II.
On September 26, 1810, the Bowdoinham Baptist Association met at Livermore. Before the body adjourned it had taken action as follows:
"8. It being in contemplation to establish an institution in the District of Maine, for the purpose of promoting literary, and theological knowledge; brethren Blood, Boardman, Merrill, Titcomb and Tripp were appointed a committee to take into consideration the propriety of petitioning the General Court for incorporation."[1]
So far as can be ascertained, this is the first formal step in the establishment of the institution now known as Colby College, although the opening words "it being in contemplation" indicate that the matter had at least been under consideration previous to the meeting of the Association. Later on in the session further action was taken:
"22. The committee appointed to consider 'the propriety of petitioning the General Court relative to the establishment of a Literary and Theological Institution'; suggested to the Association the propriety of appointing a committee, to digest the matter systematically, in concert with brethren from the Lincoln Association; and report thereon at the next annual meeting. Elders Blood, Low and Boardman were chosen for the above purpose.
23. Voted to recommend to the churches of this Association, to endeavor to obtain subscriptions to promote the proposed institution, and to forward the same, to the last mentioned committee."[2]
That the committees appointed fulfilled their duties is evident from the minutes of the following year, for we read:
"15. Brethren Low, Francis, Billings, Kilgore, Palmer, Swett and Robinson were appointed a committee to petition the General Court, with such as may join them from the Lincoln and Cumberland Associations."[3]
In the meantime the Lincoln Association had met and taken action:
"7. Voted to appoint the following brethren a committee to sign the petition to the Legislature, viz.—Daniel Merrill. Samuel Baker, Joseph Bayley, Samuel Stinson, Hezekiah Prince and Benja. Burton."[4]
- ↑ Minutes of the Bowdoinham Association, held at the Baptist Meeting House, in Livermore, September 26th, and 27th, 1810. Portland: Printed by J. McKown, 1810. Page 5.
- ↑ The same, page 7.
- ↑ Minutes of the Bowdoinham Association, held in Readfield, September 25 and 26, 1811. Hallowell: Printed by N. Cheever, 1811. Page 5.
- ↑ Minutes of the Lincoln Association, holden at Woolwich, September 18 and 19, 1811. Buckstown (Penobscot River). Printed by Anthony H. Holland, 1811. Page 5.
