Church History
The following history was taken from the centennial history booklet produced by the church Ladies Aid Society in 1996.
Forward:
The West Bethel Union Church is one hundred years old: construction began in 1896 and was completed in 1897 In honor of the centennial of the edifice, and to coincide with the bicentennial of the Town of Bethel, we offer this history
In order to produce a history Of the West Bethel Union Church and of its organizations. we have utilized all the available sources that we could uncover. The notes of folks who gathered long ago for sewing circles and meetings and the minutes of more recent church and chapel aid groups have allowed us a peek the group dynamics from as far back as the Civil War to the activities of just a month ago.
In researching this project, we have attempted to be accurate with facts wherever possible. We Obtained information from the notes Libby Goodridge Kneeland. She had been compiling them with the intent of producing a history of the village in which our "pretty little church" sits. Olive Akers Head shared with us the secretarial records The Free Will Baptist Sewing Circle of the 1860s. Mrs. Kneeand and Mrs. Head were dynamic members the church community in the recent past and helped to imbue us with a sense of history
We also had at our disposal the official record books of the West Bethel Union Church Society, the West Bethel Ladies Union Chapel Aid Society. unlimited access to the archives of the Bethel Historical Society, and the Oxford County Registry of Deeds in Paris, Mane.
It became apparent as we labored in the archives, read the church records that have been preserved there and shared the discoveries of how things were done more than a century ago, pooled our talents to decipher meaning as well as handwriting (every record is preserved in the original handwritten form), that we had taken on a most interesting assignment. however monumental. Driven by constraints of time, energy, funds, and space, we reduced reams of information on the evolution of the Union Church in West Bethel Village to the relatively brief overview that we present here. Given the wealth of information already available and the prospect of additional discoveries to be made as the planned oral histones are conducted, a subsequent edition should be an even more comprehensive work. We acknowledge here the most valuable contribution to our Chapel Aid president, Nancy Grover, whose computer magic translated our script from one form to another until it was readied to print.
Jane Hosterman
Barbara Mahler
Constance Vautour
In order to produce a history Of the West Bethel Union Church and of its organizations. we have utilized all the available sources that we could uncover. The notes of folks who gathered long ago for sewing circles and meetings and the minutes of more recent church and chapel aid groups have allowed us a peek the group dynamics from as far back as the Civil War to the activities of just a month ago.
In researching this project, we have attempted to be accurate with facts wherever possible. We Obtained information from the notes Libby Goodridge Kneeland. She had been compiling them with the intent of producing a history of the village in which our "pretty little church" sits. Olive Akers Head shared with us the secretarial records The Free Will Baptist Sewing Circle of the 1860s. Mrs. Kneeand and Mrs. Head were dynamic members the church community in the recent past and helped to imbue us with a sense of history
We also had at our disposal the official record books of the West Bethel Union Church Society, the West Bethel Ladies Union Chapel Aid Society. unlimited access to the archives of the Bethel Historical Society, and the Oxford County Registry of Deeds in Paris, Mane.
It became apparent as we labored in the archives, read the church records that have been preserved there and shared the discoveries of how things were done more than a century ago, pooled our talents to decipher meaning as well as handwriting (every record is preserved in the original handwritten form), that we had taken on a most interesting assignment. however monumental. Driven by constraints of time, energy, funds, and space, we reduced reams of information on the evolution of the Union Church in West Bethel Village to the relatively brief overview that we present here. Given the wealth of information already available and the prospect of additional discoveries to be made as the planned oral histones are conducted, a subsequent edition should be an even more comprehensive work. We acknowledge here the most valuable contribution to our Chapel Aid president, Nancy Grover, whose computer magic translated our script from one form to another until it was readied to print.
Jane Hosterman
Barbara Mahler
Constance Vautour
Before the Church, there was a Sewing Circle
At the time of the Civil War there was an active group of ladies in the West Bethel Village. They operated under the constitution and by-laws of the union Sewing Circle of West Bethel, and we believe that they represented a working force of the Baptist Church, the only other church in the village for which we have any records. The sewing circle organized for purposes similar to those of the groups to follow them “...to obtain a benevolent fund which shall be appropriated to such charitable and religious purposes as the Circle shall determine by vote of its members.” The fund of the circle grew out of donations of money or “useful” objects and from the proceeds of the sale of such industrial endeavors as sewing, knitting, and quilting. Any lady or gentleman of “good moral character” was invited into the Circle and required to pay twelve cents dues. But only women were allowed to hold office.
The members gathered On a regular basis, from one to ten pm. moving their meetings from home to home and always adjusting to the whims of the members, or of Mother Nature. When they meet, each lady expected to work on a project that been outlined by the Circle to generate revenue. We see repeated references of donations of yarn for “a pair of feetings," these being replacement toes and heels of the hand knit stockings of the era. And, according to Article 9 their By-Laws "Any lady attending the meetings of the Circle and not wishing to work for the Circle, shall be required to pay the sum of three cents." It would appear that this system proved to be a slow but steady source of income for the group, as we repeatedly read, for example, “except for Mrs. Martha Mason, who paid her usual three cents!” There was a time for prayer, singing, and for eating at each gathering; it appears that the menfolk joined in for the refreshments and the evening portion of the meeting.
The records end in 1864 and we can only assume that the circle in one form or another continued on into the 1890’s. We draw this conclusion from the recurrence of many similar names as we pick up the minutes of the newly formed West Bethel Union Church Society in 1892 and of the West Bethel Ladies Union Chapel Aid Society as it emerged in 1894.
The members gathered On a regular basis, from one to ten pm. moving their meetings from home to home and always adjusting to the whims of the members, or of Mother Nature. When they meet, each lady expected to work on a project that been outlined by the Circle to generate revenue. We see repeated references of donations of yarn for “a pair of feetings," these being replacement toes and heels of the hand knit stockings of the era. And, according to Article 9 their By-Laws "Any lady attending the meetings of the Circle and not wishing to work for the Circle, shall be required to pay the sum of three cents." It would appear that this system proved to be a slow but steady source of income for the group, as we repeatedly read, for example, “except for Mrs. Martha Mason, who paid her usual three cents!” There was a time for prayer, singing, and for eating at each gathering; it appears that the menfolk joined in for the refreshments and the evening portion of the meeting.
The records end in 1864 and we can only assume that the circle in one form or another continued on into the 1890’s. We draw this conclusion from the recurrence of many similar names as we pick up the minutes of the newly formed West Bethel Union Church Society in 1892 and of the West Bethel Ladies Union Chapel Aid Society as it emerged in 1894.
How the Church Came to Be:
On Nov, 10, 1892 a group of West Bethel residents gathered to form a corporation under the name of the West Bethel Union Church Society. They had submitted a petition to Oxford County prior to the meeting, to secure the right to become "an incorporated perish for the purpose of erecting and maintaining a building for public worship and raising money in the support of this public ministry of religion." At this first meeting the newly formed society set about the task of producing a constitution and code by-laws, and of choosing “the needful parish officers.” By the time of their third meeting, on December 2, 1892, held at the village school house, the fledgling society heard and accepted their new constitution and by-laws.
Eight months later the Church Society bought from Daniel Allen, for he grand sum of $200, a parcel of land in the village square with the intention of eventually building a church on the site. By the following June a subset of the Church Society petitioned for the right to incorporate as a second organization to be known as the West Bethel Ladies Union Chapel Aid Society. Its object was to “promote a general interest in the subject of religion, provide a place of worship and sustain preaching therein.” Enrollment was open to any man or woman who wished to join and who would thus “sign the constitution and pay the sum of twenty-five cents." The incorporation and acceptance of the constitution and by-laws was voted on June 28.1894.
Within six weeks of the formation of this Chapel Society, the Church Society met to discuss deeding their parcel of land over to the new organization. On August 24, 1894 the ownership Changed hands for the magnificent sum of $1.00. It would that this was a deliberate move, although we have no witness to bear up our contention.
The Chapel Aid Society met every three months for a while, moving 'to meet with" Mrs. E. P. Grover one month, or Mrs, M. E Morrow the next, Mrs. Lidia Robertson. or Mrs. A. S. Bean and so on, as they proceeded with their plan to raise funds to assist in the building of a church. At their fourth meeting. in March of 1895 (at Mrs. Bean’s home), there appears a curious turn of events as we read “..on motion, voted to accept Mr. Fickett’s offer of a thousand dollars to aid in building a church, and come under the Methodist-Episcopal Conference."
Five meetings later, on July 16, 1896, there was a Special Meeting called and attended by seven people. At this meeting the members heard the offer of Mr. A. S Bean: “to build a church a tower for bell such as the society desires, completing the same inside and out, provide the cellar and foundation, furnace, and all furnishings for the church be found by the society. After completion the building is to be given to the Chapel Aid Society." The women present voted to "accept Mr. Bean's generous offer, also to extend a vote of thanks to him for the same." (There is no further mention of W. Fickett!) The members also voted to have Mrs. M. E. Merrow “see Mr. Herrick and have the papers drawn up for soliciting funds towards furnishing the church" thereby beginning the process of complying *with one of Mr. Bean's conditions.
The groundbreaking took place in September of 1896, Alverton Farwell furnished the foundation stone; Payson Grover hauled it. With the foundation in place by mid-October, building began at once and was finished by the spring of 1897. The furnace and other furnishings were provided by donations made by people from near and far. Milton Holt, the local storekeeper, gave the bell and was the first to ring it. The students of Maud O’Reilly hoisted the bell in place on May 5, 1897. E.S. Kilburn gave the pulpit furniture and Thomas Kendall built the chimney, the fireplace, and donated the bible. A clock from Bearce Murphy and Company, of Portland, hung over the large parlor door. Mrs. Milton Holt gave the chandeliers and A. S. Bean provided the mantel over the fireplace. Cora Mason gave the parlor furnishings and rug. J. H. Barrows of Bethel donated a parlor table. Mrs. Mary Merrow gave chairs. Money earned at a lawn party bought the organ that today still sits in the parlor. At the June meeting of the Chapel Aid Society, the members voted to “hire money when needed, to pay for the pews.”
Among early donors of endowment funds to the church were Milton Holt. Lucinda Bean, and Cora Mason. Mr. HoIt’s fund was designated for the support of ministers; Mrs. Bean's was invested, the interest to be used for future repairs. Over the years others continued to endow the church in similar fashion.
On Saturday. October 16, 1897 Alpheus and Lucinda Bean transferred ownership of the building to the West Bethel Ladies Union Chapel Aid Society. With Samuel W, Potter and A, S, Twitchell as witnesses, the Beans signed the deed which reads in part, “meaning to convey all my right title and interest in and to the church building.... built by me on said lot, real or personal, Provided however that said church is always to be and remain a Union Church."
On that very day the church was dedicated at an elaborate ceremony. According to a copy of the Order of Exercises of the dedication Rev. Sampson Nichols, of Gorham, NH, preached the Dedicatory Sermon and A. S. Twitchell, Esq., whose name appears as a witness to the newly signed deed. gave the Presentation Address.
Eight months later the Church Society bought from Daniel Allen, for he grand sum of $200, a parcel of land in the village square with the intention of eventually building a church on the site. By the following June a subset of the Church Society petitioned for the right to incorporate as a second organization to be known as the West Bethel Ladies Union Chapel Aid Society. Its object was to “promote a general interest in the subject of religion, provide a place of worship and sustain preaching therein.” Enrollment was open to any man or woman who wished to join and who would thus “sign the constitution and pay the sum of twenty-five cents." The incorporation and acceptance of the constitution and by-laws was voted on June 28.1894.
Within six weeks of the formation of this Chapel Society, the Church Society met to discuss deeding their parcel of land over to the new organization. On August 24, 1894 the ownership Changed hands for the magnificent sum of $1.00. It would that this was a deliberate move, although we have no witness to bear up our contention.
The Chapel Aid Society met every three months for a while, moving 'to meet with" Mrs. E. P. Grover one month, or Mrs, M. E Morrow the next, Mrs. Lidia Robertson. or Mrs. A. S. Bean and so on, as they proceeded with their plan to raise funds to assist in the building of a church. At their fourth meeting. in March of 1895 (at Mrs. Bean’s home), there appears a curious turn of events as we read “..on motion, voted to accept Mr. Fickett’s offer of a thousand dollars to aid in building a church, and come under the Methodist-Episcopal Conference."
Five meetings later, on July 16, 1896, there was a Special Meeting called and attended by seven people. At this meeting the members heard the offer of Mr. A. S Bean: “to build a church a tower for bell such as the society desires, completing the same inside and out, provide the cellar and foundation, furnace, and all furnishings for the church be found by the society. After completion the building is to be given to the Chapel Aid Society." The women present voted to "accept Mr. Bean's generous offer, also to extend a vote of thanks to him for the same." (There is no further mention of W. Fickett!) The members also voted to have Mrs. M. E. Merrow “see Mr. Herrick and have the papers drawn up for soliciting funds towards furnishing the church" thereby beginning the process of complying *with one of Mr. Bean's conditions.
The groundbreaking took place in September of 1896, Alverton Farwell furnished the foundation stone; Payson Grover hauled it. With the foundation in place by mid-October, building began at once and was finished by the spring of 1897. The furnace and other furnishings were provided by donations made by people from near and far. Milton Holt, the local storekeeper, gave the bell and was the first to ring it. The students of Maud O’Reilly hoisted the bell in place on May 5, 1897. E.S. Kilburn gave the pulpit furniture and Thomas Kendall built the chimney, the fireplace, and donated the bible. A clock from Bearce Murphy and Company, of Portland, hung over the large parlor door. Mrs. Milton Holt gave the chandeliers and A. S. Bean provided the mantel over the fireplace. Cora Mason gave the parlor furnishings and rug. J. H. Barrows of Bethel donated a parlor table. Mrs. Mary Merrow gave chairs. Money earned at a lawn party bought the organ that today still sits in the parlor. At the June meeting of the Chapel Aid Society, the members voted to “hire money when needed, to pay for the pews.”
Among early donors of endowment funds to the church were Milton Holt. Lucinda Bean, and Cora Mason. Mr. HoIt’s fund was designated for the support of ministers; Mrs. Bean's was invested, the interest to be used for future repairs. Over the years others continued to endow the church in similar fashion.
On Saturday. October 16, 1897 Alpheus and Lucinda Bean transferred ownership of the building to the West Bethel Ladies Union Chapel Aid Society. With Samuel W, Potter and A, S, Twitchell as witnesses, the Beans signed the deed which reads in part, “meaning to convey all my right title and interest in and to the church building.... built by me on said lot, real or personal, Provided however that said church is always to be and remain a Union Church."
On that very day the church was dedicated at an elaborate ceremony. According to a copy of the Order of Exercises of the dedication Rev. Sampson Nichols, of Gorham, NH, preached the Dedicatory Sermon and A. S. Twitchell, Esq., whose name appears as a witness to the newly signed deed. gave the Presentation Address.
Timeline
November 10, 1892 - Incorporation of West Bethel Union Church Society
December 2, 1892 - Constitution arid By-laws presented and accepted
August 1, 1893 – Church Society buys a parcel of land from Daniel Allen for $200
June 28, 1894 – Incorporation of West Bethel Ladies Union Chapel Aid Society – Constitution of By-Laws presented and accepted
August 15, 1894 – Church Society meets to discuss deeding the land they own to Ladies Chapel Aid Society
August 24, 1894 – West Bethel Union Church Society deeds land bought from Daniel Allen to West Bethel Ladies Union Chapel Aid Society for the sum of $1
July 16, 1896 – Chapel Aid Society votes to accept offer of A.S. Bean to build church
October 16, 1897 A.S. Bean deeds a completed church to the Ladies Chapel Aid Society
From the date of dedication to June 1914. we find no further records of meetings of any kind conducted by the Church Society, it appears that the Ladles Chapel Aid was taking care of business on its own. Then in 1914, the Chapel Aid Society voted to "draft a definite set of ‘rules of order’ which become the governing constitution of the Church, which the society owns.” This event presents a puzzle for which we find no answer. Why was it necessary to draw up a new church constitution when there is a record of one made in 1892? Why is there a record of a 25th anniversary celebration of this 1914 event, but no subsequent celebrations of that date? (There have been celebrations dating from 1897 for the 50th and 90th church birthdays.)
In 1914 the new constitution was printed in manual form. It stands as the governing constitution of the Church to this date, The Chapel Aid Society operates under the aegis of its own constitution. Church meeting records exist from 1892 to 1894 and pick up again in 1914 and continue to the present. Chapel Aid records are continuous from their incorporation in 1894 to the present.
Responsibilities of the two organizations are not always clear. There are subtle shifts over the years where one group may assume the duties formerly carried out by the other as the need seems appropriate. Both organizations are dedicated to "maintaining a building for public worship and raising money for the support of the public ministry of religion...” Together these two groups have managed to uphold Alpheus Bean's condition that the Church is “...always to be and remain a Union Church.” In the late 1970s this determination was challenged. The philosophy of the ministry seemed to be contrary to the Union tenets, thereby threatening a loss of the building should the constitution be changed to conform to the new ideas. The congregation had to rethink its direction. Those who favored continuation under the Union banner prevailed while some opted for change and moved on. This test of faith resulted in a renewed sense of purpose. To this day the parishioners gather for prayer, for fellowship, for food for the body and soul. They continue to consider themselves blessed.
December 2, 1892 - Constitution arid By-laws presented and accepted
August 1, 1893 – Church Society buys a parcel of land from Daniel Allen for $200
June 28, 1894 – Incorporation of West Bethel Ladies Union Chapel Aid Society – Constitution of By-Laws presented and accepted
August 15, 1894 – Church Society meets to discuss deeding the land they own to Ladies Chapel Aid Society
August 24, 1894 – West Bethel Union Church Society deeds land bought from Daniel Allen to West Bethel Ladies Union Chapel Aid Society for the sum of $1
July 16, 1896 – Chapel Aid Society votes to accept offer of A.S. Bean to build church
October 16, 1897 A.S. Bean deeds a completed church to the Ladies Chapel Aid Society
From the date of dedication to June 1914. we find no further records of meetings of any kind conducted by the Church Society, it appears that the Ladles Chapel Aid was taking care of business on its own. Then in 1914, the Chapel Aid Society voted to "draft a definite set of ‘rules of order’ which become the governing constitution of the Church, which the society owns.” This event presents a puzzle for which we find no answer. Why was it necessary to draw up a new church constitution when there is a record of one made in 1892? Why is there a record of a 25th anniversary celebration of this 1914 event, but no subsequent celebrations of that date? (There have been celebrations dating from 1897 for the 50th and 90th church birthdays.)
In 1914 the new constitution was printed in manual form. It stands as the governing constitution of the Church to this date, The Chapel Aid Society operates under the aegis of its own constitution. Church meeting records exist from 1892 to 1894 and pick up again in 1914 and continue to the present. Chapel Aid records are continuous from their incorporation in 1894 to the present.
Responsibilities of the two organizations are not always clear. There are subtle shifts over the years where one group may assume the duties formerly carried out by the other as the need seems appropriate. Both organizations are dedicated to "maintaining a building for public worship and raising money for the support of the public ministry of religion...” Together these two groups have managed to uphold Alpheus Bean's condition that the Church is “...always to be and remain a Union Church.” In the late 1970s this determination was challenged. The philosophy of the ministry seemed to be contrary to the Union tenets, thereby threatening a loss of the building should the constitution be changed to conform to the new ideas. The congregation had to rethink its direction. Those who favored continuation under the Union banner prevailed while some opted for change and moved on. This test of faith resulted in a renewed sense of purpose. To this day the parishioners gather for prayer, for fellowship, for food for the body and soul. They continue to consider themselves blessed.
Interesting Tidbits
The records and newspaper accounts are full of interesting bits of information concerning the activities of the small congregation and of how it has sustained itself through the century. The gathering and the fundraising, the suppers and the sewing, the music and the merrymaking contributed to the fellowship and sense of commitment that finds the "Church with the open door" still upholding its role as a keeper of the cultural fabric of the community one hundred years later. Consider the following excerpts:
Several active organizations connected the West Bethel Union Church in the early days. In addition to the Ladies Chapel Aid which was then, as is now. the mainstay of the church, there were at different times a Boys’ Club and a Girls' Club, a Young People's Fellowship, and a Junior Young People's Society. There was also at one time a Young People's Christian Endeavor Society. Church School was held for all ages either before or after the Sunday service. Although the church was often closed during the winter. Church School continued to meet in members' homes. Not only was there an adult choir (that sometimes put out a call for more male voices), but there was also a junior choir.
Each organization enjoyed many activities. The Boys' Club purchased equipment for baseball and soccer. They also studied woodcraft and botany. The Girls' Club worked at basketry, and both clubs joined together to present programs which were open to the public. Their socials frequently took place in the Grange Hall or in the homes of their members. Picnics at nearby lakes were a favorite pastime for all age groups.
The choir did not spend all of its time singing. They had time for "outings" and one event noted a special treat provided was to the half of the choir who had had faithful attendance by the half who had not been quite so conscientious.
Active participation by all the congregation was encouraged by placing a box near the door of the church where anyone could drop in a question to be discussed or answered from the pulpit. These questions were not answered at the Sunday morning service, but brought before those attending the evening service. An example of the questions: "What about the Sabbath desecration with autos?" This was discussed in August of 1926,
People were invited to come to "Story" and to drop “Little poems about your neighbors and friends” in a box which was placed conspicuously in the room "Here is a good place to talk about your neighbors without signing your name."
The Ladies' Chapel Aid held an annual lawn party/supper followed by entertainment, usually in August of the late '20s and '30s, Some years a food sale replaced the supper.
In 1926, when Roger P, Cleveland was pastor, he and a group of boys went on an overnight hike to Caribou Mountain.
The minister was kept very active preaching e morning and an evening service. There were some years when a midweek service was also held. The ministers were always gratified to perform baptisms and receive new members into the church- As many as 18 young people were welcomed at one time.
During his tenure in the late 1930s at the West Bethel Church. Rev, A. J Verrill also supplied the pulpit at the Gilead Church. He preached at West Bethel on Sunday morning and in Gilead on Sunday afternoon, with Marilyn Abbott Gilbert occasionally providing the music.
During his years at the West Bethel Church, in the 1980s, Rev. Norman Rust also supplied the pulpit at Andover for a while, and later preached at the summer services of the Albany Church.
In 1927 the choir presented the drama "Cranberry Corners” in the Grange Hall.
Several times the Cotton Blossom Singers, from the Piney Woods School. Piney Woods, Mississippi presented concerts composed of Negro spirituals and folk songs, The proceeds were shared between the church and school.
When in May of 1933 the winners of the Sunday School contest had to entertain the losers, refreshments of ice cream and cake were served.
As an example of the practice of area churches to join one another for special services, we note that Rev. Patterson of the Bethel United Methodist Church preached at the West Bethel Union Church. and in 1934, thirty visitors from West Bethel attended an evening service in the Methodist Church. A “big sing" was the feature of the program and it was noted that the visitors certainly did their part.
Services were held in the Grange Hail in 1935 during the time of repairs to the church.
In August 1936, Evangelist Frederick H, Bopp assisted Rev. Verrill at special services where he remarked about the large attendance, especially of young people. When compared to larger towns' churches, the numbers were exceptional.
It was noted in the local paper that Rev. Verrill performed a wedding in his home in 1937.
In the annual church report in 1947, the number of pupils enrolled in Sunday School was 52, with 50 the largest attendance; the average attendance for 34 Sundays was 37.
Clarence Rolfe, for many years a resident of West Bethel, joined the church in 1926. His is a record holding seventy-year membership!
In 1938 the Church Society voted that “no amendment to the Constitution (Art. Vll) be made to give Chapel Aid a choice in choosing minister."
One hundred fifty people attended the 1939 “anniversary celebration" Of the (unexplained) writing of the 1914 Constitution and By-laws by Dr. Crane. The Rev, Crane was a featured speaker at the 1939 festivities.
In the 1920s custodial services began; in 1939 the salary was thirty cents per hour.
Arthur Gilbert and Ruth Walker were the first couple to be married in the church (1945).
At the fiftieth anniversary of the church building, John Head (age 14) rang the bell fifty times! A Church history by Albert Briggs was read, and a poem entitled "Ringing Of the Bell” written in 1897 by Addie Mason Kendall, was read by her daughter, Claire Mason Smith. (Neither document was located as of this writing.)
Music has been a powerful and cohesive force throughout the life of West Bethel Union Church- The following list of musicians represents those who have provided the music and guided the song on the original pump organ. the upright piano. the electronic organ and the new piano: Esther Mason, Maud O'Reilly, Eleanor Lovejoy, Doris Lord, Marilyn Gilbert, Clara Rolfe, Patty Rose, Catherine Lovejoy, Jerry King, Frank Flint, Harriet Stowell, Kathy Littlefield, Nesta Littlefield.
Several active organizations connected the West Bethel Union Church in the early days. In addition to the Ladies Chapel Aid which was then, as is now. the mainstay of the church, there were at different times a Boys’ Club and a Girls' Club, a Young People's Fellowship, and a Junior Young People's Society. There was also at one time a Young People's Christian Endeavor Society. Church School was held for all ages either before or after the Sunday service. Although the church was often closed during the winter. Church School continued to meet in members' homes. Not only was there an adult choir (that sometimes put out a call for more male voices), but there was also a junior choir.
Each organization enjoyed many activities. The Boys' Club purchased equipment for baseball and soccer. They also studied woodcraft and botany. The Girls' Club worked at basketry, and both clubs joined together to present programs which were open to the public. Their socials frequently took place in the Grange Hall or in the homes of their members. Picnics at nearby lakes were a favorite pastime for all age groups.
The choir did not spend all of its time singing. They had time for "outings" and one event noted a special treat provided was to the half of the choir who had had faithful attendance by the half who had not been quite so conscientious.
Active participation by all the congregation was encouraged by placing a box near the door of the church where anyone could drop in a question to be discussed or answered from the pulpit. These questions were not answered at the Sunday morning service, but brought before those attending the evening service. An example of the questions: "What about the Sabbath desecration with autos?" This was discussed in August of 1926,
People were invited to come to "Story" and to drop “Little poems about your neighbors and friends” in a box which was placed conspicuously in the room "Here is a good place to talk about your neighbors without signing your name."
The Ladies' Chapel Aid held an annual lawn party/supper followed by entertainment, usually in August of the late '20s and '30s, Some years a food sale replaced the supper.
In 1926, when Roger P, Cleveland was pastor, he and a group of boys went on an overnight hike to Caribou Mountain.
The minister was kept very active preaching e morning and an evening service. There were some years when a midweek service was also held. The ministers were always gratified to perform baptisms and receive new members into the church- As many as 18 young people were welcomed at one time.
During his tenure in the late 1930s at the West Bethel Church. Rev, A. J Verrill also supplied the pulpit at the Gilead Church. He preached at West Bethel on Sunday morning and in Gilead on Sunday afternoon, with Marilyn Abbott Gilbert occasionally providing the music.
During his years at the West Bethel Church, in the 1980s, Rev. Norman Rust also supplied the pulpit at Andover for a while, and later preached at the summer services of the Albany Church.
In 1927 the choir presented the drama "Cranberry Corners” in the Grange Hall.
Several times the Cotton Blossom Singers, from the Piney Woods School. Piney Woods, Mississippi presented concerts composed of Negro spirituals and folk songs, The proceeds were shared between the church and school.
When in May of 1933 the winners of the Sunday School contest had to entertain the losers, refreshments of ice cream and cake were served.
As an example of the practice of area churches to join one another for special services, we note that Rev. Patterson of the Bethel United Methodist Church preached at the West Bethel Union Church. and in 1934, thirty visitors from West Bethel attended an evening service in the Methodist Church. A “big sing" was the feature of the program and it was noted that the visitors certainly did their part.
Services were held in the Grange Hail in 1935 during the time of repairs to the church.
In August 1936, Evangelist Frederick H, Bopp assisted Rev. Verrill at special services where he remarked about the large attendance, especially of young people. When compared to larger towns' churches, the numbers were exceptional.
It was noted in the local paper that Rev. Verrill performed a wedding in his home in 1937.
In the annual church report in 1947, the number of pupils enrolled in Sunday School was 52, with 50 the largest attendance; the average attendance for 34 Sundays was 37.
Clarence Rolfe, for many years a resident of West Bethel, joined the church in 1926. His is a record holding seventy-year membership!
In 1938 the Church Society voted that “no amendment to the Constitution (Art. Vll) be made to give Chapel Aid a choice in choosing minister."
One hundred fifty people attended the 1939 “anniversary celebration" Of the (unexplained) writing of the 1914 Constitution and By-laws by Dr. Crane. The Rev, Crane was a featured speaker at the 1939 festivities.
In the 1920s custodial services began; in 1939 the salary was thirty cents per hour.
Arthur Gilbert and Ruth Walker were the first couple to be married in the church (1945).
At the fiftieth anniversary of the church building, John Head (age 14) rang the bell fifty times! A Church history by Albert Briggs was read, and a poem entitled "Ringing Of the Bell” written in 1897 by Addie Mason Kendall, was read by her daughter, Claire Mason Smith. (Neither document was located as of this writing.)
Music has been a powerful and cohesive force throughout the life of West Bethel Union Church- The following list of musicians represents those who have provided the music and guided the song on the original pump organ. the upright piano. the electronic organ and the new piano: Esther Mason, Maud O'Reilly, Eleanor Lovejoy, Doris Lord, Marilyn Gilbert, Clara Rolfe, Patty Rose, Catherine Lovejoy, Jerry King, Frank Flint, Harriet Stowell, Kathy Littlefield, Nesta Littlefield.
From the Minutes
1903: Voted to build horse sheds: build the sheds ($50 00 from Church Fund, $50.00 to be raised by subscription) ...insure the sheds...use the sheds.. sell the sheds ($25.00 in 1947)
1924: Install electric lights in the church. Dec.1925: Voted to hook up with Central Maine Power in the spring, Sept. 1927: "Voted to appoint a committee to sell the electric wire that runs from the Church to Mr. Cushing’s store." Georgia Cushing was appointed to do so.
Church lends Chapel money; Chapel Aid lends or gives Church money...e.g. 1940, Church loans Chapel Aid money to fix basement, no interest charged. to be repaid as soon as possible.
1952: Rev. Waldo Martindale and two young women from Village Missions approached the Church Society, proposing "that we unite with several other Churches, With the ladies acting as missionaries in charge.. no action taken.”
1962: The Church voted to join the Oxford Association of Congregational Churches and Misters.
1966: The Church voted to solicit funds and borrow money for badly needed repair to leaded windows. Estimate of repair: $1775.00
1968: "Received from Town Ministerial and School Fund $125.00” the Church voted to apply this to the window debt.
1970: Installed new hot air furnace: $2595
1974: Built new front steps and roof over door: $2300
1980’s: Kitchen extensively updated, driveway paved, exterior and interior of church painted, tower roof re-shingled, electrical system updated, lighted church sign installed
1990s Roof re-shingled, granite planter built around church sign, new piano purchased, and interior of church painted. Under the able direction of Nesta Littlefield, a choir raises its voices in prayerful song once again.
1924: Install electric lights in the church. Dec.1925: Voted to hook up with Central Maine Power in the spring, Sept. 1927: "Voted to appoint a committee to sell the electric wire that runs from the Church to Mr. Cushing’s store." Georgia Cushing was appointed to do so.
Church lends Chapel money; Chapel Aid lends or gives Church money...e.g. 1940, Church loans Chapel Aid money to fix basement, no interest charged. to be repaid as soon as possible.
1952: Rev. Waldo Martindale and two young women from Village Missions approached the Church Society, proposing "that we unite with several other Churches, With the ladies acting as missionaries in charge.. no action taken.”
1962: The Church voted to join the Oxford Association of Congregational Churches and Misters.
1966: The Church voted to solicit funds and borrow money for badly needed repair to leaded windows. Estimate of repair: $1775.00
1968: "Received from Town Ministerial and School Fund $125.00” the Church voted to apply this to the window debt.
1970: Installed new hot air furnace: $2595
1974: Built new front steps and roof over door: $2300
1980’s: Kitchen extensively updated, driveway paved, exterior and interior of church painted, tower roof re-shingled, electrical system updated, lighted church sign installed
1990s Roof re-shingled, granite planter built around church sign, new piano purchased, and interior of church painted. Under the able direction of Nesta Littlefield, a choir raises its voices in prayerful song once again.
Epilogue
The West Bethel Union Church Society and the West Bethel Ladies Union Chapel Aid Society have honored their charge for the last hundred or more years or more. They continue to be creative in raising the necessary funds that allow them to provide and maintain "a building for public worship” and to support “this public ministry of religion.” For as long as they work to fulfill the “other benevolent charitable and religious purposes..." , the "Little Church with The Open Door" will remain place for folks to gather for spiritual and corporal sustenance, and both the village and the community at large will continue to be blessed.