USA > Maine > Waldo County > Belfast > History of the city of Belfast in the state of Maine, Volume II, 1875-1900 > Part 7
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HISTORY OF BELFAST
sorely afflicted. In the first place, the churches in which the schools were held were fearfully cold in those days. There were no vestries or small rooms. None of the appliances, like furnaces, by which large rooms are now warmed, had then been discovered. To be sure, foot- stoves were in use, by diligent employment of which one could keep his feet from freezing, but these were intended for old people, and little children were not indulged in such effeminacies. So the Sabbath School was to us one long shiver, at least in the winter, which constituted the larger part of the year - for in those days the winter really seemed colder and longer than now. The year took on an additional sternness from being so near the old Puritans.
The first Sunday School I ever attended was held in what was called the Conference Room. Why so called I do not know, as it was only a small meeting-house. But so it was called, and I grew up with the im- pression that Conference Room was the proper name for all Orthodox churches. It stood on the top of what is now Primrose Hill, on the lot just beyond the house built by Parson Johnson, which has been owned and occasionally occupied by his descendants ever since, and also nearly opposite the Field House. I have a very distinct remembrance of this building, not strangely, since it was one of the first objects to greet my infant vision, as I looked out of the windows of my father's house. The building stood on sloping ground, so that, under it, on the northern side, there was a large open space, which, instead of being warmly bricked up, was only cheaply enclosed with boards- through the crevices of which, I remember how I used to peer into the darkness within, fancying, in my childish imagination, that it was inhabited by snakes and all sorts of reptiles - so that I used to stand in awe of the boldness of the older boys, who would sometimes force their way in through the loosely fastened boards. This unprotected space under the Conference Room made it in the winter much colder than it otherwise would have been, which was quite needless.
The room was heated (if the word heated may be used) by a large stove immediately in front of the pulpit, about as large and as cheerful- looking as three or four coffins placed on one another - from which funnels ran the whole length of the room, with various curves and angles, at each of which the liquid soot dripped and was caught in pans sus- pended for that purpose from the funnels. The beautiful artistic effect of all this can easily be conceived. One who considers how sensitive little children unconsciously are to their surroundings can realize what an enlivening effect upon their spirits all these things must have had. In this sort of room we children, after the long morning service, which we were obliged to attend (for no child could slip into the school, in modern fashion, after meeting, any more than he could slip into day school, after recess) - in this cold and cheerless room we little ones were de- tained an hour longer after the service was over -for the exercises of the Sunday School, which consisted mainly in repeating by heart passages of Scripture, without any of the agreeable aids which are now so com- mon, such as bright music, illustrated papers, question books full of
REV. JAMES MONROE LEIGHTON REV. EDWARD FRANCIS CUTTER 1849-1901 1310-1880
REV. GEORGE WARREN FIELD 1818-1900
45
FIRST CONGREGATIONAL, NORTH CHURCH
information and of anecdote. Those were stern times, and to make the Sunday School really enjoyable, I am sure would have been thought to savor too much of worldliness. Everything must be solemn. The only way in which a child, or an adult, could become pious, was by his first being alarmed on account of his lost condition - the certainty that if he died as he was he would pass into a state of endless misery; - and the effort of the faithful teacher was to bring about that state of mind. So that when our little bodies did not shiver and our teeth chatter with the cold, our little spirits did with fear and trembling. In these later days we have found out that there are many other ways of coming to Christ - and better ways, especially for children.
I do not think that I exaggerate in all this. I speak for myself. I am sure I have not one pleasant memory of the Sunday School of my childhood. Everything was doleful, stern, gloomy. The preponderant characteristic was that of awful solemnity - just the least desirable characteristic for a child.
I would not speak disparagingly of the good people of those days. As far as devotion to duty and to principle, as they understood it, was concerned, as far as self-sacrifice, readiness to do and to suffer for con- science' sake and truth's sake, was concerned - in all such respects we might sit at their feet and learn of them. If there could be a mixing- up of their better qualities with the better qualities of the Christians that now are - their inflexible principle, their strength and power of achievement, their self-denial, with our brightness and cheerfulness and sweetness and breadth of piety, leaving out the less desirable quali- ties on both sides, - their rigidness and narrowness, our laxity and levity, - it would make a finer type of men than the world has yet seen. As it was, they were very stern and hard. Their circumstances made them so. They took their religion sadly. Their very music was doleful. God was to them a God of inflexible righteousness - of terrible justice, rather than the God of love and mercy of whom we hear so much. Christ was the great Judge before whose bar we must all stand, rather than the dear Friend who is ever by our side, speaking words of comfort and of cheer. They thought of the obligations of duty, rather than of the beauty of goodness - of the manliness and noble- ness of virtue.
I wish that the children who are on the stage could realize how much is being done for them - how very much greater their advantages and privileges than those of the generations that went before them; and that they could also realize the great truth that to whom much is given, of them will much be required. I judge from what I hear that your school is in a most flourishing condition - with nothing lacking in its equipment to its utmost usefulness and success. I trust that the results for good will be proportionately great. I hope that among your young people are many who are resolved that they will not live selfish, self- indulgent, commonplace lives - that they will, by God's blessing, make their mark for good on their day and generation - somewhere, some- how; that they will achieve something which they can henceforth look
46
HISTORY OF BELFAST
back upon with satisfaction - something for the advancement of the best interests of humanity and for the oncoming of the Kingdom of our blessed Lord and Master.
The Rev. George Warren Field, D.D., writer of the above, passed away at his home in Bangor, 10 January, 1900. By his will the First Congregational Church of Belfast received a bequest of $2000.
By the Minutes of the Maine Conference for 1900, it appeared that the church consisted of 154 members, of which 33 were males, and 121 females. There were seven admissions during the year. The valuation of the church building is given at $10,000; of the parsonage, $2500. The salary of the pastor was $1000 per annum. During the summer, the interior of the church edifice was renovated and new carpets supplied.
CONGREGATIONAL OR NORTH CHURCH. EXTENSION ADDED 1889
BAPTIST CHURCH. SPIRE REMOVED 1898
CHAPTER VII
BAPTIST CHURCH AND SOCIETY
Installation of Rev. David Foster Estes -Settlement of Rev. Francis Wayland Ryder - His Resignation - Rev. George Edward Tufts - Baptistry ereeted - Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor - Resignation of Mr. Tufts - Rev. John Freeman Tilton ordained - Church Annex built -- Semi-Centennial Anniversary - Sewing Cirele - Original Members - Rev. Randall Thomas Capen settled - Removal of the Church Spire.
A FTER the dismissal of Rev. Winslow O. Thomas, in 1872, the pulpit of the Belfast Baptist Church was supplied by Rev. R. D. Fish, Rev. Horace Wayland Tilden, of Augusta, and others, until May, 1876, when Rev. David Foster Estes, of Manchester, Vermont, accepted a call, and was installed June 6. The exercises of the occasion were as follows: Prayer, by Rev. John Alexander Ross; sermon, by Rev. H. C. Estes, D.D., of Paris, father of the pastor; prayer of installation, by Rev. Winslow O. Thomas, of Gardiner; charge to pastor, by Rev. S. P. Merrill, of Waterville; right hand of fellowship, by Rev. Horace Wayland Tilden, of Augusta; address to church, by Rev. S. L. B. Chase, of Rockland. After the services there was a social gathering at the vestry.
Mr. Estes graduated at the University of Vermont, in 1871, and three years later at the Newton Theological Institution. He remained here until September, 1878, when his resignation was tendered and accepted. The degree of D.D. was conferred on him by his alma mater in 1896. He is now professor in the Hamil- ton Theological School, New York.
During portions of 1877 and 1878, Rev. Mr. Carleton, of Newton, Massachusetts, preached.
On January 1, 1880, Rev. Francis Wayland Ryder, an alum- nus of the University of Vermont in 1873, was settled, and re- mained until September 22, 1881, having accepted a pastorate in East Greenwich, Rhode Island. His labors in Belfast were successful and added many members to the church. He received the degree of D.D. from the college of his graduation, in 1894. He is now in business in Victor, Colorado.
The successor of Mr. Ryder was Rev. George Edward Tufts,
48
HISTORY OF BELFAST
who received a unanimous call in December, 1881. A graduate of Acadia College in 1866, and of Newton Theological Institution in 1877, he had held brief pastorates at Oakland and Dover, before coming to Belfast.
In 1883, the interior of the church edifice was frescoed, and panels containing Scriptural texts painted. In 1889, a bap- tistry in the rear, reached by steps leading down into it, was completed.
In March, 1890, a Young People's Society of Christian En- deavor was organized, with thirteen members. Its object was to interest the young to do more efficient church work. At its anniversary, in 1900, a history, read by Miss Eva Thurston, showed that during the previous ten years there had been 115 active and 85 associate members; that the list contained the names of 73 of both classes; and that the sum of $1509.40 had been raised and disbursed.
In 1892, the establishment of a Junior Society took place. Four years later, in connection with the North Church Society, an Endeavor Society was formed at East Belfast, which con- tinues. Both have kept in touch with the Endeavor world, through the county unions, and state and national conventions.
After a service of nearly nine years, Mr. Tufts preached his farewell sermon in August, 1890, having accepted an invitation to the Berean Church in Brunswick. Under his charge, the con- gregation and Sunday School were largely increased. The little churches at Morrill and Northport, for many years without regular preaching, were supplied by him every Sunday afternoon for several years. He found time to write frequently for periodi- cals, and furnished several papers to Appleton's Encyclopædia. His residence in Belfast was resumed after a year's stay at Brunswick. Since 1885 he has acted as pastor in Islesboro.
Rev. John Freeman Tilton, a native of Sidney, a graduate at Colby College in 1888, and at Newton three years later, was ordained as pastor on Wednesday evening, November 18, 1891, with the following programme: -
Anthem Choir Reading Minutes of Council Invocation Reading of Scripture Anthem Choir
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BAPTIST CHURCH AND SOCIETY
Sermon Ordaining Prayer
Response
Charge to Candidate Hand of Fellowship
Hymn (800)
Charge to Church Words of Greeting Hymn ("Coronation") Benediction
Rev. Albion K. P. Small, D.D. Rev. William H. Spencer, D.D. Choir Rev. Albert T. Dunn, D.D. Rev. George B. Illsley Congregation
Rev. George Edward Tufts Rev. Rollin Thurman Hack Congregation Pastor
In 1892-93, extensive improvements on the church edifice were made, at an expense of $3000. They included an addition 15 by 30 feet and 28 feet high to the rear, with organ alcove, bap- tistry, pastor's rooms, kitchen, etc., putting in a new pipe organ, new furnace, carpet, and electric lights.
On Wednesday, June 19, 1895, the semi-centennial anniver- sary of the Sewing Circle was observed. The following are the names of the original members: Mrs. Eliza W. Very, Mrs. Mary Merrill, Mrs. Sarah P. Bagley, Mrs. Harriet Linniken, Mrs. Sarah Day, Mrs. Jane McCrillis, Mrs. Emily Burkmar, Mrs. Sarah White, Mrs. Mary Flowers, Mrs. Fidelia Carter, Mrs. Esther Lancaster, Mrs. Elizabeth Farley, Mrs. Susan Burkmar, Mrs. Emma J. Rogers, Mrs. Mary A. Day, Mrs. Martha Gil- more, Mrs. Sarah J. Young, Mrs. Lorinda E. Carter, Mrs. Har- riet Warren, Mrs. Joanna Kellar, Mrs. Phebe Hinds, Mrs. Adeline Gilmore, Misses Mary Phillips, Rosina Hanson, Jane S. Young, Sylvania Sweetser, Frances McDonald, Caroline J. Rogers, Inda Smith, Sarah E. Day, Susan Carlton, Nancy Clary, Lucretia Coombs, Hannah Holt, Julia A. Chapman, Martha J. Hinckley, Angeline Carlton, Sarah B. Eells, Susan Smith, Betsey Connor. The gentlemen were : Messrs. Daniel Merrill, Rowland Carlton, Edward D. Very, James McCrillis, Martin C. Rogers, Dana Hinds, Lewis Richardson, Samuel Howes, Abram Jordan, Franklin Hanson, Howard B. Abbott, Franklin Phillips, Lewis Washington Howes, John T. McCrillis, Sewall P. Carter. Five or six in this list were then living, and three of the number resided here, viz .: Mrs. Fidelia Carter, Mrs. Lorinda Carter and Mrs. Mary Flowers. During the whole half-century not an annual meeting was neglected, and the records were neatly and well kept.
In 1898, the resignation of Mr. Tilton was accepted, and he
50
HISTORY OF BELFAST
closed his labors in Belfast May 8. His successor was Rev. Randall Thomas Capen, a graduate of Harvard College in the class of 1895, and at Newton Theological Institution, in 1898. He studied theology for a year in Scotland. After being ordained at his father's church in Watertown, Massachusetts, he came to Belfast July 3, 1898, remaining until his resignation in December, 1900.
In the fall of 1898, the spire of the church, which had been a prominent landmark in approaching the city for nearly thirty years, showed signs of decay, and was taken down as far as the belfry.
CHAPTER VIII
METHODIST CHURCH AND SOCIETY
Rev. George Pratt - New Bell - Rev. James H. Mooers - Rev. Theodore Gerrish - New Organ - Removal of Church Spire - Parsonage purchased - Legacy to Society from Paul Richard Hazeltine - Rev. Charles E. Libby - Session of East Maine Conference - Rev. W. Henry Williams - Rev. Benjamin C. Wentworth - Mrs. Van Cott - Death of Hon. Jacob Sleeper noticed - Epworth League - Young People's Bible Society - Rev. Sylvanus L. Hanscom - Rev. George G. Winslow - Stained-Glass Win- dows - Sunday-School Library - Rev. Gilbert Elsford Edgett - Session of East Maine Conference.
R EV. GEORGE PRATT was stationed in Belfast in 1875 and 1876. He was born in New Vineyard, in 1812, and became a preacher in 1836. Although his early educational advantages were limited, he was a power in the pulpit, and as a pastor and a presiding elder was devoted and successful. He died in Winter- port, June 28, 1882. A portrait of Elder Pratt is given in the "History of Methodists in Maine," and large portraits adorn the vestries of the Methodist churches in Winterport and Belfast.
In January, 1876, a new bell, which took the place of the one cracked the previous year, was hung. It is slightly heavier than its predecessor, and its tones resemble those of the Uni- tarian bell.
Rev. James H. Mooers, who was appointed to Belfast and Northport by the Conference of 1877, resigned in October on account of ill-health. No regular preacher filled the place for the rest of the year, but the pulpit was kept supplied. Mr. Mooers was afterwards a missionary in Dakota.
Rev. Theodore Gerrish was stationed in Belfast from May, 1878, to May, 1881. He was a native of Houlton, and entered the army at the age of sixteen, as a private in the Twentieth Maine Regiment. He served three years, and was thrice wounded. His first pastorate was in Levant, in 1872. His ability became at once recognized in our community. His undertakings in be- half of the society were highly successful. After leaving Belfast he preached in Portland and other prominent cities. Some time since, he exchanged the ministry for other pursuits, and
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HISTORY OF BELFAST
now resides in Massachusetts. His books, descriptive of army life, are noticed in another chapter.
Through the active efforts of Mr. Gerrish, an organ, costing $1200, was purchased by subscription in 1879, and first used on Sunday, August 17. It has a black walnut case, is eighteen feet high, and contains five hundred and forty-four pipes. During the summer, the spire of the church, having strained the build- ing, and being considered unsafe, was removed, and a short tower placed above the belfry.
From a legacy of $1000, left under the will of the late Paul Richard Hazeltine, and from private subscriptions, the house at the corner of Court and Spring streets was purchased for a parsonage.
In 1880, the audience room of the church was frescoed, and other repairs and improvements made, at a cost of $900.
Rev. Charles E. Libby succeeded Mr. Gerrish, and remained until 1883. He was born in Auburn, 1844, and before entering the ministry, taught school. His ordination, in 1875, was by Bishop Haven.
During the second week in May, 1881, the thirty-fourth ses- sion of the East Maine Conference was held in Belfast. Bishop William L. Harris, of New York, presided.
In 1883, Rev. W. Henry Williams, who entered the ministry in 1872, came to Belfast and remained for three years.
Rev. Benjamin C. Wentworth, a native of Cushing, where he was born in 1848, was pastor from May, 1885, to May, 1888. He became a preacher in 1872, and received ordination from Bishop Haven in 1875. He became a presiding elder of the district in 1889.
In 1888, Mrs. Van Cott, a well-known woman preacher, held a series of daily meetings in the church for three weeks, creat- ing much enthusiasm. At the close of her labors twenty-three persons were baptized and thirty admitted as church members on probation.
The society sustained a deep loss by the death of Hon. Jacob Sleeper, of Boston, which took place March 31, 1889. He re- sided here from 1816 to 1825, and his influence and pecuniary aid in behalf of the denomination were never withheld. An obit- uary notice stated that the first fifty dollars which he saved from his earnings when a young man he gave to the Methodist
ST. FRANCIS ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH ERECTED 1891
METHODIST CHURCH SPIRE REMOVED 1879
UNIVERSALIST CHURCH ERECTED 1839
53
METHODIST CHURCH AND SOCIETY
Episcopal Church in Belfast, Maine. At noon on April 3, while his funeral was taking place in Boston, the bell of the church here, which was his gift, was tolled.
Rev. Gustavus Benson Chadwick was the successor of Mr. Wentworth for three years, until May, 1892. He was born in China, 24 July, 1832, passed three years at Wesleyan Univer- sity, participated in the Civil War as a member of the Seventh Maine Battery, and joined the Conference in 1879. Mr. Chad- wick died in Damariscotta, March 4, 1900. During the first year of Mr. Chadwick's appointment, an intermediate Epworth League and a Young People's Bible Society were formed.
Rev. Sylvanus L. Hanscom, a native of East Machias, and a teacher before entering the ministry, was assigned to Belfast for five successive years, terminating his labors in May, 1896. His age was then about fifty, and he had preached for twenty years.
An Epworth League was formed at East Belfast, in 1895.
The minister assigned to Belfast by the Conference in 1896 was Rev. George G. Winslow, who was born in Casco, in 1835, and preached when only twenty years old. He was returned in 1897 and 1898.
In 1896, new stained-glass windows were provided from funds raised by the Columbian Aid Society.
In 1897, the Sunday-School Library was increased fifty-two volumes, making a total of four hundred and sixty-four books.
The Rev. Gilbert Elsford Edgett was assigned in 1899, and remained five years.
In 1900, the fifty-third session of the East Maine Conference was held in Belfast from April 17 to April 23, inclusive. Bishop Willard Francis Mallalieu, of Auburndale, Massachusetts, pre- sided, and over four hundred visitors attended. The Sabbath services were held in the Opera House. Extensive repairs were made in this year on the church edifice.
CHAPTER IX
UNIVERSALIST CHURCH AND SOCIETY
Rev. Simeon Goodenough - State Convention held here - State Sunday- School Convention - Resignation of Mr. Goodenough - Rev. Thomas B. Gregory - Rev. Granville W. Jenkins - Coterie Society - Rev. Fred Le Roy Payson - Fiftieth Anniversary of Church Dedication celebrated - Resignation of Mr. Payson - Rev. Myra Kingsbury settled - Auxiliary Societies - Rev. Charles Henry Wells - Rev. Ashley Auburn Smith.
R EV. SIMON GOODENOUGH became pastor of the Uni- versalist Church, in Belfast, January 1, 1875. In June of that year, the denominational State Convention was held in Belfast, and attracted a large attendance from abroad. Ex- Governor Perham presided, and Ex-Governor Washburn par- ticipated in the exercises.
On the 26th of May, 1878, services in memory of Rev. Giles Bailey, recently pastor of the church, were held.
The Maine State Universalist Sunday-School Convention met in Belfast, September 24 and 25, 1879. Pastors, superintend- ents, and delegates were present from different parts of the State.
On account of the health of his wife, Mr. Goodenough severed his connection with the society, October 1, 1882, after a pastor- ate of nearly eight years. In his farewell sermon he said that during his pastorate in Belfast and Stockton, seventy-four mem- bers had been added to the church; eighty children had been bap- tized; seventy-five couples married; two hundred funerals at- tended; four thousand pastoral calls made, and nine hundred sermons preached. He removed to Santa Clara, California, and now resides there.
The successor of Mr. Goodenough was Rev. Thomas B. Greg- ory, a native of Edenton, North Carolina, who had been settled in Portland, Michigan. He remained until November, 1885, when he accepted a call to Biddeford, Maine. He afterwards became an Independent, and preached in Chicago. The "Free Thought Magazine" for March, 1900, has a lecture by him, with a portrait and biography .
Rev. Granville Wallingford Jenkins, a graduate at the Divinity School of Tufts College in 1878, was the next pastor, remaining
55
UNIVERSALIST CHURCH AND SOCIETY
from 1886 to October, 1887. He went to Norwich, Connecticut, where he died October 16, 1892. During his pastorate, the young people of the society formed an association for mutual improvement, called the Coterie.
Rev. Fred Le Roy Payson, was installed as pastor, September 27, 1888. The following clergymen assisted in the ceremonies; Rev. G. G. Hamilton, of Oakland; Rev. H. S. Whitman, of Augusta; Rev. W. M. Kimmell, of Bangor; and Revs. John Arthur Savage and Lindley M. Burrington, of Belfast. Mr. Payson was a native of Hope, and graduated at Tufts College Divinity School in 1888.
The fiftieth anniversary of the dedication of the church edi- fice, October 30, 1839, was observed with appropriate exercises. The decorations were in good taste. A framed portrait of Rev. Frederick A. Hodsdon, who preached the dedicatory sermon, was arranged in front of the pulpit, suitably draped with flowers. The programme was as follows: -
Morning Programme
Organ Voluntary Responsive Service
Hymn
Scripture Reading Prayer
Pastor
Reading, original paper
Hymn Almira Abigail Hicks
Reading letters from distant friends
Pastor
Remarks by members who were present at first dedication
Hymn
Pastor
Organ Voluntary Responsive Psalm Invocation
Choir
Scripture lesson
Rev. G. B. Chadwick
Prayer Response
Hymn Remarks
Rev. W. M. Kimmell Rev. Lindley M. Burrington Rev. John Arthur Savage.
Rev. George Edward Tufts
Hymn
Benediction
Pastor
Benediction
Evening Programme
Pastor
Hymn
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HISTORY OF BELFAST
The letters received and read were from Joseph Wheeler, Esq., of Boston, a former superintendent in the Sunday School; from James Wentworth Brown, Esq., of Boston, formerly librarian in the school; from W. W. Hilton, Esq., of Buxton, Maine, a former pupil and assistant librarian; and from Rev. Amory Battles, of Bangor, one of the oldest and best beloved in the denomination.
The pastorate of Mr. Payson, ended October 29, 1890. At its close the following resolutions were unanimously adopted: -
WHEREAS, the resignation of Rev. Fred Le Roy Payson, who has been for the last few years pastor of the Universalist Church in Belfast, has been accepted in consequence of the lack of parish funds sufficient to pay an adequate salary; therefore,
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