The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1886-07-05

1885, when the Federal ST. church (now the First
Baptist adopted by unanimous vote a resolution
cordially approving the movements of certain
members of that church in purchasing building
with the view of organizing Second Baptist
church, Several individuals had previously unit
ed in the purchase of the Portland Theatre, with
the design OF making it house of religious wor-
Ship
Jan IL. 1886, the Free Street Baptist Society
was organized and on the 18th of July, 1886, ff-
ty-five of the members Of the Federal St. Church
were, at their own request, dismissed to form the
Free Street Baptist Church. Articles of faith and
1886
Aug. 18th, council was held and it was voted
to recognize the new church as one regularly Or
ganized, and at that time were held services of
recognition OF the church, and the church building
was dedicated.
0: Lincoln of Kennebunl, to become the pastor,
which was accepted. This paStorate extended
over period OF four years and nine months, and
was most suspicious beginning. Two hundred
were baptized and received into the fellowship of
the church.
Rev. Lewis Colby was called to the pastorate in
February, 1912, and remained faithful leader
for two years and four months.
Rev. j. s. Eaton entered upon his work as pas
tor Aug. 10, 1884, and by reason of ill health was
obliged to Withdraw after ten years of earnest and
successful service, Mr.. Eaton continued his resi-
dence in Portland until his heath Sept q, 1856.
January. %, 1855, Rev. Geo. W, Bosworth,
d. d., became the pastor. For ten years and sew
en- months he served the church most faithfully,
the city and the State.
His successor was Rev ]. C. Stockbridge D. D..
who entered the service Nov -, 1865 and re-
manned until July z, 1867.
On the 9Th day of March, 1868 Rev. A.K.P,
Small, d. D., commenced the work of pastor, and
continued in it for more than six years: 1t was a
andZeal. The strength ofshis influence in the city
well as his interest here, is seen in the fact that
he today serves as the honored pastor of our
On the 31st of January, 1875, Rev. James Nc
Winnie, ID. D., was recognized as pastor, and re-
tanned the office for nine years and nine months
This pastorate was blessed in the Increased
strength of the church, and in the salvation of
souls. More than $50 persons were baptized and
warded.
Nov. |, 1885, the present pastor commenced
his work.
During these fifty years there have been four
years and two months when no pastor has been in
service, but good organization has prevented
great loss.
The following persons have filled the office of
Deacon: Byron Grenough, John Pearson, Lewis
4 STU Sturt4eyant, Alpheus Shaw, Henry B. Hart
Jesse Redlon, N. D, Curtis, and the present
board, John G; Phenix, Chas. A. B. Morse and
Thomas Lynch.
The church has ever been interested in the work
OF missions. both Home and Foreign and has
and men,
the Master as Ministers of the Word, and others
have been thus employed.
The Sunday school has ever been an important
factor IN the aggressive forces, and good results
are apparent.
The church has always maintained the feature
OF family church, and it is not infrequent that
three generations are found sitting side by side,
and in the same pew occupied by an earlier gen
Grafton Persistent, faithful work has been done,
and gradual, steady advance has been made
very few years have passed when none have been
added, and there have been very few occasions
when large numbers have been received. sThe adj
dItlons have beenlmade quietly and gradually.
Eleven hundred and eighty-nine persons, includ-
with the church, and six hundred and sixty-iye of
them nave been baptized. "Hitherto the Lord
hath helped u.s."