USA > Maine > History of Methodism in Maine, 1793-1886 > Part 73
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A camp-meeting was holden in Edmunds, in September, being the first in this vicinity. It was interesting and profitable. The church was revived, and some were converted. We closed with the farewell procession (as was the general custom .- Editor) .
In 1846, "the church lost a valued member, by the decease of Brother S. M. Foster." Some revival at the Coves in 1847.
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PEMBROKE. DENNYSVILLE AND EDMUNDS MISSION.
PEMBROKE. BY REV. B. S. AREY.
(50.) Before the year 1800, a Methodist preacher landed at " Young's Cove," now South Pembroke, and preached what is supposed to be the first sermon by a Methodist preacher ; but the name of the preacher cannot now be ascertained. (For further information, see " Dennysville Circuit."-Editor.)
The first reformation was probably about 1801, and the entire neighborhood has remained a group of Methodist families to this date, (Probably 1820, as per above reference .- Editor. )
This part of Pembroke has been united part of the time with Edmunds, part with Robbinston, but now with the head of the tide, and the Iron Works. About 1840, a class was formed at the Iron Works, William Hall, leader.
In 1859. John Mincher was appointed leader, and now occupies that position.
The meeting-house was built in 1863, dedicated the first Sabbath in October ; sermon by Rev. J. A. Morelen. The trustees were William Hall, J. Mincher, D. Jones, E. Hickman, C. W. Hutchingson, D. Wright, Thomas Brown, S. Turner, and William James.
There is a neat chapel at the head of the tide, West Pembroke, and a class, E. B. Owen, leader. The charge now has five classes, four preaching places, and, for territory, the whole town.
DENNYSVILLE AND EDMUNDS MISSION. FROM SAME BOOK BY EDITOR.
(51.) The record says: "This field has been left without a preacher since 1850. The society was broken up; many of the members have died, many have been scattered, and but three or four families maintain the family altar. This was the state of the society when Rev. G. G. Winslow was appointed to the mission in 1857. Upon his coming, he found a small congregation.
In the fall a protracted meeting was held ; quite a number were reclaimed and several converted. The good work has continued through the year. Sixty-three have joined on probation, and classes have been resuscitated. Our congregation is quite large, probably averaging one hundred and twenty-five.
In 1858, some were reclaimed and some converted.
In 1878 and 1879, Rev. Charles T. Estabrooks was appointed to. Dennysville, who died December 4th, 1879. During the remainder of the Conference year, Brother Sheahan conducted the services with much credit, and was highly appreciated.
134
WESTPORT. LINCOLNVILLE AND NORTHPORT.
In 1880, the circuit included Edmunds, Ox Cove, Young's Cove, and Clark's Side.
In 1883, the charge was divided, South Pembroke being connected with West Pembroke, and Whiting with Edmunds.
In 1885, the circuit ineludes Edmunds and Marion.
(The two preceding cireuits are, in 1885, as per Conference minutes, ealled " Edmunds and Marion," aud supplied by L. B. Withee, local preaeher .- Editor.)
WESTPORT. BY REV. GEORGE M. STILPHEN.
(52.) I have made diligent search for records of the early history of Methodism in Westport, but fail to find anything. I ean, therefore, furnish only a few items, gathered from the older inhabitants living.
Methodism was first introduced on the island by one Rev. Mr. Parker, between the years 1820 and 1825. He preached in the sehool houses and the " Union ehureh." Thus they continued to worship, one-half the time in the Union ehureh, with the Free Baptists, till 1864, when the house was so out of repair that it was abandoned.
The Methodists then made an effort to obtain a house of worship of their own, and being greatly assisted financially by one James MeKarty, they proeured a building owned and used by a society ealled the " Sons of Temperanee," which was fitted up by the Methodist society as a house of worship, and in which they have eontinued to worship. The house was dedicated in the year 1864, Rev. A. Prinee preaching the dedieatory sermou.
Methodism seemed to become firmly established here under the labors of Rev. James Thwing, some more than fifty years ago.
We also have another house of worship in the north part of the island, ealled a chapel, in which we worship. It was dedicated in 1874.
LINCOLNVILLE AND NORTHPORT. BY REV. GEORGE E. FILES, LOCAL PREACHER.
(53.) Can find no early reeord, or any person whose memory goes back to the introductory history of Methodism in Northiport.
The first elass formed in Lincolnville, then part of " Union Cireuit," was by Joseph Baker, in 1801 or 1802. Jonathan Fleteher was the first class leader, but no record of names of members ean be found. The earliest record of elasses dates 1849, when there were four «elasses, with one hundred and six members in Lineolnville.
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135
CUSHING AND SOUTH WALDOBORO'.
The class leaders were Ephraim Mariner, Gideon Young, Cyrus Noyes and Samuel Prescott.
In 1858, in the same classes there were eighty-seven members ; in 1860, ninety-four ; in 1874, fifty-eight; and in 1886, twenty-eight, and two classes.
There is no record of revivals till 1858, when mention is made, and in 1859, of revival. under the labors of Rev. Hiram Murphy. There was also some revival during the pastorate of Rev. J. B. Bean, in 1866 and 1867 ; and in 1868, Rev. J. H. Bennett in charge. In 1885, under the labors of Rev. W. W. Ogier, there were some conversions at the Center, where ten or more were added to the class.
The society has a church at Lincolnville Center. They had a parsonage, which has been sold to raise funds to repair the church.
In 1849, Lincolnville and Montville constituted a circuit. In 1850, Lincolnville, Northport and Searsmont were together. Lincolnville and Northport remained together till 1856, when Lincolnville was connected with hope. till 1862, when it was again classed with Northport.
In 1864, the circuit consisted of Lincolnville, Hope and Searsmont, and so continued till 1869.
CUSHING AND SOUTH WALDOBORO'. BY REV. J. H. BENNETT.
(54.) Methodism here does not date much further back than 1830.
In 1833, a class was organized in Cushing, and Orcutt Togerty was leader.
In 1855, a " Free House " was built, and dedicated for worship, which the Methodists still continue to occupy, but it has been used only during a short period, and at sundry times, till 1866, when Charles Bray, a young student, was appointed to supply. He remained two years, and the second year there were twenty-five con- versions, most of whom were young.
When their term of probation expired, other Methodists residing here obtained letters from the places of their membership, and a church was organized in Cushing. One young man converted during that revival is now a worthy member, Rev. B. C. Wentworth, of East Maine Conference.
In 1868 and 1869, Rev. W. J. Clifford supplied, who has recently gone to his reward. He was verily as "ointment poured forth" to the church here.
In 1870, George Buzzell, a young man, supplied, and there was some revival.
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CUSHIING AND SOUTH WALDOBORO'.
In 1873, Rev. Rufus Dix had some revival.
In 1874 and 1875, Rev. J. Crosby supplied, with interest and profit, in Cushing and South Waldoboro'.
Rev. Joseph Moulton supplied in 1876, and had some revival. He was the first pastor to occupy the parsonage, built in 1875 at a cost of one thousand dollars.
In 1877, 1878 and 1879, Rev. O. Tyler had revival in both towns.
In 1880 and 1881, Rev. D. Smith in charge. The church at South Waldoboro' was repaired.
In 1882, Rev. Sol. Gross in charge, who had some revival, and another young man, Dana J. Payson, a native of Cushing, was raised up for the ministry.
In 1883, Rev. G. B. Chadwick supplied.
In 1884, Rev. A. Plumer supplied.
The numerical strengthi, in 1886, is sixty-four members and fifteen probationers.
The first revival in South Waldoboro' was under the labors of Rev. Zebulon Davis, (a local preacher, always and everywhere good and true.) A class was then organized, William Winchenbaugh, leader, who served till death.
The editor uses his liberty to append the following extract from Brother B.'s work in the garden of the State :
In 1872, Aroostook Mission. Next, in Patten, three years of hard labor, yet not without spiritual success. Found a church burdened with a debt of nearly three thousand dollars, which was reduced to about one thousand dollars. Some members were added to the church.
During these years I traveled about six thousand miles and made three hundred and fifty pastoral calls per year, held six hundred services, attended seventy funerals, and married twenty-five couples.
In 1876 and 1877, Springfield and Topsfield. Had a blessed revival in different parts of the circuit.
In 1878, Lincoln and Mattawamkeag. Lincoln church repaired, at a cost of about six hundred dollars. Also put a town clock costing five hundred dollars, a present, in the spire.
At Mattawamkeag, a tasty church was commenced, and finished some years later, most of it the gift of Asa Smith, Esq.
Rev. C. A. Plumer adds : " At South Waldoboro', part of Friend- ship charge, Brother Irish, an aged and pious local preacher, preached, and was followed by Zebulon Davis. It became a separate charge about twenty years ago, but in 1886 it is part of Cushing and South Waldoboro' charge, supplied by Rev. N. W. Newbert."
137
MILLTOWN. BELFAST.
MILLTOWN. BY REV. B. S. AREY.
(55.) I find no record of the first class, or of the first preachers, local or stationed.
A paper dated August 25th, 1835, sets forth the fact of a corporation known as the "Calais Milltown Methodist Meeting-house Corporation," with articles governing said corporation, the object being ," to build and finish a house for Divine worship, in Milltown, Calais ;" one of the articles legally securing said meeting-house and property to the Methodist Episcopal Church and society in Milltown.
The land on which the house stands was deeded by William and Mary Todd, September 16. 1835, to Peter Bedy, Leonard Perkins and Nathaniel Lamb, the building committee. A quit claim deed, dated February 18, 1847, signed by Joseph and Harriet Granger, conveys house and land, the entire property, to Abner Wadsworth, Daniel Harmon, Nathaniel Lamb, William McDonald and W. W. Smith, " Trustees of Methodist Church, Milltown."
It was a fine house for those days, and gives proof of some strength of society prior to 1835.
A fine toned bell was purchased in 1848.
In 1872, during the pastorate of Rev. Abner Townsend, a vestry was built, on the opposite side of Church street.
The first parsonage was on "South Milltown street," and some distance from the church. This was sold, and the present parsonage, near the church, was bought.
BELFAST. CONDENSED FROM BOOK OF RECORD.
(56.) Although Rev. Jesse Lee made a tour through portions of Maine as early as 1794. it appears from no record in our possession that he came as far east as Belfast.
(Jesse Lee, in his Short History, informs us that he preached in Penobscot, Buckstown, Orrington, Hampden and Frankfort, in 1793 ; also that he preached June 9th, 1795, at Belfast .- Editor).
In 1795, Rev. Joshua Hall was appointed by Bishop Asbury, to the Penobscot Circuit, including Belfast. Rev. Mr. Hall, on coming to this place, was welcomed to the house and hospitality of Mrs. James Miller, then living in what has since been known as the " Frothingham House," which was destroyed by the great fire of 1873.
Mrs. Miller was a Presbyterian in faith, but catholic and liberal in her views, and, as such, co-operated largely in this pioneer work of Methodism. She was a widow, her husband having recently died.
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138
BELFAST.
She also seems to have been a woman of note and considerable influence.
It is supposed that the first Methodist sermon in Belfast, was by Joshua Hall, in 1795, in the house of Mrs. Miller.
Mr. Hall's cireuit then extended from Union to the uppermost settlement on the banks of the Penobseot, which is believed to have been Orono.
In 1796, Rev. Elias Hull was appointed to the Penobscot Circuit, which then had a membership of seventy-three persons, the entire membership of the Methodist Episcopal church in the Province of Maine being but three hundred and fifty-seven.
Mr. Hull declined eoming to his, appointment, and Enoch Mudge, who had been appointed to Bath Circuit, exchanged places with him.
In 1797, Enoel Mudge and Timothy Merritt were appointed to the Penobscot Cireuit, and labored conjointly, during the year. Joshua Taylor was then Presiding Elder.
In 1798, the eircuit was supplied by Rev. Enoch Mudge and John Finnegan.
In 1799, the bounds of the eireuit were lessened, and John Merrick was appointed to the charge in which Belfast was included.
In 1800, Rev. John Gove was sent to the cireuit.
In 1801, Rev. Joseph Baker, pastor, and 1802, Rev. Asa Pattie.
In 1803, P. Munger and Samuel Thompson were appointed.
In 1804, William Goodhue in charge, Joshua Soule, Presiding Elder.
In 1805, Levi Walker, pastor.
In 1806, both the name and bounds of the cireuit were changed, and it is supposed that Belfast was ineluded in what was ealled "Orrington Cireuit," Rev. William Hunt in charge.
In 1807, the eireuit was further reduced in territory, and three preachers appointed to the several parts of what was the former eireuit, making it difficult to determine which of three was pastor at Belfast, but as David Stimpson officiated on Hampden Circuit, he included Belfast in his pastorate, probably.
In 1808, Belfast was probably embraced in Union Cireuit, John Williamson being pastor.
In the " old church book," which was lost about 1855, there was record of the fact that the Methodist society was organized in 1809, by Rev. John Williamson, prior to which there had been no formal organization, Belfast being only a place for occasional preaching.
139
BELFAST.
Robert Miller, son of widow Miller, before named, was the first appointed class leader. The class consisted of the leader and Mrs. Joanna Patterson ; but it was held weekly at Mrs. Patterson's house. Shortly Mr. Patterson was converted and became a member of the class, of which, during the year, there came to be five members, all, except the leader, being Pattersons.
Mr. Miller probably continued leader till succeeded by G. F. Cox, who removed from Hallowell to Belfast in 1821.
In 1810, Belfast was included in Union Circuit, David Stimpson, pastor, assisted by George Gary.
In 1811. Nathan R. Ashcroft, and in 1812, Amasa Taylor, were in charge.
In 1813, John Jewett, and in 1814, Jonathan Cheney and J. B. White, were pastors.
In 1817, Rev. William McGray, pastor.
In 1822, a new circuit was formed, called Thomaston, which included Belfast, and extended to Frankfort.
In 1823, no appointment, the place being supplied by Rev. G. F. Cox, by whose indefatigable labors a chapel was built, on the corner of Miller and Cross streets, at a cost of one thousand three hundred dollars.
It is believed that in 1835 and 1836 there was no appointment, but the pulpit was alternately supplied by Joshua Hall and Benjamin Jones. (The "minutes" say, J. Hall, 1835 and 1836, Sup., and B. Jones, 1835, Belfast, and 1836, Friendship .- Editor.)
In 1837, Brother Lull was appointed, but having a large family, and a prospect of failure of support, he declined coming, and the latter part of the year was supplied by Rev. Mark Trafton, who, for some reason, had declined his appointment.
Upon the division of the Maine, and organization of the East Maine Conference, Belfast was included in Thomaston District ; W. H. Pilsbury, Presiding Elder, and D. H. Mansfield appointed to Belfast mission.
In 1852, Belfast was included in Bucksport District, W. H. Pilsbury, Presiding Elder, and E. H. Small continued as pastor. In 1855, left to be supplied.
In 1857, Rev. William J. Wilson was appointed to Belfast and Northport mission.
In 1859, the "new church" was built. The corner stone was laid, with approriate ceremonies, August 25th, 1858 ; a tin box containing the history of the Methodist Episcopal church, in Belfast, being
140
FRIENDSHIP.
deposited therein. The church was dedicated October 11th, 1859. Rev. E. O. Haven preaching the sermon from John 17: 17.
In 1867, Northport was again united with Belfast.
1876 was, financially, the hardest year Belfast has endured for half a century. Less people in the city and less money. The Methodist Episcopal church has endured bravely. Of the seven we have lost by death, special mention should be made of William Frederick, an old and fast friend of this church. He died in great peace, (just as such men, as the editor well knew Brother Frederick, to be, always die) much lamented and honored. For half a century he had graced her history, and for forty years had led a class.
In 1877, Rev. J. H. Moores was appointed and preached three months, when his health broke down utterly, and the pulpit was supplied by members of Conference and Evangelical ministers of the city, for some six months. During the year, a goodly number have been converted.
In 1878, some souls were converted, all collections taken, and all expenses paid. The society has also secured a parsonage, corner of Court and Spring streets, paying two thousand and five hundred dollars, including a donation of one thousand dollars, by the late P. R. Hazeltine. An additional four hundred and fifty dollars was also raised for repairs.
In 1879, a year of spiritual prosperity, two new classes have been formed, J. A. Mace and E. Frost, leaders, and one thousand seven hundred and fifty dollars expended on the church.
In 1880, one thousand four hundred dollars was expended on the church, which, after being closed several weeks, was reopened, and, on Sunday, September twenty-sixth, sermons were preached by Bishop Foster and Rev. N. G. Axtell. This year the church sustains a great loss in the death of Brother Isaac E. Hill, November 30th, 1880. He was a good man whose place it will be hard to fill.
FRIENDSHIP. BY REV. CHARLES ROGERS.
(57.) "I have been waiting for Brother Cook, one of the oldest of our church members, to write a sketchof the introduction of Methodism, but a very painful affiiction has come to him. Several members of his family, we fear are lost at sea.
" Not being able to gather anything from the records, I send you the few facts I have been able to collect."
Methodism, according to tradition, was introduced into Friendship
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FRIENDSHIP.
by one. John Baxter, from Bristol, a local preacher, about 1818. He had some success in these parts, a number were converted, whom he organized into a class.
The following were some of the members : Bradford Davis, Elizabeth Davis, Frederick Bradford, Mary Bradford, Samuel Geyer, John Geyer, Martin Geyer, Cornelius Cook, and others. Frederick Bradford was class leader ; of whose death the following is a notice : "A man of God is fallen ! A father in Israel is no more !"
'. Frederick Bradford died, at his residence, in Friendship, Maine, December third aged sixty-two. He was decended from the family of one of the early Governors of Massachusetts. He had been a respected member of the Legislature of Maine, and a faithful and efficient class leader in the Methodist Episcopal church for thirty years. The way-worn stranger, and the weary Methodist preacher, always found a home at Father Bradford's. The widow and the fatherless never applied in vain for assistance. His sufferings, for ten weeks, were beyond all description, but in the most excruciating moments he could say, 'Though he slay me. yet will I trust in him.' He died the death of the righteous. His sons are walking in his steps, and his daughters will be polished corner stones in the Celestial City ! May the hand of mercy sustain the heart stricken widow !
Thomaston, Dec. 14, 1844. D. H. M."
Brother Moses Kenney followed him as class leader, and still continues to lead the class at Friendship village. We now have two other classes, one at Goose river, Aaron Wincapaw, leader ; the other at Long Island, James Murphy, senior, leacler.
The present status of Methodism is not strong financially or numerically. We have about seventy members, and about twelve on probation. Some of our members are poor, others are in fair circumstances, and none are wealthy.
We have a very convenient, but small parsonage, and a church edifice, which is now being repainted inside. There are two other denominations, Baptist and Second Adventist. We are here to stay, believing there is a brighter future for Methodism in Friendship. God hasten it, in his own good time !
Preachers serving in Friendship, whose names do not appear in the appendix, are as follows :
In 1853 and 1854, George Herrick ; 1856 and 1857, Gilbert Ellis ; 1860, John Cumner and Leonard Bean ; 1861, Leonard Bean ; 1864,
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142
CHINA. WINTERPORT.
John Bean; 1865, '66, '67, Josiah Bean; 1869 and 1870, Abram Plumer ; 1873, George Knowles.
CIIINA. BY REV. D. P. THOMPSON.
(58.) Nothing can be found of record of the carly history of Methodism in China, except in connection with some part of Vassal- boro.
In 1844, it appears, in the Conference minutes, in connection with East Vassalboro, previously to which date, China village and South China were connected with some part of Vassalboro, from the time that Vassalboro was made a circuit, but what date that was, I cannot learn.
China was not made a station till 1860, when Benjamin A. Chase was appointed in charge.
The Methodist church in the village was dedicated by George Webber, in 1843, but it cannot be ascertained when the Methodist house at South China was built.
Rev. D. B. Randall and Elijah Crooker preached here occasionally, some fifty-five years ago.
(In 1831 and 1832, D. B. Randall, and in 1833, Elijah Crooker, were appointed to East Vassalboro .- Editor.)
Methodism has never found a fruitful soil in China; nor is the prospect bright for the future. Good seed has been sown, of which all hope and pray abundant fruit may yet be gathered.
WINTERPORT.
(59.) Culled with much care and labor, from three books. Any discrepancies existing, must be attributed, not to the editor, but to the imperfection of the record.
Account of the rise and progress of Methodism on Hampden Circuit :
This circuit was formed by Joshua Hall in 1795, and called Penobscot Circuit, including both sides of the river, and, through his instrumentality, societies were formed in Hampden, Orrington and Frankfort. He came to this country in autumn, and tarried till the next spring, when Philip Wager took his place, and tarried till the Conference in 1796, when Elias Hull was appointed ; who, failing to appear, Brother Enoch Mudge served for the year, Peter Jayne assisting part of the year. Through their instrumentality additions were made to the societies previously formed.
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WINTERPORT.
In 1797, Brother T. Merritt was appointed, whose labors were successful, numbers being added to the churches.
In 1799, Daniel Ricker was pastor, whose labors were blest. In 1800, Joshua Soule was appointed, and preached to great acceptance. In 1801, John Gove. In 1802. Asa Pattec and Joel Wicker. In 1803, P. Munger and Samuel Thompson ; but the former did not appear. Some additions this year. In 1804, William Goodhue. In 1805, Thomas Perry and Levi Walker. This year the circuit was divided by Penobscot river. In 1806, John Green. In 1807, David Stimpson, and additions were made to the societies.
In 1808, Joseph Baker was appointed, and numbers were added to the church. In 1809, Zachariah Gibson, and God wonderfully visited the people, and large additions were made to the societies. In 1810, Jonathan Chaney ; and the work of the Lord continued to revive here. In 1811, Isaiah Emerson. In 1812, John Williamson. (The minutes say, "J. Wilkinson, 1812, Orrington."-Editor.)
In 1813, Amasa Taylor, was appointed, and considerable additions were made to the church, and new classes were formed. In 1814, Benjamin Jones, who endured a ycar of trials, numbers being excluded from the church. In 1815, David Hutchinson, whose labors were blest in Prospect.
In 1816, Hampden and Union Circuits were united. In 1817, the circuit was again divided.
In 1818, some additions made to societies of Hampden Circuit.
In 1819, some additions to the church. In 1822, Stephen Lovel, and Oliver Beale, supernumerary. It was a year of labor and trial, upward of seventy were excluded from the church. In 1823, John S. Ayer, assisted by Josiah Eaton, local preacher. Many were converted.
In 1824, Peter Burgess and Gorham Greeley, but in the autumn, the latter was sent to Dennysville, and William Douglass took his place, a number were added to, and some were excluded from the church.
In 1827, Hampden Circuit was divided, and David Stimpson was appointed to Frankfort. In 1831, some additions to membership. In 1833, David Richards, and Henry True, supernumerary ; the former to officiate in Prospect, and the latter in Frankfort. In 1834, Moses Palmer ; who, because of ill health, served only about two- thirds of the year. The circuit was again divided into Frankfort and Prospect.
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