USA > Maine > History of Methodism in Maine, 1793-1886 > Part 36
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The church building, was sold and removed in 1886, having been unoccupied several years.
The members remaining are connected with the South Standish society.11
HOLLIS.
The first mention of Hollis in the minutes, is in the year 1831, Rev. C. W. Morse, preacher in charge. The records of the society have been much neglected. But little can be ascertained about the early history of the society.
The first Methodist house of worship built in Hollis, was built on "Bear Hill," in 1840, H. N. Macomber and John Clough, preachers in charge. Hollis was then part of a circuit. The chapel was dedicated in October the same year. Dedicatory sermon by Rev. John Hobart ; prayer by Rev. Mark Trafton. This building has since been repaired, and is now a neat and tasteful house of worship.
For many years after the building of the chapel, Hollis was supplied quite irregularly, sometimes connected with other places, and sometimes "left to be supplied." This often means left to be neglected.
Local preachers who deserve honorable mention : James Buck and Jesse Warren, both long since deceased.12
Statistics, 1886 : Members, 39 ; on probation, 5 ; value of Church, $1,200 ; Officers and Teachers in Sunday school, 7; Scholars, 43.
NEWFIELD.
The first Methodist sermon preached in Newfield, was probably by Lewis Bates ; in Jeremiah Durgin's barn, time not recorded. At that time there was no house of worship in the town, and but few christian people.
During the sixteen years following, there was occasional preaching in the village school house by preachers of different denominations.
In the fall of 1830, T. Greenhalgh, then a local preacher, at Springvale, preached in a barn at West Newfield. The audience was deeply impressed. Among the singers in the congregation, was Nathan Clifford, then a young man, resident of Newfield, afterwards
11 By Rev. S. D. Brown. 12 By Rev. J. Cobb.
368
NEWFIELD.
advanced through different grades of promotion, to the bench of the United States Supreme Court.
The weck following, Mr. Greenhalgh, upon invitation of Mr. Clifford, preached at Newfield and continued to hold meetings for some time, in the house of Dr. James Ayer.
In 1831, a protracted meeting was held in the place, by Mr. Greenhalgh, assisted by several circuit preachers, during which there were some conversions.
The first class was formed in 1831, by D. Copeland, then preacher in charge of Alfred. The class consisted of P. W. Bragg, (leader,) and his wife, William Gilpatrick and wife, David Chellis, Ira Chellis, Isaac Staples and wife ; Mrs. S. Piper, by letter from the Congrega- tionalists, and Mrs. Andrew Ayer from the Free Will Baptists.
The first Quarterly meeting was held in a barn, John Lord, Presiding Elder. The sacrament of the Lord's Supper, was administered, upon the green near the barn. The little society did not escape opposition and annoyance by ill-mannered people.
In 1832, Newfield was connected with Shapleigh Circuit, which included Shapleigh, Acton and West Newfield ; Asbury Caldwell and James Warren, preachers in charge. During this year, Abby C. Ayer, a girl of thirteen, was converted, who afterwards became the wife of Rev. D. Waterhouse.
From this time, Newfield was supplied, part of the time, regularly by the circuit preachers, or by local preachers.
In 1836, a chapel was built, against much opposition, at a cost of $600. The dedication was followed by a protracted meeting, resulting in the conversion of a considerable number of persons, among whom eleven heads of families were, at one time, publicly received into the church.
In 1837, Rev. Henry Butler, preacher in charge, resided in the village. His labors were very successful : new classes were formed in different parts of the circuit, and the society was increased in numbers and greatly encouraged.
In 1841, James Cushing, pastor, a division of opinion occurred upon the subject of Temperance. The preacher taking sides with the conservatives, causing considerable unkind feeling for some time. The church was regularly supplied and continued with varying degrees of prosperity. During the pastorate of Rev. John Cobb, in 1857, a revival occurred, which resulted in the conversion or reclamation of fifty persons.
369
WEST NEWFIELD. SHAPLEIGH.
During the pastorate of C. W. Blackman, 1869 and 1870, a new church was commenced, dedicated January 1st, 1873, by A. Sanderson, Presiding Elder. The church was nicely finished in modern style, with belfry. The cost was about $5,200. Generous friends from other places. aided especially in supplying the furniture, and in 1874, a bell was given by Elisha Piper.
The year 1883 was rendered sad by the sudden death of the pastor, Rev. Daniel Waterhouse, very soon after his appointment as pastor. His son, W. F. Waterhouse, succeeded him as pastor.
Statistics, 1886 : Probationers, 16 ; Members, 85 ; value of church, $5,000 ; Officers and Teachers in Sunday school, 15 ; scholars, 104.13
WEST NEWFIELD.
Methodism was introduced into West New Newfield, about the year 1825, by Rev. Eben Trickey of Rochester, New Hampshire.
Rev. Isaac Moore was the first regular preacher. In 1834, a house of worship was built by John W. Davis and Timothy Ross, at a cost of $900. A parsonage was built in 1840. The society in this place, for several years, supported a preacher alone, but most of the time, West Newfield has been connected with Acton or Shapleigh or with both these places ; at present it is part of Shapleigh Circuit.
Statistics included with those of Shapleigh.
SHAPLEIGH.
Shapleigh, at first formed part of a circuit, consisting of Shapleigh, Acton and West Newfield.
The earliest account we have of the formation of a Methodist society in this town was furnished in substance, by Rev. W. H. Pilsbury who, at the time, was serving as store-keeper at Emery's Mills in that town.
" It was a time of spiritual dearth, in that community." Calvinistic sentiments predominated. In December, 1825, Rev. Warren Ban- nister, an itinerant minister, at one time member of New England Conference, called to spend a night, at Colonel John Trafton's, and had a meeting in the evening. The services so much interested the people, that he concluded to remain awhile ; and as there was no Sabbath or other religious services within three miles of the place, he became, providentially, preacher and pastor of a considerable number of
13 From Sketch by Rev. W. F. Waterhouse.
24
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SHAPLEIGHI.
people. IIc formed a Methodist society, consisting of Colonel Trafton, his brother William, George Webber, William H. Pilsbury and others to the number of twenty-five or thirty ; of that number, two became ministers of the Maine Conference.
This was the beginning of Methodism in York county, except on the sea coast and the Saco and Piscataqua rivers. Colonel Trafton finished, over his store, a rough hall, at first designed for Congrega- tionalist mectings, but from that time, devoted to the use of tlie Methodist society, till they could build a house of worship.
A society was formed in Acton, in 1826. At that time, Shapleigh was included in New Hampshire District. The following is a copy of a class paper of that date.
"Shapleigh, May 2nd, 1826. Class Book 2nd. William Trafton, leader. William McKay, preacher in charge. Benjamin R. Hoyt, Presiding Elder, New Hampshire District.
"Observe the Friday preceding every Quarterly meeting as a day of fasting.
Date.
Names.
1825, Aug.
WilliamTrafton,
SF. M.
1825, Aug. Rhoda Trafton, F. M.
1810, Aug.
Eunice Bartlett, F. W
1825, Nov. 8,
Eleanor Bragdon, T.
S.
1826, April,
Sarah Patch, T.
S.
1825,
Hezekiah B. Trafton, T.
S.
1826, May 9,
Margaret Ham,
T.
S.
Hannah S. Abbott,
F.
M
1826, May 16,
Hannah Bartlett, T. S.
July 25, Betsey Patch,
Į T.
M.
Aug. 1,
James Patch,
T.
M.
The records of this class were continucd by Mr. Trafton till 1855. Until 1841, the presence and absence of the members was regularly marked.
In 1827, Shapleigh was in Portland District, Maine Conference, Green G. Moore, preacher in charge.
In 1828, a Methodist house of worship was built at Emery's Mills. This house was sold to the Baptists in 1844.
In 1843, there was a revival in the northerly part of Shapleigh, under the labors of John Mitchell, then a young man living in West
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ALFRED.
Newfield. Mr. Mitchell soon after became a member of Conference.
In 1859, a protracted meeting was held by Rev. Jesse Stone, preacher in charge, resulting in a revival ; a class of twenty was formed. The society was feeble. Preaching was at length discon- tinued (1865).
Preachers who originated in Shapleigh : Rev. George Webber ; Rev. W. H. H. Pillsbury, of Iowa Conference.14
Rev. W. H. Pillsbury, thongh a native of Bucksport, received an impulse in the revival at Shapleigh which probably determined his. course.
Statistics, 1886, Shapleigh and West Newfield : Members, 59; on probation, 22; Churches, 3; valne, $4000; Parsonage, $400; Sunday schools, 2; Officers and Teachers, 10; Scholars, 60.
ALFRED.
The earliest Methodist preaching in Alfred of which we have any account, was by Rev. Phineas Crandell in 1826, then stationed at. Kennebunkport.
In May, 1829, Rev. Green G. Moore, then laboring on Bnxton and Limington Circuit, lectured in the Congregational meeting-house in. the village, and the week following in the Baptist house, one mile from the village.
No regular Methodist service was held in this place nntil the fall of the same year, when Mr. Moore, then serving on Shapleigh Circnit, commenced lecturing once in two weeks in what was known as " Emerson Hall." People came from all directions to attend the meetings ; some were awakened and converted, and a little class was formed in the house of John Gerry ; in this house, which was called the Methodist tavern, their meetings were held. Rev. James Lewis, a local preacher of Gorham, supplied this appointment part of the time this year.
During the early part of May, 1830, Rev. John Lord, Presiding" Elder of Portland district, appointed a protracted meeting in the Court House, in connection with the first Quarterly meeting ever held in this place. This was a season of nnusual interest; many were converted, and the revival spread in all directions. Rev. Daniel Fuller, then in charge of Shapleigh Circuit, had the oversight of the little society in Alfred at that time. William C. Larrabee, a graduate
14 From Sketch of Rev. S. D. Brown.
:372
ALFRED.
of Bowdoin College and a local preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church, was Preceptor of Alfred Academy, and rendered valuable assistance in the meetings.
Several preachers were in attendance; the exercises were deeply interesting ; the congregations were large ; the sermons and exhorta- tions were attended by the Spirit's influence.
The Lord's supper was administered in a field, as there were no conveniences for this service in the Court House.
At the close of the last sermon in the Court Room, while Rev. Paul C. Richmond was giving an exhortation, four persons seated in different .parts of the room, fell at once upon their knees and prayed audibly for mercy. A minister immediately knelt by the side of each of them, and they were saved before the audience was dismissed. The names of these persons were Sarah Ann Goodwin, Lucy Taylor, Priscilla Emerson and Hannah E. Odell. The last named was then a student in the academy, a young lady of rare excellence ; she afterwards became the wife of Rev. Daniel B. Randall of the Maine Conference.
Benjamin J. Herrick, Esq., sheriff and prominent citizen of the ·county, though not then a professed christian, was deeply impressed by the joyous expression of one of the young converts, and at once became an earnest seeker; his wife also had been deeply wrought upon, and soon they both passed from darkness into light. The conversion of Mr. Herrick and his wife was an event of great importance to the society at Alfred.
In June of the same year, 1830, Alfred was connected with Shapleigh, 'and the first regular appointment was made ; Daniel Fuller and Abner P. Hillman, preachers in charge. The revival continued ; some of the converts joined the Methodist church, and some joined other churches. Four who were claimed as converts of this revival, became members of the Maine Conference: Joseph Gerry, Alvra Hatch, Moses P. Webster and Henry L. Linscott.
This extraordinary revival was regarded by people of other church communions " as a strange fanatical departure from sober truth." A bitter opposition was aroused. The Sabbath following the sermon of Rev. P. Crandall, in the Congregational church, the pastor gave the following announcement :
" I am requested by my church to say that if any more straggling preachers come along, not one of them can have this pulpit, unless the consent of every member of this church can be obtained."
On the Sabbath succeeding the protracted meeting the pastor of
373ª
GOODWIN MILLS. LYMAN.
the Congregational church warned the congregation against " such false teachers," and ever afterward he and his people strenuously- endeavored to prevent persons from hearing Methodist preaching. This persistent opposition, amounting in some cases to persecution,, failed of its object. The little Methodist society remained steadfast, and gradually gained strength.
In 1832, Alfred was made a station, E. Kellogg, preacher in charge, and remained two years.
In 1833 and 1834, J. W. Atkins was the pastor. A church edifice was built and dedicated December 10, 1834, at a cost of two thousand dollars.
From that time onward, the church at Alfred has been regularly served by preachers appointed from Conference, and has been a pleasant and desirable appointment.
During the pastorate of Rev. J. Hawkes, 1875, '76, '77, the audience room of the church was remodeled, repaired and transformed into a " thing of beauty," at a cost of fifteen hundred dollars.
Statistics, 1886 : Probationers, 6 ; Members, 50; value of Church, $3000 ; value of Parsonage, $1000; Officers and Teachers in Sunday School, 11; Scholars, 60.15
GOODWIN MILLS. LYMAN.
Methodist preachers visited Goodwin Mills and held meetings as. early as 1809.
The first class was formed by John Adams, and some of the first members were Joseph Wadlin, who was the first class leader, Ann Wadlin, Betsey and Sally Wilson.
For several years, meetings were held in school houses. The early records of the society are defective. Among the early remembered' preachers were E. F. Newell, Philip Ayer, W. H. Pilsbury, Jesse Stone. William Brown, J. Gerry, H. M. Macomber.
James Lewis is particularly remembered, as under his ministry and: through his efforts, a meeting-house was erected, October 9, 1839.
For some time this place belonged to a four weeks' circuit, and was. served by Gorham Greely and John Rice.
In 1843, it was included in Buxton Circuit ; J. Clough, preacher in charge.
In 1845, S. M. Emerson was pastor. After this time, for several years, the place was supplied by local preachers.
15 From Semi-Centennial Sermon, by Rev. C. W. Bradlee.
374
ACTON.
Goodwin Mills appears upon the minutes for the first time in 1856 ; D. Waterhouse, preacher in charge. He was followed successively by E. Gerry, F. C. Ayer and C. Philbrook ; the last named pastor closed his labors in death, March 1, 1863. Local preachers supplied his place till the session of Conference. Since that time, the place. has been regularly supplied by preachers from Conference.
In 1850, a parsonage was purchased, and in 1873 it was thoroughly repaired, during the pastorate of Rev. Alpha Turner.
In 1885, the church was repaired, greatly improved and nicely furnished, at an expense of fifteen hundred dollars, and reopened for worship, free from debt, December 3, the same year.
Statistics, 1886 : Members, 57 ; on probation, 10 ; value of Church, $2,000 ; Parsonage, $1,500 ; Officers and Teachers in Sunday school, 16; Scholars, 84.16
ACTON.
"A Methodist society was organized in Acton in 1825." This brief reeord is the only account extant of the history of Methodism up to that date. Acton has always been eonneeted with other contiguous societies in a circuit. The name seldom appears in the minutes.
In 1831 and 1832, an extensive revival occurred in this place, under the labors of Rev. D. Copeland and Rev. H. L. Linscott. A society was formed which continued for several years, to be supplied with preaching in connection with Emery's Mills.
In 1839 and 1840, there was a revival under the labors of Rev. B. Foster, and a house of worship was built. Revivals occurred, from time to time, with encouraging results. Rev. J. M. Woodbury and Rev. A. C. Trafton, of the Maine Conference, were raised up in this place.
Methodist meetings were sustained regularly most of the time until about 1880, though the society had been for some years deelining, 'both in numbers and in ability. For several years past it has been deemed inexpedient to continue preaching at this place. 17
PORTER AND KEZAR FALLS.
In 1833, Rev. D. Copeland and Rev. George Strout, preachers in charge of Baldwin Circuit, held meetings in various places in Porter, with eneouraging results. Several persons were converted, and in Deeember of the same year, the first class was formed, consisting of
16 By Rev. C. E. Bisbee. 17 Letter of Rev. S. D. Brown.
375
PORTER AND KEZAR FALLS.
John Moulton, leader, Josiah Weeks, Jane Moulton, James Coffin and wife. Mary Bickford. Jemima Cousens and Mary Libby.
From 1832 till 1840, the Methodist meetings were held in the town house, at the house of Josiah Weeks, Charles Nutter, and in school houses.
About 1832 or 1833, D. Copeland and H. L. Linscott held meetings together in Porter. Under the first sermon by Mr. Linscott, three persons were converted who afterwards became members of the Methodist church.
Until 1844, Porter was included in Baldwin or Cornishville Circuit. At that time Porter was made a separate charge, and James McMillan was the preacher.
From that time, Porter was supplied with preachers from Conference, some times as a separate charge, and some times connected with Cornish or Kezar Falls.
For several years, Kezar Falls has been the principal point in the circuit, and Porter seems to have declined.
The records of the societies included in this circuit have been so imperfectly kept, that a complete history is impossible. Many changes have been made.
In 1865 and 1866, Rev. A. D. Dexter preached part of the time in Porter. Some interest was awakened under his labors, aided by Rev. K. Atkinson.
Subsequently, under Mr. Atkinson's labors, the society was reorganized, and a missionary appropriation was secured for three years.
In 1869, the society in Porter was connected with Kezaf Falls, and Porter disappeared from the minutes.
In 1867, the Union church at Kezar Falls came into the possession of the Methodists. It was repaired during the pastorate of K. Atkinson, and continued to be used until 1883, when it was sold, and a new, tasteful church was built, with vestry, class room and other conveniences. The tower is furnished with a fine toned bell.
A parsonage was built at Kezar Falls village in 1866, the brothers, Eben T. and Henry Nutter, contributing generously towards it.18
After many discouraging vicissitudes, the Kezar Falls charge has now a brighter prospect of future success.
Statistics, 1866 : Members, 35 ; on probation, 2; value of Church, $4,500 ; Officers and Teachers in Sunday school, 12; Scholars, 50.
18 By Rev. W. E. Morse,
. 376
SOUTH BIDDEFORD.
BIDDEFORD.
The Methodist church in Biddeford was organized in 1847, conisting of fifty members from the church in Saco. The first church edificc was built the same year, and W. F. Farrington was appointed the first pastor, at the Conference in Saco, June thirtieth of that year. Mr. Farrington continued in charge of the society two years, laboring with great success. Rev. Henry M. Blake was the second pastor, continuing in charge, two years. He was an indefatigable worker, and a devoted minister. At the close of his pastoral term, at Bidde- ford, he reported two hundred and fifteen members in full and eighty on probation. The missionary collection for the year, was two hundred and two dollars. The church continued to prosper under the care of faithful pastors.
In 1856, under the pastorate of Rev. B. Foster, the debt, which had long been a burden, was paid.
During the pastorate of Rev. S. F. Wetherbee from 1869 to 1871, a new church was built, at a cost of $18,000, on a lot previously bought for that purpose. The church was dedicated August 31, 1871, by Rev. H. B. Ridgaway.
The pastorate of Rev. Mr. Wetherbee was remarkably successful.
During the pastoral term of Rev. D. W. Le Lacheur from 1878 to 1881, a new parsonage was purchased at a cost of $3,500. Other pastors have rendered faithful and successful service.
This church has been remarkably favored, not only with faithful and able ministers, but with a strong force of energetic and excellent men and women in its membership.
Among the active laymen, none have been more prominent than the brothers, Leonard and James Andrews, men of unusual physical and mental force. They have been foremost in all the enterprises of the church, and especially helpful in the public and social meetings, by their wonderful power of song. The death of Leonard Andrews, recently, was a great loss to the church, as well as to his family and the community.
Statistics, 1886 : Members, 320; on probation, 15; value of Church, $18,000; Parsonage, $3,500; Officers and Teachers in Sunday School, 33 ; Scholars, 350.19
SOUTH BIDDEFORD.
South Biddeford, Oak Ridge, (in the South Westerly part of 19 From letter of Rev. T. Gerrish.
377
KENNEBUNKPORT.
Biddeford,) and Biddeford Pool, constitute the South Biddeford Circuit.
The Methodist society at Oak Ridge, commenced in 1834, under the labors of a local preacher from Saco and Biddeford. Meetings were held in a school house, resulting in a revival, and a small class was formed, Luther Benson, leader. There was occasional preaching during the ensuing two years.
In 1836, there was a revival at South Biddeford, a class was formed and a small house of worship was built, and South Biddeford became a Conference appointment.
In 1852, under the labors of A. Turner, an increased interest was awakened at Oak Ridge, and, in 1853, it became a separate charge, leaving South Biddeford in a feeble condition, and for a number of years this charge was supplied from the city.
Since 1853, Oak Ridge has been supplied, most of the time, by preachers from Conference.
A house of worship was built at this place many years ago, which has several times been repaired, (over one hundred and twenty-five dollars expended the last year.) The house is in good condition, and the affairs of the society are in a comfortable and hopeful state.
At Biddeford Pool, there is a class of seventeen members and five on probation, all women, " a weak but persevering society."
The old church at South Biddeford has recently been repaired at a cost of one hundred and fourteen dollars. The society at this place is feeble.
The entire membership of the circuit is forty-seven, and eleven on probation. Two houses of worship.
Statistics, 1886, Oak Ridge : Members, 11 ; on probation, 8; one church ; value, $1,200; Parsonage, $600; Officers and Teachers in Sunday school, 4 ; Scholars, 23.
1885, South Biddeford and Pool : Members, 9; on probation 6; House of worship, value not reported.
1886, Biddeford Pool : Members, 17; on probation, 5.20
KENNEBUNKPORT.
The first Methodist preaching in Kennebunkport of which any account is recorded, except the preaching of George Whitefield in 1744, was by preachers of Scarborough Circuit, and by James Lewis of Gorham, as early as 1810 or 1812.
20 Rev. H. F. Lund.
378
KENNEBUNKPORT.
In 1816, Rev. Leonard Bennett, then on Buxton Circuit, held a few meetings in this place, and more than twenty persons were converted ; but so strong was the opposition to Methodism, that only six could be persuaded to join the class, and only one of these held out a year.
In 1817, Rev. Ebenezer Blake of Scarborough Circuit, held a series of meetings in this place, assisted by James Lewis, Asa Heath and others. As the result of these meetings many persons were converted, but the opposition of the dominaut religious denomination, was so strong that only sixteen were willing to unite with the class. Of these sixteen members, a church was organized ; but, for two or three years, from the cause already named, there was but little increase.
The society held their meetings in private houses, vacant shops and barns.
In 1820, Arundel or Kennebunk Circuit was set off from Buxton Circuit, including four appointments ; James Jaques was the preacher in charge.
It soon became evident to opposers, that Methodism had come to stay.
About 1830, Capt. Oliver Bourne, a generous Methodist, offered the society the use of a hall over his store, for a place of worship. The hall was soon fitted and furnished, and in 1831, was dedicated as Wesleyan Hall, by Rev. John Lord, Presiding Elder.
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