REV. THEOPHILUS DESBRISAY

Since Rev. Theophilus DesBrisay was the first official Anglican clergyman for the Island of St. John, the following excerpt from

Bremner's Tales of Abegweit sheds some light on the appointment

and duties of this colourful gentleman.

As we have been told in several records, the Rev. Theophilus DesBrisay was the first rector of St. Paul's Church. Before he had

taken charge, the War of Independence of the United States had

broken out and two prominent officials of the Island government (Messrs. Callbeck and Wright) had been practically seized, together with their personal effects and public records, by two American privateers. It is also on record that on Nov. 3rd, 1775, Mr. DesBrisay, aforesaid, was a passenger on a vessel conveying John Russell Spence, a member of the Council for the Island of St. John to Charlottetown. The wind that had held them at anchor in the Gut of Canso, brought with it the same two privateers. Taking advantage of the chance of securing another prize they seized Mr. Spence's vessel and made the party prisoners. But having held them a few hours, they released Mr. Spence and family as well as Mr. DesBrisay. The former managed to obtain a small schooner to convey his party to Charlottetown and thus the future rector managed to reach his destin- ation. But as there was no church, nor provision made for his food

and shelter and no prospect of securing his stipend,.he took advan-

tage of the only probable course open to him by doing duty as

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