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Excerpts from: Directory of the Kennebunkport and Cape Porpoise Charge Maine Conference 1817 - 1900 Courtesy of Earl and Polly Lush |
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Historical Sketch The first Methodist preaching in Kennebunkport of which any account is recorded, except the preaching of George Whitefield in 1744, was by preachers of Scarborough circuit, and by James Lewis of Gorham, as early as 1810 or 1812. In 1814, Rev. Leonard Bennett, then on Scarborough circuit, held a few meetings in this place, and more than twenty persons were converted; but so strong was the opposition to Methodism, that only six could be persuaded to join the class, and only one of these held out a year. In 1817, Rev. Ebenezer Blake held a series of meetings in this place, assisted by James Lewis, Asa Heath and others. Many persons were converted, but the opposition was so strong that only sixteen were willing to unite with the class. Of these sixteen members, a church was organized; but for two or three years, from the cause already named, there was but little increase. The society held meetings in private houses, vacant shops and barns. In 1820, Arundel or Kennebunk circuit was set off from Buxton circuit, including four appointments: James Jaques was the preacher in charge. It soon became evident to opposers that Methodism had come to stay. About 1830, Capt. Oliver Bourne, a generous Methodist, offered the society the use of a hall over his store, for a place of worship. The hall was soon fitted and furnished, and in 1831 was dedicated as Wesleyan Hall, by Rev. John Lord, presiding elder. This arrangement gave a new impetus to the Methodist movement, and, in spite of the opposition, there was increasing interest and membership, and soon the congregation became too large for the hall, and the first steps were taken towards building a church. The work was pressed with much earnestness and in November, 1834, a fine church costing $2,500 was finished and dedicated by Rev, G.T. Taylor of Boston. Wesleyan hall was used for social meetings. In 1832, Kennebunkport was made a station. After the opening of the church in 1834, the congregation was large. A Sunday school and missionary society were organized. The church prospered. the store, including Wesleyan hall, being sold in 1860, the society was without a suitable place for social meetings. The following year, under the pastoral care of Rev. J.B. Lapham, the services of Mr. Charles Nichols, an evangelist, were secured to assist in a protracted meeting. A powerful revival was the result. A movement was commenced to provide a vestry, by raising the church sufficiently for a basement story. Enoch Cousens, Stephen Ward, Samuel Gould and others leading up generously in this enterprise. The audience room was changed and improved. The whole work was completed in about six weeks, and all expenses paid. In 1832, under the pastoral charge of Rev. K. Atkinson, the interior of the church was thoroughly reconstructed and finished in more modern style and furnished with new pulpit and furniture. Mrs. Oliver Bourne gave a new chandelier. E. Cousens assumed the responsibility of building a graceful spire, S. Luques, Esq., helping to the amount of fifty dollars and Samuel Gould, Esq., furnished a good bell. In 1892, at the instigation of Mr. F.H. Cousens, the church was repaired and painted outside, brick walks and stone curbing were put in front, all costing about six hundred and fifty dollars.
"A Sabbath well spent brings a
week of content
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Names of Members at Cape Porpoise
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