The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1888-10-01
pay the deficiencies of the bell and hanging

to the sanctuary. Through the kindness of
Hon. G. w. Goddard we have with us our
old friend. the bell clapper, who for 20 years
struck out the call to worship and whom the
fire could not destroy. As we have recalled
the old bell, we may here properly listen to
the story Of the new bell which now invites
us to the house of God. 1t Is told briefly in
the inscription cast on the bell:
Presented by Messrs. Barring Bros. & Co.. of
London, 1879, as an expression of friendly bust
ness relations during many years with the citizens
of Portland"
And we are greatly indebted to the earnest
efforts Of Brother Edward Gould for this
gift, valued at $780,
The prosperity Of our Zion necessitated the
enlargement OF the meeting house. This
was attempted in 1893, favorable vote be-
ing secured, but which was soon rescinded,
az aot tne .i same time giving permission 70 pri-
Vate parties 10 do 1t, but at no expense to the
parish: People were evidently willing in
those days to let few do a good thing if
they would. 1t was not, however, open un-
III 1907. The church was cut in two and %
feet inserted in the middle, with 80 new
pews. 1t was done at an estimated cost of
5000, with the assurance that the pews
would sell for at least $1,000 There Is no
record OF debt accruing from these re-
pairs.
In the year 1918 a new and commodious
chapel was erected on Deer street, opposite
the church.
In 1926 the meeting house was again re-
paired and remodeled at considerable ex-
pense.
Again, in 1s43, the meeting house was re
modelled, and at considerable expense, the
parish borrowing the money. New pews, of
the most improved modern style, with ma
hogOny eappings," new windows "0f Sc
pains Of glass each, hung on weights" a
platform for the pulpit, with new furniture
IA part Of which is here today, new galleries,
and the inside frescoed and the outside
pa1nted,-these are the works of this season
OF remodeling. In fact, hardly a year has
passed from the first meeting in 1887 up to
this time but some necessary work is. dis
cussed, or provided for, or voted upon, in or
der to repair, OF beautify or enlarge the
house of worship.
This meeting hsuse, hallowed by SO many
choice associations, the spiritual home Of
fathers and mothers, beloved pastors and
Christian brethren, was burned in the great
nre OF 1866, together with the lecture room.
The people were sadly scattered; many of the
most prosperous families lost their homes
and were crippled or Impoverished. Yet
pastor and people had faith in God, they rose
at once to the occasion, and renewing their
courage voted ito retain the organization un-
der the name and title Of the Second Parish
Church and Society,"" The pastor, DIR. Car
ruthers, so heartily and actively engaged in
this work. was associated with the parish
committee, and they together authorized to
adopt such means as could be devised to pro-
cure suitable lot and erect another house of
worship. Securing this most satisfactory To-
cation, and moved by what seemed to some
folly, but now vindicated as highest wisdom,
they proceeded to the erection of this edifice,
more expensive than the means at hand
seemed to justify, and yet eminently worthy
the honorable church and worthy also the
city which 1t helps to adorn. The work was
commenced, as one has said, with consider
able faith and little money" In the fall of
1867 the foundation was begun; ON July 4,
1868, the corner stone was laid with appro-
pirate services. The trowel used by the hon
ored pastor, DR.. Carruthers, at the laying of
the stone. is here today. Through the earn
est endeavors and real sacrifice of Mr.. Car
ruthers the vestry was completed and used
as the place of worship from April, 1869. to
July 4, 1875, at which time the house was
completed and dedicated. The whole cost
SS1 ,412.52. Headed by the pastor, DIR. Car
ruthers, who gave his whole heart, at great
cost to himself; followed by all the people
with most c0mmendable unanimity: helped
on by the untiring and brave women; and
aided by the very children,-generously re-
membered, too, by many outside friends
struggle, sacrifice and prayer represent the
real cost OF this church edifce, and God who
knows the cost we believe will repay spirit
ually many fold. 1t was great day for this
church on Sept. IA, 1879, when Mr.. Kimball,
the debt raiser, took his stand here, believing
to accomplish what seemed impossible. This
movement was under God successful. The
efforts OF that day you remember; how the
people were willing" how they gave more
debt was cancelled. The last subscription
was paid ON the 9th of February. 1881.
Nor would our thoughts be complete did
we not return our thanks, with c0ngratula-
tlcns, for the beautiful and eminenty salts
factory repairs which we today enjoy for the
first time in our loved house Of worship.
A history OF church is after all series
OF biographies. 1t is with Christ a heavenly
or an earthly life running along together.
Not life Is lived without its influence. Be
ing dead they yet speak. Again turning
back over our record we shall touch
the names OF honored, trusted, godly men
10 whom we are greatly indebted for their
wisdom and piety.
As already indicated this society moved at
once to secure public teacher, and Rev
Elijah Kellogg, young man from South
Hadley, Mass, and a graduate of Dartmouth
college, began services in the old North
school house, giving great satisfaction. AT
Ter several months services. he received a
united call to become the settled pastor NAV
l9, 17SS. He is described as man of pecu-
liar earnestness as preacher, outspOken in
his manner. and very searching in his pre-
sentation of the truth.
On the first day of October, one hundred
years ago Tomorrow, council was called
composed of the Cumberland Association,
the first church in Wells and the Brattle
street church in Boston, to ordain Mr.. Kel-
logg, at the same time to organize the new
ShuACAs luC WAS uuly organized
and the members announced their united
concurrence in the call of the parish to Mr.
Kellogg. The council then listened to Mr.
kellogg's confession of faith and voted
unanimously to ordain him. The sermon
was preached by the Rev. Mr.. Thatcher of
the Brattle street church in Boston. Mr..
Kellogg continued as pastor % years until
1911 when he was dismissed by council
During the latter part of his ministry dis
tur6ances were rife, and trouble brewing
nnf aIeakaw tea1 4.
the church and parish expressing dis
satisfaction with the pastor. In this time
OF Intense feeling and sore affiic-
ton to both pastor and people, resort was
had to a mutual council. Its advice, given
with great deliberatiOn, evidently required
concessions on both sides, for the sake of
the best good of all. In his letter to the
church, Mr.. Kellogg writes: II hereby de-
clare my cordial acceptance of the result Of
the council, and do certify the same to the
church." His letter closed with these sug-
gestiye words: Finally, brethren, farewell
Live in peace, and the God Of love and peace
be with you and bless YOU" The church al
so voted its acceptance of the result of the
council. closing its vote with prayer shat he
may ind, by happy experience, his trials pro-
noting his own best good and his future use
fulness in the world"
Mr.. Payson had been, for four years, juni-
or pastor of the church. The circumstances
OF the coming of Mr.. Payson as associate
Il
greatly desirous of extending his society by
establishing branch in the west end OF the
town., which was rapidly growing He,
therefore, procured the services Of Edward
Pays0n, who had been in charge of the Port
land Academy. to assist him. IL, after a
time, the parish found his services accepta-
BILE, he was TO be settled as a colleague witt
him. The wisdom Of Mr.. Kellogg's choice
was more than realized, and Mr.. Payson was
invited to settle with the Second Parish by
unanimous vote, Oct. IL, 1907. Mr.. Payson's
letter Oh acceptance Is a stamp OF the deep
piety, fervent zeal, soul-loving and scripture
loving spirit OF the man. He was ordained
Dec. 16, 1907. His own father, Rev. Seth
Payson, of Rindge, N. H., preaching the SER
mon, from the text /. Tim, 5-22. Lay
hands suddenly on no man." The member
ship OF the church at this time was 13e, and
though some were taken away from the
church when Mr.. Kellogg went to the Chapel
Church, still the church grew and was very
greatly prospered. There were 800 members
in 1872, and 425 in 1915, aud 625 in 1920, and
more than 800 in 1927. The blessing of God
was marked during all this ministry, and the
house compelled the setting off of "a men,
bers to form the Third church.
1t was during his ministry, and was has
tened by the positiveness Of his convictions.
that the Unitarian division occurred in Port
land. DIR. Payson declined to assist in the
settlement of Mr.. Nichols over the First Par
ish, because of distinctions in religious
sentiments"
The breach grew rapidly and all exchanges
of pulpits with the First Parish ceased The
First Parish became decidedly Unitarian
and the Second Parish as decidedly Eyanse-
lcal in distinction. Dr. Payson did much
for Our denomination In our Sfa+a hrt a. ,...'-