Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1922-12-30

believed that the east side was pref
cradle for the permanent settlement.
but there were many things to COM
, mend the west side, and later the
tide Of progress turned that way.
The First Parish Church was built
in 1918 and stands today In the heart
of the city landmark to the thrift
and keen judgment Of the builders.
| 1t is the largest in the city. 1t has
within it's belfry priceless gem, a
bell cast in the foundry of Paul Re-
we're. The simple ch'tecture of the
building and stately trees which
surround the liberal grounds, all en-
closed with a white fence, make it a
thing Of beauty and JOY forevei
While the interior has been changed
by succeeding generations. the out
lines Of the fine old church remains
the SAME. and painted white with
green blinds it loolsVcarly New Eng
land and is loved by every citizen.
The frame was raised in June. 1918,
men from the neighboring towns
assisting, and history says that a
barrel of punch was provided by the
parish committee for the workmen.
Samuel French, an old settler was the
master builder. 1t was dedicated
| Nov. Is, of that year. The bell was
hung in May 1919. A base viol was
the first musical instrument used in
the services and in 1888 an organ
was bought after come difficulty. The
first one ordered was lost in passage,
when the schooner, New Packet,
went ashore in the bay. 1t was to be
paid for c. o. D., however. and a
second one was purchased at $40.
The first pastor of the new church
was Rev. William Frothingham. a
Harvard 1899 man, who was installed
in 1919. He served for q years re-
signing in 1876. He was something
Of q poet and a wit, as Is attested by
the account of a wedding he sent to
a local paper at that time. He mar
ried a couple Alexander Clark, aged
IS and Miss Anna Cain. aged 25, and
sent the following account to the
Gazette. After giving the names and
ages he added:
"Haply some envious wag might
say,
This is December wedding May;
But tits most natural. we maintain,
That age should lean upon a cane"
Mr.. rockingham introduced what
was known as the Thursday Lecture,
which was established in 1888 by Rev.
John Cotton, the first m lister Of
Boston, and Is undoubtedly the
Thursday evening prayermeeting OF
the present day. held in many
churches.
1t was about the time of the calling
Of Mr.. rockingham to the First
Parish church, that the unrest among
the parishioners begansand f.-ary OF
them did not concur IN settling him
or take part in his installation. Their
vote upon the matter, according to
Williamson's History of Belfast, was
passed May Goth, 1920, and was the
origin Of the Congregations Society
connected with First Church In Bel
FAST" popularity known as the Ortho-
dox or North church. The vote taken
| vas as follows "That this church now
break of from the First Cohgrega-
tional society, by forming ourselves
! into a new CONGREGATIONAL society"
In 1881 the North church was built
and occupied until 1891. when by a
vote of the parish. majority of whom,
were in favor. it united with the First
Parish, which had become Unitarian,
and Is nov known as The First
Church Federated, and the Nortl,
| church is used as parish house for
all social affairs connected with the
church. The reuniting Of the two
churches under the parent roof has
| been very happy and the wonder il
that II took 1o1 years to accomplish,
la