USA > Maine > Cumberland County > Windham > Windham in the past > Part 10
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their conduct may have been contrary to the peacable spirit of
the gospel ; that they repent of all they find amiss, and that they endeavor to join together in the resettlement of a gospel min- ister among them, and in order to promote their religious cdifica- tion we think it Necessary that they build a house for public worship ; and it is our fervent prayer that God would be pleased to show to this people their best interest for time and Eternally guide them by his counsel and fit them for glory.
TRISTRAM GILMAN,
Moderator. By and in
SAMUEL DEANE, behalf of
Scribe. the Council."
In accordance with the decision of the Council, a settlement was made with Mr. Smith, and he promptly requested his dis- mission from the pastoral office.
This was as promptly granted. as the following entry on the town records goes to show :
"Nov. 18, 1790, at a Meeting held in the Friends Meeting house it was
"Voted, to dismiss the Rev. Mr. Peter T. Smith from his Pastoral office in this Town, agreable to the advice contained in the sixth Article of the result of the Ecclesiastical Council in this Town on the 8th day of October, 1790. Mr. Smith having requested a dismission from his pastoral office in conformity to the aforesaid article.
A. OSGOOD, Town Clerk."
Thus was severed a connection, that had existed for 28 years and 2 months.
Mr. Smith is described as a tall, portly man, of somewhat grave and dignified demeanor, but possessed of a ready wit and
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a keen sense of humor; and, when it suited his mood, he was one of the most agreeable of men. As a preacher, he was more doctrinal than practical, and, in theologieal belief, was a strict Calvinist. He was rather slow in delivery, but, at times, eloquent and always earnest in his appeals to his congregation. He did mueh to build up and strengthen the feeble ehureh in this town. In fact, he was a good example of that body of stern New Eng- land elergy, who, devotedly attached to country and loyal to the ideas of religious as well as civil liberty, when the war for national independence came on, were among the first to shout, "To your tents O Israel !"; and who were ever ready. both by preeept and example, to urge resistance to British tyranny.
After his dismission, Mr. Smith continued to reside in Wind- ham in easy circumstances, and for several years exercised the functions of a civil magistrate. He died at his residence in the south part of Windham, Oet. 26, 1826, at the ripe age of 95 years, and his dust rests in a tomb which he built in the ceme- tery that still bears his name.
CHAPTER V ECCLESIASTICAL (Continued)
Accepting the advice of the Council of 1790, the people of Windham began preparations to build what the old records eall a "Decent house for the publie worship of God." During Mr. Smith's pastorate at least two separate attempts had been made to build a meeting-house; one in 1768, the other in 1783, neither of which had materialized; and they now determined to have a suitable place of worship. Accordingly a committee was chosen to deeide upon the locality of the proposed house and other pur- poses connected with the enterprise. The committee selected a lot nearly opposite the dwelling of the late Thomas L. Smith, Esqr., and certainly no more beautiful location could have been found within the town limits. It contained two aeres on the summit of a noble elevation of land, whenee an extended view of the surrounding country was visible on all sides.
The house was built, according to the vote, fifty feet long and forty feet wide, two stories high, with a double row of windows, filled with seven-by-nine inch glass, and with a common pitched roof. When first built, it had a projecting porch, with a queer shaped roof, but some years later, this was removed, and the building was elapboarded and treated to a coat of white paint, which doubtless gave it an aristocratie appearance at the time. One single door led from the outside into the hallway which extended the width of the building, except that, at opposite ends, there were narrow stairways leading to the singers' gallery. In a conspicuous place in the hall was fastened a wooden box with a glass front, in which the town clerk posted the names of those who were contemplating matrimony within three weeks. This piece of furniture was called the publishment box and was a source of unfeigned curiosity to all comers, young and old.
On entering the lofty audience room, the first thing to attract attention was the pulpit, placed directly opposite the entrance, at least a dozen feet above the floor and reached by a narrow,
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winding stairway railed on either hand. The pulpit was up- holstered with scarlet eloth, which soon faded to a reddish brown. The top formed a sort of reading desk covered with a eushion of white velvet, on which reposed an ancient and well-worn Bible. From the four corners of the pulpit hung large crimson tassels, while, to complete the whole, a euriously earved sound- ing-board hung by a slender rod just above the minister's head.
The pews were of the old-fashioned box variety, about four and one-half feet high, with seats on three sides provided with hinges, so that they could be turned up to afford standing room during prayer time. Considerable taste had been displayed in finishing the pews with panel work, nieely adjusted doors, and a top rail or moulding, stained in imitation of mahogany.
The singers' gallery was opposite the pulpit and was in per- fect keeping with everything else in the room.
According to an ancient orthodox eustom, no means of heat- ing the meeting-house was ever introduced, even in the coldest weather; indeed such a thing would have been regarded as the sum total of human depravity. A few families were provided with the old fashioned foot stoves, in which a few live coals or a heated briek was placed. These served to impart a slight degree of comfort to the owner's feet. The less fortunate ones were supposed to imbibe sufficient warmth from the two-hour sermon to keep the blood in circulation, and, aided by a large amount of faith, they appear to have been successful.
This house was opened for publie worship in 1795 and was the center of religious interest for nearly forty years.
It remained on the spot where it was erected until 1861, when the society obtained an act of legislature to sell the ancient landmark. It was purchased by Mr. James Cash, who converted it into a barn, which is now (1910) standing on the farm owned by Gilbert Roberts, on the River Road at South Windham.
The third pastor of the church in Windham was Rev. Nathaniel Stone. He came here from Provincetown, Mass., but whether he was a native of that town or not, I am unable to say. He graduated from Harvard in the class of 1795 and came here in 1798.
On the church book I find the following entry: "Nathaniel Stone was ordained pastor over the Church of Christ in Wind- ham in the County of Cumberland on the thirty first day of
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October, one thousand seven hundred and ninety eight. Rev. Caleb Jewett, made the introductory prayer, Rev. Nathan Stone, the candidate's father, preached from 2d Corinthians 4th chap. and 5th verse, 'For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake.' Rev. Samuel Deane. D.D., made the ordaining prayer and gave the charge; Rev. Daniel Marrett gave the right hand of fellowship. Rev. Gilman, Rev. Williams and Rev. Kellogg were sent to but did not come. The church appeared previously to ordination, consisting of Zerubbabel Hunnewell and Riehard Dole.
"They voted that there was existing in Windham a Church tho' very small. Paul Little, Elijah Hunnewell and John Chute were admitted to full communion, and Thomas Barker and James Paine were recommended from the several Churches to which they belong and were received into this. Barker belonged to the Salem Church and Paine to Limerick."
Mr. Stone is said to have been an earnest, fluent, though a somewhat solemn preacher, spiritual-minded, and a consistent Christian gentleman. Although he was zealous in his endeavors to revive the weak church, a spirit of apathy seemed to have seized the minds of its members, from which his most fervid appeals failed to arouse them. So, after remaining in the pas- toral office about six years, feeling that his work with this church and people was done, he requested his dismission.
The following entry on the church records gives us an insight into the condition of things as they existed at that time :
"Feb. 3, 1805, Nathaniel Stone being dissatisfied with his situation on account of the inatention of the people to religion, and their negleet of their pastor, from duty to himself and family, took his leave of them. and preached his farewell ser- mon, previously, having given them notice a year before of his intention according to the purport of the contract when set- tled."
Then follows what was probably the text of his farewell sermon, "Spare thy people O Lord, and give not thine heritage to reproach, that the heathen should rule over thee. Turn ye even to me saith the Lord, with all your heart, and with fasting and with weeping, and with mourning, and send your hearts and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God."
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Mr. Stone was dismissed on Feb. 3, 1805, without any ecclesiastical formalities, according to a previous arrangement between him and the people. He removed to Naples, Me., and died there. sometime in 1848, full of years.
The fourth pastor of this church was the Rev. Asa Lyman, born in Lebanon, Conn., in 1777. He graduated at Yale Col- lege in 1803 and first came to Windham as a school teacher, during the spring of 1809; and was engaged to supply the vacant pulpit through the summer months. In September of that year (1809), the church invited him to become their pastor. He accepted, and a council was called to consummate the con- templated union. On finding that it was not considered as a permanent settlement, they declined proceeding; and on No- vember 30th, 1809. the church installed him. This is the only instance of the kind recorded in the annals of this church and society. After remaining with this people about six months, he was dismissed June 1, 1810, but for what reasons, we are not able to say. He shortly afterwards removed to New York State and died there in 1836, aged 59 years.
The fifth minister settled in Windham was Rev. Gardiner Kellogg, a native of Hadley, Mass., and a graduate of Dartmouth College. After leaving that Institution, he studied divinity and, for a time, was settled in Thetford, Vermont. About two years after Mr. Lyman's departure, the people here invited him to become their pastor; and on April 25, 1811, he was duly in- stalled and for fifteen years, or until his death, he continued in that office.
Mr. Kellogg was a man of more than ordinary abilities, sound in doctrine, a good scholar, a ready speaker, and, better than all, a faithful and sympathizing pastor, always ready and active in every good work. He did much to establish the church on a firm foundation. He was fond of out-of-door work and owned and cultivated the farm near Little Falls recently owned by the late Edwin A. Bodge. Here he fell asleep, on No- vember 29. 1826. aged 61 years.
After his decease no one was settled here for about two years. At length the church called their sixth pastor, in the person of Rev. William Gragg. He was born in Groton, Mass., September 22, 1786. He graduated at Harvard College in the elass of 1820. He was ordained in Windham, October 15, 1828,
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and was dismissed Aug. 31, 1831. He was the son of Thomas and Euniee (Lakin) Gragg, and his ancestors were among the early settlers of Groton and Londonderry, N. H. Rev. Mr. Gragg married, Jan. 29, 1833, Mary Pollard of Bedford, Mass.
He was a man of scholarly instincts, quiet and reserved in manner, and not inclined to sociability. As a preacher he was logieal in argument, precise in language, but rather dull and slow in delivery. No trouble existed between him and the people here during his pastorate, and we do not know the reason for his dismissal; neither do we know where he went from here. He and his wife are buried in the cemetery at Groton, and a tablet erected to mark the spot bears this inscription :
"In Memory of Rev. William Gragg, who died Nov. 19th, 1852, Aet. 66. Also His Wife Mary P. Gragg, who died Nov. 29, 1852, Aet. 65.
"No terror on their brows was seen Their minds were peaceful and serene, Their Saviour's smile dispelled the gloom And smoothed their pathway to the tomb."
The seventh in this list of worthies was Rev. Jonathan Lee HIale, who was born in Canaan, Conn., and graduated at Middle- bury College. He came to Windham from Crampton, N. H., and was ordained here September 12, 1832. One who remem- bered him well informed us several years ago that he was a man of superior intellect, a ealm, sedate, but forcible preacher, and endowed with the most lovable qualities of both head and heart. Although never very strong physically, he was a tireless worker and was possessed of fine executive abilities. He was extremely popular with the church, and his pastorate bade fair to be one of unexampled success. He was instrumental in building the present meeting-house, which was commenced in 1834, but he did not live to see it finished.
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In the church book we find the following entry :
"Rev. Mr. Hale's health declined in the autumn of 1834, and he was taken mueh from his labors. He went South in November, and died in Georgia, Jan. 15, 1835. Exposure prob- ably hastened his death."
Mr. Hale went to Savannah, Georgia, in the hope that the mild elimate would restore his health so that he could return to his beloved people here, but the fell disease had slowly but surely sapped the vital current, and, on the above date, he entered "the rest that remaineth for the people of God." His dust reposes in the soil of the beautiful City of Savannah, there to await the grey dawn of the resurrection morning. It may be said of him in the language of Holy Writ, "The memory of the just is blessed."
In less than one year after Mr. Hale's death, the Rev. John W. Shepherd was called to the vacant pulpit. He came from Gilmanton, N. H., and was ordained here, August 3, 1836, the exercises being held in the present meeting-house, which had been finished in the summer of 1835. We know nothing whatever in regard to Mr. Shepherd's antecedents. He was a man of goodly presence and is said to have been an easy and eloquent speaker. Some trouble arose between him and some of his flock and cul- minated in his dismissal, on July 10, 1839. He went to other fields of labor, but just where no one seems to know.
The ninth pastor was Rev. William Warren. We was born in Waterford, Me., October 21, 1806. He graduated at Bowdoin College in the class of 1837 (D.D. 1870) ; and from the Andover Theological School in 1838.
In the language of the church records, "Mr. William Warren came to Windham the 1st of Sept., 1839, taught a high school three months, and supplied the pulpit during that time. On the first of January, 1840, he returned to Windham at the re- quest of the society, to preach as a candidate for settlement. Accordingly at a regular meeting of the first Congregational Church in Windham, held at the new Cong. Meeting house in Windham, on Wednesday the 5th day of Feb., 1840, according to notice previously given. It was
"Voted, to extend to Mr. William Warren an invitation to
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settle as the pastor and minister over this Church and parish and preach in connexion with the church."
At same meeting several other votes relating to his salary and settlement were passed; and he having accepted the call, an ecclesiastical council was ealled, and he was ordained in Feb- ruary, 1840.
Rev. Mr. Warren was a man of rare intellectual qualities, a ripe scholar, a profound thinker, and a plain, practical preacher. As a teacher, he was an unqualified success, and dur- ing his residence in Windham, he probably did as mueh to pro- mote the cause of education as any other one man who ever lived here. For years after his departure for other fields of duty, our common schools bore the impress of his vigorous and tireless efforts in their behalf.
He remained here about nine years and was dismissed, at his own request, in November, 1849, to become the pastor of a Con- gregational church in Upton, Mass. After seven years of faith- ful and efficient service there, he was employed for some time by the American Colonization Society. Afterwards, in 1867, he was appointed one of the secretaries of the A. B. C. F. M. and held that position until advancing years and enfeebled health compelled him to resign in 1878, with a record of un- wearied and faithful service.
He spent his last years in Gorham, Me., and from that pleasant village his spirit took its upward flight in January, 1879.
The tenth minister settled here was the Rev. John Perham. He came from Farmington, Me., where he had been a merchant for several years. Becoming convinced of his duty to preach the gospel, he studied divinity, probably at Bangor Theological Seminary. In the autumn of 1850, he received a call to the pulpit here made vaeant by the resignation of Dr. Warren, which he accepted. He was ordained Jan. 22, 1851.
Mr. Perham entered zealously upon his pastoral duties with good success. Several members were added to the church, and everything seemed to promise a prosperous pastorate; but his health suddenly failed and he was compelled to ask a dismissal, to the profound grief of his people. He was dismissed Sept. 19, 1854, and shortly afterwards went West. He died at Beloit, Wisconsin, Dec. 4, 1874, aged 68 years. Mr. Perham was
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greatly beloved by all parties in town, and his memory is still cherished as a true Christian gentleman and a faithful minister of the gospel.
The eleventh pastor of the church in Windham was Rev. Luther Wiswell. He was born in Marlboro, Mass., in 1801. There his early life was spent in agricultural pursuits, but when about thirty-four years of age, he commenced the study of divinity and graduated at Bangor Theological Seminary in the class of 1836. He was first settled at Brooks and Jackson, in the County of Waldo, Me., where he remained about seven years. He then came to this town and was installed pastor Sept. 20, 1854,-probably by the same council that had dis- missed Mr. Perham the day before.
No words of mine can do justice to the character of Rev. Luther Wiswell, yet I believe that every citizen of Windham who knew him will agree in saying that he was a great man. Great he most assuredly was in intellect, great in faith, great in works, great in goodness, and great in true Christian holiness.
He came to this church in the prime of his stalwart manhood, and from that time until his "mortal put on immortality," he never failed in his devotion to its best interests.
As a preacher, his sermons were faultless in composition, rich in practical advice, yet sound to the core on all questions of orthodox theology. His most thrilling and eloquent periods were invariably delivered in a calm and quiet manner without the least oratorical display, yet they never failed to interest and instruct his congregation, and some of the most helpful words we ever heard came from his venerable lips.
In his private life he was irreproachable, and the people of this ancient township united as one man to do him honor. The church flourished during his pastorate, many were added to its numbers, and doubtless the time of its greatest prosperity was during his pastoral care of about thirty-one years.
Ile continued his ministrations here until extreme old age, his last service on earth being held but two weeks previous to his death. On that occasion he administered the Lord's sup- per, after which he addressed his much-loved flock solemnly on their coming separation, as if in the spirit of prophecy.
He passed away suddenly, on March 15th, 1885, at the patri- archal age of 84 years and three months. His remains are in-
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terred in the cemetery adjoining the meeting-house, in which he had so long broken the bread of life, and the people of this town have reason to be thankful, not only for his life, but that the dust of this eminent servant of God is sleeping in its bosom.
Windham Hill, Maine
After Rev. Mr. Wiswell's death several candidates came here on trial during the spring and summer, among others the Rev. Robert John Kyle, who preached his first sermon to this people on June 1, 1885. This gentleman was born in Belfast, Ireland, in 1853. He came to Maine from Toronto, Canada. He had graduated at Bangor Theological Seminary in the elass of 1883, after which he preached for awhile in Brooks, Me., coming here from that town.
His pulpit efforts being satisfactory to the people of this church and parish, he was invited to become their pastor. He accepted and was ordained on September 22, 1885.
Rev. Mr. Kyle was well qualified as a minister, being a good scholar, a fine speaker, and, in private life, a most companionable man, and his pastorate was a successful one throughout. The records show that several members were added to the church during his stay here, and thorough repairs were made on the meeting-house. After remaining here about five years, Mr. Kyle resigned and was dismissed May 25th, 1890. He became
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pastor of the Congregational church in Ayer, Mass. He left many friends in Windham, who were pained to learn of his recent death.
The thirteenth and present pastor is Rev. James E. Aikins. He was born in Aylmer, Province of Ontario, Can., Aug. 23, 1855. He graduated at Bangor Theological Seminary in the class of 1885, was pastor at Cape Elizabeth, Princeton, and Vas- salborough, Me., from which last-named place he came to Wind- ham. He was installed pastor here in 1891.
Mr. Aikins is an active, energetic, liberal-minded man, and, while devoted to the interests of the church, he is fully alive to all questions relating to the affairs of the town, especially to the cause of education, having served several terms as a school official. As a preacher, he is earnest and forcible, his sermons being more practical than doctrinal; in his delivery he is easy and natural, using but few gestures and always speak- ing in a conversational tone. He has a large circle of personal friends in this vieinity, and the church has been prosperous under his ministrations.
The parish has a fund derived, in part, from the land set apart according to the conditions of the grant in 1735, by which they were ordered to "set aside one lot or right to be disposed of for the ministry." In other words, one sixty-third part of all the lands in the township was reserved for that purpose. But little interest appears to have been taken in regard to the lands drawn to the ministry for several years; at length, how- ever, an investigation was made by order of the town, when it was found that considerable damage had been done by tres- passers, who had cut and hauled away a large amount of pine and other valuable timber from the lot. It was, therefore, thought advisable to sell the lands and fund the proceeds.
The first notice we find of the proposed action is the follow- ing entry on the town records :
"At a Town meeting legally warned the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Windham, met together on Tuesday August 14, 1798 at the New Meeting House in sd Town, at 4 o'clock in the afternoon, and acted on the following artieles.
"Voted, Paul Little Esq. be Moderator.
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"Voted, to sell all the Lands belonging to the ministry in said Town, Excepting the one hundred acre Lott No. 5 in the first division of hundred acre Lotts in said Town; and the money be put to interest for the support of a congregational minister in this Town.
"Voted, Mr. Abraham Anderson, Paul Little, Esq., Mr. Josiah Chute, Mr. Thomas Crague, Capt. Thomas Chute, Capt. Thomas Barker and Dr. James Paine, be a committee to send a petition to the General Court for the above Purposes."
After a number of articles in addition to the foregoing were disposed of, the meeting adjourned for one week, at which time they voted to further postpone the meeting to Tuesday, Aug. 28, 1798, at 3 o'clock in the afternoon.
"Agreeable to Adjournment," says the old record, "the Freeholders, and other Inhabitants of the Town of Windham, met together at the time and place named, and acted on the following articles Viz:
"Voted, to sell the Ministerial Lot No. 5 in the first division of hundred acre Lots in sd Town. Provided that Peter T. Smith Esq., joins in sending a petition to the General Court for that purpose.
"Voted, to adjourn this meeting to Monday next at 2 o'clock in the afternoon at the new meeting house in sd Town."
It appears that the freeholders met, according to adjourn- ment, but apparently arrived at no definite conclusions, and we hear nothing further in regard to the matter until Feb. 16, 1801, when, at a town meeting, it was
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