Rev. Jesse Whii ck Bourne Coll.

ministry and was replaced by Rev. Jacob Gale who had arrived from England with seven years’ ministerial experience. Having arrived in Charlottetown on May 16, 1850, Rev. Gale was soon appointed to the Union circuit.

Rev. Whitlock’s ministry at Three Rivers continued to be successful aided by Rev. Robert Wilson, who in 1853, was accepted as a probationer for the ministry. Rev. Robert Wilson ministered for a short time in the Vernon River and West Cape Circuits and then left the Bible Christians to serve in the Methodist Church where he had a very distinguished career. While assisting Rev. Jessie Whitlock, Rev. Robert Wilson not only preached at Montague Bridge but

also was instrumental in having a church building erected near the bridge.

20. SECOND MARRIAGE OF THE REV. FRANCIS METHERALL

In 1853, another important event happened in Rev. Metherall’s life when he was married to Miss Mary Nelson, daughter of J. Nelson of China Point, Prince Edward Island, Miss Nelson had been a faithful homekeeper for Rev. Metherall for many years. At this point in his career, Rev. Metherall moved from West Cape to the Union Circuit where he remained for three years.

21. REASONS FOR THE DECLINE OF THE BIBLE CHRISTIAN CHURCH

The Great Religious Revival of 1842 - 43 had caused a great increase in the number of churches and members until 1847. In spite of great efforts on the part of the Bible Christian preachers to continue the growth in spiritual power which

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