1947

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. VANCOUVER. B. C. Being the Story of First Baptist Church

DIAMOND JUDILEE CELEDRATION

J-Z- THE UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA LIBRARY

1947

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH. VANCOUVER. B.C. Being the Story of First Baptist Church

DIAMOND JUDILEE CELEDRATION Dedicated in gratitude, to the memory of my Father and Mother whose Christian example has been an inspiration to many. ?4 0?

I have culled this brief resume of the history of the First Baptist Church, Vancouver, from a more comprehensive one, which I wrote on the occasion of the Church's Golden Jubilee. The original impulse to write this history was brought about by finding that the Church had no historical records. In my innocence, I thought I had only to read the minutes of the Church, which fortunately went back to its inception, to have all the data necessary; but, on going through every recorded minute, I was amazed to find little historical or interesting data, — in fact, the minutes were peculiarly barren of the real atmosphere and intimate facts of the Church's life.

To give an example: The first recorded minutes are about the most complete of any, yet they omit to state where the Church was organized. Furthermore, although the first little church was built during REV. MR. DANIELS' pastorate, no mention is made of this important event in the minutes.

I then realized that if I wanted to present a humanly interesting history, I would have to solicit the personal experiences of the early pioneers, also make an extensive search of documents and records outside of the minutes. So, for nearly a year, I went among those old-timers, jerking, as it were, the springs of their memories, seeking to recapture through their eyes the forgotten scenes of yesterday. In doing so, I had also to bear in mind this fact—the defects of memory and the deflecting influences of time—that, after a lapse of time, the most candid narrator may be tricked into interpolation of details, by fancy, suggestion or emotion. I, therefore, found that I had not only to collect historical matter, but I have sought, wherever possible, to weigh and measure it.

Many interesting facts and incidents have had to be nitted because of lack of space.

1887 These Sixty Years 1947

CHAPTER I. 76ede Sixty fye*** — tXX7-t947

I wonder how many of you realize, as you enter tlII S spacious and beautiful Church building, with its walls of granite, its seats of oak, its magnificent organ, its up-to-date appoint­ ments, how great the legacy that has been left you, through the struggles and aspirations of those faithful members who have gone before? Truly, it can be said of them, "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord—they rest from their labours and their works do follow them." Theirs is a worthy and interesting story and in order to obtain it we must turn to history, for it is the pen that shall write it.

First White Settler Was a Baptist When gold was discovered in British Columbia, the English newspapers gave descriptions of the most extravagant nature of the wealth and prospects of the mines. Lured by those stories, young JOHN MORTON set sail for Canada in 1862, via New York, then across the Isthmus of Panama to San Francisco and thence to New Westminster. Strolling up one of the streets of New Westminster, he happened to look into the grimy window of a store, and there, half hidden, saw a plain lump of coal. Being a potter by trade, he knew that such coal and pottery clay are often found in close proximity, and he envisioned the opportunity and possibility of establishing a pottery industry in the new colony. Finding the Indian who had brought this specimen, he bargained with him to lead him to the place where it had been1 found. This the Indian 1887 These Sixty Years 1947 did, over a rough trail, following the present course of Douglas Road, coming out at the present site of North Vancouver Ferry Landing. Then taking the Indian's carioe, they paddled to what is now known as Coal Harbour. But disappointment met John, for the coal seam from which the Indian had taken his specimen was only a few inches thick and there was no trace of pottery clay. Looking around, however, John felt that here was an ideal place to make his future home, so on returning to New West­ minster, he interviewed the government land agent and pre­ empted 550 acres at $1.00 per acre. About* Christmas of 1863 he had completed the first house to be built on the present site of Vancouver, believed to be what is now 1043 Hastings Street West,—although at that time Vancouver was not even a thought. Our present Church building stands on part of the land he pre-empted and it was he who, nearly half a century after, laid the corner stone. MR. JOHN MORTON, all through his life, was a generous giver to the Baptist cause and when he died, he left to the Baptist denomination in British Columbia the sum of $100,000.00.

The First Baptist Service Held in a Bunk House When, in 1884, REV. MR. LENNIE came to New West­ minster, to become its first Baptist missionary pastor, there was no Vancouver, only a small hamlet called Granville. All that was seen to indicate the existence of human beings, where a part of the City now stands, was the Hastings Mill, the residence of its Manager, MR. ALEXANDER, three saloons, and a number of cabins, where single men and Indians made their homes. The site of what is now the beautiful city of John Morton—First White Settler in Vancouver* A Loyal Baptist Layman.

Blair Hall—where City was organized April 6, 1886—our Sunday School organized June 6, 1886. Artists' Sketch of First Baptist Church, Westminster Ave., which was built at the back of lot, now 432 Main St., occupied until the fall of 1889. Rev. J. W. Daniels, 1887. Rev. J. B. Kennedy, 1887-1890

Rev. W. C. Weir, 1890-1894 1887 These Sixty Years 1947

Vancouver was a dense forest, with scarcely a tree cut down. The Canadian Pacific Railway Company had originally planned to make Port Moody its terminus, thus making Gran­ ville but a suburb; but, nearing completion, it realized Granville would make a better terminal and decided to move its terminals to Coal Harbour. When this decision became known, people came flocking, hoping to be in on the "ground floor," when the railroad arrived, and, among those who came, seeking a new found city to make their fortunes, were a few Baptists. REV. MR. LENNIE, seeing its future importance denom­ inationally, determined to improve his opportunity, by trying to locate Baptist settlers. Among the earliest Baptist settlers were MR. and MRS. PECK from La Connar, MR. J. H. CARLISLE from Seattle, and MR. RAND, whose brother became Chancellor of McMaster University. A member of the New Westminster Church, MR. TURN- BULL, having secured a contract for work on the extension of the Canadian Pacific Railway, had erected a rough bunk house for his men, and it was in this bunk house that MR. LENNIE held the first Baptist service. In those days there were no British Columbia Electric Railway or automobiles. The only way to reach the embryo city from New Westminster was by Douglas Road, either by horse and buggy, horseback, or by "Shanks' Mare." MR. LENNIE, having purchased, a horse and buggy, rode the thirteen miles from New Westminster, over roads that at certain times were nigh impassable, to conduct a week-night 1887 These Sixty Years 1947 meeting in this bunk house; then, as the meetings developed, they had the use of a vacant store, and afterwards a hall.

The Sunday School is Organized A tiny, one-storey, white faced hall, known as Blair's Hall* was located at the rear of the Blair Saloon. This hall was situated on Abbott and Water Streets, just about where the Winter's Hotel now stands, and it was here, on Sunday, June 6th, 1886, that a few of the earlier Baptists, MR. J. H. CAR­ LISLE, MR. and MRS. PECK, MRS. BALDWIN, and MR. LA POINTE, gathered together some twenty or thirty scholars, in order to organize a Sunday School. MR. J. H. CARLISLE was elected Superintendent. The following Sunday, June 13th, 1886, was a day destined never to be forgotten in Vancouver's history. How the fire started is in doubt. It was a bright, quiet Sunday, with little hint of the impending tragedy. Clearing operations were in progress all around the little collection of frame buildings and shacks that then formed the city. For days the sun had burned down hotly, there was no rain and everything was very dry. MR. CARLISLE and the other teachers, with some of the scholars, had arrived early for the second session of the Sunday School. About 2 p.m. a fresh, westerly wind blew up. The clearing fires quickly got out of control and in one hour after the fire had attacked the first buildings, only heaps of debris attested to the young city that had appeared so flourishing but an hour before. Some neighboring towns thought that this was the end of Vancouver, but it was only the beginning. The inhabitants showed they were made of sterner stuff. Hammers and nails were hurriedly put to work and rude shelters arose 1887 These Sixty Years 1947

everywhere, and within a short time there was little to mark the effects of the worst disaster ever to strike Vancouver. In the fire, the meeting place had gone with the rest, so the next Sunday REV. MR. LENNIE held a meeting in the open air. In a short time the Sunday School was able to re­ organize in the Blair Hall, owned by a saloon keeper. As the attendance grew, it moved to a hall behind the Gold Hotel, owned by a Jew, and later to the Sullivan Hall, owned by a well-known coloured resident, whose father had been cook at the Moodyville Mill for many years. His mother was the first Methodist in Granville. It was in this hall that the few Baptists of the City held a week-night meeting, with encouraging prospects. Soon it was apparent that a Sunday Service would be desirable, at least occasionally, so REV. MR. LENNIE of New Westminster was induced to come over once a month and give one Sunday service. As the population increased, so the meeting increased, and it became evident the services of a Missionary Pastor were necessary. Now, up to this time, the work of the Baptists in British Columbia had been sustained through the assistance given by the Baptist Home Mission Society Board of New York, so MR. LENNIE wrote them about the needs of this new field. Unfortunately, although anxious to help, the Board at that time found itself deeply in debt, and while able to continue financial help promised Victoria and New Westrninster Churches, was unable to undertake this new obligation. 1887- These Sixty Years 1947

CHAPTER II.

Birth of the First Baptist Church, Vancouver. Let me narrate the incident which brought the REV. J. W. DANIELS, the first Baptist missionary pastor, to Vancouver. In October, 1886, he spoke at a prayer meeting in the First Baptist Church, Seattle, which at that date had a popula­ tion similar to that of Vancouver. After the meeting, DR. PIERCE, the Pastor of the Church, casually remarked, "Now that you have seen Seattle, you ought to see Vancouver and Victoria. They want a preacher in Vancouver, please go and see them." MR. DANIELS went to Victoria and preached several times in the Baptist Church there, then he crossed to Vancouver in November, 1886, and, bearing letters of com­ mendation, he called on MR. LENNIE, who in turn, commended him to the brethren of this city. Speaking of his first impressions of Vancouver, MR. DANIELS says, "It was a very busy time. The clearing of the ground for the city, of an immense forest, had been partially accomplished, and new houses were being built with amazing rapidity. I was pleased with the respect shown for sacred things and for the correct observance of the Sabbath in Canada. The people were more religious than many in the States." The first Sunday MR. DANIELS preached in Vancouver was a very wet day and a few people met in the Sullivan Hall. The collection taken amounted to $15.00. After the service, they persuaded MR. DANIELS to remain over another Sunday. On that day the congregation v/as larger, and at the close of the service a brother rose and said, "Let us see how much money we can raise per month for this brother." In five minutes $55.00 1887 These Sixty Years 1947 was pledged. This action was reported to the Dominion Mission Board at Toronto by MR. LENNIE, and the Board in response replied, "We will send $30.00 per month additional to what the brethren can raise in Vancouver, until the pastor-elect is ready to take the field. The pastor-elect, whom the Board believed would be the right man for Vancouver, had not quite completed his theological studies at Toronto Baptist College and several months would elapse before he would be available for the field. Meantime, with great zeal and acceptance, MR. DANIELS threw himself into the work. He found the people hungry for the Word of God, and he, burning with compassion for the lost, proclaimed the precious story of God's redeeming love, in the open air, as well as in the hired hall. Soon the desire for a place of their own became evident, and MR. LENNIE having secured two lots from the Canadian Pacific Railway, on Westminster Avenue (now Main Street), the brethren began the erection, on the rear of one lot, of a small place of worship, intended to be a Sunday School building until a larger building was needed. With willing, hands, as well as pockets, the little assembly began the work, MR. DANIELS also helping in the manual labour.

It was not quite completed when notice was given on March 13, 1887, of a meeting to be held on March 16th, with a view tc organizing a Church. This meeting was held in the Sullivan Hall, 63 Cordova Street; sixteen attended, nine men and seven women. On motion, REV. R. LENNIE was called to the chair, and MR. E. J. PECK was appointed secretary. After singing and Scripture reading, REV. J. W. DANIELS then read letters of dismissal and commendation, for the purpose of 1887 These Sixty Years 1947 forming a Church at Vancouver, on behalf of. the following members, viz., BROTHERS E. J. PECK, H. A. MORGAN, J. H. CARLISLE, and ABRAM BROULETTE; and SISTERS MARY PECK, JENNIE ALCOCK, ISABELLA McLEAN, SERAPH CRANDELL, NELLIE EVANS, and SARAH HAMILTON. After reading of letters, those present whose letters were read, came forward and declared it their desire and intention to unite and be organized into a Baptist Church. The Chairman then read the Articles of Faith and Church Covenant of Baptist Churches, which were adopted by the members. A hymn was sung, during which the members joined hands and were formed into a Church. On Motion: Resolved that the Church be named, First Baptist Church of Vancouver. MR. J. H. CARLISLE was elected Church Clerk, and MR. E. J. PECK Treasurer. MR. H. A. MORGAN and MR. E. J. PECK were appointed Deacons, and MR. J. H. CARLISLE, MR. E. J. PECK, and MR. H. A. MORGAN, Trustees of Church Property. Thus, on March 16th, 1887, the First Baptist Church of Vancouver was born, sixty years ago, with a membership of ten. In about six weeks the little home on Westminster Avenue was ready for occupancy. It was but a little frame building, measuring twenty-four feet by thirty-five feet. The seats were rough wooden benches and the humble oil lamps struggled bravely to supply the necessary light. There was no baptismal font, no pulpit, and all told the property had cost about $700.00, but how proud the members were of it! It was their very own, free of debt, and what blessed times they had in that first humble home. 1887 These Sixty Years 1947

CHAPTER III. ,

The First Baptism in False Creek. On May 11, 1887, the first candidate for baptism was received by vote of the members. He was a young man, not long out from his native Ontario. Some months before, wander­ ing aimlessly along Water Street one evening, his attention was suddenly arrested by the sound of singing. It came from a Revival Meeting that was in progress, conducted by REV. MR. DANIELS. He found the hall packed, and as he listened to the message, he thought of his Godly parents away back in Ontario, and he, there and then, decided that their God would be his God, and their Saviour his Saviour.

It was with great joy that the members prepared for this, the first baptism in Vancouver. The lack of a baptismal font and baptismal robes did not deter them. One Sunday morning, after the service, the members with others numbering some twenty-five people, formed themselves into a procession and, led by the Pastor and the leader of praise, MR. DAVID EVANS, playing his cornet, with the candidate between them, marched, singing as they went, down muddy Westminster Avenue, until they reached False Creek. That beautiful spot had not then been desecrated by commerce. There under the blue skies, on that bright May. morning, some curious spectators who had gathered, witnessed a sight never before beheld in Vancouver, viz., a tall young man in a lounge suit, standing up to his waist in the waters of False Creek, and beside him an old gentleman with flowing gray beard. They then heard the elder, man say to the young man, "ROBERT PALMER, do you believe in ..the Lord Jesus Christ, and take Him as your personal Saviour?" And the young man answered, "I do." "Then, on this your profession of your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, I baptize you in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen."

Rev. J. W. Daniels Leaves. PASTOR DANIELS proved himself a born leader and by his winsome, kindly, manly bearing, endeared himself to all who knew him. He was a very earnest and soul-stirring speaker, with a burning desire to lead men and women into the Way of Salvation. Under his ministry, the membership had now increased from ten to twenty-three, and the congregation aver­ aged one hundred. MR. DANIELS, having accomplished the work he had come to do, namely the building up and consolid­ ating of the little flock, preached his final sermon on July 10, 1887. After he had seen MR. KENNEDY, his successor on the field, he left, with the warmest regards of the members, to assist REV. MR. BANKS in organizing the First Baptist Church in Vancouver, Washington, and within the next two and a half years was instrumental in raising money to build seven churches in California. He died in 1914, at the age of ninety-one, having spent sixty-seven years in the ministry. By a peculiar coinci­ dence, PASTOR ROBERT LENNIE was also ninety-one years of age when he passed away on November 16, 1925.

Rev. J. B. Kennedy. REV. J. B. KENNEDY, the second Missionary Pastor, hailed from Ontario. He worked on his father's farm until he was twenty-four years of age, then entered Woodstock Prepara­ tory Baptist College, and matriculated from there into Toronto 1 IFirsfa

Second Church, Hamilton and Dunsmuir Streets Opened September 15th, 1889. Interior of First Baptist Church, Comer Hamilton & Dunsmuir Stl

1st Temperance Convention, held in Hamilton St. First Baptist Church, T889 Jackson Ave. Baptist Church Organized January 17, 1894.

Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, Opened May 22, 1891, Rev. W. T. Stackhouse, 1896-1899

Dr. W. B. Henson, 1899-1900. Dr. Rowland Grant, 1900-1903.

Fairview Baptist Church. Originally Organized August 23, 1905. Dr. J. Willard Litch, 1904-1908.

South Hill Baptist Church. Organized April, 1908. Dr. H. Francis Perry, 1909-1915.

Broadway West Baptist Church March 21, 1915. Q 55 CD ** n Q> n» -o ff S ft c 3 <1z> o3" CD C \0 8 IT 3 a3" _, CD vO C 0)

J fiiP ftlsfni it ^ j IBB r V- ^%T SfS*^ 1887 These Sixty Years 1947 11

University, where he took his B.A. He was ordained in Bloor Street Baptist Church, Toronto, and commenced his first pastor­ ate in Vancouver on July 17, 1887. Like his predecessor, MR. KENNEDY was a man whose whole heart was aflame for the salvation of his fellow men. Those were the days of Revival Campaigns, which filled the little Church to overflowing, many standing outside. Soon the congregation outgrew the capacity of the little building, and at a business meeting on March 22, 1888, it was moved, "That the Pastor be authorized to get out five hundred letters and send them to the Baptist Churches throughout the Dominion, soliciting donations toward a new and larger Church building." They aimed at a building capable of seating five hundred and costing $5,000.00. It was also felt that the present location was too far East, and it would be better to build on a more central one. Three lots were therefore secured, at the corner of Hamilton and Dunsmuir Streets, the Canadian Pacific Railway exchanging those three lots for the two lots on Westminster Avenue, plus $250.00 cash. On January 23, 1889, the corner stone of the new Church was laid by MR. E. V. BODWELL, and on September 15, 1889, the fine, new Church was opened and dedicated. It had a seating capacity of eight hundred, and cost, including the parsonage, which was built next to it, the sum of $19,800.00. The exceeded sum from the original estimate necessitated the placing of a mortgage of $10,000.00 on the property.

Three months later MR. KENNEDY, feeling that his work was accomplished, presented his resignation, and with the modesty of a good man, said, "My prayer is that you may find one to take my place who will do more for the advancement of the Cause and the salvation of souls than I have been able to do." 12 1887 These Sixty Years 1947

He bade the people farewell on the last Sunday of January, 1890, having served two years and six months, but in that short time he had accomplished much. He came to a little building costing $700.00, with a membership of twenty-three; he left an edifice costing $19,800.00, with seating accommodation for eight hundred and a total membership of one hundred and thirty-three.

Rev. W. C. Weir. It was realized that the enlarged new Church building increased the responsibility both of the members and the incom­ ing pastor, and after months of thought and prayer, a call was extended to and accepted by the REV. W. C. WEIR who, like his predecessor, was an Ontario man and a graduate of Mc- Master University, who entered upon his ministry on September 14, 1890. MR. WEIR, who was a small and slender man, swarthy in complexion, sharp featured and quick in his movements, proved himself a vigorous and earnest thinker and speaker, thoroughly evangelical in doctrine and, during his ministry, many were added to the Church. The coming of the Canadian Pacific Railway, making Vancouver the terminus, created a boom which saw people of all kinds and from all quarters, flocking to the West. One of the outstanding features of those days was the great spirit of friendliness that prevailed in the Church. A member of those days narrated this incident to the writer. It was the Watchnight Service, and in closing the year, MR. WEIR asked those present to rise and tell of something for which they were particularly thankful. An old colored brother, a barber by trade,.who had formerly been a slave down South, rose and said, 'Well, I think the thing I am most thankful for is that since I came to this Church, I would never know that I was black if I didn't look in the glass." 14 1887 These Sixty Years 1947

CHAPTER IV.

The First Baptist Church Reaches Out.

By this time the City had expanded far beyond its original confines. One of the first new districts to open up was appro­ priately called Mount Pleasant, for in those days, before it was built up and thickly populated; the view from the top of the mount was indeed pleasant.

As usually pertains in developing cities, some of the mem­ bers moved to this new district and soon found opportunity for wider Christian activities.

The nucleus of a new Church was started in the home of MR. and MRS. J. CLARK on Second Avenue, where a few of the First Baptist Church members and new residents met for prayer. Enlarging their numbers, they then met in the Good Templars Hall. Thus encouraged, the growing need for a Church in this district was brought before the business meeting of the First Church on October 20, 1890, and "a committee was appointed to confer with the Mount Pleasant brethren about a Mission to be appointed there." On May 10, 1891, seven members of the First Church were given their letters in order to form the Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, the organization of which took place on May 22, 1891, in the Good Templars Hall, Mount Pleasant. REV. MR. WEIR and his delegates attended on behalf of the First Church.

The First Church guaranteed the new Church $200.00 per year to support their first pastor, REV. MR. LORIMER, and also presented them with a pulpit chair and pulpit Bible. 1887 These Sixty Years 1947 15

In a short time they built their first Church building on Seventh Avenue West, now occupied by the Salvation Army. Then, selling this property, they purchased from the Presby­ terians a building on Westminster Road (now Kingsway) since demolished, and afterwards built their splendid Church building at Tenth Avenue and Quebec Street.

The Second Offspring. With the increasing growth of the City eastward, steps were taken to start a Sunday School. This was organized in the small carpenters shop of MR. H. A. MORGAN, one of the first deacons of the First Church, and to this project the Church promised five dollars per month. The following Sunday the School met in a small room on Powell Street, fifteen being present. After remaining there for nine months, the School was moved to larger quarters on Harris Street. On July 25, 1893, the rapidly increasing attendance encouraged them to purchase lots on Jackson Avenue, and their first building was erected. On December 27, 1893, thirty-one members of the First Baptist Church were given their letters, in order to form a regular Baptist Church, which was done on January 17, 1894, REV. MR. WEIR and one delegate attending. The Church was called the Jackson Avenue Baptist Church. The work and congregation grew so that they later pur­ chased their present building, then known as the Zion Presby­ terian Church, and for some time they called the Church the Zion Baptist Church, but eventually went back to the old name, the Jackson Avenue Baptist Church. The REV. MR. KING, an ex-Episcopal minister, was their first pastor. It is now a Mission 16 1887 These Sixty Years 1947

Church under the direction and support of the British Columbia Baptist Convention. * Rev. W. C. Weir Resigns. On October 7th, 1894, Mr. Weir resigned, and on October 14th, 1894, bade his many friends farewell, having served faith­ fully and well for a little over four years, and having, as the result of his labours, a total membership of two hundred and thirty-three.

A Branch Sunday School Opened. All this time the work of the Sunday School had been expanding and the membership increasing; the total enrollment had reached a total of one hundred and eighty-one scholars, straining to the utmost the limited space. It was felt a wider field of work among the children of the West End could be undertaken, so a building was rented at the corner of Drake and Hornby Streets, at a rental of five dollars a month. On April 1st, 1896, a branch school, named the Hornby Street Baptist Sunday School, was started with MR. B. H. SHORT as Superintendent. This school was in operation until 1911, when it merged with the Sunday School in our present Church building. 1887 These Sixty Years 1947 17

CHAPTER V.

Rev. W. T. Stackhouse. June 26th, 1896, saw the induction of the fourth pastor, in the person of the REV. W. T. STACKHOUSE, from New Glasgow, Nova Scotia. MR. STACKHOUSE was a tall, rangy man, of great personality, optimism and enthusiasm, an able and prudent speaker, and a faithful preacher of the Gospel. He proved himself a wonderful pastor as he went in and out of the homes of the people. After three years and seven months of service, under which the Church made progress, MR. STACKHOUSE, impressed by the needs of the upper country, resigned to take charge of the Church at Rossland, and later became General Superintendent for the Baptist Union of West­ ern Canada. He left an increased total membership of three hundred and eight members.

Dr. W. B. Hinson. Another very successful pastor was the fifth pastor, DR. W. B. HINSON, who entered upon his duties on May 28th, 1899. He came to us from the Maritime Provinces and was a strong, resolute and energetic character and a most eloquent preacher. His preaching drew large crowds, and a great spiritual awakening in the Church was felt. However, his own health and that of his family demanded a drier climate and, after a year's pastorate, he moved to California.

Dr. Rowland D. Grant. DR. GRANT, who commenced his ministry on October 1st, 1900, was, like the first missionary pastor, REV. MR. DANIELS, 18 1887 These Sixty Years 1947 a brother from across the line, belonging to a very old New England family. At the time of his coming, he had reached the very apex of his popularity and power as a preacher, and was known as a lecturer of international fame. In appearance he was tall and prepossessing, with a keen, intellectual face, very engaging in manner and having a very happy way with him. I am told he was the most eloquent and possibly the most versatile in knowledge of the ministers up to that date and that it was an intellectual and spiritual treat to listen to him as he expounded the Scriptures.

The Church Adopts the Individual Communion Cups. It was during his pastorate that the "Common Cup" was discarded in favor of the "Individual Cup." This change was adopted without a dissenting voice. The first individual set used, and still used, was very kindly donated by DR. GRANT.

The First Pipe Organ. Another very handsome gift given at this time was the first pipe organ (now in use in North Vancouver Baptist Church) which was generously donated by MR. JESSE WILLIAMS and, on its installation, an organist was engaged at a salary of $15.00 per month. Another very useful person engaged, but not paid, was the boy who pumped the air into the organ, for without him the organ was of no use. He felt he was a very important asset to the organ, the organist, the choir, and the Church-and so he was-although many of the members forgot that. Dr. John L Campbell, 1915-1919

Dr. Gabriel Reid Maguire, 1920-1923. Dr. J. J. Ross, 1923-1929

Howard and Mary Plummer, 1924 Our First Foreign Missionary Associate Pastors

Rev. I. R- Turnbull-1927 Dr. Orv,„e E D*,^

\

I 1 Jl 1 f^P

Rev. Henry Knox—1931.-32 The Church Rebuilt After Fire

INTERIOR

u INTERIOR 1887 These Sixty Years 1947 19

The Third Branch—Fairview Church. Once more the growing city drew members to other dis­ tricts and many, while still attending the Church, had gone to live in Fairview and Kitsilano. Soon the need and opportunity for Sunday School work was felt and the matter was brought up for discussion at the prayer meeting on January 22, 1902. MRS. E. PECK, a member who then lived at the corner of Third Avenue and Maple Street, kindly offered the use of an unused room in her home and it was moved that a Sunday School be started there, so on February 2,1902, it was organized, with MR. J. C. NICHOLSON as Superintendent. The work was carried on in MRS. PECK'S home for two years, until they moved in January, 1904, into their first building, erected at 2008 Fourth Avenue, West, at the cost of $500.00.

There the Sunday School increased with oft times attend­ ance averaging well over one hundred scholars. On August 23rd, 1905, twenty of the First Church members received their letters to organize themselves into a Church, which they named the Fairview Baptist Church, with the REV. P. A. McEWAN as their first pastor. Four years later, because of the laying of the street car tracks along Fourth Avenue, they sold this prop­ erty and built on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Arbutus Street; this new building was Opened on September 19, 1909, and the name of the Church was changed to "the Fifth Avenue Baptist Church." Four years later they once again changed the name of the Church to "The Kitsilano Baptist Church."

On March 8th, 1922, the Kitsilano Baptist Church and the Central Fairview Baptist, which had been organized July 12th, 1908, agreed to amalgamate and dispose of their buildings; all 20 1887 These Sixty Years 1947 members on their separate rolls becoming members of a new organization to be known as the "Fairview Baptist Church." This new combined Church was opened on June 8th, 1924, with the REV. A. S. LEWIS as their first pastor. 1887 These Sixty Years 1947 21

CHAPTER VI.

The Land Bought for the Present Budding. On December 1st, 1903, DR. GRANT closed his ministry, having served the Church faithfully for three years and two months. It was during the period between the resignation of DR, GRANT and the calling of REV. J. WILLARD LITCH, that several members, with a vision of an increasing future, and realizing the growing unsuitability of the present location, purchased the lots upon which the present Church now stands; this action was ratified by the members. On December 11th, 1904, REV. MR. LITCH commenced his ministry. He endeared himself to the people by his lovable nature and evangelical zeal. Vancouver had now a population estimated at 45,000 and was rapidly reaching a position of importance on the Pacific Coast. Finer commercial buildings and dwellings adorned the City and it was felt by many of the members that, owing to the growing inadequacy of the Church building and particularly the Sunday School space, the time was ripe for a forward movement. Then something happened that precipitated action. A fire broke out in the School Room, with damage estimated at $2,700.00. On receipt of the Insurance money, PASTOR LITCH introduced the question at a business meeting, whether to rebuild the burned building or prepare to build on the new site. He stated that the nucleus of a fund for building had been formed, and it was unanimously carried that a financial canvass of the members be made with a view to building a stone building on the corner of Nelson and Burrard Streets. There were some members who thought a better site .would be at the corner of 22 1887 These Sixty Years 1947

Hornby and Georgia Streets. This property, however, would cost $25,000.00 as against $4,500.00 paid for the property at Nelson and Burrard Streets, and, if chosen, would mean a wooden building instead of a stone one. Again the Finance Committee thought the most desirable site would be the North West corner of Robson and Burrard, which could be purchased for $16,000.00.

However, when it was found that this undecided state of affairs was having an adverse influence, both on the number and amount of contributions, and the lack of interest it gener- ated, a ballot was taken among the members, resulting in a large majority in favor of the site at Nelson and Burrard Streets. Plans were prepared for a building of pressed brick with stone trimmings, the estimated cost being $43,875.00 exclusive of furnishings, the seating capacity 950, the galleries to be capable of an increase, bringing a total seating capacity to 1200.

Rev. }. Willard Litch Leaves. On August 25th, 1907, Pastor Litch placed his resignation before the members. He had been particularly successful in adding to the membership, which now totaled 600. For seven­ teen consecutive Sundays before he left, he had baptized con­ verts. He later became Superintendent for Home Missions in British Columbia, Alberta, and Manitoba.

South Hill Baptist Church, the Fourth Church, is Born. By this time, not only had the City of Vancouver increased in population, but new municipalities had grown up around her. It was in one of these, South Vancouver, that MR. and MRS. F. BIRKETT, members of the First Church, having moved to

L_^z^H this district, started a little Sunday School in their home on the North Arm Road, in April, 1908. Some twenty-six persons gath­ ered and the Rev. P. C. PARKER, who was then supplying at the First Baptist Church, organized and conducted the opening services. Soon the Sunday School outgrew the confines of the home, and the South Vancouver Council very kindly granted them the use of the Municipal Hall. Meantime, a lot which MR. and MRS. BIRKETT had generously given was cleared and a small Church building erected. To this a gift of $200.00 was made from the treasury of the First Baptist Church . On July 11,1909, the little Church, known as the South Hill Baptist Church, was opened and dedicated, free of debt. Soon this building became too small and, having sold it to the Salvation Army, the present edifice, under the guidance of REV. W. A. REDMAN, was erected and opened on October 20, 1912. 24 1887 These Sixty Years 1947

CHAPTER VII.

Dr. H. Francis Perry. When DR. PERRY started his pastorate on July 4, 1909, Vancouver was revelling in a real estate boom. Every man and woman suddenly wanted to become land owners. The rich man and the poor man, the employer and the employee, the capi­ talist and the socialist. Thousands were flocking to Vancouver. All revelled in this game of easy money—something for nothing. It was a great game, it was like a dog chasing its tail, and with every turn, lots and properties went higher and higher. In the soaring of inflated values the Church property went to a figure far in excess of its original cost, with many eager to buy it, so in July, 1909, the members authorized the trustees to dispose of the Hamilton Street property for the sum of $45,000.00. (Thirty- two years after, in July, 1941, the building was sold to a wrecking firm for $100.00, the old lumber of this building going to build a place of worship at Langley Prairie.)

DR. PERRY had a bright, breezy, forceful, aggressive per­ sonality—not a domineering one, but a persuasive one—a very different thing. He was indeed the right man for the Church at this period of its history. At the close of his first Sunday morning service he called a meeting of the members for the following evening and at that meeting a motion was passed, rescinding the previous motion passed authorizing the con­ struction of a building according to the plans first submitted. It was then moved that a building be erected to cost $75,000.00, exclusive of furnishings. During this period, profits made in real estate deals flowed generously into the Church coffers, and soon the building fund 1

1887 These Sixty Years 1947 mounted. At one banquet, a mere $30,000.00 was pledged with less effort than you could get $500.00 to day. That year the members, as usual, made up Christmas hampers to be given to the poor, but in Vancouver no poor could be found.

The Corner Stone of Present Church Building Laid. On April 2, 1910, ten months after DR. PERRRY com­ menced his ministry, the corner stone of the new Church was laid. It was a day of brilliant sunshine. One newspaper very fittingly described the occasion as the "Brightest Chapter in Baptist's History." On the platform among the many dignitaries, stood a little, white-bearded old gentleman, Vancouver's first white settler, who had been with the Church since its humble origin in the little frame structure on Westminster Avenue. Still active and vigorous, he stepped forward and with a silver trowel tapped the chief stone and said, "I declare this corner stone to be truly laid."

Dedicatory Services Held. After twenty-one years of faithful and earnest service in the Hamilton Street Church building, on June 9, 1911, Dedi­ catory services were held, as the new, stately and more com­ modious Church building was opened. It was a day of great rejoicing. Almost seven years had passed since the land had been purchased, and the dream, then conceived, was now a reality.

It was a crowded house that greeted DR. W. B. HINSON, a former pastor, but then of White Temple, Portland, who 26 1887 These Sixty Years 1947 preached morning and evening. DR. PERRY, his round, jovial face beaming with joy, led the services, and the ushers, not to be outdone on this joyous occasion, appeared in smart Prince Albert frock coats, each with a white rose in his lapel. The Great War. By 1912 the real estate boom began to wane. Buyers ceased buying, and prices gradually went downward. Unemployment became rampant, and within a year there were bread lines and parades of unemployed. Then came the bewildering catas­ trophe, a thing none really believed could or would happen. On August 4, 1914, war in Europe was declared. Standing as we were on Canada's far flung frontier, 6,000 miles from the Motherland and Europe, we had for a little time, seen the clouds gather over Central Europe, but war! war! That tragedy seemed remote and when war was actually declared it rather stunned us; yet, as the first batch of our gallant men entrained to help the Motherland, the feeling was more jovial than serious. "Oh," we all said, "It will be over before they get there." For had not the economic prophets assured us that commerce and industry could not possibly stand such a war for six months? Alas for the so-called prophets—they were wrong—the war went on. Soon the voice of the recruiting sergeant, the jingoist, and the militarist held sway. Those dark days seemed centuries of anxious waiting. In the land there was weeping,—"Rachel weeping for her children . . . because they were not." On Sunday, February 14, 1915, DR. PERRY, having received a call to the Church of the Redeemer, Brooklyn, New York, presented his resignation. This was received with great regret by the members, who had grown to love him for his qualities of heart and mind. The Broadway West Baptist Church is Organized. A few of the members around the West Broadway district felt that there was a splendid opportunity for Christian service among the children, and in a store at 3417 West Broadway, they organized a little Sunday School. As the work grew and pros­ pered, it again became evident that here was a good opening for the Baptist cause. On March 21, 1915, letters were granted to twenty-five First Baptist Church members to form a Baptist Church; this they named the Broadway West Baptist Church. After remaining in the little store for some time, they built the present building at the corner of Seventh Avenue and Collingwood Street, when they called to be their first pastor, that grand old pioneer preacher, REV. D. G. McDONALD. 28 1887 These Sixty Years 1947

CHAPTER VIII.

Dr. John L. Campbell is Called. Perhaps at no time in the history of the Church was the choice of a minister of more importance than at this date. Times were indeed different when DR. PERRY left than when he came. Then, a real estate boom was in progress, and had prac­ tically carried everything and everyone before it in a whirl of financial ecstacy. From it money came easily, without work, without effort, or even business sense, to say nothing about ethics. The successful man of the boom was not the hard­ working intelligent business man, but the reckless speculator, and in this race for easy money were many church members, who in the confidence of their anticipated profits and paper wealth, made pledges to the building fund, which, when the boom burst, they were unable to fulfil.

Although in all honestry and sincerity DR. PERRY had announced from the pulpit on the opening day that he was proud to state that the new Church building was opened free of debt, in the final analysis, it was found that $30,000.00 of pledges had fallen by the wayside, which had to be covered by a mortgage, and on top of this a loan of $5,000.00 had to be secured from the bank to meet current liabilities. But, more serious and terrible still, the great and devas­ tating war was raging; the very face of God seemed to be obscured in the fury and conflagration of the great conflict. This, then, was the situation when the Pulpit Committee met to consider the calling of a new pastor. The Committee realized to the full the selecting of the right man was a momentous and serious business. It was not a particularly bright prospect 23t. 8£k*t

Lower Church Hall Evan Walters at Console of Mothers' Memorial Organ

Primary Department in Church Basement Miss Hazel J. Merritt, R.N., second member of our Church to go td Bolivia as a Canadian Baptist Missionary

Rev. F. T. Williams 1887 These Sixty Years 1947 29 to offer to an outstanding preacher, for such they desired. This one and that one was suggested. At last one deacon remarked, "Why not call DR. J. L. CAMPBELL." Instantly everyone ex­ claimed, "He is our man, if he will come." The call was sent, placing before him plainly the Church's position financially and otherwise. The letter received in reply, accepting the call, was the very model of fatherly love and Christian consideration. On October 3, 1915, DR. CAMPBELL commenced his ministry, MRS. CAMPBELL arriving some weeks later. Her wonderful fife story would interest you, but space forbids; suffice to say, the Church found her truly "A Mother in Israel." Sincerity and sweetness were the characteristics of her very charming nature, which seemed incapable of harboring an unkind thought. DR. CAMPBELL was in his seventy-fourth year, a com­ manding figure, fully six feet in height. He had the large mouth of the orator, and his massive brow, which denoted the thinker, was crowned with a bountiful supply of snow white hair. As a preacher he had reached a high pinnacle, he was ranked in the first five great preachers on the American Continent. What a glorious privilege this Church had, in having such a man guiding her during these sad and terrible years! Only Heaven has the record of the many sad hearts he comforted and the wounds he healed. He was on the trot from morning till night. How a man of his age could accomplish so much, was an ever-increasing wonder to the members. He must have worked sixteen hours a day, but it is wonderful what a man, big of heart and soul, can do. 30 1887 These Sixty Years 1947

The 'Flu Epidemic. It was during DR. CAMPBELL'S pastorate that the Church for the first time in its history was compelled to close its doors. Pestilence had arisen from the great war in the nature of the "'Flu Epidemic." The hand of death, that grim reaper, was astalk in the land, cutting down the people by the thousands. In order to mitigate the spread of this dread disease, the authorities ordered every form of public meeting closed down. Although the doors of the Church were closed, a few faithful members met each Sunday morning on the steps outside the Tower door and, after singing a hymn or two and when DR. CAMPBELL had commended the sick and suffering to the care of the Great Physician, they silently made their way home.

The Great War is Over. Many of our members will remember the day this glorious news flashed over the wires, "The Armistice is signed." The war to end war was over! Could it really be true? The people went wild. Even the 'flu ban was forgotten in their exuberant joy and excitement at the good news. They flocked down town, singing and cheering as they marched. Vancouver had never witnessed such a happy, seething throng. Yes, it was the dawn after that dark night of four years. A triumphant dawn, but what a tragic one as well. On the blood-drenched fields of Flanders lay seventeen million of the finest of the world's manhood, a number nearly one and three 1887 These Sixty Years 1947 31 quarter times the population of the whole of Canada, to say nothing of the millions maimed—left to a living death—to carry on somehow. Canada left sixty thousand of the very flower of her man­ hood there. Today on Canada's Hill of Remembrance, there stands a Memorial, a majestic creation, sculptured by one of Canada's native sons, into which, by his creative genius and spiritual fervor, he has poured the fragrant memories of a great nation.

Dr. J. L. Campbell Leaves. In 1919, the Southern Baptist Board approached DR. CAMPBELL, asking him to undertake for them a missionary tour of India, Burma, and.China, a prospect and program that would have daunted a man half his age, and although in his seventy-eighth year, he accepted it. At a farewell supper on April 3, 1919, the Church bade the old veteran a sorrowful farewell. Speaking on that occasion, DR. J. WILLARD LITCH described him as "a granite cliff on a granite mountain;" and a "Giant of Spiritual Strength with a fiercer punch against sin than the other ']. L.' of the ring.". Then turning and looking at frail, little MRS. CAMPBELL, he jokingly said, "But you wouldn't be the fellow that you are, if you hadn't such a girl as you have." At the conclusion of his trip, he was asked to become Dean of the Bible Department of the Carson and Newman College, Jefferson City, Tennessee, where he lectured to nearly two hundred students, some seventy having the Baptist ministry in view. In the last letter he wrote the writer, he said, "I have been specially busy since College opened. Last week I lectured 32 1887 These Sixty Years 1947

thirteen times in class, gave Bye outside addresses, and spoke twice on Sunday. But I do like it." He was then eighty-six years of age. He had his wish—he always wanted to die in harness. One day the old warrior suddenly collapsed in the class room. They carried him home, and within a week he passed over to be with the Master he had loved and served so well and to join his beloved little wife and helpmate. 1887 These Sixty Years 1947 33

CHAPTER IX.

Dr. Gabriel Reid Maguire. DR. MAGUIRE was a typical Irishman. Born in.the City of Dublin, Ireland, he was the son of a Presbyterian minister, but, when in his teens, the quiet parsonage life could not hold him, he decided to emigrate to Toronto, Canada. One night he attended a Y.M.C.A. meeting, and there heard a colored man repeat John 3:16; the text gripped him. In recounting his con­ version afterwards, he said, "Always religious, it had never occurred to me that I was a sinner and needed a Saviour." Henceforth, his one aim was to tell others of the Saviour he had found, and every Sunday evening found him at the corner of Queen Street, Toronto, standing on a barrel, preaching the Gospel of his Lord and Master. He started to study for the ministry and in his study was led to see the truth of baptism by immersion. One day, that enthralling book by H. M. STANLEY, "In Darkest Africa," fell into his hands. The story of the great missionary, DAVID LIVINGSTONE, burned into his soul, and he there and then, felt that God was calling him to the Mission Field. In 1891, when but twenty years of age, he, with other missionary appointees, sailed for the Congo, where for five years he labored. After a short furlough, he returned in 1897, but owing to a very serious illness, he was forced to return to New York, where he spent the next two years in hospital. His long illness left him physically unfit for Africa, so he became a pastor in the Northern Baptist Convention and after holding various charges, he started his ministry here on the,last Sunday in March, 1920 34 1887 These Sixty Years 1947

DR. MAGUIRE had a genial and radiant personality. He possessed to the full, the Irishman's wit, and his spirit of good cheer was constant, magnetic and contagious. From the day he began his ministry, to the day he left, he preached to capacity evening congregations. As the clock struck 7:30 p.m., he would rush on to the platform, as if he was rushing for a train, then, looking around at the vast audience, in his rich, booming voice —no one ever had to use an ear trumpet during Gabriel's min­ istry—he would say, "My friends, I'm glad to see you tonight. Many of you look terribly sad, but I hope to send you home with the corners of your mouth turned up and the joy bells ringing in your hearts." He believed in being a happy Christian, declaring that Christians who went around with long faces were good adver­ tisements for vinegar factories, but out of place in recommending the glorious Gospel of our Lord Jesus. While you could not call him a highly cultured and scholarly man, he always uttered the great positives of the faith, and his preaching was always affirmative. "Lord, make this Church a soul trap," was his constant prayer. Possibly no pastor had a more taking way with him, in taking money out of the pockets of his hearers; he never begged or bullied them to give, but, by his Irish blarney, his humor, which was always gay, bubbling, fresh and simple, he jollied the money out of their pockets. If they were not cheerful givers, they were at least laughing givers, and he never seemed happier than when he was jollying people for money. 1887 These Sixty Years 1947 35

Choir Robes. It was during his pastorate that, for the first time, the choir adopted choir robes. He, personally, collected the money for them; this was easy to him. All he had to do was to interview fifty men of the congregation and.before they realized it, each had promised to pay for a robe.

Memorial to the Boys. He came immediately after the First World War and, as many of the Churches were erecting memorial tablets to "Our Glorious Dead," he conceived the laudable idea to having a set of chimes placed in the Tower as a memorial to our boys. The tube chimes cost $7,000.00, most of which he personally collected. Dr. Maguire Leaves. DR. MAGUIRE was the first pastor to centre his preaching and teaching on a particular phase or aspect of Bible truth. He loved to preach on the Second Coming of Christ; this was often his theme at the morning services. He left on May 31, 1923, at a call from the Westmount Baptist Church, Montreal. In 1931 he accepted a call to the Atlanta Tabernacle, Georgia. On June 4, 1931, he spent a happy evening with his young people at the Tabernacle. Happy and rejoicing over the meeting, he and MRS. MAGUIRE retired. They were reading and exchanging views on different subjects. After reading aloud a fulfilment of prophecy in present day events, DR. MAGUIRE remarked, "Surely the Lord must be coming soon! Well, He cannot come too soon for me." The book dropped from his hands. In a moment he was not. God had taken him. 36 1887 These Sixty Years 1947

CHAPTER X.

Dr. J. J. Ross. DR. J. J. ROSS commenced his ministry on October 7, 1923. He was then fifty-three years of age, in the very prime of his magnificent manhood. Well over six feet in height, he had a commanding presence, a pleasing, soft voice, into which now and then crept the burr that proclaimed his Highland Scottish ancestry.

He was born at Lochabar Bay, Quebec, and, like DR. MAGUIRE, his family were Presbyterians. When a young lad in his teens, he came under the influence of the teachings of Lord Cecil, son of Britain's famous Prime Minister, Lord Salisbury, who, with his followers, conducted a series of revival meetings in the old Schoolhouse at Lochabar Bay. Like the apostle Paul, it was while he was walking along the road that the great light broke upon him, and, kneeling alone beside a stone on the roadside, he there and then con­ fessed his sins and accepted the sinners' Saviour. So great was the joy of the Divine light, that, although it was midnight when he arrived home, he immediately awoke the whole family to tell them of his glad experience. Next day he mounted a horse and rode .through all the countryside, telling everyone of his experience and imploring them to accept Christ as their Saviour. He then began to study the Bible, and in his study was led to see the truth of baptism by immersion. In mid-winter he was baptized in the River at Thurso, and was received into the fellowship of the Thurso Baptist Church at the age of seventeen. He longed to preach the Gospel, but had not even finished the public school. His attention was directed to Woodstock Baptist 1887 These Sixty Years 1947 37

College, but he had no money. Then his father gave him a horse, which he sold, and MR. JOHN CAMERON of Ottawa, friend of many a Baptist student, gave him a ticket to Wood­ stock. He entered College in 1889, poor in this world's goods, but rich in his faith in the God Who provides. There were many times when he had not even enough to buy a postage stamp. At the close of his first year he begged for a student summer field, and the Board asked him to try and re-open some closed missions in the Ottawa Valley, but could not promise him any money. At the end of the summer, his many converts presented him with a purse sufficient for his College needs.

So he struggled and persevered until finally he left Mc- Master in 1898, free of debt, to be ordained in Uxbridge. Shortly after his ordination, he accepted a call to the Williams Street Baptist Church of Chatham, Ontario, and after having served seven churches in Canada and the United States, he came to Vancouver in 1923.

The Church's First Foreign Missionaries. It was on April 6, 1924, that DR. ROSS announced that MR. HOWARD PLUMMER had offered himself and had been accepted for mission work in Bolivia. On August 29, 1924, HOWARD was ordained to the ministry and shortly after he married a fine young woman, who had grown up from childhood in the Sunday School, MISS MARY PATULLO. Together they went to Bolivia and there laboured for one term, returning on account of Marys ill health. Mary died shortly after, and HOWARD, instead of returning to the Mission field, went into the ministry. 38 1887 These Sixty Years 1947

The Birth of the Women's Society. DR. ROSS had in MRS. ROSS a strong helpmate, particu­ larly in her splendid organizing ability. Hitherto, the women's work of the Church had consisted of two separate bodies, namely, the Ladies' Aid, which looked after the Social arid Benevolent work, and the Women's Missionary Society, whose functions were entirely missionary.

While both did splendid work, MRS. ROSS noted the natural tendency, through this separation, for them to segregate their interests and efforts, and that, by the co-ordination of the Missionary, Evangelical, Educational, Benevolent and Social work into one single organization, a closer friendship would not only be promoted among the women, but it would make for wider interest and more effective work. So, in 1924, the "Women's Society" was born, with MRS. ROSS as its first president. When you consider that today it has three hundred and thirty members, with four departments, thirteen groups, and two auxiliary groups, and that its ramifications embrace a comprehensive missionary course of study, under competent leaders, on the mission fields of India and Bolivia; a Reception Committee to welcome strangers; a Decorating Committee, who with artistic ability, beautify the Church with flowers each Sunday; a Social Committee that prepares and serves lunches; a Benevolent Committee that collects clothing and supplies for those in need; and a Finance Committee, that this year collected the sum of $3787.81 for all purposes, you will readily see the wisdom and excellence of the change. Another excellent out­ growth from this Society, was the Canadian Christianization work, which has for its object the Christianizing of all foreigners within our gates. 1887 These Sixty Years 1947 39

Our present Dominion-wide WTiite Cross organization had also its birth in this splendid Society, and I must not forget to mention the faithful band of women who met every week during the war and since, in the interests of the Red Cross, under the able leadership of MRS. W. WORSFOLD.

The Boards of Deacons and Deaconesses. One of the first acts of DR. ROSS was to create a Board of Deaconesses, or rather I should say, although he was unaware of the fact, to resurrect the Board of Deaconesses; for in my search, I find that at the second Annual Meeting of the Church, while in the first home on Westminster Avenue, the first Board, consisting of seven members, was elected. For some reason, unknown at this date, this most useful Board was allowed to lapse after the second pastor, MR. KENNEDY, left. Today we feel the wisdom of DR. ROSS' action, in the splendid work this worthy band of women is doing in benevolence and visitation. Mention also must be made of the Board of Deacons, who, in their spiritual insight, wise council and unfailing support, have been pillars of strength during these sixty years.

The Tax Burden Lifted. One of the crushing burdens of the citizens of Vancouver has been the ever-increasing load of taxation. Before the war, taxes were only levied on land, but the costs arising from the war compelled an added tax, called the "Improvements Tax," which meant an additional assessment of fifty per cent of the value of the improvements; this made the Church tax bill soar to an alarming figure. 40 1887 These Sixty Years 1947

DR. ROSS, unused to this burden in his Eastern Churches, brought the matter before the general, ministerial body of the City, and led a successful campaign urging the City Council to exempt all churches from taxation, claiming that buildings set apart for the public worship of God, when owned by religious organizations and actually used for same, should be exempt from taxation on the ground that,such work, carried on in such buildings, is undertaken for public benefit and not for revenue or profit. This welcome victory relieved the Church of some $2,000.00 of taxes annually.

Dr. Orville E. Daniel. REV. (now Dr.) ORVILLE E. DANIEL, B.A., the first and youngest Associate Pastor of the Church, was engaged during DR. ROSS' pastorate. He was ordained in the Grandview Baptist Church; his father, REV. WALTER DANIEL, being pastor there. He came to us in 1926, and his engaging manner and captivating smile won the hearts of our people. He was a source of great help to our young men. He left for McMaster in 1927 and took his B.Th. and in 1929 he took his Ph.D. in New Testament Inter­ pretation at the Southern Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky. In September, 1929, with MRS. DANIEL, he set out for India, and has proved one of our most outstanding missionaries. In 1938 he published his first work, "Combined Harmony of the Gospels/' in English; later translated by others into several Indian vernaculars. He has also published "Graded Bible Study and Teaching Course," primarily for Indians and workers. 1887 These Sixty Years 1947 41

In 1945 he became Chairman of the very important Com­ mittee for drawing up the Constitution of the new Convention set-up. This new constitution marks the transition of our work from the status of a Foreign Mission Field to that of a self- directing, indigenous Church, and so great has been the con­ fidence of our missionaries in the Indian Christians, that they recommended the transfer of the control of the Mission admin­ istration to the Telugu Convention; furthermore they felt it wise and fitting that with the approach of Political independ­ ence in Indian the control and destiny of the Indian Church should rest in Indian hands..

Thus in January, 1947, the control of policy and adminis­ tration passed from the Canadian to the Indian Churches, the function of the missionaries in the future being to assist, counsel and co-operate.

The Singing Pastor. The second Associate Pastor, REV. J. R. TURNBULL, was also called during DR. ROSS' term. He was a tall, rangy, jolly fellow, never happier than when he was singing. He had a splendid baritone voice, into which he put great expression. It was a delight to listen to him, and even today, many of the Gospel solos that he sang are well remembered by the members. He had a happy way with the Sunday School children, using "Chalk Talks" as a medium for the lesson. He left to become the first pastor of the newly-organized West Point Grey Baptist Church, and after serving them for some time, became acting Pastor of Bonnie Doon Baptist Church, Edmonton. 42 1887 These Sixty Years 1947

He then moved to Portland, where he served the Churches as an Evangelist and also held various pastorates in Oregon.. He has written three Christian novels, "The Silver Lure," "Mended Wings," and "Guest at Three Springs".

Dr. Ross is Buried From the Church. On the last Sunday in 1929, DR. ROSS bade the Church farewell and left, to become pastor of the Trinity Baptist Church, Winnipeg. In 1935, while in Winnipeg, his health broke down. A visit to Mayo's Clinic revealed the fact that months of care and quiet must be given to convalescence. Although his magni­ ficent physique was now weakened by the inroads of disease, he insisted on baptizing converts at the Easter Sunday services, then went into the hospital for blood transfusions, which enabled him to travel to Vancouver in July, where, it was hoped, the climate would be favorable to recovery. He appeared to be making notable progress when he was smitten by pneumonia and, in three short days, on September 15, 1935, he succumbed, to realize his glorious hope in the presence of the Lord.

On September 18, he lay, "like a warrior taking his rest" at the foot of the pulpit where he had served his Lord so well. Around the casket was banked a veritable garden of flowers, tributes to the esteem in which he was held. Hundreds gathered to pay honor to his memory, and, as the loving hands of his former officers carried him to earth's last resting place, no words of mine could be more appropriate than the last words of the last booklet he wrote: "Then death shall be swallowed up in victory . . . Then, arrayed in a spiritual body, the children of God shall no longer 1887 These Sixty Years 1947 43 be subject to pain, infirmity, inutility, decay or bondage of any kind; they shall then forever be as angels of God and like them, able to serve God day without night, forever and forever. We hail the dawning of that eternal morning." 44 1887 These Sixty Years 1947

CHAPTER XI.

The Fire. Monday evening, February 9, 1931, found the usual activ­ ities in full swing and when at 10:30 p.m., the Deacons' Board concluded their meeting and set out for home, there was nothing to indicate the coming disaster. The conflagration, which in so short a space exhibited such a destructive character, broke out sometime after midnight. Its origin will ever remain a mystery. It is supposed to have started in the organ loft; it was the crash of the organ falling into the basement that awoke the caretaker. The rapid progress of the fire was startling and by 8 a.m., when finally the firemen got it under control, there was nothing left of the beautiful auditorium but four bare granite walls. The Tower and its contents were saved and most of the basement, and while the Sunday School building was damaged only in one corner, the damage by water was considerable. It is a remarkable coincidence that the parent Baptist Churches of Victoria, New Westminster and Vancouver have all been destroyed by fire. The members lost no time in delayed action. That evening they met in the Fairview Baptist Church, and a Committee was appointed to get estimates for the re-building of the Church. Kind messages were received from St. Andrew's-Wesley, Central Presbyterian, and St. John's United Churches, offering the use of their buildings, but it was decided to meet in the Dominion Theater during the re-building, the owners generously placing it at our disposal at cost only. During this period, the Church had as interim ministers, DR. W. GEISWEIT of California, who gave strong and helpful 1887 These Sixty Years 1947 45

messages, and REV. HENRY KNOX, who took over the more intimate work of pastoral visits, endearing himself to everyone by his large-hearted sympathy and kindly manner. He left to become pastor of Vancouver Heights Baptist Church.

Dr. Elbert Paul. We entered the restored Church building on November 15, 1931. Many improvements had been added, particularly to the Sunday School section, making it a better working plant for this all-important work. This necessitated the placing of a $28,000.00 mortgage. At the installation of the new organ, it was suggested that it should be dedicated to the loving memory of the mothers of yesterday and mothers of today, and be known as the "Mothers' Memorial Organ". ' It was on January 3, 1932, that the REV. ELBERT PAUL, of Calais, Maine, the youngest, by one year, of any of the pastors the Church had called, commenced his ministry. It was felt by the members that, hitherto having called pastors who had reached, as it were, their apex before coming here, a change should be made by calling a younger man, who was ascending the hill and in doing so, give us the benefit of his ascending. From his first sermon and since, they found they had called a preacher of no mean ability. He again proved a different type to any of the former pastors. He had not the soul-thrilling and moving eloquence of DR. CAMPBELL, or the happy, bubbling humor of DR. MAGUIRE, nor did he indulge in descriptive illustration as DR. ROSS sometimes did; he had more the style and manner of the debater. He appeared to be much more the acquirer, the arranger, arid expositor of facts, and in this he showed the possession of high intellectual powers 46 1887 These Sixty Years 1947 and pronounced critical faculties. He had a fine clear voice, with distinctness of articulation, and as to his vocabulary, he seemed never at a loss for a word; he heaped phrase upon phrase without any apparent effort. When he commenced his ministry with us, he was clearly most developed on the intel­ lectual side, but as the years passed, the compelling story of the Cross gripped him more and more, and this has ever been his enthralling theme. DR. PAUL, when he came, faced a task that was no easy one. We were in the midst of the greatest world depression within the.memory of living man. tJnemployment was rampant, lines of idle men, the clamor of discontent, the constant, bitter arguments concerning the cause of all our troubles. Again, the thinking youth was bewildered by the chaotic state of religious and political thought; thousands of young men and women stood bewildered on the threshold of a new workaday world. The Church felt that DR. PAUL, at this period of its history, was peculiarly fitted for his task. He was a young man, with a young man's outlook, and his training in the debating field had prepared and developed his reasoning faculties in answering the many "Whys" of a perplexed generation.

From tiirie to time DR. PAUL prepared, for the guidance of the congregation, concise and informative booklets, on such subjects as: Church Membership, Baptism, Temperance, etc. These proved most helpful. This led to a Literature rack being instituted. Prior to DR. PAUL'S coming, a Board of Management had been set up, functioning through sub-committees on finance, music, insurance, publicity and property. DR. PAUL suggested, and the Church agreed to, the organization of another Board 1887 These Sixty Years 1947 47 to be called the Board of Christian Activity, which, through its Committees, exercises jurisdiction over the religious activities of the Church, such as Sunday School, Junior Worship League, Missionary, Evangelism, B.Y.P.U., Temperance Education, Mothers' Meetings, and Social Service. Another outgrowth of this Board was the formation of Visitation Evangelism and Personal Work Classes. 48 1887 These Sixty Years 1947

CHAPTER XII.

The First Great War to End All Wars Fails. The year 1939 will ever be remembered. During 1938 the feeling of foreboding was in all hearts, for then the common people first began to realize that for years past a humble "paper hanger" had been welding and solidifying our former enemy, Germany, into the most formidable war machine the world has ever known, with the ultimate goal of creating a world empire, to be exploited for the benefit of the German people. She had started her conquest by the forcible incorporation of Austria into the German Reich.

But, in the midst of this foreboding, there was a ray of sunshine. Our gracious King and his bonnie Scottish Queen paid Canada a visit. From East to West, as they went through the length and breadth of our fair Dominion, they won the hearts of all who came in contact with them. One old fellow was heard to exclaim, as he saw the tumultuous, cheering crowds, "Eh, man, if Hitler could only see this!" It was a wonderful expression of the unity and loyalty of the Common­ wealth, and a wonderful proof of what a people's King means. But this bright ray of sunshine had hardly set, when German hands were laid on Czecho-Slovakia and then on Poland.

It was then the British Lion roused himself, and although in a weakened state through lack of military equipment, with his whelps he went to the defence of the weaker nations. For two years Britain stood alone, suffering disaster after disaster, sufferings incomprehensible to those who had not gone through them, but it was the faith in the God of their fathers and in their destiny as a nation, that upheld the people of Britain and 1887 These Sixty Years 1947 49 made them certain that though they might suffer and die, the Empire could not be beaten. Official circles in the United States and many of her people realized it was of vital importance to assist Britain, short of coming into the war; but there were a great many visionaries who did not realize that if Britain went down, America's turn would come next; it was Britain who was blocking Nazi progress across the Atlantic. Their cry was for isolation, isolation, at all costs.

Then came Pearl Harbor, which made them realize their life line was in danger. They awakened from their slumber of isolation, and with speed and despatch, the American giant, with her vast wealth and potential military power, joined hands with Britain. Hitler, in his egotism, sought to lay hands on Russia as he had done with the smaller nations. It did not matter that he had made a solemn pact with her, as a friend and comrade, but Russia with her mighty army and upheld by the abundance of equipment and foodstuff supplied by Britain and America, rolled down to Berlin from the East, while Britain and America attacked from the West, and in May, 1945, Hitler's doom was sealed. When he realized that his hope of world dictatorship was gone, he took the coward's way out.

On May 7, 1945, we held in our Church a V-E Day Service in solemn commemoration of the cessation of hostilities in Europe. To most, the collapse of Germany was a day of great joy, but to some of our members it was the saddest of days. We were all unfeignedly thankful that the fighting had ceased and that there would be no more killing, but to those mothers, it made them realize anew how irrevocable was their loss. Other women's husbands, brothers and sons would soon come home rejoicing, but not theirs, they lay buried in a foreign soil. 50 1887 These Sixty Years 1947

THEY GAVE THEIR LIVES THAT OTHERS MIGHT LIVE. I trust this Church will never forget their sacrifice.

In a few month Japan was brought to her knees, and so the Second Great World War was over. Will it end war? Or will it fail as did the First? Today the world's greatest minds are fighting the war for Peace, but I note, if we go by news­ paper reports, no mention is ever made of the God of Peace at their conference tables. We, as Christians, know that until they seek the aid of the Prince of Peace and follow in His Way, for "He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life," NO lasting peace can ever be attained.

Our Young People. As was but natural, the newly-born City of Vancouver was like a magnet drawing many young people within its borders, and the Church soon realized that her responsibility did not cease with the Sunday School. It soon became evident that if it were to hold and conserve the practical services and spiritual efficiency of these young people, those lives so radiant, so full of freshness and the exuberance of their young manhood and womanhood, some meeting other than the Sunday Services and the mid-week prayer meeting was necessary. In the Sunday School the emphasis was on "teaching"; what was needed was a meeting where the emphasis was on "training," where the young people would be prepared for the work of the Church, teaching them to speak by speaking, and to work by working. So, sixty years ago, a group of young people met together one Saturday evening in the little Church on Westminster Avenue, and formed themselves into a Young People's Society of Chris­ tian Endeavor. Some years later, the Baptists formed the 1887 These Sixty Years 1947 51

Baptist Young People's Union, so the name of the Society was changed but the spirit of Christian Endeavor remained and has done so until now. Their activities today consist of a Fellowship Meeting, a monthly Study Group, the weekly "Light o' the World" Lantern for children, and the support of a native worker in India, this by annual Christmas carol singing.

An Assistant Pastor Engaged. In June, 1944, the Church engaged REV. F. T.-WILLIAMS as Assistant Pastor. MR. WILLIAMS had been a missionary in Japan, having gone there in 1929, under the auspices of the Japan Evangelestic Band, a Mission that had been founded in 1903, by the REV. BARCLAY S. BUXTON. He labored at a station some fifteen miles from Kobe, but in 1940, the war necessitated his return. He was trained for Mission work in the All Nations Bible College, London, England, and was ordained in the Birkenhead Baptist Church, Birkenhead, England. By his kindly, genial personality, he has endeared himself to the members, by his visitations, his splendid direction of our Boys' Work, his valuable assistance in the Junior Worship League, Young People's, and other phases of our work. 52 1887 These Sixty Years 1947

CHAPTER XIII.

Miss Hazel Merritt. On September 18, 1946, a service long to be remembered, was held, on which occasion the members and friends gathered to pay tribute and bid Godspeed to MISS HAZEL MERRITT, R.N., one of our young women who had grown up with us from Sunday School days, prior to her departure to Bolivia as a Missionary of the Canadian Baptist Foreign Mission. Board. It was during the 1945 Keats Island Camp that Hazel was seized with the realization that more could be done with her fife—a holy discontent was created. Shortly after, DR. J. B. Mc- LAURIN visited Vancouver, and in speaking on Bolivia, told of the urgent need for a nurse. At the close of the meeting, Hazel made her way to DR. McLAURIN and simply said, "Here is your nurse." So Hazel has now joined that little band of two thousand years ago, who, having heard the Master's bidding, "Go ye into all the world," not only heard but obeyed. At present, Rve of our young men have intimated their desire and aim to enter the ministry or the mission field. Our prayer is that they may one day realize this laudable and holy ambition.

Church Shortly Free of Debt. Do you know that for nearly sixty years, apart from the short time the Church was housed in that "small, unpretentious structure on Westminster Avenue," it has continuously been in debt, the galling octopus of a mortgage has always held it in its strangling grasp. All these years the Church has never experienced the ennobling feeling of Longfellow's blacksmith, 1887 These Sixty Years 1947 53 who could look the whole world in the face, "for he owed not any man." When a worthy and laudable ambition led the Church to seek a larger and finer home than that occupied on Westminster Avenue, it was the original intention to build one costing $5,000.00. When it was completed it had cost $16,000.00, with an added $3,500.00 for a parsonage, in other words,. almost four times the original estimate. This would have been a laudable accomplishment if it had been paid for, but it left the Church with an unpaid debt of $10,000.00, double the original estimate. Again, in 1905, when a larger and finer home was desired, it originally was estimated to cost $35,000.00, but when this present magnificent building was completed in 1911, it had cost $135,000.00. Unfortunately, only the amount of $100,000.00 was collected, leaving an unpaid debt of $35,000.00, equal to the original estimate. This had to be covered by a mortgage. The mortgage had been reduced to $10,000.00, when the fire of 1931 broke out, but the rebuilding and reconditioning again caused the Church to increase the mortgage to $28,000.00. Now it is with great joy and gratitude I have to record that for the first time in fifty-eight years the Church, through donations and legacies, will shortly be free of the bondage and embarrassment of a mortgage, as the principal has been reduced to where it will be completely removed by the payment of a legacy from the CROSBIE Estate. I think BEECHER made a very wise and true statement, when he said, "A Church debt is the Devil's salary". 54 1887 These Sixty Years 1947

A Spreading Tree.

Since the birth of the Church on March 16, 1887, when that little band of ten members formed its first fellowship, between 3,000 and 4,000 have been received into the Church, and of that number nearly 1,000 by baptism. Of the original band, not one remains in our fellowship today. Of the twelve pastors who have ministered unto us, these men "full of faith and the Holy Ghost," only one remains, our present pastor, DR. PAUL. When their day's work for Jesus was over, they fell asleep to wake up in Heaven to find the rest and reward that remaineth for the people of God. Many also, who once worshipped with us, have now joined the ransomed host above; many are scattered over the world; while others have gone out at various times to form Churches in the various parts of Vancouver and Greater Vancouver. At present we have a membership of 1106. The mustard seed dropped into the ground sixty years ago has now become a spreading tree of twenty-five Baptist Churches—the children and grandchildren of the First Baptist Church.

The End of My Story. And so my little story is ended. Out of the many inci­ dents which I have gathered from documents and from the old pioneers, for brevity's sake, I have been reduced to a really small selection of events. Many biographers and historians are often blamed, quite unjustly I think, for leaving out just those parts of the story which, in the opinion of some, would prove most interesting. One such, in reading this Manuscript, said, "I note you say nothing about the differences that crept up among the members, nor about any of their inconsistencies." On my part, this is intentionally so. Events took place in this 1887 These Sixty Years 1947

Church, as in other Churches, that, I hope, have passed into the realm of forgotten things. I have repressed any desire to be vindictive toward anyone or exculpatory of others. This I can say, without fear of contradiction, that among the members, the good immeasurably outweighed the evil, the love was incal­ culably greater than the hate, the smiles far more numerous than the tears. With you, I want to pay tribute to tbos e gooa and faithful souls who, during the past sixty years, haiv e con- stituted the membership, the bulk of whom were average, pk n'n men and women of simple faith. No one will ever know how faithfully and unobtrusively those good souls served their day and generation, in their personal sacrifice and self-renunciation for the general good. Many in the Church today have been directly guided into whatever nobility they now possess, by the silent inspiration and influence of such ennobling fives. We should esteem it a privilege to be connected with a Church with such a noble and interesting history, but while we are proud of the past, and of the members who have gone before, we must realize a Church cannot five on its reputation, nor on the character and heritage of its predecessors. As they who have gone before sought to be worthy of Him, Whose Name they professed and Whom they strove to serve, so let us also strive to be worthy of our Lord and Master, and in seeking to do His Will, be guides and examples to those round about us.

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