The Painful Truth asks if any of you can identify who the minister was in the Bangor, ME congregation in New Hampshire, in late 1960’s – early 70’s.
Please contact the Painful Truth if you have information that I can pass on.
Hi there,
I came across your website, the painful truth, after emailing to a similar site earlier today. I am a former member of the WWCG. When I was born (1975) my parents had been in the church for several years and I stopped attending in 1994 a year after I left home for college. We were members of the Bangor, ME congregation and prior to my birth my parents attended a congregation in New Hampshire. In any event, I write because I am looking for information – any information you or any of your readers can help with. It has recently come to my attention that in or around the late-60s, early-70s, my father and uncle as well as others were sexually abused by a minister I only know as Mr. Cheatham. I am not even sure that is the correct spelling of his name. Apparently he sexually abused many children and did other bad things (being vague because it’s hard to get people to talk about it). Anyway, my father and uncle both have significant mental health issues consistent with child abuse and now I understand why they are so messed up. I am trying to come to terms with this, and to help my family members who were abused. I am sure at this point that the statute of limitations has run out, and I have no idea if this guy is even still alive. But I’d like to find out who he is/was – his identity, and possibly connect with any of his other victims.
I am happy to have my post published (anonymously please!) on your site if appropriate. Also happy to simply receive a reply with any info or leads you may have. Thank you for hosting your website. It has been really eye-opening for me all these years later to come across it and see the faces of these guys who robbed me of my childhood, and my dad of his sanity.