History of Presbyterianz'sm

after a short illness, passed gently into the rest of the beloved. He left a widow and two small children to the care of Him who hath said, “I will be a husband to the widow and a father to the fatherless.” Mr. Gordon was succeeded in this field by Rev. Mr. Pid- geon, who had been sent out by the London Mission- ary Society, and was, on application, received by the Presbytery and inducted as pastor of this large congregation in the spring of 1812. The induction services were performed by Rev. John Keir and Rev. James McGregor. Mr. Pidgeon ministered to this flock until about the year 1820, when circum— stances had rendered his resignation advisable. The next minister placed over this congregation was Rev. Robert Douglas, whose induction took place in October, 1821. On this occasion the first Presby— tery of Prince Edward Island was constituted, ac— cording to a Deed of Synod. There were present at this first meeting of Presbytery Rev. John Keir, moderator, Rev. Robert Douglas, clerk, and Rev. William McGregor, minister, and Mr. Edward Ramsay, ruling elder, from Princetown. Mr. Doug- las discharged the duties of this geographically large congregation until 5th July, 1843, at which time it was deemed wise to divide the congregation into two—West St. Peters and Cove Head forming one. and East St. Peters and Bay Fortune the other. Of the latter charge Rev. Robert Douglas remained pastor until the time of his death, which took place in October, 1845. Mr. Douglas was an able, fearless and faithful preacher of the gospel, a kind and pains—

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