The History of Gardiner, Pittston, and West Gardiner with a sketch of the Kennebec Indians, and New Plymouth Purchase comprising historical matter from 1602 to 1852 By J.W. Hanson published by William Palmer 1852 THANK YOU Sandi Lee Craig for transcribing the following pages. Chapter VIII - Ecclesiastical EPISCOPALIANS Members of the English Church were among the earliest settlers of Maine [Greenleaf, p. 223]. Those who attempted in vain to found a colony on Stage Island, in 1607, were members of that church. Sir Alexander Rigby sent over the Rev. Richard Gibson, in 1646, to reside among the people of Falmouth, but he soon removed to Portsmouth, N.H. Robert Trelawney sent the Rev. Robert Jordan to Cape Elizabeth, soon after. The Episcopalians were very much opposed to the submission of the Province of Maine to Massachusetts, proposed in 1652, because it would prevent the general adoption of their liturgy. The Society at Cape Elizabeth had experienced a varied career, and its present condition is unknown to the writer. Among the first who advocated Episcopacy on the Kennebec River was the Rev. Jacob Bailey, who graduated at Harvard University, in 1755 [Sabine's American Loyalists, p. 142] and was settled at Pownalborough, and went as a missionary for several years, through the neighboring region, employed by the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel. When the Revolutionary troubles thickened, he opposed the American cause, and went to Annapolis, Nova Scotia, where he became Rector of St. Luke's Church, in which office he died in 1808, aged 67. He was absent from his church but one Sunday for twenty-six years. The third effort to establish Episcopacy in Maine, seems to have been made in Gardiner, or as it was then called, Gardinerston. After erecting a mill and making the attempts which have been spoken of in another part of this work, Dr. Gardiner, who was an ardent Episcopalian, and who wished to see the cause he loved flourish, established St. Ann's Church, and made preparations for building a place of worship, in the year 1771. But the premonitory movements of the Revolution prevented its completion, and the war soon after commencing, effectually hindered its progress, so that when Dr. Gardiner died in 1786, it was not done [Greenleaf, p. 223]. In the last will and testament of the good Doctor was found evidence of the love he had for his religion, and for what he deemed human welfare. The provisions he made have been seen in the will printed on page 92 of this volume. He gave ten acres of land, and A328 sterling in money annually, to the cause he loved, and thus enabled it to gain a position here, and which have always aided it. He however encumbered it with the English custom of presentation, so that his heirs can have the power to decide who, at any time, shall be the pastor of the church. Should the entire parish desire one man, and the owner of the fund desire another, the will allows the proprietor to appoint a preacher, whatever nay be the wish of the society, or the legacy is lost. The executors of Dr. Gardiner's will fulfilled his wishes, and a small wooden building of one story, was erected on the land now occupied by the Episcopal vestry. It was about 50 feet square, with a tall steeple, surmounted by a large gilt sturgeon, or cabassa. The windows were arched, in the fashion of modern churches. The vane and bell were given by Wm. Gardiner, and he had also given a parsonage house, which was near the church, and was nearly finished when he died. It was at length allowed to go to decay [Gen. H. A. S. Dearborn]. A town meeting was called, October 17, 1791, [Pittston Records] To see if the Town will vote to hear the Reverend Mr. Warren as a Candidate on the Principals of the Will of the Late Dr. Gardiner, until next March Meeting or for any other term and to se if the Town will Vote to appropriate any Sum of their Money to his use or raise any sum for his Support in Case they should agree with him for a Term longer than to expend the Legacy, and to pass any Vote or Votes relative thereto, that the Town when assembled shall think proper. At the meeting the people having maturely considered the 3d article in the warrant respecting hearing the Reverend Mr. Warren as a candidate on the principils of Doctor Gardiner's Will, it was voted not (to) hear him at all. April 2, 1792, it was voted that Major Reuben Colburn [ibid,] should get the Windows and Doors put up in the Meetinghouse. The society or parish was incorporated March 28, 1793 [Parish Records], in answer to a petition presented to the General Court by Jedediah Jewett, William Barker, Henry Smith, Henry Dearborn, Nathaniel Bayley, Seth Gay, Barzillai Gannett, Stephen Jewett, Samuel Lang, Reuben Moore, &c. The first meeting of the Society was held on the first of June, and the following gentlemen were chosen the first board of officers: --Jedediah Jewett, Moderator; Barzillai Gannett, Clerk; Jedediah Jewett, William Barker and Reuben Moore, Assessors; Henry Smith, Jr., Collector; William Barker, Henry Smith and Ebenezer Byram, Wardens; Henry Dearborn, Seth Gay and Jedediah Jewett, Vestrymen; Samuel Lang, Sexton. The salary of Rev. Joseph Warren was fixed at A365 per annum. The pews were arranged in three classes, and it was voted that those who occupied the first should pay fourpence, the second, threepence, and the third twopence a Sunday. There is but one of the original communicants yet living, --Rufus Gay, Esq., who is now a receiver of the New Church doctrines. Seth Gay, his brother, another, became a Universalist some years before his death. Wm. Swan, Margaret Byram, and perhaps one or two others, were among the first members, and they have all passed away. On the 22d of the following August, the Church was burned by McCausland, the maniac. Henry McCausland, who has already been spoken of among the early settlers, and Revolutionary soldiers, at length became insane, and went wandering about the town, though he was always considered harmless; but at length he fancied that the Lord had directed him in a vision to make a burnt-offering and a sacrifice. The offering was to be the church, and the sacrifice the rev. Mr. Warren, who had for some time preached in the vicinity [Town Records]. He then lived a little north of the Cabbassa-contee. Watching for a good opportunity, he filled a child's shoe with live coals, and fearful that he should be discovered if he crossed the Cabbassa bridge, he forded the river near New Mills, and went cautiously over to the little church. The building being unfinished, shavings were scattered in the gallery, and he gathered them into a pile, and placed the coals among them, and to prevent a too early discovery, he covered them with a door, and taking the church Bible, he very tenderly carried it into the woods, and laid it on a stump. At that time the boards were rough and loose on the floor, and the humble edifice, in a small clearing in the pine woods, was in strong contrast with the present elegant structure. The building was entirely destroyed. Having made his burnt-offering, he looked about in vain for an opportunity to secure his sacrifice. Finding no favorable occasion, he concluded that some one bearing the same name would answer equally well. An opportunity soon presented itself. In October, Mrs. Solomon Tibbetts who lived near Potter Bridge, was very sick, and needed a careful nurse. Accordingly she sent her son Abiathar down to the village after her daughter Abigail, Pelatiah Warren's wife, housekeeper for William Gardiner. There was then no road from the Cabbasa pond to the village, and he took a canoe and went after Mrs. Warren. They started on their return, and were seen and followed by McCausland, in another boat, but his canoe was heavier, or young Abiathar understood the use of a paddle better, -- he could not overtake them. He procured another boat and arrived after Abiathar had gone to sleep in a field-bed on the floor. Mrs. Warren sat on the edge of the bed resting her mother's head on her shoulder, when McCausland entered. He spoke pleasantly for a few minutes, and the women paid no further attention to him. They had killed a cow that day, and a butcher-knife was sticking in a beam overhead. The maniac suddenly seized it, and plunged it into the throat of Mrs. Warren. He immediately made his escape. Abiathar heard the outcry, and sprang up, and saw the event in a moment. He seized a loaded gun which was suspended over the mantle-piece, and would have shot him dead, but his brother restrained him, until the maniac escaped. He wandered about until the people had begun to assemble in the Great House, where they had worshipped since the church was burned, when he appeared, wild and haggard, and confessed that he perpetrated both deeds. He was immediately secured, and was sentenced to be hanged, but was pardoned because of insanity. He was imprisoned in Ausgusta jail until he died, August 28, 1829, thirty-six years after. During his confinement he read the Bible through several times, and was visited by hundreds of curious persons, from whom he obtained small contributions which he sent to his family in very considerable sums. He was born in 1759, and thus was 70 years old when he died. [Abiathar Tibbetts, Mrs. Lord, Christian Intelligencer]. A meeting was immediately called at the house of Gen. Dearborn, and it was voted to erect another edifice during the approaching fall, and Henry Dearborn, Benjamin Shaw, Ebenezer Byram, Reuben Moore and Henry Smith were chosen a committee to superintend the building, which was decided to be fifty feet by thirty-five, and fifteen feet high, with a porch or belfry, twelve feet square, and no steple. By the executors of Dr. Gardiner's will, and general subscription of the parish, the church was soon rebuilt [Parish Records], and April 26, 1794, it was voted to give Rev'd Joseph Warren a call to settle as a minister in the Episcopal parish in Pittston, and to give him thirty-four pounds, thirteen shillings and fourpence in addition to the legacy of Doctor Sylvester Gardiner, which is A337,6,8; also the improve-ment of the Parsonage land; and the loose contribution money, as a salary, and that when Rev'd Mr. Warren shall be married, the parish will add eighteen pounds to the A372, --which is the salary for the current year. The parsonage lot was fenced, and otherwise improved this year. Mr. Warren accepted, and became pastor. [Parish Records] May 9th, 1796, it was voted on account of the high prices of provisions, to give Mr. Warren ninety-three dollars and thirty-four cents. He left July 20, 1796 and went to Charleston, S.C., and Rev. James Bowers succeeded him, at a salary of three hundred and thirty-three dollars and thirty-four cents, and the use of the parsonage. It was voted that he should not receive the stipulated salary any longer than should be agreeable to three-fifths of the Society, and that he should not dissolve his ministerial connection, while a majority wished his stay. In the year 1797 [Town Records], the pews in the meeting-house were sold as follows: --Reuben Colburn, $16; Ebenezer Vose, $26.75; James Smith, $20; Caleb Stepheus, Jr., $26.75; Oliver Colburn, $27.75; Caleb Stevens $29.50; Bartlet Weeks, $25.25; James Dudley, $26; Robert Murray, $27; H. Smith, $28; Samuel Oakman, $28; David Colburn, $28.50; Roger Lapham, $26.50; Griffin & Cutts, $25.50; Caleb Smith, $18; Caleb Stevens, $17; Nathaniel Bailey, Jr., $17.75; Jeremiah Smith, $21; Henry Smith, $24.50; Thomas Agry, $26; James Dudley, $18.50; Robert Murray, $20; Ebenezer Vose, $20.25; James Smith, $21.25; Thomas Jackson, $20.25; Reuben Colburn, $22.00; Freeborn Grover, $24.50; David Agry, $26.50, making a total of $658.50. In 1798 [ibid.], a gallery was finished with pews in the meeting-house, and the first pew-holders were, Freeborn Grover, Caleb Smith, Nathaniel Bailey and Daniel Hilton. The selectmen were instructed in the year 1800, to apportion the preaching money to the members of the Episcopal Society, Eastern River District, and the other parts of the town according as they respectively pay of said tax. April 19, 1802, Mr. Bowers, having received an invitation to remove to Marblehead, proposed to the parish that the connection should be dissolved, and his request was granted. During the same year the Constitution and Canons of the Protestant Episcopal Church of the United States were adopted to govern the parish. Mr. Nathan B. Crocker, now an Episcopal Clergyman in Providence, R.I. was appointed lay reader, July 30, 1802 and it was voted to pay him $3.50 per week [Parish Records]. Rev. Samuel Haskell was invited to become Rector of St. Ann's church, July 16, 1803, at a salary of $500, he to have or give six months notice before leaving. When Gardiner was erected out of Pittston, the society changed its name, as it was thought that posterity might find it difficult to determine whether St. Ann's Church, and the Episcopal Society were the same, and these names were changed in 1819 to Christ Church in Gardiner, Maine. The annual income of the property bequeathed by Dr. Gardiner is about $120, and is annually devoted to the support of the resident Episcopalian clergyman. Mr. Haskell accepted, and remained until the summer of 1809, when he removed to New York. The church was destitute for two years; but Mr. Haskell was succeeded by Mr. Aaron Humphreys, a Methodist [R. Gay, Esq.] preacher, who was employed as a lay reader [Francis Richards] with the understanding that he was to be ordained after the Episcopal custom, at a salary of $330, and whose term of office commenced June 1, 1811 (Mr. Humphreys was afterwards ordained as an Episcopalian clergyman, and then became Rector of the Parish.) April 19, 1813, it was voted that Mr. Humphrey's ministerial functions cease at the end of one year from this time. In the month of September, 1815, Rev. George Leonard preached a short time on probation, and in December he was invited to become Rector; but from some cause he declined, so that there was no pastor, or regular religious service for about four years. In the Summer of 1817 Rev. Gideon W. Olney visited the parish, and in August the Rt. Rev. Bishop Griswold preached several times, administered Baptism, the Lord's Supper, and confirmation, to twelve persons. On the 27th of September, 1817, Mr. Olney was invited to become Rector, and he was instituted November 19, 1817, by the Rev. Charles Burroughs, of Portsmouth. The keys were presented by R. H. Gardiner, Esq. The occasion was one of great joy to the parish [Parish Records]. It was agitated during the same year to erect a new church. A plan was reported, and it was voted to proceed, provided enough could be obtained from the sale of pews to erect the house. The efforts were successful, and on the afternoon of the 31st of May, 1819, the corner stone of Christ Church was laid [ibid.]. A part of the evening service was read by Mr. Olney, and an anthem was sung. Then the congregation went in procession from the old church to the foundation of the new, in the following order: --Singers. Rev. G. W. Olney. Neighboring Clergy. Wardens. Vestry. Members of the Supreme Judicial Court. Head mason and carpenter. Congregation. Religious services were performed, after which a silver plate was deposited under the corner stone, inscribed with the date of the occurrence, the name of the principal donor, the Rector, Wardens and Vestry, and then an address by R. H. Gardiner, Esq. Followed by singing, and a benediction. March 30, 1825, Mr. Olney resigned the Rectorship, and left the parish on the 10th of April, and, March 8, 1827, Rev. E. M. P. Wells was invited to become Rector, but there was a difference of feeling in reference to him, which resulted in a failure to settle. August 9, 1828, Rev. T. W. Motte succeeded Mr. Olney. He accepted Aug. 30, and was instituted Sept. 18, 1828, by Rev. Charles Burroughs of Portsmouth. Rev. Messrs. Ten Broeck, Lot and Norris M. Jones were present. March 20, 1830, he resigned. April 19, Rev. Isaac Peck received a call. He accepted, but remained only a short time. Feb. 15, 1831, a beautiful chandelier, bought and imported by the young ladies of Gardiner, was placed in the church. In 1833, July 4, the old meeting-house, which had been used as a town-house for a long time, was burned. Mr. Peck resigned Oct. 26, 1831. May 12, 1832, Rev. Joel Clap assumed the pastorate. He remained until the year 1840, when he removed to Woodstock, Vt. During a portion of his stay, from April 13, 1834, until June 8, there were no meetings in the church for fear the roof would fall in. July 9, 1840, at a parish meeting, Rev. Wm. R. Babcock [Parish Records] was invited to become Rector. He accepted, and commenced his labors. The present lecture room was erected in 1841, and covers the grave of William Gardiner, the builder of the first church. In 1842, about 30 feet of the spire was taken down, and the spire and tower cemented. The Parsonage was sold in 1842, to Phineas Pratt, Esq. Rev. Mr. Carpenter, of Rhode Island, was ordained at Christ Church, July 19, 1842. Mr. Babcock resigned, April 5, 1847. During his stay, more prosperity was enjoyed than ever before. Communicants were doubled, and the congregation largely increased. Requested by the parish, he waived his resignation until October, when a Bishop of Maine was to be chosen. He was graduated at the General Theological Seminary, N.Y. Sept. 15, 1847 [ibid.], it was voted, that if Mr. Babcock should insist on his resignation, the Rev. Geo. Burgess, D. D., of Hartford, Conn., should be invited. Bishop Burgess accepted, and came on the first Sunday in November, 1847. Dr. Burgess has published The Last Enemy, pp. 330; The Stranger in the Church; and is Bishop of the Episcopal churches in Maine. February 11, 1848, Samuel Duborro was ordained in Christ Church. Christ Church is one of the finest edifices in Maine. It is 96 by 78 feet, and stands 125 feet above the bed of the river. Its weather-vane is 125 feet above the corner stone, so that it is 250 feet above the river. It is in the plain gothic style, and all parts are in admirable keeping. It seats 475 people [Daniel Nutting], and cost about $14,000. This church has been repaired repeatedly. Owing to some defect in the building, the spire and walls have been ascertained to be weak, and much regret has been expressed by the citizens that so fine a church should have been so improperly built. The parish of Christ Church contains 151 members, and has a Sunday school of 180 scholars, with a Sunday school and parish library of 700 volumes [Rev. George Burgess]. METHODISTS - EAST PITTSTON Rev. Jesse Lee from Virginia was the pioneer of Methodism in this town, about the year 1794. His stay was short, but it opened the way for others, whose labors were longer continued. Philip Wager, Roger Searls, Elias Hull and Enoch Mudge, and perhaps some others, preached here a part of the time till the latter part of the year 1797, when the first Methodist Church was organized by Aaron Humphrey [Since an Episcopalian]. It was composed of members residing in Pittston and Whitefield. Some of the most efficient were David Young, Burnam Clark, James Norris and Benj. Flitner, all of whom are deceased, but they lived to a good old age. The Church was first associated with a circuit called Lincoln and Bath. The record does not state who had charge in 1798. In 1799 John Finegan and Comfort C. Smith [Since a Universalist] were in charge. In 1800, Timothy Merritt and Reuben Hubbard. In 1801, Timothy Merritt and Comfort C. Smith. In 1802, Joseph Baker [ibid.] and Daniel Ricker. In 1803, the circuit was divided, and that part including this church was called Bristol, and Comfort C. Smith stationed upon it. In 1804, Samuel Hillman. 1805, Daniel Ricker. 1806, Allen H. Cobb; in the latter part of the year, David Carr took his place, and Cobb took Carr's in Hallowell. 1807, James Young [ibid]. 1808, Joel Steele. 1809, Wm. Frost. 18010, Daniel Wentworth. 1811, David Stimpson. 1812, David Stimpson and Caleb Fogg. In 1813, the circuit was divided, and that part including this church called Pittston, and Samuel Hillman and Joshua Nye, its preachers. 1814, Ebenezer F. Newell. 1815, John Wilkinson. In 1816, Pittston and Bristol united, and John Lewis and Jeremiah Marsh were appointed to it. 1817, Henry True and John Briggs. In 1818, Pittston and Bristol were set back again, and John Briggs appointed to Pittston. 1819, Wm. McGray and Benj. Ayer. 1820, John Atwell. 1821, Philip Ayer. 1822, Daniel Wentworth. 1823, E. F. Newell. 1824, Benj. Jones. 1825, Peter Burgess. 1826, Caleb Fogg and Peter Burgess. 1827, Daniel Wentworth and Francis Drew. 1828, Wm. S. Douglass and John Libbey. 1829, Job Pratt. 1830 and 1831, John Young. 1832 and 1833, Samuel Jewett. 1834, James Thwing. In 1835, Rishworth J. Ayer. 1837, James Thwing. 1838 and 9, Josiah Higgins. 1840 and 41, Daniel Fuller. 1842 and 3, S. P. Blake. 1844, Sullivan Bray. 1845, David Hutchinson. 1846 and 7, George D. Strout. 1848, Mace R. Clough. 1849, Daniel Clark. 1850 and 51, P. P. Morrell. 1852, John G. Pingree. The following have been Presiding Elders upon the districts including this charge:-- Ralph Williston, Joshua Taylor, Joshua Soule, Oliver Beale, David Hutchinson, Philip Munger, Eleazer Wells, Elisha Streeter, Geo. Webber, Ezekiel Robinson, Charles Baker, David Copeland, Wm. F. Farrington, N. D. George, W. H. Pillsbury and Albert Church. The Sabbath school was first organized in 1832. There are now three in East Pittston, connected with this church, having 100 scholars, and a library of 300 volumes. This church, like the Jewish church in the land of Palestine, has had her seasons of common and special blessings, and her seasons of conflict and trial. But by the Grace of God, she is what she is, and has a membership, including probationers, of one hundred and sixty members. She has furnished four preachers: -- David Young, Jr., now deceased, Eliakim Scammon, John Young and Cyrus Scammon. Up to the building of the present house of worship, this church was in her ministry associated with other churches, so that she had Sabbath preaching alternately, and on the vacant Sabbaths the church held social meetings for prayer, and the exercise of the gifts of the lay-members in acts of woship, by singing, exhortation, &c. Since that time the preachers have labored mostly with this church. Those members near the house, have for ten or twelve years, last past, besides the public preaching, generally had a prayer meeting, Sabbath and Wednesday evenings, and a class meeting Saturday evenings, which has had a very salutary influence upon the religious interests of its members. In 1809, a one story meeting-house was built, at a cost of about nine hundred dollars, which was raised by subscription, and the sale of a tier of wall pews. The rest of the house was finished with free seats. The citizens joined with the church members in building the house, with the agreement that it should be a Methodist house, but free for other denominations, when not occupied by Methodist preachers. This house continued to be the place of public worship, till another and better one was built at a cost of about $2400; built by the sale of the pews, in 1838. About five years ago a church bell was added-the first in the town. This house, like the other, is a Methodist house, but free for others. The governing ministry of this church has been supplied by the Annual Conference of the Ministry of the M. E. Church, including this locality, by the rules of which no one can be sent more than two years in succession. David Young, Jr., of Pittston, (see Young genealogy) became a local preacher in the Methodist E. Church of this place, about 1810. A local preacher is one who has no special charge over any particular church or society, and does not belong to the Conference of Traveling Ministry, but labors for the general welfare, when and where he thinks there is the greatest prospect of doing good. In this capacity he labored zealously and usefully not only in the church at East Pittston, but in many of the neighboring towns, and sometimes far abroad, until about five years ago, when he was taken down by sickness, and died, as much respected and beloved as any one in this place ever was. E. Scammon became a local preacher in 1816, and continued such till 1836, when he joined the Annual Conference and still holds a superannuated relation to that body, but by a rheumatic affection in his limbs, he has been laid aside from efficient labors since 1839, and at this time in unable to go abroad. John Young commenced preaching about 1825. He joined the Traveling Connection as early as 1830, and still holds his connection with it, and is general agent of the Bible Society for the State of Maine. Cyrus Scammon commenced preaching in 1835, joined the conference in 1837, and still remains a traveling preacher in the East Maine Conference.- Written by Rev. Eliakim Scammon. METHODISTS IN GARDINER The first Methodist preachers who visited Hallowell and Gardiner, were Rev. Comfort C. Smith of Readfield, and Rev. Epaphras Kibbey of Massachusetts; who in the summer of 1800 were requested by Mr. Andrew Goodwin, Gershom Cox, Jesse Kimball and others residing on the east side of the Kennebec, in Hallowell, to preach to them. This they continued to do occasionally, and in the summer of 1802, the Methodist Conference appointed two preachers, viz., Rev. C. C. Smith and Aaron Humphrey, to Hallowell circuit; which then embraced all the river towns from Richmond to Bloomfield. The germ of the Methodist Church in Gardiner was formed in 1802 at Bowman's point, where in the following year a meeting-house was erected, on the intervale just noth of Peter Grant's house. -This edifice was never finished, as there was a tendency in the society to concentrate in the villages aof Hallowell and Gardiner. -It continued to be used occasionally for worship, till about 1830, when it was taken down.-The early Methodists in Gardiner were Moses Springer, sen'r, Eleazer Crowell, Ichabod Plaisted, James McCurdy, William Springer, Daniel Plummer, James Miller, Stephen Robinson, Nathan Sweatland, Harlow Harden, and their families. The following is a catalogue of the preachers appointed each year, with the numbers in the society. YEAR NAMES No.in Society20 1802 Comfort C. Smith and Aaron Humphrey, 100 1803 A. Humphrey and S. Hillman, 150 1804 A. Humphrey and Dan Perry, 161 1805 Thos. Perry, 187 1806 David Carr, and A. H. Cobb, 115 1807 Caleb Fogg, 117 1808 Henry Martin, 117 1809 Eben. F. Newell, 162 1810 Zachariah Gibson, 153 1811 Samuel Hillman, 150 1812 150 During the year 1812, there was much uneasiness in the society, occasioned by the active part taken by Mr. Hillman in favor of the war with Great Britain. Numbers of the church were Federalists, and warmly opposed preaching politics, of which they accused their minister. 1813 Joshua Randall 139 1814 John Atwell 203 1815 230 1816 Henry True, 240 1817 Daniel Wentworth, 300 1818 Benj. Jones, 344 1819 Oliver Beale, 405 1820 Henry True, 425 In 1821, the three towns of Augusta, Hallowell and Gardiner were set off, and continued to be called Hallowell circuit, containing 314 church members. 1821 Charles Virgin, 314 Till 1821, the society worshipped in the meeting-house at Bowman's point, and in the school-house near Ichabod Plaisted's. In 1821 and part of 1822, they occupied the old church which had been vacated by the Episcopalians. 1822 David Hutchinson, 352 In 1822, Mr. Richard Clay having completed the Yellow meeting-house on the Plaisted hill, which he had built at his own expense, informed the minister, Mr. Hutchinson, that he had given the house to the Lord and the key to father Plaisted. This was considered an intimation that the church might occupy it, which they did immediately, and continued there till Nov. 1828, when the new church was dedicated, on which occasion an eloquent dedicatory sermon was delivered by the celebrated John N. Maffitt. The cost of the edifice was about $3500. 1823 David Hutchinson and Otis Williams, 372 1824 Heman Nickerson and Jesse Stone, 372 1825 Stephen Lovell and Caleb D. Rogers, 336 1826 Wilder B. Mack and Moses Hill, 391 In 1827, Gardiner was established a separate station, which then contained 159 church members. 1827 Phineas Crandall, 159 1828 John Atwell, 172 1829 225 1830 Stephen Waterhouse, 397 1831 380 1832 Justin Spaulding, 240 1833 R. E. Schermerhorn, 245 1834 Aaron Sanderson, 225 1835 228 1836 John B. Husted, 277 1837 John W. Atkins, 282 1838 Moses Hill, 262 1839 320 1840 Wm. F. Farrington, 390 1841 470 1842 John Hobart, 470 1843 Geo. Webber, 312 1844 N. D. George, 312 1845 T. Greenhalgh, 256 1846 Moses Hill, 282 1847 283 1848 Eaton Shaw, 265 1849 250 1850 Joseph Colby, 440 1851 420 The number of church members at the present time, (1852,) is 420, including about 75 probationers. The Sunday school was organized in 1827. It has 233 members, and a library of 500 volumes. 09 09 METHODISTS - SOUTH GARDINER AND BRUNSWICK ROAD In 1840 the Methodists in South Gardiner erected a meeting-house on the river road, containing 42 pews, at a cost of $1200. In 1843, that portion of the church, with others on the Brunswick road, were set off as a distinct charge, and Rev. David Higgins appointed as their preacher. 1844, Rev. John Cumner was appointed to serve them one year, since which they have had only occasional supplies. [The account in the foregoing paragraph, and the sketch of the methodists in Gardiner, were written by Moses Springer, Esq.] METHODISTS -PITTSON VILLAGE The Pittston Village Church became a separate station about the year 1842, and preaching was had. Rev. Freeman Yates was appointed in 1846, F. Soule in 1847, I. Foster, 1848-9, P. Higgins, 1850, Zina Hyde Blair, 1851. The neat house which now adorns the village was erected in 1847, at a cost of $3000. It was mainly done by Messrs. Smith Cox and John Blanchard. The preacher of the dedicatory sermon was Rev. Gershom F. Cox. A bell was placed in the steeple, by subscription, in 1851. There are about 30 members of the church, and there is a Sunday school of 50 scholars, possessing a library of 250 vols. [Statistics furnished by Alphonso H. Clark]. OROTHODOX CONGREGATIONALISTS The great majority of the people of the Province of Maine were of the Congregational order, but that exclusive sectarianism which prevailed in Massachusetts did not obtain here. So liberal were the people that this proverb prevailed at Plymouth: --When a man can find no religion to his taste, let him go to Maine [Greenleaf]. Every variety could here be found, and no one party was sufficiently powerful to be able to tyrannize. The people of ancient Pittston, who loved the religion of the Puritans, were for a long time obliged to go abroad to hear their favorite doctrines, or, at the most, were able to receive only the occasional instruction of a visiting preacher. The Rev. Isaac Foster, who went to Hallowell in 1786, had a few hearers from Pittston, and it is probable that the Hallowell church was a partly sustained by Pittston members [ibid.]. Previous to this, however, the more zealous of these destitute Christians were forced to greater troubles. Major Reuben Colburn was an ardent Congregationalist. It was for many years his custom [Elijah Jackson], through the summer months to place his family in a canoe on each returning Saturday, and paddle them down to Georgetown, 35 miles, and attending church Sunday, would return Monday. This is an amount of zeal rarely witnessed in these degenerate days. Attempts were made in the year 1788 to erect a meeting-house near Maj. Colburn's, for the benefit of the people on the eastern side of the river, who were mostly Congregationalists and Methodists. The frame was finished, and the people finding themselves unable to proceed further, offered the building to the town in February, 1789. The town refused to accept it, but, at another meeting the vote was reconsidered, the building was taken by the town, and partly finished. It was called the Town House, or the Meeting-house, and religious services were held there until it was superseded by the new house. In 1846 it was sold to Hiram Stevens, for $25.46. The reader will please read 1846, for 1844, on page 179, line second. Efforts were made to secure the services of Rev. Mr. Moore, in 1792, to preach in the eastern part of the town, and teach school [Town Records]. He does not seem to have remained long. Rev. Charles Turner preached in the years 1795 and 6. The people of East Pittston seem to have been very hostile to the Episcopal church, and refused to sustain its interests. Year after year they voted to devote their portion of the religious tax to the support of schools [ibid.]. But in 1798 the town voted that the people should not expend the money in schooling, though they might support any preaching they pleased [ibid.]. Efforts were made to employ Rev._____ Price as minister of the town for the year 1803, but the vote stood 16 to 18 [ibid.]. In 1805 it was voted to divide the money raised by religious tax, among the several denominations, according to the contribution of each [ibid.]. The Congregationalists considered Pittston as missionary ground, until about 1812. At length, however, the FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH IN PITTSTON Was organized, Nov. 17, 1812. The Council present at the organization, at the house of Maj. Reuben Colburn, were Rev. Messrs. Gillet, Bailey, Ward, Jenks and Tappan. There were eight members: -- Isaac Noyes, Ephraim Hunt, (living,) Thomas Jackson, Francis Flitner, Mrs. Jackson, Mrs. Jackins, Mary Oakman, Sally Oakman, (living). Miss Oakman married Mr. Kendrick. Mr. Daniel Kendrick was then ordained to the work of the Gospel ministry. The order of exercises was thus arranged: --Rev. David Thurston, Introductory Prayer; Rev. Eliphalet Gillet, Sermon; Rev. Wm. Jenks, Ordaining Prayer; Rev. Mr. Ward of Alna, Charge; Rev. B. Tappan, Right hand of Fellowship; Rev. ____ Bailey, Concluding Prayer. Mr. Kendrick remained until his connection was dissolved, Aug. 29, 1820. He lives in Minot. From that time preaching was enjoyed most of the time by the church, by preachers residing at a distance, until June in the year 1841, when Rev. James McCullom removed to the town, was ordained, and continued to labor until Sept. 1845. He is now at Great Falls. The next pastor was Rev. J. H. Stratton. He came in the year 1846, and remained until May 28, 1849, when he removed to Irving, Mass., where he died. Rev. Sumner Clarke removed to Pittston, and became pastor of the church in Dec. 1849. In 1851, he removed to Massachusetts. Sept. 26, 1851, Rev. Joshua Gay assumed the pastorate. There are now about 46 members. There is a Sunday school of about 40 scholars, and a library of 200 volumes, connected with the church. The meeting-house is situated about a mile below the ferry, and was built in 1836. It is a very neat temple.-Dea. E. Jackson, and Ch. Rec. CONGREGATIONALISTS - PITTSTON VILLAGE A small church consisting of some thirteen members, was formed in Pittston village, in the year 1851. The pastor of the Pittston church is their minister. HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH AND SOCIETY - GARDINER Written by Rev. W. I. Hyde Pastors Native Place Ordained, Dismissed Rev. Seth Sweetser, Newburyport, Mass Nov. 1836, Nov. 1838 Aaron Chester Adams Bangor, Me July, 1839, Jan'y, 1841 Josiah Wheelock Peet, ____, Vermont Dec. 1841, July, 1848 William Lyman Hyde, Bath, Me. May 1849 There were no formal attempts made to establish in Gardiner a religious society according to the faith and usages of the Congregationalists, until the year 1833. A very trivial circumstance led to the undertaking the enterprise at this time. The venerable Dr. Gillett, Secretary of the Maine Missionary Society, one Saturday afternoon in the spring of the year, road down from Hallowell on horseback, expecting to cross over to Pittston, where he had an appointment for the Sabbath. The river was swollen by recent rains, and the ice running fast, rendered the crossing by ferry-boat impracticable, and he had turned his horse to go back again to Hallowell, when he was accosted by a brother in the faith, a member of the Congregational church in Litchfield, and invited to tarry with him for the night. The brother expressed a very strong desire for the establishment of Congregational worship in this place, but he knew of only one other person in the place except himself who had a similar desire. As the result of their conference, Dr. Gillett left an appointment for the Sabbath next succeeding, with the assurance that if the prospect was good, the Missionary Society would send a man to labor here. The Sabbath was rainy, and a little handful of six persons gathered in the room of the brother already mentioned. The venerable father expounded the scriptures in a fami liar manner, to their edification, and in the evening, as the storm had cleared away, preached in a private house near the factory. Several times during the spring and summer he preached in the old school-house on Summer St. In the fall of the year, Mr. Daniel Hunt, a licentiate of Andover Theological Seminary, was sent by the M.M.S., and preached three months at the old Masonic Hall. These first efforts to establish a religious society, developed the fact that there were quite a number of the same faith in the place, and led to measures for the organization of a parish. According to a call signed by Nathaniel Wilson, Esq. And twenty-one others, a warrant was served, and on the 28th of Sept. 1833, the parish was duly organized. All of the members, however, were men of small pecuniary means and only three of them members of any church. The main reliance therefore for pecuniary aid was on the Maine Missionary Society. In the spring of 1834, Mr. Seth Sweetser, a licentiate of Andover, was commissioned by the Maine Missionary Society to preach here during the spring vacation at the Seminary. He spent five Sabbaths, preaching during this time in the school-house on Summer street. The congregation increased during this brief ministry till the school-house was so full that many had to stand during the services. At the expiration of his mission a strong desire was expressed on the part of the society to have him return and preach again after completing his studies at Andover. In August the parish gave Mr. Sweetser a formal invitation to labor among them, there being no church yet organized. Mr. Sweetser accepted, and in November resumed his labors. The meetings on the Sabbath were now held in the Masonic Hall and the seats were provided by joint labor. In March of the ensuing year they changed their place of worship to the Town Hall. On the 28th of July, 1835, an ecclesiastical council was convened, and the following individuals, members of Congregational churches in other places, were organized into a church. Nathaniel Bryant and Mrs. Mary Bryant, from church in Vassalboro'; Gorham Whitney, Mrs. Olive Whitney and John Baker, from church in Litchfield; Joseph G. Bartlett, from church in Hallowell; Mrs. Pamelia Crooker, from church in Bath; Mrs. Ruth Patten, from church in Topsham; Mrs. Priscilla White, from church in Woolwich; Mrs. Elizabeth Gray from church in Thomaston. The public services at the Town Hall at two o'clock, P. N. were as follows: --- Introductory Prayer, Rev. P. Hawes; sermon, Rev. B. Tappan; organization of Church and Prayer, Rev. Thomas Adams; Fellowship of the churches, Rev. J. T. Hawes; Concluding Prayer, Rev. George Shepard. During the winter of 1834, several meetings were held, to consult upon and mature a plan for a house of worship; nothing however was done, till the winter of 1835. R. H. Gardiner, Esq. At this time generously gave the society the lot of land on which their meeting-house now stands, and the ensuing spring the erection of a building was commenced. After much delay, owing to the poverty of the society, the building was completed and paid for, by the aid of some of the neighboring churches; and was dedicated to the worship of Almighty God, Nov. 23d, 1836. On the same day, Rev. Seth Sweetser was ordained pastor of the church and society according to their unanimous request. In this relation he continued with them two years, when having received a call to Worcester, Mass., he was dismissed to the great grief of the church and parish. For a few months the society was without a minister. The following spring, however, Mr. Aaron C. Adams, of Bangor, was invited to settle with them, and on acceptance he was ordained, July 10th, 1839. On account of pecuniary embarrassments and the difficulty of raising his salary, Mr. Adams felt it his duty to leave, after laboring with great acceptance and success here, nearly two years. He asked and received his dismission in January, 1841. The society were now supplied for some months by Rev. Hermon Stinson. During the ensuing fall, Mr. Josiah W. Peet, a licentiate of Andover Seminary, preached as a candidate; and receiving a call from the church and parish, he was ordained pastor, Dec. 15, 1841. During the period of Mr. Peet's ministry, the house of worship was carpeted and in many respects improved, and made comfortable; by the liberality of a member of the parish, an organ was placed in the gallery. The church is valued at $3,000, and will seat about 300 persons. A vestry building was erected on a contiguous lot, for the convenience of social meetings. These results were accomplished by the energy of the pastor. The society, however, was crippled constantly during this period by deaths and removals. A very large amount of energy and pecuniary ability was, by these causes, withdrawn. In July, 1848, Mr. Peet asked and received his dismission. In October of this year, Mr. W. L. Hyde, a licentiate of Bangor Seminary, came here to labor. In May, 1849, he was ordained pastor, which office he now holds. These have been no very powerful religious awakenings in connection with the labors of either of the pastors; still the labors of all have been blessed by gentle influences from on High. The following table will exhibit the outward condition of the church during the ministry of the various pastors. There were at the organization of the church, ten members. There were added during By Prof. Letter Deaths dism. Rev. Mr. Sweetser's Ministry, 26 22 2 5 Adams' 15 8 3 8 Peet's 7 15 12 17 Hydes 16 14 4 5 Total 64 59 21 36 There are now 73 members on the church record, thirteen of these however are non-residents. The Sabbath school numbers about one hundred, with a library of 250 volumes. FREEWILL BAPTISTS -- FIRST CHURCH The first Freewill Baptist church in Gardiner was organized July 15, 1820. It consisted of seventeen members, and was under the pastoral care of Elder Joseph Robinson, of Richmond. He remained about fourteen years, laboring with great acceptance. In 1835 there were forty-five members, and the pastor at that time was Elder E. Gunham, who remained about two years. At the end of that time there were fifty-two members. The next pastor was Hubbard Chandler, under whose care the church increased to sixty-one. He was succeeded by Elder Robert Stinson, who remained three years, and the church had seventy-two members. The meetings of this church, and their religious services were held in the school-houses in districts No. 7 and 13. In 1841 they built a neat church, at an expense of $1060,00, which was dedicated to God, November 3d, by Elders Hermon and Robert Stinson. It is the first meeting-house below the village, and seats two hundred persons. Mr. Stinson continued until 1842, when Elder Nathaniel Purrington of Lisbon became for two years the pastor. Elder Samuel Bush had the care of the church for three years after this, and additions were made, so that it numbered 86 in 1849. Since then, by deaths and removals the church has been considerably diminished. Elder C. Purrington, Elder Thomas Tyler and some others have labored with the church. A Sabbath School was commenced in June, 1829, by R. H. Gardiner, Esq., and his family, and was for eight or nine years under their direction. Mr. F. Richards took charge of it for one or two years, and different persons have managed it from time to time. Its largest number was from 70 to 80, but at present it is quite small. It has usually kept about thee months each year. -Abridged from an account written by Dea. Samuel Newcomb. FREEWILL BAPTIST --- SECOND CHURCH The Second Freewill Baptist Church in Gardiner, now the first in West Gardiner, was organized Oct. 26, 1826, by Elders Samuel Hathorn, and Josiah Farwell. It had 15 members. Preaching was had the first year, from Elder S. Hathorn, and 14 members were added. He continued to labor until 1835, assisted somewhat in 1834, by Elder Hubbard Chandler, and 46 members were added to the church. Elder Mark Getchell and Elder Barnard Goodrich labored in the years 1836, 7 and 8, and 21 members joined the church. Elder Samuel Bush became pastor in 1840. Up to this time the services of the Sabbath were celebrated in school-houses. In the summer of 1840, the meeting-house was built at a cost of $1100, and was dedicated in November. Sermon by Elder Josiah Keene, and other services by Elders Nathaniel Purrin gton, Mark Getchell and Isaac Frost. This house stands in the western extremity of the town, on the Litchfield road, where the road from Horseshoe pond to French's corner crosses, and will seat 250 persons. The preachers in 1841, were Elders Getchell and Frost, and during this year a great revival was enjoyed. A protracted meeting was held for three weeks, and from February to May 100 members were added by baptism, and 5 by letter. January 19, 1842, fifteen were dismissed to form the Centre Church, or what is now the second in West Gardiner. The preachers sinc3 1841, have been Messrs. Elders M. Getchell, and I. Frost, 1842; M. Getchell and N. Purrington, 1843; N. Purrington, Andrew Rollins and Hiram Albee, 1844; A Rollins and M. Getchell, 1845, 6 and 7' Gideon Perkins and M. Getchell, 1848; Thomas Tyler, 1849; Mark Getchell and Alexander H. Morrell, 1850; and M. Getchell, 1851. In 1843, there were 6 and in 1844 there were 5 added. Since 1844 no members have been added, but during that time some have died, some have been dismissed, and some have been excluded. The present number is 115. The Sabbath school was organized in 1840, contains about fifty scholars, and has a library of about 200 volumes. ---Statistics furnished by Mr. Daniel Fuller. FREEWILL BAPTISTS --- THIRD CHURCH This body, the Gardiner City Church, was organized in October, 1826, by A. Bridges and J. Robinson, and was supplied with occasional preaching by Elder S. Robbins. It finally lost its name to live. It was re-organized January 30, 1836, by a council from the Windsor quarterly meeting, consisting of Elders Josiah Keen, Cyrus Stilson, Henry Meader, Aaron Brown and Dea. Lawton. At this time there were ten members, and three others were immediately baptized and admitted. Elder S. W. Perkins was pastor, and he remained about two years. The congregation increased and the affairs of the church prospered during his stay. Meetings were held in the Clay meeting-house. The next preacher was Elder Dexter Waterman, who remained but a short time, and was followed by Mr. Perkins again, who left in one year, and the church enjoyed only occasional preaching, until 1841, when Elder Hermon Stinson became its pastor. He remained about three years, and was followed by Elder J. Stevens, who continued until the winter of 1846. During the summer of that year, the meeting-house at the corner of Summer and Winter streets was built, at an expense of $3100. It is sixty feet by forty, containing sixty pews, and has a brick basement. It can contain 400 persons, and is valued at $3000. It was dedicated to Divine service, December 31, 1846, by Elder J. K Staples, who was pastor for two years. Elder C. Phinney was with hem about three months. Elder D. Lancaster preached a short time, and was succeeded by Elder P. Folsom. There are now 80 members. The Sabbath school was commenced in 1837, and the Sabbath School Society in 1837. The average number of scholars is 75, and 600 library books have been bought within five years, besides others previously procured. -Dea. H. Leeman and Charles Bridge. FREEWILL BAPTIST --- FOURTH CHURCH This Church, located in the southern part of the city, was organized with twenty-nine members, in the year 1838, under the labors of Elder Robert Stinson. He labored with this people in 1838-9, and was succeeded by Elder Harmor Getchell, in Dec. 1840, who remained until Dec. 1842. From this time the church remained without a pastor until 1850, when Elder Sam'' Hathorn commenced preaching with the people, and a revival took place. The books were reviewed and it was ascertained that four had died, eight had been dismissed, and fourteen added. The present number is thirty-one, and Elder James Colby is pastor. The church holds its meetings in the school-house in District No. 9.-There is a Sabbath school connected with th3e church, containing about fifty teachers and scholars, and is in a very flourishing condition. It has a library worth from ten to fifteen dollars. It was organized in 1851. -Furnished by William H. Huntington, Clerk. FREEWILL BAPTISTS --- FIFTH CHURCH There was a small church formed about the year 1838, on the Brunswick road. It worships at the Union house on that road, owning it, with the Methodists and Baptists. There are about 32 members. FREEWILL BAPTISTS --- SIXTH CHURCH This was formerly called the Centre Church, and is in West Gardiner. The brick meeting-house was erected in the year 1841, at a cost of $1300, and was dedicated to God, December 22d, of the same year. Elder John Stevens preached the dedicatory sermon, from Psalms cxxii.1. He was aided in the services by Elders Thomas S. Tyler, Samuel Bush, Barnard Goodrich, Mark Getchell and Nathaniel Purrington. The church was organized January 24, 1842, by Elders J. Stevens and Samuel Bush. The original members were sixteen. Additions have been made as follows: -- in 1843, 3; in 1844, 17; in 1847, 5' making in all 41, of whom 3 have died, 9 have been excluded, and 6 have been dismissed to other churches. There are now 23. The preachers have been Elders T. S. Tyler, Samuel Bush, Hiram Sleeper, Cleveland B. Glidden, &c. There is a Sunday school having about 20 scholars.-Facts furnished by Mr. John Blanchard. CALVINISTIC BAPTISTS --- FIRST CHURCH In the year 1782, it is not known that there was more than one person who was a Calvinistic Baptist, on the Kennebec [Greenleaf's Eccl. Sketches] In 1785, there were but three churches on the Kennebec and east of it, and these formed the Bowdoinham Association. The First Baptist Church in Gardiner, now known as the Baptist Church in West Gardiner, was organized by a Council convened Dec. 14, 1815, in the school-house at Brown's corner, West Gardiner. Elders John Robinson and Henry Kendall, and several brethren from the church in Litchfield constituted the council, convened "at the request of certain brethren formerly members of the 1st Baptist church in Litchfield." They were organized as the First Baptist church in Gardiner, and were as follows:-- Elder Levi Young, Wm. Nash, Sewall Brown, Ezekiel Robinson, James Lord, Joseph Robinson, Abigail Nash, Anna Brown, Mary Doe, Sarah Lord, Eunice Robinson, Mary McCausland and Elizabeth Rice. Sixteen more were added within a year. Since then additions have been made as follows:--In 1824 and 5, twenty-nine; fourteen in 1833; thirty-nine in 1838; nine in 1841; thirty-four in 1843. The whole number of communicants since the organization of the church is 205, of whom 53 have joined by letter and 152 by baptism. During the existence of the church 36 have been excluded, 10 dropped, 8 restored, 56 dismissed and 24 died. Present number 83. Elder Levi Young supplied the desk from December 1815, until October 1819. The pastors have been Rev. Abraham Bedel from 1832 until September 1827. Elder Eliab Cox from December 1837 to January 1839. Rev. A. M. Piper from May 1839 to May 1841. Elder Rufus Chase from June 1841 to April 1844. Rev. W. O. Grant, from September 1844 to 1849. The pastor since 1849 has been Rev. H. Pierce. The following persons have been licensed by this church to preach: -- Rev. Thomas B. Robinson, February 20, 1826; James C. Morgan, January 15, 1833, (excluded from the church, May 3, 1834.) For a considerable time religious meetings were hold in the school-house at Brown's corner, and afterwards in a school-house near where the church now stands. In February, 1835, a society was organized for the purposed of building a meeting-house. It was finished in July, 1836, and dedicated the same month. The house is a small, neat building, containing a singing gallery and vestry, and will comfortably seat 200 persons. It cost $900 and is located about one-third of a mile west of the Hallowell line, on the road leading from Brown's Corner to Halloween. The Sunday School is in a prosperous condition. -Statistics furnished by the Rev. H. Pierce. BAPTISTS -- VILLAGE CHURCH The Gardiner Village Baptist Church was organized, Nov. 10, 1843. The original members were Rev. J. W. Lawton, B. H. Field, L. Parsons, E. Shepard, Lucy V. Lawton, Nancy Field, Joan McCurdy, Mary A. Jewett, Pamelia Duganne, Mary Whilte and Margaret Plaisted. There are now about fifty members, and there is a Sunday School which has been in operation since the organization of the church, containing about 30 scholars, with a library of about 200 vols. The church possesses a fine lot of land for a meeting-house, and preparations have been made to erect one. The lot is just below Mr. Daniel Nutting's, on Brunswick street. The first preacher was Rev. J. W. Lawton, who came in 1843. He was succeeded, January 3, 1846, by Rev. Martyn Byrne. Aug. 9, of the same year came Rev. J. B. Foster, sent by the missionary society. Rev. Edwin Dibble came in January, 1849, and was ordained April 30, 1851. In October of the same year he removed to Bath, and was succeeded in November, 1851, by Rev. M.J. Kelley, the present pastor. [Dates furnished by Mr. Nathaniel Clark, Church Clerk.] NEW JERUSALEM CHURCH [Written by H. B. Hoskins, Esq.] The writings of Emanuel Swedenborg, were first introduced into this State, about the year 1812, by the late Mr. John Savels of this town, who became acquainted with them through the Rev. William Hills, an English minister of the established Church. Through the influence of Mr. Savels the knowledge of these writings became disseminated in this neighborhood. In the year 1832, those persons residing in town who had adopted the doctrines taught by this "Servant of the Lord Jesus Christ," formed themselves into a Society for the purpose of maintaining public worship. A church was formed Aug. 25, 1836, under the designation of the New Jerusalem Church, consisting of sixteen members. These doctrines were first publicly preached here by the Rev. Samuel Worcester, in October, 1831, and afterwards, occasionally, by him, the Rev. Henry A. Worcester, and others, until Sept. 1839, when the Rev. Adonis Howard commenced preaching for the society, and was ordained their pastor, Oct. 17, 1841, and continued that relation until May 31, 1846, when he was compelled by ill-health to relinquish his ministerial duties. Since then, the society has had no settled pastor, but has continued its meetings for public worship, under the direction of one of its appointed members. Forty-two persons have been admitted since its organization, and one hundred and twelve adults and children have been baptized. There is a Sunday school connected with this church. NOTE:--The triangular lot on Brunswick street, near the Common, has been secured for a building spot, and it is hoped that a church may speedily be erected on the eligible site. -- Compiler. UNIVERSALISTS The first public proclamation of the gospel of Universal Grace, within the limits of Gardiner, was in the old school house that used to stand on the Common. It was somewhere about the year 1820, and was by Barzillai Streeter, and Elias Smith, --the father of the sect called Christians, or the Christian Band. At about the same time, the venerable Hosea Ballou came and preached one Sabbath evening in the old town house. He was persuaded to tarry here on the occasion alluded to by Mr. Parker Sheldon, aided by Maj. Seth Gay, Col. John Stone, Javan Knapp and Haynes Learned. Revs. Sylvanus Cobb, W. A. Drew, Russell Streeter and others, occasionally visited the place. The first parish organization was in 1835, the records of which were unfortunately destroyed. It is remembered that Mr. Parker Sheldon, who was for many years almost alone as a Universalist, Mr. Gay, one of the original members of the Episcopal Church, E. Mclellan , J. Y. Gray, James Steward, J. G. Donnel, Silas Andrews and others were the supporters of the cause. The society was weak and small, had had much opposition to resist, and experienced a varied career. Aug. 29, 1840 it was permanently reorganized, and had the following members; J. Steward, J. Y. Gray, Allyn Holmes, John Roberts, J. G. Donnel, Joel H. Snow, Henry Bowman, E. F. Deane, P. Sheldon, Silas Andrews, Welcome Pincin, Andrew Jeck, James A. Clay, Alvin Stanford, Nathaniel Snow, Jr., Abel Thompson, G. M. Atwood and Moses H. Lord. The number had increased to 65, in 1846. The committee which drew up the constitution now governing the society, was E. F. Deane, J. P. Weston, R. K. Littlefield, P. Sheldon, James H. Jones and William Cooper. *Rev. Messrs. N. C. Fletcher, D. J. Mandell, Oliver Quinby, Henry Jewell, and others, labored with the society from time to time, but the first settled resident pastor was Rev. James Partelow Weston, A. M., a graduate from Bowdoin College, in the class of 1840. He was principal of the Waterville Liberal Institute, and came here from that position, April 16, 1843. His ministry was very successful, and at the end of seven years, in the year 1850, he resumed his former position, and now resides in Waterville. He was succeeded in November, 1850, by Rev. John Wesley Hanson, the present pastor, a native of Boston. He was installed February 28, 1851. The installation services were as follows: Sermon, Rev. E. H. Chapin; Address to the Society, Rev. Calvin Gardner; Charge and Delivery of Scriptures, Rev. W. A. Drew; Right hand of Fellowship, Rev. W. R. French; Prayer, Rev. B. F. Robbins. The church was organized in August, 1844, with the following members: James P. Weston, James M. Merrill, Harriet Merrill, Lucy Ann Whittier, John Woodcock, Thomas Searls, Joseph Few, Joshua Nickerson, Joanna Dennis, Joanna G. Dennis, Elizabeth D. Dennis, John Jewett, Harriet Jewett, Betsey H. Franklin, Welcome Pincin, Zilphia Stuart, Elbridge G. Pierce, Louisa Snow, Frederic Blood, Nancy Blood.20 The Universalist church was erected in the year 1842, at an expense of $6500, and was publicly dedicated Fev. 1, 1843. Introductory Prayer and Remarks, Rev. W. A. Drew; Scripture Lesson and Dedicatory Prayer, Rev. N. Gunnison; Sermon, Rev. L. L. Saddler, from Prov. ix. 1, 2; Concluding Prayer, Rev. H. Jewell. The church is a very neat specimen of Protestant architecture, and occupies a fine situation. It has an excellent organ, a bell and two clocks. Connected with the parish is a Sunday (page 280a is a picture of the Universalist Church) school, numbering one hundred and eighty members, owning a library of seven hundred and fifty volumes. The parish numbers about one hundred and twenty-five families, residing in Gardiner and Pittston. Transcribed by Sandi Lee Craig c) 1998 Courtesy of Gardiner Me. 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