The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1916-03-02

"
members of the Skowhegan Congrega-
tional Church. body distinct and
separate from the Bloomfield Congre-
gational Church. and members of the
Christian Church who should erect a
house by stock subscriptions; that
each should occupy it one half of the
time, until one or the other should
purchase it on terms satisfactory to
both. The house was completed and
publicly dedicated March Is, 1S4S.
The program of exercises included a
prayer by Rev. Alpha Morton; read
ing of scripture by Rev. Samuel Bick-
ford; dedicatory prayer by Rev. Rog-
ers SERMON by Rev. j. B. Weston;
closing prayer by Rev. J. Merrill. The
house was a substantial structure,
said to have been finished in excel
lent Taste A fine clock adorned its
belfry and the structure cost in all
about $500. The two societies held
a Sunday School in common and the
building was known as the Union
Church 1t is thought that the two
societies continued to occupy the
building for only about two years,
before the Christian denomination be-
came the owner of the estate. Elder
J. b. Weston preached August T. 184S
and in 1849 it seems began his regu-
lar labors. April 5, 1S49 legal so
ciety was formed agreeable to the pc
titon of Reue Weston and fourteen
others. As late as 1S49 there were
four Christian Church denominations
in Skowhegan the total membership
of the same at that time having been
200. At Haskell's Corner there was
then Sunday School with forty
scholars and one hundred library
books.
The minutes for some years succeed
ing John B. Weston's pastorate are
very brief, although in a good state
of preservation. John Burns Weston
was born in Madison, July 6, 1921, his
parents, being Stephen and Rebecca
Weston. His grandparents were
among the earliest members of the
Christian denomination in this part of
the state. In his fourteenth year he
was converted, was baptized by Elder
Joseph Merrill and united with the
Christian Church. His early life
was spent in hard work on a farm
and his opportun. ties for schooling
were extremely small, but by improv
ing his leisure moments and with his
fathers aid he made unusual pro-
of seventeen began to teach school.
Afterwards when he could be spared
from the farm he continued his stud
les preparing for college. He was
ordained to the ministry in 1914 and
after his pastorate in Skowhegan
which lasted three years. a pastorate
in Portland aud other labors, he en-
tered Antioch College from which in
stitution he graduated in 1857. Mr.
Weston was twice married, his first
wife having been Miss Nancy McDon-
aid, whom he welded during his stay
in Skowhegan. She died in May 1858
and in June. 1860. he was married to
his classmate Miss Achsah E. Waite
of Chicago. AT the time of his de-
mise Mr.. Weston was president of the
Sandfordville New York; Christian
Church College.
During 1851 it appears that Rev.
Mr.. Bickford again became pastor of
the society. On October %, 1853 the
Church met in conference and voted
that Smith Norton be recommended
by the church and receive their ap-
prevail in publicly improving his gift
as God should direct. The records
further give evidence of his having
preached. During 1854, Rev. d. p
Reed Who died in Benton, within a
few years. is recorded as having
preached in the church for one Sun
day at least. In 1855. Rev. David
knowlton was the pastor closing his
duties on Oct %. 1856 November
LIST. that same year the records say
he church met in conference, Elder
y. ". Reed becoming pastor Good
interest is manifested according to
the minutes OF the time and in March
1888. there WAS quite an increase in
membership In fact. the religious
1ea! seemed To run high and June II.
1855 the Maine Central Conference
was holden in Skowhegan Christ
mas day OF that year however. the
church lost ons Who appeared to have
been ever dilisent In lahoring for the
Master as on that holiday over half
century ago Rev Reed closed his
labors with the Christian Denomlna.
tion In SHOW hogan
LAST SERMON ON EARTH
Natloua conferences were held and
nnally Rev. Charles Bryant was se-
lcc,ed a. the nex, preacher lilo be-