SOUVENIR i£lt|ali Kellogg ©l|urrl| HARPSWELL, MAINE. COPYRIGHT l-JII. BY A. S. CURRS. ©ClA2S4 22r> PEWS IN OLD MEtTlNC I'll! '11 IN OLD MELIING HOLSE EARLY HISTORY OF HARPSWELL Harpswell Neck or Merriconeag Neck, as it was called earlier than 1 758, was originally part of the township of North Yarmouth, paying taxes in that town for the support o' preaching. In 1 740 the people of the Neck petitioned the Governor, Council, and House of Representatives of the Province of Massachusetts Bay, to be set off from North Yarmouth and annexed to Brunswick, because they lived thirty miles by land and twelve by sea, across two bays, dangerous and sometimes impassable in canoes, so that a great part of the time their families were unable to have part in the public worship of God. In 17 51 Merriconeag Neck became the Second Parish of North Yarmouth, instead of a part of the First Parish. In I 753 a Church was formed and Rev. Elisha Eaton was settled as pastor. In I 754 North Yarmouth excused the people of Merriconeag Neck from paying the tax for support of preaching. BIT OF HARPSWELL NECK THE OLD MEETING HOUSE The old meeting house, one of the best preserved and most interesting in the state, was built in 1 758-9, tho not completed for many years. The square pews, the high pulpit with it's sounding board, the old galleries with the curious panels, are still preserved, and few buildings speak more eloquently of the past than this. The oldest son of the first pastor, Elisha Eaton, Jr., was a carpenter in Boston, and his diary, Sept. I 759 speaks of "window^ frames and sashes with other stuff for meeting-house at Harpswell" and gives date of putting it on board vessel. One still sees the many-paned sashes of the old windows, and wishes they might tell of the fiery patriotism of '76, and the knotty doctrinal points on which they have shed the light of day. As one swings the old pew doors, imagination sees the sturdy settlers with muskets at hand, patiently listening to the two or three hour sermon. In "The Pearl of Orrs Island" Mrs. Stowe describes the church; and it's famous pastor, Rev. Samuel Eaton, was the original of "Parson Sewall." After the building of the new church in 1843, there was a difference of opinion concerning the fate of the old church, some preferring to have it torn down; but happily it was decided that the town had a legal claim, and since '56 it has been used for a town house. The boards, one and one-half inches thick, the hand- made clapboards, with birch bark beneath, the hand-made nails and curiously wrought hinges, may still be seen. ELISHA EATON Rev. Elisha Eaton was the fir^ setded pastor of the Harpswell church, although not the first preacher. He came from Braintree, Mass., (where he had already served a long pastorate) in 1 753. His tefjn of service was short for the time, eleven years. He graduated from Harvard in 1 729, and was a preacher of ability and energy; and it seems to have been a period of happiness and prosperity in the church. The Council on the occasion of his installation, was composed of Parson Smith of Portland, whose diary has left so many interesting items of the times; Mr. Loring of North Yarmouth; and Mr. Allen of Cape Elizabeth; but Mr. Eaton himself preached the sermon, which was said to be "most eddify- ing-" This Council was held at the house of Lieut. Eaton, the only plastered house in town. At that time the Church and State were so closely allied that every action required a vote of the town, the records of which give many unique side-lights. Mr. Eaton's salary was at first sixty-five pounds a year, after- wards increased to seventj'-five which was raised by taxation of the inhabitants of the town. His pastoral work included occasional services on the neighboring islands and a vote of the town allowed four shillings to the persons w^ho conveyed him by boat on these occasions. He preached until within three months of the time of his death, which occurred Sunday morning, April 22, I 764. The town voted to pay his funeral expenses, amounting to thirty-seven pounds a Iso to provide his wife "with a Decent Sute of Mourning. " SAMUEL EATON Rev. Samuel Eaton was the son of the fir^ pa^or; born at Braintree, Mass., educated at Harvard, and by the advice of neighboring minivers, invited to become his father's successor. Up to 1820 he was the only college educated man in town. During his college course he had taken medical ledtures, and also become somewhat conversant with the law, so that he was able to exercise great influence over the whole community. For many years almo^ every will made in town was said to be in his handwriting. He was a man of fine personal appearance and for years his tall figure, with full powdered wig and cocked hat, full skirted coat, knee breeches and silver-buckled shoes, was seen at college commencements and other notable gatherings. He lived at a time when hi^ory was making fa^, and during the War of the Revolution was an ardent patriot, and exerted all his ability in the cause of his country. In the druggie of 1 8 1 2 he was in the minority, and bitterly opposed the embargo and the ensuing war. Preaching about this time at Freeport, he began his prayer thus;-"Lord, Thou hast commanded us to pray for our enemies, and we will commence with Tom Jefferson, if he is not already beyond Thy mercy." His wide knowledge, ready wit and good judgment gave him a position of influence, and it is said that it was largely thru his efforts that Bowdoin College was located at Brunswick, other neighboring towns bidding for that privilege. He was President of its Board of Overseers for a time and a member for many years- His fondness for children is indicated by his interest in their welfare, and the regular "catechizings" at the different school- houses where morality was never separated from religion, and where the practical duties of life were taught as well as religious and doctrinal creeds. He had a logical mind, good temper and fearless independence, qualities w^hich w^ould mark him as a leader of his times. He v/as never married, and died at the ripe age of eighty-five. His neices and nephews were honored citizens of the town and passed on some of the sterling qualities which made "Parson Eaton" a man of true worth, burning zeal and remarkable power. y Elijah Kellogg at Euiiity-six. 1899. ELIJAH KELLCGG The name of Elijah Kellogg is familiar not only to residents and visitors of Harpswell, but to a large portion of the United States; and so much of intere^ clu^ers around the name that one hesitates to choose material for so brief a sketch. He was born in Portland, May 20. 1813. At the time of his father's birth, the parents said "we mu^ have a piophet in the family" and so named him FJijah; and the famous name was as appropriate to the son as to the father. His boyhood was spent in Portland and Gorham, a life full of boyish enthusiasm, ready wit, skill of hand and kindness of heart. Tree Planted by ELIJAH KELLOGG Qn the Portland wharves he learned to love the sailor and his "craft" and to "reef a sail" or "box the compass." In the open country he discerned nature's secrets and became her life-long friend. While a student at Bowdoin College he often found his way to Harpswell, and as he said "it was love at fir^ sight." He found the stalwart farmers and sturdy fishermen kindred spirits; by the time he was a Sophomore he had promised that when his Theological studies were completed he would become their pa^or. The building of the new church was perhaps the best evidence of the anxiety of the people to win him as their leader. For many people nothing that Mr. Kellogg ever wrote has a truer ring or more genuine worth than the little poem for the dedication of the church (1843.) For many years he was not only the beloved pa^or but the personal friend and adviser of nearly everybody, in a wide parish. His sermons were so interesting that boats from neigh- boring islands landed at "Sabbath Rock" and brought crowds of his admirers on Sabbath to hear him preach. i i He was welcome in every home, knew every child by name,, and was intere^ed in every domestic detail, from baby's fir^ tooth to the arrival of some rugged sea-captain trom a journey around the world. Generous and sympathetic, rebuking wrongdoing but recognizing every good a<5l, talking of religion with the same simplicity as their daily life, his people came to feel that he was one of them. His name is ^ill familiar in every home, and each child learns to revere the name of "Parson Kellogg" as one whose simple life was lived very near to God. His books, which boys and girls the wide world over have read, and the famous declamations which have given the fir^ thrill of aspiration to many a country school boy, will keep his memory green for generations; while many loyal hearts ^ill cherish the personal friendliness and love which left behind comfort and good cheer. His literary work for many years kept him much of the time away from Harpswell, but while other minivers preached in his pulpit, he was ^ill the beloved pa^or of the church; and for the la^ ten years of his life he came back to live among them, to preach to them each Sun- day, and to receive their tender and loyal mini^ration. ~7 Each Sabbath morning the clear tones of the bell (placed in the church tower in his memory) floating over green fields and blue waves, speaks to the lonely fisherman, the suffering invalid, the busy ^. housewife or the summer visitor, of one who, beyond any other in the dear old town, has left the impress of a beautiful character, an un- selfish life, and a loyalty to his Master. While Harpswell remains on the map, Elijah Kellogg will be remembered and revered. THE NEW CHURCH >^- MONUMENT TO ELIJAH KELLOGG Read by Mr. Kellogg at the Dedication of the Congregational Church in Harpswell, September 28th, 1843. Where close beside the breaker's roar, Old ocean flings his feathery foam, On many a rough and rocky shore. The Sailor seeks his Island Home. |ft> •^^■^''^^^■''S^^^HP '^"'^ Kere, amid the strife of waves. ' •'^^^^^^^M Upon a wild and stormy sod. Beside our Father's homes and graves. We consecrate a HOUSE to God. It's spire shall be the last to meet The parting seaman's lingering eye; The first his homeward gaze to greet, And point him to a home on high. Mid giant cliffs, that proudly breast And backward fling the wint'ry spray: Mid Isles, in greenest verdure dressed 'Tis meet, that rugged men should pray. And when the watch of life is o'er. May we, where runs no stubborn tide. No billows break, no tempests roar. In Glory's Port, at Anchor ride. Also Read by Frank G. Kellogg at the Dedication of the Monument in Harpswell, August 28, 1906. INSCRIPTION ON THE MONUMENT FRONT To the Memory of ELIJAH KELLOGG Born in Portland, May 20, 1813. Graduated From Bowdoin College, 1840. From Andover Seminary, 1843. Ordained To the Ministry and Installed Pastor of This Church, 1844, Died in Harpswell, March 17, 1901. SOUTH SIDE This Monument Is Erected in Grateful and Affectionate Remembrance of A Beloved Pastor, A Preacher of Unique and Persuasive Power, A Man of Deep and Generous Piety, And a Sympathetic Friend Of Boys, for Whom He Wrote Many Stories \^ hich Have Made His Name And Memory Dear to Them Everywhere. NORTH SIDE It's spire shall be the last to meet The parting seaman's lingering eye; The first his homeward gaze to greet. And point him to a home on high. AUNT MARY EATON Those whose memory of the Harpswell church reaches back over two or three decades, will have no clearer memory of any member than of "Aunt Mary" Eaton, a descendant of the fir^ pa^or, and a life-long loyal worker in its intere^. She was a woman of unusual talent, and for the time in which she lived, well educated. She was ^_ ^ born in 18!0 and for several years attended ^^Plb^i a boarding school where she became ^J^^KSgm familiar with many branches not considered Y^^^^j^ needful for ordinary women in those times. However her talents were all given to the Master's service and throughout a long life she devoted herself to the good of humanity. Her strong affection for the church showed itself in every form of service from that of the janitor to the filling of every office possible. Her Sunday School teaching was an inspiration to many who still remember it as a lasting influence in their lives. Prof. Upham is said to have introduced her as "deacon" of the Harpsw^ell church, and surely no other deacon ever gave more loyal service. It was a privilege long to be remembered to sit at her feet and OLD HOMESTEAD OF AUNT MARY EATON li^l. p Kear her experiences of a long life, and her memory of olden times, with the wealth of family heirlooms and traditions, made her stories •more fascinating than a novel. She was a personal friend of Harriet Beecher Stowe, and at her home a part of "The Pearl of Orrs Island" was written. Aunt Mary and "Aunt Emeline," were probably the originals of the charadters "Aunt Roxy" and "Aunt Ruey" although not true to life. Mr. Kellogg counted this good woman among his honored friends, and almost all parish matters and those pertaining to the interest of the church must be discussed with "Mary" before a final decision. Ninety years did not dull her intere^, and almo^ her last thought was of the church. ROWLAND B. HOWARD Rowland B. Howard, brother of Gen. O. O. Howard, and a student in Bangor Seminary, came to Harpswell in 1858. During the few weeks he was here, there was a great interest, and twenty-eight united with the church within seven months. The memory of those weeks is ^ill green to A^iW^ those who were connected with Mr. ^■^^^|^H| Howard at this time. Although Mr. ^^^^^^^^^B^ Howard later had pastorates in Maine, ^Bjl^^^^'^ Massachusetts, New Jersey and Illinois, he "^ never lo^ his fir^ love for, and intere^ in his Harpswell friends. RICHARD B. MILLS Rev. Richard B. Mills came to us in 1 90 1 . He worked faithfully for the church and community. During his pa^orate here, largely through the efforts of his si^er, a Junior C. E. society was formed at Harpswell "^ Center and one at North Harpswell. A Senior C. E. was formed at North Harpswell also, while he was here. The results of the seed sowing of these years are ^ill showing as one by one these young people are uniting themselves with the visible church. JOHN DINSMORE It is a privilege and pleasure to give some account of one of the Harpswell pastors-Rev. John Dinsmore-who filled the ; pulpit during several years of Mr. Kellogg's ' absence. Space will allow but a few of the reminiscences. His pastoral work had been spent in two other churches, and he had talked of retiring, but a burning zeal for the ^„< , Master's service would not allow him to keep silent, and the opportunity here for further effort proved a delight to both pastor and people. Sunday School work, neighborhood prayer meetings, missionary enterprises, and especially the feeble church at North Harpswell, all felt the influence of his enthusiasm. The young were won by his genial friendliness, and many of those now bearing the burdens are those who during his mini^ry joined the church. His helpful advice in the homes, his cheerful optimism in the sick-room, and his gift of song which added so much to the prayer-meeting will long be remembered. He seemed so readily to adapt himself to the needs and demands of the people it was hard to realize that his life had not been lived among them. Failing health made a change imperative, but by a strange combination of circumstances after several years in Auburn, he came back to die among the people whom he seemed to have adopted, and who gave him such loyal trust and friendship as any pastor may be proud to have. Even when too feeble to lift his head, his mind and heart were still full of plans for Sunday School work, for the C E. Society, or for the upbuilding of the church he loved so well. WILLIAM B. KENISTON Rev. William B. Keniston, was called t( the Church in 1908, and still continues to be Jj^ it's Pastor. f SAMUEL W. PEARSON Rev. Samuel W. Pearson supplied the church during Mr- Kellogg's absence in 1883. He encouraged the church to invite the County Conference to meet w^ith them, so that they might keep in touch vs^ith other churches. That Mr. Pearson's w^ork with this church was pleasant and profitable is show^n by the cordial interest he still takes in all matters that concern the people of Harpswell. He continues to reside in the near-by town of Brunsw^ick, from w^hich place he makes occasional highly appreciated visits to his former parishoners. f \^, I %^ THE PARSONAGE This house was built more than fifty years ago, to take the place of Parson Eaton's house which stood near. LIST OF PASTORS Rev. Richard Pateshall, Rev. Mr. Packard Rev. Elisha Eaton, Rev. Samuel Eaton Mr. Samuel Sewall, Mr. J. G. Merrill. Rev. Mr. Duncan, Rev. Moses Welch, Rev. William Harlow, * Rev. Elijah Kellogg, Rev. Rowland B. Howard, Prof. Egbert Smythe, Rev. Samuel Pearson. Rev. John Dinsmore, Rev. Isambert B. Stewart, Rev. Richard B. Mills, Mr. Melbourne O. Baltzer. Rev, William B. Keniston, * For several years Mr. Kellog;g was absent for work in the Seaman's Bethel, Boston, and for literary work. Professors Upham, Jotham Sewall, Alpheus Chapman, Woodruff, and Mitchell of Bowdoin have aided much by supplying the pulpit. 1 7.5 1 - 1752 1753 1753- 1764 Settled, 1764- 1822 Settled. 1823 1826 1828- 1829 1830 1831 - 1838 1843- 1901 Settled 1857- 1858 1861 1883 1884. - 1888 1888. - 1889 1901 ■ . 1906 1907 1908 - Packard, College One copy del. to Cat. Div. i«RK 15 1911 LIBRftRV OF CONGRtSS 013 787 161 1 FRANKLIN JOB PRINT FRANKLIN, MASS. 1911