MAINE was first settled, to a great extent, by adventurers from Massachusetts, of which State it formed a part till 1820. As a natural consequence, the old ecclesiastical system of the Puritans was early planted here, — a system which claimed to supply all the religious wants of the people, and in return, demanded the obedience of all. Practically this demand made itself felt most offensively (1,) in requiring the attendance of the people, without exception upon public worship, and (2,) in taxing them indiscriminately for its support. This system, involving as real a union of church and state as the most despotic creed of the old world, is now regarded as so absurd, that probably not one in ten thousand of the people of this or any other State in the Union, would seriously advocate a return to it. A change so radical and so great has not been effected without a struggle between the authority of law and of custom on the one side, and the power of an awakened and self asserting conscience on the other. Nearly all the older towns in New Eng1and have been the scenes of strife arising from this source, and in these scenes Baptists have borne a conspicuous part. It is frankly admitted that they are largely responsible for the troubles alluded to, in the same sense in which our somewhat stubborn fathers were responsible for the strife which arose between them and the government of Great Britain. Whether they are to be praised or blamed for their agency in the matter, is no longer a debated question. The unanimous verdict of the nation touching the right of conscience, is their high and sufficient encomium. The settlement of Yarmouth dates back as far as 1722, and its history affords one among many illustrations of what is said above. Previous to 1780, and for a period of nearly sixty years, the old ecclesiastical polity held undisputed sway over the town. In that year, Rev. Hezekiah Smith, of Haverhill, Mass., preached at the house of Mr. Davis, and baptized him in the neighboring waters of Casco Bay. So far as was known, this was the first public announcement of Baptist sentiments in this vicinity. At this meeting, Rev. Mr. Gilman, the minister of the town, assailed Mr. Smith, in reproachful language, and warned the people against "strange fire," "new lights," and "wandering men, calling themselves ministers." The baptism of Mr. Davis caused a great sensation. By most he was considered "crazy," and in various ways he was made to suffer for his attachment to the truth. Thirteen years later, Elder Potter, a name revered though all this region, preached and baptized at "the Falls." The persons baptized were Jeremiah Stubbs, Dea., Samuel York, John Drinkwater and Judith Minstow, all except the last, members of the Congregational Church. "In consequence," says Mr. Bradford, "of several coming off from the town church and becoming Baptists, violent and bitter spirit of scandal and persecution manifested itself in those who professed godliness." Mr. Potter, however, continued to preach, and, on one occasion, Mr. Gilman complimented him, as he did Mr. Smith, with his presence. Baptists in those days gave liberty to speak after the sermon. On this occasion, liberty being given, Mr. G. arose, and again warned the people against "new lights," and wandering preachers; and, addressing Mr. P., asked him what he carne here for? who give him liberty? " who sent him? &c., and concluded by saying to the people that they had no excuse for leaving his ministry, since he preached the same truths they had just heard from Mr. Potter! But opposition was so far from being successful, that it served to incline many who were not professors of religion, to declare for the Baptists. An agent was chosen to proceed to Boston, and confer with Doctor Baldwin in getting an instrument drawn up, the desiign of which was to exempt the Baptists from being taxed by the "standing order," and unite them in a voluntary association for "the support of Baptist preaching. They procured the services of Rev. Abraham Cummings, who lived in a neighboring town, as their minister; but still they were taxed as before for the support of' the town minister, and annoyed in various ways. We have no pleasure in dwelling upon these features of our early history, and therefore omit many circumstances which would seem to illustrate the persecuting spirit of the times. The measures taken to crush the "new sect," awakened in many a sympathy for them, and accelerated the formation of a chartered society. In June, 1795, it was determmed by the Baptists to build a house of worship on "Byram's Hill," the present location. Some idea of the advancement of the Baptist cause may be formed from the fact, that in 1796 a convenient house of worship was erected, at a cost of £1,358, 4s., 5d., and that the proprietors were forty-five in number. For some reason the Legislature did not pass the act to incorporate them until June, 1797 — some months after the church was constituted. They took the name of "the Baptist Religious Society of North Yarmouth and Freeport." On the 18th of January, 1797, the church was organized with seven members, and Dr. Thomas Green, a physician, was chosen pastor. Dr. Green was born in Worcester, Mass., and entered college about the time of the Revolution, but, in consequence of the war, did not complete his collegiate course. He preached some time in Cambridge and Danvers, from which last place he came to North Yarmouth. Here his character was openly assailed, and every effort used to break down his influence. These attacks were all successfully repelled, and Dr. Green continued the efficient pastor of the church till 1810, when Rev. Sylvanus Boardman, (father of the beloved missionary of that name,) became his colleague. He died in May, 1814. Mr. Boardman served the church in the pastoral office, till 1816. His memory, as well as that of Dr. Green, is still cherished with affection by the older members. After the dismissal of Mr. Boardman to another field of labor, Rev. Otis Briggs became the pastor, and continued in that office two years. Subsequently Rev. Stephen Chapin, late President of Columbian College, D. C., accepted the call of the church, and labored as its pastor till, in 1822, he was elected toa professorship in Waterville College. Rev. Alonzo King, known as the author of the "Memoir of George Dana Boardman," was ordained pastor in 1826, and continued in office till 1831, when declining health compelled him to resign. His successor was Rev. John Butler, who was pastor of the church till 1835. In 1837, Rev. Zabdiel Bradford, late pastor of the Pine street Church, Providence, R. I., was ordained to the pastoral office in this church, and continued to labor here till 1833, when he removed to Providence. Rev. Charles W. Reding, now of Beverly, Mass., was pastor for a brief period, after the removal of Mr. Bradford, and was succeeded by Rev. Wm. B. Jacobs, who soon after left and is now editor of "The Christian Chronicle," Philadelphia. These were all able men, and under their labors the church enjoyed, with little intermission, a high degree of prosperity. The present pastor commenced his labors here in 1849. This church has received many and rich tokens of the divine favor. Under the labors of Dr. Green, the number received to its membership, including the original members, was 69; under Mr. Boardman, 32; under Mr. Briggs, 61; under Dr. Chapin, 32; under Mr. King, 50; under Mr. Butler, 76; under Mr. Bradford, 132; under Messrs. Reding and Jacobs, 16; under the present pastor, 45; total of admissions, 513; of these there have been removed by death and other causes, 342; and the present number of members is 171. Rev. Geo. D. Boardman, son of the second pastor, and missionary to Burmah, though not a member of this church, received his ordination and outfit here. Miss Sarah Cummings, who also labored and died among the Karens, in Burmah, was a member with us, and Miss Jane Kelley, now Mrs. Jones, a missionary among the Western Indians, went out from this church. The following ministers of the gospel have been members of this church, and nearly all of them were baptized into its fellowship, and received license from it: — Rev. Benjamin Titcomb, late of Brunswick, Me.; Rev. Silas Stearns, late of Bath, Me.; Rev. Arthur Drinkwater, Greene, Me.; Rev. Samuel W. Field, Providence, R. I.; Rev. Edwin R. Warren, New London, Ct.; Rev. Bohan P. Byram, Amesbury, Mass., Rev. John C. Stockbridge, Boston, Mass.; Rev. Joseph Stockbridge, Chaplain, U. S. N.; Rev. Nathaniel Butler, Eastport, Me.; Rev. Dud1ey P. Bailey, Monson, Me.; Rev. William H. Humphrey, Richmond, Me.; and Bro. Ammi R. Cleaves, (licentiate,) late of Chebeaque, Me.
================= [From American Baptist Memorial, March, 1855, pp. 68-71. — jrd]
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