Androscoggin County ME Archives History - Books .....Ecclesiastical History 1899 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/me/mefiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00001.html#0000031 November 16, 2008, 3:05 am Book Title: History Of Durham, Maine V. ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY At the first town meeting of Royalsborough, O. Israel Bagley, William Gerrish and Stephen Chase were chosen a committee for "Fixing a place for a ministerial (lot) and likewise a place on said lot for a meeting House and burying yard." Feb. 9, 1775, the following proclamation was issued: "To the Congregational Inhabitants of the Township of Royalsborough. Whereas it is commanded unto all men to call on the name of the Lord to confess their manyfold Sins and Implore his divine assistance both for Spiritual and Temporal blessings Publicly. So it is nessery that Some Public place of Worship Should be provided and in providing it Every Person Conserned ought to have a voice in the Providing the same and it is appointed for all men once to die. So it is Incumbent on every Person In time of life to provide a Proper Decent Place for the reception of his body when so dead. And whereas the Proprietors of the town who Expect to be at considerable Part of the charge In building a place for Public worship are content it Should be built on Mr. John Dean's lot and some of the Inhabitants have begun to clear the ground therefor, but least it should not be agreeable to the major Part of the Present Inhabitants. This is to Desire them to meet on Thursday the sixteenth day of Feb. Instant at one of the clock in the afternoon at the Dwelling house of Mr. John Dean's in said Town to know the minds of the Inhabitants if the said place is agreeable to them if not to agree on and Clear Some Place more Sutible." Jonathan Bagley in behalf of himself and for the Proprietors." Agreeably to the above call the Inhabitants voted, 16 Feb. 1775, that "the most Sutible place to build a meeting house is on the Hill to the Southward of Mr. Dean's house on his lot by the County Road." It was also voted to allow Mr. Dean two dollars per acre for the gore of land lying between the County Road and the road that leads to Micah Dyer's "from the Croch of the Road to the Spruce tree to the North of the Hill." It included nine acres. Voted to cut the trees on said land before March next. Stephen Hart, Benj. Vining and Charles Gerrish were a Committee to see that the land be cleared. March 25, 1776, Voted one day's work on burying ground, O. Israel Bagley to have charge of the work. July 30, 1776, Voted "to hire the Gospel Minister three months to preach the Gospel Amongst us." Major Charles Gerrish and Ebenezer Roberts were a Committee to hire a preacher. Voted that he preach at the house of Eliot Frost. There is no further record pertaining to church matters during the next three years. Meanwhile the proprietors issued proposals for the erection of a house of worship. "To the Gentlemen Selectmen of Royalsborough, Proposals to build a Meeting House in Royalsborough Vizt. To be about the same Dimentions as Brunswick meeting house, to be glaized with sash Glass. The Inhabitants to find the Frame raise it and underpin it, also Boards Clapboards and Shingles Sufficient for that purpose. The workmanship Nails and Glass to be done at the Expense of the Proprietors out of the money ariseing by the sail of the setling Lotts. The Plastering the inside, the Pulpitt, Deacon Seat, minister's Pew and one for the Proprietors. The rest of the Pews and Seats at the Charge of the Inhabitants. The Galleries to be built at the Charge of the Proprietors except the seats. A Convenient Porch to be erected at the Front Door in which the Stairs into the Galleries are to be fixed. So Agreed to by the Committee of the Proprietors. Bagley and Noyes. December, 1776. Recorded March ye 10th, 1791. These proposals were not at once acted upon, probably because attention was diverted by the Revolutionary War and financial burdens were heavy. It was not till Nov. 8, 1779 that the Plantation voted "to get up a frame for the meeting house the same Bigness of Brunswick meeting house by the last of July next." Nothing seems to have been done. More than one third 01 the men capable of bearing arms were in the army. There is no record of any religious service for four years. June 22, 1780, O. Israel Bagley was chosen a committee to "hire a minister of the gospel to preach with this town six weeks." There is no record of the result. Sept. 12, 1780, the building of the meeting house was again agitated and it was voted to build it. O. Israel Bagley was chosen "overseer to See it built." Major Gerrish, Benjamin Vining and Hugh Getchell were a committee to "see that the hous is Dun," and to sell or vendue thirty-five pews. These committees did not do as instructed. The proprietors thought to hasten both the building of the church and, what was still more desired by them, the incorporation of the town, by sending, by the hand of their secretary, the following letter, which was of such historic value as to be spread upon the Town Records: Boston, Sept. 29, 1781. GENTLEMEN: Coll. Little in his Journey to Royalsborough Carried down with him a rough Draught of a Petition for the Inhabitants by their Committee to be appointed for that purpose to present to the General Court that you may be incorporated into a Township that you may be vested with the powers and Privileges other towns enjoy. I hope you will approve the same or correct said Draught as you Judge proper. Till you are incorporated it will be in vain to attempt any thing as to building a meetinghouse and Setling a minister because what you may do to effect this cant be carried into Execution for want of power. I hope you are sensible of the grate advantage the Settlement of the Gospell among you will be to your own true Interest as to both worlds. If any sett of men settled among should be indifferent or averse to this they must be left to their own way, yet while they enjoy this liberty they ought not to deprive others of this Liberty they claim for themselves, this would be unreasonable on their part. I recommend to you mutual Love and Concord in transacting your affairs as it will tend to promote your own happiness. I have sent you the proposals on the part of the Proprietors what they are willing to do towards the Meeting-house and the settlement of a minister among you; and what they expect from the Inhabitants, which hope will be Acceptable, it lies with you to forward your Incorporation by applying to the Court for that purpose; if you will please send up this Petition to me I will take care to get it accomplished, I make no doubt it will be granted. I am Gentlemen your Friend and Servant Belcher Noyes. This brought matters to a conclusion, and, early in 1782, between O. Israel Bagley, evidently acting as agent for the proprietors, and the committee chosen in 1780 a contract was made for the building of the old North Church. The bond has been preserved and is here reproduced verbatim: "Know all men by these Presents, that we Charles Gerrish, Esq., Benjamin Vining, Yoman & Hugh Getchel Yoman All of Royalsborough in the County of Cumberland and Commonwelth of Massachusetts, am holden and Stand firmly bound to O. Israel Bagley of S'd Royalsborough in the County aforesaid gent'n in four Hundred Pound Lawfull money to Be Paid to the S'd O. Israel Bagley or his Certain Attorney, Executors Administrator or Assigns. To the which Payment well and truly to be made we bind our Selves our heir Executors and Administrators Jointly and Severally firmly by these presents. Sealed with our Seals, Dated the twenty-first day of February, Annoque Domini, 1782. The Condition of this Obligation is such that if the Above bounden Charles Garish Benjamin Vining & Hugh Getchel or ither of them their heirs Executors or Administrators Do provide and Git Timber for a meetinghouse for the Plantation Royalsborough aforesaid, of Fifty feet in Length and forty five in breadth and higth in Proportion, and Fraim and Raise the Same upon the Land Purchased by the Inhabitants of the S'd Plantation for that use Also under Pin the house with Stone, Provide Boards Clap Bords And Shingles Sofitient to Cover the Same, which Articles are to be Good and fitting for the use aforeS'd, to be on the Spot whereS'd house is to be built. Also Execute a Good Warrattee Deed to Each Parson that has or may Purchase a spot for a Pew in S'd house At on or Before the Last Day of September Next Enscwing the Date hereof then this Obligation to be Void and of None Effect, or Else to Stand and remain full force and Virtue. Signd, Sealed and Delivered, Charles Gerrish in Presents of Benja. Vining E. Newell hugh Gatchel Nath. Garish It is evident that the building of the meeting-house was begun in 1782. March 3, it was voted to hire a minister two months and to confirm the sale of the pews sold by the committee. Preaching for three months was voted in the years following except 1784 when the people decided "not to hire any preaching this year." There are no records for 1787-8. In 1789 eighteen pounds were voted for the support of the Gospel, and Joshua Strout, Joseph Davis and Enoch Bagley were chosen a committee to see the meeting-house finished. How much we would like to know who ministered to the spiritual needs of our forefathers during these early years. Probably they were the ministers of the neighboring towns of North Yarmouth, Brunswick, Portland, and New Gloucester, together with some itinerant evangelist. Bagley's Account Book contains a memorandum that Mr. Prince came home with him one Sunday from "Herysicate" (Freeport) and preached at Bagley's house Feb. 23, 1774. This is the first recorded religious service in Royalsborough. The Rev. Tristram [1] Gilman of North Yarmouth Foreside preached in Royalsborough 6 Mch. 1777 and baptized "Richard, son of Robinson Crockett; Deborah, daughter of Stephen Randall; all of Royalston, in cov't with ye ch. of Cape Elizabeth." He records in his church register that Sept. 4, 1785 he lectured "at a plaec called Royals-Town and baptized Deborah, dau. of John Parker; Dorothy, dan. of Capt. Joshua Strout of Cape Elizabeth; Zebulon, son of Samuel York; Samuel, son of Sarah, dau. of John Davis, Jr. of Brunswick church; James, son of Capt. Nichols." These are the earliest recorded baptisms in Royalsborough. The service was, doubtless, in the church which had recently been erected. May 8, 1790 the town voted to employ the Rev. Abraham Cummings to "preach The Gospel .to the amount of eighteen pounds this year." Rev. Abraham Cummings was born in Andover, Mass., in 1755. He graduated at Brown University in 1776, and became an open Communion Baptist minister. He was a man of great learning being proficient in seven languages. He was an itinerant missionary. In 1781 he married Phoebe Thayer of Old Braintree, Mass., whose mother was a granddaughter of John Alden and Priscilla. They had two sons who left no issue and a daughter Phoebe who married Isaac H. Bailey. Mr. Cummings moved to Freeport about 1788. In a small sailboat he made evangelistic excursions all along the coast from Passamaquoddy to Rhode Island. He had an extensive revival at Bath in 1793. He was an ardent student of philosophy and astronomy and often was lost in revery. He published several works, the most important being "Contemplations on the Cherubim," 1812. He was a social man and used to tell that down on Penobscot Bay the mosquitoes were so large that "a good many of them would weigh a pound" and "they would frequently get up on the trees and bark." He had no fixed salary but lived on the voluntary contributions of the people. He died at Phipsburg 31 Aug. 1827, aged 73 years. His tombstone, near Popham's Landing, has this epitaph, "A pious, Learned and Faithful minister of the Gospel." [2] The next year no money was raised for preaching. May 7, 1792 it was voted to "apply to Mr. Clark for a preacher the present year." This was probably the Rev. Ephraim Clark, minister at Cape Elizabeth, 1756-97, many of whose flock migrated about this time to Durham. Before Mr. Clark's services were needed the Rev. Eliphaz Chapman appeared in Durham. It is evident that he was known before July 26, 1792, for then the town voted to hire him as a preacher, and Nov. 9 confirmed the vote by engaging him for one year. He stayed two years, as the ten marriages performed by him show. The last was solemnized Nov. 20, 1794, and he signs himself "Eliphaz Chapman ordained Minister of the Gospel now Stationed at Durham." Fifty pounds were voted for his support, and June 9, 1794 thirty pounds were voted "to build the Pulpit." Eliphaz Chapman was born in Newmarket, N. H., March 7, 1750. He preached at Madbury 1770-3 and afterward at Methuen, Mass. He settled on the north side of the Androscoggin river at Bethel, Maine. The farm still remains in the Chapman family. "He was a very useful man in the new town. He solemnized many of the early marriages, and judging from the number of children named after him he must have been very popular." He died Jan. 20, 1814. His wife Hannah (Jackman of Newbury) died Dec. 15, 1839, aged 92 years. His sister Mary married Col. James Rogers of Freeport, and this may account for his introduction to Durham. He was great grandfather to Prof. Henry Leland Chapman of Bowdoin College. At least three other descendants of his name have graduated at Bowdoin College. It seems that the Rev. Jacob Herrick preached in Durham in the summer of 1795, for in September the town voted "to employ Rev. Mr. Herrick longer," and Nov. 7 of the same year it was decided to "settle Rev. Mr. Herrick" by a vote of thirty-seven to seven. Jan. 7, 1796 his salary was fixed at fifty pounds besides a hundred acres of land given by the oroprietors. Ebenezer Roberts, Nathaniel Osgood, and William True were chosen a committee to send for the new minister. The time of ordination was fixed for March 9, 1796, and the following ministers were chosen by the town to participate in the services, "Revs. Eaton, Lancaster, Gilman, Johnson, Coffin and Keylock (Kellogg). [3] There lies before me the account of the ordination, preserved in the handwriting of Rev. Samuel Eaton, Secretary of the Ecclesiastical Council. He says that they met at the house of Capt. O. Israel Bagley and chose the Rev. Dr. Samuel Deane of Portland moderator, who seems to have taken the place of Elijah Kellogg. After prayer by the Moderator "a competent number of male persons offered themselves to be embodied into a Chh. state, who having given themselves to God & to one another, & set their Names to a Gospel Covenant, were by a vote of the afores'd Council acknowledged to be a Sister Congregational Chh of our Lord Jesus Christ, with whom we are in full Charity and Fellowship." At the ordination which immediately followed in the church, the Rev. Alfred Johnson made the introductory prayer; the Rev. Ephriam Clark of Cape Elizabeth made the ordaining prayer; the Rev. Samuel Eaton gave the charge, and the Rev Ebenezer Coffin gave the right hand of fellowship and made the concluding prayer. The address of the Rev. Mr. Coffin has been preserved among the papers of Parson Herrick. It was as follows:— "Behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity. In Immitation of the author of our Redemption, the Finisher of our Faith, the Foundation of our hope—it becomes all his Followers to cultivate a Spirit of Love and Friendship. To this end the first preachers of the Gospel pledged their Love, Friendship and kindness (to those who were called to the sacred work of the Gospel Ministry) by the significant sign of giving them the right [hand] Thus James Cephas and John, when they perceived the Grace that was given unto Paul, gave unto him and Barnabas the Right hand of Fellowship. In conformity to their example ana the direction of the venerable council here convened I present unto you, my Brother in the faith, this right hand—By which we manifest our esteem for your Character and the Office which you now sustain as an Ambassador of Jesus Christ. Hoping that you will prove yourself an Israelite indeed in whose spirit there is no guile. We hail you welcome to take part with us in the Ministry of reconciliation which we have received of the Lord. In this Manner we acknowledge you a Fellow laborer with us in the Vineyard of God. And so long as you shall maintain the dignity of your Office we promise to treat you as a Brother, to council exhort and reprove you as God shall Inable us and as we find it necessary, and we have a right to look for the same kind offices from you. We wish that your Ministry here may be long, happy and successful, that you may have the unspeakable satisfaction to see the work of [the Lord prosper in your hands, that all contentions may cease, pure religion revive and flourish and that you may have many souls as seals of your Ministry and Crown of rejoicing in the day of the Lord. Brethren of this Church, behold the Man set over you in the Lord. By thus Imbracing and receiving whom we acknowledge you as fellow members with us of that Body of which Christ Jesus is the Head. As the Gospel is now resetled among you be exhorted to study those things which make for peace and mutual edification—walk worthy the vocation wherewith ye are called with all lowliness and meekness with long suffering forbearing one another in Love endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the Bond of peace. May both Pastor and People long rejoice together in this day's transaction, and when the connection now formed shall be desolved by death may you from the church Militant here below be transplanted into the Church triumphant in Heaven through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen." Capt. Bagley entertained the Council and brought in a bill of $35.00, which the town refused to pay. Only twelve pounds were allowed for settling expenses of ordination. The minister's salary was increased to eighty pounds, and the next year it was made $266.68. It remained at that figure for many years, but it is said that the salary was reduced in 1813 to $175.00 and in 1821 to $100.00. Rev. Jacob Herrick was seventh child of Samuel and Elizabeth (Jones) Herrick of Reading, Mass., born 12 June 1754. He was grandson of Martyn Herrick and Ruth Endicott who was great granddaughter of Gov. John Endicott. He graduated at Harvard College in 1776 and received the degree of A. M. in 1778. He was in Capt. Bacheller's Co., Col. Bridge's Regt. 25 Sept. 1775; commissioned Adjutant to reinforce the Continental army 28 Oct. 1779, and served in Col. Jacob Gerrish's Essex and Suffolk County Regt. He was commissioned as adjutant of the Middlesex County Regt. 4 July 1780. It is also said that he was Lieut. of Marines on a vessel, was taken prisoner and carried to Halifax. When liberated he was brought home to Reading by one Capt. Nichols. Thus he had several years of military service in the Revolution. He married July 1780 Sarah Webster of Bradford, Mass. He came from Beverly, Mass., and settled in Durham in 1796, being the first ordained pastor of the Congregational church. He died there Dec. 18, 1832. His wife died Oct. 13, 1829, aged 76 years. Their tombstones may be seen in the old cemetery. He is described as slow and somewhat tedious in his delivery but of good ability and a very excellent pastor. He was over six feet tail, and his face was perfectly smooth. The delivery of his sermons occupied an hour or more. He is said to have been ardently opposed to the election of "that infidel, Tom Jefferson," asserting that he would destroy both churches and school-houses. He was a good man and served the church well and also the town for many years as one of the school committee. His wife was a woman of fine presence, a beauty in her youth, and gifted with rare intellectual powers. It was said of her that she could hold her own in conversation with any and all of the ministers she entertained. Of generous nature, she gave freely from her not too lavish store. Her younger son used to say that he had often seen his mother divide the dough she had just set to rise for bread, wrap one portion in a towel, and give it to a needy parishioner, though the supply of flour at the parsonage was exhausted, a serious matter in those days when flour was not easily obtainable. A word more about the church edifice. In 1804 the town voted to repair it at a cost of $1136. Thomas Chase and Aaron Osgood were chosen to superintend the work. At the same time Francis Harmon was allowed $174 for the building of a new Porch. It was never painted outside nor inside except the high pulpit with its winding staircase. There was no way of warming it except with footstoves, which some carried with them to church. Between the two long sermons the worshipers often ran into the neighbors' houses to get warm. Mr. Herrick continued pastor till 1831 with the exception of the years 1827-29 when Rev. Bennett Roberts was stated Supply. There was no regular service after the death of Mr. Herrick, and in 1850 the building was sold, taken down and carried to Porter's Landing, Freeport, where it is said to be still in use as a warehouse. It ought to be moved back and made a Museum of Durham Antiquities. In 1806 Mr. Rourk was paid $7.85 for his wife's cleaning the North Meeting house. In 1802 she was paid $6.00 for similar service and $2 for "washing and sanding the meeting house after two last town meetings." In 1808 Barnabas Strout was paid $1.50 for taking care of the meeting house the past year, and Elizabeth Rourk was paid $2 for locking and unlocking the meeting house, in 1808. About 1845 a Congregational church was built on the cross road that leads by Henry Harrington's from the lower County Road. This in 1853, was moved to its present position near S. W. Bend. This church has been served by Rev. John Elliott Nov. 1845 to Nov. l848; Jonas Fiske 20 May 1849 to 12 Sept. 1852; Wm. V. Jordan 1 Nov. 1854 to Nov. 1855; John S. C. Abbott 1856-1857; Henry S. Loring 1 Jan. 1857 to 1 Jan. 1859; Wm. H. Haskell 1862-1869; F. Shattuck 1870; Albert Bushnell 1871; Charles W. Hill 1872-3; Prof. Jotham Sewall 1874-5; Prof. Richard Stanley 1876-8; Richard Wickett 1879-85; George W. Gould 1885-7; R. L. Sheafe 1888; Prof. Thos. L. Angell 1889-91; W. F. Stowe 1892; Prof. T. L. Angell 1893; I. S. Jones 1894-5; Supplies 1896; R. Wickett 1897; V. E. Bragdon Oct. 1897-8. PEW OWNERS OF-THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH Previous to 1804. O. Israel Bagley, John Blake, Dr. John Converse, (Bought of Enoch Bagley 1802) Gideon Curtis, John Cushing, *John Dain, David Dyer, Micah Dyer, Edward Fifield, Benjamin Gerrish, *Nathaniel Gerrish, Sarah Gerrish, Jeremiah Gerrish, William Gerrish, George Gerrish, John Hoyt, John Lincoln, John McIntosh, William McGray, Samuel Merrill, Nathaniel Osgood, Joseph Proctor, Ebenezer Roberts, Simeon Sanborn, Jacob Sawyer, *Joshua Snow, *John Stackpole Jr., (Bought of Thomas Pearson) Elisha Stetson, *Abel Stoddard, Barnabas Strout, Benjamin Vining, Bela Vining, Ebenezer Warren, Ebenezer Woodbury, *Zebulon York. Those marked * are known to have joined the Methodists, with the families of several others. All the above pew-owners surrendered their pews to the parish in 1804, and after extensive repairs were made the new pews were sold at auction to the following persons: Dr. Symonds Baker, Josiah Burnham, Dr. John Converse, Gideon Curtis, Matthew Duran, Micah Dyer, George Gerrish, Jr., Francis Harmon, James Hibbard, Rev. Jacob Herrick, Nehemiah Hooper, Secomb Jordan, John Lincoln, Elijah Macomber, Samuel Merrill, William Newell, Aaron Osgood, Benjamin Osgood, Joseph Osgood, Joseph Proctor, John Richards, Peter Sanborn. Jonathan Strout, Barnabas Strout, Charles Stetson, John Sydleman, Job Sylvester, Ebenezer Warren, Foster Waterman, Esq., George Williams. There is no official list of Deacons, since the records were recently destroyed in the burning of a house. The following, however, are known to have served: Benjamin Vining, William True, Daniel Harmon, James Hibbard, John Sydleman, Senr., Osgood Strout, William B. Newell, Jonathan Carpenter, Ralph H. Hascall twenty-one years, and William P. Brown who was chosen in 1890 and is the only Deacon now serving. The church has now twelve members. The Sunday School numbers twenty-eight. There are fourteen in the Society of Christian Endeavor. The Rev. Israel Newell left an endowment to this church, in lands and buildings valued at $2000. They were sold to Edward Newell on a mortgage payable in sixteen years at six per cent. The parish has a fund of about $400. It is assisted by the State Missionary Society, and with difficulty maintains religious services with some interruptions. The writer has sometimes wished that all other denominations had staid out of town and left Durham to be cultivated by the Friends and the "Orthodox Church." This might have been done, if it had not been for unjust taxation to support the latter, for unprogressiveness in religious opinions, and for lack of intense spiritual life at critical times. Once, too, the population seemed to demand several churches. Now there is a loud providential call that all persons in the vicinity of S. W. Bend should lay aside individual preferences and unite heartily in maintaining one church, which in the nature of the case must and ought to be Congregational in polity. Such a movement has been more than once on the eve of consummation. May even the aged live long enough to see the realization of such a glorious hope. Let us strive for unity in the church militant as well as expect it in the church triumphant. THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. It is quite certain that the Rev. Asa Heath first preached the gospel according to Methodism in Durham in 1802. He was then stationed on Falmouth Circuit and with James Lewis, a local preacher of Gorham, used to make preaching tours for many miles around. This Heath afterwards settled in Monmouth and is the ancestor of Hon. Herbert Heath of Augusta. In 1803 Bowdoinham Circuit was formed, which included Durham, and True. Glidden was preacher in charge. He was a nephew of Deacon William True of Parson Herrick's church. By invitation he preached in True's kitchen, and a great interest in Methodism was awakened. Dea. True's house stood a few rods south of the brick house built by Hiram Drinkwater at Methodist Corner. Glidden was a minister of rare promise. Rev. Ebenezer Blake, native of Durham, thus wrote of him: "He was one of the best young men I ever knew. I have often observed him while in prayer, in the congregation, the tears rolling from his eyes and dropping from his face. He literally wore himself out in less than three years. He died of consumption in 1806, and was buried in Chester, N. H., where no tablet marks his resting place." August 4th and 5th 1804 a Quarterly Meeting was held in Durham, continuing till the next Wednesday night. The tradition of this has been current for a century. It is called the ''great revival." Timothy Merritt took the place of the Presiding Elder. He was afterwards editor of Zion's Herald and one of the foremost men in New England Methodism. The meeting on the Sabbath was held in a grove back of where the church at Methodist Corner now stands. The population for miles around was assembled. Mr. Merritt, standing upon a cart for a pulpit preached with wonderful power from Amos vii:2, "By whom shall Jacob arise? for he is small." The sermon was followed with an exhortation by Daniel Dudley, the circuit preacher that year, and a fervent prayer by James Lewis. We are indebted to Rev. Charles W. Morse, who was pastor of the Methodist church in Durham in 1830, for the following description: "The people were overwhelmed with emotion and many fell to the ground. There was earnest praying, and there were loud cries in every direction, through the congregation. The preachers and brethren spent the afternoon in praying for anxious seekers. The excitement was so intense, that the administration of the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, usual on Sunday afternoon of the Quarterly meeting, was necessarily deferred. A woman who was in the congregation, disgusted with the excitement, declared it to be "the work of Satan" and said she "would stay there no longer." She mounted her horse and rode away, but she had proceeded but a short distance, when she was overpowered and fell from her horse, as dead. She was carried into a house by Christian friends. When she could speak, they found she was "under conviction." The friends prayed for her, and she soon "found the Lord." The meeting was continued till Wednesday night; the sacrament being administered Wednesday afternoon. This extraordinary Quarterly meeting resulted in a gracious revival, in which over one hundred were converted and received into the Methodist church. Among these were: George Ferguson, William Jones, John Tyler, Daniel Harwood, Abel True, Samuel True, John Hatch, Richard Doane, Jacob Randall, and their wives. Of the Congregationalists who joined the Methodists at that time were Dea. Daniel Harmon and wife, Dea. William True and wife (the parents of Rev. Charles K. True, afterwards professor in Wesleyan University). This religious awakening was denounced as fanaticism by the Congregationalist pastor; but the revival went on and brought into the Methodist church the principal families of that community: and the place became prominent in the early history of Methodism in the State. Ever since that time, this neighborhood has borne the name of "Methodist Corner." There is no official record of the early members of the church. The Town Records supply the names of such as presented a certificate of membership in order to escape taxation for the support of the Congregational church. They are: 1812, James Wilbur, Nathaniel Merrill, James Nichols; Oliver Stoddard, Abel Stoddard, Apollos Jordan. Samuel Nichols, Simeon Farr, John Wilbur, Zebulon York, Joseph Sylvester, John Fifield, Joshua Snow, Ebenezer Snow, Jacob Harris, Wm. Parker, Daniel Gross, Thomas Ficket, Benj. Hunnewell, John Staples, Jonathan Libby, Thomas Larrabee, Andrew Hunnewell, Samuel Goodwin, Isaac Libby, Joseph Osgood and John Dain of Lisbon. 1813. Obed Read, John Stackpole, Jr., Samuel Jones, Reuben Roberts, O. Israel Fifield, John Farr. 1815, Peter Sanbon, Amos Parker. Nathaniel Parker, Wm. Larrabee. 1816, Rufus Ricker, Alfred Wood, James Gerrish, 2d, Nathaniel Gerrish, John Robinson, Lemuel Nichols, Richard Dyer. The following Class paper gives the names of still earlier members. In those days no one was admitted to Class meeting without a similar paper. COPY OF DURHAM CLASS PAPER, No. 2. "Joshua Soule, presiding elder. Robert Hayes, James Spaulding, John W. Hardy, Circuit Preachers. Woe to the idle shepherds. N. B. Every Friday last preceeding the Q. M., is to be observed as a day of fasting and prayer." Durham, July 12 1809. Baptised F. Names. M " " David Dudley " " " Eleanor Dudley " " " Richard Doane " " " Mary Doane " " " Edward Doane " " " Sarah Doane " " F. Lemuel Roberts " " Nabby Roberts " " F. Thomas Roberts " " " Submit Roberts " " " Susanna Roberts W " " Ezekiel Turner M " " Joanna Turner " " " Betsey York S " " Susanna Roberts " " " Daniel Roberts " " " Enoch Davis M " " Sally Davis " " " Mariam Brown " " Reuben Roberts S " Luther Plummer " " F. Hannah Plummer " The earliest baptisms recorded were Dec. 24 1809. Joshua Soule, afterwards Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church, administered the rite to David Ferguson and John H. Davis. In 1811 Rev. J. W. Hardy baptized Nancy Newell, Abigail Roberts, Asa Mitchell, Abigail Goodwin, Betsey Goodwin, Sallv Goodwin, Sally Doane, Sally Roberts, Judith Currier, Abigail Sanborn, Adults; and William Frost, child of William and Rebecca Fickett, and Daniel Harmon, child of Daniel and Polly Harmon. The Methodist Society in Durham and Pownal was incorporated March 1, 1S10, by an act of the Mass. Legislature. The house of worship was erected before that date and probably as early as 1804. This was reconstructed and greatly improved in 1867, during the pastorate of that devout and cultured gentleman, Rev. William Stout, now a member of the New Jersey Conference. Many remember the edifice as it formerly was, with galleries on the sides and rear, small windows, high pulpit and pew-doors. In 1806 Durham Circuit was formed. Its limits have varied from time to time, but once included Pownal, Danville, Lisbon, Litchfield, Wales, Freeport, with classes in regions beyond. In 1849 Durham was made a charge by itself. North Pownal is now connected with it. Preachers lived in the saddle and boarded around. In the Steward's account for 1809 are found the following "disbursements:" "Expense $2.12; J. Soule, $3.00; J. W. Hardy, $8.62; J. Spaulding, $1.05; R. Hays, $6.16; L. Sargent, $2.45; total $23.40." In 1815 is this account, "Distributions, O. Beal $11.08; R. Hays, 47.80; J. Paine, $23.90; Expense, $7.00; total, $90.00." Some grateful preacher has written the following comment, appended to the last record, "Lord fulfill thy promise to the benevolent. Amen." The society rapidly increased. In 1806 the membership numbered 101. In 1808 it had grown to 327 on the circuit. In 1832 there were 425 members and in 1842 there is the largest enrollment, 527. Then was the revival under the leadership of Revs. J. Thwing and E. F. Blake. Their united salaries were $374. The following record appears on the old books of the Society. "Quarterly Meeting held at Durham on the Camp Ground Aug. 1831." Some are still living who remember attending the camp meetings held for several years, at the usual season, in the woods on the farm of James Strout, about a mile above S. W. Bend. The tents were numerous and the crowds were great. There was much loud shouting and joyful singing, with some excitement and disturbance. Dr. David B. Strout should be credited for the following reminiscences, cited from an article in the Atlas of Androscoggin County, written by Josiah H. Williams: "I well remember the solemn bearing of clergymen in those days. It seemed to us children that some awful presence was approaching whenever one appeared, and we would steal away into some safe retreat. Nor was this feeling of restraint shared by the children alone, everybody stood in awe of the minister. Among the early Methodist preachers was an old gray-headed man of medium size, with frame strong and firmly knit together, who was a terror to evil doers, or all those he thought in error. With many he bore the reputation of a blackguard. Some of his own church complained of his treatment of those who had the misfortune to differ with him. A committee was finally chosen from among his parishioners and adherents to visit him, and, if possible, induce him to be more lenient towards his opponents, but the old gentleman assured them that all his clubs were aimed at the devil, and if any man chose to place himself between him and his mark, he must run the risk of being hit. This explanation seemed to be satisfactory to the committee, who retired leaving him master of his position. His name was Fogg, familiarly and extensively known as "Daddy Fogg." Among the early Methodist itinerant preachers was James Weston. He was a man of small stature, but scholarly, and very precise in his language, and a man of very fair ability. He was also a zealous temperance man, and as he witnessed the ravages of this evil, both in and outside of the church, he resolved to do what he could to stay its progress. After preaching an able sermon upon the subject, he invited his church to meet him on an evening then fixed for the purpose of taking into consideration the importance of forming a temperance organization. They were not long in concluding to second his efforts in that direction; consequently a pledge was drawn up, and a committee chosen from among the brethren to circulate it for signatures. At this period, in all or nearly all the stores rum was sold. A few days after the pledge had been drawn up Mr. Weston entered one of the stores and saw a Methodist brother, by the name of Doane, just in the act of raising a glass of rum to his lips. The Rev. W. cried out, "Stop, stop Brother D., has not Brother Warren said anything to you about drinking?" Mr. D. who was troubled with an impediment in his speech said, "Ye-ye-yes, ev-very ti-time I see hi-im he asks me to tre-treat him." The New England Conference held its annual session at Methodist Corner in 1814, beginning June 2. Bishop McKendree presided. Rev. Reuben Hubbard was secretary. History has preserved no account of this Conference except the usual brief minutes. BAPTIST CHURCH. Previous to 1838 the few scattered Baptists of Durham found affiliation with Baptist Societies organized in neighboring towns. The names of such as did so are recovered from the Town Records. Their certificates of membership were recorded so that they might avoid being taxed for the ''established church" of Parson Herrick. The earliest mentioned were in 1794, Stephen Weston, Samuel York and Joseph York. These were members of the Baptist church in Lewiston. In 1810 Elijah Macomber, Isaac Lambert and Thomas Proctor belonged to the Baptist church in Pejepscot, or Danville. The meetings were held in private houses and school houses till 1840, when the "Union church" now so called was built about a mile from the River, on the road to Danville Corner. Magnus Ridlon and Samuel Robinson were members of this church in 1816. Elisha Stetson, Daniel Lambert, Samuel Roberts, John Ellis, Barnabas Strout and Reuben Weston belonged to the Baptist church in Freeport in 1812. Secomb Jordan had his membership in Brunswick in 1812 and Thomas Waterhouse in New Gloucester in 1810. In 1835 the Union church at S. W. Bend was built, and Aug. 8, 1835 the Baptist church of Durham was organized with twenty-two members, viz. Deacon Isaac Lambert, James Wagg, Jeremiah Dingley, Joel Morse, William Dingley, Isaac Lambert, Mary Lambert, Eliza Macomber, Isabel Jones, Dorothy Blethen, Hannah Richardson, Harriet Lambert, Julia Ann Blethen, Betsey Bowie, Mary Mitchell, Lucy Lambert, Maria Dingley, Abigail Blethen, Sally Morse, Mary Barstow, Joel Farrow, and Mariam Downer. Of this number the late Deacon William Dingley was the last to join the church triumphant. The services of organization were as follows: Rev. J. W. Atkins of the Methodist Episcopal church offered prayer. Sermon by Rev. E. R. Warren of Topsham. Right hand of fellowship by Rev. R. C. Starr of New Gloucester. Address to the church by Rev. Shimuel Owen. Prayer by Rev. Noah Hooper of Minot. Isaac Lambert was then ordained Deacon and many still testify that he was a faithful and pious officer of the Church, worthily followed in office by his neighbor, Deacon William Dingley, whose services as Sunday School Supt. and leader of neighborhood prayer-meetings are gratefully remembered by many. A former resident of Durham recently told me that these were the two best men he ever knew. In 1840 Rev. Noah Hooper was chosen pastor. He was succeeded by Rev. Moses Hanscom in 1842, who was ordained in Danville April 12 of that year. He built a house on the hill at S. W. Bend, next to that of Ralph Hascall, in 1843. Moved to Bowdoinham in 1857. Rev. Moses Hanscom was son of Moses and Mary Hanscom of Danville, born 10 May 1808. He served as pastor of churches in Durham, Bowdoinham, Brooklin, Nobleboro and Friendship. From 1880 he lived with a son at Auburn and died there Dec. 1890. His first wife was Mary Vickery, by whom there were children, William Allen, Ruel W., Moses C, and Sarah. His second wife was Elvira Snow of Brunswick. Their children were Rebecca S., Edwin W., Mary L., Frank B., Elvira D., and Eliza G. The long pastorate of Mr. Hanscom at Durham endeared him to many of the inhabitants, who will be glad to see his face in print. He was successful in his ministry and a zealous promoter of the cause of temperance. Rev. Mr. Gurney preached for some time in Durham and Rev. George Tucker lived here several years. The church which once numbered sixty members gradually dwindled till in 1887 it was dropped from the roll of the Baptist association. UNIVERSALIST CHURCH. The Universalists had occasional preaching in School Houses before 1840. In that year a church was built at S. W. Bend on the right hand just as the roaa turns to Freeport. It was served by Rev. Leander Hussey, L. P. Rand, and I. C. Knowlton. The last was in Durham 1845-50. There was only occasional preaching thereafter. I remember the church only for the temperance and political rallies and School exhibitions held in it. It was burned in 186-. FREE BAPTIST CHURCH. Elder Benjamin Randall held meetings in Lisbon in 1780, in which some from Durham were converted, and a church was gathered, made up of inhabitants from both sides of the river. In 1790 a Free Baptist church was organized on the Durham side by Elders E. Stinchfield and Christopher Tracy. A record of baptisms kept by Elder Stinchfield contains the following names of persons baptized in Durham: Aug. 21, 1801, Samuel Tracy, Judith Tracy, Mary Beal. Nov. 21, 1802, Wm. Beal, Elizabeth Tracy. July 10, 1802, Wm. Blake, Jr. May 20, 1805, Nabby Tracy, George Littlefield, Polly Littlefield, Dorothy Tracy. May 21, 1805, Samuel Tracy, Christopher Tracy, Wm. Crabtree, Nabby Littlefield. Aug. 22, 1805, James Blethen, Increase Blethen, Anna Orr, Submit York, Ruby Young, Hannah Wilbur. Aug. 24, 1806, Hannah Graffam. Sept. 21, 1806, John Wilbur, Polly Adams. Sept. 22, 1806, Daniel Sutherland, Esther Tracy. The church became weak, and June 13, 1829 it was reorganized by Elder George Lamb. At that time it had twelve members, Elijah Littlefield, Daniel Gould, Henry Plummer, Christopher Tracy, Abram Metcalf, John Robinson, John Blethen, Mary Getchell, Margaret Tracy, Jane Gould, Lovina Tracy, Elizabeth Tracy. Meetings were held at the "Cedar School House," near the river, and at the Brick School House. In 1840 there was a great religious awakening in Durham, and the membership of this church increased to seventy. They began to talk about a Meeting House. It was built and dedicated Nov. 20, 1845. The sermon, at the dedication, was preached by Elder Daniel Jackson. The cost of this "Brick Church," near "Plummer's Mill," (anciently Gerrish's Mill) was about $1000, of which sum Elder Henry Plummer contributed $550. The church prospered for several years, but grew weak by deaths and removals, till in 1855 it ceased to hold regular meetings. It has had occasional services since and has been put in a good state of repair. FRIENDS. Nearly all the settlers in the southern part of the town were Friends. They came from Harpswell, N. Yarmouth and Dover, N. H. Their names were Estes, Douglas, Jones, Varney, Pinkham, Collins, Webber, Tuttle, etc. With others of like faith from the northern part of Brunswick they established religious service in the house of Joseph Estes as early as 1775. Thus they are the oldest religious society of Durham, and there has been no "Lord's Day" since the date mentioned without a religious service. The house of Joseph Estes, long known as the "Hawkes House " because occupied by Nathan Hawkes, was an historic landmark. It was burned in 1894. It was a one-story house with a two-story porch, and was occupied in its latest history as a blacksmith shop by N. O. Jones. A Meeting House was erected on the site of the present one. This was burned Sept. 1829, and the Society worshiped again in the "Hawkes House," till the brick edifice was erected the same year. Their Church Records were destroyed in 1852 by the burning of the house of Lemuel Jones, the Society Clerk. The yearly Meetings held here have been of great interest, attracting large audiences and speakers of national reputation. The Friends of Durham have been a quiet, industrious, honest and devout people. This Society numbered 257 in 1890. MINISTERS BORN IN DURHAM. A brief biographical sketch of the ministers reared in this town may fittingly form a part of its ecclesiastical history. It is questioned whether any other town of no greater population can name so long a list of its natives devoted to the work of the Christian ministry. It speaks well for the religious character of its early population. No rumor has been heard by the writer that the ministerial character of any one in the following list was ever called in question. They have been a body of able, consecrated and successful workmen, and some have made a reputation for themselves and town in home and foreign fields of labor. The list is believed to be complete, though it has been impossible to get biographical details in several cases. REV. SAMUEL NEWELL, youngest son of Ebenezer and Catherine (Richards) Newell, was born in Royalsborough 25 July 1785. He early thirsted for an education, and thought that if he could reach his grandfather in Newton, he might find a way to secure it. At the age of fifteen he took some shirts, handkerchiefs and stockings in a bandana and went on foot to Portland, to take ship to Boston. An aged relative, the Rev. W. C. Richards, gives the following account of him. "As he was standing about the wharf, a ship captain asked him what he would like. "To get up to Boston. I have a grandfather at Newton Oak Hill and want to see him." "Well, " said the captain, " I am going to start for Boston in a half hour's time and I will take you along with me, and if you will wait on me I will give you a free passage." "I thank you," said the boy. The captain's home was Roxbury Hill, some three miles on the way to Newton. Samuel stopped with him over night. He loved the boy and was ready to do for him. When evening came, the captain's friends came in to welcome him home. He introduced the boy to them and told them, "I brought this boy, who walked from Durham to Portland, on his way to his grandfather's at Newton. He wants to get an education, but has no means. His own mother died when he was three years old; when he was six years old he had a step-mother and now his father is dead. He has five brothers and two sisters." "My brothers and sisters are all kind and obedient to our step-mother," said Samuel, "she works hard, we all help her, but we are poor. I am very anxious for an education. I have nothing in the world but the clothes I have on and this little package and thirty-nine cents." The captain said, "Gentlemen, this recital stirs my heart. I will put down $200, for this boy's benefit. What say you?" Two subscribed $150, each, and the old Roxbury School Master, being present and in tears, shouted, "I will be good for $300." The boy burst into tears. The School Master said, "I will have you ready for Harvard as soon as I can, so cheer up." The boy exclaimed, "I thank you a thousand times." He was in a few hours at his grandfather's and found a welcome reception and made his mother's birth-place his home. He soon entered the Latin School at Roxbury and in three years entered Harvard, from which he was graduated with honor in 1807. He had a call to the Principalship of Lynn Academy, where he did good work and received good pay. Now feeling the burden of his ministerial and missionary call, he entered Andover Theological Seminary, where he became intimate with Adoniram Judson. At a great missionary meeting at Bradford he met for the first time Harriet Atwood and fell in love with her. Adoniram was fortunate enough to meet Ann Hazzeltine at the same meeting. They both found the delight of their eyes and the joy of the hearts there, already prepared to give them their hearts and their hands in the great work of life which the young men had chosen." Another account says that he lived for a time in the family of Judge Lowell and afterward with Mr. Ralph Smith. After graduating from Andover in 1810 he studied Medicine at Philadelphia. He was one of the signers of the memorandum from the students at Andover, dated 27 July 1810, that led to the organization of the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, and was one of the first four who offered themselves to that Society for missionary service. He married Harriet Atwood and they sailed for India 19 Feb. 1812. On his arrival the Bengal Government ordered him to leave the country. He went to the Isle of France, where his wife died 30 Nov. 1812. He afterward published the "Life and Writings of Mrs. Harriet Newell." He went to Ceylon and thence in 1817 to Bombay. He wrote with the Rev. Gordon Hall "The Conversion of the World or the Claims of Six Hundred Millions." He is described as a man of excellent abilities and profound piety. His second wife was Philomelia Thurston of Elmira, N. Y., who went to India to marry him. They had a daughter Harriet, who married a Mr. Hart and died in Georgia about 1890, leaving one son. Samuel Newell died in Bombay, India, 30 March 1821, as noble a man as has been born in Durham. REV. O. ISRAEL BAGLEY NEWELL was born 5 April 1794, labored on his father's farm in Durham during the summer, and for six successive years taught, school in winter before he was of age. Having fitted himself for college in the midst of all this work, he entered as a Sophomore. In college he was confessedly the foremost man of his class. He graduated from Bowdoin College in 1819. Next came two years of theological study in the Andover school; then on the island of Nantucket he had charge of an academy one year. In 1822 he was appointed principal of the "Kimball Union Academy" in Plainfield, N. H. To this work he devoted himself with earnestness and success. During his thirteen years at Plainfield he gave instruction to twelve hundred young persons and fitted about two hundred for college. This employment, for which he was so well fitted and which he loved, he was compelled through ill health to give up. He returned to his native town and became again a farmer. Here he lived until his death in 1846. During all this period of teaching and farming he was also a preacher, averaging, it is thought, a sermon each week. And these sermons "were well studied, well arranged, clear, instructive, and affecting." All this, which seems a task for the highest physical and mental energy, was accomplished by a man who suffered long and much from feeble health. "He was a man of marked character. His intellect was clear, discriminating, well trained. He had great decision, perseverance, and energy. All his movements were characterized by remarkable punctuality and precision. He did not suffer himself to be borne along passively by the tide of circumstances; he always knew what he was doing and why he was doing it. He was distinguished for scrupulous veracity, unbending integrity, and transparent frankness. His piety was of a uniform, well-balanced, healthful character." He married (1824) Ester M. Whittlesey of Cornish, N. H. They had no children. By will he bequeathed $600 to the American Educational Society for the benefit of poor students in Bowdoin College, and gave the residue of his estate to the Congregational Society in Durham.—History of Bowdoin College, page 213. ELDER DANIEL ROBERTS was born in Durham July 16, 1790. Was converted in 1803 under the preaching of Joshua Soule, afterward Bishop of the M. E. Church. In 1812 he married Abigail, daughter of George Goodwin of Durham. He started for Indiana in 1817. Arriving at Pittsburg in the early summer of 1818, he constructed a boat, put his family on board and descended the Ohio River to Cincinnati. Here, in 1819, he united with the Christian Church and was ordained to preach the Gospel. In 1820 he settled in Dearborn County, Indiana, where he spent the remainder of his life. He died in Sparta, Ind., June 24, 1882. His wife died fifteen years before. They had twelve children, only two of whom survived him. His son, Judge Omar F. Roberts of Aurora, Ind., has furnished a published Memorial Discourse of the life and character of his father, written by the Rev. L. H. Jameson, D. D. Though he was comparatively poor and dug his living out of a little farm, he preached the Gospel over sixty years without any compensation in money, refusing it when offered. It is thought that he baptized fully three thousand persons, fifty-five at one time in the dead of winter, with the mercury down to zero, and the ice ten inches thick. He performed the work in less than an hour. In 1830, at the request of Gen. Harrison, he preached on the doorstep of the General's residence, at North Bend, Ohio, to an immense audience. Gen. Harrison pronounced the discourse one of the finest he ever heard, and faultless from an oratorical point of view. His voice was well adapted to preaching in the open air. In the course of his ministry he organized upwards of two hundred churches. No man in his region of country was more esteemed, nor exerted a more salutary influence. REV. CHRISTOPHER TRACY, born 2 Oct. 1758 in Falmouth, was baptized by Elder Benjamin Randall in 1781, and was one of the original members of the Free Baptist Church in Durham, of which he remained a member till his death. He was ordained 31 Aug. 1808. He was an Evangelist, a well educated man for his times, of excellent judgment and earnest as a public speaker. He had four sons who were licensed to preach, only one of whom, Jonathan was ordained. He died in Durham 11 Nov. 1839. REV. JONATHAN TRACY, oldest son of the above, was born 28 Dec. 1782 in Durham. Moved to Minot, now Auburn, when a young man. Ordained 24 Feb. 1828. Was called "Scripture Tracy" for his remarkable familiarity with the Bible. He baptized between 700 and 800 converts, and one time 45 through a hole cut in the ice. Was an earnest advocate of temperance and anti-slavery. Died at Wales, Me., 24 Jan. 1864, aged 81 years. The text at his funeral was I Cor. XV. 58. "Steadfast and immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord." Two of his grandsons, Rev. A. P. Tracy of Vermont and Rev. Olin H. Tracy of Boston, entered the ministry of the Free Baptist Church. He was the father of Ferdinand Tracy now living in Durham. The portrait here presented is from a daguerreotype taken when he was eighty years old. REV. ASA McGRAY, though born in N. Yarmouth 18 Sept. 1780. moved to Durham with his father when he was a small child. He married Susanna Stoddard, in Durham. She was born in Charlestown, Mass. He first joined the Methodists. He afterward united with the Free Baptist Church and was ordained 26 Sept. 1814. He removed in 1816 to Windsor, Nova Scotia, and died there 30 Dec. 1843. He was a successful evangelist and organizer of churches. The text at his funeral was II. Sam. iii. 38. "Know ye not that there is a prince and a great man fallen this day in Israel?" REV. DANIEL PIERCE was born in Durham. Licensed to preach in the Baptist Church in 1816. Ordained pastor of Lisbon Church in 1818. He had pastorates also in Greene and Wales. Was preaching occasionally in 1845. He married Abigail Additon. REV. EBENEZER BLAKE, son of William and Sarah (Chandler) Blake, was born in Durham 27 April 1786. Was converted in the great revival at Methodist Corner in 1804. Joined the N. E. Conference in 1807 and preached as an itinerant 47 years in Maine, N. H., Mass., and Conn. "He was an active, laborious and successful minister." He died at West Bridge-water, Mass., 2 Jan. 1868. REV. DANIEL LIBBY, son of Daniel and Mary (Hoyt) Libby, was born in Durham 22 Feb. 1804; m. 9 Aug. 1832 Eunice R. Wheeler of Dixfield. Although he was blind lie educated himself for the ministry of the Cong. Church. Was first settled at Dixfield. Afterward preached at Minot. He died 4 May 1839. REV. JOHN MILLER was born in Durham 13 May 1806, and died there 5 Dec. 1869. He was converted in 1829 and began to preach with the Methodists, in 1837. He afterward joined the Free Baptists and continued a good and acceptable minister with them until his death. He felt especially called to preach to the poor, and his labors were fruitful. He was a man of much prayer, strong faith, fervid love, and deep piety. One of the first sermons I remember was preached by him, in which he drew an illustration from an old Welsh preacher, of Mercy staying the hand of Justice. REV. DAVID NEWELL, son of William and Anna (Hoyt) Newell, was born at Durham 20 Jan. 1805. Was pastor of five Free Baptist churches. Baptized 200 persons. Married 27 Aug. 1825 Jane S. Brackett. Two sons died in the army during the Rebellion. He died in Gorham 2 Mch. 1891. CORNELIUS DOUGLAS was born in Durham 12 June 1778. He became an eminent preacher in the Society of Friends. Moved to Ohio. His farm supported him, and he traveled as a preacher extensively at his own expense. Was some time Supt. of an Indian Mission School in Kansas. He died 7 Aug. 1885 and was buried in Bloomington, Ohio. He married 23 Jan. 1820 Phebe Nichols of Berwick, Me., who died 7 Nov. 1886. JOSHUA DOUGLAS was born in Durham 8 Sept. 1794. He married Jane Adams 11 June 1818. He spent most of his life as a farmer in Durham. He was recommended as a minister by the Society of Friends 21 Nov. 1854. He labored successfully as an evangelist at home and abroad. He was a man of eminent piety, respected by all. He died 21 Jan. 1881 and is buried in the cemetery near the Friends' Meeting House in So. Durham. NATHAN DOUGLAS, son of David and Waite (Hawkes) Douglas, was born in Durham 18 Jan. 1812. He married 2 Oct. 1834 Lucy, dau. of Isaiah and Deborah (Philbrook) Day. He begun preaching among the Friends at the age of 22, and has been for half a century the principal minister of the Friends in Durham. His labors have been very satisfactory at home and abroad, and have resulted in great good. He has visited nearly every yearly meeting of Friends on this Continent. He is respected and beloved by all who know him. DAVID DUDLEY, son of Micajah and Susanna (Forster) Dudley was born in Durham 15 April 1794. He married Eunice Buffum who was born in Berwick, 1796. He died in Gardner, Johnson Co., Kansas. "He was," says Eli Jones, "a well approved minister in the Friends Society, and traveled extensively in this country in the work of the ministry." He was famed as an eloquent preacher. He lived in China, Me 8 ch. REV. MARK B. HOPKINS, born in Durham. Joined Maine Conference in 1840 and served as an itinerant in East Maine till 1850. He died in Bloomfield 3 June 1859. REV. JAMES CUSHING was born in Durham 9 Jan. 1809. Entered Maine Conference in 1831, was stationed successively at Eliot, Bethel, Saco, Kittery, Newfield, Cornishville and Berwick. Located in 1850 at South Berwick and carried on the jeweler's business. Moved to Waupun, Wis. and d. s. p. 1880. He married (1) Sarah A. Fernald of Kittery. (2) Elizabeth Raynes of So. Berwick. (3) Mary E. Raynes of So. Berwick. REV. ANSEL GERRISH, son of James and Susannah (Roberts) Gerrish, was born in Durham 25 Feb. 1804. Married Phebe Beal. Entered the Maine Conference of the M. E. church in 1827. Served at Kennebunkport, Shapleigh, Scarboro and Rumford. Located in 1831. Became a physician. Died in Portland, Me. His son, James William Gerrish, was a surgeon in U. S. army. REV. GEORGE PLUMMER, son of Henry and Wealthy (Estes) Plummer, was born in Durham 7 April 1826. Licensed to preach in the Free Baptist Church March 1856. Ordained 22 Dec. 1861. Pastor in Durham five years, at Lisbon Falls five years, at Freeport one year, at W. Bowdoin one year. Has baptized sixty, married 190 couples and attended 636 funerals. After 1883 he preached principally in destitute places. Was member of Maine Legislature in 1859. Married (1) 4 April 1850 Almira J. Coffin; (2) 21 Oct. 1881 Eliza Eacot. He died at Lisbon Falls, 17 June 1897. REV. ALPHA TURNER was born in Durham 12 June 1S14. Licensed to exhort in 1843. Received into the Maine Conf. in 1851, and for 35 years filled some of its least remunerative appointments with great success. I knew him well. He was a moral hero. He had been a sailor" in his youthful days, and was fond of illustrating spiritual truth by analogies drawn from the sea. He was a hard worker, very fervent in prayer, liberal in thought, of kindly disposition. He married (1) 9 Jan. 1840 Abigail Hutchings of Portland. (2) 28 June 1855 Dorcas S. R. Roberts of Cape Elizabeth. He died at Cornish 6 Jan. 1897. REV. WILLIAM H. CRAWFORD, born in Pownal 4 Oct. 1821, was brought up in Durham. Admitted to Maine Conference in 1844 and served important charges in the eastern part of the state till 1870, when he was superannuated. He was a very godly, useful and beloved pastor and preacher. Died 18 Feb. 1889. His son, Rev. George A. Crawford, is Chaplain in the U. S. Navy. REV. JAMES BARBER CRAWFORD was born in Durham 22 Dec. 1828 and died in Bucksport, Me., 31 March 1869. He got his education at Kent's Hill at the price of much toil and sacrifice. He began to preach in 1862, and joined the East Maine Conference in 1866. He was for ten years Principal of The East Maine Conf. Seminary at Bucksport. "He was an incessant worker. With ability to teach he united power to win, and this power was used to train souls for heaven. He was not satisfied merely to cultivate the minds of his pupils, but aimed to impress the hig-her obligations of life. As a preacher his earnest address enlisted the sympathies and won the affections of his hearers." REV. GEORGE A. CRAWFORD, born in Durham 1820. Entered the Maine Conf. in 1846 and was stationed at Stowe. He did not remain long a member of the Conference, but preached often as a local preacher. He was steward of the seminary at Kent's Hill several years. When postmaster at Brunswick he supplied the church at Harpswell. He taught school in his early days in Durham. He was a good teacher, a man of piety and benevolence, very social by nature and highly esteemed everywhere. Sickness ended his days in sadness, 25 Sept. 1878. REV. HORATIO M. MACOMBER was born 22 June 1814. He joined the Maine Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1834. and was successively stationed at Pembroke, Robbinston, Lubec, York, Eliot, Dam's Mills, Hollis, Cornish, Gorham, and Kennebunkport. In 1844 he located, became a dentist and practiced a long time in Lynn, Mass. He died in Indiana about 1890. He was a preacher of good ability, natural grace, and unblemished character. REV. JAMES H. SAWYER was born in Durham. He became a preacher in the Universalist Church, but was principally employed as a teacher in Corinna Academy. The details of his career could not be obtained. REV. FREDERICK HOWARD EVELETH, D. D., was born in Durham 21 Mch. 1843. He fitted for College at Hebron Academy and graduated at Waterville College, now Colby University in 1870, and at Newton Theological Institute (Mass.) in 1873. In September following he sailed for Burma as a missionary of the American Baptist Missionary Union. He labored in the Burman Mission at Toungas until 1885, with the exception of a visit to America in 1879. In 1885 he went to Rangoon for literary work on a new edition of the Burman Bible first translated by Adoniram Judson. He published several books in Burmese, such as "Old Testament Biographical Sketches." Illustrated, Rangoon, 1886, 8vo: "Burmese Pocket Dictionary," compiled from Dr. Judson's Dictionaries, Rangoon, 1887, 8vo; "Preparation and Delivery of Sermons," Abridged and Translated, Rangoon, 1896, 8vo. He again visited America in 1887 and again in 1889-90. From 1890 to 1896 he had charge of the Burman Mission at Sandoway. In the spring of 1896 he removed to Dusein, a suburb of Rangoon, to assume the duties of Professor in the Burman Department of the Baptist Theological Seminary. In 1898 Colby University conferred upon him the honorary degree of Doctor of Divinity. He married. 14 June 1873, Mattie Howard, dau. of the Rev. J. F. Eveleth of Eden, Me. They have two sons, Frederick Shailer, who graduates in 1899 from the School of Medicine of Boston University, and Charles Edward, a student at the Worcester, Mass., Polytechnic Institute. REV. EMERSON H. McKENNEY, son of Abel and Ann (Miller) McKenney, was born in Durham 23 Oct. 1841. Was admitted to Maine Conf. in 1867. In 1873 his health became impaired and he moved to Lynn, Mass. He supplied churches at Saugus, Essex, and Wilmington during the next ten years. Died at Saugus 17 Feb. 1884. His wife was Eliza S. Hasty of Durham, m. 28 June 1867. The Conference Minutes say he "was a holy man, and a successful minister. All who knew him respected him. His last sickness was severe, but the end was victorious." REV. GREENLEAF H. BOWIE, son of David R., was born in Durham 2 Oct. 1840. He began preaching in i860 as a licensed preacher of the M. E. Church. In 1868 he removed to Phippsburg and united with the Free Baptist church. Was soon after ordained and has served churches at Georgetown, Small Point, Hodgdon, etc. Is now at Patten, Me. Is a godly and useful man. Has preached 105 funeral sermons. In 1866 he married Annie Norton of St. George. They have had eight children of whom seven are living. REV. STANFORD MITCHELL was born in Durham 3 Nov. 1840. In the Civil War he served three years in Co. C, 8th Me. Regt, most of the time in S. Carolina. He entered the ministry of the Universalist Church and being an excellent singer has been employed for twenty years in Evangelistic work as preacher and vocalist. He has also been active in Temperance work. Was last stationed at Caribou. REV. GEORGE LEAVENS, though not born in Durham, was brought up in the family of William Stackpole. He enlisted in the Civil War and lost an arm in the service. Fitted for College at Edward Little Institute, Auburn. Spent some time at Waterville College. Graduated at the Theological. Seminary at Rochester, N. Y. Married Sarah, dau. of Dea. William Dingley. Served one or two Baptist Churches in Maine. Died 21 March 1874, aged 31 yrs. 2 mos. Two sons died young. A daughter, Lou, married Mr. Wheeler and lives in Somerville, Mass. REV. EVERETT S. STACKPOLE was born in Durham 11 June, 1850. He was educated at the "Little Red School-house" till fifteen years of age. He then spent two years at Edward Little Institute, Auburn, fitting for College. Graduated at Bowdoin College 1871. Began to teach at age of sixteen, and taught winter and fall terms in Durham, West Minot, No. Gray, Yarmouth Academy, Hartland Academy, Brewer High School and Brunswick High School. Thus he paid a large share of his college expenses. After graduation he taught one year at Washington Academy, East Machias, and three years as Principal of the High School in Bloomfield, New Jersey. Graduated at the School of Theology of Boston University in 1878 and at once entered the ministry of the Maine Conference of the M. E. Church. He was assigned to the poorest station in the Conference, Kingfield Circuit, where the salary paid the preceding year was $120. His first year's salary in the ministry was $300. The circuit included three townships, and he made occasional trips to regions thirty miles beyond. He was stationed successively at Lisbon, Woodfords, Westbrook, Bath and Portland. In 1888 he became Director of a Theological School in Florence, Italy, for the training of Italian preachers, and continued in that work till 1892, also editing for one year an Italian religious monthly paper. In 1892-3 he studied Theology at the University of Berlin and traveled extensively in Europe, Egypt and Palestine. He rejoined the Maine Conference and preached at Auburn 1894-8. He is now pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Augusta, serving also as one of the Chaplains in the Insane Asylum and in the Soldiers Home at Togus. He has published, besides many newspaper articles and several tracts in Italian, "Four and a Half Years in the Italy Mission," "The Evidence of Salvation, or the Direct Witness of the Spirit," "Prophecy, or Speaking for God," "History and Genealogy of the Stackpole Family," and a "History of Durham." He received the degree of D. D. from Bowdoin College in 1888. He married in New Hampton, N. H., 20 Aug. 1878 Lizzie A. Blake, dan. of the Rev. Charles and Lucy A. (Knowlton) Blake. They have one son, Everett Birney Stackpole, born in Lisbon 11 Dec. 1879. He is a member of the class of 1900, in Bowdoin College. REV. BENJAMIN F. FICKETT, son of Simon and Lydia (Sawyer) Fickett, was born in Durham, 22 Feb. 1850. Joined the M. E. Church in 1867. Admitted to the Maine Conference in 1890. Has served at Andover, Bethel, Wilton and Phillips. Has been very successful in building church edifices and in adding to the membership of the churches served. He is a man of good sense, earnestness, and native ability. He married (1) 12 Sept. 1877 Clara A. Morse of Bath, who died 9 May 1878; (2) 1 Oct. 18S1, Zephie A. Rowe of Georgetown, who has contributed much to his success and helped to win for both a host of friends. REV. EDGAR LINDLEY WARREN was born at Durham Nov. 3, 1858. He was educated for a journalist and served on the Kennebec Journal. He was for a time official reporter of the Maine Senate; also correspondent of the Boston Herald. He graduated from Andover Theo. Sem. in 1886, and spent another year in special study. He has been pastor at Claremont, N. H., North Attleboro, Mass., Westerly, R. I., and is now pastor of the Cong. Church in Wolfboro, N. H. His ministry has been unusually fruitful. He married (1) 10 Sept. 1890, Josephine Weeks of W. Durham. She died 15 Mch. 1893. His second wife was Edith Gilbert Crow of Hampton Falls, N. H. REV. CHARLES HENRY STACKPOLE was born in Durham on lot 112, 29 July 1864. He fitted for College at Edward Little High School, Auburn, and graduated at Wesleyan University, Middletown, Conn., in the class of 1884. He then taught four years in Edward Little High School. Graduated from the School of Theology of Boston University in 1891 and has preached two years at Bradford, Mass., and four years at Peabody, Mass. He is now pastor of the Stanton Ave. Methodist Episcopal Church in Dorchester, Mass. He is a popular and successful preacher. He married, 5 June 1895, Maude A. Rolfe of Auburn who had been associated with him as teacher in the Edward Little High School. REV. HENRY JACKSON NEWELL, son of James and Susanna Newell, was born in Durham 12 May 1819. He was educated at Kent's Hill and at Wesleyan University, Middletown, Conn. He was ordained to the ministry 7 July 1844 at Newport, R. I. He had charge of a school in Batesville, Pa., until about 1855, when he went to Little Rock, Ark. Here he united with the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and continued in teaching till the Civil War, preaching occasionally. He suffered persecution and loss of property during the Rebellion, and narrowly escaped with his life. His wife, who was Hattie Hutchings of Batesville, Pa., and children died, leaving him alone and penniless. He died 10 April 1889. REV. JOHN VINING NEWELL, brother of the one last mentioned, was born 26 April 1829. He began his ministry in a Conference of the M. E. Church in Penn. in 1852, and has continued in the same Conference until the present time. He is now afflicted with paralysis at his home in Throop, Pa. REV. ENOCH F. NEWELL, son of Daniel and Emily K. (Harmon) Newell, was born in Durham 2 Dec. 1842. Was for a time a student in North Yarmouth Academy. Enlisted at age of eighteen and was in all the battles of the Army of the Potomac, being wounded at Gettysburg. He married 15 July 1865 Etta M. Toothaker of Pownal. After living a short time in Illinois and Wisconsin he settled in Michigan in 1870. In 1878 he entered the ministry as a member of the Michigan Conference of the M. E. Church and has preached every Sabbath since except one. He is reported of as standing high in his Conference and having success in his work. He is at present stationed at Edwardsburg, Mich. Has had five children of whom two sons and two daughters are living. REV. J. H. TOMPSON, son of Joseph and Hannah (Rice) Tompson, was born at Methodist Corner July 9, 1847. He left Durham at the age of seven years and lived in Yarmouth and Lewiston. By resisting for some years the conviction that he must be a preacher his preparation for the ministry was delayed. He graduated at Kent's Hill in 1875 ar>d at Wesleyan University, Middletown, Conn., in 1878. He has served several charges in the New England Conference with marked success and is now stationed at Highlandsville, Mass. He married, 10 Oct. 1880, Fannie F. Reade of Dighton, Mass. and has had four children. REV. HENRY H. MORRILL, son of Frank and Sarah N. (Newell) Morrill, was born in Durham 6 Jan. i860. Moved with his parents to Lewiston in 1869, and to Cambridge, Mass. in 1874. Was educated in the schools of those cities and at Harvard University, where he graduated cum magna laude in 1882. Took three years of post-graduate study at Harvard. Went West and studied for the ministry of the Episcopal Church. Ordained at Salina, Kansas, 19 Sept. 1888. Is now Rector of St. John's Parish, Clinton, Iowa. He married, 16 Nov. 1884, Carrie Emily, dau. of Thomas and Elizabeth Barrington of Cambridge, Mass. They have one dau. b. 18 July 1888 at Holton, Kas. The following were local preachers, but we are unable to say whether they were ever ordained, Eben Ruby, Robert Bowie, Henry Plummer and Andrew Blethen. Additional Comments: Extracted from: HISTORY OF DURHAM, MAINE WITH GENEALOGICAL NOTES. BY EVERETT S. STACKPOLE. PUBLISHED BY VOTE OF TOWN. LEWISTON: PRESS OF LEWISTON JOURNAL COMPANY. 1899. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/me/androscoggin/history/1899/historyo/ecclesia17nms.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/mefiles/ File size: 74.8 Kb