LIVERMORE FALLS – A tour of the Moose Hill Free Will Baptist Church, along with a brief history of the 175-year-old group, was the program for a recent meeting of the Livermore/Livermore Falls Historical Society.

Church clerk Donnalee Johnsen gave the brief history, basing the early beginnings on the history of First Baptist Church of Livermore Falls as the groups actually were one until the subject of a meeting house came up. At that time parishioners lived in the Moose Hill area as well as closer to town at the Shuy Corner area. Since transportation was sometimes on foot, all were eager to have their church nearby.

Aided by delegations from other churches, such as Fayette and North Livermore, the Shuy location was chosen, much to the distress of those living on Moose Hill.

When the location became a hardship, it was agreed to organize another society, which became the Moose Hill Free Will Baptist Church, meeting in homes and the schoolhouse until the church was built 10 years later.

Johnsen pointed out photos on the sanctuary walls of several of the early stalwarts, told about how the building has been updated and listing several of its pastors. Early speakers were often itinerant ministers and received $1 for their services, which could be two messages on Sunday and a mid-week one, as well. Later on, a pastor received as much as $100 a year.

One leader was recalled as often visiting his parishioners, inspecting the clotheslines for unmended socks and the barns for poorly attended animals. If such were found, those responsible were required to sit in the sinners’ pew the next Sunday.

Chairman Muriel Bowerman led the business session and Secretary Don Newcomb and Treasurer Linda Lyman gave reports. Welcomed as new members were Joan and Walter Pulkkinen.

Mention was made of the need to raise funds to repair the town clock and Bowerman reported on insurance on the society’s building, the former North Livermore Reading Club. Work is progressing on the building, she reported, and workdays will begin on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Many hands could be used as wallpaper is being removed.

The town has given permission for a well to be dug on The Commons and Clint Boothby is doing the easement deeds.

It was reported that the recent lawn sale was successful as was the food sale put on at the same time by the Livermore Falls Women’s Club. Proceeds from the food sale benefited the imaging camera fund for the Livermore Fire Department.

Dennis Stires reported on the Androscoggin County history book which should be published in early November. It will include 150 years of memories from the 14 towns and two cities in the county.

He also noted that the new book published by the Wayne Historical Society includes information on East Livermore families.

Historical items from the Beryl Julius estate have been donated to the local historical society and are being catalogued.

Stires also spoke about work in the Livermore cemeteries and said he had received permission to microfilm the old Livermore Falls Advertisers.

Cards were signed for several members who have family illnesses.

The next meeting will be an informal picnic at noon Tuesday, Sept. 23, at the Brettuns Community Building to be followed by a driving tour of historic areas in Livermore. Dessert and beverages will be served by the committee.

Those attending should wear walking shoes and comfortable clothing as there will be opportunities to inspect sites on foot. Assisting Stires in coordinating the tour will be Bette Nichols and Billie Gammon.

The remainder of the year’s program will include a potluck dinner at noon Oct. 28 at the American Legion Hall with a program on post cards, and noon luncheon at First Baptist Church on Dec. 2 with Christmas music by Jeri Ellis.