Latest revision as of 22:14, 8 January 2021

Madison Gospel Hall, Maine (OB) 1951-2021+

Itinerants

• Ernie Dyck 2005
• Frank Elliot 1950
• Walter Gustafson 2008
• David Leathem 1949 Truro, N.S.
• Murray McCandless 2020
• Clark McClelland 1949 Bethany Gospel Hall, Westbrook, ME
• John McCracken 1950
• James McCullough 1944-1951, 1956 Bridgeport & Stratford, CT
• L.K. McIlwaine 1957
• Robert McIlwaine 1957
• Samuel James Rea 1944-1951 (Hatboro, Pa.
• Sam Maze 2005

1940's

• LOI 1947-11: James McCullough (Stratford, CT) & Sam Rae (Hatboro, PA:

"Our two brethren plan returning to a new field in the northern part of Maine. As a result of cottage meetings held there this summer, a man and his wife have professed to be saved, and some others were deeply exercised, and this work is to be followed up this fall with further meetings."

• LOI 1947-12: James McCullough (Stratford, CT) & Sam Rae (Hatboro, PA:

"God has blessed the labors of these brethren around Madison, Maine. They have been there since Labor Day, having meetings in homes and other places. We understand about six have professed to be saved."

• LOI 1948-3: James McCullough (Stratford, CT):

"Unusual snowstorms all over the East with subzero temperatures makes Gospel work practically impossible. Bro. Rae and I were in Maine all summer and carried on into November. We had unusual interest at a place called Madison, Maine, about 45 miles from the nearest assembly, with seven in fellowship. A few have professed to be saved and several have been added to the little assembly; others are likely to be received later. We purpose, in the will of the Lord, returning to those parts for further meetings as others are still interested."

• LOI 1948-9: Samuel J. Rea (Hatboro, Pa.

"There are but two small assemblies in the State of Maine. Bro. J. McCullough of Bridgeport, Conn., and I tried a tent in the city of Augusta last year, but with little success. Then had cottage meetings in Madison, about 40 miles to the North, having met some Christians from there. We had splendid attendance from the start and several professed faith in Christ. One man who is a successful farmer and businessman preaches to everyone he meets. There is now a group of ten or twelve who have been carrying on a gospel testimony assisted by a brother from Augusta.

A couple got saved last year, whose home is conveniently located on the main highway, and where most of the meetings have been held. They were delighted to let us pitch the tent this year quite near their home. We feel thankful for the way being thus opened for the furtherance of the Gospel. This is our second week in the tent and we are much encouraged by seeing quite a nice number of unsaved attend almost every night. Last night was the largest meeting we have had and God was speaking we could feel. The man I referred to is one of a large family who are scattered over this territory and has quite an influence among them. We hope to see a real work done."

• LOI 1948-10: Samuel J. Rea ((Hatboro, Pa. & James McCullough (Stratford, Conn.

"When we last heard, towards the end of August, these brethren were in their seventh week of tent meetings in Madison, Maine. The weather has been cold and they found it necessary to use an oil stove to make the tent comfortable. In spite of this, the attendance has been encouraging, although there has been prejudice and opposition because of those who were saved last year being baptized and received into fellowship in Augusta, 40 miles away. Several are concerned and seem near the door of salvation. The brethren look for their salvation before the tent is taken down."

• 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."

1950's

• T&T 1950-3: John McCracken and Frank Elliot are preaching the Gospel here."
• T&T 1950-4: North New Portland, Maine: "F. Elliot and J. McCracken saw the Lord's Hand in some conversions. The latter is returning to Madison district for a few weeks as the Lord may lead."
• LOI 1950-5: James McCullough (Statford, Conn.) & Robert McCracken (Moncton, N.B.): We understand these brethren have had meetings near Madison, Maine. A few had professed to be saved when we last heard from them."
• LOI 1950-6: J. McCullough (Stratford, Conn.: "Just got home from Maine last night. Had real good meetings there for several weeks with John McCracken of Nova Scotia. Saw a few souls gathered in and had the joy and privilege of seeing a new assembly formed in Madison, 40 miles from the nearest assembly at N. Augusta, where there are only seven or eight in fellowship. The next nearest assembly in Moncton, N.B., on the other side of Madison, so we were not building on another man's foundation.

I baptized a few on Lord's day April 23 on the lake with the ice on the water only a few yards out from the edge. There are a number of others to be baptized as soon as the weather gets a little warmer. They will have a nice little group here when these others are baptized and received into fellowship. I'm hoping to work the tent up there again in the summer (D.V.). Three years ago at this time we didn't know a single person in those parts and now there is a nice company of believers. They have rented an old schoolhouse for their meetings until they get around to building a little hall of their own."

• LOI 1950-9: McCullough & Rea: "These brethren are preaching under canvas in a new place in Maine called North Ausom. They know no one in the little town so it is a real pioneer effort. This is the fourth year for tent meetings in this part of Maine. Blessing from these past efforts have resulted in an assembly being formed in Madison, Maine. The Christians are growing in grace and in the knowledge of the Word.
• LOI 1950-10: Samuel J. Rea (Hatboro, PA): "Br. J. McCullough and I are in tent work together in Maine this year again. This is our fourth year under canvas in this district. God has been pleased to bless His word and an assembly has been planted in Madison. It was a great joy to remember the Lord in the little assembly and hear brethren take part very intelligently who, just a few years ago, were in their sins. We pray God will continue to bless His Word and encourage the saints by adding to the company."
• T&T 1956-8: Augusta, Maine: "An excellent conference was reported. After the conference, brother Jas. McCullough left for Madison, Maine, and, while there, suffered a heart attack and is now in the hospital in Skowhegan, Maine, where he will be for at least two weeks, with a period of rest following. Pray for our brother who for many years has faithfully preached the Word to saint and sinner. He had intended joining his son in tent work in Hudson, N.H., a new field."
• T&T 1957-3: Madison, Maine: "L.K. McIlwaine and his son Robert are having Gospel meetings."
• T&T 1957-4: Madison, Maine: "L.K. McIlwaine and Robert have seen the Lord's hand in salvation and others are troubled. They expect to meet Miss Sadie McIlwaine, arriving by plane on March 6 from Venezuela at Boston, Mass."

1960's

• WIS 1964-10: Madison, Maine: "We understand local brethren here have been working in the district for the Gospel and have seen blessing, souls being saved. Pray for Maine."

• WIS 1966-12: Hatboro, Pa.: Fallen Asleep:

"Our esteemed brother and servant of Christ, Mr. Samuel James Rea was called home to be with the Lord Oct. 11, aged 80. Saved when 16 through testimony of his sister, gave help in tent work in Valens, Ont. with bro. William Baillie, after which the assembly formed. He also gave himself to tent work in Hatboro for three years, when assembly was planted. Had series also with bro. Oswald MacLeod then. He was commended to the Lord's work by Mascher St. and Hatboro assemblies in Nov. 1930.

He had seven years of work with the late James McCullough in Maine, the small assembly at Madison was planted as a result. He maintained a good interest in small assemblies, mostly in the East in cottages, tents and halls with souls to Christ. He is greatly missed by the assembly here and his widow and family, all saved and in fellowship, should have an interest in our prayers. He was a brother with a soft conscience which the Lord took note of."

• LOI 1967-3: Samuel J. Rea, Jr.: Samuel J. Rea:

"On Oct. 11, 1966 Samuel J. Rea passed quietly into the presence of his Master at his home in Hatboro, Pa. He was 80 years old. He had devoted the past 36 years to serving the Lord primarily in the eastern States. Although in failing health, he had continued in the work of the Lord until a year ago, when he was confined to his home. He was saved in Northern Ireland at the age of 16 through the testimony of his godly sister, and he never tired of telling about his conversion. He loved to preach the Gospel, had the joy of seeing numerous souls saved, and shared in the planting of three assembly testimonies which remain to this day.

On the present site of the Gospel Hall in Valens, Ont., Mr. Rea and William Baillie preached in a tent for a summer, after which the assembly there was formed. The assembly at Hatboro, Pa. was formed as the result of three years of summer tent work in company with Oswald MacLeod. After three years of pioneer work in Maine with the late esteemed brother James McCullough, an assembly was established at Madison.

Mr. Rea was especially conscious of the need to encourage the small assemblies. Rarely did he miss having tent meetings during the summer. Frequently these were followed by cottage meetings. In later years he shared numerous gospel series with Messrs. Walter Gustafson of Maine and Fred Holder of Toronto. In accord with the request of our departed servant and faithful gospel preacher, Mr. Holder spoke a searching gospel message to a large gathering at the Hatboro Gospel Hall. Mrs. Rea and two sons and a daughter, all in assembly fellowship, await that day when the family circle will be unbroken."

2000's

• T&T 2004-10: "For the town’s bicentennial parade, the assembly had a literature table on Main Street, an open house, and dinner at the Gospel Hall where Jeff Mills gave an excellent word."
• T&T 2005-11: "Ernie Dyck and Sam Maze had three weeks of tent meetings in Norridgewock in early September. A number from the community attended and the Lord graciously granted blessing in salvation."
• T&T 2008-1: "Augusta: The assembly appreciated having Walter Gustafson visit several days in October. He also visited the Madison assembly."

2020's

• T&T 2020-5: "On December 15, Murray McCandless visited the assembly and spoke at their Christmas Community dinner Sunday noon. He later also stopped at the Augusta assembly’s Christmas outreach dinner at 4pm as he was traveling through."

Sources

• Truth and Tidings website
• Words in Season: 1964-10; 1966-12;
• Letters of Interest (LOI): 1947:12; 1948:3,9-10; 1949:6; 1950:5-6, 9-10; 1966:3; 1967:3;