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Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc.. peuvent dtre filmds 6 des taux de reduction diffdrents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour dtre reproduit en un seul clich6. il est film* i, partir de I'angle supdrieur gauche, de gauche 6 Jro'te, et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre d'images n6cessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la rr.dthode. 22X 1 2 3 4 5 6 ^^CKVli^^ Baptist Church. 1 << ^/ 2.8G M OL SalW Co P A . . . j tl^iistoritstl SMti? BY REV. w. H. Warren, m. a. C3 Sagkyille Baptist Church. A Historical Sketch, BY REV. W. H. WARREN, M. A. The preparation of the present his- torical outline has been undertaken at the request of the New B'unswick Eastern Baptist Association, that body having wisely decided to endeavor to secure, as far as practicable, reliable records in relatfon to the rise and pro- gress of each of the churches of which it is composed. At the annual meeting held at Point deBute in July lasb, the paper, in a very abbreviated form, was presented by the writer and cordially adopted by the Afisociatioi). The Baptist church at Sackville is not only the seniot member of the body of associated churches with which^ it stands related, but it is the oldest of the Baptist churches in British North America. This fact alone invests its records with a special inter- est to all intelligent rt^aders who take delight in acquainting themselves with the early civil and religious history of our country. In seeking for the origin of the pioneer church, we are carried back to the very beginning ot our provincial life. It was founded in 1763, the year in which tiie treaty of Paris terminat- ed the long and bloody struggle which had been cariied on between England and France for supremacy in America. By that treaty fair Acadia and, in- deed, almost the entire North Ameri- can continent became subject to Brit- ish rule. The veterans of France, after a brave and vigorous defene, yielded their last stronghold to the superior forces of Britain, and over Beausejour waved the victorious flag w nich has ever since been the palladium of our provincial liberties. Fertile valleys and extensive dyke- lands, on which the French had spent years of wearying labor, were spread out in all their tempting fertility be- fore the gaze of the new inhabitants. Thei'e_ were, indeed, but few of (he facilities for commercial intercourse which are enjoyed at the present time. Public highways were not numercu-^, and they were infi^rior in consii action. A few villages had made some consid- erable advancement in agriculturn un- der the old regime, but the greater part of the country wa -I still covered with the primeval forest. A proclamation, issued by Governor Lawrence, soon after the reuce of Paris, offering full religious and civil liberty to all who desired to become residents of Nova Scotia, induced many persons tn come hither from both Old and New England. Among the emigrants from the latter country, a company of Bap- tists from Swansea, Mass , came to Tantramar, as Sackville was then call- ed, and secured a large grant of land. This was one of the earlie'^t grants made by the government m connection with what is now designated as New Brunswick. Some of the new settlers had served in subduing the original French ownert^.and had probably form- ed a somewhat favorable impression of the character and prospects of the country during their military cam- paigns. They had now the privilege of receiving a measure of compen- sati-n for their former services. The names of the Biptist members were Benjamin Mason, Nathan Mapon, Chailes Seaman, Thomas Lewi-, Gil- bert Seaman, and Oliver M>i8on, with their wives, and Experience Biker. In anticipation of their removal to Nova Scoti>i they had formed themselves into a church before leaving th»'ir native land. Rev. Nathan Mason was chosen as their pastor. They arriv- d at Tantramar in the summer of 1763, and at once set about settling upon the \ 04 "?. 1^ SACKVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH. land asnisned them by govftrnment grant. Many disheartening difficulties stooa in their way, but they endeavor- ed courageously to overcome them all The little church was not neglected amid the privations of their new sur- roundings. Under the judicious past- oral care of Elder Mason the number of members became increased, so that in 1771 they were enabled to report sixty persons as being in fellowship with the church. About the year 1771, after spending eight toiUome years in Sackville, the original immigrants became discontent- ed with the state of affairs in this country. They complained that the government had not carried out the terms of the agreement by which so many persons had been induced to make their homes in these provinces. Charlfs Dixon, Esq., who came to Sackville about this time, makes the following remarks In relation to this matter: -"At first glance tbingfl wore a gloomy aspect. There were few Inhabitants but wanted to sell their lands and go hence. I thought there must be some cause for this universal dis- content. The spring was verv late. I be- gan to walk about the country, and went over to Sackville. After a few days Inves- tigation, finding the cause of discontent to be largely due to indolence and lack of knowledge, I purchased a tract of land at backvllle of D»niel Hawkins, containing about two thousand five hundred acres, for two hundred and sixty pounds. To this I removed my family on June 8th. Most of the rest of the settlers bought and settled elsewhere " _ That the pioneer settlers may have had just cause for dissatisfaction is by no means Improbable, for it has been a failing amona: governments and land proprietors In all ages to endeavor to promote immi- gration by means of flattering induce- ments which have proved to be misleading to unwaiy foreigners. But, whatever may have been the real merits of the matters complained of, it is certain that the origi- nal Bipti^it colonists determined to dis- pose of their lands and return to their for- mer homes In Massachusetts. They took their departure sometime during the year 1771. Forty-seven members of the church re- malaed, and carried on the good work of advancing the spiritual Interests of the community. These bore the familiar names of Aver, Cole. Estabrooks, Klllam, Read, Tlngley, Smi' h, Seaman, and Ward. It is seen clearly that these names have had a prominent place in the records of the church for more than a century. These earnest laborers, though seriously weak- r^ned by the departure of so many active co-laborers, did not give up in despair, but addressed themselves with renewed ener- gy to the performance of the duties which rested upon them. Mr. Job Seaman ap- pears to have succeeded Elder Nathan Mason in the pastoral care of the flock. He was probably a son of one of the original founders of the church. For several years he seems to have discharged the duties of nls ofllce with satisfaction, instructing the people and doing all la his power to en- courage his brethren to persevere in re- ligious activity. At length he resigned his charse and made his home for the rest of his life in the State of Ohio. In the summer of 1781 the community wa>i visited by one of the roost remark- able revivalists connected with the early history of this province. The name of Henry Alline is familiar to many. Born in Rhode I^iland in 1748, he came to Nova Scotia in early life and settled at ialmouth. After his conversion in 1775, he began his remark- able career as an evangelist. He seems to have gone to all parts of the Maritime Provinces preaching with a degree of earn- estness and power to which th» people were entirely unaccustomed. He was not an educated man, nor had he very clear Ideas relative to the doctrines and ordinan- ces of the New Testament. But he was a zealous and sincere preacher, whose burn- ing words were blesned in the conversion of thousands of precious souls. This energetic pioneer made a tour through Cumberland and Westmorland counties, in July 1781, visiting Amherst Point, Fort Lawrence, Sackville, Bay Verte Memramcook and Petltcodiac. He met with varied experiences during his pilgri- mage, being received by some with much cordiality and even enthusiasm, whilst others ridiculed and opposed him, threat- ening in some Instances to lay violent hands upon him. In relation to Sackville the following en- o^^ ..SI*.**®,'" ^^^ Journal, under date July Jl: This day, after visiting some people. I preached In the evening and God was there with such power that some who had known the truth before were almost over- come with joy." It is very evident that the persons here spoken of as havlmz "known the truth before" were the remain- Idk members of the orlRinal Baptist rhurch who, th. "gh pastorlesa aud somewhat scattered were Htill interested io npiritoal affairs and delighted to hear the s irrins notes of the soapel trumpet. The visit of thi-* intensely emotional preacher must have exerted e very marked influence upon these neglected members, awakening ing them from spiritual lethargy and in- citing them to renewed consecrations to the Master's service. It was Mr. AUine's custom to organize churchex. wherever he could prevail upon the peop.o w do so, up. i a broad basi*. taking no cognizance of the doctrinal peculiarities or difTerences existing among the various religious denominations. At SacKville he endeavored to form a church on this foundation. His own word^* state the frtcte very tersely: "The church now began to gather together in gospel fellow- ship, without any bars or separations about diSerent sects or denominations; out who- ever loved and brought Christ and belong- ed to Him, were freely received into full communion." This generous attempt to harmonize, or, rather, to ignore denomina- tional distinctions met the usual fate in failing signally to accomplish the purpose of its originator. Most of the Baptists, whether they were induced to unite with the new organization or not, retained the views of the doctrinal and practical teach- ings of the New Testament which they had been taught by their fathers and which they found to be conflrm<>d by their per- sonal studies. They cou'd not, therefore conscientiously holdfellow^hip with what seemed to them out of harmony with the example and precepts of the Saviour himself. They were Baptists still, in whatever socidy they might be providentially placed. The neworganizition, no doubt, disconcerted them very seriously, and even threatened the extinction of the original Baptist church. Indeed, so good an authority as Dr. Cramp states emphatically that the church "died out." We are happy to be able to present evidence, however, which cannot fall to convince our readers that the original Sarkville Baptist, church es- tablished in 1763, has come down to the present moment along the plain lines of apostohral succession," so far at least as Its membership is concerned. The period intervening between the time of Mr. AUine's visit toSackville and the close of the last century is one of ob scurity in the history of the church. la the absence of any reliable records, we And it difficult to obtain sufficient data to en- SACKVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH. able us to give anything like a clear idea of the state of nfTaiis in the community, »o "f »» church matters are concerned, loat the flock had no permant-nt shepherd during this period ne.nM evident enough, but it is equally obvious .} .. r?"8'°"9 services continued to be held with greater or less rcKuUritar. Incidental notices are given of occasional V sits made by Baptist ministers to the place and of services held by these men in connection with the church. Meisrs. Windsor and Rounds are mentioned by Benedict as havinK done some useful work T '°'Jn*y' Dr. Bill also intimites that Joseph Read, a relation of those who still bear this name in Westmorland county, spent some time in endpavourintf to build I up the little chuich He subs>qu-ntly re- moved to Horton, Nova Sto.la, where he remained till his death. I The approach of a new century gave promise of a brlgtiter epoch. Ic was visi - ed in 1798 by a young man whose name has become very dear to the hearts of a large proportion of the people of New Brunswick. The name of Joseph Crandall stands foremost on the list of "Bapiist F;*thers'' He came early in life fr.m Rhode Island to Chester, N. vS , where he subsequently experienced a change of heart under the preaching of Thom-s Handly, Coipman and Joseph Diinock, Later in life. whilst attending revival meetings at Oaslow he was led to mak« a public profession of faith in Christ and he was soon afterwards strongly im- pressed with a sense of duty to enjf»Ke in preaching the everlasting gospel. Unedu- cated as he was his mind was much per- plexed in relat'on to tho path of du-y but ""e clerk of the ord-iining council. E der W .;- Jiam Chlpman furnlHhed Dr. Cramp with the following interesting account of that cVpn 1 1 "The council consisted of E'der Edward Manning and myself, then seventeen years old, chosen and sent from the church; El- der Theodore S. Hardinp-, fro'.i Horton; El- der Joneph DImock, and Deacon .John 5n **xT*n' ''•oni Chester. We m'-tat S^ck- 7, '^\u'°'^ Oc'ober 4, 17!i9, and con- tinued there seven days, during which tinrie the gospel was preached dHliy, both publicly and from house to house, and a revival of rel glon was the result, and a time of much rejoicing by the Lord's pes- pie. Elder Manning was chosen moderator of the council, and myself clerk. A church was constituted consisting of 8b ^ut twenty njembers. On Monday. October 8, Bro. Joseph Crandall was or' darned p»8tor over them. Elder T. S. ^.'Ji «? preached the ordination sermon, Elder Manning gave the charge, and Elder Joseph Di mock the right hand of fellow- 9f»ip. ihe season was one of the wonder- ful manifestations of God's power and presence, saints rejoicing, backsliders re- turning, and r-Inners crying for mercy. A post of people were In attendance, and thirteen were added to the church before »e left the plnce." In this record It is not intimated that a single bsptism took place, and it seems u "ij'u"''"'^*^'® ^^^^ 8"ch an omiaston eiiouid be made if any baptism occurred during the visit of these ministers. Pre- vious to that council no baptism could have recenly taken place, as Joseph Crandall was but a licentiate, and therefore unquftHfled to administer the or- dinance. Who then were the twenty per- sons formed into a church, and the thir- teen subsequently added to their numbei? Ihey must have been members of the origl- n»l church founded by Nathan Mason and his colleagues. This view is confirmed by Mr. Chlpman s remarks about "saints re- Jufctng, and backsliders returning." These saints and backsliders were plainly the scattered and wandering members of the old church. Elder Jcst'ph DImock de«crlbes the same event In bis Journal: "The power and Krare that -ere displayed are beyond de- crlptlon. The saints of Old awoke from their long (^lumbers, backsliders return- t^A .? ^*^^ .'"'i* °* 'he Redeemer and shouted aloud the victory through a Saviou'H blood, whilst saints went on the r way rejoicing in what their eyes saw. i their ears heard, iheir souls felt of God's ur, bounding love. Through the whole i country arid through the county of Cum- bprlmd there seems to be a moving of God 8 ppirit on the minds of both saints and sinners. From these extracts it is evident that the mrrnbers of the original church were gathered together and revived, and that they chose Joseph Crandall as their pastor, cal ed for his ordination, and united earn- nlJ u supporting him. It was the same church, having the old members, and the same d ctrlnes and practices as it had from its inception in 1763. For these rea- fh^.T* [l^K J"8tlfled in maintaining 'he claim that this church is the oldest Baptist organJZ'ition in the Dominion of l^anada, the real date of its formation hav- ing been liG3. The beginning of the new century wit- nessed a marked change In the spiritual condition of things at Sackvllle. In 1800 the church purchased the present site of what Is familiarly known as Bethel, and commenced the erection of a suitable place or worship. In due time the new house was completed and opened for religious services. Lirge congregations met from time to time, and a season of refreshing was enjoyed. For about thirty six years this was the spiritual zion of the commun- J5?'.*?° 'Sfi'y !?"•■' ''"e there born unto t-hrist. Elder Crandall proved to be a ju- dlcious and successful pastor fllHog the pulpit for many years with greatability and acceptance. Extensive revivals attended his ministry, and a fair degree of prosper- ity was enjoyed by the church during bis pistoral supervision. In harmony with a general movement among Baptist churches of this period, the brethren at Sackvllle in the year 1808 placed on record their resolution that none but baptized believers should be received as members." Some laxity in practice had previously prevailed, but from this date the church pursued a course more consistent with scriptural doctrine and example. Much of Eider Crandall's time was spent In missionary work. A whole province lay ^ SACKVILLE UAITIST ClILKCH. before him, and he hit constrained to bpur thcKood idloRH into those regions which > seemtd to be larkioK in retiKious privi- legM. iorthlHltir.dof work htH gifts and Inclinations were specially adapted. Won- derful success attended his labors in this respect, and new iutererti* were eslabliMb ed wherever he preached the word of life. 10 exercise a kind of episcopal watchcare ovHrthej,e spiritual Chi dren afforded him special delight. Very many of the older Baptist churches In New Brunswick can trace t hHr origin to the pioneer labors of Joseph Craud-tll. In middle life he was Induced by the earnest solicitations of his many friends in the county of Westmorland to accept a seat in the Provincial Legislature, as their representative. It was something new under the sun to 9ee a Baptist parson sit- ting oa a parliamentary bench in the role of a politician. But the spat did cot seem well adapted to a man of his uncompromia ing character and high moral standing. His presence among the politicians of the day was as uncongenial as the presence of lilijah among the prophets of Baal. To jj^ get rid of him an absurd »nd unjust Act was passed in parliament, by which clergv- men and teachers were rendered inelegible form mber^hipin the assembly. Lords- bishops could »lt anfi lule in the highest legislative organizations in the realm, but a humble B.ptist binhop could not be tol- I "HtedljaProviocial parliament. Theright of performiug the marriage ceremony was i also, at oiirt time, denied to Baptist pastors but the iniquitous barriers were so palpably unfair that r heir speedy removal was easily secured. Elder Crandall might have re- tained bis seat in parliament by abandon- ing the ministry of the gospel, but he was too loyal to hit. Master to accept worldly emoluments in preference to "the re- proaches of Christ." He therefore with- drew entirely from the political arena, and devoted bis time and talents to the nobler ?J!L"t^°^*5!? '*'«''®'' «*'""«• His life was spent In diligent service in connection with f^l^^'c''-,: Mo9t.o'h«8 latter years were spent in Salisbury, where he had been in- ^ strumoutal in building up a strong interest. He rem-iined in fJiat locality, making oc I caslonal visits to Sackvllle and oi her places, until his decease, which occurred on Feb- i I ruary 20, I808. whf n he had reached the mature age of eighty-seven years. f The growth of the church at Sackvllle was not rapid, especially in the early part of the present century. It had its gains and losses. Its seasons of refreshing and its times of darkness and declension. It was cheered in the year 1810 by the presence of S the Nova Scotia and New Biunswlrk Bap. tist. Association, which hnd t.eeii orgai ixXd ^^,}'°'^^i Granville len yenrs previou-'iy. Elder Theodore S. Harding presided as moderator, and E der ThotriHs Anxley .f Bridgetown, filled thi' position of cleik. Ihls wax the first meeting of the bdy the records of which were published and pre- !ST*' The delegates from Sackvllle at t»'Ht Association were Eider Joseph Cran- dall, Jonaihsn Cole, William Lawrence, and Joseph Head. The total me mbershin of this church at that date is represented as having been but fifty five, which was not much larger than it had been fortv years before. ' In the year 1814 David Harris, a yourg !?".?„^^°".? reputation from Crnwallis, visited Sackvllle and preached Hinong the KlV'^yn'l,*.,l"*!i ^,^^''^ of accept aice. Elder Crandall had, in the meantime, de- cidedtogive his attention more fulb to balisbury and other adjacent fields. Mr Harris was a member c.f the church at Horton. He bad settled in the township of Aylesford previous to his converhion. andhad entered upon secular business wth encouraging prospects of success; but, having experienced a change of heart through the transforming irfiuences of divine grace,he was impelled to consecrate his life to the Important woik of gospel preschlng. Onhls own responsibility he started out in the grand work, having neither missionary board nor wealthy church to assist him In his efforis. He filled successive pastorates at Lower Granville, Horton, Frederlcton, Sackvllle, fit St John. His strength seemed to lie in breaking uv. t w ground and In scatter- £?« ®u '^°.°'l '?'^'**. *" widely as possible hroughout the land. The results of his labors at Sackville were somewhat en- couraging, though we do not learn of large accessions of the church under his minis- The Association met again at Sackvllle ll^.V^^' ^^•^' "' ^J?"='» gathering Elder „?5^P^i^"°/;? ^"8 '^'^°«en as moderator Th^h^nn" ^'J^^' T"PP«' ^-^ secret*^: The home mission movement, so far at east as New Brunswick is corcerned had its origin at this meeting, end from ihafc H^ .^fryK** .'•'« churches were pledged to do a 1 in their power to care for thraa portions of the /and which were desMm?^ of spiritual privileges. A very interes "nS 'tlonnr^'hi'* Rathering was\he ordffi? tlon of three young men to the sacred office of preach Dg. These were Samuel McCully, Charles Miller and Timothv Rober son all of whom proved to b" suc^ cessful and worthy laboVers in the great SACKVILLK HAI'TIST CIIUKCII. spiritual Held. mSi » v®i'""#^' McCully Hoems to have m.»dH » very fftvorwble Impression UDon the people of Sftckvllle, for in the ?ollbw. InK year he received a cordial invitation to sldo'^«f" ."« co«tiaued. ho«vever, to re- I Lr^t A']'^':^'*^' ^•>«^''« he owned a comfortable honM and where he con- tinued to asist Elder Tupper in the Das- M?*' M^C.^Vv'^i/.^^^'^ and K'r^owi'nVchuPch. ^I".„K°^"'J^.**'^ "o' depend upon the preanhlnK of the KOtpel for his ue.^niarv S!n?ii i"'" *P *'''^« » Drominent p«t in general deuominationa. work. But he was and"o?m°a^ '"'*'^"'? Intelleorual "t^enSrh were f.Wh J^'^f T"*" "'" dis^oursen were full of hejpful Instruction, and his 8e''nse°o7hl"P''*''''^ his hearers with a deep nt« n?^'" ««""">« sincerity and earnest- ?we^v. vJa^'T*- ^°' * P«'-'0'* "'"bout wT,hP,^"%^*'*^*™'' *o have alternated ^vinl^^''"o^"PP?'" •"<* Craniall in sup. plying the Sdckville pu'plt. These were ua1lv'*HnH".'h*'°"' «P«rltu/ily and intelTect llsenln^ f'"''*''''°, ^"^ the privilege of listening from week to week to their thoughtful discourses on gospil theLiies IS hli*"*^' heen highly favSHand laSe L ih?*"*- 7f "? °°' surprlHed thnt dur- S*5h5'* P^'"'°'^ * glorious revival took place ihiifll ?T*""'^y- .E"*«' Crandall was chiefly instrumental in this Important movement. The church hecame aroused as utZt^ul^'"- Crowd'H flookedtohelrthl simple story of a Saviour's love, and scores hZ«/°'.K*'<* to testify of a new-found nope iu the promises of revealed truth. t^°ZT3 persons were biptiz^d from week to week and the church became greatly fnllT^ Thl-.extensive awakenlnghas te™®^»° '*.?>*'^»'''y kno'^n a« "the great reformation." The church gave promise at mat time of becoralnar on« of the largest and most successful in the Mari- time Provinces. f„f^°^''®'" *^®S' °' paramount Importance took place at Sackville in 1830. Eder Tud- per, having become aroused to t% heose of the necessity of giving pominence to the sub- it?:.! temperance, delivered some «!. .1. addresses and sermons SM,«r ? ^'"''''mu *' Sarkville and S-- fi P'^es. The people became greatly moved by these poln ed appeals. A temperance societv was at once formed and large numbers of persons, both old and fh]?n?;'^^"'"'"'iy*°«}J.'«'*'helr names in SSn ?L°fl™*'"'^."'- T^l" •? «*'d to have In T?o.5 n^"* *°f *£*y 2.' 'he kind organized lu New Brunswick. The good wor¥ went 8te«iily forward whilst the zeal of its ppo- motera seemed to grow warmer as the years passed by. The seeds sown in this community sixty-two years ago are still .^;'«K'n« ^>rty a precious hsrvest. True the evil of intemperance has not yet been fTn^'^^h'^/^P-^ °'*'' '»"' S.ckvllle ha° from that time to the nresent been one of th« most energetic parishes in the land in striving to fave the people from the ruia wrought by the tram,^ m strong drink. About the ,e>ir 1«« Elder Tupper re- mo^ed from Amherst to Prince Edward Is- rHa *''?,!"? 'hj! charge of the church at Bedeq.ie. 1 his change added to the pas- toral burden of Elder McCully, »ho had car. '•'-^^^^'^^ fl«'d at Amhers't under his care. Th s nece^^sarily left Sackville with less oversltfhr. than it had hitherto enjoyed, It was therefjre deemed advisable, after m-iture deliberation, to seek for a suitable pastor who should be able to give ail his strength to a church which h^ now be" come larate and prosperous ^f^"^,. ^m'^f t ^*^'''' » ^^'sh preacher of good sbili ties. Who had visited various provincial churches, and who had been led to visi. the pUce was received favorably I ^'^®u Peonle and afterwards in- vlted to become p*stor of the church. Mr. Davi8h*d been a soldier in the army and m'tny of those stern qualities which are Sf m'^^u^A? '"'■^^ * Kood officer on the field of battle, clung to him even when m the mlld-r service of the Prince of rJit^^ RK'}'*^^ military discipiine had imparted to him and overbearing an uncom- promising spirit. As on the battle field. 1°„AL''® f''"^<=h, the sight of an opponent was the signal for drawing the swor^, and when once the glittering blade was un- S .1*►^.S.'* l'*"''^ '*??. nothing to be done but HKht likj heroes till one par'y or the other licked the duht. It is no: surprising there- tore to Had that warfare became the em- ployment of his flock. Difflcultlts speedi- ly arose in the church, and divisions were occasioned which it required about half a century to adjust. The first subject of dispute among the brethren wa», wheth- er a parsonage recently erected should be presented to the pastor as a gift, or retain- ?«-.?! u *'«?''*^t **" permanent property for the benefit of future pastors? It will be readily admitted that on such a ques- tlon almost any pastor would find it diffi- cu t to give an impartial opinion. The only wonder is that such a question should -^hfK?5/'®°'. '' "J**' •''«'' "kJl. rather an exhibition of weakness on the part of the "" ?ul'. °i '•'" PMtorto try to overload him with kindness, than a serious fault in the mmister to aeetu willing to accept such excessive favors. It was the "Jcindness I SACKVILLK BAPTIST CIIURCJI. I that kills; and we scarcelv know which cla««8 of persons a pastor jjeds nure to dread.lnosewhoaredlHpoHed toworshlphim ^K-n .•.°'»^*'2''"^***'°°'*"'*e*>lmaHtheydo tne Uevll. And the prearher who is injured b» the one class is deHtroyed by th^oih-r aLm »\i?!°°? '°""'* himself on another field of Waterloo, with the difference that he was on the IosIor side. The church lie- came hopplen-dydlvided into hostile parties and the austere bearing of the pastor only Increased thedissension.Certain differences In doctrinal views also came in to add intensity to the already over strained feelings of angry breth- ren. As a result of these unfortunate circumstances the very existence of the church fleenned for some tiwe to be in great peril. The sepsration between the two classes of disputants became so com- plete that they no longer met together for business or for worship. After a few ineffectual efforts to restore harmonv, an appeal was nude to E'der Pif'^.m' *P^ °^¥' ministers to consider the dim ;ulty and give advice. A council was called at wblc'i it soon became ao- parenc that the difficulty was of such a character as to give but Httle hope for permanent reconciliation. After some i consideration It was decided that the organization of a second church was the ?«Ji![i?-"TK'"'o y ^°, l«*^ '° satisfactory results. The Second Church, as It was ^n3*'^i7*''r^*'*"''i'',l^*'' accordingly formed; and Elder Crandall consented to take the oversight of the new interest until a more sultable.arrangement could be made. ♦«. 15.K f *?^''"V '*°« P'»ce o' worship for both churches, held in the possession of both parties, no little difficulty was ex- perienced in making satisfactory arranae. mentsastothe hours of service for each party. The congregations met alternately. -.?nl ^ '"'*'''' naturally be expected, many collisions occurred which tended to widen the breach iietween the two parties. Much xeal in rellg ous matters was, however, shown by both sections. The spirit of emulation, aroused In the breasts of the people, led many to contribute with a r^P"'®.^* "berallty altogether beyond any- thing thev had previously or have since SP^^u " ''ouW almost seem to be desir- fhi^ij ^ • «°°^ *>'? church quarrel should arise occasionally to induce some to contribute generously and to attend religious services with some degree of re- SVflui^* Never have the pews been bet- ter filled, or the church treasury more ade- quately supplied, than during those tlmas when the church has been rent in sunder by unseemly discord. The DevU never lacks funds In any '•nterprise In which he engages; and when he undertskes to run a church h.« ctn do it with gre iter (inancial success than either P^ui or Barnabss. After the olsruptlon In the churcli h^id been found to be IrreconciUble. hder Uivis deemed it prudent to seek a pastor ate elsewhere H>^ w^s sucreeded in his oversight of First Church by William Sears, R,Mn„*^f 'il^'^K I"»«eu. I Early in the year 1816 Rev. Willard G- I ir-arker, of Nova Scotia, was induced to I came and assume pastoral charge of both churches. Mr. Parker was a native of Wil- I mot, N. S, having been born in 1816. In early life he was converted and called to I the work of preaching. At New Albany he Was ordained in 184.3. remaining there in successful service for three years. Thence he carae to Sackville. He was a man of good ability and genial disposition, a friend to everybody and a foe to none. Many converts were welcomed Into the church during his ministry, and much ad- vancement was made by she church in all dep.»rtaient8 of its work. He held oc- casional services at Sackville, and estab- lished the branch of the church in that lo- cality—known afterwards as Salem. A commodious house of worship was erected, and » large congregatioo gathered togeth- er. This section of the church has grown to be a strong and active centre of spiritu- al influence. M-. Parker also conducted occasional services at Wood Point and thus originated the good work which has resulted in the establishment of the pre- sent interest in that section of the field. r^o^S'^"}*? ^^^ charge of the First Church In 1848, giving a greater portion of his time ? i5« *>?cond, and holding regular services at Midgic and Point de Bute, where grow- ing congregations assembled to hear the word of life. The members of the First Church re- siding at Point de Bute deemed it desir- able to become organized into a separate r il-n Application was accordingly made, ID I8a0, for letters of discussion in order to carry out this purpose. The request was granted. Two years later the new church was duly constituted. Elder Parker con- tinuing for two years longer to exercise the pastoral oversight. Considerable ad- ditions were mad© to the ehureh, a place of worship was erected, and a fair degree of prosperity seemed to be enjoyed by the SACKVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH. brethren In that growing communitv. «.». '®r ^^% resignation of Elder Parker the pulpit of the First Church was sup- plied by different ministers. For six months of 1849, Rev. Jarvis Ring, a native of Canning. N^B preached to the con 5a!.i*n?°-K ?° ^'^ """^ '■emaln long in backvllie, having received a call to Bridge- T?T°/ ;^V?'« ^® "^^^ succeeded by Elder Pairick Duffy a native of the North of fS^^n °'''o''^° ^^^ coine to this country in iWiO, and who had been brought un in the Roman Catholic faith. After **hlsconver. slon he embraced the doctrines and prac- tices of th« Biptlsts and received the ordinance of baptism at the hands of Elder i!a?»f «ii ^e was ordained as an evanae- list at Hillsbaro, Albert County, in 1849 from which date he lab-.red as a mission. ary n various parts of Albert and West- morland counties. More in this capacity than as a pastor he spent one year in preaching, for part of his time, in connec- ^a° ''^unf't ^'""^ Church. His residence was at Hillaboro. He was a fair preacher, a diligent worker, and a kind-hearted man. iiiaer John Francis frequently visited the place and filled the pulpit with grelt acceptanci?. In August 1852, Rev. Levi Marshall, a native of Wilmot, N. S., was called to the ^1°"!? u "P^'"'?'i®°^*°°e 0' »>oth churches. i¥i.t^^'^nS®P3^**'",^^7 *o consecrate his life to Christ, and his ordination took place at Aratyle, Yarmouth county.ln 1847. After spending several years in laborina in various parts of Nova Scotia, especially at Londonderry he cane at the date af- I5*H?*,™®"**°°1<* '° SackviUe. He remain- Sftor"ifi,uS't''*?.2 * ^I" *o *»»i9 field, after which he did good work at Harvey tivtSoci He died in 1866 in his na- The next pastor was Rev. W. A. Cole- K'A A*"''^ °A ^«ir Bfunawlck. who took the oversight of both churches from Mr. Coleman was born near the River St. p^tii°il?-^^'*A°'*'^*'.<»'^<**"'ed at North Jisk in 184o. As a pastor he was judicious, unassuming, and zealous. His preaching was sound and instructive, and he was fl^?^''"T°^*' in doing a good work in this field. During his entire ministry he bap- 5nl1,?l°^•i?°"'.*°t*''* fi'ty persons. In aU philanthropic efforts he chperfully took part, and he was greatly esteemed by the people generallv. ' Rev. G. P. Miles was the next Incumbent. He came to the field in 1R56, and for about two years he labored in connection with both churches. Pastor Miles was a man of abounding humor and IV'^^ "^1^' u. '' sparkled in his eyes, and made him a favorite In all social circles. He was also tender-hearted and sympathetic, a kind friend to the poor.and \' I. belper to earnest seekers. The cnurch made substantial progress under His mmlstrations. At the close of hia pastoral labors the churches again became sep-iratp in their -perations. Rev. David Lawson w-is invltpd to take charge of the First Church In 1858. He ac- cepted the call, and for three ye^rs he per- formed the duties of his office with much assiduity. An extensive revival took place during his stay, bringinar a large number of converts into the church. Most of his life has been devo' ' to preaching the gospel In this part o j province. He la now well advanced in years and the In- flrmitles of age press upon him; but. though unhappily alienated from his brethren on account of certain doctrinal peculiarities, he is still out on the field, like a veteran warrior, lifting up the ban- ner of the cross as the only hope of a lost world. During the same period the Second L-hurch enjoyed the ministrations of Rev. Divid McKeen. His lab irs as pastor were blessed in the spiritual edification of the church. He was much esteemed by hIa flock. Many of his friends have regretted that the encumbering cares of farm life have tended to hinder him from filling the place in the denomination and from ac- complishing the work In the church for Which bis gifts and graces so fully qualify The brethren at M«dglc asked for letters of dismission in 1839 for the purpose of fornaing themselves into a distinct body. Their rei uest met with a cordial compli- ance on the part of the First church, with which they were connected, and in due time the new interest was fully organized. biBcethat time they have made a fair measure of progress in spiritual growth. Rev. A, H. Lavers is at present discharg- ing, with much efficiency, ihe duties of pastor. In the year 1861, after the departure of pastors McKeen and Lawson, R^v. Thos. lodd was called to the watchcare of both churches. Mr. Todd was born In Ireland m I8.a. Converted under the preachins of Rev. Samuel Ribinson.at St. John, he folt Impelled to enter the ministry, and in 1848 he was ordained at Woodstock, where he remained as pastor for eleven years. Sub- sequently he spont two years ii; financial work for the denomination, after which he came to Sa kville. Here h^ remained nearly twelve years, from 1861 till 1878. lO SACKVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH. Possessed of a Rood constitucioo, he never missed nn appointment and srarcely ever spent H day in the role of an invalid. Many conversions took place during his pastoral oversight of the church, and a good deal of harmony prevniled throughout the field. He was a cireful financier, and few minis- ters can say, with Elder Todd, that for thirty-three years they never labored a week without receiviving proper remuner- ation. In 1873 he removed to Moncton. For a few months the First Church at Sackville was supplied by Elder C H Carpenter, who had been ordained at Bt»v- 8ide in 1868 Rev. G. F. Miles was agafn called to minister to this church. He ac- cepted the invitation and remained in ?2?« 8« 'or about two years, till September, loio. ihe becond Church was cired for during the uame time by Elder W A Coleman who contmued to labor, so far as decUning health would permit, till March, 18/ /, when he passed away to his heavenly reward. Rev. D. M'-Keen lent timely as- sisthnce during Pastor Colem-in's final Illness and for some time after his death. Towards the close of 1878 Mr. G. E Good a licent ate from New Brunswick, visited tjackvllle and Hpent some time in hupnly- ingboth pulpits. His preachmg made a favorable impression, and both churches united in extending to hi-n a call to the pastorate. This was accepted, and on beptemberltt of the snme year he was duly ordained. The churches were en- larged by accessions to their numbers as a result of Paster Good's earnest labors. At the end of one year his connection with the First Church ceased, and his time was more fully given to the demands of the becond. Encouraging progress was made at Wood Point, and a neat and comfort- able house of worship was erected in that locality, where regular services have been held ever since The pulpit of the First Church was sun* plied in the meantln« Sackville Bapt St church. Thus the unhappy division which had existed in the community for half a century was sat- isfactorily terminated. A few lingering SACKVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH. 11 feelings of dissent may still be found here and there amoag the veterans who fcusht gallantly on the bactleOeld; but the old scbinm is almost forgotten by the great majority of the people. It has become a thing of the past— ai curious relic to pre- serve in the museum of history. The new man, chosnn by the united church as pastor of the flock, wa" Rev. W. E. Hall, of Hilhboro, N.S. A better choice could scarcely have been made. He enfer- ed upon his duties late in the tall of 1885 and for about five years he continued to la- bor with bis wonted zeal and success in fpspelwork. His genial dispositioo and indly nature aided greatly in removing any discordant elements which may have lingered in the minds cf the brethern. Rich spiritual blessings followed his efforts and many gladly united with the church. The erection of the beautiful place of wor- ship at Sackville was due mainly to Elder Hall 8 uniiring exertions. After a success- ful pastorate of five years he resign<>d his charge and accepted a call to the Taber- nacle at Halifax. Little more remains to be added. The present pastor, Elder W H. Warren,came to the field in May, 1891, in compliance with a cordial invitation. He found a comparativelv united body, and many warm-hearted and helpful friends. The field has been found to be too large for the adequate oversight of one man. But a quiet work of grace has been in progress tor some time, a number of promising young converts have united with the church, and there are encouraging indica- tions of spiritual growth. These cheering facts lead us to hope that larger blessings are yet to be enjoyed. Under the favoring influences of the Spirit of God, S'ickville Baptist church gives promise of becoming one of the largest and most influential centres of spiritual power in the Maritime Provinces. The three sections of the field are, Sack- ville, Upper Sackville and Wood Point, at all of which places there at« comfortable places of worship. Flourishing Sunday schools and interesting prayer-meetings are regularly sustained in those sections. The property oi the church, consisting of three meeting houses, a parsonage with seven acres of excellent land and a plot of four acres of marshland, is vested in a Board of TruMtees, namely, Harvey Phin- Si?**7*r'l'^^*?'T»'*«'' Po'^'e'. Walter ^X'J°^^*K'^-^P^^"'°°' ^'«°» Read, and Thomas A. Kin near. It may be Interesting to name the officers ?l^^ ?'»"'■<''> tfoin its reorganization in .rri« a"**"" ^S,^** T** chosen as deacon m 1809, Agreen TIngley in 1814, and John Patterson in 1823. fhf 'i^f **>?:,«'■«»: d'8ruptlon,the deacons of T u^'r'^^'*"'"'^'' ''"e; Frederick Sears. John Anderson, James Anderson. Josepli Sears. John Tingley. John Cahlll. James A?«V*r®^"^°'''*^-^'?'°«l«y' •^°''° Sears. mu- 4°^^'"'*°" «"><* Lennox Kinnear. TPuu ?ea??ns of the Second Church were: Bliphalet Read, Cyrus Black, Laban Law- rence, John Thomson. John Ford. Christopher Harper, William Ayer. Titus Uicks, and Lo^a Wheaton. Rueben Thom- son also filled the office for a short period. At present the deacons are: Harvey Phinney, Charles W. Richardson, John M' .falter Fowler, Hanford Palmer, at backvlUe; Chipman Haipar. Willird Thomson and Hiram Read, at Upper Sack- ville; and Jacob Croker. and William Snowdon. at Wood Point. The first clerk ot whom we have any record was Agreen Tingley. James E^tabrooks came next. After the separation.the clerks of the First Church were: John Sears and Jcsiah Tina- ley, the latter of whom filled the office for a period of about forty years. Ellphalet Read, Dr. P. C. Moore, Hiram Read and Charles E. Lund were clerks of the Second Church. Since the reunion of the bodies, Harvey Phinney has been general clerk, whilst Chandler Sears has officiated as local clerk »f Bethel, and Sanlord Barnes at Wood There is good material in this interest- ing field for solid work. A deeper conse- cration to the master's service is greatly needed, and a more general willingness on tne part of the male members of the church to aid in carrying forward the good work. The sisters have always done their part with alacrity, and the young people seem to give promise of becoming zealous helpers in the great enterprise.