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In May, 1763, a few years after the t iking of Quebec by the English and in the same year in which the "Treaty of Paris," was signed at Paris, which mark- ed the close of "The Seven Years* War," six German families left Pennsylvania to settle somewhere in a northern climate. " They sailed in a sloop com- manded by Capt. Hall. After a long and wearisome passage, they arrived at a place now called HillsVioro, July 1, and landed at a small creek oH the north side of Gray's island." Among these adventurers was a fami- ly by the name of Steeves. Hendrick Steeven and his wife, Rachel, had seven HODS— Jacob, John, <]!hristian, Frederick, Lutrick, Henry and Matthias— names still cherished among the Steevtsand given to present generations. Mr. and Mrs. Hendrick Steeves, with their seven sons, stopped at Hillsboro, built a log house and made this their headquarters. The sloop after landing the Steeves family, proceeded up the Petitcodiac to a place afterwards called "The Bend," and later Mod cton. Here the remainder of the party was landed. The names of these families were Jones, Tritps, Ricker, Lutz aud Somers. After this the sloop left on her homeward voyage promising to return the next spring. The Steeves family at Hillsboro be- gan to clear land and make for them- selves a home. As the season was too late when they arrived to sow grain they planted a tew turnips, and content- ed themselves by fishing and hunting wd maldng preparations for the com- ing and untried winter. When the win- ter came it was cold and stormy, and eeemed extremely severe to those accus- tomed to a warmer climate. They looked forward to the coming of the spring with great hopefulness. Soon the snow and ice began to melt, the forests were clothed in green robes and June, with her warm and gentle breath stirred new life in this lonely and discouraged family. Eagerly did they now look for for the returning sloop, but were doomed to disappointment. The sum- mer passed, the autumn with its beauti- fully tinted leaves came, and the winter with its biting blasts returned, but no vessel arrived to cheer these isolated settlers. After the first winter the most trying times in their experience came. Their provisions were about gone, and there was no place to procure more ; the remainder of the seed they brought with them they had just planted ; and no vessel came to supply their growing needs. What they passed through the second summer and winter, hoping against hope that the sloop would return ; and then at last giving up all hopes of her coming back. Manfully and heroically meeting the difliculties which arose when they had only a few turnips and sonh fish and game as ihey could pro- cure - rtli this can bo ^-etier imagined than ihe sttru facts can be recorded. But meeting isolation, loneliness, cold winters and scarcity of food, this noble family struggled on with a cheerfulness, a perseverance, a hardihood and a hero- ism that characterize only the truly great. Such manly conduct in the face of discouraging and trying surroundings deserves a place in the history of the TMrly settlers of this province. And be it. knowu that these pioneers building houses, clearing lands and construct- ing dykes 'o keep out the Petitcouiao from their . larshes did not toil without theiuspiratica of a preached gospel. Henry Steevts, the sixth of the seven sons, began, about 1795, to preach the gospel to the people. Thus until the organization of the church he kept alive in the hearts of those who came to hear him the fires of faith and love towards Jesus, and made their lives all the bright- er and nobler l>y holding up to them the inspiring and helpful life of Christ. At the close of the Revolutionary War many of the troops came from Fort Cumberland and settled along the Petit- codiac river. Among them was a man by the name of Jacob Beck, known as the "king's baker." Henry Steeves married Mr. Beck's daughter and settled on his father's farm. He wrought with his hands six days of the week, till- ing the ground, and on the Sabbath read from his German Bible and expounded the Word of God to his hearers. Thus until 1822 this man taught the people the love of God in Christ. An old man LOW living informs the writer that he, when a lad, heard Mr. Steeves speak to the people the precious things of the gospel. There was a house of worship standing on the same spot where now the village church stands. It was here Henry Steeves preached or exhorted from Sabbath to Sabbath. Some time after the First Hillsboro Baptist church was organized this building was remov- ed and came into the possession of the Methodists. Another large building was put on the spot. This in time was re- moved and a third still larger edifice built here. This is the present beauti- ful structure which commands the old and memorable hill. Until the arrival of Father Crandall, in 1822, Mr. Steeves was the only minister in this neighbor- hood, save, perhaps, an occasional itinerant preacher. Mr. Crandall, di- rected by God, visited what is now known as HiJlsboro. Shortly after his coming the Spirit of God began to move upon the people. Mr. Peter Janah, now an octogenarian, gives 'the writer a vivid picture of a baptism which took place on the 6th of October, 1822. He claims to have been present at the organization of the church. He was then a boy of 18 years. On the banks of Weldon Creek, about three miles from the village, there gathered, one Sabbath day, a few settlers to witness the sacred ordinance of baptism administered to several can- didates. It was not the first baptism the people had seen. There may have been one or two scenes like this before. What is now a pleasant half hour's drive amid beautiful trees and along beautifully cultivated fields, and by neat and pretty houses, was then a tedious journey over stumps and stones. And where now in Hillsboro and Salem are large farms with delightful and pleasant homes then there were iso- lated clearings with here and there a dwelling. The octogenerian above referred to says that at this time, seventy-one years ago, there were but five houses at the 'Bend ;' and from Edgett's Landing to McLu- chey's in Weldon only fourteen houses. But to return to the scene on the banks of the Weldon Creek. It was the 6th of October, 1822. Rev. Joseph Crandall stood with several happy converts who were about to follow their Saviour in His own appointed ways. And there amid autumnal foliage, with God, and angels and men as witnesses, this little band of believers put on Christ by pub- lic obedience to His commands. After this service was completed they went to a barn a short distance from the spot and there organized the First Hillsboro Baptist church. This barn was owned by Henry Steeves, grandson of the preacher and one of the first deacons of the church. A man by the name of Robert Smith, a good singer, who was present from the S*lisbury church and whose home was in Pollet River, at Mr. Crandall's request read the articles f the Baptist faith : and those who were baptized that day, together with others who had been baptiz-id previously— perhaps ten or twelve in all —formed themselves into a New Testament church. The names of some of them wf re : Michael Steeves, Patrick Duflfy, Eunice Duff'y, WiUiam DufTv, John Steeves, Peggy Steeves, Jen- nie Gross, Vinnia Taylor, William Gross, Mrs. Peter Hopper, and perhaps others. Christ was bom in a manger and cradled upon straw. If the barn was ;d they 3 from e rirst I barn andnon le first lan by a good □a the home mdall's Baptist ,ed that id been en or into a mes of teeves, illiam es, Jen- Gross, others, er and in was not too low for the son of God it was not too mean and humble a 'place to witness the organization of a church of Uis. What a quaint scene! On the barn floor, surrounded by fragrant hay, solemn obligations were assumed and sacred pledges given, which are now recorded in God's Books. One can im- agine the love and affection which bound together that little band of pio- neer men and women, who could con- quer the wild forests and compel the uarth to yield her increase, all the more heroically and successfully by cherish- ing in their hearts the religion of Christ and maintaining a visible church of our Redeemer in their midst. To the unconcerned this must have appeared as a delicate plant soon to wither and die ; but the sturdy nature of the pioneer was in the organization, and it soon proved itself to be no " reed shaken in the wind," for toward Christ- mas this little band had grown to seventy-seven — thirty-seven of these bearing the name of Steeves. It Js but fair to state that no church recoiu has been preserved with reference to the place of the organization of the Church, and that some of the members hold that the tradition I have described and verified from the memory of an old man is incorrect. Those who do not think the church was organized at Salem believe the organization took place in the village in the first building standing where now the village church stands. The writer has presented what he believes to be the facts. It is recorded that an association was held with this church the next summer after its organi- zation, i. e., in 1823. " In 1824 one of the members, James Wallace, was licensed to preach. He had to improve his talents without the aid of scnools and colleges smd with but a few books. Towards the close of 1834 there seemed to be a subsiding of the first enthusiasm. Doubtless the truth was penetrating beneath the surface, eflecting a work of whioh they were hardly conscious. Memory says that the first deacons were Henry Bteeves, David Steeves and Elijah Milton. Joseph Steeves was clerk In 1824, and Isaac Gross was appointed to that office in 1832." In 1834 Rev. Wm. Sears became pastor of the church, giving three-fourths of his time. He had preached to the people before, but now became their regular pastor. From 1834 to 1838 no remarkable events occurred, but the work of God continued. Members were re- ceived and baptized -not many at a time, but a few frequently. In 1840 Pastor Walker, from the Hopewell church, visited them. This sister church was organized in 1818. After this visit the church seems to have gained a new life. Tne country all about felt her influence. In 1841 a sister comes all the way from Middle Coverdale to confess her Lord and to receive baptism. In 1848 Patrick Duffy was licensed ^o preach. In 1844 James Wallace became pastor of this church. In 1845 William Gross was elected as a deacon of the church. For a few years the church seems to have been in a depressed state. But in 1848 Alexander McDonald and John Francis arrived from Wales and for a time preiched and labored with good success. Many were converted, the work extending to Balti- more. Among those converted at this time was James Irving, who afterwards became a preacher of the gospel, and who for some eighteen years held the pastorate of the Baltimore church, lead- ing many precious souls to Christ. Little is known ot the church's pros- perity from 1848 to 1860. These are proofs, however, to show that this was not an uneventful period. During these twelve years no less than three churches sprang from the First Hillsboro. The Second Hillsboro was organized at Daw- son Settlement in 1852. The Third Hillsboro at Demoiselle Creek in 1855, and the Fourth Hillsboro at Baltimore in 1857. Mr. James Newcomb, a gradu- ate of Acadia College, taught a high pchool and preached for the churches of Hillsboro for some little time. After- wards, in May, 1849, he and Patrick Duffy were ordained to the gospel min- istry. Both of these men did valiant work for God and died loved and honored by all who cnme under their kind and Christian influence. In 1852 Rev. John Hughes became pastor of this church. Before his com- ing among the people thp church was threatened wiih division. Under his able 6 and wise ministry the different oppoe- ing elementfl were brought together and the work of the Lord carried forward with great succe^B. He remained until about 1801. In 1860 steps were taken to provide for the hrat instrumental music. Record is also made of a gracious revival during the winter of '61, when many souls were led lo Christ as the result of special meetings. No less than twelve minis- ters assisted in this work. The name Halem wus given to what was then called "The Bi»('k Settlemf nt" in 1861. In 18t)2 Rev. Levi Marshall had charge of tue church for a short time. In 1863 Rev. JAmes Austen Smith ac- cepted A c.*ll to this church, and for four years continued his indefatigable labors with the people. "During his ministry at HilJsbor >, a revival of mighty power aroused the chnrch and called a large number to pAriicipate for the first time in the blessings ot rpdeeming love." In the winter ot 1863 this revival took place, when there were >>dded to the church 155 by baptism and thirteen by letter, making in all 168— the largest iu- gatb»'ring at any one time during the history of this church. In 1865 the Hiltm house of worship was opened. About this timrt the present edifice in the vilirtge was built — )t heing the third building fttatjding on this spot. In 1867 Rtjv. W. T. Corf y was cAiUd as pastor of the church. Daring his pastorate of some Hieven years, the village church building was finished and dedicated. Mr. C('r«'y'8 pastorate was a successful one. M*ny were added to the church and the Work of Gtwl prospered. It was during this pastorate that regulir preacriing sfrvices were h»^ld in We.don, where novr there is an "upper roam furnished " and set apart for the worship (if God, and where regular prayer and preaching services are held. In 1876 the Valley church, the fournh and last child, wds organized. A church building was already buiit in that part of.Hillstioro, and services had been held here. Now this became the home of one of the m^ st active churches in the county. And be it said with gratitude to God, that these four daughters have, from the very first, maintained a char- a ler wcrthy of a New Testament church. They have cherished the pure goflpel and built up a strong membership, and have done a work for God that eter- nity alone will reveal. And so they have given their mother church every reason to be grateful for their existence and proud of their useful career. And now she looks upon them as loved chil- dren who have grown up to womanhood and settled for themselves, and rejoices that they have settled so well. In 1878 Rev. 0. B. Welton became the pastor of this church. During his pas- torate a large and burdensome debt was removed and many souls added to the church. In 1880 the convention of the Mari- time Provinces was held in this church. These meetings are still cherished in the memories of a large part of the church members. Rev. J. 0. Bleakney was called to the pastorate in 1888. His stay, though short, was one of great helpfulness to the cause. During the summer of 1884 Evangelist Chubbuck visited Hillsboro and held special services. Some eighty were converted and united with God's people. The present paster. Rev. W. Camp, began his labors with the church Marc:., 1886. Daring these past seven years the church has greatly prospered. About 153 have been baptized and 38 received by letter. Large sums of money have been raised to purchase a parsonage, repair and paint church buildings, and remove indebtedness. The benevolent oflferings of the church have more than doubled in these years. The church is united and prosperous. The people have every reason to thank "God and take courage." Last October, 1892, the church celebra- ted her seventi eth anniversary. For four days religious services were held. On the evening of October sixth, after de- votional exercises, a short historical record of the church was read. Then followed addresses from former pastors. On the ev^ninu; of the seventh addresses were delivered by pastors of invited churches. October eighth there was held an old-faohioned conference meeting. Ttie ninth b^ing Sunday, three services were held. Preaching services morning and evening. In the afternoon was the gospel ip, and iX etex- they 1 every istence r. And )d chil- lanhood rejoices ime the his pas- ebt was i to the e Mari- ohuroh. ished in t of the i to the though ihiess to :of 1884 iillsboro le eighty th God's y. Camp, h Marci., m years rospered. lod and •'roll call" and special "thank offering." On this oocaBion 202 answered to their names, and $91 was taken as the thank offering. These services were much en- joyed by the people and the life of the church was quickened. Beginning with ten or twelve mem- bers the church has grown until twelve hundred and twenty-five have come into our fellowship. It baa become the mother of four living, active and nourish- ing churches. Many of those who were baptized into the fellowship of this church are now laboring for Jesus in different parts of the world. There are at present 436 members, and hundreds have gone triumphantly to heaven. Only the faintest outline of the history of this people has been given in this summary. Facts interesting to the church members, but not so interesting to this body, are withheld. Only the briefest record has been kept from time to time, and unfortunately part of ihat is gone. But from what facts are avail- able and from what memory can fnrniflh we have many reasons for belinviug that the First Hillsboro Baptist church has done a great and good work for God and perishing souls. Only eternity can re- veal all that has been accomplished. What inspiration is afforded by the study of the history of God's people! How we see His hand in all the years moving, guiding and overruling all things to His glory and for the good of His people. What an inspiration to every church to make a good record — to live in harmony, fellowship and love! And what an inspiration to every mem- ber to live for the glory of Christ and the highest good of one another ! To the church and to the members of the church God is calling in all genera- tions for earnest, God-fearing, consecrat- ed and holy living. Icelebra- 1 For four 3ld. On ifter de- lis torical Then pastors, idresses invited ras held leeiing. Iservices lorning JOB the