Latest revision as of 22:14, 8 January 2021

Visiting Ministry at Bethany Gospel Hall, Westbrook, Maine (OB) 1916-1983

Itinerants

• A. Aiken 1952
• J. Blackwood 1930
• Conaway 1929
• Robert Crawford 1966
• John Dickson 1935
• H. Fletcher 1954
• George Hatherly 1945 (Lawrence, Mass.)
• Halliday 1929
• George Heidman 1960
• W.F. Hunter 1929-1931
• R. Jordan 1949
• Harold Kesler 1966
• David Lawrence 1949 (Centerville, IA
• David Leathem 1949 (Truro, N.S.); 1960 (Sea Girt, N.J.)
• John Martin 1924
• Clark McClelland 1946 (Orillia, ON, Canada)
  • relocated to Westbrook, ME 1947-1967
• W.J. McClure 1934
• R. McCracken 1952
• Robert McCrory 1935
• J. McCullough 1949
• Walter Nelson 1946 (Folly Beach, S.C.)
• John Newton 1949
• William M. Rae 1946 (Portland, OR)
• S.J. Rea 1949
• Gordon Reager 1960
• Hugh Thorpe 1924, 1933, 1946

Ministry Reports

1920's

• OR 1924-11: Cliftondale, Mass.: "A very happy and helpful conference was held here October 12 and 13, at which representatives from the various assemblies of the district were present. Of those who spake the Word to us were Brn. Matthews, Martin, Conaway, Thorpe, Dickson and Muir. Brethren Martin and Thorpe went on to Westbrooke, Maine to hold some meetings. Bro. Conaway to Westerly, R.I."

• OR 1926-12: Westbrook, Maine: "Three were baptized here, and received into the little assembly, which goes on well."

• OR 1929-1: "Brn. Halliday and W.F. Hunter went to Westbrooke (sic), Maine."

• OR 1929-9: Westbrooke, Maine: "Brn. Halliday and Conaway have been here preaching the Word. A number of French people came with others, and to them Gospel portions in French are distributed in the meetings, as well as in visiting their homes. Pray for this work."

1930's

• OR 1930-6: "Glen Head, N.Y.: Br. W.H. Hunter (51 Huttlestone Ave., Fairhaven, Mass.) has been here and was able to help in the regular meetings of the Assembly here. He had a couple of weeks in April at Westbrook, Maine. It is thought that a tent may be pitched at Bath, Maine if the Lord sends laborers.  It is a city of 9,000".

• OR 1930-7: "Westbrook, Maine: Visitors from various Assemblies, who purpose spending their vacations in or around Portland, Old Orchard or Kennebunk, Me., and adjacent seashore places will find a welcome at the Bethany Gospel Hall, 540 Main St., Westbrook, opposite the Hospital. Electric cars run frequently from such places. Sebago Lake is a short auto ride to Westbrook. Visitors unknown to the Assembly, please bring a letter of commendation from home meeting."

• OR 1930-8: "Westbrook, Maine: Brn. W.H. Hunter and J. Blackwood expect to spend some time in the gospel here."

• OR 1930-9: "Bath, Maine: Brn. W.H. Hunter and J. Blackwood are here in a tent. It is about 40 miles from Westbrook, Me., where they go for Lord's day mornings. Some of God's people are coming in, as well as unsaved ones. It is hoped they may be helped on in God's ways."

• OR 1931-1: "Br. Hunter expected to visit Westbrook, Maine, where he had a tent last summer."

• OR 1933-6: "Hugh Thorpe, Westbrook, Maine: Visitors to the various summer resorts around Portland (Maine) and Old Orchard, Kennebunk, Sebago Lake, etc., will find an assembly of the Lord's people at 538 Main Street, Westbrook, Maine (opposite Westbrook Hospital). Trolley cars from Portland pass the Gospel Hall, which is only five miles from Portland. To encourage fellowship it would be well for Christians who are unknown to the saints at Westbrook to bring a letter of recommendation."

• AA 1934-2: Maine Convention. "A conference of Christians gathering unto the name of the Lord Jesus Christ will D.V. be held at Old Orchard Camp Grounds, Old Orchard Beach, Maine, during the week of August 12 to 19th, 1934. This early intimation is being made for three reasons: (1), Because it is necessary to engage the grounds at this time. (2), That the Lord's people may have time to arrange for their vacations at that date. (3), That those exercised about the meetings may pray that the convening of them may be to the glory of God. We have the Scriptural injunction, "Gather my saints together unto Me," but let us ever be guided by His counsel. Later notices may follow and those interested may write to Mr. H. Stultz, Sen., Main St., Westbrook, Maine."

• AA 1934:3-8: Maine Convention will be held (D.V.) at Camp Grounds, Old Orchard Beach, Maine, August 12th to 19th. Particulars from Mr. H.F. Stultz, 819 Main St., Westbraak (sic), Maine."

• AA 1935-1: an excerpt from a Nov. 20, 1934 letter from William John McClure in Banbridge, Northern Ireland:
  • "You remember I had some dizzy spells, especially at the Old Orchard meetings in Maine. I have not had any of account since till last Thursday night when, without warning, after I had finished speaking, I was seized with one of the worst. But next morning I was about normal and am still. I have had meetings practically every night since coming, twice on Sundays, and two all-day meetings in different parts of the country. The Doctor says I must lie off for two weeks to give his medicine a chance."

• AA 1935-10: Old Orchard, Maine:
  • John Dickson: "The Lord was very gracious to us this year also. A larger attendance than last year, (twelve States, two Canadian provinces and 48 assemblies being represented), and the ministry was very helpful, foundational truths set forth, and practical and Christ-exalting words spoken. The meeting announced for young Christians especially on Thursday afternoon will not soon be forgotten; the sun shone brightly but the shade of the pines made it pleasant to sit and listen to the Word of God and it went forth with no uncertain sound. The attention was wonderful and tears flowed. A stranger said to me at the close, 'I have been at all kinds of meetings here for many years, but I never saw a sight like this, so many young people listening with such rapt attention'. At some of the gospel meetings 500 were present, and a few professed conversion."
  • Robert McCrory: "The Convention at Old Orchard, Maine was a godly, profitable occasion. The ministry was varied, practical, and helpful: usually two speakers in the forenoon and three in the afternoon; and the gospel services at night in the Tabernacle were a good success. We heard of four having confessed faith in Christ as Saviour. This Convention seems to be meeting a felt need among the assemblies in the eastern States. In former years many of the Lord's people, while on vacation, would be at sea-side places where there are no assemblies, the benefit being entirely to their physical health, but this conference meets the spiritual need also. We remained over for some meetings in a large room rented by Mr. Stultz and had nightly Bible Readings with about fifty present each night, mostly Christians from different assemblies, but some strangers also coming."

• AA 1936-10: Old Orchard Maine: "We can thank God that the Convention this year was another helpful season. The ministering brethren were helped of God and the saints felt the force of the Word preached."

1940's

• LOI 1945-10: George Hatherly (Lawrence, Mass.)

"On Aug. 1st we went to Vermont and stayed three weeks, having cottage meetings, visiting and doing tract distributing. The handful of saints in that town (Chester, Vt.), appreciated this very much. It is about 100 miles from the nearest assembly. On Aug. 25th, I went to the new camp at Newfound Lake, recently bought by New England brethren, and helped in the ministry. This camp from a spiritual point of view was very successful. I understand one boy was saved at the boys camp, and 9 or 10 girls saved at the girls camp, and to crown a happy time of ten day's conference meetings, last Lord's day, Sept. 2nd, two young men of the Royal Air Force from England confessed faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. They were brought to the camp by one of our brethren, they went away rejoicing in Christ.

For the next few weeks I shall be visiting local assemblies. In October I hope to go to Westbrook, Maine and have a few meetings with small assembly there. I am praying that God will raise up some young men with a heart for souls to come to these New England states with the gospel: Vermont, no assemblies. New Hampshire, no assemblies. Maine, two small assemblies, the members of which are few."

• LOI 1946-2: Walter Nelson (Folly Beach, S.C.:

"We are now back in Folly Beach after some extensive traveling in the course of ministering the Word of God. Recently we have visited our brother William Brown in Asheville, brother Gross in Greer and the assemblies in Newport News, VA; Nokesville, VA; Baltimore, MD; Paterson, N.J.; Nutley, N.J.; Westbrook, ME; and other assemblies to the North. We brought in the New Year with the believers in Gospel Chapel, Navy Yard, S.C. Ernie Gross of Greer was also one of the speakers. The Ibbotson's are doing a splendid work in that section."

• LOI 1946-9:
  • Hugh Thorpe (Pawtucket, R.I.:

"Since we came north we have labored around the New England states, and have also visited Nova Scotia. Was able to take part in the Pugwash Junction Conference, which was the largest they have had. It was good to meet again a number who were saved 25 years ago when brother John T. Dickson and I had the joy of seeing a real awakening in that section. The hall was so crowded that the Christians were asked to remain outside during the gospel meeting so that the unsaved ones might get a seat.

It is a great yearly event for the scattered Christians of the Province. Some came from New Brunswick, Cape Breton, N.S., Prince Edward Island and various other parts of Nova Scotia. Brethren like Mr. Ansley Goodwin and W.N. Brennen were missed, but it was good to see the younger brethren of the Province taking hold of the work in connection with convening the conference. In years past Mr. John Knox McEwen's voice was often heard at this conference, but he with others are with the Lord, but fruit for God remains. On the way home from Nova Scotia we had a meeting at Moncton, N.B. (where our brother Isaac McMullen makes his home). It was good to be meeting the Christians there again.

The state of Maine is a large and needy state with only two very small assemblies. One in Augusta, which is the capital of the state and another at Westbrook. Surely a good field for godly young men to open up work for the Lord. We had a few meetings in Augusta, Maine. We hear of one young man who is exercised about that needy state. The Lord encourage him and the Lord's people also."

• • Camp Berea, Mass.:

"Brother Herbert Marshall advises us that six boys professed to be saved during the boys camp July 15th to 27th. He states that no high pressure methods are permitted or were used and that it seemed to be a work of the Holy Spirit. Brother Clark McClelland, a young man recently commended to the work by the West Street Gospel Hall in Orillia, helped in the boys camp. He operated a tent in Westbrook, Maine in August and hopes to labor in that state."

• LOI 1946-11: Wm. M. Rae (Portland, OR):

"Having to leave P.E.I., Canada by reason of a slight accident that I met with, while in tent work, I later came on to Sherbrooke, P.Q., Canada, where I got two weeks of effective treatment. Having been able to take the regular meetings while there, I was greatly attached to the company of saints here. All seem so hearty and aggressive, too. So came on to Westbrook, Maine, having a brief but happy visit there. Then on to Boston, working westward. When after a weekend there I got an S.O.S. call to return home, Mrs. Rae being quite ill, and is still as I stand by to render what assistance I can in her present trouble. However, Romans 8:28 has been our comfort all along and is in a special way today. One has said that 'He is too wise to err, and too loving to be unkind.' How blessedly true this is."

• LOI 1947-12: Clark McClelland (Westbrook, ME):

"We have had quite a happy time this summer, the Lord has very graciously encouraged our hearts by giving us to see His hand in blessing and help at both Camp Berea and Pine Bush, and then in tent meetings here in Maine. We hope in the will of the Lord to have cottage meetings in several districts this fall and winter, as well as giving a little help here at Westbrook. We do covet the earnest prayers of the Lord's dear people for blessing in this needy state."

• LOI 1948-5: Extracts From A Recent Letter by W. Herbert Marshall, Associate Editor:

"There is a good ear for the Gospel, and in Key West, Florida, a number have been saved recently. Just now a good work in the Gospel is going on in West Palm Beach. Enjoyed visiting the Christians in Brookhaven, Georgia, where brother Gordon Reager has labored so faithfully for years. They have a fine group of young people here, and they have a ready ear for the Word. Witnessed an interesting baptism recently in Westbrook, Maine, when a mother, her son, and daughter, all followed the Lord in this ordinance. The Lord is indeed blessing the needy state of Maine through the persevering efforts of His servants. Bro. Clark McClelland is now spending all his time in Maine. Bre. James McCullough, Samuel Rea, Robert McCracken, Jr., have been helping in this needy state, and the Lord has been giving real blessing. This is really pioneer work."

• LOI 1949-1: David Lawrence (Centerville, IA:

"John Newton and I went East and visited a few assemblies here and there; among them Westbrook, Maine, a small but warm-hearted gathering of the Lord's people. We spent two weeks in Brooklyn, N.Y., to welcome my parents, who have just returned from Wales. We had meetings in a few assemblies in the New York area. On the way home we were at Logansport, Indiana for two nights, ministering to the Lord's people. Last week we went to be the Elm Springs (Kansas) Conference."

• LOI 1949-6: David Leathem (Truro, N.S.):

"During the past winter I have had the privilege of visiting several cities and towns ministering the word and preaching the gospel. Those included Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto in Canada and Westbrook and Madison in Maine."

"With Brother Stultz we drove to Westbrook and remained there for several meetings, seeking in a simple way to bring words with regards to the person and work of the Holy Spirit to the attention of the believers. From Westbrook I went to Madison with Brother Clark McClelland and we shared the ministry there. Later with Brother Fred Thompson and his wife from Augusta I spent an evening, returning home to Nova Scotia after an absence of two months."

• T&T 1949-8: Westbrook, Maine: "D. Leathem and R. Jordan expect to have meetings here."

• T&T 1949-9: Maine: "D. Leathem and R. Jordan found much indifference in their tent meetings in this State."

• T&T 1949-10: Maine: "J. McCullough and S.J. Rea had tent meetings in Maine." Where??? "A Roman Catholic woman professed. Bro. Rea then went to Virginia in September, and was encouraged by some professing to be saved."

1950's

• LOI 1951-6: Clark McClelland (Westbrook, ME)

"I want to spend the summer season once again in open-air work, (D.V.) and expect to be in the state of Maine. Bud Anderson has promised to be with me for the month of August, (D.V.). I am wondering if you would care to mention this work (house-to-house visitation, planned open-air work with loud-speaker equipment) and ask if there might be any young man who would like to spend a week or two or more June 15 to September 15 in this work. If they should bring a trailer along it would make it a lot easier for working further back."

• LOI 1951-7: Clark McClelland (Burnt Point, Newfoundland):

"I am in Newfoundland and expect to be here for seven or eight weeks. Then (D.V.) I plan on returning to Maine for tract distribution and open-air work."

• LOI 1952-1: Allan C. Stirling @ Union Chapel, Somerville, Mass.:

"This year's series of monthly young people's meetings being held at Union Chapel each fourth Saturday night was opened by Br. Arnold Reynolds of Sherbrooke, Quebec, with an encouraging message on "The Christian Race". At the December meeting the speaker was David Ward of Groton, Connecticut; in January, Clark McClelland of Westbrook, Maine is expected to minister the Word; and in the months to follow other capable brethren will be heard."

• T&T 1952-2: Westbrook, Maine: "R. McCracken and A. Aiken expected to start Gospel meetings."

• T&T 1952-3: F.H. @ East Boston, Mass.: "We had a much appreciated visit recently from Brethren Robert McCracken, Jr. and A. Aiken. After three weeks Gospel Meetings in Westbrook, Maine, they visited Byfield, East Boston and Cliftondale, giving us ministry suitable for these difficult times."

• LOI 1953-11: Maine State: "A real movement of the Spirit of God seems to be taking place here. Brother Clark McClelland, who has been pioneering in outlying districts, has seen fruit in salvation of souls. Several have been baptized and brought into assembly fellowship. A new radio work is being contemplated."

• T&T 1954-12: Boston, MA: "After the recent conference, G.G. Johnston had a week of helpful ministry meetings in East Boston. H. Fletcher went to Westbrook, Maine, C. Patrizio to the Italian assembly in Methuen and R. McClurkin to Cliff Street, Boston."

• T&T 1958-1: Westbrook, Maine: "The original meeting continues in the Bethany hall. They had a one day conference on Nov. 24th which was simple and good."

1960's

• LOI 1960-11: David Leathem (Sea Girt, N.J.): "We have just returned after visiting Swansea, MA; Westbrook, Maine; and several places in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. In Nova Scotia I held meetings for gospel and ministry in Truro, Port Howe, New Glasgow and in Swaine Street Hall as well as Fairview Chapel, Halifax. Then we stopped over in Moncton, New Brunswick, for our last weekend in the Maritimes. We had the joy of meeting again a number who were saved in earlier campaigns during our years of residence in Nova Scotia. We are now back in New Jersey, looking to the Lord for guidance as to our service this winter."

• LOI 1960-12: Clark McClelland, Westbrook, ME: "We had our conference here last weekend. Gordon Reager, George Heidman and I sharing in the ministry. All felt we had a profitable time. The two brethren stayed on for a couple weeks of gospel meetings. I leave (D.V.) for New Brunswick and Nova Scotia for three weeks before the holiday season."

• LOI 1961-2: Clark McClelland, R.F.D. 1, Box 68, Westbrook, ME: "A gospel series we hope to join in with Gordon Reager will commence (D.V.) Feb. 5 and close Mar. 5, in Moncton, New Brunswick. On New Year's day in Westbrook a fine young couple took their place with us in the assembly fellowship. Also the Lord gave us the joy of pointing our own 13-year-old son to the Lord the same day. I had a few believers' meetings in Pittsfield, Mass. There are just four in the little assembly and all meetings are held in homes. We enjoyed meeting a number of dear saints at present in denominational circles. Thank God for those who are the 7000 of Elijah's day, though their position may leave much to be desired by those who love the scriptural method of gathering to Christ. Surely we should always be marked by love and a willingness to try and show them the way of God more perfectly (Acts 18-26). A superior air, coldness or indifference would only be an evidence of spiritual pride."

• LOI 1961-5: David Kirk, Clark McClelland to speak at Conference in Calgary, Alberta: "Special meetings at the Sixth Avenue Gospel Hall in Calgary, Alta., May 7-19, will feature David Kirk of Ontario and Clark McClelland of Maine as speakers. A conference to follow will include prayer at 8 p.m. Saturday, May 20; breaking of bread, 10 a.m., ministry 3 p.m. and Gospel, 7:30 p.m. on the Lord's Day, May 21, and ministry on Monday, May 22, at 10 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Supper will be provided Sunday, lunch and supper on Monday, and accommodations for out-of-town visitors. Inquiries should be addressed to J. Caulfield, 2334 25th Ave., N.W., Calgar, Alta.. (Tel. AV 9-3936)."

• LOI 1966-11: News Bits: "Harold Kesler had a series of meetings at Truro, N.S., and is expected to have meetings in Halifax, N.S. and in Moncton, N.B. before joining Robert Crawford in the mid-October conference in Westbrook, Maine."

Sources

• Assembly Annals (AA): 1934:2-8; 1935:10; 1936:10;
• Our Record (OR): 1924:11; 1926:12; 1929:1,9; 1930:6-9; 1931-1; 1933-6;
• Truth and Tidings (T&T): 1949:8-10; 1952:2-3; 1954:12; 1958:1
• Letters of Interest (LOI): 1945-6,10; 1946-2,9,11; 1947-12; 1948:5; 1949-1,6; 1951-7; 1952-1; 1953-11; 1960-11; 1961-2,5; 1966:11;