Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1900-04-19

gas and electricity were unknown, coal
was not used for fuel and homespun
was the universal clothes. Under
these circumstances ready money was
not as great a necessity as now. Be
tween both riders it is possible that
services may have been held once III
three weeks during the pleasantest
weather, and in winter or very stormy
times. even at greater intervals. The
next year, 1901, Oliver Beal and Rev.
MIR. Heath were appointed to the cir
cult. During the years 1SO2-3-4, Aaron
Humphrey was one of the circuit rld-
ers. He was scholar and solld,
earnest man, rather than brilliant.
In 1910, Zcchariah Gibson was the
preacher on the circuit, which includ-
ed the three towns Augusta, Hallowell
and Gardiner. His popularity was
greatly decreased by the fact that dur
ing his pastorate he married one of
the young ladies of the parish. Not
that they had any objection to the
young lady, but rather that they
thought a man would be hindercd in
his work rs Il circuit rider by having
a family on his hands. This narrow
policy drove many of the best minis
ters from the ranks of the itinerancy.
Aaron Humphrey ana Ralph Willes-
ton both left the Methodist church and
Joined the Episcopalians. and Mr.
Humphrey was rector of the Episcopal
church in this city during the years
1Sl2-13-14.
In 1916, during the pastorate of Hen
ry Luce, a fund was obtained for the
purpose of supplying the claim of the
preacher. This fund consisted OF
sheep. of which the wool was sold and
the amount thus obtained turned into
the treasury. In one year $l5 was thus
raised.
John Atwell, who served the parish
in 1S14-15. ana who was also the min
lister when this building was built was
a very talented ana intelligent man
and likewise Il good tinancier. 1t is
needless to say that he was we'll liked
by the parish.
Rev II. +. Shermerhorn was
Dutchman from New York, and while
he possessed some peculiar ideas or
some traits Of character that the par
ish considered universal. yet ~ was
On the whole very. acceptable minis
tor ana retained THE reverence ana
friendship of all the parish.
Aaron Sandcrson was the minister
during 1870. His granddaughter
taught the Highland Avenue Grammar
school during the years lSS2-3 and is
we'll and pleasantly remembered by
urc to be one.
While the Rev. MIR. harrington was
here. his daughter, Hannah Earring
ton. occupied 4 prominent position III
the choir ana afterwards married Ebcn
:. Plaistcd, who lived in the house
situated on the bank opposite the
Highland Avenue Grammar school
The house was recently burned hay
ing been moved from its original posi-
ton to the back of the lot II Plaistcd
street.
Or. Geo. Weber. pastor in 1913. AMI
also in 1872. was very scholarly
man. perhaps the most prominent min
lister who has ullicidtcI as pastor Of
this church. His name was mentioned
as Il candidate FIR the high position If
bishop If the church ana his candidacy
ilrarly resulted in success. The cause
dcrstand.
Rev. d. Il. Randall was the first minis
ter to serve the church longer than two
Years He was pastor during the years
iNlN-9-6o. ana is of course too well known
by reputation at least for me To culogizc
him here. During his passionate the pres
rHt organ was bought ana placed i'll tn"
front Ui The church where the memorial
window upW is.
Father Munger served the church in
1851 ana 'G1-S. He was a great believer
in holiness. but was withal talented
and successful pastor.
And now We have arrived at the point
We may term modern history, and | do
not wish t. trcSpaSs on Your time to
the ministers who have served the
church during the last - years are here
Present. tod y. and will tell YOU Of the
ups ana downs of the church during
these years. ana this talk | am glad to
resign 10 them.
It may interest some Of you to know
tcl"stcd in the Methodist church. More
than half century ago, Wheeler Wood
ward WAS the superintendent of the sun
day Scnool and with the energy of his
in going to sunday School. One day he
mot Mr.. Geo. y. johnson, our present
first assessor, and asked him if he would
come to the Sunday School. At first the
because Of not wishing to hurt Mr..
Wuodward's feelings, 50 he said to him:
well, Mr. Woodward, ] will 90 with
You. next sunday, i you will come and
call for me- Mr.. Woodward was
prompIly on hand ana Mr. Johnson at
lirSt refused Int finally said We'll. if
yuu will 20 get Cousin Everett 10 20 !
will 90" Mr.. Woodward at once went
Tor Cousin Everett" ana easily per-
suadcd him to 20. and the three went TO
school together and | do not think Mr..
:: T. Johnson has missed many Sundays
since. sweeping revival in 1885
turned his attention to religion and he
was very soon afterward elected super
intcndcnt Of the Sunday School. but re-
signed TO 20 to the war. Shortly after
MS return from the war President Lin
coin was aSsISSinatcd and q memorial
service was held in this building at which
cnt. \ special musical program was
given by a choir ana the tcnorS were
openly COmplImCntod by Bishop Burgess
who was present and assisted in the cX-
CrciSCS. The t"nors were the brother
Melvin and Everett Johnson.
ing the names of all those persons who
intended to be married either by posting
their names on the front door of the
church for the three successive Sundays
or reading their names from the pulpit
Mr.. John Lawrence ana Miss Jane Men
were the first couple to be treated il
this fashion after the dedication Of this
About 1873, the desire for some i'm.
provcments la the members Of tn,
church to alter in some degree the origi
nal church building. The old vcstry 0c-
rupied but small part Of the rear OF
the huiloAng and was reached by 4 flight
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