Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1905-07-05
SEA COAST MISSION.
Capt. ". r.. White to visit Han
cock County island Towns

Nock county Island Towns.
arrangements are being made by the
Congregational churches of Bar Harbor
ana Seal Hnrbor orthe regular establish
heht OF sea coast mission. In a call
ior meeting TO be held at Bar Harbor
next Tuesday, the objects are set forth by
Rev. A. NJ. Mcdonald. of Bar Harbor and
Rev. A. p. Mcdonald, of Seal Harbor, as
follows:
ihe communities along this coast are
largely composed Of the families of fisher
men From these homes come the best
sailors in the world, brave, sturdy men.
nearly all Americans, from pure New
England stock, who love home and coun-
try They respond readily to religious
instruction, are kind hearted and self
sacrificing, but when left without guild
ancs become easily susceptible to harmful
influences.
proving among these islands and
communities we find the floating saloon,
commonly called lobster smack, the pack
peddler, the agent who sells all things and
collects for them ON the installment plan,
ana the itinerant fanatic. Also they are
visited by sea- faring men who seek shelter
from the storm, and occasionally by the
pastor of the neighboring church.
Some sections have become renowned
as summer resorts where the cultured and
wealthy congfegats, but give to these
natives no spiritual uplift, except, per-
haps, that passing interest is taken in
few families in their immediate vicinity.
"The Intermittent efforts put forth by
the different denominations have borne
some fruit, but no lasting good has re-
ulted except where the work has been
oilowed ap and the interest maintained
by constant supervision and substantial
aid. The sad tragedy oecasioned
by denominational bigotry interference
and nnchristian rivalry is depicted in
some places. One island with popula-
ton large enough only to support one
church and pastor has three church or
CARNATIONS and buildings but no preach
ing. This is typical of the condition of
religion on many OF the large islands,
while the smaller islands are practically
neglected.
ut is to give character and permanency
to work, which, we believe, will event.
ually cover the entire coast and reach the
most isolated hamlet that we propose to
organize society, undenominational in
character and scope, but thoroughly
evangelical in purpose.
First of all our aims will be to reach
the neglected communities. We shall
undertake no work where we find an
active Christian organization caring for
the field. We shall enter abandoned
fields and strive to revive the interest
and place the religious work upon a
permanent basis. We shall organize
deavor societies, distribute literature
and shall purpose to affiliate with church
es of their choice many isolated but spir-
itually minded men and women, who are
not in touch with the organized forces of
Christianity. Our aim will be to work in
harmony with all denominations.
"To carry on this work with the great
est prospect OF success, and to insure
Its permsnency, we shall need ali organi-
cation composed OF men and women who
will pledge, in amounts to be paid annu-
ally, sufficient funds to support the work
for term of Ave years.
"fhe response to the above appeal
showing the imperative need of such
work has warranted the undersigned
to assume the responsibility OF pur-
chasing a boat suitable for the work,
which was secured at an exceptionally
low price; and also we have selected a
man, Capt. II. E. White, whom, we are
confident, possesses the necessary quail
fications for such an enterprise. These
steps were taken that there might be as
little delay as possible in establishing the
work. What has been done is subject to
the ratification OF the proposed society"
THE sEAcoAsT MISSIONARY.
Capt. Ii. Z. White is an experienced
seaman, acquainted with the people
and the needs OF the coast settlements,
man of experience in mission work,
who has given much OF his time
the last two years to encourage reli-
gious work in neglected communities,
bearing all the expense of the work him
self On account of his usefulness among
the churches, Mr.. White was licensed to
preach by the Hancock County Ministerial
Association OF Congregational churches.
-------