Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1909-05-10

Il
Mary Nye; Eben Davis, his wife, Sarah
c.. Davis; Reuben Buck, his wife,
Amy Buck: Arthur l.. Chase. his wife.
Sally Chase; Timothy zittleneld and
Densmore, Francis r. Dens1nore, M.
Louisa Emery Russell r. Ellis. his
wife, Bloomy Ellis; Sophronia Phil
brook, Deodarna Emery, Mary Jane
| Wheeler. Sally Woodman, Abigail Ken
dali and soon after is found the name
of Sophronia Dinsmore. Father Nye,'
as he was Familiarity called, was for
| some time preacher, class leader and
steward. Next to him no man ;was more
] influential in shaping the early history
| of Methodism in the community than
Eben Davis who remained active in
the church until his death in 1850.
In the spring of 1888, another pro-
| tracted meeting was held in the old
| schoolhouse which then served as tho
| only Westinghouse in the place. The
result of these meetings was what was
called 'phe Great revival" and from
it's fruit. important accessions were
made to the society and Immediately
followed the question of building
westinghouse. ifs fYu NEs si.f4aYs 4
| Another protracted meeting held in
1S49, resulted in large addition to
the church membership. In view Of
this increase and the rapidly in creas-
| ing population of the village. A min
| lister was stationed here by the Maine
conference, for year. In 1851, there
was no appointment, and the society
again fell to the care OF Father Nye.
| for time. In 1852, there was Con-
gregationA preaching in the meeting
house one-half of the time for period
| of six months. .,.sf
| At the Methodist conference in 1852,
KendalIs Mills was connected with
Waterville. and this relationship con-
tinued for two years. During this
time, there was more or less Congre-
gational preaching in the church and
strong effort made to establish foot
ing for that denomination here. but
without success. At the conference In
1854 Kendalrs Mills was discontinued
from Waterville, and again made
separate station. Methodism had gain
ed lasting footing in the place, and
although with the growth of the VIII
lage, rival denominations have erected
churches Of their own and gained
large membership than the mother
church. the Methodist society has con-
tinued to thrive and grow.
In 1856 the Uuniversalists sold their
interest in the Union westinghouse
and built a church of their own in the
lower part of the village. The Metho-
dists the same spring made importanr
improvements in the original edifice.
A belfry was built and by the gener-
osity of Samuel Judkins, ESQ.,, q fine
sweet toned bell of about 1000 pounds
in weight was placed in 1t. The eold
singing gallery was removed, the mousse
was painted and papered. and FUR
mace set in the basement. Other I'M
movements were made the following
year.
In 1869 through the generosity Of
number of the members of the society,
a house on Main street was purchased
for a parsonage. AS there was no
vestrv it was deemed advisable in 1870
to raise the church and place a base
ment below for lecture room, class
room and for social occasions This
was done and quite a heavy expense
was incurred Rev. D. B. Randall was
the pastor in charge at this time. -
Tn 1875 Rev. Perry Chandler was APP
nointed to the charge here and through
his earnestness and devotion to the
cause of Christ a great revival result
Cd and many were added to the cnurcn'
ont Of this revival the Baptist Society
was born, and a chapel was pulit II.
1875 and many of the converts unltea
with the Baptist and Free Bapfist
societies and about 60 members. were
taken into the Methodist society on
account of 1t.
The next preacher sent to the charge
here was Rev. Kinsman Atkinson, VINO
found the society slightly d1snearteheu
on account of the heavy debt incurred.
He at once set to work TO raise money
- ,;ouidate the debt and to make other
renairs which he succeeded in dolns.
No was returned the second year.
Mr. chandler was followed by Kew.
chas Allen. who had a very success
ful pastorate and held the esteem OF
The church and community. He was
followed in 1881 by Rev. Chas munger.
In April. 1882, Rev. J. A. corey WIS
sent from this conference mere. Tug
parsonage which had been unoccupleu
for three years, was occupleu DS
Brother Corey and improments mace
on same. Brother Corey took great an
+arest in the work. A Chautauqua
circle was organized and also the' So
ciety of Willing Workers" having the
in,nroyement of church properly ~
view. In 1885 Rev. d. B. Holt was
sent here. He was successful IN aou
ing many to the membership am
greatly improving the church. aadlnk
new pews and making them free 70 an.
| Rev. e. l.. Allen of the New oIH
conference followed Mr.. Holt IN 1888.
| Then came Rev. w. s.. Fitch, loiioweu
bv Rev. w. S. Pillsbury jim 1898. ana az
this time the Ladies' Guild was OF
| ganized which had in view the Same
work as the "Willing Workers. MI
| Chase was followed by Rev. G. r.
Palmer and in 1903 Mr.. Roberts. tne
present pastor came.
1 In the afternoon the services opened
at 2.3O with prayer by Rev. j. L. Clark
of the Baptist church After this
quite sum was raised by subscription
to be used in liquidating the debt
which has been incurred on the church
on account Of the improvements. The
music was much enjoyed. with solo
by Miss Alice Tozier. The address OF