Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1878-10-28
Meeting Of Former Pastors and Love
Feast.

into matter Of form. that the brave and noble
John Wesley raised storm in England that would
not be put down at the bidding of Journalists.
The good founder of the Methodist church be-
came convinced Of the necessity of an inner, spir-
itual life, and he labored to establish the new
church on that foundation. He made his first
voyage to America in 1875. and the Methodist
church was formed upon our shores. There were
ct first two branches Of the church, known as the
"Wesleyan Methodists" and Methodist Epsco-
nal" but now tn is great and important branch of
the christian church, which is doing SO much to
bring men TO Christ, which has extended itself to
almost every town and hamlet in the Union, be-
ing second only to one denomination in point Of
numbers, and second to none in influence, is gen.
orally known a. the Methodist Episcopal church.
Whenever man goes there the Methodist brethren
End him out; and wherever there is collection of
Mona men and women, soon Methodist church
will be formed.
The Methodist Episcop church was organized
in Augusta in 1907, just seventy one years ago,
but the society did not have meeting house Of
their own until 1928, when the present church was
Auilt. Though il has been renovated, enlarged
"a beautihed, Il 10 essentially the same church.
On Saturday evening was begun the anniversary
exercises commemorative of the building OF the
church, fry years ago. But few persons were
present who attended the dedica'ory exercises
6ftv YEAR, ago. The church was somewhat deco
rated Tor the occasion. In rear of the altar was
larse crosa of evergreen and on either side the
figures "l828" and "lS78." Wresths of evergreen
hung from the gas fixtures, while bouquets of
1overs and autumn leaves were placed on and IN
front OF the sacred desk. The singers gallery
va also decorated with evergreen. A large con-
rreeatiou gateered At an early hour. The minis
ters present were Rev. Chas. Morse, Rev. Caleb
FuIler. Rev Roscoe Ssnderson, Rev. c. F. Allen,
D. D.. Rev. j. B. Hustled, Rev. John Allen, and
Rev. w. M. Sterling. all Of whom. with the ex-
ceptien of Mr. Allen, have served IS pastors of the
church at different times.
The exercises began with An anthem by the
choir Appropriate to the occasion. Rev. John AL
len then recited = scripture lesson. hymn was
then sung, and fervent prayer offered by Rev.
Caleb Fuller, after which another hymn was
sung, being read by Rev. Mr.. Hustled.
Rev. Charles F. Allen, ID. d.. of Orono. His text
w in John Is :l6, THAT We may 20 forth and
bear fruit, and that your fruit may remain. Our
Savior did not appeal to the ambitious thoughts
that might have been found IN the hearts OF ms
was to 70 forth and bear fruit. The theme of the
discourse Wa "the value and pefmanence Of
Christian work." The first Consideration was the
nature and iuportance Of human effort in build
ing ND Chrst's Kingdom. 1t is the grandest
work in which . man can engage, TO cooperate
With God in carrying out HIS purpose We only
succeed in the realm Of nature when we work IN
harmony with the laws Of nature. So in the in
tellectual, moral, and religious world-we must, to
ACCOM- lish results, work 10 harmony with the Di-
vine will and purpose. o, the gradeur of bring
ing our activities into harmony with the Divine
Being! 1t was the boast Of Bacon that he brought
biz isopsy from :p:e9a a, 70 S;cs r RE
epdurs.
Secondly. the permanency of the results of re-
ligious work WAS considered. Work of this char
scter shall remain; 1t shall become enlarged in
broader and wider circles, flowing on, not only in
this world. but beyond the food.
Thirdly, the special work of planting the Meth
odst Episcopal church in Augusta. ln the year
1900 stranger come riding into the small village
Of Augusta; be was straight, erect, well dressed.
He held meeting in hall situated between IL
Kennebec Journal building and the town landing,
on the site Of the present tenement houses. He
read no elaborate essay or theological disqusiton
but with well chosen words be clearly set forth
the plan of salvation, and that it was free to all
whe might come and accept it. And as he spoke
Q wonderful awe fell upon the audience. Judge
Cony cane forward ct the close, and throwing a
silver dollar upon the table, remarked, 81 like
those sentiments, and let others come forward and
show that they do, too
That was the first Methodist sermon delivered
in Augusta, and it was preached by Rev. +. kib-
By. His circuit extended from Winthrop to the
northerly point of Sandy River, and from the
his appoistment 10 Hallowell. but met with
very cold reception there, and determined not to
retarn, But the, conversion of one soul induced
him u reverse bis decision; and the next CONVEX.
sion was man who brought his two sons to De
bsptisea and they both became ministers of the
Gospel-the brothers Copp. This laid the founds-
ton of the church in Hallowell, Augusta being
for while embraced in that circuit. The first
Methodist class was formed In Augusta in 1907, in
the Wade neighborhood. some four miles from the
village, with David Beal % its leader. Soon after
Q class was formed in the village. Besl removed
TO Sidney, and Afterwards returned here where he
worked efectually. Elisha Robinson was the first
leader of the class here. He came from Massa-
chusetts with I'll hb worldly goods packed 10 q
Aour basrel-poor in this worlds goods, but rich
in faith. He WAS no ordinary man. He accumu.
lated property, not for selfish purposes, but that it
might be used for the cause of Christ. He had
grad thoughts of religious education, and fixed
upou the very spot now occupied by the State
House for . seminary of learning; but y worthy
Methodist in Readneld. insPired by he course of
Father Robinson, founded the Maine Wesleyan
Seminary which has produced such wonderful
results. He spoke Of the privations Of the early
Methodist preachers. calling to mind Father Bea
Parson Young and others, including many OF the
members Of the Society.
Methodists occupied church of their own which
vss dedicatcd on the 9Th of October, 1923, the
eloquent and accomplished Rev. J. n. Maffiu,
preaching the sermon on the occasion. The chap
Ell hno been ooit 0y hep IRON without. III was al
the time of the discussion of the question of the
removal of the capital of the State from Portland
to Augusta; and one Of the arguments used
against II was, that Augusta failed to furnish suf-
6cient church accommodations; so the people
generally aided in building the chapel. Father
Brsy vas then on the circuit. Then young
PREACHER WAS sent, who remained scarcely year
when Father Beal came, who was man to com
msud respect. The state Of society different
from now. The novelty of Methodist doctrines
INA usaees were opposed the standing order.
Deep prejudice was excited by the wild joy and
earnest style of worship OF the Methodist. Il
seemed strange and delusve. and they look
ed upon % fanatics. But how changed! We are
now treated with the utmost courtesy by all de.
nominations. Then came pastors, Hustled,
Crooksr, Wsrreu,W ebber, Spaulding, Caldwell,
Wilev Fuller and others There were revivals of
mnch power in 1929, 1885, 1912, 1885, and 1850.
OF the thirty lone preachers who have been here,
tan vslk among the stars. OF the fourteen pre-
siaiine elders, nine hsve passed away. Five of
ne presiding elders have been pastors in this
place.
This beautiful church which we now occupy
has been very greatly changed from the original
In l6lS it ives cut in two. the two ends drawn
apart, and twenty pews added. In 1855 another
change was made, and still later the church was
reucdeled and beautiAed, aud the vestry pre-