USA > Maine > History of Methodism in Maine, 1793-1886 > Part 38
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When the house was completed, the pastor rather unwisely refused to preach the dedicatory sermon, and the people engaged Rev. John N. Maffit for that service.
The house was dedicated August 23, 1826. Rev. Thomas Green- halgh preached in the afternoon of the same day. These sermons, with the other two Methodist sermons recently preached in the place,. impressed the people so favorably that the new house of worship was given to the Methodists, and the Methodist society in Eliot has been regularly supplied by preachers from Conference to the present time (1886).
31 Rev. T. F. Jones.
390
SOUTH ELIOT. KITTERY.
An extensive revival occurred in 1839 and 1840, under the labors of Rev. John Rice, during which forty members were added to the church.
The church edifice has been repaired and improved from time to time, and the society has had a fair degree of prosperity.
Statistics : Members, 71; on probation, 2; Churches, 2; value, $2,500 ; Parsonages, 2; value, $1,500 ; Sunday schools, 2; Officers and Teachers, 12; Scholars, 100.32
SOUTH ELIOT.
The first class in South Eliot, was formed in 1843 by Rev. John C. Perry, preacher in charge of Kittery, first church, who preached occasional lectures in South Eliot.
The society in this place, has had a varied experience. In 1844 and 1845, it was supplied by Rev. J. Hooper, and in 1846 and 1847, by A. R. Lunt.
From 1848 to 1852, this charge was connected with the first church in Kittery. In 1853, supplied by Rev. S. H. Tobey.
In 1854, a Wesleyan Society was formed by Rev. W. C. Clark. A large part of the Methodist society joined in this movement. A house of worship was built and occupied by the new organization till 1857.
In 1858 and 1859, Rev. F. A. Crafts of Maine Conference, was appointed to this charge. During his pastorate, a revival occurred, and twenty or more persons were converted or reclaimed. Since that time, the place has been regularly supplied by preachers of the Maine Conference, till 1856, when the South Eliot charge was connected with Eliot.
Statistics, 1886 : Probationers, 4 ; Members 36 ; value of Church, $1000; Parsonage, $420 ; Officers and Teachers in Sunday School, 13 ; Scholars, 100.33
KITTERY.
The history of Methodism in Kittery is in some respects, remarka- ble, affording the first instance in Maine, in which Methodism was welcomed by a minister of the "Standing Order."
In July, 1782, Rev. Joseph Littlefield was ordained pastor of the Congregational church at Spruce Creek in Kittery. He continued as pastor over forty years. Being then aged and infirm, he requested
82 Rev. J. H. Trask.
33 Rev. H. F. A. Patterson.
391
KITTERY.
his parishoners to apply to the Methodist Conference for a young minister to assist him in his work, stating that he was pleased with the doctrine of the Methodists, and "their manner of itinerancy." Accordingly a request was sent to the Conference in 1827, and Rev. Pascal P. Morrill, that year received on trial, was appointed to Eliot, including Kittery, who acted as colleague of Mr. Littlefield till his death which occurred the next year. During the year, Mr. Morrill organized a class of fourteen members in Kittery, partly of members from Eliot, and some who had been converted under his ministry.
The following are the names of the members of the first class in Kittery, viz. : Gowen Wilson, Nancy Wilson, William W. Fernald, Waite Fernald, Mary Cutts, Julia Fernald, Thomas Mason, Elzira Johnson, Susan Pettigrew, Hannah Caswell, Abigail Peckenrill, Susan Neely, Robert Cutts, Hannah Cutts. Of these, Nancy Wilson, aged ninety-two, and Elzira Johnson, sisters, still survive, (1887.)
In 1829, Rev. J. W. Atkins was appointed to Eliot with Rev. Justin Spaulding. Mr. Atkins seems to have had the special charge of Kittery. He was then young and ardent, and many were converted under his labors.
In 1830, Rev. A. Sanderson and Rev. E. F. Newell were appointed to Eliot, including Kittery.
In 1835, Kittery was made a charge by itself, P. P. Morrill, preacher in charge.
This year, the old Congregational church, having become much out of repair, the society decided to build a new one, more conveniently located. Gowen Wilson, William W. Fernald and Samuel Fernald purchased the lot on which the church now stands, and made a contract for the building of a new church. The new building was dedicated on the 16th of November, the same year.
The first board of Trustees consisted of Daniel Pierce, Daniel Cook and William S. Fernald.
The Kittery charge has been supplied by preachers from Conference, till the present time.
In 1842, a parsonage and stable were built on a lot donated by Daniel Pierce ; the money for building, being raised by subscription.
In 1857, the church was repaired at an expense of six hundred and fifty dollars, and supplied with a cabinet organ.
In 1879, a new church was built at a cost of $2,200, and dedicated August seventh, the same year, by Rev. P. Jaques, Presiding Elder. The tower was furnished with a bell, at a cost of two hundred dollars
392
KITTERY, SECOND CHURCH.
by Mrs. Nancy Wilson, a member of the first class formed in Kittery.
When the second Methodist Episcopal church was organized, a considerable number of the members of the first church were trans- ferred to the second church.
At present the two charges arc united under the care of one pastor. Preaching and the social meetings are maintained at both places. The society is in a hopeful condition.
Statistics, 1886, Kittery, first and second churches : Members, 140 ; on probation, 10; Churches, 2; value $8,000; Sunday schools, 2; Officers and Teachers, 25; Scholars, 210.34
KITTERY, SECOND CHURCII.
The society in this place was organized November 24, 1866. At the Quarterly Conference, held September 12, 1867, stewards were elected.
The class at this place, was formed about the year 1830, connected with the first Methodist Episcopal church of Kittery, several leaders served during the early years of the class, among whom, Father Laughton is remembered with special interest
In 1845, John Goodsoe was appointed leader, and served acceptably in that office for many years. Much of the success of the society is due to his faithfulness.
The preaching service, as a permanent arrangement, began in the spring of 1867, in Armory Hall, under Rev. N. D. Adams. Upon the failure of his health, Rev. Mr. Griffiu supplied for a time.
In April, 1868, Rev. W. H. H. Pillsbury was appointed from Conference, to this charge.
A lot of land for a church and parsonage was donated by Dr. Charles Chase, and a church edifice was built thereon, and dedicated by Rev. J. Colby, December 31, 1868.
There have been received on probation, 65 persons, of whom 39 have been received in full membership ; 18 discontinued ; 5 removed ; number baptized, 35 ; 28 by sprinkling, 7 by immersion ; ninety-six persons have been received into the church ; 24 removed by letter ; 7. died ; 1 withdrawn ; whole number January 1, 1881, 64.35
Statistics, 1885 : Members, 95 ; on probation, 5 ; value of Church $6,000 ; Officers and Teachers in Sunday school, 17; Scholars 140.
In 1886, the first and second churches in Kittery were united under one pastoral charge.
34 By Rev. F. Grovenor.
35 By Rev. W. W. Baldwin.
393
HARTFORD. PERU. HARRISON.
NEWRY. HANOVER.
Newry. Hanover, and several towus lying north, were formerly part of Bethel Circuit, and were set off in 1851, Rev. N. A. Soule, preacher in charge. The circuit has been varied from time to time, in its territorial limits. This circuit has been supplied with pastors to the present time.
A house of worship was built many years ago, in Newry, near the line of Hanover. The charge is now called Newry Circuit, embracing Upton and Erroll ; Rev. Insley A. Bean, preacher in charge.
Statistics : Members, 45 ; on probation, 15 ; one house of worship, value $1,000 Parsonage, value $500.
HARTFORD, PERU, ETC.
Hartford appears first in the minutes, in 1856, and formed part of a circuit including Peru, Cauton, or Livermore. There was au extensive revival in Hartford under the labors of Rev. George Briggs and Ezekiel Martin. a large number of persons were converted. During this revival, a young woman of superior gifts, and a devoted christian, who was severely suffering from chorea, was suddenly relieved in answer to prayers, so that she was able to attend the meet- ings, and render valuable service, by her ringing testimony, convincing hard, skeptical men, of the truth of religion.36
A house of worship was built under the labors of Rev. S. S. Gray in 1858 or 1859.
Hartford Circuit was supplied by preachers from Conference till 1880. The society became greatly reduced iu numbers by deaths and removals and the circuit was abandoned.
HARRISON.
Harrison was at first included in the old Poland Circuit. No record is preserved of the early visits and preaching of the circuit preachers.
The Methodist society in Harrison was organized in 1833. Ezra T. Ingalls, class leader. The church was built in 1835. There were forty-eight members of the class.
Harrison was first mentioned in the minutes in 1836, and was connected, most of the time, with some other place, as a circuit, till
36 By Rev. E. Martin.
394
OTISFIELD. RAYMOND. LOVELL.
1880, when the name disappears from the minutes. Ezra T. Ingalls, leader.
OTISFIELD.
Otisfield was formerly part of Poland Circuit and is mentioned in the Quarterly Conference records of that Circuit August 22 and 23, 1797. No account is found of the labors of the Circuit preacher at Otisfield during the carly years of the circuit.
In 1831, Otisfield appears in the minutes, and seems to occupy a prominent position for many years, often in connection with some other place, as a circuit, with varying connections, till 1885, when the name disappears from the minutes.
RAYMOND.
The Methodist society in Raymond was probably organized as early as 1800, and a small house of worship built not many years later. The early records are lost or poorly preserved, so that the early dates cannot be fixed.
The house of worship was thirty feet square, ten feet posts with quite flat roof. Benches, with high backs, for seats ; the house, at first, was without paint inside or out, evidently an ancient structure. The house was subsequently improved.
The first date of any transaction now on record, was July, 1823, when a parish was organized. Eben Strout was chosen clerk.
In 1842, about seventy-five names of members were recorded. In 1846, the number of members was about ninety, being the highest number at any time. About that time, the little church was quite thoroughly repaircd and improved. In 1868, some of the prominent members were : J. F. Woodman, local preacher, M. W. Nash, Gideon Plummer.
For a few years past, Raymond has not been reported in the minutes of Conference.37
LOVELL.
Lovell, prior to 1834, was connected with Waterford. It appears first in the minutes in 1834, Rev. D. B. Randall, preacher in charge, and continued to occupy a prominent place till 1883.
37 Rev. S. R. Nash.
NAPLES. WINDHAM. 395
NAPLES.
The first Methodist sermon preached in Naples was by Rev. Isaac Moore, in 1833 or 1834. He was, at that time, preacher in charge of Otisfield Circuit, but, crossing the limits of his charge, he held meetings in Naples, which resulted in an extensive revival.
The first class was formed in 1837, by Rev. John Cumner, preacher in charge of Harrison Circuit, embracing Harrison, Otisfield and Naples. A revival followed the labors of Mr. Cumner.
The first house of worship in Naples was built in 1859, under the earnest labor of Rev. Sargent S. Gray. The dedicatory sermon was by Rev. D. B. Randall.
John Hill was class leader many years, and was abundant in labors and sacrifices.
Sally Green a maiden lady, labored faithfully for this society in its infancy, and her love and fidelity to the church continued strong to the present time. Benjamin Green, her father, was the means of first introducing Methodism to this town by inviting preachers to the place, and opening his house for their entertainment. He was a quiet, devout christian, and departed this life in triumph.
Elsa Edmunds gave a neat cottage and about two acres of land to the society for a parsonage. She was an industrious, economical and pious maiden lady, having earned the property by hard work. She died well, and her memory is held in grateful remembrance.
The church in Naples was established through great tribulations, and it has been sustained only by constant effort and the blessing of God. The society has been depleted by the removal of the young people from the place.
The society at present is holding fast. The attendance at Sabbath services is good, and the interest in the Sunday school is excellent. The prayer and class meetings are well sustained. Some accessions to the class have lately been received. The women are doing excellent service for the church.
Statistics, 1866 : Members, 59 ; on probation, 10 ; value of church, $1,200 ; value of Parsonage, $800 ; Officers and Teachers in Sunday school, 8; Scholars, 80.38
WINDHAM.
Windham first appears in the Conference minutes in 1841, connected with Gray and Cumberland as a circuit, and continues with varying connections till 1858, when the name is dropped.
38 From communication by Rev. J. Gibson.
1
396
GILEAD, DANVILLE. BELGRADE.
GILEAD.
Gilcad has for many years formed part of a circuit, some times in connection with Mason and Albany, but often with varying con- nections ; but for several years, Gilead has not appeared in the Conference minutes.
DANVILLE OR SOUTH AUBURN.
A Methodist society has for many years been in this place. In 1863, and for several years following, Danville was a charge by itself.
Statistics, 1863 : Members, 79 ; on probation, 22 ; value of Church, $800 ; Officers and Teachers in Sunday school, 10; Scholars, 60.
About that time, the name of the charge was changed to South Auburn, and was quite irregularly supplied.
In 1877, under pastoral charge of Rev. S. T. Record, the number of members reported was seventy, and forty-five on probation ; value of Church, $1,800.
In 1878 : Members, 110; on probation, 24 ; Officers and Teachers in Sunday School, 12; Scholars, 60.
These numbers are kept up during 1879 and 1880.
Several circuits which have disappeared from the minutes, are not mentioned in this history, for the reason that the writer has been unable to obtain any history of them.
BELGRADE.
About the year 1872, a small, tasteful church was built at Belgrade Mills, a small village between two lakes, having a valuable water power. The church was built mainly by the liberality of David Golder, who owned and carried on an extensive spool factory.
Belgrade was connected with East Readfield. A small Methodist society was organized, with fair promise of success, and preaching was kept up till the death of Mr. Golder, about 1882, when it was found impracticable to supply the place with preaching.
BINGHAM.
Bingham was once a part of Norridgewock Circuit; afterwards, is found a part of Solon Circuit.
In 1840, Bingham was a charge by itself.
In 1848, it was again merged in Solon Circuit.
397
MAINE METHODISM.
MAINE METHODISM. 1800: 1887.
In 1800, Maine was a province of Massachusetts, the population, 151,000, mostly confined to settlements on the sea board and the margin of the rivers. Many of the people in the interior were living in log cabins.
Methodism had organized its forces, though under conditions apparently unpromising. It was treated with disdain by the " stand- ing order." and with but little favor by the people generally.
Its numerical forces consisted of cight traveling ministers and eleven hundred and ninety-seven members. Three or four cheap houses of worship had been built ; barns, school-houses and farmers' kitchens were used for churches.
The preachers were evangelists, without college honors or high literary pretension ; some were able ministers, and some had more zeal than culture ; they traveled large circuits on horseback, and found a welcome reception, mainly among the more neglected people in the sparsely settled portions of the state.
In 1887, the population of Maine has advanced to 648,945. Modern improvements have revolutionized business methods, and developed the industries of the people to an extent that eighty years ago, would have been deemed the wild dreams of fancy.
Methodism, in the mean time, has advanced to the foremost place among the religious denominations of the state. In the number of its ministers, members and houses of worship, the Methodist church in Maine stands first.39
CHANGES IN MAINE METHODISM.
1. In outward condition, Methodism has kept abreast with the improved condition of society.
The old large circuits have mostly given place to stations or circuits of much more limited extent. This modification, though in some cases carried to a damaging extent, has, on the whole, been necessary to meet the increasing demand for pastoral work.
2. The style of Methodist public worship has necessarily been modified by the general advance in social refinement and the increased elegance of our churches. The ardent and some times boisterous response, so common in former years, seldom disturbs the fastidious worshipper of modern times. Our public worship is more reverential,
39 The number of Methodist preachers in Maine in 1886, was 210; number of members of the Methodist Church including probationers was 23,706; number of churches, 252; probable value, $995,825.
398
MAINE METHODISM. 1800 : 1887.
but less ardent than in earlier years, when log cabins and barns were used as churches. A larger infusion of ancient Methodist ardor would greatly improve our public worship.
3. The style of Methodist preaching has also changed. The old itinerants were generally trained polemics, and the prevalent Calvinism of early times furnished a constant subject for their assaults.
The offensive points of Calvinistie theology are now seldom presented from the pulpit. Evangelical preaching, at the present time, is generally in accord with the Arminian ideas of Methodism. The " terrors of the Lord" and the awful verities of the judgment to come, are less frequently and powerfully proclaimed than formerly from Methodist pulpits, but no change of doetrinal opinion upon these awful subjeets is admitted.
Modern Methodist ministers are more generally and thoroughly educated than were the old itinerants. They have more culture and less fiery ardor.
In some cases, undoubtedly, literary culture is made a substitute for the baptism of the spirit, but on the whole, we have reason to believe that the Methodist ministers of the present time are as thoroughly pious and faithful as were the itinerants in the heroic age of Jesse Lee.
The reading of sermons in the pulpit was not praetieed, and it would not have been tolerated in the earlier period of Methodism. This praetiee, now somewhat prevalent, is against the advice of our chief pastors, contrary to the practice of our most eloquent preachers and public speakers, and is generally offensive to our people. There is reason to fear that this un-Methodistie praetiee marks the beginning of a sad deeline in the efficiency of the Methodist pulpit.
4. In the various lines of Christian activity and benevolence, the Methodism of Maine, at the present time, is immensely in advance of its condition at the beginning of the present century. Its institutions of learning, with their generous endowments and grand advantages, are powerfully uplifting ageneies, and its diversified channels of useful influenee betoken coming victories of the cross, on a more stupendous scale than ever before.
5. The theology of Methodism has suffered no ehange, and needs no modifieation to accommodate it to the advanced thought of the age.
On the whole, Methodism in Maine was never so strong, nor in so hopeful a condition, as at the present time.
399
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
CHAPTER XXVI.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF METHODIST TRAVELING PREACHRS WHO LABORED IN MAINE FROM 1800 TO 1824, SO FAR AS THE NECESSARY DATA HAVE BEEN OBTAINED, NOT INCLUDING PREACHERS OF EAST MAINE CONFERENCE. THE NAMES AND APPOINTMENTS OF ALL THE TRAVELING PREACHERS FROM 1793 TO 1886, ARE GIVEN IN THE ALPHABETICAL REGISTER, APPENDIX A, OF THIS VOLUME .- E. KIBBY. JOSEPH BAKER. S. BAKER. D. WEBB. O. BEALE. M. RUTER. R. WILLISTON. J. SNELLING. S. HILLMAN. A. H. COBB. P. MUNGER. DAN PERRY. T. GLIDDEN. H. MARTIN. E. WILLS. C. FOGG. J. WILKINSON. P. AYER. Z. GIBSON. E. BLAKE. D. KILBURN. E. F. NEWELL. D. WENTWORTH. J. LULL. C. CUMMINGS. B. BURNHAM. D. HUTCHINSON. J. NYE. J. PRATT. J. LORD. J. BRIGGS. P. CRANDALL. C. BAKER. T. PAGE. H. NICKERSON. E. STREETER. GORHAM GREELY. J. SHAW. E. ROBINSON. D. COPELAND. A. SANDERSON. JESSE STONE.
EPAPHRAS KIBBY.
Epaphras Kibby was born in Somers, Connecticut, in 1779. He was converted in his sixteenth year, under the ministry of Rev. George Roberts.
In 1798, he was pressed into the itinerant service at the Granville Conference, and appointed to Sandwich Circuit, Massachusetts. In 1800 he was appointed to Readfield Circuit, Maine.
"This seemed to him a distant and appalling field. But he was accompanied on the way by a noble band of brave spirited itinerants, Merritt, Heath, Webb, on their way to eastern circuits.
Readfield Circuit embraced the entire Westerly half of what is now Augusta District, including fourteen towns. He traveled and preached every day in the week except Saturday.
The difficulties and hardships, in traveling around so extensive a circuit, in that early period in the settlement of the country, were extreme. At times his courage was ready to give out. He felt that he must retreat. When about to give up in dispair, a marvel- lous revival broke out on the circuit. He took fresh courage and went on his way rejoicing.
He was called to Monmouth to preach a funeral sermon. While he sat in the desk of the Union Meeting-house, waiting, a divine affiatus seemed to descend on him and the gathering people. A well dressed lady arrived and took a seat tremblingly, near the door, but where the whole assembly saw her. Without an audible expression, her countenance and demeanor exhibited unutterable feeling, and the whole audience seemed to share it. As he advanced in his discourse, exhibiting the mercy of God, the feeling of awe, which had hitherto absorbed the assembly, seemed to change; a glad and grateful emotion spread through the congregation.
A bright and glorious expression shone in their faces. The lady, with streaming eyes
400
JOSEPH BAKER. SAMUEL BAKER.
and overflowing heart, found peace with God, and seemed transfigured before them. When they arose to sing, she united with them, and as they were rendering the last words of one of Charles Wesley's hymnns,
"Give joy or grief, give ease or pain, Take life or friends away, But let me find them all again, In that eternal day."
Said the lady : "I sung myself away and should have fallen, had not some one set me down."
She then told the people what the Lord had done for her soul. Her husband, near her, was smitten down and dropped upon his seat. The presence of God seemed to over- shadow the place, and the assembly was overwhelmed.
The lady, (Mrs. MeLellan, ) became a devoted member of the church. Her husband was subsequently converted, and their family was long known on the Kennebec, for its affiuent and christian hospitality and its devotion to the interests of Methodism. The family afterwards became the germ of the Methodist church in Bath.
The influence of this remarkable meeting spread like a flame through the town and neighboring villages, and more or less, over the circuit. The sinking heart of the preacher was fortified forever.
These scenes at Monmouth led to the introduction of Methodism at Hallowell. A young man from this place being present at the remarkable meeting in Monmouth, invited Mr. Kibby to visit Hallowell (see page 269-270 of this volume) .
Mr. Kibby also preached the first Methodist sermon in Augusta (see pages 272-273).
His subsequent labors were in Massachusetts and Rhode Island except 1809-1810, when he was stationed in Portland, Maine.
In 1841, he retired from effective service and his name was entered upon the list of superannuates. He departed this life exelaiming, "Glory to God," in Chelsea, Massa- chusetts in 1865, after a ministry of sixty-seven years.
Mr. Kibby was tall, erect and slight in person, extremely neat in dress, and venerable in appearance. His talents were of a superior order. His language was remarkable both for elegance and foree. He never used notes in the pulpit, though a large portion of his sermons were written. He rendered valuable service in the church."-Abbreviated from Stevens' History of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Vol. III, pp. 40-44.
JOSEPH BAKER. SAMUEL BAKER.
Joseph Baker came from the town of Moscow, Maine, one of the most northerly townships on Kennebec river. Whether this was his native town, the writer cannot ascertain. It is evident that Mr. Baker passed the early period of his life in that remote settlement. His advantages for education were necessarily very meager. His family connections were people of intelligence and of no ordinary force of character.
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