USA > Maine > History of Methodism in Maine, 1793-1886 > Part 33
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When they graduated in 1833, the class numbered fourteen, of whom four were students in College : Asahel Moore, a local preacher, Stephen Allen, Nathan Longfellow, and Stephen M. Vail, three of whom subsequently entered the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal church.
In the winter of 1834, there was Methodist preaching half the time by preachers from neighboring charges.
In 1835, Brunswick was connected with Bowdoinham, but the preaching at Brunswick was supplied, most of the time, by Asahel Moore, then engaged in teaching at Gardiner. In 1836, Mr. Moore gave his whole time to the society at Brunswick, rendering excellent service. The society had increased to forty members, including seven college students. A large proportion of the society consisted of women who were poor in worldly goods, but rich in faith.
The meetings were held in the Congregationalist vestry or in the Universalist church which were hired for that purpose. During that year, a parsonage was built mostly through the liberality of Mr. Thomas Knowlton. The society was legally incorporated that year, and a Board of Trustees was chosen, consisting of Rev. Allen H. Cobb of Durham ; J. Wilkinson of Bath, Ebenezer and John Moore of Gardiner, Ephraim Sturdivant, Esq. of Cumberland, E. Bryant and S. G. Lane of Brunswick.
The society was poor and the resident Trustees had no financial responsibility. They nevertheless proceeded to purchase the Second Baptist meeting-house, which was offered for sale, for $1,900, Several students in College purchased pews to help on the enterprise. But a large proportion of the pews remained unsold. The balance of debt on the church remained unpaid for several years. Mr. Sturdivant, the
1 Miss Todd subsequently became the wife of Rev. Isaiah McMahon, a graduate of Bowdoin College of 1839, and a member of Maine and Genesee Conferences.
334
REVIVAL. PROF. UPHAM AND WIFE.
only man of financial ability, in the Board of Trustees, paid the debt. The Trustees of Conference advanced $700, as a loan to the Trustecs of the church, which was never paid. The Trustees conveyed to Mr. Sturdivant, the parsonage which was sold and the debt was settled.
This unfortunate enterprise was, for a long time, a cause of mortification and discouragement. The society continued feeble, and, for a long time, was aided by appropriations from missionary funds, and was supplied with preachers from Conference.
In 1838 and 1839, C. C. Cone was appointed to this charge. An extensive revival occurred, by which the society was greatly strengthened.
About the same time, Mrs. Upham and her husband, Professor T. C. Upham, D. D. of Bowdoin College, through the influence of a devoted christian young lady2 visiting in Brunswick, became deeply interested in the subject, Christian Perfections, as taught by the Methodists ; and their influence and kind services were a great encouragement to the Methodist society.
In 1862, there was an extensive revival under the labors of Rev. Mr. Hammond, the Evangelist, from which the Methodists as well as other denominations received large accessions.
In 1865 and 1866, during the pastorate of J. B Lapham, there were valuable accessions. The old church was sold and a new and tasteful church was built in a central locality. The congregation was largely increased, and the society continued to gain in numbers and ability.
In 1868, the Conference held its session in Brunswick. This was an occasion of great interest to the community as well as to the Methodist society.
The Methodist church in Brunswick, after many years of extreme feebleness, is now well established. The church edifice is elegant and convenient, supplied with an excellent organ and all other needful appliances of christian worship. A convenient parsonage was purchased a few years ago, affording a comfortable home for the pastor's family.
Statistics : Members, 161; on probation, 30; value of Church, $8000; Parsonage, $1,800 ; Officers and Teachers in Sunday school, 17; Scholars, 113.3
2 Miss Elizabeth Whitney, subsequently wife of Rev. T. W. True, many years a member of Maine Conference.
3 Rev. W. S. McIntyre.
335
ORR'S AND BAILEY'S ISLAND.
HARPSWELL.
There was only occasional preaching by Methodists, in Harpswell, previous to 1843. The Congregationalists had a church at Harpswell Centre : the Baptists at West Harpswell, with a branch at Bailey's Island, and the Free Baptists had a society on Orr's Island.
Stephen Bennett, a devoted local preacher who resided at Chebeague, held meetings in school houses on Harpswell Neck, and on Orr's and Bailey's Island. He was earnest and successful. As the result of his labors, a class was formed at West Harpswell, consisting of Sidney Bailey and wife, Nathaniel Pinkham and wife, Norton Stover and wife and Mr. Lawson ; others soon joined them, some of whom had been members of other churches. William Haskell, a Methodist exhorter, also frequently held meetings in the school houses.
In 1843, the revival at Brunswick, under the labors of Rev. Asahel Moore, preacher in charge, extended its influence to Harpswell, through the labors of Rev. F. A. Crafts, then recently from the Seminary at Kent's HIll. At first, prayer meetings were held in the house of Mr. Bishop, afterwards in the school house. 1
The interest continued to increase under the labors of Mr. Crafts, and the work extended to the islands lying on both sides the Neck, Mr. B. Haskell rendering valuable service with his boat. The revival resulted in a considerable number of conversions, including some remarkable cases of the conversion of violent opposers. The fruits of this revival were not properly secured to the church. Through some neglect or mistake, no minister was sent the next year.
George C. Crawford, a local preacher in Brunswick, preached for the societies in Harpswell and Orr's Island, at different times, for several years. A convenient church was erected in 1855.
In 1858 and 1859, Rev. Nathan Andrews was appointed to Harpswell. He was successful in his labors, in this part of his charge, and also at Orr's Island ; Captain S. C. Prince being converted and uniting with the church. Captain Perry has continued to be a generous supporter of the church, and his house has been a home for Methodist preachers.
Bailey's Island was the birth place of John C. Perry, who for forty- three years, was an active and successful member of the Maine Conference. In 1868, he was stationed at Harpswell and again in 1879. He died before the close of the year, doing his last ministerial work among the scenes familiar to him in his early life. He was an earnest and faithful minister.4
4 Sketch by Rev. C. F. Allen and Rev. F. A. Crafts.
336
AUBURN. DISCOURAGEMENT.
Statistics, 1886 : Probationers, 16 ; Members, 60 ; Sunday schools, 2 ; Officers and Teachers, 15 ; Scholars, 152; Churches, 2; value $3000.
AUBURN.
Auburn, formerly a part of Lewiston charge, became a separate station in 1861; and Rev. J. L. Morse was appointed the first preacher. .
The Auburn class at the time of this separation, consisted of about thirty members, with William L. Davis as leader. This society occupied the old Congregational meeting-house on Main street, which had been abandoned by that denomination when they built their new edifice on High street.
Great interest was manifested in the new enterprise, and a large and increasing congregation attended the public services. Mr. Morse having been appointed to the professorship of Ancient Languages in the Maine Wesleyan Seminary was succeeded by Rev. John Collins.
In 1863, Rev. Parker Jaques was the preacher in charge, who began to make arrangements to build a house of worship. A stock company was projected, with shares at $300 each. But some prominent members, dissatisfied with the location and plan of the proposed church, declined to take their shares. Nevertheless those most interested determined to go forward with the enterprise.
In 1864, Rev. J. C. Perry was appointed preacher. The meeting- house was completed and dedicated. Rev. C. F. Allen preached the dedicatory sermon. The society was far from harmonious.
Other denominations soon built more elegant churches, in more convenient locations. There was a heavy debt upon the church property. Some prominent Methodist families became disaffected and left the congregation. There was a continued exode from the church and congregation of the Hampshire Street Church.
During the pastorate of Rev. D. B. Randall in 1868 and 1869, a vestry was built, and other improvements were made. As a financial measure, a double tenement house was built on a part of the church lot, with money hired for that purpose, one part being designed for a parsonage and the other for rent.
In 1879 and 1880, Rev. W. S. Jones, the pastor, made a determined and successful effort to reduce the debt. But the discouragements of the society still remained. A more inviting church cdifice more conveniently located, was an obvious necessity.
In 1883, Rev. Ira G. Sprague was appointed to Auburn.
337
AUBURN. NEW CHURCH.
Mr. Sprague understood the situation, and had a conviction that God had a work for him, in Auburn. The society had become discouraged and demoralized.
A convenient site for a church was advertised for sale at auction. Mr. Sprague attended the auction and bought the property, on his own account, on very favorable terms.
This property he conveyed to the Trustees, who became inspired with courage, by the bold measures of the pastor. The old church property was sold, and measures were immediately taken to build a new church. This object was accomplished during the year 1884. Mr. Sprague pledged one-half his salary towards the new church. His heroic labors saved the cause of Methodism in Auburn, though at the expense of his own health and probably of his life. He was prostrated in the midst of his labors by hemorrhage of the lungs. He still lingers in broken health. This is not the first instance in which the health and life of a faithful pastor has been sacrificed, in the building enterprises of the church.
The society in Auburn is now in a hopeful and thriving condition, though carrying a somewhat burdensome debt.
Statistics, 1886 : Members, 190 ; on probation, 13 ; value of Church property, $18,000; Officers and teachers in Sunday school, 20; Scholars, 175.
LEWISTON.
In 1845, Thomas Greenhalgh was stationed on Poland Circuit. He was invited by Esquire Lowell to preach a funeral sermon on the death of his wife. After that, he was invited to preach to them again ; this he did in June before Conference. Had he been returned to Poland the next year, he promised to visit them again. But at Conference in 1845, Rev. John Allen was appointed to Androscoggin Mission. He preached his first sermon on the first of March in the Free Baptist church. He came the second time on the first day of April and joined with the Free Baptists in worship, with an appoint- ment for preaching at five o'clock, P. M. The house was filled with people to hear him ; but the minister prevented his preaching in the house, by appointing a prayer mecting at the same hour. Mr. Allen afterwards preached regularly at the school house.
In 1845, William L. Davis married Ann Greenhalgh, daughter of Thomas Greenhalgh, and settled in Lewiston the next spring, so that
22
338
LEWISTON. FIRST CLASS.
the next time Mr. Allen came lie found a door opencd to receive him. He formed a class of eleven members. Mr. Davis was appointed leader ; the class met at his house.
Mr. Allen continued in charge of this mission through the year 1846. Meetings were held in a hall hired for that purpose.
COPY OF FIRST CLASS PAPER IN LEWISTON.
"Lewiston Class, Little Androseoggin Mission : Ezekiel Robinson, Presiding Elder ; John Allen, preaeher in charge ; Willliam L. Davis, leader.
"Please mark your elass paper at every class meeting. Observe Quarterly Fast (see discipline). 'Be thou faithful unto death' (see Bible). This class formed June 7, 1846. Class paper received June 28, 1849."
State in Life.
State in Church.
M.
F. F.
William L. Davis.
M.
Ann Davis.
M.
F. Stephen Blethen.
M.
F. George W. Foss.
M.
F. Thomas J. Foss.
M.
F.
William Coleman.
M.
T. Ursula Coleman.
M.
T. Charles J. Oliver.
M.
T. William Staples.
M.
F. Hannah Furbish.
M. S.
T.
Hannah Strout.
S.
T.
Eliza Mitchell.
Revised June, 1847.
M.
T. Harriet S. Yeaton.
M.
F. John Oakes.
M.
F. Ruth Oakes.
M.
F.
Sarah M. Cobb.
M. M
F. Nathaniel Freneh.
M.
F. Elizabeth French.
M.
F.
Sister Keler.
Revised June 25, 1848.
M.
F. Amos Bailey.
M.
F. Mary Ann Bailey.
S.
F. Winslow Hill.
M.
F. Rachel Davis.
M.
T. Jemima Nevins.
M.
F. Flora Strout.
M.
F. Isaac Nevins.
(Copied by Rev. C. F. Allen from papers of Rev. Thomas Greenhalgh.)
F.
Mary Herriek.
F. Charles M. Kyle.
339
LEWISTON. PARK STREET CHURCH.
After 1846, this mission was discontinued, but was resumed again in 1849, under the name of "Lewiston Falls Misssion," Rev. Charles Andrews, preacher in charge 1849 and 1850, and the society has been regularly supplied with preachers from Conference. This charge continued to be a Mission, and to receive aid from the funds of the Missionary Society, till 1855, when it became self-supporting.
The first board of Trustees were John Oakes, Benjamin T. Emery, Charles L. Oliver, George W. Foss, Charles W. Kyle, Jesse T. Stevens, Amos Bailey, Reuben Ingalls, L. J. R. Crocker. During the pastorate of Rev. Benjamin Foster, the church on Park street was. built.
Extensive revivals have occurred under the labors of faithful pastors and the Park Street Society has been one of the strongest and most prosperous in the Conference and among the foremost in contri- butions to missionary and other benevolent objects. In its most prosperous days, the membership numbered 600.
The organization of the Maine Street, now, Hammond Street Society, reduced the number and caused much division of feeling. The influx of foreign operatives in the mills, seriously affects the. interests of the church and community.
In 1885, Mr. J. K. Blanchard, one of the most wealthy number of tlie church, died, leaving a bequest of one thousand dollars to Park Street Church.
Statistics, Park street : Members, 290 ; on probation, 20; value of Church, $10,000 ; Parsonage, $3,000 ; Officers and Teachers in Sunday school, 30; Scholars, 350.5
HAMMOND STREET CHURCH, LEWISTON.
In the year 1868, the subject of forming a second Methodist church in Lewiston, was agitated. It was thought by some, that the cause of religion could be better served by establishing a second place of worship in the northerly part of the city, and that the Park Street Church would suffer no damage by parting with some of its number for this purpose.
Samuel R. Bearce, a leading member of Park Street Church, a man of wealth and generosity, was strongly in favor of this movement. The old church, at the corner of Maine and Lisbon streets, had been purchased by Mr. Bearce and Coe, and was generously offered to the society, free of rent, till a church could be built.
5 By Rev. F. C. Bogers.
:340
HAMMOND STREET CHURCHI. MECHANIC FALLS.
In 1870, the new society was organized under the pastoral care of Rev. HI. B. Abbott, and religious worship was commenced. A smaller number of the Park Street Society, than was expected, volunteered to join this movement, causing much disappointment to the pastor, and considerable division of fecling. The promoters of the move- ment included a considerable number of capable business men. The meetings were continued and a fair congregation was gathered, and the society slowly gained in numbers and strength.
In 1874, Mr. Bearce died. He had conveyed to the Trustees of the new society an cligible lot on Hammond street, and placed in their hands securities to the amount of ten thousand dollars towards the erection of a free church. The enterprise of building the church was completed under the pastorate of Rev. S. F. Wetherbee in 1876, at a cost, including furniture, of fifteen thousand dollars. The new edifice, elegant, convenient and well furnished, was dedicated by Bishop Foster, January, 1876. An extensive revival followed, resulting in a large accession to the society.
When this enterprise was commenced, the city was increasing in the vicinity of the new church, in Protestant population. Soon, however, there was a large influx of Canadian French Catholics, who furnished most of the operatives, in the factories, seriously affecting the interests of the church and community, and involving the property of the Hammond Street Society in debt. Still, the society, though small, is energetic and hopeful.
Statistics, 1886 : Members, 108; on probation, 12; value of Church, $17,000 ; Parsonage, 2,000 ; Officers and Teachers in Sunday school, 18 ; Scholars, 159.
MECHANIC FALLS.
Mechanic Falls was a part of Poland Circuit. This village, embracing a portion of the towns of Poland and Minot, by the establishment of the Dennison Paper Mills, rapidly grew up into importanee.
In 1857 and 1858, Rev. Ezekiel Martin was stationed at Poland. He gave special attention to the new and thriving village; a large congregation was gathered in the old Union church, and a gracious revival of religion followed his labors.
In 1859, Rev. J. C. Perry was appointed to this new charge, and commenced, at once, active efforts to build a church in the village. The enterprise was carried forward, though some dissatisfaction arose as to the means employed.
341
NORTH AUBURN.
In 1860, Rev. J. McMillan was the preacher. The church was finished and dedicated by Rev. H. B. Ridgaway, then stationed at Chestnut street, Portland.
In 1872 to 1874, Rev. D. Waterhouse was the preacher in charge. Under his labors a convenient parsonage was built near the church ; and this charge thus became a desirable appointment.
April 1, 1877, the church was burned. The insurance upon the building ran out Saturday noou, and the next moruing the church was in flames. Encouraged by the generous sympathy of the surrounding societies, a new edifice was immediately commeuced and was finished and dedicated in 1880, by Rev. A. S. Ladd.
Statistics : Probationers, 4; Members, 113; value of Church, $2,500 ; value of Parsonage, $2,000 ; Officers and Teachers in Sunday school, 14 : scholars, 113.
NORTH AUBURN.
There was but little Methodist preaching at North Auburn until 1855, when a Union class was organized, consisting of Methodists and Freewill Baptists. In the fall of this year, Rev. Ezekiel Martin, by invitation, preached in the place till the next Confereuce, 1856, when he was appointed preacher in charge of North Auburn society. In 1857 to 1858, W. A. Steward was preacher in charge.
In 1858, the church was built and dedicated by Rev. Geo. Webber. From that time, the place has beeu regularly supplied by preachers from Conference.
In 1866, there was an extensive revival, under the labors of G. W. Ballou. the pastor, aided by N. C. Clifford. Forty-two persons were baptized.
In 1874, under the pastoral care of Ira G. Sprague, there was considerable increase. About this time, the shoe-manufacturing business which had become extensive, was removed to Auburn. The prosperity of the place was thereby seriously injured, and the society greatly declined. The society being unable to sustain constant preaching, is connected with Turner and Buckfield.
Statisties, 1885, North Auburn, Turuer and Buckfield : Probation- ers. 9 ; Members, 83; Church buildings, 3 ; value, $6,500 ; Officers. and Teachers in Sunday school, 21 ; Scholars, 115.6
6 By Rev. J. Moulton.
342
TURNER AND BUCKFIELD.
BUCKFIELD AND TURNER.
In May, 1878, W. H. Trafton, a local preacher, under direction of Rev. C. C. Mason, Presiding Elder, went to Buckfield and organized a small class and preached in a hall, cight or nine months.
On the ninth of January, 1879, the Presiding Elder, Mason, met the Buckfield and Turner classes at Turner and organized them into a society. The next day Mr. Mason accompanied by Rev. S. T. Record went to Buckfield and held a meeting in "Reformer's Hall." The first Quarterly Conference was held and the organization of the society was completed.
At the ensuing Conference, Rev. S. T. Record was appointed to Turner and Buckfield, and continued in charge three years. The preacher was well received, and soon had a large following. A considerable number of persons were converted and joined the church. The second year a neat chapel was built at Buckfield and dedicated free of debt. A place of worship was also fitted up at Turner.
In 1882, Rev. N. C. Clifford was appointed to this charge. He labored indefatigably ; collected funds to finish the chapel at Turner. But the interest declined at Buckfield.
The next year Turner was connected with North Auburn and Buckfield was virtually abandoned. The new chapel stands unoccupied. Something more than a house of worship is necessary for a church.
The statistics of Buckfield and Turner are included with those of North Auburn.7
LEEDS.
This town, originally called Littleborough, was favored with a visit from Jesse Lee.
"Tuesday, December 23, 1794," writes Mr. Lee, " I rode to Mr. Lane's in Littleborough, and at two o'clock, I preached on John 11 :3. I had a crowded congregation, and the melting presence of God was among us." This extraordinary occasion is more fully described on page eighteen of this volume.
Littleborough was included in the Readfield Circuit.
At the first Quarterly meeting held in Maine, at Readfield, October 20, 1795, Litteborough is credited with a collection of $1.86 ; clearly proving that the place was visited by the preachers appointed to this circuit, probably Philip Wager, Enoch Mudge or Elias Hull. Subse-
7 By Rev. J. Moulton.
343
LEEDS.
quently Leeds became a part of Monmouth Circuit, and for many years was visited by the preachers appointed to the circuit.
A class was probably formed as early as 1795. For Leeds, or Littleborough was repeatedly reported at the Quarterly meeting in that year and subsequently ; but all records of the society in that early period are lost, and no person now living has any recollection of this early class.
In the fall of 1838, Rev. John Allen, the preacher in charge of Monmouth Circuit including Leeds, held a protracted meeting in the school house at Quaker Ridge, during which several persons were converted.
A class was formed consisting of the following persons : Salmon Brewster and wife, Morgan Brewster and wife, Nathan Stetson and wife, Charles A. Additon, Ruby Additon, Louisa Gilmore, Huldah Gilmore, Louisa Additon, George D. Lathrop, Premila Bridgham and some others. Salmon Brewster, leader.
Three members of this class are still living : Salmon Brewster, aged 84, in feeble health, Nathan Stetson, aged 93, and Louisa Gilmore.
The society continued to increase, and held their meetings in the school house on the Ridge, until 1851, when through the instrumen- tality of Rev. John Cumner, then preacher in charge, and especially through the liberality of Salmon Brewster, the meeting-house on Quaker Ridge was built.
There have been revivals from time to time. Leeds, including Green, has been a circuit by itself, during the last fifteen years. The society is composed of worthy people, somewhat scattered in residence.
In 1884, a house was purchased and fitted up for a parsonage.
Statistics, Leeds and Green : Members, 37; on probation, 15 ; value of Church, $1,000; Parsonage $500; Sunday schools, 2; Officers and Teachers, 10; Scholars, 80.8
OXFORD.
Oxford was at first included in the town of Hebron, and included in the Portland Circuit and afterwards in the Poland Circuit.
The first Methodist sermon preached in the town was by Philip Wager in 1794, in the dwelling house of John Caldwell, one of the first settlers.
About that time, a class was formed, consisting of a part of Mr. Caldwell's family and a few others. This class has been continued to
8 By Rev. W. H. Congdon and H. M. Brewster.
344
OXFORD.
the present time, though the original members, all died many years ago. The class embraced a large number of the descendants of Mr. Caldwell, particularly the family of William Caldwell, son of John Caldwell ; among the children of William Caldwell were Zenas and Merritt, well known in the history of Methodism, and Nancy Caldwell, who became the wife of Dr. Eliphalet Clark. For several years after the introduction of Methodism, the meetings were held in an attic room in Mr. Caldwell's house fitted up for that purpose.
In 1796, the meetings were removed to a school house in the vicinity, where they were held for many years.
Among the early preachers who preached in this town, were Jesse Stoneman, Timothy Merritt, Joshua Soule, Asa Heath, Reuben Hubbard and Joel Wicker.
In 1805, there were two small elasses in town, one in the Caldwell neighborhood, and the other on "Pigeon Hill."
From 1824 to 1848, the Methodist society in Oxford was ineluded in Poland or South Paris Cireuits.
In 1825, there was a great revival under the labors of Rev. Job Pratt. In 1857 and 1858, another extensive revival occured under the labors of Rev. E. Martin.
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