History of Methodism in Maine, 1793-1886, Part 75

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

USA > Maine > History of Methodism in Maine, 1793-1886 > Part 75

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

In 1859, Elder Cookson held meetings in the school house in Harrington village. Mueh opposition was manifested against the Methodists, by the Baptist church. In 1861 the meeting-house was bnilt, and it soon became apparent that Methodism eame to the village to stay, and the church grew under the labors of efficient pastors and laymen.

In 1874 a parsonage was built at a cost of $2,800, under the diree- tion of Rev. G. N. Eldridge, who also had an extensive revival in 1875. The building of the parsonage involved the church in debt $1,400, of which they still owe $1,000, which, with the blessing of Heaven, we will pay the present year of 1886.

155

EAST CORINTH CHARGE.

In 1882, a chapel was built at Randall's Cove in Harrington, where the church is prospering.

DEER ISLE CIRCUIT. SUPPOSED BY REV. F. E. WHITHAM.

(67.) The history of Methodism in this circuit commences with the year 1842, Rev. Hezekiah C. Tilton being the pioneer.

For two years the society worshipped in the Baptist house, at South East Harbor. Then a commodious and substantial church was built near to the Baptist house, in which so many had been born to God. The society struggled against many discouragements, until the year 1885, when victory was secured. and a powerful revival enjoyed, under the labors of Rev. M. G. Prescott.

EAST CORINTH CHARGE. BY REV. ARTHUR J. LOCKHART.

(68) In 1818. Benjamin Jones organized the Exeter Circuit. It had previously been included in what was known as the Norridgewock Circuit. This sufficiently indicates the extent of territory originally embraced.

The Exeter Circuit embraced Exeter, Corinna, Palmyra, Dexter, Harmony. Ripley, Garland. Corinth, Bradford, and perhaps other towns and unincorporated territory.

A membership of two hundred and fifty-six is recorded, as within this circuit, chiefly in the more westerly part of it. We can learn but little of the progress of the work till the organization of Corinth and Bradford, in 1833. We may, however, from some facts, infer a healthy state of the societies.

In 1819. one preacher supplied the entire work. In 1828, an assistant was needed. In 1835. the circuit had been divided and re-divided, until three or four circuits had been formed, and one of them, Corinna and Palmyra, required two preachers. It will also be seen that the work on Corinth and Bradford demanded more labor than one could supply. The advance in the receipts also shows increase of strength of the membership. The receipts were meagre but were satisfactory, for though barely meeting pressing necessities, the preacher was cheered by the consciousness that it was to the extent of ability, and often out of deep poverty, that they had remembered those who had cared for their souls. Their love for both the master and his servants was evidenced by the steady increase of their contributions as members and ability increased. Proportionate liberality at this day would, perhaps, so enrich the minister, that the

156

EAST CORINTH CHARGE.

servant would no longer be as his Lord. This, thought, is illustrated by the items herc following.

In 1819, S. Bray was appointed to the charge, and as he had been but one year in the Conference, his claim was only of a single man, as the discipline did not then allow claim for a wife until the preacher had travelled four years. His receipts were fifty-seven dollars. In 1820, True Page succeeded him, and his receipts were sixty-two dollars. In 1821, Peter Burgess received seventy-one dollars. In 1822, M. B. Cox reports sixty-six dollars. In 1823, John Atwell, forty-two dollars. In 1824 and 1825, extensive revival attended the labors of Otis Williams, whose receipts were for the first year, one hundred and six dollars, and for the second, sixty-two dollars. In 1826, the receipts were one hundred and nine dollars. In 1827, one hundred and twenty dollars. In 1828, two preachers, one receiving ninety-six dollars, the other fifty-eight dollars. Some forty were received into the society.

Here follow extracts from the diary of M. B. Cox, (the first missionary of our church to Liberia, in 1832, who died July 21, 1833, aged thirty-five years.) "From the Bath Conference I received my first appointment from the bishop. As was usual in such cases with novitiates, I was sent to Exeter Circuit, then ealled the " Methodist College" meaning "training school") I wept like a child when I heard the appointment read out.

Exeter was a new part of the country, and its inhabitants generally poor, although it had many precious brethren in its humble log huts. Many of them were men of sterling worth. Religion, though not much extended, was revived among the brethren, many prejudiees were softened, and Methodism assumed a higher stand. "If I had confined myself to the plan, I might have had rather an easy time of it, but there were too many calls for help to permit this, and, where- ever I had an invitation I would go, and at least preaeh onee. Sometimes I had to wade swamps, sometimes to follow footpaths through the woods. Once I went to Ripley, to Frazierville, and to Sebee, and several other towns not recollected." On one occasion he had been preaching at some remote settlement on his Exeter Circuit ; when it had come to be late in the evening of a cold winter, after a hard day's work, he was told by the family with whom he had taken tea, that they eould not accommodate him with a bed. He expressed his gratitude for favors already received, and started off in the night, through the woods, a perfect stranger in the region, with

157

EASTPORT.

roads crossing in every direction, to find the house of a former acquaintance.

Another winter night he rode on horseback from half-past nine till two in the morning, between Sebec and Exeter, to attend a Quarterly meeting. "That night and the deep forest" he says, "were to ine as a paradise." Nor can we suppose all this was endured for money or fame, when we recall his pay for the year's labors, and the estimation in which Methodist preachers of that day were held.

In 1833, Corinth and Bradford, with Hudson, Levant and Charles - ton. were made a circuit, with a membership of one hundred and thirty-eight. The first report of Sunday schools appears this year, embracing four teachers and thirty scholars.

The circuit raised one hundred and seventy dollars, which was paid out as follows : to J. Spaulding, Presiding Elder, seventeen dollars ; to J. Marsh, steward, ten dollars, and the balance to J. Lord, preacher in charge.

During 1835, Brother R. E. Schemerhorn's health failed, and quarterly meetings were not regularly held. He was a man of deep piety, and of much promise in the church. (He came to Maine with W. H. Norris and Moses Hill, in 1826, and died April 18, 1836 .- Editor.)

In 1837, arrangements were made to provide a parsonage, but the effort failed. In 1866, Brother William H. Crawford started a subscription for a parsonage, and the present property was the result. There are few charges where the preacher can find a more comfortable home.

In 1837, there was extensive revival, especially in Corinth. There were large additions to the membership in all parts of the town, members and probationers numbering two hundred and three, divided into nine classes, three at West Corinth, four at East Corinth, one at Weston's Mills, and one in Bradford of forty-four members.

In 1848, '52 and '56, quite extensive revivals occurred, adding a number of stable members to the church. In 1868, a good revival occurred, to which we were largely indebted for a young and promising membership, on the west part of the charge.

The meeting-house at East Corinth village was built in 1837, and dedicated September, 1838. The house on the west side was raised April 30, 1845, and dedicated February 21, 1849. In 1871, it' was repaired at the cost of four hundred and twenty-five dollars. Since 1871, the religious interest has been small, comparatively, with

158

EASTPORT.

few conversions, and few accessions. There has been serious loss in the death or removal of several prominent members.

HISTORY OF THE METIIODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH IN EASTPORT. FROM

RECORDS:

(69.) Previous to 1838, the Methodists preached in Eastport, but there was no regular preaching, nor was a class formed till November, 1838, by Rev. William Brown, who, while stationed in Robbinston, frequently visited Eastport, where he preached and formed a class.

The first Quarterly meeting in Eastport was held by Rev. D. Copeland, Presiding Elder, in 1838. In 1839, Eastport was made a mission station, to which Rev. Isaiah McMahon was appointed, who found thirteen class members. The first Quarterly Meeting Conference was held May 2, 1840. Members present : D. Copeland, Presiding Elder ; I. McMahon, preacher, Isaac Bridges, Icader ; Joseph Bridges and James Luckley, stewards, and John Lovely was chosen additional steward. Of Benjamin Harris it is recorded, "He was the first that joined the society. He was zealous, and, for a season, almost its entire support ;" but in a few years he backslid, and ceased to bc of the fold.

The Baptists' old meeting-house, so called, was procured at a price per week, where, in a short time, our membership was increased more than four-fold.

Methodism had to combat the old doctrines, and withstand persecu- tion from the established churches, but it has prospered. In 1840, Eastport continued, in part a mission. The congregation continued to increase, and there was a very decided improvement in the conduct of our youth. About fourteen professed conversion.

In 1841, the congregation increased, so did the religious interest. The spirit was poured out, and a gracious revival ensued. But consequent upon the meeting-house being taken from us, our congre- gation was much scattered, whereupon it was concluded to buy the meeting-house, which was effected July 1, 1842.

In 1842, a few were expelled, a few were converted, and a few werc added. There was a large number of removals, and not so much holiness as there ought to be. The pastor preached one-fourth of the · time at Pembroke, where he organized a small class.

In 1843, preaching at Eastport only three-eighths of the time, Eastport being connected with South Lubec.

159

SEARSPORT.

In 1844. preaching all the time, and no missionary help. This was a year of as much prosperity as any sinee Methodism came to East- port. The society inereased one-third, and the congregation about one-half. The membership numbers seventy-eight.

In 1845, the Lord was present in power, and many were converted.

In 1846, many of last year's converts went back ; but during the winter some ten or twelve were converted. But little pastoral service and few sermons in 1847, because of impaired health of appointee.

In 1849, paid $300, on account of church debt. Some revival, and four converted.

In 1850, paid balanee of church debt. Some revival, and six added to the church.

In 1853 repaired the church and purchased a house for a parsonage, on which expended two hundred dollars.

In 1866 and 1867, left to be supplied.

In 1868. '69 and '70, A. S. Townsend in charge. He found Methodism at a very low ebb. During the first year his labors were about equally divided between Eastport and Lubee, and under his preaching there was considerable religious interest.

In the third year many improvements were made, and it was a year of much religious interest, during which many valuable additions were made to the church, and every lover of Methodism, in Eastport, will ever hold in grateful remembrance, the name of Abner S. Townsend.

From 1867 to 1875 the church continued in a healthy condition, uniformly advaneing in grace.

In 1875, ehureh difficulties had developed, but during this and the following two years the church was harmonized, and union restored.

In 1878, the preacher extended his labors into Perry, and in 1879 Eastport and Perry were united. In January 1880, Brother L. C. Blakey died, leaving to the ehureh in Eastport a valuable piece of real estate, of which it came into possession in 1882.

During 1880 and 1881, the church finances were in good condition, every department running smoothly.

In 1884, it was decided to remove the old ehureh and vestry, and erect a church edifice after plans furnished by the board of church extension. The new church was dedicated June 14, 1885, and called the "Blakey Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church," It has seating for about five hundred and fifty, and cost, exclusive of material from the old building, which was used, about $6,000.

Events out of the ordinary course, put three pastors, consecutively,

160

SEARSPORT.

in charge, during the Conference year 1885, and the record says : "we still live and fiourish."

SEARSPORT. FROM RECORDS MADE BY TIIE SEVERAL PREACHERS IN CHARGE. . (70.) The society in this place originally formed a part of the society at Mt. Ephraim, whieli, at that time ineluded the whole of Prospect. The first elass was formed in this place by Rev. Benjamin Jones, in 1814, and consisted of about twelve members.

The society was supplied with no regular preaching on the Sabbath, until 1830, at which time brother G. Greely supplied part of the time, on the Sabbath, being assisted by brother Smart, then a loeal preaeher, living in the place.

In 1839, it is recorded, "The Methodist society had many severe trials to pass through, and no small amount of opposition ; but God has been with them, and at times added to their number such, we trust, as shall be saved."

The recorder writes : "This item of history I have from the widow of Brother Smart, the deceased local preacher." "The society has as yet, (suppose 1839) searcely been free from severe trials."

The meeting-house was built in 1840 and 1841, but was not finished till 1842, since which time, West Prospect, (now "Searsport") has been a station, distinet from Mt. Ephraim. The house was dedieated by Rev. George Webber.

In 1841 and 1842, Rev. Parker Jaques was appointed to "West Prospeet station." The first was a year of much prosperity, the seeond, a year of trials, which continued through the Conference years 1843 and 1844.

In 1850, Rev. M. R. Hopkins was appointed, with Rev. Joel Adams, Loeal Deaeon at North Searsport ; some prosperity, and uninterrupted peaee during the year, a few eonversions at the village, and some twenty or more, at North Searsport. Though the appointee, Rev. M. R. Hopkins, in 1851, was laid aside from all labor about one-half the time, it was a year of great prosperity, more than forty being added to the church.

Here follows a record written by himself, of one of the most beloved, as he was deserving to be one of the best loved pastors, above whom none eould more deserve esteem, or eould be more highly esteemed.

In 1852, he writes, "a few eonversions, and a small inerease of

161

MOUNT DESERT.

members, but no general prosperity, and it is to be feared, a quite general decline of vital piety, with both the pastor and his flock. Lord have mercy on them !! " And in 1853, "No prosperity, save that a few souls were dismissed, to join the church above. How could there be more? An incompetent, unfaithful pastor, and a worldly church, enough to ruin any place! Trials enough, but all self-imposed, persecutions, but not for Christ's sake, the church struggling with the world, and sinners dying. The Judgment ! O The Judgment ! ! "

In 1854 and 1855, another pastor, still living, records : "The preacher came in weakness and fear, and much trembling, and through a year of sickness and inefficiency, himself and family experienced naught but kindness from the people, and mercy from God. The year closed without any material prosperity." And in 1855, "no prosperity. Preacher feeble in body, and weak in faith. The church grasping after the world, sadly lacking in christian union, deaths and removals, it is not strange that prosperity has not attended us."

In 1858, the pastor writes : "Came with a trembling, but hoping heart. Was blest with a feeling of his own weakness. imperfections, and lack of Divine power ; some quickcning on the part of the church ; several backsliders reclaimed ; no general revival ; good people with good hearts, but very quiet." In 1863, the appointee "found the society united in the common interests of the church. Several were converted, and added to the church."

In 1864, the church was raised some six feet and lengthcned seventeen and one-half feet, a basement story put in, furnishing a commodious vestry. The auditorium was remodeled, an organ put in and the church well furnished throughout, the whole costing about eleven thousand dollars.

In 1865, a few were added to the church, and the year closed with a large and attentive congregation, a working membership, young and active.

During the three years following in each year, there were conversions but in each of the years financial depression was felt so scriously that there were many removals, some twenty families, seriously decreasing the congregation and membership.

HISTORY OF METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH ON MOUNT DESERT. BY REV.

O. H. FERNALD.

(71.) The early history of the present inhabitants of Mount Desert dates back to A. D. 1762, when Abraham Somcs, Jr., came XI

162

MOUNT DESERT.

from Gloucester, Massachusetts, and settled at Somesville, near the centre of the island, and was followed the next year by James Richardson, and a little later by Davis Wasgatt, Esq., who settled on a ridge of land, known as Beech Hill.

These gentlemen were the ancestors of a hardy race, inany of whom, at a later date, helped form and swell the ranks of the Methodist Episcopal church.

1. THE ORIGIN OF THE CHURCH ON MOUNT DESERT.

Rev. Rufus Bailey, of sainted memory, was once journeying along the coast, and stopping at South West Harbor, Mount Desert, was shocked at the deplorable condition of the people. This was more than sixty years ago, and not long after the last war with England. He therefore held meetings, which resulted in a great revival, and many were converted.

This led to the origin of the church and formation of the first Methodist class on Mount Desert, consisting of thirteen members, of whom Davis Wasgatt Clark, afterward Bishop, his mother, Sarah Clark, and his cousin, Sister Sophronia Fernald, nee Wasgatt, are particularly worthy of mention.

This feeble beginning eventually culminated in classes at Oak Hill, Eden, South West Harbor, Bass Harbor, Goose Cove, Center Tremont, Long Pond, Cranberry Isles, Sandy Point, and other places of less note.

Since the organization of the church the following brethren have officiated as pastors : Rev. Brothers Bailey, Mayhew, Doe, Tuell, Robbins, Samuel Plummer, Boynton, Hathaway and Whitney. (For others, see appendix .- Editor.)

Brother Tuell ended his labors on this charge, and passed to his reward in holy triumph, called early, but ready to go. His " works do follow him."

Once, during the history of the church, a camp meeting was held within its borders, and on the cast side of the sound, near its mouth, and nearly opposite Fernald's Point. Its fruits still endure, though held more than fifty years ago, and its memories are like a sweet aroma in the minds of the aged inhabitants.

2. WIIAT IT HAS DONE FOR TIIE WORLD.

This church has reared its notable sons and daughters, made eminent in the learned professions, in literature, and in humbler

Oliver Haley Fermald

163:

GLENWOOD CIRCUIT.

walks of life, as business men. There have been several local preachers, and deacons among its communicants, of whom, Rev. Asa Wasgatt, uncle to Bishop Clark, is worthy of mention.

Two from its ranks graduated at Wesleyan University, passed the course of study in theology, and entered the itinerancy. The first, Davis Wasgatt Clark, showed an aptitude for letters early in life, and through the aid of his father, who mortgaged his farm to educate him, took the degree of A. B., in 1836. The debt incurred by the father, was afterward paid by the son. From 1837 to 1843, he was Principal of Amenia Seminary, after which he joined the New York Conference, and for several years was pastor in some of its first churches. In 1856, he was elected editor of the Ladies' Repository. He was elected Bishop in 1864. As an author, his style was clear and perspicuous. Of his published works, "Life and Times of Bishop Hedding." "Mental Discipline with Reference to the Requisition and Communication of Knowledge," "Man all Immortal," were some of his best. He died of heart disease in Cincinnati, Ohio, May 23d,. 1871, in holy triumph.

The second, who graduated in 1863, was the son of sister Sophrouia. (Wasgatt) Fernald, cousin of the bishop. He also was obliged to educate himself, but, stimulated by the example and advice of Bishop Clark, he was graduated in 1863, and was ordained deacon in 1864, and elder in 1869. In 1863, he was elected Professor of Latin in the East Maine Conference Seminary, but declined because of a previous engagement. He was Professor of Higher English, and Languages iu Scholfield's Commercial College, from 1863 to 1870, when he entered Providence Conference, and in 1884 he was called to the head of East Greenwich Academy, which position he resigned on account of failing health, and returned to the pastorate in his own State.

This church has furnished from its laity, one noted educator, Professor Charles H. Fernald, Ph. D., who is making his mark in natural history. He is also a son of sister S. (Wasgatt) Fernald.

These are only the first fruits of Methodism on Mount Desert, where we trust a brighter day may yet dawn.

This humble sketch has been gleaned from the memory of many a saintly sister, and father, after scores of years.

GLENWOOD CIRCUIT. BY REV. L. W. GLIDDEN, LOCAL PREACHER.

(72.) In 1879, Glenwood was supplied by Rev. R. L. Nanton, under whose labors there was a revival, and, though having to contend

164

KINGMAN, VASSALBORO AND WINSLOW.

against much opposition from another denomination, a society was ·organized.

In 1882, Rev. L. W. Kilgore supplied (Hainesville and Molunkus) "who formed a church, called Hainesville and Glenwood, a branch of Kingman church.

In 1885, Rev. L. W. Glidden supplied, and enjoyed revival at Hainesville and Glenwood, adding to our numbers enough to make cighteen members, and twenty probationers. The people being very poor we have no church property. This is the first year of trial to support preaching, and without missionary aid it will be difficult to go .on.

KINGMAN. BY REV. F. W. BROOKS, LOCAL PREACIIER.

(73.) The Methodist Episcopal church at Kingman, was organized July 20, 1884, with eleven members, by Rev. L. W. Kilgore, who had been supplying sinee 1882. Soon after organization, four members were .added.

Rev. L. W. Glidden supplied during the Conference year, 1885. This church, though small, is very hopeful, situated in a new, but growing town. It is believed that, with proper shepherds, to guard and guide, the church will inerease in numbers, gain strength, and be the means of mueh good. There are several probationers. There is no church property, meetings being held in a hall.

VASSALBORO AND WINSLOW. BY REV. W. WOOD, LOCAL PREACHER.

(74.) No record of Methodism in Vassalboro prior to 1875, can be found. Baek of that date, there was in Vassalboro occasional Methodist preaching for years, by local preachers. There was no church organization till 1853, when Rev. B. M. Mitehell formed classes, and appointed L. M. Mitchell the first class leader.

From that time there was Methodist preaching in the "Old Academy" till 1868, when the church now occupied, was built and dedicated.

Many other things might be said, but that all is so elouded in uncertainty. Memories have failed as to dates. Of Methodism in Winslow, all records prior to 1874, have disappeared. It is supposed they have been destroyed.

The following facts are furnished by Brothers Blackwell and Drummond. The latter was a member of the building committee, when the church was built, which was during the summer of 1829,

165

ORRINGTON CENTER AND SOUTH ORRINGTON.

and dedicated in December of the same year by Rev. R. E. Schemer- horn.

As at Vassalboro, there had been preaching for years by local preachers. Memories also fail to serve here.

ORRINGTON CENTER AND SOUTH ORRINGTON. BY REV. W. T. JEWELL.

(75.) Orrington Centre was made a separate charge in 1847.

During the pastorate of Rev. C. B. Dunn, in 1848 and 1849, there were several additions to the church by conversion, yet all the time, and for years after, a modified form of millerism exerted an unholy influence, drawing mistaken souls from the church.

When this pernicious error was propagated from the pulpit, in 1842, the Methodist Episcopal church was enjoying much religious prosperity and its members were united by the strong bands of christian charity. Many accepted and believed the pulpit dogmatism, that Christ would appear on the earth corporeally, in the spring of 1843, and soon became conceited, uncharitable, and censorious dogmatists.

Brother Dunn says, "after their time expired, they became still more unkind," calling "the church Babylon, and leaving it by scores, wasting their property, neglecting their business, and plunging deeper into error, with which faction the church has had to contend ever since 1843." Again in 1850, a new time was set, and still again in 1872 and 1873, every time adding a few unwary souls to their number. Those, however, who do not believe in annihilation now generally treat the church with respect, and some are fair specimens of christian piety.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

History of Methodism in Maine, 1793-1886, Part 75

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