USA > Maine > History of Methodism in Maine, 1793-1886 > Part 34
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In 1861, the present house of worship was built. Hon. J. J. Perry, then living in that place, and Mr. John Hall, assuming the entire responsibility, relying on the sale of pews for their pay. In 1865, the vestry was built by subseription. In 1885, the church was thoroughly repaired, through the generosity of Hon. John Moore, formerly of Oxford.
In 1866, the Welehville church was built, and separate meetings were held at that place for a while. For several years past, the two places have been united.
Statisties, 1886, Oxford and Welchville: Members, 77; on probation, 9; Churches, 2; value, $4,000; value of Parsonage, $680 ; Sunday sehools, 2; Officers and Teachers, 15 ; seholars, 99.
SOUTH PARIS.
This place was at first ineluded in Poland Cireuit, subsequently in Paris Circuit.
The first Methodist elass in town was formed at South Paris, by Rev. John Adams, preacher in charge of the circuit in 1816. This class consisted of John Woleot and wife, Soloman Cloudman, a local preacher, and Betsey Cloudman, his wife, Mrs. Jordan and her daughter Lucretia, Philip Caldwell and wife.
345
SOUTH PARIS. PARIS CIRCUIT.
The interest that then commenced was strengthened under the labors of preachers from Conference.
South Paris appears in the minutes as a separate charge, in 1834, and again in 1837, and down to the present time.
During the pastorate of Rev. W. F. Farrington, in 1836 and 1837, a chapel was built. In 1848, this house of worship was burned, and another was erected in its place, at a cost of $2,000.
In 1857, the parsonage was built. The chapel lot being extended for that purpose, through the generosity of William Deering, a native of South Paris. In 1860, the chapel was enlarged. In 1874, the building was raised, repaired and a basement vestry built under it; William Deering of Evenston, Illinois, paying one half the cost.
Among the prominent members, is the venerable James Deering, father of Hon. William Deering. Mr. Deering moved to South Paris in 1820, and in 1836 made a public profession of religion, and joined the Methodist church, his wife with his approval having previously united with this church. Mr. Deering has been a liberal supporter of the church, and an active official member, always planning wisely and liberally for the church.
William E. Cushman was the chief promoter of the building of the Methodist church in Norway village in 1879, contributing generously towards it.
In the fall of the same year, a legacy of five hundred dollars was left by Mr. Emmor Rawson, for the benefit of the Methodist church of South Paris.9
Hon. William Deering often generously remembers the church of his native village.
Statistics, 1886 : Members, 115 ; on trial, 13; value of Church, $5,000 ; Parsonage, $1,000.
PARIS CIRCUIT.
Paris Circuit, including Paris, North Paris, West Paris, South Woodstock and Bryant's Pond became a separate circuit in 1830.
The North Paris class was formed in 1812. The first members belonged to the Chase and Donham families. A large number of preachers were from this class ; among them was Caleb Fuller, Aaron and Daniel Fuller, Hiram and Seth B. Chase, Orrin Bent and Nathan Andrews ; all of whom became members of Maine Conference. A Union church was built in North Paris in 1829, one-fourth of which
9 From record of the South Paris Methodist Episcopal church.
346
NORWAY CIRCUIT. NORWAY VILLAGE.
was owned by the Methodists. The preacher in 1885, was Miss A. H. Minard.
The West Paris class was formed in 1867; the first members were James Donham, Stella J. Mills and J. T. Luney. There was no regular preaching till 1874, when S. D. Brown, preacher in charge at Woodstock, preached part of the time at this place. A neat and convenient chapel was built at West Paris, in 1878 ; the people giving the labor. The cost of the material, was $837.10
NORWAY CIRCUIT.
Norway was at first, included with several contiguous towns in Bethel Circuit, and subsequently in Paris Circuit.
In 1835, this town appears for the first time as a separate charge, though, evidently, several other places were connected with it as a circuit ; H. W. Latham, preacher in charge. This circuit was supplied many years with preachers from Conference.
In 1863, this charge is reported as " Norway, &c. : " Members, 87 ; Churches, 2; value, $1,000.
The members seem to have been mostly in the north part of the town.
In 1872, North Norway was connected with Albany, subsequently with other places, with apparently decreasing members to the present time.
NORWAY VILLAGE.
In the year 1876, the first class in this place was organized by Rev. J. B. Lapham, the pastor of the Methodist church in South Paris.
Rev. Fred C. Rogers succeeded Mr. Lapham, and the second year of his pastorate closed with a gracious revival of religion at Norway.
In 1879, Norway was connected with South Paris, Mr. Rogers continuing in charge. In July of that year, a church edifice was commenced, which by the generous assistance of W. E. Cushman of South Paris, and others, was finished and dedicated February, 1880. The next year, E. W. Simons was appointed to South Paris and Norway. The society continued to prosper under his care.
In 1884, by request of the society, Norway was made a separate charge and O. S. Pillsbury was appointed preacher in charge. The first Quarterly meeting was held July 13 of this year, C. F. Allen, Presiding Elder.
10 By Rev. C. F. Allen.
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347
WOODSTOCK.
August 1st, 1885, the church property at Norway was legally conveyed to the Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal church in Norway. A bequest of $200 was received by the society from Mr. Hollis Moore.
Statistics, 1886 : Members, 72 ; on probation, 15 ; value of Church, $2.200 : Parsonage, $1,000 ; Officers and Teachers in Sunday school, 19 ; Scholars, 131.11
WOODSTOCK.
The early Methodists of Woodstock were the families of David Ricker and Noah Curtis ; later they were reinforced by the Davis and Stephens families and some others. They were strong and influential families and left a numerous posterity most of whom have adopted the religious views of their fathers. Jesse H. Stephens, son of Captain Samuel Stephens, became quite a noted Methodist local preacher. For many years they had no church edifice. At first they held their meetings in private houses and barns, of later years in school houses.
The first class was formed here about 1816, under the ministration of Rev. John Adams, consisting of about fifteen members. This was the nucleus of a society which, next to the Baptists, became the most numerous religious denomination in the town.
In 1856, a church was built in the lower part of the town, by the Methodists and Free Baptist ; subsequently the Methodists became the exclusive owners of the house.
The Methodists also had an interest in the church at Bryant's Pond, owned mostly by the Baptists, and occupied it one-fourth of the time. Rev. George Briggs was the first minister under this arrangement.12 Woodstock has always formed part of a circuit, sometimes connected with Bethel, Rumford or Paris Circuits.
Statistics, West Paris, North Paris and South Woodstock : Mem- bers, 108 ; on probation, 12 ; Churches, 2 1-2 ; value, $2,000 ; Sunday schools, 2; Officers and Teachers, 8; Scholars, 50.
BETHEL.
The following sketch of the early history of Methodism in Bethel, by Joshua Taylor, was recently found in an old book of records, by Rev. A. R. Sylvester, preacher in charge, and copied for this work.
11 By Rev. O. S. Pillsbury.
12 From History of Woodstock by Dr. W. B. Lapham.
348
BETHEL.
" The rise of Methodism on Betliel Circuit was as follows : About the beginning of the year 1798, Nicholas Snethen, who was then stationed on Portland Circuit, came and preached a few times, in Rumford and Bethel ; and in the following spring John Martin, a local preacher, came up the river and preached a few times, and returned to me, with a request from the people, that I should visit them ; which I did with a degree of satisfaction, as there appeared to be some tenderness among a few of the congregation.
"After this, they were visited by myself and Brother Martin a few times, and as they requested to have a preacher among them, and a prospect appeared of doing good, I strove for it, but could not obtain my end, till the close of the year 1799.
"They were then connected with Portland Circuit, and during that winter, they were visited about once a fortnight by Brother Merritt, Brother Baker, Brother Soule and Brother Merrick, who rode on the circuit. In the spring following, Brother Joseph Baker came and stayed with the people, and at the Conference in Lynn, July, 1800, this place, with Rumford, was set off as a separate circuit, and Joseph Baker was appointed as the preacher. The following September, the first society was formed, when about fourteen only were admitted.
"It now appears that from the time in which they united in the spring of 1798, there has been some awakening ; but there was nothing of great note in general, till a preacher was stationed among thiem ; and although, at some times, the prospect has been gloomy, glory be to God ! there has been a great work for several months past, and I trust a number have been truly converted. May God bless and prosper the circuit.
May 22, A. D., 1801. JOSHUA TAYLOR, Presiding Elder."
Bethel Circuit included at first, Bethel, Hanover, Rumford, Gilead, Mason, Andover, Mexico, Peru, Hamlin's Gore and an undefined region further north.
About 1830, Rumford Circuit, embracing Rumford and several other towns was set off. Subsequently other circuits or stations and circuits were formed, until the present time, when at least six separate charges are included within the limits of the old Bethel Circuit.
The first Methodist house of worship on Bethel Circuit was built about the year 1814, at Dustin's Ferry, East Bethel. The inside was finished and a stove put in about 1828, during the ministry of Caleb Fuller. Previous to that time, the worshippers were expected to keep warm from the "fire in the pulpit" or the fire in their own hearts.
349
EAST BETHEL.
No part of the house was ever painted. The foundation was of rough stones dug from the ground near the building. The church contained forty-eight pews, numbered with ehalk upon the pew doors. Singers' seats each side of the door raised about three feet with good panel work in front, and doors same as pews. Pulpit at the other end raised about five feet, finished all round with high panel-work and a door secured with a wooden button, same as the pews.
The house was struck by lightning twice, once during a meeting, when a Mrs. Magill was killed, and several others prostrated. The house was sold some twenty years since, taken down and removed to Hanover village and converted into a furniture shop. About the year 1852, Newry and Hanover were set off as a separate eireuit. Of the members of the first class in East Bethel Nathaniel Segur, class leader, deserves special mention. He was one of the first settlers in Bethel. He was taken eaptive by the Indians and carried to Canada. The story of his captivity and sufferings is very interesting. He maintained his christian profession and died about 1846, at the age of ninety-three. 13
The second meeting-house was built at Lock's Corner, about four miles from the village ; both these houses are removed.
The present church at Bethel, was built in 1860. The old Bethel Circuit was for many years a training school for the hardships of the itinerancy. The names of many who are widely known, are found on the list of preachers appointed in their early ministry, to this rough and extensive field of labor. W. F. Farrington, Caleb Fuller, Mark Trafton, John Allen, Parker Jaques. E. H. Gammon and C. W. Pottle are among the itinerants who begun their career among the Oxford Hills.
Extensive revivals have occurred at different times. In 1828 and 1829, about two hundred were converted under the labors of C. Fuller and I. Downing.14
Since the building of the church at Bethel Hill, in 1860, Bethel has been a station and has been regularly supplied by preachers from Conference.
Statisties, 1886 : Members, 114 ; on probation 20 ; value of Church, $5000 ; Parsonage, $950 ; Officers and Teachers in Sunday school, 15 ; Scholars, 115.
RUMFORD.
Rumford Circuit was originally a part of Bethel Circuit, set off in 13 Letter of Ethan Ellis. 14 Sketch of Rev. C. F. Allen.
1
350
RUMFORD. MASON.
1832, including Peru, Dixfield and Andover, and Rev. Job Pratt was appointed preacher in charge. IIc labored with great fidelity and success till his health failed. Hc died in great peace in 1833. Rev. E. Hotchkiss supplied the charge till the session of Conference and was appointed to this circuit the following year.
The first class was organized in East Rumford, where a church and parsonage was built in 1825. This was the headquarters of the circuit. Subsequently classes were formed at Rumford Center, and in the adjoining towns of Peru, Dixfield and Andover.
The society at East Rumford became weakened by decrease of the population and the removal of Methodist families. The meeting- house having become dilapidated, was sold in 1865, and the Metho- dists united with other denominations in building a Union meeting- house, which cost $3,000 besides the proceeds of the old house. The parsonage also at East Rumford, was sold and a new one was bought at Rumford Centre in 1876, which cost $600.
The church at Rumford Center was built in 1865, at a cost of $3,000, and was subsequently furnished with a bell and an organ. An extensive revival prevailed on this charge in 1843, also in 1857.
Rumford Circuit was once strong in numbers and influence, but like most of the rural circuits in Maine, it has greatly declined by the removal of members, and decline of business.
Statistics, 1886 : Members, 88 ; on probation 6 ; Churches 2 ; value, $5,600, Parsonage, $650; Officers and Teachers in Sunday school, 18 ; Scholars, 170 ; Preachers originating in Rumford : Charles Virgin, Moses Lufkin, Benjamin Lufkin.
MASON.
The first Methodist preacher who held meetings in this place was Rev. Charles Lovejoy in 1837.
Mason was, for many years, included in Bethel Circuit. Other preachers of the circuit visited the place.
In 1862, Mason, Gilead and Albany were formed into a circuit, and Rev. F. Grovenor was appointed preacher in charge. Subsequently, the class in Gilead becoming much reduced in number, was left off and a new circuit was formed consisting of
MASON, ALBANY, NORTII NORWAY, DENMARK AND BROWNFIELD DEPOT.
1869, through the efforts of Rev. B. Lufkin, a house of worship was commenced in Mason, which was finished in 1873, and dedicated by Rev. G. Webber.
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351
ANDOVER. GORHAM, N. H.
John Paine, a devoted christian and local preacher, has rendered excellent service in Mason and adjoining towns.
Statistics, 1886 : (Mason and Albany) Members, 42 ; on probation, 4; Officers and Teachers in Sunday school, 8 ; Scholars, 50.15
ANDOVER.
Andover was included in Rumford Circuit until 1870, when it was made a separate station under the pastoral care of Rev. Ira G. Sprague.
By the earnest and self-denying labors of the pastor, the little band of Methodists were strengthened and increased in number, and they were encouraged to build for themselves a house of worship. Through the zeal and energy of the preacher, all obstacles were overcome, and soon a neat and convenient chapel was completed, and a good bell was hung in the tower.
Mr. Sprague has been succeeded by preachers appointed from Conference. The society has received some help from the funds of the Domestic Missionary Society. The village of Andover is pleas- antly located among the hills, a favorite summer resort; but the prospect of growth is small.
Statistics, 1886 : members, 51 ; on probation, 10 ; value of Church, $2,500 ; Officers and Teachers in Sunday school, 14; Scholars, 75.16
GORHAM, NEW HAMPSHIRE.
Gorham, New Hampshire, is ninety-one miles from Portland, and fifteen miles from the summit of Mt. Washington.
In the year 1816, Rev. E. W. Coffin formed a Methodist class in this town. From that time till 1862, there were somc Methodist members in the place. In the winter of this year, there was a steady increase of religious interest, when Mr. Hammond, the celebrated Evangelist, held meetings about two weeks, which resulted in an extensive revival. Upon the strength of this movement, a Congrega- tional church was formed. The Methodists were not disposed to lose their identity and took measures to perpetuate their organization.
On the 13th of February, Rev. A. W. Pottlc of the Bethel charge, visited the place and reorganized the class. Meetings were commenced about the middle of June in a school house, and a Sunday school was organized.
Measures were immediately taken to erect a church which was
15 By Rev. C. F. Allen. 16 Ibid.
352
WATERFORD.
dedicated in the presence of a large congregation on the twelfth of February, 1863. The church is a comely edifice, and has served a good purpose. It has recently been remodeled. The society has been favored with the services of faithful ministers, and has been blessed with spiritual prosperity.
Gorham, though a distant out-post- of the Maine Conference, is delightfully located in the vicinity of the White Mountains, and is a place of considerable importance as a resort for summer visitors.
Statistics, 1886 ; Members, 70; on probation, 9 ; value of Church, $4,000 ; Parsonage, $1,000; Officers and Teachers in Sunday school, 16; Scholars, 125.17
SOUTH WATERFORD.
The first Methodist preacher who visited the town of Waterford was Rev. Joseph Baker in 1802, who preached but once in the place. The next year, another Methodist itinerant preached once in the town. In 1806, Waterford formed a part of Poland Circuit, Solomon Sias, preacher in charge.
In 1810, a class was formed by Samuel Hillman, prcacher in charge, consisting of Josiah Shaw, Peter Gerry, Israel Hale, Oliver Haskell, Mary Gerry, Esther Hale.
In 1816, the society had gradually increased, and this year, the first Quarterly meeting was held in Waterford, in the barn of Josiah Shaw, The occasion was one of much interest.
In 1818, the society had attained sufficient strength to warrant the erection of a house of worship ; measures were taken to that effect ; and the house was completed the next year. It was located about one mile west of South Waterford village. The society continued to prosper.
In 1826, Waterford, Bridgton and Sweden were set off as a separate circuit, and David Copeland was appointed preacher in charge. The circuit was supplied with preachers from Conference and continued to prosper.
In 1835, it was determined to erect a more commodious house of worship near the village. With much labor and expense, a beautiful church was completed, in which the society continued to worship till 1844, when the house was consumed by fire. The people, however, rallied, and took measures to build again, and in 1845, a new and more tasteful chapel was completed. In 1850, a neat parsonage was built, in convenient vicinity of the church.
17 By Rev. F. W. Smith.
353
NAPLES.
Waterford Circuit has been reduced in territory by setting off Bridgton for a separate charge.
Statistics, 1886 : Probationers, 12 ; Members, 60 ; value of Church, $3,000 ; Parsonage, $500 ; Sunday schools, 3 ; Officers and Teachers, 18 ; Scholars, 100.18
NAPLES.
In the year 1833, or in the winter of 1834, on invitation of Benjamin Green, a worthy citizen of Naples, Rev. Isaac W. Moore, preacher in charge of Otisfield Circuit, crossed the bounds of his charge, and preached the first Methodist sermon in Naples, and held meetings in that town which resulted in an extensive revival, in which one hundred persons were converted.
In 1837, the first class was formed by Rev. John Cumner, then preacher in charge of Harrison Circuit, embracing Harrison, Otisfield and Naples. A revival followed the labors of Mr. Cumner.
Naples formed a part of a circuit until 1847, when it was a separate charge, and continued so for three years. Subsequently until 1881, it was connected with some other place as a circuit. Since that time, Naples has been a separate charge.
Under the earnest labors of Rev. Sargent S. Gray, preacher in charge, in 1849, the first Methodist house of worship was built. The dedicatory sermon was by Rev. D. B. Randall.
Dr. T. J. Carter rendered valuable service in sustaining the church in its early days.
John Hill served as class leader many years and was abundant in labors and sacrifices for the church.
Benjamin Green was a devout christian and his house was a welcome home for the preachers. He was faithful until death, and departed this life in triumph. His daughter, Sally Green, has been a faithful worker for the society, and she is still distinguished for her fidelity.
Miss Elsa Edmunds, an industrious, self-dependent maiden-woman, gave the society a neat cottage, and two acres of land for a parsonage, the proceeds of her own earnings.
The church was built by great labor and sacifices, and the cause has been sustained by constant and vigorous efforts ; there have been several revivals of great power, but the society has been depleted by the removal of its members to other places.
23
18 Rev. C. M. Abbott.
354
BRIDGTON.
The congregation, at present, is good ; the Sunday school prosperous, and the social meetings are well sustained. As in other churches, the women are faithful and efficient workers.
Statistics, 1886 : Members, 59 ; on probation, 10 ; valuc of Church, $1200; Parsonage, $800; Officers and Teachers in Sunday School, 8 ; Scholars, 60.19
BRIDGTON.
The records of Methodismn in Bridgton are meager, and the recollec- tions of the oldest members are exceedingly faint.
A class is said to have been formed in this place about sixty years ago by Rev. Mr. Stinchfield ; this class did not continue. A small class was organized by Rev. George D. Strout in 1834, which has remaincd.
Benjamin Dodge and wife, and Ebenezer Carsley and wife, were among the first Methodists of the place. There was no regular preaching for several years.
In 1852, a house of worship was built. Mr. Carsley was somewhat involved, and suffered loss in the enterprise of building this house. The society suffered in consequence of this trouble.
Rev. Charles Andrews was the preacher in charge that year. No other preacher was appointed to this place till 1855, when Rev. S. W. Russell was appointed to Bridgton and Naples. From that time for ten or eleven years, Bridgton was supplied quite irregularly, some times being by itself, and some times being connected with some other place. Since 1866, Bridgton has been constantly served by preachers from Conference.
During the pastorate of Rev. G. F. Cobb, 1866 to 1868, the old church was abandoned and measures were taken to build a new one. The object was fully accomplished during the pastorate of Rev. F. Grovenor, 1870 and 1871, the money being advanced by Mr. W. H. Larrabee.
The church suffered greatly by the misconduct and expulsion of Rev. O. M. Cousens, who had been the pastor in 1880.
In 1884, the church being left without a pastor by the sickness and death of Rev. P. Jacques, a student from Boston University, and an evangelist, came to the place and held meetings with good results.
The church has rallied from its discouragement and is now in a
19 By Rev. J. Gibson.
355.
BALDWIN AND HIRAM.
healthy and prosperous condition. "Out of weakness it has been made strong."
Statistics, 1886 : Members, 138 ; on probatiou, 18 ; value of Church, $7,800 ; Officers aud Teachers in Sunday school, 17; Scholars, 180.20
BALDWIN AND HIRAM.
The first Methodist sermon preached in Baldwiu, of which we have auy account. was by Rev. Asa Heath in the year 1802, while preacher. in charge of Falmouth Circuit. The circuits at that time had no very narrowly defined limits. The preachers were essentially missionary" evangelists.
Mr. Heath extended his labors as far as Couway, and included. Brownfield in his field of labor, where a society was formed and. annexed to Falmouth Circuit.
In 1806, Lewis Bates preached iu this regiou, also E. F. Newell and. Hezekiah Field.
In 1807, Couway Circuit included Brownfield, Baldwin, Hiram, Lovell, Bartlett, Chatham, Patten, Effingham, Fryeburg, Conway, Denmark and Sebago.
The Brownfield class, formed in 1807, contained forty-five members .. Now, 1886, there is no class in that towu.
The class was formed in Hiram about 1810, containing twenty-two members ; at present, the class in Hiram contains thirty-two members.
It appears by the records that in 1817 eleven persons were baptized and joined the Baldwin class.
In 1824, there were fifty-seveu members, and a second class was formed, consisting of ten members.
Bartlett belonged to the Conway Circuit till 1825, when it appears for the first time upon the minutes ; John Briggs, preacher in charge. In 1827 the circuit was divided.
The Baldwin Circuit included Baldwin, Cornish, Browufield, Sebago and Porter. In 1832 Cornish was set off. For a few years, the circuit was called the Hiram Circuit, but generally Baldwin Circuit till 1848.
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