The Reverend Paul Coffin Has Come Home to Buxton
by Jan Hill
Many of you know that the portrait of the Reverend Paul Coffin, who was the first minister and a primary leader in the community of Buxton as it developed into a viable community, has returned. Painted by John Brewster, the well-known and respected deaf artist connected with the Brewster mansion, the portrait has been mysteriously missing for many, many years. This summer, however, the Thomaston Auction Galleries advertised that they had acquired the painting for one of their summer auctions. Sandy and Bev Atkinson, current occupants of the Brewster Mansion, were able to purchase the painting and to return it to its rightful place.
The Reverend Paul Coffin (1738-1821) was pastor at South Congregational Church in Buxton (sometimes called Tory Hill) for 57 years. The artist, John Brewster, could neither hear nor speak, although he learned to use American Sign Language. He traveled around New England painting portraits for $15.00 apiece. The painting of the Reverend Coffin is a little the worse for wear, but we know that now that he is back where he belongs in Buxton his condition has improved.
The Reverend Paul Coffin (1738-1821) was pastor at South Congregational Church in Buxton (sometimes called Tory Hill) for 57 years. The artist, John Brewster, could neither hear nor speak, although he learned to use American Sign Language. He traveled around New England painting portraits for $15.00 apiece. The painting of the Reverend Coffin is a little the worse for wear, but we know that now that he is back where he belongs in Buxton his condition has improved.