This shows that even at the early date the ministers realized the value of the press.
This old wooden Church fronted on Queen street and had a seating capacity of 500 to 600. On each side of the entrance was a short flight of stairs leading up to the Church. At the head of these stairs in recesses on either side were large stoves for heating the building. Opposite the entrance was a high box pulpit with fourteen steps leading up to it. Behind the pulpit was a large window looking north. In front was a square pew with a railing round the top and dark maroon curtains. In the pew was a table on which were four pewter plates used in taking up the collection. During the service the deacons sat in this pew. At this time they were: Drake, Pettingill and Gale. There was a gallery on three sides of the Church—the choir being opposite the pulpit. In the gallery to the left of the minister sat the colored people, of whom there were quite a number. On the ground floor the wall pews were square, while those in the centre were single pews. The pews were upholstered to suit the taste of the owners, some being done with scarlet, garnet or green, and the others with more somber colors. When the Church was enlarged, in 1838, the old-fashioned high pulpit was removed, much to the satisfaction of the worshippers. William Stenning and Thomas Harding superintended the erection of the new Church, and Brother Stenning’s funeral sermon was the first preached in the building. Subscriptions towards the building fund were opened October 14th, 1815. The following are among the amongst contributed: Thomas Pettingill, John M. Wilmot, Thomas Harding and William Stenning £50 each; Nathan Garrison £25; John Dyer and William Harding £20 each; Benjamin Gale and Henry Blakslee £15 each; Andrew S. Green, Joshua Lane, Samuel Chadburn, Henry Holmes and Jeremiah Drake £10 each; and others from £1 to £5.
Lighting.
At first candles were used to light the Church. From the centre of the ceiling was suspended a brass chandelier with twenty-four candles. On the walls of the main floor and gallery above every third pew there was a movable candlestick, and on each side of the reading desk were two movable candlesticks attached to stationary stands. The sexton wearing soft slippers would noiselessly ascend the pulpit steps, snuffers and tray in hand, and passing behind the minister snuff the candles; then closing the pulpit door, slowly descend the steps. He would then proceed round the Church snuffing the candles—some fifty in all. By the time had made a circuit of the church it was time to commence again, and usually he made the rounds three times during the service. At times a draft from the door or window would cause the candles to flare, and many a broadcloth coat or silk dress would be spattered with grease. In course of time sperm oil lamps were substituted for the candles, and they were considered a very great improvement. In 1845, gas was introduced into the city, and used in this church for the first time at the formation of the Maritime Convention in 1846. The present system of electric lighting having been introduced only so recently as 1906.
REV. THOMAS GRIFFIN.
Rev. Thomas Griffin, who came from England, was the second pastor. He took up the work in 1818, and remained two years.
In 1820 the Female Mite Society contributed from Missions £15 3s. 7d. ($ 60.72). “The Church was small.” says Dr. Bill, “having only about sixty members and they had just completed their first house of worship. This contribution indicates the depth of their piety, and their earnestness in sending the Gospel to the destitute.”
REV. RICHARD SCOTT.
Rev. Richard Scott was next called to the pastorate, being the third pastor. He came from England in the spring of 1821. On July 1st of this year, the Baptist churches in New Brunswick were formed into a separate Association, and met with this church. At this time there were in New Brunswick 13 churches, 6 ministers, and 506 members, our membership being 59. Elders Harris and Miller remained after the close of the Association and conducted Revival Services. Rev. Richard Scott went to the United States and collected toward the debt on the Church $1,061.00.