Mr. W.H. Harding, Maritime preacher for the years 1889-1939, wrote more current history than any other preacher. In co-operation in 1939, shortly before his death, he furnished me with an authentic thumbnail sketch of the Maritimes. This appears from his MS as chapter eight. [p. viii] ) 

In writing this sketch of the early history of the Churches of Christ in the Maritime Provinces, it has been difficult to abbreviate it within the compass desired. I would like to have the reader kindly remember that it is a history of the Churches, and not of the Preachers. The story of the sacrificial work of many of the preachers would fill a large volume. For instance, nothing has been said of J. B. Wallace, whose devotion to the church in Hants Co. was outstanding; and who was one of the finest Christian gentlemen that ever lived. And there were others like him, but their names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life, and my task is to deal with the churches and the beginnings of our work.

In some cases the dates given may be not just exact, for it has required a lot of digging to get many of the facts as given. I have tried to be exact, but the lack of any system of record keeping has made the work more difficult.1 If my effort shall arouse a greater interest in the cause we love so well, I shall be glad. I acknowledge much help received from Mr. J. W. Barnes who loaned me valuable files of The Christian and other papers. I have also from older brethren fifty years ago, received verbally from them much help.

I have been personally associated with the workers in Nova Scotia since 1873, and at that time had the opportunity of reading both the American Christian Review and the Christian Standard. If this sketch can be used for the glory of God and the uplifting of the church, and be the means of stimulating the workers in the Maritime Provinces, I shall be glad.

Some parts of the early history of our churches are very obscure, owing to the fact that little attention was paid to keeping records. The first preachers were too busy to do it, and the people did not know that they were forming a part of a great movement toward Christian unity; and 1.Several dates have been corrected out of the same sources used. The sketch was somewhat hastily prepared for this work, in co-operation with the compiler. It will in the main be found harmonious with the results of slower research in every quarter of the Maritimes, where memory, records, and periodicals could assist. Bro. Harding did a man's sized job in the work he briefly outlines. He dated it at Summerside, P.E.I., May 26, 1939, and it was privately printed for him by Mr. James W. Barnes, of St. John, N.B.. In some cases his records written as of the present, have been left with-out change, which the passing of time would alter. --Compiler. /95/ the beginnings were small and made in the face of bitter opposition. Sectarianism was deeply rooted in the minds of most people, and one hundred years ago there were few newspapers. Part of the year transportation was very difficult, and these first preachers did most of their travelling on foot or by stage coach. Churches were closed against them, and many times halls and schoolhouses were refused them: meetings were held in private houses. The preaching was radically different from what the people were hearing and it may; be that sometimes, embittered by the fierce opposition, the preachers were apt to say cutting things.

In writing this sketch I think it would be better to take the three provinces separately. I shall begin with Nova Scotia.

Nova Scotia

The first church in Nova Scotia, and it may be the first in all Canada, was formed in River John, N.S. on the 18th day of June, 1815, the same day that Wellington won the battle of Waterloo. The church was formed in the house of James Murray, after two persons had been baptized, and continued to meet there until a nice snug meeting house was built. James Sellars was the first preacher and some of his descendants still live in that place. The first members were Scotch Baptists, and were very rigid and legalistic in their church relations; the result was that many were repelled rather than drawn by their public services. They were extreme disciplinarians and the members were not always slow in withdrawing from one who had strayed away. But they were strictly honourable and upright in their dealings in business matters, and would take a wrong rather than inflict one. Their sterling character was unmistakable, but they lacked adaptability. More than fifty years ago, I talked with one of the very old members who had crossed the ocean and had taken part in the organization of the church. They had never heard of either Thomas or Alexander Campbell. The church did not make any growth, although about forty years ago, a man named King, a converted Roman Catholic, held a wonderful revival, baptizing about one hundred persons, but somehow the converts became scattered, and since that very little has been done. In 1879 T. H. Blenus preached there, and edited the Disciple but the work was given up for lack of funds.

The first preacher to advocate the principles of the Reformation as advocated by the Campbells, was a man named Thomas. I do not find his name in any of the old papers, but some of the old members at Newport, N.S. who had heard him preach told me of his work. He came to Hants /96/ Co., N.S. and stirred up quite an interest, preaching in private houses as the churches were closed against him. He also went to Halifax, and must have organized a church there, for as early as 1832 there was a strong church, and in that year they published what was the first paper in Canada in the interests of the Reformation; it was called the Christian Gleaner. Some time after this, a preacher named Daultry came; he was a powerful preacher, and attracted great crowds, but he went off on a side track on the subject of divine healing; and in 1839 there were two churches, a large one ministered to by Daultry, and a small one known as Zion church, carried on by a faithful band of Non-progressives; but divisions were caused, and the work dwindled, and dragged along for years. Dr. John Knox from Charlottetown came in 1859 and by wise management brought the people together, and soon a strong church was operating. For some cause, Dr. Knox went back to Charlottetown, and in a couple of years the church had become quite weak, and for many years met in a hall. In 1880, F. W. Pattie came from Texas and the church took on new life, but was unable to continue for lack of financial support; and it was not until 1891 that the church was again back in a building of its own. There have been some wonderful opportunities in Halifax, but somehow, the church has never been able to secure money enough to carry on a needed program for a place like Halifax.

We now turn to Hants Co., N.S. As I have said, a man named Thomas had been at work there. The next man was Benjamin Howard, and he did a wonderful work. The first church to be organized was at Newport, and they immediately started to build a meeting house. In Upper Rawdon a preacher named John Doyle broke from the Baptists and formed a church of about twenty five members. This was in 1837 2. The next year Howard held a revival and the number was increased to fifty. Howard organized a church at West Gore the same year. In 1836, George Garraty formed a church in Cornwallis, of about thirty five members, who were known at first as "Christian Baptists". There was also a church formed at Falmouth and in (1840) a co-operation meeting was held in Falmouth with delegates from Rawdon, West Gore, Cornwallis and Newport attending. This represents the first attempt at organization in the Maritime province.

John Doyle and Benjamin Howard were appointed evangelists. The Wallace family of West Gore became leaders in the work, and Michael Wallace, Sr., was the preacher as well as the doctor for a large district. In 2The time for the group formed by John Doyle was between 1832 and 1836. In 1837 the church was added to by B. Howard, and West Gore, Rawdon, and Newport churches were founded.~Compiler. /97/ 1851 Donald Crawford of P. E. Island came to Nova Scotia, and preached in Hants, Digby and Queens counties. At a Co-operation meeting held in Milton N.S. in 1855 he was appointed evangelist, and organized a church at Shubenacadie. Here he met the young lady, Miss Harriet Wallace, who was to become his life long partner in the work of the ministry. Four Wallace brothers formed the nucleus of the church in Shubenacadie- John, Thomas, Bruce and George: and faithful men they were, as were their wives and families. It was not until 1889 that they had a building of their own. In that year, the present building was dedicated by W. H. Harding. On the day of dedication there were no happier people in the world than those good folks. The church at Nine Mile River was the last to be organized, when a new building was dedicated by W. H. Harding in 1894. During the Ministry of four years by W. H.Harding the churches of Hants County were in a flourishing condition, but they are greatly in need of help at the present time.

The church at Milton, N.S., was established by George Garraty in 1840. George Garraty was a great preacher; he did not fear man or devil, and was bitterly hated by those who were sectarian and denominational. In 1855 the Church at Milton sent him to Digby County. Donald Crawford had been preaching through Digby County and had established a church at Southville, but the church there did not have a building of its own until 1888, when the present building was dedicated by W. H. Harding. Donald Crawford had also preached at Westport, and the first thing George Garraty did was to hold a meeting at Westport and organize a church. The church at Westport had no regular ministry until 1861, when Beecher Knowles came from Milton and remained about five years, during which time he organized the church at Tiverton. Some time after this, E. C. Ford moved to Westport, and for many years served the churches there and at Tiverton, building up the cause in both places. E. C. Bowers, during his lifetime, was a strong supporter of the work in Digby Co. About thirty years ago H. A. Devoe started a work in Digby town; a nice commodious house of worship was erected, and for a time the work prospered, but it went back, and the building was sold. In 1888, W. H. Harding held a meeting in South Range; and helped them to build a comfortable house of worship. At one time there was a church at Gullivers Cove, but it has not operated for a long time. At one time it looked as if the cause in Digby Co. was going to be strong and potential for good, but somehow it took a turn the other way. The same thing may be said of /98/ Kings Co. and there were some noble people there. In Queens Co., there was a strong church at Kempt, organized by George Garraty, but it has ceased working. At Summerville, Queens Co. there is still a fine body of workers and they are carrying on with a good Sunday School. Milton, Queens Co., has always been the strongest church in Nova Scotia, and is carrying on under the leadership of Roy A. Johnston, who also preaches in Summerville. Howard Murray was pastor here for many years and there are many fine families; it has had a continuous history since its organization in 1840. They have a fine building with pipe organ, and good Sunday School equipment. As we go over the story of the beginning of our organized work in Nova Scotia, we cannot but recognize the courage and sacrifice needled to carry on such work. Preachers found themselves at times with no friendly voice to offer them entertainment for the night. Their sermons were misrepresented and they were looked upon as heretics of whom people had to beware. Most of the preaching was done in private houses. I was talking to a very old brethren in Newport one time, and he related some of the experience through which they passed. One time when the preacher was speaking in one of the homes at Newport, the house was crowded to overflowing, and one man could not stand it any longer. He jumped to his feet and made for the door, but he made a mistake, and instead of opening the front door, he opened a door that led to a shed in which a hogshead was kept to receive the water from the roof. It was full of water, and into it he went. After he had been rescued and regained his breath, he gasped, "These Campellites will get you in the water anyway". Before leaving Nova Scotia, I will say a good word about Pictou. David Fullerton, a fine Christian gentleman and fairly well to do, tried hard to have a church in Pictou town. A large hall was secured, and for several years preachers sought to build up a congregation, but all in vain. I could tell you a good deal more about the churches in Nova Scotia, but think I had better now turn to New Brunswick.

New Brunswick

The first churches in New Brunswick were formed in Charlotte County, on what was then called West Isles, now Deer Island. The churches were at Lord's Cove and Leonardville. At that time there was a church on Grand Manan, and one at Campobello. Two preachers named Smith and Cook were active in the work; there was also a Mr. Barnaby who preached at Lord's Cove. Harris Greenlaw was another who did considerable preaching in Charlotte County. Then George Garraty came on the scene, and /99/ there was a wonderful ingathering. Back Bay and LeTete were visited, organizations were effected; houses of worship were built, and it looked as if every body would become Disciples of Christ. But the flocks needed shepherding and that they did not get. For a number of years these churches got along the best way they could, and it was not till 188O, when J. A. Gates moved to LeTete, that they had a real shepherd, and at once there was a splendid response to his work. For six years he did a splendid work, but he moved to Souhville, Digby Co., N.S.; and the churches in Charlotte County, N.B. suffered loss. O. B. Emery had come to Deer Island in the meantime and the work there was reaching out and a splendid church building erected. Preachers came and went, until M. B. Ryan came to Lord's Cove in 1895, and Wm. Murray came to LeTete and Back Bay. And again the churches took an upward swing. In 1898, W. H. Harding came to hold a meeting at Lord's Cove, which resulted in (one hundred and two additions), the largest meeting ever held in the provinces, W. H. Harding remained with the churches at Leonardville and Lord's Cove for over two years, during which time he held a meeting at Back Bay with over sixty additions, and the church re-organized, and a new building projected at LeTete. Since that time the churches have been working away but at present need pastoral help.

In order of time, the church in St. John, N.B. comes next. It was organized in (1834) by George Garraty, and a frame building erected on Duke St. This building was burned in the great fire of 1877, but in 1879 a new brick structure was erected on the same site. In 1873 some difficulty arose among the members and a number withdrew and held meetings in Horton's hall, a building on the corner of Charlotte and Union streets. Loss of members and inability to secure a permanent minister, caused the disbandment of the Duke St. church and the building was sold and used for school purposes. (See Duke St. church) The group meeting in Horton's hall so prospered that in 1876 the construction of a building was begun on Coburg St. and completed in 1881. D. O. Thomas was the first minister in Coburg St. that I can find out about.2 He was succeeded by T. H. Capp. Hiram Wallace spent almost a year with the church between the time of Thomas and the coming of T. H. Capp. The Coburg St. church reached its peak under the ministry of Henry W. Stewart, and on January 1, 1896, swarmed over and formed a church in the North End, meeting for some time in a hall. R. W. Stevenson was its first pastor, followed 2The official record of Coburg St. church give the ministers in the order of Hiram Wallace, D. O.Thomas, T. H. Capp, etc.-- Compiler. /100/ by J. C. B. Appel, who remained there for twenty-six years, during which time the present building on Douglas Avenue was erected. The Coburg St. church was the strongest in the Maritime Provinces and had a number of prominent citizens in its membership.

No history of the church would be complete without special mention being made of the Barnes family. This family gave leadership and prestige to the work locally and provincially. Quite early in the history of the work a number of people met regularly in Burtt's Corner, and occasionally had preaching, and began the construction of a building; but it was not until the year 1900, when W. H. Harding went there to hold a meeting, that the little group strengthened by a number of additions, organized and decided to finish their building. In 1901 W. H. Harding dedicated the building and had quite an ingathering, H. E. Cooke was called as minister, and remained until he was unable to carry on the work any longer, a period of nearly thirty years. The church is still going strong. Silver Falls and Nanwigewauk both have houses of worship, but have not grown and now present a problem to the churches. Evangelistic work is needed. The churches in New Brunswick, like the churches in Nova Scotia, have lost heavily by removals of members to other places.

Let us now turn to Charlotte County again, and we find that during the work of J. A. Gates, churches were formed at LeTang and Black's Harbour. This whole section of country has not grown as it might have done, if more evangelistic work could have been done. Mascarene, was a preaching point for a number of years: under the leadership of Capt. Sam. Dick, a house of worship was erected, and dedicated by W. H. Harding in 1897.

The early work of the pioneer preachers did not spread in New Brunswick as in Nova Scotia.

 

Prince Edward Island

This is the smallest province in the Dominion, yet, it has the record of having sent out the greatest number of men into public and professional life.

As far as the Disciples of Christ are concerned, it has made a rich contribution to the work all over the world. The church in Summerside alone has sent out fourteen ministers and one foreign missionary. Such men as Archibald McLean, Neil McLeod, H. T. Morrison, have come from its membership. Situated as it is in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, it is called the "Garden of the Gulf" and it has proved a garden for growing /101/ strong men and women. The beginning of the work on the Island cannot be dated by any particular year, but is to be found in a trend of circumstances. In the year 1811, a Scotch Baptist minister came to the Island, named Alexander Crawford. He had been educated in the school of the Haldanes in Scotland. Mr. Crawford was Independent, and would not subscribe to the creed of the Baptists as it was at that time. He organized several churches, but after his death, most of them joined in with the Regular Baptists. The church at Lot 48, or Cross Roads as it is called now, remained true to their independence, and may be truly said to be the first church of the Disciples on P. E. Island. After a few years, during which it continued to meet regularly, Dr. John Knox, an Anglican minister from Edinburgh, came to preach, and having made a study of the subject of baptism was immersed and began preaching for the church. He was a powerful preacher, well educated, and became a great influence among the people. In 1846 he organized the churches of Montague and East Point.1 Montague became the strongest church on the Island, but because of its isolation, East Point made slow progress. No better people are found anywhere than in these churches, but the territory from Lot 48 to East Point is too great for any one man to do it justice. Had more work been done, and more preachers placed on the field, it would have yielded a bountiful harvest during the passing years. These churches have had their ups and downs, and passed through some trying experiences, but they are still going, with M. Waterworth at East Point, W. L. Outhouse at Montague, and J. W. Hayter at Cross Roads.

We turn now to New Glasgow. In 1820, a number of silk weavers from Paisley, Scotland, landed in Rustico. They were Scotch Baptists, and remained in Rustico three years, when a number of them removed to New Glasgow on the Clyde River, about five miles from Rustico. John Stevenson was their leader, and he immediately started a service in his own home, and the first one baptized was his son Charles. A few years before this, Alexander Crawford had immersed the first person to be baptized on P. E. Island, and immersion was a novelty to many of the people. The second person to be baptized at New Glasgow was David Orr. The few brethren continued their work, and eventually erected a plain frame meeting house, which did them service until 1892, when the present commodious building was dedicated by W. H. Harding. Donald Crawford was minister here for over fifty years. A number of young men have gone 1This would be a re-establishment under more developed principles. These two churches were "gathered" by Alexander Crawford, Montague being known as Three Rivers and East Point has long been known as South Lake.-Compiler. /102/ from this church into the ministry, and the same is true of the Montague church. There is a bright future for this church, if the right kind of work is done. These old Scotch Baptists are sturdy stock, and the roots of their religion run deep.

We now turn to Charlottetown, it is hard to say just when or by whom this church was started, but it was early in the nineteenth century. In 1844, when W. W. Eaton visited Charlottetown, there was a small church under the leadership of a Mr. Hughes, but they had no house of worship at that time. Soon after, a building was started and erected on Great George St. and the church was strengthened by a number of splendid additions. I will have to pass over some years of its history, but after going through some fiery trials, a new house was erected on Kent St. and dedicated in 1900. J. H. Mohorter was the preacher at the dedication, and at the present time the church has a fine, up-to-date house of worship and comfortable parsonage, and is better fitted for work than ever before. R. W. Stevenson assisted them greatly in their difficult time, and great credit is due him for aggressive work on the Island, for during his ministry at Montague a splendid brick building was erected, and the church greatly strengthened.

The next church to be organized was that of Summerside. It was organized in 1858 by Donald Crawford, in the home of Benjamin Schurman, Lot 16, but at once, they secured a hall in Summerside, and started a building. This was burned in the big fire of 1907, and for two years they used a hall when the new house was building. In 1909, the new house was erected. The church has a fine building and parsonage, but has felt the effects of frequent changes of ministers. This church is proud of the fact that it was the home church of A. McLean, and from it have gone fourteen preachers and one foreign missionary. It will be hard to find a church that can equal that record. Its first settled pastor was T. H. Capp, who came in 1876, and was called to Coburg St., St. John, in 1880. This church has gone for years without a settled minister, but has always kept up the Sunday services, and has had some very fine men in its membership, and of course, that means women too. For many years it co-operated with Tryon and Greenmount in the support of a preacher, but Tryon ceased to operate a good many years ago, and Greenmount now has a preacher of its own.

The church at Greenmount began in a small way. Two ladies from other places, married and went there to live. They invited Donald Crawford to come and preach there. A number were baptized, and in 1887 a /103/ house of worship was built and dedicated by Mr. Crawford. Silas Rayner, and Arch. Haywood, were among those baptized and both were active in the work. The church has a substantial endowment through the will of Silas Rayner, and they are quietly working away with their small membership. The surrounding country is nearly all Roman Catholic. At Murray Harbour there is a church of faithful people, with a nice building and regular preaching. This church was formed in 1898, by R. W. Stevenson and O. B. Emery, and has increased in numbers with good prospects for the future.

In 1878 Donald Crawford held a meeting at Bradalbane which resulted in a number of young people being baptized. A building was started at once, and was used for preaching. There has never been any church organization there, but through the years there has been a good deal of preaching. The building has been re-modelled and renovated, and is called "The Crawford Memorial Church". At Frederiction, about five miles from Bradalbane, there have always been a number of families of the Disciples. When C. E. Armstrong was pastor at New Glasgow, he preached regularly at Fredericton, finally forming a church, and erecting a very nice building, which was dedicated by W. H. Harding, in 1931. If these two communities could ever get together and support a preacher between them there is a splendid chance for future work. When M. Waterworth was pastor at Montague, he was instrumental in having a church building erected in Murray River in 1933, but I have no information as to what success attended the work at that place.

It is estimated that almost one hundred preachers, educationists and professional men have come from the Christian Churches of P. E. Island. Most of the pioneer preachers were men without college education. A few of our younger men went to Bethany college, but the greater part went to the College of the Bible in Lexington, Ky.

In 1855 the first meeting for Provincial organization was held in Milton, N.S. On P. E. Island before that time, the churches had what they called an "Association" meeting each year. Dr. Knox was the first Moderator. The people of that day were whole-hearted in the work, and at the time of these conventions, their houses were thrown open and the hospitality was unbounded, and it was like a big family gathering.

There is one question that has often been asked. Why is it that the Disciples did not make progress in Canada as was made in the U.S.? There is only one answer that I can get and it shows what an influence has on /104/ our conduct. At the beginning of the second half of the nineteenth century a paper called The American Christian Review was published, and it obtained wide circulation in the Maritime Provinces. Preachers did without their salary so that the people might have this paper; it was published by Benjamin Franklin, and when in 1869, Franklin visited the provinces, he was given a great ovation. No preacher before or since has aroused so much enthusiasm. Churches would not hold the people, and services were held in groves. The trouble with the American Christian Review was not that it proclaimed a wrong doctrine, but it circumscribed the methods of work to be used in the promulgation of the gospel. Women must keep silence in the church; young people were to be seen and not heard; Sunday schools were not Scriptural; missionary societies were contrary to the Bible; preachers had to trust the Lord and the people for their support, etc. This non-progressive policy was hammered into the people every week. Sectarian churches were harlots, an organ was unscriptural, and until fifty years ago, the Coburg St. Church in St. John was the only church in the Maritime provinces that used an organ. Then the Christian Standard came along, but it was tabooed; Erret was an anti-Christ, and to have a copy of the Christian Standard in the house was a sign of heresy.

We are asking the question, "Why have we not grown in Canada like they have grown in the U.S.? Here is the answer. The Church in the provinces came to the cross roads, and took the wrong turn, under the influence of the weekly visits of the old Review; and the non- progressive policy crushed all the life; and the Reformation and the Plea for New Testament Christianity was turned into a hard and fast legality, about methods of work, rather than the work itself. Perhaps, nowhere in the history of the work, could a more faithful and loyal people be found, than were those in the early days of the churches in the Maritime Provinces. There was a willing spirit and an earnest heart. Many sacrifices were made. I think I will tell you about one of them as a sample of what was often done. Sixty years ago, in Upper Rawdon, N.S., the church ran behind financially and a meeting was held to see what could be done. George Wallace, who was one of the elders, proposed that each one make up as much as they could and pay off the indebtedness. This was decided, and Wallace went home and picked out the best cow he had in his barn, and sold it, and gave the money to the church. He was the grandfather of Fred Wallace who now preaches in Halifax. This was not the only incident of the kind, but only a sample of what these early people were prepared to do /105/ for the church in their day. If we had had progressive teaching for these people instead of so much anti-ism, we would have had some great churches in the Maritime Provinces.

The hospitality of the people in these early days was remarkable. Everybody's home was the preachers home, and it did not matter if it was a day or a week, and there was no thought about paying anything for such entertainment. Many homes had the "Prophet's Chamber", and the very best and most hearty welcome was given. And it was well that it was so, for very few preachers received much salary for their work. The church at River John had a rule that they would pay one dollar a day to the preacher who held meetings, and some preachers did not get that much. How different today, with furnished parsonages and stated salary. Sometimes, it has been said that the early preachers were combative and antagonized the churches. There may be some truth in it, but they had no other course to pursue. They believed sectarianism was wrong, just as we do, and they had to face bitter opposition. Here is another question for you. We are not having that bitter opposition that the early preachers had: we are going easy, and have more money and places in which to preach. Why is it that we are not making more progress today? Find fault with the old preachers and their combativeness, but if it were not for what they did, where would we preachers be preaching today? Do we need a little dynamic in our work? As we survey the whole field today, and visualize the activities of the past, we might well ask, why is it that we are not doing more with our increased facilities for work, and our improved conditions in general? The missionary activities of the churches have been under the direction of a mission board since 1855, and the younger people have no conception of the difficulties and obstacles that had to be overcome in carrying on this work. At the start, a good many were opposed to organized missionary effort, and a good many others were indifferent to the aims of the Board. No mention of this work can be made without the names of J. E. Barnes, J. S. Flaglor, and L.A. Miles being placed as those who were faithful and sacrificing in their efforts to bring about a better condition. They have gone to their reward, but their works do follow them. Howard Murray and E. C. Ford were also faithful workers for the Board, and did much in the effort to carry on the work of evangelism.

In a brief sketch of this kind, it is impossible to note everything of importance, connected with the churches, but I will briefly name some of the families who have been prominent in the work.

/106/ In New Brunswick, we have the Barnes family of St. John, the Lamberts and Lords of Deer Island, the Boones of Keswick, and the Kinneys and McGees of Back Bay. In Nova Scotia, we have the Fullertons and the Carruthers family of Pictou Co., the Wallaces, Stevens and McDougalls of Hants Co., the Fords, Harlows, Mortons, Freemans, and Minards of Queens Co., the Gates family, the Payson family and the Outhouses of Digby Co., and the Jacksons and Stevens family of Kings Co. On Prince Edward Island we have the Stewarts and Campbells of Montague, the Morrows and Bakers of East Point; the Dewars and McGregors of Cross Roads; the Williams family and the Shaws of Charlottetown; the Stevensons, McKays, Dickiesons, the Parkmans, and Simpsons of New Glasgow; the Linkletters and Murrays of Summerside; and the Rayners and Haywoods of Greenmount; the Becks of Murray Harbour and the Murrays of Bradalbane. These families have all been active for three generations and as you will notice from the names they are Scotch by a large majority, and they say that when a man has a little Scotch in him, (I mean Scotch blood), he is to be congratulated. The list of names could be made much longer, and should include some good English and Irish folks. But, standing today (1939) and looking back over one hundred years of history-what a change has taken place since the little band of disciples gathered around the Lord's table in River John; and a little later, when the few sincere souls from Scotland came together in New Glasgow, and in a strange land, in almost "the forest primeval", they raised their voices in songs of praise to the Giver of all good. Two hundred years before that, in 1620, the Pilgrim Fathers landed at Plymouth, Mass., and on that rugged New England shore set up the worship of God. Just as New England became the land of liberty to them, and the marks and influence of those Pilgrim Fathers are in evidence today, so is it in the Maritime Provinces. I wonder if any who read this will pause to consider the integrity and honesty which characterized these people and ask the question, Have we been as faithful to their memory as they deserve? Have we the pioneer spirit? Have we held up the torch which they threw to us? The Disciples have a message for today. The churches have a work to be carried on. Never in the history of the Reformation was the Plea of the Disciples needed as today. With our modern methods and equipment, with the present facilities of communication, such as radio and newspapers, if we had the zeal and energy of the early churches-if our churches were willing to sacrifice as they did-if we put our whole hearts and lives into the effort, we could sweep over this /107/ land with a mighty wave of enthusiasm and win the people to the New Testament life and practice. And we would have real Christianity, instead of sectarianism and churchianity.

Following is a list of the members of the Christian Church who have gone into the public ministry from the Maritime Provinces. The list is as nearly complete as it can be made, but it may be that some names have been overlooked. It will be found hard to name another territory the size of the Maritime Provinces that can show a similar contribution to the work of the Kingdom.

C. E. Armstrong E. B. Barnes Judson Brown T. H. Blenus Donald Crawford H. E. Cooke C. Ernest Crawford Clayton C. Crawford C. H. Devoe H. A. Devoe John Doyle J. W. Derby T. F. Dwyer 0. B. Emery Joseph Fitzpatrick E. C. Ford Frank C. Ford Clifford Ford G. W. Ford D. L. Gardner J. A. Gates Wm. Gates Mrs. H. Hatfield W. H. Harding J. W. Hayter W. T. Jelly G. A. Jeffrey T. B. Knowles C. W. Lambert Clifton Lambert Isaac Linkletter Andrew Linkletter Stewart Linkletter Silas Linkletter John Lord J. A. Lord Herbert Martin H. T. Morrison Wm. P. Murray Alfred Murray Howard Murray William Murray Vernon J. Murray Archibald McLean Daniel McLean John McDonald Henry McDonald Neil MacLeod J. H. MacNeill A. J. MacLeod Barry McLean F. T. O. Norton W. G. Quigley Paul Richardson Jennie Riley M. B. Ryan Grover C. Schurman R. W. Stevenson John Smith R. W. Shaw John Simpson Alexander N. Simpson Everett Stevenson G. Nelson Stevenson Leonard Stevenson Stanley Sellick R. E. Stevens I. G. Shaw Robert E. Shaw Henry W. Stewart Donald Stockford 0. B. Stockford Josephine Wood Smith Geo. Titus C. B. Titus Tyler Warren Hiram Wallace John B. Wallace Ferd. L. Wallace Robert S. Wilson W. L. Outhouse Malcolm Outhouse