Island Falls United Baptist Church

The beginnings of our church in February of 1896 were due to a group of believers meeting for prayer as requested by a young man who came home sick from the woods.  From that time "cottage" meetings were held in the area of the Wing district, now on the Old Patten Road.  In June of that same year, due to ongoing interest and adding the fact that homes were too small to allow for increasing attendance, it was agreed to call a Pastor to assist in the work of the church.  Reverend Z.M. Miller was hired and a  Sunday school organized on June 7, 1896.  There were 38 members of the organized church and the Sunday school began with 66 members.  Meetings were held in Pettengill's Hall.

The interest continued and it was deemed necessary to build a house of worship.  A lot was secured on the bank of Matawamkeag River and building began.  The corner stone was laid on October 24, 1896 and although unfinished, the church was used for prayer meetings by early winter and Sunday services by December 20 of that same year.  In June of 1898 the church was dedicated free of debt.   What a testimony for those times!

In Marchof 1904, the Island Falls Free Baptist Parrish was organized and through 1921 carried on its ministries under this organization.  In 1921 the name was changed to United Baptist Church, the name we proudly carry today.

By 1905 the people felt that the church building was too far removed from the actual village and they began discussion about moving the building.  The parsonage had bee built in its' present location in 1903 and a search was begun for adjacent land.

William W. Sewall gave the deed to the lot where we now stand and the church building was physically moved in July and August of 1907 and rededicated on July 28, 1907.  

It is significant to note that one of the first chairmen or presidents as they were then called of the Sunday school was Carl E. Milliken, an influential resident of the town and later governor of the state of Maine.

In 1921 a three day 25th anniversary celebration was held.  There were speeches, singing, fellowship and food.  At the time, much optimism was expressed as to the future of the church.

In a clerk's report on an executive board meeting held on August 20, 1918, it was voted that "the tower of our church, having been blown down in a gale, we rebuild the towar as soon as we can and build it suitable for a ccommodating a bell".  When the bell was purchased and added is not recorded, those records probably being among those lost by fire in the 1960's.

During the years of our fellowship there have been many organizations within the ministry of the church.  Among the many are:  Christian Endeavor, Baptist Youth Fellowship, Keystone Class (a class for older women), Men's Bible Class - formed during the early years of the church with over 100 men, Philathea and Jr. Philathea classes for younger women, Ladies Sewing Circle, Women' Missionary Society, Men's Fellowship, Women's Bible Study, American Baptist Girls and Vacation Bible School.

The records of the clerks during the 1960's and 1970's were destroyed by fire.  However, it is worthy of note that during those years a new electric organ was purchased to replace an old fashioned pump organ.  Also, a baby grand piano was donated in memory of Waldo Pettengill by his family.  These were used until the 1990's when a new electric piano replaced both.  

In the 1960's the sanctuary was renovated and updated and our stained glass windows were installed.  

In 1996 we built a new kitchen and renovated our fellowship areas, making our church more useful for its ministries.

Facts Taken From 60th Anniversary Booklet - November 1956

July 31, 1896 - Council members met in Pettengill's Hall and Free Baptist Church organized with 38 members.

October 24, 1896 - Cornerstone laying ceremonies, deed to the lot given by Wm W. Sewall.

December 20, 1896 - First preaching services held in the church.

June 19, 1898 - Church dedicated as free of debt.

1903 - Parsonage built.

July - August 1907 - Church building moved to Fairfield Street and rededicated

March 3, 1921 - Church name changed from "Free Baptist" to "United Baptist".

An older view of United Baptist Church

Pastors of United Baptist Church of Island Falls, Maine

Rev. Z.M. Miller                                                                      July 31, 1896 - October 22, 1899

Rev. Henry Parsons                                                             December 25, 1899 - December 31, 1901

Rev. W. Paul Curtis                                                              January 1, 1902 - April 12, 1905

Rev. Arthur H. Black                                                             July 9, 1905 - April 30, 1906

Rev. George H. Salley                                                         May 1, 1906 - June 28, 1909

Rev. Eugene W. Trafton                                                      July 1, 1909 - July 7, 1916

Rev. Charles Hargrove                                                       August 20, 1916 - July 1, 1920

Rev. W.P. Richardson                                                         November 7, 1920 - July 31, 1927

Rev. T.L. Brindley                                                                 October 1, 1927 - October 1, 1929

Rev. A.E. Kelley                                                                    December 1, 1929 - May 28, 1930

Rev. Arthur Baker                                                                 June 1, 1930 - September 1, 1934

Rev. Perley J. Quigg                                                            September 1, 1934 - October 4, 1940

Rev. Ernest Harvey                                                              November 17, 1940 - June 26, 1943

Rev. Earl Estabrook                                                            September 19, 1943 - July 30, 1944

Rev. Thomas Martin                                                            November 9, 1944 - August 27, 1950

Rev. Luther Parker                                                               September 17, 1950

Rev. Clifton Hartman                                                           June 12, 1955 - Janurary 25, 1958

Rev. Ernest Ireland                                                              May 18, 1958 - July 27, 1986

Rev. James E. Flye                                                              August 3, 1986 - November 28, 2005

Rev. Dr. Gary G. Johnson                                                   January 17, 2007 - August 10, 2008

Benjamin Greene                                                                September 1, 2008 - Present