As most of you know I am a Baptist history nut. I have recently been able to do some research about Oxford County Baptist history. One name that I have seen very regularly is Ransom Dunham. He was a Baptist preacher throughout Oxford County, Maine for over 40 years in the mid to late 1800's. Ransom Dunham served as pastor of many of the churches of the Oxford Association.
Ransom Dunham was born March 18, 1798. His father, James, was a revolutionary war hero. Ransom Dunham was ordained for the gospel ministry on October 6, 1836 by the Hamlin's Gore Baptist Church.
During the course of his ministry Rev. Dunham began the first Sunday School in the town of Woodstock in 1836. He also served as pastor of the Weld and Carthage Baptist Church as well as the Bryant Pond Baptist Church (as well as others).
When Ransom Dunham graduated to his heavenly reward on January 28, 1883 (age 84 years) he had baptized over 600 persons and seen many others saved by the grace of God.
Reverend Ransom Dunham is one of our Baptist heroes in the state of Maine. Let me now challenge you: who is one of your local Baptist heroes? Do you know of any? I think it's time to learn. Let God stir your heart.
The same God that used Ransom Dunham to do such great work desires to do great works today. Are we ready and willing?
3 comments:
Pastor Jones,
I am researching the early history of Dixfield just now specifically the Dixfield Baptist Church founded Sept. 1817 disbanded(?) 1823-1825. First paster Nathan Mayhew who worked with Ransom Dunham in Weld. I'm looking for any information on the Church or Mayhew. Church records would be great, membership lists, anything.
Jonathan Albrecht 357-8403 cell, 685-3385 x261 work
170 Common Rd Dixfield
I will take a look for you. Sorry that it took so long for me to see this comment.
I found more info in "A History of the Baptists in Maine" by Joshua Millett. It is a free google book. Pages 236-237 are the applicable pages. The church disbanded but re-constituted in 1831 as the East Dixfield Baptist Church with Elder Mahew as pastor.
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