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READFIELD — Maranacook Adult and Community Education will host two presentations in April by local historian Dale Potter-Clark that look at the town’s early religious history and residents who fought in the Revolutionary War.
The presentations will be held in the Senior Cafe at Maranacook Community High School, 2250 Millard Harrison Drive.
“Early Religion in Readfield,” will be presented from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Monday, April 23, and “Patriots of the Revolutionary War,” will be 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 25.
Readfield was settled years ahead of the War of Independence and before the U.S. Constitution assured religious freedom. In those days, the Congregational Church and Puritan lifestyle still prevailed. It was not long, however, before a variety of religious evangelists and missionaries visited Readfield and converted many residents. Early Readfield became a hotbed of free thinkers, movers and shakers. Potter-Clark will share information about the coming of early religions in Readfield, which was on the missionary circuit in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Methodists, Baptists, Universalists and even the Shakers impacted Readfield in its earliest days, she notes.
Soon after the first shot was fired at Lexington, Mass., 243 years ago, 19 men from Winthrop, ages 14 to 46, picked up arms and marched off to fight for independence; others soon followed. Some had also fought in the French & Indian War. Several were living in the part of Winthrop that later became Readfield (1791) and North Manchester (1850). Over the years, more than 90 patriots lived in Readfield alone; many are buried there. The presentation will focus on some of their stories.
For more information about Maranacook Adult and Community Education, any fees associated with programs, or the Senior Café, contact Susan Simons or Nicole Cushing at 207-685-4923 ext. 1065; for more information about the presenter, contact Potter-Clark at crossings4u@gmail.com or call 207-441-9184.
