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Rkv. ENOCH WOOD, D. D.

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EjlRLY SAINT m\ METHODISH

AND

^s.

HISTORY

SS'

Wmi

\^^

SAINT JOHN, N. B.

^ JubiUe ^oubenir.

EDITED BY

GEO. A. HENDERSON.

« Tell ye your children of if, and let your children tell their children,
«nd their children another generation." — Joel.

SAINT JOHN, N. B. :

PRESS OF GEO. E. DAY, OKRMAIN STRKKT.
1890.

^m^mn^m

PREFACE.

^-J^ENTFNARY CHURCH having completed its fiftieth
I Y* y®^"*' ^^ committee was appointed by the Trustee and
1^1 Quarterly Boards to prepare a programme, the carrying
out of which would give due recognition to that event.
The duty of preparing a paper, in which leading facts connected
with the church's history should be noted, was assigned to
me, coupled with the further duty of reading the same at some
time during the celebration. It was soon found, however, that
no matter how concisely the statements might be made, if the
paper was to be at all complete, too much time would be de-
manded for its presentation. T was then asked to prepare an
historical sketch, something in tho nature of what is presented in
the following pages, which, with an account of the Jubilee
itself, should be published in book form as a Jubilee Souvenir.
The duty having been accepted, was found to be much more
arduous than anticipated. A paper, incomplete in itself, was
prepai'ed and read at one of the exercises during the
Jubilee season, but further than that, in consequence of pres-
sure of business, no attention could possibly be given to the
subject for some months. After many days, I now present
the result of my search, conscious of imperfection, and with
no claim to literary merit, yet with a satisfaction that in a few
instances I have rescued some items that soon might have been
among the things forgotten.

There are many incidents in the history of a church which,
for the time being, demand little attention. Years afterwards
they are brought to the surface and yield an interest which it
was not thought attached to them. With the itinerant system,
of necessity there are many changes in the pastorate ; moreover,
the congregation is constantly changing. As a rule, no record
is kept beyond matters of routine. It is a difficulty involving

VI.

PREFACE.

some research to ascertain tlie consecutive appointments to a
Methodist circuit for any considerable number of years. Few
members of Centenary could supply the information, or with
accuracy detail events connected with its history. If there is
any importance in the preservation of these events, as to which
there ought to be little doubt, it would seem that an annual
record should be prepared, to be at intervals consolidated.

It has been the aim in the preparation of tlie following
pages to bring togetlier items which the compiler trusts may
be of interest to the congregation — -items which hitherto have
had but a fragmentary existence, in some instances culled
from books, newspapers, or old letters, in others found
chiseled on tombstones, while others again are the result of
personal interviews with men and women identified with
the church since its opening. Perhaps undue prominence has
been given to some names and incidents, while others have
not received that recognition that their virtue and importance
merited. This should be accounted for by the fact that the
duty at all was undertaken by one whose personal knowledge
of the men and things of which he has written was very
limited. Of the difficulties encountered it is not neces-
sary to make mention. The suggestion comes tliat had the
work been undertaken before the 20th June, 1877, the result
could have been more satisfactory. Records, documents and
valuable data containing information of great interest to him
who would search for history were by the great iire of that day
reduced to ashes and forever lost. The question may be asked,
Why go back of 1839 1 The answer is that Centenary Church
did not begin with that date. A church is not the building
in which the people meet, but it is the company of believers
who assemble within its walls. In the year 1839 the Chapel,
as it was then called, on what was known as Great George street,
opened its doors to the necessities of the time, and the congre-
gation oi the old church divided, part going out from and part

PREFACE.

Vll.

remaining within the walls in which, for thirty years, the people
called Methodists had worshipped, and even as before that date,
so afterwards, down to the year 1867, by reason of an inter-
mingling of interests and joint management of affairs, in a
great measure the history of one is the history of the other.

In the preparation of this record I desire to acknowledge the
help received from the invaluable history of " Methodism in
Eastern British America," by Rev. T.Watson Smith. His work
should be in every Methodist home. With the exception of what
has been taken from Marsden's Narrative, Richey's Memoir of
Rev. William Black, and " Humbert's Recollections," the early
pages have been largely compiled from Mr. Smith's history.
To that gentleman I am also indebted for many dates, circuit
appointments, and other information of value. I desire
also to acknowledge the help extended by Jos. W. Lawrence,
Esq,, whose interest in matters of this kind is manifest, and
whose aid is always cheerfully given. The cut o2 "Old Germain
Street Church" was loaned by him. To Dr. Withrow I am
indebted for the cuts of Dr. Wood and "Centenary as it was."
To Dr. McLeod, of Baltimore ; Peter LeSueur, of Ottawa, one
of the early officials of Centenary; Rev. H. Daniel, James
Sullivan and R. W. Thorne, for their recollections; and to E.
T. C. Knowles, for the Sunday School and Love Feast report,
I thankfully acknowledge the assistance rendered.

The time spent in tlie preparation of these pages has been
cheerfully given. My reward is a stronger attachment to my
church. The work now finished was undertaken as a duty,
and is, with its deficiencies, passed over to the congregation,
who look upon the church somewhat with the feelings of him

who wrote of Giotto's tower :

"Blossoming in stone,
A vision, a delight, and a desire,
The builder's perfect and centennial flower.
That in the night of ages bloomed alone.
But wantiufj still the glory of the spire."

G. A. H.

Ministers Stationed at St. John Prior to Opening of
Centenary Church.

1791-

1794-

1795-

*1801~

1802-

1803-

1804-

1808-

1809-

1811-

1813-

1815-

1817-

1819-

1821-

1823-

1824

1826-

1828-

1829-

1830-

1831-

1832

1833-

1835

1836-

1837

-Abraham J. Blshop.

-William Je.ssop.

-Daniel Fidler.

-Jame.s Mann, Thomah Olivant.

-Joshua Mars) bn.

-William Bennett.

-Joshua Marsden.

-William Bennett,

-William Black.

-Stephen Bamfori>.

-James Knowlan.

-William Croscombe.

-Stephen Bamford.

-James Prie.stly.

- Robert Alder.

-James Priestly.

—Robert Alder.

-Richard Williams.

-Richard Williams, Enoch Wood.

-John Bass Stron(j, Enoc:h Wood.

-John B. Strong, Albert Desbrisay.

—Albert Desbrisay, J. B. Strono, Samuel Joll.

-Albert Desbrisay, Samuel Joll.

-Sampson Busby, William Smithson.

—Sampson Busby, Arthur McNutt.

—Enoch Wood, Arthur McNutt.

—Enoch Wood, Richard Shephard.

* In other years the circuit, wliich covered a great part of the prov-
ince, wns visited by two or three ministers in the course of a year. The
list of those oonipriKcd Duncan McColl, .Tames Mann, William Earley,
James Boyd and William (irandin.

Ministers to St. John South Circuit.

1839-

1840-

1841-

1842-

1843-

1844-

1845-

1846-

1849-

1852-

1853-

1864-

1855-

1856-

1858

1859

ism~

1861-
1862-
1864-
1865-
1866-

- Richard Williams, *Fkederick Smallwood.

-William Temple, ♦F. Smallwood.

-Wm. Temple, *S. D. Rice, Humphrey Pickard.

-Wm. Temple, * Enoch Wood, Wm. Allen.

-* Enoch Wood, George Miller, David Jennings.

-* Enoch Wood, George Miller.

-♦Enoch Wood, George Miller, F. Smallwood.

-Henry Daniel, * Ingham Sutcliffe.

-Richard Knight, * Robert Cooney.

-Richard KNKiHx, ♦John Allison.

-James G. Hennigar, *Wm. T. Cardy.

-J AS. G. Hennigar, *W. T. Cardy, Geo. B. Payson.

-Jas. G. Hennkjar, *W. T. Cardy, Chas. Stewart.

-E. Botterill *T. M. Albrighton, C. Stkwakt.

-E. Botterill Wm. Wilson, T. M. Albrighton.

-J. McMurray, ♦Wm. Wilson, John Lathern.

-J. McMurray, ♦ Wm. Wilson, J. R. Narraway.

-J. McMurray, ♦M. Richey, D. D., John Lathbrn.

-M. Richey, D.D., ♦J. R. Narraway, A. W. Nicholson

-Jchn S. Addy, ♦ J. R. Narraway, John Brbw.ster.

-John S. Addy, ♦J. R. Narraway, J. L. Sponagle.

-John S. Addy, ♦James England, J. L. Sponacjlb.

Ministers to Centenary Circuit.

1867 — James England.

1868 — John Lathbrn.

1871 — Duncan D. Currie.

1873 -Henry Pope.

1876 — Howard Sprague.

1878 — Howard Sprague, Matthew R. Knight.

1879 — Joseph Hart.

1880— D. D. Currie.

1883 — William Dobson.

1886 — Waldron W. Brewer.

1889— Edwin Evans.

Ll'

* These had the pastoral oversight of the Centenary congregation.

i.t.'.O'-Jt^M' '

'iii^i»,'-iit.-;s«yt.<^ftVt»i^'-'. * ■-■■)lM"£w,■^4v!»tt"iJ£?^■i•x>E«3»1ei»3^*?w*-»■*'5vr^

CENTENARY METHODIST CHURCH.

Pastor : Rev. EDWIN EVANS.
Residence^ S77 Priuceas Street

Servicbs.
Sunday — 11 a. m., 7 p. m.
Sabbath School— 2.30 p. m. ; Superintendent, J. McA. Hutchings;

Assistant Superintendent, J. L. Thorne.
Bible Class for Gentlemen — Conoucted by James Sullivan.
Young Mens' Bible Class — Conducted by .J. E. Irvine.
Young Ladies' Bible Classes — Conducted by Mrs. Hea and Miss

Mary B. Smith.
Infant Class— Conducted by Mrs. E. B. McLaughlin and Miss L.

McLaughlin.

Week-Night Meetings. •

Wednesday, 8 p. m. — Preaching Service.
Friday, 8 p. m. — Prayer Meeting.

Society Classes.

Sunday — 10 a. m., Joseph Prichard, James Sullivan, J. E. Irvine,

H. J. Thorne, R. M. Smith, Miss Fannie E. Henderson.
Tuesday — 3 p. m., Joseph Prichard ; 4 p. m., Mrs. Hea.
Wednesday — 3 p. m., Mrs. Eaton.

Thursday — 4 p. m., Mrs. Hea ; 4 p. m., Miss Sarah E. Smith.
Friday — 3 p. m., the Minister ; 4 p. m., Mrs. McLaughlin.

MEMBERS OF QUARTERLY OFFICIAL BOARD.

Minutern — Rev. Edwin Evans (chairman), Rev. H. Daniel, Rev.
J. R. Narraway, Rev. Henry Pope, D D.

Local Preachers mid ExJutrters — Janies Sullivan, E. T. C. Knowles,
Fred. S. Skinner, Thomas Cassidy, J. E. Irvine, H. J. Thorne.

Stewards— GsX&h W. Wetmore, J. LefFerts Thorne, Richard W. Mc-
Carty, Joshua S. Turner, I. C. Bowman, John Sealy, .Joshua
Clawson, Recording Steward.

Class Leaders — Jamt s Sullivan, Joseph Prichard, J. McA. Hutch-
ings, J. E. Irvine, H. J. Thorne, R. M. Smith, Mrs. Hea,
Mrs. E. B. McLaughlin, Miss S. E, Smith, Mrs. Julia Eaton,
Miss F. E. Henderson.

lUpresentatives of the Society — G. A. Henderson, W. G. Smith, Geo.
Jenkins, Charles D. Stewart, R. W. Thome, John Sealy, Wro.
Greig.

ii%j^rintetuUnt o/ Sunday SchooUimJ. ^cA> Sv^tcliings.

OBNTENARY METHODIST CHURCH.

TBUSTEBH CBNTKNAKY (!HUIU!H.

R. W. Thorne.
D. J. McLaughlin, Jv
A. A. Stockton.
L. H. Vaughan.
Thomas A. Temple.
J. McA. Hutchings

(iilbort Bent.
C. W. Wetmore.
Hiram B. White.
John E. Irvine,
.ludge Palmer.
Wm. C. (4o«lHoe.

.loHeph Prichard,
Henry J. Thome.
Edwin FroHt.
W. H. Hay ward.
G. A. Henderson.
E. T. C. Kni)wle8.

(i. A. Henderson, Trustee Steward.

SABBATH SCHOOL.
Sessions held each Sabbath at 2:30 p. m.

COMMITTKE OF MANAUKMKNT.

J. McA. Hutchings, Superintendent.

J. L. Thorne, Assistant Superintendent.

W. C. Jordan, Secretary.

W. G. Smith, Treasurer.

Charles D. Stewart, Librarian.

M. (i. B. Henderson, Assistant Librarian.

R. M. McLaughlin, " "

Sidney Dinsmore, '' "

R. Morton Smith, Musical Director.

Miss Jennie McLaughlin, Orgjyiist.

Miss Mitchell, Assistant Organist.

W. Morley P. McLaughlin, Organist to Infant Class.

J. E. Irvine,

James Sullivan,

H. J. Thorne,

J. Clawson.

G. A. Henderson,

W. G. Smith,

George Jenkins,

R. M. Smith,

E. T. C. Knowles,

J. H. White,

Thomas Jenkins,

John Sealy.

Mrs. C. E. Macmichael,

Miss Maggie Sharp,

" Fannie E. Henderson,

Mrs. Hea.

Miss M. B. Smith,

Miss Palmer,

Mrs. E. T. C. Knowles,

Miss A. Emma Whittakor,
" Mary U. Henderson,
" Sarah E. Smith,
" McKillop,

Mrs. G. A. Henderson,

Miss Maud Narraway,
" Minnie Godsoe,
" Kate Turner,
" Mary Whittaker,
" Lilly Whittaker,
Hattie P. Thorne,

Mrs. E. B. McLaughlin, Infant Class.
Miss Laura McLaughlin, Asst. do,,

Representatives appoiafed by Qnarte.rly Board — Jos. Prichard, R.
W. Thorne, R. W. McCarty, J. S. Turner, C. W. Wetmore.

Miss F. E. Palmer, Treasurer Missionary Conimittee.
Miss Mai*y B. Smith, Suj)t. of Band of Mercy.

xH.

CENTENARY METHODIST CHURCH.

SOCIETIES'.

Wonuin's Missionary Society — Mrs. C. E. Macmichael, President ;
Miss A. Emma Whittaker, Recording Secretary ; Miss Sarah
E. Barrett, Corresponding Secretary ; Miss Mary U. Hender-
son, Treasurer.

Mite Society — Miss Kate R. Bartlett, President ; Miss Fannie E.
Palmer, Treasurer.

Haraiwa Bmvd — Miss Bartlett, President; Miss Laura McLaugh-
lin, Secretary.

Smtmdation Aid Society,^^ Composed of ladies of several Methodist
Dorcas Socxety - Churches.

Kxng s DmiqMers,

♦

CHURCH COMMITTEES.

Missionary Committee — (Jeo. A. Henderson, E, T. C. Knowles, J.
McA. Hutchings, H. .T. Thorne, .1. Clawson, .1. E. Irvine,
C. D. Stewart.

Joint Finance Committee — .Judge Palmer, A. A. Stockton, G. A.

Henderson, Trustees ; .T. S. Turner, , J, Clawson,

Quarterly Board.

Committee to Promote the Circulation of the •• Wesleyan" — John E.
Irvine, G. A. Henderson, H. J. Thorne, E. T. C. Knowles.

Musical Committee — HoAvard D. Troop, Joseph Allison, Henry J.
Thorne, J. W. Daniel, M. D., .Joshua Clawson.

Parsonage Furnishing Committee— Mvh. I'richard, Mrs. J. Y. Troop,
Mrs. R. W. Thorne, Mrs. E. T. Knowles, Mrs. H. J. Thorne,
Mrs. Irvine, Mrs. G, A. Henderson, Mrs. J. E. Whitt^ker, Mrs.
W, H. Hay ward, Mrs. Philip Palmer, Mrs. S, J. King, Mrs.
Tuck.

EBJiATA.

Page 13, 5th line — For "antinomain" read "antinomian."
" 18, 23rd line — For "itineracy" read "itinerancy."
" 90, 19th line— For "0th" read "3rd."
" 122,1st line- For "16th" read "18th."

Early Saint John Methodism

AND

STOIiY OF CEttTENJlRY CI

(^jjs

O everything there is a beginning ; but sometimes the
origin of what lias developed into a great work may
be involved in obscurity.
The date of the organization of Methodism in
Saint John is not a matter of conjecture, but, by reason of the
thoughtfulness of those connected witli it, is so well authenti-
cated that there can be no uirpute about its inception.

Among the Loyalists who, on the 18th day of May, 1783,
landed on the rugged shore, — where now is the Market Slip
of the city of Saint John, — was a New Jersey Methodist,
whose name was Stephen Humbert. From his arrival, and
throughout a long and honorable life, he was a moving spirit
in the city of the Loyalists. He v/as a captain in the militia ;
an alderman of the city ; and became a representative in the
House of Assembly. At a period, wlien Methodism was some-
what under social ban, he did not shrink from using in a
legitimate way tlie influence which his oflicial position gave

»I

2 EARLY SAINT JOHN METHODISM

him for tlie advancement of the interests of the church of his
choice.

The first residents of Saint John were chiefly adherents
of the Church of England. Tlirough the solicitations of Mr.
Humbert and a few others who had been accustomed to other
forms of worship than those of the dominant church, several
ministers, among whom was Henry Alline, visited the growing
town, held services, tarried a brief period, and vvent on their
way. The country was not yet opened ; travelling was beset
with difficulties ; the journeys undertaken were both tedious
and uncomfortable, and, as a consequence, except in the larger
communities, the bread of life was seldom broken.

The devoted band mentioned above, not more loyal to their
king than to their faith, yearning for the spiritual teaching
that harmonized with their views, made application to influen-
tial Methodists in New York to the end that a preacher might
be appointed to Saint John. In this they were successful,
and so fortunate as to secure the appointment of Abraham
John Bishop. Mr. Bishop had been possessed of wealth, had
good prospects of worldly success, but was so convinced of his
call to the ministry that he accepted the commission ; gave up
business prospects, and devoted all his property to the work of
God, making provision that one-half should go to missions
and the balance should be applied to the promotion of the
interests of Methodism in the Channel Islands, — a part of
the funds set apart ^o'" the latter purpose are still held
in the hands of the trustees in accordance with the donor's
wish. He became a candidate for the Methodist ministry ;
was appointed to New Biunswick. Sailed from the Downs on
the 18th July; reached Halifax 30th August, and Saint John
on the 24th September, 17!)1. In appearance he is said to
have been very attractive ; his bearing always that of a
Christian and a gentleman, a sweet serenity adorned a count-
enance on which a smile was seldom seen, but every feature of

i ' H i

AND HISTORY OF CENTENARY CHURCH.

which indicated a mind influenced to purposes of a noble
order. He was in the noblest sense of the word, a man of
God, and possessed a large share of the genuine missionary
spirit. Wise, prudent, loving, he feared neither small nor
great, but would lovingly invite or mildly reprove all with
whom he had any intercourse. He rarely met an individual
on the str«,ets without speaking to him, if an occasion afforded,
on the great concerns of his soul and eternity. Such were his
character and zeal.

On the first Sunday after his arrival he preached from I.
John, i., 3 : "That which we have seen and heard declare we unto
you, that ye also may have fellowship with us ; and truly our
fellowship is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ."
On the first Sabbath in October he organized a class meeting
in a house owned by John Kelly, situate on lot 625, being the
southeast corner of Princess and Charlotte streets. Cynthia
Kelly, wife of the owner of the house, was appointed loader of
the class.* This, then, was the beginning of Methodism in
Saint John.

Mr. Bishop had letters of introduction from Governor Parr,
of Nova Scotia, and Philip Marchinton, of Halifax, to the
Mayor of the city of Saint John, which were of the value of a
license, and, no doubt, saved him from much troul)lo.

The population was small and the community was not pre-

* On Sunday last, 6th September, 1829, after a long and painful
illness, Mrs. Cynthia Kelly, relict of the late Mr. John Kelly, car-
penter. Mrs. K. has been an acceptable member of the Wesleyan
Methodist Society from the introduction of Methodism in this city,
to the time of her decease, - a period of nearly forty years. And,
as during the whole of that time, her chief object and aim was to
adorn her religious profession ])y a corresponding life and conversa-
tion; .so under her protracted illness .she was divinely sujjported
and comforted, and her death was peaceful and • happy. — /ic/?'f/t(>«.<
mid Literal y J ournA, ISth SepUmbeVy 1829.

RARLY SAINT JOnN METHODISM

p.arcd to accept as an clement in its life the zeal of the people
calh^l Methodists, and an intolerant spirit was manifested to
such a de<^reo as to resist which ret^uired mucii tact and
courage. Soon after the arrival of this Methodist preacher,
the Mayor was informed that he was not only preaching on
Sabbath evening, but on week evenings also, and that some,
througli attendance on his ministry, were becoming crazy. At
that time Episcopal services were held on Sabbath mornings
only. A few days after the report had reached the Mayor's
ears, Mr. Bishop met him, with some of the aldermen, a mili-
tary officer and several other gentlemen on the Market Square,
and stopped to pay his respects to them. " I am sorry," said
the Mayor, " to hear some strange accounts of your preaching.
I hear that you not only preach on Sundays, but on week
evenings also and that some of your hearers are going beside
themselves. Can't you be content to preach on Sundays, as
other clergymen do?" Mr. Bishop, in reply, assured the
Mayor that he had not heard of any of the members of his
congregation having become insane through his preaching,
and promised him that, if informed of any, he would do his
best to bring them to their senses. At the same time, he
avowed his sincere belief that the gospel which he preached
was likely to have the contrary effect in making those who
listened to it wise unto salvation. He did not change his
course in consequence of this interview, but as a writer has
said, "His spirit glowed with holy zeal. No victor gloried more
in trophies won by his sword than did Bishop over those in
whom he saw the happy results of the travail of his Redeemer's
soul." So far from confining himself to a single service on the
Sabbath, as the Mayor had suggested, house to house prayer
meetings, led by himself, were held, whenever possible, in
dwellings crowded to the very .street, and bore witness to the
untiring zeal of the minister.

Xho lirst framed house finished by the Loyalists was a place

■i^H!

AND iilSTOUY OP C^NTENAUY CliURCII.

of worship. Tliis building stood on the east side of (icruiain
Street, between Duke and Queen streets, on lot No. 121, now
owned by Mr. John McMillan, and was thirty-six by twenty-
eight feet. It was purchased for £140, and at an additional
cost of ,£90 was fitted for church purposes. Besides being
used as the church it was known as the Court House and City
Hall. Here were the gatherings of church and state. In
this building the early city fathers held their meetings, pre-
sided over by Gabriel G. Ludlow. Here, also, the first judges
of New Brunswick, George D. Ludlow, James Putnam, Isaac
Allen and Joshua Upham, administered law ; here George
Bisset, the first Episcopal rector, ministered, as well as Mather
Byles, who succeeded him. Here, also, the first confirmation
in New Brunswick was held, and Bishop Inglis, first bishop of
British North America, delivered his charge to the Episcopal
clergy in 1789. In this interesting building the Episcopalians
worshipped until old Trinity was opened on Christmas day,
1791. As the Episcopalians left the building the Methodists
entered into possession of it on the same Christmas day, pay-
ing tiicrefor the sum of ,£200, as indicated by a resolution
passed at a vestry meeting 8th December, 1791, which is as
follows : Resolved, That the old church be sold ; price £200.
The bell, organ and king's coat of arms be removed to Trinity
church.

On the 1st of April, 1792, Mr. Bishop wrote: "The society
in Saint John are increased to eighty, above half of whom
have found peace with God. They have purchased a church
ready furnished with pulpits and galleries, and the people
continue to attend diligently. The experience of the young
converts is truly wonderful, — children of ten, twelve and
fifteen years of age rejoice in a pardoning God ; and some
persons of about sixty years of age ai'e snatched from the pit
of destruction."

Prior to this date Mr, Black, who was stationed at H.-lifax,

iouMttS!2iCiste»»a£i^>^;,^L^i^44>^-iYi\vt^^

KAHLY SAINT .lUllN MKTIIODISM

visited 8aint John, while Mr. Bishop went up the river. To
use his own expression, his time was " all taken up between
the mount and the multitude." From Richey's memoir of
Black, we find that in his eflbrts to benefit the multitude he
experienced an unexpected interruption, the nature and cause
of which were as follows : Walking the street on the Lord's
day ho saw certain shipbuilders and caulkers pursuing their
ordinary employments. Against this public desecration of the
Sabbath he felt it his duty to bear his testimony in terms of
merited reprobation in his discourse in the evening. Exasper-
ated by the exposure of their guilt, some of the individuals
implicated, aware of the existence of a provincial statute
against any one exercising ministeiial functions without a
license from the Governor, and having ascertained that the
pnjacher had not used the precaution to procure such a license,
thought it would be a worthy method of expressing their
r(!sentiiient, if possible, to seal the lips which had testified of
them that their deeds were evil. Accordingly they prefei'red
a charge of contempt of the law against him to the Clerk of
the Peace, whose zeal in promoting their views must be admit-
ted to have been a little more ardent than fidelity to his
olHcial responsibilities really demanded. He iunnediately sent
a note to Mr. Black, of which the following is a copy :

To Ri:v. Mr. Black.

Hir : Yt)U are, I doubt n<jt, iictiuainted with an act of the Gen-
eral Assumbly of this province which inflicts a penalty upon any
person who shall presume to preach, etc., without a license for
that purpose, under the hand and seal of the Governor, or Com-
niandor-in-Cliief for the time being. As Clerk of the Peace for
this city, I conceive it my duty to en([uire whether you are in pos-
session of any such license.

I am, etc.,

E. Harpy, Clerk of the Peace.

Thrco liours after the above was handed to Mr. Black, he

AND HlSTOliY OF CKNTKNAHY CIIUUCH.

waited on the writer at his office, and stated to him that
immediately on his arrival in this Province he had consulted
two of the principal magistrates of the city respecting the law
in question, who assured him that it never was designed to
prevent any minister regularly ordained and of sober char-
acter from communicating religious knowledge ; and that in
their estimation it would be quite sufficient for him to transmit
the credentials of his ordination to the Governor, wlio, they
made no doubt, would give him a license. In comformity with
tliis suggestion, he further informed the Clerk of the Peace,
that he had forwarded to His Excellency a copy of his ordina-
tion credentials, signed by Judges Ludlow and Upiiam, tlie
latter of whom accompanied them with his recommendation,
and at the same time remarked to him (Mr. Black), that as it
was at the desire of a respectable body of people he preached,
no one could look upon his compliance, under all the circum-
stances, as indicating a contempt of the Provincial Legislature ;
adding that the Governor had to liis knowledge, in a similar
case, referred to the magistrates, and that the professed object
of the act was to secure, not ahridye, liberty of conscience, or
the sacred right of all persons to worship God according to the
dictates of their judgment. From these considerations, said
Mr. Black, I have ventured to preach at the request of the
people, and intended to do so until I should hear from the
Governor ; but since my conduct has been construed into con-
tempt of authority, I sliall desist until I hear from the Rev.
Mr. Bishop, who has gone to wait upon His Excellency. To
all this Mr. Hardy replied, with considerable warmth, that
neither the magistrates nor the Governor himself had any
right to dispense with the law ; expressed his surprise at such
observations, and throwing tiie statute before Mr. Black, said,
" You may examine it for yourself," and abruptly left the
office. The opponents of Methodism, or rather of the gospel,
thus gained a malignant triumph, and, emboldened by success,

Kauly sAim' JOHN Methodism

became loud in their boastings and predicted that the benevo-
lent object of their hate would speedily be looking through the
grates of the prison. But none of these things moved him.
Interdicted from holding forth tlie word of life publicly^ he
endeavored, as far as practicable, to accomplish the objects of
his mission by pastoral visitation, as well as preaching from
house to house. More than a fortnight elapsed, and no license
or information from the seat of government arrived, — most
likely because Mr. Bisliop did not happen to find His Excel-
lency at home. Mr. Black then returned to Halifax.

Mr. Bishop continued his labors and was the instrument of
the growth of evangelical religion, not only in the city of
Saint John, but along the river and as far as Fredericton.
In the early spring of 1792, Mr. Black again visited Saint
John, but under circumstances more agreeable than those
under which he had left it the preceding December. Mr.
Bishop's labors had been greatly blessed. There were about
seventy in the society, and the work was still progressive.
In April, Mr. Bishop wrote : " I need help, for my body is very
weak, and tlie work is great, both here and up the river. I
hope the conference will send us men tilled with faith and the
fruit thereof." Mr. Black in the meantime had visited Fred-
ericton, Sheffield and other points on the river, and also Saint
Stephen, from whicli place he returned to Saint John in May.
Ml'. Bishop's time in the city was now expired, and on the
evening of May 16th, he preached his last sermon in the city.
His text was : " Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of
good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace ; and the God of
love and peace shall be with you." Mr. Black, in his journal,
says : " I then gave a discourse on the Lord's supper, and
administered the ordinance, after which Brother McColl gave
an exiiortation. Singing, prayer, and exhortation followed
the communion service, and when the midnight hour drew
near the congregation dispersed." Continuing from Mr.

AKD UISTOUY OV CEMTKI^AUY CIIUUCII.

Black's journal: "Going round among the people tlie next
day, I found tlieni deeply distressed at tlie thought of losing
dear Mr. Bishop, whose memory they have, indeed, cause to
love." In the morning he, whom they loved, went on hoard
the vessel and was borne out of their sight. He went to
Cumberland, and in September left for Baltimore, from thence
he was sent to Grenada, where one who could preach in both
French and English was required. Dr. Coke introduced him
to the society in January, and on the 16th June, 1793, he died
of yellow fever. In the course of a sermon preached on the
Sabbath of his last week on earth, he said, " I have shown
you how to live. I will now show you how to die." In the
Minutes of Conference for 1704, his brethren say of him, "Ho
was one of the holiest young men on earth. He lived continu-
ally within the veil, and his soul uninterruptedly burned for
the salvation of souls. He was instant in season and out of
season ; a useful preacher all the day long, without the least
breach of modesty and decorum."

Mr. Bishop was succeeded in appointuKuit by William
Jessop, though some others in the year 1793 visited the city
for short periods. He labored in Saint John one year, and
did not escape the opposition to which Mr. Black was sub-
jected, — complaint was made against him in like manner for
preaching without license. The Clerk of th^ Peace accorded
him different treatment than that which Mr. Black had re-
ceived, giving him the assurance that he would not be prosecu-
ted if he but made application for license. That being done
he was allowed to minister even without having taken the
oath of allegiance. Mr. Smith says of him, " He was one of
the noblest of our pioneers." In Saint John large congrega-
tions, attracted by his style of preaching and his pleasant
voice, listened to the pastor ; but it seemed to him that his
failing strength was being spent for naught. Early in the
spring he resolved to leave the city and proceed to Westmor-

KAKLY SAINT JOHN METHODISM

land, wlion; he thought lie would be more useful. He soon
returned to the United States, and in December, 1795, at
Strasbury, Penr,., ho. died, exclaiming, *' My work is done !
Glory ! Glory !" Bishop Asbury preached his funeral sermon.
At the close of the service Asbury wrote in his journal : " I
had my difficulties in speaking of a man so well known, and
so much beloved. He was always solemn, and few such holy,
steady men have we found among us." Jesse Lee, the founder
of Methodism in New England, who greatly loved him, wept
over his grave, when five years later he visited it. A note,
written by the hand of a friend, and signed by Jessop himself
a few days before death, conveys a retjuest to one of his execu-
tors, illusti'ative of the simplicity and poverty of the ministry
of that day: "I will," it was written, "that my wearing
apparel be carried to the General Conference at Baltimore
next ; and that the same be distributed among the preachers
that stand most in need of it." This appendix to his will was
prompted, it is probable, by the recollection that to his
brethren he was indebted for the outfit, which a stern father
had denied him at the commencement of his ministry.

At the conference held in Windsor, in 1795, the only
appointments to New Brunswick were those of Daniel Fidler
and Duncan McColl, — the former having the city of Saint
John and the appointments on the river as far up as there
were any, and the latter having Saint Stephen and the region
round about. Mr. Fidler previous to this, in his journey
through the woods to the Scotch settlement on the Nashwaak,
had for his guide Alexander McLeod, a son of one of the
Highland settlers there. A son of Mr. Fidler, now living
in Philadelphia, has in his possession a number of most
interesting letters addressed to his father, and having kindly
placed them at the disposal of the writer, the following
extracts are made from them. Mr. Jessop, in a letter dated
January 15th, 1795, from Saint John, says: "I am still

AND HI8T0KY OF CKNTENAHY CIIUUCII.

ciding in u lit-iivy gale, by tlje unclior of llopo; tlio cloud is
not yet broken, nor the storm over. Wliat will become of this
people I know not, but hope they will, after my de.parture,
get some good, loving servant of Ood that shall be made a
greater blessing to them than I have been. As touching my
own state, I am still going on in my old way, observing the
same rule and minding the same thing, in which I hope to
move until I shall move no more. My d(!ar Daniel, live nt^ar
to God. Be thou an example unto the bi'ethren in all things.
Keep thyself pure."

Note the four o'clock stai't, at which time I am often
praying for you, and re(|uest that you would do the same for
me at that hour. Believe me, you lay neai- my heart, and
nothing but sin shall ever part thy soul and mine.

In October of the same year, he again writes Mr. Fidler,
who seems to have been anxious 'to receive an appointment to
Shelburne, and had reque.sted his frieiui to speak to Mr. Black
with a view to having such appointment made. Mr. Jessop
says: "All this and a great deal more T would willingly do
for you, my dear brotlier; but this I cannot do with a clear
conscience under present circumstances of tilings." The cir-
cumstances to which he refers were: Mr. Hoyd, who had been
laboring in New Brunswick, had concluded to locate himself,
and there was a loud call for Mr. Fidlcr's services on the cir-
cuit up the river, that " hundreds of constant hearers, as well
as many members of our society, are sudering for the want of
preaching ; therefore, if ever you were wanting on any place
it is here at present. Dear brother, come on with all speed
(leaving your every concern with the Lord), full of faith and
the Holy Ghost, and may the God of the seas deliver you and
bring you safe over to us again with flying colours before a
glorious wind. I shall expect you, without any doubt, by the
return of Brother Humbert's vessel. I have just returned
from Passamacjuoddy, down the Bay of Fundy, and have been

Mil

BAKLV HAII^T JOHN MKTliODIHM

ill-

tnivoUing aiul preaching until T am almost worn out, but
glory to God, T am laboring for a good Master, whoso pay is
sure. Brother Boyd says ho considers it to be his duty to
take care of his family ; to do which he thinks it best to locate
himself, and to go into business. He intends keeping a school
this winter, and in the spring to go into the mercantile busi-
ness. So it is, — the devil tells us, when about to marry, that
it will not hinder our travelling, but in the end to our sorrow,
we find him a liar; wherefore, if we want to travel, the best
way is to live single. Many people give it as their opinion
that there is a loadstone to the eastward as well as to the
westward ."

Another letter was from the Rev. William Grandin, dated
Annapolis, 13th March, 1795, in which he says that the Lord
had greatly blessed his work there, and sending his love to his
friends at Sheffield, St. Ann's, and the Nashwaak, assuring
them that, as the Lord was his witness, he loved them. He
also makes mention of Mr. Boyd, to whom he had lent thirty
out of his forty shillings of quarterage.

There a"e two letters from Stephen Humbert, one written
in 1795, the other in 1797; in the latter he says: "I bless
God, since I saw you last I have found it my hearty desire
and purpose to cleave unto the Lord, and though many
hindrances strew all the way, yet many are the comforts and
great the encouragements of those that trust in Him. Our
society affairs are not the most promising here. We have had
but little stirring among the people. Some few have become
serious ; a few have been added, and those that profess faith
are in general growing stronger."

Rev. James Mann, writing to Mr. Fidler from New York,
says : " Am happy to hear that the state of religion in Saint
John is better than my feai's, for Mr. Jessop had written so
discouragingly concerning it, I expected scarcely four families
had remained in the society. I labored hard and long in Saint

AND HISTORY OP CENTENARY CHURCH.

John, and liopo not altogether without fruit, and still retain a
frugal rogaid for that people, — however, 1 may be forgotten
by tluMM. Wliother ever I shall see them again is at present
hiird for me to determine, but hope that they may not be left
to be picked up by apostate Metiiodists nor antinomain
innovators." He then makes a reference to Mr. Boy^V the
publicity to which would serve no purpose, and also exhibits
anxiety as to the appointments for tiie year, and remarks : " 1
have received no advice from any of the preachers since con-
ference, but yourself, owing, I imagine, to the want of convey-
ance. Where is Brother Wilson and Brother McCoU 1 Wliat
has beconie of a young man up the river by the name of
McCloud ; does he exhort? Where is my dear old friend.
Brother Davis? Has he forgot me? Religion is low in this
city. Republican principles and politics eat it out of many
hearts." Mr, McCloud, mentioned above, was Alexander Mc-
Leod, already referred to and whose name will receive further
mention.

The other letters are from Rev. William Black, and, owing
to his relation to the society and the ministers at that time as
superintendent, they will be given almost in full. In the first,
dated Windsor, June 8th, 1795, he says: "I am exceedingly
sorry it was not in your power to be with us at the conference.
We have, however, made out as well as we could without you
and Brother Jessop ; and thought best that you should take
your station again in New Brunswick. You must change
with Brother McCoU as is most convenient, and labor in the
city or the country as shall be most for tlie good of the people.
You, possibly, may change with Brother Wilson in the winter
or early the next spring, or, — if you desire it and it is in my
power to effect it, — with some other preacher, perhaps Mr.
Grandin."

The stations in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, for that

year,

were

EARLY SAINT JOHN MKTnODIRM

Halifax — Willifim Black, 'j m , , . , •

\ ilieso to cliango this summor.

Newport — John Mann, J

Cumberland — Benjamin Wilson.

Liverpool — James Mann.

Shelburne — Richard Stocket.

New Brunswick — D. Fidlcr and D. McColl.

The second letter, dated Halifax, September 23rd, 1705 :
" Your letter received, enclosing one to Mr. Smith, for which
I had to pay double postage, viz., one shilling and five pence.
I would liave '.vritten to you sooner only I wished to avoid
writing to you by post. It cost me three shillings in two
days the last week for letters. I suppose by this time Mr.
James Mann is with you. I wish, if the circumstances of
tilings with you require it, he may tarry with you. T do not
know how I can help you at present by sending you a
preacher. I have just received a letter from Bishop Asbury,
and another from Jesse Leo. They complain much of the
dulness of the work in the States. The bisiiop appears to be
in painful exercise about it. He also remarks to me that the
young men who have returned from us to the States are not
so humble and serious as when they went to Nova Scotia.
This, my dear brother, may suggest a useful head of self-
examination for you. I hope he will not have to make a like
observation concerning you at your return to them. I will
thank you to let me know how you come on, — at least once
a quarter. What number of friends remain in the city of
Saint John? Are they able to keep a preacher? I have been
informed they are not. The work of God in England is said
to be astonishing. Hallelujah 1 Amen. It is a dull time
here and in most paits of the Province ) nothing seems to bo
doing. You have my prayers that Grod may bless you in your
soul and labors."

The tliird letter is dated at Saint John, July 28t]i, 1798,

AND HISTORY OF CRNTKNARY CITURCH.

and is addressed to Mr. Fidler, who was then in Halifax. He

says • " After a tedious passage of seven days our vessel put
into Mahogany, where I obtained a horse and rode to Carleton.
On my arrival at Saint Jolni, I found Mr. McColl and Mr.
Wilson waiting for nie ; and was glad tliat T Imd been so
providentially prevented from proceeding to Saint Stephen.
The next day we had our little conference, and could see no
plan more eligible than that Mr. McColl should take his
station at the city and Brother Wilson his at Cumberland ;
and so request Brothei- Fidler to spend the winter at Saint
Stepiien, where; T am persuaded he will find himself much
more happily situated than at Cumberland. In the spring
you can change with Brother McColl, if you choose so to do.
After my arrival at Halifa.x, you may (uther proceed from
Windsor directly to St. Stephen, 6r call awhile at the city ajul
see your old friends. The foiiuer will be less e.xpensive ; th(;
latter, perhaps, more pleasing. Christian prudence must
direct, and providence open the way. T will thank you to
remember me to my dear friends at Halifax, as if particulai-ly
named. I seldom know how much T am attached to them
until I am for a time separated from them. I trust God will
bless your pu))lic and private labors amongst them to your
mutual edification anrl comfort. T have not yet learned any-
thing respecting Brother James Mann. T feel and fear' for
Barrington in this unprotected state. Oh, that the merciful
Shepherd of souls would keep them from the prowling wolf.
Mr. Boyd has removed with liis family to the States, — I
believe somewhere not far from Portland. Mr. McColl has
gone to Sheffi(;ld. Brother Wilson will go oM' for CumbiM-land,
by land, in two or three days. T liave preacluid once, viz.,
last evening, to a pretty large number. To-morrow, T trust,
will be a day of holy rest and sweet employment. We hope
our Master's royal presejice will make our hearts glad ! Wo
ai-e far front you, but hope our pray(!rs will meet yours at the

EARLY SAINT JOHN METHODISM

throno of grace and acceptance, where smiling mercy bestows
lier donations and answers the requests of needy supplicants ;
where the good Samaritan binds up the hearts, the wounded,
broken hearts of conscious sinners, and makes the lame to
leap for joy. Come on, beloved, draw us and we will cheer-
fully run after Thee. Amen. Do not forget to pray for your
affectionate brother and fellow-laborer in the kingdom and
patience of Jesus Christ."

The fourth letter is also written from Saint John, dated
22nd August, 1798, in which he says : " As Mr. Humbert,
who bears this to you, intends spending two or three weeks in
Halifax, I think you had best avail yourself of his horse and
make the best of your way to Windsor, — perhaps y,ju may be
there in time to come here by the return of the brig in which
he takes his passage from home. There may not be another
opportunity soon, as the paris plaster becomes every day of
less and less value. In case he should go to Halifax, accord-
ing to his present intention, I can stay a week or two longer
here, where there appears a prospect of good being done. I
wrote to you some time ago, acquainting you that it was
thought by the preachers here advisable that you should go to
Saint Stephen, rather than to Cumberland. I am persuaded
it will be more for your comfort. I hope the change is of God
and will answer the best of purposes, — your comfort, the
benefit of souls and the glory of God."

The last letter is written from Saint Jolm, dated August
31st, 1798. He says: "As there is a considerable Htir here,
l)oth within and without the society, I am solicitously
re(iue.sted by many, with prayers and tears, not to leave Saint
John at this time ; ha\(i, therefore, for fear I should do wrong,
concluded it best for- me to tarry awhile, — at least until I can
liear from you. What your feelings may be respecting your
going to the States this fall, I cannot tell ; you must know
best. This, however, is notorious, if you go away this fall the

AND HISTORY OP CENTENARY CnURCII.

work in this Province must suffer. I believe you love God,
and are concerned for the interest of souls, and think, I may
venture to conclude, your next letter will inform me that how-
ever desirous you are of seeing your friends in the States, you
will deny yourself that pleasure for the present and wait for
an opportunity when your lack of service will be less unfriendly
to the interests of religion in this connection. Let me have
your full conclusion so as when I write to Brother McColl, on
ray leaving this city, I may know what directions to give.
You can then, on my return, come to this city on your way
to Saint Stephen, or go directly there as inclination or
opportunity may lead. If you desire it, Mr. McColl will
change with you early in the spring, and you can take your
stand awhile in this city or up the river. After your arrival
liere, you can go to Saint Stephen sooner or later this fall, as
conviction of duty may lead, when you and Mr. McColl come
together."

The .'vbove extracts are given for several reasons : They
were written by men whom we delight to honor. They were
written either from Saint John, or addressed to Saint John, and
in several instances have a direct bearing upon the state of
the society at that time. They disclose the simplicity in wliich
the allairs of the infant church were administered. They
show the stamp of the humble men who gave Methodism its
start, and by comparison they most assuredly show that in its
development the hand of God has been its guide during all
the years.

The conference of the United States continued to supply
missionaries for the Provinces until 1799, but from one cause
and another they soon retui'iied home. It became evident
that if success was to bo achieved there mu.st be a more steady
and permanent supply. Accordingly Mr. Black went to Eng-
land to solicit from the Wesleyan conference several mission-

EARLY SAINT JOHN METHODISM

aries. In his efforts he was supported by Dr. Coke, and the
conference consented that four preachers should be sent out
with Mr. Black to labor in British North America. These
were Messrs. Lowry, Bennet, Marsden and Oliphant. They
arrived in Halifax on the 4th October, 1800, after a tedious
passage of six weeks. Three of these young men, succeeding
each other from time to time, labored in Saint John for eight
years. Mr. Oliphant being first appointed to the charge, and
continued in it for two years, being succeeded by Mr. Marsden,
who ministered in 1802-03. On the second day of June,
1802, Messrs. Marsden and Bennet, having gone to New
York, were duly ordained as deacons and elders in the Metho-
dist Episcopal Church by Bishops Whatcoat and Asbury. Mr.
Bennet was appointed to Saint John for the years 1803-04,
and was followed by Mr. Marsden, who remained on the cir-
cuit for four years.

These early ministers performed a vast amount of work and
suffered much privation. They were missionaries in the true
sense. They were in it because they felt called to it. Their
salary was £16 a year, exclusive of board. One week they
would lodge with one family and the next with another, pay-
ing, therefore, six shillings and six pence, while they would
pursue a system of dai^y itineracy in reference to their dinners.

In any paper having reference to the early history of Meth-
odism in Saint John, no matter what the temptation to hurry
on may be, the name of Joshua Marsden should not be lightly
pass(;d over. The less excuse is there, because in an intensely
interesting but very rare little book entitled, " Tlie Narrative
of a Mission," Mr. Marsden has loft an account of his labors
in the Provinces. The narrative is given in a series of letters,
forty-seven in all, which are addressed to James Montgomery.
The copy used by the writer is the property of the New Bruns-
wick Historical Society. The opportunity to peruse the book

AND HISTORY OF CENTENARY CHURCH.

can now be enjoyed by so few persons, that it is felt desirable
to make extended extracts therefrom so far as they relate to
Saint John. Some might be disposed to resent liis references
to the scenery and climate, but then they must bear in mind
that the Saint John of 1889 is very different from the city of
which he wrote, nor was the protection against cold as perfect
and complete as it is in our day.

From a passport issujd to Mr. Marsden in 1814, it would
appear that he was five feet eight inches high, was about
thirty-six years of age and light complexion, brown hair and
blue eyes. Having arrived in this country in the year 1800,
he would, therefore, be twenty-two years of age when he began
his ministry. He says : " The city of Saint John, the theatre
of my present mission, is situated at the mouth of the river of
the same n,ame ; it is on the western side of the Bay of Fundy,
in latitude 45 degrees north and about 65 degrees 30 minutes
west longitude. The town, or city, for it has a royal charter,
is but fifty years old. It has neither beauty of form, nor love-
liness of situation to recommend it; all around it is sterile
and barren, and nothing could have recommended so unsightly
a spot but its being at the mouth of this fine river wiiich
pours its produce down into the Bay of Fundy. The town
contains about five or six hundred houses, with a population
of three oi four thousand inhabitants, who are chiefly employed
ill mercantile, timber and fishing speculations. If we except
the Church and the Wesleyan Mission Chapel, it cannot boast
of many public buildings. There are also in the town a court-
house, on the hill barracks for the soldiers, and an academy.
The river is wide, and has a noble fishery for salmon, shad,
lierring and sturgeon,-- which furnishes employment and
wealth to more than two-thirds of the inhabitants. The tide
in the river rises nearly forty feet, a circumstance that renders
the Bay of Fundy famous throughout the world. It rolls

EARLY SAINT JOHN METHODISM

along these shores with a majesty and grandeur I never saw in
any other phice ; and in some parts of the bay with a rapidity
of current from seven to nine miles an hour. Two miles from
the city, are the falls of the river,— a body of water nearly a
mile wide and from twenty to thirty feet in depth, is all at
once compressed between a bed of rocks, which frown over its
roaring waters, and through which it rushes with an impetuos-
ity and violence no language can possibly describe. The des-
cent is about twenty feet ; the noise is terrible, and gives
something like a tremulous motion to all the surrounding
scenery. It covers the whole harbor of Saint John with foam
and frotli, and spreads a hollow roaring noise for several miles
around. Mighty Father, how grand and sublime are Thy
works ! At what period did this spacious river burst through
this wall of granite, and tear in sunder the stupendous cliffs
by which it is overhung 1 Round the city for several miles,
nothing either beautiful or charming attracts the eye ; the
whole scenery is rocky, barren and forbidding, — hence whoever
travels through the western world to behold verdant scenery,
and lovely prospects, must avoid the neighborhood of Saint
John, where the whole landscape unites an assemblage of the
most dreary traits of nature that tlie traveller could select.
Here are irregular clumps of stunted spruce growing among
the rocks ; salt marshes bounded by jutting and fearful crags ;
muddy creeks, where swarms of pestiferous musquitos annoy
the neighboring inhabitants."

Mr. Marsden then describes other portions of his circuit,
which extended up the Saint John river, taking in Fredericton,
as well as other distant points. The object in making the
extract already transferred to this paper, is to show the
obstacles and discouragements with wliich our early mission-
aries had to cojitend. Notwithstanding the rigidity of the
New Brunswick winter, Mr. Marsden ought to have been

AND HISTORY OF CENTKNAUY CIIUUCII.

comfortable, as, he says, his dress was as follows : " Woollen
stockings and socks underneath ; over my boots and undi-r-
dress, a large pair of thick woollen socks shod at the feet
with leather, and reaching to the upper part of the thigh;
a surtout coat, and over tiiis a fear-naught; on the hands,
worsted or lambswool gloves, and over thorn thick mittens ;
a fur cap, with a large silk handkerchief tied around the
lower part of my face. ***** j found
in the city a lively and united little church, and en-
tered upon my labors among them with much comfort.
They were few in number, but warm hearted and zealous; and
as I had to go from house to house to get my food, I had soon
an opportunity of becoming personally acijuainted with each
individual. Besides the whites in the society, we had a num-
ber of free blacks, — some of whom were truly pious, and
greatly helped me by their prayers. I found much prejudice
existing in the place, which even tlje piety of that angel of
humanity, Mr. Bishop, had not been able to subdue ; yet my
poor labors, if not remarkably successful at first, were in the
end greatly blessed ; and I ploughed and sowed in hope. Our
little chapel (for we did not erect another for several years
after this period), was greatly crowded, and both blacks and
whites were very attentive and much quickened. During the
winter 1804:-5, 1 labored in Saint John and along the banks of
the river with visible success and much satisfaction. Old
differences in the society were composed and the contending
parties reconciled. Among the town's people prejudice seemed
to lose ground. There was a manifest increase of Christian
affection and simplicity among the society. With regard to
myself, I speak in the fear of God, my soul was much alive,
and my affections were warmed with holy desire to promote the
glory of my blessed Redeemer and the salvation of His moral
family. I divided the day into regular parts. I rose every

EAULY SAINT JOHN METHODISM

inorniiig in the bitterest weatlier at four o'clock, and lighted a
lire in the stove, as this only would warm the room and check
the intense cold. From four till eight I devoted my time to
meditation and prayer, reading and writing. The forenoon I
spent in going from house to house among the society and
congregation and visiting the sick. The afternoon was taken
up in reading and meeting the class3S, — four of which I regu-
larly met every week ; and in the evening, throughout the
whole winter, we had generally a meeting of one kind or
another. I held prayer meetings in dillerent parts of the
town, and as the int(Miso cold preventcjd nu; from preaching in
the chapel, I preached fiom iiouse to house. Once a week 1
catechised the children, and every Monday evening had a
select meeting at my own house for reading the lives and
experience of Christians. As the spring opened my trials
increased. I was led to deal very faithfully with my congre-
gations. I had to preacl) against Sabbath breaking, and
the magistrat(!s thought that I reflected upon their conduct,
because, — during the herring, salmon and shad season, — they
allowed the people to fish upon the Lord's day, and assigned as
a reason that fish ran more abundantly on that day than any
other. But they were mercliants, and bought the fish, and
sordid interest will never want a plea for breaking in upon
the most sacred duties. Dancing and revelling prevailed in an
unusual degree ; I had to take notice of these, — hence some
of the gay ones, who occasionally came to the chapel, thought
themselves implicated and came no more. Conscience and
duty required me to preach against drunkenness, and as this
was the besetting sin in the place, 'Master, by so saying thou
condemnest us,' was felt by a number of delinquents. I had
to animadvert upon smuggling, and this came home to the
very doors of the Church of God ; an ofllicial brother possess-
ing some property and more influence, would hardly speak of

AND I1I8T0UY OF CENT«;NARY CHUUCH.

me with charity or treat me with common civility. Ah ! this
preaching against sin, when you know your congr(!gation are
committing it ; here's the rub, ospecially should they be rich
and obstinate. Can you double this cape? Can you steer
boldly forward in these broken waters? There is the Scylla
of God's wrath if you neglect your duty ; here is the Chyribdis
of man's displeasure if you are faithful. Notwithstanding all
my discouragements the little mission greatly flourished. A
part of the society in the city of Saint John consisted of black
people; two of whom by their holy and circumspect lives,
were a great blessing to the rest, and much esteemed by all
the congregation. The names of these were Jonas Murdock
and Libbe Weeks. Libl)e was one of the most pious and
gifted negresses I ever knew ; her talents were as remarkable
as her zeal, and her fervour and .eloquence in prayer rendered
lier a singular blessing to many. I gave her permission to
conduct prayer meetings among her own color, and to meet
the class of black people belonging to the chapcil."

In the autumn of 1804, Mr. Black, in a letter to the mis-
sionary committee in London, says : " At the city of Saint
John our chapel will probably contain four hundred persons,
and is generally well attended. There are about eighty in the
society, our members here have been much reduced by emigra-
tion, occasioned chiefly by the late and presojit war having so
seriously affected their trade."

To return to Mr. Marsden's narrative, he says : " During
the winter of 1805, the mission in Saint John flourished exceed-
ingly. We had a number of awakenings, and in the midst of
a most severe season much life, harmony and love. The cold
was, indeed, intense and the snow was nearly six feet deep."
The descriptions of the storms, the intense cold and great suf-
fering of that winter are omitted, as well as accounts of his
journeys on the river and Grand Lake, and also much that is

UAULY SAINT JOHN METHODISM

largely of a personal character. " Our covenant meeting hold
in Saint John, on the beginning of the year 180G, was the
most powerful I had ever attended ; so great was the Holy
One in the midst of us that an emotion of solemn awe, mixed
with astonishment and self-abasing humility, was evidently
felt by many hearts. * * * "pji^, Lord was with

us of a truth, and with all I suffered from the cold by travel-
ling in open sleds, or sleeping in log huts, I never recollect
those days, but I wish to live them over again ; they w(ire some
of the happiest of my life. I prayed three times a day with
my wife and family, also frequently in secret, and in every
company I strove to introduce something spiritual."

At the end of the year Mr. Marsden visited parts of his
mission on the Saint John river, intending to be absent about a
month. The little tlock and congregation in the city were
left in charge of the leaders and a local brother who supplied
his place in the pulpit. A little after his departure they held
a watch night service, which was attended with some unusual
tok(!ns of a (juickening and reviving nature, and was followed
up by a series of protracted services in which the people were
wonderfully blessed. When he returned home the brethren
flocked to his house to inform him of what had taken place
and to make preparation for further work. He says : " Such
a stir in religion was quite a new thing in Saint John. Some
wondered whereunto it would grow ; others condemned the
whole as entimsiasm and delusion. A few respectable persons
in the congregation took great offence and requested that I
would put a stop to the dangerous wild-fire tliat was spreading
in the society. Complaint was made to Mr. Campbell, the
mayor, who said he did not doubt but that Mr. Marsden would
soon put it down. The things that appeared most out of the
ordinary way were praising God aloud, crying for mercy,
children exhorting, several praying at the same time, and

'lit

oklk-

AND II18T0UY OF CENTKNAUY CHUUCII.

holding the meetings until twelve o'clock ut night, — nay, upon
a few occasions until two or three in tlie morning, — although
I generally dismissjul them myself about ten o'clock. ♦ * *
In tiiia revival there was little of what may be termed wild-
fire or extravagance in expression ; although immbers cried
aloud for mercy there was no clapping of hands and shouting.
The whole town, which is but small, felt the influence ; an air of
morality pervaded it and the profaneness of the streets was
greatly diminished. A great and visible change had taken
place in many persons and this even the proud opposers of tiie
work could not deny ; yet they thought, or affected to think,
it was all sham and pretence and would vanish into smoke.
One of the principal enemies of the work, who got some dog-
gerel verses printed in handbills and circulated through the
town, came to nothing and was ©bliged to fly from the place
in disgrace. Old bickerings were done away ;ind much love
and harmony prevailed in the society. ' Prior to this awaken-
ing the society consisted of about ninety members. One
hundred new members were added to the society in the .space
of a month, which, in a place containing about three thousand
inhabitants, is no inconsiderable proportion.

"During the summer of 1807 I devoted nmch of my time
and attention to the great object of erecting in the city of
Saint John a new mission chapel. For, ever since the revival
of tiic work of God, both the society and the congregation had
so much increased that the old chapel was too small to contain
them. In this work, however, I was greatly discouraged, —
many of the society were in indigent circumstances, and we
had not, as in the case at present, home resources to assist us.
The few I consulted gave me little encouragement. Having,
however, with some difficulty persuaded several friends to
assist me in this blessed work, we first bought a piece of land
near the new church (Trinity), and then procured a frame

2Cy

KAKLY SAINT .lOHN MKTHODlHM

or skelotoii for ii building sixty feet long by forty-two wido.
The congrogiition and society volunteorod tlioir services, and
on u day a{)point('d we dug tlic foundation. Many of the in-
habitants of the town with a generous zeal, lent us their carts
and horses to drag stone, otliers assisted us to bring tli(! frame
of the building from the river side, to which it had been
rafted down from the upper woods ; and after I had preached
on the foundation stone, more, than one hundred able-bodied
men canu; forward to enabh; us to raise the frame. At this
building I worked with my own hands from morning till night
for s(!veral montli.s, as r,n uxuhipi.: to induce and encourage;
otlujrs, and also because my heart was in the work and the Lord
gave me strength for the day : so that I know not that ever
I was better in body or hapjiier in soul than when I worked
all day at the new and preaclied at night in the old chapel."

Mr. Marsden does not mention the text from which he
preached at the laying of the foundation stone. It was, how-
ever, " Upon this rock I will build my church, and the gates
of hell shall not prevail against it." Nor does he give the
names of any of the friends who assisted him in the enterprise.
As we pass, reference should be made especially to John Fer-
guson, one of -the earliest converts in the city, of whom more
will be said in another place. Some of the townspeople of
that day laughed at the band of praying Methodists attempt-
ing an enterprise which seemed so hazardous. Mr. Ferguson
tells us that " as they passed the building they would look up
and sneeringly say, ' That will never be finished !' " The
church was completed in the following year, and on Christmas
day, 1808, dedicated. Mr. Marsden liaving been removed to
Bermuda, the sermon was preached and the dedicatory services
conducted by Rev. William Bennet.

The cut on the opposite page represents the old Germain
street church and parsonage as they appeared immediately
before their destruction in the great lire of 1877.

AND lIiaTUllY OF CENTENAUy OIIUUCII.

THE GEllMAIN STKEET CHUKC'H AJSD i'AH.SOMAGE.

KAKLY SAINT JOHN MHTHODISM

There are still living in oui- city a few persons who remeni-
\)v,v the building of the old Germain street chupel. Mr. James
lUistin, who is now eighty-eight years of age, said to the
writer, "The renien.ibrance of that old cluiruh was very dear
to nie. When a small boy I played around its foundation.
Saw the structure rise, and with boyish interest watched for
its completion. In this church I worshipped over sixty years."
Mrs. John Humbert, who is a sister of Mr. Bustin, is also
auiong those who nMiiember the erection of the old chap(il.

Rev. William Black was appointed for the second time to
tiie city, succeeding Mr. Bennet, and remained two years.
In the early part of his term the first Sabbath School in
Saint John was formed. He distinguished himself by an
able defence of Metiiodism in answer to certain insulting
articles which appeared in the Saint John Gazette. He
was followed by Stephen Bainford, who was held in the
highest respect and was welcome wherever he went. He
had been in the army for fourteen years. In 1800, three
years after obtaining his discharge, he entered the ministry
and for thirty years labored with great acceptance. Dui'ing
the hist twelve years of his life he was a supernumary. Dr.
McLeod says of !iim, " that upon entering their house his
usual salutation was, 'Here is Stephen Bamford again!'
accompanied by some witty remark. He was an original wit,
and I have known him to make his audience laugh and cry in
the time of a few minutes. One anecdote I remember, and
have heard my parents frequently repeat it. Preaching to
sinners, he said : ' Some of you when the last trump shall
sound, will be glad to take iiold of Stephen Bamford's coat
tail, but I will not let you. I'll wear a round jacket.' I
have seen various vt^isions of this incident and attributed to
different ministers, but I believe it originated with Mr. Wiim-
ford, — it cucurred nearly eighty years ago. Many of Mr.

AND ITTSTOnY OP CENTENARY OntTRril.

Bamford's sayings arc still repeated. He would often appeal
to his wife, from the pulpit, to corroborate something he
had said. He was the most interesting exhorter I ever
heard, — always something fresh, appropriate and improving.
He was a true Christian, upright and honorable to an extreme,
lived well and died well." Mr. Bamford possessed naturally
an active and vigorous mind, which he improved by valuable
reading and careful and accurate observation of men and
things. His best characteristics were that he was a man of
sti'ong faith, of earnest prayer and of a grateful spirit.

Although a supernumary, he continued to preach every Sab-
bath. While at Digby in the year 1843 liis horse ran away,
injuring seriously both himself and Mrs. Bamford. He gives
an account in the Methodist magazine for that year of his
injuries, and a postcript to his letter, written a fortnight later,
illustrates tlie zeal and earn(?stncss of purpose of this man of
(rod. He says : " The leg still remains helpless. Preach
every Sabbath. They carry me to the chapel and God blesses
me. Write by the bearer and let me know all the news. My
health is good, and my soul is growing more happy as I
approach nearer to eternity ! O Religion ! Methodism !
What do T owe you? What I never can repay ! !" His end
was peace. He died at Digby, N. S., August 14th, liS4S, in
the seventy-eighth year of his age, and the forty-second of his
ministry, — and was buried in the Methodist burial ground of
this city. Mr. Bamford was the last minister sent from tiio
lower provinces to the United States for ordination.

Reference has boon made to the Sabbath school formed in
the sunnner of 1809, during Mr. i ack's pastorate. It was
organized by Mr. George Taylor v school master and local
preacher of much acceptance ; a gentleman most active in
Christian work and one who v/as well and favoruMy known to
many of our people still living. This was tiie first Sabbath

•MMTllllll miMI

jii ' ■'':-

Ih ;'>

oJ EARLY SAINT JOHN METHODISM

school established in Saint John. Mr. James Bustin, already
referred to, was a member of it, Mrs, Humbert, his sister,
was not, for the reason that girls were not admitted.

During Mr, Bamford's incumbency the following notice and
appeal in reference to this school, was published :

SUNDAY SCHOOL, GEEMAIN STREET.

The public are respectfully informed that children arc admitted
intf) the school, as usual, every Sabbath day at two o'clock. It
being now nearly three years since any subscriptions having been
received for its support, the managers beg leave to solicit the
assistance of all who are well-wishers to such a useful and laudable
institution; at the same time are informed that any aid they may
be pleased to afford will be thankfully received by the Rev, Stephen
Bamford, or John Ferguson,

STATEMENT OF FINANCES.

Amount of subscriptions received since the com-
mencement of the school £17 10s. 7d.

Deduct disbursenients for fuel, books, slates, pen-
cils, etc 16 16

Balance remaining on hand £0 148, 7d,

Saint John, N, B., September 10th, 1812,

The charge for disbursements indicates in a measure the
nature of Sabbath school instruction in that day, in comparison
with which the present teaching is in marked contrast,

Mr. Bustin says : " The boys assembled in the morning at
the Sabbath school room (the old chapel), in time to be
arranged for marching to cliurch under the direction of one or
more of the teachers. In the afternoon the school was opened
with prayer and scripture reading, after which the boys were
classed ott" for spelling, reading, writing and cyphering. The
writing was inspected and the calculations were corrected by

AND HISTORY OF CENTENARY CHURCH.

the superintendent and teachers." Ten minutes would be
occupied at tlie close of the session by one of the teachers in
enforcing some moral or religious truth. Mr. Taylor was
assisted in his work by William Till, Isaac Goodwin, Alex-
ander McLeod and others.

In the year 1812, the town clock was placed in position in
Trinity church tower, — before that date much difficulty was
experienced in assembling people at a certain hour, and so
much latitude was allowed that neither was punctuality nor
procrastination regarded as the thief of time. The Episcopa-
lians had service in the morning only, and, of course, their bell
would be silent in the evening. It was regarded as a great
innovation on the part of the Methodists to have an evening
service. They were brought together by the announcement
that the service would begin at early candle light. It was the
day of "penny dips," nor was the the luxury of carpets on the
church floors known. The necessary continual snuffing of the
candles, and the steady tramp of the sexton during the entire
service, while attending to that duty must have seriously dis-
turbed the order and solemnity of the occasion.

In 1813, Rev. James Knowlan succeeded Mr. Bamford and
remained in Saint John for two years. He lived in a house
at the head of "Cooper's alley" (Church street), next door to
Mr. McLeod's. He was always spoken well of, — was a good,
sound Methodist preacher.

In 1815, William Croscombe was assigned to Saint John.
Mr. Croscombe's fame is in all the churches in New Brunswick,
Nova Scotia and (what was formerly called) Canada. A devo-
ted, zealous, energetic man of God, — very successful in win-
ning souls to Christ ;xnd in building up believers in faith and
holiness. He was beloved by the people and held in tlie
highest esteem. 1e was a valuable correspondent to the
Wesleyan, ever alert to defend Methodism when attacked or

1 '

EARLY SAINT JOHN METHODISM

misrepresented, as the files of that paper abundantly show.
Loved in life, he was mourned in death.

Mr. Bamford, in 1817, followed Mr. Croscombe and was
stationed for the second time in the city, remaining two years,
and was succeeded by James Priestly, who labored from 1819
to 1821. Mr. Priestly is said to have been a most winning
preacher, and was certainly held in highest esteem by many of
the people. By some otliers he was looked upon as a plagiarist
having great resource to Jay's short sermons, but not by any
regarded as a man without wonderful ability.

In 1821, Robert Alder was appointed to Saint John. He
had been a printer in early life, but was received on trial in
the Methodist ministry in 1816. He was medium sized, but
compact. His head was very large and surmounted by very
curly hair. His preaching was elaborate, dignified and power-
ful. When stationed in Saint John no minister was more
popular. Such congregations for numbers and intelligent
hearers drawn from all quarters, had, up to that time, never
been seen in old Germain street chapel. Rev. Dr. Burns, the
Presbyterian clergyman at that time in the city, was a fre-
quent attendant at the Sunday evening preaching. Mr. Alder
subsequently occupied the principal appointments in what was
then known as Canada. He became at length one of the
secretaries of our missionary society and one of the most
prominent men in the British conference. At the time of
his death, however, he was not a member of the Methodist
society. He remained in Saint John until 1823, when, for a
second time, Mr. Priestly was stat! )ned in the city.

In tliis year trouble began, the most serious, perhaps, our
church in its history has had. Through the kindness of J. W.
Ljiwrence, Esq., an extended account of what was known as
the " Priestly affliir," is here presented :

" Rev. Mr. Priestly was in charge of the Germain street

AND HISTORY OF CENTEXARY CHURCH.

church in 1824. He was an able preacher and much liked by
his congregation. Tn person, Mr. Priestly was tall and on the
sunny side of forty years. In the spring of that year at
a meeting of the Methodist district, held in Nova Scotia,
Rev. William Bennet being chairman and Rev. Robert Alder
secretary, Mr. Priestly's name was arrested and a charge
brought against him of indulging in the drinking customs of
the day to a aegree incompatible with the position of a min-
ister. At this time there were only four Methodist stations
in New Brunswick, — Saint John, Fredericton, St. Stephen
and Sackville, to which Rev. Robert Alder, Rev. John Mar-
shall, Rev. D. McColl, and Rev. S. Bamford were respectively
stationed. At the district meeting Mr. Priestly was not pre-
sent. The district decided that the wisest course was for Mr.
Priestly to resign his charge at Saint John, go to England and
explain his position to the London conference, from which
body he received his appointment. JJpon the advice of his
friends he declined to act on the suggestion entirely, but re-
signed his pastorate. It was at this time Mr. Priestly's wife
died, leaA ing three young children, which deepened the general
sympathy 1> r him. On the 31st July in the same year, a
meeting of his friends was held at his residence, at which
Stephen Humbert, Daniel Ansley, Barzilla Bailey, John Mc-
Clure, David Brown and Alexander Miller were appointed a
committee to obtain subscriptions for the erection of a place
of worship. So popular was the movemenf^ that on the 14th
August, only two weeks' after, two lots facing King Square
were purchased, and seven days later the corner stone of what
was thereafter to be termed the Asylum chapel was laid. On
the Sunday evening following a sermon was preached on the
ground by Mr. Priestly, when a collection of £18 was taken.
At a public meeting in the Masonic Hall, at the head of King
street, a gold medal was presented to Mr. Priestly by citizens

EARLY SAINT JOHN METHODISM

Sill i*;

irrespective of creed. The presentation committee was Nehe-
miah Merritt, Stephen Humbert, Lewis Burns and John R.
Partelow. In October a circus visited Saint John and gave a
benefit for the building fund, realizing $111. 'So the carpen-
ter encouraged the goldsmith, and he that smoothed with the
hammer him that smote the anvil, saying it is ready for the
soldering, and he fasteneth it with nails that it should not be
moved.' So rapidly did the work go forward that on Sunday,
December 12th, less than four months after laying the corner
stone, the building was opened for worship and a collection
taken of £38."

In May, 1825, Stephen Humbert, a leading Methodist and
head in the movement in behalf of Mr. Priestly, wrote :

"The Asylum chapel was erected the latter part of last
summer. It is built of yellow brick and forms a handsome
exterior, and intended for the reception of Rev. James Priestly,
who officiated as pastor a few months only and was dismissed
on a charge of conduct unfitting a minister. The chapel is an
ornament to the city and will abide as a lasting testimony of
the benevolence of the inhabitants of Saint John. The trus-
tees are corresponding with the president of the conference of
Primitive Methodists, at Home generally called Church of
England Methodists, in contradistinction to the Wesleyan
Methodists, who have separated from the ordinances adminis-
tered in the Church of England. An eminent minister is soon
expected from the old country."

Mr. Priestly shortly afterwards left for Canada, where mis-
fortunes seemed to follow him to the close of life.

The Rev. George Montgomery West, of the Episcopal Meth-
odist church, arrived on a visit from Canada, preaching his
first sermon in the Asylum chapel, July 5th, 1825. Mr. West
was of commanding presence and possessed pulpit attainments
of a high order, drawing large audiences. On the 24th July

I !.

A\D HISTORY OP CENTENARY CHURCH.

the pews on the ground floor were sold, realizing .£500. The
building faced the square, and unlike churches generally, its
frontage was longer than the depth, — one advantage of which
was, there being ground on the rear an enlargement could be
made and would add to its general appearance. There were
one end and two side galleries.

Mr. West's stay was short, for a minister of his gifts could
command a wider field. He preached his last sermon October
14th, only three months after his arrival. It was for the
benefit of the sufferers from the Miramichi fire. A collection
was taken at this service amounting to .£40.

Rev. Richard Robinson, sent by the Irish conference of
Primitive Methodists, arrived in this city on October 9th,

1825. The interest in the new movement had largely passed.
Numbers returned to the Germain Street Methodist Church
and others went to the Stone (Episcopal) Church, opened in

1826. Mr. Robinson not finding things as prosperous as he
expected, returned to Ireland. He was succeeded by Rev.
Mr. Ashley, followed by Mr. Parent, neither of whom was
able to sustain the movement, and the end was the closing of
the Asylum chapel in connection with Methodism."

The building has an interesting subsequent history, particu-
lars of which Mr. Lawrence has preserved. We may state
that from 1831 to the fall of 1835 it was in the occupation of
the Episcopalians, who, under the ministry of Rev. B. G.
Gray, rector of Trinity, held what were called Free Evening
Services on each Sabbath. It was also used for Sunday
school purposes and for the meetings of the Bible Society, as
well as for quarterly meetings of a temperance society whose
platform was wine and ale admissable, while strong drinks
had no quarter. In 1835 a number of members of Saint
Andrew's Kirk purchased the chapel, and it became known as
Saint Stephen's church, and the organization now known by

I I

>\-

I f

EARLY SAINT JOHN MRTHODISM

the latter name was formed. In 1847 the Legislature passed
an act authorizing the sale of the building. The proceeds,
after payment of debts, were to be applied to the erection of a
church in accord with the Established Church of Scotland.
In 1848 Sainc David's church was organized in this building.

Mr. Lawrence, in concluding a paper read before the His-
torical Society, entitled " A Building with a History," says :
" Such is the brief outline of an edifice which has had a more
chequered history than any in Saint John, and the history of
the watchman on its battlements, fighting the world, the flesh
and the devil. That the world, the flesh and the devil were
the victors the conviction is irresistible, when it is recalled that
James Priestly, William Anderson and Thomas Wishart were
ejected from the fortress by those who placed them there.
The days of its triumphs were, when used for Church of Eng-
land service, and when it became the birthplace and cradle of
Saint David's."

This unfortunate circumstance was a serious blow for
the time being to Methodism in Saint John, and the
exercise of much wisdom was necessary in the selection
of some one for the work of repairing the injury done.
None mor' competent could have been chosen than Mr. Alder,
and he was accordingly appointed to the charge. His first
congregation did not number thirty ; but he gained each Sun-
day, and finally the sad confirmation of the action of the
district being established by the notorious conduct of Mr.
Priestly, the people in great numbers returned to the old_
house and the adherents became more numerous and the
cause more prosperous than before the downfall.

It should be remembered that Mr. McLeod and others of
the leading Methodists were subjected to much persecution
because, — acting from principle and a sense of Christian
duty, — they felt obliged to urge a strict enforcement of the

'^■

AND IIISTOIIY OP CKNTENAUY CIlUUCH.

• II

discipline against Mr. Priestly, and bear witness to his intem-
perate habits before a special district meeting.

The newspapers of that day contain many attacks upon
these gentlemen, principally, as usual, by anonymous writers,
but in some instances over individual signatures. By refer-
ence to the columns of the Courier, for instance, this will be
made manifest.

Mr. McLeod at this time was the leading Methodist in the
city, and as an official member of the church he rendered
much valuable assistance for many years. His house on Ger-
main, near Church street, was the home of the Methodist
minister. His counsel determined their course in many mat-
ters. In early life it had been his intention to enter the
ministry, but later on he had some doubts as to his call, and
subsequently he again resolved to enter the work. Having
offered, he was about to depart for the conference, but meeting
with an accident on the morning of his intended departure,
the interruption probably changed the whole course of his life.
In Saint John he rendered much assistance as a local preacher
and a class-leader. On the 29th April, 1815, he retired from
school teaching, and from that time devoted his attention to
mercantile life and literary pursuits of another character than
teaching. From 1826 until 1831 he was editor and proprietor
of the City Gazette. In 1829 he started the ^ew Brunswick
Religious and Literary Journal, which was probably the first
religious paper lu periodical published in the Province, and
which existed about two years. Mr. McLeod was prominent
in the temperance and other moral movements, and was the
first secretary of the first Temperance Society in Saint John,
Rev. Dr. Gray being president and Rev. Dr. Burns vice
president. This society was organized in 1829. Mr. McLeod's
place of business. No. 4 South wharf, was the depository of
the Bible Society. He died 28th March, 1833, aged sixty

•I

KAULY SAINT JOHN METHODISM

years, at the time of his death he was Coroner and County
Treasurer. His wife, two sons and one daughter survived
liim. Mrs. McLeod died in 1838, her funeral taking place on
Good Friday in that year. His daughter was the wife of
Rev. Albert Desbrisay, who, though a great suflferer during
the most of her life, was of gentle and sweet disposition, a
woman of strong mental endowment and kindly remembered
by all with whom she was acquainted. His son, Mr. J.
Wesley McLeod, resided in Saint John for a number of years,
was actively connected with the Methodist Society, and is
most favorably remembered by the older citizens of this place.
He died a few years ago in New Jersey. Rev. A. W.
McLeod, D. D., the other son, entered the ministry with Rev.
Henry Daniel and Rev. George Johnston in the year 1830,
but since 1854 has been residing in the United States and
now lives at Baltimore, Md. To Dr. McLeod the writer is
indebted for much that appears in this paper. Of himself he,
in a letter wiitten in July, 1889, says : " I am now past eighty-
one years of age, but can read the smallest print, and write
without the aid of spectacles, and am by no means deficient in
activity ; * * above all I feel an abiding interest in Christ
and can witness a good confession. I am conscious that I am
living on borrowed time and my chief solicitude is, to be found
ready when the Master calls."

PORTLAND.

Occasional visits were made to Portland and Indiantown by
the Wesleyan missionaries stationed in the city. These were
the more frequent during the superintendence of Rev. Richard
Williams, who was appointed to the station in 1826. The
services were usually held in the house of Mr. J. Owens,
which was always open for that purpose. So promising was
the field that it was soon thought proper to build a chapel.

AND U18T0KY OF CKNTKNAKV CilUUCH.

An eligible site having been presented by the Hon. Charles
Simonds, the enterprise was undertaken. The trustees, with
one exception, were chosen from the city, and were Alexander
McLeod, Samuel H. McKee, George Whittaker, William
Nesbit, Henry Hennigar, Robert Chestnut, Robert Robertson,
Gilbert T. Ray, John B. Gaynor, George A. Lock hart,
James Bustin, John Owens, and Francis Jordan ; Mr.
Gaynor being chapel steward. The frame was given by Mr.
Owens and the work progressed. The chapel was dedicated
on June 7th, 1829, and was the first church built in Portland.
The sermon in the morning was by Rev. Mr. Williams, from
Isaiah, Ix., 7, " And I will glorify the house of my glory."
In the afternoon Rev. Mr. Pickles preached from Haggai, ii.,
19, " This day I will bless you," and in the evening Rev. Mr.
Strong, superintendent of the circuit, from 1 Corinthians, ii., 2,
" For I determined not to know any thing among you, save
Jesus Christ and him crucified." The. church was seventy-
nine feet long and fifty-three feet wide, having at first an end
gallery, which was afterwards extended along each side resting
on columns which were continued to the ceiling to support the
roof. It cost .£2,000, and when completed there was a large
debt upon it. Some liberal subscriptions were made which,
with the sale of preference pews, amounted to upwards of
.£700. On the 26th August, 1841, this church was burned,
and as there was but £600 insurance upon it the loss was
great. On the 30th August a meeting was held in the Ger-
main street chapel to consider the advisability of rebuilding,
when it was decided to proceed at once with the erection of a
brick or stone building. The attendance was cheering, which
was said to show the religious advantage of " the family com-
pact." The meeting was opened by Rev. William Temple.
The scriptui'al selection was that in reference to the proclama-
tion of Cyrus as to the rebuilding of the temple, as found in

KAULY SAINT JOHN MKTllODlSM

Ezra, i. and part of ii. The meeting continued vith unabated
interest till near eleven o'clock, when it was announced that
tlio subscriptions amounted to jB1,145 5s. The new church
was opened on June 5th, 1842, sermons being preached by
Rev. Messrs. Miller, Hennigar and Bamford. Tiiis church
was considered a beautiful structure, neat and convenient,
finished in excellent taste throughout, and was superior to the
one destroyed. The scliool-room in the basement was almost
entirely above ground. To the liberality as well as to the con-
stant and judicious supervision of Mr. Owens the congregation
was, as in the first instance, greatly indebted.

CARLETON.

Beginning with 1810 the Methodist ministers for thirty
years visited Carleton with varied success. During the latter
portion of that period they worshipped in what was known as
the "free meeting house." The system of one house being
held by different denominations, in this as well as in many
other instances, was proved not to be a good one. Our people
began to lock about for a suitable site. Thomas Coram, Esq.,
generously offered two lots for the purpose, but they were
thought not to be sufficiently central. At length, through the
exertions of Alderman Salter, the corporation granted a free-
hold title to the property on Guildford street, one hundred
feet square, and upon this site the building, in which worship
has been conducted ever since, was built. The corner stone
was laid by Isaac Olive, Esq., on Thursday, the 12th Novem-
ber, 1840. In the evening Rev. 8. D. Rice, who was tho
minister in charge, preached from Isaiah, xxviii., 16, "Behold,
I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious
corner stone ; a sure foundation." The circuits were then
called, — Saint Jolm (south). Saint John (north), and Carleton
and Long Reach.

AND HISTORY OV CKNTKNAIlY CIlUUCH.

Coming back to Mr. Alder's time, a reference to the files of
the Saint John Courier will disclose the exercises followed at
the examination of the Sunday school. The item, under date
December 20th, 1823, is as follows : "The exainiiiation of the
Sunday school that assembles in the Methodist chapel occu-
pied two mornings. The members of the committee and
others who took part in the examination expressed their high
approbation of the manner in which the different classes read,
recited and answered their biblical questions. Bibles, Testa-
ments and smaller works of a religious nature were bestowed
upon many as rewards for their diligence and good conduct."
In the same paper, under date 15th December, 1824, is the
the statement : '* In 1822 an association called the Saint John
Female Wesleyan Missionary Association was formed for the
purpose of aiding, by penny-a-week subscriptions, tlie funds of
the Wesleyan Missionary Society, and the collectors since that
period raised upwards of .£80."

On Monday, 19th September, 1825, the centenary of Mr.
Wesley's ordination was celebrated. A discourse on the origin,
nature, progress and present state of Methodism was delivered
in the evening by the resident missionary, Mr. Alder.

In October, 1833, the chapel, after having been enlarged so
as to give additional sittings to upwards of two hundred per-
sons, was re-opened. Interesting services were held by Mr.
Busby, the missionary in charge, and Rev. Mr. Wood, who at
this time was stationed in Fredericton. Before leaving this
division it may be interesting to note the names of some of
the local preachers who at this time and for some time after
were engaged in active work as such.

In 1834, from a plan of preaching places, it would appear
that services were held in the City chapel, Portland, Carleton,
Lower Cove, Alms House, Gondola Point, Mispeck and Loch
Lomond. The ministers on the circuit were Rev. S. Busby

1^1

V I

■. Ir

I I
1

EAUL'" SAINT JOllN METHODISM

and Rev. Mr. Smithson. They were ably assisted by a band
of worthy local preachers, among whom were William Till, S.
Hanford McKee, Mathew Thomas, William Nesbit, Thomas
Furness, and perhaps some others. Mr. Till was the senior
local preacher ; was a native of New Brunswick, and converted
early in life under the preaching of Joshua Marsden. In
stature he was tall ; in aspect modest. Mr. Daniel says of him :
" He was a Christian to look at." He was sensible, though
somewhat slow in speech and movement- but always com-
manded an attentive hearing. At an early period in his
Cliristian experience he felt a strong call to tlie ministry, but
allowed himself to be dissuaded. He consistently followed
and faithfully labored in his Master's work until his death,
wiiich occurred in 1862. His connection with the first Sab-
bath school in Saint John has already been noted. In 1836
Mr. Till assumed control of the City Gazette and published it
until 1840, and during the same years issued the Christian
Reporter and l^emperance Advocate. After relimjuishing news-
paper work he became a clerk, and for many years was em-
ployed in Tisdale's hardware store.

Samuel Hanford McKee was an earnest, active, old-time
Methodist. He kept a house of entertainment on the Market
square, where Messrs. Daniel & Boyd now do business. He was
nuch respected by all with whom he had dealings. As a local
preacher he was acceptable, and, no doubc / his uprightness
of conduct and piety of life as well as by his pulpit etforts, he
exercised an influence for good on the community in which for
so long a time he lived. He died June 26, 1835, aged sixty-two.

Mathew Thomas was an interesting exhorter; as a local
preacher perhaps his ability was not of as high an order as
that of some others with whom he was associated ; neverthe-
less he did a great deal of good work in that line, and was
employed as a liired local preacher, laboring in difl'erent

II .H

A>TD IIISTOUY OF CKNTKNAUY CIIUKCII.

localities, notably Grand Lake. It was iiis pride to proclaim
himself a Methodist.

William Nesbit, a native of Berwicksliire, Scotland, was a
very superior and useful man; his talents were of a high order.
In addition to taking his appointments as local preacher he
was frequently called upon to take part at missionary meet-
ings and watch-night services. On the 13th August, 1841, he
passed to his reward, aged sixty-nine years, hav;ng been a
Methodist forty years.

Not less active or useful, and perhap.s more freijuently
called upon, was Thomas Hutcliings, a gentleman whom many
Varley school boys will remember with pleasure. Mr. Hutcli-
ings was born September 12, 1804, at Falmouth, England,
and died November 5, 1856, triumphing in faith of the Gospel.
He was converteid early in ife and when about twenty-one
years of age became a class leader and local preacher, the
duties of which office he efficiently discharged for more than
thirty years. His widow, at a very advanced age, still sur-
vives, and his children, influenced by nobUi example and pious
training, are all living useful lives and engaged in active
Christian work.

From time to time the Germain street chapel was repaired
and altered and came to be known as the mother of them all.
It was one of the first buildings on the higher ground which
yielded to the devastating demands of the great fire of 1877.

There are hallowed associations and sacred memories in
connection with the old church that no material fire, be it
ever so cruel and relentless, can destroy. la a new and
grander building, on, perhaps, a more eligible site, the incense
of praise is now offered, but until this generation shall pass away
the old corner and its unpretentious, thougli comfortable old
church, with itt? school-room and class-rooms, will be held very
dear.

:^Kim/^e:>.

EARLY SAINT JOHN METIlUDlSM

The title given to this work suggests its own divisions,—
Early Methodism : Centenary Church. In reference to the
lirst, perhaps enough has now been said ; the remaining pages
should be devoted to a consideration of the church whose
jubilee has suggested the preparation of this paper.

CENTENARY CHURCH.

After the enlargement of the Germain street churcli in
1833, and during the incumbency of Rev. Enoch Wood, who
was appointed to Saint John in 1836, the congregation became
too large for the building, the question of the erection of the
Centenary churcli was discussed. Formidable difficulties were
apparent, but a board of trustees was appointed and a site, in
what was then a most unpromising locality, was selected. Mr.
Wood was the leader in the enterprise, and by skilful man-
agement and indomitable perseverance, he and his co-laborers
succeeded in their work. Mr. Wood purchased three lots of
land for the Centerary trustees, paying $1,500 therefor. Mr.
John B. Gaynor paid $500 for a fourth, and gave the lot as a
donation for the purposes of the church. These four lots con-
stituted the site on which Centenary church was subsequently
built. At three o'clock on Sunday, the 15th day of July, 1838,
Rev, Enoch Wood preached at an open air service held on the
floor of tiie chapel then being erected. An account of that
service and of the laying of the corner stone may be found in
tiie Saint John Observer of that time, and is as follows :

" Divine service was iield on Sabbath afternoon last upon
the floor of the new Wesleyan chapel which is being erected
in Saint George's street in this city. The Rev. Enoch Wood
addressed a concourse of people in the open air, supposed to
amount to two thousand, from 1 Corinthians, 1st chap., 23rd
aud 24th verses. This interesting exercise was concluded by

I (Ml I

AND HISTORY OF CENTENARY CHURCH.

Messrs. Busby and McNutt. On Monday, at eleven o'clock, a
large and respectable assembly convened at the same place to
witness the ceremor}' usually observed by the Wesleyans in
laying the corner or foundation stone of their houses for sacred
worship. The service was begun by the Rev. Richard Shep-
pard, and the people addressed by the Rev. Messrs. Busby and
Wood. In the stone was inserted various documents, etc., so
guarded n to secure their preservation. The venerable John
Ferguson, Esq., who has been a member of the Wesleyan
society for forty-seven years, laid the corner stone in a most
devout and impressive manner, giving before the conclusion of
the ceremony an account of the first winter he spent in the
country, during which not a single sermon was preached in the
town, if a town it might then be called. The building will be
sixty feet by ninety feet from a very chaste design by Mr.
Cunningham ; there will be a large school-room and vestry
underneath the chapel, and a furnace for heating the building
with hot a . Provision will be made for four hundred sit-
tings to be free. Advantage will be taken of the most modern
improvements in finishing the interior so as to secure ease and
comfort with a strict regard for prudence and economy. The
foundation sills and first floor are all ready to receive the
frame, which is in such a state of forwardness that in a few
days the raising of it will be commenced. The situation is a
very suitable one, standing upon high ground and in a part of
the city which is enlarging very fast. If proper attention be
paid to the finishing of it, not only will it be creditable to the
numerous body of Christians under whoso immediate auspices
and exertions it is advancing and a powerful auxiliary in the
great cause of religion, but it will be an ornament to our
flourishing city."

In the aperture in ti»e stone were placed an almanac of th.at
year and a copy of The Christian Reporter and Temj)erance

;|«i|

EARLY SAINT JOHN METHODISM

tiit

Mi :4

Advocate and The Coiirier, and a parchment upon which were
the following particulars, written by Thomas Hutchings :
** This corner stone of the second Wesleyan Methodist chapel,
commenced in tlie city of Saint John, New Brunswick,
was laid by J. Ferguson, Esq. (who has been at this
time a member of the society forty-five years), on the
16th day of July, 1838, in the first year of the reign
of Her Majesty Queen Victoria; Sir John Harvey, K. C. B.,
lieutenant governor of the province ; Robert F. Hazen,
Esq., mayor of the city ; Rev, Edmund Grindrod, presi-
dent of the British conference ; Rev. Messrs. Dr. Bunting,
John Beecham, Robert Alder and Elijah Hoole, secretaries for
foreign missions ; Rev. "William Temple, chairman of the New
Brunswick district ; Rev. Enoch Wood, superintendent of the
city circuit ; Richard Shephard, of Portland, and Stephen
Bamford, supernumerary. At the time this stone was laid
Messrs. Ferguson, G. T. Ray, George Whittaker, George A.
Lockhart and John B. Gaynor were trustees for the "Wesleyan
chapel Germain street ; Messrs. J. E. McDonald, Richard
"Whiteside, David Collin i, Edward T. Knowles, "William White-
side and Henry Whiteside the building committee for the
present chapel. Members in society ; City, 380 ; Portland,
108. In the province, 22 Wesleyan missionaries and 2,490
members. There were present upon this occasion tiie Rev.
Sampson Busby, the oldest missionary in the district,
and the Rev, Arthur McNutt, the first visiting mission-
ary appointed by the Wesleyans to labor in New Bruns-
wick."

Forty years later, after the building had fed the fury of the
fire of 1877, and all that was inflammable had been consumed,
this document was removed from the place in which it had
been for all that time. Beyond a few creases that necessarily
were made in depositing it in a contracted place, it was found

AND HISTORY OP CENTENARY CHURCH,

to be in as good condition as when placed there on July
16th, 1838. The newspapers and almanac were in like
condition.

The original plan was made by Mr. Cunningham, architect,
and the specification for the frame, etc., was made by Mr.
Mitchell, architect, assisted by Henry Hennigar, Esq., of Her
Majesty's Royal Engineering Department. The excavations
for the basement and foundations were made by Messrs.
McGuirk and McDade. The contract for the frame, boarding
the whole building, shingling the roof and finishing the dome,
cupola and tower down to the eaves, was taken by Mr. Y/. B.
Frost, who was to find all the materials necessary for the com-
pletion of his contract. Mr. Frost employed Mr, Samuel C.
Bugbee and Mr. Stevenson to oversee and carry on the work.
The rest of the work necessary to 'complete the church was
done by day's work, under the superintendence of Mr. Bugbee.
The foundation wall was built by Mr. David S. Marshall, and
the plastering done by Mr. Thomas P. Williams. The cost of
the church was as follows :

Materials £689 9s. 3d.

Cartage, etc 81 5 2h

Labor 2,873 15 lol

Sundries 6 15 4

Benches and hot air 78

Work benches and poles 11 12 3

General accounts 433 3 8

£4,174 Is. 7(1.
Purchase of land, interest on notes, law expenses,

etc., etc Gil 19 5

£4,786 Is. Od.

Upwards of £800 were subscribed towards the liquidation
of tiie debt before the church was opened. For some years

EARLY SAINT JOnN METHODISM

after tlie opening of the church the debt seemed to remain at
about the same amount, for in 1845 we find it to have been
£3,950.

It is of interest to note that the pi Ipit, wliich seems to have
been a beautiful piece of work, was paid for by a number of
ladies of the congregation whose names and the amounts given
by them are as follows :

Mrs. Lockhart £10 Os. Od.

Mrs. Miles 5

Mrs. McKee 10

Mrs. Wallace 5

Mrs. McDonald 10

Mrs. Knowles 10 14 6

£50 14s. 6d.

The pulpit was of a wine glass shape and was distant some
eight or ten feet from the choir gallery. The minister to
reach his place ascended a spiral stairway, and would give the
choir the needed information as to the hymns to be sung at
the service, by handing the slip at the point of a stick of suffi-
cient length to cover the distance. This was certainly the
practice with some of the ministers.

On the night before the opening of the ch.urch the city was
visited by a terrible conflagration, in which many business
houses were destroyed, involving much distress. The losses
with which our people met, occasioned by the fire and com-
mercial depression incident thereto, prevented a more generous
response than was given. Yet, through the persuasion of Dr.
Wood, many amounts in small sums were given. Nor should
we overlook the fact that there were some exceedingly gen-
erous gifts. Mrs. Nelles states that her father (Dr. Wood),
would often talk of the time he had in collecting money to
build Centenary churc'v One instance he seemed to enjoy

AND HISTORY OP CENTENARY CHURCH.

and tell with great pleasure. He was soliciting a subscription
from a lady and was refused. He replied to her, " Well,
sister, when you worship in the church you will have the
extreme happiness and satisfaction of knowing you have not
given one cent towards a brick." She afterwards sent him a
good subscription.

Dr. Wood, — whose name and memory are revered in this city
among the older Methodists not only by reason of his personal
worth, but also because of his associations with the inception
and completion of this enterprise, and of his activity in
advancing all matters of interest and importance to the church
with which he was ministerially connected, — contributed an
article to one of our missionary periodicals in reference to
** Centenary church as it was." The contribution may very
properly be reproduced, and is as follows :

"After spending two years of active missionary life in
Miramichi, and three years on tiie Fredericton circuit, in 1836
I was re-appointed to the Saint John circuit, having for my
fellow-laborer the genial and devoted minister of Christ, the
Rev. Arthur McNutt. He had spent a year with me as a
single man and a member of my family on the Miramichi
mission ; it was a great pleasure to both of us to renew our
brotherly associations in our common Master's vineyard. We
found in Saint John a loving and united people and good
congregations in the Germain street church. The only other
sanctuary we had at that time was in Portland, where the
Protestant population was thin and the society feeble. That
in Germain street was forty by eighty, and the ground at the
end of it had recently been filled up by the erection of a two-
story building, the lower part of which formed a commodious
and convenient vestibule, with a large room for prayer and
class meetings ; the upper part had a concave ceiling and made
a fine school room eighty feet long. Adjoining the church on

"Si

» 'M

EARLY SAINT JOHN METHODISM

V; t

Germain street was the parsonage, or, as it was then called,
the mission house, to which a story was added after I assumed
the superintendency and the whole put into excellent repair at
a cost of £400 currency. Before the end of the first year it
became apparent, if we were faithful to our calling, we should
be preparing for the erection of another sanctuary. The pres-
sure for accommodation had become so great that many fami-
lies had to divide in their attendance, some coming in the
morning of each Sabbath and some in the evening. For some
time it seemed to me paradoxical to hear men most devoutly
pray for the enlargement of the church in its membership by
the conversion of sinners when they had not a pew to place
them in without thrusting others aside. So deep were our
convictions of duty that we could no longer remain inactive,
and believing in the call of God to ' arise and build,' and rely-
ing upon the benevolence and sympathy of His people, together
with the favorable tendency of the public mind, three lots
were purchased from the Messrs. Sears for $500 each. Plans
were obtained ; a board of new trustees was formed, and
without a dollar in the chest the erection of the church was
begun. The lots of land on which the building was to be
placed presented formidable obstacles to rapid advancement.
In the centre the pointed crags were about twelve feet above
the level of the street, and the basement being intended to be
eleven feet in the clear, hundreds of cart loads were removed
in making the excavation for the foundation walls. In size
the building was sixty feet by ninety feet, of which the accom-
panying sketch gives a tolerably good idea of its external
expression though failing to convey a correct view of the small
columns, mouldings, etc., which ornamented the entrances and
other portions of the sacred structure, put up witii Sir Christo-
pher Wren's judgment, in view of the beauty of proportions, —
one-third less in width as related to length. When completed

SSCSaSSISSSEEBSKiBSeilZScCIZTrT

*i!=;.i;Rjf:5itl<isi-Vsji»i?!j'!.!'i

AND HISTORY OF CENTENARY CHURCH.

III

in 1839 it was dedicated to the service of Almighty God by
the Rev. Dr. Alder, then one of the missionary secretaries of
the parent society, and the Rev. Dr. Richey, both distin-
guished for their commanding oratory.

" Its erection was embarrassed by two terrible conflagrations,
which greatly deranged the business community, and especially
affected many of those who had most at heart the success of
this godly enterprise. The first money paid on account of the
projected church was by Brother John B. Gaynor, who put
down on the superintendent's study table ten five pound notes
of the Bank of New Brunswick. He then generously stated
that it was his intention to purchase and present to the church
the fourth lot which constituted the block, eighty feet by two
hundred feet, whenever it was in the market ; this he faith-
fully carried out at a cost of £150i The next largest sum on
the list was .£100 by the late Gilbert T. Ray. Our people were
not wealthy, but they all gave of their substance willingly ;
nor were we wanting in many expressions of good-will, in the
form of help from other denominations. In 1846 the commit-
tee in London having promised £500 sterling, on condition
the same amount should be raised in Saint John, to remove
the existing debt, a public meeting of the Wesleyans was
called and the amount promptly contributed.

**In the course of years God greatly honored his servants
appointed to labor there; it was indeed 'His rest,' — His
'dwelling place,' One of the most extensive revivals ever
known in the province was conducted in the Centenary by the
late Rev. Dr. Knight and the brethren associated with him.
Of this holy house it may be truly said :

"And in the great decisive day,
When God the nations shall survey,
It shall before the world appear
That crowds were born to glory there

;!i

'■■A'
'5 III

RARLY SAINT JOHN METHODISM

*• That the new Centenary * and the mother of them all,'
old Germain street church, may surpass their predecessors in
durability of material, architectural beauty, and above all in
greater numbers of spiritual worshippers within their sacred
walls is a prayer in which thousands will join with

" Enoch Wood.

"Mission Rooms, Toronto, August 6th, 1878."

A letter from Mr. Smallwood, who was the first pastor of
Centenary congregation, dated Charlottetown, P. E. I., Febru-
ary 12th, 1889, bearing upon this subject would also be of
interest :

" Your letter was duly received and contents noted ; but
though the first put in charge of the Centenary church after it
was opened, yet that date was so anterior to the present,
many things have slipped from my memory during the roll of
nearly fifty years, but I do remember that on the Saturday
night before the opening of said church, which was on the
Sunday, we were engaged in holding a centenary ineeting in
the old Germain street, when the fire-bell rang out the alarm
of fire. The congregation at once scattered and the ministers
were left alone on the platform, — Dr. Robert Alder, the chair-
main, being in the midst of us. That night portions of Prince
William street and Market square were licked up by the fire
fiend. The opening Sunday was a sorrowful day in Saint
John, but Dr. Alder and Dr. Richey, the one from London and
the other from Coburg, proceeded with the opening services
and their sermons were worthy of the occasion.

" I then took charge and preached on the following Sunday.
The congregation was small, but the increase was marvelous,
for in less than a year the church was as well filled as I ever
saw it in after years. The Rev. Richard Williams was my
superintendent ; he lived in the Germain street mission house.

^^j^^B^rramitPJri'i^

r V

AND HISTOUY OP CENTENARY CliURCii.

Rev. Enoch Wood was in Portland, and I as a probationer,
though ordained in England, resided with William Whiteside
in Elliott Row. Week night services for both prayer and
preaching were at once established ; several class meetings
started ; sacraments duly administered, and a revival blessed
us towards the end of the year. At this period Mr. Williams
left the circuit and with his family went to England, and the
Rev. William Temple assumed the office of superintendent.
Rev. S. Rice was brought to the city with especial regard to
the necessities of the infant Methodist cause in Carleton.
Brother Rice got the church built in Carleton during that
year, but he resided nevertiieless in Saint John and boarded
with Mr. James McDonald on Princess street. During this,
my second year at the Centenary church. Dr. Pickard, S. D.
Rice, and, I think, Samuel McMastfers were set apart by ordin-
ation to the work of the ministry. The service was held in
the Centenary church. The building was crowded, and the
galleries being free they were crowded to excess. It was one
of the most interesting services which I ever attended. During
that year a wonderful revival set in and over two hundred
added to the company of believers.

"The church was built principally through the agency of
the late Dr. Wood. It was in the wind that measures were
being taken in view of that result. When an outsider asked
a Methodist on the street if such was the case, the answer was
in the affirmative ; but said the other, ' Have the Methodists
said really that they will build a ^5,000 church among those
nigger huts and slaughter houses?' The reply was, *Yes,
they have.' * Well,' said the other, ' If they have said they will,
it tvill be done; there is no doubt of that.' But the day it
was opened there was a debt upon it nearly equal to the whole
of the outlay. Unfriendly eyes looked on expecting that it
would be sold by auction to meet the expense of its erection,

it I m

7s;C7^r!E£>5Si03:SS3n!»«

BARLY SAINT JOHN MBTIIODISM

and that they would slip in iind purcliase it as a house in
which to promulge another creed ; but it went on to completion
and the noble Methodists of Saint John, witli the trustees of
the premises, toiled to keep down the debt, and amid a world
of discouragements, it has continued a Methodist church to
this day. " I am, yours truly, •* F. Smallwood."

In the year 1839 the centennial of Methodism was observed
throughout the connection by religious services and the presen-
tation of thank offerings. It was expected tiiat perhaps seventy
or eighty thousand pounds would be raised. The whole" Metho-
dist world, liowever, responded to the call, with the result that
the celebration was such as had never been equalled by any
Protestant denomination either in ita magnificence or its liber-
ality. The aggregate sum contributed by the various Metho-
dist bodies in England and America was more than seventeen
hundred thousand dollars, without interfering with stated col-
lections ; and in a year of unparalled commercial depression.
The name given to the new church in Saint John and by which
it has since been known was suggested by this memorable event.

The church was opened on the 18th day of August, by
special dedicatory services conducted in the morning and
evening by Rev. Mathew Richey and Rev. Robert Alder
respectively. Rev. William Croscombe was advertized to
preach in the afternoon, but there is no record of his having
done so, and the belief is that he was not present.

Dr. Richey was a native of the north of Ireland and came
to Saint John at an early age. At sixteen he began to preach
in this city and must have been received on trial in connecc-
tion with the British conference at about the age of twenty.
He labored in Nova Scotia on several circuits, and in 1835 we
find him in Montreal and later in Toronto; and in 1839 he
was at Coburg as principal of the Upper Canada Academy,

ii ;

:Mn

< "

¥i

ttarxita^^^.

■i

EARLY SAINT JOHN METHODISM

now Victoria College. It was while he was in this relation
that lie visited Saint John and preached the opening sermon
in old Centenary. He is described as at that time about
thirty-four years of age, very tall and slender, but straight
and graceful, as were all his movements. His hair was very
light colored and very curly, surmounting what an American
writer pronounced "a comely old country face." For the
power and pleasantness of his voice ; ease and gracefulness of
elocution ; ready command of the most exuberant and elevated
language, amounting almost to inflation of style ; together
with a rich variety of theological lore, he scarcely ever had a
superior, if an equal, in British North America. He was gen-
tlemanlike in his manner, Christian in his spirit and demeanor
and soundly Wesleyan in his teachings. *

He was of fine presence ; voice so full, deep and musical,
tliat it might well be said to be phenomenal ; faultless as a
reader, it was a rare treat to hear him read the Word of God.
His pulpit efforts were marked by a solemn and devotional
spirit ; his prayers were in striking contrast to that hasty,
irreverent manner which characterizes the approaches of so
many, in our day, to the throne of grace, f

His sermon at the dedication was based upon Ephesians,
iii., 8-10. The subject being "the exalted objects of the
Christian ministry." It may be found in Volume I. of British
North American Wesleyan Methodist Magazine, or in the
volume of his published sermons under the title indicated.
His concluding words were : " Whenever I pass the threshold
of the sanctuary, I feel that I stand on sacred ground ; tliere
'awful voices' are heard, and holy inspirations breathe; before

■""Case and his Contomporaries, iv., 108.

t" British Wosleyanism in Toronto." Senator McDonald in
Methodist Magazine

AND HISTORY OP CKNTENAUY CIIUUCII.

mo stands a man of like passions with myself, — but though no
halo c celestial radiance encircle his brow, nor demonsti'ations
of ouniipotence attest his mission, not the less do I recognize
in him a minister from no earthly court, — a coumiissioned
ambassador of Christ.

"'There stands
The legato of the skie • ! His theme divine,
His office sacred, liif^ credentials clear.
By him the violated law speaks out
Its thunders, and by him, in strains as sweet
As angels use, tlie Gospel whispers peace.'

" O what must be the moral grandeur of His theme ;
what the importance of the destiny that hangs on the recep-
tion of His message ; since the one challenges and rewards the
profoundest investigation, while the otiier wakes the deepest
sympathies of ' the principalities and powers in heavenly
places ! ' . :

" Men and brethren ! I have but a single question to pro-
pose in conclusion, and if while the unsearchable riches of
Christ have been displayed you have not listened with the
ear of the sceptical or the careless, I unsolicitously commit its
solution and its practical operation to your own hearts and
consciences. How shall we escape if we neglect so great
Salvation ?"

Rev. Robert Alder had recently arrived from England.
Soon after his arrival the degree of D. D. was conferred upon
him by Middletown University, Advantage was taken by
our people of his presence in this country, not only because of
the distinguished position he held, coming from England offi-
cially, .and of his pulpit eminence, but also in recognition of
his valuable services and popular pastorates already mentioned.

The church thus dedicated was not in a held in which a

. »'■

EAULY SAINT JOHN METHODISM

congregation had been gradually gathered prior to its erection,
but was one for which the people waited ; the people who had
said, as said the sons: of the prophets unto Elisha, " Behold
now, the place where we dwell with thee, is too strait for us.
Let us go we pray thee * ■"■ and take thence every man a
beam, and let us make us a place, where we may dwell."

The services in the old church were omitted for that day,
and though there were the gloom and depression throughout
the city that are incident to such calamities as that of the
preceding night, yet the congregations at the opening services
were large and attentive. The congregational singing, led by
the united choirs, was hearty ; the services altogether deeply
interesting, and it was felt to be a great day for Methodism in
Saint John.

The collections at the opening services amounted to £52
4s. Id. After the dedication, church organization was effected,
and Robert Bennison, a leading musician of the day, became
leader of the choir. Some persons assert that the first leader
was James E. McDonald. Whether Mr. McDonald was or not
it is certain that he was a prominent member and beyond
doubt led the singing at the social services in the earlier years.
Of the original choir not many now survive. Mr. John J.
Munroe, of this city, was a member. So were Mr. and Mrs.
Broderick, who now live at Jacksonville in Carleton county.
Mr. Broderick is over eighty years of age and has not been in
the city during the last forty years.

The second leader was Mr. J. N. C. Black, who was at that
time a North wharf merchant. He took a deep interest in the
choir and spent a large sum of money in maintaining it.
There was no instrumental accompaniment, but Mr. Black
used a bass-viol, with which he started the tunes. '"

Mr. Broderick became the third leader. Messrs. Samuel
and James Bustin and Thomas Brundage wore among the

m
H

AND HISTORY OP CENTBNARY CHUltCll.

singers, while some of the female singers were Mrs. Broderick,
Miss McAdam (Mrs. Samuel Jordan), Miss Letitia Lowery,
Miss Susan Hennigar (Mrs. McCarty), Miss Gove (Mrs. D. H.
Hall), Mrs. McLaughlin, Miss Jones (Mrs. James Robertson).

Mr. James Bustin was the next leader. He would catch
the note and set the tune by means of a sounding fork. The
male singers then were Samuel Bustin, George Bustin, Jacob
V. Troop and Gilbert Bent. The female singers were tlie
Misses McKillop (Mrs. James and Mrs. Charles Bustin), Miss
Margaret S lith (Mrs. Parks, who joined the upp(;r choir years
ago). Miss Charlotte Smith (Mrs. Venning), Misses Lizzie and
Jane Sancton (Mrs. Whittaker and Mrs. Brown), Miss Julia
Bustin, Miss Jane Reid (Mrs. Spurr of Liverpool), Miss Mary
Jane McLean (Mrs. Nisbett), Miss Janey Eaton (Mrs. Smith),
and Miss Lizzie Lawton (Mrs. Ennis). This must have been
the choir somewhere about 1851 and up to 1853.

The week night services in Centenary were held on Monday
and Thursday, and in Gt.'main street on Tuesday and Friday.
On Wednesday evening a service known as the Collins' prayer
meeting was held, at first in David Collins' house on Horsfield
street, and later, when more accommodation was required, in
the vestry of Germain street. This prayer meeting was one
of great power and blessing, — continual conversions were tlie
result of it, and from it the membership of the church was
largely increased. It was certainly unique in its national
representation. Mr. Collins, the leader, was from the north of
Ireland ; Isaac Johnston and wife from Yorkshire, with most
pronounced accent ; James Clerio from Scotland ; Mrs. Thomas,
known as Aunt Ann Thomas, also from Scotland ; John And-
erson, a Dane, speaking very imperfect English ; Mr. and Mrs.
Gates from the Isle of Man, besides many others, were mem-
bers. Messrs. James and Dennis Sullivan, who arrived in this
country in 1837, joined this prayer meeting. The latter

.'Ilk

fiAKLY SAINT JOHN METHODISM

brethren came from Bandon, Ireland, about twenty miles from
Cork. Thus, besides natives, there were English, Irish, Scotch,
Danish and Manx people.

The first revival of religion, after the opening of Centenary,
may be said to have begun on September 11th, 1840, though
there had been expectancy for some months before that day.
On the day mentioned, after the customary evening service,
those under conviction were invited to kneel around the com-
munion rail, and ten persons, who had resisted all former
appeals, singled themselvec out for mercy. Thus encouraged,
prayer meetings were appointed for six o'clock in the morning
of each day, which were well attended ; a fast day was ap-
pointed and on that day three meetings were held. During
the week between twenty and thirty conversions were reported.
The young men held a weekly meeting at a distant part of the
city. Sabbath school teachers were very active in their classes
and the good work soon was manifest in the schools. Begin-
ning with the boys it soon extended to the girls. Select classes
were formed and suitable leaders appointed. The quarterly
fast, which is said to have been a broo'c by the way, was held
on 2nd October. Centenary school-room not being completed,
the vestry of Germain street church became the place of meet-
ing, but was entirely too small for the number of people who
assembled. The Sabbath congregations increased wonderfully
and the revival went on, lasting about two years. In this the
churches united of course, as they did in every special work
for many years.

In early Methodist days hymn books were scarce, and the
average memory perhaps could not retain a whole verse of the
hymn being sung. The ministers accommodated the people
by only reading two lines at a time. So rigid was the custom
that punctuation marks had no influence whatever. This
practice prevailed in Centenary church for some time after the

AND HISTORY OF CENTENARY CHURCH.

opening. Possibly, years hence, the present custom of lining
out hymns may be considered quite as absurd.

Love-feasts were regularly held for years ; in fact such regu-
larity has only been broken into of late. These services were
exceedingly profitable. At first they were union services, but
it was not long before each church held its own. One some-
times hears the remark, "that it is a pity that the love-feast
with which our fathers were familiar is so rare a feature in
modern Methodism." It is not because they are no longer
part of the Methodist discipline that they are not observed.

Quarterly fasts were fixed by rule for the first Friday after
Lady-day, Midsummer-day, Michaelmas-day and Christmas-
day.

For many years a very profitable and well attended seven
o'clock prayer meeting was held on Sunday morning.

The watch-night service in its origin, of course, is purely
Methodistic. These services have been held in Saint John
probably without a break ever since the introduction of Meth-
odism therein. They began at an earlier hour and lasted later
than is the custom at present, and were held in each church.

The renewal of the covenant was a united service, and
usually held in Centenary church on New Year's day. Admis-
sion to it, as well as to love-feasts, involved the production of
a society ticket.

Services were held on Good Friday as now, but on Christ-
mas day there were morning and evening services. *

The hours of service on Sabbath were eleven and six. The
evening service was usually followed by a prayer meeting.

Of the prayer meetings, Mr. Peter TiO Sueur, an early official
and active member of Centenary, but )W resident in Ottawa,
says : " They were among the most profitable services I ever
attended, and I think of tliem after the lapse of over forty
years with grateful feelings."

1 1.

I !^^

•I

TI^

*5Er^»7i<FK7T

™p^^ii"»l«»

EARLY SAINT JOHN METHODISM

Mr. Cooney, of a later period, in his autobiography, says :
" Of all the prayer meetings held throughout this great conti-
nent among Wesleyans or any other denomination of Christians,
perhaps there is not one better attended, or one that is more
distinguished for devotional fervour and divine unction than
the Monday evening prayer meeting held in the basement
story of the Centenary chapel in the city of Saint John.
There are few circuits, if any, within the same vast extent,
favored with a more efficient stafT of 'praying brethren." In
this spirited band David Collins, Henry Marshall, Edward
Lloyd ar.d others occupy a distinguished place."

Candles were still largely used for the purpose of light, but
the chief illumination in the new church came from a magnifi-
cent chandelier, which was decorated with prismy pendants,
and, as an ornament, was said to have been the most beautiful
thing of that line in the city. Thirty-six lamps filled with
porpoise oil placed in this chandelier, caused great strain to the
chain or rope sustaining it, which was only equal to the demand
made upon it down to the year 1842. In that year it broke
and the beautiful chandelier, of which the congregation were
so proud, became a complete wreck. In its fall the sexton
narrowly escaped serious iujury.

FIRST MISSIONARY MEETING.

On Thursday, the 11th February, 1841, the first missionary
meeting was held in the church, the speakers being Messrs.
Temple, Bamford, Busby, Leggett, Smallwood and Rice. An
account of this meeting, as published at the time, is as follows :
" A little before seven o'clock the fine-toned bell, weigiiing
1,524 pounds, recently erected in the tower, gave loud intima-
tion of the approaching exercises ; that spacious and handsome
edifice was filled by an immense assembly, who manifested the

AND HISTORY OP CENTENARY CHURCH.

deepest interest in the proceedings. This was the first mis-
sionary meeting held in this chapel (itself the fruit of mission-
ary labors and success), at which G. T. Ray, Esq., was called
to preside ; his address commenced by an expression of the
honor conferred upon him in thus being invited to conduct
the first and so large and rasp actable a meeting as that before
him ; and among other things he referred to the authority
under which missionary exertions were made. The several
speakers before enumerated earnestly pleaded the cause of
the perishing heathen, and never did they succeed better or
more to the delight and satisfaction of an audience. Like
Elihu, they seemed 'full of matter, and the spirit within con-
strained them.' To God be all the glory ! A society was
organized in connection with this chapel, whose gatherings we
anticipate will greatly swell the missionary income of the
circuit. Collections, £32 5s. Od."

Mr. John Ferguson, of whom mention has been made as
having laid the corner stone, was not at this meeting, having
departed this life nine days previous thereto. The deceased
was a native of Armagh, Ireland; born in February, 1757;
entered the army when but young, and secured his discharge in
1804. He came to Saint John in 1789, and was pay-sergeant
in the second battalion of the Royal Artillery. In 1792 he
joined the Wesleyan society under the ministry of Rev. James
Mann. To his intelligence, zeal and liberality our cause in
this city was at all times indebted. Through his exertions the
Germain street chapel was begun and completed, — he having
undertaken the responsibility of the debt. He was a trustee
of that chapel ; a leader in the socit^ty, and for many years a
teacher in the Sunday school, — and as already stated, laid the
corner stone of the new church. In the enjoyment of that
peace which " passeth all understanding," he, without pain and
in the strongest assurance of a joyful resurrection unto eternal

Itl

EARLY SAINT JOHN METHODISM

life, quietly fell asleep in Jesus on the 2nd February, 1841, in
the eighty- fourth year of his age. His grave is but a few
steps from that of Mr. Bamford in the Methodist burial ground
of this city, neglected and overgrown. On a tomb-table over
his grave the statement may with difficulty now be read, " that
during a long life he maintained a most unblemished reputation
for the development of principles of the strictest integrity,
while his ardent and growing piety rendered him a blessing to
the community and an useful and active member of the church
of Christ." ,

FIRST TEA MEETING.

A tea meeting in those days seems to have been regarded
almost as a means of grace. In support of the statement an
article, under the head of " Religious Intelligence," from the
British North American Wesleyan Magazine for 1842, giving
an account of a tea meeting held in the latter part of Novem-
ber, 1841, is reproduced. It; is given the more readily because
of the claims made for this particular entertainment : " To
extend the cause of piety and place the church in a position of
freedom and usefulness is a subject worthy of the highest
thouglits of man. In the absence of endowed resources ingen-
ious methods have been devised to create or augment supplies,
so necessary to carry out zealous plans for the diffusion of
religious knowledge, in which the spiritual welfare of hundreds
of immortal souls is involved. As colonists we are emulous to
follow good examples set us by the churches in the mother
country, and especially when our social enjoyments can be
rendered so tributary to the interests of Zion, wiiile at the
same time we are maintaining and improving our religious
character. Thousands of pounds sterling are annually raised
for extending tiie boundaries of the Redeemer's kingdom ; to-

AND HISTORY OP CENTENARY CIIURnil.

.'.*

wards this as an efficient auxilia.y may he enumerated hreak-
fast and tea meetings. Scarcely a file of papers falls into our
hands, connected with any of the leading denominations in
England, but in them are found accounts of these meetings.
It has long been thought that the practice might be introduced
here with great advantage, and we rejoice to be enabled to
place on record an account of the Jirst which has been held in
the New Brunswick District, — perhaps the first ever held in
British North America.

" Preparations were made by excavating the rock under the
Centenary chapel, in St. George's street, for a commodious
school-room, vestry and class-rooms. When the chapel was
opened these remained unfinished for a year-and-a-half before
any eftbrt was made to bring them into use. In the winter of
1840-41 the subject was brought, before the notice of the
teachers of the Sunday school which had been organized in the
gallery of the chapel ; the female teacJiers- succeeded in raising
upwards of >£60, with which a commencfiment was made to finish
the rooms. Before this was done the expenditure had gone
considerably beyond our resources ; to provide for this the sug-
gestion was made that we might succeed by a voluntary tea
meeting. About forty ladies; of the several Wesleyan congrega-
tions agreed cheerfully to provide each a table for twelve guests;
some entered so heartily into the plan that they provided two
tables. It was agreed that the fare should be simple ; that
this part of our social enjoyment might be rendered tributary
to the higher intellectual and spiritual exercises of the evening.

" At least 500 persons were in the room, all of whom wore
expressions upon their countenances of universal delight. Two
suitable Psalms were read and the usual poetic grace sung :

" ' Be present at our table Lord,
Be here and everywhere ador'd ;
Thy creatures bless, and grant that we
8 May feast in paradise with thee.'

*■:-'.

i(i

».».»^.»^v,.^^.,^^J«>^V^ -: JBi .r.. -ii^^^.'y.X,--^_

^,p:^^^^'^%,mii.Hh:m

EARLY SAINT JOnN MRXnODTSM

" The repast concluded, all heartily joined in expressions of
gratitude by singing :

"'Wo thank thoe, Lord, for this our food,
But more because of Jesus' blood ;
Lot manna to our souls bo given.
Sent from the tree of life in heaven.' '

" The Rev. Mr. Temple presided over the meeting, and gave
an animated address upon the importance and advantage of
early religious education. Prayer was then made by the Rev.
E. Wood, for the blessing of God to rest upon the exertions
which would be made there to impart the knowledge of Christ
to hundreds of youth. This part of the service evidently was
attended with a gracious feeling, which increased with the
address of each succeeding speaker. Messrs. Robinson and
Beck with, the two Baptist ministers stationed in the city,
both addressed the meeting with good effect ; the other speak-
ers were Messrs. Wood, Rice and Pickard. In consequence
of the last disastrous fire we had to postpone the meeting a
week, and thereby lost the valuable services of our brethren, —
Bamford, of Digby ; Pickles, of Sheffield, and Barret, of Sussex
Vale, — all of whom had kindly made their way to Saint John
to share in the duties and pleasures of these opening services,
but whose engagements would not admit of their remaining
the whole of another week. After paying what expenses were
incurred, more than JB50 were passed to the credit of the
trust-fund."

The exact amount was <£51 78. 6d. This, then, was the
beginning of tea meetings in New Brunswick and possibly in
British North America. The temperance soiree held in the
school-room of the Germain street chapel in 1838, on the occa-
sion of the Queen's coronation, not being in the nature of a
tea meeting, in no way interferes with the claims urged for
this gathering.

iSla

•1

AND HISTORY OP CRNTENAUY CHURCH.

«r

Mr. Le Sueur, in his letter already quoted from, says :
" Among the very enjoyable things in the Centenary were the
tea nieetings, where there was perhaps over-much rivalry to
furnish the tables ; but that aside, the re-unions were singularly
pleasant and conducive to social intercourse." During the
fifty years a vast amount of money has been raised by tea
meetings and other methods of like character. Not only have
the trust funds been thus augmented, but the people look back
upon the occasions with very pleasant recollections.

The returns made to the district meeting in 1840 showed
that there were 351 members of the society in Saint John
South. In 1842 the number returned was 458, with sixty-
one on trial, an increase of nearly one-third. In the report is
the statement that, '* Of those on trial the most are children
from nine to seventeen years of age ; but their walk is worthy
the gospel. The young brethren, Messrs. Smallwood and Rice,
have labored indefatigably during the year, and, it is only due
to them to say, that the revi\ al of wliich we have been a wit-
ness was owing instrumentally to them."

In 1841 Rev. S. D. Rice was appointed to the circuit in Mr.
Smallwood's place, and Mr. Temple entered upon his second
year as superintendent. Rev. H. Pickard was also appointed to
Saint John South for that year, more especially that he might
edit and conduct a montiily publication known as the British
North American Wesleyan Magazine. This magazine was con-
tinued for five years, and for the most of that period was con-
ducted by Rev. William Temple, he having succeeded Mr.
Pickard. It was discontinued in deference to the wishes of the
home conference, — that body fearing that the interests of the
Wesley an Methodist Magazine were prejudiced by its publication.
The action of the conference was felt to be ill-timed as the
magazine was ably conducted and much appreciated. For the
time being it was the repository of much that was then profit-

aii^'y. u.sr** i: I .■.■«i:ca:-'iiLei*ii!

Is-,'!:,.:

W EARLY SAINT JOHN METHODISM ...

able reiuling, and is now valuable as historical data. In the
next year, 1842, the appointments were Rev. William Temple
superintendent, Rev. E. Wood and Rev. W. Allen ; Messrs.
Rice and Pickard being removed. Centenary was peculiarly
Mr. Wood's charge, and Mr, Temple, in addition to his other
duties, assumed the editorship of the magazine. Mr. Wood
remained for four years, being superintendent for the last three.
' Tiie ordination service, to which Mr. Smallwood refers, seems
to have been of a most interesting character. It was held on
Monday evening, the 30th May, 1842, The night was exceed-
ingly unfavorable, nevertheless the building was crowded to
excess. The brethren ordained to the ministry were Messrs.
S. D. Rice, H. Pickard and S. McMasters. An appropriate
charge was given by Rev. S. Busby and an interesting address
delivered to the congregation by Rev, S. Bamford. Dr. Pick-
ard, in March, 1889, in referring to this service, says: "The
fact which I am led to notice, that all the ministers who
took part in the solemn ceremony, as well as the two
brethren who were ordained with me, have finished their
life's work, is to my mind a very impressive one. My
ordination papers are signed, W. Temple, chairman ; Enoch
Wood, secretary ; James G, Hennigar, Albert DesBrisay,
Richard Shepherd," It is needless to say that Messrs, Rice
and Pickard, during a long ministry, were most useful mem-
bers of the conferences to which they were attached, and
every forward movement of our church has been influenced
by reason of the enlightened judgment they have brought to
bear upon it, Mr. McMasters, at the time of his ordination, was
said to be the picture of health, possessing what was termed
an iron constitution, and seemed to have tiie promise of a long
and useful ministry, while his companions were considered to
be far from robust; but "the race is not always to the swift,
nor the battle to the strong," On the 2 1st of the following

M I

AND lilSTOUY OF OKNTKJ^AUV CllURCli.

(;

k. I

Soptotnbor ho was taken sick at Freclericton, and, against the
wishes of his friends, doterniincd to liurry to his residence
on the Nashwaak, where, on the fourth of October, he died.
A few hours before his death, he said to Mr. Busby : *' The
love of God to me is inexpressible ; it is like the rain coining
down from heaven to my soul." Funeral sermons were preached
on the following Sabbath, — in the morning at Nashwaak by
the Rev. H. Pickard, and in the evening at Fredericton by the
Rev. S. D. Rice, his companions at the ordination.

The year 1843 was remarkable for the great number of
removals, caused by the comuiercial depression in the city.
The return to the district for that year is : " While through the
derangements in the mercantile community several thousand
have left the city, we report with tiiankfulness that our con-
gregations were never so steady or large as they are at the
present time."

There were now two Methodist chapels, but the relation
they occupied to the circuit needs explanation. The ministers,
one of whom was superintendent, were appointed, generally, to
the circuit known as Saint John South, f,nd neither of them
to a particular church in that circuit. The affairs of both
churches were administered by one quarterly board, though
each had its trustee board. This state of things existed until
1867 ; but from the first it seemed well und'^-rstood that when
a minister came to the circuit he would immediately enter
upon pastoral relations with a particular church, and in that
way Mr. Smallwood, for instance, in his letter on page 52,
speaks of himself as being " the first put in charge c* Cen-
tenary church."

The earliest existing minutes of the Centenary trustees are
those of a meeting held on 29th January, 1841. At this meet-
ing Rev. Mr. Temple presided. The minutes are partly in his
hand-writing. There were also present Messrs. J. E. Me-

EARLY SAINT JOHN METHODISM

Donald, E. T. Knowles, W. Whiteside and Richard Whiteside.
The only business transacte ' was the opening and consideration
of tenders, of which there were six, handed in for completion
of the basement so far as the joiner work was concerned.
Mr. Samuel Bugbee's being the lowest, the figures being £50,
was accepted.

The next meeting of which there is a record was held on
February 2nd, 1845, and from that time to the present all
minutes have been duly recorded in books kept for that pur-
pose. At this meeting Mr. Wood presided. The trustees
present were Messrs. R. Whiteside, E. T. Knowles, G. T. Ray
and Henry Whiteside ; while Messrs. A. Eaton, John Gardner,
James Smith, Richard W. Thorne and P. Le Sueur were present
as friends, by invitation. The chairman stated that in conse-
quence of the continued absence of one of the trustees and the
separation of others from the society, the number was reduced
to five, and that the separation of one more would prevent the
remaining four from performing any acts requiring legal pre-
cision. He thought it desirable to increase the number to
twelve or fifteen. He intimated that the course contemplated
by the then trustees was first to make a strenuous effort to
raise not less than one thousand pounds, which, if successful,
would enable him to draw for a grant of <£500 from the London
committee, — conditionally made in aid of the chapel fund.
The friends present were aflfectionately requested to assist in
the intended effort and to accept the responsibility of trustees.
Messrs. Eaton, Gardner and Smith declined the trusteeship,
but expressed their willingness heartily to co-operaoe in the
endeavor to raise the required amount. Messrs. Thorne and
Le Sueur consented to act and were appointed to office. At
this meeting Mr. Le Sueur was appointed chapel steward,
which office ho hold froni that time until his removal from the
city in May, 1849. At the next meeting Mr. Henry Marshall

i.<4J-:!^'.eMWl>-V.«:iU;;£k.iUl»4±:ikt£U •ML-^xLAu^.U

AND HISTORY OF* CEINTENAUV CHOUCIt.

was asked to assist the steward, and having consented he faith-
fully at^ onded to his duties for many years. A letter from the
London committee was read, setting forth that in consideration
of the c.ilamitous fires which had occurred in Saint John, as well
as of other adverse events, through the influence of which the
Centenary chapel liad been kept in pecuniary embarassment, and
also as a proof of their anxiety of the spiritual welfare of the so-
ciety, they offered to give a sum of five hundred pounds sterling
tov irds the liquidation of the debt, — providing a further sum
of one thousand pounds was raised for the same object in Saint
John. Whereupon it was resolved, " That the communication,
as made by Mr, Wood, be received with heartfelt gratitude and
that this meeting pledges itself not only to meet the stipulation
of the committee, but, if possible, to collect an amount ecjual
to the difference between the grant and two thousand pounds."
It was decided to make the effort in the early part of June.
The date was extended by a resolution passed on the 29th
June, at a meeting over which Rev. Henry Daniel, superin-
tendent of the circuit, presided. At this meeting it was
resolved to raise two thousand pounds, exclusive of tiie grant,
and further to secure, if possible, upon a reasonable extension
of time, subscriptions to pay off the whole debt. Tuesday, tlie
7th of July, was fixed for the contemplated effort. A thousand
notices of the meeting were sent to pew-holders and others
worshipping in the four cliapels, and the ministers were
requested to publish a notice of tlie meeting in the fullest
manner on the ensuing Sabbath. A statement was prepared
showing the :;hapel debt to be £3,950, principally in promis-
sory notes, on which a large amount of interest had accumu-
lated. From this statement it would appear that the creditors
were chiefly our own Methodist preachers who had made
advances to the trustees. The eftbrt was made and the sum of
J^1,33G lis. 8d. was subscribed, of which, in a .ery short

EARLY SAINT JOHN MHTIIODISM

time, j£l,298 18s. Id. were paid. Messrs. G. T. Ray, Henry
Whiteside and James Smith each subscribed >£100, and Messrs.
R. Whiteside, Mark Varley, George King, William Hamilton
and Aaron Eaton gave £50 each. These were the largest
amounts. The other sums subscribed ranged from the lowest
amount mentioned down to, in one case, a single penny.
Measured by the amount of self-denial involved, perhaps the
noblest subscriptions were among the smaller amounts. There
were one hundred and eighty-two subscribers, and of these the
only persons now worshipping in tlie church are Samuel
Gardner, J. J. Munroe, Jos. Pritchard, James Sullivan and
R. W. Thorne.

The fund was supplemented by public collections in the
churclies; Centenary contributing £74 6s. Id., and Germain
street £34 16s. lOd. The queiition of holding a tea meeting
was considered. There were two dissentient voices, but the
others being in favor of it, it was held. T!ie tickets were to
be one dollar, but the price was reduced to tifty cents, and the
sum of £79 Bs. Id. realized.

From tlu3 Observer, of December 23rd, 1845, we learn that
" some unprincipled wretch broke into the Centenary Wosleyan
chapel last night in this city, and took away some seven or
eight pounds in money, which had been left by the stewards in
one of the closets inside the communion table. They were so
scrupulous as to the coin that a pile of coppers no^". current
here 'ere conscientiously left on the floor ; and so hasty in
their pillaging that a pair of silver cups presented to the Wes-
ley an society by the late John Ferguson, Esq., and use J on
sacramental occasions at this chapel, escaped their searching
eye. They had visited the school-room last week and stole
of the childrens' money about six dollars ; having made a
second search there fruitlessly and being very needy they
forced their way to the upper part of the edifice, violently

«m

AXD IIISTOIIY OF CKNTKXAUY CIIUUCII.

breaking open the doors with no tender feelings as to the
damage tliey were doing to the mouldings."

In recent years the cupidity of some individual has mani-
fested itself, as in the above item, though witliout the violence
used by that tliief ; the occasion being the stealing of quite a
sum of money representijig the savings of the members of Miss
Fannie Henderson's society class. These young ladies, imbued
with the very worthy motive of reducing the debt on the present
church, adopted a plan of systematic saving, and accumulating
quite a respectable amount deposited it in what they thought
was a safe place in the church. Tlie eye of sinful man, how-
over, discovered their treasure and it v/as carried away.

Upon another occasion, in late ye-js, a man was caught by
a lady class-leader in the act of carrying away one of the lai'ge
Bibles from the church. It was with ditUculty, and only by the
assistance of outside help, that he was compelled to relinquish
the ';ook. ,, , , . , ,

The large bell of the old church having fallen in the great
lire was removed to the Varley school lot, and being of such
great weight the trustees had no thought but that it was safe
where it was. Such, however, was not the case, as it was un-
lawfully removed and is supposed to have been sold as old metal.

In 184G Rev. H. Daniel and Rev. T. Sutclitle were appointed
to Idnint John, — the former being superintendent. Leaders'
meetings were regularly held, and from the minutes it would
appear that Mr. Daniel was faithful in his exhortation to the
leaders as to their duties; attendance at class was insisted
upon, and at this time the cause seemed to be very prospei'ous.
The following minutes would indicate somewhat the nature of
the business done at these meeting :

Tuesday Evenino, ^Ist November, 1848.
Present ; Rev. Henry Daniel, Messrs. S. Bayard, D. Collins,
G. Whittaker, J. Emison, Henry Marshall, James Sullivan,

Ki tl

EARLY SAINT JOHN METHODISM

Jacob Wilson, Joseph Dougan. The following persons were
reported sick : Mrs. Maxwell, Mrs. Jones and Mrs. Crowthers.
Copies of the annual address of the conference were distributed
to the leaders and stewards, who were notified by the preacher
of the direction of conference to read the rules of society once
in each quarter in full class. After some excellent remarks
from the preacher on the duties of the leaders, the meeting
was closed with prayer by Brother Dougan.

At a meeting held on 12th October, 1846, it was decided
to have the grade of the gallery seats altered at a cost not to
exceed .£50. It would appear that the elevation of these seats
was of a pitch considered ridiculous.

On the 15th April, 1847, the following resolution was
adopted : " Whereas, it appears (after a careful investigation
of the financial state of the Centenary chapel and of its pros-
pective income), that with proper management it will in the
future meet its ordinary expenditure, as well as the interest
accruing on the remaining debt of about £1,700, the trustees
have much pleasure in yielding up the ordinary Sabbath col-
lections to the district meeting, to be again applied to their
legitimate uses, and in doing so they cannot forego the oppor-
tunity of expressing their grateful acknowledgments for the
bestowment of these collections in the past, through which the
chapel was probably saved from very much difficulty and em-
barassment." In reply the following extract, from the district
miinutes, was sent :

"District Room, Sackville, July 26, 1847.
^^ Centenary Chapel, Saint John. A communication from the
trustees of the Centenary chapel acknowledging the kindness
of the district meeting in permitting the appropriations of the
Sunday collections of that chapel for the last four years towards
the payment of their chapel expenses ; and anncuncixig the

AND IIISTOUY OP CENTKNAUY CHUUCH.

pleasing information tliat the chapel was now placed, by a
special effort of our Saint John friends and a grant from the
Wesleyan Missionary Committee, in circumstances in which
they no longer need those collectiont;. and that they will replace
them among the resources of the circuit.

^^ Resolved, That this meeting congratulate the trustees of the
Centenary chapel on the success of their endeavors to reduce
their liabilities, and although the brethren have suffered much
on account of having to relinquish a large amount annually,
for the last four years, in the non-payment of th^ir own
acknowledged and long established allowances, they regret not
the aid thus extended to the trustees as it has afforded an
opportunity of proving their affection for the cause of God ;
and they doubt not that the influence of their example will
long l>e felt by our friends in Saint John.

" WiLLiAM Templk, Secretary."

During the year 1848 gas was introduced into the church.

The last trustee meeting of Centenary board, presided over
by Mr. Daniel, was held on May 7th, 1849. At this meeting
Mr. LeSueur, btlng about to remove from the city, resigned
the trustee stewardship, and Mr. E. Lloyd was appointed in
his place.

At a quarterly meeting held on the 16th May a petition,
signed by eighty pewholders .md members of the congregation,
asking that the board should request a re-appointment of Mr.
Daniel to the circuit for the fourth year, was presented and
complied with. For some reason Mr. Daniel was not sent
back to Saint John, but in his place Rev. Richard Knight
wab appointed, and with him came Rev. Mr. Cooney to Cen-
tenary.

In a memoir of Dr. Knight, written by his son, it is said in
reference to liis Saint John appointment : *' This appointment

7r,

EARLY SAINT JOHN METHODISM

i *

was attended witli peculiar communications of comfort and
liope to his own soul, and on arriving tliore he found the
society prosperous, and many of the members ' living in pos-
session of perfect love.' His anticipations of good were fully
realized, as he was privileged in the second year of his minis-
try to witness a singularly gracious revival, which continued
with little cessation for more than two years."

In March, 1853, he wrote to the Provincial Wesleyan : " The
most extensive and permanent revivals ever recorded l...ve
been those which originated in the church. Much may be
reasonably hoped for when more than ordinary divine iniiuence
begins at the house of God. Thus it was in the present gracious
visitation, with which the Lord has been pleased to bless us in
this city." Many of tlie members wei-e taught of the spiiit to
experience the privilege and power of entire sanctification.
Following a lucid exposioion of this Christian doctrine, he
remarks : " A sanctified ministry and a sanctified church
should be the motto of all the lovers of Zion, and to this both
ministers and people should continually aspire."

In this year (1849) there was a very serious disturbance in
the Home conference, owing to the insubordination of some
eight or ten ministers, who, through tlie medium of what were
known as "Fly Sheets," made shameful attacks upon the otficers
of the conference, particularly Drs. Bunting and Newton. A
strict and deserved application of the discipline terminated
tiieir connection, but not without scattering many thousands
of members and separating them from our communion.

At a meeting of the Saint John (south) quarterly board
held on 29th May, at which there were twenty-seven members
present, it was moved by J. M. Hamilton and seconded by G.
A. Lockhart, that the following resolution be signed by the
circuit and society stewards and handed to Rev. Mr. Knight
to forward to the home conference :

AND HISTORY OP CENTENARY CHURCH.

" ^rom a sense of duty which we owe to the executive of our
body in England, as also from a sincere regard to the interests of
that form of Christianity called ' Wesleyan Methodism,' we, the
trustees, local preachers, stewards and leaders, office-bearers in
the Wesleyan church connected with the Germain street and
Centenary Wesleyan chapels in quarterly meeting assembled,
do hereby unanimously agree in expressing our approbation of
the course adopted by the conference of 1849 in the expulsion
of certain ministers from connection with that body, whose
subsequent conduct has fully proved to all right-thinking per-
sons the justice of the course adopted with them ; and likewise
further agree in manifesting our perfect confidence in the in-
tegrity of the missionary committee, treasurer and secretaries.
While with feelings of painful interest we have viewed the
conduct of the expelled, so calculated to lead astray the weak
minded and unwary, we cannot but rejoice in the belief that
their machinations, far from injuring our beloved Zion, will
rather tend to benefit her spiritually, numerically and finan-
cially. ,
" Signed on behalf of quarterly meeting,

" II. Whiteside, Circuit Steward,
" G. P. Sancton,
"W. A. Robertson,
1 " R. W. Thorne,

"T. C. Humbert,

Society Stewards.

On the 5th October in th;s year Mark Variey died ; having
the day before made his will, under which he directed that his
share or interest in the vessel " El Dorado," and his lots of
land on Dock street and in Lower Cove, should be sold and
the proceeds applied to the establishment and mainteriance of
a day school under the supervision of the trustees of the Wes-
leyan Methodist church in the city of Saint John. The trus-

JPfr

EARLY SAINT JOHN METHODISM

f^ii

tees, at the time of his death, were Gilbert T. Ray, George A.
Lockhart, George Wliittaker, John B. Gaynor, Edward E.
Lockhart, David Collins, Richard Whiteside, senr., Henry
Wiiiteside, Edward T. Knowles, James Smith, Richard W.
Thorne, Edward Lloyd, Daniel J. McLaughlin, senr., William
Till, Aaron Eaton, George P. Sancton, William A. Robertson,
John Gardner, Michael Thompson, Colin E. Gross, Robert
Salter, Isaac Olive, James Olive, William Beattie, G. B.
Vaughan, J, J. Clarke, Zachariah Adams, Benjamin Tibbits,
Williaui 0. Theal, Thomas Thompson and John Jordan. Mr.
Varley had been a member of Centenary church and a pew-
holder therein from its dedication until the time of his death,
which occurred in his forty-seventh year. He was a native of
Hull, England, and he who searches for Mr. Varley's reputa-
tion will find it truthfully iiiscribed on his monument in the
Rural cemetery : " That during a residence in Saint John of
thirty-four years spent in honorable industry, he was univers-
ally esteemed for kindness of disposition and strict integrity."
From the proceeds of the sale of the property above mentioned
a lot of land was purchased from the trustees of Centenary
church ; a substantial building; erected thereon, and the Varley
Wesleyan Day School established for r,he purpose of imparting
instruction to pupils of both sexes, entirely free from all reli-
gious denominational restriction. This school was maintained
by the income arising from the original bequest ; from moderate
tuition foes, and from grants, in some years quite liberal, from
the Provincial Legislature, and continued as a most effective
institution until the free school system was introduced, when
the school trustees leased it for the purpose of public schools.
In the fall of 1850 the Centenary trustees, deeming it desir-
able for the better accommodation of the congregation as well
as for the general appearance of the building, decided to alter
the entrance and change the front of the building. An out-

AND HISTORY OP CENTENARY CHURCH.

line of the changes being a wooden platform supported by
pillars, to be erected on tlie outside of the building extending
the whole length from east to west, terminating in steps of the
same material at each end. The whole to be enclosed by an
iron balustrade and gates ; the rock being previously cut away
and the retaining wall faced with brick. An entrance to the
basement under the platform and two windows to be provided.
In January of the following year tlie trustees, while deem-
ing it essential that tlie proposed changes should be under-
taken, yet felt it to be of primary importance that tlie
existing debt should be reduced. Messrs. Smith, McLaughlin
and Ray were appointed a committee to suggest ways and
means. A gracious revival soon began and the enterprise for
a season was delayed. In June, however, the work was under-
taken. An appeal was made to both congregations ; circulars
placed in the pews of eacli church, and the trustees of Germain
street invited to seats on the platform in Centenary at the
public meeting. The meeting was held on the 19th June.
The trustees from Germain street did not attend as requested,
but there were on the platform Rev. Messrs. Knight and
Cooney and the Centenary trustees. The following statement
was read : )

Amount of debt on the chapel at the time of the

special eiTort in 1846 £4,198 15s. 9d.

Amount raised by such effort, in- . ,. •

eluding tea meeting £1,309 6s. lid.

Weekly collections and other

sources 312 10 6

Received from Home Conference 600 2,221 17 5

Present debt ^ £1,976 IBs. 4d.

As a result of this meeting £759 12s. 6d. was contributed,
and the steward says : " The result is highly gratifying. We

t 11

EARLY SAINT JOHN METHODISM

expect to increase the amount to £1,000, and it shows the
generous expansive character of our beloved Methodism, and
that God, even our own God, delights as ever in liis people.
To Him, indeed, be the glory."

The sum of <£27 9s. 5d. was afterwards contributed from
a meeting held in Germain street chapel, — which was supple-
mented by a donation from Mrs, Bradley of £200 ; from Miss
McGee of £25 and from a lady in Nova Scotia of £9. Just at
this time a sale of one lot and release of another to the Varley
school trust, added £440 to the trust funds.

Having been so successful in the reduction of the debt, the
question of improvements was again considered. The plans
that had been approved, and which subsequently in 1876 were
practically carried out, were now abandoned, and, amid con-
siderable opposition, it was decided to have an inside entrance
instead of one from the outside. The improvements were
effected at a cost of £38G 14s. 6d., and from that time till
1876 the entrance was from the basement on the inside. The
tlianks of the board were tendered to their esteemed friend
and brother, Aaron Eaton, Esq., for " his personal oversight ; his
efficient and gratuitous services during a period of some months
in superintending the repairs, by wiuch the comfort, con-
venience and solidity of the edifice were conserved, praying
also that the issue of it might be blessings to him and his,
especially in their more hallowed enjoyments whilst worship-
ping in the building."

At a meeting of stewards and leaders of the Centenary held
on Monday evening, 19th April, the appointment of the fol-
lowing officers and visitors in connection with the Sabb.ith
school was confirmed. Mention is made of this because it is
the first record of the kind there is in the books, though the
school ha:l been organized some years before : —

AND HISTORY OF CENTENAUY CHURCH.

John Gardner, superintendent ;
John Jenkins, assistant superintendent;
George P. Sancton, secretary ;
J. V. Troop, teachers' librarian ;
Gilbert Bent, scholars' librarian ;
Mathew Thomas,

Visitors.

Robert Hannah,

George Hardy,

W. J. Starr,

S. Manaton,

Geo. P. Sancton.

Mr. Cooney, having been three years in Centenary, was
appointed to Milltown. He has given us, in an interesting
autobiography, some reminiscences of his pastorate, and, as
his book is quite rare, extracts from it will be appreciated.
He says : "In Saint John South we spent three very
happy years ; as happy and useful as we expect to enjoy
while the Lord permits us to labor in His name. I was
associated in colleagueship with the Rev. Richard Knight,
chairman of the district." (He had been previously, in
the year 1835, associated with Mr. Knight in Halifax.)
" We labored harmoniously and successfully. These three
years were the most prosperous, both in spirituals and tempor-
als, that this station, the most important in the eastern prov-
inces, ever enjoyed. To the glory of God we record it. Both
the congregations and the societies were increased ; the chapel
debts were liquidated and large sums expended upon painting
and repairing the chapels. The first year we brought to the
district a surplus of more than eighty pounds ; the second
year nearly one hundred pounds, and the third year, if I mis-
take not, about one hundred and fifty pounds.

*' I never felt more sensibly, than on this important station,
how great a matter it is for a Methodist preacher to have a

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EARLY SAINT JOHN METHODISM

suitable wife. Mrs. Cooney was> rendered a great blessing to
the church in Saint John, and much of the influence I possessed
was derived, under God, from lier zeal, her prudence and piety.
All the time we were in this circuit, she met a very large and
flourishing class, gathered up from the congregation by herself ;
she also taught the female Bible class in the Sabbath school,
and served to the utmost of her ability in sustaining and ex-
tending the operations of the Dorcas society. Our parting
from these dear people was a sore trial to us ; and, take them
all in all, perhaps we will never meet their like ;igain."

Upon revisiting the city in the following year, he makes
reference to the churches and people, and says : " Preached in
Grermain street in the forenoon and in the Centenary church
in the evening. Morning congregation large, and in the even-
ing the house was crowded. After the evening service we
held a prayer meeting in the basement story at which, proba-
bly, from five to six hundred persons were present. The Lord
was in their midst ; His arm was made bare, and his saving
power displayed."

Mr. William Wright, of the well-known firm of William
and Richard Wright, lived on Brussels street, — in a house yet
standing though said to be the oldest in that section of the
city. He was exceedingly hospitable and kind to the Metho-
dist ministers visiting the city, many of whom, Mr. Cooney
among the number, often made their home with him. He was
a member of the Centenary church and manifested much
interest in it. Mr. Cooney, after making some kind refer-
ence to him and his family, says : " Tliere are many others
of whose Christian courtesy and kindness we have largely
partaken, but want of space and many other circumstances
renders it impossible to do more than gratefully acknowledge
it. It would be almost criminal were we to omit the names
of our dear friends, ' the poor steward ' and his generous

.iS#;^:i~bi;?SiiVTW3a--.V{ri«a^KK£aSisr.-

AND HISTORY OF CENTENARY CHURCn.

and hospitable wife, — we allude to Mr. and Mrs. Richard
Thorne. Their house was our last resting place in New Bruns-
wick. Their dear faces were among the last we saw, and should
we never see them again on earth, we hope to meet them in
heaven. To these beloved friends in Christ, and to Mr. and
Mrs. Aaron Eaton, in whose dwelling we found our first New
Brunswick home, we now present our lively and grateful re-
remembrance."

Mr. Cooney, as is well known, had previously o joining the
Methodist society, been a Roman Catholic. He was converted
under Rev. Enoch Wood, to whose memory and to the memory
of Messrs. McNutt and Pickles, he pays a high tribute. He
is said to have been a powerful preacher, being particularly
effective in his powers of description. As a lecturer he was
also very popular, and frequently occupied the Mechanics'
Institute platform. Older members of the community often
speak of his addresses at Bible society gatherings and temper-
ance meetings as most powerful efforts.

In a recent letter to the writer, Mrs. Cooney says : *• I be-
lieve my dear husband's memory is still green among our many
Saint John friends. The five years we spent between the city
and Carleton were among the happiest of our itinerant life.
My love for that dear people has not grown cold. It has been
kept alive and warm when memory is active in presenting the
many proofs of disinterested love and affection."

On the 19th May, 1852, Rev. Mr. Knight, in a meeting of
the quarterly board, at which there were twenty-seven members
present, put the following question : Is it expedient in the
opinion of this meeting that there should be another chapel
built within the limits of the Saint John South Circuit 1 To
which tliere was a unanimous response of. Yes ! This decided,
the meeting entered upon the consideration of another subject.
Mr. Cardy having been called to the chair, Mr. Ray and

EARLY SAINT JOHN METHODISM

others addressed the meeting on the subject, if practicable, of
procuring *'^e labors of Rev. Mr. Knight for another year. It
was understood that the meeting did not wish in any v/ay to
wound the feelings of any preacher, or to find fault with any
one that in the wisdom of the district might be appointed to
the circuit. It would seem that the district acquiesced, for
Mr. Knight came for the fourth year, and with him Rev.
John Allison, whose work was to be in connection with
Centenary.

Mention has been made of the decision of the quarterly
board as to the expediency of erecting another chapel. On
the 1st September, 1852, Messrs. Geo. Whittaker and Geo. A.
Lockhart were appointed to wait upon the Hon. Charles
Simonds to ascertain if the lot on Vineg r Hill, adjoining lot
on Brussels street owned by trustees, could be purchased.

This committee afterwards reported : " Saw Mr. Simonds ;
*' would sell the lot in question on time for ^150 to the trustees ;
" time of payment immaterial as long as interest at the rate of
" six per cent, was paid. Would take, instead of mortgage, the
"joint notes of any two or three of the trustees, or if preferred
" to pay cash would make discount of £\S, making price £132."

A committee was appointed to solicit subscriptions on basis
of building a church costing from £1,000 to £1,250. The
matter was further considered at a meeting held in the singing
room of Centenary church on 27th May, 1853, when the fol-
lowing resolutions were adopted, moved by Brother S. Bayard,
seconded by Brother R. Hannah ;

1. That it is deemed necessary that a chapel be built on our
property in Exmouth street.

2. That the building be of sufficient size to accommodate
800 persons.

3. That the cost of the same be limited to £1,500.

4. That a committee of three be appointed to obtain sub-

AND H18T0UY OF CEI4TENARY CHURCH.

scriptions ; to commence their operntions after the first Sab-
bath in July, on which day public notice will be given.

With this meeting another conference year closes, and the
officials seem very loth to lose the services of Mr. Knight, who
had been already at Saint John for four years, and the follow-
ing resolution, as a suggestion to the district meeting, was
adopted. Moved by Brother Fraser, seconded by Brother
Hannah :

" This quarterly m.eeting cannot separate without expressing
their gratitude to God for the blessed effects which have
attended the labors of Rev. Mr. Knight during the four years
he labored on this circuit, and in view of the present aspect of
Methodist interests in this city, this meeting thinks it very
desirable that the chairman should be stationed in the imme-
diate vicinity of Saint John.''

The resolution was addressed to the Wesleyan Missionaries
comprising the district meeting at Fredericton. The sugges-
tion was accepted and Mr. Knight was appointed to Carleton,
or Saint John West. This did not sever his intercourse with
a people to whom he was attached by the strongest bonds of
affection. The proximity of his new sphere enabled him to
continue his pastoral visitation among them, — an employment
he greatly cherislied wherever his lot was cast. So abiding,
too, was their confidence, as well as that of his brethren, in
his administrative wisdom, that he was always consulted in
important circuit affairs.

Rev. Mr. Hennigar was sent as superintendent of circuit for
that year, and Rev. Mr. Cardy accompanied him to minister
to Centenary, where he remained for three years. Rev. James
Taylor was sent as the third preacher, in compliance with the
request of the quarterly board. There seemed some doubt as
to what section Mr. Taylor was to look after, and, in addition
to labors in the city, he had also been assigned to work in the

i
!

?'f

"ii

RARLY SAINT JOHN METHODISM

surrounding country. The quarterly meeting insisted that lie
should confine his attention to work in the city and a commit-
tee was appointed to secure a place in which to hold services,
as near the site of the proposed church on Exmouth street as
possible. Mr. Taylor's labors were, however, divided between
the city and the country.

On the 18th July, 1853, a meeting of the two congregations
had been held in Centenary, at which the views of the quar-
terly board were explained in reference to the new building
about to be erected, and subscriptions made towards the build-
ing fund.

In the next year, 29th May, 1854, a deficiency of £29 3s. Id.
was reported, caused by the salary of the third preacher and
expenses incurred in purchasing new furniture for Mission
House ; .£24 were subscribed at the quarterly meeting and the
balance, £5 38. Id., was paid by Mr. G. P. Sancton. On sev-
eral occasions deficiencies like this were met in this way, and
not made a charge on the income of the next year. At this
meeting it was resolved that, owing to the expansion of the
work in this city, the district meeting be requested to fur-
nish for the Saint John South Circuit, exclusively, a third
preacher, — a young man free of incumbrances is strongly urged.

In September, 1853, the first notice of an organ appears.
It was then reported that the instrument was on its way from
England. A large amount had been subscribed for the organ
fund and a tea meeting was about to be held, proceeds of
which were to be applied to that purpose. Up to this time
the official consent of the trustees had not been given. There
was a feeling on the part of some of the trustees adverse to its
admission, and at the first meeting called to consider the mat-
ter there was much discussion. The further consideration was
to be had at " an early adjourned meeting, at which all the
trustees might be present, to calmly consider what, if not

AND HI8TOUY OF CENTKNAKY CHURCH.

kindly and considerately dealt with, might prove of serious
injury to our hitherto harmonious people."

At the next meeting, after a protracted discussion, the sense
of the meeting was taken, when there appeared for its admis-
sion three, and against, three. The trustees being equally
divided, the Rev, J. G. Hennigar, superintendent of the circuit,
gave his casting vote in its favor, at the same time expressing
his reasons and regret at being compelled to do so. It was
agreed to admit the organ on the understanding that it should
entail no expense on the trust. The steward was opposed to
its admission. It is supposed tliat the question was dealt
with kindly and considerately, as there is no record of the
harmony having been disturbed.

Those who were opposed to the organ managed, for five
years, to hold the others to the understanding upon which it
was admitted into the church ; whilst the committee, to wliom
it was entrusted, sought to be relieved of responsibility. The
trustees would not make provision for the organist's salary,
neither would they pay for insurance on the instrument. In
1856 the organ debt was £190. The trustees, beginning to
show magnaminity, undertook to pay the interest on that
sum if the committee would see that the debt was removed in
eighteen months. They also agreed to pay half the expenses
entailed for fires, etc., on evenings when the choir assembled
for practice. With these concessions the recalcitrants began to
lose ground, and in 1859 it was ordered that the balance due
the organ committee should be paid out of the proceeds of the
sale of some pews which had been added to the church. The
vote was four to three. This conclusion was not reached with-
out one of the brethren requesting that his solemn protest
might be recorded against such action, as it was not only con-
trary to the oft-repeated decision of the board, but in his
humble opinion adverse to the spiritual worship of God, espe-

EARLY SAINT JOHN METHODISM

cially in the singing part {of the service. The chapel steward
then rose and reminded the trustees of his anxiety to see the
debt reduced, which the action of the evening had placed more
distant than ever, and also of his former expressed determina-
tion that should such a decision be arrived at, he would feel it
his duty to resign his stewardship, which he accordingly did.
Mr. Lloyd was present, however, at the next meeting as stew-
ard, and served faithfully for years after and until his removal
from the city took place.

To practice on the organ was regarded as quite a favor, and
none were allowed the privilege without special permission.
Moreover, quite a sharp eye was kept on the choir to see that
they did not offend. Upon one occasion the minister in charge
drew the attention of the trustees to the fact tliat the choir
were in the habit of practising after service on Sunday. The
trustees agreeing with the minister that the act was very
reprehensible, it was resolved to instruct the leader to discon-
tinue the same.

In April, 1854, the declaration was made that the following
persons were the trustees of the church :

R. Whiteside,
E. T. Knowles,
G. T. Ray,
D. Collins,

Original.

D. J. McLaughlin,
James Smith,

R W. Thome,

E. Lloyd,

>New.

At the next meeting Mr. Eraser appeared before the trus-
tees, on behalf of city temperance organizations, requesting the
use of the church for one evening during a great demonstration
to be held in the city in the following month. He promised
that great care would be taken of the property in pews ; that the
people should be admitted by ticket, and objectionable charac-
ters kept out ; but would not undertake to say that applause
or other demonstration of feeling would not be indulged in.

F?.JS6ftciaa;.s£ii=ac'£7.,i=?ii^>;^?S5lvA'^^^-^^

~i?^i^i^^^-L.--lJ'Jji _.--_:

AND UI8T0RV OF CENTBNAKY CIIUUCH.

Whereupon the trustees, having expressed their opinion ns to
the propriety of allowing a building set apart for the worship
of God to be opened to meetings of a secular character, took
time to consider and at the next meeting, by a vote of live to
three, withheld permission.

The trustees recognizing that the church had been dedicated
for the worship of God, for years held to their declaration
with an exactness that was truly conservative. Many appli-
cations were made for the use of the church, but no matter
how much the trustees were in sympathy with the object,
they adhered strictly to their resolution to allow nothing
but what was of a religious service to take place within its
walls. This supports an observation made in an early part of
this paper, that in those days a tea meeting was regarded as a
means of grace, for be it remembered tiiat the tea meeting was a
time-honored institution among the people of this congregation.

In 1861 Mr. McMurray applied for the use of the church
for a lecture by Mr. Narraway, in aid of a brother minister
who had been burned out at Sussex. The request was not
granted and the lecture was given in Mr. Smith's hall on
Prince William street.

In 1862 the Reform Society made application for the use of
the basement for a temperance meeting in connection with a
great gathering that was to be held in the city. The trustees,
or a majority of them at least, though deeply in sympathy
with the temperance movement, did not think it consistent
with the purposes for which the church was dedicated and
would not allow the use of the basement for that purpose.

In 1864 Mr. Narraway applied, on behalf of the Home Mis-
sionary Society, for the use of the church in which to deliver
a lecture in aid of the funds of the society, but the loyalty of
the trustees to their original resolution was such that permis-
sion was not granted.

r--

' Pij-yr

' .''F ':

1 ^

■ '-^;^

■ii

9 '^'^''

■^B

KAHLY HAINT JOHN METHODISM

In 1865 application was again made for use of the basement
in which a temperance lecture might be given, and the record
is '* all appeared! to V)e of one sentiment favorable to the cause,
but reluctant to grant the use of the place asked, it being
their opinion that a church was not the proper place for such
purpose. However, to avoid offence and in deference to the
feelings of others, the trustees waived their own and, trusting it
would be the last application, and in no way consenting that
it should be regarded as a precedent, granted permission."
Tliis may be regarded as the entering wedge.

On 11th July, 1867, a meeting was called to consider the
advisability of allowing the use of th(; church for two lectures
to be delivered by Dr. Lachlan Taylor and Dr. Stevenson,
who were delegates to the conference from the Canada confer-
ence. Much discussion took place, — reference being made to
former decisions which were very peremptory against the use
of the place of worship for any such purpose ; but permission
was granted, the steward only voting against it.

On July 6th, 1868, Rev. William Morley Punsheon deliv-
ered his celebrated lecture, "John Wesley and his Times."
Upon this occasion there was no dissent to the use of the
church, and from that time the resolution, to which for so
long a time there was so much loyalty, was not strictly applied,
and in later years very considerable latitude has been shown.

At a trustee meeting held in April, 1854, the steward re-
ported that there were £100 in the Commercial Bank to tlie
credit of the trustees, which was considered a gratifying turn
in the financial position of the chapel.

To return to the meetings of the quarterly board we find
that although the district meeting promised to send a young
man, who might be free from incumbrances, to assist the min-
isters in the city, yet they allowed the year to go by without
making the appointment, — perhaps just such an one as was

■^r^

AND 11I8T0UY OF CKNTENAUY CIIUUCII.

asked for was not available. In the next year further action
was taken, and on 29tli May, 1855, the followinj^ resolution
was adopted : " The quarterly meeting having thcnr attention
called to the great loss in consequence of tlie dutiijs of the cir-
cuit being altogether too onerous for two ministers ; therefore
Resolved, That we again direct the attention of the district
meeting to the promise made by them to us last year in the
appointment of a third preacher to the city." In response to
this Rev. Charles Stewart was sent.

The year 1855 was one of importance to the Wesleyans in
these provinces, and the church pass(!d through a great and
important change. Hitherto they had been nursed and cher-
ished by the Missionary conmiittee. Now the districts resolved
to relieve the committee of the burthen, and in July of this
year, at Halifax, the naeasure was carried into effect through
the agency of Rev. Dr. Beecham, whom the conference sent
out for that purpose. The conference of Eastern British
America was thus formed. At this time in the bounds of the
conference there were — 71 central or principal stations, called
circuits, with 208 chapels; 88 ministei-s ; 101) local preachers ;
12,540 full and accredited members; 139 Sabbath schools,
and 8,192 scholars.

In the following year conference was held in the Centenary.
Dr. Beecham was expected to be present and pi'eside, but short-
ly before the assembling his deatii occurred. The conference
proceeded with its duties amid the gloom cast upon it by the
sad loss they had sustained. Out of respect to the memory of
one who was much beloved and so prominent in the connexion,
the pulpit of the church was draped in black for a season.

Rev. Mr. Stewart's labors were so appreciated in Saint John
that in the next year he was invited as the second minister.
The invitation included Revs. C. Churchill, C. Stewart and D.
D. Carrie. The conference, however, appointed Rev. Messrs.

■I I

t f

KAULY HAINT .lOIIN METHODISM

Bottcrell, Albrigliton and Stewart. As a preacher Mr.
Albrighton held a liigh rank, being botli elo(iuent and attrac-
tive. His ministrations in every way were entirely satisfac-
tory ; during his term the congregations were very large, and
the cause was greatly strengthened.

From the month of October, 1855, until the opening of
Exmouth street church, in January, 1857, service was held in
Benevolent Hall. This building was erected by the late D.
J. McLaughlin and still exists. Owing to changed circum-
stances, and the necessities not being what they were, it is
not now used for the purpose for which it was built. It has
been very useful in its day, and in it for years services were
regularly held ; a most successful Sabbath school conducted,
and much good effected.

In the year 1856 Henry Marshall, G. Bent, G. P. Sancton
and W. H. Harrison were elected trustees of Centenary church.
In this year the big bel' broV'' whilst being rung and measures
were taken to replace it.

On t)'e '20th May, 1857, at a quarterly meeting, the disposi-
tion of stewards and leaders was finally arranged, and was as
follows :

Germain Street — T. C. Humbert, R. Hannah, F. Harrison,
Geo. Whittaker, G. T. Ray, Thomas Furness, Robert Elsdon,
Jacob Wilson, David Collins, William Till, James Emison,
William Brent.

Centenary — Geo. P. Sancton, R. W. Thorne, R. Whiteside,
Edward Lloyd, Henry Marshall, Jno. Gardner, Jas. Sullivan,
E. E. Lockhart, Jno. Jenkins, E. T. Knowles, Jno. Bradley,
J. P. Taylor, T. M. Albrighton (the minister's class), A. Eaton,
R. G. Hall, Hugh Rennick.

Exmouth Street — Wm. Clawson, J. T. Smith, Jas. Lemon,
R. Riggs, D. Sullivan, H. Graham, Jno. Ennis, H. Cochran.

Rev. Mr. Botterell reported 707 persons meeting in class in
the Saint John South Circuit.

AND HISTORY OF CENTRNARY CnURCII.

On the 18th November in this year, a prayer meeting was
established for otHcial members only and was reguhvrly l)old
for some time on Wednesday evenings.

The conference of next year, 1858, appointed Rev. Messrs.
Botterell, William Wilson and Albrighton to Saint John. Tn
the fall of that year two gentlemen, who had long been con-
nected with the society, were removed from it Viy death, — we
refer to Gilbert T. Hay and Richard Whiteside. Their active
interest in and prominent connection with the society call for
something more than a passing notice. Mr. Ray died on
October 23rd, after having been for many years identified with
the Methodist church. He was deeply interested in all Mis-
sionary enterprises. He was one of the original trustees of
Centenary church ; a class-leader and superintendent of the Sab-
bath school in connection with Germain street, and for sonic
years circuit steward of the Saint John South Circuit. His
interest in the city churches and connexional funds was mani-
fested both by generous gifts, and a deep concern in all matters
which to any extent affected them. He was conservative in
his views and did not quickly leave the old paths. His caution
was of great service in his time, and many people were influ-
enced very much by the opinions of Gilbert T. Ray. In a
fortnight after the death of Mr. Ray, Mr. Whiteside quietly
and peacefully entered into rest. He joined the church in
1833, and two years later succeeded Mr. Ray as circuit steward,
which office he continued to hold until the time of his death ;
though during late years, by reason of his infirmities, the duties
were largely performed by Geo. P. Sancton. Mr, Whiteside's
records are a marvel of neatness. The circuit book so long
committed to his trust, with its faultless penmanship and
stainless pages, remains as a memory of his order, diligence
and carefulness, and constitute a pattern worthy the imitation
of his successors in office. As a class-leader for nearly twenty

t;[

> ^

EARLY SAINT JOHN METIIOl.ISM

years lie was most zealous and exemplary. He was invariably
in his place a quarter-of-an-hour before the time appointed for
meeting that he miglit, by prayerful meditation, prepare him-
self for the exercises which lay before him. Mr. Sancton suc-
ceeded Mr. Wiiiteside, and most elHciently discharged his
oriicial duties for upwards of ten years, or so long as he
remained connectea with Centenary. Mr. Sancton gave much
time and attention to the duties of his office ; always mani-
fested a great interest in the affairs of the church. His
genialty made him very popular with his brethren and the
members of the congregation ; acting as an usher he felt it to
be a privilege to extend kindly greetings to the stranger as he
came within our gates, and in no church would a visitor receive
more hospitable .-ictention or kindlier greetings from its ushers
than would be extended to him by George P. Sancton.

In 1859 it wa3 decided to remove the north gallery and
finish those on the sides to the end ; the vestry below on the
one side and the back stair entrance on the other side to be
removed ; the pulpit to be moved back to the wall and con-
structed on a new design, and tlie square pews around the altar
to be changed into single pews. These changes were made at
a cost of c£126 8s. 5d. The additional pews given, by reason
of the alterations, being sold brought £341. It war- out of
this balance tiiat th.e debt on the organ was paid.

On the evening of February 2nd, 1859, a united meeting in
the interest of the Methodist Sabbath schools was held in the
Germain street church. At this meeting the claim was made
that while Robert Raikes was the founder of Sabbath schools,
yet he could not primarily be considered the originator of the
scheme ; the latter honor belonged to an old Methodist woman
who had long lived on what was called "The Green," in the
city of Gloucester, England, where the children were in the
habit of asscnnblir.g (!very Lord's day. Moved with compas-

» "'I'^'W

AND HISTORY OF ORNTRNARY CHURCH.

sion LOr them, earnestly did she pray that God might be pleased
to employ her in some way to be useful to tliem. She suc-
ceeded in getting then; in her house and interested them in
Scripture stories, illustrating her talk with pictures she had.
In this way she soon found that (iod was answering her prayer.
Mr. Raikes was editor of the Gloucester Jonntal, and hearing
of the incident went to visit the old lady, with the result that
the light from heaven lit up his spirit. Three facts w(M'e
claimed at this meeting : First, that above mentioned ; second,
to a Methodist then living was Saint John indebUsd for its
first Sunday school ; third, to a few Methodists and Baptists
of Saint John was the temperance world indebted for its fii-st
total abstinence society.

On Tuesday, 27th December, 1859, the jubilee of Germain
street chapel was observed. The church was appropriately
trimmed. There were banners in various places bearing the
names of persons who had been prominent in church work in
the city. Rev. Messrs. Wilson, Botterell, England and Lathern
were present, and took part in the exercises. The meeting
was also addressed by one of the fifteen who helped prepare
the foundation. Sixty voices in the choir were led by John
Humbert. The singing was in accordance with old times, and
the tunes were those in " Humbert's Notes," — a book published
by Stephen Humbert, father of the then leader, who also led
the choir from the first for many years.

The appointments for the next year, 1860, were : Revs. J.
McMurray, Wm. Wilson and John Lathern as first, second
and third ministers. The society, and Centenary church in
particular, sustained a loss in this year by the removal of
Henry Marshall to Fredericton. He had been assistant to the
trustee-steward for many years and was, indeed, a very great
help to that ollicei-. Besides being a trustee of Centenary, he
liad been for a long time a member of the quarterly board of

W EARLY SAINT JOHN METHODISM

the circuit. In view of his removal, and as a " slight token of
esteem and regard entertained for him as a Christian and a
brother," the quarterly board presented him with a Bible and
hymn book, in which a suitable inscription was placed by the
superintendent and circuit steward.

The society also met with another loss by the death of John
Bradley, a member of Centenary congregation. In the min-
utes of the quarterly book a record is made deploring the loss
and giving expression to the regard in which he was held as a
Christian.

Changes in the "discipline" of the church wero from time
to time made by the conference, and were usually based upon
memorials from quarterly boards. It would appear that the
public recognition and reception given to persons joining the
church possibly was the outcome of action taken at the quarterly
board of Saint John South. At a meeting held in November,
1860, on motion of James Sullivan, seconded by John Fraser,
it was resolved, " That conference be memorialized requesting
that a public recognition be given to members coming into our
church." It may be of interest to observe in tiiis connection
that in the year 1870, on motion of E. E. Lockhart, seconded
by James Sullivan, at a meeting of Centenary quarterly board
it was resolved, " That a memorial be presented to the next
conference asking that the superintendents of Sabbath schools
be made members of the quarterly boards." Each of these
provisions is now found in the discipline of the Methodist
church.

A new steel bell was placed in position in the tower of Cen-
tenary in 1860, and further improvements, including the paint-
ing of the entire church, were made.

In the year 1861-62 Mr. McMurray remained as superintend-
ent ; Dr. liichey and Mr. Lathern being the second and third
minister, and in the next year Dr. Richey became superin-

'1!

AND HISTORY OP CENTENARY CIIUROil. W

tendent, while Messrs. Narraway and Nicholson were the other
appointments. The circuit had been desirous for some time of
securing the services of Mr. Narraway and had extended to him
an invitation for the year before that in whicli he was appointed,
and although the invitation had been accepted by him yet the
conference did not mal;e the appointment. The wisdou. of his
appointment, in consequence of the second invitation, was
manifested in the acceptance with which his pulpit and pastoral
ministrations were received and the success attending his
efforts. In tlie winter of 1862-3 a revival of considerable
importance occurred, but so exacting were its demands upon
Mr. Narraway's strength that his health became so impaired as
to compel a rest for a season. Hoping that a sea voyage and
the air of his native land would prove beneficial he left for
England in the spring of 1863, accompanied by Mrs. Narraway.
Returning in a short time, he again entered upon liis duties,
wliich, until the end of his term, he discharged to the satisfac-
tion of the circuit.

On 2d of January, 1863, the death of John Ennis occurred.
Mr. Ennis was " a man of many virtues," a useful member of
the community in which he lived, upright in all his dealings,
and valuable in church relations. At the age of thirty-eight,
as his life was opening into influence, ho was called from the
church militant to the church triumphant.

In the following year John Eraser, who had been contemp-
orary with Mr. Ennis, removed from the city. In his removal
the Centenary church and Metliodist interests in the city gen-
erally suffered loss. He was a class leader and local preacher.
In the latter capacity, just before his removal, he visited the
localities in which with acceptance he had ministered to the
people and left farewell messages. Having taken up his resi-
dence in Nova Scotia, he resumed the work he had relinquished
in St. John. On the 13th of June, 1864, by the capsizing of

1 I

'■:^

i til

* ;;

1 1

EARLY SAINT JOHN METHOD. M

li n

a boat in the Annapolis River, near Clementsport, he was
drowned. At the time of the accident Mr. Fraser was in his
46th year. He liad already become a useful member of the
community in which he had taken up his abode, and the cause
of religion and the interests of Methodism suffered much by
his sudden and sad removal.

The appointments of 1862 were not disturbed until 1864,
when Mr. Addy was sent as superintendent and Mr. Brew-
ster appointed as the third minister ; Mr. Narraway remain-
ing as the second minister. At the expiration of the year Mr.
Brewster went to England. Previous to starting, the quar-
terly board took occasion to place on record their high appre-
ciation of that gentleman and of his services, earnestly praying
that his future course might be prosperous and useful in the
cause of his divine Master. In the next year, 1865, Mr.
Sponagle was sent to Saint John in the place of Mr. Brewster,
while Mr. Addy remained as superintendent and ^Ir. Narra-
way was appointed for his fcirth year, conference having
been requested to make the appointments.

Previous to his removal the following resolution was adopted :
" That the quarterly meeting respectively tender to Rev. J. R.
Narraway, A. M., an expression of their high esteem for his
courteous and Christian conduct in all his intercourse during
the four years he has officiated on this circuit, and also their
high appreciation of his eminently valuable pulpit services and
j>astoral care over the church generally."

In the fall of 1865 tl f destruction of Centenary was
threatened by a fire in the immediate vicinity. As it was,
considerable damage was occasioned to the northeast corner
and to the end window. The insurance being promptly ad-
justed, the congregation suffered no loss.

Rev. James England succeeded Mr. Narraway in 1866.
Ho was a good preacher, sound in doctrine, but in style quite

AND HISTORY OP CENTENARY CIIUUCH.

different from his predecessors. He had the cause of God at
heart, and his reports to the district meeting show how earn-
estly he sought its advancement. In his opinions he was very
conservative and decided, so much so that by some he was
thought to be unduly attached to them. In his administration
he was brought into conflict upon a few occasions with some of
his people. Probably the difficulties, which at most seem to
have been trifling, were the result of the parties not under-
standing each other. No one who knew James England in-
timately could fail to recognize the purity of his mind and
purposes, although perhaps at times his peculiar traits may
have invested his acts with an appearance that misrepresented
his meaning and motive.

On the 30th August, 1866, the death of Aaron Eaton, in
the 77th year of his age, took place. From the opening of
the church Mr. Eaton had been 9. pew-holder, though he did
not become a resident of Saint John until a few months after
that date. During his residence in the city he was a most active
member of tb^ Methodist church. As already stated, he de-
clined to accept the responsibility of trusteeship, but was often
consulted, and gave much time and attention to the temporal
affairs of the church. On the quarterly board, a position in
which he served until the time of his death, he was a valuable
member. He was also deeply interested in the Exmouth street
cliurch ; contributed largely of his means towards its advance-
ment, and in every way was identified with its progress.
Previous to moving to Saint John Mr. Eaton had been very
active in church work in the Annapolis valley, having be-
longed for some years to the church at Bridgetown, which he
served in almost every official relation. One does not often
find reference made in the district minutes to an individual,
but, under date May 31st, 1867, mention is made of Mr. Eaton
as follows : " The death of Aaron Eaton, a man universally

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100

EARLY SAINT JOHN METHODISM

and deservedly respected for his truly Christian deportment, his
deep and genuine piety, and his active and efficient discharge
of the various offices he sustained, both in the circuit and con-
nexion, leaves a blank which will not soon be filled up."

The death of Cynthia Cross took place on the 29th January,
1867. Mrs. Cross was eighty-four years of age at the time of
her death, and may be said to have been contemporary with
Methodism in Saint John, for the reason that when she was a
little eight-year old girl the saintly Abraham Bishop, in her
father's house, organized the first Methodist class and appoint-
ed her mother, Cynthia Kelley, to be the leader in the absence
of the minister. We do not know at what age the daughter
became a member of the church. She may have been one of
those to whom Mr. Bishop had reference when he said : " Tiie
experience of the young converts is truly wonderful. Children
of ten, twehe and fifteen years of age rejoice in a pardoning
God." We do know that her Christian life was most exem-
plary. She married William Cross, whom she survived twenty-
one years. She had a large family, most of whom died when
young. One of her children was called Cynthia ; another,
Colin, — the latter was the first secretary of the Centenary
Sabbath school. The husband and wife, as well as all the
children, now rest in the old Methodist burial ground.

Cynthia Kelley, of whom mention has been made, died in
1829, and was buried, no doubt, in the old burial ground of
this city. It would be interesting to know the exact spot,
but it is as uncertain as the grave of Moses. Let us hope
it is where the little childien play or where the flowers grow,
rather than under the ceaseless tramp of the multitude.

For years it had been felt that the perpetual change in pul-
pit work, as carried out by the joint pastorate, was not good.
The ministers were never at rest. The plan was considered
by them as unfavorable to pastoral efficiency and the growth

AND HISTORY OP CKVTENARY CllUUCIt.

of ministerial influence. The connexional feeling that was
conserved by reason of the joint pastorate and joint adminis-
tration of the affairs of the churches did not compensate for
the manifest advantages incident to independent relations.
At the quarterly meeting held in March, 1867, pursuant to
notice given at the previous meeting, the advisability of erect-
ing three separate and distinct circuits was considered, and
after much discussion, on a vote of thirteen to six, it was
resolved, " That in the opinion of this meeting it is desirable,
for the benefit of the cause generally, that a division of tiie
circuit be liad into three distinct circuits." The infant church
did not feel like accepting the responsibility that independence
involved, and in that way the negative vote is explained. The
subsequent understanding and arrangement, as adopted at the
meeting, relieved the representatives of that church of the
anxiety they may have had. '

The understanding was " that whatever surplus may accrue
from the quarterly meetings of the Germain street and Cen-
tenary churches will be paid over to the Exmouth street church
towards the maintenance of the minister ; and further that
the minister of the Exmouth street church will be privileged
to apply to all the churches for any deficiency from time to
time that may arise."

The quarterly board being satisfied that the district meeting
in its recommendation and the conference in its action would
give effect to its resolution, proceeded to extend invitations
for the circuits thus practically established. The invitations
were to Revs. Charles Stewart and W. H. Heartz for Germain
street and Exmouth street respectively. It was expected that
Rev. Mr. England would retain charge of Centenary. The
divisions of circuits and appointments as requested were made
at the following conference. At a meeting held immediately
after conference, in July, 1867, the distribution and divisions

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102

EARLY SAINT JOHN METHODISM

of classes, caused by the new arrangement, was apportioned as
follows (the cause at Mispeck having been assigned to Cen-
tenary and Golden Grove to Germain street) :

Ckntbnary.

I «

No.

John Jenkins 10

Edward Lloyd (2) 11

Jiis. Smith 7

Jas. Sullivan 20

E. E. Lockhart 11

Jos. Priohard (2) 25

E. T. Knowles 8

G.P.Sancton 7

J.S.Turner 7

ThcMinister 15

John (Jardnor 8

F. Harrison 7

Mrs. Chamborliiin 4

Mrs. Whiteside 29

Mrs. McAIlum 10

185
Mispeok 29

Qkrmain Strkkt.

No.

D.Collins 30

J.Wilson 6

J. Einiaon 9

Robt. Elsdon 15

A.C.Wells 16

John Benson 15

John McMoran 14

The Minister 12

J. Prichard 8

G. G. Clarke 9

Mrs. Ilutchiugs 8

Mrs. Ilcnnigar 17

Mrs. Benson 15

Its

Golden Grove 5

180

ExMouTH Street.

No.
W.W. Warwick.... 17

J. McMoran 18

D. Sullivan 14

Geo. Tenant 10

A. Anderson 18

D.CoUiub 32

J. Jonkinson 14

H. Graham 14

Exmouth Street. . . .137

Centenary 214

Germain Street 180

Total members . . .531

Altliough these divisions were made, yet the connexional
feeling existed, for we find that at the meeting when the
above apportionment was made, it was agreed "that there
should be a united love-feast held in each church every month,
say three in each quarter, to commence with Exmouth street."

Centenary is now independent, Rev. James England being
the tirst minister appointed after the division. The quarterly
board was made up, of course, as provided by the discipline.
Geo. P. Sancton was appointed Circuit Stewart and Alex.
Lockhart assistant.

AND HISTORY OP CENTENARY CUURCII.

103

An invitation having been extended to Rev. John Lathern
he was appointed in 1868 to Centenary. Early in his term,
and largely through the instrumentality of himself and Dr_
Stewart, the Carmarthen street Mission was established. From
the records it would appear that Centenary became responsible
for three-fifths of any deficiency, to the extent of $300, that
there might be incident to that undertaking.

Mr. Lathern's pastorate was very successful ; he was much
esteemed, his congregations were large, and the membership
was continually increased during his term of service. At the
expiration of the second year the following resolution was
adopted : " That the members of the Centenary quarterly
meeting feel that it would be becoming especially to recognize
the goodness of God to them as a church for the mercies of
the past Methodistic year ; the entire harmony which has
prevailed; the ii.oerest that has pervaded the public and
social means of grace ; the extension of the cause of God by
the establishment of the Lower Cove Mission in which we have
shared ; the promptness to aid in the financial affairs of the
circuit, — all call for our thankfulness to Almighty God.

" And whereas our esteemed pastor, the Rev, John Lathern,
who has been our minister for the past two years, has been, by
his untiring zeal and energy in the Master's work, chiefly in-
strumental in bringing about the present state of the circuit ;

" Therefore Resolved, That this quarterly meeting request
the conference to re-appoint Rev. John Lathern to the circuit
for another year."

And in the next year, at the expiration of his ministerial
term, it was resolved, " That the quarterly meeting tender to
Rev. John Lathern their estimate of the high value in which
they regard his pastoral care and ministerial services for the
past three years, and extend to him our united thanks for his
zealous, faithful and tender concern for the spiritual welfare

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104

EARLY SAINT JOHN METHODISM

of this church and people, with sincere wish that wherever his
future stations may be, that he may enjoy comfort, happiness
and success in the work and labor of his divine Master."

At a public meeting of the congregation held in January,
1868, the following financial statement was presented :

Debt on chapel in 1851, at time of special eifort £1,985

Necessary repairs, etc., since that date 388

£2,373
Raised l)y .special effort £753

Douiitiou by Mrs. Bradley 200

Sale of lots to Yarloy trust 450

£1,403
t I'aid oft". 1,373

£1,000
Subseciuently reduced by Briidley becjuest £300

Small sjiviugH in church income during 10 years 300

600

Present debt £ 400

The finances of the church may be said then to have been
in a very satisfactory state. The expenditure by the trustees
was $973 annually, while their income from pew rents should
have been $1,072. Nor were the affairs of the quarterly board
less satisfactory.

James Smith, after having served fourteen years as a trus-
tee, removed in 1868 to Woodstock, at which place, in a few
years afterwards, he died. Mr. Sancton, of whom mention
has already been made, also removed in the same year. On
the nomination of Mr. Lathern the vacancies thus created
were filled by the appointment of J. V. Troop and Geo. Thomas.
At the same time Alex. Lockhart was appointed as an addi-
tional trustee.

AND IIIHTORY OF CliNTKNAKY CllUltCU.

105

The presence of Rev. William Morley Puiishoii, wiio was
stationed in Toronto, had long been hoped for by the people of
Saint John, and it was witii great satisfaction that such a
treat was extended to nearly two thousand people on Sunday,
22nd June, 18G8. It is needless to say that the people were
delighted with the sermon, based upon Matthew v., 16 : "Let
your light so shine before men, that they may see your good
works, and gld ify your Father which is in heaven."

On Monday evening, in tiie Mechanics' Institute, Mr. Pun-
shon delivered his celebrated lecture, — subject, " Daniel in
Babylon." He then proceeded to Fredericton, and, after pre-
siding at the conference, returned to Saint John, where, on
the 3rd July, in the Centenary church, he delivered his lecture
on "John Wesley and his Times." The net proceeds of this
lecture amounted to l|347.15, and were divided equally be-
tween Centenary and Exmouth street churches.

Mr. Punshon seems to have been impressed with the singing
in Centenary, as, in notes contributed by him to the London
Recorder, he makes the statement that " the choir of Centen-
ary church contains some of the finest voices I have heard on
this continent." The choir at that time was composed of Mrs.
Tuck (leader), Mrs. Brown, Miss Troop, Miss Turner, Miss
McKillop and the Misses Taylor, and W. A. Lockhart, H. D.
Troop, A. G. Gray, Geo. H. Smith, Asa Blakslee and Chas.
Pierce.

On July 6th, 1869, Mr. E. Lloyd, who had served faithfully
as chapel-steward since 7th May, 1849, resigned office, necessi-
tated thereto by his removal to Halifax. On the eve of his
departure, in recognition of his labors, he was presented by
some ladies of the congregation with s case containing a gold
chain and seal attached. The trustees, also, placed on record
suitable resolutions in appreciation of his services and expres-
sive of the loss sustained by his removal. Alexander Lock-

» )

106

EAULY SAINT JOHN Min'H0DI8M

hart became clmpel-stoward, and Captain Josepli Prichard
was appointed a trustee, filling the vacancy caused by Mr.
Lloyd's resignation. Mr. Lockhart had previously, in the fall
of 1868, been appointed circuit-steward, which position he
held until December, 1875, having as his assistant J. Clawsou
during his term of office.

At the conference of 1871 held in Centenary among the
distinguished representatives present was Jesse T. Peck, D. D.,
president of the Syracuse University. Dr. Peck preached on
the morning of Conferen' ^ Sunday, June 25th, to an immense
audience. His subject was " The Blood," and his text : '* And
if wo walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellow-
ship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son
cleanseth us from all sin." The sermon was one well remem-
bered to this day, and it is extremely doubtful if within the
walls of the old sanctuary a more powerful discourse was ever
delivered than that to which the people upon that occasion
listened.

In 1871, upon the invitation of the quarterly board, Rev.
Duncan D. Currie was appointed to the circuit. During his
pastorate the congregations were large ; the interest was well
maintained, and much faithful work performed. A very
gracious revival of religion took place, and many who joined
the church then have been active members ever since. After
having labored two years Mr. Currie accepted a unanimous
invitation for the third year. At the conference, however,
certain exigencies arose involving special work for which, it
was thought, he was peculiarly fitted, and the appointment
asked for by Centenary quarterly board was not made ; nor
was Mr. Currie set apart for the special work, but was assigned
to the Charlottetown circuit.

On the 20th November, 1871, another break was made in
the board of trustees by the death of Daniel J. McLaughlin,

AND HISTORY OP CENTKNAUY CIIUUCII.

107

who had served since April, 1854. Mr. McLaughlin seems to
have boon very regular in his attendance and took an active
part at the meetings, and was, indeed, a very valuable member
of the board. He was spoken of in the secular press as being
"an upright Christian gentleman; just in his dealings, and
benevolent of heart." He will be especially remembered as
having built and maintained at considerable expense the
Benevolent Hall on Waterloo street, to which reference has
already been made. Nor were his contributions by any means
limited to the purposes of this building, but he gave of his
means liberally to the support of the church with which he
was connected, and to such other objects as merited assistance.

In September, 1872, D. J. McLaughlin, junr., was appointed
to the board of trustees, filling the vacancy occasioned by the
death of his father.

On the 2nd December, 1872, the death of Geo. A. Lockhart
occurred. Mr. Lockhart was greatly esteemed by all who
enjoyed his acquaintance. He was a gentleman of genial
nature and agreeable manner ; a merchant of integrity and
ability. For many years he had been a prominent member of
the Methodist church ; was a pew-holder in Centenary from
the opening, and at the time of his death he had been a mem-
ber of the quarterly board for many years, either of 3aint
John South or the Germain street circuits, — holding his posi-
tion at the latter board by reason of being superintendent of
the Sabbath school of that church. Mr. Lockhart had also,
for a long time, been actively identified with the temperance
cause ; he had also, for upwards of thirty years, been a Justice
of the Peace and member of the Board of Sessions, and had
tilled various civic offices of trust and responsibility. His
death was not unlooked for, as he had been in feeble health
for some time and had reached the advanced age of seventy-
five years.

108

EARLY SAINT JOHN METHODISM

II 1

illfi-

In 1873 Rev. Henry Pope was appointed to Centenary, suc-
ceeding Mr. Ourrie, and until he was laid aside by a painful
illness a few months before the close of his term, enjoyed a
successful pastorate. While not losing sight of spiritual
growth and advancement, especially was his administration
characterised by a great improvement in the financial condi-
tion of the affairs of the church.

The suggestion of the conference of the previous year, — as
to the envelope system of raising money for cliurch purposes, —
was adopted, and from the first was successful. The board in
previous years had been greatly hampered by the unpleasant
annual occurrence of a deficiency, involving special appeals
and subscriptions. The envelope system changed this experi-
ence, and in place of a deficiency there was, after paying
actual liabilities belonging to what was known as classes A
and B, a su»'plus.

The expenditure was divided into three classes, A, B and C.
Class A was payable in full, and included the minister's salary
and a certain amount for missionary and connexional funds.
Class B was payable in full, if sufficient, after payment of
class A, otherwise to share the balance y?ro rata. In this class
would be included the allowance for Sabbath school purposes
and additional grants to connexional and local funds. Class
C was also to be paid in full, if sufficient, after paying classes
A and B, otherwise to share balance pro rata. In this was
placed a certain sum for debt extinction, new furniture and
repairs ; any balance still remaining was to be expended in
city missions and city church extension.

A scheme for the union of the Canada Conference with that
of Eastern British America having been formulated, it was
ordered to be submitted to the respective quarterly boards.
At a meeting of the Centenary quarterly board, held on March
12th, 1874, the chairman read the scheme and put to the
meeting these questions :

AND HISTORy OP CENTENARY CnURCH. 109

;

1st. Is the union desirable? , ,»

2nd. Is lay delegation acceptable 1 I

Both of these questions were answered in the affirmative.

An appreciation of Mr. Pope's services at the close of the |

first year was marked by a substantial donation in addition
to his salary, and in the second year an increase to the stipend
of 1200, making the salary $1,400. I

On the 16th December, 1875, Joshua Clawson, after having \

been assistant for a number of years, became recording steward,
and has held that office until the present time.

In January, 1876, Rev. A. B. Earle, an eminent evangelist,
visited Saint John and held services in different churches of
several denominations, and also in the halls of the Y. M. C. A. *

and Mechanics' Institute. The services were of great interest
and profit, and demanded so large an accommodation that
finally they were chiefly held in Centenary, it having the largest
seating capacity. On many occasions the building, both base-
ment and auditorium, was densely packied with eager listeners. ,

Not long after this series of services the health of Mr. Pope
became impaired, and resulted in serious prostration and pain-
ful illness. During his illness the sympathy of the congrega-
tion, expressed through the officials, was extended to the pastor,
while his duties were discharged by Rev. Messrs. H. R. Baker,
George Steel and William Tippet respectively. ; ,

In the Autumn of 1875 and early winter following very ex- ! f

tensive repairs to the church were made at a cost of $6,789.
The principal alterations were the rebuilding and embellishing
of the tower and southern facade, and the provision of conve-
nient access to the church by means of a spacious flight of
steps on either side, landing in a porch to be closed by mov-
able folding doors, which would be removed in the summer '

months. The entrance to the basement was not disturbed, *

but was under the porch leading directly from the street. It k

' li

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110

EARLY SAINT JOHN METHODISM

will be remembered, as previously stated, that the approach
from Princess street was formerly through the basement ;
thence up a narrow staircase, altogether inadequate to the
requirements of so large a church, extremely dangerous in the
event of a fire, and generally most inconvenient to the wor-
shippers. By the alterations the approach to the church was
made by means of the outside steps communicating directly
from the street to the porch on the principal floor level of the
building ; thence staircases, five feet wide arranged on either
side, to the galleries. It had been contemplated to bring out
the tower to the frontage line and build a steeple in all 175
feet high, and also to entirely renew the front ; but it was
considered that this would involve too great an outlay. The
tower was, therefore, built around the old one, leaving the old
frame-work intact. The height of the new tower, from the
ground line to the summit of the pinnacle finial, was 125 feet j
the principal pinnacle stood 22 feet above ^he highest point of
the tower battlement.

The detail of the o'ltside finish was simple and effective, and
the treatment was such as to give strength and solidity of
appearance to the whole building.

It was part of the scheme to carry the chancel out in the
rear ; to alter and renew the windows on the east and west
sides, and to raise and arch the ceiling. This part of the
restoration, however, was not effected. The church was painted
and its appearance was, indeed, most attractive and imposing.

At the close of Mr. Pope's pastorate his health compelled
him to seek supernumerary relations, and in that capacity he
is now connected with Centenary church, and is known as Dr.
Pope, having well-merited tiie degree of Doctor of Divinity
conferred upon him by the Mount Allison Institutions.

Rev. Howard 8prague, having accepted an invitation ex-
tended to him by the quarterly board, succeeded Rev. H. Pope

AND HISTORY OP CENTENARY CHURCH.

Ill

in appointment and began his pastorate on Sunday, July 16th,
1876, preaching from Collossians, i., 28: "Whom we preach,
warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom ;
that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus."

Mr. Sprague had been already stationed in Portland, and
also in Germain street ; he was, therefore, well-known to the
people of his new charge. As a preacher he had already taken
a high position, and the reputation with which he entered
upon his duties was well sustained throughout his pastorate.
On Sunday evening, June 17th, 1877, Mr. Sprague concluded
a series of sermons on the Ten Commandments, preaching that
evening on " thou shall not covet."

The announcement was made that on the next Sabbath
service in that church in the evening would begin at seven
o'clock instead of six.

On the next Sabbath, instead of meeting according to an-
nouncement, the people said : " Our holy and our beautiful
house, where our fathers praised Thee, iS burnt up with fire ;
and all our pleasant things are laid waste."

At noon on Wednesday, the 20th June, there were four
Methodist churches and three parsonages in the city of Saint
John ; at midnight there was but one church and one parson-
age. In its insatiable demands the fire had shown no respect
for buildings, but palace and hovel, church and the place of
vice alike, became tributary to its excessive greed. Of the
145 families of Centenary, 120 were burned out, and in most
cases lost not only homes but places of business. Not more
than fifteen families of the Germain street church saved any-
thing of value, while the Carmarthen street Mission, with all
its interests and adherents, was in the heart of the fire. As
one passed through the hundreds of acres of burnt city he
knew not at times in what street he was. Wending his way
to where the stately and commodious Centenary had stood, and

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112

EARLY SAINT JOHN METHODISM

looking to the south or east or west, he saw little save cellar
walls and crumbling chimneys. Near him, at the street side,
the old bell, — which had assembled people for the hour of
worship and joyously peeled for marriages, or dolefully tolled
for funerals, or warned people to a sense of danger at a time of
fire, — lay crar^ked and blackened, eloquent in suggestion. It
had sounded its own knell. The people who had so often
responded to its call, had now no retreat from the cares and
toils of life in which they could offer worship. The officials
of Exmouth street church promptly tendered the use of their
school-room for the purposes of the Centenary congregation ;
and on the following Sunday morning Mr. James Sullivan's
society class met at the usual hour and held the first service
after the fire in the new quarters.

The first public service was held in the church proper at
half-past two o'clock, conducted by Rev. Mr. Sprague, who
chose as his text Isaiah, xxvi., 4 : " Trust ye in the Lord for
ever ; for in the Lord Jehovah is everlasting strength." In
the evening the two congregations united in a service and
were addressed by Rev. Joseph Hart, pastor of Exmouth street
church, and Rev. H. Sprague.

It was a time in which the affairs of the community were
altogether deranged and personal matters exacted close atten-
tion, yet the people were not so engrossed as to lose sight o*
the duty they owed to their church and consideration was
early given to the matter of rebuilding. Some delay was occa-
sioned by reason of the session of the conference which opened
in the week after the fire. On the other hand, the eai'ly session
of that body greatly facilitated building operations, because
deputations were appointed by it to visit England, the United
States and the provinces to solicit aid in the rebuilding
of the churches. Conference being over a meeting of trustees
was Iield on July Hth, when Mr. Sprague announced that he

r |i

AND HISTORY OF CENTENARY CHURCH.

113.

had been appointed the deputation to visit England, and that
in his absence Rev. Joseph Hart would act as superintendent
of the circuit. At this meeting a building committee, consist-
ing of J. V. Troop, I). J. McLaughlin, G. Bent, C. W. Wetmore,
A. L. Palmer, T. A. Temple and W. H. .Tuck, was appointed.
Subsequently Mr. Troop resigned and Captain Prichard was
appointed in his place. The committee immediately entered
upon its duties and recommended the purchase of more land.
They were given power to act and purchased the lot on Prin-
cess street adjoining the church property on the west, at the
price of $2,000 ; also, the Varley trust lots on Leinster street,
as well as the lease of the McDade lot adjoining, paying, there-
fore, respectively $4,000 and $1,200. This transaction gave
the trustees a property of 225 feet on Wentworth and 120
f et on Princess and Leinster streets. Plans were called for
and those of Mr. John Welch, architect of New York, accepted.
The work of building the school-room or vestry was innne-
diatly undertaken, resulting in the handsome structure now
used for that purpose.

Mr. Sprague was absent during the greater part of the
summer. In the meantime services were of course held in
Exmouth street, the two congregations uniting on sacramental
occasions. The great Indian famine occurring in that year
had aroused the sympatiiies of the Englisii people, and the
Wesleyans of England were engaged in a special effort in
behalf of their own famine-stricken missions in that great
country. Mr. Sprague's visit was, therefore, made at an un-
propitious time, yet he was well received and in his mission
successful in raising between sixteen and seventeen thousand
dollars.

A fire occurring in Portland a few months after the great
fire, destroyed the Methodist ciiurch and put another claimant
upon the churcii relief fund. Upon the distribution of this

•>«...■

ill

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EARLY SAINT JOHN METHODISM

;« n

fund, by the committee appointed by conference, tlie share
allotted to Centenary was $9,286.

After Mr. Sprague's return from England the condition of his
health was such as, in his opinion, to unfit him in a measure for
the responsibilities that attach to church work of a circuit like
Centenary. To his people his ministrations had been most
satisfactory, and it was with deep concern that his quar-
terly board, in his second yeai-, learned of the possibility
of his accepting the invitation extended to him to become
president of the Mount Allison college. They took early
action ; expi'essed great regret at his possible separation, and
earnestly requested him, if he could deem it in the line of his
duty, to remain another year. Having taken time to consider,
Mr. Sprague, at the next meeting of the board, stated that his
health had very greatly and encouragingly improved and he
would have pleasure in accepting the invitation for the third
year, upon tlie understanding that conference should be asked
to appoint an assistant to him, — such arrangement not to
involve additional expense upon the circuit. This being assent-
ed to the appointments were made, Rev. M. R. Knight coming
as assistant.

On the 10th November, 1878, Mr. Sprague preached from
Exodus, xxxiii., 15 : "If thy presence go not with me, carry
us not up hence." And on the following Sunday, the 17th
November, the Sabbath school-room was opened. Rev. Joseph
Hart, president of the conference, preached in the morning ;
Rev. John Allison addressed the Sabbath School in the after-
noon, and Rev. William Mitchell preached in the evening.

Mr. Hart's subject was love for God's house, and based upon
Psalms, xxiv., 8 : *' Lord, I have loved the habitation of thy
house, and the place where thine honor dwelleth," — being in
part the inscription at the base of the large window in the
school-room.

AND HISTORY OP CENTENARY CHURCH.

llf)

Mr. Allison's text in the afternoon was Exodus, ii., 9 : "And
Pharaoh's daughter said unto her, take this child away, and
nurse it for me, and I will give thee thy wages. And the
woman took the child and nursed it."

Mr. Mitchell in the evening preached from Matthew, xii., G :
" In this place is one greater than the temple."

On the following Sunday Rev. B. Ciiappell preached in the
morning and the Rev. Dr. McDonald, missionary to Japan, in
the evening. So that it was not until the third Sunday that
our own pastor occupied the pulpit. On that day Rev. M. R.
Knight preaclied in the morning and Rev. H. Sprague in the
evening.

Rev. Joseph Hart succeeded Rev. Howard Sprague, having
been appointed in 1879 upon the invitation of the quarterly
board. The appointment almost came as a matter of course,
because in addition to Mr. Hart's eminent qualifications for
the position, he had for some time been very closely identified
with the interests of Centenary congregation. His influence
was an important factor in the selection of the church plans.
The building of the school room was commenced under him
while acting as superintendent in Mr. Sprague's absence, and
the completion of the greater enterprize was his dream. It
was with high hopes that he entered upon his ministry.

It was not long before he called a meeting of the congrega-
tion with a view of taking immediate action looking to the
erection of the church proper according to the plans already
prepared. He stated his own views and impressed upon the
people what in his judgment was their duty. After an inter-
change of views a subscription was proposed which met with
so hearty a response that the work seemed assured. Matters
were about taking definite shape when it was observed that
the ill health under which Mr. Hart had been suffering for
some time, and which was not viewed with any apprehension

♦ 'i

»lii

116

KAIJLY SAINT JOHN METHODISM

of danger, was indeed of a very serious character. So anxious
was he to see the work proceed that he bravely contended with
his malady until physical strength became exhausted. On the
first Sunday in November he preached his last sermon.

A quarterly meeting was held at the parsonage on the 12th
December, 1879, presided over by Gilbert Bent until all mat-
ters of business had been dealt with. Mr. Hart then entered
the room, and, according to the minutes of the Recording
Steward, " Stated that the illness under which he had been for
a long time suffering, and which had recently so completely
prostrated him, he had lately discovered to be much more seri-
ous than he had supposed : so serious that he felt his work on
earth to be over. He referred in vei-y touching and impressive
terms to tlie bright anticipations of usefulness which he had
when appointed to Centenary circuit ; anticipations not now
to be realized, in the wise providence of God ; and feelingly
spoke of the Divine consolations which he enjoyed in his pres-
ent sore affliction, and of his hopeful anticipations of the end.
He stated that he had made arrangements for the pulpit to be
supplied for the remaining half of the year " (details of which
are omitted). Proceeding with the record : " Without waiting
for the formality of a resolution, tlie meeting with one voice
heartily and affectionately accepted the proposals of Rev. Mr.
Hart ; tendering him their warmest sympathy in his affliction,
and emphasizing their acceptance of any arrangement which
he should find conducive to his comfort and welfare." Then
retiring from the room visibly affected and in extreme weak-
ness, Mr. Hart for the last time left his quarterly meeting.
It was a touching scene, and one long to be remembered by
those present.

During a long and painful illness Mr. Hart was indeed
sustained by the Divine consolation of wliich he spoke. On
the 19th of March, 1880, in the 46th year of his age and

AND IIISTOIW OF CKNTENAKY CllUltCll.

iir

the 27tli of liis ministry, having "fought the good light of
faith," he entered into that rest that reniaineth to the people
of CJod.

Tlie following resolutions, expressive of the church's grief at
the loss of their pastor, were, at a meeting held on the iJlst of
March, read by A. A. Stockton, and, on motion of Captain
Prichard, seconded by E. T. Knowles, adopted.

1 11 H

!
I

"The menihers of the (junrturly bufird of the Centenary Motlio-
diwt church in Saint .John, receive with deepest sorrow tlie announce-
ment of the death of their l)elove<l pastor, the Reverend .Joseph
Hart, who, during the twenty-six years of faithful ministerial labor
in connection with the Methodist church in these ])rovinces, was
distinguished for his scholarly attainments, his Christian de[)ort-
ment and his activity in the pi-omotiou of the social, nujral and

intellectual welfare of society.

"Firmly holding the doctrines of our cluu-ch he sought by his
preaching, which was earnest, thoughtful and persuasive, to incite
his hearers to piety, purity of heart and holy living. Sedulous in
the performance of his pastoral duties, tenderly sympathetic in his
disposition, he was peculiarly <|ualitied to administer consolation to
the sick and trouble(b His admirable executive abibties rendered
him efficient in carrying forward church enterprises.

" We gratefully remember the kindly interest manifested by him
in the work of this church and his sui)ervi.sion of it during the
absence in England of the Rev. Howard Spr.agiie and durin;^' the
erection of the present school building. His intimate acquaintance
with our att'airs, ac([uired through this unofHcial relationship well
fitted him for the position afterwards a.ssigned him by the confer-
ence as our pastor, and justified him in entertaining the high hopes
with whicli he entered upon the performance of the duties of his
pastorate ; be it therefi>re

liesolvml, That we record our sense of the loss sust^iined l)y the
Methodist Church of Canada, our missionary cause, our educational
institutions and the New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island Con-
ference, in common with the mendiership and congregation of the

118

KAKLY HAINT JOHN MKTIIODISM

fPffij

III

churcli, in the lamontud douth of the Reverend .Josepli Hurt, while
yet in the prime of his manhood and his mental energy ; and, also,
our grief at the severance of the many strong individual ties of
friendship formed in the circuit in which he was called to labor ;
and be it further

lies 'Ive'l, That conscious of the anguish which must attend the
deeper bereavement sustained by our pastor's widow, we tender to
her our sincerest sympathy in this her severe affliction."

The quarterly board and board of trustees followed the
mourners in the procession to the railway station, from whence
the remains were taken to Halifax for interment.

Rev. John Prince having, at the request of Mr. Hart, al-
ready assumed the duties of superintendent of the circuit,
continued to discharge them until the end of the term.

The trustee steward I). J. McLaughlin, Jr., having taken
up liis residence in another part of the province, tendered his
resignation ; and on the 21st June, 1880, H. J. Thorne was
elected to the position thus made vacant.

The position of the church now involved much responsibility
and it was evident that Mr. Hart's successor should be a per-
son distinguished for his executive ability and an administrat-
or of experience. The reputation of Rev. D. D. Currie, at
that time editor of the Wesleyan, seemed to point to him as a
suitable supply, and on a majority vote an invitation was ex-
tended. The appointment was made and he entered upon his
duties in July, 1880. Mr. Currie, finding plans prepared and
a subscription list already opened, lost no time in getting at
work. The subscription list was revised as to its conditions
somewhat and appeared larger than that made in Mr. Hart's
time, but there really was little difference between them.
Twenty-five persons subscribed $12,900, being upwards of $500
on an average for each individual.

In August, upon the nomination of the superintendent, the

AND IIISTOUY OF CENTKNAUY CIIUUCII.

110

followinpj perr.ona were appointed trustees : H. IJ. White, L. II.
Vaujrl.an, E. Frost, W. H. Hay ward and J. E. Irvine ; and in
September, Judge Palmer, T. A. Temple and W. H. Tuck-
were also appointed. Mr. Tuck declined to act, but the otlieis
assumed office.

CENTENARY CHURCH.

Tenders for building the church having been asked for, that
of Messrs. Bond & Milden was accepted. The work was under-
taken and the building opened on the 27th of August, 1882.

When the tower and spire are completed the cut above
presented will correctly indicate the appearance of the church
as it may be viewed from Princess street.

120

KAULY 8A1NT JUllN iMKTHUDlHM

On tlio day of opciiiing, lotig bofore the hour at which thu
service was to begin, the congregation began to asseinbh^, and
soon every scat was occupied. Chairs were phiced in the
aisles and galhn-y whtM'ever it was possil)hi. At 11 o'clock
Uev. Messrs. Daniel, Narraway, Milligan, Pope, Lathei'n and
Currie entered and took th(;ir places on the platform. Hymn
G68 was sung, after which Rev. H. Daniel oH'ered prayer. The
Te Deum was then sung, followed by Scripture lessons pre-
scribed by tlu; liturgy and read by Rev. H. Pope, D. D., and
Rev. (jleo. S. Milligan, J). D. The congregation joined with
the choir in singing the dedication hymn, No. G7G, —

(jvuiit King (if (Jlory, come,

And with Thy favom- crown ^

This tumplc as Thy Immu,

This people as Tliino own :
IJunoath this roof, Oh deign to show
How (jod can dwell with men below.

Rev. Geo. Douglas, D. U., of Monti-eal, had been announced
to preach the dedicatory sermon, but was taken ill ou the
journey to Saint John. In his absence the sermon was
preached by Rev. J. Lathern, whose text was, " Now unto
Him "who is able to do exceeding abundantly tabove all that
we ask or think according to the power that woi'keth in us,
unto Him Ik; glory in the church l)y Christ Jesus, throughout
all ages, world without end. Amen." — Eph. iii., 20-21.

During the oflertory the choir sang Gounod's line anthem,
"Send out Thy Light," and shortly afterwards the congiega-
tion united with them in singing hymn 675, —

Lord of Hosts I to Thoo wo raise
Hero a house of pi'ayer and praise :
Thou Thy people's hearts propave
Here to meet for praise and prayer.

ipl

AND niSTOKY OF CENTKNAKY CHURCH.

121

♦I!

During the singing of this hymn the following trustees,
Joseph Priclmrd, Geo. Thomas, Tliomas A. Temple, Alfred A.
Stockton, Henry J. Thorne, Gilbert Bent, Edward T. Knowles,
Richard W. Thorne, William H. Hayward and Judge Palmer,
going forward to the communion rail, the usual dedication
service was proceeded with, Capt. Prichard, on behalf of the
trustees, saying to the superintendent, "We present unto you
this building, to be dedicated as a church for the worship and
service of Almighty God." The congregation then standing,
Mr. Currie repeated the usual declaration after which the ser-
vice was brought to a close.

The members of the choir present at this service were : Miss
Ennis, organist ; J. Clawson, leader ; soprano, Miss Ella Claw-
son, Miss RoVjinson, Mrs. H. J. Thorne, Miss White ; alto.
Miss Alice Hea, Miss Minnie Hea, Miss Hattie Prichard, Miss
Annie Turner ; tenor, Dr. Daniel, J. Clawson, F. Mclnnis,
William Kain, James A. White ; bass, H. B. White, Henry
Turner, S. Kerr, J. McKillop, John S. Hale.

In the afternoon a Sabbath school service was held, presided
over by Rev. Dr. Pope and addressed by the cliairman and
Rev. Messrs. Read, Shenton and W. W. Lodge.

In the evening Rev. D. D. Currie preached from 1 Kings,
vi., 7, drawing appropriate lessons and making applications
suggested by the passages in their reference to tiie building of
Solomon's temple.

At the evening service Minnie Emily and Harry LeBaron,
children of J. Albert Venning, received the rite of adult bap-
tism, and Ethel Maud, infant daughter of E. V. Hunt, the
rite of infant baptism.

William Kerley, who came recommended in the usual way
from the M. E. Church of Ontario, as a local preacher of
twenty-five years standing, and Mrs. Emma Kerley, his wife,
who came recommended from the Methodist Church in Brant-
ford, Ontario, were received into membership at this service.

122

EARLY SAINT JOHN METHODISM

liftH'^

The first church was opened on 16th August, 1839, being
the centennial year of the founding of British Methodism.
The second church' was opened on 27th August, 1882, being
the centennial year of Methodism in the Lower Provinces.

The building faces south on Princess street and displays on
the front a surface of masonry 80 feet v/ide, with a total height
to the top of the carved stone on the apex of the roof of 88
feet. A handsome Gothic door-way, flanked by stone columns
with enriched capitals, approached by a flight of stone steps,
is the main entrance to tlie sacred edifice.

The principal window, which is over the door way, is of
large size, being 20 feet wide and 40 high, divided into seven
lights of beautiful design. Heavy stone buttresses support the
corners of the building, which are surmounted with massive
pinacles. The tower is on the east side, about sixteen feet
from tlie front, and Is very imposing, spacious and richly orna-
mented, the angles being stayed by buttresses similar in char-
acter to those of the main building. The tower is 25 feet
square at the base, and at present is built up 40 feet from the
ground. A large Gothic door- way, 14 feet wide and 7 feet
high on the east side, leads into the tower, which forms a
handsome and spacious porch through which access is gained
to the main building.

The Wentworth street elevation, extending north 116 feet,
has six windows in the east aisle 7 by 22 feet and eight clere-
story windows 7 by 12 feet, each divided into three lights and
enriched with elegant tra,cery. The west side is designed and
finished in the same way.

Besides the south and east doors, entrance is obtained to the
church by a door at the south-west and two others ac the
northern end leading from the school room.

The clere-story is supported by massive iron columns, each
24 feet long and weighing 5,000 lbs. The capitals and bases
are of moulded wood.

AND HISTORY OP CENTENARY CHURCH.

123

Immediately within the south porch is a vestibule extending
the width of the nave and built up of ash. The northern side
of the screen and the east and west doors are pierced with
lancet lights, iilled in with stained glass of chaste design, each
light bearing a circular medallion of floral pattern, the inter-
stices between the upper parts of the windows being filled with
smaller medallions, each bearing the Jieur de lis.

The roof, the apex of which is 65 feet above the floor, is
painted a full sky blue, and the ground-work is in imitation of
pitch pine, having at the intersections foliated bosses of lemon
color, — a simple and pleasing combination of tints.

Some six feet from the front range of pews is the communion
rail of black walnut carved in simple open-work design, and
within which, set back four feet, is the platform, raised three
feet above the floor level and extending the full width of the
nave. The pulpit-desk and furniture are the gifts of the con-
tractors ; Mis8 Eaton presented the Bible and hymn book ;
the elegant altar is the gift of A. A. Stockton ; the clock in
the church was given by J. R. Ferguson ; while the beautiful
baptismal font was presented some time afterwards by the
infant class of the Sabbath school.

The organ, which in part was new and in part the organ of
the Mechanics' Institute, is very imposing in appearance, but
disappointing and unsatisfactory in musical ett'ect.

The most approved apparatus was provided for the lighting
of the church, the principal flttings being two pendant sun-
lights of large size, so arranged as to throw a soft and even
light over the whole of the upper and centre part of the inter-
ior, and in the aisles under the galleries are arranged semi-
circular coronals, each having six gas-lights. The whole of
the gas-fittings, including those of the pulpit platform, are of
polished brass. The large reflectors are of white porcelain
highly polished. In late years, in view of some of the porce-

III

h
til.

IK!\£^JI^iJxf1^m

124

EARLY SAINT JOHN METHODISM

lain having fallen from its place, it was deemed advisable to
introduce a system of net work to conserve the safety of the
congregation.

The seating capacity is large, there being on the ground
floor 140 pews and 92 in the galleries, providing sittings for
about 1,400 persons. The pews, which have open ends, are
constructed of ash, with mouldings of black walnut varnished.

The School Building, which is a continuation of the main
church and appears externally as transepts to it, covers a plot
of ground about 100 feet by 50 feet, and is of two stories, the
lower floor being given to class-rooms, parlors, etc., all well
lighted. A corridor extends the whole length of the inner side,
with entrances at each end, having very liberal well-planned
stairs in the extended building both front and rear, which form
the ends of the aisles of the main church and are the rear
access to its galleries.

The school and lecture room is on the upper floor and is its
chief attraction, for although the building externally is very
beautiful in its proportions and built entirely of stone of the
neighborhood and commends itself to all beliolders, the mag-
nificent interior will stand as an example of tiie most beautiful
era of Gothic architecture. On one side of the room are six
three-light windows, and in each end are lofty four-light win-
dows, with lancets on each side all filled with elaborate and
massive stone tracery. The whole of the steep-pitched roof is
made to appear internally, and is what is technically known
as the " hammer-beam " mode of construction, all the massive
timber work being wrought out of hard pine, the many span-
drels being filled in with varying tracery work, with mould-

ings,

battlevnents and enrichments. All the wood framed-

work is oiled and finislied in its natural colors, the intervening
panels being finished of a brilliant blue vdth an ornamental
border of white and red. The interior is about fifty-six feet

AND HISTORY OF CENTENARY CHURCH.

125

in height to the ridge, and althougli the roof frame-work starts
from the stone corbels ten feet from the floor, there is no tie
or connexion across it below the collar-beam at the top, which
gives to the whole a very airy and roomy appearance, though
it is constructively sound and strong. One end of the lecture
room is partitioned off by ornamental screen work, forming a
library and a large separated infant-school room above, arran-
ged to seat 200 children or 100 adults in an end gallery when
the moveable screen work is opened. All the windovs are
filled with rich stained-glass, largely in geometric patterns.
The principal four-light front window, with its side-lights, be-
ing made a specialty and superior to the rest, the large window
having appropriate texts, surrounding rich foliage in medallion
and the large foliated circle of its traceried head having an
angel with a flowing scroll inscribed in latin, "Peace on earth,"
etc. The side or lancet windows — r both memorial gifts — are
beautiful specimens of artistic work in glass. One represents
the nativity, with the wise men of the east offering their wor-
ship to the infant Saviour ; it bears at the base the inscription
" Presented by Henrietta Temple, A. D. 1878." The other
shows our Saviour taking the little children in flis arms and
blessing them, and has the text, " Suffer little children to come
unto me and forbid them not, for of such is the kingdom of
heaven," and at the base the words, "In memoriam, Willie
Welch, died 1868, aged 4 years."

The stone work of all the windows and finishings is artificial
and was prepared by D. H. Wheeler. James Thompson was
the mason ; Herman Royeman did the frame work of the roof ;
and Purdy Frencli the balance of the carpenter work.

During the interval between tiie destruction of the old
church and the opening of the new the pilgrimage of some
who had for years been familiar figures in the congregation
was brought to a close. At the mention of the name oi John

126

EARLY SAINT JOHN METHODISM

Gardiner many will call to mind a quiet, unobtrusive gentle-
man, a christian of deep and steadfast piety, the tenor of
whose life was characterized by meekness and humility. He
was the first superintendent of the Sabbath School, and during
all the time of twenty years in which he filled that office it is
said he missed but two sessions. Many who are now in the
congregation remember him well as their Sabbath School sup"
erintendent and will quickly accord to him the respect to
which his name is entitled. Mr. Gardiner died in the month
of February, 1878.

In the same month the death of William Whiteside took
place. He was a brother-in-law of Mr. Gardiner, and before
the erection of the first church and for many years after that
date had been an active member of the Methodist Society, and
an efficient local preacher. In later years he was not active,
but for some time before his death was in the enjoyment of
that religion which brings to its possessor so much joy and
peace.

The death of Henry Whiteside occurred on May 3, 1879.
He was a person whose "face illumined" seemed to indicate
that he had reached mountain peaks of christian satisfaction.
Out of the abundance of his heart his mouth did speak, some-
times in a sudden, joyous, ejaculation, "glory!" that to the
stranger who might be near him produced a sensation quite
startling ; at other times, as opportunity offered, in the social
services, on the street, or at his place of employment, bearing
testimony to the love of God that was in his heart. Quick to
recognize his own duty, he was not slow in indicating to others
what he conceived to be theirs ; particularly vvould this be the
case if the week-night service was a little dull.

Henry and William were sons of Richard Whiteside, who
was Recording Steward of the Circuit for so many years.
Mrs. iiarrett and Mrs. McCarty, wives of two worthy and

AND HISTORY OF CENTENARY CHURCH.

127

respected Methodist ministers, were also of Richard White-
side's family, and are at present members of and worshippers
in Centenary church.

On October 2, 1881, Jacob V. Troop died. Mr. Troop had
been connected with Centenary Church almost from the open-
ing. In the early years, as already stated, he was a member
of the choir and also an officer in the Sabbath School. For
a number of years he had been a trustee and was secretary
of the Varley Trust, in the purposes of which he was deeply
interested. He served faithfully and well as an official in the
church of which for many years he was a member, and was
useful and respected as a citizen. He had much strength
of purpose and force of character and withal the courage of
his convictions. While not ostentatious in his liberality, he
contributed largely toward the support of the church witli
which he was indentified and to such other interests as
merited assistance. At the time of his death he was seventy-
two years of age.

John Jenkins, an Englishman, born in June, 1812, was a
resident of St. John for many years and died in October, 1882.
For a long time he was connected with Centenary church, was
a class leader and for some years assistant to M . Gardiner, as
superintendent of the Sabbath school, in which position he
was efficient and deeply interested. At a time when there
were many prominent workers, he was one of the foremost, and
by liis extraordinary gifts in prayer and fervency in exhorta-
tion added mucii interest to the social services. In the late
years of his life he was much missed in those services, his ab-
sence from them no doubt being largely due to physical
infirmities. While feeling himself obliged to withdraw from
active work in the church, yet by precept and example in
the home circle lie exercised an influence that is now manifest
in the lives of his children.

11:1

128

EARLY SAINT JOHN METHODISM

i ,1

Dennis Suliivan was permitted to see the opening of the
new church and to join in those exercises, but it was not
long before he was visited by a sickness that resulted in his
death on the 6th December, 1882, in the sixty-ninth year of
his age. He was a very worthy member both of the church
with which he was connected and the community in which he
lived. He was respected by all persons whose opinion was
of any value. His piety was deep and uniform, and from the
commencement to the close of liis ciuistian pilgrimage he
walked worthy of his religious profession. His religion was
exhibited in his daily intercourse with society and by his un-
feigned faith and godly sincerity. As a local preacher he was
always at his post and ministered to the people with much
acceptance. He was ever ready to take part in the social
services of the church, and in the class-meeting was sympa-
thetic, helpful and interesting. In taking one of his last
appointments as a local preacher, he was thrown from his
carriage, in consequence of the horse running away, and sus-
tained injuries from which probably he never recovered.
While this accident was not the immediate cause of his death
yet no doubt it greatly aggravated the illness which closed his
exemplary aud religious life.

There are many others of whom mention should have been
made in chronological order, who years before the destruction
of the old church had passed from it, either by reason of death
or of their removal to other scenes of christian labor. Those
removed by death were Johnston Sullivan, Isaac Johnston,
Frederick Harrison, James M. Hamilton, George M. Dixon,
Sampson Manaton and others, who after lives of great useful-
ness passed to their reward. Among those who left St.
John, forming elsewhere home and church ties, were Peter
LeSueur, Edward Lloyd, Henry Marshall, Robert Hannah,
John McMoran, William Warwick and many others.

AND HISTORY OP CENTENARY CHURCH.

129

It will be seen that the personal references in the previous
pages have been to official members. This statement will serve
as an explanation for the omission of names that may have
been looked for — names of persons well reported for good
works, who, though not officially connected with the church,
yet exercised an influence by their piety and usefulness that
will be understood only in the great revealing day. To at-
tempt to do otherwise than has been undertaken would obvi-
ously be both incomplete and unsatisfactory. For this reason,
also, little has been said of the godly women of the church, of
whom there were not a few — mothers in Israel, who were "full
of good works and alms-deeds which they did," given to hospi-
tality, — whose efforts in many instances were characterized by
as much if not more zeal and earnestness than distinguished the
husbands whose names have received mention. Among very suc-
cessful and intelligent class leaders and earnest christian workers
should be mentioned Mrs. Richard Whiteside, Mrs. Hutchings,
Mrs. Drury, Mrs. Chamberlain, Mrs. Hennigar, Mrs. Johnston,
Mrs. McCallum, and Mrs. Henry Whiteside. Mrs. Hutchings
is still connected with the church, but age and infirmities have
long deprived her of its privileges. Mrs. McCallum some
times visits the city and invariably is found in the church
services. Of the others, some have removed, and the rest are
among the redeemed in heaven. In addition to these there
were some who, while active in the old church, continued their
labors in the new, and were of great blessing to many who
came within their influence.

In November following the opening exercises the pulpit in
the new church was for the first time occupied by one of our
General Superintendents, 8. D. Rice, D. D., who preached
from Heb. xL, 26. It will be remembered that Dr. Rice, in
the early years of Centenary Church, labored in St. John, and
was held in high esteem. During the long time in which the

130

EARLY SAINT JOHN METHODISM

preacher had been separated from the friends of his early
ministry many clianges had taken place, and the few who re-
mained appreciated the privilege of listening to one for whom
they had so much respect, and of renewing an acquaintance
happily formed so many years before.

Early in 1883 the question of union of all the Methodist
bodies in Canada greatly agitated the society throughout the
Dominion. A very strong feeling against the proposal existed
in the minds of many of our ministers, while the laymen were
pronounced in its favor. On 12th of February a meeting of
officials in connection with the St. John Circuits was held in
tlie Centenary, and, upon a vote being taken, seventy-two
voted in favor and one against the proposed basis of union.
In the following March, at a meeting of the Quarterly Board,
the vote stood 23 to 2.

Great preparations had been made for the celebrating, on
the 18th May, 1883, the Centennial of the landing of the
Loyalists. It was deemed fitting that the second century
should be ushered in by a watch-night service to be held in
Centenary Church on the evening of the 17th May. That
service was accordingly held and attended by an immense
gathering. All the aisles and corridors were packed, and the
greatest enthusiasm prevailed. Of this servi o Dr. Elder, in
an editorial in the Daily Telegraph, wrote : " The evening
meeting in the beautiful Centenary Church was happily con-
ceived and well carried out. The presence of the Lieutenant
Governor, Hon. R. D. Wilmot ; Chief Justice Allen ; Ameri-
can Consul, Gen. Warner ; Mayor Jones ; J. W. Lawrence,
Esq., and many of our most prominent clergymen and laymen,
and of an overflowing and deeply interested audience, made
the occasion one of deep interest. Music and sacred song,
solemn addresses, and eloquent speech, the teachings of his-
tory and the sanctions of religion, were all successfully invoked

s^ttiu

AND HISTORY OP CENTENARY CHURCH.

131

to make the occasion forever memorable." When the closing
hour of the first century struck, the vast audience arose, and
the grand strains of Old Hundred, sung by almost two
thousand voices, rang through the lofty arches of the church.
Rev. Mr. Daniel then pronounced the benediction, and the
great gathering dispersed after singing "God Save the Queen."

As an incident to the Loyalist celebration, on the third of
the following October, a Literary and Musical Centennial
Harvest Festival in aid of tree planting was held in the Cen-
tenary Church, the Lieutenant Governor being in the chair,
besides whom there were on the platform the United States
Consul, Chief Justice Allen, Hon. S. L. Tilley, C. B., Rev.
Messrs. Dobson, Currie, and others.

In the erection of the church it would not be right, nor is
there any disposition, to withhold from Rev. D. D. Currie the
credit that is due him for the assiduity with which he attended
to details incident to that enterprise. Ii> his board of trustees,
however, he had a band of busy men willing to undertake the
responsibility that attached to their oflBce. It would be invidi-
ous to make distinction. Some may have accomplished more
than others, but all were disposed to do their utmost, and to
them as a body the congregation accord much credit.

Stained glass windows representing miracles and parables of
our Lord have been placed in position. Some were put in dur-
ing Mr. Currie's pastorate and the others in Mr. Dobson's.
They were supplied by J. C. Spence & Son of Mont il, and
are creditable to the skill of the manufacturer, being pleasing
jn appearance and effective in design. Seven are in memory
of friends, while two are simply presentation windows. The
memorial class were placed to the memory of Rev. Joseph
Hart, representing the parable of the sower ; Jacob V. Troop,
the miracle of Christ stilling the tempest ; Mr. and Mrs. Aaron
Eaton, the feeding of the five thousand ; Mrs. A. L. Palmer,

'#1

H«

■rti

132

EARLY 8AINT JOHN METHODISM

parable of the lost sheep ; Mr. and Mrs. John Frost, the mirac-
ulous draught of fishes ; Mrs. George Tliomas, parable of the
good Samaritan ; Mrs. Eliza Kennay Smith, the raising of the
daughter of Jairus. The otiiers were presented by Miss Troop,
representing tiie parable of the laborers in the vineyard ; and
Mr. E. R. Moore, representing the marriage in Cana.

On June 1st, 1883, Henry J. Thoi'ne having resigned the
position of trustee steward, George A. Henderson was ap-
pointed to that office, and entering upon his duties has dis-
charged them ever since.

With the Conference of 1883 Mr. Currie's ministerial term
expired. An invitation was extended to Rev. William Dobson
and the appointment was made. Mr. Dobson entered upon
his work on July 22, preaching from Acts iv., 13, "And they
took knowledge of them that they had been with Jesus."
The large congregations he had during the three years in which
he ministered to the people showed the popularity in which
as a preacher he was held. Under him the collections increased
and the pew rent roll was augmented by upwards of three
hundred dollars. There were additions to the membership, and
in every department the interest was so well sustained that it
may be said his term was one of success.

The Conference of 1884, by invitation previously extended,
was held in Centenary Church. This is known as the "Long
Conference," as it involved the completion of all business of
the annual Conference in connection with the Methodist Church
of Canada, and in accordance with the terms of union, the organ-
ization of the Conference in connection with the Methodist
Church. At the latter Conference Rev. Dr. Williams presided.

In Mr. Dobson's term the congregation had the pleasure of
listening to a number of distinguished preachers, among whom
were Dr. Parker, of New York, Dr. Meacham, Dr. Williams,
and Dr. Carman ; and in January, 1885, Joseph Cook visited
the city and lectured to large audiences in the Centenary

AND HIHTOUY OP CENTKNARY CHUKCIl.

133

Church, his subjects being " Seven Modern Wonders of the
World" and "Does Death End All."

On the 17tli February, 1885, David Collins passed to his
reward, in the eighty-sixtli year of his age. Mr. Collins, at
the time of his death, was a member of Exmouth street
Church, but inasmuch as he was one of the original trustees.,
of Centenary, and moreover a Christian who confined not his *
attentions to any one particular church, but was found where-
ever lie might be useful, it is not out of place that in a record
of this kind his name should receive mention. The first place
among Methodists in St. John during a useful life of more
than half a century is conceded to David Collins. He was
warmly attached to the church of his choice. His experience
was rich in spiritual enjoyment that was born within the veil.
The light of his life did shine before men, and withal, his
habitual modesty and deep humility gave to his other excel-
lencies an added lustre. " His spirit and temper were such as
became tlie gospel of Christ, and he departed in peace and
holy hope, full of days and full of honor."

In the following month, March, 1885, the exemplary life of
Ellen Barry Smitli closed at the age of seventy-three. She
was the daughter of Robert Barry, one of the earliest and
most prominent ineinbeis of the Methodist Society in Nova
Scotia, niece of Rev. William Jessop, the noble pioneer of
whom mention has been made as one of the early missionaries
to Saint Jolin ; and the wife of Rev. William Smith, a
faithful Methodist minister, to whom, by actively engaging in
the duties of a minister's wife, she had been a great help.
Becoming a widow in 1863, for a time she resided in Liver-
pool, but between that event and her death the greater portion
of her life was spent in St. John, where she was earnest in her
Master's cause. She was gifted to an unusual degree, power-
ful in prayer, persuasive in exhortation, and as a class leader

]

134

KARLY SAINT JOHN METHODISM

earnefc sympathetic and intelligent. She sustained with
wisdom her exalted Christian profession, and of her it may be
said that religion regulated her understanding and her heart.

About this time a Missionary Committee was appointed by
the Quarterly Board, of which James S. Mamie was secretary.
As a result of this organization, and largely through the dili-
gence of Mr. Mamie, the contributions of the congregation to
the funds of the Society were very largely increased, until in
a few years the amount contributed annually was double that
of any year previous to the appointment of the committee.

A Woman's Missionary Society was also formed, the re-
sults which have been most widespread. An account of
this ization was prepared by a committee appointed for

that purpose for the Jubilee record, and may properly be here
presented.

woman's missionary society.

In the year 1885 an Auxiliary to the Woman's Missionary
Society was formed in connection with Centenary Church.
Miss Hattie E. Smith, now Mrs. Eaton, of Baltimore, was its
first president, and to her untiring exertions and judicious
management much of its early success was owing.

The work of the New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island
Branch, to which this Centenary Auxiliary belongs, was at
first limited to Japan, but its contributions now augment the
funds of the General Society. Under its present efficient
head, Mrs. C. E. Macmichael, the work is growing and
strengthening. Miss Palmer, its devoted corresponding secre-
tary, has been wonderfully successful in awakening and direct-
ing missionary zeal among the women of our highly favored
Methodism, and during the past year twenty-eight additional
Auxiliaries have been formed. From these, representatives
are sent to the annual meeting of the Branch.

AND IIISTOUY OF CKNTKNARY CHURCH.

135

The meetings of the Centenary Auxiliary, of which, also,
Mrs. Macmichael is president, are held once a month, and
have been made interesting from time to time by the reading
of original papers and leaflets bearing on the work of Christian
missions, as well as by letters received from the various fields
to which grants are given. These extend from Japan to New-
foundland, and include the Girl's School at Tokio, the Crosby
Girls' Home at Fort Simpson, the McDougall Orphanage, the
Home at Chillewhack, the French work in Montreal, the
Chinese Rescue Home in British Columbia, and an Orphanage
for the children of fishermen in Newfoundland.

On November 15th, 1887, a Band was formed in connection
with Centenary Auxiliary which has since been doing excel-
lent work. It is known as the Haraiwa Mission Band. Miss
Kate Bartlett was its first president. The well-known monthly
periodical, the Missionary Review, is taken by the Auxiliary
and circulated among its members, while one hundred and
sixty copies of The Outlook tind their Way into the homes of
the people through the agency of the Sabbath School. Last
year, on the Friday of the week appointed for prayer by the
Evangelical Alliance, a union meeting of the city Auxiliaries
was held, and an Easter service has since been inaugurated
whicli it is proposed to make an annual representative gather-
ing, in the belief that there is no more fitting time for woman's
combined and consecrated effort than the time which com-
memorates her heart-cheering commission, "Go your way; tell
his disciples and Peter that he goeth before you into Galilee."

Mr. Dobson having reached the close of his pastorate, the
Quarterly Board, at a meeting lield in June, 1886, recorded its
" high appreciation of his faithful services and of his able and
fearless presentation of the truth to the congregation."

A call was extended to Rev. W. W. Brewer, and he suc-

■u

Kn^siwcai^^wefS^S^^G^SS^j:^

I 7 gtf?'^^^

'! !.

133

EA.KLY SAINT JOHN METHODISM

ceeded Mr. Dobson, beginning his ministty in July, 1836.
Mr. Brewer's public ministrations were marl-ed by great
earnestii ss and fervor, and as a messenger of Christ it was
his endeavor to persuade men by gospel messages clearly and
lovingly given. Under him an interesting and useful paper
called Glad Tidings was published and received with favor.
In his term much evangelistic effort was put forth through
what was known as Band Work, and so far as that work was
directed in the Lower Provinces he was the superintendent.
He was also deeply interested in the outcasts and abandoned,
many of whom received a great deal of care and attention
at his hands. The extra work thus outlined, added to his
circuit duties, represented an amount of labor that few men
having r* ^^ject for their health and strength would dare un-
dertake.

During Mr. Brewer's pastorate, among distinguisiied preach-
ers occupying the pulpit may be mentioned Rev. E. A, Telfer,
whose sermon on the "Blessed South Wind" is well remem-
bered ; Rev. T. Bowman Stephenson, D. D. ; Father Chiniquy ;
Mark Guy Pearse, who held a series of fou** Bible readings ;
Dr. Williams ; Dr. Carman ; Bishop Tanner, A. M. E. Church ;
Dr. Lowery ; D. Savage ; Bishop Foster, of the M. E. Church ;
and E. Hartley Dewart, D. D.

During his pastorate the ladies of the different Metho-
dist Churches of the city formed a Sustentation Society,
the object of which is to augment the receipts of ministers
upon the dependant circuits of the N. B. and P. E. I. Confer-
ence. This is not peculiarly an institution of Centenary
Church, but inasmuch as its membership is largely made up
of the members and adherents of that church, was organized
within its parlors, in which the regular meetings are still held,
and receives a great deal of sympathy from the congregation,
it should be ranked as an incident calling for notice. The

AND HISTORY OF CENTENARY CHURCH.

137

meoibers of this society are much interested in their work,
and during its existence have, by their contributions and in-
fluence, done much to lielp the funds of the Sustentation
movement.

One of the newspapers found in the box which had been
placed in the corner stone of old Centenary contains an ac-
count of the celebration, on June 2l8t, 1838, of the Queen's
coronation. Some extracts from it may be interesting, and
in view of t!ie next item in this history to receive notice, are
here presented : " Business was laid aside, stores and shops
closed, and as tlie day advanced multitudes of well-dressed
people were promenading the streets and visiting those parts
of the city where the oxen, wliich had been provided by the
corporation, were in preparation for a public feast." * * ♦
" Each was trying to outdo his fellow in display, and hundreds
were catching a partial glimpse of the loyal and patriotic actfc
that were flitting before and about them. Thus the time
rapidly passed until the hour of eleven, the time ivheit divine
service commenced in the Wesleyan Chapel. To many persons
King and Queen Squares held forth great attractions — the
roast beef and puddings of old England were sliortly to be
forthcoming." * * * " Then the barracks : there the
military corps, the Royal Artillery and the gallant Eleventh
were to perform thi. ir evolutions on their square ; and those
who were more seriously disposed could enter into the sanctu-
ary and otter up their petitions for the happiness and pros-
perity of the reign they were then engaged in celebrating."
The words in italics are not so printed in the newspaper from
which the extract is taken.

There is also in the same paper an account of the Temper-
ance Soiree or Convention held in the Wesleyan Sabbath
School room, in celebration of the Queen's coronation. This
festive gathering — the iirst of its kind — sectns to have

WTT'

1 ;

138

EARLY SAINT JOHN METHODISM

been very social and was marked Vjy great enthusiasm.
Rev. B. G. Gray, president of the temperance society, presided.
"Addresses were delivered by the chairman, His Honor Mr.
Justice Parker, Rev. Mr. Bamford, His Honor Neville Parker,
and Dr. Bayard (Samuel). Tea and coffee, with suitable ac-
companiments, were served up in due order. At intervals was
heard the soft strains of beguiling harmony blending in unison
with some delightful words for the occasion. * * * The
rich and the honorable conducted themselves alike to all ; the
hoary head and the wintry-white locks held unrestrained in-
tercourse with the bloom of youth, male and female being
promiscuously intermingled throughout. Then was manifested
all that true disinterested adherence to British rule that the
heart could long for or the Sovereign Queen desire. ' Bless
God for such meetings, such government as this,' said a rev.
gentleman present in the height of his enthusiasm ; ' I spilt
my blood for this government, and would do it again ; and you,
daughters,' said he, smiling on the youthful glow of female
loveliness that surrounded him, 'you, daughters, would bind
up the wounds.'" When one has heard of the eccentric and
loyal Stephen Bamford, and of the pride with which he re-
ferred to his battle wounds, it is not difficult to identify the
reverend gentleman. The account concludes " Long Live
Victoria Reqina, Patroness op the Temperance Societies
— long may she reign ! !"

We conclude, then, that the gathering in the old Germain
Street Church was the only religious public gathering held in
St. John upon the occasion referred to. There *' the seriously
disposed offered up their petitions for the happiness and pros-
perity of the reign they were engaged in celebrating."

We reverence the people who, while they had hearty sym-
pathy with all that was good in the general rejoicing, and no
doubt entered heartily into the plaudits and acclamation of

AND HISTORY OP CENTENARY CHURCH.

139

the people, yet also recognized the propriety of betaking them-
selves to the house of God and invoking His blessing upon the
young Queen.

When Her Most Gracious Majesty had reigned fifty years
her loyal subjects throughout the vast empire ' ntered with
great enthusiasm into the proper celebration of her Jubilee.

On June 19, 1887, Jubilee Sunday, a commemorative religi-
ous service was held in Centenary Church, when the St. John
Fusiliers in full force attended. The congregation numbered
over two thousand persons. As the ba.ttalion filed into their
places the organist played Viviani's celebrated " March of the
Silver Trumpets," ending with " Harmony in the Dome,'' by
the same composer. The battalion colors were placed near the
prtfacher's desk. The services began by singing hymn 902, a
prayer for the Queen :

King of Kings, thy blessing shed ' • <

On our annointed Sovereign's head I :'

And, looking from thy holy heaven,
■ Protect the crown thyself hast given.

In this, as in other hymns, the organ and choir were accom-
panied by the Battalion Band. Rev. Dr. Pope led in prayer
and read the Scripture lessons. The preacher on the occasion
was the Rev. John Lathern, D. D., who chose as his text Rev.,
viii., 3, 4, 5.

In the afternoon there was a Jubilee Union Sunday School
Service, the body of the church being occupied by the schools
in connection with the Methodist churches of the City and
Portland, while the galleries were packed by parents and friends
of the scholars. His Worship Mayor Thorne, an official of
the church, occupied the chair, and on the platform were Rev.
Dr. Lathern, Rev. J. W. Wadman, Rev. D. D. Moore, J. W.
Lawrence, Esq., and Henry Melick, Esq. Addresses were
delivered by tlie chairman, J. W, Lawrence, Dr. Lathern, and

^mm

140

liARLY SAINT JOHN METHODISM

Rev. J. W. Wadman. There were also exercises in which
members of the schools took part.

In the summer of 1887 the 8t. John Oratorio Society
obtained the use of the church for the purpose of rendering
Haydn's sacred musicial composition " The Creation " and
Mendolssohn's " St. Paul." On the 25th and 26th July large
audiences listened with great delight to the performers, who
were accompanied by the usual instruments. These were
the first complete oratorios rendered in a church in St. John,
and those who appreciate music of that character heard it
then under the most favorable circumstances. The acoustics
of the auditorium proved excellent for the purposes and owing
to the sacred relations in which the people found themselves,
the narrative was given complete without being bi-oken by
bursts of applause ; moreover, in a church it would seem that
the words are received with deeper reverence than in the
ordinary concert hall.

In every year the messenger of death comes to the congre-
gation and levies tribute ; nor was there in Mr. Brewer's
pastorate immunity from his visits. Early in the morning of
Ash Wednesday in 1887, Feb. 23, the message came to Edward
T. Knowles announcing that the hour of his departure was at
hand. To his friends the summons was not unexpected, as for
a long time his health had been feeble, and he had reached the
advanced age of eighty-three years. He had lived in the sun-
light of God's love, and was indeed as ripened grain ready to
be garnered. Mr. Knowles was born in Nova Scotia, but the
greater portion of his life had been spent in St. John, where
he was much respected for his sterling qualities. One of the
original trustees of Centenary Church, he outlived them all,
and as an official in connection with Methodism he was one of
the oldest in the city. He had an abiding interest in the
church, and in the many positions to which he was appointed

.. ,.. ,il,.

AND HISTORY OP CENTENARY CHURCH.

141

or elected he served faithfully and well. A few days after his
death the Quarterly Board placed on record the following
resolution : ''Whereas, since our last quarterly meeting, it has
pleased Almighty God to remove from our society our broth jr
Edward T. Knowles, who for almost half a century has been
an official in connection with this church ; and, whereas, this
Board has the most pleasing recollections of his services, both
in his official and society relations ; therefore resolved, that we
record our profound respect for his memory, and extend to his
family our sympathy in their affliction."

To George Thomas the messenger came much more swiftly.
Though he had for a long time been in poor health, yet his
death took place when it was not looked for. Mr. Thomas
had been a familiar figure in Centenary Church, and until
within a few years of his death was an active and interested
member in its general work. He had also been a trustee for
some years, and gave close and intelligent attention to the
duties incident to that office. He was' painstaking and metho-
dical in all that he did, conservative in his views, and firm, it
may be said, in his conservatism. These qualities, exhibited in
his church relations, at times proved to be of great advantage
in the administration of its affairs. He was deeply interested
in the Varley trust, and was absent from the meetings of that
board only wlien his health or other just reason pi evented his
attendance. His death took place on the 27th of April, 1888,
in the sever ty-ninth year of his age. Mr. Thomas was a
native of Nova Scotia, and came from that part of the prov-
ince which had also given to Centenary Messrs. Eaton, Ray,
Knowles, Troop, Bent, and others.

The last name to be noticed in Mr. Brewer's pastorate is
that of James Emison, a gentleman of kind and trusting dis-
position, of whom no one knew anything discreditable. At
the time of the fire he had been for many years an efficient

142

EARLY SAINT JOHN METHODISM

class leader ; after that event he met in class while his health
permitted, but did not act as leader. He was pre-eminently a
man of faith and prayer, and his sincerity was manifested by
the intensity, earnestness and simplicity with which he ap-
proached the throne of grace. Few men in the church, per-
haps none, experienced more satisfaction in the religion of
Christ. Though his hearing was impaired and he was largely
shut out from the harmony of sound, yet he was regular in
his attendance upon the public services, and it was evident
that he had a very rich Christian experience which deepened
and matured as he approached the end of his pilgrimage.
There was no darkness in the valley as he passed through it,
but with him "at evening time it was light," and "the Lord
his God gave him rest," on the 17th January, 1889, in the
eighty-sixth year of his age.

Centenary is now approaching its jubilee, and as a suitable
introduction to the observance of that event the session of the
Conference of 1889 was, by invitation, held within its walls.
With this Conference Mr. Brewer's term expired. From one
reason and another, principally from the fact of it being what
was termed an off year, considerable difficulty was experienced
in securing supply for the next year. The Stationing Com-
mittee had a good many sessions, and expressed anxiety to
meet the wishes of the Quarterly Board as communicated to
them through a committee appointed for that purpose. With
each proposition it would seem that some interest was invaded,
and the disposition of the matter involved much wisdom. It
was not until after the Conference adjourned that the matter
was finally disposed of by the special committee in the appoint-
ment of Rev. Edwin Evans, who, as the jubilee exercises
approached, had ministered to the people for a few weeks.

AND HISTORY OF CENTENARY CHURCH.

THE JUBILEE.

In the growth of a community, as well as in the life of an
individual, interesting points are reached when for a short
time a halt is called and a glance both retrospective and pros-
pective taken. None the less is it proper that a church should
duly observe such periods in its history, giving praise for
achievements, expressing sorrow for failures, and in each case
carefully observing the lessons suggested with a view to the
profitable application of the same in the years yet to come.
Such a point had now been reached in the history of Centenary
Church, and with a view to the appropriate observance of its
jubilee the following programme, prepared by a joint com-
mitte of the Trustee and Quarterly Boards, was carried out :

Augrust 18th, Sunday.
11.00 a. m., Rev. William Dobson

2.30 p. m., • . . Sabbath School Service

7.00 p. m., Rev. H. Sprague, D. D.

Augrust 19tli, Monday, 8 p. m.
A Glance at Methodism, as it Was and as it Is.

Augrust 20th, Tuesday, 8 p. m.
Reminiscences.

August 21 8t, Wednesday, 8 p. m.
Love Feast.

Augrust 22nd, Thursday, 8 p. m.
Social Reunion,

A feature of which will be a Musical Programme by present
and past Members of Choir.

Augrust 23rd, Friday, 8 p. m.
Unveilino of Tablet, Historical Abstract, Etc.

Augrust 25th, Sunday, 11 a. m. and 7 p. m.

John P. Newman, D. D.,

Bishop of M. E. Church of the United States.

August 26th, Monday, 8 p. m.
Lecture by Bishop Newman. Subject: "March of Civilization."

144

EARLY SAIXT JOHN METHODISM

i i

As the Sundays of 1889 fell upon the same days of the
month as in 1839, it followed that Jubilee Sunday was exactly
the 50th anniversary. The church was made attractive by
floral decorations, and, as a feature both appropriate and
interesting, around the galleries were hung portraits, chiefly
in oil, of gentlemen who in years past took a warm interest in
the church's welfare. The eastern gallery was adorned with
paintings of John Gardiner, Aaron Eaton, J. V. Troop, D. J.
McLaughlin, Senior, and Jeremiah Gove, while on the western
gallery there were those of Gilbert T. Ray, George King,
Thomas Hutchings, and John McAlpine. Over the altar
and in front of the pulpit a fine portrait of Dr. Richey was
placed, and on the northern end, under the gallery, were to be
seen smaller portraits of that gentleman and of Dr. Alder, as
well as an excellent picture of Centenary Church as it was.
It will be remembered that Dr. Richey and Dr. Alder preached
the dedicatory sermons in 1839. In the choir gallery were
placed portraits of Rev. William Temple, a former superin-
tendent of the circuit, and Rev. Dr. Punshon, who on several
occasions in the old church had, by his wonderful oratory, de-
lighted the multitudes, while over and above them all was to
be seen the well-known picture of the founder of the Metho-
dist Society, the beloved John Wesley. The eleven o'clock
service was opened by the singing of Hymn 24 :

Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty I
Gratefully adoring our song shall rise to Thee ;
Holy, holy, holy, merciful and mighty,
God in three persons, blessed Trinity.

Prayer was then offered by Rev. J. R. Narraway, followed
by the singing of the Te Deum by the choir. The first lesson
from Leviticus xxx., 8, was read by Rev. Wm. Dobson. The
choir then rendered the first chant :

O come, let us sing unto the Lord !

AND HISTORY OP CENTENARY CHURCH.

145

after which Mr. Dobson read the second lesson — Ephesians,
third chapter, being the chapter in which the first text
preached from in the old church was found. This fact was
referred to V)y the reader as he approached the text.
After singing hymn 211, — *

' ' Blow ye the trumpet, ])low.

The year of Jubilee is come :
Return, ye ransom 'd sinners, home ! "

I' '

Mr. Dobson, the preacher of the occasion, announced as his text
Leviticus xxv., 10 : "And ye shall hallow the fiftieth year, and
proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabit-
ants thereof : it shall be a jubilee unto you ; and ye shall re-
turn every man unto his possession, and ye shall return every
man unto his family." The synoptic report published in the
Daily Telegraph on Monday was as follows :

" In prefacing his sermon, the reverend gentleman said that
the whole Hebrew dispensation was typical and emblematical
of things unseen and eternal. The journey of the Israelites
through Egypt and into the promised land of Canaan was
figurative of the bondage of sin, the Christian's entry into
eternal life, and a better knowledge of !ieavenly things. The
authority vested in the Jewish chief priest was but typical of
the power held in the Christian's high priest, the Saviour, the
Lamb of God, the pure and exalted One that taketh away the
sins of the world. 'Thus,' said the preacher, as Campbell
said, ' have coming events cast their shadows before.'

"Among the Jewish political institutions, not the least in
importance was their year of jubilee. This jubilee year
derived its significance from the fact that it was instituted
to warn or restrain the tendency of the human heart to ac-
quire property unduly, which evil, even in these days, has
been the cause of creating many monopolies which have been
but the forerunners of much unhappiness. It was also in-
tended to restrain any feeling of lording over weaker brethren,
and, as far as possible, to destroy the perpetuity of slavery in
the land. In tlmt year every man who had forfeited his liberty

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EARLY SAINT JOHN METHODISM

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became a free citizen. Yesterday but a slave, to-day he be-
comes a free man. In every heart is implanted a love of the
land of birth. Nowhere, perhaps, is the feeling more hallowed
than in the rural districts. To persons born under such cir-
cumstances it makes the heart aciie to see the old homestead,
where the mother had nursed the children in infancy, and the
father tilled the land, pass into the hands of strangers. All
these old associations Hll the lireast of the Hebrew slave who
had forfeited his liberty; therefore to him the jubilee year was
an important institution, inasmuch as it made him a free man.
"This is but typical of the moral and spiritual freedom
which is promised to all those who obey the dictates of con-
science. Moral freedom consists in the right to manifest all
our nature without any restraint, for where there is any re-
pression there is slavery. Tliere are very few Christians, if
any, whose natures are free in the proper sense of the word.
The reasons for these ai'e two-fold : First, there are very few
who carry about with them a nature that can be manifested,
at all times and under all conditions, in its fulness, without
being restrained by what is called conscience; second, there
are very few men who possess such a nature that they can
manifest it in its entirety without finding themselves enslaved
by God's law. Conscience is a something which is of itself
undefinable, but it is possessed by every human being, and
can never be utterly destroyed or annihilated. It assumes
to itself the right to challenge every individual's actions and
to determine their moral quality. This it does by pressing
home upon all the moral character of their thoughts and
actions. After a day of active work many a man has been
brought face to face by conscience with the effect of his actions,
been charged with unmanliness of action which he dared not
contradict. This is the experience of all ; therefore all are the
slaves, more or less, of conscience. If, therefore, as is proved,
moral freedom be the right to manifest all parts of nature
without any restraint whatever, then all, to a certain extent,
are the slaves of conscience. Why? Because they fear the
lashes which it brings down upon them. They feel that down
in the depths of their nature are elements so opposed to con-
science that if they were allowed to manifest them in their
fulness they must break not only the civil but God's law.

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AND HISTORY OF CENTENARY CHURCH.

147

SABBATH SCHOOL SERVICE.

Hence they curtail tlie attributes of their nature and become
slaves to the moral law. The only way men can become free
is to be brought into harmony with conscience and God's moral
law. This can only be done by the annihilation of certain
parts of the nature. In order to make a successful voyage
of life all men must be obedient to the commands of one
supreme head. This supreme being is found in the Saviour.
His commands must be obeyed, else, like the crew who, on
shipboard, refuse to carry out the orders of the captain, there
will be mutiny and rebellion. Every living being knows he or
she was born for the enjoyment of higher and nobler things
than they ate now enjoying, viz., to become heirs with God
and joint heirs with Christ, possessors of an inheritance which
is incorruptible and fac^ti: not away. Hence Christ's com-
mands must be obeyed, and his plan of redemption must be
accepted. It is said that Whitfield prayed until his face grew
radiant with the glory of God and his heart went out in love
to Jesus and God, and that he loved his neighbor as himself.
This experience of Whitfield's may become the possession of
every member of the human family, for love of God tind accept-
ance of Christianity will bring man iii accord with the moral
law, and make him the possessor of eternal inheritance.

" The preacher then closed with a few words to the members
of the church, expressing the hope that the celebration of their
50th anniversary would fill them with increased energy and
determination to work more earnestly for (Jod and hasten for-
ward the coming of Christ's kingdom."

The cradle o* the church and the nursery from which the
plants are brougl^t is the Sabbath School. Perhaps in no de-
partment of church work is there more success accomplished
than through the well directed efforts of the faithful Sabbath
school teacher. It was therefore very fitting that upon so
historic on occasion as that through which the church was now
passing a special service should be held.

At this service, Miss Sarah E. Smith, one of the lady teach-

148

KARLY SAINT JOHN METHODISM

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era, read the following original poem, appropriate to the oc-
casion, entitled

OUR JUBILEE.

In the Hweet story, often read.

Amid the signs and wonders wrought of old,

A chosen people, through the desert led,
Buttling with doubts and dangers manifold.

Came, safe at last, to claim with thankful tears,

The long sought heritage of forty years !

Shall we, whose story is so like the.\r own,
Who fifty years of strange deliveiance see.

To whose weak faith such wonders hive been shown,
Shall wc not celebrate our jubilee V

And shall not in His ear our song be loud

Who leads His people still by fire and cloud?

We may not count the mercies of the way,
Nor all the windings of the path explain.

We only know the darkness turned to day.
And wliore the grief had been was joy again,

Up from the ashes of our buried past

Rose a new life and larger faith at last.

To-day we stand, unshod, with reverent feet,

And gaze adown the vista of the years.
What miracles of change these years repeat.

What growth of science, unforetold of seers.
What giant schemes, what vast designs have birth,
What searching of the secrets of the earth?

And in the realm of spirit, subtler far.

How holy and how grand the triumphs won.

Even as in worth a soul transcends a star.
And shall outshine in heaven the latest sun.

So our high boast such victories shall be

For these we celebrate our jubilee !

We welcome you to-day whose tearful thought

Goes back in yearning to the long ago.
Past all the burdens which the years have brought.

To kindle once again youth's fervid glow.
And people with the vanished forms of yore
The places which shall know them never more.

AND HISTORY OP CKNTENARY CHURCH.

U'J

Perchance when fii'Ht the uncred Temple rose,
And altjir Hros Jiscondud to the skies,

In your child huiirts whs .sown the seed that grows
And blossoms into noblest destinies.

And from your lips the sivme sweet lessons given

Led otlier souls to happiness and heaven.

Rejoice, rejoice that ye were counted meet,
No worthier service could ye do or ask,

Fain wouJd we follow where your willing feet
Were swift to enter <m the holy task ;

We hail yon pioneers upon the roa^l,

White is the harvest from the seed you sowed !

And for the dead — for those who, one by one
Fell wearied with the march beside the way.

Their tired hands folded, and their toil all done,
Tender and sweet the memories to-day ;

And grateful thanks for all the work laid down.

And joy that they have gained the victor's crown.

We call them dead — may we not rather say
The living ones. For in the upper skies

They hold, with us, high festival to-day;

THey seek our t)wn, those shining spirit eyes,

And mingling with our song their triumph tone.

They blend the joy of heaven and earth in one!

We may not see tliem with our earth-bound gaze,
The music of their voices may not hear.

Yet from their presence come divinest I'ays,
And to our iiuuost hearts we feel them near ;

They bid us follow in the ])ath they trod.

They lure us on to nobler work for God I

Oh, may the coming years a record be

Of grander triumplis than the past hath won.

Oh, may the children, as the fathers, see
An era of new miracles begun ;

And, safe at last, may we together stand

A pilgrim host in Gods own Promised Liuid I

The beautiful school room was made ujore attractive by
reason of the flowers, banners and other decorations, taste-
fully arranged. On the platform were Rev, E. Evans, pastor of

150

EAKLY SAINT JOHN METHODISM

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the church; the Rev. Henry Daniel, Messrs. Joseph Prichard,
John Jackson, David Smiler, William C. Godsoe, Jas. Bustin,
and representatives of other schools. It will be remembered
that Mr. Bustin was a member of the first Sabbath school
organized in St. John, the methods of which in teacliing were
in marked contrast with those of the present day. The first
Sabbath school in Centenary was represented by Messrs. Jack-
son, Smiler, and Godsoe. The portrait of John Gardiner, the
first superintendent, was placed in a prominent position, as
was also the picture of -'Centenary as it was."

The pastor of the church offered the opening prayer, and
Rev. Mr. Daniel read the sixty-first chapter of Isaiah, after
which Mr. J. McA. Hutchings gave an address describing the
origin of the jubilee, making brief reference to his predeces-
sors in the office of superintendent, and showing the condition
of the school, which he considered flourishing. There were
428 scholars enrollea, and during the preceding year $653.14
had been raised ; of that amount $384.34 went to the Mission-
ary Society of the church. After describing the Missionary,
Temperance, and Band of Mercy work, Mr. Hutchings said
that former members of the school often proved their continued
interest by gifts for the work. Among those friends was Mr,
Edwin Frost, who had been very generous in his gifts, and had
recently contributed $100 to the Library Fund.

Mr. Hutchings was followed by Mr. E. T. C. Knowles, who
read an interesting paper bearing upon St. John Sabbath
School history. Mr. Knowles had been a member of the
infant, intermediate and bible classes, and, passing from a
scholar, had been a teacher in the school for a number of
years. While his address in some measure was in the
nature of reminiscences, yet he also gave a brief sketch of
the origin and progress of the Sabbath Schools in their bear-
ing upon the celebration then being observed. The birth-

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AND HISTORY Of CEXTKNAUY CHURCH.

151

place of the Sunday Schools in St. John has already received
reference. The reader will remember that it was organized
during the superintendence of Rev. William Black, in the
summer of 1809, by George Taylor, an English school-master
i ad Methodist local preacher. The schoool first met in the
building then occupied by the Methodists as their place of
worship, but known as the City Hall, afterwards for a
time in the parsonage adjoining the new church, and then in
the school building erected on Horsfield street, in the reur of
the church.

In the year 1840, the year after the opening of the Centen-
ary Church, then known as the new chapel on Great George
street, the Germain street school was divided, part of it coming
to the new church, and for a time holding sessions in its gal-
leries. In 1840 the lady teachers, by a tea meeting, and
througli other elibrts, raised £6(5, the beginning of a fund for
excavating the rock under the church and constructing a school
room. In the next year the scholars were able to meet in
their own room. This room, like all basements, was unattrac-
tive. It was cellar-like, poorly lighted by low recessed win-
dows, the lloors and walls were often damp, and it was sadly
void of beauty either of form or color. Evidently the sciiool
had earnest officers and teachers, for in the district minutes of
1841 we find the following report :

"St. George's Sabbath School. —The school in connection
with this chapel is in a flourishing state. The labor expended
has been owned of God in the conversion of some of the
scholars. One has lately been transferred to the church tri-
umphant. The school was formed in June, 1840, and now
numbers 10 male and 15 female teachers, 92 male and 118
female scliolars ; total, 210; average attendance, 18G. A
library has been formed for teachers and another for scholars."

The report for 1842 is as follows:

"Centenary Ciiapel, Great George Street. — 2 superintend-

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152

EARLY SAINT JOHN METHODISM

ents, 3 secretaries, 1 librarian, 18 male teachers, 20 female
teachers — officers, 44; 166 male scholars, 177 female scholars
— 343 ; total, 387. School opened each Sabbath afternoon
for two hours, commencing at 2 o'clock.

"Signed, John Gardiner."

In 1852 there were 411 scholars; average attendance, 210.
In 1853, 40 of the scholars joined the church.

At this time the school exercises had changed somewhat, the
Bible and Catechism having superseded the arithmetic and
writing book, but the primer lingered on in the junior classes
until comparatively recent years.

In 1865, in the report made to district meeting, it was stated
that during the year a number of scholars had been removed
by death, but in every instance the death was hopeful and
triumphant. Two teachers had exchanged mortality for life,
one exclaiming. " Oh, who would not go to the Eden above !"

The above items, as will be observed, are selected at inter-
vals. They fairly repi' sent the reports which from year to
year were submitted to the district meeting.

Superintendents. — Tlie first superintendent, Mr. John Gardi-
ner, held the office from the organization of the school until
the year 1865. A quiet, earnest, steadfast Christian gentle-
man, he was loved by all connected with the school. In 1866,
after his retiring from office, he was presented by the school
with a portrait in oil of himself.

Mr. John Jenkins, for many years Mr. Gardiner's assistant,
and then his successor, was a man of more rugged character,
strong-willed, energetic, and alert for improvements.

Captain Joseph Prichard, who succeeded Mr. Jenkins, was a
faithful and useful officer, and a great favorite with children.
He reminded one of the parish priest in "Evangeline," of
whom Longfellow says :

"And the children
Paused in their play to kiss the hand he extended to bless them."

SAUBATH SCHOOL srPKRINTKNDKNTS.

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JOHN liAKDINEK.

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AND HISTORY OF CENTENARY CHURCH.

153

Capt. Prichard was succeeded in 1880 by Mr. H. J. Thorne,
who, during his term of office, was elected to the mayoralty of
the city.

In 1886 Mr. John McA. Hutchings was appointed, and is
still at the head of the school.

Some of the scholars have become Methodist ministers:
Robert Duncan, Charles Dockrill, Arthur Whiteside, Edward
D. Whiteside, Geo. Dixon, and Charles H. Manaton.

Before the fire of June, 1877, the school was in a prosperous
condition, the average attendance being over 250. The fire
was a great hindrance. The school lost its two valuable
libraries, its records, and all its furniture, excepting the cabi-
net organ, a table, and the desk Bible, which had been pre-
sented by the late William J. Starr. On the 24th June, 1877,
the Sunday after the fire, the attendance, when the school met
in the galleries of the Exmouth Street Methodist Church, was
only about thirty, and was not much over a hundred when, on
the 18th November, 1878, the new and beautiful school build-
ing was first occupied. In 1882 the highest attendance was
less than 200. In 1884 it had risen to 260, and in 1886, when
Mr. H. J, Thorne retired from the superintendency, it had
gone beyond 300, and has since then at times exceeded 350.

Departments. — Missionary — This work was begun by the
institution of the Sabbath School Missionary Society, in March,
1865. The plan of working was to give the Sunday collections
in the school and the collection at an annual meeting of the
scholars to the mission cause. A few years afterwards it was
deemed advisable to put this work in the hands of a committee,
and, instead of the weekly collection, to take a special mission-
ary collection on the first Sunday in each month. In 1885
the Christmas Missionary Thank-offering was instituted, and
has been continued with good results. In this connection the
name of Miss Hattie Smith (now Mrs. A. H. Eaton, of Balti-
more, U. S.), is deserving of special mention.

«•

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EARLY SAINT JOHN METHODISM

Temperance. — In 1884 tlie temperance department was
placed in the hands of a committee, under whose direction
quarterly temperance meetings have been regularly held, at
which, by addresses, object lessons, etc., the duty of total ab-
stinence has been impressed on the scholars and visiting friends.
The simple pledge —

We do hereby pledge our-selves to abstain from the use of all in-
toxicating liquors as a beverage, and to discountenance tlieir use
in society —

has been signed by nearly all the officers and teachers.

Band of Mercy. — This branch of the Society for the Pre-
vention of Cruelty to Animals has proved i iteresting to the
scholars, and, under the care of Miss Mary B. Smith, has done
good work. R. Ernest Smith, a member of tlie Centenary Band
in 1888, was awarded the diploma for the best essay on Kind-
ness to Animals, given by the S. P. C. A. of England, while
in this, the second year in which competition lias been held,
Miss Edna Irvine, also one of Centenary's scholars, has
achieved the same success. The two diplomas are placed upon
the walls of the school room, and the school is justly proud of
them.

Tlie Library contains 900 volumes, well selected and in
good condition.

Papers. — "Home and School," "Pleasant Hours," "Sun-
beams," "The Missionary Outlook," and "The Sunday School
Times" are taken.

At the present time it may be said that the school organiza-
tion is effectively carried on, — the superintendent and his as-
sistant being diligent in their offices, the teachers faithful in
duty, and the scholars interested in the exercises. ' " ' ' ''.

At the Jubilee Services addresses were also delivered by Mr.
W. J, Clark, of Carleton, representing the other Methodist
Sunday Schools, and Mr. John Jackson, who was a scholar in
the Centenary schor'- at the time of its organization,

AND HISTOIIY OF CENTENARY CHURCH.

155

SABBATH EVENING SERVICE.

Long before the evening service commenced not a vacant
seat was to be found in the body of the church, and when the
opening hymn was announced the galleries were well filled.
The meeting opened with the singing of the 28th hymn —

"God the Lord is King."

Prayer was offered by Rev. Howard Sprague, followed by
the choir chanting the Te Deum.

The lessons were read by Rev. Dr. Pope from Isaiah, Ixi.,

and Ephesians, ii. Between the lessons the choir chanted

very sweetly

"Oh, sing unto the Lord a new song."

The sermon was delivered by Rev. Dr. Sprague, who took
his text from Matthew, xiii., 31 and 33 : "Another parable
spake he unto them, saying, The, Kingdom of Heaven is like
to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in
his field. Tlie Kingdom of Heaven is like unto leaven, which
a woman took and hid in three measures of meal till the
whole was leavened."

"The explanation of the utterance of this group of parables
at that particular time is to be found, not in the natural scene,
as has been sometimes suggested, but in the moral scene, hid-
den from others, but open to the eyes of the Lord. A careful
study of the Scriptures proves that at this time the enthusiasm
which attended Christ's Galilean ministry had reached its
height. The crowd had gathered with great eagerness to hear
what the Saviour had to say. The first two parables treat of
the effect of Christ's ministry at that period, and describe the
mood of the Saviour's mind, foreseeing that the majority of
his hearers would either reject his message or accept it only in
heartless assent or in a transient transport of enthusiasm.
However, the pursuing excitement of the eager crowd did not
deceive Christ. He told his disciples that they should not be
discouraged or disheartened by lack of success in their minis-

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try, and so gave them these two parables to teach them that
his influence and kingdom would triumph over all hindrances.

"The two parables are very much alike and teach somewhat
the same lesson. The mustard seed illustrates the growth of
the Saviour's kingdom in the world. Both of them teach of
its growth from a very small beginning, but the second differs
from the first in that it explains the method by which the
growth is to be attained. The first directs the thought to the
growth of Christ's kingdom as a society or a church ; the other
leads persons to think of its secret, renewing power, gradually
subduing all things to its influence. The mustard seed gives
the fact that the kingdom grows from a small beginning to a
great estate; the leaven teaches the law by which the progress
is made, viz., the law of assimilation, and the use of the
assimilated parts for further extension. The grain of mustard
seed was relatively the smallest of all the seeds sown in the
eastern countries, and very fitly shows how humble was the
beginning of the Saviour's kingdom. He was born in a stable,
clad in swaddling clothes, and laid in a manger, because there
was no room for him or Mary, his mother, in the inn. The
proof of his family's poverty is found in the fact that when,
according to the Jewish law, the young mother went to present
her child to the Lord and oft'er sacrifice, although his birth had
been heralded by the angels, she was only able to present a
very simple and inexpensive gift at the altar. Mary belonged
to the line of David, and Jesus was his true successor, but the
family had fallen into decay, and this was one of its poorest
branches. He only appeared before the world for some thirty
months, and his ministry only covered the narrow strip of
country from Tyre to Jerusalem and from the Jordan to the
sea. Added to this is the fact that Christ ended his ministry
in apparent ignominy and defeat, deserted by his followers, and
enduring death upon the cross. Therefore how fitly did Jesus
take up the simile and say that the kingdom of heaven was
like unto a grain of mustard seed.

"But a comparison of the beginning with the end makes the
comparison all the more appropriate. Look at Christendom
to-day. Through all the ages which have passed since Christ's
time, it has steadily extended, and is still going forward with
great force and svaftness. A rough estimate says that at the

AND HISTORY OP CENTENARY CHURCH.

167

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end of the first century there were but half a million Chris-
tians; in the fifth century 15 millions; in the fifteenth 100
millions, and now, at the end of this century, there are at the
least calculation 300 millions who acknowledge Jesus as their
Lord, Master, and Saviour. It is true that not all who count
themselves Christians are such followers as Jesus himself
would have acknowledged, for within the folds of Christen-
dom, and amongst those who say its creeds, are to be found
worldliness, sensuality and crime; but this glorious fact re-
mains that his personal influence and invisible dominion is
owned by people who, to-day, speak in 300 different languages,
and are thrilled by the magic of his name. His influence and
his power is felt even here and now, for he says: 'Lo, I am
with you always, even unto the end of the world.' How has
all this been wrought? Christ himself died 1800 years ago,
but he has worked by means and methods, vVhat have been
the means and methods he employs ? The second parable
answers the question. Christianity gradually subdues and
turns into Christ's own likeness whatever it comes into con-
tact with. It communicates to the believer Christ's own
nature, and is continually making fresh converts. It is true
that Christ wrought his works in public and proclaimed his
message en the mountain, by the sea, in the courts of the
temple, and anywhere and everywhere that the people were
wont to gather; but the nation, looking for the Messiah and
the kingdom of God, saw no sign of its approach, and when it
was set up in a few hearts and entering on its career of vic-
tory, did not know that it had come. But the leaven in the
hearts of the few believers has made them so many centres of
contagion. Paul and his fellow travellers went over the ^gean
Sea and first spoke the name of Jesus on the European conti-
nent. They came to Phillipi, a city named after the great
leader of the Macedonians. It was then a Roman colony, and
soldiers of the empire occupied the fortresses on either hand,
and their power then dominated the world. Upon that spot
Paul laid the foundation of an empire which was destined to
extend and go beyond the bounds of the Macedonian and
Roman empires. How was it done? Upon the Sabbath day,
according to his wont, Paul sought a place to preach the gos-
pel to a congregation of Jews. He found there was no syna-

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158

RARLY SATNT .TOIIV MKTII0DI8M

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gogue in the city, but supposed there was a phice of meeting
by the river side; so thither he went, and found a few women
gathered together foi- worship. So few were present tliat it
hardly s(;en)(^d 'vorth wliile to go through the formality of a
public address, so he sat down and conversed with them about
God, and told them the story of Jesus and his love. Its sim-
plicity at once won a woman's heart, and in a short time not
only she but her whole household confessed faith and were
baptized in the name of the Lord. An Asiatic woman, a
Greek slave, and a Roman officer were among the first mem-
bers of the Kuropean Christian Church. In this way was laid
the foundation and dominion of a church wiiich has not only
lasted in ['Europe to this day, but has extended its influence
over the Atlantic and taken possession of this western conti-
nent. When one of England's most illustrious public men was
asked, a few years ago, what he thought to be the most valid
argument for the divine origin of the Christian religion, he
said there were six, but the one which had the greatest influ-
ence with him was the successful propagation of Ciiristianity,
by moral means only, against the opposition of all the power,
— physical, moral and intellectual — of the Roman empire, till
finally it had triumphed over the empire itself. The success
of a religion is no proof of its truth; but take all the circum-
stances into consideration, and in this case it is almost a
demonstration. Nothing like it, except Mahomedanism, has
ever swept over the woi'ld. But Christianity is unlike Ma-
homedanism, which put the nations to the sword and made
con(|uest of them. Christianity, like the mustard seed, spread
from heart to heart, town to town, until it had in every village,
town or city, disciples who were ready to die in its defence.

"The parable teaches the importance of individual labor, of
personal consecration to Christian work, and of the contact
of man with man. The extension of Christ's kingdom depends
upon the personal effort of each believer. It does not exist
as an empire, but in the hearts of its believers. It is an in-
visible church. Christianity is not something in the air, to be
breathed whether per-sons will or not, although in a sense even
this is true. The spirit which Christianity brought into the
world has so pervaded society and affected civilization that in
its indirect benefits all must share. Even the most blatant

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159

infidel or atheist owes a thousand blosaings to the religion he
spurns and the Chi-ist he contends against. Outside of this,
though Christianity is a spiritual power, renewing men into
the likeness of Ood, it is not an infection wliich men take they
know not when or where, but it is a contagion which they get
by contact with their fellows. Between the leaven and the
meal there is a likeness and a difference ; the difference makes
the development of the process neces.sary, the likeness makes
it possible. So there is a universal likeness in the spiritual
nature of men, but between that nature in its ordinary de-
velopments, and that nature renewed and sanctified by the
trust and spirit of Christ, there is a wide and eternal differ-
ence. The siuiple possession of that nature involves in all
men possibilities high as heaven, glorious as the gospel, eternal
as God. Therefore let us despair of none, however far they
have wandered. They have still within them that which
makes it possible that they will say, 'I will arise and go unto
my Father.'

"During the fifty years that Centenary Church has been in
existence the kingdom of Christ has been very widely extend-
ed. Since the apostolic age this century has been the most
glorious in the history of Christianity. In the great move-
ments of the last fifty years Centenary Church has done its
share of the work. It may not have done all it could have
done, but it has had a part in the glorious work, and may look
back with thanksgiving to-day. It has had spiritual pros-
perity within the church itself, and the kingdom of Christ has
always been present, sometimes in power. Many who have
worshipped within its walls have gone to their final rest vic-
torious over sin and death. The heart in the pulpit filled with
the love of Christ has touched the hearts in the pews, and the
hearts in the pews have, in turn, touched each other. The
holy leaven lias wrought its influence in the family circles and
the groups of friends. This leaven has wrought from one
generation to another. So may this leaven work great power
during the coming years, until the Lord himself shall descend,
and the dead in Christ arise, and 'they which are alive and
remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds
to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the
Lord.'" . ^ .

I' ,
II

160

EARLY SAINT JOHN METHODISM

a' I

W J

At the conclusion of the sermon the choir sang as an ofTer-
tory —

"Awake thou that sleepest."
Hymn 006 —

"Come, lot UH join our friends above,"

was then sung, and the service closed with the benediction by
Dr. Sprague.

The preachers of 1839 and the standard bearers of that time
had now passed over to the great majority. A glance at the
early rent roll will show that the depletion wrought by the
ravages of time in the fifty years was most marked. The fol-
lowing is a list of the pewholders of 1839, inaccurate only, it
is believed, in that, in a few instances, the names of some are
found who really did not enroll themselves until the next
year. It may be interesting to compare it with the list of those
who were pewholders at the time of the jubilee : —

1839-

John Knollin.
E. T. Knowles.
R. W. Thoknic.»
James G. McDonald.
Thomas Gard.
(loorge Dunbrack.
Samuel Coaks.
George F. Smith.
Isaac Johnston.
John Jonee.
John Gardner.
William Whiteside.
George Thomas.
Thomas Nisbett.
Charles Crookshank.
William Wright.
Richard Whiteside.
(George A. Lockhart.
William Krundage.
William H. Tyson.
Richard Riggs.
John Graham.
Nathan Clinton.

* These names, it will

William Till.
John MoAlpine.
Samuki, Gardnrr.*
Richard Whiteside, Jr.
Nathan Godsoo.
John Stevens.
George Hardy.
Charles Thomas.
Aaron Eaton.
Henry Whiteside.
W. L. Brown.
William Curry.
Azor Betts.
Henry Campbell.
William Bean.
John Sharp.
M;iry Payson.
William Salmon,
lid ward Sancton.
John J. Munroe.*
Thomas P. Williams.
Thomas Leavitt.
Samuel C. Bugbee.

be seen, are the only ones

Samuel Bustin.
Jeremiah Gove.
Mark Varley.
William Nesbitt.
Reuben Watts.
Benjamin Underbill.
S. K. Laskey.
John MoAuley.
W. H. Secord.
Edmund Davison.
Sweet and Robertson.
James D. Lewin.
Fields and Harrison.
Johnston Sullivan.
Christopher Noble.
Thomas Baldwin.
John Kirby.
William A. koberUon.
David Woodworth.
H. Harrison.
George G. Gilbert.
Travis, Bartlett and Hutoh-
inson.

whioh appear in the 1889 list.

g j.-.aifc*.-w.^^«M«Yifc'jattiMaMStJMa::ib'^ V i. -£M«U!«AaUI

AND HISTORY OP CKNTENARY CHURCH.

161

1889

Andrew G. Qriiy.

MrH. William Sandall.

Mrs. K. KnniM.

J. S. Turner.

C. J. IIondorHon.

Hon. Judge KinK.

Mi.MH AriuHtronK.

I). .7. McLiiuglillM. Jr.

UeurKeJenkinif.

Robert Law.

Ward C. Pitfleld.

.(ohn If. Baird.

John Mitchell.

Thomas Ellis.

Rov. H. Po|.e, D. D.

Rev. H. Daniel.

.luhn E. Irvine.

<iei). H. Trueraan.

MrM. Mary A. Mitehoii.

Dawson MoKendriok.

Albert S. Hay.

Alex. Lookhart.

Frank K. Ketohum.

U. R. J. Crawford, M. D.

John A. Noble.

E. Le Roi Willis.

Mrs. Clara Dearborn.

Frank Q. Bent.

Mrs. W. H. Venning.

Lieut.-Col. A. Blaine.

Armstrong Elliott.

John .Taokson.

Walter Wilson.

T. P. and J. A. S. Mott.

(3. 0. Bent.

J. Clawson. '

Mrs. Hea.

E. T. C. Knowles.

H. J. Thome.

(1. E. Fairweather.

H. A. McKeown, M. P. P.

J. Fletcher Dockrill.

Mayor Loekhart.

W. Watson Allen.

James tl. White.

Mrs. E. B. Meljiuighlin.

Samuel Gardner.

Mrs. J. V. Trooi),

Mrs.^Kennay.

H. D. Troop.

Hon. Judge Palmer.
J. L. Thorne.
G. F. Calkin.
R. \V. Thorne.
Stephen J. King.
L. U. Vuughan.

E. C. Elkin.
George Nixon.
Mrs. E. R. Moore.
W. H. Purdy.

W. II. Hayward.
Hon. .Judge Tuck.
T. D. Henderson.
Misses Smith.
S. D. Scott.
J. .1. Munroc.
James R. Ferguson.
Mrs. Piercey.
J. Mowatt.
Richard Daley.
Thomas Bustin.
A, T. Bustin.
John A. .loncs.
Mrs, G. M. Barr^tr.
T. 0. Sandall.
Fred. W. Dormaii.
.James Din8m<u-e.
George Little.
Miss Bookhout.

F. E.Craibe. ' '
Miss Eaton. ' '
H. A. Austin.

I. C. Bowman.

R. M. and W. G. Smith.

C. A. Palmer.

Joseph Allison. ^" i

S. Hayward.

John F. Bullock.

Thomas White.

A. A. Stockton, M. P. P.

J. E. Whittaker.

T. Amos Godsoe.

•'os. Prichard.

J. McA. Hutchings.

T. A. Temple.

Rev. .1. R. Narraway.

Thomas Johnston.

Matthew Paul.

W. C. Godsoe.

Mist McCordock.

John Kain.

Miss Sharp.

D. J. Brown. , •

D. H. Hall.
W. Kennedy.
Mrs. .lames.

John Scaly. ,

H. B. White.
Geo. A. Henderson.
W. E. Earle.
Miss Thomas.
C. D. Trueman.
R. C. Thorne.
P. W. Snider.
Capt. Babbitt.
LeBaron Robertson.
J. U. Thomas,
.lames Sullivan.

E. S. Hennigar.
J. Wm. Rooi>.
R. Magee.
John McPherson.
George Lynam.
C. A. (Jurney.
Wm. T. MoLeod.
Miss Lougley.
William (Jreig.
William C, Jordan.
Frank Pittield.

C. D. Stewart.

F. L. Harrison. ' ' '

F. S. Whittaker. ; "
Thomas Jenkins. ; |
Hardress Clarke.

R. AV. McCarty.
Wm.and.LW. Hazelhurst.
J. H,Bai8ley.
C. F. Robertson.
A. C. A. Salter.
Fred. W. Blizard.
Thomas C. Hennigar. "
R. Ward Thorne.
Isaac G. Stevens.
Miss Sullivan.

G. A. Ilorton.
John Mullin,
E. W. Paul.

Mrs. Andrew Lawaon
H. G. Addy, M. D.
John S. Dunn.

« '

162

EARLY SAINT JOHN METHODISM

I ' u

MONDAY EVENING.

It was deemed proper that the first week evening should be
set apart for glimpses at Methodism as it was and as it is —
its progress, changes, and present polity. A. A. Stockton,
Esq., LL. D., one of the trustees of the church, occupied the
chair, and in his opening addre.ss contributed much to the his-
toric interest of the occasion. He said the year 1839 was
remarkable in the annals of New Brunswick Methodism, as in
that year not only was Centenary opened, but Mr. Charles F.
Allison iirst made his proposal to the Methodist authorities to
set apart ••* very large portion of his fortune towards the
organization of a Methodist College. Out of his generous
offer grew the splendid .ollege at Sackville In the year 1839
the population of New Brunswick was 154,000, but during
the fifty years it had increased to at least 3r)0,000. The in-
crease of Methodists in the province, though, was more than
the natrral increase of the population during that period.

Of Mr. Narraway's address on the constitutional changes of
Metho'lism in Canada, Dr. Lathern, in the Wesleyan, wrote
as follows : —

"An address by Rev. J. R. Narraway evinced many of the
((ualities which some of us remember so well as characteristic
of his pulpit and platform etibrts and oratory of other days.
It was a genuine Ireat to renew one's impressions of logical
sequence, racine^.s, splendid glow of style, the summer lighten-
ing gleams <■' ■ff\t or humor by wl-.ich the subject was revealed,
and to find that a voice which has been partially silenced for
years l<«ia in some way recovered much of its former tone and
clearness. It is inoie audible than at any period since retire-
ment from full circuit and pulpit work. Mr. Narraway
sk'^tched rapidly the constitutional changes of Methodism in
the Eastern Provinces during the past fifty years; the forma-
tion of the Conference of 1855, in affiliation with British
Methodism ; the union of 1874, the formation of separate Con-
ferences for each pf the Eastern Provinces, and the organiza-

AND HISTORY OP CENTENARY CHURCH.

163

. I

tion of a quadrennial General Conference for Canada; the
more recent union of all branches of Methodism in the
Dominion, with a glance at its distinctive features. In all
these changes, it was believed that on he whole there had
been progress and increased efficiency. In giving impressions
of several distinguished ministers of oui church during the
period under review a beautiful and discriminating tribute was
paid to men whose names we shall not willingly let die. Some
of them long ago rested from their labors, ethers more recently,
but in all cases their lives exhaled so sweet a fragrance that
the perfume lingers yet. We are solemnized by the thought
of having been summoned to take an uitarnished banner from
hands stiffened in death, to be borne on to other successes.
Because of such examples and such trust committed, have we
not a higher character to sustain?"

Of Dr. Tiftthern'a effective address on the progress of
Methodism, it may l)e said that it abounded with interesting
and suggestive 8<^ '^istics, a»»'' was replete with facts and infor-
mation as to th(? wonderful growth of the Methodist Society
from its inception to its ir)Oth year. The hostility with which
its doctrines were received, the obstacles with which it had to
contend, and the success achieved, were admirably placed be-
fore his hearers, whom he exhorted ever to work with an eye
single to the advancement ot God's kingdom and the spread of
Methodism.

TITRSDAY EVENINO.

Centenary has the unique distinction of numl)ering among
its stated worshippers three or t'le six Judges of the Supreme
Court of the province. One of these, Mr. Justice Tuck, a
loya! adherent of the Methodist church, occupied the chair for
the evening set apart for reminiscences. In talking of old
times there would always be the danger of a speake" mon-
opolizing time, while the idea of the committee for this
meeting was that as many as possible should take part and
that any person might feel free to do so. On account of

! 15

164

EARLY SAINT JOHN METHODISM

■ it' '

the peculiar character of the meeting there was some fore-
boding as to its success. It was felt that it might be made
interesting, and at the same time, for the reasons stated, there
was the fear of failure. The felicitous address of the chairman,
and the ease, dignity and grace with which that officer presided,
relieved the uncertainty, and though the meeting was con-
tinued until a late hour, it was all too short. • ' '

J. W. Lawrence, Esq., was loudly applauded as he was in-
troduced. Mr. Lawrence is a master in local historic lore, and
delivered an excellent address. Methodist traditions, dates,
and early development seemed as familiar to him as to the
manor born.

Mr. James Sullivan, who had been a member of the Methodist
Society from a period some years before the opening of Centen-
ary Church, and a member of that church during all its fifty
years, and at this date a local preacher, class leader, and probably
the oldest official amoro Methodists in this city, being called
on, furnished incident' find recollections of a most vivid and
interesting character. These were particularly in reference to
Messrs. Smallwood, Allison, Cooney and Albrighton.

It was expected that Senator Lewin would be present and
speak of Rev. Enoch Wood and his pastorate, but he was not
able to attend.

T^ev. Henry Daniel, one of the early superintendents, and
the oldest minister in connection with the N. B. and P. E. I.
Conference, in the course of a most interesting address, re-
ferred in eulogi.stic terms to the labors of Rev. Enoch Wood
and lay meiribers Gilbert Ray, Thomas Hutchings, Aaron
Eaton, George A. Lock hart, and others. Mr. Daniel's address
was considered a marvel of intellectual vigor and sustained
eloquence. It was not surprising that the learned chairman
insti^iited comparison between the speech of the venerable
minister and the prodigious eiForts of Mr. Gladstone.

■-. *i<:i. fttf jef«-,j^.>-,-wrri.:p>mT=' ,•

■--"^w

AND HISTORY OP CENTENARY CHURCH.

165

Mr. Justice Palmer was the last speaker, and as the earlier
part of his life was spent in Westmorland, much of his address
had reference to early incidents connected with Avard and
others in their labors in that county. Judge Palmer had much
to do with the building both of the school room and the
church whose jubilee was being celebrated, and it was with
knowledge of the facts that he awarded the crown of the
present structure to the late accomplished Rev. Joseph Hart,
and paid a graceful tribute to the intelligence, zeal and toil of
that gentleman. _ , , , ,

AVEDNESDAY EVENING.

The Jubilee Love Feast was looked forward to with interest
and is now cherished as perhaps the most pleasant recollection
of the occasion.

From the files of the Wesleyan tiie following is taken: —

The Rev. Dr. Pope conducted £t most blessed service, destin-
ed to be a cherished memory of the jub'lee.

It was according to "the titness of things" that the pro-
gramme of Jubilee celebration should comprise a Love Feast
service. One evening was set apart for that purpose. It was
not like the Moravian Love Feast, held on the first day of the
century commemorated by iho church, at which the Wesleys
received a baptism of the Holy Ghost for special work, con-
tinued until three o'clock in the morning. But like that of
Fetter Lane it was "r pentecostal season indeed," and was
with difficulty closed at a Jate hour: many feeling a sense of
disappointment that there was not time for further testimony.
The Centenary church was well filled on that occasion. No
Methodist gathering in Halifax could show so large a number
of venerable men, their hair once black as the raven's wing,
now white as the snows of winter. Quite a number of theui
had been present at the dedication of the old Centenary
church. More than one spoke of the "narrow stream," ready
to say, "I pray, let me go over, and see that good land, that is
beyond Jordan, that goodly mountain and Lebanon." Many
a tribute was paid to departed worth. It was easy to realiab

( <

166

EAKLY SAINT JOHN METHODISM

S;»<

in that hallowed hour that there were invisible spectators; en-
compassed about with a great cloud of witnesses. Never were
the words of Wesley felt to be more apposite: "Even now by
faith we join our hands with them that went before."

A report of this meeting was supplied to the Wesleyan by
Mr. E. T. C. Knowles, and is as follows :

Rev. Dr. Pope ezpretied his regret at the absence of Rev. Fred'k Smallwood.
The love feast is peculiarly appropriate to these jubilistio services, having been
from the earliest days an institution of Methodism. The better part of our
gathering to-night are invisible to us. They have crossed the flood. Let us sum-
mon up to mind the pious men of other days. I think to-night of the fathers of
our ministry, many of whom I knew in my boyhood. We join hands with them,
and, like the old Cornish Methodist, I would say, " Good luck to them in glory."
We may be saved as they have been. As we commune with them the stream of
death becomes a little brook. Soon we must cross over and join the majority.
As I look at my venerable brethren, I feel that wc, too, arc to the margin come.
This is my spiritual jubilee. In 18;W I passed from death to life. So I celebrate
my jubilee with you. I thank God the same spiritual pulse of fifty years ago
beats in my heart to-night. In my fellowship with you, both in the pastorate and
as a member of thi.'< church, I have had many seasons of blessed communion
whose memory I will always cherish. As I think of the blessed expectations, I
feel like using the rude expression of the old Yorkshire Methodist woman, who,
when dying, said : " lie has promised to receive me to glory, and if he does he'll
never hear the last of it."

Dr. Lathkbn — My experience is briefly stated in the words: "From sin and
fear," etc. It is fitting that we should hold a jubilee love feast, as the memor-
able centenary year began with a love feast. Dr. Pope made the fire burn in ray
heart as he spoke of the past. I recall many of the honored men who labored
here — those whose portraits look down on us, and others. Thomas Albrighton,
whom I saw iust before his death, having risen to distinction in the British con-
ference ; William Wilson, an indefatigable toiler, who at the close of a Sabbath
afternoon service, died in his carriage, and proved that sudden death was sudden
glory; William Temple, of indomitable will and energy, whose mind wandered
towards the close, but who, when called upon to pray,wii8 at onc^ recollected and
exultant; William Smithson, whose latest theme was the great salvation, and
whose latest utterance was the benediction at the evening prayer meeting -
Arthur McNutt vho said, " Tell the brethren the gospel I preached so long sus-
tains me now," nd whose dying testimony wiis " Hallelujah, the star of Bethle-
hem shines brightly upon me ; " the venerable Dr. Richey (I was with him in his
last moments), recalled to his mind the phrase, " Resting on the infinite atone;
ment of the Son ot God," a wondrous light sufTuscd his face. In the Government
House, at Ilnlitax, and over his mortal remains, the hymn was sung, "Come, lot
UB join our friends above." I began my ministry in this country by preaching in
the old Centenary on the morning of Christmas day, 1855, announcing a theme
"<iod 80 lovod the world," which since then has been growing on my sense of
lovo &ad rov£(oo(io. Appoiotcd to St. Jo]w 5outb Circuit after ordiaatioo in

AND ItiSTORY OF CEJ^TENARY CltURClI.

167

1839, and to Centonary chargo in 1868,— but dare not indulgn in treasured remin-
isoencos.

Rev. William Lawson — Always ready to speak for himself and for his Saviour.
Remember when I first landed here and preached for Bro. Lathern. The old
Centenary bell had made me tremble, but Uod was with me and helped me. God
is all in all to mo and I to Him.

Jamks Sullivan — Glad to ba wh^ire the Master is well spoken of. Was born
again in 1830; became a leader in 1834; camo in that year to St. John, and David
Collins put me in hia place in the class. God has always provided me a refuge
from the storm. Seventeen- years ato I was like to die, but a line or two said
here to-night came to my mind, " From sin and fear and guilt and shame," etc..
and I felt that God would raise mc up again. Not where I ought to be, perhaps,
but thankful for the cleanHing blood, thankful for the prospect that I must soon
cross the river. As the priests stood dry shod in .Jordan, so our Great High
Priest will bear us satoly through the waters. May the Lord make use of us for
His glory. Let us susbiin our minister by faith and prayer, and God's blessing
will bo with us as in the past.

John Collins — Seventy years ago my father took me, a little boy, to the love
feast, and ^^s I heard those whom I knew had b^en living bad lives were convert-
ed and serving God, I thought I wanted the sauie grace, and as I went out to care
for the sheep, in my loneliness thought that (iod could save mc — could save mc
now — could save me now for Jesus' sake. Then joy camo to my heart and
tongue, and my song was Glory to God. And I told them of it at home, and they
rejoiced with mo. Then the neighbors wiyited me to pray with them, and God
blessed me so that I formed seven classes. I was a baby then, and now, weak and
infirm, but God can make children his strength. I have still the same Father to
sustain me. Jesus name saved inc. We may go through services and ordinancs,
but without the name and spirit of Jesus to fill them, all is in vain. I hope God
will revive his work here. Let us mind Wesley's rules and reioice in Jesus as
our friend and shield and comfort. May God bless you all. Mr. Collins sang
"Saviour, let me walk with thee."

Mr. Douglas — Can see " Jesus only." Would glorify God. A stranger here
to-night in the city of my birth, but I made a vow when 1 left my home in New
York to glorify God, and want to do so now, for I have consecrated all to (}od. I
see some here to-i;ight who would know me, but very few. When five years old
I became a scholar in the old Germain street Sunday school. I was converted
here, and now 1 can say " my life is hid with Christ in God." He give:; me the
robe of his righteousness. It is fringed with 32,000 promises, and is dyed with
the blood of Christ. Where I live we are not afraid to praise (Jod.

GiLBKKT Bknt — Thankful to bn here. Many recollections of the past come up.
How few of the young people of the old diiys reached full age ! Recall many of
the men of lorty years iigo, when I came here. They left a record that they now
dwell in the house of uuiny mansions, worshipping the Father above. Hut how
few of those of forty years ago arc here now ! T' o message that comes to us is,
" Be zealous and ready, for time flics by like the wind." As I thin'r of the bless-
ings and meroic:^ of God, I fuel that no one has so great cause for thankfulness
as I.

Rev. Mr. MuLkod — Glory to God I Jesus is my wisdom ; in the knowledge of
^Id be is my r'^bteuusnoss aud tbe knowledge oi sins forgiven ; be is my suotifi'

^nm

168

KARLY SAINT JOHN METHODISM

't':

cation in the oleansinf; of my heart; he is my redemption, in that I hear him
Bay " I have redeemed thee." Now there is nothing for me to glory in but the
name of Jesus.

John E. Irvink — Looking over twenty-five years of Christian experience, I
have a feeling of humility at the thought of how little I have done for my Master.
God has blessed me during my short but preeious association with this church.
I think to-night that I ought to bear to the church the message given me a few
months ago by the venerable Dr. McLeod, in Baltimore. He told of his visit to
St. John after the great fire of 1877, and of his search for old friends. He could
find only one, Mr. R. W. Thome, but, said he, tell the friends at Centenary that I
still pray for them. He gave me new encouragement, and should help us all to
know that this venerable Christian, so far away from us, yet remembers and
prays for us.

Allan King — Glory to (tod ! "lis a heaven below my Redeemer to know and
to feel hU blood flow. It is a bless-ed thing to know that Jesus i« my friend. Thi.s
is a glorious way to live. The dear Lord has done a wonderful work for me. He
has sanctified every power of my mind and heart and will to his glory. I say
" thank God for such a salvation."

Tu RNKK Howard — I have been thinking the meeting is only for the old. When
the Queen's jubilee came '..e heard a great deal of shouting, but wc could not
have that here, the chun'h is so quiet. How glorious it is to be a Christian for
fifty years, and then to preach for seventy-five years. I envy the fathers who
have been long in the work. What a grand jubilee it will be when we get to the
other shore ; then we'll raise a shout. If I look to God here I will be glad in the
endless jubilee of heaven. When we get there we won't look at the clock to sec
if it is near ten, but will be always praising our Redeemer. Glad I am a Metho-
dist, for all I am I owe to them. Hope to live to be a hundred years old, that I
may still be telling of the glory of this religion, which will last not for a jubilee
time or for a century, but for eternity,

Mrs. Joseph Bullock — I am glad I can praise God with one tongue. Have
full salvation I Praise God for that. I have a jubilee of love and joy all the
time. Like Father Collins, I am one of the Lord Jesus' little babes, to whom ho
had revealed things hidden from the wise.- AVe are sugar and salt to preserve
things. I rejoice that (iod preserves the simple. He keeps me sweet all the
time. This is what full salvation does for me every day.

Rkv. Edwin Evans — One cold January morning, many years ago, in my own
land, in a field, God took away the burden of my sins and gave me peace. The
change was so great I felt as though I could fly, my soul was so full of joy. Praise
God, this peace has lasted through all sorts of experience, and God is with mo
now. I know religion is true and is good, for all my experience through all these
years convinces me of that. God gives me many glimpses of his love and power.
He fulfils all his promises to the simple trusting soul.

Mrs- D. J. McLaughlin — I have no doubt as to my conversion, and feel
thankful for continued peace through simple faith in Jesus.

Mrs. Eliza Ennis — I thank God I am a Christian and a Methodist. I am sure
I love all Christians and churches, but especially this Centenary church. Forty
years ago I gave my heart to God here, and I often think " I'd rather be a door
koeper in the house of my God than to dwell in the tents of wickedness." The
way is always growing brighter and bettor ; Jesus is everything to me. To bim I
wwt to do^oio the best of ay time.

AND HISTOKV OF CENTENARY CHURCH.

109

Mrs. Baislky — Four or five years since God forgave luc. Jesus is still precious
to inc.

Jamks E. White — Not quite the jubilee of my conversion, but thirty-eight
years ago J was aroused at a Baptist revival service. Can only sing " Once I was
blind but now I see." Thirty years ago I came to this city an invalid. All the
members of our class at Exmouth street — Dennis Sullivan, James Hale, David
Collins, and others — are gone. How glad I am I took the stand I did 1 At a
Baptist meeting, when the request for prayer was urged, I thought it foolishness,
but afterwards, in a Methodist meeting, took the stand, and though people won-
dered at it, I have always been glad ot i*. My days here no doubt will soon be
over, but I have confidence in God both 1 ,.• time and for eternity.

Rkv. H. Danikl — It wiis a pleasure to me to hear Dr. Lathern speak of the
happy death.s of our ministers. As I look at the likenesses al)out us, they are
nearly all men whom I knew. Tliey died well. There nre others whose portraits
are not here — some who, at its beginning, were connected with this church, and
who only recently have left us. 1 refer now to the late Eilward T. Knowles, an
active, devoted, spiritual man — devoted to his church- He was forward at all
meetings for business or for religious purposes, and in his declining years, when
his limbs trembled, and the tide of life flowed feebly, his word was ever "my
hope is in (iod." I believe he died strong in tlie faith of the Lord, and is in the
grand home of the Saviour. I have a blessed confidence in (Jod. JIave been
nearly seventy years a member of the Methodist Church, or, as we used to call it,
the Wesleyan Church. However, it is all one in Christ. Names matter little.
The important thing is " Christ in us the hope of glory. God gave me a clear de-
liverance from sin. I have never ^nd a doubt that my mime was registered in the
Book of Life. This has been my constant comfort even when Satan's buffetings
were severest. The longer I live tht m'Te my faith is strengthened, and now my
prayers have become rather praises and thiinksgiving for the loving kindness, the
boundless goodness of (Jod. I feel it more than ever a duty to speak especially
to our aged people as to their relation to ilod. The more so as they near the
brink. Sometimes they have less confidence than wc would wish, but to be able
to speak a word of encouragement rejoices our heart. The love fea.'it belongs to
our people, and all who have come into the kingdom should feel free to apeak of
what God has done for them.

Mr. White — Not satisfied to leave without speaking for (Jod. A stranger, but
ghul to share m witnessing to the goodness of (Jod.

Joshua S. Tirner — Fif .• years ago next November (Jo<l spoke peace to my
soul. I was alone when the message came. Bless his name, he has iept me over
since, sometimes in a dark way, but he has never left me to myself, ^lustaining
and encouraging me by his smile and love, he is nniking my Inst days m/ best
days. I remember, wl?on I. lived in Fredericton, Asa White, who alwitys bore
good witness, (ilad to hear his brother, who has just spoken. Thank God ♦'or
his sons and daughters v/ho have grown np in this and other churches.

John McA. Hutch^xu.s- Glad I love the Lord Jesus. This is my daily joy.
I find his servic" 'ncreasingly blessed and delightful. Happier now than when I
began ; my experience is one of increasing joy and peace and rest. My pleasure
is in this service. My prayer and hope is that I may meet those who have gone
before.

Mfi3< Lbuon (an aged lady)— My hope and oonfideuce are ia God. My old

a/Ti-.^.iiCMWiArtssai'iixi: *i..'K -ukwka--?- ." .

170

KARLY SAIXT JOHN METHODISM

friends arc gone and many of my dear ones arc in heaven. I am waiting until
called to meet them.

Hknry Maxwell — "There is a wideneas in (Jod's mercy like the wideness of
the sea." These words came to my mind ns I kneeled here at the bcRinning of
the service, and thought ot the day more than fifty years ago, when I heard Dr.
Wood preach on the foundation of the old Centenary Church. It humbles me in
the dust to think of (ilod's care for me. I stood at the death bed of Rev. Samp-
son Busby. It was a happy death. that I may die the death of Sampson Busby.
I praise God I have a hope of that.

Rev. H. Daniel — It was mine to bury Sampson Busby, aud I have no doubt of
his blessed transit from earth to heaven. Our people die well. It is a blessed
thing to have such memories.

The meeting closed with singing of hymn "Our souls are in

His mighty hand."

THURSDAY EVENING.

The reunion and musical exercises in connection therewith
had been looked forward to with interest, were heartily entered
upon, and much enjoyed. At eight o'clock all the seats in the
auditorium were occupied by a congregation gathered to listen
to the Jubilee Concert of Sacred Song. This meeting, as were
all the others of the occasion, was opened with devotional
exercises. It could not be expected that the first choir would
be represented among the singers on this occasion, nor was it;
but from 1849 down to the prepent time there were represen-
tatives. Those present were Mrs. Tuck, Mrs. W hittaker, Mrs.
Brown, Miss McKillopp, Mayor Lockhart, and A. T. Bustin,
of former choirs; and of the present, Miss Barnes, Mrs. H. J.
Thome, Miss McKeown, Miss Henderson. Miss Maud Godsoe,
Miss Carrie Ellis, Miss Hattie Prichard, Miss Alice Hea, Miss
Minnie Hea, Miss Annie Turner, Dr. Daniel (leader), Messrs.
J. Clawson, W. A. Kain, Samuel Smith, and Henry Turner.
Here and there in the audience, among the elderly people,
could be noticed some who were members of the choir when
the church was first opened. The first number on the pro-
gramme was the grand old Easter anthem, sung so heartily as
to bring vividly to mind the Easter exercises of other days.
This was a time-boaored anthem in the old church, and always

- - ■ .«-<"'t-^-

AND H18T0KV OF CBNTENAHY CMUHCH.

171

rendered with so much strength of expression and musical
effect as to make it exceedingly popular with the people.

Later on the antliems " I will Love Thee, Lord " and
"Arise, O Lord " were well rendered by the full choir. Of the
soloists, Miss Barnes sang "Our King" with much expression
and tenderness of feeling ; Miss Alice Hea sang very sweetly
and in a clear voice "The Lord will Remember His Children";
Miss Bessie McKeown's solo, «* Heavenly Father," was beauti-
fully rendered.

At nine o'clock an adjournment was had to the school room,
where refreshments were served, and an hour was spent in
conversation and sociability, occasionally broken by choice
vocal selections by the young ladies of the congregation known
as the "Treble Clef." Altogether it was felt that the pro-
gramme was well conceived and happily carried out.

)

FRIDAY EVENING. '

The chair was taken by His Worship Mayor Lockhart, and
at the hour of opening, the church was nearly tilled with an
audience brought together by the announcement that an his-
torical sketch would be read and the tablet unveiled. Refer-
ence in these pages has been made to Mayor Thorne. He was
succeeded by George A. Barker, Esq., who died after having
served but a few weeks. To the position thus made vacant
W. A. Lockhart, Esq., was elected, and held office at the time
of which we write. Mi*. Lockhart had long been connected
with the Centenary Church, and for a number of years his
powerful voice greatly enriched the singing in the public
services. Upon taking the chair, His Worship announced the
object of the meeting, and gave the audience some interesting
personal recollections in connection with the church's history

G. A. Henderson, the trustee steward, was then called upon
to read the historical sketch prepared for the occasion. Hi.s
paper might be coi}sidei:64 a>a oiitliae of ^biit baa been pre-

KAKLY HAINT JOHN METHODISM

seated in the foregoing pages. The term "outline" is used

rather than "synopsis" or "abstract," as the matter which is

here presented had not then been written. •

Dealing with the financial feature, he showed the cost of the

first church, which has already been stated, and of the new

property. , . .

The School Room cost $26,173 96

. ...New Church 53,437 80

Totfil cost present structure 879,611 76

The insurance applied to the new

building was al)out $15,183 00

Rec'd from Church Relief Fund . 9,286 00
" Varley Trust '• . 7,700 00
Contrib'd by congregation, etc., 19,142 76- $51,311 76

Present indebtedness $28,300 00

From the opening of the church in 1839, the
amount c(Mitributed from pew rents is ... .

Weekly collections

Special ettbrts in ])aying debt of old church . .

l*aid on new church by this congregatiim

To wliich must be added for missions and other
church funds (probably more but say)

Trustees' current liabilities : —

$50,010 00
77,537 00
26,000 00
19,042 00

. 30,000 00

$202,589 00

*1843.

Interest

. £218 1/7

Sexttm

25 0/0

Candles and oil. . . .

17 0/0

Coal and wood

12 10/0

Insurance...

50 00

Incident-vis

10 0/0

# •

£332 11/7

1889.

Interest $1668 00

Sexton 250 00

Gas 300 00

Fuel 320 00

Insurance 125 00

Choir exjienses 686 00

Water rates.,. . ..;•... .. 100 00

(iround rent 20 00

Repairs to organ and

building 125 00

Incidentjils 80 00

$3674 00

* 1843 is selected as a fair year for comparison as churoh organization
was tbea, weU effected -and tbo oon^re^tions are sai^.^o jia\Q beei^la(ge<

AND HISTORY OP CENTENARY CHURCH.

173

Pew rent recoipts — 184.3 $ 400 00

-ISHJJ 1900 (*■»

TowHi-tls tliu choir fund special HubNcriptionH, ainnuntiiig tn .ihout
^4<M), are annually nmile by uieuiberH of the congregation.

ThiH leaves to be provided for ^.'VJ74

Receipts from pew rents $11MM>

From {"i-year (|'rt'ly-paym't subscriptions, S74
Quarterly Board appropriations 500 — .'{274

In what has been said it is clear that our fathers y^re
generous in their contributions, but it is not a fact that the
present congregation is less liberal. During the last twelve
years the contributions have been more than double those of
the previous twelve years.

To the Mite Society, at that time under the presidency of
Miss Bartlett, and with Miss Palmer as treasurer, was accorded
praise for the help extended by it to the church in its financial
relations. The other agencies which had been so efi'ective in
their contributions to the funds of the church received men-
tion, and, though the time was limited, the speaker sought to
place before the audience the leading features of the fifty
years in their relation to the church, its organization, develop-
ment, present position, and outlook.

As the sketch was finished the officials of the church
gathered around the communion rail with a view to the un-
veiling of the tablet, in the active part of which the trustees
were represented by their oldest member, Mr. Richard W.
Thorne, while Mr, James Sullivan, the senior member of the
Quarterly Board, represented that body. Mr. Thorne, in
making the presentation, read the following :

In the name of the Trustee and (Quarterly Boards of this Centen-
ary Church, we ])i'esent this TaVdet in eonnnemoration of its .Jubilee
and in grateful memory of the Pastors wlio have labored among us
during the past fifty years. Richahp W. Tm>RNK,

On behalf of the Trustees.
. .,,,;. ,, . I 'Tas, SrijjVAJT,

On behalf of tlie Quarterly Board.

IMAGE EVALUATION
TEST TARGET (MT-3)

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IIM 112.5

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WEBSTER, N.Y. 14580

(716) 872-4503

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174

EARLY SAINT JOHN METHODISM

As the reading was concluded, Mr. Sullivan caused the
Union Jack, which had covered the tablet, to be removed.
The tablet was made by R. H. Green, and reflects credit on
his taste and skill. It is shield-shaped, made of brass, mounted
on walnut, and engraved with letters of red and black, and
Ijears the following inscription :

was erected

ON THE OCCASION OF THE

lm%ilc^

IN GRATKKUL REt^OiiNITlON OF FAITHFUL SKRVICES

(iT u 9 V c 9 ii t i n .

Church Dedicated, August 18, 18.'{9.
Destroyed by Fire, June 20, 1877. "

Sabbath School Room Opened, Nov, 17, 1878.
Second Church Dedication, August 27, 1882.

Rev. Mr. Evans and Dr. Pope suitably acknowledged the gift.

Miss Sarah E. Smith then read her beautiful Jubilee poem,
which has already received a place on these pages among the
Sabbath school exercises. Judge Palmer and Judge Tuck de-
livered short addresses, and the exercises were closed by the
singing of the Doxology.

SUNDAY, '2i)TU Aur.usr.

With the unveiling of the tablet it had been intended to
bring the Jubilee services to a close, but just as the pro-
gramme had been completed the pleasing intimation came that

AND HISTORY OP CENTENARY CHURCH.

176

•'

the services of Rev. John P. Newman, D. D., Bishop of the
M, E. Church of the United States, could be had for Sunday,
25th August. Eftorts had previously been made to secure
Bishop Newman's presence, but it was supposed without suc-
cess. He was, however, able to so arrange his plans as to be
in St. John on the day named, and occupied the pulpit in the
morning and evening. Great congregations gathered to hear
the distinguished divine, whose fame as an eloquent pulpit
orator was not confined to the country or continent in which
he I'ved, or to the denomination with which he was connected.
They expected to listen to discourses original in conception
and brilliant in style. Their highest wish was gratified by the
powerful and beautiful expression of the truth as it fell from
the lips of the eloquent preacher. His theme in the morning
was " Consecrated Individuality," based on John xi., 28: "The
Master is come and calleth for thee"; and in the evening he
discoursed on *' The Great Conversion," his text being Acts
xxvi., part of the 14th vers6 : "Saul, Saul, why persecutest
thou me ?"

Mrs. Newman, who accompanied her husband, addressed
the Sabbath school in the afternoon, and on Monday afternoon
she spoke on Missions before the ladies of the Methodist
Missionary Society.

On Monday evening a large and representative audience
assembled in the church and listened with great delight to
Bishop Newman in his lecture on " The March of Civiliza-
tion." Upon this occasion His Honor Judge King presided.

With Monday evening the Jubilee exercises closed. The
design of the meetings was to appropriately observe the inter-
esting period reached in the history of the churcli. That due
recognition was given to that event will be admitted. There
was no determined effort to make it an occasion for raising
money, though collections were made at each service, and an

176

EARLY SAINT JOHN METHODISM

opportunity given to the friends to make a free-will offering on
Friday night. As a result of tlie contributions the sum of
$628.45 was placed to the credit of the church.

A prominent church is an important factor in moulding the
life of a community — how important no one can tell. Such
for fifty years Centenary has been. It has stamped its inHu-
ence on the life of Haint John. In a restless world change is
always taking place. It is written on the community, on the
congregation, on the home circle. During the fifty years
multitudes have gone from within the walls of our church and
are to be found in all parts of the world, perhaps actuated by
the impulses which were formed in tiie old church home. If
so actuated, it is evident that the influence of a churcu is out-
reaching to an extent altogether unappreciable, and is not
confined to the city within whose bounds it is located.

The history of Centenary Church can never be written in
full. The spiritual struggles, the triumphs of faith, the ex-
erted influence, would be interesting indeed, but will only V)e
known in that day when the hidden things shall be revealed.

Time, the waster, has rubbed most of the names from the list
of fifty years ago. The youth have grown old — the old have
passed away. Depletion has alternated with impletion. The
workmen have been buried, but the work has been carried on.
The services are now conducted by ministers, and the att'airs
of the church administered by officers who, for the most part,
fifty years ago, had not been born. "We spend our years as
a tale that is told," yet "we consider the days of old and tiie
years that are past.' We raise our "Ebenezei*," and inscribe
"Hitherto hath the Lord helped us." Oui- prayer for the
future is, " Peace be within thy walls."

Mlc thank ^)im for the era 'bone,
^wh trust |')im for the openincj one.

iring on
sum of

lino; the
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ated by
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tten in
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