time, the Charlottetown church was led by Deacon DesBrisay and a number of the brethern, including Rev. Silas Rand . He visited from Nova Scotia on occasion and helped carry the preaching responsibilities for over a year, until they settled on a new minister. Ten months after they opened their new Mission House , the Church was still £60 away from meeting construction expenses. The debt was gradually being reduced but far too slowly for the pastor and trustees. Tithing was a God directed law that all members adhered to. It was used to pay their preacher after each service and to cover general expenses. The general congregation's collection each week helped in this regard; but raising extra money to pay down the debt for the new structure fell on the members, and there always seemed to be a more important new expense. Nevertheless, they always tried to contribute an extra penny or two each week, which generally took care of the interest. Church clerk's notes always emphasized the serious authoritarian side of these early Baptists in Charlottetown . There was never mention of hilarity and laughter or even humorous situations. These were serious times, and drawings and early photographs of individuals almost never reflected a smile. This was true not only in religious circles but also with politicians and businessmen. It is almost as if it was out of character, in this era, to smile. With the serious side of issues so prevalent, one wonders if the same serious demeanor was present at home? Another thing obvious in the clerk's records of church activities is the lack of recording events like weddings or funerals. Baptisms are certainly all recorded, showing the importance of this commitment in the life of the church. Apart from baptisms, there is a no record of any happenings other than negative concerns about members. The ladies are acknowledged for their contributions for the first time, shortly after the new building opened; "...The ladies providedthe Pulpit and "hangings", and a special thanks for their exertions and liberality's." It should also be noted that up to this point in time, when church activities were mentioned or recorded, there was never mention of ladies' assistance, so the preceding clerk's note is somewhat unique. Dr. George Levy 's 1946 book, Baptists of the Maritime Provinces, conveys the fact that until 1846, Baptists in the Maritimes were two "bands" or associations'; one for New Brunswick and one for Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island . They maintained a 'friendly' interest in each other's progress and often sent 'messengers' to each other's annual meetings. It was Rev. Charles Tupper who advocated a closer relationship, and by 1845, both associations were discussing a wider and more permanent union. At that time, there were 100 organized churches in the NS / PEI Association and 71 in New Brunswick . A Maritime Convention of regular Baptists was finally established, with union in September of 1846. The Sabbath Day of July 12, 1846, is a date worth remembering, because it was the day that James DesBrisay was baptized into the membership of the Charlottetown Baptist Church. It is significant because James DesBrisay would become one of the longest serving and most dedicated members in the church's history. James was the son of Deacon Thomas DesBrisay and had been involved in Baptist activities from the time he was a young man. He did not follow his father's career as a druggist, as did his brother Theophilus; rather he chose to earn a livelihood as a dry goods businessman. We will hear more about Brother James DesBrisay later. Fourteen months after the new chapel opened, the pews were finally 17