fxing the dates of events; and although some few errors of this kind may be detected, yet it is presumed that in general the dates be relied on. may In collecting the facts relating to the different denominations of Christians, the author has aimed at correctness by applying for information to intelligent persons in the several Societies, and by examining their own official statements. For much valuable information respecting the Episcopal Church in Maine, the author is under great obligations to the politeness of Robert H. Gardiner, Esq. of Gardiner. Many particulars relating to the Roman Catholic Societies at New Caftle and Whitefield, were communicated by Samuel Bishop, Esq. of Dresden. The History of the Calvinistic Baptists was gathered principally from Backus' and Benedict's Histories, and the printed minutes of the several associations in the State. For the account of the Societies of Friends the author is greatly indebted to Samuel F. Hussey of Portland, and Josh ua Meader of Berwick. The facts respecting the German Lutheran Society at Waldoborough, were kindly furnished by Rev. Mr. Starman of that place. The History of the Presbyterians is gleaned chiefly from the Records of the ancient " Boston Presbytery," the Records of the first "Synod of New England," the Records also of the "Salem Presbytery," and from information communicated by the Rev. Mr. Strickland of East Andover. The principal part of the information respecting the Freewill Baptists, and the Christian Churches, was obtained from Elder John Buzzell's "Religious Magazine," the memoirs of some individuals which have been published, and information furnished by Elder Mark Fernald of Kittery. Most of the facts relating to the Methodist Church, were collected from "Lee's History of the Methodists," the minutes of the annual Conferences, "the Discipline,” and information obligingly furnished by Rev. Asa Heath, of Scarborough, the presiding Elder of the Western District in Maine. Many Gentlemen among the Congregationalists both Clergymen and Laymen, have rendered essential services to the author in his researches, and he would take this method to express his grateful sense of the kindness of his Brethren in the Ministry, who have so readily opened their records to his inspection, and also to those Town and Parish Clerks, who have with so much kindness assisted him in his labors. He would particularly acknowledge the aid he has received from Rev. Allen Greely of Turner, whose pen furnished the sketch of the history of the Church in that place. Essential services have also been rendered the author by Rev. Daniel Gould of Rumford, Rev. Dr. Porter of Conway, Rev. Nathan Church of Bridgton, Rev. Ebenezer Price of Boscawen, in New-Hampshire, formerly of Belfast, Hon. David Sewall of York, Hon. Mark L. Hill of Phipsburgh, and Hon. Jeremiah O'Brien, and Josiah Harris, Esq. of Machias. Much valuable information has also been obtained from the Journals of Rev. Jotham Sewall, which the author was obligingly permitted to peruse. In sketching the history of the Church in Brunswick much assistance was received from a manuscript on the files of that Church written by Rev. Winthrop Bailey. In addition to the information obtained by the assistance of individuals, and consulting authentic records, the author has carefully gleaned all the facts relating to the Ecclesiastical affairs of Maine which are scattered through Mather's Magnalia, Winthrop's Journal, Hubbard's History, Hutchinson's History of Massachusetts, Belknap's History of New-Hampshire, Sullivan's History of Maine, Elliot's New-England Biography, and all the publications of the Massachusetts Historical Society down to the year 1819, besides a variety of pamphlets which have been occasionally published relating to particular places and individuals. Reference is made in the work to the books examined wherever a fact is directly select ed. Chronological order is observed throughout as far as it was practicable. It will perhaps be observed that littte notice is taken of some Ecclesiastical affairs which have taken place in the State within ten or fifteen years past, and which might be thought by some to deserve a more particular account. But it was judged best to say as little as possible respecting every matter which might be deemed peculiarly censurable or praise worthy, while the principal actors were yet living; leaving the transactions of the present age, to be more particularly recorded by some future historian. Wells, August, 1821. SKETCHES OF THE ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY OF THE State of Maine. -00000· CHAPTER I. 1673. THE discovery of the sea coast of the State of Maine was a early as that of any part of North America. Sebastian Cabot, a Venetian, sailed along the coast under the authority, of Henry the seventh of England, in the year 1996, only four years after the discovery of the West India Islands by Columbus. From this time adventurers were often on the coast and sometimes landed, and pretended to claim the territory for their respective Sovereigns. Nothing permanent was done, however, for more than one hundred years. In 1604, Monsieur De Motte, who, about one year previous, had been appointed Governor of Canada, by Henry the fourth of France, received from that King a grant of all the lands in Maine, from the 40th to the 46th degree of North Latitude; but being interrupted by the English, who afterwards settled New England, the French claim was considered as extending no farther westward than the river Kennebeck, and the territory so possessed was called New France, or Acadie. Still only a few trading houses were established there, and no permanent settlements made. In 1639, Sir Ferdinando Gorges, obtained from Charles 1st a grant of all the land from Piscataqua harbour to Kennebeck, and extending 120 miles into the country. This tract of country was by order of the King, called "the province or countie of Maine.” Nine years before this, a small settlement had been made on the sea coast, about eight miles eastward of Piscataqua river, and was called Agamenticus, fpm a noted hill lying a few miles from the sea. This place was selected for the capital of the new Province ;a city charter was obtained for it; the name was charged to Gorgiana; and Thomas Gorges, a nephew of the original patentee, was appointed Mayor, and fixed his residence there. In 1652, the government of the whole Province of Maine was assumed by Massachusetts, and the town was called York, which name it has ever since retained. Here was planted the first Church in the State. Sir Ferdinando Gorges was an Episcopalian, and was directed by the King to establish that Church in his Province, as the following extract from the charter will show:-"Our will and pleasure is that the religion now professed in the Church of England, and Ecclesiastical government now used in the same, shall be ever hereafter professed, and with as much convenient speed as may be settled and established, in and throughout the said province |