that some Christians among them attended the small Cavendish Baptist Church on the Mayfield Road. The ’Marco Polo’ was never refloated and portions of the big

ship’s hull are still evident in the waters off Cavendish beach. Early in 1886, Pastor Edward Whitman resigned from the Charlottetown

Baptist pulpit to consider a new calling in the United States, but a concentrated effort by a committee of deacons and trustees convinced him to stay. It was a move of faith because the personable pastor was the right person to shepherd his flock through what would be the most trying three years in their history.

-- t: » year; ~ ~ - ‘ '

Baptist Church on Charlottetown Skyline 1887 - As seen from West Street

Public Archives of PEI

At some unrecorded date in the summer of 1886, a fire of unknown origin (perhaps lightning) started in the big tower of the Baptist Church, but prompt action by the Charlottetown Fire Department limited damage to that area. The interior of the tower and the two ornate spires at the top were destroyed, and there was minor damage to the roof. Insurance was limited so the roof was the only partly repaired, at a recovery cost of $401 .69. There is no record of the type of interior lighting in the octagonal church but it would likely have been kerosene gas lanterns, common at the time, as there is an occasional reference in statements to ”gas” expenses. It was expressed at theannual meeting, early in 1887, that the illumination in the sanctuary was inadequate. It would have to be improved prior to the newly organized Baptist Convention of the Maritimes meeting in Charlottetown, scheduled for the summer of 1887. Other interesting notes from the annual meeting were that the ”Audience Room” (obviously the parlor) and the basement walls had just been white-washed and looked good, and that TreasurerJames DesBrisay was resigning from the office after 37 years of service. To compare DesBrisay’s contribution, for the next 13 years the longest anyone would hold the office of treasurer was 3 years. Three entries on the 'Expenses’ side of the statement given at the meeting said that new choir furniture had been purchased for $30, a new stove to compliment the furnaces had cost $17 and Miller Brothers (a local music store) had tuned and repaired the church organ for $1.50.

The Maritime Baptist Convention held sessions in Charlottetown on August 20 - 23, 1887, and it was the first major Baptist event held in the big octagonal church. The main topic of discussion was Maritime Baptist Union, but despite the best of efforts, the difference in doctrine between the regular and free Baptists was still significant. There were a number of differing issues being discussed, and

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