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.
