Building Destroyed by Fire.
June 20th, 1877, is a memorable day in the history of this city, as on that day two-thirds of the main part of the city was wiped out by fire. Our Church in common with all others in the burnt district was entirely destroyed, leaving only a picturesque ruin as shown in the oil painting by Mr. J. C. Miles, and in the frontispiece of Stewart’s “Story of the Fire.”
Nothing was saved from the building but the new communion service, and this only by the persistent effort of Mrs. Dyall. The bell, the gift of Captain George W. Marsters, was found embedded in the ashes, this being the second time for it to receive its Baptism by Fire. It was shipped to the founders in England and recast, and is still in use at the present time.
On Sunday, June 24th, the Church met for worship with the Brussels Street Church. Invitations were received from Brussels Street and Calvin Churches, and from Peerless Lodge and Odd Fellows to make use of their new buildings. The new Portland Bridge Mission Building was nearly completed, and available for the use of the Church.
The offer of Brussels Street Church was accepted, and we united with them till their new pastor, Rev. A. J. Wilcox, arrived, when the Sunday evening service was held in Calvin Presbyterian Church, the week-night meetings being held in the Mission Hall.
At a meeting held June 26th, a letter was read from Charlottetown Baptist Church, enclosing a draft of $450, to be divided between this and Leinster Street Churches. This was the first contribution towards rebuilding and was highly appreciated. It was our privilege in turn in 1889 to assist this church to a small extent, when their building was destroyed by fire.
While the new edifice was in course of construction, this Church and Leinster Street united in sending Rev. J. D. Pope to England and Scotland, and Rev. G. M. W. Carey to the Upper Provinces and the United States, to raise funds to assist the two Churches in rebuilding. The net result from their efforts, after deducting expenses, was $5,221, which was divided equally between the two Churches.
The Third Building Erected.
In order to provide additional accommodation in the new building, the Church purchased from Deacon Francis the adjoining lot on Queen street, giving us 100 x 120 feet in all.