3511312 chriatian mission

The pioneers’ great determination for the basic necessities of life permitted their survival. But as they considered their religious beliefs, all longed for pastors who would minister to their spiritual needs. For many years, letters of appeal for ministerial relief from the ‘homeland’ mis- sion offices went unheeded. The few missionaries who came left very soon because of the primitive conditions in this new land.

In 1831, in response to continued requests, a Bible Christian Missionary, Rev. Francis Metherall accepted the challenge. At forty years of age with a wife and young family, he emigrated to Prince Edward Island. Some of his statements are as follows: “...departed England, on September 5, 1831, but adverse weather conditions. . .forced a postponement. . .after a voyage of two months...landed at Bedeque, June 26, 1832”. From here, Rev. Metherall walked to his appointed charge on the Union Road, and then returned to Bedeque for his family. The family had been given a drive to Winslow (sic) Road. They walked from there over a primitive trail...”during the last two-mile walk Mrs. Metherall’s courage almost broke down...and the lonely aspect of her surroundings were more than she could bear. She had to sit down on a log of wood and weep out her distress...”

These words aptly describe a world of yesterday which one cannot understand in today’s lan— guage. The above words were not exaggerated and were similar for all settlers and clergymen. The assignment given to Rev. Metherall was for him to oversee all areas from Charlottetown westward.

For the first three years he was primarily in the areas of York, Covehead, and Mill River. He refers to ‘Campbleton (sic), and Fife’s (sic) Ferry, [now called Stanley Bridge] as Mill River’. Here he found John Taylor and his son John Jr. conducting services regularly.

The location of the place of worship is uncertain; but the Island map of 1850 shows a church located on the bank of the Mill (Stanley) River at the junction of the Campbellton Road (#238 and #6 Highway). Residents consider the location to be at or near the present “Marineland Aquarium”. Since early travel was mainly by boat, it would not be very far for residents of the Upper Mill River to come down river to this place of worship.

Following repeated requests for assistance, Rev. Metherall received help from the Home Office in 1834. A younger man, Rev. Philip James, was then assigned the Western territory. Rev. Metherall was assigned to the Eastern part of the Island.

Hardships of unknown proportions were endured by these men as they forded rivers, braved swamp areas, and kept travelling in all kinds of weather. In the face of these difficulties the zeal for the work was shown as their records indicate that neither clergyman“...was ever known to disappoint a congregation, and at the appointed time was ready to commence his ser— vice. The summer heats, the winter frosts, or stormy winds of the sea-girt Isle, held no terror

for either of them...”

Between the years of 1840 and 1883, many changes took place in the division of areas to accommodate newer clergymen. However, the Mill River area appears to be stable during those years. The advanced years of Rev. Metherall and the movement of younger clergymen to more suitable situations in Ontario led to a gradual decline in the mission. Rev. Metherall retired to the West Point — O’Leary area. (Descendants of this family are still living in the area.) A union with the Methodist Church in Canada took place in 1883. John Harris, the author of this Bible Christian Church history concludes with the following statement:

Our work is about finished and before the ink is dry on these last lines, the

basis of union. . .comes claiming attention. . .let us now move forward...

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