The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1916-11-30

That they all may be one what
an admirable thing it was for the
Baptists, Congregationalists, Metho-
djsts and Uniyersalists thus to COM
binel They had practical Chris
tianity.
The past three years has been
time OF constant repairing of the
church building, both inside and out
side. The old structure has put on
new and pleasing appearance. Hun
dreds of dollars have been expended
tn restore the building to its former
| condition. In addition to the money
contributions from the people OF the
village and the unceasing labors oil
some members, the extensive repairs
have been made possible by former
residents of the town, such as Mes
srs. George Williams and E. f, VIII
liams of Nevada; W. P. Bartlett OF
Wisconsin and P. A. Williams oil
Washington.
Altho the membership has suffered
heavily by deaths and removals, the
church has probably not Jared worse
than many other organizations in the
rural districts. The actual member
shin at present is not numbered by
the hundreds but all the residents OF
the village feel that the Sunday
School and Church privileges are
theirs and part of their concern, and
that the Church and all that it stands
for are a special legacy from the
fathers.
1t is expected that the fftieth an
niyersary of the dedication will be
observed next summer, at which time
1t is hoped that many of the former
residents will be present and partic-
ipate in the celebration.
r. B. Madsen, who has been the
pastor OF the Church for the past two
wears or more. came to N. New Port
land directly from the N. Y Mission
airy Training Institute, a Biblical
Theological School on the Hudson
where he studied for four years
graduating in 1914. During the
school year and vacations gospe
work was done at Orange and Jer-
sey City, N. j., New Haven and New
London, Conn. and at Portland, Me
He considers the last named place as
his home, as his early childhood and
youth was equally divided between
Portland and Norway, Europe, the
ocean being crossed several times.
Mr.. Madsen did not seriously con-
slider the ministry before the age oil
twenty and Immediately took such
course of study, but later he decided
that college course would be neces
sary; this is his last year at Cobb,
College
A FORMER PROMINENT HELPER
AND BELOVED PHYSICIAN
Dr. w. H. Stevens, who was fol
many years an active member of thu
Congregational Church. was born IL
Lowell, Me-. March II, 1922. HI
came to Somerset County in 1850 anC
began practicing medicine at Scion
moving from there in 1853 to Nortf
New Portland. DR.. Stevens was civ
en- a prominent part in the affairs o
County and State, being a delegat,
to the first Republican County Con
vention, also State Senator in 1871
and 1876. He took an active in
terest in the cause Of education ant
served as trustee on the State MOI
NAL School Board from 1876 to 1877!
inclusive. DR. Stevens was mar
lof distinguished appearance and pol
ished manner; he was successful il
his work and a warm-hearted frient
to all his patients. While still quit
young he made a profession Of rel
gion in Lowell, Mass, AMI united
with the church. When the Congre
gational Church was organized a
this place, he joined as chaIte
member, and always took leading
part in its activities. For man,
years he was the only physician be
tween North New Portland and Flag
staff; no call was ever UNDECIDED ant
no drive ever too long; Re was Otter
called upon to leave his pew il
Church during the Sunday morning
service
With firm belief in God, DIR
Stevens passed away June s, 1909, A.
he was in life so also in death anC
as Nature unfolded upon the sprlnl
day in all its beauty. revealing laten
powers and dormant possibilities
this humble follower of God left be
hind the house of clay and his sou
mounted upward to see the King In
His beauty. He was survived by his
wife Mrs, Maria Stevens and his
granddaughter Mrs. H. w Kennison
who are residents of this village.