The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1886-07-05
SECOND PARISH CHURCH.
BY THE PASTOR, REV. C. II. DANIELS.

Eccl. 1: 4-One generation goeth and another
generation cOmeth; and the earth abideth forever.
These words Illustrate the abiding in the midst
of constant change. The harmonious working of
our powers has been disturbed Life is one of
sharp contrasts Man changes The unstable is
represented by the successive generations of men.
1t is by change that stabiltyis secured Were it
not for variable winds there would be no wind.
Life and growth require decay and death. Be-
cause of the changing we know of the abiding.
Though good men die, that for which they live
survives them. Truth is eternal 1t is emphatic
ally true of the Gospel that no one generation is
essential to its perpetuity. The order of things
which abides forever family symbolizes the sta
bility of the church whose dominion endures for
ever These principles have partial illustration
in the history of this church.
One hundred years ago there was but one Con-
gregational church in the town, the First Parish
Ninetynine years ago. difficulties arising in this
church, a crisis came, which resulted in the Sec
ond Parish Congregational Church. The first
meeting for conference was held in Greeley Tay-
ern, at the junction of Back now Congress) and
Hampshire streets. Divine worship was first held
In the North School building, corner Middle and
King NOW India) streets, where large audiences
were gathered, and concerning which great ex
element prevailed. In March, 1888, an act of
incorporation for the society was obtained. The
church. consisting of eleven male members, was
organized Sept 80, 1888 A committee had select
ed site for the church edifice at the corner OF
Middle and Deer streets, upon which the first
house was erected and occupied Oct. !, 1888. AT
first the people were called to church by flag
raised upon the staff. In 1898 tower was built
and bell imported from England. The town
gave the clock. The first church organ in Port
land was put into this church in 1898, and Nicho-
las Blasdell was organist, at a salary of S25 a
In 1870 a larger organ added. In 1907
the church was enlarged by which 80 new pews
were added In 1918 a, large chapel was erected
on Deer Street. The church was remodeled in
1925, and again during Dr. Condits ministry
This house of worship and chapel were destroyed
was secured and on July 4, 1868, the corner stone
OF new house was laid. and on July 4, 1879, the
is the anniversary both of the loss of the old
house and the dedication of this new house.
A true history of church u.s. after all, series of
biographies. Not life is lived without its infu-
ence. Every pastor and member of this church
lives in measure we cannot estimate. The Rev.
Elijah Kellogg was the first pastor, being called
for six months and afterward ordained Oct. l,
1888 During these early days of the church I'M
der Mr.. Kellogg there was increase and prospect
ty. His pastorate closed in 1911. Rev. Edward
PaysOn was first connected with the church as
colleague in 1907, and then called to the full pas
torate in 1911, ministry highly blessed in a
church greatly favored in having this pastor Dr.
Payson died Oct. %, 1927. In him was seen pc
culiarly close following of scripture rules for holy
living and peculiar resemblance, by the.grace OF
God, to ''holy men of DID," Following Dr. Payson
in the distinguished line of pastors. came Rev.
Bennett Tyler, D. D., then President of Dart
mouth College. Called unanimously, without be-
ing seen or heard, his labors greatly blessed
and he himself greatly endeared to the people He
resigned in 1884 to become PresidentEof.the Theo-
logical. Institute of Connecticut Rev. Joseph
Vail, "a man of deep piety" zone of the best of
1887. Again the people were happily united in
the choice OF the accomplished Rev. Jonathan b
Condit, professor in Amherst College. For eight
years, from 1888 to 1916, he enjoyed peculiarly
successful ministry, from which he retired because
of i'll health. In 194e the passionate fell upon one
who still survives in physical weakness, but in
moral and spiritual strength, Rev. j. j. Carru-
theirs, ID. d. He brought to the church wide ex-
perience from both continents, learning piety and
uninching integrity to truth For thirty-two years
he miniStered in sound doctrine and with tender
sympathy. Very successful was this ministry,
which sturdly breasted, first, the large movement
Of population to the western part of the city, and
then the almost annhilating fire of 1866; bravely
standing in the breach and putting aside the care
only when the church was assured of successful
future. Rev: G. A. Dickinson was the next pastor,
beloved and highly successful IN ministry ex-
began his ministry in October, 1888.
Such is the story of the pastors of the Second
Parish Church.. And space. forbids to name the
godly men and influential citizens the ministers
and missionaries who have been members of this
church given to it influence and been influenced
by it. They represent q work not done in vain !;
we enjoy the results of their tolls
This church has contributed of its members to
form many new churches of our faith and order
A Third Church was organized or attempted in
1907, but after a checkered existence of some
Church In 1925 the Third Church. In 1881
High Street Church. In 1885 the Abyssinian /;
also the State Street. Plymouth, st. Lawrence
Street, West and Wlliston and yet the church
has remained stable and strong under the bless
ing of God.
Especially has the church been happy in her
deeply evangelical faith. Without exception her
pastors have adhered to the faith of the fathers,
and amidst all discussions and departures from
the faith, the position of this church, as Soundly
orthodox, has never been questioned. Today the
church embraces the early covenant written by
DIR. Payson and the creed prepared by DIR. Tyler.
Under this ministration of the truth the church
has enjoyed many gracious REVEALS Beginning
with eleven members, in ten years there were 100,
and in twenty years 100. In 1912 there were
300; in 1915 about 425, and 1927 over 800 mem
bers. As new churches were formed, new mem
bers came in. And during the peculiar trials after
the fire, the church was best with continued ac-
ceSSions to its numbers. even when burdened
with secular efforts. OF late years hardly COM
muniOn season has passed without accesSionS.
Looking into the future there is reason to
change the principles which have moulded the
past history. They are sufficient when faithfully
applied.
May the light of this church shine with increas-
ing brightness, and the Gospel be preached with
out compromise or mitigation of its terms of par
don in the future as in the past, and the entire
people go up, as the tribes of Israeli to the courts
of the Lord.