increased dramatically. Almost every Sabbath throughout the summer there were baptisms being conducted, not only at Brighton Shore but also at North Riverand the Oyster Bed (Wheatley) River. John Davis was a very hard working minister, creating a lot of church activity, and at this time we find the first possible indication of any consideration of pastoral assistance. Word had arrived thata Reverend John Miller of Nova Scotia had decided to move to Charlottetown and preach wherever he might be needed on Prince Edward lsland. John Miller was admitted into membership at the Charlottetown Baptist Church, and with little compensation gradually assumed more responsibility in providing assistance to Pastor Davis, although he was never awarded any authority. Bible study classes had become very popular and expanded from regular Thursday evening meetings at the Baptist Chapel to get-togethers every second Tuesday, at various member’s homes.

There must have been great concern atthe BaptistChurch, when early on Sunday morning, July 15, 1866, a fire broke out at the corner of King and Pownal. It burned easterly and raged all morning, despite the best bucket brigade efforts of the Charlottetown Fire Department and the local Militia. Before it was finally extinguished, over four city blocks and 100 homes and businesses between Water and Dorchester Streets, and from Pownal to Great George, were totally destroyed. The total loss was estimated at £50,000/0. A newspaper report said, ”Had there been any wind the Roman Catholic Cathedral and BaptistChapeI would have taken fire and itprobably would have extended to the open country.” It has become known as the "Great Fire of 1866", and led to the Charlottetown Fire Department, who previously relied totally on bucket brigades, to order it’s first steam driven pump. Those of the Baptist Church congregation who were able to attend service that Sunday morning, had a ”front row view” of the devastation.

In 1868, a new Zion Presbyterian Church was built on Richmond Street, next door NewZion Church, YMCA. (site ofthe Murphyliec. Centre) to the YMCA, bringing to five the mummwm number of churches within a two block area. A second Anglican church, St. Peter’s Cathedral, was opened on Rochford Square one year later, and on July 14, 1869, the small Baptist Church at Cavendish was reconstituted with 22 members.

The Baptist Women’s Missionary Society was founded in 1870 by a young ladyfrom Canso, Nova Scotia.OnJune18ofthatyear, Maria Norris organized theirfirst get-together; a ”circle” of ladies interested in promoting and supporting missionary

Great Fire of 1866 - looking South-West from Queen Street - Public Archives of PEI

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