History of the Methodist Church in Rockland

Aldersgate United Methodist Church

History of the Rockland Methodist Churches

It was more than 200 years ago in the fall of 1793 when the first seeds of Methodism were sown in Knox County. In that year, the New England Methodist Conference sent Circuit Rider, Jesse Lee, to the province of Maine.

In 1796 Isaac Mayo, a Jesse Lee convert, set up his blacksmith shop in Vinalhaven. He was elected Methodist Class Leader and made trips to the mainland preaching and establishing Methodist Societies.

In 1820 the first meeting house was erected in Shore Village (now the City of Rockland) on what is now Limerock Street. It was really a Union Church, used by many denominations.

In 1827, there was a good revival of spiritual interest which resulted in the Methodists deciding to build their own meeting house.

In 1828 the first Methodist Church was erected on Union Street. The land was given to the church by Andrew Ulmer. No record exists of the dedication for this building.

When Bishop Jones appointed George Pratt for the second time to Rockland in 1866 the Meeting House was in a very run-down condition. The question of repairing or rebuilding was placed before the trustees, and in spite of the greatness of the undertaking the trustees voted to tear down and rebuild on the same site.

The foundation of the new building was laid and appropriate ceremonies accompanied the laying of the cornerstone on August 13, 1867 by the grand lodge of Masons, and the Masonic lodges from all the nearby towns taking some part.

A metal box beneath the cornerstone contains the following items:

1. The Bible, Methodist Hymnal and Discipline.

2. Copies of the church periodicals.

3. Copies of the several newspapers published in Rockland.

4. A list of members of the church, the names of the trustees and building committee.

5. Report of the proceedings of the grand lodge for the year 1867.

6. The by-laws of Aurora Lodge and Rockland Lodge.

7. A written transcript of the ceremonies, and a list of the principle officers and the Masonic bodies present

As the building progressed, winter approached and funds were low. Panic began to seize the committee as they realized that all their labor would be ruined if the structure went through the winter without a roof, but the funds were gone and the slate for the roof must be paid for when delivered.

It was at this time that Rev. Pratt spent nearly one whole night in prayer, and in the morning he said to his wife, "I have prayed through a stone wall.

By prudence and self-denial he and his wife had saved a few hundred dollars in a savings account. After that night of prayer, he drew out his savings and placed it in the hands of the building committee to pay for the slate, trusting that the action would inspire filled. others to such sacrifice and would carry the enterprise to a successful conclusion.

He was generously and nobly sustained by many who made sacrifices worthy of the faith he had inspired.

The dedication took place on February 4, 1870. It was a beautiful day and the church was completely filled. The church at this time was considered the finest in the conference.

The dedication took place on February 4, 1870. It was a beautiful day and the church was completely filled.

An organ that cost $2,000 had been installed and a bell that weighed that many pounds was mounted in the steeple. This same bell today sits outside Aldersgate United Methodist Church and is rung every Sunday before worship.

The sanctuary would seat 700 and the spacious vestry would seat half that number. The church had cost $22,000 and despite the heroic sacrifices of many, a debt of $10,000 remained. So the work of Brother Pratt was "not finished when it was done."

In 1882 the building was in great need of repair. The imposing steeple was taken down because it endangered the building itself. New front steps and new stairways were built, the pulpit furniture and pews were upholstered, a new carpet was laid and elaborate chandeliers were installed substituting gas for kerosene. The total expenditure was $2,500.

Pratt Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church

A service of rededication was held on Thanksgiving Day, November 1884, the church was renamed Pratt Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church, in grateful memory of former pastor George Pratt, who had passed away two years before.

In 1904 remodeling was done on the vestry and a new organ was installed.

In 1915 the gas lights in the sanctuary were taken down and replaced with electric chandeliers.

In 1940 the original frosted glass in the church windows was replaced with amber glass.

The years of World War II saw ninety-six men and women of our church families in the armed services of our country, two of whom lost their lives; Sumner Waldron and Myron Young.

Church Interior After Rebuilding

On November 16, 1949, a fire did considerable damage to the west end of the church. This was repaired largely by volunteer labor. A new chancel was installed, made possible by a bequest of $6,000. This was dedicated as the Rich Memorial Chancel on April 2, 1950.

The slates on the roof that were put on in 1867, through the sacrificial giving of Reverend George Pratt, had become brittle from 93 years of exposure to the weather that they could not be repaired and were taken off and replaced with asphalt shingles in 1960

From about 1970 and for twenty years or more there was much discussion as to what action the church might take concerning the church building. Would major repairs be made or should moving to a new site be seriously considered? A lack of parking and cost upkeep for the Pratt Building were the major considerations.

In 1993 Rev. Richard Danielson was appointed to the Rockland-S. Thomaston United Methodist churches. During the one year he served as pastor he provided leadership to help the church decide its future direction. During the winter months the church participated in extensive study to help in the decision as to the future of the church.

In early spring it appeared the challenge was too great to move or repair. Pastor Danielson moved to a new appointment in New York State.

In April a group of women met and decided they were not ready to accept defeat.

Paul Marshall and Howard Benson offered to provide pastoral leadership and the church accepted. Bishop Skeete appointed the two pastors to serve the Rockland church part-time.

A church conference was held on January 26, 1994 at which time the church voted to purchase 7 acres of land for $30,000 from the Munson Family, located on Route 17. Also, it was voted to proceed with plans for construction of a new church building.

A new building committee was elected.

On December 19, 1994 they voted to sell the Pratt Building to the Farnsworth Museum for $150,000.

Aldersgate United Methodist Church

On January 15, 1995 a Service of Deconsecration was held at the Pratt Memorial Church and on the following Sunday the church began meeting at the Methodist Conference Home on Summer Street.

On February 2, 1995, Robert C. Fenney was hired as the architect and plans were begun. During the summer of 1996 work began on the site by Ferraiolo Construction Company of Rockland and Northeast Equipment and Supply Company were hired as the contractors.

Our first Service of Worship in the new building was on Thanksgiving Sunday, November 24, 1996.

To quote Pastor Paul, "It seemed that a new spirit was working within us. We felt confident, revived, renewed!" We felt "strangely warmed". That was it! ALDERSGATE! The Aldersgate United Methodist Church of Rockland came into being.

November 24, 1996, was a great day for the Methodists. We finally arrived at the lake shore. And none too soon for all those involved in moving tables and chairs at the Methodist Conference Home each Sunday where we held church services for the past year and one-half. The Congregationalists were probably relieved as well, because we were using their facility for our church suppers once a month

A Service of Consecration was held on January 26, 1997. This was an exciting event and attended by many even though it was held on Super Bowl Sunday.

As early as April 1997 the Administrative Council was looking into the purchase of additional acres adjacent to and south of the church from Jody Monson. This purchase was finally completed early 1999.

Continuing the tradition of remaining open to the community concerns, several groups have used or are still using our lovely facilities for educational, instructional, and nurturing purposes.

In July 2002, the members of Aldersgate were indeed fortunate to have the Rev. Kathleen H. N. Towns appointed as their new pastor.

All in all, it has been a fun and exciting time these last few years. We've come a long way, but there are still mountains to climb and rivers to cross. A new sanctuary may still be a dream right now, but "The Members of Aldersgate" will see it materialize

Aldersgate United Methodist Church is now in its tenth year and continues to prosper. Meet with us some Sunday morning for worship and learn more.

156 Lakeview Drive * 207-596-5715 * Rockland, ME