REV. DR. CAREY’S PASTORATE, 1865-1881.
REV. G. M. W. CAREY was invited to visit the city in August, 1865. He came, preached for three Sundays, and received a unanimous call to the pastorate. He accepted and entered upon his labors here on the third Sunday in December, 1865.
Death of Rev. Samuel Robinson.
The death of Rev. Samuel Robinson occurred September 16th, 1886, after long and successful pastorates in this and Brussels Street Churches. For some twelve years he was pastor here, during which time 374 persons were added to our membership by baptism and 188 by letter—a total of 562. At Brussels Street Church he labored from 1850 up to the time of his death—sixteen years—and was the means under God of adding to the membership of our sister Church 456 by baptism and 191 by letter—647 in all. During his two pastorates in this city, which covered the long term of twenty-seven years, he thus received into the two Churches the large number of 1,209 persons. Mr. Robinson probably did more than any other man of his time in extending Baptist principles in this city and county, and his work was greatly blessed by God.
Revival Services.
On January 17th, 1870, Elder Knapp, of Illinois, who had been invited to the city by Germain and Leinster Street Churches, commenced special services. The plan adopted was to meet alternately in each church a week at a time, and hold united services. Elder Knapp’s sermons were searching and powerful, striking terror to the hearts of the ungodly, and convincing the backslider of his sinfulness and bringing him back to the realization of his duty to God and the Church. The meetings were largely attended, and a profound impression was made on the minds of the unconverted. As a result of these services 103 persons were added to the Church by baptism and by letter.
Church Debt Paid.
A debt of $15,000 rested like a heavy burden upon the Church, crippling its energies and hindering the out-flow of its benevolence. This amount had been gradually reduced till in 1871—five years after the completion of the edifice—there remained the sum of $6,400, which was covered by a mortgage. This the young men of the Church resolved to make an effort to have removed. A committee composed of James Harrington, James S. Harding and Thomas D. Denham were appointed to devise a plan to pay off this debt. They submitted a scheme for its reduction by weekly payments of ten cents each member of the church. So far as we can learn this is the first application of a Weekly Offering system in this Church. At the end of two and a half years, the committee reported that $2,000 had been raised and paid on the mortgage. This so encouraged the Church that an effort was successful made to secure larger subscriptions, and the entire debt was paid off on Christmas eve, 1873. In doing this the Church was greatly indebted to the generosity of Mr. Henry Vaughan, whose subscription and those of his family and friends amounted to $1,700—over one-third of the whole amount. It is believed that this was the first time in the history of the Church when the property was entirely free from debt. Now, in 1910, history is repeating itself.
Building Damaged by Fire.
On the 28th of January, 1874, at midnight, the Church was discovered to be on fire, the building being considerably damaged, and the organ completely destroyed. The amount of the award, $4,676, was, however, sufficient to repair the damage. Various churches and halls were offered for the use of the Church, till the building was repaired. Among there were Brussels Street, Leinster Street, and Calvin Churches, the Mechanics’ Institute, the Academy of Music and the Y. M. C. A. The offer of the Y. M. C. A. was accepted, and their hall on Charlotte street was used till the Church was ready for occupancy. On the following Sunday the pastor preached a powerful sermon—alluding to the loss by fire, and showing how much worse our condition would have been, if the debt had not been paid off.
This year a finance committee composed of G. M. Steeves, J. J. Bostwick and the writer was appointed to oversee the finances, and enlist all members of the Church and congregation in this part of the work. Feeling that the time was not ripe for the introduction of a weekly offering system, they introduced a monthly one, and from this time to the present full annual financial statements have been issued.
In February the pastor was granted leave of absence to visit Great Britain. He left in April and returned in August much improved in health. On his return, he delivered in several places a most interesting lecture on the “Westminster Abbey.”
In 1874, a Mission Sunday School was started at Portland Bridge, with a view to looking after the neglected children in the vicinity of York Point. J. J. Forest was the first Superintendent and was followed J. J. Bostwick, with whom the writer was associated.
The Young People’s Meeting was organized in 1876, largely through the efforts of Brother E. H. Jones. This same year permission was given the Fire Department to connect the Fire Alarm with the Church bell.
On June 13th, 1877, a beautiful Communion Service was presented to the Church by Deacon and Mrs. Dyall.
Building Destroyed by Fire.
June 20th, 1877, is a memorable day in the history of this city, as on that day two-thirds of the main part of the city was wiped out by fire. Our Church in common with all others in the burnt district was entirely destroyed, leaving only a picturesque ruin as shown in the oil painting by Mr. J. C. Miles, and in the frontispiece of Stewart’s “Story of the Fire.”
Nothing was saved from the building but the new communion service, and this only by the persistent effort of Mrs. Dyall. The bell, the gift of Captain George W. Marsters, was found embedded in the ashes, this being the second time for it to receive its Baptism by Fire. It was shipped to the founders in England and recast, and is still in use at the present time.
On Sunday, June 24th, the Church met for worship with the Brussels Street Church. Invitations were received from Brussels Street and Calvin Churches, and from Peerless Lodge and Odd Fellows to make use of their new buildings. The new Portland Bridge Mission Building was nearly completed, and available for the use of the Church.
The offer of Brussels Street Church was accepted, and we united with them till their new pastor, Rev. A. J. Wilcox, arrived, when the Sunday evening service was held in Calvin Presbyterian Church, the week-night meetings being held in the Mission Hall.
At a meeting held June 26th, a letter was read from Charlottetown Baptist Church, enclosing a draft of $450, to be divided between this and Leinster Street Churches. This was the first contribution towards rebuilding and was highly appreciated. It was our privilege in turn in 1889 to assist this church to a small extent, when their building was destroyed by fire.
While the new edifice was in course of construction, this Church and Leinster Street united in sending Rev. J. D. Pope to England and Scotland, and Rev. G. M. W. Carey to the Upper Provinces and the United States, to raise funds to assist the two Churches in rebuilding. The net result from their efforts, after deducting expenses, was $5,221, which was divided equally between the two Churches.
The Third Building Erected.
In order to provide additional accommodation in the new building, the Church purchased from Deacon Francis the adjoining lot on Queen street, giving us 100 x 120 feet in all.
At the laying of the corner stone of the present building the following ministers, besides the pastor, were present and took part in the ceremony: Revs. Dr. I. E. Bill, J. P. Parsons, W. P. Everitt, and A. J. Wilcox. The ceremony, which was very impressive, commenced by the choir singing the hymn:
“How pleasant, how divinely fair,
O Lord of Hosts Thy dwellings are!”
Dr. Carey concluded the reading of the corner stone document with these words:—“And now perplexed, but not in despair; cast down, but not destroyed; with faith and trust in the God of Bethel, our fathers’ God and our God, and in the Lord Jesus Christ, on this Tuesday afternoon, second of October, 1877, in the forty-first year of her Majesty’s reign, and the eleventh year of the Dominion of Canada, Earl Dufferin, Governor General, and the Hon. S. L. Tilley, Lieutenant Governor of New Brunswick, the ninety-second year of the incorporation of St. John, and the sixty-eighth of the Germain Street Baptist Church, we lay this corner stone with the fervent prayer and aspiration that the spiritual glory of the Temple now being raised may far surpass the glory of the former temples which have risen on this site.”
The following were placed in a tin box and deposited in the corner stone:—Documents taken from the ruins of the former building; List of Officers, August 24th, 1864; Statement of Pastorates of Revs. I. E. Bill and Henry Vaughan; Names of the Founders, Organizers and Pastors of the Church; List of Officers and present number of Members; Statement of the Sunday School before the Fire; Baptist Hand Book of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island; Copies of The Christian Visitor; Silver coins—5, 10, 25 and 50 cents Dominion Currency; together with the documents read at the laying of the present corner stone.
On Sunday, February 24th, 1878, we met for worship for the first time in the vestry of the new Church. The pastor being detained at Annapolis, on account of a storm, Rev. George Armstrong preached in the morning and Rev. Dr. Watters, of St. David’s Church, in the evening.
Dedication of the Church.
The main audience room of the Church was opened on the 11th of August, and dedicated to the worship of the Triune God, with appropriate services. Rev. Dr. I. E. Bill, a former pastor, preached in the morning from Acts 20: 35—“Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” He spoke earnestly and impressively on the duty of giving liberally so as to place the Church as soon as possible in the same position financially as previous to the Fire, when there was not one cent of incumbrance on the property. The pastor preached in the evening from Haggai 2: 18, 19—“From the day that the foundation of the Lord’s temple was laid, from this day will I bless you.” Dr. Carey concluded as follows: “From this day may the blessing of God rest upon the place and the people, the worshippers and their work, and may the glory of the latter house be greater than that of the former. May spiritual and temporal prosperity abide and abound on it, and may it be an earthly palace for the Prince of Peace.” The house is tasteful and commodious, with a seating capacity of about 850. It was the first church edifice completed after the fire. In April of this year, the hour of evening service was changed from 6 to 7 o’clock.
From Associational Letter, 1879.
“The total cost of Church and Parsonage, including organ and furnishings was $46,000, of which $30,000 has been paid, including $4,000 contributed this spring by for liberal members of the church and congregation. This leaves a debt of $16,000. Additions during the year: by baptism 14, by letter 4, reinstated 1. Loss: by death 3, dismissed 3. Present Membership 474. Attendance at Young People’s Meeting during the winter, fully 100. At Portland Bridge Mission the average attendance at the Sunday School was 90, and on Sunday evenings from 300 to 400. Our Licentiate, Brother John F. Newton, spent his vacation laboring in this field, and his work was highly appreciated. Brother W. F. Parker, (now Rev. W. F. Parker) spent his vacation working among the colored people at Spar Cove, and was blessed in his work. Our Sunday School has been in a prosperous condition during the year, though still not as large as previous to the fire. Number of Scholars, 170, Teachers, 18. Volumes in Library, 250.”
Rev. John F. Burditt.
Upon the completion of Brother Burditt’s theological course, he volunteered for Missionary work in India, whither he proceeded under the American Baptist Foreign Missionary Board. At first associated with Dr. Downie, at Nellore, while studying the language, he later founded a mission in a new field at Udayagiri, where he was successful in building up a very flourishing church. After ten years of unremitting labor he returned home on furlough. Upon his return to India he was stationed at Narsarapette, where three years later he died of typhoid fever, in 1894—a martyr to his too strenuous endeavors in the cause of Christ. Thus has our church had the honor of sending out laborers into the Master’s Vineyard.
Rev. Dr. Carey’s Resignation.
Rev. G. M. W. Carey having resigned the pastorate, and accepted a call from the Princess Gate Baptist Church, Liverpool, Eng., preached his farewell sermon, March 6th, 1881. The house was filled to overflowing and many were turned away. Dr. Carey preached a powerful sermon from Acts 20: 26-27, 31-32. Both preacher and congregation were visibly affected during the discourse. On March 11th the farewell meeting was held, and despite a heavy rainstorm the church was completely filled. Besides the members of the congregation there were present representatives of the various denominations of the city to say farewell to one who by his faithful work, not only in his own Church and denomination, but in all departments of Christian work, as well as by his kindly manner and upright character, had won the respect and love of all with whom he had brought into contact. As a slight token of appreciation, handsome presents in silver and a beautiful French marble clock were presented to Dr. and Mrs. Carey. During his pastorate of fifteen years, Dr. Carey had preached fifteen hundred sermons, baptized three hundred persons, solemnized three hundred marriages, and delivered one hundred and fifty lectures.
Rev. G. M. W. Carey was born in Belfast, Ireland, March 10th, 1829. He received his early education at the Moravian Village, Grace Hill, Belfast, and when a boy came to Canada with his parents. He attended the Grammar School at Vankleek, Ont., and at the University of Rochester, N. Y., took the Degree of B.A. and M.A. from Acadia University, as well as from the Baptist College, Toronto. He also held a certificate from the University of Chicago for having successfully completed the advanced course in Hebrew, and in 1894 the Honorary Degree of D.D. was conferred by Acadia. He was ordained after his graduation from Rochester, and was pastor of the Queen Street Baptist Church, St. Catherines, Ont., for ten years. He then came to St. John, and labored successfully with this Church for fifteen years—1865-188. He was then called to the Princess Gate Church of Liverpool, England, where he remained four years. Returning to Canada, he was pastor at Brantford and Ottawa, Ont., for some years, when he returned to St. John, having accepted the pastorate of the Brussels Street Church of this city—remaining from 1839 till 1899. He then went to Ottawa, where at his daughter’s home, surrounded by his wife and family, he lay down to rest, and in his sleep passed peacefully away—in just such manner, as he himself had often expressed the desire that his passion might be.
Dr. Carey was one of the most eloquent preachers who have filled this pulpit, and drew large congregations, especially to the evening services. As a lecturer also he was very popular—his lectures on “The Making and Ministry of Money,” always drew crowded houses, and were delivered for the benefit of various churches and societies. His genial manner and exemplary Christian character endeared him to all classes in the community. He was a true optimist, and looked forward to a confederation of the English Speaking Peoples of the globe, to promote religion, learning, commerce and peace.
REV. W. M. WEEKS’ PASTORATE.
On the 8th of April, 1881, Mr. William M. Weeks, the pastor elect, was ordained by a Council called for that purpose, and inducted into the pastorate. This year revised rules of order were reported by a committee, and adopted by the Church. During the year the debt was reduced $1,600, of which amount $300 was raised by the Ladies’ Mite Society. The Weekly Offering system, which is still in use, was also adopted. At the end of a year Brother Weeks resigned the pastorate and returned to the United States.
PASTORATE OF REV. HENRY CROSS.
Y. P. S. C. E. Organized.
On February 12th, 1883, the Young People’s Society of Christian Endeavor was formed and took the place of the Young People’s Meeting, which has been held regularly since 1876. The following were the first officers: T. D. Denham, President; F. W. Wigmore, Vice-President; W. C. Cross, Secretary; Donaldson Hunt, Treasurer. To Deacon T. S. Simms is due the organization of this society—the first to be formed in Canada. It was only two years previous that the first society had been organized by Rev. Francis Clark, the father of the Christian Endeavor movement. Brother Simms brought from Portland the idea of this organization, and a copy of the constitution of the parent society. He was anxious to start a branch here, in which he was warmly supported by the pastor. Shortly after the formation of the Society there were 24 Active and 29 Associate Members, Total 53. In 1896 the membership had increased to171 Active, and 18 Associate, Total 189.
In February, 1904, The Coming of Age Anniversary of the society was held, and again in 1908 the Twenty-Fifth Anniversary was celebrated in an appropriate manner, on which occasion an Historical Sketch of the Society was prepared and read by Donaldson Hunt. At the present time (1910) there are upon the roll some 120 Active, and 40 Associate Members—Chas. R. Wasson, President. An interesting feature of the work of the Society at the present time is the supporting by the members of a native helper in India.
During the twenty-seven years of its existence this Society has proved a great help to the younger members of the Church, and we trust will continue to do so.
Our brother, E. H. Jones, who had been for some years an active member of this church, having completed his course at Newton and been appointed by the American Baptist Foreign Missionary Board as a Missionary to Japan, was ordained to the ministry August 19th, 1884, by a Council convened in this Church. Rev. W. F. Parker, who as a young Christian worker in this Church had been associated with Brother Jones in the work here, preached the ordination sermon. Towards the close of Dr. Gates’ pastorate Brother Jones made a short visit to the city, being home on furlough, after which he returned to Japan, where he has been laboring for over a quarter of a century.
At the annual meeting in January, 1885, Rev. Henry Cross resigned the pastorate after three years' service with us. He preached his farewell sermon Sunday, March 22nd.
Rev. Henry Cross was born at Beeston, Nottinghamshire, England, December 12th, 1840. When a boy he was sent to private schools in his native village, and in his youth he attended a college at Nottingham four miles distance from his home. Mr. Cross was baptized into the fellowship of the Baptist Church at Beeston, March 4th, 1855. At the age of seventeen years the Church granted him a license to preach, and he was known throughout his native country as the “boy preacher.” In 1858 he entered the Baptist college at Nottingham, now known as the Midland Baptist College, from which he graduated in the spring of 1863. On graduating from college he became the pastor of the White Friars Lane Baptist Church, Coventry, which he served for eleven years.
Mr. Cross left Coventry for the United States in 1874 and received a call to the pastorate of the First Baptist Church, St. Paul, Minn., in 1874, where he remained for four years. In 1879 he became the pastor of the Pilgrim Baptist Church, New York City. He resigned this pastorate in August, 1881, on account of his broken-down condition caused by the death of his wife.
In the spring of 1882 Mr. Cross accepted a call to the pastorate of the Germain Street Baptist Church, St. John, N. B. In 1886 he became pastor of the Baptist Church in Manasquan and served the Baptist Church there for nine years longer, until 1905, when he retired from the active pastorate making his home in Red Bank, New Jersey, where he is still engaged in preaching the Word as opportunity presents.
While without a pastor the pulpit was supplied by Revs. T. S. McCall, of Toronto, and J. W. A. Stewart, of Hamilton.
The report to the Association in 1885 says: “For a long time it has been our privilege to have one or more brethren licensed to preach the Gospel. Among them our Brother Deacon E. H. Duval was for many years a standard bearer, till his Master called him home. Then came Brother J. F. Burditt, now a missionary in India; Brother W. F. Parker, now pastor at Woodstock; Brother George F. Jenkins, at present pastor of a church in Maine, and Brother E. H. Jones, now a missionary in Japan.”
DR. GATES’ PASTORATE, 1886-1900.
In September, 1885, the Church extended a call to Rev. G. O. Gates. He accepted, and entered upon his duties on New Year’s Day, 1886, being present at the Annual Conference Meeting. On the following Sunday he preached to large and attentive audiences. At the close of the evening service Rev. Dr. Goodspeed on behalf of the Church extended the right hand of fellowship to the new pastor and his wife. A recognition service was held January 19th, at which there were present Reverends Goodspeed, Cahill, Bruce, Shawffield, Stewart, Gordon, Spencer, Hopper and Saer. Dr. Goodspeed, who presided, welcomed Brother Gates to the pastorate and said “Though Mr. Gates had never preached here before, and was known to the Church by reputation only, a record is better than any fugitive effort in the way of preaching,” Mr. Cahill, in his address to the pastor, said “Your obligation is to fill the pulpit, but the obligation of the members is to fill the pews.”
Reduction of the Debt.
This same year the church was encouraged by the gift of $200 from Mr. Jacob Bradshaw, which they resolved to place in the Savings Bank to form the nucleus of a Sinking Fund, for the purpose of paying off the debt on the Church property. In 1879 quarterly collections were commenced for this purpose by means of envelopes. This plan has been continued, but the payments made monthly, and the mortgage reduced $1,000 every second year.
In 1888 our hearts were cheered by the generous donation of Mrs. James Dyall of $1,000 towards the reduction of the debt. At her death in 1892 she also left the residue was reduced $4,600—this amount being made up by the first payment on the bequest of the late Mrs. Dyall $3,603, a rebate of $500 from the estate of the late J. H. Moran, and the balance from the Sinking Fund.
The total amount received by the Church from the estate of Mrs. Dyall was $7,160, all of which was applied towards the reduction of debt.
In 1887 the Sunday School and all Societies in the Church were at their request placed under the direct control of the Church, and have since reported to the Annual Meeting. This year, also, the Roll was thoroughly revised and the active memberships reduced to 257, the non-resident members being placed on a separate list.
Mission Founded.
In February, 1889, a Mission was founded in the North End of the City by W. C. Cross and others associated with him. At first held in a room in the rear of a grocery store on Sheriff street it soon outgrew its early quarters, and in the fall of the same year a building was erected on Murray street, at a cost of about $750, whence its present name—“The Murray Street Mission.” The large majority of the workers have always come from Germain Street Church. In addition to the regular Sunday School at 9.30 a. m., a week-evening prayer meeting has been conducted during a large part of the time. At present, Chas. R. Wasson is Superintendent, with L. W. Simms and W. E. Roop as Assistant Superintendents.
In 1890 Dr. Gates was offered the position of Secretary of the Foreign Mission Board—a position he was eminently qualified to fill, but at the earnest solicitation of the Church he declined the appointment.
In 1892 Brothers William Lewis, C. C. Parker, and J. H. Wasson were elected Deacons.
On January 5th, 1894, was held the Roll Call of the Church, the number on the roll being 436, 277 resident and 159 non-resident. Of the resident list, while 13 sent word that they were unable to be present through sickness, or absence from the city. Of the non-resident members, 10 reported verbally and 11 by letter.
1895 was a year when as a result of faithful planting of the seed of truth by the pastor and others a large in-gathering occurred. We reported to the Association: “Additions by baptism 77, by letter 20, by experience 2, total 99. Present Membership 461.” At the Communion service in April, 59 new members received the right hand of fellowship.
This year the Convention held its Fiftieth Anniversary with this Church, where it will be recalled its first meeting had been held. Our contributions to the Denominational objects amounted to $902 this year, and in 1897 $1,200. This contrasts favorably with 1887, when only $281 was raised for these objects.
Rev. Louis Duval.
In 1895 Brother Louis was licensed to preach. After completing his course at Acadia University and Newton Theological Seminary, our Brother and his wife went to Africa to labor for the Master. Returning home on furlough in 1909, he remained about nine months, and has since returned to his work in the Great Dark Continent, where he has had the experience of erecting a Church upon this—one of the outposts of the great Master’s Kingdom. His first boy convert is now studying to prepare himself for the ministry to his fellowmen.
Dr. Gates’ Trip to the Orient.
After faithful service with the Church for over twelve years the pastor was granted six months leave of absence to visit the Holy Land, Egypt and Europe. A farewell service was held March 9th, 1898, which was largely attended. An address was presented prepared by Dr. S. McCully Black from which we quote—“We remember tonight with grateful hearts the large blessings which have come to the Church under your ministry; we could call to mind the glad and joyous experience which by the favor of God we have been permitted to enjoy together; the pleasant fellowship which has characterized all our meetings; the blessing of the Sanctuary; the peace and harmony which have prevailed in the Church; the seasons of special blessing which have been enjoyed; the large number that you have been permitted to baptize and welcome to the fellowship of the Church; the enlargement of the Church benevolence and its increasing interest in all our Denominational work; the training of the young; the growth of the Sunday School and of Local Mission work, and the general enlargement of the Church’s activity.” To the address Dr. Gates made a feeling reply.
On the return of Dr. Gates from the east, and of Mrs. Gates from Great Britain, whither she had gone to meet him, a welcome service was held on the evening of September 8th, when an informal address was presented. Dr. Gates in reply spoke at some length of his trip, especially of his experiences in the Holy Land. All were glad to welcome Dr. and Mrs. Gates back and to find them looking so well, and the opinion was expressed that as a result of his six months' vacation, the pastor had added more than as many years to his life.
Shortly after his return the pastor commenced a series of twelve sermons on the Holy Land. These were highly interesting and instructive, and the desire to hear them so general that the Church was packed to its utmost capacity and still many were unable to gain admission. At the close of the sermon on “The Holy City—Within the Walls,” Professor L. W. Titus sang very acceptably “The Holy City.”
The Sunday School.
In 1899 a number of the young men purchased the lot of land adjoining the church property on Germain street—50 x 190 feet—at a cost of $1,680. This they transferred to the Trustees to the Church for the purpose of ultimately erecting a Sunday School building thereon.
In the same year Deacon T. S. Simms resigned as superintendent of the Sunday School—a position which he had filled most acceptably for the long period of twenty-five years. Upon his retirement, W. C. Cross was elected as superintendent, and has held this office since that time. At present our Sunday School is in a very flourishing condition. In the main school, the enrollment shows 8 Officers, 28 Teachers and 270 Scholars. A feature of our Sunday School work has been the large amount raised by the scholars for Missionary purposes, at least $100 per year having been contributed by our Scholars during the last seven years to the Glendinning Fund.
In 1900 Brothers W. H. Colwell, S. H. Davis, and W. C. Cross, were elected deacons.
Resignation of Dr. Gates.
At the end of 1900 Dr. gates tendered his resignation of the pastorate he had so acceptably filled for the previous fifteen years, and the Church was reluctantly compelled to accept it, Dr. Gates feeling that it was his duty to accept the call from the Windsor Church. A proposition made by the ladies, and heartily supported by the entire Church, was for Dr. Gates to take a year’s rest from the pastorate, and at the end of this time again take up his work here—the Church to provide for supply. All efforts however, to induce him to reconsider the matter were in vain, as he had accepted the call from Windsor immediately after tendering his resignation.
In closing his farewell sermon Dr. Gates said: “There is no spot in the Old World of the New so dear to me as the City of the Loyalists, by the side of old Fundy. I love its streets, its bracing air, and the push and energy of its citizens. There is no better place in the world for a man who loves the work, and no city on the continent where the great heart of Christianity beats truer for what is good and pure and holy. I do not know why I am going, but I have said I am going and I expect to go. They say that a tree which has been long rooted in one place will not grow in a stranger soil. If this be so, maybe I shall return. I am doing what I feel I ought to do, and who can oppose God’s leading?”
One of the city papers referring to Dr. Gates said: “As a preacher he is unsurpassed by any in the city, and as a citizen his personal popularity extends far beyond the bounds of his Church and Denomination, and his departure will be keenly felt.” An address, engrossed on parchment by T. H. Belyea, and bound in Morocco, was presented to Dr. Gates by the Church; and a purse towards fitting up his library by the ladies.
REV. J. D. FREEMAN’S PASTORATE.
A call was extended to Rev. J. D. Freeman March 1rst, 1901. Brother Freeman accepted the call, and preached here for the first time on Sunday, April 21st. On the 18th of April a recognition service was held to welcome our new pastor to the Church and City. Deacon Simms on behalf of the Church extend a hearty welcome to Mr. and Mrs. Freeman. Rev. Ira Smith cordially welcomed him to the city on behalf of the Baptist Churches, and Rev. Dr. Read on behalf of the Evangelical Alliance. In responding, Mr. Freeman expressed his fraternal feelings towards the other denominations, which as he increased in experience he thought more and more highly of; while at the same time his attachment to his own grew stronger. It was his desire to give himself fully to the service of Christ, in the Church and in the community. At the close of his first Sunday service, the pastor baptized two young members.
In 1902 extensive repairs costing $2,700, were made to the walls of the Church, which put the building in first-class condition. This year the Roll of membership was revised with the following result: Resident Members 351, Non-Resident 102, Total 453.
In May, 1902, Mr. Freeman resigned and left in July, after a short pastorate of fifteen months.
A farewell social was held in the vestry July 3rd and an address presented from which we quote: “Especially were we impressed with the importance of your ministry in respect to preaching of the Gospel. Your interpretations of the truth has been marked by deep spiritual insight and fine powers of analysis, and the expression of it has been rich, full and strong—a constant inspiration and incentive to spiritual meditation and Christian living.” On the following Sunday the farewell sermon was preached from Phil. 3:14. After delivering an able and thoughtful discourse, Mr. Freeman said: “A farewell word. Let it be brief as befits the brevity of my ministry with you. Yet I cannot forget that I am saying ‘Good Bye’ tonight to the goodly fellowship of Baptists in these Maritime Provinces. They have been good to me and I love them. They have given me a large place to work among them, and I have been proud to occupy it to the best of my ability. I could have been happy in the thought of further years of service in the ranks of the ministry of these Provinces by the Sea.
“Eight of the best years of my life I have been permitted to work within a day’s journey of the place where I was born. No people can ever be quite so dear to me as these. And now, dear people of this Church, let me publicly thank you for all your co-operation and loving appreciation from the first day even until now.”
Rev John D. Freeman was born in Queens County, N. S. He took his B. A. at McMaster University and his M. A. at Acadia. He has been pastor at Guelph and Whitby, Ont.; at Fredericton, and Germain Street. N. B., at Bloor Street, Toronto; and is now pastor of a very old church at Leicester, England, being only the third pastor the church has had during the past one hundred years.
Since leaving the city Mr. Freeman has published two devotional works—“Life on the Uplands” and “Concerning the Christ.” These have had a large circulation and have been greatly prized for their purity of diction, elevated style, and spiritual insight.
DR. GATES RECALLED.
ON MR. FREEMAN’S departure in July, 1902, Dr. Gates received a most unanimous call to return to the city and again take up the work of the pastorate of this Church. At the Conference meeting held August 1st, Dr. Gates’ letter of acceptance was received with great satisfaction, which was expressed by all rising and singing the doxology.
Dr. Gates resumed his work here on Sunday, November 2nd, when he preached to large congregations both morning and evening. The evening service was based on Acts 13:26—“To you is the word of this salvation sent.” Preceding the sermon, Dr. Gates expressed his gladness at returning to those whom he had learned to love in other days. He thanked them for all their goodness, and asked that their prayers might be offered for him, that while he was a citizen of St. John he might so labor together with them, that the city might be the better and more as God wanted it to be. He was proud of the City of St. John, No one could go away from it, as he had done, after working among its people for many years, and return without the feeling of being home again, and the inclination to whisper a benediction over the place. On the following Wednesday evening Dr. and Mrs. Gates were warmly welcomed back by a largely attended Church social. Deacon Simms, who presided, said it was seventeen years since Dr. Gates first took charge of the Church. Now after an absence of nearly two years, he returned to a united, well organized Church in a good financial condition. He pledged the hearty support of the congregation. He also warmly welcomed Mr. Gates, who is held in love and esteem by all. Dr. Gates expressed great pleasure in resuming the pastorate that had been very dear to him. There were many reasons that it made pleasant, chief among which were the confidence shown to him by Church and people, and because he regarded this as an ideal city in the various relations in life, particularly interdenominational harmony, and because that in coming back he felt he had done what the Lord wished. During the evening the Sunday School Orchestra played several selections.
In January, 1903, the following additions to membership during the previous year were reported:—by baptism 17, by letter 5, by experience 1, total 23. Present membership 582. Received and expended for all for all purposes, $8,508.
In 1904 the Church adopted the Canadian Edition of The Baptist Hymnal for use at the Sunday services, which has given very general satisfaction.
Maritime Baptist Union.
At a meeting of the Church held September, 1904, the pastor gave an interesting account of the movement for the union of the Baptist and Free Baptist Churches from its inception up to that time, and presented the following resolution: “Resolved—That the Germain Street Church is prepared to enter into organic union with the Free Baptist Churches of New Brunswick, on the Basis of Union as adopted by the Convention held in Truro, August, 1904, and by the Free Baptist Conference, September, 1904.” This was unanimously adopted.
A very large measure of credit in the progress of this movement is to be accorded to Dr. Gates, who by his energetic and strenuous endeavors as Chairman of the Union Committee, representing the Baptists, may be said to have been greatly instrumental in consummating the Union of these two branches of the one Body.
At the formal Uniting Service, held in Main Street Church, City, on October 10th, 1905, a History of the Union Movement during the past twenty years, from the standpoint of the committee appointed by the Baptists, was appropriately read by Dr. Gates; while on the same occasion a History of the Union Movement, from the standpoint of the committee appointed by the Free Baptists, was presented by Dr. McLeod.
During the latter part of February, 1905, Dr. A. C. Dixon, of the Ruggles Street Baptist Church, Boston, spent four days with us assisting the pastor in holding special Evangelistic meetings. These were held each afternoon and evening. Dr. Dixon’s exposition of Scripture was powerful and convincing, though clothed in the plainest language, and arrested and held the attention of thoughtful men and women, not only of our own congregation but from other churches as well. As a result of these meetings, which were continued after Dr. Dixon left, there were a number of additions to our membership, including nearly thirty from the Sunday School.
Men's League.
In September of this year was formed the Men’s League, an organization of the men of the congregation to meet for a half-hour’s Bible study, during the fall and winter months, at the conclusion of the morning service. To T. S. Simms is to be given the credit of initiating the movement. Since its organization it has met regularly, under the efficient leadership of Mr. E. M. Sipprell, and has been productive of much interest in the study of the Word. During the winter months also a programme of Social and Literary evenings has been prepared and a Banquet held.
Dr. Gates' Resignation.
On Sunday, the 11th of February, 1906, to the infinite regret of the Church, the pastor’s resignation was read, in which he said: “In reaching this decision I trust I have been guided by the Spirit of God. Never will there come a day—be my earthly stay longer or shorter—when this dear old Church will be out of my mind. The Lord bless you all—your homes, your loved ones, these Church interests, and prosper you much more in the days to come even than in the past.” At a special meeting called to consider the pastor’s resignation, Deacon Simms referred to Dr. Gates' long pastorate, the Church’s appreciation of him as pastor and preacher, and the regret felt at the termination of the cordial relations which have existed between us. As Dr. Gates’ letter left but one of course open to the Church, it was therefore moved—that the resignation be accepted, and a committee be appointed to draw up a suitable resolution.
On Sunday, April 1st, Dr. Gates preached his farewell sermon, the Church being filled to the doors. He took for his text Isaiah 60: 1—“Comfort ye, comfort ye, my people, saith your God.” At the close of the sermon Dr. G. U. Hay read a farewell address to the pastor, from which we quote: “Beloved pastor—twenty years ago last January you came to St. John to be our pastor, and during the intervening years with the exception of twenty-two months spent at Windsor, N. S., you have lovingly and faithfully ministered to this church and congregation. It is no easy task to break asunder ties that have been binding us together during these happy years—years of large-hearted and unselfish ministry on your part, and something, let us hope, of grateful appreciation on ours. The steady increase in our Church and congregation, the activity in all departments of work, and the flourishing condition of our Church in late years are due to your inspiring personality and earnest diligence, and in a marked degree to your power of organization which has been a constant influence in every department of Church work. Be assured that you name will remain as a household word with us. May our Father in Heaven guide and direct you as he has done in the past and may you be a blessing to the Church to which you go, such as you have been to us, is our earnest wish and prayer.” In reply Dr. Gates thanked the Church on behalf of himself and Mrs. Gates for the many kindly services rendered them. “I thought,” he said, “when I came back from Windsor that I would be here for the rest of my life, but the fog of the last two summers got the better of me and I had to do one of two things, either give up the fog or preaching. I did not want to give up preaching, so I was compelled to try a dryer climate.”
At the close of the Friday evening prayer meeting a certified cheque to the retiring pastor, and to Mrs. Gates a diamond brooch, were presented as slight reminders of the affection of the people among whom they had labored so long.
Rev. G. O. Gates was born in Annapolis Valley, N. S. At the age of eighteen he commenced teaching school. After a course at Horton Academy he entered Acadia College, where he took his B.A. in 1873, graduating at the head of his class. A few years later he took the M. A. Degree in course. During his college course, he did missionary work in Colchester County, also spending one summer in Amherst as assistant to Dr. Steel. In his senior year he supplied the church at Gaspereaux. In the autumn of 1873 he was called to the pastorate of the church at Liverpool, remaining there until June, 1880; when he went to the First Church at Moncton where he remained until the autumn of 1885. In January, 1886, he came to this Church, remaining for fifteen years; when he went to Windsor, being there nearly two years. Returning to this Church, he was with us nearly three years longer, when he went to Westmount, P. Q., in 1906, having been there since that time. During his pastorate in this Church he spent six months travelling in Palestine and Egypt, and visiting the principal cities of Europe. While in St. John, Acadia University honored him by conferring the Degree of Doctor of Divinity.
Dr. Gates has had a large measure of success in the ministry. During one year at Moncton, one hundred and forty were added to the church, and while here, there was a steady increase of members, including a large number from the Sunday School. He has always taken a deep interest in Sunday School and Missionary work, working in connection with the Provincial Sunday School Association, and was for twenty-five years an active member of the Foreign Mission Board.
At the present time he is President of the Grande Ligne Mission and is also President of the Sunday School Association of the Province of Quebec. In all his pastorates Dr. Gates has proved himself an earnest and faithful worker, not only in his own Church and denomination, but in every department of work having for its object the advancement of the cause of Christ at home and abroad. We have been pleased to have him with us taking part in the Centennial exercises of this Church, which he loves so well.
REV. W. W. MCMASTER'S PASTORATE
On May 4th, 1906, a call was extended to Rev. W. W. McMaster. He accepted and entered upon his duties on Sunday, August 5th.
In March, 1907, special meetings were held, the pastor being assisted by Rev. W. F. Alton, of Sussex. Fourteen members of the Sunday School were baptized and added to the membership of the Church.
In May, 1908, Brothers Donaldson Hunt and John P. Duval were elected Deacons, and in August the Convention again met in this Church. This year the time for holding the weekly prayer meeting was changed from Friday to Wednesday evening. In November special services were held for about three weeks, the pastor having the assistance of Rev. S. W. Cummings, of Amherst, and some souls were born into the Kingdom.
During the last four Sundays of August, 1909, Union Services were held with Queen Square Methodist Church, while the respective pastors were on their vacations, the services being held in each church alternately. On the first two Sundays Rev. G. O. Gates, D.D., of the First Baptist Church, Westmount, Montreal, was the preacher; and on the last two, Rev. W. G. Watson, B.D., of Mount Allison University.