DEACON JOHN FISHER. Deacon John Fisher was born in Plymouth, England. In early manhood he left his old home and came to Canada and settled in Weymouth, N. S. Subsequently he came to St. John, which he made his permanent home. He first laboured as foreman in the shipyard of the late James Smith. Later he commenced to build ships on his own account, and soon became one of the foremost shipowners of our city. In March, 1853, he was baptized and united with the Church. Some time after he was chosen a Deacon, in which office as well as that of Trustee he rendered most effective service up to the time of his death. He ever displayed a hearty interest and co-operation in all the concerns of the Church, and contributed liberally of his time and means in assisting in carrying on the work of Him whom he loved and served. His strong vigorous faith, sound judgment and zealous activity made him a power for good both in the Church and in the Community. He died December 8th, 1882, in the eighty-fourth year of his age.
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.”
DEACON JAMES J. BOSTWICK. Deacon J. J. Bostwick united with the Church by letter from the Second Cambridge Baptist Church, Queen's County, N. B., January 4th, 1867. His sound judgment, executive ability and conservative business acumen placed him at once in the active work of the Church, and from the first he was able to secure, and ever enjoyed in a marked degree, the confidence and love of his brethren.
In 1879 he became a member of the Board of Deacons. He was also a member of the Board of Trustees and of the Finance Committee for about as long a time as he was a member of the Diaconate, while at the same time he was identified in one way or another with many of the other branches of Church work.
He loved the Church and was constantly seeking to promote her interests, and was seldom if ever absent from any of its meetings when it was possible for him to be present.
The pastor found in him a supporter ever strong in sympathy and words of encouragement, and a friend to be relied upon. His death came suddenly to both family, friends and the Church on Sunday, February llth, 1900, while comparatively a young man, being only in the fifty-third year of his age.
DEACON THOMAS S. SIMMS.—“A man to whom God hath given honor.” Deacon Simms was born near Portland, Maine, September 12th, 1845. As a young man he took up his residence in St. John and engaged in the Brush making business in partnership with John Murphy, Esq. In 1872 he branched out on his own account and through his executive ability, energy and integrity, his business gradually forged to the front until the Brush making Factory of T. S. Simms & Co., Ltd., became one of the foremost and most up-to-date factories and business houses not only of our city but also of Canada.
Mr. Simms united with the Church in 1876 by letter from a Free Baptist Church at Portland, Maine, thus antedating the union of the Baptist and Free Baptist Churches, which has since taken place. Here also his abilities were soon recognized and by his readiness and willingness to give not only of his means but also of his services and advice he was ever one of the Church s principal office bearers. He became a member of the Diaconate, March 31st, 1879. He also filled from time to time the office of Trustee, and many other important positions in the Church. In the Sunday School he filled the position of Superintendent for twenty-five years. Mr. Simms took a great interest in the Denomination at large, in Home and Foreign Missions and in the New Brunswick Sunday School Association. He was a zealous advocate and worker in the Layman's Missionary movement, being at the time of his death Vice-President of the Provincial Council of that body. His sudden death on Friday, December 18th, 1908, removed from our midst one of our strongest men, whose loss was felt with sincere regret and sorrow by his family, his friends, the Church and the Community at large.
DEACON LAURENCE McMANN.—Deacon McMann was baptized September 5th, 1858, during the pastorate of Rev. I. E. Bill. He soon identified himself with the activities of the Church, and was at all times one of its most devoted members. For many years he served the Church as Deacon, Trustee and Treasurer, and ever esteemed it a privilege to do all in his power to advance its interests. After a long life devoted to the service of his Saviour, when nearing the Borderland, he said that his only regret was that he had not done more for Him. His death occurred May 23rd, 1881, in the seventy-ninth year of his age.