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The Bethel Journals Churches—1931 Chapter 1—Page 7 The Oxford County Citizen, Special Edition,
August 3, 1931 |
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METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH In 1798 the Methodist Society was
organized in Bethel and the (predecessor of the) present building was erected
in 1859. Since that time the original
structure has been remodeled and is today a beautiful and commodious church
structure. (Note: On September 18, 1891, an afternoon cyclone struck and
demolished the church; immediately thereafter a campaign to rebuild the church
succeeded in achieving the present graceful, artistic and respectful
building.) Rev. Roy Chester
Dalzell was born in St. John, N.B. His education
was received in the town schools of St. John and at Sackville University. He
had four years of ministerial training in the Methodist Episcopal Conference. In 1913 he married Miss Winnifred
Oldfield of Sussex, N.B., and they have three children, Margaret E., Chandler
O., and R. Franklin. Mr. Dalzell began preaching at
Prospect Harbor. He has served at Southwest Harbor, Machias, Danforth, Lubec,
South Portland, Lisbon and is entering upon his second year at the Methodist
Episcopal Church in this town. He is a singer of ability and
though very modest in his musical attainments often delights with his
splendid rendering of old ballads. Mr. Dalzell is very interested in
the public playground in Bethel and has given valuable assistance in
organizing the Boy Scouts. With his family he occupies the
up-to-date Methodist parsonage on Mason Street. |
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WEST PARISH CONGREGATONAL CHURCH The Congregational Church Society
was organized September 8, 1796, and
in 1847 the present building was erected. Garland Chapel adjoining the church
proper was named in honor of Rev. David Garland, who served the people of
Bethel as minister faithfully and efficiently for 50 years. Note:
Church steeple is missing—click photo Rev. Leland A.
Edwards was born in Springfield, Vermont, June 8,
1865, the son of Lysander and Catharine (Jepson) Edwards. He received his
education in the High School of Bellows Falls, Vt., and at the Congregational
College of Montreal, Canada. In 1889 he married Miss Bertha A.
Gordon of Sherbrooke, Canada, and they have two sons, Harry L. and Willis B. Mr. Edwards first pastorate was in
Winthrop, NY, in 1902. Since then he has served the following communities as
Congregational pastor: Yarmouth, N.S.; Cleveland Ohio; Newport, Vt; St.
Lawrence Church, Portland; and his present charge in Bethel which he has filled for four years. Mr. Edwards is a member of the
Masonic Lodge at Brasher Falls, N.Y., and the Bethel Lions Club. His chief interest and love is in
working with young people and in this field he has had marked success. He is
president of the Maine Council of Religious Education, chairman and trustee
of Maine Religious Council, and Eastern secretary of the National organization
of the Comrades of the Way. Mr. Edwards is interested in the
local troop of Boy Scouts and is a member of the advisory board. He is a musician and has always
been active in organizing, directing and training choirs. His fine baritone
voice is frequently heard in his church. His pastime is playing golf. Mr. and Mrs. Edwards and their
granddaughter are residents of the handsome Congregational parsonage
adjoining Bethel Common. |
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UNIVERSALIST CHURCH The Universalist Society was
organized in 1847 and in 1853 the present beautiful church was built, and a
few years later the chapel was added. The beautiful memorial windows in
this church bespeak the love and
esteem of its members. (Note: In November 1892, foundation
for the new chapel—vestry and basement dining room—was being put in.) |
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CHRISTIAN SCIENCE CHURCH This beautiful little church on Chapman
Street was built in 1924 by a small body of devoted members of this religion.
On June 26, 1927, the church was dedicated free from debt, as is the custom
with all Christian Science Churches |
