Historical Background:
The First Baptist Church in Bowdoinham (said to have been the
first organized church society in town) was organized on May 21, 1731.
The records of 89 years were destroyed by fire - only a few scattered
papers escaped. Some time in 1820 that church became divided (according
to tradition) on the questions of salaried ministry, Sunday schools,
revival meetings and missions.
The Second Baptist Church was formed Dec. 21, 1820 at
the schoolhouse at Cathance Landing, now Main Street, Bowdoinham, with
27 charter members. Daniel Pierson was the first preacher. This church
soon became what was known as the new School Baptist, and separated
themselves from the old creed in 1834 because of doctrinal differences.
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Photo from "The
History of the Town of Bowdoinham 1762-1912" by Silas
Adams |
In 1836, the church building was built almost wholly by Captain William
Purington who was a life-long friend and generous supporter of the
church. The new church building was dedicated in June 1837. In 1850 the
commissioned Wm.
B. D. Simmons organ (which is still played) was installed.
About 1860, the church was raised and a vestry added as a basement. The
church was also thoroughly repaired and remodeled at that time.
See pictures from Bryce Muir's "Steeple
Jacking" photo essay from March 1999 when the original steeple
was replaced
The following paragraph is taken from "A
History of the Baptists in Maine" (1845) (for more information on
the establishment of Baptists in Bowdoinham, read from page 86)
BOWDOINHAM, SECOND CHURCH. This church is the offspring of the
first church, and although the old stalk has decayed and fallen, the
branch lives and flourishes. It was organized Dec. 1820, with
twenty-seven members, and is situated in the pleasant village of that
town. Rev. Daniel Piersons was then elected pastor, and served the
church about six years in the office, and still remains a worthy member.
Since his resignation the church has enjoyed preaching at stated times,
by Elders R. Milner about two years, John Butler, E. W. Cressy, W. T.
Sargent, and William O. Grant. [Wm. Bailey is now their pastor, 1845.]
In 1837 the church and society was accommodated with a new and
convenient house of worship, built principally by Wm. Purington, one of
its worthy members. The first and only revival in this community of
Baptists was in 1840, under the labors of Mr. Cressy, by which the
church was considerably enlarged. It is now a flourishing church, and is
exerting a healthful influence over the village. It has sixty-nine
members.
