History of Methodism in Maine, 1793-1886 . Published with the approval of the Maine and East Maine conferences.

Preface

The object of this volume is to rescue from oblivion, the fading records and memories of Methodist History in Maine. The heroic labors of the early itinerants and the struggle of the church to gain a foot-hold and maintain an existence, under great disadvantages, are worthy of honorable remembrance. The labor required to obtain the material for the history, proves the work to have been too long delayed. Church Kecords are generally kept imperfectly, and in some cases, entirely lost, and the memory of the oldest survivors is often obscure. To remedy these defects, as far as possible, information has been sought in all sources.

Town Histories ; the journals of the General Conference; the journals and minutes of the annual Conferences have been carefully consulted.

Methodist Histories and Memoirs, by Jesse Lee, Minton Thrift, Dr. N. Bangs, Dr. L. M. Lee, and especially the excellent Histories of Dr. Abel Stevens, have been freely drawn upon.

Thanks are returned to those preachers of the Maine and East Maine Conferences who have responded to our circulars, and furnished sketches for the History : also to other persons for valuable historical material or the loan of books and other documents.

No reasonable pains have been spared to make the volume a complete repertory of the facts of Methodist History in Maine, so arranged as to be convenient for use. The portraits are mostly from the Photo-Gravure Company of Chicago.

The book is much larger, than was at first expected, in spite of careful efforts to condense. It was impossible to estimate in advance, the amount of printing required to carry out the plan adopted. Many sketches of circuits, stations and persons have been largely reduced.

Book II of the volume is furnished entirely by Rev. W H. Pilsbury, who has been more thoroughly identified with the History of Methodism in East Maine Conference than any other man now living.

If errors shall be discovered in the History, we have only to say, that the

JV PREFACE.

■errors are due, in part at least, to sources from which the facts have been gathered. The Journals and Minutes of Conferences are not infallible.

The History of Methodism in Maine, prepared at the cost of much labor and no small cost of money, is offered to the public, in the hope that the book will supply a long felt want, and will be a useful contribution to the Keligious History of Maine.

July 1, 1887. S. ALLEN.

GENERAL SYNOPSIS OF BOOK I.

General Synopsis. Book I.

1. The Political and Beligious Condition of Maine in 1793, — pp. 1-7.

2. Jesse Lee's Visits and Labors in Maine. His Character, — pp. 1-30.

3. Lee's Co-Laborers, — pp. 31-54.

4. Opposition. Controversies. Success, — pp. 55-60.

5. History of Conference Action and Growth of Church to 1886,

including History of Maine Wesleyan Seminary. Maine Wesleyan Journal and Book Depository, — pp. 61-238.

6. Circuits in Maine Conference to 1886, — pp. 239-398.

7. Biographical Sketches of Ministers, — pp. 399-526.

8. Local Preachers, — pp. 526-539.

9. Prominent Lay Men and Women, — pp. 540-570.

CONTENTS OF BOOK I. VII

Contents of Book I.

Chapter I

Civil and Religious condition of Maine in 1793. — The Visit of Jesse Lee. — Sketch of Jesse Lee, Pages 1-12.

Chapter II

Lee's Second, Third and Fourth Visits to Maine. — Visits Sidney, Fayette, Livermore, Wayne, Chesterville, Jay, Vassalborough, China, Winslow, Norridgewock, Canaan, Clinton, Fairfield, Greene, New Vineyard, Farmington, Strong, Avon, Leeds, Lewiston. — Lee's Third Visit ; at Major Ilsley's. — Gray, Greene, Monmouth. — Meets Wager. — Readfield, Strong, Farmington, Industry, New Vineyard, Stark, Anson, Old Point, Vienna, Readfield. — The Lord's Supper. — Hallowell, Pittston, New Milford, Leeds, Monmouth. — Returns West. — Lee's Fourth Visit; Portland, Monmouth, Readfield, Unity, Bangor. — Crosses ferry with two boats. — Orrington, Bucksport, Calais, New Brunswick. — Dedication of Meeting-house at Readfield. Pages 13-19.

Chapter III

Conference at New London, July 15, 1795. — Appointments to Maine. — Lee's visit to Maine, November, 1796. — May, 1795, visits Mt. Desert.— Methodist financial plan.— Scanty receipts.— Preacher's claim.— Conference at Thompson, Conn., Sept. 19, 1796. — Appointments to Maine.— Returns of Members. — Second Conference at Wilbraham,

Sept. 19, 1797 Appointments to Maine. — Members in Maine. — Asbury's journey to

Maine. — Conference in Readfield. — Appointments, Trials, Persecutions ; Joshua Soule, Pages 20-30.

Chapter IV

Lee's Co-laborers : P. Wager, E. Mudge, E. Hull, S. Hull, J. Hall, J. Stoneman, C. Stebbins, A. Humphrey, J. Taylor, T. Merritt, J. Broadhead, R. Yallalee, J. Finncgan, P. Jayne, J. Soule, R. Searle, N. Emery, N. Snethen, R. Hubbard, A. Heath, C. C. Smith. Pages 31-54.

Chapter V

L793-1800. — Success of Methodism during the first seven years of its history. — Opposition, Controversies.— Jonathan Ward and Joshua Taylor; Paul Coffin. Pages 55-60.

VIII CONTENTS OF BOOK I.

Chapter VI

1800-1803, Methodism in Maine— General Conference, 1800.— Important measures.— Salaries of Preachers.— Support of Bishops.— Election of Richard Whateoat.— Conferences allowed to sit one week. Places of meeting determined by the Conferences.— Time fixed by the Bishop.— Quarterly Meeting Conferences.— In absence of Bishop, a Presiding Elder may preside at Annual Conference —The xxii Article of Religion changed. — Slavery ; stringent rules suspended.— Sharp discussion between Dr. Coke and Jesse Lee. — Rules relating to slave-holders modified.— Conference at Lynn.— Appointments to Maine. — Lee visits Maine.— Dedicates meeting-house at Kent's Hill. — Lee's journey to Penobscot and back to Kennebec, Sandy River, Androscoggin, White Mountains, &c. — 1801, Conference at Lynn — Appointments in Maine — Statistics. — 1802, Conference in Monmouth. Asbury's journeys. — Generous contributions from the South. — Appointments for Maine. — Statistics. — 1803, Conference in Boston. — Statistics. — Appointments in Maine. Pages 61-68.

Chapter VII

1804-1808, General Conference in Baltimore. — Disparity of representation. — Change in terms of admission to seats in General Conference. — Publishing Business removed to New York. — Asbury goes North. — Conference at Buxton, Me., July 1-1, 1804.— Remarkable work of God. — Appointments for Maine. — 1805, Conference at Lynn, July 12. — Asbury's letter from Dr. Coke ; his views of the marriage of ministers.— Appointments for Maine. — Statistics. — 1806, Asbury's journey into Maine. — Campmeeting at Buxton. — Conference at Canaan, N. H., June 12. — Bishop Whatcoat's failing health. — Last sermon —Sickness and death.— Williston and Smith withdraw. —1807, Asbury's journey from the South through Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. — Returns to Boston, the seat of the Conference, June 1. — Preaching five times a day. — Appointments for Maine. — Generous gifts from Baltimore. — 1808, N. E. Conf. at New London, Conn., April 18. — Appointments for Maine. Pages 69-75.

Chapter VIII

1808-1816, General Conference at Baltimore, May 6.— Disproportionate representation. Dr. Coke's offer of Episcopal service declined. His correspondence with Bishop White. — Different plans in regard to the Episcopal office. — McKendree's wonderful sermon. — Plan of a delegated General Conference. — Election of Presiding Elders. — McKendree elected Bishop. — Discipline changed for the South. — Lee's last visit to Maine. — 1809, Conference at Monmouth, Me. — Asbury's travels in Maine.— National troubles. — Conference at Winchester, N. H. ; Camp-meeting. — 1811, Conference at Barnard, Vt. — 1812, first delegated General Conference, Now York, May 1 — McKendree's address. — Ordination of Local Preachers. — Election of Presiding Elders — Action on Slavery. — Election of Stewards by Quarterly Conferences — Temperance measures. — New England Conference at Lynn, June 20. — War declared. — 1813, Conference at Salem, Conn. — 1814, Conference at Durham, Me. — 1815, Conference at Unity, N. H. — 1816, Asbury's death. — Lee's death. — General Conference at Baltimore. — Bishops George and Roberts elected. — Course of study. — Pewed

churches. — Licensing extorters.— Methodist Magazine Slavery. — Book depository

at Pittsburg.— Conf. at Bristol, R. I.— News of peace.— The cold season. Pages 76-90.

CONTENTS OF BOOK I. IX

Chapter IX

1817-1831, Conference Sessions and appointments for Maine from 1817 to 1819. — 1820, General Conference, at Baltimore. — J. Soule elected Bishop. — Action providing for election of Presiding Elders — J. Soule resigns. — Book agents authorized to erect buildings in New York. — K. Bangs, Book Steward. — New England Conference Session from 1820 to 1823.— 1824, General Conference at Baltimore. — Rule for electing Presiding Elders rescinded —Dissatisfaction — Secessions. — J. Soule and E. Hedding elected Bishops. — New England Conference. — 1825, Maine Conference organized — Maine Wesleyan Seminary established. — L. Sampson. — Z. Caldwell. — Sessions of Maine Conference, 1826 and 1827. — 1828, General Conference at Pittsburg. — Appeal of J. Randall.— Agitations.— Trial of Appeals.— 1828, Maine Conference at Vienna.— 1829, Conference at Gardiner. — 1830, Conference at Portland. — 1831, Conference at Hallowell. — Agent for Me. Wes. Sem. — Liberal subscriptions. Pages 91-101.

Chapter X

1832-1839, General Conference in Philadelphia, 1832. -Delegates from Maine Conference. Distribution of Book Room property to the Canada Conference. — Action in favor of Missions, Sunday Schools, &c — Election of Editors, Book Agents, &c. — Maine Conference, 1832 — Preachers' Aid Society. — Day of Fasting and Prayer against Cholera. — Agent for Maine Wesleyan Seminary. — 1833, Maine Conference. — Monthly Prayer Meeting for Missions. — Day of Easting and Prayer for more laborers, &c. The Colonization Society commended. — 1834, Maine Conf. — Trial of a member. — G. F. Cox, Agent for Maine Wesleyan Seminary. — 1835, Maine Conference. — Slavery. — "Appeal " and " Counter Appeal." — Report on Slavery. — Defense of Report by G F- Cox. — W. C. Larrabee. — 1836, General Conference. — Censure of two members for lecturing on Slavery. — Memorials on Slavery refused. — Orange Scott. — His address. — Vote of Censure. — Maine Conference, 1836. — Houses of Worship ; Organ in Chestnut Street Church. — 1837, Maine Conference — Maine Wesleyan Journal; Committee. — Wesleyan University disowned — 1838, Maine Conference ; Slavery ; Articles of Pacification ; Action of Conference. — 1839, Maine Conference ; Memorial on the subject of Slavery. — Letter from Judge Dana, relating to a Meth. College in Maine. — Centenary of Methodism; Advice of Conf. in relation thereto. Pages 102-114.

Chapter XI

1840-1843.— General Conference in Baltimore, May 1, 1840.— Rev. R. Newton— The Bishop's address. — Memorials on Slavery. — Report of Committee. — Minority Report. —O. Scott. — S Comfort's Appeal. — Resolution of Dr. Few. — Motion to amend, lost. —Petitions for Lay Delegation. — Moderate Episcopacy. — Pastoral address. — Maine

Conference, July 22, 1841.— Agent of Bible Society Collection. — Theological

Institute. — Depository Resolutions on Slavery. — Associates of Maine Wesleyan

Journal. — Embarrassments. — G. F. Cox. — Millerism. — Statistics. — Maine Conference at Skowhegan. — Trial of members. — Maine Wesleyan Seminary. — Resolutions. — Book Depository. — Report on Slavery.— Sabbath Exercises. — Statistics. — Funds for Superannuates, &c. — Maine Conference, July 20, 1842, at Gardiner. — Memorial Sermon by M. Hill, on the death of A. Caldwell.— Committee on Division of Conference. — Second Advent excitement. — Statistics. — Maine Conference at Bath,

X CONTENTS OF BOOK I.

July 19, 1843.— Rev. C. H. Pitman, Secretary Missionary Society.— Millerism — Extreme Excitement.— Other errors .—Members of Conference reproved.— Reclaimed. —Memorial to General Conference, on Slavery.— Bishop Hedding's sermon on the death of Bishop Roberts.— Division of Conferences not recommended —Admissions trial —Statistics.— Delegates to next General Conference. Pages 115-125.

Chapter XII

1844-1851. — General Conference at New York, 1844. — The case of F. A. Harding. — Action of the Baltimore Conference sustained. — The case of Bishop Andrews. Ten days' discussion. — Vote of virtual suspension. — The committee of nine — The provisional plan of separation. — Southern members take measures for separation. — Maine Conference at Bangor, August 14, 1844. — Dr. Olin's address. — The Conference pledges $5000 for Wesleyan University. — Biblical Institute. — Trustees of Maine Wesleyan Seminary resign their trust. — Trust declined by the Conference. — Report on Slavery. — Resolutions. — Resolutions to aid the cause of Education, and in aid of the Missionary cause. — Depository in Portland. — Maine Conference in Portland, July 16, 1845. — Resolution recommending an agent to collect money for Educat;on. — Maine Conference in Hallowell, July 1, 1846. — Debate concerning the Biblical Institute. — G. Webber chosen delegate to the World's Convention. — Maine Conference in Saco, June 30, 1847. — Vote to request a division of the Conference. — Delegate from Congregational Conference. — Interchange of delegates. — Delegates to next General Conference. — Action in regard to the Book Depository. — Joshua Taylor. — General Conference in Pittsburg, 1848. — Delegates from Wesleyan Conference of Great Britain and Canada. — Friendly overtures from the Church South declined. — Demand of Church South for division of fund. — Law Suit. — Maine Conference in Portland, July 19, 1848. — Board of Education. — Maine Conference, Augusta, July 11, 1849.— Father Taylor. — Delegation from Congregational Conference. — Maine Conference at Kennebunkport, July 10, 1850. — Conference action, on intelligence of the death of President Taylor. — Delegates to the Congregationalist and Baptist Conferences. — Maine Conference at Winthrop, July 9, 1851. — Delegates to General Conference.— Donation of R B. Dunn. Pages 126-138.

Chapter XIII

1852-1863.— General Conference in Boston, 1852.— Death of Bishop Hedding.— Eulogy. Invitation of Mayor. — Excursion in Boston Harbor. — Trials of Appeals. — Death of Dr. Olin. — Lay Delegation. — Election of Bishops. — Maine Conference, 18.32 — Statistics. — Maine Conference, 1853. — Educational Convention. — S. Allen appointed agent. — The use of tobacco proscribed. — Statistics. — Maine Conference, 1854.— Resolutions on Slavery. — Maine Conference, 1855 — Delegates to General Conference. — Statistics. — General Conference, 1856. — Delegates from British Wesleyan and Canada Conferences. — Lay Delegation.— Discussion on motion to change the section of Discipline on Slavery. — Ratio of Representation changed —Maine Conference, 1856. — Report on Education. — Slavery. — Maine Conference, 1857. — Report on Education.— Slavery. — Statistics.— Maine Conference, 1858 — Death of Bishop Waugk. — Education. — Slavery —-Maine Conference, 1859 — Education. — Maine Conference) 1860. — Encouraging Report on Education. — Resolutions on Slavery. — Deceased members. — Delegates to General Conference. — Statistics. — General Conference, I860-

CONTENTS OF BOOK I. XI

— Delegates from Methodist Episcopal Church of Canada, Irish "Wesleyan Conference and Wesleyan Church of Canada. — Memorials on Slavery. — Action of Conference. — Maine Conference, 1861. — Five members deceased. — Encouraging report on Education. — Slavery — State of the country. — Maine Conference, 1862. — Resolutions on the state of the country. — Dr. Durbin. — Maine Conference, 1863. — Loyal declaration of the Conference. — Lay Delegation. — Statistics. — Visitors. Pages 139 154.

Chapter XIV

1864-1871.— Maine Conference, 1864. — Lay Delegation. — Biblical Institute.— Patriotic resolutions. — General Conference, Philadelphia, May 2, 1864. — A Flag suspended in the place of assembly. — Delegates from abroad. — Resolutions on the state of the country. — Letter from President Lincoln. — Election of Bishops. — Change of Rule on Slavery. — Extension of pastoral term declared inexpedient. — Lay Delegation, Delegates from African M. E. Church received. — Editors elected. — Statistics. — 1865, Maine Conference.— Time of Pastoral service. — D. S. King.— Freedmen's Relief Association. — Deceased members. — Slavery — 1866, Maine Conference. — Final Report of Agent of Maine Wesleyan Seminary. — Doxology.— H. Nickerson. — Collection. Patriotic resolutions. — Centenary Committee. — 1867, Maine Conference. — Reunion of Maine and East Maine Conferences.— Members deceased.— Centenary contributions. 1868, Maine Conference. — Lay Delegation discussed. — General Conference. — New Conferences in the South. — Lay Delegation. — Board of Education. — State of the country. — Delegates from African M. E. Church, &c— Address of Bishops. — 1869. Maine Conference. — Visitors. — Popular vote on Lay Delegation. — Report on Education. — 1871, Maine Conference. — Woman's Foreign Miss. Society. Pages 155-172.

Chapter XV

1872-1879. — Maine Conference, 1872. — Lay Electoral Conference meets. — General Conference.— Restrictive Rule changed. — Lay Delegates recognized. — Four Bishops deceased. — Memorial Services. — Book Room Trouble settled. — Eight new Bishops elected. — Statistics — 1873, Maine Conference. — Visitors. — Education. — 1874, Maine Conference. — Mrs. Wettenmyer. — 1875, Maine Conference. — Fraternal Delegates. — Woman's Foreign Missionary Society. — 1876, Maine Conference. — Delegates to General Conference. — General Conference, 1876. — Lay Delegates. — Fraternal Delegates. — Revision of Hymn Book. — Statistics. — 1877, Maine Conference. — Fraternal Delegates and Visitors. — Two Districts for Maine Conference. — 1878, Maine Conference. — Woman's Foreign Missionary Society. — Mrs. Trafton. — Chaplain McCabe. — 1879, Maine Conference. — Memorial Services. — Death of Bishop Ames. Pages 172-186.

Chapter XVI

1880-1886. — Maine Conference — Fraternal Delegates and Visitors. — Bishop Bowman speaks of Bishop Haven — Electoral Conference. — General Conference, 1880. — Miss Willard. — Statistics. — 1881, Maine Conference. — Trial and Expulsion of a Member. — Visitors. — 1882, Maine Conference —Chaplain McCabe.— 1883, Maine Conference. — Auburn Charge.— Church Aid Society. — D. W. Le Lacheure. — Maine Wesleyan Seminary. — Pres. E. M. Smith. — 1884, Maine Conference. — Anniversary of Woman's

XII CONTENTS OF BOOK I.

Foreign Missionary Society. — Dr. and Mrs. Parker.— Delegates to General Conference.—Statistics. — General Conference, 1884. — Deceased Bishops. — Memorial Services.— 1885, Maine Conference. — I. Lord and C W. Morse. — Resolutions of Sympathy.—1886, Maine Conference. — Semi-Centennial Sermon by C. C. Cone. — Memorial services. — Methodist Literature. — Education. — Statistics. Pages 187-202.

Chapter XVII

1830, Elihu Robinson's School. — L. Sampson. — Readfield Religious and Charitable Society. — 1824, Maine Wesleyan Seminary. — Manual Labor School — First Teachers. — Z. Caldwell, 1825.— His Death, December 21, 1826— First Preceptress — D. Moody.— Students who became eminent. — Agents. — G. F. Cox. — Prosperity. — Mr. Caldwell goes to Dickinson College. — W. C. Larrabee. — Prosperity of School. — Disaster. — S Allen, Principal. — H. P Torsey, Principal. — D. B. Bandall, Agent. — Claims relinquished. — School prospers. — New Buildings.— S. Allen. — Agency, 1853. — Success. — Sampson Hall, I860.— Prosperity.— Bearce Hall, 1871.— President's House, 1885 —Maine Wesleyan Seminary and Female College. — Course of Study, &c. — Maine Wesleyan Journal. — Methodist Depository. Pages 203-222.

Chapter XVIII

Circuits and Stations. — Readfield. — Quarterly Conference Accounts. — Meeting-house built in East Readfield, 1795.— Conference in Readfield, 1798.— Kent's Hill.— Meeting-house, 1800. — Parsonage. — Readfield Corner. — Monmouth. — Lee's Visits. — E. Kibby. New England Conference at Monmouth. — Preachers from Monmouth. — Farmington. — First Classes — Meeting-houses. — Secessions, 1842. — New Departure, 1849.— Growth.— New Church, 1877. — Early Methodists. — S. Titcomb and Family.— J. Gower. — W Gay. — Strong. — Wm. Read. — J. Read — R. Clark. — Avon. — Capt. J. Soule. — Vienna. — First Class. —Secession. — Revivals. — Maine Conference, 1828. — Old time Quarterly Meeting.— Ruth Whittier— Mrs. Coffren. Pages 223-238.

Chapter XIX

Portland. — First Class — J. Lee.— Major Ilsley.— P. Wager.— J. Taylor.— Old Church on Federal Street. — First Church on Chestnut Street. — Troublesome Times.— Secession. Sunday School, 1822. — Park Street Enterprise. — Church sold. — Influence of the Church extends to other places. — New Church built, 1857. — Rev. H. Cox. — Heavy Debt.— Debt paid, 1882. — Brackett Street Mission, 1845. — Pine Street Church built, 1846.— H. M. Blake, Pastor, 1865.— Sudden Death.— Debt paid, 1866.— New Church finished, 1876.— Rev. D. W. Le Lacheure, 1881. — Troubles.— Secession.— Congress Street Church.— Chapel built.— New Church, 1868.— Debt paid, 1885.— Falmouth Circuit, 1802. — West End. — Peak's Island. — S. Bennet. — A Conference appointment, I860.— Woodfords.— Sunday School, 1853.— Chapel built.— New Church, 1882.— Dr. E. Clark and Mrs. Clark.— Parsonage built, 1885. Pages 239-252.

Chapter XX

Poland.— Quarterly Meeting.— Financial Account, 1797.— Steward's Book.— Poland Circuit, 1802.— The Emery Family.— Ministers from Poland Circuit.— Bowdoinham Circuit.— True Glidden.— T. Merritt.— Church built. Prominent Men. Durham

CONTENTS OF BOOK I. XIII

Circuit.— Wonderful Quarterly Meeting. — Revival. — Methodist Corner. — Society incorporated, 1810.— Meeting-house. — Bath. — First Class, 1796. — Preachers. — Mrs. Mc- Lellan. — Little Class. — Revival, 1816. — J. Wilkinson. — Meeting-house, 1820. — A faction withdraw, 1842. — Beacon Street Church, 1869. — Heavy Debt paid, 1883. — Phipsburg. — T. Merritt. — M. B. Cox. — Meeting-house at "Drummore." — West Bath. Richmond. — J. Young, 1835. — Union Church, 1846. — Church bought, 1853. — Chapel built, 1885.— C. Houdlette. Pages 253-268.

Chapter XXI

Hallowell, 1793. E. Ribby, 1800. G. F. and M. B. Cox. Chapel built. Augusta.— First Sermon. J. Beale. E. Robinson. Church built, 1829. Parsonage, 1846.— Church enlarged, 1848. Greatly improved, 1869. Early Members. Gardiner. Meeting-house at Bowman's Point, 1802. " Yellow Meeting-house," 1822. Gardiner set off, 1827. — Over-scrupulous members. — Church improved, 1854, 1867. — Parsonage, 1873.— Sidney.— Meeting-house at Bacon's Corner, 1815. — At Sidney Center, 1829.— Chapel at North Sidney, 1881.— North Augusta.— First Class, 1802.— North Augusta Methodist Society incorporated. — Chapel built.— WintUrop.— J. Lee, 1793. — N. Bishop. — Methodist Society incorporated, 1811. — Church dedicated, 1825. — Church enlarged, 1855. — New Parsonage bought, 1882. — Tower and Bell, 1886. — Fairfield Circuit.— J. Lee, 1794.— Great Revival, 1809.— Oakland.— Church built.-.Kendall's Mills. — Church built. — Waterville. — First Class, 1825. — Abortive Efforts to build a Church.— Church built, 1870.— R. B. Dunn. Pages 269-288.

Chapter XXII

Cape Elizabeth, Brown's Hill,1800. — Society incorporated, 1807.— Meeting-house, 1808. — Cape Elizabeth Depot, 1866.— Knightville Chapel built, 1880.— Ferry Village.— Church built, 1852. — Parsonage and Vestry, 1877. — Bowery Beach, Church built, 1840.— Chebeague, Revival, 1802.— Mr. Glitten.— Mr. Whittle, 1808.— S. Dennett.— Casco Bay Islands Mission, 1840.— Scarboro', 1802.— First Methodist Church, 1810. — Saco, First Class, 1807. — Wesleyan Hall, 1828.— Church built, 1840.— New Church, 1879.— Old Orchard.— First Class.— A Station, 1882.— Church built.— Falmouth and Cumberland. — Meeting-house built, 1811. — J. Taylor. — Chapel built, 1883. — Yarmouth.— North Yarmouth, First Class, 1815. — First Meeting-house, 1831. — Free Port, Church built, 1874-5. — Pownal, Meeting-house, 1844. — Gray, Society organized' 1808 —Early Prosperity.— West Cumberland. Pages 289-303-331.

Chapter XXIII

Norridgewock. — Mercer. — Skowhegan. — Anson. — Madison. — Solon Circuit. — Industry Circuit. — New Portland. — New Vineyard. — Kingfield Circuit. — Dead River. — Phillips.— East Wilton. -Weld. — Temple. — Wilton. — New Sharon. — Livermore. — Fayette.— Livermore Falls. — Mt. Vernon. — Wayne. — North Wayne. Pages 304-333.

Chapter XXIV

Brunswick, First Preaching, 1821.— First Class, 1829.— Parsonage, 1836.— Meeting-house bought.— New Church built, 1866.— Conference, 1868.— Harpswell, Revival, 1843.

XIV CONTENTS OF BOOK I.

—Church built, 1855.— Rev. J. C. Perry.— Auburn, 1861.— Church built, 1864 —New Church, 1883.— Rev. I. G. Sprague.— Lewlston, 1845.— First Class paper.— Church built, 1855.-- Second Society, 1870.— Hammond Street Church, 1858.— Mechanic Falls.— Church built, I860.— Church burned, 1877; rebuilt next year.— North Auburn.— Church built, 1858.— Buckfleld.— Turner.— Leeds— Church built, 1852. — Oxford.— First Class, 1794.— Church built, 1861.— South Paris.— Chapel built, 1837. — J. Deering.-— North Paris.— "West Paris.— Norway.— Woodstock.— Bethel, 1798.— Meeting-house, 1814— Church at Bethel Hill, I860.— Rumford.- -First Class.— Union Church, 1865.— Mason, first Methodist Preaching, 1837.— Albany.— Denmark and Brownfield.— Andover.— Church built, 1870.— Gorham, N. H.— Church built, 1863. — S. Waterford.— Naples.— Church built, 1859. Bridgton.— Church built, 1852.— New Church, 1871.— Baldwin, &c- -Conway, &c— Fryeburg. Pages 334 359.

Chapter XXV

Saccarappa.— Gorham ; School Street, North Street. — Buxton. — S. Standish.--Standish, — Hollis.— Newfield.--West Newfield.—Shapleigh. — Alfred. — Goodwin's Mills.- Acton.- -Porter and Kezar Falls.— Biddeford.- -S. Biddeford.— Kennebunkport. - Cape Porpoise.— W. Kennebunk and Kennebunk Depot. — Kennebunk Village.-- Maryland Ridge. --Ogunquit.— York and Scotland.- -South Berwick.— Berwick, Eliot. — S. Eliot.—Kittery, First and Second Church. — Newry. —Hanover.— Hart ford, Peru, &c— Harrison. — Otisfield — Raymond. — Windham. — Gilead. —Danville Belgrade.— Bingham.— Methodism, 1800-1887. Pages. 360-398.

CHAPTER XXVI. Sketches of Preachers from 1800 to 1824

E. Kibby.- -Jos. Baker.— S. Baker.— D. Webb.— O Beale.— M. Ruter.— R. Williston. —J. Snelling.— S. Hillman.— A. H. Cobb.— P Munger.— Dan Perry.— T. Glidden. — H. Martin.— E. Wells.— C. Fogg.— J. Wilkinson.— P. Ayer.— Z. Gibson.— E. Blake.— D. Kilburn - -E. F. Newell.— D. Wentworth.— J. Lull.— C. Cummings. — B. Burnham.— D.Hutchinson.— J. Nye.—J. Pratt.— J. Lord.— J. Briggs.— P. Crandall.— C. Baker.— T. Page.— H. Nickerson.— E. Streeter.— G. Grcely.— J. Shaw.— E. Robinson. — D. Copeland.— A. Sanderson. — Jesse Stone. Pages 399-437

CHAPTER XXVII. Preachers from 1825 to 1835

W. H. Norris.— P. C. Richmond.— M. Hill.— R. H. Schermerhorn — R. C. Bailey.— Greenleaf Greely.-- J. Harrington.— D. B. Randall. — D. Fuller. — R. J. Ayer.— G. Webber.— C. Fuller.— J. B. Husted.— C. W. Morse.— W. F. Farrington.--A. Alton. — M. B. Cox.— G. F. Cox.— J. Spaulding — W. C. Larrabee.— S. P. Blake.— A. P. Hillman.- -J. Young.---F. Masseure. — C. Mugford. — J. H. Jenne.— M. Trafton. -- I. Lord.— T. Greenhalgh.— H. Butler.— M. Wight.— A. F. Barnard.— J. Cumner. —J. Farrington.— C. C. Cone.— J. Allen.— H. Dow. Pages 438-474.

CONTENTS OF BOOK I. XV

Chapter XXVIII

Preachers deceased from 1835 to 1887; also Preachers whose Portraits are in the History, and those who have many years been members of Conference.

E.Shaw. — N. D. George.- -R. H. Ford. — L. Stockman.---J. Simpson. — A. Moore. — S. Allen.— J. S. Rice.— W D. Sewall.— H. L. Linscott.— P Jaques.— J. C. Perry.— C. Andrews.— R. H. Stinchfield.— S. S. Cummings.— H. M. Blake. -L. P. French.— J. W. True. — S. W. Pierce.— W- Wyman.— D. Waterhouse. — B. Lufkin.— J. C. Aspenwall. — J. Hawkes. — C, Munger.— Cornelius Stone.— S. M. Vail.— N. Hobart.— E. K. Colby.— S. M. Emerson.— S F. Wetherbee.- -C. C. Covell.— C. C. Mason.— B. Freeman.— A. Green.— C. F. Allen.— E. H. Gammon.— J. McMillan.— C. C. Whitney.—J. Fairbank.— W H. Foster.— J. Colby.-- F. A. Crafts —J. Mitchell.— U. Rideout — H. B. Abbott.— N. C. Clifford.— H. P. Torsey.— F. C Ayer.— J. Cobb. — T. Hillman.— A B. Lovewell. --H. F. A Patterson — E. W Hutchinson.— A. C. Trafton.— A. S. Ladd.— A Turner.— T. J. True.— E. G. Dunn.— F. A. Robinson. —J. Armstrong.— S. S. Gray — E. Martin.— S. W Russell.— S. H. Hyde.— J. Mooar.- -N. Andrews. — N. D. Center.— J. C. Strout. — J. Collins. — C. Philbrook. — H. B. Mitchell.- -C. W. Blackmail.— W B. Bartlett.— J. H Newhall.— G. W- Barber.— G. F. Cobb. --J. Gibson.— A. W Pottle.— J. B. Lapham.—W W.Baldwin. — R. H. Kimball.— L. H. Bean.— E. T. Adams.— W S. Jones— P. H. Hoyt.— J. W Saywer.— E. H. McKenney.— C. J. Clark.— G. Wingate — J. E. Walker.— G. R. Wilkins. — B. F. Pease. — E. W Simons. Pages 474-525.

CHAPTER XXIX. Local Preachers

James Lewis.-— John Thompson.— Moses Emery.— Obed Wilson.— Moses French.— Howard Winslow.— Stephen Bennett.— David Young.— James Williams. ---James Buck.— John E Baxter.— Jacob McDaniels. Pages 526-539.

CHAPTER XXX. Prominent Laymen and Women

Luther Sampson.— Dr. J. L. Blake.— Dr. E. Clark. — M. Caldwell.— Benj. J. Herrick. — D. Furnel. — J. Dinsmore. — J. Deering. — R. B. Dunn. — A. Loring.— S. R. Bearce. — C. Davenport.— O. Lunt— J. J. Perry.— E. T. Nutter.— E. K. Blake.— William Deering.— Mrs. Nancy Caldwell.— Mrs. Lydia McLellan. — Mrs. Huldah M. Littlefield. Pages 540-570 .

XVI

CONTENTS OF BOOK I.

Illustrations. Book I.

S. Allen, Joshua Taylor, Oliver Beale, ezekiel robinson, Aaron Sanderson, Daniel B. Randall, Caleb Fuller, Charles W. Morse, William F. Farrington, Charles C. Cone, John Allen, Eaton Shaw, Parker Jaques, Henry M. Blake, Charles F. Allen, Howard B. Abbott, (1000) Henry P. torsey,

PORTRAITS.

Page.

Page.

ispiece.

Abel W. Pottle,

Charles J. Clark,

Dr. Elifhalet Clark

James Deering,

Reuben B. Dunn,

5.54

Samuel R. Bearce,

Orrington Lunt,

Epaphras K. Blake,

William Deering,

Geo. R. Palmer, buildings.

Sampson Hall,

Bearce Hall,

Seminary Buildings,

Chestnut St. Church

Pine Street Church,

Waterville Church,

■m

Methodism in Maine.

Chapter I

"The Civil and Religious Condition of Maine in 17'."»?>. The Visit of Jesse Lee. Sketch of Jesse Lee.

The advent of Methodism in Maine forms an important epoch in the religious history of the State ; and the labors of the early itinerants, afford examples of heroic endurance hardly surpassed in the history of the country.

Ten years had passed since the close of the revolutionary war.

"The magnificent harbors, noble rivers, and the large extent of excellent soil, at low prices, in Maine, offered rare inducements to •settlers.

"A tide of immigration from Massachusetts and New Hampshire, and to some extent, from other countries, had set in. The population, at this time, was over one hundred thousand ; the settlements were mostly confined to the towns on the sea-board, and the banks of the rivers ; the territory, to a large extent, was covered by the primeval forest, with here and there a sparse settlement, where some adventurous pioneers attracted by the fertility^ of the soil, and encouraged by the liberal grants of land made to actual settlers, were clearing up farms, bearing the hardships incident to pioneer life, and making homes for their growing families. The camp of the adventurous lumberman was at no great distance from navigable waters. The rude saw-mill marked the site of what is now the manufacturing city. The merchandise of the country trader was conveyed in canoes along the -shore, or carted over rough roads into the interior from a few central points, such as Portland, Bath, Wiscasset, Castine and HallowelL There were only eighty incorporated towns in the Province. The