Our Roots.

A History of New Glasgow Christian Church 

by Brenton Dickieson

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If you were to take a drive toward the North Shore area of Prince Edward Island, you would begin to see very beautiful and interesting sights. The newness of the city having been already passed, the quaint look of country communities begins to develop. Driving further along the Glasgow Road, you would begin to wonder at the large number of new houses being built in what seems to be the middle of nowhere. Then, almost by accident, you happen upon New Glasgow. You drive down the steep hill towards the community. It looks like a quiet village, but one with small businesses dotting the valley. The river is majestically flowing inland, the trees are full and green, but something else catches your attention. It is the sound of music.

Curiously you drive towards the sound. Suddenly you see a field full of cars directly in front of a small church building. It is a beautiful building when placed in the picture of the river and fields, but it is vaguely ordinary. If you were to feed your curiosity and walk inside the church building you would be pleasantly surprised to see the room full of people singing praise songs, worshiping in a special and unique way. The room is brimming with children, and when it is their turn to go to Sunday school, they stampede excitedly to their classes. Left behind is a half-full room of adults, from all walks of life, who listen to the word being preached and who break the Bread together.

Yet groups of these people are drawn to this fellowship, not just every Sunday morning, but all through the week. What is happening at this little white church in the valley? If you were to return from the current church to the church of history, you would begin to discover why there is such excitement in New Glasgow.

This excitement began in Scotland with an individual by the name of John Stevenson. John Stevenson was born in the Kyles of Bute, Scotland, in 1778, perhaps to Charles & Margaret (Anderson) Stevenson’. He was said to have grown up in Wardell’, just outside of Glasgow. John was from a deeply religious Presbyterian family, and was sent to the University of Edinburgh to become a Presbyterian minister, John began to board at the house of Mrs. Nisbet, who happened to be a Scotch Baptist, She took John as a boarder hoping he would be able to lead in daily devotions and bible studies. She was not disappointed.

Daily, the young John Stevenson would preach of the Christian faith. When the subject of baptism arose, which was not an uncommon occurrence, Mrs. Nisbet always assumed that true baptism was adult immersion. Her continual challenges led John to search the Scriptures for the teaching on the form of baptism. After intense research, and great trepidation regarding the decision, John agreed with Mrs. Nisbet on the proper form of baptism in the New Testament. He promptly decided that he too should be immersed.

Though this decision was well received by Mrs. Nisbet, John’s father was incensed. He disowned his son John, forcing him leave school and ministry training altogether. John secured a job as a silk weaver at the famous Paisley weavers, which he kept for about twenty years. His path was permanently changed by his difficult decision to stand by his convictions.

While in Paisley, John became heavily involved in the Scotch Baptist church. He began to adopt many of their doctrines and practices. It seems that this time he spent as a deacon in the Paisley Scotch Baptist church altered his beliefs and views forever. At this time John married Margaret Nisbet, the daughter of Mrs. Nisbet who owned the boarding house. John and Margaret had about twelve children while living in Scotland, eleven of whom survived to engage in the adventures to come, and one born in the New World.

While the Nisbet family was greatly influential in the life of John, so was a man named James Houston. Mr. Houston, who had nine living children, influenced John in making the decision to go to the New World. Finally, John succumbed to his call to come to British North America, so the Stevenson family, including their eleven children and the Nisbet family, boarded the Alexander and left for North America. The Houston’s, the Orr’s, the Semple’s and at least one Dickieson, who married the oldest Stevenson daughter upon arrival in the New World, joined the Stevenson’s, among others.

One might wonder why a man would give up a good living to emigrate, but Barry Norris, who wrote “…and God Giveth The Increase”, attributes their move to war, and the fear that the Stevenson sons would be circumscribed.

There were absolutely no European wars between the years of 1815 and 1914. In 1793 the French government, fearing reprise from other parts of Europe, passed a law requiring military service. Among the new war tactics being developed, Napoleon rose up the ranks with his revolutionary strategies. Napoleon used bold means and the largest army in history to attack every European capital. Because of the force of England, France was never able to secure peace on the continent, and rivals began to use Napoleon’s methods. Napoleon’s Russian defeat began the fall of the French army, which ended with the battle of Waterloo in 1815. The powers in Europe began amassing armies and turning towards France, tired of being afraid of invasion and French looters. It was during this political climate that perhaps John Stevenson feared his oldest sons would be drafted.“

Regardless of reasoning, the large group of families left for the New World. The voyage in 1819 was long and rough, and John lost the deed to the land he had acquired. J Brenton Dickieson, the present writer’s great uncle, wrote the following to Rueben Butchart’, an historian who wrote of the Restoration Movement in Canada:

“The passage on the account of adverse winds and stormy weather took many more weeks than they anticipated. They passed the hours in many different ways but every morning had worship led by a young man of sterling character, with great intellect and vision, a weaver by trade, his name was John Stevenson, and many times during the voyage he cheered          up those who became down hearted and homesick, by his kindly and humorous words until they dropped anchor outside of Rustico Harbour…”

The families migrating from Scotland landed in Rustico in 1820. Some say they traveled up what is now the New Glasgow River and immediately broke bread under a tree, thanking God for their safe journey. Others say the group stayed in Rustico for three years and then moved upriver. However, the story of Margaret Bagnall, the granddaughter of John Stevenson, may very well be correct: John Stevenson stayed in Rustico for the winter, and moved upstream in the spring.

Eventually, however, the large group migrated upriver to a cove, which was later named Stevenson’s Cove. This was likely half way between the present cemetery and the New Glasgow Bridge.’ We know that the families moved further up the river, but there is evidence they built crude homes very near the water in Stevenson’s cove. There is an old well with an air of permanence on the shore. Eventually John Stevenson built a home on what is now Ruth Howatt’s property. The Nisbets settled next to them on the east, and James and Catherine (Stevenson) Dickieson on the adjacent property to the west.

Very soon after this, John began to preach. The barn was used as a sanctuary; with a large barrel as a pulpit, and boards Jaid across small barrels for pews. Even though this setting seems crude, people came to hear this only gospel preacher in Lot 23. The place became known as New Glasgow, and a church was beginning. The following is a beautiful story from Margaret Bagnall, who was John’s granddaughter:

“Grandfather Stevenson, who was a distant cousin of Robert Louis Stevenson, as soon as possible started services on Sunday in his barn, where the seats were formed by laying across barrels and blocks of wood. Here he used to preach to all who came and as it was the only religious service in the little village, all sects attended. Naturally all did not agree with         his teachings on baptism and one man used to get up and shout – “Tw’’ll no do John!!!”, then sit down so heavily on the plank, that he disturbed those sitting near, but he was the person immersed by Grandfather, and was a most loyal member of the church, there established, which is still vigorous today called the “Church of Christ, New Glasgow.”

Although this man may not be the first person that John baptized, this story illustrates the early setting of the church. According to the statement of Andrew Stevenson (1807-1895) at a meeting of the PEI Christian Association, the first person to be baptized by John Stevenson was his eldest son Charles (1802-1890). John Brown records the dilemma that John Stevenson was faced with because he thought a clergyman should do the baptism:

“In time a number of persons, among whom were several members of his own family, became anxious to obey the Gospel of Christ. He walked seventeen miles to secure the services of a regular ordained Baptist minister to immerse these candidates. Failing to secure one he returned home. His son, Charles, urged him to attend to it himself, as there was nothing in the New Testament forbidding him to do so, which he did and continued so to do as occasion demanded until the time of his death.”

Stewart Lewis, an expert in Maritime Church history and a professor at Maritime Christian College in Charlottetown, theorizes that the minister John Stevenson was trying to secure was John Scott in the North River area, which is about seventeen miles from New Glasgow. Another possibility, according to Lewis, is John Stewart in Lot 48, also known as Crossroads.

Somewhere in the 1820’s, it is said that a small building, this one with heat, was built on the corner of the Stevenson property, next to the road. This was the worship house until the large building was built in 1832.

Most date the beginning of the New Glasgow Christian church as 1832. The new building is said to have been visible from the present building; across the river and down stream
(west) about one quarter of a mile. Very little is known about the New Glasgow Congregation from the construction of this building until the 1850’s, known as a revival period.

Although John Stevenson was a Scotch Baptist, the church in New Glasgow was not existing as a Baptist Congregation. It is said that different individuals had come to New Glasgow and urged John Stevenson to be ordained. John had been greatly influenced by the Scotch Baptists, but he refused to be bound to a human creed other than the Bible. He became troubled because he did not recognize any other group that was worshiping like them. Margaret Bagnall writes:

“At this time [allegedly about 1848] John didn’t know if there were any others who were worshiping in the same way as he and his family. But a man from Tryone, PEI came to New Glasgow and hearing John preach, told him there was a Mr. Crawford in their neighborhood who was preaching the doctrine of “No creed but the Bible” and “no name but the Christ’s.” This caused grandfather to start off with the intention of seeing and talking with Mr. Crawford. The distance was great but he walked it and these two godly men had a wonderful time together. Mr. Crawford had been for years in correspondence with Alexander Campbell of the United States, and was subscribing for his monthly paper called “The Millennial Harbinger”. He gave grandfather a bundle of these papers to carry back with him, quite a heavy load, but treasure indeed to a man who trudged back to new Glasgow. The news of large numbers, in the United States and England, who were of like faith with them was encouragement and delight to the little church in New Glasgow and several new names were added to the list of subscribers to “The Millennial Harbinger”.”

This historical story has some problems. Who is Mr. Crawford? It was not Alexander Crawford, because he had died in 1828, and it was a little more likely that it was Donald Crawford (who began preaching in 1841). Or perhaps it was John Crawford who became a leader of the church in Tryon. If it was indeed Donald Crawford, then this is when New Glasgow began to cross paths with their future evangelist. Another problem is the late date to which this story is placed. The publication of the “Millennial Harbinger” began in 1830, so the story takes place after this. It seems unlikely, even impossible, that the church in New Glasgow knew of no other groups similar to theirs. One indication of this is the presence of a letter written to the church in Halifax (1836), whose minister was ordained without swearing to the Baptist creed (the response to this letter is in the appendix). There was also significant work being done in Crossroads and in the east of Prince Edward Island, and Charlottetown Baptist, know First Baptist, had formed without swearing to the confession. Whatever the case may be, John Stevenson and New Glasgow came to the realization that they weren’t alone, and they were encouraged by this.

We also know from an article in the “Christian,” a magazine dedicated to the advancement of New Testament Christianity, in 1840, that the New Glasgow congregation was faring well. Charles Stevenson wrote to W.W. Eaton, the editor of the “Christian” and stated several things.

“We are all about twenty-five. We live in peace with one another. We have but one Elder, at present, and two deacons. We meet every Lord’s day to break the loaf and remember the poor, the brethren also attend to the duty of exhortation. Our elder in the afternoon preaches the word. In the way we go on our way rejoicing, and so to wait on his son from heaven, who has told us to have our lamps burning, and our loins girt about the truth.

The church here wished to be remembered by all the holy brethren. They being aware that the cause in which you are brethren. They being aware that the cause in which you are engaged is not popular, they take this opportunity to express their love to you by enclosing a opportunity to express their love to you by enclosing a two pound note of the Commercial Bank of New Brunswick.”

Sending money must work to get attention, for this letter was published and the work in New Glasgow praised! At this time hymnbooks were ordered, indicating that New Glasgow were involved in musical worship. In the above letter of Mr. Charles Stevenson, we see the best example of their warship in the early years. They were an active, vital group that realized their cause was difficult and encouraged others on the same cause. This also indicated that they knew that other Restoration work was being done.

From Howard Ling’s history of the church and John Stevenson’s epitaph, it is noted that Stevenson became Elder in 1837. In 1840, a Presbyterian Church was built next to the Nisbet’s farm, across the river from the early Christian church. It is interesting that there is no record of any dialogue between members of the two congregations. Recorded in the Nov.5, 1988 issue of the “Guardian,” Prince Edward Island’s chief newspaper, is the fact that the Presbyterian Church was called “The Big Church” in New Glasgow. This Presbyterian Church became a part of the United Church of Canada in 1925. Now the United Church in New Glasgow is part of a larger charge, and has services every third Sunday. Even though there was no recorded dialogue between the two churches, it seems that there were no major problems, for the churches combined Sunday school in the 1940’s. The congregation continued to meet regularly in the 1840’s and 50’s.

In the early 1850’s, perhaps 1854 or 1855, the church made contact with Donald Crawford’s ministry and introduced exciting times, both for the ministry in New Glasgow, and also the Maritimes as a whole.

Donald Crawford was born on October 31st, 1820 on the Island of Arran, Scotland. His parents, as well as his Uncle Alexander, were converted at the preaching of James A. Haldane in 1806 or 1807. Donald’s uncle, Alexander, attended seminary in Edinburgh to train for preaching. Before leaving for the New World, Alexander baptized Donald’s parents and others in the church. While Alexander was preaching in Nova Scotia, and finally Prince Edward Island, Donald Crawford’s family faced rejection by their Congregational church, great sickness and death, and were victims of dirty financial dealings. With very little money, they joined Alexander in Tryon, PEI in 1827, one year before he died.

Donald Crawford grew up in a Christian home, but always wondered how he could possibly become a Christian. He prayed that God would give him the feeling that He had given others. The feeling never came. In 1840, Donald Crawford was baptized, but he stilled doubted his salvation because he lacked the feeling. Finally Donald turned to the Gospels for an answer. He found that Jesus never turned people away because they did not feel enough. Donald explains his enlightenment in his own magazine, the “Christian.”

“I began to think it possible that I might be saved just as I was; then it would appear too good news to be true. When I read of Jesus’ death for my sins, I loved Him, and sincerely wished that I could come to Him. When I considered His last commission to the whole world, to every creature, I could see no reason to doubt… . After this digression I would say that I felt altogether different after obeying the Saviour in secret prayer and in reading the scriptures. All things seemed new. I felt as having a partnership in the great salvation, and wondered at its plainness, and felt an anxiety to ‘tell to all around what a blessed Saviour I had found.'”

Because of this clear desire to preach, New Glasgow church asked Donald Crawford to make this his home. Crawford brought a fresh message to a congregation of forty, and in the first spring, thirty more were added, mostly by baptism. The “Christian Banner,” a paper published in Ontario by the Churches of Christ in October of 1855 says this: “The Disciples in New Glasgow last year numbered 46; since which they have scarcely doubled their number.” The people in this area were so anxious to be baptized that they would even cut a hole in the ice to be immersed in the chilly water. The congregation soon outgrew its meeting place and according to a history presented in 1992 at the Centennial Celebration of the present church building, there was a new building erected on the same sight, perhaps in 1858.

It was an exciting time for the Maritime Restoration Movement. In 1855 there was a meeting in Milton, Nova Scotia, with the purpose of securing evangelists in the Maritimes. New Glasgow’s own Donald Crawford, who had spent at least fourteen years evangelizing with great results in New Brunswick, Maine, and especially Nova Scotia, was one of the first to be commissioned at that meeting of “The Annual.” Two years later, in 1857, the PEI Christian Association held a meeting in Three Rivers (Montague) and members from New Glasgow joined. It was at this meeting that Andrew Stevenson stood up and spoke of the work of his father, John. Charles Stevenson had moved to Greenmount and was instrumental in beginning the church there. Churches were sprouting up and growing throughout the Maritimes. New Testament Christians were being encouraged by the cooperation of the believers. The same was true in New Glasgow.

In 1857, Donald Crawford returned from his labours abroad and became an elder of the congregation, Since the beginning of the church, Father Stevenson (called so probably because he was the relative of almost everyone!) was the only elder. In the next five years, membership continued to grow. In 1860 there were eighteen additions. In this year, Bro, Wallace even taught a singing school! This excitement in the church took a downswing, however, at the death of John Stevenson Sr. In the “Islander,” May 16, 1862, his death is recorded:

“On this 9th inst., of Thyphus fever, at New Glasgow, in his 84th year, Elder John Stevenson, senior Pastor of the Christian Church in that place.”

Nothing better can describe the sentiment of the church, than the inscription on his tombstone, placed as a memorial of his life, given by those in the community who loved him greatly.

“Sacred to the memory of Elder John Stevenson, died May, 9, 1862, age 84. Margaret Nisbet, his beloved wife, died July 19, 1852, age 71. They were natives of Scotland and immigrated to this Island and settled at New Glasgow in May 1820 after which he began to teach the people the word of God and preach the gospel, which resulted in the turning of many precious souls to the Saviour and the formation of the Church of Christ in this place in which he was a faithful and efficient Elder from 1837 until full of days and gradually ripening for the change he was peacefully called to be with Christ. Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth, yea saith the Spirit that they may rest from their labors and their works so follow them. This monument has been erected by the descendants as a testimony of their remembrance of the kind words and loving precepts that they inculcated”

This monument remains today in the New Glasgow cemetery as a tribute to John Stevenson’s life and work.

In 1864, Elders George Garraty of New Brunswick and Jensen of the United States, preached in New Glasgow, resulting in several baptisms. The total number of baptisms that year was nine. The numbers continues to increase steadily until 1873, when perhaps the first membership count was taken. This count, according to Rueben Butchart, was 153. Evidently, work was being done in the area. It would have been an exciting time in New Glasgow, which was composed primarily of farmers and tradesmen. The fight against absentee landlords, resulting in the sentencing of church member Charles Dickieson to a year and a half in jail, was a fearful, but important time to people in Prince Edward Island.

New Glasgow has always had a legacy for Children’s and Youth Ministries. Somewhere around 1870-74, the first youth group began in New Glasgow. The youth were gathering
together for the purpose of prayer. It is invigorating to see this group of young people so dedicated to the cause of Christ. It is likely the first recorded church young people’s society on Prince Edward Island, not including Sunday School. In the year of 1874, either the prayers of the young people were rewarded, or the prayers of the adults for the youth paid off, for as a result thirty people were immersed.

Donald Crawford saw the potential for the advancement of the kingdom of God by investing into young people. He began a Bible College on his own farm. From this school many preachers developed: John Simpson, A.N. Simpson, R.W. Stevenson, G. Nelson Stevenson, Everett Stevenson, Henry MacDonald, Crawford MacKay, John Smith, F.T.O. Norton, E.E. Crawford, and Hammon Smith. These men went on to be church leaders in New Glasgow, and throughout Prince Edward Island and Canada.

Rueben Butchart states that by 1943, the Young People had made contributions in camps and conferences, and in the community through Trail Rangers and Explorers. Sunday School had existed before 1900 and continued still. In the 1940’s, the young people gathered weekly, and paid a nickel (about a 1/2 hour’s wage) towards the ministry. Throughout the most difficult times in the church, when it would be easiest to forget about the young people, the youth ministry continued. New Glasgow Church has always supported the Christian Camps and the Christian Colleges. It is rumoured that Elder J Brenton Dickieson would travel through Prince Edward Island leading youth conferences.’° To this day, with youth groups, effective Sunday School classes, a Family Resource Center, and various ministry opportunities, the New Glasgow Christian Church continues a legacy of positive ministry to the next generation.

Another bright time in the history of the New Glasgow church was the early 1880’s. Many people were baptized during this time and the republication of the “Christian” began. The
“Christian” was a continuation by Donald Crawford of a monthly periodical that had previously been edited by W.W. Eaton of Saint John, New Brunswick. This was excellent for the well-being of the Maritime churches, but it seems that New Glasgow missed him a bit.

Nevertheless, the excitement in New Glasgow continued to grow. The PEI Christian Association meeting was held in New Glasgow in 1887, and again in 1892. This year, 1892, was another landmark for New Glasgow church. The previous facilities were too small, so a new building was built on the same site. The head carpenters were Charles Wyand and Arthur Rollings. W. H. Harding, a young preacher who was instrumental in the Maritime churches, dedicated the church building. This building of 1892 still stands and is used as the house of worship for New Glasgow Christian Church.

In 1895, the church reorganized and officially called itself Disciples of Christ. The following resolutions were made:

1. That James Dickieson, Albert Parkman, James Stevenson, and Richard E. Bagnall be appointed
    as Trustees in conjunction with Robert Stevenson.

2. That the Trustees be instructed to incorporate the church if found necessary to secure a title to the law.

3. That this church be known as Disciples of Christ.

4. That James Dickieson be appointed collector instead of Alexander MacKay (deceased).

5. That the old order of collecting be continued.

6. That a public church meeting be held in June next.

7. That a subscription list be opened to pay off the debt of the church building (which was small).

These resolutions are important because they indicate that the congregation was beginning to organize itself.

In 1897, the PEI Christian Association met in New Glasgow. During the 1890’s, New Glasgow was the bright spot of Prince Edward Island. Howard Murray preached often, holding revivals with great result. New Glasgow sent Crawford out across the Island as a missionary in 1893. In 1894 there were 19 additions in one summer. A.N. Simpson, of New Glasgow, held a successful revival, and then went to work in Lot 48 (Crossroads). The church continued to prosper and, in 1899, Donald Crawford retired. He had served the church in New Glasgow for 45 years. He had preached all over the Maritimes with the message of New Testament Christianity. Crawford was editor of the “Christian,” which was instrumental to the Restoration cause of the Maritimes. He opened a Bible School in New Glasgow at his farm. Although his ministry in New Glasgow was limited because of his frequent travels, Crawford was an effective Minister, Pastor, and Evangelist.

Donald Crawford never asked for money. Each year the congregation would assemble at his home and engage in a “Donation Party.” After his retirement, the congregation at New Glasgow, with the help of other churches, paid for his boarding at the home of James Dickieson. After Crawford’s death in 1911, his farm was given to the New Glasgow church, which in turn was sold for $510 to George Stevenson. Donald Crawford was a man of great integrity and faith, a man not afraid to work hard in order to have a fruitful ministry. The monument placed at his grave reads:

“Elder Donald Crawford. Born in the island of Arran, Scotland in 1820. Died August 17, 1911. He ministered to the church in New Glasgow for over sixty years. He was great in physical — stature, in intellectual capacity, and in his devotion to Jesus Christ. He led many to accept of the Saviour. He preached Christ and Him crucified. He lived in the Lord; died in the Lord; he rests from his labours and his works to follow him.”

He will be long remembered because of his life.

A.N. Simpson, who was trained by Crawford, returned from Lot 48 to preach in New Glasgow until 1903. He was young and vibrant, causing the church to stay alive. When he left, John
Simpson, also trained by Crawford, accepted a call to preach. During his ministry, of which we know not how long, the church, in an attempt to make a definite claim on the land where their building sat, and in response to resolution #2 of 1895, was incorporated as “The New Glasgow Christian Church.”

H.R. Bell came to New Glasgow in 1908 and had a successful ministry. The church grew to an all-time high in membership, with 210 in 1910. Mr. Bell served until 1912. From 1913-1916, C.A.
Hatfield was the preacher at New Glasgow. In Barry Norris’ history of New Glasgow Christian Church, he states that the membership dropped from 198 to 107 in 1915. The membership then again jumped to 172 in 1917 and stayed in the 160 range for several years. No one knows why this sudden drop took place. The war might have been a factor, but wasn’t the only one. There were quite a few people who immigrated westward, contributing to the decrease. Perhaps the church also did a recount of its membership. It seems through the record books that membership was tallied by taking the original count, and adding the new members, and subtracting the deceased and transfer members. This method is used in most congregations, but there comes a time for a recount. Whatever the case, it seems that the numbers in New Glasgow have never been exact, and there has always been controversy and exaggeration as to the number of members.

In 1916, H.O. Crow preached for a short time. An interesting event in this part of the history of the church is the purchase of the parsonage. In 1916 Lulu Binns sold her tavern because of
governmental and church pressure. Eventually the owner became the New Glasgow Christian Church, who built what was the parsonage, which is presently the Central Queens Funeral Home.

LO. Crow was followed quickly by J.W. Hayter from 1917-1921. Mr. Hayter was an Island man from Murray Harbour. In was during his stay that the Women’s Christian Missionary Society was formed, and the steeple was repaired. He was very popular and enjoyed a good ministry in New Glasgow. After Hayter left in 1921, he spent time teaching in West Gore, NS, and John Simpson returned to supply. J.L. (or perhaps J.P.) Wheeler also preached for several months. In late 1921, Brother A.P. Hodges came to preach. Early in his ministry, New Glasgow Christian Church and Cavendish Baptist Church began to share a minister — a relationship that would last many years. Also during Mr. Hodges ministry the horse shed was built.

After Mr. Hodges left a young, talented American preacher named J.W. Tyndall began to preach in 1925. He left New Glasgow that same year because of financial problems. The next minister to come to New Glasgow would offer a solution, in time, to many of the church’s financial pressures. His name, now famous among Island Restoration churches, was C.E. Armstrong. Although his ministry was primarily with New Glasgow, and then Cavendish, he held meetings in Wheatley River and Fredericton. The work in Fredericton soon resulted in a church. C.E.
Armstrong became a circuit preacher in the area, and soon after this there developed a preaching arrangement between New Glasgow, Fredericton, Breadalbane, and Cavendish Baptist churches. Charles Armstrong was reputed to be a good preacher. Miss Anna Stevenson, who lives at Stevenson’s cove, recalls the music from the evening services drifting down the river when the night was calm. Mr. Armstrong left in the fall of 1929. He did not leave until he had contributed greatly to the church. He enlarged the platform for the choir, moving two rooms from the stage that had completed their purpose. He, by his own hand, fashioned the beautiful pulpit still used today, and build a handrail on the front
steps to help the elderly when it was slippery.

By the time Armstrong was finished at New Glasgow, it was known that the Women’s Missionary Society was existing in New Glasgow. It is also known that the young people, who had been meeting sporadically throughout the years since 1974, were still holding meetings.

During the winter of 1930, the church was without a minister, but they held prayer meetings and communion service each Sunday morning with good attendance. William G. Quigley came to the four congregations of the North Shore in May of 1930. He did a fabulous work in New Glasgow. He was the leader of an active Young People’s group, of which several of that ministry became the leaders of the church. Despite the Depression, New Glasgow church was quite prosperous. During this time the interior of the church was redecorated, stain glass windows were installed, and many gifts were dedicated. The Youth Group donated a large pulpit Bible. In 1936 Elder Charles Dickieson died at the ripe old age of 102. The church had publicly celebrated his previous five birthdays, and when he was 100, Charles Dickieson danced a jig when the church gave him a cane with a gold head on it. In 1937, after many renovations, the church building was rededicated, and W.H. Harding once again spoke at the service. New Glasgow was also pleased to host the Island Convention that summer.

Mr. Quigley, after enjoying an influential ministry, left in 1938. Mr. Isaac Cavender came until 1940, continuing the Youth Ministry. In 1940, an energetic Mr. R.E. Shaw accepted a call to New
Glasgow. He continued the Young Peoples Group, established Trail Rangers, and did some temperance work. In 1941 new hymnbooks were bought for the church. That year electric lights were installed through the efforts of Mrs. Arthur Dickieson and Ruth Dickieson by collecting money. The Sunday School was closed during the winter months, so Mr. Shaw suggested that the Christian Church and the United Church (formally New Glasgow Presbyterian) combine Sunday Schools. This arrangement worked on a trial basis, so the agreement continued indefinitely. Anna Stevenson recalled this time well. She describes the ladies going to the homes of all the children in the area, and telling them of the new Community Sunday School. The classes grew quite large, meeting in both the United and Christian churches. Miss Stevenson continued to teach until 1972. Mr. Shaw did much for the Christian Education of the Post War Generation, and for the unity of Christ in New Glasgow. He left in 1944.

J.W. Hayter returned to New Glasgow for two years, then retired to Charlottetown. He was an earnest and talented preacher, and the congregation was grateful to have him.

The years that followed this are ones that are not recorded in many of the history books. It is said that preachers came and went after only short terms. This prevented deep ministry from
taking place. At this time the church was growing, the work with the youth was exceptional, and the women were ministering to the community.

In 1948 P.L. Richardson of Deer Island came to New Glasgow, but he was not primarily responsible for what was to happen next. Richardson did good work when his health permitted. For several years New Glasgow had been supporting the All-Canada committee. The question was raised about whether the All-Canada group were becoming liberal, and failing to perform their intended function. This became the topic at the Island meeting of the churches in 1948, which was held in New Glasgow. There was long debate at the meeting, and feelings began to polarize for or against All – Canada.”

This polarization developed further after the meeting. Roy Dickieson, the writer’s grandfather, was the chairman of the board in the 1960’s. He recalls that it was the worst time in the history of the church. The church’s people were divided straight down the middle. Half of the church rallied behind the ministry of All-Canada, reminding of its work in Ontario and in missions, and reminding people of the legacy of support. The other half of the church was opposed to the All-Canada, claiming that it was modern (liberal) in its teachings, and was using all of its money for administration, not missions. Reports of similar debates in magazines like the “Christian Standard” only fueled the controversy.

Finally, it was alleged that the All-Canada group, which had organized into the Disciples of Christ, was going to seize the deed to the church. Although this claim proved to be untrue, a
congregational meeting was called hastily. This was a surprise to many, and after a congregational vote, the New Glasgow Christian Church pulled out of the All-Canada, and many people pulled out of the church. Many of the people left for other churches. Like many churches in history, a split had occurred.

After Mr. Richardson had left, a Mr. Waterworth began to preach. He served from 1951-54, and had prompted the congregation to hire Briar Jones as the next preacher. After spending time as an intern, Mr. Briar Jones was taken as the gospel preacher for New Glasgow and Cavendish, but not for Fredericton and Breadalbane. This severed the ties that had brought these churches together. New Glasgow continued with Briar Jones, and Fredericton and Breadalbane called Merle Zimmerman, who began to preach in 1958.

After Mr. Jones left New Glasgow in 1959, Horace Estabrooke, a Baptist Minister, served for during the summer months. John Bergman also held revival services with great success. The church finally decided to extend a call to Mr. Zimmerman. This became a good agreement, which allowed more financial freedom for the Zimmerman’s, and less burden for the individual churches. Moreover, Mr. Zimmerman was a solid gospel preacher, and an effective biblical teacher. Merle served New Glasgow, along with the other churches, steadily until 1967, Merle did the best possible despite an aura of pessimism in the church. The young people were picking up on the division that had occurred. Even the Scotch Thistle fell off the steeple in 1959! The Community Sunday School at this time was also facing difficulties. The material, which had always been effective in the past, had been revised, and proved unacceptable to both groups. At this time Merle Zimmerman spoke with the United ministers and with the support of the church boards, they changed the Christian Education material.

There were some good times during Mr. Zimmerman’s stay. The Sunday School worked through the problems and continued to grow, and the Maritime Convention was hosted by New Glasgow and well attended in 1964. The church began to support the new Maritime Christian College in Charlottetown, where many young people from New Glasgow attended in the future, and eventually where Merle Zimmerman would be President. Mr. Zimmerman revived the youth group, worked with people through visitation, did effective work with the lost, and led an Adult Bible Study, which continued after he left.”

Neil Burt from Grande Prairie, Alberta, came to a small church in 1967. For 7 years Neil laboured, but the division that existed stunted his progress. During this time the Cavendish Baptist church closed its doors, which ended 50 years of combined ministry. Mr. Burt worked hard with the Youth Ministry, Camp, and Bible Study. In 1973, Mr. Burt left New Glasgow.

Russell Carr supplied as preacher in the fail of 1973. When Brother Russell Carr came to New Glasgow in 1974 as a full-time Pastor, the division still existed, but his term proved to be effective in healing and cooling off. He came to a group of less that 25 families: a far cry from the numbers that existed in the past. Despite the setbacks of a heart attack and a hurting church, he helped the church build an excellent foundation of faith. He made a goal of doubling the membership, but even though he stayed 10 years (longer than anyone else previously in the 20th Century), there was a similar number of people at the end. Barry Norris in 1963 had questioned the future of the church because of its lack of young adults. Many of the older people were dying, and this explains the lack of growth. A tremendous work was done, however, to the church building. Almost a complete renovation was finished for the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the church in New Glasgow on October 3rd, 1982. Mr. Carr left the church in 1984, leaving a different congregation than when he began.

In 1984, Barry and Judy Clark began to minister with the New Glasgow Christian Church. They actively pursued youth and music ministry, while running their own Inn, and teaching at Maritime Christian College in Charlottetown, where Barry had studied. Because the Clark’s had their own home, the Parsonage was sold to the Central Queen’s Funeral Co-op.

The Clarks worked actively in children’s ministry. In 1984, there were 20-25 people in church on Sunday, and very few children for the Sunday School. A mobile was added to the back of the church for a Sunday School, and helped the ministry until it was removed in 1999. In 1992, the basement of the church was expanded into a kitchen and fellowship hall. The expansion was finished for the 100th anniversary of the church building. The new facility gave great freedom for children, youth, and hospitality ministries. This also freed up the parlour in the south end of the building behind the pulpit to be used as a Family Resource Center. The New Glasgow Family Resource Center, the first of its kind, was opened and continues to provide quality education and entertainment for the community.

The church during the ministry of the Clark’s refocused itself as a place of worship and ministry. This allowed great healing. Some of the families who had left, began to come back. By the mid 1990’s, the congregation had more than tripled its size of 1984. In the fall of 1992, Geoff Clarke, a Maritime Christian College student, continued the youth ministry work of the Clark’s on Sunday nights. He started with two regular members and grew a nice sized group. In the fall of 1993, Brenton Dickieson, also a student of the College, began as youth minister in New Glasgow. During his ministry the youth group expanded to groups for ages 9-18, and up to 25 students would gather together weekly to fellowship and learn about Christ. Many of the Maritime Christian College students and people from the community have helped this ministry.

During the ministry of the Clark’s, many people in the Community became involved in the church. There were frequently prayer and Bible Study groups. The Sunday School grew to an average of 40 students a week, with more than 75 attending through the year. Using music and drama, the church would hold annual Christmas and Easter celebrations that were a joy to all. The church building was used for a Single Parent’s ministry, for a young mother’s ministry with a toy lending library, and as a community hall for big events.

In the spring of 1997, Barry Clark resigned from the pulpit, and the Clark family moved to Thailand, and continue to minister there. Brenton Dickieson finished his youth ministry in 1997 shortly after graduating from Maritime Christian College and marrying Kerry Worth of Charlottetown. Brenton Dickieson moved to Summerside, and then to Lethbridge, Alberta.

The James family had long been part of the ministry in New Glasgow. Through music, drama, education and encouragement, they had ministered for many years. Al James, an ordained minister and mental health worker, became an Elder in 1997. Al was a Shepherd of the flock in New Glasgow for more than a year. He was effective in developing a larger group of Elders, continuing community outreach, and helping the church define its vision for the ministry.

During Al’s time as the Shepherd, a call to preach was extended to Callum Beck of Charlottetown. Callum, a graduate of Alberta Bible College and Emmanuel School of Religion, had served as a missionary in Toronto for thirteen years. Callum accepted the cail, and is the Minister now in New Glasgow. Al James continued as an Elder until Callum was well established in the church, and resigned in 1999. Callum continues to preach, while teaching regularly at Maritime Christian College.The church now has a larger Eldership and is eager to serve.

Many people continue to come to Christ in New Glasgow Christian Church, and much work in Children’s and Youth Ministry continues. There exists in New Glasgow now ang earnest church, hungry for Christ and what He has for them. The church is eager to begin a large expansion” to the building, including classrooms, resource rooms, and wheelchair accessibility. There is a desire to have facilities, ministries, and attitudes to reach the community.

Though facing many difficulties, the church continues to draw people to itself, and to the One it
represents. As you drive away from the little church in the valley, the music fades. What will never fade is the impact the New Glasgow Christian Church will have. You will never forget your New Glasgow experience. I know I never will!

A History of the Breadalbane Christian Church

by Mrs. Pomeroy Murray

*Written in 1977

Although the Breadalbane Christian Church has closed it’s doors, we are pleased to share with you their history. 

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One hundred years ago, Breadalbane was a very different place from what it is today. Scottish settlers, chiefly from the Isle of Skye, first came to this area in the summer of 1831. About twenty families settled in lot 67, at that time an uninhabited and unbroken wilderness.

By 1870 the Scottish settlers had founded the village of Breadalbane, which at first they named Bradalbyn. The present name which most probably was derived from Breadalbane, Scotland, was given to it sometime before 1876, In that year a railroad was constructed on Prince Edward Island which ran through the village of Breadalbane. An old letter dated April l, 1876 contains an “acknowledgment of a communication” of Charles Murray who on behalf of himself and others requested that a station be erected in Breadalbane. This request which was granted some time later was largely responsible for the rapid growth and progress of Breadalbane during the latter part of the nineteenth century. Before the day of motor vehicles, farm products such as potatoes, turnips and oats were shipped in large quantities from Breadalbane Station. The supplies for the stores were also brought in by train. The first store, which was probably a small one, was owned by Charles Murray. According to an old Record Book, dated 1876, prices were exceedingly low, for instance: one-half gallon of molasses was 5¢; 2 yards of bleached cotton was 45¢. The first post office was located in one of the rooms of Breadalbane Station.

Sometime between 1871 and 1877 a sawmill was constructed on the main branch of the Dunk River by James Holmes (later owned by Charles Murray). Another mill further up the river was owned by Joseph Mallet; later a third one was built and owned by a Mr. Doyle. As early as 1854 the first blacksmith shop was opened by Donald Stewart. It is believed that this shop was in the same building, adjoining the garage, which is now owned by Allan Hickox. Breadalbane had a hotel in 1841; the hotel keeper was named Hector MacDonald. A tailor shop was built on the land where the gas pumps of the Hickox garage now operate. It was owned by William Todd.

Yes! Breadalbane was thriving and prosperous one hundred years ago. But what about its spiritual development? “God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform‘

A young man, Donald Crawford, born on the Island of Arran, Scotland on the 3lst of October 1820, came with his parents to P,H.1I. in 1827. Through a series of events and the influence of godly men and earnest prayer, he reached the spiritual plane where as he expressed it,

“I came to see that the apostles understood the Great Commission just as it is recorded in Acts, ‘He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved, I believed Jesus with all my heart and believe Him still, although unworthy of such grace. From that day I never felt a lingering doubt of being saved: the Cross, the empty tomb, and the Great Commission, these three shall stand.”

Donald Crawford believed the desire to preach the gospel was kindled by the Spirit of God. He began to preach at the age of 21. He received no academic training but was one of the class of men who because of natural gifts and industry became educated.

It would fill a book if one were to write of all his travels over Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Maine and Prince Edward Island where he founded and helped churches. In 1855 after his marriage to Miss Harriet M. Wallace of Milton, N.S. he settled down in New Glasgow, P.E.I. where he lived for thirty-five years. It was probably during this period that the evangelization of Breadalbane began, as the first recorded baptism is of a Mrs. Samuel Cann in 1857. Seven years later, in 1864 another baptism was performed. By 1877 there were enough baptized believers to make feasible the building of a meeting house. Some of these baptisms were in the Dunk River, Breadalbane.

According to the copy of an old will, Mr. Crawford purchased a parcel of land from Stephen Van Buskirk. He personally helped build the meeting house which now has the distinction of being one hundred years old. An old letter in Mr. Crawford’s own handwriting reads as follows.

“Breadalbane

October 30, 1878

This is to certify that two years ago there was manifest anxiety to have preaching in the village, and no suitable place even a school house for people to meet in, which led a number of persons to the resolution of building a meeting house. It was begun in June 1877 and finished, except

the seating, October following. Since then it has been used for preaching and Sunday School. Friends in different places contributed to its erection. There is still a debt of over 200 dollars nearly due which I have assumed and by the blessing of God and the assistance of friends, I hope to pay at the proper time. Any donations will be thankfully received which can be recorded on next page.

Donald Crawford

(minister of the gospel)”

An old receipt dated more than ten months earlier reads thus:

“Breadalbane Station, P.H.If.

January 3, 1878

$142.90

Received from the building committee the sum of one hundred and forty-

two dollars and ninety cents. Being amount of contract of lumber for the church at Breadalbane Station.

John Gillis

At first the meeting house was quite different from the present interior. It had a patterned metallic ceiling, plain white plastered walls, small nine above nine-paned windows and (it is thought) a wide board floor. It was heated with a coal or wood stove and lighted with oil lamps. I’ve been told, “on good authority”, that Franklin Hickox, after becoming a member in the early twentieth century, used to drive all the way from Springfield,by horse and sleigh, evén on cold and wintery days, in order to light the fire for services.

According to an entry in an old yellow-paged record book,

“The Breadalbane Christian Church was extensively repaired and reopened Sept. 1925. A donation of $514 was secured by Pomroy Murray from John S. Holmes, a business man from Chicago, for this purpose. Committee appointed for the purpose of superintending the repairs was: Rufus Stevenson, Benjamin Weeks, James Brown, Nelson S.J. Murray and Pomroy Murray.

At that time more ornate windows, new flooring and probably the electric lights were installed. The Charles Murray Electric Light plant had begun operations in 1917 and electricity was supplied free of charge to the church for some time. In the year 1946-47 the annual charge was only $8.80.

Although the meeting house was built in 1877, it was not until December 31, 1904, under the ministry of John Simpson, that the congregation of 20 was organized. The first trustees were Joseph Biggar, Charles Murray, Franklin Hickox, C. Ham Warren and James Brown. The first elders were Charles Murray and Joseph Biggar. During those early years George Heartz, Franklin Hickox, C.H. Warren, dames Brown, Robert I.C. Hill and Edward Sellick served the congregation as deacons. Others who served as deacons through the years were Eldon Hickox, Lionel Robinson, James Craig, George Anderson, George Hickox, Howard Parkman, Earl Chappell and Wellington Murray. Presently Allan Hickox Sr., Cuyler Matheson and Archie Hutchinson are deacons. The trustees are George Hickox, Allan Hickox, Cuyler Matheson and Archie Hutchinson.

We know little about the first Sunday School except that it was encouraged by Franklin Hickox, who served as a teacher. Other teachers during that early period were Percy Brown, Mrs. Samuel Kennedy, Etta Cann (who was also a school teacher), Eliza Biggar (later Mrs. George Hickox), and John Murray who now lives in the United States.

In the olden times cottage prayer meetings were held in the homes. During the ministries of Merle Zimmerman and Neil Burt mid-week Bible study and prayer meetings were held in the church building on alternate weeks with Fredericton and New Glasgow.

In 1954 when Alvin and Eleanor Rowledge came from western Canada they helped organize a Young People’s Society which met regularly at the homes. Lunch was served always, and in summer corn “boils” and weiner roasts were enjoyed. Those who attended from Breadalbane were Joyce Chappell (MacKenzie), William Chappell, Robert, Franklin, Donald and Kirk Hickox, also Louise Hickox (Rooney), Mary Hickox (Johnston), Dorothy Matheson (Nicholson), Jurretta Murray (Younker), Eleanor Murray and Wellington Murray. John Van Ewyk with his horse and sleigh would “trans- port” the crowd even in blustery, blizzard-like weather.

Through the years the various activities of the youth group have provided opportunities for Christian growth and fellowship for many other young people such as: Carol Matheson (Weeks), Kathy Matheson (McNutt}, Terry Hutchinson, Allan Hickox Jr., Faye Hickox (Champion) , Heather Morrison (Rafferty), Marlene Morrison, Connie MacSwain, Ricky MacSwain, and Roger Dignan.

Little is known about the first Ladies Aid except that it was probably missionary oriented and met in the homes of its members. Mrs. James Brown, Mrs. Joseph Biggar and Mrs. Ham Warren were prominent leaders in this society. A lady informed me that the ladies used to make felt mats when the Ladies Aid met. Probably these were sold to make money for missions or the local church.

Well kept records bring us up to date with the Women’s Missionary Society which was organized October 9, 1948. Six charter members were present: Mrs. Susan Newson, Mrs. Cuyler Matheson, Mrs. Pomroy Murray Mrs. George Anderson, Mrs. Kenneth Graham and Jurretta Murray (Younker} . Mrs. Susan Newson was appointed president; Mrs, Cuyler Matheson, vice-president; and Mrs. George Anderson, secretary. At first money was raised, in part, by having an afternoon tea and bazaar at the home of one of the members. In the beginning the society considered Mr. and Mrs. Frank Rempel as its missionaries, but although the W.M.S,. still helps the Kulpahar Mission in India, by supporting an orphan boy – the vision has widened.

For thirty years the missionary society with very few, if any exceptions has met regularly once a month. Besides giving financial help to missionaries this society has contributed many quilts to the needy.

The present executive (1977) is Mrs. Allan Hickox, President; Mrs. Pomroy Murray, Vice-President; and Mrs. John Hickox, secretary. Mrs. Allan Hickox served as secretary for years, Mrs. Earl Chappell and Mrs. Cuyler Matheson also were secretaries. Mrs. James Craig served in several offices, other members included Mrs. George Hickox (deceased), Mrs. Howard Parkman (deceased), Mrs. Will Anderson (deceased), Mrs. George Anderson (deceased), Mrs. Lionel Robinson (deceased), Mrs. William Nicholson (Charlottetown) , Mrs. Eldon Hickox (Charlottetown), Miss Eleanor Murray (Kingston, Ont.), Mrs. Lloyd Frizzell, Mrs. Cecil Mallet, Mrs. Chester Younker (Brackley Beach), Mrs. Archie Hutchinson (Bedeque}, and Mrs. Kenneth Graham (Charlottetown). Also our ministers’ wives – Mrs. Merle Zimmerman, Mrs. Neil Burt and presently Mrs. John Herring, have assisted and encouraged the W.M.S. through the years.

For years Breadalbane was well represented by our young people at camp, first at Brudenell and later at Canoe Cove. It is impossible to evaluate the long lasting spiritual influence of these camps and today we wish to pay a tribute to the many who have so generously given of their time and talents in order to instill in the minds of our young people the true values of life.

The present Sunday School was organized June 2, 1946 after the regular church service. The following officers were appointed: George Anderson (Superintendent), Stephen Ackland (adult class teacher), Mrs. George Anderson (Junior class), Mrs. Pomroy Murray (Secretary-Treasurer)

The Sunday School, though with diminishing numbers, still meets regularly (31 years later, 1977). Eldon Hickox served as superintendent for many years. Others who assisted were James Craig, and Allan Hickox. Mrs. Cuyler Matheson is presently superintendent. Mrs. Susan Newson, who died at the age of 102 sometimes assisted by teaching the adult class. Mrs. Pomroy Murray taught this class for many years and is still teaching on alternate Sundays with the preaching minister, John Herring. Others who have served as teachers include: Mrs. Cuyler Matheson, Mrs. James Craig, Mrs. George Hickox and Kathy Matheson (McNutt). Mrs. John Hickox has taught the Junior class for several years. Faye Hickox (Champion) taught the Primary class for 9 years. Heather Morrison succeeded her. When Heather became Mrs. Barry Rafferty, her sister Marlene Morrison began to teach the Primary class. Mrs. Kenneth Graham faithfully taught the Junior class for many years until she moved to a Senior Citizens Home in Charlottetown. James Craig assisted by making some equipment, such as, a flannelgraph board.

Mr. and Mrs. George Anderson made a screen to provide more privacy for classes. Mr. Anderson also made the first hymn board. Mrs. John Hickox has been largely responsible for Sunday School programs at Christmas, Easter, Mother’s Day etc. Playing the organ in Sunday School has been the introduction and preparation for many of the girls who now sometimes play for church services. Mrs. Allan Hickox is presently the Sunday School organist. Other organists have been Carol Matheson (Weeks), Kathy Matheson (McNutt), Jurretta Murray (Younker), and Joyce Chappell (MacKenzie).

On October 4 and 5, 1936 a special service of rededication was held in Breadalbane Church at which the speakers were W. G. Quigley (then pastor), H. R. Bell (a former minister), C. Watterworth and S, C. Cooper. Paul LaVoie (a member of the church) unveiled two enlarged photos, one of Mr. Crawford (the founder) and one of John S. Holmes who endowed the church in honor of his parents, Mr. James Holmes and Mrs, Mary (Sellick) Holmes. At this service the building was named “Crawford Memorial” in honor of its founder and staunchest supporter.

In 1969 pavement was laid around the church building. A parking lot was rented from Barton Murray; it was graded and prepared for use in 1975 In 1970 extensive repairs were made to the building. A new, lower ceiling was installed and the walls were panelled. Assisting with this work were Harold Toombs, Archie Hutchinson, Cuyler Matheson, Eldon Hickox and John Hickox. In 1974 Fenton MacSwain laid a new carpet on the platform.

There have been a number of evangelistic meetings. During the last twenty-five or so years the speakers have been Paul Richardson, Mr. Fry from the United States, Byard Thurber and William Weale (working together), and Edward Benoit now ministering with the Sherwood Church of Christ. During brother Benoit’s meetings the church building was filled to capacity and a number were added to the church.

Two men from this church, Wellington P. Murray and Alfred Murray entered the ministry; the latter served also as a chaplain in the United States navy. The former held ministries in Ontario and in the United States. Two Sunday School pupils attended Alberta Bible College, namely Jurretta Murray (Younker), who completed two years of study and Eleanor Murray who graduated with a Bachelor of Sacred Literature degree.

This very old historic church building has been the setting for many earnest Bible messages in which Christ has been glorified, sinners have been converted and Christians have been strengthened in the faith. Today, October 9, 1977, as we celebrate with thankful hearts its 100th anniversary, we pray that the services held here will continue to be a blessing, inspiration and encouragement to all who enter its doors.

A History of the Fredericton Church of Christ

by Paul Stevenson

(Research by Ann MacDowell)

*Written in 1977

Although the Fredericton Church of Christ has closed it’s doors, we are pleased to share with you their history. 

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Foreward

The writing of this history is to commemorate the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Fredericton Church of Christ, to be celebrated on October 23, 1977, We take this opportunity to look back at the people and events which have shaped this congregation since its beginning.

Many of the basic details were gathered by Ann MacDowell in her research paper on the church’s history for her U. P, E., I. class on the History of Prince Edward Island, with Dr. F. W. PP. Bolger. Her paper was used as a basic framework, with additional facts being gathered and inserted in time sequence, This history attempts to follow a chronological order, and any omissions are not intentional, but rather are caused by our imperfect knowledge of the events of the past.

It is unfortunate that very little personal history of the congregation can be found in the church records, Therefore it has been necessary to go to some sources outside the church for written historical records and dates, some of which may prove inaccurate, Many thanks are extended to the various individuals who provided various tidbits of information, some of their names being listed in the Bibliography at the back of this history.

Hopefully we shall leave a small memory of the past for the future years, Also, let us determine to preserve with care the incidents of the future, which shall someday be history to the generations of church members yet to come. But most importantly, let us not be contented to gaze at the history of the past; but to do our best to assure many future years of success for our congregation, so that the last chapter of our history will never be written.

~ Paul D. Stevenson, Compiler
(Fredericton: October 20, 1977.)

Background History of the Formation of the Area Churches

In order to give the full picture of the origin of the Fredericton Church of Christ, it is necessary to explore briefly the historical backgrounds of the two older congregations of the area, The history of the Fredericton Church of Christ goes far back beyond its day of founding as a body of believers, on October 23, 1927.

In 1820, a group of Scotch Baptists arrived from Paisley in Scotland, This group of silk-weavers first went ashore at Rustico, in a place now called Stevenson’s Cove, This was named after John Stevenson, who had provided the spiritual leadership to the group on their voyage, and continued to do so in their new homeland. It is thought that the group spent about three years in the Rustico area before moving up the Clyde River to settle at New Glasgow.

A desire to meet faithfully each week to participate in the Lord’s Supper gave unity to this group, as well as a common belief in baptism by immersion, Eventually these people progressed from meeting in their homes to the point where they needed to construct a plain frame meeting house in New Glasgow in 1832.

In the 1840’s, two of John Stevenson’s sons, William and Andrew, settled in Fredericton, about seven miles away. So important to them was meeting around the Lord’s table that they often walked the distance to New Glasgow. These men became leaders in their own community, and organized cottage prayer meetings in the homes around Fredericton and sometimes in Hazel Grove.

The church in New Glasgow had progressed to the point that an evangelist by the name of Donald Crawford was working from that location. Many times he spoke to the gathering of the faithful in the Fredericton area. Such interest was shown that plans were made to construct a church building. A site was chosen on the farm of James M, Stevenson, and some lumber was cut and sawn and hauled to the location, But it seemed that a church in Fredericton was not to be at this time.

In some ways, the plight of the believers in Fredericton was similar to that of Abraham, who had been plucked from his homeland with the promise of a land where he would establish a great nation, Just as Abraham continued to wander and never saw his dreams fulfilled in his lifetime, so it seemed with the number of Fredericton who dreamed of having a church building of their own.

Around 1876, Donald Crawford held evangelistic meetings in Breadalbane, about five miles west of Fredericton, which resulted in several baptisms. As a result, it was felt that maybe Breadalbane was the better location for a church, as it was more distantly removed from New Glasgow. The lumber destined for the church at Fredericton was hauled to Breadalbane, with construction beginning in June, 1877, and the building being completed in the latter part of October.

The church in Breadalbane never had a regular minister of its own, but those who served it usually did so in conjunction with New Glasgow. Often the speaker would come as far as Fredericton from New Glasgow, then travel with the others up to Breadalbane. For the next fifty years, the members of the Church of Christ who lived in Fredericton travelled faithfully to Breadalbane for their worship services.

Second Beginnings of the Fredericton Church of Christ

In 1882, Bible classes were organized in Fredericton in the home of Mr. and Mrs. George H, Stevenson, and were later organized in the Fredericton community hall around 1900, There is no record of the length of time that these efforts continued, but apparently they ceased for some period of time. In 1918, a Bible School was once more organized by Mrs, George, in the home of Walter Stevenson and Mr. J. W. Hayter, the minister in the area at the time. This group met in the Fredericton hall every Sunday afternoon, with services being conducted by the minister twice a month.

In June, 1926, the area minister, Charles E, Armstrong, held two weeks of evangelistic meetings in Fredericton which resulted in twelve baptisms, The baptismal service was held on July the first, in a stream leading to Campbell’s Pond near New Glasgow. Those original twelve, who were destined to become the first charter members of the newly-conceived Fredericton Church of Christ were as follows: Mildred Ferris, Reigh Ferris, Lawrence Hickox, Leslie MacDowell, Emerson Murray, Russel Nicholson, Sadie Stevenson, Mary Stevenson, Alma Weeks,,Eldred Weeks, Roy Weeks, and William Weeks.

Because of the enthusiasm over the success of these meetings, the believers were fired with an incentive to become a church body of their own, Plans were made to go ahead with the construction of a church building. That same week the men went to the woods to cut the lumber, just as their fathers had done fifty years before. But this time their fathers’ dreams were to be fulfilled. A large part of the lumber was donated by George W, Stevenson, as was the land where the church was to be erected, This site was almost exactly where the church had been planned to be located, over fifty years before.

The construction of the church building was an example of real community effort, with many outsiders asking for the privilege of helping in such a worthy cause. Many donated lumber–some at a sacrifice—which was sawed free of charge at the mill of Howard Weeks, who was not even connected with the Church of Christ movement. Sand was hauled from Stanley Bridge by horse and cart to mix the cement for the foundation, Here again, community effort was evident, as many who were not members offered their animals and vehicles, as well as their time. C.B. Armstrong acted as architect and carpenter, donning overalls to work with the men. John McDowell, of Fredericton, was hired as head carpenter; although most of the work was done voluntarily. The building was completed by fall of the following year and ready for the people’s use.

The dedication services were held on October 23, 1927, with stirring messages being brought by W, H, Harding, the minister of the Summerside congregation, The services were a remarkable success, resulting in more gifts so that only a small debt was left to be paid. This enabled the congregation to quickly wipe away their bills and concentrate on the stewardship of their offerings in the work of the Lord.

Mr. Armstrong worked with the new congregation, while still serving the churches in Breadalbane and New Glasgow, Many were saddened when he left the area in 1929.

The First Twenty-five Years of the Church until 1952

The year of 1930 brought with it William G, Quigley as the second minister to the Fredericton congregation, who also served the Breadalbane and New Glasgow congregations throughout his ministry. He left in 1938 for a ministry in Saint John, New Brunswick. It was during his ministry that the first Young Peoples’ Society was organized in 1934. This group society for the church’s young people has continued quite steadily from then until the present.

Mr. Isaac Cavender was the third minister with Fredericton, He spent a year, from 1939 to 1940, in service of the Fredericton congregation as well as its two sister congregations. In July, 1940, Robert E. Shaw began his ministry to the church. He had been one of the earliest ministers to have come from the Central Christian Church of Charlottetown. It was in the period of Mr, Shaw’s ministry that the Women’s Missionary Society was first organized. This society of active ladies has continued from that time to the present, often strengthening and encouraging the work in the church.

Joseph W. Hayter began a ministry with Fredericton in 1945, This was his second time in the area, having served at Breadalbane and New Glasgow from 1917 to 1921, prior to the formation of the Fredericton congregation. He served until the end of 1947, when he retired in the area of Charlottetown. Several supply preachers filled the pulpit for the interim period until a permanent area minister could be found. In 1948, such a person was found in-Paul L. Richardson, a native from Deer Island, New Brunswick. His ministry was interrupted on October 2, 1949, when he was disabled by a heart attack.

While Mr. Richardson was convalescing, several supply preachers came to the area. Byron Howlett served for the month of November, and Bryer Jones, a Mr, Craig, and others preaching in the months of 1950. But the majority of the speaking was done by Stephen Ackland, a lay minister of the Baptist church, who served from December of 1949 until the end of 1950. Mr. Richardson was again hired, on January 7, 1951, but was again forced to resign at the end of April because of poor health, The church at Fredericton was again without the solid leadership of a full time minister, being forced to rely on supply speakers until the end of October, Those who served, or spoke, were as follows: Bryer Jones, Roy Jones, Owen Still, Russell H; Carr, Ralph Richardson, George Jeffrey, John Richardson, Merrill Nicholson, ‘ Stephen Ackland, Maitland Watterworth, and Neil Herman.

A permanent minister for the three churches was secured on October 28, 1951, when Mr, Maitland Watterworth began a two and one-half year ministry. In the year, 1952, several special meetings were held. Mr. Watterworth’s son, David, held two weeks of evangelistic meetings from August the third to the seventeenth. Special meetings were also held
on November the thirtieth, featuring E, P. Benoit and Marvel Dunbar.

The Second Quarter of a Century: 1953 – 1977

The year of 1953 saw many interesting changes for the Fredericton congregation. It appeared to become more missionary minded: Tom Rash, missionary to India, spoke at the May third service; and LaVerne Morse, missionary to Burma, spoke on July the twelfth.

But the real event that marked the second twenty-five years of service was the renovation of the church building, The church had to be moved as the government was widening and paving the main highway through the village. The church had to be moved back and west about its own width, Therefore, the church decided to put a full basement under the building, instead of just another cement foundation. The church was closed for repairs from the sixteenth of August until the Sunday of October 4, 1953, when special services marked the re-dedication of the building. Ed P. Benoit was the guest sneaker, with William O. Weale as the song leader at the services, The Sunday School annex was completed in the latter part of October and November of the same year.

Mr. Watterworth terminated his ministry with the three area churches at the end of April, 1954. He moved to Montague soon after. After he left, a student minister, Bryer Jones, came and conducted services in the summer months between semesters, from May 9th until September the twelfth, He was promised a position with the New Glasgow church after graduation, but those of the Fredericton and Breadalbane congregations felt that he was not suitable for their needs. The search began again for another to provide the spiritual leadership for the two congregations. The church had several temporary speakers in this period, some of them being: H,. R. Bell, HE. P, Benoit, Stephen Ackland, Paul L, Richardson and Samuel Gillespie,

Byard Thurber began to minister to Fredericton from December 19, 1954, until sometime in October of 1956, About the only noteworthy event recorded as taking place during his ministry was the Island Convention of Churches. Fredericton hosted it from September 16th to the 18th, with Bruce Stainton as the guest speaker for the occasion.
Marvel Dunbar and William 0, Weale provided pulpit supply for the remainder of 1956, and the following year until December, 1957. During the summer of 1957, Robert Howell served as interim minister, but returned to Alberta that fall.

On December 29, 1957, Merle Zimmerman arrived on Prince Edward Island from Alberta, with his wife and two young sons, Fredericton did not have a parsonage, so the family moved into a poorly heated house in the nearby community of Elliots for the winter. The next spring, they moved into a house in Hunter River, where they remained until 1959 when they moved to Fredericton. It was soon decided that a manse (parsonage) should he built, and some property next to the church was donated by Miller Stevenson, The building of this house was another demonstration of generosity and unity. All of the lumber was donated; most of it coming from the farm of Mr, and Mrs. Cecil Mallett; with additional lumber provided by Miller Stevenson, Arnold Weeks, Roy Weeks, and smaller amounts from other individuals. The men of the community gave generously of their time in the construction of the manse, with work beginning in the spring and completed in date fall of the same year.

Mr. Zimmerman had been serving the Fredericton and Breadalbane churches for a little over a year, when the congregation at New Glasgow and the Cavendish Baptist Church called him to act as their minister as well, He was kept very busy serving the needs of four churches in the area, but he managed to accomplish many things with the church at Fredericton, which by now had become the strongest of the group.

Additional renovations to the church building were completed under his ministry: the choir and pulpit area was remodelled; the stained glass window was installed at the back of the church sanctuary, and the change was made from heating with wood stoves to using an oil furnace, But he was also busy with the affairs of the true church – the people. During his ministry, the Young People’s Society became strong, the mid-week Bible study popular; and for a time, Friday night was known as Family Night at the church,

At three different times, evangelistic services were held at Fredericton during Mr. Zimmerman’s ministry, Charles Herndon, from Central Christian Church, conducted services in June, 1960. Alan M, Smith came from Portage la Prairie, Manitoba, in April, 1963, shortly before the federal elections, (April 18, 1963). Jim Phillips, of Alberta conducted two weeks of services in the month of June, 1966. The congregations of the area regretted to hear of his decision to accept a ministry in the churches of the Weymouth region of Nova Scotia; but he felt that that area had the greater need, and the Zimmerman’s left Prince Edward Island on June 3, 1967.

Soon the position was filled by another “Westerner.” Neil Burt, with his wife and son and daughter, came to us from a ministry at Grande Prairie, Alberta, He continued to serve the four area churches during his six-year ministry, providing good leadership–especially to the young people-~in the congregations, Under his ministry, the Fredericton church hosted at least two youth conferences. Evangelistic services were held in April of 1971, with Richard Hollis, who is now working with the Go Ye Chapel Mission of New York City.

In 1973, the Burts terminated their ministry with the churches, and moved to Southport where Neil had found employment in a lumber yard for a time, After he left, for a period of about one year, services were conducted by several area speakers, John G. Macdonald and E, Leslie Jones of Maritime Christian College, as well as some of the students, preached at most of the services during this time. In September, 1974, John B, Herring, a senior student of M.C.C., was hired as supply preacher during the winter months, with the promise of a full-time ministry following his graduation in April of 1975 . He has served as the preaching minister to the Fredericton and Breadalbane churches from that time to the present.

The Involvement of the Young People in Our Lord’s Church

The congregation has been an active one in programs geared to, and involving, young people. The first Daily Vacation Bible School was held by Miss Margaret Stainton in July, 1944, with D,V.B.S. continuing in almost every year since then, Many of the young people of the congregation attended the Christian Camp at Brudenell in the past, and the Canoe Cove Christian Camp that followed it, Many of them could recount fond memories of tents, oil lamps, cold water and Annabelle Houston; but some of the more recent campers have had enjoyable times at the new and modern facilities now available.

Some of the young people of the church showed their interest in the things of the Lord by making time in their lives to attend Bible Colleges. Merrill and Eleanor Nicholson were the first two of our congregetion, attending Alberta Bible College, and were followed some time later by Elmer Nicholson. The benefits to the church were seen when Eleanor returned from Alberta in 1954 with her husband, Alvin Rowledge, who together helped organize a Young People’s Society for the youth of Fredericton and Breadalbane.

When Maritime Christian College was established in 1960, Donald Stevenson was one of the original students to enroll that first year. In the following years, Gordon MacInnis and Allison Weeks each have spent a year in the study of God’s Word, At the present time, Paul D Stevenson is in his fifth year of studies towards the Christian ministry. May we hope that the future years also bring with them young members of this congregation who “study to show themselves approved unto God as workers who need not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth,” (II Timothy 2:15).

With the writing of this history, the Fredericton Church of Christ honors the first fifty years of active service for our Lord. But in our celebrations, we should take time to remember that the success of the congregation lies not in the continued existence of this building, but of the original purpose that banded together the original members. Let us take to heart the warning to the church in Ephesus as given in Revelation 2:4, that we do not leave our first love. Let us continue to proclaim with joy the wonders of the Son of God who has called us out of darkness and into his marvelous light, and continue to proclaim to the people in and around Fredericton the blessed promise of salvation in His wonderful name.