1798. He was kindly entertained at Mr. Randall's, and "preached in the school-house."
Gray was included in the Poland or Falmouth Cireuit. We have no aeeount of the visits of the early preachers, as the records are lost. The Methodist society in Gray was organized in 1808. It
303
WEST CUMBERLAND.
became four a weeks' circuit. At first, two appointments in Gray, one in Cumberland and one in Falmouth.
In 1820. Gray appears in the minutes as a charge by itself. It was probably still a circuit, including one or more other places. A house of worship was built in Gray at an early period.
In the earlier part of its history, the Gray Circuit was strong in numbers and influence, the meetings were largely attended, and revivals were frequent.
In 1846, Gray was united with Winham. The circuit connexions were varied from time to time.
In 1870, Gray was a charge by itself, and continned so for seven years. It was then again connected with other places till 1883, when Gray disappeared from the minutes.
This once strong and flourishing circuit, like many others in the rural portions of Maine, has greatly declined in numbers and ability. The cause of this decline, is a serious question for the consideration of the churches.
WEST CUMBERLAND.
West Cumberland was, for many years, a part of Falmouth or Durham Circuit. It appears in the minutes, for the first time, in 1843, as Cumberland Plains ; in 1844, as West Cumberland, and the same till 1857, as a separate charge ; subsequently, for many years, most of the time. in connexion with Gray, Windham, Raymond or North Westbrook, or one of those places.
West Cumberland was the birth place of Rev. Joseph Cummings, D. D., LL. D., President of the North Western University, Evanston, Illinois.
Like most of the rural charges in Maine, the society has declined in numbers and ability. For several years past, West Cumberland has been supplied by Rev. A. J. Dearborn, a worthy local preacher, residing in the vicinity. A house of worship was built in the place, many years ago.
Statistics, 1886, West Cumberland and Duck Pond : Churches, 2; value, $2,000 ; value of Parsonage, $300.
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NORRIDGEWOCK.
CHAPTER XXIII.
NORRIDGEWOCK. MERCER. SKOWHEGAN. ANSON. MADISON. SOLON CIRCUIT. INDUSTRY CIRCUIT. NEW PORTLAND. NEW VINEYARD. KINGFIELD CIRCUIT. DEAD RIVER. PHILLIPS. EAST WILTON. WELD. TEMPLE. WILTON. NEW SHARON. LIVERMORE. FAYETTE CIRCUIT. LIVERMORE FALLS. MT. VERNON. WAYNE. NORTH WAYNE.
NORRIDGEWOCK.
This town is famous in history, as the location of a warlike tribe of Indians called the Narransouaks or Norridgewocks, which was utterly destroyed in Indian fashion, August 12, 1724, old style, by a detachment of English soldiers sent from Boston for that purpose. The town was first settled by white people, in 1772.
On the eleventh of March, 1794, Jesse Lee came to this place and preached. The place of preaching is not named in Lee's History of his travels. A class was formed the same year. John Clark, one of the first settlers of the town, was a member of this class, and for many years, the leader.
It is probable that Mr. Lee was entertained at Mr. Clark's house, and that this first Methodist sermon in that region, was preached in the same house.
Mr. Clark was born in Townsend, Massachusetts. He was in the Battle of Bunker's Hill, and served nine months in the revolutionary army. He was a devout christian, and became a prominent leader in the religious meetings at Norridgewock. He was a kind-hearted man, remarkably fervent in prayer. He acquired the title of " Deacon" by which he was ever after called, though a lay member of the Methodist church.
This place was at first included in Kennebec Circuit which was formed in 1796. Aaron Humphrey, preacher in charge. Jesse Stoneman, Roger Searle and Asa Heath serving successively in 1797, 98' and 9'9.
In 1800, Norridgewock Circuit was set off from Kennebec Circuit, embracing all the towns on the Kennebec above Bloomfield ; Daniel Webb, preacher in charge. Norridgewock, for many years, was part of a four weeks' circuit. There was a small Methodist society in Norridgewock, and the members owned a sufficient number of pews
305
UNION MEETING HOUSE IN NORRIDGEWOCK.
in the meeting-house, to entitle them to the use of the house one- fourth of the time.
In 1826, there was an extensive revival in the place, in which the Congregationalists and Methodists shared largely. The circuit was under the charge of Greenlief Greely, a young minister, very much esteemed for his christian faithfulness.
The little class at Norridgewock, received a large accession to its numbers. The circuit was divided from time to time, till Norridge- wock was reduced to a two weeks' circuit. The society, in the town has seldom been able to support preaching more than one-fourth of the time.
In 1843, the Methodists united with the Baptists and Free Baptists, in building a union meeting-house, which was occupied jointly till 1883, when the Methodists sold out their interest in the house, to the Baptists. Soon afterwards, Methodist meetings were resumed in a hall. The society of late years, has been connected with the Skowhegan charge. The indications of prosperity are increasingly favorable.
The returns of statistics are reported with the Skowhegan charge. Class leaders, John Clark, James Trench, John Bates, Sylvanus Morse. Stewards, William Farnsworth, William Allen, Moses . Brown. Ministers from Norridgewock : S. and C. F. Allen, who, for many years, have been members of Maine Conference.
MERCER.
The first Methodist sermon preached in Mercer was by Joshua Soule in a log cabin, at a funeral of a Mr. Williamson, on Beach Hill, about 1798.
The first class was formed in 1800 in a school house near the west end of Main street. The second class was formed about a dozen years later, and led by Amasa Chapman, in his house on Sandy River. Mr. Chapman was an old style Methodist and his house was a preaching place, and a home for Methodist itinerants for many years. His son was afterwards leader of the same class, which was held at the same place.
Mercer was, at first, included in Readfield Circuit. When Strong Circuit was set off, it included Mercer till 1833, when Mercer seems to have been included in Vienna Circuit including New Sharon and Farmington Falls.
20
306
UNION CHURCH IN MERCER.
In 1842, Mercer appears in the minutes by itself.
In 1844, Mercer and Norridgewock formed a circuit.
This arrangement continued most of the time with some variations till 1877, when Mercer was connected with Madison Bridge. Since that time, Mercer was connected with Industry Circuit one year, and . with New Sharon one year, and, several years, has stood by itself.
In 1884, the Methodist society in Mercer, united with the Congre- gational church in the support of a minister, Rev. J. M. Buffum, (Methodist) the pastor. This arrangement, not being entirely satisfactory was discontinued.
In 1885, Mercer was left without a supply.
Previous to 1829, the Methodists worshipped in the carriage-house of Luther Burr. During that year a Union meeting-house was built by the Methodists and Congregationalists ; Rev. George Webber being the preacher in charge of the circuit. The dedicatory sermon was preached by Rev. J. B. Husted, then stationed at Bath.
In 1857, this house was repaired and furnished with a bell, through the efforts of the ladies' circle, and re-dedicated under the care of the Congregationalists.
In 1884, the church was again repaired, at the expense of several hundred dollars, contributed by natives of Mercer living abroad.
In 1860, the Methodists built a convenient vestry near the center of the village. Hannibal Ingalls contributed generously toward the enterprise. A fine toned cabinet organ was donated by Mr. Heman Burr, a native of Mercer, now living in New York.
For several years a class was continued in the Kimball neighbor- hood so called, and regular preaching in the Kimball school-house, was maintained.
Methodism early took deep root in Mercer, a larger proportion of the people, including many active business men, uniting with the Methodists, than with any other religious denomination.
Extensive revivals occurred in the years, 1833, '34, '37 and '58.
Class leaders : Luther Burr, Amasa Chapman and his son, Luther Burr, Jr., Newcome True, Hannibal Ingalls, J. C. Field, M. F. Carr, Eli Wells, W. Dickerson and F. Brown. Other prominent members have been Nathan Wood, now nearly one hundred years old, Chancey Burr, Lewis Burr, Jonas Whittier, and many others less prominent, but equally worthy, and many excellent women, whose names are in the book of life.
The society in Mercer has become greatly weakened by death and removals, and by the decline of business.
307
SKOWHEGAN. CHURCH BUILT BY J. DINSMORE.
Statistics, 1885 : Probationers, 3 ; Members, 59 ; value of Church, $2,000 ; Officers and Teachers in Sunday School, 10; Scholars, 72 ; Preachers, originating in Mercer: Henry True, J. W. True, Reuel Kimball, members of Maine Conference ; Nathaniel Bemis, of New England Conference, H. K. W. Perkins, Missionary to Oregon.1
SKOWHEGAN.
March 11, 1794, Jesse Lee visited Canaan and preached the first Methodist sermon in this part of the Kennebec valley. Canaan then included Bloomfield and Milburn, now Skowhegan. The sermon of Lee was undoubtedly preached in what is now called Skowhegan.
We have no further account of Methodist preaching in this place till 1827, when Ezekiel Robinson, then laboring on Fairfield Circuit, visited Skowhegan and preached several times ; subsequently a class was formed, consisting of Joseph Patten and wife, C. Dyer, J. Atwood and wife, W. B. Morrill and Sally Fly.
At the Conference of 1828, Skowhegan was connected with Norridgewock Circuit and Henry True appointed preacher in charge. From that time, the circuit was regularly supplied by preachers appointed from Conference. There was but a moderate increase in numbers till 1832 ; when James Dinsmore, Esq., removed to the place, and joined the Methodist church ; several members of his family had previously joined this church.
Until this time, the Methodists held their meetings in school houses or private houses. Mr. Dinsmore soon took measures to build a Methodist church, and in 1835, he acccomplished that object, by assuming the entire responsibility. The house was completed entirely at his own expense He sold the pews, so far as purchasers could be induced to buy. The remaining pews remained upon his hands.
Skowhegan was first called Milburn and remained a part of Norridgewock Circuit till 1833, when the circuit was called Milburn ; Asa Heath, preacher in charge.
Skowhegan appears first upon the minutes in 1836; E. Hotchkiss, preacher in charge. The northerly part of the circuit was set off about this time, and gradually, Skowhegan Circuit was reduced in territory, till it became a station.
In 1865, measures were taken to erect a new, more spacious, and elegant house of worship. A committee to estimate the cost, was chosen, and a Building Committee consisting of Henry Plummer and
1 Sketch by Rev. J. M. Buffum.
"cer appears in the minutes by itself.
rcer and Norridgewock formed a circuit.
ment continued most of the time with some variations Mercer was connected with Madison Bridge. Since cer was connected with Industry Circuit one year, and on one year, and, several years, has stood by itself.
Methodist society in Mercer, united with the Congre- h in the support of a minister, Rev. J. M. Buffum, he pastor. This arrangement, not being entirely s discontinued.
rcer was left without a supply.
1829, the Methodists worshipped in the carriage-house
.. During that year a Union meeting-house was built dists and Congregationalists ; Rev. George Webber cher in charge of the circuit. The dedicatory sermon y Rev. J. B. Husted, then stationed at Bath.
house was repaired and furnished with a bell, through he ladies' circle, and re-dedicated under the care of the lists.
church was again repaired, at the expense of several s, contributed by natives of Mercer living abroad.
Methodists built a convenient vestry near the center of Hannibal Ingalls contributed generously toward the fine toned cabinet organ was donated by Mr. Heman of Mercer, now living in New York.
years a class was continued in the Kimball neighbor- and regular preaching in the Kimball school-house, was
arly took deep root in Mercer, a larger proportion of cluding many active business men, uniting with the an with any other religious denomination.
vivals occurred in the years, 1833, '34, '37 and '58. s: Luther Burr, Amasa Chapman and his son, Luther come True, Hannibal Ingalls, J. C. Field, M. F. Carr, Dickerson and F. Brown. Other prominent members han Wood, now nearly one hundred years old, Chancey Hun Tonga Whittier and many othera losa prominent.
-
Statistics, 1885 : Probationers, 3 ; Members, 59 ; vali $2,000 ; Officers and Teachers in Sunday School, 10; Preachers, originating in Mercer: Henry True, J. W. Kimball, members of Maine Conference ; Nathaniel B England Conference, H. K. W. Perkins, Missionary to
SKOWHEGAN.
March 11, 1794, Jesse Lee visited Canaan and prea Methodist sermon in this part of the Kennebec valley. included Bloomfield and Milburn, now Skowhegan. T Lee was undoubtedly preached in what is now called Sk
We have no further account of Methodist preaching till 1827, when Ezekiel Robinson, then laboring on Fai visited Skowhegan and preached several times ; subsequ was formed, consisting of Joseph Patten and wife, Atwood and wife, W. B. Morrill and Sally Fly.
At the Conference of 1828, Skowhegan was co Norridgewock Circuit and Henry True appointed preach From that time, the circuit was regularly supplied appointed from Conference. There was but a moderate numbers till 1832 ; when James Dinsmore, Esq., rem place, and joined the Methodist church ; several mei family had previously joined this church.
Until this time, the Methodists held their meeting houses or private houses. Mr. Dinsmore soon took mea a Methodist church, and in 1835, he acccomplished th assuming the entire responsibility. The house was comp at his own expense He sold the pews, so far as purcha induced to buy. The remaining pews remained upor Skowhegan was first called Milburn and remained Norridgewock Circuit till 1833, when the circuit was cal Asa Heath, preacher in charge.
Skowhegan appears first upon the minutes in 1836; E preacher in charge. The northerly part of the circuit about this time, and gradually, Skowhegan Circuit was territory, till it became a station.
308
NEW CHURCH BUILT. RELIEVED FROM EMBARRASSMENT.
Isaac Dyer. A lot was purchased on the island so as to be more conveniently accessible to people on both sides of the river. The old church was sold to the Catholics. Through the energy and generosity of Mr. Plummer, the enterprise was carried through, and the new church was dedicated in 1868. . This enterprise involved the society in a heavy debt, which required several years to remove. The site on which the church was built, was bought by Mr. Plummer, and conveyed to a number of persons as trustees, chosen not according to the discipline, by a deed containing many conditions, involving liability of forfeiture.2 The conditions had been broken through neglect. Mr. Plummer had become seriously disaffected. The house was legally forfeited ; and the society was at the mercy of Mr. Plummer. All efforts to effect a settlement proved unavailing, till Rev. L. H. Bean was appointed to Skowhegan in 1882. By judicions management, the pastor succeeded in effecting a satisfactory adjustment. The property was conveyed to a board of trustees appointed according to the discipline. The cloud of discouragement was removed. The society was inspired with courage. A sufficient sum was raised for thorough repairs.
These successful measures proved a means of grace to Mr. Plummer ; old grievances were buried, he returned to his place in the church, and to the confidence of his brethren. In a few months Mr. Plummer closed his labors in death.
The pastor proceeded at once, to secure the building of a parsonage on the church lot. A neat and convenient house was built, at a cost of $2,500, and all but $500 was paid.
These successful achievements have placed the society in a much more hopeful condition. This great improvement is largely due to the skill and energy of the pastor, Rev. L. H. Bean.
Statistics, Skowhegan and Norridgewock: Members, 179; on Probation, 25; value of Church, $12,000; value of Parsonage, $2,500 ; Officers and Teachers in Sunday School, 13; Scholars, 112.
ANSON,-MADISON.
Jesse Lee visited Anson, then called Titcombtown, December 4th, 1794, and preached in the house of Mr. James Burns, " a little below Seven-mile Brook." His text was John 4:9, " In this was manifested the love of God toward us." Mr. John Wilson was awakened by
2 This is one of the many examples of the folly of disregarding the rule of the Discipline in relation to the "Deed of Settlement" of church property.
309
ANSON. UNION CHURCHI. NORTH ANSON.
the sermon, with some others, and not long afterwards, made a profession of religion. Some years later, a class was formed, and Mr. Wilson was appointed leader. Anson was for many years included in Norridgewock Circuit, and was visited by the circuit preachers.
In 1818, Anson was included in Industry Circuit ; John S. Ayer, preacher in charge. Subsequently Anson was connected with Solon Circuit. Mr. John Moore was appointed class-leader by Mr. Ayer.
The first house of worship in Anson, was built in 1829. It was owned by the Congregationalists, Methodists, Baptists and Universal- ists and occupied by these denominations in turn.
The following named persons have served as class leaders :
John Wilson, John Moore, Goff Moore, Jesse L. Wilson, Hiram Moore, Nancy Moore.
North Anson though a thriving village, has not been congenial soil for Methodism. The society for many years was small. Some thirty years ago, the town was divided ; the northern part being called North Anson. the other part retaining the original name.
In 1878, '79, and '80, North Anson was supplied by C. K. Evans, a supernumerary member of Maine Conference, then residing at Madison Bridge. A hall was engaged and meetings were held by the Methodists every Sabbath, and a Sunday School organized. This movement roused some opposition. The preacher was at length notified that the hall, which they had occupied for some time for meetings, was rented for another purpose. The society, with a good degree of righteous indignation, and encouraged by religious people of other evangelical orders in the village, purchased an excellent lot of land in the centre of the village, organized a board of trustees and proceeded at once to build a chapel. It was soon dedicated without debt. It is a convenient and tasteful house of worship. This movement forms a new era in the history of Methodism, in North Anson.
The society, though small, is active and hopeful. The camp- meeting, established some twelve years ago, in a beautiful grove,. about one mile from the village, has become one of the largest, in. attendance, of any similar meeting in the Conference.
MADISON.
Madison, for many years, formed a part of Norridgewock Circuit .. A class was organized near the center of the town. For a number of
310
MADISON VILLAGE. CIIURCII BUILT. SOLON.
years, about 1830, camp-meetings were held. The meetings were at length subjected to such annoyance, by an organized band of unprincipled young men, that the meetings were discontinued, and the ruffianly young men, as if by the providence of God, soon came to a miserable end.
As the village at Madison Bridge grew, a class was formed at that place. The erection of a woolen factory in 1881, opened an extensive prospect for business, and increase of population. Through the persistent efforts of Rev. C. K. Evans, an eligible church lot was purchased, and a neat church erected upon it in 1883, thus laying a firm foundation for a strong Methodist society. Madison and North Anson constitute one pastoral charge.
Statistics, 1886 : Probationers, 22 : Members, 109; Churches, 2; value, $3,500 ; Officers and Teachers in Sunday School, 12; Scholars, 50.3
SOLON.
For many years Solon was included in Norridgewock Circuit and was visited in regular turn, by the Circuit preachers. The early records of the church are lost, so that only a meager account can be given of the early history of the society.
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