USA > Maine > Lincoln County > Sheepscot > The history of ancient Sheepscot and Newcastle [Me.] including early Pemaquid, Damariscotta, and other contiguous places, from the earliest discovery to the present time, together with the genealogy of more than four hundred families; > Part 23
USA > Maine > Lincoln County > Newcastle > The history of ancient Sheepscot and Newcastle [Me.] including early Pemaquid, Damariscotta, and other contiguous places, from the earliest discovery to the present time, together with the genealogy of more than four hundred families; > Part 23
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"If any choose to pay in any article of clothing, they may do it at cash price, and at one time yearly."
"Any who are willing may pay in any specific article to any larger amount, as they may think proper, and they shall give seasonable information to the collectors, that they may receive the same."
"The church shall yearly appoint one or more collectors, to collect moneys and articles, to dispose of any that need to be sold, and to pay over the money and articles to the Deacon who shall forward the same to the Institution, as convenient, and take his receipt for the same."
"Brothers George W. Nichols and Washington Dodge were chosen Collectors.
Attest,
KIAH BAYLEY, Pastor."
Thus it appears that the Church in Newcastle was the origin of the world-renowned Institution, the Bangor Theo- logical Seminary. A noble mother of a worthy son ! Other churches have assisted, and other hearts and hands have liberally contributed in aid of this worthy object. But in Newcastle and in the mind of that highly gifted woman, Mrs. Bailey, originated the thought which has swayed the minds of thousands and will influence for good
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generations that are yet to arise. God be praised for the noble enterprise !
At a meeting of the church held July 12, 1824, it was voted to extend a call to Mr. Sewall to become their pastor, which vote was afterwards concurred in by the parish. And on the 2d day of November following, the council, composed of ministers and delegates from neigh- boring churches, met at the house of Dea. Luther Webb for the purpose of examining the candidate and ordaining him to the gospel ministry which was done at the Meeting House the day following. The services were performed by the following ministers, viz : Rev. Mr. Mitchell of Wal- {oboro offered the introductory prayer; Rev. Samuel Johnson of Alna preached the sermon ; Rev. Jotham Sewall, Moderator, and father of the candidate, made the consecrating prayer ; Rev. Mr. Ellingwood of Bath gave the charge ; Rev. Mr. Chapman of Bristol presented the right hand of fellowship ; Rev. Mr. Adams of Woolwich gave the charge to the church and people, and Rev. Mr. Kendrick of Edgcomb offered the concluding prayer.
Mr. Sewall entered on his work with spirit and success. The blessing of the Lord was upon his labors, and fruit was gathered where the seed had been sown. And not only was he interested in the cause of religion, but also in that of temperance. For at a Church meeting held on the 26th day of September, 1832, the following pledge was adopted, viz : "We whose names are hereunto subscribed, do voli- tarily pledge ourselves to abstain entirely from the inter- nal use of ardent spirits, from trading in the article, and from furnishing it for the use of our friends and workmen ; except as a remedy for disease, and then only in such cases as a judicions and conscientious physician would direct."
This pledge was signed by the pastor and thirty-one others, and before a great while the number had increased to more than sixty. A rule was also adopted about the same time with regard to the better observance of the
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Sabbath, to which an equal number of names were attached.
On Saturday Jan. 25, 1834, Mrs. Rosanna Little departed this life, aged 80 years and some months. She united with the Church June 4, 1799, and continued her relation to it, in faith and hope, till called to join the Church tri- umphant on high. Hers was the first female name upon the Church Records. A mother in Israel.
Mr. Sewall continued with success in his labors till July 29, 1839, when, at a Church meeting held at the house of Bro. Daniel Perkins he asked his dismission because lis sal- ary was "inadequate to his support." The council called to consider the matter, met at the house of Mr. James Dodge, of which Rev. Enos Merrill was chosen Moderator, and Rev. D. Q. Cushman of Boothbay, Scribe. After prayer by the Moderator, the council proceeded to the business before them and here is the result of their deliberations. "The Council having patiently listened to the statements of the pastor and to those of the committees of the Church and parish, are of the opinion that the interests of religion will be promoted by the dismission of Rev. Mr. Sewall, and we do unanimously advise to his dismission." But nothing having appeared against his ministerial and chris- tian character, the "Council do most cordially recommend him to the Churches as a faithful and beloved minister of ('hrist."
Mr. Sewall was pastor of the Church about 15 years ; and during his ministry there, 65 persons were added to the Church. After the parsonage was purchased of Capt. John Holmes he resided there ; and on the Sabbath he divided his labors between the two Meeting houses, one at Sheepscot and the other at Damariscotta.
Mr. Edwin Seabury preached here for the first time Dec. 8, 1839. He was ordained pastor of the Church June; 1840, Rev. Ray Palmer of Bath preaching the sermon, Rev. B. B. Beekwith of Castine giving him the charge, and
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Rev. S. C. Fessenden extending to him the right hand of fellowship. He was dismissed Jan. 10, 1844, " by a Council called for the purpose of advising relative to the expedi- eney of organizing a new church and the result of the Coun- «il was as follows :--
1. That it is expedient to form a new Congregational Church in Newcastle.
2. That the organization should be on the Damaris- cotta side of the town.
3. That the present pastoral relation existing between this church and Rev. E. Seabury be dissolved."
Mr. Seabury's connection with the Church had been suc- cessful; for it is stated that during the last pastorate 96 members had been added to it.
After the Church was divided, and during the parochial years of 1843 and 1844, no records were kept by this Church. They however had preaching; the desk being supplied by Rev. Mr. Morton of Temple. During the time of his continuance here, there was no special interest in religion, though there was general prosperity, and great harmony prevailed among the members of the Church and parish. In October, 1844, Mr. Morton left, and the Rev. David Q. Cushman, who, the year previous, had preached in Richmond, by invitation, came to supply his place. He arrived on Saturday, Oct. 26. 1844, and the next day being the Sabbath, he commenced his public labors by preaching. Soon after that, he engaged with the com- mittee of the parish, to supply the desk for one year ;- the Year commencing with the time when he began his labors here.
As the Congregationalists owned but one-half of the house, and had preaching but one-half of the time, the intervening Sabbaths were spent in Bremen where Mr. Cushman preached about 8 years ; and when he had com- pleted his work here, he supplied the desk in Walpole two or three years. He remained in Newcastle 12 years and
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on Oct. 27, 1856 preached his last sermon, and afterwards moved to Warren.
The pulpit after this was supplied to a greater or less extent by Rev. John Boynton of Wiscasset, Rev. Samuel Talbot of Alna, and Rev. W. B. Thompson, until August 19, 1866, who remained here about 5 years, when the Rev. G. B. Richardson was engaged and continued here till August 3, 1877. He then left, when he and his wife were dismissed and recommended to the church at Cumberland center.
The first parsonage together with land connected with it, was purchased of Captain John Holmes for $800, in 1832, and continued the residence of the ministers till May 5, 1859, when it was burned, no one living in the house at the time. Captain Curtis' house which stood on the next lot south of this, took fire and burned up; and the strong southwest wind prevailing at that time, carried the sparks to the parsonage, set it on fire and it was soon consumed.
The present parsonage was formerly the old David Given place and was purchased and repaired by the Rev. Mr. Richardson in the year 1868 ; and two years afterwards, he sold it to Deacons Flye and Kennedy, for the sum of $1000 ; the two deacons gave their part to the Congregational parish, and so it now (1881), stands.
May 26, 1872, the Rev. J. Haskell entered on his labors here and continued them till 1874. On the 19th of Sep- tember, 1872, he lost his wife, Mrs. Lucy J. Haskell, by death. He lived in the parsonage till November, 1873, when having married the daughter of Captain Moses Chase, he took up his residence there.
Since Mr. Haskell left the place, there has been no stated preaching in the Church on Garrison Hill, and the doors of the house have been kept closed.
At a meeting of the subscribers to the New Meeting House, held September 8, 1824, the society was organized by the choice of Ebenezer Farley, Moderator, and William
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Carney, Clerk. A committee was then raised consisting of Solomon Hutchings, Hodge Woodbridge, Oakes Rundlett, James Stevens, Lott Myrick, Thomas Kennedy and John Holmes, who were "invested with full power to direct as to the size and manner in which said house shall be built, to select a spot on which it shall be erected, and to contract and fix the price of all materials for the same. " It was also voted that " William Howard be agent with power to employ all the mechanics, and to superintend the building of said Meeting House." It was still farther voted : " That the committee commence the building as soon as they may deem it expedient. At a meeting held September 13, 1824, it was voted to "to build a house 44 by 54 feet, with a steeple, and in all other respects, like the Meeting House at Damariscotta." Nothing farther was done until the 30th of April, 1825, when another meeting was called and meas- ures taken to push forward the enterprise, and the house was built in the course of that season. And at a meeting of the proprietors held December 12, 1825, it was voted that "it be dedicated one week from next Wednesday." And at the same meeting it was voted, "That this House shall be dedicated a free House to all religious denomina- tion." And at a meeting of the proprietors and pew- holders held October 12, 1833, it was voted " to apportion three-sixths of the time to the Congregationalists, two-sixths of the time to the Methodists and one-sixth to the Baptists."
This continued to be the arrangement till June, 1868, when the Congregationalists became the owners of the entire house. Afterwards I find this record : " On the 24th day of November 1868 was dedicated the Sheepscot Con- gregational Meeting house, the Congregational Parish and Society having last June purchased of the Methodist Society and others, their interest in said Meeting house for the purpose of repairing and remodeling and of having it dedicated solely to the use of the Congregational Church.
Attest Joseph Curtis, Clerk of said Corporation."
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At the dedication, the Invocation and Reading of the S. S., was by Rev. G. B. Richardson, the minister ; Prayer by Rev. Mr. Loring of Edgcomb ; Sermon by Rev. George E. Street, Wiseasset ; Dedicatory prayer by Rev. John Bulfinch, of the Second Congregationalist Church, Newcas- tle ; and Anthem by the choir : "The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof."
Pursuant to letters missive, a Council, consisting of the following ministers with their delegates, viz : Rev. J. Dodge, Rev. S. Talbot, Rev. S. L. Gould, Rev. E. Wells, Rev. J. W. Ellingwood and Rev. Mr. Morton, assembled in Congrega- tional Meeting House in Newcastle, May 22, 1844, at 10 A. M., for the purpose of forming a new church to be called the "Damariscotta Congregational Church." The minutes of an Ecclesiastical Council assembled in the Town House Jan- uary 9th and 10th, were then read, which council, it appeared unanimously voted, " Ist That it is expedient to form a new Congregational Church in Newcastle. 2. That the organi- zation be formed on the Damariscotta side of the town." The minutes of the doings of the church in Newcastle, April 18, 1844, were also read containing a vote of the church to grant a request of ninety-four of its members to be dismissed from their body and recommended to this Council, to be organized into a new Congregational Church. The Council after due deliberation and careful examination of the circumstances, proceeded, on that day, to the organi- zation of the church. The parts assigned for the services, were : Invocation and Reading of the Scripture by the Scribe, Rev. S. L. Gould ; Prayer, Rev. J. Dodge ; Sermon, Rev. J. W. Ellingwood, Moderator; Consecrating prayer, Rev. S. Talbot ; Fellowship of the Church, Rev. E. Wells. After the administration of the Lord's supper, singing and benediction, the Council voted to adjourn, having performed their duty, viz : the organization of a Second Church in Newcastle.
Pursuant to letters missive, another Council, assembled
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at the Meeting House in Damariscotta, August 21, 1844, for the purpose of installing Rev. E. Seabury as pastor of the church which had lately been formed in this place. After prayer and due deliberation of the matter, they voted to proceed with the services of Installation. The parts assigned were : Invocation and Reading of the Scripture, Rev. J. Dodge; Prayer, Rev. D. Q. Cushman ; Sermon, Rev. Eli Thurston ; Installing Prayer, Rev. Ray Palmer ; Charge to the Pastor, Rev. E. Shepley ; Right Hand of Fellowship, Rev. E. F. Cutler ; Concluding Prayer, Rev. S. Talbot ; Benediction by the Pastor.
Thus, this church had become duly organized, with its former pastor settled over them, and were now prepared to engage anew and heartily in the work to which the Master had assigned them. Mr. Seabury continued his labors here till June 15, 1848, when a Council being called to con- sider the dissolution of the pastoral relation, came to the conclusion that it should be dissolved. There had been difficulties between Mr. Seabury and some of the members of his church, and the reason assigned for asking his dis- mission was, want of support. The Council, however unanimously voted : " That this Council commend Rev. Mr. Seabury to the christian confidence of the churches as a minister of Jesus Christ in good and regular standing."
Their next minister was Rev. Wheelock Craig. He was ordained here August 9, 1849. His prospects were good, and he promised to be a faithful and successful minister ; but receiving a call for settlement in Massachusetts, and asking his dismission, a Council convened here November 4, 1850, who granted, and commended him " to the fellow- ship of the churches as a beloved brother in the ministry, who retains their full confidence as a worthy and successful minister of Christ."
The pulpit was supplied by Rev. Mr. Cole and Rev. D. F. Potter till May 1, 1851, when Rev. E. G. Carpenter arriving, and having preached two Sabbaths, he received a
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unanimous call for settlement to which he gave an affirma- tive answer. Mr. Carpenter being obliged to be absent till the third Sabbath in June and his place during that time, was filled . by Rev. Dr. Ellingwood of Bath. October 8, 1851 was the day fixed for his installation. Invocation, Rev. Mr. Smith ; Prayer, Rev. Mr. Mortgridge ; Sermon, Rev. Mr. Craig ; Consecrating prayer, Rev. Dr. Elling- wood ; Charge to the pastor, Rev. Mr. Balkam; Right hand of fellowship, Rev. Mr. Cushman ; Charge to the people, Rev. Mr. Woodhull ; Concluding prayer, Rev. Mr. Chapman.
Mr. Carpenter continued his labors here with acceptance and success till September 20, 1859, when, having received a call from Aroostook County, and feeling it to be his duty to go there, he asked his dismission which was accordingly though reluctantly granted. The Council that dismissed him say, "We cordially commend him to the Churches as an able, faithful and acceptable minister of the gospel."
The Council that dismissed Mr. Carpenter, also ordained Mr. Edwin B. Palmer to the work of the ministry in this place. He continued his labors here till February 10, 1862, when on account of ill health, having previously asked his dismission, a Council convened who were composed of five ministers and their delegates, and "having listened to the statements of the Pastor and Committee of the Church, were unanimous in the conclusion, while they deeply regretted his loss to the Church and themselves, that the state of Brother Palmer's health renders it expedient that he should be released from his duties here."
For brevity's sake I can only say that, July 30, 1862, Rev. J. J. Bulfinch accepts a call to become pastor of this Church, at a salary of $650 per annum, and continues here till December 19, 1869 when his labors closed. After him came Mr. William A. Spaulding who was ordained as pastor at a salary of $1,000 a year, Angust 4, 1870, and continued till October 10, 1871, when he was dismissed by
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a Council called for that purpose, as be wished to become a Missionary under the patronage of the American Board. Rev. Win. F. Obear succeeded him at "a salary of one thousand dollars and a house to live in." He commenced his labors January 7, 1873, and continued them till Octo- ber 24, 1880, when having received a call from the Church in Winthrop, he terminated his labors here.
At a Church meeting held January 9, 1831, it was voted ' unanimously to extend a call to Mr. Charles E. Andrews to become a pastor here; and at a Parish meeting held January 12th, it was unanimously voted "to concur with the Church in extending a call to Mr. Charles E. Andrews to become their pastor, with a salary of eight hundred dollars, and the use of the parsonage, and to have a vaca- tion of three weeks annually." Accordingly on the 11th of October following the Ordination took place. The ser- vices were as follows : Invocation, Rev. H. C. Robinson ; Reading scripture, Rev. L. D. Evans ; Sermon, Rev. J. O. Fiske, D. D. ; Ordaining prayer, Rev. J. E. Pond ; Charge to Pastor, Rev. W. F. Obear; Right hand of fellowship, Rev. W. R. Richards; Address to Church and Congrega- tion, Rev. C. H. Pope ; Benediction, Pastor.
Damariscotta Meeting House was a wooden structure built in 1824 and continued in the place where the Congre- gationalists worshipped till 1848, when the Brick Church was erected on the Eastern side of the river road and near Damariscotta Bridge. The former Church stood upon the hill to the West, on the road that extends from the Academy to the Farley mansion and not far from the bridge that crosses the railroad; and after the Brick Church was dedicated, this was sold to S. D. Wyman in 1853 for $280, who took it down and rebuilt it near Dam- ariscotta Bridge, where it now stands, and has employed it in useful purposes ever since.
The parsonage stands on the other side of the street from the Church, and was purchased in 1880 at a cost of $1,200.
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METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
The first preaching in Sheepscot by the Methodists* that is recorded, was in 1800. The first Class meeting that was formed, was in 1818 by Rev. John Briggs. The Par- sonage was built in 1858, at the cost of $1,500. The Church being built, was dedicated in January, 1869. Ser- mon by Rev. Mark Trafton D. D. assisted by Rev. C. L. Haskell, the pastor. The cost of the Church was $5,500. They have a morning service in this House, but in the afternoon the minister preaches at the Chapel in South Newcastle.
The following is a list of the ministers who have sup- plied the pulpit in Sheepscot.
Rev. Donnell,
from 1832 to 1833.
Rev. Young,
from 1833 to 1835.
Rev. Daniel Cox,
from 1835 to 1836.
Rev. Josiah Higgins,
from 1836 to 1838.
Rev. E. Scammon,
from 1838 to 1839.
Rev. Mark Trafton,
from 1839 to 1840.
Rev. Moses P. Webster,
from 1840 to 1841.
Rev. Charles C. Crane,
from 1841 to 1843.
Rev. Daniel Clark,
from 1843 to 1844.
Rev. Natban Webb,
from 1844 to 1846.
Rev. Sullivan Bray,
from 1846 to 1848.
Rev. Edward Brackett,
from 1848 to 1850.
Rev. Setlı H. Beal,
from 1850 to 1852.
Rev. John G. Pingree,
from 1852 to 1854.
Rev. Ezra Sanborn,
from 1854 to 1857.
Rev. J. I. Brown,
from 1857 to 1859.
Rev. Elisha Chenery,
from 1859 to 1861.
Rev. Daniel P. Thompson,
from 1861 to 1863.
Rev. Edward Davies,
from 1863 to 1865.
Rev. Horace L. Bray,
from 1865 to 1867.
Rev. C. L. Haskell,
from 1867 to 1869.
Rev. W. L. Brown,
from 1869 to 1871.
Rev. G. G. Winslow,
from 1871 to 1873.
* Franklin L. Carney.
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LINCOLN ACADEMY.
Rev. B. S. Arey,
from 1873 to 1875.
Rev. D. M. True,
from 1875 to 1876.
Rev. M. G. Prescott,
from 1876 to 1878.
Rev. S. L. Hanscom.
from 1878 to 1881.
The Baptists formerly occupied the Meeting House one- sixth of the time, but they have no public service there now.
THE CATHOLIC CHURCHI.
This year, 1799, the Catholic Church, erected on the side of the hill East of the road leading to the grist mill, was dedicated by Rt. Rev. John Chevereux, Bishop of Boston.
In 1808, the present Catholic Church, the oldest church of that Denomination in Maine, was erected through the liberality of James Kavanagh and Matthew Cottrill, Esqs. They also donated the land on which the house stands, for that object. It is a plain, but substantial building of brick, and occupies a commanding and beautiful position on the road leading from the Mills to the centre of the town. The Catholic Cemetery lies on the North side of the Church.
The Episcopalians commenced service here some seven years ago, and they now have their meetings in a hall fitted up for the purpose in a building, near Damariscotta Bridge.
CHAPTER XXXIII.
LINCOLN ACADEMY.
THE earliest paper that I have been able to find, relating to this enterprise, is the following. It is a paper drawn up
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and circulated for the purpose of buying a " piece of land " on which to erect an Academy, " and for erecting the same " provided the General Court would grant a charter, and endow such an institution. It is without date, but was probably written about the year 1800.
" Whereas, the good of the rising generation cannot be sought with too much care, as their usefulness in life, the happiness of their parents, the prosperity of society, the the stability of government and the interests of religion all depend in a great measure on their good conduct ;- Whereas, it is the indispensable duty of parents to make every exertion to give their children a good education, this being by far the best portion which they can give them. And whereas, Academies under the direction of good Pre- ceptors, are highly beneficial for the instruction of youth, useful to society in general and more especially as to adja- cent places ;-
" We whose names are hereunto subscribed, do engage and bind ourselves to pay the respective sums placed against our names, for the purpose of buying a piece of land, near Damariscotta Bridge to erect an Academy upon, and for erecting the same, provided the General Court will grant a charter for an Academy at said place and endow it.
" The money subscribed to be paid to those who may be appointed Trustees of the Academy, one-half in six months from the time that the charter is given, and the other half within one year from the first payment."
The first signature upon this paper, was Samuel Nickels of Newcastle, whose subscription was $100. With him were associated twenty-nine others, whose subscriptions varied from six to seventy dollars ; the whole amount on this paper was $889.
A petition was sent to the General Court in accordance with this petition ; and on February 23d, 1801, the follow- ing charter was obtained.
The Ist section of the charter enacts: "That there be,
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and hereby is established, in the town of Newcastle, in the county of Lincoln, an Academy by the name of the Lincoln Academy, for the purpose of promoting piety, religion and morality, and instructing youth in such of the liberal arts and sciences as the Trustees shall direct."
Section 2d enacts, " That the Reverend Kiah Bailey and Samuel Nickels, Esq., both of Newcastle, the Reverend Jonathan Ward of New Milford, (Alna) the Reverend Alden Bradford and the Honorable Thomas Rice of Pownal- borongh, (Wiseasset) the Reverend William Riddle and Thomas MeClure, Esq., of Bristol, the Reverend John Sawyer and William MCobb, Esq., of Boothbay, David Dennis, Esq., and Mr. Mathew Cottrill of Nobleboro', the Honorable Henry Knox, Esq., of Thomaston, and Mr. Moses Carlton of New Milford be, and they hereby are, appointed Trustees of the aforesaid Academy, and they are hereby incorporated into a Body Politic, by the name of The Trustees of the Lincoln Academy, and they and their successors shall be and continue a Body Politic and Cor- porate by the same name forever."
The section 3d enacts that they shall have a common seal, have power to sne and be sued, to prosecute and defend in civil actions, to appoint agents, &c., &c.
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