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Those too large to be entirely included in one exposure are filmed beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to right and top to bottom, as many framea as rnquired. The following diagrams illustrate the method: Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent Atre fiimte ik dee taux de rMuction diffArents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour Atre reproduit en un seul ciichi, 11 est film* A partir de i'angle supArieur gauche, de gauche k di^oite, et de haut en has, en prenant le nombre d'imagas nteessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la mAthoda. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 mmm^til^ T iss. A BRIEF IIISTOKY OK THK COLOURED BAPTISTS OF NOVA SCOTIA, AM) TIIEIK First Organization as Churches, A. D. 1832. ALSO An OifTLiNK FROM Dk. Bili.'s Baptist History, of thk Organization OF A Church at Shklucrnk, by David GKORtiK, A slave, lH>rn in Vir(»'inia about 174a, came to Nov;i Scotia in ij^fo, as is ctintaiil'.il in Riptm's Koffistcr, Vol. i, pa>f:;s 473-48^ ; And a brief miMition of Sir Edward Jordan, ok Kingston, Jamaica, This Mook is Jcsi^iicJ to explain and render intelligently to our readers from whence the ori(;-in of our Churches spniny, and by what authority they were established. Fully Delineatino Rev. Richard Preston's Mission to Kncjland, and his Ordination by the West London Baptist Association, May 8th, 183a, g-ivinj? him full authority to preach and exercise all the functions appertaining to his offi did good ncrvicc to their despist!d and respected brethren in bonds. ,.'' , HALIFAX. N. S. : Nova Scotia Printing Company. 1895. BAPTIST BOOK k TRACT SOCIETY, ■ 120 Qranville Street, HALIFAX, - NOVA SCOTIA. Head-quarter8 in the Maritime ProvinccK — FOR- Baptist ^ Literature, Publishers of the CANADIAN BAPTIST HYMNAL, BAPTIST CHURCH RECORD, — AND — TREASURER'S CASH BOOK. CoiiHtantly in stock a large variety of Oxford; Bagster's; Collins, Sons & Co.; Eyre & Spottiswoode ; John Walker & Co. FAMILY 3IBLES, PUIiPIT BIBLES, - POCKET and SCHOOL BIBLES. Sunday Scliool Libraries, SONG BOOKS ANJ) REQUISITES. A CHOICE LINE OF ONERY, Including COLLECTION ENVELOPES for Churoh use. MARITIMK HRAD-qUARTBRS FOR B. Y. P. U. S'O'^^J^IBS OF JLXilj ^I^TPS. IS" Order the B. Y. P. U. Paper through this Society. A full stock of ART STUDIES and SUNDAY SCHOOL REWARD CARDS. Correspondence solicited. Orders promptly executed. Money Orders payable to the undersigned. TKBM8— Cash with Order. GEO. A. Mcdonald. - SEcnETAHY-TitEAsunEit. 4^ T € \ T CONTKNTS. I'AOE David George's Church and TrialH in Shelhnrno. N. S 8-14 Halifax (Miurch OrKanized 15-16 Father Burton, brief mention 17 Father i'reston's Ministry and Ordination !»-'») Halifax Church History, and Marriages, by Father I'roston 21-3<) Father Thomas' Pastorate 31-35 Uov. A. Bailey, and Rev. Wilton R. Boone 36-37 Rev. H. H. Johnson, A. W. Jordan, D.I) 37-4<» Original Members of Halifax Church 41-42 Marriages by Rev. James Thomas 43-47 Oixlination at Hammond Plains 48 Ist Preston Organized, Deacon Barrett 49-53 St. Thomas, Preston, E. Dixon, I^ike Loon and Cherry Brook 54-58 Father Carvory, Dartmouth Church, Rev. F. R. Ijtingfurd 59-62 Beech Hill, Campbell Road, Hammond Plains 63-60 Fall River, Liverpool, Rev. M. R. Freeman 7(>-71 North Mountain, Annapolis, Windsor Plains, Inglowood 72-74 Marriages by Rev. Henry, and James E. Jackson 75-76 Greenville Church, Yarmouth County 77-79 Cornwallis Church ; Bear River ; Digby ; Rev. J. W. Johnson . . . 80-84 Weymouth Falls 85-87 Granville Ferry, Horton, and Falmouth Churchex 88-85) Marriages by Rev. F. It. Langford 90-91 Musquodoboit Church 92-93 Rufus L. Perry, D. D., Ph. D 94-95 Obituaries and Marriages ; Rev. John Hamilton 96-98 Sir Edward Jordan 98-99 Diary of Rev. James Thomas 100 Bishop Holly, in Westminster Abbey 101-102 Late Wendell Phillips on Daniel O'Connell 103-104 Late Fred. Douglaa in England 105-106 " Thoughts on Heaven " 107 " My Mother " 108 Ad vcrtisementH 109-116 'i \ '^. %, %\ vv Wl: \ \ THE AUTHOR'S APOLOGY. HPHIS little messenger, presented to the public, is a col- . lection of information gained from many of the oldest members of the Churches in the Association, where records were imperfectly kept, and, in many instances, none what- ever. I am aware that every person who attempts a work of this kind is left open for public comment or criticism. And as I make not the faintest attempt to literary attainments, I must claim your sympathy. My simple aim is to place in the hands of every coloured Baptist in Nova Scotia a copy of this little book, in order if possible to give th6m some idea of how it came about that there should be a Church built by one who had so shortly escaped from the ranks of slavery, fled from the house of bondage, and could attract so much attention and sympathy from a British public, as the subject of our little book— Rev. Richard Preston— born in Virginia, a slave. The mental history of a man, who without an early education could effect so much as he did, heaps up a varied recollection of a life worthy of greater record than my pen will afford. It would seem impossible for a son of toil, acquainted and accustomed to the whims of American prejudice, when setting his feet on the shores of old England, and there •WW ■m I r^ i I ' Mw i ■i 6 TIIBl AUTHOU'h apology. clasping the warm, open hand of welcome, while the dark hand of fate is coursing the track of mortal vicissitude by a certain class ; the keen eye of Deity points the way to the city of refuge from the fiendish grasp of the man- slayer. I trust that this hook will create no ill feeling to our brother in white, but rather kindle a flame of love towards the memory of many of the names mentioned therein, thereby making it commendable to all, but more par- ticularly to our Baptist brethren whose kind patronage I humblv crave. ,;V^ X3:iSTOI^^2-. Ah far back as 1785, onn liuiulrcd and niiu;ty-f()ur coloured persons arrived hern from St. Anguptiiie, who were joined by another arrival of over four hundred, pcvon years later ; and about the same time a simihir nund)er were landed at Shelburne. The climate being not desirable for the prosperity of these people, the Government, in co-opera- tion with the Imperial authorities, decided to send a portion to Sierra Leone to colonize that country. Many of these people embraced religion in the United States, under adverse circumstances, and were glad to know that they had a part in the Saviour's sufl'erings, which assisted them to endure their own. They were given grants of land by the Govern- ment a few miles from the city to cultivate for their support. Those who had trades, such as carpenters, blacksmiths, and coopers, remained, and readily got work in the city at lair remuneration. These were troublesome times between the provinces and the United States, and as loyalists were arriving constantly the coloured people would correspond- ingly increase. Mr. Burton, who was better known by the coloured brethren as Father Burton, had established a Baptist church in the city, wherein they found a home, on Barrington Street, just were the present Aberdeen building now stand. They were spiritually cared for by this servant of God. As time increased so did these people ; and little settlements were formed at Preston, Dartmouth, Cherry brook. Loon Lake, Beech Hill, Campbell Road, Musquodoboit Road, Fall River, and at Hammond Plains. At all of these places Father Burton preached, baptized, married, and buried 8 A HUIKK IIFHTOKY OK TlIK liiH Hock, us Iiu called Ilium. Having proved himself 8o wise an admiiiititrntor of jtisticu that the civil authorities gave him entire control of these people whilst he remained their pastor. DAVID GEORGE AND HIS WORK. (Taken fr< mi Dr. BiWs Baptut IltHfon/.) nniRP SKET0UE8. *' At the close of the American war David George, a coloured man, with many other people of colour, and a largo number of whites, came from the Southern States and settled at Shelburne, N. S. He was born a slave in Virginia about 1742. liy the severity of his master, when he had grown to manhood, he made good his escape. He fled some 800 miles from his pursuers. He was captured by his master's son, having fled into Indian Territory ; ho again made his escape, and lived with King Jack, chief of the Natchez Indians. After some four or five years of harrassing life he was awakened to a religious concern by conversing with one of his converted brethren. His convictions were deep and distressing, but his deliverance was clear and joyful. " Soon after his conversion he began to pray and exhort among his people. He received instruction and encourage- ment from preachers of his own race. Being illiterate, he got a spelling book, and by his unwearied exertions, and aided by the little white children, he finally learned to read the Bible. •' This was before the American War, during the while he preached in different places with much success. As related by himself : * He said that when the English were going to evacuate Charleston, S. C, they advised me to go ' COLOUIIKI) HAITIHTH OF NOVA HCOTIA. lo Halifax, N. 8., and ^mvo the few l)luc,k pooplr, and it may he aa many white people us 500 in all, n free passage. We were twenty-six ilayn on the pasnage, an«l wore used very ill on board. When wo arrived, I got leave to go on shore. On showin*} my papers to General Patterson ho sent orders, hy a sergeant, for my wife and children to follow mo. This was before Christma.s, and we stayed thcro till June ; but as no way was open for me to preach to my own people, I got leave to go to Shelburne, leaving my family behind. Num- bers of my own race wen- there, but I found much opposition from the whites. I began to sing at first in the woods, at a camp, for there weio no houses then built. They were just clearing and preparing to erect a town. The coloured people came from far and near, it was so new to them. I kept on so every night in the week, and appointe'^ a meeting for the first Lord's Day in a valley between t' , hills, close by the river, and a great number of white an' coloured people came; and I was so overjoyed with having an opportunity once more of preaching the Word of C?od, that after I had given out the hymn I could not speak for tears. In the afternoon wo met again, in the same place, and I had great liberty from the Lord.' " We held now nightly meetings, and those poor creatures who never heard the Gospel before, listened with marked attention ; but the white people, the justices of the peace, were in an uproar, and 8ai«l I might go into the woods but not stay there. Excepting one white man who knew mo in Savannah, and who said I should have his lot to live upon as long as I would, and build a house if I pleased. I then cut down poles, stripped bark, and made a smart hut, and the people came flocking to the preaching every evening for ii month as they had come for their supper. Then Governor Parr came from Halifax, brought my wife and children with 10 A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE him, gave me six months provisions for ray family, and a ({uarter of an acre of land to cultivate for our subsistence. It was a spot where there was plenty of water, and which I had secretly wished for, as I know it would be convenient for baptizing at any time. The weather being severe, the ground covered with snow, we raised a platform of poles for the hearerr to stand upon, but there was nothing over their heads. Continuing to attend, they desired to have a meeting house built. We had then a day of hearing what the Lord had done ; T and my wife heard their experiences, and I received four of my race for baptism. The first time I baptized here was a little before Christmas, in the creek which ran through my lot. I preached to a great number of people on the occasion, who behaved very well. I now formed the church with us aix, and administered the Lord's Supper in the meeting-house before it was finished. They went on with the building, and we appointed a time every week to hear experiences. A few months after, I baptized nine more, and the congregation very much increased. All the while God was working in ray behalf. My friends were increasing, God's cause enlarging, and sinners becoming friendly. " About this time a Mr. Taylor and his wife, two Baptists from London, came here, and heard me preach. Mrs. Taylor came to my house and gave me money to buy potatoes for seed, of which one bushel produced thirty-hve bushels. The church was now grown to about fifty mem- bers. At this time a Mr. Holmes and his wife, by reading the Scriptures, had been converted, they lived at Jones* Harbour, about twenty miles distant. I went down in his schooner to his home, from thence to a place called Liver- pool, inhabited by white people. Many had been baptized by Mr. Chipman of Annapolis. Mr. Jesse Dexter preached 1 COLOURED BAPTISTS OP NOVA SCOTIA. 11 ) to them, but was not their pastor. It was a niixetl com- munion church. I j)reach«'d there. We tlien returned with Mr. Holmes, when he and his wife went with me to Shel- burne, and gave their experiences to the churcli on Thursday, and were baptized on next Lord's Day. Their relations, who lived in the town, were very angry, raised a mob, and endeavoured to hinder their being baptized. Her sister especially, she laid hold of her hair to keep her from going down into the water, but the justices commanded peace, and said that she should be baptized, as she desired it. Then they were all quiet. Soon after this the persecution increased and became so great that it did not seem possible to preach, and I thought I must leave Shelburnc. " Several of the coloured people had houses on my lot ; but forty or fifty disbanded soldiers were employed, who came with the tackle of ships, and turned my house, and all the other houses of my people over, and the meeting house they would have burned down had not the ringleader of the mob himself prevented it. But I continued preaching in it till they came one night and -tood before the pulpit and swore how they would treat me if I preached again. But I stayed and preached just the same ; the next day they came and beat rae with sticks, and drove me into a swamp. I returned in the evening, took my wife and children over the river to Birchtown, where some coloured people were settled, which seemed a greater prospect for doing good than at Shelburne. I preached at Birchtown from the fall till about the middle of December, and was frequently hearing experiences, and baptized about twenty there. Those who desired to hear the Word of God invited me from house to house, and so I preached. A little before Christmas, as my own people persecuted me there, I set oflF with my family to return to Shelburne ; in coming down the river the boat was 12 A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE frozen, but we took whip-saws and cut away the ice till wo came to Shelburne. In my absence, the meeting-house was occupied by a sort of tavern-keeper, who said : * The old negro wanted to make a heaven of this place, but I'll make a hell of it.' Then I preached in it as before, and as my house was pulled down, lived in it also. The people began to attend again, and in the summer there was a considerable revival of religion. I went down from there to a place called Ragged Island, among some white persons, who desired to hear the word preached. One sister was converted there while I was preaching concerning the disciples, who left all and followed Christ. She came up afterwards, gave her experience to our churc'.;, and was baptized, and two coloured sisters with her. Then her other sister gave in her experience and joined us without baptism, to which she would have submitted, had not her family cruelly hindered her, and she was the only one in our society who was not baptized. " By this time the Christians of New Brunswick had heard of me and wished that I should visit them. After hearing the experiences of many, four were approved of, whom I baptized in the river ; they had been converted in Virginia before leaving. On my return to Shelburne, I sent Brother Colbart, one of my elders, to remain at St. John. He was a loving brother, and the ' Lord endowed him with great gifts.' When the experiences of some nine or ten were heard they sent for me to baptize them. When I wa« landing at St. John, some of the people, who intended to be baptized, were so full of joy that they ran out from waiting at table on their masters, with the knives and forks in their handp. to meet me at the water side. From thence I went to Fi dericton in a boat, where I had left one of our brethren laboLiiing, and as some others had experienced religion I was I COLOURED BAPTISTS OF NOVA SCOTIA. 18 I sent for to baptize them, three in number. A great many came and witnessed the sight, and the Governor sent word that he regretted that he could not conveniently come, having much company that day ; also prevented one of his servants from the sacred right. I returned to Shclburne via St. John. Then I was sent for to go to Preston, which is across the river from Halifax. Five converts there desired baptism, which I did, who joined the church. I also administered the Lord's Supper to them, and left brother Hector Peters, one of my elders, with them. In returning to Shelburne, with about thirty passengers, we were blown off the coast. I had no blankets to cover me, and got frost- bitten in both legs up to my knees, and was so ill that when I came to land I could not walk. The church met me iit the river side and carried me home. Afterwards, when I could walk a little, I wanted to speak of the Lord's goodness, the brethren made a wooden sledge and drew me to meeting. In the spring of the year I could walk again ; but have never been strong since. The next fall the government sent an agent from Halifax to see about settling a new colony in Sierra Leone (Africa). The white friends now were very unwilling that we should go, though some had treated us as cruelly as if we were their slaves. Many persuaded us if we went they would make us slaves again, but having con- fidence in the high officials we did not harbour that thought. " A day was appointed to meet and hear the views of the people. We assembled at Brother Moses' meeting house at Birchtown, one of Mr. Wesley's men, a blind preacher. The Governor came there and read the proclamation, which contained what was oflered, in case we had a mind will- ingly to go. And the greater part of us were pleased and agreed. Almost all the Baptists went, there are a few scat- tered yet in the country. The meeting-house lot and all PH 14 A imiEP HIBTORY OP THE our land at Shelburno, it may be half an acre, was sold to merchant TJlack for about £7 (seven pounds). We left there and called in at Liverpool, I preached a farewell sermon there ; I longed to do it. Before I left, Major Collins who, with his wife, used to hear me at his place, was very kind, and give nte some salted herrings, which were very acceptable all the voyage to Sierra Leone. On leaving Liverpool we came to Halifax, where we tarried three or four wfieks^ I preached from house to house, and my farewell sermon in Marchington's meeting house. " Our voyage to Sierra Leone from Halifax was seven weeks, the weather stormy, several persons died of a catching fever, among whom were three of my elders, Brothers Colwcll, Richards, and Williams. On our arrival, I preached the first Lord's Day under a sail, and did so for several weeks. I had an interview with the Governor. He was very kind to all, he used to come and hear me preach, and wouhl sometimes sit down at our prayer meetings ; and to show his approval of me, he desired I should call my last child by his name. I asked the privilege of visiting England which was granted, with a gift of five guineas. On leaving that country for England I preached a farewell sermon to the church, and encouraged them to look to the Lord, and submit one to another, and regard what I said to them by my three elders, virho were exhorters." Dr. Benedict's narrative concludes as follows : — ' " Mr. George was on a visit to London when he gave this account of himself; he returned to Sierra Leone; not far from that time Messrs. Radway and Gregg went as mission- aries into that country. What progress the Baptist cause has made, cr whether he is yet alive, I have not been able to learn. The church at Shelburne was broken up when Mr. COLOURED BAPTISTS OP NOVA SCOTIA. 15 George and his followers left the place, a few scattered members left, who were formed into a church a few years after by Mr. Burton of Halifax. "Mr. William Taylor and his wife, who were respectfully mentioned in David George's narrative, came from Dr. Kippon's Church in London, and wera, for many years, the principal members in the church at Shelburne. Mr. Taylor was wealthy and liberal. By his generosity, and, it is said, by some considerable assistance from his mother church in London, these people built a very commodious meeting- housr, which is now in a great measure unoccupied. Mr. Taylor died a few years ago. During his life-time he was a deacon of the church, and had the care of the church. His widow survived him. There is yet a small church in Shel- burne, without a pastor." It is to be regretted that a man with such an indomitable will could not have been encouraged to remain in the country, whereby the fruits of his ambition might have yielded an immense harvest for the Master's Kingdom, instead of burying them in a vast wilderness of solitude. " Wise and good men are indeed precious gifts from God." * THE AFRICAN BAPTIST CHURCH, CORNWALLIS ST., Organized April lltth» 18SS, With Branches at Dartmouth, Preston, Beech Hill, Hammond Plains. COPY OF RESOLUTION. Resolved, That the said Rev. Richard Preston be now received and acknowledged as minister of the said African Baptist Church ; Resolved further, That the officers of said Church be as follows : 10 A nRIEF HISTORY OP THE Halifnx — Pastor: Rev. Richard Preston. Deacons; John E«l winds, Jacob Foril, Prince Win. Sport. Elders : Thomas IViyley, Isaac Fletcher. Dartmouth — Pastor: Rev. R. Preston. Deacon: Siiniuel Jones. Elder: Jeremiah Page. Preston — Pastor: Rev. R. Preston. Deacon: Meredith Stanley. Elder : John Collins. Biicch Hill — Pastor : Rev. R. Preston. Deacon : Jamos Morris. Elder : John Maxwell. Hammond Plains — Pastor : Rev. R. Preston. Deacon?^ : Deal Whiley, Wm. Marsman, Gabriel David. Elders : Henry Whiley, Thomas Jones. The above branches, viz., Dartmouth, Preston, Beech Hill, and Hammond Plains, were organized into indepen- dent churches as soon as their membership increased. PRESENT OFFICERS OF THE ABOVE CHURCHES — 1895. Halifax — Pastoiless. Deacons : C. F. Biddle, W. B. Thomas, Jas. Saunders, R. J. White, Jeremiah Oliver (Licentiate), Jacob Flint, Joseph Flint. Treasurer : T. Johnson. Treasurer Ministers' Fund : R. J. White. Ushers and Collectors : Wm Carter, sen'r, James Saunders, E. Flint, D. Skinner. Sexton : C. E. Biddle. Clerk : J. R. Johnston. Trustees : H. Russell, W. Johnson, Jos. Flint, John Turner, R. White, P. E. McKerrow. Dartmouth — Pastorless. Licentiate : Jas. Borden. Deacons : A. Green, J. Tynes, C. Smith, D. Lee, W. Riley, T. Tynes. Councillors : R. Tynes, sen'r, A. Brown, J. Bauld, R. Tynes, jun'r, R. C. Tynes. Treasurer : D. Lee. Clerk : F. J. Bauld. \ COLOURED BAITISTS OF NOVA SCOTIA. 17 s Predon — Pastor : Rev. E. Dixon. Deacons : T. Cruwley, S. Clayton, J. Wise, J. Cilasgow, P. Williams. Coun- cillors : J. Williams, W. Diggs, W. Brooks, D. Johnson. Sexton : S. Ross. Clerk : J. M. Thomas. Beech Hill — Pastorless. Deacon : Jos. Hamilton. Coun- cillor : R. Hamilton. Clerk : G. Hrown. limtimond Plains — Pastor : Rev. E. Dixon. Deacons : D. Anderson, R. David, (Tiic.) James Jones. Sexton : W. M. Henry. Clerk : Alex. Emmerson, Councillors ; S. Anderson, P. Emmer.son. We find as far back as 1832, and not until then were there any fully organized coloured churches. In the various communities in which a number of the brethren lived thev had meeting-houses, and as hitherto stated from the account given by Mr. David George, he had baptized and loft behind him here prior to his going to Sierra Leone in 1792, Baptist believers in Christ Jesus. Hut as these poor people had just fled from the land of bondage, und the Baptist religion was quite new in the Colonies, they were not too foremost in showing their colors. REV. FATHER BURTON OF DURHAM, ENGLAND, Coming to this country in a most opportune time, took up and fostered the work laid down by Mr. David George, as has already been stated. The close of the American war of 1812 brought scores of coloured people, men, women and children, from the United States, and among them many Baptists, whom when enquired how they got their religion, would frankly tell you, in the forests, behind the stone walls, in the cane brakes, in the cotton fields, and in the rice swamps. Which 18 A imiEF HISTORY OF THE simply meant that, as many of them could not road, as this was considered a great crime by the slave-holder, it was necessary for them to approach God in prayer by faith for their conversion. Some would keep watching the approach of the driver whilst a company of penitents would go up yonder and pray. They had to make a two-fold prayer ; one for the conversion of their own souls, and the other to keep their hands from the shedding of blood of the cruel monsters that were placed in charge over them. FATHER PRESTON'S BRIEF HISTORY. They often sung : " Oh, we are of that class who toil and trust ; Others may, too, but the toiler must ; God has not gone to some distant star, He's in the fields where the toilers are. " — Selected. Among those who were liberated and cared for was Father Preston's mother, who arrived here several years before him, as all hopes of ever seeing him again had passed from her memory, when at length an opportunity presented itself and he made good his escape. He knew she had gone to Canada, but to what place he could not tell. He at length arrived at Halifax, and hearing of her residing at a district by his own name, decided to look her up. Years of separation caused her recognition of him somewhat dim ; having grown into manhood. On his arrival at her home, being alone, the other branches of the family were absent, she refused him lodgings ; until a peculiar mark which nature had donated him on one aide of the face, was made visible to her, could she believe that he was her long loved absent son. The embracing of each other was long and lasting, and more than all, he was COLOURED HArriflTH OF NOVA 8C!OTIA. 10 it a converted man, and an oxhnrter of rightcousneaa of no mean ordoi. Lik(5 Kred Douj^las, ho had loarned to read and write, as his aim was " Go forward." Ho had seen slavery in its worst condition. Many of tlio slave holders who had lost their slaves during the war, wore now penni- less and ruined. Some had to engage as overseers, and other menial employments tr which they wore unaccustomed, which made them exceedingly cruel. The coloured brethren of Preston and Halifax soon saw that in him they had a useful acquisition to their ranks. He at once laid hold of the work, and Father lUirton gave him much information and assistance, that produced groat success to the cause of Christianity. A great deal of irre- ligious life existed, as docs now in those days, only in dif- ferent forms. The Society of Christians in the city increased rapidly, as he was a great revivalist. He knew his people well, and knew just when to make a strike for Satan's kingdom and pull it down. He and his brethren travelled through the Province, and in each county where there were an assembly of saints they appointed elders. The charge 3 were then handed over to him from Father Burton, when he would visit all the little villages in the county wherein his people lived. At length a request was made for his ordina- tion, when it was considered by some that ho had not acquired sufficient knowledge of theology to be ordained. The Baptists at this time had no college of their own, and fearing any religious friction that might arise, the brethren determined on the plan of sending him to Kngland to have him schooled, ordained, and clothed him with authority to solicit aid to build a church for his brethren from the chains of sin and slavery. What an undertaking, from the tobacco fields of Virgil ia to preach and lecture before the nobility of England. 20 A HHIKF IIIHTOUY OP THE Having placed himself in the hands of the West London Baptist Association, a powerful body of christian gentlemen who aided him in every way possible through his studies, and in his lectures and in his collections, which amounted to over throe thousand dollars ; he spent a little over a year in his labours in England, when he was ordained, as the fol- lowing will show : COPY OP OUDINATION PAPER8. These are to certify that on the fifteenth day of February, 1831, Brother Richard Preston landed at Liverpool in Old England, and immediately proceeded to the metropolis of Great Britain, with credentials proving that he was a mem- ber and preacher in the African Baptist Church and congre- gation in Halifax, N. S., chiefly composed of coloured brethren, and authorized to collect money to build a chapel, in which they may assemble for the worship of a Triune God. That the blessing of Almighty God has attended his labours in England, and opened the hearts of liritish chris* tiana to contribute liberally to his case ; so that he returns to Halifax with ample means to erect a House of God. That on May the 8th, 1832, the West London Associa- tion of Baptist ministers, who had from the first patronized his efforts, by forming themselves into a committee for the direction and recommendation of Brother Preston, by means of which he had a ready access to the Church in England, held a public meeting in Grafton Street Chapel at the request of the African Baptist Church in Halifax, solemnly to ordain Brother Preston as the pastor of the aforesaid church, previous to his return to Halifax. The Confession of Faith delivered by him, embracing all the distinguishing Doctrines of Grace, was perfectly satisfactory. A holy savour was enjoyed by the numerous congregation assembled ; ,' COLOURED BAPTIHTS OF NOVA HC^OTIA. 21 and whilu with laying' on of hands tho ministors prayed that ho might ho eminently fitted for his groat work, all tho people said Amen. In witnops hereof, and to express our most cordial appro- bation of Brother Preston's conduct during his rosidcnco among us, as woll as our christian love to him and our othor coloured brethren in Halifax, we the ministers of thj West London Association affix our names this 18th day of May, 1832 : Pastor of tho Baptist Ch., (irafton Street. '* Shouldhain Street. Snows '• Blandford " Goawell " Somers Town. Romnoy Street. II Wm. Williams, John Geokob, " Gkorob Fkancis, •' Jabez Dawson, " John Pkacock, " Charles Carpenter, " Christopher Woollacott, •• James Cuver, " Charles Bower, Treasurer of the Committee. On the arrival home of Father Preston, it waj made known to him what had been done by his officers in charge. The deed of the property was handed over to him as one of the trustees, with the names as follows : Richard Preston, Prince "William SporL, Joseph Campbell, and John Handlton. The brethren from the various settlements assembled, and a happy re union was entered into. Great joy and thankful- ness was expressed by the brethren to the kind friends of Old England. May God ever bless her. THE HALIFAX CHURCH Has led a checkered career, from its first pastorate by Rev. Father Preston to the present date. When first built was very much smaller, and of different appearance both inter- nally and externally. After about forty years standing, decay began to set in, and with an increased membership it 22 A HItlKK lirHTOKY OK THK was (IlmmiiciI a(lvisal)li) to inuku ultcrutions and repuirn. Tlio funds for that purpose was provided by the pastor and unitedly liis childien. (Father Thomas was then in charge.) The sum of two thousand dollars was then loaned, and not a scrap of paper given hy the trustees in the shape of mort- gage. It was merely acknowleilged by the Huilding Com- mittee as an ordinary debt. A thorougii renovation was gone through, the editlce lengthened in front, paiuxed and adorned. Father Preston labotued with these ])eople after his return from Knglan HAFTIHTH OF SOVA RrOTIA. ' he was mot by a j^Hutlonmn who luul hninl of him ; h^ stopped to have a cunvorsatiun, hut an hin iniflHioii was oiiu of emerj^'ency, and aH tho Kiii^''s hiisiiMjHs rtMiuirtMl hawtf, ho had no tiino fur parloyinj,'. Tho ^ontloman Hiiid : "Mr. Preston, \, h;u was it tliat fitti'd a man to proacli tlio Oob- peir IIo vory promptly ropliod : "Holy Firo and tho Grace of God. Go 'long, Kato." Tho goiitloman was olatod ' '^over the answer and never failed in tolling,' when an oppor- tunity ati'orded itself. In his (hty, for his limited education, he had but few buperiors anywhere ; his gift of oratory was natural, and was as fluent on the platform as in the pulpit. Ho was a great admirer of the late Governor Howe, who delighted in getting him into an argument, when he wouhl oppose him merely for a display of his talents. Having been in England at the time when tho abolition of the slave in British possessions was discussed, he luul the pleasure of hearing the Invincibles of Freedom argue tho matter, which fired his soul with zeal that la!-;ted hirn his whole lifetime — such men as Wilberforco, Clarkaon, Buxton, O'Conuel, and Brougham — with those gentlemen he became a familiar figure. Coming as he did not long from tho furnace of slavery himself, he was good measure to put in their scales for their lecture platforms. The history of Slavery is written in blood. Like Israel of old, the African was brought to America in 1620, in a little Dutch ship, and thrown into most cruel bondage — less than fifty souls, when in a little over two hundred years they had become a formidable host of several millions. Their manhood being circumscribed ; their liberties cur- tailed, and virtues outraged — their prayer fervently went up to Heaven, as did the cries of ancient Israel ; when God in due time opened the hearts of British philanthropists who said slavery must go — the slave must be free. When 24 A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE in 1833, froedoin was pr'^claiinoil throughout the British Empire, Wilberforce, who for twenty years had pleaded with God and Parliament, just before his death, having achieved his aim, exclaimed : " Thank God that I should have lived to witness a day when England is willing to give twenty millions for the abolition of slavery !" Like Simeon of old, he could well say : '* Lord now let thy servant depart in peace, for mine eyes have seen the desire of my heart." It is true that in 1787, Jeiferson proclaimed, in terms of awful solemnity, that " all men are created equal, and endowed by their creator with indisputable rights — prominent among them is liberty." But this proclamation was thrown to the ground. It is also true that from a sense of justice, Washington emancipated his slaves by testa- ment ; while Franklyn wrote against slavery, and others said " Amen." But fearing lest the bond of freedom should be broken, none of them insisted on the destruction of the diabolical traffic. In ^794 the Congress of America prohibited the slave trade, and in 1814 and 1842 treaties were entered into and renewed with Great Britain only to be broken like so much glass ; America denying the right of searching their ships, this ended in a perfect farce. Father Preston lectured often here and in England on the abominations of slavery. He had seen husbands separated from their wives for the purpose of gratifying a morbid appetite of a slave-driving gladiator, and daughters torn from the loving embrace of an affectionate mother, to be a prey to the fiendish grasp of an avaricious monster. He often prayed God from his pulpit to live to see the day of emancipation. He had lived to see it in the British colonies, and he longed to see it in his native country. In 1857 slavery had reached its highest peak. George Thompson, ' COLOURED BAPTISTS OP NoVA SCOTIA. 26 ■ Garrison, Phillips, Sumner, Parker, Wright, Brown, Douglas, and a host of other vangujirds of freedom were storming the forts of oppression with their blood, and fiery tongues of eloquence, and said in broad words, " Slavery must be abolished." The prayer of Godly men and women arose on both sides of the Atlantic to Almighty God in behalf of an oppressed race. The floors of the capiiol at Washington were stained with the innocent blood of Sumner ; but was not shed in vain. The question now was, " Who shall reign — righteousness or chaos 1" Buchanan was elected President, he being neither one thing nor the other, said to the Slave States : " Keep your slaves — the Constitution permits it ;" and to the Free States : " Don't interfere — the Constitution forbids it." He remained in the White House during his term of office like a cowardly lion shorn of hi- main ; neither did he uphold the dignity of the North, nor yet interfere with the cess-pools of slavery in the South. In 1861, the year Father Preston died, matters were drawing to a focus. T'^e clarion note for freedom was being sounded by the Republican party — like Moses to Pharoah — •' Let my people go." And not till forced by arms did they obey the command. Acts of violence were most audacious. Murders passed unnoticed by the props of the law. How could the all-seeing eye of Deity allow such deeds of wickedness to continue without interference upon an oppressed people 1 But God had already determined to destroy slavery without any allowance of chattel value ; and before he did it, He infatuated the slave-holders in the inconsistencies of their own hearts. "Our yonng men," said he, '* are brutalized in intellect, and their manly ener. gies are chilled by the frosts of slavery ; sometimes they are called to witness the agonies of the mothers who bore 20 A BRIEF HISTORY OF TIE them, writhing under the lash ; and, as if to fill to over- flowing the already full cnp of iniquity, they are sometimes compelled to apply the lash with their own hands." Chaos alone can match a deed so glaring, and dark injustice shud- ders as it sinks into its bosom, and seeks fo hide itself from the indignant eye of a just God. Father Preston passed away before emancipation was proclaimed. He saw it in the distant. Ho kept up a cor stant communication with the Abolitionists, of Boston anc. other cities, being for many yeard President of the one in Nova Scotia. He felt sad over the return of Burns, a fugitive and countryman of his, who had made his escape to Boston ; — but for the Fugitive Slave laM' he would have been clear. " Poor fellow," said he, " should they succeed in getting him back to Virginia, they will torture him," — which they did. He knew him well, a Baptist exhorter in Virginia. General Edmunds, chief executive officer in Boston at the time, and a co-religionist of the fugitive, had him sent back to chains, and made not one single effort to save him from a lawless mob. Said he, " even with his religion, if he had any, prejudice had found a hiding place." Unlike Judge Harrington of Vermont, in the early part of the century, a demand was m^.de on him for the release of a run-away slave. The Judge refused on the ground of insufficient evidence. *' What do you regard as a sufficient evidence ?" " Nothing short of a bill of sale from Almighty God," was the iiidignant reply. The slave was set free. Father Preston served his brethren in the pulpit and on the platform. He preached, and prayed, and lectured for the overthrow of human slavery, and for the conversion of his fellow-beings generally. He used every means at his command for the moral and religious advancement of his race. In revivals he was a power. A host of co-religionists COLOURED BAPTISTS OF NOVA SCOTIA. 27 who are yet alive in Nova Scotia, and ntiany in the CJnite COLOURED BAPTISTS OP NOVA SCOTIA. W fuithful manner in which they have thus far fulfilled the trust conunitted to them, and for the admirable report in which they unfolded plans that gives promise to the bene- volent efforts of the denomination. The organization necessary for drawing from the philanthrophic disposition and exertions of the African Baptists of Nova Scotia the permanent effects and sustained action so much and so long desired ; " Resolved, That the sincere thanks be given members and friends of Granville Mountain church for their cordial greeting and hospitality during the sessions, and to the officers of the Association for the manner in which the busi- ness WRS conducted." The Session closed to meet within the church at Bear Kiver in 1856. Septimus Clarke, Secretary of the Association. MARRIAGES PERFORMED BY REV. FATHER PR .5T0N. Mav 25th, 1834, J. Mingo to H. Saunders; Sept. 13th, 1835, John Cephas to Melinda Reid ; Jan. 15th, 1837, T. Anderson to Ann Brown, Hammond's Plains ; Jan. 15th, 1840, G. Carvary to H. Dines; Preston, Mar. 29th, 1840, A. Young to Mary Hamilton ; Halifax, Aug. 16th 1844, C. Engliesh to S. Croxon ; Halifax, Aug. 16th, 1844, S. Robson to Susan Gibson ; Halifax, Jan. 11th, 1843, G. Fry to Mary Crabbe ; May 15th, 1843, F. Saunders to E. Stratton ; Mar. 29th, 1843, J. Sheirs to M. A. Pace ; Feb. 25th, 1846, H. Worth toE. Barrett; May 27th, 1845, James Bates to E. Munroe ; July 17th, 1852, C. Francis to M. R Lar.gford, Y'armouth ; July 2nd, 1847, G. Gibson to Mrs. Woods, Dart- mouth ; July 24th, 1847, H. Munroe to R. Peck; Jan. Ist 2 HO A BRIEF HISTORY (>P THE 1848, J. Jones to E. McDougal ; Sept. Ist, 1849, A. Silence to Mary Downs ; Nov. 2 Ist, 1849, Wm. Baker to E. Barnes ; Mar. 17th, 1845, Wm. Newman to S. Symonds ; do. J. Allen to Jane McLeod ; do. Arch Page to Sarah Martin ; May, 1846, W. Dod to L. Lyons ; Nov. 2nd, 1849, M. Stanley to Widow Dines; May 26th, 1849, F. C. Smith to Martha Willis ; Mar. 9th, 1846, H. Wright to K Barrett; June 16th, 1845, W. H. Gordan to M. A. Dunn ; April 30th, 1849, S. Woods to R. Williams ; May 1st, 1850, R. J. White, to E. Wilcox ; C. Hill to R. Gross; Mar. 16th, 1850, J. Lay ton toH. Ross; Apiil 15th,1850, B. Tompkins to M. McKiunon; Nov. 11th, 1850, R. Bowers to Jane Young; Eastern Pas- sage, Nov. 2l8t, 1850, M. Bibbs to M. A. Barnes ; Nov. 29th, 1850, J. Holden to E. Booth ; M. Mulholland to E. Cook ; R. Boland to Jane Young ; June 29th, 1851, J. Joseph to E Gross ; Oct. :8th, 1851, D. Tobin to M. McDonald; R. Harper to M. Fenton ; Dec. 4th, 1851, A. Peterson to M. McDonald; May 7th, 1851, J. Brennan to B. McDougal ; June 24th, 1851, H. Holmes to M.Williams ; Mar. 25th, 1850, C.Taylor to J. Taylo: ; T.York to S.Young ; Oct. 16th, 1850, M. Latimore to F. Butler; W. Smith to C. Hill ; Oct. 4th, 1851, A. Patterson to M. A. Johnson ; Jan. 18th, 1852, N. Mitchell to Mary Hopkins ; Feb. 9th, 1852, M. Morash to M. Lynch ; Feb. 16th, 1852, Jas. Holt to H. McCarthy ; Mar. 4th, 1852, D. Morris to M.A.Young ; J. Muller to R. McLeod ; Mar. 27th, 1852, Wm. Bain to C. Howard ; W. Diggs to M. A. Saunders ; April 25th, 1852, A. L. Haddington to E. Wellner ; Jan. 4th, 1853, S. Cooper to Jane Allen ; Jas. Hargreaves to S. Hamilton ; Feb. 7th, 1853, J. Butler to M. S. Bailey ; Feb. 19th, 1853, J.Thomas to E. Purcel ; Mar. 9th, 1853, E. Marsman to M. A. Grand- son ; July 12th, 1853, S.Williams to N. Glasgow ; Aug.* 8th, 1853, G. White to S. Leslie ; and J. Moore to H, Roland ; COLOURED BAtTISTS OP l*OVA SCOTIA. 81 July 12th, 1853, C. Morse to E. A. Ham ; Nov. let, 1853, J. Bowen to M. Robinson ; May 2l8t, 1854, E. Foot to J. Williams; July 26th, 1854, G. Muir to E. Tufts : Jan. Ist, C. Giggie to M. J. Reid, Hammond Plains; May 12th, 1860, S. Johnson to Isabella Jackson, Hammond Plains ; Nov. 6th, 1856, J. Lewis to S. Bailey; Windsor, Jan. Ist, 1857, D. Archibald to R. Keiler ; July 1st, 1857, A. M. Tobin to S. Carter. This list is also incomplete. ^' FATHER THOMAS' PASTORATE Succeeded Father Preston's to the pastorate of the various charges held by him in 1861. He was by birth a Welshman. He came to this country with his father's family when about twelve years old. His father and mother being Baptists in their fatherland, it became part of his nature to be one too, and joined the church when quite young. His father was a hatter and furrier by trade, which combined afforded him a comfortable living. Having made their residence in Preston, and being stern Welsh Baptists, it was an easy task to fall in line with their coloured brethren. Having experienced religion young, a growing desire came upon him to preach the unspeakable riches of Christ. He had a good English education, with which he sharpened the Sword of the Spirit, and did not allow it to rust in the scabbard. Having caught a glimpse of Fathers Burton's and Preston's labours among these people in various parts of the province where churches had been instituted, and thrown in his lot amongst them, he worked incessantly with them, and was respected by them. Between 1840 and 1860 Father Preston and him journeyed often together from Halifax to Yarmouth ; on wheels the trip would be done intix or seven weeks. Stop- ping at all their little churches, holding meetings as they A nillEF IITflTOIlY OF THE went nlonj^. Leaving Halifax they would call at Windsor Plains, from thence to llorton, and Cornwallis, Inglowood, Annapolis County, (Jranville Mountain, Generals Hridgo, ]>ear River, Moose Kivcr, Digby Joggins, Weymouth Falls, Salmon River, Yarmouth County. To all of these places they would bo joined with their preaching brethren, and some gracious manifestations of God's presence would be experienced. Stalwart men, with stubborn hearts, would bo melted and become as little children. The fire would be kindled on their way up, and on their return the sickle would bo put in the field, and sheaves brought into the garner. In this manner reformation would succeed reformation, until a glorious harvest for the Lord's House would bo gathered in. Oftentimes would these reformations spread into other churches. For in those days when people, espe- cially in the country, became converted, they did not lock it up for a week, but it became their daily food. In many cases the conversions of the helps on a farm, or about the store or house, have been the means of the salvation of their employers. "God in His wisdom haih chosen the foolish things of this world to confound the wise ; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty." Father Thomas was ordained in 1857 ; did evangelistic work until after the death of Father Preston in 1861, when he was elected pastor over all the charges that Father Preston held, which he filled acceptably until the day of his death in 1879. During his pastorate several additions to the churches were made by baptism, particularly at Halifax in 1868, when a powerful reformation broke out among the people, and 72 were added by baptism. The baptizing took place at Beech Hill, when he broke the record by immersing 47 COLOUUKI) HAI'TIHTH OK NoVA HCOTIA. 8B in twenty niiiiutos. The sight was most imposing'. Tlio caiKlidatcs wore dressed in aputlusa whito, the day cloudluss, the nir bnlmy. The candidates marched from the church to the hike, singing the familiar hymn, •' When John ^Tew a niiin, baptizing began." Hundreds of eager eyes watched with intense anxiety. Many never before saw baptism by immersion. After prayer was offered up the converts wont down into the water, taking hold of each other's hand, stretching far out into the lake, which made the scene ono long to be rei.iemberod. In 1874 another large addition of 40 were baptized at Campbell Koad Settlement, which attracted a large concourse of persons from the city. His prayers at the water side always arrested the atten- tion of the skeptic. It has often been said when he prayed there was nothing too high, too low, or too broad, but ho could find language to meet the case, and admiration of all. The elevation of thought and greatness of expression was more than that of the ordinary scholar ; surely lie could say: " For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jeru- salem's sake will I not rest, until the righteousness thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a lamp that burneth." His labours were blest, as it could be plainly seen ; having besides the charge at Halifax, that of Ham- mond Plains, one at Preston, Beech Hill and Campbell Road. Petty jealousies arose in the ministry, which grew to strife. Disciplined members exercised unprincipled means to impeach him, but the plans resorted to proved a failure. A few churches became disaffected, and fell out and organized a separate Association ; but after a lapse of a few years they again fell into line with the original body, of which he was moderator elect at the time of his death. This was simply the work of Satan ; having lost some of his best followers, he solved the evil seed in the hearts of some of the incon- 84 A IIKIEF IIIHTORY OF THE sistcnt ones, which caused the disturbance. Ho accompanied Father Preston through the country on most of \m mission- ary tours, and by his singular personal octivity, endeared him to the hearts of all his brethren with whom he came in contact. Ho loved the open lake baptizing. Ho was asked on one occasion if he did not feel the severity of the cold to baptize in winter ? Ho replied, No, I love the cause too well ; and when I have a cold and go into the baptismal waters, my cold all leaves mo. In almost every church throughout the Association he has led followers into the liquid stream. His memory remains as fresh with the churches as though it was but yesterday that they parted. In 1864, a few years before he died, the church at Halifax underwent another stage of repairs, and built a vestry at an expense of some $1500, for which he advanced the money without security, having the fullest confidence in tho integ- rity of his brethren, that they would in due course relieve themselves of the liability, which they did without resorting to mortgage. As a minister of the Gospel he was clear in doctrine, and was always ready to impart to any that came within his reach the value of the blessings that accrued from a christian life. He laboured faithfully with the churches of his charge with unflinching fidelity. So fully consecrated to his Maker and church that nothing seemingly could break asunder that link ; but death's cold icy hand touched that vital spark, and life took its flight to that region where all is day. Father Thomas left a character, which is a rich legacy, and the deeds of charity dispensed by him, while in his life, will only be revealed at the Judgment Day. His son John, who was ordained to the ministry, and bade fair to be his successor, preceded him in death four years. His last labour in church work was to gather the scattered members of the South Preston church and organize them I- COUHTHKI) IIAITIHTH OK NOVA flC'jn'IA. 35 into a body on the new rottrvatit, and true friend. His wife and six children survived him. U'lf illness was of very short duration, hence ho URED BAPTISTS OF NOVA SCOTIA. 45 17th, 1864, J. Willinnia to L. Black well ; Oct. 20tb, 1864, W. Crawley to L. Clarke; Oct. 29th, 1864, J. Johnson to E. Freeman ; Nov. 24th, 1864, T.W. Lannnn to A. Mitchell; Nov. 30th, 1864, H. Cain to E. Smith ; Dec. 4th, 1864, J. Shepherd to P. Joshua ; Doc. 20th, 1864, J. Lacy to J. Drake ; Jan. Ist, 1865, C. Williams to Ann Fletcher ; Fob. 15th, 1865, James Skinner to M. Ford ; April 13th, 1865, W. Robinson to E. Johnson ; May 17th, 1865, R. Smithors to E. Hamilton ; June 20th, 1865, D. Ziebeck to C. Cameron ; June 26th, 1865, R. Dyson to S. Lowe ; July 2nd, 1865, J. Woods to L. Taylor ; July 8th, 1865, W. Muckley to C. Drew ; July 18th, 1865, Jas. Butler to B. Fredericks ; Sept. 7th, 1865, C. Killam to S. Bailey; Dec. 11th, 1865, R. Saunders to C. Johnson ; Dec. 23rd, 1865, Jos. Gibson to M. Wynder ; Dec. 24th, 1865, Jetf. Jones to E. David ; Dec. 28th, 1865, J. Meadows to E. Arnold ; Jan. 3rd, 1866, A. Johnson to V. Bailey; Jan. 6th, 1866, H. Ryder to S. Langell ; April 3rd, 1866, H. Merry man to B. Carroll ; June 20th, 1866, J. Wise to M. A. Culley ; July 8lh, 1866, Sam. Young to K. Mill ; July 23rd, 1866, A. James to S. J. Brown ; July 24th, 1866, R. Hill to R. Bowen ; Sept. 6th, 1866, G. Thomas to S. Neal ; Oct. 22nd, 1866, T. Davis to E. McLaughlane; Nov. 18tb, 1866, A. Johnson to M. A. Brander ; Nov. 25th, 1866, B. Bowen to J. Kays ; Dec. 19th, 1866, G. Washington to E. Dean ; Jan. 20th, 1867, R. Jones to Anna David ; Jan. 23rd, 1867, T. Smith to C. Berrigan ; Jan. 29th, 1867, M. Holland to M. Thomson ; Feb. 5th, 1867, J. R. Thomas to E. Bailey ; Feb. 25th, 1867, J. Burns to E. Reynolds; May 26th, 1867, L. Allison to C. David ; June 4th, 1867,Wm. King to Isa Finlay ; Aug.7th, 1867, R. C. Patterson to S. A. Roberts ; Sept. 9th, 1867, W. R. Henry to C. Johnson; Oct. 14th, 1867, J. H. Smith to S. J. Spriggs ; Dec. 31st, 1867, C. P. Williams to L. E. \" I I 1 46 A IIIIIEK IIIHTORY OF THE Hill; Jan. 8th, 1868, T. B. Whitennig to M. A. Clifford; April 30th, 1868, J. A. Maxwell to A. Gardner ; Aug. 24th, 1868, G. TayU)r to E. Johnson ; Sept. 6th, 1868,W.HolIen8- worth to S. Morris; Sept. 29th, 1868, T. Anderson to J. A. Taylor; Oct. 9th, 1868, H. T. Pugh to M. Tolliver ; Dec. 2nd, 1868, J. Cassidy to A. K. Fairbanks; Dec. 3rd, 1868, J. D. Sargent to M. Floyd ; Juno 5th, 1869, J. Colon to M Fitzgerald; April Ist, 1869, A. Brown to Lav. Parsons; April 14th, 1869, G. Sington to K. Cooper; May 10th, 1869, W. Johnson to S. Carvery ; May 13th, 1869, W. Adams to J. Brooks; June 13th, 1869, T. Jones to M. Manigo ; June 13th, 1869, Is. Giggle to E. Brown ; July 5th, 1869, J. Hale to M. Robert; July 28th, 1868, James Brown to C. Dixon ; Aug. 8th, 1869, R. Swan to S. A. Hamilton ; Aug. 26th, 1869, J. Williams to M. J. Bailey ; Sept. 5th, 1869, Jas. Dixon to M. Fletcher; Sept. 19th, 1869, Jno. Allison to J. Manigo ; Sept. 22nd, 1869, H. T. Johnson to C. Fells; Sept. 30th, 1869, W. Lynch to A. James; Dec. 26th, 1869, Jas. Smith to Levina Symonds ; May 22nd, 1870, J. B. Barron to M. B. Walsh; June 7th, 1870, W. B. Thomas to A. C. Allison; July 14th, 1870, J. Symonds to A. E. Gardner ; July 24th, 1870, Jos.KItchner to O. Laroche ; July 26th, 1870, B. Smithers to E. Dines ; Aug. 3rd, 1870, Richard Symonds to I. David; Sept. 8th, 1870, Wm Ganderson to E. Taylor ; Nov. 10th, 1870, G. H. Irwin to M. A. Tolliver ; Nov. 24th, 1870, Jeremiah Crawley toG. Gardner; Dec. 7th, 1870, A. D. Francis to M. A. Johnson ; Jan. 24th, 1871, C. Cooper to J. Tyler ; Jan. 27th, 1871, P. O'Shea to M. Garroway ; July 18th, 1871, G. Tolliver to A. Davis ; Sept. 18th, 1871, C. Brown to H. Miller ; Oct. 29th, 1871, D. Anderson to C. Goffican ; Nov. 2nd, 1871, W. Sampson to C. Bowen ; Nov. 16th, 1871, J. Stewart to L. J. White; Dec. 31st, 1871, A. A. Cozier 1/ COLOUIIED BAITIHTH OF NOVA HCOTIA. 47 to S. J. Henson; Feb. 4th, 1872, J. B. Thonuis to M. A. Brown ; Feb. 22nd, 1872, J. T. Brown to Anno Brown ; June 18th, 1872, W. Valentino to C. Edwards; July 2nd, 1872, W. Rodgers to Sua. Bride ; July 16th,1872,J. Richard- son to E. Spike; July 22nd, 1872, S. Honry to M. E. Wilson , Sept. 28th, 1872, R. H. Power to M. Owens ; Oct. 10th, 1872, J. Scott to Jane Taylor; Dec. 24th, 1872, J. Allen to C. Johnson ; Jan. 22nd, 1873, A. Cain lo M.Lee; Mar. 18th, 1873, G.W. Brown to M. J. Gibson ; do. J. Reid to T. Allison ; Mar. 27th, 1873,W. Tyler to Anne Harding ; June 10th, 1873, J. Foster to L. Cain ; Aug. 14th, 1873 J. Wright to E. D. Bailey; Aug. 23rd, 1873, H. Bailey to R Carroll ; Aug. 26th, 1873, J. Lomax to S. Ann Lewis ; Nov. 27th, 1873, J. Downey to E. A. Dixon ; Dec. 7th, 1873, Wni. Lewis to E. Jones ; do. R. Smith to E. A. Goffican ; Mar. 17th, 1874, J. Williams to S Green ; July 21st, 1874, H. Downey to S. Smith ; Aug. 23rd, 1874, J. R. Bloxam to E. Bowers; Oct. Ist, 1874, G. Diggs to C. A. Stewart; Oct. 1st, 1874, H. Kellum t. E. A. Ross; Oct. 2nd, 1874, J. Wilson to L. Thomas*; Dec. 2nd, 1874, C. D. Marsraan to S E. Jackson ; Mar. 5th, 1875, G. S. Thomson to S. Simmons ; Mar. 31st, 1875, J. G. Gillan to Isa. Smith ; May 9th, 1875, T. Jones to E. J. Marsman ; Aug. 16th, 1875, C. Peters to S. A. Vespers ; Sept. 29th, 1875, T. Boynes to E. Marsman; Nov. 17th, 1875, J. Lee to M. J. Lawrence; Dec. 8th, 1875, Wm. Gordon to E. A. Tolliver ; Feb. 7th, 1876, Wm. Johnston to E. A. Thomas; Mar. 20th, 1876, C. Cooper to M. Clike; May 14th, 1876, Josh. Giggie to Isa. Emmerson ; Sept. 10th, 1876, J. Crawley to S. A. Williams ; Sept. 24th, 1876, E. Johnson to Ann Marsman ; Oct. 29th, 1876, S. A. Small to Ann Gibson ; Nov. 5th, 1876, W. Samson to J. Buskins; Nov. 9th, 1876, G. Aid- ridge to K. Buchannan ; Jan. 9th, 1877, Rev. A. Bailey to 48 A IIKIKF HIHTOKY ». Smith, Chas. Glasgow. Members : Wm. Smith, Jos. Smith, Jas. Smith, Susan Smith, G. Smith, H. Smith, Geo. Smith, S. Smith, Hart. Smith, A. Smith, Zil. Smith, Sophia Smith, M. A. Smith, S. Williams, N. Williams, M. Glasgow, N. Glasgow, Jos, Glasgow, S. Glasgow, H. Gross, F. Gross, L. A. Gross, G. Lambord, M. Smithers, L. Boarded, R. Walker, M. Walker, H. Taylor, S. A. Taylor, G. Colly, E. Colly, P. Pillow, C. Roan. Re-organized in 1879 with present officers' names, viz. : Pastor : Rev. E. Dixon ; Licentiate : J. Downey ; Deacons : Jos. Smith, Jas. Colly, W. Bundy ; Councillors : D. Smith, G. Wynder, Joseph Saunders, J. Bundy ; Sextons : S. Smith, C, Johnson ; Clerk : T. Johnson ; A. Wise, Sexton Lake Loon District. This church continued its name as South Church until the death of Rev. Father Smithers, when the majority of its members living on what is known as the New Road District, built an entire new edifice, and re-organized themselves in 1879 by Rev. Father COLOURED BAPTISTS OP NOVA SCOTIA, 66 Thomas, which was his last deeds of church work on earth. Tlie Association met with the First Church at Preston in 1879, and at the close the ministers and delegates went over to the New Road, and dedicated the church to the honour and glory of God. The late Rev. George Carvary performed the services, who was then moderator of the Association. Father Bailey was elected their pastor, which office he held till his death. That same year a reformation took place, when 29 were added by baptism ; in 1880, 12 more ; in 1888, 12; in 1890, 2; in 1891, 16; and in 1893,6. Father Bailey's pastorate ceased in 1886, the year he died. He was ordained in Hammond Plains, and became their pastor as well, with whom he laboured to the best of his ability, and was beloved and respected by all his churches. He was succeeded by the Rev. E. Dixon, who labours with thjBm still Besides the three charges held by Father Bailey, Rev. Dixon have had two others added, which keeps him continually on the move. Bro. James Downey of this ' church renders him valuable assistance in his absence. In connection with the church is a well nurtured Sabbath School. Deacon Smith is the superintendent, with Mrs.^ Downey as assistant; and on the whole too much praise cannot be given for their constincy amidst the varied scenes of life they plod. Having no day school, it makes it still more irksome than if a day school was in the settlement, which they hope to have shortly. Father Roan, who was a licentiate of this church for about fifty years, did a large amount of good. In his younger da}8 rarely missed attend- ing the Associations, for it is there that the various speakers can display their notes of oratory and native eloquence. Said he, " How I used to clap my hands with delight to see Father Preston leading o£f in his short addresses, and the 66 A BRIEF" HISTORY OP THE other brethren catching a glimpse of inspiration, following closely into his wake, with some hearty melody of a soul stirring nature, when sinners would rise to their feet and desire prayers for their convercion ; this would add new life to the meeting." It was in these scenes of revivals Brother lloan was most pre-eminent in prayer, that won for him a remembrance more enduring than brass. Another genial soul, a deacon of this church, was Deacon Joseph Smith, Sr., the father of this settlement, who reached over eighty years, and left behind him an army of children, grand, and great grand. A name that will not die out for a century to come. The writers' acquaintance with him was brief, but not without forming an opinion which did not betray his patriarchal disposition. He was a man of fine physical form, polite manners, and every inch a christian. During his life he was the ruling spirit in the settlement ; disputes of any sort whatever, when brought to his notice, were always amicably arranged. In church affairs he took a lively interest, and always delighted to see the church ablaze in reformations. His death left a blank in this church and settlement that was not easily filled. His son Joseph succeeded him to the office of deacon. Another familiar figure who was a member of this church, and a genial old soul, that lived over eighty years, who, ten years before his death, was tall and stately as the palm of Lebanon, who bore the very imprint and statute of the Huguenot family of which he was a lineal descendant — over six feet in height and proportionately otherwise. I refer to Brother Georgb Colly, who had a large family, many of whom resides in the United States. How I loved to converse with him, so interesting was he. He often pointed out to me the spot of land on which the Maroons of Jamaica lived, and u COLOURED BAPTISTS OP NOVA SCOTIA. 57 stones that iiinrked the resting place of sonic uf the depurtcd ones. Many an interesting ghost story has been trd of Lord.". BEECH HILL, (Organized in 1844). 13y Father Preston, who was tho acknowledged pastor; Jas. Morri.«, Deacon ; Jo. Maxwell, Elder ; Members : A. P'raser, H. Maxwell, I). Fraser, Theo. Morris, R. Hamilton, R. Maxwell, A. Greaser, D. Black well, P. Rhind, C. Hamilton, M. Hamilton, (I. Blackwell, R. Baxter, J. Black- well. Pr3sent members : Jas. Hamilton, R. Hamilton, E. Hamilion, J. Hamilton, C. Gross, Charlotte Gross, C. Brown, R. Cooper, R. Edwards, Wm. Hill, E. Munroe, C. Wright. The brethren of this settlement are rarely without preaching from some source or other. The brethren from the city churches lend the helping hand, whose services are 64 A nniKP HISTORY of tiik nppreciiiluil by n gratoftil tiu<1i»iic(>. The dirttniicu from tho city JH nbniit nix inilng, which iiiakcH it a ph'aaant drive in Rtiinmer. In connection with the church u n thriving' little H.ihbath School, in which tho childrrn take rOLOUKRI) IIArriHTH OP NOVA HTOTIA. (W preach of Jesug nnd Hifl lovo. Why, my Hihlo tollH inc, " Ikiliovo on thu Lonl Jchuh Chrint, nml thou Hh.ilt \w mvw\," " Ami ho that holiuvcth not shall be (liimnorown, A. Jackson, M. IJrown, M. Wright, A. Sims, S Clements. Persons who joined subsequently, no date given : A. Clements, Is. Clements, Jno Clements, Jas. Leslie, Chas. Leslie, E. Leslie, Lev. Leslie, T. Wrighfr, Jas. Wooder, Isaac Cuff, W. Henry, W. Peters. 'J'his was once a flourishing church, the Asso- ciation held its first sittings after its organization ; it has since gone down. The church at Ingle wood, and the one at the Ferry, has been organized from the remaining portions of the members who did not go to the United States. We find up to 1869, on Rev. Father Sniithers' minutes, a return of 34 members ; she had then left the original Association. IMie people of this church and settlement were particularly marked for their liospitality. Bridgetown (Inglewood) church was organized in 1874. A. Clements, Deacon ; F. Hill, Councillor ; Jas. Jackson, T. Hill, Trustees. The body of christians worshipped in the School House, and COLOURED MAPTI8TH OP NOVA RfOTIA. 73 continued until in 1889, why frail man ; yet his work was honored l»y God, and blessed to succeeding generations. One of the first members was Sargent Perlote, grandfather of Rev. J. W. Johnson, their present pastor, who was bap- tized by Rev. Thomas of Halifax, and ordained by Rev. H. Foshay in 1885, the then pastor of Windsor. Bro. John Crawley, one of the original members, was licensed by Elder Burton, and became their lea. Keelin, M. A. Keolin, L. Keelin, L. Thomson, Jas Thomson, S. Johnson, vS. A. Dize, L. Dize, M. Dize, O. W. Dize, L. JMcKinny, Phe. McKinny, L. A. Black, C. Munroc, Mrs, Jackson, H. Corbin, L. J. Corbin, A. Turner, R. Turner and wife, G. Turner, I. W. Turner, M. Turner, D. Turner, Jae. E. Turner, C. P. Turner. Present officers and members in good standing : — F. R. Langford, Pastor ; Deacons : Jas. Thomas, 8. Chandler, \V. Crawford, (Licen.) G. Dize ; Clerk, VV. Crawford. Phcebo Harris, Ann Crawford, S. Tasco, G. Crawford, E. Crawford, K. Thomson, M. Johnson, M. Jordan, S. Thomson, E. Milner, Jane Jones. Greenville Church, formerly Salmon River, enjoyed for years the feeble eiibrts of lirother David Dize, their elder. 78 A nillKF IIIHTORY OF TIIK Father l*n?8ton ht'ing their ncknowh'gcd paHtor, who niailo periodical vi8it8 to the chiirchoa ; left each clinruh in ehai'^^e of an elder, who was really pantor ; having full power to perform nil tho functions of his offico except administering the Lord's Supper, marrying or bnpii/ing. It is not raying too much when wo say that, notwithstanding their illiteracy, these elders kept these churches in running order. lt<>8ides their own preachers thesQ brethren had tho pleaKure of listening to sermons from some of the old vanguards of the Western Association, viz., F thers Manning, Dimock, Cogs- well, ][arding, Chipman and others ; in passing through the country they would not forget that their coh)ured brethren had souls to save. For several years previous to their organization they held meetings among themselves and were visited by Father Prest«»n and other preaching brethren. Halifax "in ye olden times" was much further away than now, it took sometimes a fortnight to go, especially if tho weather was stormy. Now it is done in five hours aiul less. We can well say " What God hath wrought." This church, like many others, had its trials to overcome, and had also severed its connection with tho original Association, but in duo course saw its unwise move and returned to the fold. When journeying from place to pla^;e, if storm-stayo'l, or detained by accident, many of the refreshing showers of God's providence would then be experienced. Meetings would be held, the religious life enquired into, and often for the first time the seed of a religious life sown in the heart of a sinner, to mature to a stately tree, to bear fruit for the Master's Kingdom. Old Father Dize served these brethren for many years as an eWer. He lived to tho memorable age of one hundred and ten years, nearly eighty years of which a follower of Jesua Christ. Some twelve years ago, in conversation with COLOCRBD nAPTISTS OF NOVA SCOTIA. 19 ! \\u* writer, hn told liitn, wlicii f'.MirttMni yonrn oM, ho wua piaciMl on n Itritish ninn-o'-wiir iit Kin^Hlon, .laiiuiica, Imh home. At thiit tinm ihrm wiih confiusioii hftwiuMi thu ItiitiHh :;)m! Fn>ii(;)i, in which Lord Nfdson \vm tin activn li^uic lor tho promotion of his conntry'.s welfare. Father Dizu h)ved to speak of •* Nelson " an»l " I{odney," as most Wewt Indians do, their names heinj; coupled with West lixlian history. When the naines ol N« Ison, Rodney, or Wellinj,'ton was nientioni^d a halo of .j"y woidd seem to Hash over his conntenance ae thon^di a hurii'd thou'^ht was about to ileveiop itself, and in an instant he hurvst forth, " wasn't that a f,Meat victory lor Nelson when he captured tho French in Aboukir l>iy," and contiiund, "iiltliou^di he had disobeyed tho comnjand of his Admiral the victory was most complete, and iionouis showered c ". his head that he richly deserved." Said he, "Ilo was smarter than his snpi^riors, for he did the most work, but the Admiral ^haled the biggest horiours.' And I could tell you more, but it taxes my memory too much, "ho did much for his country but little for his family and his TJod." " Could he have fought with tho sw >rd of the spirit," said he, "he wouM not be long con- verting a great p(»rtion of tlu; world that is still in darkness," Father Dize had no learning, but did all he could to establish peace and harmony among the brethren in his earlier life, and when old age came on him, so that his powers of exhortations hail ended, his presence in the house of God was sufficient to command the respect and esteem of all, even the most giddy of the congregation. The closeness of the United Stiles has robbed this church of many of her members. The brethren receive the helping hand from the Hebron Church, likewise from the first Baptist Church and Temple of Yarmouth Town. Good Deacon Gridley, a few years ago, bore nearly all the expense of the repairs on the ; I i ii; 90 A BRIEF HISTORY OP THE building, which was commendable on his part ; to him a deep debt of gratitude is due from the brethren. Rev. Messrs. Langforp and Jackson have also laboured with them by assistance given through the Home Mi.ssion Board. In the absence of a minister, Brother George Dize, licentiate, administers to them, as best he can, in humlde exhortations, which often conduces favorable results for the Master's cause. The church temporarily is looked after by Deacons Thomson and Crawford ; Deacon Chandler, who is very aged, has ran his course of usefulness, and is now waiting under the twilight of the Master's presence to be wafted into the kingdom of eternal bliss. " Shall we know each other there," when the summons calls him home ; he shall meet Father Preston, Thomas, Smithers. Neale, Dize, Langford, Carvery, Turner, Wilmot, Keelin, Berry, Francis and Jackson. The list is too long to enumerate. The history of each, as far as could be obtained, will be found under their respective names. Few of them had any education, but the revelation of scrip ure was made plain to many of them through the Spirit, that their interpretations so vivid have been most profitable " for the life that now is and for the one that is to come." . V CORNWALLIS CHURCH, (Orfiranized 18-.) Previous to 1871, I find an old record of a list of officers, with Father Thomas as Pastor ; D. Taylor, Deaoon ; John Smith, Councillor. In 1874 we find 1 added by bap- tism, and in 1875, 15, which in addition to a steady increase, made a total of 45 members ; this indicated a steady working of the Holy Spirit's power within the church. The Asso- I i '• »>> COLOUBED BAPTISTS OF NOVA SCOTIA. 81 elation was held with this church that year ; whnt with the hiiikling rciiovjit^'ii, its ch-an appearance, auA her just emerging from a brilliant reformation, a most heavenly time was enjoyed. Rev. S. R. Walls was ordained hy Father Thomas the previous year, and now chosen their pastor, with Bro. J. S. Smith, Licentiiite, who was i)rdained in 18V8; Deacons: I). Taylor, J. Landsay ; Councillor, T. Powell. Names of present officers are : Denc(»ns : D. Taylor, B. C. David, P. Smith, R. W. Ford ; Councillors, T. Powell, J. Gibson ; Clerk : B. C. David. Tliis church, like many (»theis, have had her joys and her share of sorrows, wiiii which she had to struggle nearly two-thirds of the time pastorlesf*. Amidst all these calamities we find a quiet working of the Spirit, and the church holding her own. They added to their membership in 1879, 4; in 1886, 25. This season Rev. James Johnson, of Windsor Plains, laboured with the church, and although in feeble health, yet leaned upon the strong arm of Jehovah, who always helps them who help themselves. Since then there has been slight additions. This field is not hard to work by all accounts, as the people are quite intelligent and temperate, which adds much to the cordialty of the membership. To the temperance organization, too much praise cannot be given to Deacon B. C. David. He was foremost ia securing for the Iriends a proper place to meet into, and has ever since manifested his untiring zeal for the spread of the Order in their niidst. The pastorless church is not the one that suffers most spiritual dearth. We cannot but admire the wisdom of God in the arrangements of gifts to man !• How varied and yet, when subject to the Holy Spirit, " How perfectly harmonious in their results, as we have seen it in this little church heretofore." Then fear not, land : be glad and rejoice ; for the Lord will do great things. — '-JB 82 A HRIKF inSTOHY OF THE h\ ¥ ' BEAR RIVER, (Orgranized 1853). Pastor : Rev. K. Preston ; Licentiate; : II. Jackson ; Deacon : James Johnson ; Councillor : J. Evans ; Metn- bcrs : Phil. Hawkins, G. Ringwcjod, Plioe. -lackson, F. Ford, S. Hawkins, J. A. Hawkins, Eu. Evans, M. Ringwood, D. Emery, H. Emery, J. Hawkins. It was early in the month of April when Father Preston and hifj usual missionary staff, left on his sojourn to the western part of the province. After holding special meetings at Windsor Plains, and at Horton, Cornwallis and Anna- polis, he arrived at Bear River, where friends had assembled from Digby, Weymouth and Granville Ferry, for the purpose of seeing, some for the first time, the apostle to the Afiican race ; whose presence is remembered yet as fresh almost as yesterday, by the boy of forty years ago. Late Rev. H. Jackson, who was a licentiate at the organization, was ordained a few years after, who served these brethren until he died in 1865. His son. Rev. J. E. Jackson, has also preached and administered to the spiritual wants of the brethren of this church. Faithful among the hrethren was dear old Brother Deacon Hawkins, who had reached his eightieth year, over fifty of which was a soldier of the Cross. Brother G. Ringwood, who came from Lynn to attend the Association in 1890 at Digby, when in his exhor- tations to his brethren, he told them he never expected to meet with them again, but the parting with a few would be oiily for a short season, when they would be all re-united in gloryf The names of some of these departed are as sacred to the memory of their relatives and church as any ol the old fathers ; and it is good to bear in mind that in every position in life, God finds tried and faithful servants, learned and unlearned. The soldier's life on the field of battle is COLOURED HAITI8T8 OF NoVA HCOTIA. ^. 813 one of stern disciplnu;, (.f continual patience, of exact obedience, and unflinching loy ilty. The sohlier of the Cross has a similar one to endure, the i)erfection of which is the only true source of his eternal salvation. ; , The brethren have no church edifice of their cnvn stand- ing, but meet in the schooMiouse. 'f'hey are often visited by Pastors Langford ai»d Jackson, and experience a holy savour of God's urace. DIGBY CHURCH, (Organized 1853). Pastor: Rev. R. Preston; J)eacon : Ja.^. Wilniot ; Eliier : Charles Jordan ; Councillor : Jos. Francis ; Mem- bers : J. Jordan, G. Hill, M. Hill, L. Jordan, H. Jordan, H. Harris, E. Francis, A. Francis, M. Francis, Wm. Harri.«», K. Mansfield, F. Birnes, E. Wilmot, M. A. James, G. Jiarton, N. Gordon, J. Miller, S. A. Moore, J. Mitchell, S. Frances, E. A. Frances. Present officers — Deacons : P. IJutler, Jos. Francis ; Councillor : G. Barton ; Clerk : P. Dutler. This is one of the most active little churches in the Association, half the time pastorless. Deacon Butlei', who is as good as some pastors, and far t)etter than others, works with his brethren, and manages their affairs with such amiableness, that scarcely there is room for any discussion. When the expenses of a church are met pron)ptly, great or small, and its various needs supplied without much grumb- ling, it shows good generalship by the officers. We have often said, what will the church do without Deacon Butler ; in reply we can but say, God will provide, which he always does. But often the successor is not so genial, and things become very much mixed, and when by mismanagement matters become rutfied, it takes quite a while to unravel. -WIPHP' m A BRIEF HISTORY OP THE 4' Church government you cannot learn in a day, or a year ; it takes time and experience to become accustomed to the variety of minds and dispositions of individuals with whom you come in contact. It is roally a pleasure and a comfort to meet with this people and church in Associational work ; the church, although small, ample provision for Sundays worship is generally arranged by Deacon Butler, when the Hillgrove brethren who would give us the use of their building. The gatherings on these occasions are unusually large. Fathers Preston, Thomas, Neale, Smithers, Carvery, Jackson, Wilmot, Frances and Builey have all had the pleasure of addressing large audiences here. These brethren have all forded the river, one by one, and have met many on the other side to whom they administered the sacred rites over here. After the church had been organized in Bear Eiver in April. Father Preston went directly to Digby, and organized this church in May of same year. . The sisters of the church take a lively interest in the work, and do their part in promoting its welfare. They also maintain a Sabbath School, which Brother Butler superintended for many years, the charge of which he handed over to Brother W. Miller on his return from the United States. The churches generally, although small in member- ship, have proved a great blessing to every community in which they are located. Vice, intemperance, and immorality of every kind takes its flight when brought into a nearness with the church. The church of God has ever been a beacon light to the weary mariner. A few years ago a ship- wrecked mariner climbing over a scraggy mountain peak in the South Seas, expecting every moment to be devoured by savages, was asked by his comrade from behind, " What do you see ahead ?" " Nothing but a church steeple." " Ah ! said he, we are all right, there are christians here." And so COLOURED BAPTISTS OF NOVA SCOTIA. 85 will she ever bo a placo of safety in the storms of life. Fathers Wilmot and Fathers Francis both served this little church faithfully, and are now reaping their reward in Glory. Revs. Langford and Jackson have also done good service to these brethren, supported by the Homo Mission Board. Like most of the western churches in the Associa- tion, when the division took place, some of the members stood on neutral ground, others came out boldly, but after a little talk with Jesus, He made it all right. What is needed to-day throughout all the churches in the Association, is more missionary spirit to revive the work in the hearts of the people, there being scores of unconverted persons outside the pale of the churches. *' Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the fesble knees, say to them that are of a fearful heart, be strong, fear not ; and the ransomed of the Lord shall return, and come to Zion with songs, and ever- lasting joy upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall floe away." WEYMOUTH FALLS, (Orgfanized 1853). Pastor : Rev. R. Preston ; Deacon : John Langford ; Elder : Charles Langford ; Councillor : James Langford ; Lay members : Abram Harris, E. Harris, H. Jarvis, John Pleasant, Rachel Pleasant, H. Wooddor, Jane Robart, E. Robart, Jane Smith, Dor'y. Langford, E. Langford, Sus. Langford, Tamar Langford. Persons who joined afterwards, no date giver. — Jas. Smith, Joe Jarvis, S. Robart, A. Robart, R. Robart, S. Robart, K. Robart, Sar. Robart, Joe Robart, Chas. Crurnwell, Wm. Crurnwell, Phil Wodder, Jas. Wodder, M. C. Wodder I'l 86 A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE I ir. Woddor, W. Woodor, N. P>yii^, S. -yn^', P. Byiif,', Mnr. Jarvis, T Jarvls. Jno. Chute, H. FiilKs, T Fulls, P. Falls, VV. Jonlnn, M. Jordan, liyd. Harris, Lan<^f(>rd Harris, W. H. Liiii^ford, Jos. Lin<,'ford, Jas. riimf^ford, Cliaa. Lanj^ford, M. A. Lnni,'ford, Mario Lani^'ford, Eliza Lin,L,'ford, Al. Lan«,'- ford, S. J. IJIaok, L. P.lack, T. Kelley, Joa. Kolly, S. Kelly, M. Kelly, T. J. Pleasant, G. Pleasant, Jno. Pleasant, Secretary. Present members in good standing, — Rev. F. R Lang- ford ; Deacons: T. Lingford, M. IJarnes ; As.st. Clerk: A. Crnmwell ; Sec'y-Treas. : T. Lxngford ; Lay members : H. Langford, El. Langford, (.'has. Langfonl, \]. Langford, E. Langford, Jane Smith, So. Robart, S. Pleasant, IL Smith, S. Harmon, IJetaey Barker. - It is clear to be seen in the olden time, in the Forty's and Fifty's, when church organizations and Associations were taking place, the brethren were not in a hurry to fly home without elfecting some good for their Master, while sojourneying in the country. On going they stop|)(-d and set the fire ablazing, left judicious brethren in chaig<> f>f the meetings, and on their jeturn would often find converts awaiting baptism, quite in kiH'pingwith the New Tefitanient. These servants of Christ's, many of them unlearned, spake boldly of the dealings of the Holy Spirit with them. On their arrival to these places where branches of the church were instituted, they would sumtnons their coanciI« of brethniu together, and listen with great eagerness and deep interest to the account that they wouM give of the work generally. On leaving his brethren he would giv*' them this divine comtnand that P.tul gave to his brethren at Ephesus : "Take heed, therid'ore, unto yourselves, and to ail the flock over wliich the Holy Ohost hath made you overseers, to feed the Church of God, which he hath pur- COLOURED BAPTISTS OF NOVA SCOTIA. chased with His own blood." This they did to the best of their aVjiiity, in sincerity, without money and without price. These elders deemed it a great honour conferred on them Many were brought to Christ through their earnestness ; the large amount of good done by tlie.se men, none can tell. The smallness of membership is duo to the great drain by emigration to the United States, where whole families are continually moving every year, induced by higher wages for labour. Besides Father Preston as pastor, they have also enjoyed the labours of Revs. Langfurd and Jackson, aided by the Home Mission Board, whose labours were not in vain. In looking over the records, as best we can, we do not find many baptisms in 1869 ; three were bai'iizcd by Rev. Messrs. Smithers and Francis ; in 1870. three, by Rev. Mr. Jackson, and 1890, two, by Rev. Mr. Langford. Tliere are a great many persons here whose lives represent a hi;j;h state of morality, who are generally the hardest ones to convert, for they are continually watching with keen eyes tho actiona of the members of the cliurcli, auvo to Ooil. When she recalled circumataiices that occurred forty yenrs prtviou.s to thnt, in her youthful christian experience ; thnt kept her close to the Cross. It seemed as if the Holy Spirit had entered into tlie lives of all present, for nil, with one accord, was praisinj; God. Her stay on earth afterwards was very short ; the Master took her homo, and many others whose names I do not rememher. The Association was held there in 1893. Deacon Thomas Lanj^'ford, who is well educated in cluirch work, looks after the welfare of this people to the boat of liis ahility. GRANVILLE FERRY, ORIGINALLY FUNDY SECTION, (Orgranized in 1844). With 47 nicmher.*. I'astor : F. I>. rian<.'f(trd ; Deacons : C Stevenson, Cr. Stevenson ; Cotincillorri : S. Pt)mp, J. Brothers, J. Simmons ; Clerk : W. H. Skanks. In 1888 two were added by baptism ; in 1890, one; in 1892, one ; and in 1894, two The church, whiah was situated on the Pny shore, was very inconvenient for persons to reach other than their own immediate friend?, as the high mountain to cross from Granville Ferry and Annapolis was very tiyirig, hence many persons would wish to visit tho bretlircd but the mountain remained a hairier in the way. Now the brethrcjn have deemed it expedient to build for themselves a meeting house at tiie F'erry, it will be much more convenient for all concerned, and should be accommo- COLOURED BAPTISTS OP N<*VA SCOTIA. 80 dating to the frionds at Aimnpoliii. Hrothor Clmrlca Stevenson, the sub-deacon, is the Ujading spirit with tlie brethren of this chnpih, and we pray (i n\ that He will send hitn licdp in his old age to push the battle to the front, and that he njight l)o abundantly blest, and see the fnut of his labour ))efore he is called home from earth to glory. HORTON CHURCH, (Organized in 1859). Rev. R. Preston, Pastor; Deacons: Daniel Doleman, . Dennis Dolenian. Having a start ol ten members it was thought that her career would be one of usefulness to the settlement and a blessing to the members, which it was while she existed ; but the greater portion of the members being seafaring persons, many went away and never returned in the liesh, some met death in foreign lands, and others found a watery grave. In process of time many of the leading families moved away to tlu) United States and the church edifice has fallen into disuse. Fathers l*reston and Tlioiniis both visited them and held profitable meetings lIk r.; going to and returning from the Associations in the western counties. FALMOUl CHURCH, (Organized in 1876). Rev. Fatlier Tliomas, Pastor ; Deacon : li. Gray ; Coun- cillor : 1). Green. This is a little band of christian workers. Wo regret that we cannot say that they have increa.sed numerically, the field being small. Father Thomas, a few years previous to his death, gathered them together with a fond hope of their growth and contirjued existence. But oa A ItRIKF IIIHTOHY OP TIIK Jontli intervenes, the iihepherd i« taken awny, the sheep is scattered. Not so in this case. The nhepherd is taken away, but the few faitlifiil followers stick close to},'ether and are hedged in by God's protecting caro. Sisters llray and Fletcher are most earnest workers, and manifest a lively interest in the cause of Christ, and deserve to bo encouraged. Rev. John Smith has laboured with them, and found them earnest christians contending for the " faith." The women hero, as in most of the churches, take the lead. Good womon are like the precious stones. Our Saviour found no fault with tiio woman who wont into the city and told all things that ever she did. Dorcas made clothes for the poor of her community. Priscilia, with her husband, took A polios and instructed him more perfectly in the way of God. Wc pray for their continual growth in the things appertaining to life eternal. H '■ \ MARRIAGES PERFORMED BY REV F. R. LANGFORD, . WEYMOUTH. ^ Jan. 14th, 1873, H. Harris to I. Lnngt'ord ; G. R. Jarvis to A. E. Langford ; Feb. Gth, 1878, EaI. Jarvis to A. Lang- ford ; July 14th, 1885, J. T. Robart to M. A. Langford; Dec. 23rd, 1885, E. Smith to H. A. Pleasant; Sept. 11th, 1880, Jas. Smith to S. A. Falls; Dec. 31st, 1884, Jos. Jarvis to Ophe. Langford ; July 20th, 1884, F. Falls to M. Duncan ; April 8th, 1886, J. McNeil to A. E. Langford; April 16th, 1886, H. Barton to S. Pleasant; Feb. 12th, 1894, Jas. Chute to Ida Langford; May 3rd, 1894, A. Francis to Gert. Langford ; June 20th, 1894, H. Langford to S. Tynes ; Nov. 12fch, 1889, St. C. Langford to Addie \ COLOURRT) nvPTISTfl OF VOVA HCOTIK, 01 Kolmil May 14tli, 1887, W. T.(iiircj>(«' to M. Hill ; J. liohait rt) M. Liiii<,'fMr(l ; Deo. 22iul, 1880, W. Iiiinr«'nc« to E. Jdidaii ; Nov. r>tli, I81)J, i .. Tlujinsoii to M. K. I.iuij^ford. At yarinontli Comity : Oct. r)lli, 187.'5, H. Laii«,'forgi,'ins: — July 1st, 1878, CJ, Crawford to P. Jordan ; May 2r)th, 1871), P. Miller to A. IVrry ; Mar. 2nd, 1879, J. Francis to M. P. Marah. Snjitir.s Cove:— Doc. 18th, 1870, P. J. Hawkins to S. Hawkins; Doc. 19th, 1880, H. Jordan to Phu'ho Williams ; Oct. 19th, 1884, IP Pons(.i. t., S. IJowon ; Nov. 20th, 1882, \V. Hanison to K. Jordan. liear Kiver:— F-h. 7th, 1S70, W. Jordan to A. M. Hawkin.s. At Conoral's Prid<,'o : — Juno mth, 1879,11. Fraiddyn to E. Ruj^'glo.s. At Granville Ferry : -Juno ir)th, 1879, T. P^win to K. Homestead; Jan. 14th, 1881, Jas. Brothers to F^. Jenkins; Oct. 6th, 1881, IP Curry to Mary Owens; Dec. 20th, 1888, G. W. Hill to M. E. Firman; Dec 20th, 1887, J. W. Stevenson to H. Tyler ; A. McPeod to M. J. Jackson ; June 11th, 1878, Jas. Brothers to E. Homestead. Fundy Section :— Jan. 13th, 1881, G. Brothers to M. Johnson ; Jan. 14th, 1886, C. Rob&on to J. Marsh. IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) £.•/■ ^ 1.0 1.25 ^ U& 12.0 V '/ Sdeoces Corporation tt WISf MAM STRUT WttS1itt,N.Y. 145M V 82 A BRIEF HISTORT OP THB if ^ - Halifax . —Sept. 14th, 1887, Jas. Gray to A. Carvary. Dartmouth : — Sept. 29th, 1885, Jas. IJrowii to M. Tynes; Nov. 14th, 1893, H. Kane to Ag. Brown ; Aug. 17th, 1887, F. J. Bauld to M. Lee ; A. Tynes to L. Berry man ; A. Brown to Ruth Wise ; T. Tynes to M. Medley. Preston East :— Aug. 29th, 1889, W. Stewart to M. Fletcher. Tracadie :— Sept. 15th, 1892, Angus Borden to M. C. Borden. Rev. Brother Langford has done pastoral work in nearly all of the above-mentioned churches, and is a hard'worker in any field he enters ; his labours are felt through the Holy Spirit's power. He has also baptized a host of believers in Jesus ; many of whom have crossed the flood. On different occasions has he filled miassions under the direction of the Home Board in Yui mouth, Digby and in Antigonish Counties. MUSQUODOBOIT ROAD CHURCH, (Reorganized in 1891). Rev. E. Dixon, Pastor ; Deacon : Isaac Johnson ; Treasurer : N. Boyd ; Clerk : G. Smith ; Sexton : J. Boyd. Members : H. Bodd, J. Johnson, S. Williams, C. Johnson, S. Boyd, E. West, L. Williams, Ann Boyd, L. West, H. Boyd. This Church was formerly under the pastorate of Rev. Jacob Allen, who has long passed away, and was supported by the Central Association. At his death they became shepherdless and began to scatter, which often occurs to churches with pastors, much more than a pastorless one. Pastor Dixon has taken hold of them and is most attentive to their spiritual requirements. On his visits he gathers large congregations, both white and coloured persons. The t r, mm COLOURED BAPTISTS OF NOVA SCOTIA. 03 services are much enlivened by the singing; of the brethren, in which the white neighbours trike great delight. Besii^es this charge Pastor Dixon has four others with whon ho labours most acceptably, and makes a good pastor to his fl(ick. As the blessed Master gave the commission to Peter to feed his flock , so does He give power to the minister, that is called to the work, to feed his flock to-day. But above all this, He imparts gifts according to His own will. He takes up some of His own and qualifies them in a special way for service in the ministry of the world. We pray God for a long life of usefulness for this dear brother. For in case of an accident he would be much missed by his churches. Then shall we say, be careful of yourself Pastor Dixon, if they do not pay you, do not go to baptize them, nor marry them, nor bury them. God forbid that you should so say. What is the promise 1 "I will give the nations for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth (or thy possession." You can do missionary work on the home field. The blessings attendant to your labours have already proved the surety of his promise, " Lo I am with you alway." The people of this settlement have their comfortable little farms and are much given to hospitality ; they look forward at no distant day when they will invite the Associa- tion to hold its annual sessions with them. These annual meetings have a wonderful influence in reviving the churches, and on many occasions the awakened soul becomes subjects of divine grace. It is quite certain that these brethren had the pleasure of hearing Fathers Burton, Preston, and others of the old school of missionary labourers wth Father Allen. M A BRIEF HISTORY OP THE li At LuoASviLLE is a small cluirch under the care of the Central Association, who receive the helping hand from the district branch of the Honie Mission Board. Pastors Hall, McDonald, Archibald, and others, have preached there with good results. At Tracauib there is another church, under the protec- tion of the Eastern Assiciation, with preaching places at Kirch Town, Guysboro County, and another at Guysboro Hill. These places have .had the services of Rev. Mr. Langford, under the auspices of the Home Mission Board. The late Brother Jordan also did missionary work with these brethren, whose labours were productive of great good. H DR. RUFUS L. PERRY, Ph.D. Gone to his rest. Dr. R'lfus L. Perry, Ph.D , a gentleman and a scholar, and one of the strong pillars of the Baptist denomination in New York, an old acquaintance of the writer. One from whom any information desired could be always had. He was a well of information in himself and always found time to reply to any question asked. " Born of slave parents, his father escaped to Canada when Dr. Perry was quite young. He was subsequently sold to a slave trader who was planning to take him to Mississippi ; but young Perry executed a daring escape and got safely into Canada. He afterwards returned to the United States, and in 1861 graduated from a college and a theological seminary in Michigan. He filled several pastorates over Baptist churches in Michigan, St. Thomas, Ontario, Buffalo, and New York. He edited and published many newspaperj*, and was publisher of the National Monitor when he died, who championed the doctrines of his denomination, which he loved so well. Ho was a leader in his pulpit, an acknow- ledged power in the press, an author of renown, whose work, COLOURED BAPTISTS OF NoVA SCOTIA. 86 entitlcMl the " Cushitu," will liiincl his niiinc uud fame us a schular tlowti to generations yet unborn." T. McC. S. The Unite«l States with her faults, which are ni my, has done much for the elevation of the coloured race. She has given to the race Prof«;ssors in Colleges, Senators, Engineers, Doctors, Lawyers, Mechanics of every desciiption. Sid and sorry are we to say that is more than we can houst of here in Nova Scotia. Our young men as soon as they receive a common school education must flee away to the United States and seek employment, as did W. H. Goler, a young Haligon- ian, who is now a Professor of Ancient Languages in Living- stone College, Salsbury, N. C. Very few ever receives a trade from the large employers, even in the factoriiis, on account of race prejudices, which is a terrible barrier, and direct insult to Almighty God. And still some of these judicators of equal rights, after a fashion, will call the young men worthless, lazy, and good for nothing, when every avenue of trade is closed against them. The writer is aquainted v/ith facts when young mechanics have arrived in our city from the West Indies, who could not obtain a situation simply on account of color, who had to accept something very menial, and subsequently had to leave and go to the United Stales to prosecute their mechanical skill. Dr. Perry has been a great friend to the youth of New York city, in obtainiiig situations for them. Like the late Hon. Fred. Douglas, he is an irreparable loss to the race. He was a strong advocate of Prof. Booker T. Washington's policy of mechanical and industrial education in the schools and colleges. He contended that it was better to give a boy a trade than money ; the money could be lost or stolen, but the trade was lasting. What we ask is to give our young raea a chance to learn a trade and keep them in the country, and build up an industrious class in our own Dominion. Illl I'll 1 . I hi.i IN MKMORIAM. Rev. John Burton Feb'y. i6th, 1838. Rev. R. Preston , 1861. Rev. John Hamilton May , 1865. Rev, Henry Jackson " " Rev. J. R Thomas Dec. 3oih, 1875 Rev. Jas. Wilmot November, 1877. Rev. Jas. Thomas June 17th, 1879. Rev. H. Fr-aNcis , 1885. Rev. B. Smithers , 1886. Rev. a. Bailey Jan'y , 1886. Rev. Geo. Carvery April , 1893. Rev. G. H. Neale , 1894. Rev. a. VV. Jordan, D. D.. , 1894. " Servants of God well done, rest from thy loved employ. The battle fought, the victory won, enter thy Mas- ter's joy." By Rev. Alex'h Bailey. HaH/ax .—March 14th, 1880, A. Carr to M. P:acl ; July 22ml, 1880, B. Butler to E. Clarke ; July 22n(l, 1880, G. IJrown to Em. Curvery ; Nov. 29tli, 188C, S. Brown to Isa. Williams ; F. Symonds to L. Foster. Predon .-—Nov. 29th, 1880, VV. H. Foreiran toM. A. Oillis , May Tst, 1880f I). Mansfield to M. A. Tupper ; July 25th, 1880, R. Williams to E. Caine ; Nov. 28th, 1882, C. Taylor to E. Brown ; Nov. 25th, 1884, G. Winder to race Johnson. Camphell Road : — X\m\ 26th, 1881, W. Byers to R. Mantley ; Dec. 29th, 1881, E. Dixon to E. C. Frances. Hammond Plains: Jan. 2nd, 1881, W, W^ilson to J. Johason; Feb. 6th, 1881, A. Hill to E. Marsnmn ; Dec. 29th, 1884, S. Goffican to Cass David. By Rev. W. R Boone. Nov. 25th, 1880, Jas. Knight to A. E. Joseph ; Dec. 23rd, 1880, Lew. Smith to Charlotte Bowen. By H. H. Johnson. May 27th, 1882, W. R Thomas to L. A. McAuliffe ; Sept. 27th, 1882, W, S. Garner to R. C. Thomas; H. Phillips to R. Turner; Nov. 9th, 1892, J. Colly to N. Nelson ; Nov. 23rd, 1893, P. Clayton to S. Thomas ; Nov. 30th, 1893, R. Ewingto A. Flint. By a. W. Jordan, D D. Mov. 20th, 1888, Jno. Taylor to M. A. Johnson ; Nov. 28th, 1888, Jas. Tynes to B. A. Smith ; Oct. 18th, 1888, J. H. Brown to M. E. Davidson ; Oct. 2l8t, 1888, T. W. Lannon to A. C. Skein. 08 A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE ii Rbv. John Hamilton, of Hammond Plains, was an African l)orn, brougiit lioro with others from Virginia. Ho was a man of constant piety and devotion, and was looked np to ns a fervent hsader of righteousness. He tlianked God for his transportation to Americrt, fearing had he remained in his native hind, he miglit never have known anything of the saving power of Jesu^ Clirist. While he lived he was of great use to the church and community, and was respected both by his own race ant| his neighbours for his integrity. He died many years ago, no date given. In his younger days he was familiarly acquainted with Father Burton, who gave him much information relative to his christian teachings which ho especially esteemed, and tended greatly to bind the members of the church together in the absence of Father Preston. < Ml SIR EDWARD JORDAN. Father Preston loved to hear of the elevation of his race ir. every clime or nation. Taken from his note-book : " Edward Jordan was born in Jamaica in the year 1798 ; having finished his education he accepted a clerkship in a dry goods store. His deep hatred to slavery, the political and social outrages committed upon the free people, was more than he could bear, to the extent that in 1826 he associated himself with Robert Osborne, in the publication of a weekly newspaper called The Watchman, devoted to the freedom and enfranchisement of the coloured race. His paper was conducted with marked ability. Mr. Jordan soon began to wield a tremendous influence against the slave power. During his absence from the editorial chair, in 1830, an article appeared in his paper, up( a which its rOLOIJBED BAPTISTfl OF NOVA SCOTIA. editor was indicU'd for treason. Ho was at once arrested, placed in the dock, and arruinged for trial. H^) pleaded " not gnilty," and asked for time to prepare his defence. The plea was allowed, and the case was traversed to the next court. The trial came on, the jury was packed, for the pM-sliivery element had determined to slay this distinguished advocate of liherty. The whole city was stirred, antl sanguine of his conviction. Fearing a riot, the authorities prepared for the worst. A vessd of war was brought up abreast of the city, with its guns pointing in a direction to rake the streets. A detachment of soldiers was kept under arms, with orders to be ready for action at short notice. The court officiuls entered upon their duties armed ; the sherifl' was instructed to shoot the prisoner in the dock if a rescue was attenipted. If convicted, Mr. Jordan's penalty was to be death. But a verdict of " not guilty " was returned, which was a sad disappointment to the pro-slavery element. The Watchman scored a high mark for the emancipationists ; while it gave new life to Wilberforce and his friends in England, which culminated in the abolition of slavery in 1834. The following year Mr. .Ionian was elected member of the Assembly for the city of Kingston, which office he tilled with honour to himself, and credit to his race. In 1853 he A'as elected mayor of the city, and in 1 860 ho was elevated to the dignity of knightho(>d by Her Gracious Majesty Queen Victoria. From a literary stand- point he was considered one of Jamaica's brightest gems. It was a cheering sign for his race to conceive, one who but a few years previously was tried for his life in his native city, in which he was subsequently made inspector of the prison in which he was once ah inmate for treason.'' Father Preston in his lectures often referred to Sir Edward Jordan. KX) A BRIEF HISTORY OP THE ^■^ I i2. TAKEN FROM FATHER THOMAS' COMMUNICATIONS. Tho persecutions of the Baptists in Jamaica during 1834 to 1840 were unboarahle. In 1836, when Lord Sligo visited the United States, he spoke with great respect of a Mr. Hill, a coloured magistrate, to Elgin Wright, the corresponding secretary of the Anti-Slavery Society. Mr. Wright has fur- nished us with tho following statement : — •* Just before his Lordship left here for England, he bore test.imony to us substantially as follows : * When I went to Jamaica, Mr. Hill was a special magistrate. In a certain case ho refused to comply with my directions, differing from me in his interpretation of the law. I informed him that his continued non-compliance must result in his removal from office. He replied that his mind was made up as to the laW) and he would not violate his reason to save his bread. Being Siitisfied of the correctness of my own interpretation, I was obliged, of course, to remove him ; but I was so forcibly struck with his manly independence, that I applied to the government for power to employ him as my secretary, which was granted. And having had him as an inmate in my own family for several months, I can most cordially bear my testimony to his trustworthiness, ability, and gentlemanly deportment.' Lord Sligo, also added, that Mr. Hill 'was treated in his family iii all respects as if he had not been coloured, and that with no gentleman in tlie West Indies was he, in social life, on terms of more intimate f'reindship.' " Another gentleman writes : — " In company with Mr. Hill 've visited Rev. Mr. Phillips, Baptist missionary, stationed there thirteen years. He regarded the apprentice- ship system a great amelioration of the old. It is beneficial to the missionaries, as it gives access to the plantations, wWle i f COLOUBKI) BAin'IHTH OF NOVA . SCOTIA. 101 h(;f(»r() thoy were almost exchidecl. In connection with his church he had a largn hcIioo!, numhcringahout 200 chiMron, in which thoy show aa much aptnoaa to loarn as in the white school ot'sin.ilar ngc Mr. Phillips' church escaped destruc- tion (hiring the persecution of the Hiipii^sts. The wives and connections of many of the coloured soldiers had taken refuge in it, and imd given out w.)rd that they would defend it even against their own hualiands and brothers, who in turn informed their oflicera, that if ordered to clc.stroy it, they should refuse at all perils." 'Such were the nature of things in tho^e days, previous to absolute emancipation in the Hrilish West Indies. "WESTMINSTER ABBEY." An Illu8Tkious Coloured Pref. ate— Bishop T. Holly. Among the n)ost distinguished and interesting features of the gatheiing (»f the ni>hops of the Anglican communion in London, was the presence of the Bishop of ilayti, an African, horn in the United States, and consecrated in Grace Church in New York in 1874. Bishop James Theodore Holly (for such is his name), the present Bishop of Hayti, is a man of excellent gifts, and of genuine missionary spirit. He received an especially cordial welcome on his appearance in London, among the English and American Bishops at liambeth, and won the respect and esteem of all who came to know him. While in London, Dean Stanley invited him to preach in Westminster Abbey on St. James' Day, and his sermon was founded on the request of the mother of James that her two sons may sit respectively on the right and on the left of Christ in His r 1()2 A •nniEF TTIHTOnV OF TITK I ^ 1,'? Kingdom, niul ondod with tlus followitig nobhi and totndiing prayer : — "And now on tlio fihoros of Old England, tho cradle of that Anglo-Saxon Christianity, l>y whicdi I have been in part at leant illnminatod ; standing beneath the vaulted roof of this monumental pile, redolent with tho piety of bygone generations during so nmny ages, in the j)resonco of the * storied urn and animated bust ' that hold tho sacred ashes and commemor ite tho burii-d grandeur of so many illustrious personages, I catch a fresh inspiration and new impulse of tho divine missionary spirit of our Christianity ; and here in the prosonco of Goil, of angels, and of men, on this day sacred to the memory of an apostle's blessed name, wiiich was called over mo at baptism, and as I lift up my voice 1 for the Hrst and perhaps the last time in England's sainted shrines, I dedicate myself anew to the work of God, of the Gospel of Christ, and of tho salvation of my fellowmen in the far distant isle in the Carribean Sea, that has become the chosen field of my labours." Prayer. — '* O thou Saviour Christ, Son of the living God, who, when Thou wast spurned by the Jews of tlie race of Shorn, and who, when delivered up without cause by the Romans of the race of Japheth, on the ignominious Cruci- fixion, hadst Thy ponderous cross borne to Golgotha's summit on the stalwart shoulders of Simon the Cyrenian of the race of Ham. I pray Thee precious Saviour, remember that forlorn, despised and rejected race, whose son thus bore Thy cross, when Thou shalt come in tho power and majesty of thy eternal kingdom to distribute Thy crowns of everlasting glory. And give me, then, not a place at Thy right hand or at Thy loft, but only the place of a gatekeeper at the entrance of the Holy City, the New Jerusalem, that I may behold my redeemed brethren, the saved of the Lord, Y COLOUHKI) lUITIHTH OF NOVA WOTIA. Uti eiitciin^ liiuieiii to 1x3 paitiikorH with Abruliaiu, Imac aiid Jiicob of all Thy (jloriwUH ami cvi'rhiHting Kiiig*h)iu. — Hacntnifnto lin: THE LATE WENDELL PHILLIPS' BRIEF EULOGY ON DANIEL O'CONNELL. Tub Fiukni) of the Oppuiwskd of any Uacb. O'Connell never took a h'af from our American gospel of com promise, that ho never .sacrificed any race to save even Ireland, — let me compare him with Kossuth, whose only merits were his eloquence and his patriotism. When Kossuth was in Faneuil Hali, Boston, he exclaimed, "Hero is a ting without a stain, a nation without a crime ! ' Wo abolitionists appf»alHd to aim, '* O eloquent son of the Magyar, come to break chains ! have you no word, no pulse beat, for four millions of negroes bcndii g under a yoke ten times heavier than that of Hungary 1" He i.nswered, ** I would forget anybody, [ would praise anything to help Hungaiy." Not so with O'Connell, he never said anything like that. When in Naples, I asked Mr. Buxton, a tory, " Is O'Connell an honest man V " As honest a i n\ as ever breathed," said he, and then told me this story. "C 'yonm-U came into parliament with only one Irish member to support him. A large party of the slave holding element, twenty- seven I think in all, went to him and said, * I see you are here at last with but one supporter, but if you will lend us your aid and do not support those abolitionists we will be with you, but if not count us agiinst you.' It was a terrible temptation in so trying a time. How many fo-called states- men of to-day would have yielded ! O'Connell said, * Gentlemen, God knows I speak for the saddest people the 1(H A BRIBF HISTORY OP THE I m 8UI1 sees ; but may my right hand forget its cunning, and my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth, if, to save Ireland, — even Ireland, — I forget the negro one single hour !" From that day, says Mr. Buxton, *' Lushington and I never went into the lobby that O'Connell did not folio *v us. When an American was introduced to him in the lobby of the House of Commons, he asked, without putting out his hand, * Are you from the South V * Yea sir.' ' A slave- owner, I presume.' • Yes sir.' Then said the great liberator, • I have no hand for you !" and stalked away." Said Wendell Holmes, fn)m a priest of the Catholic Church we might expect superiority to that prejudice against color which freezes the sympathies of our own churches when huminity points to the slave. I remember that African lips can join in the chants of the church unrebuked, even under the dome of St. Peters ; and I have seen the coloured man, in the sacred dress, pass with priest and student beneath the frowning portals of the Propaganda College at Rome with none to sneer at his complexion or repulse him from society. We thank Goil to-day that every barrier of learning that once stood in the way have been torn down, and some of the brightest intellects that ever stood on a platform or adorned a pulpit are of the sable sons of the race of Ham. *T COLOURED BAPTISTS OF NOVA SCOTIA. 105 THE LATE FRED. DOUGLASS IN ENGLAND. Dr. Geo. W. Pepper, of Cleveland, 0., publishes in the Leader a number of incidents in the life of the late Fred. Douglass. Among them are the following : — " The first time I met Mr. Douglas was in Ireland in 1847. He had met with enthusiastic receptions in London and throughout England, and had arrived at Cork. He was met at the landing by distinguished citizens, and rode away in a carriage seated between the Lord Mayor of Cork and the Rev. Father Matthew, the great Roman Catholic apostle of temperance. He was dined by the City Council, and was accorded especial marks of attention by the most prominent people in Cork. Going to Dublin, he went to call upon Daniel O'Connell, who was the first Roman Catholic Lord Mayor that city had for moro than three hundred years. Mr. Douglas had a letter of introduction from the late Hon. Charles Sumner, but when O'Connell's servant announced that there was a colored man at the door, and clasping Douglas in a warm embrace, said : ' Fred. Douglass, the American slave, needs no letter of introduction to me.' " " Probably the grandest moment in Mr. Douglass' life was in London, near the time of the events which I have just related. He attended the world's universal peace conven- tion, at which Lord Shaftesbury, the famous philanthrophist, presided. Douglas was introduced to the audience, which mainly consisted of Dukes and Lords, as ' the American slave." At the conclusion of his address his hearers cheered for fully five minute^. One of the most striking incidents occurred, however, when a prominent New York clergyman went forward with the others and extended his hand, which was proudly refused by the black man. ' No, said he, * you 106 A BRIEF HISTORY OF THK would not do this if you were in America, and I refuse to accept it here.' This incident was noted, and the New York clergyman did not have an opportunity to preach in a London pulpit during his stay." This great man was a natural foe to every form of social and political injustice, issuing from whatever source. He hated negro slavery with a perfect hatred. It had desjnsed his humanity, ignored his mind and soul, till he groaned within, cursed it and fled, and in turn waged an everlasting war against it. Aided hy men of pluck and courage he worked with pen and tongue, and lived to see its colossal palaces crumbled to the earth, its vicious constitutions torn to atoms, and many of its legislators pass from time to eternity unnoticed by their survivors. The great nations of the earth had their writers, orators and statesmen America produced butr>ne Fred. Douglas. COLOURED BAPTISTH OF NOVA SCOTIA. 107 "THOUGHTS ON HEAVEN." Jesus I clap my wings and fly Up to Thee above the sky ; I'd leave this world and all behind To dwell with Thee forever Thine. Then would I see, and hear, and know All that I gain and learn below ; And meet with those that's gone above, To sing the praises of Thy love. Then would I stand at God's right hand, With all the blest from sea and land, Singing praises to Thee our God, Who bought us with Thy precious blood. Thrice happy blessed souls are they. Souls who are from sin set free. Free from the law of sin and death, Free to recline on Jesus' breast. Then come ye mourners, doubt no more, For God your Lord has love in store For all to Him w ho meekly come. And pleads the n.erit8 of his Son. And you poor sinners, though last not least, Come bow before the mercy seat ; And pour out there your sad complaints, For God can turn you into saints. i. im IIIHTOIIY OF THE COLOURED BAPTIST CHURCHES. "MY MOTHER.' I I My dear mother is growing old, She ia feeble but is very bold. Her heart is large, her spirit free ; Bought by the God of liberty. Sha toiled and laboured for many a year, Her little children for to rear ; f'rayed to God their lives to spaie, And bless their undertakings. God heard her cries, And of his rich supplies Sent her a portion every day, And taught her in Christ's name to pray. And now her hair is blossomed white, I'll try and do up all things right. That I a blessing might receive, When God her spirit shall relieve. She was quite ill the winter past. And things did look much overcast ; And iOiTie their fears did entertain That she would noh here long remain. But ah ! the blessed God above, He still remembered her in love, And raised her to her feet once more To go out of the open door. L. A. Bailky. ;s ADVKRTI8KMKNTR. 100 Pianos and Organs. The W. H. JOHNSON CO., Limited, Keep in Stock one of the Largest and Finest Assortment of PIANOS and ORGANS In Canada. Sole Agents for the wonderful YOCALION CHURCH ORGANS. Address : 157 Oraiiville Street, HALIFAX, N. S. Fasliiai iat, Cap aoi For Stiire, 82 UP. WATER STREET. MAKE NO MISTAKE. Men's soft and hard Derby Fur Felt Hats and other grades always in stock in all the most fashionable colors. Cloth and Tweed Caps of every description. Fur Capes in Beaver, South Seal, Persian Lamb, Otter, Coney and other grades. Ladies' Furs in great variety. Gen- tlemen's Fur Coats, Collars, Sleigh Robes, Lined Kid Gloves and Mitts. Trunks, Valises, Satchels, Shawl Straps, and other ^cods found in a first-class Hat Store. Please give us a call. WM. 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