History of Methodism in Maine, 1793-1886, Part 66

Author: Allen, Stephen, 1810-1888; Pilsbury, William Hacket, 1806-1888
Publication date: 1887
Publisher: Augusta, Press of C. E. Nash
Number of Pages: 1146

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An appropos illustration is of a ship loaded, having her valuable cargo well trimmed ; and then, by the cranky captain, duplicating with trash, her cargo, when she can be saved from foundering, only by jetsoning her superfluous cargo.

When, during the following Conference year, the church was purged of more than half its nominal membership, there remained a noble band of more firmly united members, who, though outnumbered, had never wavered ; but continued one in heart and mind ; of whom, without intending to be exclusive, a few names may be mentioned, especially the Nickersons, the Bakers, the Doans and the Fowlers, a Brooks, a Godfrey and a Dole. Nor should Brother John Eldridge, a local preacher, be left unnoticed. He was a native of Orrington, and the father of George N. Eldridge, now of Colorado Conference. Standing aloof from Millerism, he was the sole ministerial helper, in 1843, of the preacher in charge ; and rendered good service in supplying the three Sabbath appointments. Brother Eldridge, was sound in doctrine, of good and artless mind, mild in temper, of ready and interesting speech, always true to the church and of good repute. His wife was the daughter of Manning Wood, who, in carly life, when sick, had a vision of a coffin brought to his bed and carried away

EAST MACHIAS.

empty ; which confirmed in him the faith that he was not to pass through the grave ; but, in due time, was to be translated. He lived to an advanced age ; but finally went the way of all the earth. And here the reader will please pardon the use of an incident illustrative of the good standing of Orrington, after the year of its severest trial :

At the Bath Conference, in 1843, Bishop Hedding and the writer and wife being guests of " Mam Mclellan," of blessed memory, the wife, being necessitated to leave before adjournment, the hostess, in hearing of the wife, asked the Bishop where the husband was to go, whose reply was, "to that blessed Orrington."

In: 1885. Orrington, with a total population of 1529, has three Methodist churches, of ample size, well finished and cared for, situate in triangular form. about three miles apart, and of a total value of $9,500, and two parsonages, valued at $1,600, with a membership, including probationers, of 264.

After the writing of the foregoing, Rev. E. M. Fowler furnishes the following brief statement :

"My father told me that the first class consisted of seven mem- bers, four in Orrington and three in Hampden. The four in Orrington were my grandparents, Simeon Fowler and wife, and Mr. Paul Nickerson and wife ; Hampden, Mr. Murch and wife. The seventh, I am not certain, but I think a Mr. Mayo, who married a daughter of my grandparents." He then relates the following incident :

" My grandfather. for a brief time, was a soldier in the Revolution. I recollect distinctly, that he drew a pension. He was the first Justice of the Peace in that section, when the courts were holden at Bagaduce, (Castine.) The first criminal case that he pronounced on (the crime I don't know) the judgment was that he be tied to a wood sled tongue, and be whipped a certain number of lashes. The country was terror stricken."

(2.) MRS. B. J. POPE, writes : "My own recollections and information obtained from my father, M. J. Talbott of East Machias, are on this wise :

"In 1819, M. J. Talbott was present at a funeral, in Cooper, of a young man, killed by accident in the logging woods, attended by Rev. Ebenezer F. Newel ; the first Methodist preacher who had travelled east of the Penobscot. I do not know, but think, he must have been sent by Conference to ascertain the condition of that region." (E. F. N. 1818, appointed to St. Croix .- Editor.)

EAST MACINAS.

Hon. M. J. Talbott having been reared by descendants of the Puritans in the Calvinistic faith, was very much impressed with the (loetrine of frec salvation, which he heard for the first time. He beeame a christian and a Methodist ; remaining so during his long life. He retained a strong affection for E. F. Newel, who visited him, after he became aged and blind. This train of circumstances led to the formation of the Methodist church in East Machias.

Mr. Talbott owned a lumbering establishment in East Machias, two and a half miles from the village, at a place called Jacksonville.

In 1853, a Methodist church was formed by Rev. M. P Webster ; who was stationed at a neighboring town. Meetings were held in the school house and seasons of great blessedness were enjoyed.

The following preachers were stationed here, connected with various other circuits in the immediate vicinity : In 1836, Rev. H. N. Macom- ber, was the pastor. (For others see list in Appendix, of names and appointments .- Editor.)

In 1859 a move was made to build a ehapel, Mr. Talbott contributing the larger part of the amount necessary to its ereetion and completion. During the year the house was dedicated to the service of God, by Dr. M. J. Talbott of Providenee Conference, a son of Hon. M. J. Talbott.

In 1863, a parsonage was built, the work being very much aided by Rev. Mr. Roberts. Mr. Talbott and family contributed largely to the building.

The early class leaders were Mr. John Chaloner, and Stephen T. Harris ; both men of great piety, their influence doing much for the spiritual welfare of the church. Classes were sustained at the village during Mr. Talbott's later years, he being leader.

The church has suffered from various eireumstances, such as the emigration of a large number of young men, deaths, removals, ete., but has, through all these changes, maintained the institutions of the church with commendable zeal. Interesting revivals have, from time to time, blessed them ; strengthening their faith and inereasing their number. The church building has been kept in good repair, and many have gone home praising God, saved through the instrumentality of the gospel preached in this ehureh. Though the founders have gone to heaven, and many of the preachers and people have gone shouting, it is hoped that it may be the home of true and faithful worshipers long years to come ; that many more will say, "I was spiritually born in Jacksonville chapel."

WISCASSET.

The following appeared in Zion's Herald, in 1867 : " East Machias, Maine. December 10th, Rev. B. M. Mitchell writes, that they have a nice little church in East Machias, which has been recently painted at the expense of a good brother, Hon. M. J. Talbott, who loves Methodism, and is doing much to promote and sustain it at home and abroad. They have also a very convenient and comfortable parsonage and stable. Mrs. B. J. Pope has made the parsonage some valuable presents, beside painting it at her own expense. Within the last few weeks the work of conversion has been going on gloriously. All ages are interested. The church is greatly revived and quickened. Seventy- five have been forward for prayers, and most of them have been blessed with peace."

(3.) Nothing of Methodism, in Wiscasset, worthy of note, is known till about 1818, when a few members moving there "laid the foundation of a prosperous society." For several years but few were added. "Among the early additions was Moses Donnell, of a neighboring town. He was filled with faith and the Holy Ghost, and, in 1826, was licensed a local preacher."

In 1827, to use the language of record : "One of the most powerful and extensive revivals ever known in this section, took place. The brothers David and John Young, were very efficient workers in the revival. The town hall was fitted for worship, and here it was no unusual thing to see more than a hundred at a time crying for salvation. One occasion was attended with such overwhelming influence of the Holy Ghost that Rev. John Young, full of the spirit of God, commenced his sermon, and soon lost control of his voice. Its tones suddenly became most awfully solemn, and more and more unnatural, till intense emotion choked his utterance, when, so sensibly was the Divine presence and power felt that an involuntary wailing burst from every part of the congregation, while nearly the whole assemply fell upon their knees, and cried aloud for mercy. About fifty, it is said, were converted that night. The work continued to extend till, in all parts of the town, and the adjoining towns, many became its subjects. . Of the converts a goodly number united with the Methodist Episcopal church."

Another writer says, in connection with this revival, "the instructor of one of our schools was converted, some of his scholars also, and when, at the opening of his school, the day after his conversion, he proceeded, after prayer, with the usual exercises, having heard one

WISCASSET.

class read, he could proceed no further, but dismissed the school, and requested those seeking the Lord to kneel for prayers, when several of the scholars, who had professed religion, joined with him ; and, after continuing this exercise about two hours, eleven were converted."

This writer further says, " I think I shall be safe in reckoning two hundred as the hopeful subjects of this glorious revival, within the limits of this town ; of which number I have received one hundred and three into the Methodist society, and others stand ready to give us their names." He further says, "we also learn that there is a prospect of revival in the adjoining towns, Newcastle, Alna and Edgecomb.

In 1828, a preacher was asked for, and Oliver Beale was the first appointed, " who remained but one Sunday, and Phineas Crandall was sent to fill his place, but he left before completing the year.

Moses Donnell was appointed in 1829 and 1830. (Such, occasion- ally, were the revivals half a century agone, back of the sceptical age ; and when religious and moral instruction was not a stranger at home, and all delegated to the sehools .- Editor.)

(NOTE : The editor, being the pastoral ineumbent in 1841 and 1842, well remembers, that during the winter and spring of the former year, he was not absent from the church one evening of three months' protraeted services, the fruit of which was about one hundred received on probation.)

"In 1834 and 1835 a meeting-house was built and eompleted, which in 1858, the corporation voted to alter, enlarge and repair. The church had come, spiritually and temporally, to be one of the strongest in East Maine.

"The great fires in 1866 and 1870 were severe blows to the village. and ehureh. Business went down, people moved away, and the place has never been built up. Just before the fire of 1870, a parsonage to cost $2,500, was projeeted, and pledges seeured for the lot and house, but, the fire oeeurring, about half the subseription was lost, leaving the society unable to build.

"The society now have a ehureh and parsonage valued at about $6,000, and free from debt ; with a class membership of one hundred and fifty-five. The society is now in a very low state, but full of hope and trust.

"Brother A. Church was here licensed to preach, and recommended to the Annual Conference, in 1833 "

LUBEC POINT.

(Just here will the reader please indulge a brief statement, for the sake of the reflection and the moral? Before the war of 1812, and prior to the embargo, Wiscasset was a mart of commercial thrift and wealth, of two of whose worthy citizens, fireside history relates, that each owned thirteen square rigged vessels, engaged largely in West India trade ; for which trade Wiscasset had superior adaptation and facilities. Of one of these it was said that the house he occupied, which was large and well situated, was paid for with a hundred puncheons of rum on the wharf, and the children had silver dollars for play things. When the embargo, which was fatal to the West India trade so long as rigidly enforced, was raised, one of the partics above named sold ont, but the other, the same party that bought the honse, retained. Each was, of course, confident he had done the best thing. Soon war was declared, leaving the vessels of one to rot in dock, and of the other deposited in Bank. The two men were, de facto equally shrewd, and as equally purblind ; but one, as the world will have it, struck a streak of luck, while the other made a mistake. Now let it be assumed, that the war, which neither could forsee, had not come, or had not so soon followed the embargo ; then the actual loser would probably have been the greater gainer ; whereas he was reduced to extreme poverty. Moral : Man may appoint but God disappoint. Does not then, wisdom teach to build upon the sure foundation, by setting affection on things above, that the treasure may be sure and abiding? Editor.)

LUBEC. (FROM RECORDS.)

(4.) " Rise and progress of the Methodist Episcopal church at Lubec Point.

" Previous to 1840, the Methodists preached at Lubec Point occasionally ; but there was no regular preaching till that time.

"A class was formed in the winter of 1839 and 1840, consisting of a few members.

"The first stationed preacher was Rev. James Thurston, in 1840, who preached part of the time only. He lost his health in the winter, until which time things moved quite well. A few joined on trial that year. He was followed by Rev. J. Weston, 1841 and 1842. He was well received and labored with acceptance, and was remarkably beloved by the unconverted. He had some revival the first year, and a few joined society. In 1859, Alfred S. Adams was appointed to Lubec Point and Whiting. There was a gracious revival in Whiting. Abont ninety-five converted in Whiting and vicinity. In 1866 and

DRESDEN MILLS.

1867, a glorious revival was experienced under the labors of Rev. S. S. Gross and Rev. G. R. Palmer, in Lubec.

" The Methodist Episcopal church, at the Point, was built in 1847."

DRESDEN MILLS.

(5.) " It appears that in the early days of Methodism in this vicinity, the circuits were widely extended. Pittston, Dresden, Whitefield, Wiscasset, Georgetown, Bristol, and probably the towns of Newcastle and Damariscotta, were included in the Bristol Circuit. It was agreed at the Quarterly Conference of Bristol Circuit, May 17th, 1813, that Bristol Circuit should be divided, and that Pittston, White- field, Dresden, Wiscasset and that part of Georgetown lying eastward of the Kennebec river, should form a new circuit."

"At the ensuing New England Conference, the doings of said Quarterly Conference were confirmed, and Samuel Hillman appointed to the charge of the circuit, and Joshua Nye assistant preacher. Since that time the Pittston Circuit has, at different periods been changed in its territorial limits, so that for a number of years Pittston and a part of Dresden have composed the circuit."

"At the session of the Maine Conference, in 1842, Dresden was formed into a separate eircuit, and Rev. I. W. Moore appointed to its charge ; during which time there was a gracious revival of religion."

Then followed, as per record, a list of preachers appointed to Dresden, when ineluded with other towns, and since its being made a separate charge, from 1799 ; but only those who do not appear in the appendix are inserted here. "1799, John Finnegan and Comfort C. Smith ; 1800, Timothy Merritt and Reuben Hubbard ; 1801, Timothy Merritt and C. C. Smith ; 1802, Joseph Baker and Daniel Rieker ; 1803, Comfort C. Smith ; 1805, Daniel Rieker ; 1807, James Young ; 1808, Joel Steel ; 1809, William Frost; 1819, William MeGray and Benjamin Ayer ; 1828, William G. Douglas and John Libby."

In 1834, the chapel was built on the hill west of the bridge, and used for worship until about the commencement of the year 1881. A short time previous to 1881, a Reform Club was organized at Dresden Mills, through the efforts of A. K. P. Buffum of Gardiner, and others. Temperanee meetings were held in the Hall, which gradually drifted into religious serviees on Sabbath evening, and by vote were put into the hands of Rev. M. G. Preseott, preacher in charge in Dresden ; who ' held the fort' for Christ, until February 1881, when J. L. Monroe of Boston, eame to assist in revival services, and as a result a large

EAST BOOTHBAY.

number were converted. The Sabbath school was soon re-organized, and held its sessions in the hall, so that in May, when the present pastor, (F. D. Handy) came npon the charge, he found a large congregation and a fine Sabbath school gathering in a very small hall.

"It was impossible to take the congregation back to the chapel, nearly one quarter of a mile out of the village up quite a steep hill." After much deliberation, it was determined to take down the chapel and nse the material in the construction of a church in the village.

" During the summer and fall of 1882, the house was finished outside to the bell deck, and the vestry finished. Near the close of the Conference year 1832 and 1833, some $700 more was pledged, conditional with the present pastor being returned. After conference the belfry and spire were completed, and the inside finished.

.. And now, by the blessing of God, after two and one-half years of hard labor, amid the fears of friends, and the doubts and jeers of those who would have been glad to have seen the work fail, we shall go into the house, with bills nearly all paid, and money to mect all demauds.

"In closing, I desire to thank all who have helped to secure to coming generations a beautiful place in which to worship God, and convenient of access to the people. F. D. HANDY, Pastor."

Rev. J. T. Crosby adds : "There is also a chapel at South Dresden ; I am not able to say when it was built, but it is old."

EAST BOOTHBAY.

(6.) Occasional Methodist preaching occurred in this town by Southport preacher, which place was then known as Cape Newaggen. Rev. Caleb Fogg was one of the earliest (1809). Rev. E. B. Fletcher was the early apostle of Methodism in Boothbay (1830 and 1831 and again in 1833 and 1834). Revs. A. Ward, (1835) ; J. Cumner, (1840 and 1841) ; J. C. Prince, (1849) ; were among the early pastors. The first Methodist class in Boothbay was formed at East Boothbay near 1834, with William Seavey, leader, who is still (1885) living. This class was composed of twenty-five members. Public and social meetings were held at William Seavey's residence some five years. The Sunday School was organized in 1832, and William Seavey was the first Superintendent.

The church edifice, on Webber Hill, was dedicated in 1841 ; sermon by Rev. Charles Baker, Presiding Elder of Thomaston District. The

PITTSTON AND CHELSEA. BREWER.

parsonage was erected near 1850, close to the church. The church has since been taken down, and rebuilt at a more central point, in the village. The parsonage has been sold, and a new one now stands by the present church edifice.

In May, 1879, Boothbay was set off, and made a separate station, and since that time, two pastors have been appointed to the town.

South Bristol has been attached to East Boothbay for several years.

PITTSTON AND CHELSEA.

(7.) The first regular Methodist preacher in Pittston, was P. P. Morrill, (1849 and 1850, East Pittston; West Pittston, 1848 and 1849, Abiel Foster minister). When P. P. Morrill came there was a class of few members, of which Brother Robert Clark was leader, who remains to-day a faithful christian and substantial worker in the church.

The church, which stands to-day, was built in 1847; F. A. Soule, preacher in charge. G. Cox preached the dedicatory sermon, The church was built largely by two brethren, C. S. Cox and John Blanchard.

Sister Bullen, of precious memory, was a warm supporter, and a faithful worker in the church.

The Sunday school was started, and the first dollar given for a library, by Brother R. Clark, who was its faithful superintendent for years. The Sunday school as well as its originator and his faithful wife, live to-day. Also sister C. S. Cox, now a widow, lives and enjoys the church of her care and prayers.

As near as I can find, by the records, something over four hundred have belonged to this church. The present membership is about seventy-five. M. F. BRIDGHAM, preacher in charge.

BREWER. (FURNISHED BY W. W. MARSH.)

(8.) S. H. Beale was the first pastor, in 1844. Nothing can be found earlier than what here follows.

The first class was organized about 1838, J. G. Swett, leader. Class meeting in leader's house, at end of toll bridge for years.

Up to 1854, when the first house of worship was built, under the pastorate of Rev. E. H. Whitney, the services had been held in Town Hall. The house is a plain wooden one, of no particular style, about 35x50, very high posted, with medium spire, running up from the roof, and is worth about $2000.

BREWER.

There has never been a local preacher connected with the church, save B. F. Tefft.

Of laymen, the first in order was David B. Doane, born in Orrington in 1800, in November, and came to Brewer when quite young. He was in the original church in Brewer, and became one of its pillars from the start. He was a plain, practical business man of unspotted integrity, and gave himself to the church without reserve. His time, influence and money were always at its service. He took a great interest in all that pertained to the interests of Methodism, in all this region, and was, for years, a Trustee at Northport. He fell asleep in Christ, at his home in Brewer, in 1879, being almost eighty years old. Brother Doane will long be remembered in Brewer and its vicinity.

Brother Joseph Baker was not one of the original members of this . church. He came to Brewer from Orrington, in 1854, but came a full grown christian man, and took his place at once in the front ranks. He was born with the century, January 1st, 1800, and lived well across it, dying in July, 1879. Brother Baker was a man of wealth, and so was a power in the young church. They leaned on him and. trusted him. His money was always blessing the church. In March, 1873, he presented the church with a neat, pleasant parsonage, with stable and garden ; a very convenient and enjoyable home for the pastor. He lost his property before his death, and his last days were clouded, but he died a good, true man, respected and beloved by the church and community.

Joseph Shackley was a man of a later day, born in September, 1826, and lived a brief life, dying in March, 1882, aged fifty-six years, seven months. Brother Shackley came into the church in 1854, and very soon came to be a man of influence in it. He was, almost from the first an official member; as class-leader, Trustee or Steward, always in positions of responsibility. A quiet, conscientious man, without bluster or assumption, he won a strong hold of his brethren and the world. They believed him a man of God. Consumption laid hold on him, and in middle life he passed away. His family believed. in him.

Others are still living, who have been with the church from the first,. but their record is not yet made up.

The first class members were: J. G. Swett, leader, and wife, Thomas Rowell and wife, Joseph Doane and wife, Pomeroy and wife, Edward Wing and wife, William Farnham and wife.

This church had the misfortune to be supplied for a few months, in 1869, by one Thomas Cooper from Bangor Theological Seminary. A

(68

J. G. PINGREE AND AROOSTOOK MISSION.

'fearful scandal soon occurred, and, in the melee which followed, he made way with all the records in his possession. As a consequence there is no " ancient document" of Brewer in existence. Our data arc, therefore very meager ; but we believe they are correct so far as they go.

The pastoral record is as follows : 1849, F. A. Soule (Orrington) ; 1852, B. S. Arcy (supply) ; 1861, W. Trewin (supply) ; 1866, J. W. Day (supply) ; 1869, Thomas Cooper, six months, (a terrible calamity. For all others, sce appendix.)

Nothing of very marked interest seems to have occurred in the history of the church.

In the pastorate of Rev. E. H. Whitney, in 1854 or 1855, quite an extensive revival was enjoyed, and the church greatly strengthened, "but who, or how many, I have no means of learning. In 1879, during the pastorate of A. S. Townsend, under the labors of Evangelists Smith and Mckinney another revival occurred, and a large number were taken into the church, but few of them can be found however, to-day. As a rule the history of this church has been of struggle against difficulties and discouragements. They are under the shadow of Bangor, and in this fact lies every disadvantage. Only Almighty power can ever make this church a success.

Brewer, November, 1885.

(9.) The following is abbreviated from a narrative furnished by Rev. J. G. Pingree, now in Dundce, Illinois, who, after one year, 1838, on Weston Circuit, was appointed two years, 1839 and 1840, to "" Aroostook. Miss." IIe says :

" I was received on probation in the Maine Annual Conference, in 1838, and appointed to Weston Circuit. I made my home with Brother William Butterfield. My circuit extended south to number eight (Topsfield), and north to Houlton and number six (Smyrna), a distance of seventy-five miles. I found a class of names left by my predecessor, in number eight, and made it one of my preaching places. The roads were very poor; but I could get along comfortably on horseback.

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History of Methodism in Maine, 1793-1886, Part 66

Author: Allen, Stephen, 1810-1888; Pilsbury, William Hacket, 1806-1888 Publication date: 1887 Publisher: Augusta, Press of C. E. Nash Number of Pages: 1146

Author: Allen, Stephen, 1810-1888; Pilsbury, William Hacket, 1806-1888
Publication date: 1887
Publisher: Augusta, Press of C. E. Nash
Number of Pages: 1146