USA > Maine > History of Methodism in Maine, 1793-1886 > Part 72
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No one knows by whom the first Methodist sermon was preachcd, but Rev. George Mears, Free Will Baptist, was pastor here for some years, whose son, Joseph R. Mears, is now the Methodist class leader.
The denominations at present occupying this pulpit are Baptist and Methodist, each occupying two Sabbaths in four, the fifth being a matter of special arrangement.
Some revivals have been enjoyed here in the last few years. Brother G. Pratt had a good revival season, and another occurred under the labors of Brother Gahan. During the past year, there has been a united effort, an Evangelist, Rev. Vinall, assisting, which has been greatly blest.
By way of apology for delay and meagerness, I have to say, the burning of the house in which the records were kept, has necessitated the interviewing of several parties to get the little here furnished.
UNION. BY ERASTUS WARE.
(45.) The records of this church are very meager, and have been poorly kept, making it difficult to find much of interest ; but from " Sibley's History of Union," and by interviewing, I have gleaned the following :
The first sermon preached by a Methodist east of Kennebec river, was in Union, by Jesse Lee, September 22, 1793, in Rufus Gillmore's barn, a short distance north of the lower bridge.
In 1796, a circuit was formed called "Bath and Union Circuit." August 28, 1797, as the law allowed, the town in meeting assembled, "voted to hire a Methodist preacher, and to raise one hundred dollars by tax, to pay said preacher, none to pay but such as are willing. Edward Jones, Amos Barret and Matthias Hawes were chosen a committee, who employed Aaron Humphrey.
" July 16, 1798, the town voted to hear him another year, if the committee could agree with him for half the time as heretofore."
In 1798, Robert Yallalee and Aaron Humphrey were appointed.
" At the Conference held in Boston in 1803, it was provided, as the work of reformation had been great in different parts of the circuit, and as the prospect was enlarged, that the part of what was formerly
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known as Bath and Union Circuit, situate east of Kennebec river, should be divided into two, one to be known as Union, and the other as Bristol Circuit."
In 1816, Union and Hampden were united, but were again made two in 1819.
In 1828, Union was made a station, retaining a class in Liberty, and another, partly in each, Hope and Appleton.
The Methodist society in Union was organized by Aaron Humphrey in Jason Ware's house, in 1797. The first preaching in the old free meeting-house, built in 1793 and 1794, being the first built in town, was by a Methodist, which was continued some time.
When a strong movement was made to settle a Congregational minister, the Methodists withdrew and held meetings at the dwellings of Jason Ware and Matthias Hawes, till the Round Pond school house was built, when they assembled there.
The Methodist meeting-house was built about 1810, by subscription, the sexes being seated apart. Wall pews were built, probably in 1811. Subsequently, pews were built in the gallery.
In March, 1830, the society was incorporated as "The First Methodist Episcopal Society in Union."
The first camp-meeting began June 29th, 1826, on the hill, south- westerly of Round Pond. The only other camp-meeting was held June 28, 1827, west of the Methodist meeting-house, where the house of Moses Luce now stands. About 1834, parsonage buildings were erected a few rods west of the meeting-house.
In 1851, the meeting-house was remodeled, costing about two thousand two hundred dollars.
In 1871, a chapel was built at the Common, costing, including land, about two thousand two hundred dollars.
During the years 1881 and 1884, about nine hundred dollars was expended in re-building the parsonage and stable.
Statistics in 1885 : Number of classes, 7; Church members, 137; Probationers, 36; number of Sabbath schools, 3; Officers and Teachers, 29 ; Scholars, 193 ; value of Church property, $5,200.
The following appointments to Union do not appear in appendix : 1799, John Finnegan and Comfort Smith ; 1800, Timothy Merritt and Reuben Hubbard; 1801, Timothy Merritt and Comfort C. Smith ; 1802, Joseph Baker and Daniel Ricker ; 1803, Daniel Ricker ; 1804, David Stimson ; 1805, Samuel Hillman and Pliny Brett; 1817, William McGray.
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CORINNA. PENOBSCOT CIRCUIT.
CORINNA. AN INCIDENT. BY REV. A. R LUNT.
(46.) In 1852, I was appointed to "Palmyra and Corinna."
During the year there was a very gracious revival in Corinna, some one hundred becoming interested in religion, one of whomn was Mary Fisher, a daughter of Dr. Fisher, and a young lady of much talent, who, a day or two before we commenced our meeting, told me that we might as well go into the middle of hell and hold a mecting, thinking of doing any good. That lady is now the wife of Rev. J. N. Marsh. That wonderful work of grace was in answer to prayer.
The ministers who assisted in the meeting, werc Rev. M. Robinson, of the Free Baptist church, and residing in the place, Rev. M. Stewart, a Calvinist Baptist also there resident, and Elder Perry, of St. Albans, neither of whom, to my knowledge, is now living.
The Sabbath previous to beginning our meeting, as I rose to announce the appointment and pronounee the benediction, the spirit of God came upon me, and I talked and shouted for some time after the meeting was dismissed, and on my way home I shouted and praised the Lord, so that the people were amused at what they heard. I thought it very strange myself, and could not aeeount for it, nor have I to this day, except on the ground that God meant it as an indication of what should follow, or of what the result of our meeting should be. In the beginning of the meeting a spirit of prayer took possession of the ministers, so that in our first prayer meeting some of them prayed twelve or thirteen times, with no abatement of interest.
PENOBSCOT CIRCUIT. BY REV. D. W. SAWYER.
(47.) Penobseot is a historic town. The settlement of the town was one of the earliest in the District of Maine ; Europeans having occupied it as a fishing and trading post, according to some accounts, prior to 1556, according to others, about 1604.
Penobscot was early visited by the pioneers of Methodism. It was here that Jesse Lee preached his first sermon east of Penobscot river, September 29, 1793. In 1795, Rev. Joshua Hall, then on the circuit extending from Union to Orono, resolved to extend his labors eastward to the Penobscot river. Accordingly he came to this town, which ineluded Castine and part of Brooksville; Castine, as a town, being incorporated in February, 1796.
Mr. Hall preached with considerable success, and formed a class of earnest men and women, who petitioned the New England Conference,
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that a minister might be sent to them, and in response, Rev. E. Hull was sent in 1796. Rev. T. Merritt was appointed in 1797.
The number of members of the Methodist Episcopal church in 1796, was 73. In 1797, it was 110, and in 1798, 263. Of Mr. Hall, a resident of Belfast. at whose father's house, the Elder was a regular visitor. says, it was his habit, on entering the house, to kneel by the sofa in the sitting-room, and offer prayer.
The first sermon by Mr. Hall, was preached in August, 1795, in the "James Miller House" His was the only house then owned on the Penobseot.
It is believed that Mr. Hall preached longer than any other minister of the denomination in the country, having begun itinerant work when only nineteen years of age.
The Penobseot church records show the following item :
"This eireuit was formed, A. D. 1798, by Peter Jayne, deaeon in the Methodist Episcopal church, who preached with good suceess, and under God, formed three classes, two at Penobseot, and one at Surry.
"In 1799, Reuben Hubbard was appointed to the Circuit, from the New England Conference, who under the Presiding Eldership of Joshua Taylor, regulated the circuit, and saw the good work of the Lord prospering. Glory be to God !
Signed, JOSHUA TAYLOR. REUBEN HUBBARD."
Penobscot, Feb. 8th, 1800.
Until this time, Castine, though included in Penobseot Cireuit, had not heard the Methodist "heresy," but some time in 1800, Rev. Joshua Taylor went to Castine, and attempted to preach, whereupon, as tradition has it, he was shamefully handled, being ejected on a rail. He was reported to have been considerably injured, and, on being dropped aeross the line, he was taken to the home of Colonel Jeremiah Wardwell, who dressed his wounds.
The records again say, "There have been some small revivals since the eoming of Methodism to this circuit in 1798; but nothing of special note transpired till the summer of 1819, when there was a glorious work near the centre of the town of Penobscot.
"Brother John S. Ayer, then having charge of the circuit, had an appointment at the dwelling of Daniel Wardwell, at which, but few were present ; but the word was aceompanied with so mueh power to the hearts of those who heard, that three young women rose for prayers, from which occasion, solemnity rested upon the minds of the
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people. As a result of the good work, more than thirty joined the class, most of whom were converted.
"Upon the subsidence, after a few months, of the revival in Penobscot, there was a glorious work in Castine, outside the village, which increased through the winter of 1820. Two classes were formed of about thirty members, and, in the two towns, about seventy professed religion."
STEPHEN WARDWELL, Steward.
Penobscot, December 7th, 1821.
In September, 1820, the Lord began a gracious work in the north- east part of Penobscot, where a small class had been formed. The work commenced at a prayer meeting held at Brother William Hutchings, Jr., and continued, more or less, till the following April, extending into Orland, where part of our class resided, and, in this thinly settled place, about sixty were converted.
In the autumn of 1820, at a camp meeting in Orrington, two young men from this neighborhood experienced religion, which excited some inquiry in the minds of the people, and a few Sabbaths later, there being at meeting, for want of due notice, but twenty-six persons, sixteen of whom had not professed religion, without invitation, four of the unconverted, arose, and requested the prayers of Brother Hutchings, who knelt with them; and, in a few minutes, all in the room but two, were on their knees, when the almost universal cry was, " God be merciful to me a sinner." Before the close of the meeting, nine were converted, the others still crying for mercy ; and from this meeting, the work spread in various directions, and continued several weeks with slight abatement.
Late in March, 1821, the work, under a new impulse, and, for a few weeks, progressed rapidly. In autumn, about eighteen were converted in Sedgwick, and in February, four or five were added to the society in Surry, making, for the year, a net gain of ninety members.
Penobscot, Dec. 7th, 1821. STEPHEN WARDWELL.
In 1821, Rev. Heman Nickerson was sent to this circuit, his first appointment. In his journal, part of which is still preserved, he writes of much mental depression, and of trials from within and from without, because of darkness and coldness on the circuit, though his anchor of faith and hope still holds fast. While in the previous year, as recorded by S. Wardwell, the religious interest was very great all over the circuit, the journal shows a decline in religious fervor, while
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things wear a gloomy aspect, and " I am sometimes ready to take it all to myself, and say that I am the cause of all the prevalent darkness and coldness !" but soon he rallies with "I thank God, I still feel determined to try for heaven, at the expense of all things else, and I find many of the same resolution."
His appointments were in Penobscot, Orland, Castine, Brooksville, Sedgwick, Bluehill, Surry, Ellsworth, Sullivan, and Trenton.
To show the primitive, forest condition of these towns, the following is copied from his journal :
" After having filled an appointment at Sullivan, I set off, on return to my circuit, and as I was minded to go around the head of Taunton Bay, I missed my way, and took what proved to be a wood road, of which I soon found the end ; whereupon I fastened my horse and went in pursuit of the right road, which, after considerable rambling through the bushes and over windfalls, I found. My troubles, however, were not yet at an end. I could find neither my horse nor the place where I had left him. On leaving him I had kept my eye on the sun, to preserve my reckoning ; but I had been so much driven off my course by straits and bars that I was completely lost, and it was two hours and a half after leaving my horse before I found him."
A remarkable degeneracy in the church, or a singular exercise of administrative authority is indicated by the church records, especially of 1830 and 1831, in that so many members are marked "expelled," all in one hand writing. On two pages, of thirty-six names, sixteen are thus marked, and in all, forty names are thus dealt with.
Revival and decline have marked the history of the church on Penobscot Circuit, from the beginning.
In 1834, the circuit was limited to Penobscot and Castine.
In 1839, a gracious revival was enjoyed, particularly in North Penobscot, there being scarcely a house without a family altar, from which large accessions were made to the church. In 1840 and 1841, a revival of equal magnitude was witnessed in the lower part of the town and Castine, under the pastorate of Rev. Theodore Hill, whose labors were so successful, that, in 1842, Castine was made a separate charge.
There were interesting revivals in 1862, '63, '65, '66, '77 and 78.
The first Methodist meeting-house built east of the Penobscot river was in Penobscot, at the joint expense of Col. Jeremiah Wardwell and Capt. Thatcher Avery, in 1801, and on what is known as the "old
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Dunbar farm," within a mile of the line between Penobscot and Castine.
Twenty-nine gallons of rum only were used. (Whichi, as the editor can remember, was not above the rule for the times. ) The original bill is still preserved.
The building was of two stories, with gallery on three sides (as the editor also remembers, was the style of the generation), and had a seating capacity of one thousand. Such an audience room was needed. as in those days everybody went to meeting. Herc gathered might be seen pious men and women from Surry, Sedgwick, Buckstown and Orland, as well as residents.
Among the first fruits of Methodism bere was Charles Hutchins, who was one of the band of heroes who took Louisburg from the veteran troops of France, and Mr. Hutchins' still more distinguished son, William, who died at the age of one hundred and one years, six months and twenty-seven days, and was the last Revolutionary soldier in New England. Also, among the fruits of Methodism in Penobscot, were Rev. Stephen Wardwell, a local preacher and an efficient steward, and his four sons, Lorenzo D., Harrison B., Percival and Irving, who was lost in the late war. A cousin of these brothers, Rev. V. P. Wardwell, is now, 1886, a member of the East Maine Conference.
The church built in 1801 was, about 1840, torn down, and a new house of smaller dimensions erected, in part of the old material, about four miles from the site of the old, and in North Castine. This house was used about twenty-five years, when, about 1865, it was disposed of for other uses.
In 1842, a Union church was built, which was chiefly used by the Methodists, but, because of unsatisfactory conditions, after some years it was neglected and used at pleasure by sheep.
In 1871, it was sold, taken down, and converted into a mill, now in use, at what is called the " Cove," in Penobscot.
In 1836 and 1837, a Methodist church was built in North Penobscot. In 1858, another was built at the " Bay," and dedicated in 1859 ; the steeple being about one hundred feet high, was blown down January 10, 1878. Subsequently, the steeple was replaced by one more in harmony with the building.
Another house was built at South Penobscot.
A fourth house was built at " Doshen Shore" in 1864.
These houses are all in good repair, and are occupied.
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The first parsonage was built near the Littlefield Union house in 1840, which, after a few years occupancy, was sold.
The second parsonage was built at North Penobscot about 1844. It has been used according to the intent, with occasional exceptions, the preacher preferring to reside at the " Bay."
Thus Penobscot circuit has passed through many changes since Rev. Joshua Hall came to these wild regions.
In 1821, the circuit embraced ten towns, but, at a later period, the town of Penobscot was divided into two charges, each having its minister.
The above mentioned territory of ten towns now embraces seven charges, and the membership of seventy-three has increased to seven hundred and seventy ; and instead of a salary of perhaps less than one hundred dollars, there is now paid for ministerial support nearly four thousand dollars.
NOTE. Other appointees to Penobscot Circuit, whose names will probably not appear in the appendix, were the following :
1800, J. Gove ; 1801, Joseph Baker; 1802, Asa Pattee ; 1803, P. Munger and S. Thompson ; 1804, W. Goodhue ; 1805, Levi Walker ; 1806, E. Fairbanks ; 1807, Daniel Ricker ; 1808, D. Kilburn. (Union River.)
CASTINE. ABRIDGED FROM ORIGINAL CHURCH RECORD BY EDITOR.
(48.) It is both pleasing and profitable to look back upon the past and remember the loving kindness of our God, and to trace the leading of that mighty arm, " which worketh and no man can hinder," for, in the retrospect, much may arise to excite gratitude, and to stimulate to increased labor in this holy cause. " We have heard with our ears, O God, our fathers have told us what work thou didst in their days, in times of old. How thou didst drive out the heathen with thy hand, and plantedst them, how thou didst afflict the people and cast them out. For they got the land in possession, not by their own sword, neither did their own arm save them ; but thy right hand, and thine arm, and the light of thy countenance, because thou hadst a favor unto them."
Tradition says that Joshua Taylor preached the first Methodist sermon in Castine village as early as 1800, and that, instead of being received as a gospel minister, he was sent away " shamefully handled."
IX
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Not surprising, in view of the religious condition of those times. (See Penobscot.)
The peninsula, and indeed the entire territory of the then large town of Penobscot, was under the exclusive, as it was regarded, supervision of a denomination backed by State aid and endowment, and the " Methodist heresy" was looked upon as an innovation not to be tolerated, the expulsion of which was reputed God service.
A small class was formed at the village, which, for want of care, was not sustained.
Because of Parson Mason's Socinianism, his society was divided, the Calvinistic wing withdrawing and organizing a new church, and the remainder being unable to sustain themselves, dismissed Mr. Mason, of whom a few were converted, but most of them degencrated to modern Universalism.
Such was the state of things, when, in 1834, Rev. Mark Trafton, stationed at North Castine (Penobscot Circuit), lectured occasionally in the village, and revived a class of five members. Rev. Mr. Trafton's successors occasionally preached to the class, but little accession was made to their number till 1841.
In 1840, Rev. T. Hill commenced Sabbath preaching in the village. His first sermon was preached from the embankment of "Old Fort George," and his second in the ship yard; and, to use his own language, "In the meantime the little class of eight or ten began to cry to God, and, as our faith increased, we began to see a small cloud gathering over this dark spot, where there had been no revival for a number of years. Universalism and practical infidelity were stalking abroad in open day, and the young were growing up without God and hope.
" Seeing this state of things, we called to our help Brother N. D. George (then at Orrington) who, in a course of lectures, exposed the gross absurdities of Universalism, which all the cunning of their leaders can not refute. God gave us victory, and a number were converted."
As a result of Mr. Hill's labors there was a glorious revival, and at the close of the year the class numbered about thirty.
In 1841, Mr. Hill instituted regular preaching half the time, on the Sabbath, at the "Court House."
In 1842, on petition, Castine was made a station.
The appointment of Rev. C. Munger was fortunate, as its results show. The pleasing address, sweet piety, and ardent zeal of Mr.
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Munger, procured him many friends. He was invited, with his- congregation, to occupy the Unitarian meeting-house, which had been remodeled to modern style, and which was unoccupied.
Many were converted during the year, some of them prominent men who had sheltered themselves from the force of truth, under the doctrine of Universalism
The number in society at the close of the year was about sixty.
In 1843, being denied the use of the meeting-house, the society and congregation returned to the "Court House."
In the spring of 1845, some effort was made to build a Methodist chapel, but for some cause, operations were suspended : nevertheless in autumn of the same year, the effort was resumed, and $1,500, was raised, by shares ; whereupon a committee was appointed to make- contracts, and a site was bought. The cost of the house, when finished, was $2,000. After the dedication, by Rev. W. F. Farrington, the pews were all sold for enough to pay all bills. During the winter of 1845 and 1846. some five or six members were received.
At the commencement of the Conference year 1846, some twenty- five members were added from North Castine (Penobscot Circuit). In the winter of 1846 and 1847, the Lord graciously revived his work, and some fifteen were converted.
DENNYSVILLE CIRCUIT. CULLED FROM A WELL-PRESERVED BOOK OF RECORD BY EDITOR.
(49.) In 1818, Rev. Eben F. Newell was appointed to St. Croix Circuit, who extended his labors into Plantations Nos. 3 and 15 ; where, through his instrumentality, many were converted.
In 1819, Rev. Joseph Lull was appointed, who formed a society in Plantation No. 3 (now Charlotte), and another in No. 15, (Cooper).
In 1820, Rev. John S. Ayer was the appointee, and Rev. Josiah Eaton, a local preacher, from Penobscot, by Rev. Benjamin Jones, Presiding Elder, as assistant. They extended their labors into Dennysville, where there was a revival, and a class was formed, at "Young's Cove," consisting of a goodly number, and a smaller class at "Ox Cove." Numbers were added to the society at Charlotte, this year.
In 1821, Rev. John Briggs was appointed ; but, in consequence of his wife's affliction, he did not appear, and the Presiding Elder appointed Rev. Joseph Lull in charge, assisted by Rev. J. Eaton, and Rev. David Richards, local preachers. Brother Lull served but one
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quarter. Brothers Eaton and Richards extended their labors into No. 10, (now Edmunds) where as the result of a revival, a society was formed, and another in Dennysville, at Denny's river.
In 1823, St. Croix Circuit was divided, and Dennysville, Edmunds, Charlotte, Cooper and Plantation No. 16, constituted Dennysville Circuit.
In 1824, Rev. Josiah Eaton was assisted by Rev. Gorham Greely, whose labors were blessed, and more than thirty were added to the society.
In 1825, Rey. Jonathan Cobb, a local preacher, from Orrington Circuit, was appointed to assist Rev. G. Grecly.
In 1832, Rev. F. Masseure was appointed, and about fifteen were added.
In 1836, there was no appointment, and Rev. Joel Scott, local preacher was employed by the Presiding Elder.
In 1837, was supplied by Rev. Josiah Eaton. Some revival in Charlotte and at " Young's Cove."
In 1838, was supplied by J. Eaton and Alexander Bailie, local preacher. The same in 1839.
In March, 1840, two protracted meetings were held in Marion and Dennysville, resulting in the conversion of more than one hundred, and multitudes of backsliders were reclaimed. One hundred and thirty-five, chiefly in Dennysville. Edmunds and Marion, were added to the societies.
In 1840, Rev. Benjamin Lufkin was assisted by Rev. J. Eaton. About thirty were added to the societies, a temperance society was organized, and several Sabbath schools were formed, and a meeting- house, in Edmunds, was in course of erection.
There was no appointment in 1841. Rev. J. Eaton being continued, by Presiding Elder, assisted by Rev. Samuel H. Bradbury, a local preacher. The meeting-honse in Edmunds, was finished and dedicated.
In 1842, Rev. J. Wesley True was appointed, of whom it is written "he was a man full of faith, and of the Holy Ghost ; the doctrine of Holiness was prominent in his preaching."
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