The two-day church celebration will include hymn sings and living-history presentations.
LIVERMORE – A story that had its beginnings 200 years ago will be told Saturday and Sunday as the Livermore United Methodist Church celebrates its bicentennial.
The two-day observance begins at 7 p.m. Saturday with Jerry Ellis playing for an opening hymn sing. During the evening, a dramatic living-history presentation will be given by Norma Boothby.
A gifted performer, Boothby will bring to life the character of Sister Eunice Chenery, a member of the congregation during the 19th century.
Sunday morning worship will be at 9 a.m., celebrating and remembering “All Saints” Sunday with a service of communion.
At 2 p.m., a homecoming worship will be held, again with a hymn sing and living-history presentation.
Throughout the weekend, copies of the newly published history book, compiled and edited by Boothby, will be available for purchase.
According to the “History of Methodism in Maine” by Stephen Allen, establishment of the local church was the result of preaching by Jesse Lee, a traveling evangelist who’s credited with establishing Methodism in this part of the state.
Allen says Lee preached at Sidney on Jan. 29, 1794; at Fayette on Feb. 11; and at Livermore on Feb. 12. The Livermore message was delivered at the home of Otis Robinson in the Gibbs Mills neighborhood, according to the history.
Some time later, Philip Wager preached at the home of Deacon Elijah Livermore, and he and his family became members when a Methodist class was formed.
In the early years, meetings were held in the homes of class members. But as the congregation grew, so did the need for a meeting place.
A subscription drive for $600 was quickly accomplished, with members donating not only money, but materials and labor as well.
The sermon for the dedication in 1803 was preached by the Rev. Joshua Soule, who later became a Methodist bishop.
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