History of Penobscot County, Maine; with illustrations and biographical sketches, Part 182

Author: Williams, Chase & Co., Cleveland (Ohio)
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Cleveland, Williams, Chase & Co.
Number of Pages: 1100

USA > Maine > Penobscot County > History of Penobscot County, Maine; with illustrations and biographical sketches > Part 182

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The First Baptist Society was duly organized on the 17th of October, 1828, and during all the years since it has acted most efficiently and in perfect harmony with the church.

This was the period also when the Sunday-school, after fitful signs of life while following the hard fortunes of the church, came into vigorous action by the organization of a Sunday-school Society, as another co-ordinate and profitable branch of the service.

After five years of growth and consolidation, during

which a book of hymns for social worship, the articles of faith, and church covenant (compiled by the pastor) were adopted, and nearly one hundred persons added to the church, the happy and successful pastorate of Mr. Rip- ley terminated in 1834.

On the 30th of September, in the same year, occurred the installation of Rev. Thomas Curtis, from England. The sermon on that occasion was preached by Rev. Wil- liam Hague, of Boston. Dr. Curtis remained pastor about three years, during which time a very interesting revival was enjoyed and about seventy were added to the church.

In the spring of 1838 Rev. Adam Wilson was welcomed to another three-years pastorate-to be, after faithful pre- paratory work, an active participator in another of those heavenly refreshings never to be forgotten by those who shared its blessings, during which more than fifty were baptized and added to the church.

In the autumn of 1841 commenced the pastorate of Rev. Jeremiah Chaplin, from Hamilton, New York, dur- ing whose ministry, by the addition of goodly numbers, the church reached that interesting measure of strength and heroic purpose which constrained a colony of its enterprising sons and daughters to become the pioneers of the Second Baptist church in this city.

Early in 1846 the continued ill health of Dr. Chaplin made it necessary for the reluctant church to accept his resignation.

On the 27th of August, 1846, was another deeply in- teresting ordination and installation service in this house -when a sermon was preached by Rev. Dr. Sears, of Newton ; a solemn prayer offered by Father Drinkwater; a hand of fellowship extended by Rev. Mr. Porter ; an address by Rev. Mr. Granger-and thus commenced the twelve interesting years of ministry of Rev. Samuel L. Caldwell, D. D.

The next evening after the organization, and more than ten years before the installation of a pastor, Royal Clark was unanimously chosen the first deacon, who so honored that office forty years, till his death. Ten years after the first election Anthony Woodard was chosen ; and at a meeting in Cram's Hall, by the laying on of hands was solemnly set apart to the office which, save for an intermission of about seven years, he held till 1868.

Samuel Garnsey, in 1848, allowed himself to be pro- moted from the society to become a standard-bearer in the church.

These veterans, esteemed for long and steady fidelity, for safe judgment, wisdom in council, and many years of watchful regard for Zion, have at length, in accordance with their own earnest wish, associated with them in office Arad Thompson, Alfred O. Stewart, and James M. Dickey.

The others, who for limited periods have served as deacons, have been I. Chamberlain, R. Talpey, Z. Rog- ers, and F. Shepherd.

This house, costing originally $10,000 and so much toil and sacrifice, has twice received thorough repairs ; the first in 1835, when the lofty galleries, from their ancient sacred height, were brought in the region of com-

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HISTORY OF PENOBSCOT COUNTY, MAINE.

mon people below, and an organ, costing $1,000, was welcomed, which, after its excellent service of more than thirty years, has just been displaced by one costing less than $3,000.

Weary with climbing to the attic vestry-situated in one particular, as some perhaps thought, too far toward heaven for earthly worshippers, and after years of trial finding the basement vestry as much too low-in 1852 the praying ones were very happy to enter the new chapel, built and furnished by the cheerful contributions of more than $2,000.

Four years later this house received its most complete and satisfactory refitting, when its entire interior was made anew, at an expense of about $5,300; at which time the most desirable arrangement was reached of having the pews all owned by the society-bringing to an end the perplexities about pew taxes and subscrip- tions-the money being since raised by those who only do themselves the kindness of securing a seat.

Professedly connected with it in the fellowship of the church, have been in all 767 members-not, of course, to remain together an unbroken family, but each in his place to stand as a soldier awaiting orders. Besides the colo- nies going out to North Bangor in 1842, and to the Sec- ond church in 1845, others have been continually pushing abroad from this spiritual home to distant cities and towns, in nearly all parts of the world.

Thus far Mr. Small. He came into the pastorate Au- gust 19, 1858, upon the retirement of the Rev. Mr. Caldwell. Most interesting anniversary services were observed January 25 and 26, 1868, at which were present ex-pastors Ripley, Wilson, Caldwell, and many other ven- erable children of the faith. Mr. Small's pastorate closed the same year, and he was succeeded in 1869 by the Rev. Francis T. Hazlewood, who is still (at the close of 1881) acceptably serving the church.

FIRST FREE BAPTIST CHURCH .*

Under the labors of Rev. John Lamb, of Brunswick, Maine, a church was organized in Bangor, in the City Hall, January 23, 1836, with twelve members, eight of whom were males. Rev. Silas Curtis, then of Augusta, and still living, assisted in the organization. Jotham Parsons was chosen Deacon, and John I. D. Sanford Clerk.

The church did not call a pastor, that not being usual with the denomination at that time, and within the year we find the names of Revs. J. W. Holman, Dexter Waterman, Samuel Hutchins, and Daniel Jackson as of- ficiating in its ordinances, while eighteen were added to its membership.

In 1837 the church united with the Exeter Quarterly Meeting, at a session held in Charleston. In 1838 Ammi R. Bradbury, a member of the church, was ordained to the work of the ministry, and in 1839 another member, Moses M. Smart, was also ordained by the Quarterly Meeting, at Springfield.

These brethren, with Revs. A. Bridges, C. S. Pratt, M. Shepherd, K. R. Davis, and A. Caverno, constitute the

more efficient list of ministers for the remaining years of the church's existence, the labors of the two latter being especially fruitful in additions to its membership.

Soon after its organization the church left the City Hall and worshiped in school-houses, using one on the corner of French and Cumberland streets for the most part, till May, 1841, when it returned to the City Hall for a season. Later in the year its public meetings were suspended for want of a place to hold them, but in April, 1842, the old Methodist meeting-house on Union street, near Pickering Square, was obtained, and there its wan- derings ceased.

March 1, 1843, the First and Second Bangor, the First and Second Hermon, with the Oldtown, Argyle, and Carmel churches, united in the formation of what is known as the Bangor Quarterly Meeting, which was or- ganized and held its first session with the First Bangor church. At this time and a little later, under the labors of Rev. A. Caverno, the church was more vigorous than at any other period in its existence, its membership reaching ninety-one.

But not far from this time the Millerite excitement made discouraging havoc among its members, and some disaffection with the pastor arose in 1844, which resulted in his resignation and commencing to hold separate meetings. This led to serious trials, the calling of a council whose decisions were unsatisfactory, and the final hopeless division of the church and loss of its visi- bility, its record terminating abruptly March 29, 1845.

But prior to this time eighteen members of the old church, who had been dismissed therefrom by letter, re- garding its condition as hopeless, united in calling a Council consisting of Revs. John N. Rines, Moses Shepherd, and Jabez Fletcher, and Deacon Josiah Howe, which assembled at the meeting-house on the 28th of January, 1845, and organized them into what was then called the Summer Street Free Will Baptist Church. Ira Chamberlain was chosen Deacon, and J. M. Lougee, Clerk.

At the next regular meeting Hiram Skillin united by letter, and being ordained the 29th of May following, served the church for some time as its pastor. Within the year quite a number of the members of the defunct church united with this, and its growth was steady and vigorous.

Rev. H. Skillin left in September, 1846, and after a few weeks' supply by Rev. John Lord, Rev. Phillip Weaver became its pastor in May, 1847, and in July fol- lowing the church united with the Unity Quarterly Meet- ing, with which it remained connected till June, 1879, when it withdrew and joined the Exeter Quarterly Meet- ing. The Bangor Quarterly Meeting subsequently be- came extinct.

In 1849 Daniel Lary and Jefferson Higgins were chosen deacons.

Upon date of August 31, 1849, we find this entry in the records: "The Asiatic cholera has made its appear- ance in this city." September 2 this appears: "On the Sabbath twenty-seven cases and seventeen deaths." On the 3d, "Brother George McClure fell a victim to this

* By the kindness of the pastor, Rev. R. L. Howard.

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HISTORY OF PENOBSCOT COUNTY, MAINE.

fatal disease after a sickness of twelve hours," and on the 14th, "Brother Samuel Norton died of cholera, after a sickness of six hours."

March 11, 1850, the name of the church was changed from "Summer Street" to "The Free Will Baptist Church of Bangor," and Edmund H. Fogg was chosen Clerk, a position which he held upwards of twenty years.

About this time a very comfortable but unwisely lo- cated house of worship was built on the corner of York and Pine streets. In October, 1854, Rev. Mr. Weaver closed his labors with the church, leaving it in a some- what low and discouraged state, though his pastorate had been for the most part successful. No meetings were held during the winter following.

But in April, 1855, Rev. M. H. Tarbox, a young brother full of zeal, who had recently graduated from the Bangor Theological Seminary and knew the condition and wants of the church better than any one else, de- termined to devote himself to its interests, being most heartily co-operated with by some of its members. As a first step it was determined to arise and build in a more inviting locality, and a suitable site was secured on Essex street, near State. Into this work Mr. Tarbox entered with great energy, and as a result we read in the records of December 20, 1856: "Had opening exercises in the vestry of our new house of worship, on Essex street, and it was a time of rejoicing and thanksgiving to God."

This house was completed and dedicated to the wor- ship of God at a session of the Unity Quarterly Meeting held therein December 2, 1859, and is the present house of worship of the church, being in good repair and amply sufficient for years to come.

Rev. Mr. Tarbox resigned in May, 1862, having labored faithfully and sacrificingly for a little more than seven years, and proved, under God, the most successful pastor the church ever had.

The names of Revs. C. S. Perkins and J. Mariner follow as supplies till December, when the church settled Rev. J. S. Burgess, who remained till October, 1865, when he accepted a call to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Rev. E. G. Chaddock supplied to good acceptance till July, 1866, when Rev. W. G. M. Stone, of Wisconsin, was called to the pastorate. He remained, however, but a year, and then accepted a call to Providence, Rhode Island, to be succeeded by Rev. S. E. Root, for a year, when the supply system was again invoked, first in Rev. A. P. Tracy, who did good work as long as he was able to remain, being in school; and then in one Thomas Cooper, a student in the Seminary, recently from Eng- land, and not a member of the denomination. This proved to be the most dark and trying period in the his- tory of the church, which it came near concluding.

But in the summer of 1869 Rev. S. D. Church, a very devoted and able minister, was settled over the church, and it slowly began again to rise. The spring of 1871 witnessed some revival interest and the addition of sev- eral members.

Mr. Church remained till the spring of 1872, giving nearly three years of arduous labor to the pastorate, and was followed by another noble worker, Arthur Given,

who was ordained over the church at its request, by the Unity Quarterly Meeting, December 6, 1872, and re- mained till February, 1875.

In April of this year S. C. Whitcomb, a young brother who had found the life that is in Christ in this church, and had completed a full course in the Bangor Theologi- cal Seminary, was dismissed from the church with its benediction to enter upon the work of the gospel minis- try in other fields, he having been called to the pastorate of the Dover and Foxcroft Free Baptist Church.

About the same time Rev. James Boyd began his labors with the church, which were continued three and one-half years, closing in the autumn of 1878.

February, 1879, Rev. R. L. Howard, the present pas- tor, received a call from the church, and was settled over it. Its present outlook is encouraging and vigorous ; its stated meetings of worship are well attended, and its Sab- bath school flourishing. It has one member now in the Theological Seminary, in the middle year, who is a licen- tiate and preaching with good acceptance-George N. Howard, son of the pastor.

Among the many workers of the church, who have contributed largely to its permanence and success, the name of Deacon H. Fogg should be mentioned, who be- came connected with it early in 1845, and as Clerk, Dea- con, and Sunday-school Superintendent, in person and purse, served it untiringly, till called from labors to re- wards in August, 1877. The whole city, as well as the church, mourned his departure, and his memory is blessed.

The present officers of the church are F. O. Buzzell and H. J. Preble, deacons; H. J. Preble, Clerk; A. P. Chick, Sunday-school Superintendent, and O. S. Sands, Assistant Superintendent. Its present resident member- ship is one hundred, and non-resident sixty.

ST. JOHN'S (ROMAN CATHOLIC) PARISH .*

Some Catholic families settled in the town of Bangor at a very early period in its history. It is certain that as early as 1810 there were Catholics living in the town. In 1825 the Bishop of Boston, the Right Reverend Bishop Fenwick, visited the place and gave some of those beau- tiful exhortations which those who heard them never for- got. The Catholics of the town were visited from time to time by the priests of Oldtown, among others Rev. Virgil Barbour, a convert from the Protestant ministry to the Catholic Church. In December, 1828, James Conway celebrated the first mass in the town, for a small congre- gation, in the house of James Carr, on Court street, now the residence of Gorham L. Boynton. The following year a dwelling on Broad street was used temporarily as a place of worship. The same year a lot for a school was purchased on Court street.

In 1832 Rev. Patrick McNamee was permanently placed in charge. Rev. Michael Lynch succeeded him in 1836, and in the summer of the same year he com- menced the erection of St. Michael's church on Court street, which was dedicated the following winter.

Rev. Father Lynch was succeeded by Rev. T. O'Sulli-

* These notes are courteously contributed by the Rev. Father Edward McSweeney, pastor of the church.

---

CONVENT OF MERCY AND ST. XAVIER ACADEMY, BANGOR, MAINE,

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HISTORY OF PENOBSCOT COUNTY, MAINE.

van, who took charge of the parish in December, 1839. He remained in charge for fourteen years. During his pastorate the number of the Catholic population in- creased so considerably that an enlargement of the church was necessary.

In 1853 Rev. John Bapst, S. J., was placed in charge of all the missions east of the Penobscot, with Bangor as his residence. Besides Bangor, he attended Winterport, Rockland, Thomaston, Ellsworth, Machias, Eastport, and other Catholic settlements of Eastern Maine. At this period Bangor had a Catholic population of six thousand, more than one-third of the whole population. A larger church was necessary. A lot on Broadway was pur- chased. It is an index of the bigotry of the time on the part of some that so much opposition was manifested to the erection of the church on this lot that the site was changed. In 1855 was laid the corner-stone of St. John's Church. It is a model of beautiful architecture, and even to-day is justly regarded as one of the finest churches in the Eastern States. Approaching the city from the Penobscot River, you see this noble edifice in its massive proportions, conspicuous beyond all other buildings of the city.

Rev. Father Bapst's ministry was attended with marked success. Regarded as a martyr for his Catholic princi- ples from his ill-treatment at the hands of the people of Ellsworth, he held the esteem and love of his people. Associated with him in this wide field of labor were some of the most eminent members of the present Fathers. Among others should be remembered Rev. James C. Moore, S. J., Rev. Eugène Vetromile, S. J., and A. F. Crampi, S. J., afterwards President of Holy Cross Col- lege, Worcester, Massachusetts.

The administration of Rev. John Bapst closed in September, 1859. Rev. Henry Gillen succeeded him. Rev. Father Gillen established schools for girls. In 1865 he erected the convent on Newbury street and in- troduced the Sisters of Mercy. After Rev. Father Gillen Rev. James Murphy was in charge for a short time. Rev. Eugene Vetromile next succeeded. In 1869 Rev. Clement Mutsaers was appointed pastor. During Rev. Father Mutsaers' pastorate the parish was divided, and the new parish was called St. Mary's.

In May, 1874, Rev. Edward McSweeney was placed in charge of the parish, who continues to discharged the duties of the position. In the years of the panic Ban- gor suffered severely in its business and trade. When the prospect seemed the gloomiest for the city the pastor of St. John's purchased the beautiful Schwartz estate, situated on State street, and established the present Academy. It is one of the most conspicuous sites in the city, and well located for an institution of learning. A large and flourishing school is now the reward of what was regarded by some as a rather hazardous undertak- ing.

It must be said of the Catholic people that they have been generous in supporting religious and educational in- stitutions. In early days they underwent much petty persecution, but they have manfully adhered to the teachings of their religion. As to the virtues that adorn

a well-regulated city, they will compare favorably with the people of other communities.

At various times benevolent and temperance societies have been organized and have done much good among the people.

The present pastor, Rev. Edward McSweeney, has com- menced the erection of a new parochial residence which will be an ornament to the place.

ST. MARY'S (ROMAN CATHOLIC) PARISH .*

Prior to the spring of 1872 the only parish and Cath- olic church in Bangor was St. John's, on York street- (preceded by St. Michael's, on Court street.) In May of . that year St. Mary's was set off from St. John's, with Rev. J. W. Murphy as new pastor. His first task was to provide a place of worship, and he engaged the City Hall, where services were held every Sunday for (length of time I do not know) more than a year, till the basement of the new church was finished and furnished with seats and temporary altar. Before the project of forming a new parish was proclaimed, a lot on Cedar street had been purchased by Rev. Clement Mutsaers, then pastor of St. John's-at a cost of $2,000. The ground had been used hitherto for a gravel pit. Subsequently two lots more were purchased east of the site of the church at about the same price ($2,000 for both). The corner-stone of St. Mary's was laid by Rt. Rev. D. W. Bacon, Bishop of Port- land, in September, 1872. During these ceremonies a startling accident occurred, in the breaking down of the platform, upon which were many people. It fell but a short distance, however, and nobody was seriously hurt.

The church was dedicated on the 8th of December, 1874. Bishop Lynch, of Charleston, South Carolina, preached the sermon on the occasion. The church was built when building materials and labor were extremely costly, and cost in all, grounds included, about $65,000. Its present debt is $20,000. Rev. J. W. Murphy was transferred, in June, 1880, to the rectorship of the Cathedral in Portland, and was succeeded in St. Mary's by Rev. M. C. O'Brien, the present pastor. The territory or district embraced in the parish is Bangor west of the Kenduskeag, Hampden, East Hampden, Hermon, and Carmel-in each of which towns (especially Hampden and Carmel) there are some Catholic families, attended from St. Mary's.

The Hibernian Mutual Benevolent society is composed of Catholic men of both parishes. St. Mary's Temper- ance society has not met for a year, though it had a numerous society in 1876. Nevertheless it can not be said that intemperance has increased; a much larger number than were ever organized into a society being pledged by the priest, privately or in presence of others, to total abstinence.

THE CATHOLIC SCHOOLS .*

The tourist in Maine will find much to attract him in the little city of Bangor, on the Penobscot, which in its more prosperous days gloried in the proud title of the "Queen City of the East." In a pleasant, secluded

*From the memoranda of Rev. Father O'Brien, pastor.

1 "By one of the Sisters.

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HISTORY OF PENOBSCOT COUNTY, MAINE.

spot on the river bank, almost hidden by trees, stands the original convent of St. Xavier's, a fine, commodious brick building, now used as the parochial school-house. In 1865 the Sisters of Mercy were introduced by Rev. H. Gillen, for the purpose of conducting the education of girls. The schools, which were opened immediately after their arrival, were filled to overflowing; an academy, attached to the convent, numbering 120 pupils, and the parochial schools averaging an attendance of three hun- dred. The evening school, for the benefit of adults, was also largely attended. To counteract the effects of profane literature on the minds of the young, a circula- ting library was commenced, and continues to be highly appreciated. Silently, but surely, it has done its work of instilling principles of truth and virtue into souls who would otherwise have drunk in the poisonous draught of immoral reading.

In 1879 the Sisters removed to their beautiful and spacious convent on State street (purchased by Rev. Edward McSweeney), which affords superior advantages for a boarding-school and day academy. The loca- tion is unsurpassed for health and beauty, and offers every inducement for out-door exercise, so necessary for the physical welfare of pupils. A mild, but firm govern- ment is maintained, based upon those Christian princi- ples which are the source of all true refinement, and which alone insure the happiness of the pupil in after life. Pupils of all religious denominations are equally received, and all interference with their religious convic- tions scrupulously avoided.

FIRST (PINE STREET) METHODIST EPISCOPAL.

This is the pioneer Methodist society in Bangor. There had been preaching by missionaries and visiting brethren of this faith and order at intervals here for nearly thirty years-at least ever since the sermons of Rev. Timothy Merritt in Bangor in 1799. Bangor was subsequently a charge or mission station in the Hampden Circuit; but not until the Bangor Circuit was formed in 1827, was the present Pine Street Society organized. Its original church, however, was built on Summer street ; but in 1837 this primitive edifice was abandoned for the brick structure still occupied, with extensions and modi- fications in the course of the years, on Pine street, at the corner of Somerset. The roll of pastors of this church, under the itinerant system, has been a long one, and is honorable as it is long. Ten years after going to Pine street, the society suffered the loss of its members con- nected with the Summer Street Mission, who then formed a new church. Rev. N. G. Axtell is now (1881) Pastor.

UNION STREET METHODIST EPISCOPAL,

This is the society that was an offshoot, as just before noted, of the Pine Street church. It was organized in 1847, and was originally known as the Summer Street church, having grown out of a mission of the parent church on that street, which had become known as the Summer Street Mission Society, holding preaching ser- vices in the old Methodist church there. While occupy- ing on Summer street the Rev. Messrs. H. M. Blake, John Atwell, C. D. Pillsbury, H. C. Tilton, and C. H.

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History of Penobscot County, Maine; with illustrations and biographical sketches, Part 182

Author: Williams, Chase & Co., Cleveland (Ohio) Publication date: 1882 Publisher: Cleveland, Williams, Chase & Co. Number of Pages: 1100

Author: Williams, Chase & Co., Cleveland (Ohio)
Publication date: 1882
Publisher: Cleveland, Williams, Chase & Co.
Number of Pages: 1100