USA > Maine > History of Methodism in Maine, 1793-1886 > Part 69
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Levi Walker, 1805. John Green, 1806. David Stimpson, 1807.
Joseph Baker, 1808. Zacchariah Gibson, 1809. Jonathan Chaney, 1810.
Isaiah Emerson, 1811.
John Wilkinson (Orrington), 1812.
Amassa Taylor, 1813.
BROWNVILLE. BY REV. W. LERMOND.
(21.) Only two of the older members are living, with memory much impaired. The first Methodist preaching was by Rev. William Withey (1832, Parkman, etc.) and Rev. T. B. Spaulding (1833, Parkman, etc.) They held a protracted meeting, in a barn in the north part of the town, and had a powerful revival. The converts that can be remembered were Samuel Hobbs, Ephraim and Lizzie Willard, Hiram Gerrish, Hannah Smith, Eliza Howard, and- - Rankins.
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Rev. A. Church (1834 and 1835, Kilmarnock) was the next preacher in charge, who organized a class of cight members in the house of Brother H. Gerrish.
A church was built in 1837 or 1838. It was commenced in March and dedicated the next December. It was built ncar the quarry, about a mile from the village, and was subsequently moved to where it now stands.
Rev. - Pierce or Brown, (1839, M. Brown, Parkman, 1839 and 1840, S. W. Pierce, Kilmarnock) was the first preacher after the church was built, and it was moved during the pastorate of Rev. Alfred Adams, (1850.)
The greatest revival ever had here was while Rev. W. D. Sewell, (1837, Kilmarnock) was pastor.
Captain Phineas Morrill was the first class leader. There was a parsonage here for a long time, but when Rev. J. A. Morelen was here, 1878, he sold it, and with the proceeds, slated the church roof, and bought a bell.
CHAPTER IX.
ELLSWORTH. BY REV. F. H. OSGOOD.
(22.) Francis B. Morgan, who was for twenty-five years Register of Deeds, in Hancock county, was the first Methodist class leader in Ellsworth. He was born in Brooksville, Maine, August 5th, 1794, and died in Ellsworth, September 4th, 1850.
He organized the first class in 1841, and met the same weekly, in his own house. He was a good man, honored by all who knew him. Such was the esteem in which the public held him, that different political parties continued him in the office of Register of Deeds for a quarter of a century. Some of the first members of this class werc George W. Maddocks, Hermon Garland, Ann Jellison and Abby Creighton.
Joseph P. French was the first Methodist preacher appointed to Ellsworth, which appointment was made in 1853. The second pastoratc was that of Ammi Prince, which began in 1855.
The church edifice was built during the first pastorate of Barnet M. Mitchell, which was in the years of 1858, '59 and '60.
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UNITY.
WALDOBORO. BY REV. ORREN TYLER.
(23.) Origin and progress of the Methodist Episcopal church in Waldoboro, from March, 1855, to January 1, 1885.
The first Methodist preaching was by Gilbert Ellis, a local preacher, in the Town House, and about the village, until the next Conference, in June of the same year. At that Conference North Waldoboro and Waldoboro were connected, and B. B. Byrne appointed as their pleacher, with Father Ellis as a supply. During that year their labors were blest, souls were saved. and two classes were formed, one in the village, the other on the Union road.
The first service which was held in the Town House, was announced by one Albert Johnston, ringing a bell upon the street, during the day, the service being in the evening.
Father Edward Brackett was one of the first preachers in Waldoboro, long before the organization of the church.
At the close of the first year a hall was secured in the village, in which to hold services, and at the next Conference, held in Bucksport, July, 1856, William H. Crawford was sent to Waldoboro. Among the early members of the church are the following names : Adams, Johnstons, Millers, Ludwigs, Newberts, Creamers, Gibbs, Achorn, Heyers, Richards, Schwartz, Keizer, Minks, Benners, Kuhns and Winslows.
In 1857, they commenced to build a church. A lot was secured on Friendship street, and a house erected, at a cost of $4,000. The trustees, who were chosen, and who were instrumental in building the church, were John Heyer, James Ludwig, Gilmore Miller, Martin Mank, and W. H. Schwartz. The church was dedicated October 28, 1857, by George Pratt. A revival followed, Daniel Wing being the first convert in the new house.
Repairs have been made from time to time ; but this year we have expended some $1,200, and are not yet through. During the pastorate of C. L. Haskell, ('79-'81) a fine organ was purchased, at a cost of some $600. The church has often been blest with revival, and the members are looking to a bright future.
UNITY. BY REV. S. H. BEALE.
(24.) Methodism was introduced into Unity near the close of the last century. by Jesse Lee, who frequently visited the town, while passing from the Kennebec to the Penobscot river. Mrs. Jane Ayer, now ninety years of age, says, she remembers distinctly his visits, at
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her father's, Mr. Benjamin Bartlett, where he passed the night whenever he visited the town, and preached to the few assembled in a private house. She also remembers his traveling with two grey horses, riding one awhile, the other following, then riding upon the other, thus alternating.
Though these visits attracted considerable attention, and some became interested in religion, yet there is no record of the formation of a class, or the establishing of a circuit until ten or fifteen years afterward. The first class formed was very small, consisting of Joseph Wood and wife, Jane Ayer, and Sally Libby.
The first eireuit formed included Vassalboro, Dixmont, Palermo, Freedom, and the region round about.
The first traveling preachers, visiting and laboring in this extensive field, were : Eleazer Wells, Ebenezer Newell, David Ilutehinson, Benjamin Jones. Local preachers : John Whitney, Benjamin Ayer, William McGray and Stephen Chase.
God blessed the labors of his servants with several revivals in these regions, and increased the number of members and eireuits, so that, in 1848, when the Conference was divided, there were eight or ten circuits in the same region.
Many preachers, both local and traveling, who have labored with more or less success, were raised within the bounds of this circuit. Among these we may mention, Revs. John Chase, Benjamin Chase, John Ayer, L. Freeman Chase, Wilbur Chase, Elijah Ware, J. C. Lamb, J. C. Crosby, F. W. Towle and George E. Files.
The reason why more eannot be furnished is, that the records were burnt, in a dwelling, a few years ago.
(Fires and death urgently prompt to historieal record .- Editor.)
BUCKSPORT. GATHERED FROM WELL PRESERVED CHURCH RECORDS AND FROM PERSONAL RECOLLECTIONS, BY EDITOR.
(25. ) Though a large and flourishing Methodist society had long existed at North Bueksport (Buekstown) the village was, for many years, considered as entirely the parish of Rev. Mighil Blood, who had for a long time (ordained 1803) been settled over the Congregational church (a life settlement). Occasionally the preachers from North Bueksport would lecture at the village, and many would come in to hear the " strange doctrines of these itinerants."
As early as 1824, a few Methodists were accustomed to meet at Brother William G. Chase's, for a prayer meeting. William G.
Yours July, Chas. E. Libby.
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Chase, Joseph Smith and Henry Little were the principal members of the society, who took an active part in these meetings.
The prejudices existing against the Methodists, whose doctrines were misunderstood, or misstated, and whose worship was caricaturcd by scoffers, were much strengthened, or aggravated by the eccentrici- ties of Rev. Samuel Baker, (a genuine pattern crank of the most obnoxious sort,-Editor), while he was the preacher at North Bucksport. The singularity of his manners, and the violence of his denunciations disgusted many who would otherwise have been friendly. His peculiarities were considered characteristic of the denomination. These impressions werc, in a great measure removed by the residence of Rev. Charles Baker (the countertype, every way, and not related to Samuel, ) in the village, in 1828 and 1829, while Presiding Elder on Penobscot District. By his affable and gentlemanly deportment he gained the esteem of those by whom he was surrounded.
By frequently lecturing he awakened a deep interest in the minds of the people. A gracious revival ensued and many were converted. Mr. Baker labored with Mr. Blood in perfect harmony. Though through the instrumentality of the Methodists, many were converted, no class was formed. The converts were all gathered into the Congregational fold.
In December, 1834, the first class was formed, Joseph Smith, who was a local preacher, being leader. The class consisted of J. Smith and wife, P. Stevenson and wife and Phebe Stover. Rev. R. J. Ayer, was, at this time, preacher in charge at North Bucksport, and the class was placed under his care. This little band was a nucleus around which others gathered, a few coming from other places.
Brother P. Higgins, a local preacher, a native of Bucksport, had resided some time in the village and aided the society, and in June, 1836, he commenced preaching at Orland Point (Gross' Point), where, the following winter, a protracted mecting was held by Brother Jonathan Cobb, resident at North Bucksport, and Brother Higgins ; Brother Bray being preacher in charge. . At this meeting some were converted. Some from the village were awakened, among whom were many Sabbath school children.
In March, 1837, a protracted meeting was commenced in the Congregational church, upon which a great revival followed, and many of the youth were converted.
The Methodists now had regular preaching one half the time, in the school house, (the old school house, corner of School and Buck
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streets) by Brothers Smith and Higgins, and some accessions were made. The next year Brother Bray preached one quarter of the time at the village, and Brothers Higgins and Smith, one quarter. At an Annual Conference held in Wiscasset, in June, 1838, Rev. John Hobart was appointed to Bucksport (village). It was a year of much interest and prosperity, and at Duck Cove there was extensive revival and many were added to the church.
The place of worship having become inadequate, it was proposed to build a meeting house. A good location (north side of Franklin street,) was secured, and William G. Chase, Joseph Bradley and Trueworthy Swazey were made a building committee, and James Goodale was master builder. The house, with tower, belfry, spire of ninety-six feet, and sixty-four pews, cost $3,500, and the lot $500. The frame was raised in June, and the house completed in November, 1839.
In 1840, Rev. Moses Hill was appointed to the charge, who, although much unpleasant rivalry existed between the two societies, by his gentlemanly bearing, secured the respect of those differing from him in opinion ; nevertheless the courtesy won, and due, was not extended toward the Methodists, or their minister.
As a result of a protracted meeting, in 1841, some were gathered into the church. There was also quite an interest at Duck Cove, where some were converted. The congregation was large and increasing and was more firmly knit together.
The Sabbath school prospered, and the cause of missions was not neglected. Mr. Hill was a faithful pastor, and a diligent student. His health while with this ehureh, was not good, yet he performed a great amount of labor.
In 1842, Rev. N. D. George was appointed to the charge, but, in a few weeks was disabled, by bronchitis, for public service ; whereupon Rev. J. Smith supplied the pulpit. By invitation Rev. C. F. Allen, teacher in the Maine Wesleyan Seminary, spent his winter vacation, assisting Mr. George. In February, 1843, a protracted meeting was held, a time of thrilling interest. The meetings were crowded with penitents. Sometimes as many as sixty were forward for prayers. As fruit of this revival a large addition was made to the church, and a third class was formed in the village. The succeeding year was a period of deelension, and there were some expulsions for immorality.
In 1844, Rev. C. F. Allen was appointed to the station, and efforts
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BUCKSPORT.
were made to induce a better state of feeling between the churches, which were not wholly successful.
In the spring of 1845, a protracted meeting was held. The church was revived, backsliders were reclaimed, and some were converted. During this year Joseph Bradley, a constant friend of the society, and John Jackson, an active and devoted church member, died.
In the autumn of 1845, typhus fever prevailed. Among those removed by death was Martha Arey, for some time the organist in the church, and a class member on trial. Brother Elisha Hopkins, a steward, was also taken away. He was a good man, full of faith.
During the two years of Mr. Allen's ministry he attended thirty- four funerals, five being of church members.
In 1846, Rev. J. C. Perry was appointed to the charge. During the spring of 1847, the church was revived, and some twenty were converted, and some worthy members died. Of the number were Mary C. Lee, an intelligent and devoted christian, and Phebe Stover, one of the first members. and faithful unto death, and Henry Clements who died suddenly, but left a name as ointment poured forth.
In 1847, Rev. J. C. Perry was re-appointed, with a colleague, Rev. Zina H. Blair. There was some addition to the charge by the annexation of what was formerly Dedham Circuit.
In 1848, Rev. David Higgins was appointed herc, and Rev. Z. H. Blair to Orland, which was made a separate charge; though during Brother Higgins' second year he had charge of Orland.
The memory of Brother Higgins is gratefully cherished in many hearts. During his two years service he was an efficient worker, and many were converted.
In 1850, Rev. Albert Church was appointed to Bucksport, and Rev. Obadiah Huse to Orland; which was made a separate charge. Though, because of the division of the charge, thereby reducing the membership and financial ability of Bucksport, together with the organization, the previous year, of a congregation of Unitarians and Universalists, and the moving away of some useful members ; thereby still further devolving a heavier responsibility, individually, upon the smaller number, it was a year of some anxiety, and of heavy burden bearing ; it was, at the same time, a year of peace, and a few were added to the church.
From 1850, no record appears, except of appointments to the charge, (for which see appendix) till 1875, when "Rev. W. W. Marsh was appointed, and remained three years. During the first year about $1,000, was expended upon the church building. In 1876,
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HOULTON. HODGDON. LINNEUS.
the Annual Conference was held here." It had been held here in 1849, 1856, 1864.
In 1878, Rev. C. B. Besse was appointed, and passed three very pleasant and prosperous years. In 1881, Rev. Theodore Gerrish was appointed, and during the year, he procured for the church a $1,200 organ, and succeeded in partially lifting a debt of $600, on the parsonage.
In 1882, Rev. A. C. Clifford was appointed, whose health failed, while doing his work to the satisfaction of everybody, both in and out of the church, obliging him, after re-appointment, to seek a milder climate, There was universal regret at parting with him. In 1885, he was transferred to the Missouri Conference, and stationed in Kansas City, where he soon died.
HOULTON, HODGDON AND LINNEUS. BY REV. B. C. WENTWORTH.
(26.) The Methodist church at Hodgdon, completed in 1855, and dedicated by Rev. Nelson Whitney, was the first built in the county of Aroostook. Rev. D. P. Thompson was the first preacher in charge. The building Committee and Trustces were A. Plummer, T. Brown, and C. Smart.
The original members now living are Mrs. Hannah Benn, Thomas Jones and Alfred Plummer.
The Methodist church at Linneus was built in 1868, by Methodists and Congregationalist, but the Congregationalists have become extinct and the Methodists claim the church. When this house was built the charge was classed with Hodgdon, Brother Trewin, preacher in charge.
The church at Houlton was built about the same time, when a Brother Hutchinson was in charge ("1859, Aroostook, James M. Hutchinson"-Editor).
Brother Sullivan Bray (?) was the first preacher appointed to Houlton. Aunt Mary Frisby, a maiden lady, some time since deceased, was converted under Brother Bray's preaching, and was the leading spirit of Methodism for years, and is considered the founder of Methodism in Houlton.
The old church at Hodgdon has been replaced by a new one, on a better site, and built about 1870. As I can find no record of the beginning of Methodism in this charge, I have culled this from the old people in the church,-the best I can do.
Brother William McDonald said, a few days ago, that he heard Rev. Mark Trafton say that he and Brother Jenne, held a protracted
O.G.Ward
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meeting at Houlton, fifty-two years ago, and went from here to Woodstock, New Brunswick, where they also held meetings. According to which statement, they must have been the first Metho- dists preaching in this town or county. (D. P. Thompson, as per minutes 1855 and 1856, "Lincoln, supernumerary." Also 1861 and 1862, "Eleazer W. Hutchinson, Houlton." Sullivan Bray does not appear ever to have been appointed to a charge in Aroostook county. The minutes show, "Calais District, 1836, J. H. Jenne ;" also "Calais, 1837, Mark Trafton."
For further information, see interesting narrative by J. G. Pingree. -Editor.)
MILLBRIDGE AND CHERRYFIELD. BY REV. 11. E. FROHOCK.
(27.) The origin, rise and progress of the Methodist societies on the Columbia Circuit.
The first Methodist preaching in this vicinity was about the year 1790, when Rev. Duncan McCobb came from St. Stephens, New Brunswick, and preached a few Sabbaths. Shortly after Rev. Jesse Lee passed through this county, and preached a few times. 1796, Rev. Peter Jane preached part of the year in Addison, and a number were converted, but no society was formed, nearly all joining the Calvinist Baptist church.
In July, 1810, Rev. Thomas Asbury came here from Schoodic river, and preached in Columbia and Addison.
In November there were several conversions, and on the twenty-fifth of December, the following named persons were formed into a society by Rev. Thomas Asbury : Abraham Nash, James Bailey, Robert Allen, Owen McKenney, Jeremiah Smith and Anna Nash. The same winter a revival took place at Addison, and a society was formed, in 1819, by Thomas Asbury. The two societies numbered about thirty members.
About this time a society was formed at Harrington, on Narraguagus river, (this must be what is now Millbridge, as Millbridge was once part of Harrington) the fruit of the labors of Brother John Grindle, a local preacher, from " Penobscot Circuit." This society numbered ten or twelve members. The Presiding Elder of Kennebec District, supplied the place with a local preacher until the Conference of 1820, when Joshua Nye was appointed to "Columbia ;" but failing in health he left, and Heman Nickerson, a local preacher, supplied until the
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Conference of 1821, when Rev. John S. Ayer was sent to the circuit. In 1822, Peter Burgess came, who remained two years and formed a society in Steuben, and, in 1824, he was succeeded by Ebenezer F. Newell, and, in 1825, by David Richards, under whose labors the class in Stenben was considerably enlarged, and a class was formed in Gouldsboro.
In 1829, the name Steuben Circuit was assnmed. In 1830, a class was formed in Sullivan. 1831 Cherryfield was constituted a circuit, and Stenben, Gouldsboro and Sullivan were made Stenben Circuit. 1834, the Ridge was added to the circuit. 1836, the circnit included Steuben, Gouldsboro and Sullivan.
At a lecture appointment, called Carrying Placc, in Stenben, a number were converted.
In 1837, at Steuben, twenty-one were added to the class. In 1838, from thirteen to seventeen were added in Steuben and Sullivan. 1839 was a year of general prosperity, and some additions. In 1840 and 1841, more than one hundred were converted, and joined the church.
In 1841 there were two classes in Gonldsboro, three in Sullivan, one in number seven, consisting of fifteen members. 1842, two snbstan- tial men were converted in Steuben, one or two others converted ; some withdrew by request, and others were dropped. At Gouldsboro fifteen or twenty were converted. A class of abont a dozen was formed at Prospect harbor.
In 1843, Steuben Circuit embraced Steuben and that part of Harrington west of Narragnagus river, (now Millbridge). Sullivan and Gouldsboro now formed another circuit. In 1844, a few converted, some reclaimed.
In all this region Methodism had to contend with Universalism.
In 1846, West Harrington (Millbridge) was made a charge. In 1847, Rnfus G. Eaton was appointed ; but soon left under unfavorable circumstanees. In 1848, some revival at Dyer's Bay, eleven converted and four or five reclaimed.
In 1849 at Steuben village, a Methodist meeting-honse was commenced, and abandoned.
Three were converted. In 1851, eighteen added to the church. In 1852, the Union meeting-honse was completed, but not accepted. 1855, a year of prosperity ; some converted, a few admitted. 1856, some revival at Mill Bridge and Dyer's Bay. 1860, at Labrador and Dyer's Bay some revival ; six converted ; five baptized, and seven received on probation.
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In 1865, at Steuben and Millbridge, a glorious work. 1867, many conversions, and large accessions. 1869, revival and many added to the class. 1873 and 1874, a new organ purchased ; some repairs on Union church and old debts paid. 1875, '76, '77, valuable accessions to the church. The pastor greatly beloved by the church, and highly respected by the citizens of Millbridge.
In 1878, there was an extensive revival interest in Steuben, and several were converted. In 1879, the pastor was assisted by Rev. E. Davies, and grand were the results of a series of meetings. Some of the hardest were converted. Thirty-five were received on probation ..
In 1885, through the efforts of the pastor, the proprietors of the lower church were induced, voluntarily, to deed the house and lot to the Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal church, who have carried out the plan of repairs, and now have a fine church, which will be ready for dedication during the present month (January, 1886).
The society are rallying around the pastor, and the tide of religious interest is constantly rising. Several have taken the cross, and more are seeking the way.
PATTEN CIRCUIT. BY REV. N. LA MARSH.
(28.) Mr. Wesley's sage remark, "the world is my parish," seems- to have been prophetic East, West, North, and South the doctrines of Holy Writ, as set forth by that great man, have been heralded, and, for more than forty years, this circuit has enjoyed the blessings of Methodist itinerancy ; which, under God, has been the means of kindling a flame in the hearts of the people, that will not soon die out.
Rev. J. G. Pingree was the first preacher appointed to this circuit. (1839 and 1840, J. G. Pingree, Aroostook Mission .- Editor.) All the northern portion of the county was a dense forest, except a small clearing here and there, where some hardy settler had planted his standard of liberty. Many a mile Brother Pingree traveled, in going from one settlement to another, with naught but the axe-blaze to guide his footsteps. He was a man of unusual fortitude. He believed in preaching a whole Bible, and was not afraid to make broad distinction between good and evil. For this reason, like Peter Cartwright, he was more than once brought into contact with the forces of Satan. While in prayer, in a meeting at one of the new settlements, a great rough fellow tossed a dog on to his back. One would suppose this to be sufficient cause for immediate dismissal ; but Brother Pingree's
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unwavering faith in God to save precious souls could not be shaken by any dog strategy that Satan might devise.
Twenty-seven ministers have labored on this circuit. The majority .only bore its hardships one year, some two, and four remained the full term. Of course the hardships of pioneer life have come to be a thing of the past ; and had we the conveniences of rail and telegraph, this would be a desirable charge.
To the experience of many who have labored here, Longfellow's words are indeed true ; and were it possible for Bros. Pingree, Parker (a local preacher of No. 3, Golden Ridge), Jewell, Browning, Springer, Chase, Marsh, Libby, Bennett, Skinner, Osgood and others, to compass the influence of their labors, they would rejoice in the knowledge that they have left unmistakable "footprints on the sands of timc."
In 1840, the first class was formed by Brother Pingree, Brother Samuel L. Kimball, leader, with members as follows : Edwin Parker and wife, Miss Jane Hunt, Mrs. Mary Palmer, Samuel Chandler, Mrs. Mary A. Kimball. Brother and Sister Kimball still live to relate their experience, and to tell of God's wonderful dealings through all these years of change and growth.
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