In Ye Olden Times: Tythingmen and the Days of State Religion

Howdy neighbor! This week, we begin a series of three columns, which will appear monthly through December, focusing on an interesting facet of our local religious history. It remains a little-realized fact today, that in the olden days from the founding of Bridgton’s church in 1784 down until 1820, the Congregational Church played a more than spiritual role in the governing of our religious faith. For beyond the doctrinal covenant and agreements of faith agreed to by early church members, Bridgton’s first Church was also very particular about the demeanor and good character of its members, both in and outside the house of worship.  

Consulting the remaining archives, we find it had a special code of conduct adopted in 1793 to govern its members, additionally providing for a Disciplinary Committee to aid Rev. Nathan Church in enforcing good behavior among his congregation. Private offences were to be handled privately, “go to thy brother and tell him his fault,” but if further chastisement proved necessary, early records show that repeated violations were addressed by public airing of grievances before the entire congregation “in assembly gathered.” Among these rules, designed to maintain the “good Christian character” of the congregation, I offer the following three items: