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Early in this Convention year information was received that, by the will of Mr. Daniel Sharp Ford of Boston, the Maine Baptist Missionary Convention had been made one of his residuary legatees, the will specifying that after the payment of certain bequests one-ninth of the remainder of the estate should become the property of the Convention. During the year 1900-1901, the sum of $43,488.90 came
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HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN MAINE.
into the Convention treasury from this source. This amount was increased during the following year by the receipt of $23,591.66.
At the meeting of the executive committee, held in Waterville in February, 1900, it was voted, "That upon the receipt of the Daniel S. Ford bequest, or any part thereof, the treasurer place the same upon the books of the Convention to the credit of the special fund, which shall be called the Daniel S. Ford Fund, opening accounts for such a fund, the same to be kept and reported as a separate fund of the Convention, the interest only to be used." This vote received the approval of the board, and also of the Convention. At a meeting of the board held in Lewiston, Sept. 23, 1902, it was voted to set aside ten per cent. of the Ford Fund as a Church Edifice Building and Loan Fund, to be appropriated at the discretion of the executive committee. There were calls early in the year from Rumford Falls and Millinocket for aid in the build- ing of houses of worship-calls which were regarded as absolutely essential to the success of work in those fields. Other calls it was known would come, and while there was no such need of large expenditures as at the time of the Coburn bequest, it was the general conviction that at least a tenth of the Ford bequest might profitably be used in this way. The total of all funds (including the Greenough property in Portland, estimated at $18,000,) was now $140,217.56.
With these larger resources there came a prospect of a less strenuous life for the large-hearted, overworked sec- retary of the Convention. Manfully he had toiled, in sea- son and out of season, to advance its interests. He had made the whole State of Maine as familiar to him as is the parish of a country or city pastor. From York to Aroostook, by personal observation and study, he knew the condition and needs of the churches. March 2, 1903, he fulfilled an appointment to present to the members of the Boston Social Union the present state of our denomi- national work in Maine. On his return he tarried in Port-
REV. ALBERT T. DUNN, D. D.
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HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN MAINE.
land in order to have a conference with the trustees of the Convention, residing in or near the city, concerning the new church which had been organized at Central Square, and to the development of whose interests Dr. Dunn, in the preceding weeks, had devoted much of his time. Then he went to his home in Waterville. Soon it was reported that he was ill; then that he was seriously ill. Much strong, earnest prayer was offered all over the State, and even beyond its borders, that if it was the will of God he might be spared for further service. But he who knows the times and seasons, and where he would have his servants be, ordered otherwise, and at length, on Thursday, April 2, 1903, the sad tidings were carried to waiting, saddened hearts, here and elsewhere, that Dr. Dunn was dead. He was not, for God had taken him.
From the time of Dr. Dunn's death until the close of the Convention year, the work of the secretary was performed by the executive committee, the secretary of the commit- tee, Rev. E. C. Whittemore, D. D., attending to the cleri- cal duties of the corresponding secretary's office. When the Convention met at Rockland, Oct. 7 and 8, 1903, there was a heavy shadow over all the proceedings. In the report of the board, prepared by the president of the Con- vention, Rev. I. B. Mower, fitting mention was made of the great loss which the Convention had sustained in the death of Dr. Dunn, and Rev. E. C. Whittemore, D. D., of Waterville delivered a memorial address, in which the life and services of Dr. Dunn received felicitous and apprecia- tive recognition. This address was printed in the Minutes.
At the election of officers, Rev. I. B. Mower, pastor of the Baptist church at South Berwick, was made Dr. Dunn's successor. He had been president of the Convention dur- ing the preceding two years, and had also served as a member of the executive committee and as a member of the board of trustees. A native of Maine, he had been familiar with the Convention work from his early years, and it was believed that he possessed in an eminent degree the executive qualities requisite for the corresponding sec-
24
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HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN MAINE.
retaryship. Mr. Mower accepted the appointment and soon after entered upon his work. Already the wisdom of this choice is abundantly manifest.
Dr., Dunn did not leave a review of the financial affairs of the Convention during his period of service as did Dr. Ricker. It was not permitted to him to recall the facts which meant so much to the interests which were so large a part of his daily life as the years came and went. But such a review we should have, and it may take this tabular form :
Contributions from Churches.
Total Income.
Total Expenditures.
Total Funds and Property.
1890,
$3,045.21
$21,992.57
$28,820.85
$ 52,845.14
1891,
4,423.93
16,131.91
19,449.92
51,500.00
1892,
3,481.06
14,231.33
14,180.36
53,582.96
1893,
3,847.49
9,454.48
16,112.90
52,824.54
1894,
3,398.19
13,827.67
12,332.41
66,305.26
1895,
3,291.29
15,250.93
14,011.51
68,226.07
1896,
3,717.64
15,564.96
14,573.06
65,439,41
1897,
4,419.06
15,646.34
12,246.24
67,947.51
1898,
3,953.90
12,880.81
12,902.82
63,018.63
1899,
5,094.82
15,660.00
11,711.54
67,411.77
1900,
4,393.83
13,073.91
10,164.96
70,408.47
1901,
4,480.93
58,320.84
11,628.17
117,065.90
1902,
4,392.59
37,494.14
14,351.21
140,217.56
1903,
4,625.57
35,523.92
14,465.47
161,204.64
$56,565.51
$295,053.81
$206,851.42
CHAPTER XXII.
MAINE BAPTIST EDUCATION SOCIETY.
With the termination, in 1858, of the relation between the Maine Baptist Education Society and the Northern Baptist Education Society, a new and more prosperous era in the history of the Maine Society opened. At once there were gratifying assurances of a heartier and more generous support on the part of the Maine Baptist churches. Dur- ing the first year after the Society entered upon an inde- pendent career the contributing churches increased from eight to twenty-six, and the amount received increased from $250 to $598. The great revival then in progress brought into the churches a large number of young men, many of them in academies and high schools, and those interested in the Society were led to expect that not a few among the converts in these various educational institu- tions would give themselves to the work of the Christian ministry.
During the Civil War, with the lessening of the number of students in the higher institutions of learning, there was also a lessening in the number of students for the ministry. In the report of the board of directors of the Maine Society in 1864, it was stated that the number was "very small, alarmingly small." The interest of the Soci- ety in the educational work of the denomination found expression in the annual reports of the board in 1863 and in 1864. In the report for 1864, we find these words : "Quite a number of churches have nobly responded to this call, and the subscription has been materially advanced. All that is needed to insure ultimate success is the hearty co-operation of the pastors with the members of the col- lege faculty, whose exertions in this cause are worthy
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HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN MAINE.
of all praise, being very laborious and without compen- sation."
At the annual meeting in 1865, in the annual report of the board, attention was called to the Minister's Insti- tute which had recently been held in Chicago under the direction of the Illinois Baptist Pastoral Union. This part of the report was referred to a committee of which Rev. W. H. Shailer, D. D., of Portland was chairman. This committee recognized the importance of having such an Institute in Maine, "holding its sessions once or twice a year, when lectures should be delivered and subjects discussed pertaining to Christian doctrine and pastoral duties." In accordance with a recommendation of the committee, the board was instructed to mature some plan for establishing such an Institute at Waterville, or some other central place in the State, and to carry the plan into effect as soon as practicable.
A Minister's Institute was accordingly held in Saco, under the auspices of the Society, in connection with its annual meeting in June, 1866, and continued two days. Dr. Alvah Hovey, of Newton Theological Institution, deliv- ered six lectures on Theology, Dr. N. M. Wood of Thomas- ton, two on Evidences, Dr. G. W. Bosworth of Lawrence, Mass., one on Ministerial Efficiency, and Rev. Nathaniel Butler of Camden, one on Revivals.
In November, 1866, the Institute met at Waterville, and was organized as a distinct and permanent society. Fifty ministers were present. The Institute continued eight days. Dr. Hovey delivered lectures on Inspiration, the Extent of Sin, the Extent of the Atonement, Conscious- ness in the Intermediate State, Mode of Baptism, Resur- rection, and Duty of Women in Social Meetings. Dr. T. J. Conant gave four lectures on God's Care for his Word and four exegetical exercises. One session was devoted to a conference on various practical subjects, such as the best method of raising money for benevolent purposes, best method of conducting a revival, &c.
357
HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN MAINE.
In October, 1867, the Institute was held at Thomaston. Fifty-five ministers were present. Dr. Hovey gave two lectures on Regeneration, two on a Review of Bushnell, one on Alleged Contradictions of Scriptures, one on the Best Commentaries, and one on the Study of Theology. Dr. G. D. B. Pepper of Newton Theological Institution gave five lectures, one on Justin Martyr, one on Celsus, one on the Study of Ecclesiastical History, one on the Self-evidencing Power of Truth, and one on the Univer- sal Brotherhood of Man. Essays were also read by Dr. Adam Wilson and Rev. Ira Leland on the Office Work of the Holy Spirit, by Dr. N. M. Wood on the Word and the Spirit in Regeneration, by Rev. F. D. Blake on the Pres- ent Guidance of the Spirit into Truth, and by Rev. J. Ricker and Rev. W. O. Holman on Ministerial Successful- ness. Rev. H. A. Hart read a review of Stanley's History of the Jewish Church, and Rev. R. J. Langridge a review of Clarke's Orthodoxy, its Truths and its Errors. Rev. J. W. Holman gave an interpretation of Rev. 20: 1-10.
A meeting of the Institute was held at Skowhegan Oct. 21 and 22, 1868. Rev. Dr. Manning of Boston, Dr. Hovey, Dr. W. Lamson, and Mr. R. G. Pardee of New York were the lecturers, but it was evident that the interest in the Institute was declining. It was difficult to secure lec- turers, and the expense to the members was somewhat burdensome. It was found, moreover, that those who would be most benefited by the meeting did not attend. In 1869, no meeting was held, and notwithstanding the announcement that a meeting would probably be held dur- ing the next year the Institute quietly went out of exist- ence, though an ineffectual attempt to revive it was made by the Maine Baptist Education Society in 1874.
Meanwhile the Education Society continued its work of aiding young men who were studying for the Christian ministry. It was still necessary for the Society to correct a misunderstanding in some quarters with reference to ministerial education-a misunderstanding which, it would
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HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN MAINE.
seem, ought not to have existed after so many explicit statements. In their annual report for 1866, the direc- tors of the Society said : "Holding that no education can be too extensive and no mental discipline too thorough for the ministry, we also hold that such an education and such a discipline are not within the reach of all, and therefore should not be urged upon all. The man should receive the training he is fitted for by mental structure and outward circumstances. One man will be greatly benefited by seven years of study in college and seminary; another would be injured thereby. This Society has no thought of inculcating the idea that none should enter the ministry but graduates of schools and seminaries. God calls men into the ministry, we believe, of all stations and of all ages, and while every man would be better for some train- ing, it is evident that the same training is not adapted to all. Whether the preparation should consist of a few months' study and experience with some pastor, or a full course of study, must be determined by the circumstances of each individual. We hold ourselves ready to assist with our counsels and our funds every one, who is called to preach the gospel, to secure the best possible prepara- tion open to him."
But young men in large numbers were not offering themselves as candidates for the ministry. In the year 1867-8, only four men were aided by the Society, and all were members of the senior class in Colby University. Indeed the annual report of the board of directors raised the question, "Is it desirable to continue the organiza- tion ?" But a more encouraging state of things was soon evident. At the meeting of the Society held in Portland, June 23, 1870, Rev. S. L. Caldwell, D. D., of Providence, R. I., and Rev. Alvah Hovey, D. D., of Newton Theologi- cal Institution, were present and considered at some length the character and work of our institutions of learning with reference to the Christian ministry ; and a committee was appointed to bring the matter before the several associa-
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HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN MAINE.
tions in the State, with the view of awakening in the denomination a deeper interest in every form of educa- tion.
Then came the memorable meeting at Bath, June 19, 1872, when the by-laws of the Society were changed, enlarging the work of the Society so that it should have this added aim, "to foster, in all proper and legal ways, our educational interests in the State." In the report of the board this encouraging statement was made: "The interest and liberality of the churches in the work of this Society seem to be on the increase." The benefi- ciaries had increased to eleven, and the contributions of the churches had also increased. In 1873-4, the num- ber of beneficiaries had increased to fifteen, and appro- priations were made amounting to $1,155. During this year the sum of $733.47 was received from a bequest of Byron Greenough of Portland and added to the perma- nent fund. In the year 1876-7, the number of beneficia- ries had increased to twenty-four, and the amount paid to these was $1,280. Into the treasury that year, from the churches and friends of the Society, contributions came amounting to $1,082.97. An earnest effort was made dur- ing the year to secure the co-operation of every Baptist church in the State. Special educational meetings were held in Damariscotta, Dec. 13, 1876, and much interest in the work of the Society was awakened.
But the number of beneficiaries in 1877-8 was reduced to seventeen, and the amount contributed from various sources was reduced to $857.82. This was attributed to recent criticisms of the beneficiary system and to business depression. In 1878, at the annual meeting of the Soci- ety, a resolution was adopted requiring the beneficiaries to pledge themselves to secure an annual collection in aid of the Society's work, or in aid of some other Baptist Minis- terial Education Society, a resolution that was very soon forgotten. In 1882, the number of beneficiaries had still further declined and only four were reported at the annual
360
HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN MAINE.
meeting as receiving aid from the Society. "Fewer stu- dents," said the report, "have the ministry definitely in view than in former years."
At the annual meeting of the Society in 1883, in accord- ance with a request received from the trustees of Colby University, that the Society should appoint annually a committee to report to the Society on the work and wants of the college and its tributary academies, committees were appointed to visit Houlton Academy, Hebron Acad- emy, Coburn Classical Institute and Colby University, and the reports of these committees appeared in connection with the report of the next annual meeting of the Soci- ety. Similar reports in connection with the reports of the annual meetings of the Society have appeared each year since that time. These have been printed in the Minutes, and in this way the more important facts in connection with the work and growth of these various institutions have been laid before the churches.
Meanwhile the Society continued to press its work with reference to the Christian ministry. In 1885, the efficient secretary of the Society, Rev. E. S. Small, prepared a paper urging upon young men the claims of the ministry. This paper was published in Zion's Advocate and also in tract form for circulation in our denominational schools. A paper by Rev. C. V. Hanson, on the Importance of More Prayer for the Sending of Laborers into the Harvest, was also published in Zion's Advocate.
In 1886, the by-laws and rules of the Society were codified.1 Hitherto the Society had granted beneficiary
1I. The objects of this Society shall be to assist, in acquiring an education, such brethren of the Baptist denomination needing aid as give satisfactory evidence that they are called of God to the work of the gospel ministry, and to foster, in all proper and legal ways, our educational interests in the State.
II. The Society shall be composed of all regularly ordained Baptist ministers in the State; of life members, made such by the payment, at one time, of ten dollars, and of delegates from Baptist churches contributing to its funds, each church appointing one delegate for the current year.
III. The officers of the Society shall be a president, vice president, secretary, treas- urer, and not more than thirty directors, chosen annually. Together, they shall form an executive board, six of whom, when regularly convened, shall constitute a quorum.
IV. It shall be the duty of the Secretary to keep a record of the proceedings of the
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HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN MAINE.
aid only to young men studying for the Christian minis- try. In 1887, the report of the board raised the question whether beneficiary aid should not be extended to young women, and at the meeting of the Society held in Lewis- ton, Oct. 3, 1888, it was voted, "That it is the sense of this Society that the charter of the Society should be so amended as to include among its beneficiaries young women who purpose to engage in religious work; and the directors are hereby authorized to secure the necessary legislation." In accordance with this vote the charter of
Society and of the executive board; to conduct the correspondence of the Society ; to give notice of all meetings, and to present, at the annual meeting of the Society, a report of what has been accomplished during the year then closed.
V. It shall be the duty of the treasurer to receive and safely keep all moneys and other property belonging to the Society, subject at all times to the direction of the board. He shall keep an exact account of all receipts and expenditures, and shall present the same, audited by a committee appointed by the Society for this purpose, in his report to the Society at their annual meeting. He shall give to the board, whenever it shall be required, a written statement of the condition of the treasury, and of the amount and description of funds belonging to the Society. He shall also render to the secretary, at least one week before the annual meeting, a written report of his receipts and disburse- ments during the year.
VI. It shall be the duty of the executive board to receive, under the patronage of the Society, such brethren of the Baptist denomination as are deemed worthy, and need assistance in their preparation for the work of the ministry, to advise with them in refer- ence to their places of study, to determine the amount of aid to be offered them, and the conditions upon which it shall be given, and generally to superintend the interests of the Society in the collection and disbursement of funds.
VII. It shall further be the duty of the executive board to appoint an examining com- mittee, whose duty it shall be to examine applicants for assistance and to report results to the board. In case it is not convenient for an applicant to come before the committee, he may appear before any three pastors of Baptist churches in this State, and their report shall be received by the board as the report of an examining committee. The examining committee shall have oversight of the beneficiaries as to their character, scholarship, amount of preaching, etc., and the location of members of this committee shall have reference to the location of the beneficiaries, for the convenient discharge of these duties.
VIII. The executive board shall hold four regular meetings in the year for the trans- action of business, in connection with the meetings of the board of the Maine Baptist Missionary Convention, or as the board may appoint. Special meetings of the board may be called at the option of the president, or at the written request of three members of the board.
IX. There shall be an annual meeting of the Society in connection with the annual meeting of the Maine Baptist Missionary Convention, and at each meeting a person shall be appointed to preach at the next annual meeting.
X. The rules concerning beneficiaries shall be a part of these by-laws, and shall be printed separately in a circular for the information of those interested.
XI. These by-laws may be altered at any annual meeting, by a vote of two-thirds of the members present.
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HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN MAINE.
the Society was amended by the addition in the fourth section of the words, "and such young women in their education for missionary or other religious work." The amended charter received the signature of the governor of Maine Feb. 19, 1889. In accordance with this action the Society placed on its beneficiary list in that year the name of a young lady, a graduate of Hebron Academy, who was taking a medical course under the direction of the Woman's Baptist Foreign Missionary Society.
The report of the board for 1889 shows that from 1858 to 1889 one hundred and eleven names appear in the Soci- ety's records as beneficiaries. A few of these received only one appropriation ; one was assisted throughout eight years ; several were on the list for seven and six years, while four or three years constituted the average term.
A legacy of $1,000 from the estate of Mr. J. H. Roberts of Rollinsford, N. H., was mentioned in the annual report of the board in 1890, and this sum was added to the Soci- ety's permanent fund.
The advisability of committing the business of the Society to an executive committee was considered and approved by the Society in 1891, and authority was given to the board of directors to appoint such a committee. This committee since that time has attended to the duties previously entrusted to the board of directors.
The Society at this time also heartily endorsed a move- ment suggested by President Small of Colby University to secure for the college through the Baptist young people of Maine the foundation of a professorship of biblical liter- ature, and it was recommended that an effort be made to secure from the young people in the churches throughout the State as a foundation of the professorship the amount of two thousand dollars annually. Rev. G. D. B. Pepper, D. D., formerly president of Colby, received the appoint- ment to the chair thus established, and entered upon his work in 1892. This was an appointment which was most gratifying to the Baptists of Maine. Dr. Pepper, as pas- tor of the Baptist church in Waterville, and later as presi-
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HISTORY OF THE BAPTISTS IN MAINE.
dent of the college, was widely and favorably known. As an eminent biblical scholar and teacher, he possessed just those qualifications which especially fitted him for suc- cessful service in his professorship. The amount secured from the young people's societies annually for the support of the professorship, however, did not meet the expecta- tions of those who organized the movement, and for five years the necessary funds were largely provided by the gifts of individuals who were interested in securing Dr. Pepper's services in this important department of instruc- tion. In 1897, the trustees of Colby voted to continue the professorship, and it was hoped that in the effort then commenced to increase the endowment of the college spe- cial gifts would be made which would place the biblical professorship on a strong foundation. This hope, greatly to the disappointment of the friends of the college, was not realized. Dr. Pepper accordingly resigned, and the biblical professorship at Colby was discontinued.
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