One Hundred Years with the Baptists of Amherst, N. S.
1810
TO
1910

A BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE CENTENARY PROCEEDINGS OF THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, AMHERST, N. S.

HISTORICAL SKETCH BY REV. D. A. STEELE, D. D. AND MRS. GRACE McLEOD ROGERS.

This short history of the AMHERST BAPTIST CHURCH is dedicated to those who shall continue the work begun by their fathers.

Foreword To History of The Amherst Baptist Church, Amherst, N. S.

The twin ordinances—The only ones left in His church by Her Lord— will shew what a Baptist church stands for, and our method of regarding them will explain our existence.

I.

Baptism is a symbol of grace, not an infallible passport to the kingdom of God. It is the answer of a good conscience toward God; it signifies the cleansing from sin, which can only be accomplished by the blood of Jesus Christ This ordinance is further described as a type of the resurrection from sin to a life of holiness, “that as Christ was raised from the dead, we also might walk in newness of life.” It is therefore an ordinance for the person believing in the Christ. He thus expresses faith in Him. It is not held by us as necessary to salvation; consequently we do not baptize the dying, or those who by reason of sickness or of age, cannot comply with the command.

II.

The Lord’s Supper we also consider as a clear symbol of Christ’s giving Himself up to the death of a cross for us, and the necessity of appropriating Him to ourselves by faith. We do not regard this ordinance as one that places a person in a safe position, regardless of a living faith in Jesus Christ. Eternal life is granted because a man partakes of Him, as He declares: “He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood hath eternal life.” It is not the symbol that saves, but the Christ Himself. We do not believe therefore that it is necessary to give the symbol as a sacrament to the dying. We regard the last supper as a memorial of our dying Lord to be observed, as at the institution of the ordinance, by the church when met together.
D. A. S.

INTRODUCTION.

One Hundred Years of History! how much it means! what changes have taken place in all departments of life, Political, Commercial, Social, and Religious! How much it includes! How much it reveals!

To treat of these changes many books would have be written. The Committee in charge of this brief History will not attempt it. Readers will have to allow their imaginations to have sway as they read, and many events in the life of the Church and town will be recalled to their memory. For the History of the First Baptist Church has been one that has meant self sacrifice on the part of noble men and women. There have been trying times—times when those at the helm hardly dared look backward at the little accomplished, or forward to its future labors for fear of becoming utterly discouraged at the magnitude of the work revealed.

But the Lord of Hosts was with them, the God of Jacob was their refuge, and through His power they were enabled to press onward; abundantly did they merit, and assuredly have they received, the Master’s words of commendation: “Well done good and faithful servants.”

PREPARATORY WORK.

Anticipating the celebration of this important event in the Church’s history, a large representative Committee from the several organizations was appointed to consider and arrange a fitting programme. The successful carrying out of the plans submitted seemed a great undertaking, but loyally did the Church stand by them, and all the members of the congregation as well entered actively into the preparations. Especially to the pastor. Rev. P. J. Stackhouse, much of the credit of the success is due. Although only identified with the church for a few months previous to the occasion, he threw himself wholly into the work, with thorough sympathy, tact and wisdom, and during all the initiatory stages and throughout the week of actual celebration his was the guiding hand. To Dr. Steele, who for so many years has been identified with the labors of the Church, is due the credit of turning back the pages of its history and bringing before those of today the work and mission of the past hundred years.

The Centennial Celebration was a success; from beginning to end a hearty, happy and devotional spirit dominated the whole proceedings.

CELEBRATION BEGINS.

The Celebration began on Sunday October, 16th. The people met in the Church, many of them the descendants of the Freemans and Blacks, and others who constituted the first church. The Rev. J.H. MacDonald, D.D. a former pastor, in a well delivered discourse, filled with the great ideas of the Master, and of God’s approbation of Him, the beloved Son in whom he was well pleased—opened the services. The lesson was clearly set before us of His obedience and sacrifice, and the deduction was followed all the way through that His followers in a similar way, in this Church, as far as poor mortals can, had devoted themselves to the Lord. It was an inspiring occasion.

CENTENNIAL SERMON BY REV. J. H. McDONALD, D. D.

Rev. Mr. MacDonald said in part: Heaven’s Commendation of a Century of Church Life and Service, was the theme of the Centennial sermon. The text was “There came a voice from Heaven,” Matt 3:17; 17:5; Jo. 12:28. The preacher found Heaven commending the Son of Man for three things, character, truth and sacrifice, and then proceeded to point out that if the Amherst Church during its century of life and service commended itself to Heaven it must have been because character was formed, truth appreciated and proclaimed, and sacrifices made.

“Whatever the Amherst Church may have achieved during the last hundred years, and it has achieved much, it has nothing in which to glory save in Him who is its Head and the character of the men and women it has produced. I think we can safely say today that under its influences there have been developed men and women of godly lives and that it has made its contribution to the Kingdom of God upon earth, which is first, righteousness, and after that “peace and joy in the Holy Ghost.” It has directly or indirectly elevated the standard of life. It has shamed and rebuked the bad and made the good better. It has caused society to be permeated with a new leavening influence. It has sent its purifying streams to the ends of the earth. You remember those who lived among you, those who are still here whose lives were a continual inspiration, men who could die, but who would not lie. Like King Arthur’s knights they revered their conscience as their king. In their presence, impurity hid its face, and the unseemly word died unspoken on the tongue. Aye, and women too, some of them lived, speaking after the manner of men, commonplace lives, but every day they walked with God and were transfigured, and when you saw them you thanked God that all the angels were not in Heaven. And all this they were because He dwelt in them and they in Him. If after a century of life and service this Church has the approbation of Heaven it is because there have grown up within its fold men and women of goodness. For those who are still with us in the flesh we render grateful thanks to Him, whose workmanship we are, and

“For all the saints who from their labors rest,
Who Thee by faith before the world confessed,
Thy name, Jesus, be forever blest. Allelujah!”

FINANCIAL REPORT.

Rev. Mr. Stackhouse read a report of the financial standing of the church showing a debt of $20,000.00 on all church properties, including organ, parsonage, etc. $10,000.00 of this is provided for by life insurance policies, maturing Dec. 31st. The committee having in charge this celebration thought this a fitting time to provide for the balance of $10,000.00 and deliver the church property from all incumbrances. The plan adopted was to ask for pledges for the amount to be paid half yearly for the next five years.

THE APPEAL.

Dr. McDonald was then introduced in a new role, that of solicitor- general for the church, and so admirably fulfilled this office that at the close of the day the debt of $10,000.00 was annihilated, with a couple of thousands allowed for shrinkage.

BIBLE SCHOOL, ADDRESS BY REV. G. A. LAWSON.

In the afternoon, Rev. George A. Lawson of the First Baptist Church, Moncton, N. B., a son of the late Rev. D. C. Lawson, who at one time was closely identified with this Church, delivered a most interesting address before a mass meeting of the Bible Schools. Mr. Lawson who is an acknowledged expert in Sunday School work took as his theme “Some values of Sunday Schools.”

His address was an able effort and greatly appreciated by the large audience present.

SERMON BY REV. G. B. CUTTEN.

At 7 o’clock Dr. George B. Cutten, Ph.D. President of Acadia, preached to an immense audience on the subject “The Church as an Economic Factor,” dealing with the question from a purely financial standpoint and in a plain practical manner proved that to remove the Church and its influence from a town, village or country was to decrease values; that the church was the best police force, the greatest controlling power of the liquor and kindred evils, and in every way enhanced the values of property. He referred at length to the great work of the Baptist Church in Amherst and congratulated them upon attaining this important era in their existence.

Dr. Cutten is a grandson of the late Elisha Cutten, a former deacon of this church. Both he and Mr. Lawson united with the church under the ministry of Dr. Steele.

LECTURE OF REV. J. H. McDONALD, D. D.

On Monday evening Rev. J. H. McDonald D.D. delivered a finely conceived lecture on “The Poets and the Life Beyond.” Their tributes to immortality were quoted from old Homer down through the long series of the

“Grand old masters
Whose distant footsteps echo
Through the corridors of time.”

It was a rare occasion, and the feelings of the audience were voiced in a tribute by C. R. Smith, K. C.

The Church is certainly under great obligation to Dr. McDonald for his great assistance. His presence was in itself an inspiration and benediction.

LADIES’ DAY.

Tuesday afternoon was Ladies’ Day, and in unusually large numbers they assembled at the mass meeting of the Women’s Missionary Aid Societies, representatives being present from Leicester, Salem, the Highlands, and the Centre. Mrs. J. Alex. Christie, president of the local society, presided. After devotional exercises, Mrs. J. G. Harding gave an interesting and inspiring Historical Sketch of the Amherst Missionary Society. Mrs. Harding is one of the oldest members of the society, a lady, who has been closely identified with its growth through all its years, and her earnestness in mission work has been a great factor in the growth of the society.

MISSIONARY ADDRESS BY REV. D. E. HATT. B. A.

Rev. D. E. Hatt, B. A., of Dorchester, N. B., recently returned from the West, delivered an address on North West Missions. Rev. Mr. Hatt was long enough in the West to become imbued with the enthusiasm of that great country and in his address imparted much of his enthusiasm to his hearers, who were greatly impressed with the needs of that section of our fair Canada. A generous collection was secured for the North-West Mission.

CHURCH REUNION.

Thursday evening from 5.30 to 7 the Ladies of the Aid Society and the “Don’t worry, Bible Class” served tea to a large number of the congregation. This part of the program like all the rest was very successful.

Then followed at 8 p. m. a service which will linger very long in the memory of all who were present. It was designated most fittingly as Centennial Night.

It was a service that called up many old and sacred memories, that stirred the most sluggish imagination, and made us feel that we had back of us a spiritual ancestry of which we were not ashamed.

CENTENNIAL NIGHT.

The Historical sketch of the Church was prepared and read by Dr. Steele, the Pastor Emeritus. We were fortunate in having as our historian one who has been so closely identified with the church for a period of 43 years and who was able to write from first hand information. The sketch showed the most painstaking and careful research, fine discrimination, and was a concise and comprehensive history of a fruitful work covering a period of one hundred years.

DR. TUPPER AND REV. S. McCULLY.

After the reading of the historical sketch of the church an address was given on the subject: “Glimpses into the Lives of Rev. Samuel McCully and Charles Tupper D. D. by Mrs. Grace McLeod Rogers, M. A. This address clothed in beautiful and chaste language was not only a rich treat from a literary standpoint but gave evidence of such sympathetic insight into the lives of two of the great men of our church that the feeling was unanimous that it must have a place in the report of our Centennial Celebration.

This most inspiring of all the services of Centennial week was brought to a close with the singing of the old hymn “O God the Rock of Ages.”

FRATERNAL SERVICE.

Wednesday evening another large audience was present at the Centennial Fraternal Service. Pastor Stackhouse presided and on the platform with him and participating in the services were the Venerable Dr. Steele, Dr. Chapman and Rev. J. K. Bearisto, Rev. Anderson Rogers of St Stephen’s Church, Rev. E. H. Ramsay of Knox Church Rev. H. Wigle of Trinity Methodist Church, Rev. L. S. Crandal, pastor of the Baptist Church, Oxford, Rev. A. L. Powell, Gaspereaux, and Rev. S. Walter Schurman, Lockport Brief congratulatory addresses were given by all, and the general expression was of thankfulness and congratulation for the great work the Church has accomplished in its one hundred years its present prosperity and its future prospects. Special mention was made of the magnificent result of Sunday’s appeal, when the total indebtedness of the Church was provided for. Letters were read from former pastors. Rev. W. E. Bates and Rev. S. W. Cummings, and from assistant pastors, Rev. G. O. Gates, D. D., Rev. J. Austin Huntley, Rev. A. F. Newcombe, Rev. Johnston L. Miner, Messrs. Fred F. Foshay and George Keirstead and from Rev. G. W. Schurman and Dr. C. Eaton, all expressing their regrets that they were unable to participate in the exercises of the church which had been so much to them in the years gone by.

CLOSING SERVICE.

Tuesday evening the celebration program was fittingly brought to an end by a devotional service, in which all the past and present were transformed into a new consecration for the future. Pastor Stackhouse gave a brief address on "Retrospect and Prospect," and Dr. Steele also spoke briefly. Letters were read from a number of non-resident members; also one from Rev. T. Richard Peede, of Port Chester, N. Y., a former pastor of the church. Short reminiscences of the past were also given by Deacons Layton, Read and S. Freeman, and by Mrs. G. B. Smith, after which the service was brought to a close, the deep feeling of the members being that the Church had been wonderfully blessed in its work in the past and particularly through the celebration, and that the same devotion to service would ensure even greater accomplishments in the future.

THE MUSIC.

One feature of the celebration, which has not been referred to in the above, was the magnificent program of music carried out by Miss Mabel Cole, the leader, and her faithful choir. It was not an easy task to provide new and interesting music for all the various services of the celebration, but Miss Cole was more than equal to it, and the program was exceptional in its variety as well as its perfect rendition. Among those who took part in the solo, duet and quartette numbers were Messrs J. L. Ralston, Dr. Burrell, S. L. Lawson, A. D. Sopp, J. W. Fraser, Geo. Shiers, E. Marney, F. Bishop, F. Thompson, Mrs. A. Betts, Mrs. S. L. Lawson, Miss Lawson and Mrs. C. C. Black, Miss Helen Lawson, Miss Simpson. A mention of the names themselves, without further particularization, is a sufficient guarantee that the special selections were of a very high class.

PRESENT OFFICERS.

The church now enters the first year of its second century, and the officers who are now in charge of its destinies, and who will maintain its best traditions for harmony, service and progress are:—
Pastor—Rev. P. J. Stackhouse B. D.
Pastor Emeritus—Rev. D. A. Steele D. D.
Church Missionary—Miss Alice Logan
Assistant Pastor—Rev. J. T. Dimock
Clerk—W. S. Porteous
Treasurer—G. B. Smith
Deacons—J. M. Layton, Wm. Read, Samuel Freeman, J. Avard Black, D. W.
Freeman, B. J. Lawson, M. M. Tingley, J. A. Christie, and W. W. Black.
Deacons at the out-stations—W. O. Logan, Salem; Alex Clegg, East
Amherst; and Amos S. Logan, Amherst Point.

Thus was carried out a programme embracing the essential points, but how much was left out only those know who have had to perform like services. The history of a Church, with its struggles, its plannings, its difficult questions, as well as in its days of victory, cannot be places on paper not uttered in speech.

Historical Sketch Of The Amherst Baptist Church.

BY D. A. STEELE, D. D.

Who can write the history of a church? There are so many incidents that go to make up its life, which have passed out of mind. It is a long story of a hundred years, and comparatively few things have been committed to writing or preserved in memory.

It is necessary to say at the outset that no one is in a position to do more than present the merest outline. The Church kept no records of its proceedings until the close of the year 1842. Steps were then taken to collect as far as possible from those then living an account of the doings of the Church for the thirty-two years preceding, and also a correct list of the members. On February 7th, 1843, the Rev. Charles Tupper, with Deacon Thomas Stokes Black, and Brethren Samuel Freeman 1st, and William Logan met at the house of Thomas S. Black on the rising ground nearly opposite the estate of Hon. Hiram Black, Upper Victoria Street, when the following facts were collected:—

The beginnings of the Baptist cause in Amherst are traced back to Henry Alline, who in his evangelistic tours visited this place in 1781 and 1782. He was a man gifted with the power of persuasion; of an all consuming zeal, with a heart yearning for the salvation of his fellow men. He made many converts here.

The parents of those in advanced years with whom the writer conversed in the first days of his pastorate here, were aroused to repentance during the visits of this remarkable man. Mr. Alline was summoned before a self-constituted court in this town, but as they had no authority, and the people sympathized with the evangelist, nothing could be done. He preached here, at Amherst Point, Fort Lawrence, Fort Cumberland, Sackville, and Bale de Verte, as we learn from his journal. He speaks of “the darkness” which rested upon the people and the ministers. No doubt there was more or less of formalism, and the flaming discourses of such a man would make a deep impression. At any rate, the effects remained in a number of converts here and in adjacent places. He left his converts in Societies, somewhat loosely bound together, but was indifferent in regard to baptism.

A spiritual tone characterized his converts, and the emotional side of their religion was prominent, but there was a clear line drawn between them and the world, and the nominal professors of Christianity.

The teaching of this good man, we learn from the records we are perusing, was followed up by Rev. T. Handley Chipman, who was pastor at Nictaux, “with considerable success—” Sometime after, the Rev. Harris Harding preached with “success.” It is noted that the above were all of the New-Light Order. That was the designation of Alline’s followers. They were supposed to have received new light on the momentous matters of human redemption from Sin. They were taught in preaching and in hymns, of which Mr. Alline had a collection of his own composing, that man was a fallen being, but that God for Christ’s sake, was ready to forgive any repentant sinner here and now, and that the joy of salvation and peace in believing were the authentic evidences of being born again.

I quote the old record: “The Rev. Edward Manning next preached amongst us, who having previously embraced Baptist sentiments, called the attention of the people to the subject of Baptism, as also did the Rev. Joseph Crandall, of Salisbury, N. B.” Mr. Alline made little of this ordinance. The teaching of the last two brethren, led people to investigate this matter, and the result was that, “several persons went forward in that ordinance,” viz. Baptism.

We come to a statement that will surprise many. The date of the organization of this Church has been long fixed as 1810; hence our centennial proceedings have been arranged for this year, 1910. But here is the authorized deliverance of the men who were but thirty- four years from the founding of the Church, at the head of whom, is their pastor Charles Tupper, who were conversant with the people, who formed the Church, and two at least of whom Thos. S. Black and Samuel Freeman were of the original members. We find it distinctly recorded that, “In 1809, a small Baptist Church was organized by the Rev. Joseph Crandall.” Our date therefore must be corrected. We are celebrating the centennial just a year after the real date.

The record proceeds:—“For some time they were without a pastor, but were occasionally visited by ministering brethren.” I find the name of Rev. T. H. Harding as one of these. “In 1819, the Rev. Charles Tupper began to spend a portion of his time with the Church, although he resided twenty miles distant.” This means that he was pastor of the Church at River Philip, and gave this Church a portion of his time.

The record continues:—“In 1821, the Rev. Samuel McCully, who after having preached some time as a New Light had been baptized and ordained, took the pastoral charge. In 1827, he resigned in favor of the Rev. Charles Tupper, who had removed to Amherst. They labored harmoniously each some portion of the time up to October 1832, when Mr. Tupper resigned the pastoral charge, and subsequently removed to Prince Edward Island. Immediately after the Rev. Samuel McCully was invited to assume the office of Pastor, which he did, and continued in that office until he went to labor in Shepody in 1841. In the spring of 1842, Rev. C. Tupper by invitation of the church again accepted the Pastoral charge.”

The record further goes on to state that in 1818, the church consisted of 18 members; and the following list is given of all who had belonged to the church up to that time.

MEMBERS.

Thos. S. Black Deacon, died January 24th, 1850, (He was a brother of Rev. Wm. Black, the apostle of Methodism).
Augustus Baxter, died Nov. 7, 1818.
Samuel Freeman, who lived till June 21st, 1860, when he died at the advanced age of eighty-eight.
Joshua Freeman (moved to Canada.)
Philip Freeman (moved to Canada.)
John Boss.
Zerabel Holmes, Little Forks
George Boss, “ “
Rufus Freeman,
Wm. Freeze Black,
Samuel McCully, Died Aug. 12, 1849.
Robert Seaman,
Wm. Freeman (Clerk)
Desiah Freeman,
Elizabeth Porter,
Elizabeth Grant,
Isabella Seaman,
Hannah Cameron, (moved to Canada.)
Margaret Donkin,
Elizabeth Seaman,
Sarah Terris, (moved to Canada.)
Deborah Boss,
Samuel Fage, (Died)
Lucy Bent, (Died)

These, we are told are all who had belonged to the Church up to that time, so this list contains the most of the names of the original members.

Following on the above is a list of the members for 1831, numbering twenty-seven, an advance of three in thirteen years. Coming up to the time when these memoranda were collected by the Committee above mentioned we learn that in June 1842, the Church contained thirty- seven members whose names are given.

We find the old standards still alive, and in addition the names of Elisha B. Cutten (Grandfather of President Geo. B. Cutten) and Wm. Donkin, (Grandfather of W. F. Donkin, Town Clerk) who are deacons, and other names, who remained until the writer’s day.

Thereafter notes are made of the additions, the dismissals, and the deaths. All the oldest part of this first record is written in a business hand, but after the above facts are set down, the writing changes into a small cramped hand, probably that of the late Wm. Logan, who was clerk after this for some years. The first entries are brief. “Baptist Church met in conference,” occurs continually, with no other remark.

Sometimes there is an extended note such as this: “Nov. 28, 1846. Resolved that members of the Baptist Church absenting themselves for three successive conference meetings, shall be visited to ascertain the cause of such absence.”

Or this: “At the conference meeting held June 14th, 1845, Bro. Wm. Freeze Black was chosen to fill the office of Deacon, and was ordained on the Sabbath morning.”

“This would be five years before his father Deacon T. S. Black died. These items show that the Church was watchful over its members, and careful in appointing its officers, and setting them apart according to the model in the New Testament. An entry in 1851, shows that the Church felt the necessity of distributing good literature. Brother Wm. Logan volunteered to act as colporteur thro’ the county at a small salary, and thereupon certain brethren, whose names are written here, “Engage to sustain him for four months.”

It is noteworthy that in 1851, Elder W. G. Parker was engaged as Missionary to destitute parts of this county, and that several brethren whose names are given, engaged to make up any deficiencies in his salary.

These entries shew the spirit of the Church. The brethren always responded, as they have continued to respond, to any legitimate call upon them.

In September 1850, the pastor. Rev. Chas. Tupper, who had faithfully served the Church, and built up the members in their holy faith, resigned, and in the following March, Rev. John Francis was engaged. He was a warm-hearted Welshman, his talent being of a different order from Mr. Tupper’s.

There arose quite a stir in his time, and some valuable additions were made to the membership. He continued nominally as pastor, but was absent frequently on Missionary excursions, and finally resigned in Feb. 1853.

Elisha Budd DeMill, a young man of ability, highly educated, was next called, and on October 2nd, 1853, on Sabbath morning, he was ordained. The Rev. E. A. Crawley, D. D., preached the sermon. Revs. Samuel Robinson of St. John, and W. G. Parker taking part in the Ordination service. The names of W. W. Bent and Chas. Tupper, M. D., are recorded as among those who guaranteed to pay Mr. DeMill’s salary quarterly, being not members, but friends and well wishers. During his pastorate, in 1854, the property of two acres with house and barn, was purchased for a residence for the minister, for the price of £400 or $1600. This was situated between Electric Street and Crescent Avenue, bounded on the S. W. by Maple Avenue.

The Sabbath Schools are reported as being in an efficient state, and contributions were forwarded to the Association for the general objects of the denomination. An item in the records of this year (1854) shews that the Church again recognizes the duty of sending the Word of God to the destitute in other parts of the county. “Brother J. E. Cogswell, has been employed by us for the last six months as Missionary; his labors have been blessed to the conversion of many souls.” We feel the impetus given to the Church under the new pastor, and the fine band of men gathered closely around him. The subscribers’ names are given, and shew that they gave largely to the parsonage, the sums ranging from £50 to £2. The Church is getting into business habits. The accounts are rendered regularly, and appear in proper order.

Discipline is a marked feature in this middle age of the Church, e. g. Conference appointed E. B. Cutten to visit a brother, “to ascertain if he had taken out a license to sell ardent spirits.” Brethren are dealt with “for refusing to comply with the rules and regulations of the Church” and for other causes. The temperance question at this time came into prominence, and although the opposition was strong against the stringent measures proposed, resolutions were passed that members using intoxicating stimulants as a beverage should be subject to discipline.

There was need of Church action, for there are traces of the old drinking habits, and members are sometimes reported as giving way to this vice.

In 1855 constant additions by Baptism occur. The good seed sown by pastors McCully and Tupper germinates and bears fruit. All is gladness. On successive Lord’s Days numbers were baptized. This goes on for eleven occasions, the names of the candidates being given. The ministers aiding in this good work are: Brethren Miles, McKeen, Foshay (grandfather of F. F. Foshay), McPhail, and Brother DeMill, the pastor. In this year, ’55, the meeting house at the Head of Amherst was opened, and trustees appointed for the same. The meeting house at Salem had been dedicated in February 1853, and the house at Amherst Point, June 5th, 1853.

After four years faithful service, in 1857, Mr. DeMill resigns, “the amount of labor being too heavy for him.” Rev. David Lawson’s name appears several times at about this date, as laboring here and at River Philip, and the amounts are set down which were paid to him. This esteemed man was father of Deacon B. J. Lawson.

Rev. James Edward Balcom became pastor Nov. 12, 1857, at a salary of £100, and use of mission premises, “to be kept in repair by Mr. Balcom.” This seems a close bargain, but the Church generally paid the bills. In 1858 a meeting continuing a few days, is held, and nine baptisms result. Brother Balcom had the Missionary spirit in large measure, and accessions in all parts of the field mark his ministry. Some of our best material was brought in by this good man. He labored successfully until July 1860, when he resigned in consequence of ill-health. In a few years afterwards he passed away, as did also his predecessor, Mr. DeMill, both in their prime.

May 26th., 1861, Rev. G. F. Miles entered upon the pastorate. Mr. Miles was a man of commanding presence, and of great enthusiasm; his personal influence was strong, and many were attracted to his ministry. At this date the Church had reached the number of 216 members. True to its record it sends all monies on hand to the Rev. A. R. R. Crawley, towards supporting a native preacher in Burmah, and also agrees to supplement the deficiency in Rev. D. McKeen’s salary at River Philip and vicinity. The Church grew; the second Meeting-house which was built in Amherst for Baptist worship was opened on the seventh of June, 1863. During Bro. Miles’ ministry, large congregations gathered there. It was the scene of many notable gatherings. The Convention of the Maritime Provinces was held here in the year it was opened. In 1864 additions became frequent. Bro. Miles was greatly blessed. To show the esteem in which the pastor was held, a donation was organized, of which notice was printed in the Sackville Borderer and circulars were addressed to the churches within twenty miles. Mr. Miles resigned the charge in the spring of 1867. After various supplies. Rev. D. A. Steele came from Canso, where he had been pastor for two years. This brother arrived here and commenced his ministrations on the first Sunday of December, 1867. An accession of members took place in the following spring; Rev. S. McCully Black and Deacon Wm. Read came in at this time, with others, who became strong in the faith. After laboring alone till ’72, it became necessary to secure additional assistance in the pastorate. Bro. George O. Gates, then a student, came to our help during the summer vacation. In a year or two the assistant pastor became a fixture, and has been continued ever since, a long succession of worthy men having remained with us for one or more years. Under the ministry of Bro. Steele and assistants there was a steady growth, not only in numbers but in gifts and graces. The spiritual life was developed by doctrinal preaching, and the young converts were assiduously trained in the elements of Christianity. The benevolences of the church gradually increased. There were times of refreshing when converts came in companies of 33, (1868), 54, (’76), 21, (’80); with D. L. Chubbuck assisting in 1883, 87 were added; in 1889, Dr. E. M. Saunders assisting, 82. In 1895, 96, 58, as the result of evangelistic services. But it must be said that gracious results followed the ordinary means of grace. On the completion of twenty-five years in the pastorate, Mr. Steele was presented with an address accompanied by a silver service, a salver, and one dozen silver spoons. During the last years of his pastorate the present Church was built and dedicated in 1895.

After baptizing in the mill-pond, in all weathers, for thirty years the pastor with a little effort was enabled to accustom himself to the dimensions of the font near the pulpit. In this new Church several memorial windows were placed, the first being erected by Sir Charles Tupper Bart., in memory of his father, the Rev. Charles Tupper, D. D., the first pastor of the Church. Dr. Steele preached one year in the new edifice, and retired as honorary pastor in September 1896. In 1870 the Women’s Missionary Aid Society was formed here by Miss Maria Morris, (afterwards Mrs. W. F. Armstrong), who had been baptized in Canso during Mr. Steele’s pastorate there. This was the second society organized, the first having been formed at her native place a few weeks earlier. At this period a great interest was aroused in Foreign Missions, and our independent movement was greatly assisted by these Societies. The Amherst Society has maintained a record, the results of which will only be known in the Great Day.

Dr. Steele’s long pastorate of twenty-nine years was succeeded by a series of short pastorates. Rev. McDonald, who had been assistant pastor, took the oversight in the fall of 1896, and remained until 1899, when he was called to the Principalship of Acadia Seminary. Mr. McDonald was a leader specially gifted in the training of the young people. He organized the Men’s Bible Class which has continued to flourish.

Rev. Welcome E. Bates, who spent some years in Nova Scotia, and then returned to his native Connecticut, took the oversight from 1899 to 1904. His methodical style of preaching was appreciated. Mr. Bates was always present at our Conferences in the County, and other denominational gatherings. The Church bade farewell to this good brother and his estimable wife in the fall of 1904, and proceeded to call the Rev. Selden W. Cummings, a native of Truro, who for some years had practised law there, and then yielded to the call to minister the Gospel to others. He came here from Chester, Pa. He immediately spread the net, and the result was the largest ingathering in the history of the Church. The growth in all departments was continuous. The Men’s Bible Class received an impetus and became a rallying place for the men of the congregation. The gallery was built in the auditorium, which increased the seating capacity, and drew the congregation and pulpit closer together. A pipe organ had been installed in Mr. Bates’ time, which with the gallery aided the acoustics. To the regret of the Church, Mr. Cummings resigned his charge and left at the end of 1908, to assume the pastorate of the Church in Lowell, Mass.

In 1907, Miss Maud Harrison, who had labored ten years in India, together with Miss Patton, were taken by the church as their representatives among the Telugus, the Church becoming responsible for their salary. Miss Alice Logan in the same year was appointed as assistant to look after the women’s work in the town.

On July 17th, 1909, Rev. T. Richard Peede took charge as pastor. On account of Mrs. Peede’s health, this brother, whose preaching was much appreciated, resigned after four month’s residence, and went to Port Chester, N. Y., and L. E. Ackland, Mr. F. F. Foshay, the Pastor Emeritus, and others, took the pastoral work during the long interval of eighteen months. At last in the good Providence of God, the Rev. Perry J. Stackhouse B.D. took the pastoral oversight on the first Sunday in May, 1910.

Historical Resume.

As we have seen, there resulted from the New Light Movement an impetus to what are known as Baptist Principles. Not that the whole of the Baptist position was at once seen, but it gradually dawned upon the converts that there must be a Church order. They were made glad when occasionally one of the Hardings, or a Manning, or a Dimock visited them, by hearing the explanation of the New Testament system; repentance and faith followed by baptism and the Lord’s Supper; then covenanting to walk in holy fellowship with one another. They were taught that there must not only be a Church, but that the body so constituted should have its regularly appointed officers, pastors and deacons. Old men have pointed out to the writer the place where these first ministers stood in the large room with open fire place, with its rude seats of boards to which the neighbors would come with earnest longings, to hear the word of the Kingdom. Wm. Logan who had known the beginnings of the Church used to relate how the few members, from six to ten in number met at the house of Samuel Freeman 1st, near the present Freeman residence one mile west of the Court House. This was where the monthly Conference of the Church was held for many years and in this house the Church was organized. Here there used to gather the small band whose names we find in this first Church book. There were Thomas Stokes Black, Samuel Freeman, the owner of the house, Joshua and Philip Freeman, Wm. Freeman, the first clerk, Samuel McCully, Wm. Freeze Black (baptized when eleven years of age about the time the Church was founded); the tall forms of Wm. Logan and his brother-in-law, Wm. Donkin, with Elisha B. Cuttenand Thomas Embree and wife, Mrs. Margaret Logan, (wife of Hugh 2nd), Mrs. Miriam Tupper and Mrs. Edward Baker would be seen wending their way to this old farm house.

We find in the minutes of the association of 1810, sitting at Sackville, N. B., the membership is reported as 15, the smallest number in the list of churches. The “messengers” are Thomas S. Black and Wm. Freeman. Sackville reports 55 members, Salisbury 46, Digby Neck 69, Newport 90, and Horton 270. The growth of the Church was slow. In 1818, 23 members were reported to the association; in 1824 the number goes down to 10; in 1830 the number rises to 30; dwindling to 26 in 1837; in 1839 there was 29; in 1841, 28; but thereafter there is a steady increase. In 1851 the number is 112; in 1861, 216; in 1871, 262; in 1881, 315; in 1891, 508; in 1901, 609; at the present date (1911), 870.

In addition to the long established branches of the church at Amherst Point, Salem, and Warren, since 1890 a Mission has been conducted in the Southern Highlands. It began in a humble way with a Sunday School taught by some devoted sisters. The school was held in private houses until a permanent service developed. A small meeting house was opened in 1902. The Mission with its Sunday School occupies the talents of a body of happy workers: it will soon be enlarged. Services are regularly held on Sunday and in the mid-week.

The young people have from 1868, received special instruction. When the B. Y. P. U. movement started the youth of the congregation were embodied in a more formal way, and have pursued the courses of instruction laid down by the Union, and kept up their own spiritual and social services. In 1896 the banner for Biblical study was awarded to the Amherst Young People’s Society. The last phase of organization of the Junior members of the Church is the Young People’s League of Service.

The Amherst Church has been interested from the beginning in the educational work of the denomination. T. Tupper was one of the founders and moving spirits of the Institutions at Wolfville; and several of the governors have been members of the Church. There remains an old subscription list which attests that the sympathy with the College was more than nominal. In an old return dated May 4th, 1855, J. W. Barss, Esq., being treasurer, by Benjamin Douglas, we find the sum of £50 10s 6d as the amount collected at that time, with apologies for not sending a larger sum. There are also receipts for scholarships for £100, and other more substantial sums, in aid of the Forward Movements on the behalf of Acadia. Students of both sexes have attended these schools, some of whom are now occupying prominent positions.

Glimpses into the Life of Rev. Charles Tupper D. D., and Rev. Samuel McCully.

BY GRACE MCLEOD ROGERS.
(Adapted for Publication)

The two men whose history I am to give you glimpses of this evening, Rev. Charles Tupper and Rev. Samuel McCully, were associate pastors of this Church, and its earliest regular ministers. They were men of deep piety, of independent thought, and great and exceeding zeal. Largely through their efforts this Church arose to adorn our town today, and the story of their labors runs like a gold thread through all its annals.

Rev. Charles Tupper was one of the most notable preachers of our Baptist Faith. His grandparents emigrated to Nova Scotia from Connecticut, in 1763, taking up lands of the evicted Acadians. Charles was born in Cornwallis, in 1794, one of a family of fourteen. Very early in life he showed a love for study, but opportunity for schooling in those days was limited. Dilworth’s speller. Grammar and Arithmetic, were his only text books. At the age of ten he could read and cipher tolerably well. After this time he says he received only twelve week’s schooling, and whatever knowledge and learning he afterwards gained was obtained by his own efforts.

Books were scarce, but all that came into the lad’s hands were read with avidity. An old English law-book furnished him some brain food at the age of fourteen, and he perused with great profit a volume called “A Demonstration of the Beings and Attributes of the Deity.”

In this book he first met with Latin passages, and felt a desire to learn the language evidently so essential to a scholar. But realizing that he did not yet understand the grammar of his own English tongue he decided to review the text-book of his early childhood, and taking down his dusty Dilworth’s from the shelf over the clock, began anew his studies. In little more than a year he had so thoroughly mastered its contents that he was enabled to begin the Latin tongue.

Through all this period he was engaged in regular work on his father’s farm, and had small leisure for study. He would keep his books open on his knees, while eating at meals, and carry them with him to bed, studying far into the night as his candle would burn, and once every week walked four miles to his instructor, Rev. Mr. Forsyth, for recitation. When nineteen years of age he had gained such insight into the new language and become so well versed in English branches, that he was able to take up school teaching for himself, and taught his first school in the Western Section of Cornwallis.

About this time the young man became deeply interested in religious matters, and he attended services held by Clark Alline, a nephew of the noted and notable Newlight Evangelist. It seems strange to us, in these unemotional days to read of his experiences and impressions throughout the period of his conversion, weeks and months of despair and melancholy, fasting throughout whole days and often spending an entire night prostrate in prayer. The doctrine of Election was a great stumbling block to him demanding that he make no effort on his own behalf, and torturing him with the belief that because so long delayed, he was not a chosen son of God. Finally, one morning, just at daybreak, after remaining the whole night in prayer, alone, in his little school house, he received the “Light” and from that day till his death never once doubted his conversion, or God’s continuing love.

A number of his ancestors in Massachusetts and Connecticut had been ministers of the gospel, and Charles felt a call to follow in their steps and devote himself and his life to Christian service. He preached his first sermon when twenty-one years of age, labored for a time in Cornwallis, Rawdon, Parrsboro and Advocate, and was ordained at Canard, Kings Co.

On January first, 1819 he came to a new field, the churches at River Philip, Westchester and Amherst. He spent that entire New Year’s day of 1810 in fasting and prayer, that he might become thoroughly consecrated to his great work.

A short time previous to this he had been united in marriage to Miriam Lockhart Lowe, of Parrsboro, a widow with five small children, but a very comely and capable widow, who not only had Mr. Tupper’s devoted affection throughout her life, but proved an admirable and inspiring helpmeet.

For two years he lived at River Philip, then removed to Amherst, residing first in the dwelling known as the “John Church house” and later building for himself a home at the corner of the John Black road. He preached regularly at Amherst, River Philip, Minudie and Cape Tormentine, visiting the sick and conducting funerals over this entire section. From Tormentine the way could scarcely be called a road, but over the forty miles of rough pathway he travelled at regular intervals, full of religious fervor. In addition to all this, at the earnest solicitation of the people he taught the Grammar School at Amherst, observing in his diary that his necessities required the compensation, as his salary was extremely moderate and but little of it received in cash.

He was dowered with an infinite capacity for work, so that he could run and not be weary, and walk and faint not During his arduous labours in church and school he found time to study both French and German, Hebrew and Greek, Spanish and Portuguese, Italian and Syriac, and before he was fifty years of age, had read the entire Bible through in all these tongues, by aid of Grammar and dictionary alone.

In 1825 and again in 1833, for two periods of time, he left the field here to his colleague, Mr. McCully, and engaged in work with churches in New Brunswick, and on Prince Edward Island, but in 1834 returned to Amherst and remained on the circuit until 1851, when he finally resigned the charge to take a new field of labor at Aylsford, Annapolis Co.

While absent from home making arrangements for removal of his family to the new Parish his estimable wife sickened and died. The sad intelligence was conveyed to him when he reached Parrsboro on his return. It proved a great shock, but in his diary he quaintly observes that he is “abundantly sustained by the knowledge that she is forever released from her tribulations.” In less than a year he had found a successor, a maiden lady of much intelligence and piety. Miss Mary Miller, of Aylsford. Strangely enough, this wife also was removed in death during Dr. Tupper’s absence from home, and again he records the bereavement with due resignation of assurance in her relief from her many trials. So abundantly was he sustained on this second occasion that in six months he married again, a Mrs. Knowles of Avondale, daughter of Rev. George Dimock, a most worthy and gentle woman who outlived him, and cared for him with great tenderness through his failing years.

A grand-daughter, to whom he confided the announcements of his betrothal to his third wife, strove to expostulate with him for his haste in choosing a successor. “All you say is true my dear” he replied with his gentle courtesy, “but my years are numbered and I cannot afford to wait.” So in spite of his zeal and piety, and though he had the gift of tongues so that he could understand all knowledge, he was just a mere man as far as marrying was concerned.

For many years he was Pastor of the Lower Aylesford Church, and in addition to this charge made extensive tours in the interests of Acadia College, founded temperance Societies and assisted in conducting, as well as being a regular and valued contributor to the “Christian Messenger” and the “Baptist Missionary Magazine.” In 1857 he was honored by Acadia University with the degree of Doctor of Divinity, and well did he merit the gift.

After resigning active pastoral work at Aylesford he resided at Kingston, but never relinquished his loved labors for the church of God, and to his death preached the gospel with great power, often returning to Amherst, the church of his first charge, and always recording the visits in his journal with the naive expression that while at Amherst he preached for dear Dr. Steele with great acceptance both for himself and the people.”

These farewell sermons were for many years an annual occurrence and will long be remembered. From Dr. Nathan Tupper’s own family to the most outlying district round about, all the children of Baptist faith were secured and with their elders, wedged tight in the family pew to hear “Dr. Tupper’s farewell sermon”—always from the same text, “Finally Beloved,” etc., and always the same treatment. One lady distinctly remembers nine of these occasions. But the discourses, though lengthy and unvaried, brought ever a message of hope and cheer to some hearer, and I hope we all with like fervor would assemble our families today, were we given the opportunity to hear from the lips of this old Father in Israel, his last words to his loved people.

His diary first published in the Christian Messenger, and many portions of it copied in Dr. Bill’s History of the Baptists is good reading, so elegant in diction, yet so stilted, so naive and free from reserve, so thoroughly a mirror of the heart and soul of the man who penned it.

In his last years he was captious and somewhat dictatorial, but always courteous and kindly. Once when tarrying for a night at my uncle’s house, he sent back the cup of tea poured by his hostess, with the remark that he drank only milk and water. The cup was exchanged, and a steaming one of the cambric concoctions delivered in its place. Cautiously tasting it he said “It is too hot, madam,” and unabashed returned the drink to the pourer. Duly cooled with a generous addition of cream, once more the cambric tea journeyed down the table. Again it was tasted. “It is now too cold, madam,” rebuked the guest, and undaunted by reserve sent it yet a third time on its peregrinations. “Thank you, my dear madam,” said the little old minister heartily, as he drained the contents at the close of the meal. “It is the very best cup I ever drank,” thus thoroughly and courteously wiping off any old scores to the contrary. “And always after that I understood the doctrine of the Perseverance of the Saints” my aunt would say, as she told the tale.

Everybody who knew him remembers some quaint story of his ways and conceits, and everybody knew as well his self denial, his forbearance, his faith, his charity, and his love, and how truly his lips and life expressed the holy gospel he professed.

In the month of January, 1881, Dr. Tupper died. They laid him away amid the snows of his Happy Valley.

Over his grave they sang the hymn he loved so well, the hymn he had chosen for his burial, that fine old hymn of Samuel Stennett’s:—

“Majestic sweetness sits enthroned
Upon the Saviour’s brow,
His head with radiant glories crowned,
His lips with grace o’erflow.”

Often had he sung it through on his lonely journeyings, often at the close of a sermon repeated the stanza:—

“To him I owe my life and breath,
And all the joys I have;
He makes me triumph over death
And saves me from the grave.”

And now to heaven, the place of his abode, God had at last brought his wearied feet.

“His hands were folded on his breast,
The long disquiet merged in rest.”

Rev. Samuel McCully was associate pastor with Dr. Tupper in the early years of the Church. His parents were Scottish-Irish Presbyterians. They emigrated from the north of Ireland to the district known as Cobequid, about the year 1770, and from this ancestry he inherited his keen, canny brain, and the brooding Celtic soul of the seer.

Samuel was born in Cobequid in 1773. When about twenty years of age he removed to Nappan and settled on the property now known as the Experimental Farm, where he became engaged in husbandry and ship- building. Meeting with heavy losses in the latter, he gave up his property there, and took up his residence at Amherst Point, building the house which is now occupied by Mr. Bright Pipes. In 1799 he was married to Esther Pipes, a daughter of Mr. Wm. Pipes of Nappan, a licensed Wesleyan preacher who held meetings throughout the district.

Soon after his arrival in Cumberland County, Mr. McCully was asked to attend the services conducted by Elder Joseph Crandall. At first he refused, thinking that it would be showing disrespect to his father who had especially charged him when leaving home “Not to hear any of those wild people, the Newlight Baptists.” But he finally consented to be present at one of the meetings, and there for the first time in his life heard Baptist Principles expounded. The new dogma proved very attractive to the young man. He became deeply interested in its tenets, and also greatly concerned about his own salvation. After a long period of serious thought he experienced a very wonderful conversion of heart, and decided to unite with the Baptists, making public profession of his faith in due course of time.

His first appearance as a preacher was in 1805. He had attended a Wesleyan gathering over which Mr. Pipes his father-in-law was to preside. Mr. Pipes failed to appear. The congregation waited long for his coming, and were just about to disperse when Mr. McCully arose and volunteered to take the service. It was his first effort but it was no weak attempt. His voice was deep and rich toned. He presented his views with striking aptness and originality, and from the opening words to the close, his lips seemed touched with coals from off the altar. The people were melted to tears, and a deep and powerful impression was made on all present.

In 1820, the year following Dr. Tupper’s settlement at Amherst, Mr. McCully was ordained to the public ministry, and became associate pastor with Dr. Tupper. Though lacking early opportunity for scholastic training, his education had been by no means neglected. By wide reading and a remarkably correct and retentive memory he was not only a bible student, but was largely informed on affairs of the world. And his command of language and the readiness with which he was able to quote from standard works, gave him great power as a speaker.

His mind was of a philosophic and logical cast He delighted in argument, but though strong in his own beliefs he always respected the rights of his opponent, and never wounded an antagonist, for he was eminently a man of peace. In the capacity of peace-maker he was frequently appealed to in settling disputes and differences throughout his own parish, and in the churches at large. By a fine discernment and discrimination, he was always able to put his finger on the place, and say “thou ailest here and here.” His advice and counsels were greatly esteemed, and his opinions upon doctrine and discipline held in high regard.

These peace making, peace loving qualities, united with a sound judgment, were inherited by his grandson. Rev. Samuel McCully Black, the late Editor of the Maritime Baptist, and our unity as a denomination, today, our large outlook, and the “peace in our utmost borders,” are in a great degree due to the man who for the last twenty years so wisely steered our Baptist Ship of State.

As agent for the American Bible Society, Mr. McCully frequently travelled through the provinces, also in the formation of Temperance societies. But though he received calls from the churches at Onslow, at Charlottetown, and the Granville Street Church at Halifax, he seems never to have been willing to leave his home, and the charge in Amherst During Dr. Tupper’s several periods of absence, he fulfilled all the duties and demands of the large field, and on each return joined with him most heartily in their united efforts.

Very early he formed peculiar views about receiving a salary, objecting as he expressed it, to “being a hireling in his Master’s Vineyard.” Possessing a good farm and comfortable living of his own, he was able to rear his large family without aid from the Church, and though doubtless receiving many gifts in expression of his service, he accepted no regular remuneration through all the twenty nine years of his pastorate.

As a preacher I have heard it said that he was some times slow of speech, and hesitating, but his thoughts and sentiments were always elevated, and on most occasions he would be uplifted with a spiritual influence and speak with great power and eloquence. His sermons were usually long, often exceeding the allotted time, and the story is told that on one occasion, just as he had finished his “fourthly” and had launched out into the exhortation to sinners, a sound of stamping feet was heard in the little church porch, and in walked a much belated “brother” from the regions round about the Point. Pausing in his peroration, Father McCully sized up the situation, and arriving unassisted at a decision, announced to his long-suffering listeners, that as this good brother lived at a great distance, and was thereby debarred from frequent attendance upon the means of grace he would preach the sermon through again for his benefit. There was no clamorous clock on the post office tower in those days to make the congregation restless, and from firstly to finally, the long discourse was repeated.

In the summer of 1849, at the age of seventy six, this fine old man of God died. One week before his death he preached a strong sermon, and seemed full of energy, but suffered a stroke of weakness at the close of the service, and sank gradually through the ensuing days till the fifth of August, when he passed peacefully away to his reward. He is buried down at the old Town graveyard on Lower Victoria Street, and his labors are ended, and his busy brain at rest.

For many years his son Robert McCully, barrister, lived here in the town, ministering to this church as Deacon, and enriching the life of the community. Another son, Hon. Jonathan McCully, Judge of the Supreme Court, also lived here and labored for your interests in Town and County. Dr. Nathan Tupper went in and out among you, healing and caring for your sick, and giving freely of his substance to his father’s Church. Sir Charles Tupper, Bart., was likewise a resident, represented you in Parliament, and became an honor to the Nation at large.

But they with all the other immediate members of the two families are long gone from our midst, and strangely enough there are none, of the name and blood combined, Tupper or McCully, on our Church roll today.

But well do we all know that we have one among us, who through many years, by her labors for the cause, by her home thrown ever open to pastors and people, and by her generous gifts in every time of need, has made the McCully name linger with us like the fragrance of a sweet flower, like the shadow of a great rock in a weary land, like a light that burns all night, like a fire that needs no replenishing. Lying now on a sick bed, unable to join in the Jubilee week of the Church she loves so well, we offer her from full hearts this tribute of affection.

Do not forget these two early Fathers of our Faith. Sometimes, when you are sitting here, glance up at the beautiful window given by Sir Charles in memory of Dr. Tupper’s ministry. When you are passing the old graveyard on Victoria Street, go in, and find the tombstone erected in memory of Elder McCully. Think of their labors on our behalf, their vigils with our sick and dying, their counsels in troubled times, their long and weary journeyings. Remember all the prayers and tears with which they consecrated this church.

They climbed the steep ascent of Heaven
Through peril, toil and pain,
O God may “Grace to us be given,
To follow in their train.”