Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1895-06-27
ELLSWORTH FALLS CHI RICH.
Abstract of Address Delivered by r, f
Hartshorn at the Anniversary.

Following is an abstract of the address
delivered by +. 4. Hartshoru at the anniversary
OF the Ellsworth Falls Union church, May 81
1875.
The August evening twenty-five years
ago, when called with my sister on Mrs,
Hinckley to ask her opinion about estab'
fishing a Sunday school, does not seem
very long past. II is needless TO say that
the suggestion met with her hearty APP
proval, and on Sunday, Aug. 26, 1870 the
/ Union Sunday school WAS organized in
the school house on the ledge.
Other schools had been organized and
working before this, but had not be-
come permanent. They lasted, usually,
only part OF the year
About twenty-five encouraging
number then-were present. l knew but
/ little about Sunday school work, but
| had a good force Of willing workers,
am sureiyou will be glad to hear the names
of some of them; regret l cannot remeIn-
Der all. Among my teachers were Mrs.
/ Hinckley, Mrs. Davis, Mrs. Saunders, Mrs.
/ Heath, formerly Mrs. William Saunders)
| Mrs. Haynes, Mr.. and Mrs. Moore, Mrs.
/ Ellis, Mrs. Hartshorn and Mary Whit
comb. Other helpers We're MIR. Frazier.
/ Mr.. Bartlett, Mr.. Haynes, and many
whose names cannot be recalled.
As the school increased it was necessary
/ to look for larger accommodations,
and Browns hall was secured. 1t was
not well supplied with seats, SO Alexander
/ Bartlett made ten settees at, think, 300
each. They We're not very handsome, and
gave many haekaches. but they were
strong. They do good service still. 1t
was a happy occasion when they were put
/ in the hall. To be sure the ladies dresses
suffered by contact with varnish, but our
increasing attendance was we'll provided
| for.
The next thing needed WAS a library.
and an entertainment to procure funds
was proposed. think this entertain
nent, a sort OF ombination OF Sunday
school concert and amateur theatricals,
/ WAS the most for the money OF any have
been interested in. AT its close it was
/ rather discomtiting that some OF the
! young men proposed to have dance. /
made quite strong objections, and they
We're going to fight, but were finally pec
! flied. The proceeds of the evening were
sufficient to enable US to procure fine
| library.
After a few months a desire WAS
expressed to have some religious meet
ings, and Rev. Ephraim Harding, re-
Gently come to Ellsworth. WAS engaged.
Quite an interest was awakened. As the
numbers increased these meetings, like
the Sunday school, We're removed to
Browns hall II was not possible to
have regular preachers, and supplies were
occasionally secured from various sources.
| All these faithful ministers will always
be remem bered with affection. 1t is of
| interest TO note here that from the time
| the religious meetings were first held to
the present, there has been some service,
weather permitting, every Sabbath.
Soon after the Sunday school was
organized, a new school house was pro-
posed, and being a member of the school
board l presented plans at a district
meeting for modest building. Here it
seems that providence interposed. At a
later meeting, in my absence, Horace
Davis proposed to build large building,
with hall above to accommodate the
Sunday school and meetings. This limo
Walton met with general approval, though
some of the Taxpayers demurred. The
building was completed at cost OF
about $500. The ball was finished
largely by individuals, many contrib
uting labor. We were all very happy
when the hall was done and the first
session of the Sunday school was held
in it, l think the house was finished
about 1872.
Not long after this DR.. Tenney, of Ellis
worth, resigned, andlRev. Mr.. Garretson
succeeded him. He, as Well as DR..
Tenney, took great interest IN the work
al the Falls, and meetings were held
which, resulted in number of con-
versions. As there was now quite Il num-
Der OF protesting Christ ians, il was pro-
posed 10 form al Mon church, rs many
, denominations.were represented, and it
was organized by: DR.. Tenney and Rev.
Mr.. Garretson, May p, 1s74 Many of
those early.members have gone to their
reward. We can say OF them they were
faithful unto death"
For many:.years the great obstacle to
growth was having no regular supply.
Later, c. L. skinner, of Bangor theologi-
cal seminary, supplied during one sum
mer. For the next season Rev. S. ID.
Towne was engaged, and at the COM
pletion OF his studies was called to be
pastor. Under him the church grew in
numbers and spiritual strength During
this time preaching was held at North
Ellsworth, a Sunday school organized,
and later on church was formed
All remember= the visit Of the Pease
family as evangelists, in the fall OF 1884
/ Their interesting meetings resulted in
much good.
OF theamany good friends that have
supplied this church there is one that