Methodist Episcopal

Below is a brief early history of the Methodist Episcopal church of Marston's Mills, MA. There is a picture of the first building and enough of a sketch of the issue of Pastor's that were circuit riders. When I was young and living on Martha's Vineyard there were churches that shared the pastors. Today you can still find small churches who have services once every other week or if the two towns are close they might have morning service in one town an afternoon or evening service in the other town. In either case this tidbit of church organizing and circuits can fuel some interesting scenarios in our stories. Enjoy!

M. E. CHURCH, MARSTON'S MILLS, MASS.
Aaron Lummis was the first regularly appointed Methodist Episcopal preacher in charge of the town of Barnstable. This was in the year 1813, and it was during this year that the people of Marston's Mills heard the Gospel first from the lips of a Methodist preacher.

MARSTON'S MILLS CHURCH.
But although there were Methodist preachers in the field continuously from this time, yet it was not until 1826 that regular classes were formed upon the circuit, and among the other classes organized was the Hamblin's Plains class, which many years later became a part of the Marston's Mills class. It was in 1829 that the church building which now stands at Marston's Mills was purchased from the Yarmouth class and moved to its present site.

In the year 1838 Marston's Mills was cut off from the Barnstable circuit, and became a separate station; and their first quarterly Conference was held July 24 of that same year; and Nathan Hamblin was chosen secretary of the Conference, which office he continued to hold for thirty-three years. The station then comprised Osterville, Cotuit Port and Hamblin's Plains, as well as Marston's Mills. The class at this place, which four years later was named the Marston's Mills class, was led by Joel Hamblin, who for a full half century or until the time of his death was continued as the class leader.

In 1859, thirty years after its erection, the rain was beating in through the windows and leaky roof of the building. The seats were old and uncomfortable and the members were disheartened. But one of its own members, Thomas C. Pratt, was licensed to preach, and appointed pastor of the church, and by his zealous labors the building was remodeled and repaired free from debt.

The society erected a tent on Yarmouth Camp-ground in 1863, and the church building was again remodeled in 1888, during Rev. E. B. Gurney's pastorate.
The history of this church is that of a few faithful people struggling to keep a strong and constant religious influence in the community, and although the society has passed through various degrees of prosperity, yet it may be said to its credit, that it has never disbanded nor ceased to hold regular services, but for the space of eightyfour years has been supplied continuously with preaching and most of the time has been under pastoral care. It is at present a student supply appointment.
Source: Souvenir History of the New England Southern Conference by Micah Talbot ©1897