Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1908-10-14

the nrst Methodist church. He also buiIt the
Catholic and Unitarian churches. We find
In the files Of The AMERICAN the following &C.
count Of the dedication Of the FIRST Methodist
church:
Jan. II, 1880. Mr.. Editor: We came
through from Bucksport, In . snow storm
cation OF the new Methodist Episcopal church
At io3 .. m. Rev. James Thurston offered the
aedicatory prayer, and w. F. Harrington
preached the sermon. The sermon was char
Systematically amusing, entertaining and pro-
ntabie, and was well spiced with evangelical
sentiment. Though stormy, the house was
well allied; The music added much to the in
terest OF the occasion. The church will seat
about four hundred persons. The society
here, with Rev. b. NJ. Mitchell as pastor, Is
small, and they deserve much praise for their
ship Of God. Rev. Mr.. Prince preached In the
evening. 1t was laconic presentation Of the
three great pillars Of Christianity-Faith.
The Baptists dedicated . beautiful church
2 few weeks since. The village 10 very much
improved by the erection Of two churches.
Yours truly, E.A. H."
This will be recognized as from the pen of
Rev. 4. A. Helmershausen. At this time Par
son Tenney occupied the pulpit Of the Con-
gregational church, Rev. Robert Cole Of the
Baptist church and Rev. Mr.. Mitchell the
Methodist. They were three sealous and
faithful workers for Gods Kingdom. In 1851,
Nelson whitney succeeded Elder Mitchell,
ana In 1857, William J. Wilson was appointed.
An amusing incident occurred during his
ministry, which 10 remembered to this day.
His esteemed better half was very particu.
lar about saving his clothes, and one Sunday
when he came home TO dinner, pinned An
apron over his vest. He returned to church
In the afternoon, forgetting to remove the
apron. mot noticing II until he arose TO read
his scripture lesson. The congregation had
already noticed the blunder.
In 1854, Josiah Fletcher was assigned TO this
charge. In lseS and 1855 John A. Locke served
As pastor. Mel Elliot then taught school in
the brick schoolhouse, 1t the corner Of High
and Pine street. Mr.. Elliott was brother Of
Rev. Stephen c. Elliot Elliot and Locke
were warm friends, and Elliot took an active
part In the work Of our church while here.
Chaplain Tribou. 20 long . friend to our
church here. tells me he nrst visited Ellis
worth during Mr.. Locke's pastorate here, and
made the acquaintance Of both Locke and
Elliott. Rev. Mr.. Locke was followed In 1857
by Enoch n. Fowler, who was pronounced
"cles1 gold".
Then came Bro. Plumer's appoiutment
above referred TO. He was followed in 1871 by
william Reed. He was followed In 1874 by
Rev. Fred A. Bragdon, the father Of the pres
ent principal Of Bucksport seminary.
From 1887 to 1874, both inclusive, Ellsworth
and surry were one charge, with pastors resi-
dence In Surry. In 1875, Bernett u. Mitchell
again came TO Ellsworth for three years, 70 be
followed in 1873 by James N. Aoores. Bro.
Aoores built our 6rst parsonage, and also put
in vestsy under the church.
About 1850 the late Abrsm Lord moved
from Surry TO Ellsworth, followed in ISIS BY
Capt. Samuel L. Lord. These were both men
OF God. and being also men Of means. they
used their money freely In the support Of the
Methodist church. A memorial window vss
placed In the front Of this church. By his chill.
dren. In memory Of our beloved brother,
Abram Lord. much to the satisfaction Of all
Of the present members Of the church.
He was . recognised leader in the church,
being treasurer at the time OF his death. The
pews were placed in the church - . memorial
to the memory Of our late lamented Bro. Capt.
Samuel l. Lord. by unanimous vote Of the
trustees. He also Was treasurer Of the church
at his death. No church ever had two more
faithful members.
In 1881 George w. Hudson became pastor
OF the church. followed inrlsss by Abner 8.
Townsend, who while here raised 81 200 for re-
fitting, upholstering. carpeting and frescoing
the church and vestry. He died here in
February, 1885, and . memorial window ap-
rum, TO his memory. Rev. J. W. Day came
here to finish his year and to entertain the
conference which met here TO that year. Well
49, h~- ala
entertaining Bishop Bowman, who presided
1t that conference.
In 1885 Frank H. Osgood was appointed to
this charge, followed in 1885 by Virgil p.
Wardwell, who remained here until 1889, when
J. T. Crosby received the appointment. He
was succeeded In 1892 by q. B. Chadwick and
he in 1894 by Rev. l. H. w. Wharf. He is re-
membered and loved by all of us. This pas
torate was followed by the long and successful
passionate Of our very much loved pastor, Rev.
J. p. Simonton. When Bro. Simonton came
to our church we had boating debt OF el,l00
This he raised, and on Washington's Birth
day, 1904, we had q jollification over this
achievement. / quote from the files OF THE
AMERICAN OF Feb. "a, 1904, the
"For the first time in the history
OF Methodism in Ellsworth, that society 10
free Of debt" Six days later our church
burned.
We were fortunate in having 1850 insur-
ance, which was promptly paid. With this as
q nucleus, Bro. Simonton called the trustees
together and urged the need Of q new church.
The trustees co-operated with him, and we
worked together in perfect harmony and de-
ermination. az Rh H
Rev. Bro. simonton was appointed COM