Who Were The Bullockites?
The meeting house was built by a group of Free-Will Baptists from Parsonsfield, Maine. The name Bullockites comes from their preacher Rev. Jeremiah Bullock.
The following description of their religious practice is from the booklet on the Old Meeting House created by F.E. ‘Dinny’ Whitmarsh in 1978 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the meeting house.
"The Bullockites, so-called, retained a simple form of worship. There was impromptu singing by the congregation without accompaniment, and much praying, recitation of poetry and testimony by individuals. The number of prayers and exhortations at each meeting were recorded, often times more than 50 persons speaking at one service. From 10 o’clock in the morning until five in the afternoon there was no break except for luncheon. Any prayer or exhortation might be followed by 'Amen brother' or 'Bless the Lord' ".
In the 1970's the Meeting House was put on the National Registry of Historic Buildings. It is a unique structure and deserves to be properly maintained. The roof as been repaired and recovered and the sills replaced. But in a building of this age, there is always something that needs tending.
The next thing on the "to do" list for the old meeting house is the stabilization/restoration of its many windows. Some are in critical condition. Many contain lovely antique glass and most of the sills are succumbing to dry rot. The town of Porter contributes to restoration projects each year but more is necessary if we are to save this wonderful building for future generations. If you wish to contribute to this restoration project you can mail a tax deductible donation in the form of a check, made out to The Town of Porter - Meetinghouse Restoration Project, to The Town of Porter, 71 Main Street, Porter, Maine 04068. Any gift, large or small, is most welcomed.
