Caribou Pastor Ends 14 Years At Baptist Church CARIBOU, June 27 [1948] -- Rev. John R. MacGorman today preached his farewell sermon at the United Baptist church, bringing to an end nearly 14 years of service, to the community and to the church which has become one of the leading parishes in Maine under his guidance. Rev. MacGorman will begin his new work as pastor of the Calvary Baptist church of Williamsport,
Pa. Sunday July 11. Before coming to Caribou, August 26, 1934, he had been pastor of the Getchell Street Baptist church in Waterville.
The United Baptist Church of Caribou has made impressive progress under his leadership, with a
total of 570 members received into the church, 427 by baptism. Several of these members have dedicated themselves to full-time Christian service.
The retiring pastor, an opponent of supporting the church by suppers or by any means other than "On a purely Biblical basis", has seen the total annual monies raised by the church increase from $2,195.96 in 1934 to $17,490.36 last year. There has been a 400 per cent increase in missionary contributions.
Asked to raise $8,029 for the support of the Northern Baptist convention world mission crusade,
the church responded by subscribing $12,249! There is a possibility that the $13,000 mark will be surpassed.
These funds will be spent for the building of a chapel, tract of land and homes for three missionary teachers, the former to be a memorial to the twelve boys from the church who gave their lives in World War Two.
The church properties have been vastly improved since Rev. MacGorman became pastor. Scarcely
had the dining room been enlarged the tower rebuilt, and the redecorating of the church been completed, when a fire damaged the building to the extent of $18,000, not including an organ which was destroyed. The Sunday the church was rededicated, there was an indebtedness of over $2,800 on the work. This amount was raised in cash in three services that day and later offerings brought the day's total to $3,000.
The church installed its own electric generator during last year's power shortage and also owns a
new Hammond electric organ with two tone cabinets. Parsonage property has also been substantially improved.
Work with young peoples' organizations has been outstanding. In January of 1948 the retiring clergyman instituted radio broadcasts of his Sunday evening services. He has been exceedingly active in temperance work.
During his stay in Aroostook, Rev. MacGorman has served as president of the North Aroostook
Baptist Ministers' Association, president of the Interdenominational Ministers Association of North Aroostook, president of the corporation of the Baptist school of Christian Training at Mapleton and an associate dean for several years. He also has been active in the Maine Baptist convention.
Over 250 members of the church were present Friday evening for a farewell reception to the retiring pastor. F. F. Crockett, moderator of the church, expressed appreciation for the church, expressed appreciation for the services of Mr. and Mrs. MacGorman and presented them with a substantial gift from the church