Part 1

THE HISTORY OF Germain Street Baptist Church ST. JOHN, N. B. FOR ITS FIRST ONE HUNDRED YEARS 1810—1910

SAINT JOHN, N. B.

THE SAINT JOHN GLOBE PUBLISHING COMPANY LIMITED

1910

INTRODUCTION

At the annual business meeting held in January, 1909, T. D. Denham, D. Hunt and T.H. Belyea, surviving Church Clerks, were appointed as a committee to prepare for publication in book from the History of this Church from its formation in 1810 to its Centennial in 1910.

At the first meeting of the committee the writer, being senior surviving clerk, undertook the preparation of the History of the Church for the One Hundred Years of its existence—so far as it might be possible to secure the data for doing so; while to Mr. Belyea, the present clerk, was assigned the writing of the biographical sketches of the departed deacons; and to Mr. Hunt, the treasurer, the preparing of a complete account of the mortgages that have been on the present buildings and how they have been paid off.

The old records of the Church had been placed in the vault of the Deacon Francis for safe keeping, but when the vault was opened after the fire of 1877, it was found to contain nothing but charred remains of the books—the writing being undecipherable. This made the securing of the facts in connection with the early years a very difficult task; but from various sources the events set forth in the following pages have been obtained, and so far as possible verified, so that while parts of the History are not nearly as full as we could desire, in the main, I think, the account will be found to be as accurate as it is possible to make it at this late date. It is to be regretted that this work was not undertaken during the lifetime of a number of our older members who have since passed away, as their personal recollections, extending back for many years, would have been of great assistance in the preparation of our History.

Some of the information has been secured from Dr. Saunders’ “History of the Baptists,” and Dr. Bill’s “Fifty Years with the Baptists,” while the very full account of the life and labors Rev. Samuel Robinson is largely from two historical sermons delivered by Dr. Bill in 1863, from the securing of which from the Library of Acadia University we are indebted to Mr. Cohoon. Dr. Cutten also placed a collection of the “Minutes of Associations,” dating back to 1810—in which are references to this Church—at my disposal. For later minutes I am indebted to Dr. McIntyre and others. The description of the interior of the old wooden building and the early methods of lighting are from a paper by the late Miss Sarah J. Blakslee. In the early part of the work much of the original phraseology has been retained— their writer making only such changes as were required to make a connected story. From 1870 much of the matter is from my own personal knowledge of the affairs of the Church, and from the records we still possess. Another source of information—though necessarily curtailed—is from the document deposited in the corner stone of the present edifice, which was prepared by Dr. Carey, and engrossed on parchment by the writer. It was at first proposed to open the corner stone and copy the document, but this was avoided by securing an excellent account published in one of the City papers in 1877.

During the century the Church has been ministered to by twenty duly inducted pastors, besides others who have acted for a time as supply. In the early years the pastorates were mostly short, but later the pulpit was filled by four faithful ministers—Rev. Samuel Robinson, Drs. I. E. Bill, G. M. W. Carey, and G. O. Gates, whose combined terms of service reached nearly sixty years.

Besides the deacons, who with us are elected for life, some brethren have filled the clerk’s office for long periods. We cannot tell when G. A. Garrison was appointed—it may be he was the immediate successor of his father, Nathan Garrison, the first clerk—but we know that he was in office previous to the separation and continued to act up to 1870, when J. J. Bostwick was appointed. After a short term by F. F. Porter, the writer was appointed in 1879, and was followed by D. Hunt and the present clerk, each of whom have served for a number of years.

These long terms of service are not confined to any particular office, as L. McMann was treasurer for many years, as was also his son S.C. McMann, who was succeeded in turn by T. D. Denham, T. S. Simms, S. McDiarmid and D. Hunt; so that the Church has had only six Treasurers and the same number of Clerks during the past forty years. Many have also served as Trustees for a number of years, among whom we recall Deacon Harding, who probably served longer than any other member of the Board. With the possible exception of G. A. Garrison, Deacon Simms efficiently filled the office of Sunday School Superintendent for the longest term—a quarter of a century—while since early in the pastorate of Dr. Carey, only three have administered the Benevolent Fund—Deacons Kinsman, Dyall and Lewis. Thus it will be seen that this has not only been a Church of long pastorates, but that many of the officers have also had long terms of office.

We are looking forward hopefully to the coming of our pastor elect, Rev. F. S. Porter, whom we are expecting soon to be with us to take up the duties of the pastorate.

In reviewing the first Century of our History we cannot but be impressed with the thought of the self-sacrificing labors of the faithful men and women of the past; who, in the face of difficulties and disabilities we haply know nothing of by experience, laid deep and firm foundations for the success that has come to us as a Church during all these years. When we consider the civil and religious liberty that has come to us as a result, in part, of the work of the founders of this old Church—we cannot but that God for what He has done for us in the past, and leaning on His Almighty arm, press forward determined with His help to strive to achieve a still larger measure of success in the future than has been ours in the past.

T. D. Denham St. John, N. B., September, 1910.

HISTORY OF Germain Street Baptist Church

ST. JOHN, NEW BRUNSWICK.

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REV. EDWARD MANNING’S VISITS TO ST. JOHN IN 1800 OR 1805.

THE REV. JOSEPH CRANDALL in his autobiography says: “After the organization of the church at Waterborough, in the autumn of 1800, Mr. Manning on returning from a visit up the St. John River stayed some time in St. John and baptized converts.” He also thought that Mr. Manning organized a church here, and if so, our history goes back to 1800 instead of 1810. It is therefore probable that it was in the autumn of 1800, instead of 1805—the year named by Dr. Bill—that the first baptisms took place here. At the time of Mr. Manning’s first visit, there was no Baptist place of worship or Baptist family in the city. Mr. Manning had been directed by a friend to call on Mr. George Harding, son of Captain William Harding. He did so, and was most kindly received. Mr. George Harding lived at the lower end of Germain street, and invited the young minister to preach in his house. His father, Captain Harding, who lived on Dock Street, also placed his house at Mr. Manning’s service. Captain Lovitt, Mrs. Harper, Mr. A. Magee, and a colored sister—Amy Nickson—all opened their houses to the preaching of God’s word. As a result of these services, a revival followed and many began to inquire what they should do to be saved. The preacher pointed them to the Lamb of God as the only remedy, and several professed conversion. Two of Captain Harding’s daughters and his son George were among the number—the latter being the first person baptized by immersion in this city.

REV. JOSEPH CRANDALL’S VISITS BETWEEN 1805 AND 1808.

After Edward Manning, came Rev. Joseph Crandall in the power and spirit of the Gospel. His ministry was the means of doing much good. Captain William Harding and his wife, William Stenning, and others were baptized by him. These early baptisms occasioned much excitement in the city. The people flocked in large numbers to witness them. Some went to pray and others to mock and blaspheme; but on the part of others this administration of the ordinance in its primitive form led to the prayerful examination of the Word of God, and the general result was a conversion to Baptist sentiments and practice. In the absence of a stated ministry and house of worship the converts met in each other’s houses for mutual exhortation and prayer. These meetings were attended with a rich blessing. All were of one heart and mind, striving together for the faith of the Gospel, and as a result, the Word of God grew and multiplied greatly in the community.

MR. THOMAS PETTINGILL’S REMOVAL TO THE CITY.

In 1808 the little band of believers were greatly strengthened by the removal from Kingston to St. John of Mr. Thomas Pettingill, who had been converted under the labors of Elder Innis. Mr. Pettingill was filled with religious fervor and an earnest desire to bring sinners to Christ. His house was at once consecrated to the service and worship of God, and his heart and purse were open to support the infant cause. When Baptist ministers came to the city, they were gladly received by him. In the absence of ordained ministers the members did not fail to maintain regularly the worship of Almighty God.

VISITS OF EVANGELISTS, 1808-1810.

In addition to the visits of the Ministerial Pioneers from Nova Scotia, ministers were sent here by the Massachusetts Baptist Missionary Society. Elders Isaac Chase, Henry Hale, and David Merrill spent considerable time in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. They were eminently useful in preaching the Gospel, administering its ordinances, and in confirming the infant churches in the doctrines and practice of the New Testament Christianity. Each of these Evangelists visited the city and rendered valuable service to the cause of the Master.

CHURCH ORGANIZED 1810.

On May 23rd, 1810, the Church was organized by Rev. Henry Hale, and called the First Baptist Church of St. John. The membership consisted of twelve persons—seven brothers and five sisters, who had been brought to a knowledge of the truth through the labors of Revs. Edward Manning, Joseph Crandall, James Innes, Theodore Harding, James Manning, Joseph Dimmock, Thomas Ansley, and other evangelists. The names of the original members so far as we are able to obtain them are as follows: (1) Jeremiah Drake, grandfather of Brunswick and the Misses Drake; (2) Thomas Pettingill, father of the late James Pettingill; (3) Nathan Garrison, father of the late Deacon George A. Garrison; (4) George Harding, son of the late Captain William Harding; (5) John M. Wilmot; (6) William Stenning, an uncle of the late Deacon J. H. Harding. (1) Mrs. Thomas Harding, mother of the late Deacon John H. Harding; (2) Mrs. Uriah Hatfield; (3) Mrs. Lovett, wife of Captain Lovett. It is probable that the other three members were from among the following persons: Mrs. Harper, Mr. A. Magee, Amy Nixon, Captain William Harding and his wife, all of whom had shown much interest previous to the formation of the Church.

First Officers.

Nathan Garrison was the first Church Clerk. Thomas Pettingill was chosen Deacon of the little Church on account of his deep-toned piety and sincere devotion to the cause of God. He was soon joined in office by Jeremiah Drake, and “these two, like Jachin and Boaz, the pillars of Solomon’s temple, did, as these names signify, Establish in Strength the truth as it is in Jesus, both by precept and example. In the absence of a settled minister, they regularly maintained and led the religious exercises of the Church, so that when they were called up higher they had seen the cause of Christ greatly advanced through their instrumentality, and departing bequeathed to the church a precious legacy, ‘The stainless memory of the just, The wealth beyond the grave.’”

Mr. Asa Blakslee was the first person baptized after the organization of the Church.

Mrs. Thomas Harding, who died in her ninetieth year in August, 1875, was the last of the twelve that formed the little band in 1810. She saw the small vine send out boughs to the sea and branches to the river, and many dwell under its goodly shadow.

In 1812 the Church numbered twenty-seven members. They applied for admission and were received into the Association at Upper Granville, N. S., this year.

For the first three years the Church was not in a position to call a pastor, but was supplied from time to time by visiting ministers.

FIRST PASTOR CALLED.

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The first pastor, the Rev. Edmund Reice, was called in 1813. He was a Frenchman who came to Halifax as a midshipman in a French vessel which was taken as a prize by the English. His conversion was remarkable. Intent, like many of his countrymen, on deriding religion, and leading a ball in a house just opposite the place where the revival meetings were held at Yarmouth, like Saul, he was struck down by the power of God and in intense agony of soul he cried aloud for mercy. He was truly converted, became a Baptist, and entered the ministry. After preaching for some time elsewhere, he was called to be a pastor of this Church.. During his pastorate a revival occurred and many were added to the Lord. He remained as a pastor about three years. Later he went to New Orleans to evangelize the French, and afterwards was pastor of the First Baptist Church of Baltimore, where he died.

Places of Meeting.

The Church first worshipped in a small room on the ground floor of a building on the south side of Princess Street, owned and occupied by Mr. Cornelius Harbell. The building was next to the residence of the late Dr. Sheffield. From Princess street the Church moved to and occupied a small church edifice on Germain street, between Duke and Queen. This building had been used, on the formation of the city, as a court house and common council chamber. It was then occupied by the Episcopalians, and afterwards by the Methodists. It soon became too small, and in 1815 the present site, on the corner of Germain and Queen streets, was purchased. The first building was completed and dedicated in July, 1818. The following advertisement appeared in the city papers: “A new Baptist meeting house will be opened for the worship of God on Lord’s Day next, when appropriate sermons will be preached and hymns sung. Collections will be made toward the expense of the building. Services at 11 A.M. and 6 P. M. (Sgd.) THOMAS GRIFFIN, Pastor.

St. John, July 8th, 1818.”

This shows that even at the early date the ministers realized the value of the press.

This old wooden Church fronted on Queen street and had a seating capacity of 500 to 600. On each side of the entrance was a short flight of stairs leading up to the Church. At the head of these stairs in recesses on either side were large stoves for heating the building. Opposite the entrance was a high box pulpit with fourteen steps leading up to it. Behind the pulpit was a large window looking north. In front was a square pew with a railing round the top and dark maroon curtains. In the pew was a table on which were four pewter plates used in taking up the collection. During the service the deacons sat in this pew. At this time they were: Drake, Pettingill and Gale. There was a gallery on three sides of the Church—the choir being opposite the pulpit. In the gallery to the left of the minister sat the colored people, of whom there were quite a number. On the ground floor the wall pews were square, while those in the centre were single pews. The pews were upholstered to suit the taste of the owners, some being done with scarlet, garnet or green, and the others with more somber colors. When the Church was enlarged, in 1838, the old-fashioned high pulpit was removed, much to the satisfaction of the worshippers. William Stenning and Thomas Harding superintended the erection of the new Church, and Brother Stenning’s funeral sermon was the first preached in the building. Subscriptions towards the building fund were opened October 14th, 1815. The following are among the amongst contributed: Thomas Pettingill, John M. Wilmot, Thomas Harding and William Stenning £50 each; Nathan Garrison £25; John Dyer and William Harding £20 each; Benjamin Gale and Henry Blakslee £15 each; Andrew S. Green, Joshua Lane, Samuel Chadburn, Henry Holmes and Jeremiah Drake £10 each; and others from £1 to £5.

Lighting.

At first candles were used to light the Church. From the centre of the ceiling was suspended a brass chandelier with twenty-four candles. On the walls of the main floor and gallery above every third pew there was a movable candlestick, and on each side of the reading desk were two movable candlesticks attached to stationary stands. The sexton wearing soft slippers would noiselessly ascend the pulpit steps, snuffers and tray in hand, and passing behind the minister snuff the candles; then closing the pulpit door, slowly descend the steps. He would then proceed round the Church snuffing the candles—some fifty in all. By the time had made a circuit of the church it was time to commence again, and usually he made the rounds three times during the service. At times a draft from the door or window would cause the candles to flare, and many a broadcloth coat or silk dress would be spattered with grease. In course of time sperm oil lamps were substituted for the candles, and they were considered a very great improvement. In 1845, gas was introduced into the city, and used in this church for the first time at the formation of the Maritime Convention in 1846. The present system of electric lighting having been introduced only so recently as 1906.

REV. THOMAS GRIFFIN.

Rev. Thomas Griffin, who came from England, was the second pastor. He took up the work in 1818, and remained two years.

In 1820 the Female Mite Society contributed from Missions £15 3s. 7d. ($ 60.72). “The Church was small.” says Dr. Bill, “having only about sixty members and they had just completed their first house of worship. This contribution indicates the depth of their piety, and their earnestness in sending the Gospel to the destitute.”

REV. RICHARD SCOTT.

Rev. Richard Scott was next called to the pastorate, being the third pastor. He came from England in the spring of 1821. On July 1st of this year, the Baptist churches in New Brunswick were formed into a separate Association, and met with this church. At this time there were in New Brunswick 13 churches, 6 ministers, and 506 members, our membership being 59. Elders Harris and Miller remained after the close of the Association and conducted Revival Services. Rev. Richard Scott went to the United States and collected toward the debt on the Church $1,061.00.

On Mr. Scott’s retirement a young man by the name of Densmore, who had been converted in a lumber camp, came to the city. He was on his way to the United States intending to devote himself to the ministry and was filled with the spirit of the Gospel. At the request of the Church he remained some time, and under his ministrations the Church was greatly revived and edified. For some time the Church was without a pastor, but was visited by Revs. Joseph Crandall, R. Davis, C. M. James, D. Dunbar and T. Ansley. The ministry of these brethren greatly comforted and confirmed the Church, and a few were added to the membership.

REV. CHARLES MILLER.

Rev. Charles Miller, 1824, was called as the fourth pastor. He remained two years, during which time eighty persons were added to the Church, the most of them by baptism. He was born in 1749 at Stirling Scotland, and was brought up a Congregationalist. He was ordained a Baptist Minister at Sackville in 1820. He was pastor on the Miramichi from 1821 to 1823. He left this city in 1826 for the United States, where he spent the rest of his days, the latter part of which were spent at Skowhegan, Maine.

REV. JOSEPH CRANDALL.

Rev. Joseph Crandall supplied the pulpit as pastor for a short time following Rev. Charles Miller, and his work was greatly blessed. He was born in Rhode Island. His parents came to Chester about 1775, when he was an infant. He was converted and united with the church at Chester, when under the care of Rev. Joseph Dimmock. He was ordained pastor of the church at Sackville in 1799, and was pastor of a number of churches in New Brunswick. He died February 20th, 1858, having reached the age of eighty-six years, after having preached the Gospel for nearly sixty years.

REV. CHARLES TUPPER.

Rev. Charles Tupper, father of Sir Charles Tupper, became the sixth pastor in 1826, but remained only a short time on account of ill health. Rev. Charles Tupper was born August 16th, 1794, at Cornwallis, N. S. He began to teach school at nineteen. He united with the Cornwallis Church in 1815, began to preach in 1816, and was ordained in 1819. He died January, 1881, after a ministry of sixty-five years. As a student, preacher, pastor, teacher and writer, he was very successful. He mastered thirteen languages, so as to be able to read the Bible in them all. Of his controversies and discourses one of his opponents said that “He wrote with the seriousness of a Christian, and the politeness of a gentleman.” He formed the first Temperance Society in New Brunswick. He was the editor of the Baptist Missionary Magazine for Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. In 1838, he acted as a principal of the Baptist Seminary at Fredericton. In 1857 the degree of D. D. was conferred by Acadia University. He was noted for his piety, great ability and devotion to duty.

After Mr. Tupper’s retirement the pulpit was supplied for nearly two years by Mr. Enoch Freeman, a student of Waterville College. In 1827 a Missionary Society was formed and the sum of £17 10s. 0d. ($ 70.00) was raised. In 1828 the Association was again held with this Church.

REV. FREDERICK MILES.

Rev. Frederick Miles, who had been educated at King’s College, Windsor, was ordained in 1828 and became the seventh pastor. Numbers of persons were added to the Church through the faithful labors of Mr. Miles. During his pastorate of three years, fifty were received by baptism. In the autumn of 1830, Mr. Miles resigned for the purpose of completing his theological course at Newton.

After the retirement of Rev. Mr. Miles, the Rev. Samuel Bancroft supplied the pulpit for a time with much acceptance, and several converts were added during his short term of service.

REV. J. G. NAILOR.