There the little structure remained for more than a century, although Mr. Cleveland's ministry extended over but five years, when, in 1755, the pioneer pastor removed to England, leaving behind him no church records. Hence the history of Congregationalism in Nova Scotia, during that period, is traditional. A few volumes, unique in style and huge in size, the nucleus of what to-day is the Church and Sunday-school library of St. Matthew's society, survived the pastor's departure. Many of the books were the gift of Mr. Cleveland. In some of them is preserved his autograph presentation. A large proportion of the other volumes were donated by friends of Mr. Cleveland, mostly residents of Great Britain. Of these the notable ones are:
A Large and Complete Concordance to the Bible, by Samuel Newman, now teacher of the church at Rehoboth in New England. London, 1650.
The presentation reads as follows:
"This book is the Gift to the present Minister of the Gospel at Halifax in Nova Scotia, and to his successors,
By their well wisher and Humble Servant
Nov. 6, 1750.
John Staniford.
The same date and wording of presentation accompanies
The History of Britain, 1655.
Bearing the imprint, London, 1684, are the
Works of the Rev. and Learned John Lightfoot; Late Master of Katerine Hall, in Cambridge. With Author's Life and Maps.
Also, illustrated with many fine engravings, are