We are looking forward hopefully to the coming of our pastor elect, Rev. F. S. Porter, whom we are expecting soon to be with us to take up the duties of the pastorate.
In reviewing the first Century of our History we cannot but be impressed with the thought of the self-sacrificing labors of the faithful men and women of the past; who, in the face of difficulties and disabilities we haply know nothing of by experience, laid deep and firm foundations for the success that has come to us as a Church during all these years. When we consider the civil and religious liberty that has come to us as a result, in part, of the work of the founders of this old Church—we cannot but that God for what He has done for us in the past, and leaning on His Almighty arm, press forward determined with His help to strive to achieve a still larger measure of success in the future than has been ours in the past.
T. D. Denham
St. John, N.B., September, 1910.
HISTORY OF
Germain Street Baptist Church
ST. JOHN, NEW BRUNSWICK
REV. EDWARD MANNING'S VISITS TO ST. JOHN IN 1800 OR 1805.
THE REV. JOSEPH CRANDALL in his autobiography says: “After the organization of the church at Waterborough, in the autumn of 1800, Mr. Manning on returning from a visit up the St. John River stayed some time in St. John and baptized converts.” He also thought that Mr. Manning organized a church here, and if so, our history goes back to 1800 instead of 1810. It is therefore probable that it was in the autumn of 1800, instead of 1805—the year named by Dr. Bill—that the first baptisms took place here. At the time of Mr. Manning’s first visit, there was no Baptist place of worship or Baptist family in the city. Mr. Manning had been directed by a friend to call on Mr. George Harding, son of Captain William Harding. He did so, and was most kindly received. Mr. George Harding lived at the lower end of Germain street, and invited the young minister to preach in his house. His father, Captain Harding, who lived on Dock Street, also placed his house at Mr. Manning’s service. Captain Lovitt, Mrs. Harper, Mr. A. Magee, and a colored sister—Amy Nickson—all opened their houses to the preaching of God’s word. As a result of these services, a revival followed and many began to inquire what they should do to be saved. The preacher pointed them to the Lamb of God as the only remedy, and several professed conversion. Two of Captain Harding’s daughters and his son George were among the number—the latter being the first person baptized by immersion in this city.
REV. JOSEPH CRANDALL’S VISITS BETWEEN 1805 AND 1808.
After Edward Manning, came Rev. Joseph Crandall in the power and spirit of the Gospel. His ministry was the means of doing much good. Captain William Harding and his wife, William Stenning, and others were baptized by him. These early baptisms occasioned much excitement in the city. The people flocked in large numbers to witness them. Some went to pray and others to mock and blaspheme; but on the part of others this administration of the ordinance in its primitive form led to the prayerful examination of the Word of God, and the general result was a conversion to Baptist sentiments and practice. In the absence of a stated ministry and house of worship the converts met in each other’s houses for mutual exhortation and prayer. These meetings were attended with a rich blessing. All were of one heart and mind, striving together for the faith of the Gospel, and as a result, the Word of God grew and multiplied greatly in the community.