SMYRNA — The beginning of Methodism in Smyrna came about when the preacher assigned to Moro began to preach at Smyrna Mills’ schoolhouse or hall.
Pioneer Times Photo/Sarah Berthiaume
LANDMARK — Residents of Smyrna and Merrill will gather next week to consider the possible purchase of the Smyrna Mills United Methodist Church. The Route 2 church, built over 70 years ago, held its final service in April.
The first move toward building a church was in 1888. The church lot was cleared by a “bee” in 1889 and the Ladies Aide served a supper to the workers. Rev. Jacob W. Price reported “some money in the treasury and logs in the river for the new church.” The shell of the building was constructed during 1889 and 1890, but nothing happened for five years.
Rev. George Palmer was appointed in May 1895, and he called a meeting on June 7 to see about completion of the structure. On July 16, 1895, at the quarterly conference of the Moro church, there was a unanimous vote that Smyrna be given the privilege of an independent organization. A. Benn, E. Benn, O. Gerry, G. Estes and J.G. Tarbell were elected trustees. O. Gerry, Mrs. O. Gerry, A. Benn, Mrs. A. Benn, Mrs. G. Estes and Mrs. J.G. Tarbell were the first stewards.
There was some money in the treasury including a grant from the Home Mission and Church Extension Society. A circular letter devised by the pastor turned out to be so successful that at the time of dedication only $400 was needed. At the dedication, $508 was raised, providing enough extra to buy a furnace.
The dedication took place Feb. 9, 1896, Rev. E. Boynton, district superintendent, preaching. The power of the Holy Ghost was manifest, records say. There were about a dozen charter members, among them G.F. Lilley, a local preacher, who gave leadership to the choir and served as pastor for a year.
A newspaper account of the dedication said “to think of building a church here seemed, at the beginning, to be presumption and that the finishing up and paying the bills this year when Aroostook is suffering as never before and perhaps more than any other part of the state, seemed more than presumption.”
An evangelistic campaign by a M. Kenyon was held in March 1918. Thirty-three baptisms resulted from these services.
In July 1932, the church was completely destroyed by fire. The insurance paid $3,125. A building committee was appointed April 26, 1933 and included George Ackely, chairman; George Grange; Fred McLaughlin; Walter Estes and F.C. Soule. Stumpage was donated by Great Northern Paper Co. and F.C. Soule loaned his mill to saw the same. The building contract was awarded to B.E. Hunt of Island Falls.
Again, during a time of great depression, the building project was completed free of debt. The first service was held in August of 1933 and completion of that building took until 1935. Pews were purchased by members and friends from a church in Lubec. The bell was donated by the Bridgewater church.
The next 30 years showed growth in attendance and many donations for furnishing articles of worship for the sanctuary, as well as, the necessary items for the choir’s use and equipment for the kitchen. In 1967, it was voted to remodel the kitchen and have a floor put in the furnace room.
In the ensuing years, attendance was strong. The Sunday School prospered; the choir was full, and many very delicious suppers were enjoyed by the community.
The years moved along and many young people moved away, many looking for better jobs. Unfortunately, the churches in our little communities were not necessarily the center of activity any longer and attendance dwindled gradually.
A decision was made in February 2008 to discontinue services.
