REV. SAMUEL ROBINSON, 1838-1850.
REV. SAMUEL ROBINSON was born in the North of Ireland. He experienced religion early in life, and when still a youth commenced preaching in his own country as a Presbyterian. He came to this country and settled in Charlotte County. The Rev. Thos. Ansley visited that district in 1830, and was instrumental in directing Mr. Robinson to an investigation of Believers’ Baptism as taught in the New Testament. The examination resulted in impressing his mind with the idea that there is no valid authority in the Scriptures for Infant Baptism, and that Christian Baptism is Immersion in the name of the sacred Trinity, upon a profession of faith in Jesus Christ. Mr. Ansley’s visit to St. George took place under peculiarly impressive circumstances. In the early part of his ministry he has visited Charlotte County, and had been the means of producing a very powerful revival of religion. Long years had passed, and a great declension in spiritual things prevailed; but there were a few who cherished the remembrance of this revival visit of Mr. Ansley, and were anxious to hear his voice once more. He was invited to visit St. George, and received the message as sent from God. He came, lifted up his voice, trumpet-tones, and a wide-spread revival followed. The man of God felt he had a message for Mr. Robinson, so sought him out and delivered it. The saintly appearance of the Evangelist, the solemnity of his address, and the fervency of his prayers made a deep impression upon the mind of this young Presbyterian brother. It was arranged for Mr. Robinson to attend one of the Evangelist’s services. As the service proceeded, the preaching, so simple, so unctious, inspired Mr. Robinson with strange and powerful emotions. He felt his heart drawn to the venerable preacher with a strong religious affection, and ere he was aware, the mantle of the old Elijah had fallen upon the young Elijah. Still he had no idea of becoming a Baptist. After Mr. Ansley had returned to his home in Bridgetown, Mr. Robinson was led to prayerfully study the New Testament as he has never done before, in reference to his duty regarding this matter, and was constrained contrary to his training to confess that the study of the New Testament had made him a Baptist. In due time he wrote to Mr. Ansley to come over and baptize him. The Baptism was appointed to take place at St. David’s—a most central position. The Baptismal day arrived and crowds flocked from all sections of the country to witness the ordinance. The venerable administrator came to the discharge of his duty invested with the majesty of the Spirit’s power, and all felt: “Surely God is in this place.” Having accomplished his work, Mr. Ansley’s course on earth was done, and he died without reaching his home. Mr. Robinson continued his labors in Charlotte County for some seven or eight years. The speed sprang up in all directions, and an abundant harvest was gathered in.
Mr. Robinson came to St. John for the first time in 1838. The Church had for some time been in a cold divided state, but a change for the better was soon apparent, and the ministry of Mr. Robinson was so acceptable that it was soon necessary to enlarge the Church by an addition of seventeen feet. This met the demand for sittings, and gave an opportunity to provide a Baptistry.
Second Baptist Church.
Soon after Mr. Robinson came, the restoration of several members, who had been separated from the fellowship of the Church by reason of differences which had arisen, took place, with the understanding that a second church should be formed. These members therefore received their dismission, and by the advice of a council duly called were formed into what was known as the Second Baptist Church. They built a church in 1840—the building now in the possession of the St. John’s Presbyterian Church on King street East. They called different pastors, and for a time enjoyed prosperity, but owing to a combination of adverse circumstances the movement did not succeed. It may have been that the time was not ripe for a second church, and consequently it ceased to exist.
Shortly after his coming the Church requested Mr. Robinson to remove to the city permanently and devote all his time to the work here. He accepted the call provisionally, and spent a large portion of his time during 1838 and 1839 in this city, laboring with untiring energy and enlarged success. This he continued to do, until by the earnest solicitations of the people, combined with the blessing of God upon his ministry, he was convinced that it was his duty to accept the permanent pastorate of this Church. He removed his family to St. John, and a parsonage was built on Germain street adjoining the Church. A small building had previously stood upon this lot which had been used as a vestry. In 1841 the rock was removed from under the Church, and the vestry for the use of the Sunday School and prayer meeting was completed.
Music.
For a number of years there were no chants, responses, organ, or paid singers, but the congregation joined heartily in the singing. Up to Mr. Robinson’s time there was no music during the taking of the collection, and the noise of the pennies and coppers dropping on the pewter plates was not at all pleasing. The choir prevailed on Mr. Robinson, who was fond of music, to obtain the consent of the deacons for them to give what was then known as a “Copper Tune.” After much persuasion the deacons consented, and the next Sunday the choir sang the anthem “Great is the Lord and Greatly to be Praised.” The deacons were much alarmed at such “dance music” being given in the house of God on the Sabbath day. At the close of the service they met, and determined that such music must be stopped. Mr. Robinson was instructed to go to the choir at once and stop such unseemly proceedings. That pastor eventually prevailed on the deacons to allow the choir to sing during the collection, on condition that they sing only quiet tunes. This they did for a while, till the prejudice was broken down, when they sang such pieces as they thought best, and the deacons did not again interfere.
In January, 1840, a series of special services were commenced by the pastor and Rev. Charles Tupper, the latter continuing to labor with the pastor during the winter.
In 1841 a revival commenced in the Sunday School. A number of the scholars confessed conversion and were baptized. The work extended to the congregation and a number of young men and women professed a new-born faith.
On the 16th day of May, 1841, the Carleton Branch was formed into a separate church; and in 1842 a church was formed at Musquash, consisting of about twenty members.
At Grand Bay twelve of fourteen persons were baptized and received into the membership of this Church. On the formation of the Fairville Church in 1881, those remaining on our roll were dismissed to that church. The work was continued at Musquash, Grand Bay and Red Head. There were weekly accessions for months in succession, and a rich harvest of souls were gathered in, so that 1842 was a year of refreshing in this Church and its outposts.
The commercial crisis of 1843 produced much financial embarrassment, and occasioned many removals on the part of church members; but the labors of the pastor were incessant, and the spirit of revival was enjoyed in some measure, though not to the same extent as in the previous year.
The mercantile depression continued and was greatly felt by the Church through 1844; but the work of God advanced despite all depressing influences, and some fifteen were baptized during the year. The pastor was aided in his work by Brother John Francis, whose zeal and earnestness in the cause produced a deep impression on many hearts.
The Portland Church was organized in 1842, and 1846 the Association met with them, this Church assisting in entertaining the delegates. On the Sabbath an interesting meeting was held in the open air in the neighborhood of “The Bethel” on Britain street. Several were converted, and the worship of God established in that place. In 1847 “The Bethel” was completed and opened for worship. It was designed to be a free house—open to sailors, and any who might be induced to come and hear the message of life. It is worthy of note that “The Bethel” was erected on the very ground where a house once stood, occupied by a colored sister belonging to this Church, and was for many years consecrated as a place of prayer.
The Baptist Convention was organized in this Church in 1846. At this time the deacons were: N. S. De Mille, Thomas Lockey, Samuel Kinsman, and John Smith. The cause was greatly revived in 1847, twenty being added by baptism and fifteen by letter.
One of Mr. Robinson’s methods for aggressive work was to send out the members in bands of four to hold meetings in different parts of the city and vicinity. Besides the places previously referred to these included Brussels street, Pitt Street, Marsh Bridge and Loch Lomond. Such a meeting was established on Brussels street in a private room. It soon became a Mission station. In 1847 the erection of the present edifice was commenced, and in 1850 a separate church was organized.
1848 was distinguished by the out-pouring of the Spirit’s power. The gracious work commenced in March in the Sunday School under the superintendence of Deacon G. A. Garrison. Eight young persons presented themselves for baptism and were joyfully received by the Church. The good work proceeded as the following report will show. When the Western Association was organized in 1848, this Church reported an increase for year: By baptism 33, by letter 16, restored 3. Total increase 52. Total membership 455. Contributions for Denominational Funds £27 11s. 8 1/2d. ($110.34).
Sunday School: No. of Schools 2, No. of Scholars 200, No. of Teachers 35, No. of Volumes 600, No. of Baptisms from Schools 25.
In 1849 the Sunday School reported 3 Schools, 320 Scholars, and 43 Teachers; while in 1850, after the separation, the numbers had fallen to 1 School, 120 Scholars and 16 Teachers.
Brussels Street Building Dedicated.
The Brussels Street building was completed and dedicated on Sunday, September 1st, 1849. Rev. Theodore S. Harding, who preached the dedication sermon, contrasted the condition of the Baptists in the city at that time with the past, it being forty-six years since he had first visited the city. The Church, not being in circumstances to settle a pastor at Brussels street, made temporary arrangements for assistance by the pastors of the Portland and Carleton churches.
The Associational letter from this Church August, 1849, refers to the time when Father Pettingill opened a prayer meeting in 1808, with only three praying brothers to assist him, and says: “Since then eight Baptist places of worship have been erected in the City and its environs, through the agency of this Church which grew from these feeble beginnings. The most of these churches were supplied at the time with the faithful preaching of God’s word. The records of the Church for the previous ten years show additions by baptism and letter of 600; but the loss by death, dismissals, removals and exclusions left the church at that time with a membership of 334.”
Brussels Street Church Formed.
The plan of Associate Pastors for Germain and Brussels streets not working very well, in 1859 the church decided to separate. This was carried by a vote of 57 against 17. The division of the mother church was made with the utmost harmony and good feeling on the part of all, both pastor and people believing that the establishing of a separate church at the other end of the city would lead to a more general knowledge of Baptist doctrines and the consequent extension of the Master’s Kingdom. Subsequent history has proved this belief to be well founded. We quote from Dr. Bill’s sermon at the dedication of the new building erected here in 1866: “This movement—the division of the church—which we believe was of God, left us without pastor or deacons. Instead of being discouraged, the Church rallied around the standard of the banner of the Cross of Christ, which had been planted here so many years, and directing their united efforts determined to stand fast in the defense of the gospel, and maintain their rank and standing. Unfurling to the breeze the folds of this banner, we went forward proclaiming victory through the Blood of the Lamb, and victory—blessed be God—has been ours.”
Readjustments.
Dr. Carey says: “The remnant clinging to this hallowed spot again called Rev. J. G. Casewell to the pastorate, he having about this time returned from England. The following brethren were elected deacons: George A. Garrison, Edmund S. Barteaux, Dr. Simon Fitch and Manuel Francis. Solomon Hersey was appointed treasurer, and G. A. Garrison continued as clerk. The first report to the Association, after the separation, gives the following information: Number dismissed to Brussels street 158; to other churches 7, died 2, leaving a membership of 167. This number was reduced by 27, who were not in full fellowship, so that the real number of members was only 140. Contributions to the Denominational Funds: £27 14s. 7d. ($110.92.)
After the separation, this Church which had previously been known as the First Baptist Church, was called the Germain Street Baptist Church. This name it still retains, with the addition of the word “United” which was added when the two branches of the Baptist family in the Maritime Provinces became one.
Rev. Mr. Casewell had many warm friends and admirers, and it was hoped that his splendid pulpit ability would soon gather a large congregation. Hence, notwithstanding discouraging circumstances, the members took hold with the united determination to exert themselves to the utmost to build up the cause here. Old debts were paid and arrangements were made for the support of the pastor and for the general expenses of the Church. The burden fell quite heavily upon a few, and some embarrassment was felt; but by united effort the expenses were regularly met, and indications for the future were favorable. In March, 1851, revival indications were manifested especially among the young, and several professed conversion. Mr. Casewell’s health having again failed, he left for England in 1851, and on the voyage passed suddenly from time to eternity.
