A LEGACY OF FAITH Chapter 14 A Lost Treasure World War II ended in 1945, and with peace came both prosperity and new enthusiasm. It was also a very sad time for a number of Baptist families, whose husbands and sons were not among those returning home. Many others who returned had been wounded in action. There were prayers of thanksgiving, and a special framed plaque of appreciation was placed on the sanctuary wall. It listed the names of over 100 Baptist men and women who served in Canadian Forces during the war, assuring their contributions would never be forgotten. The August edition of the Maritime Baptist carried a small article about the new Czechoslovakian Baptist Church in the Ukrainian Community of Minitonas, Manitoba . In the story was an appeal for a silver service to be used in the observance of the Lord's Supper. Someone in a responsible position at the Charlottetown church recalled the old unused set of Communion silverware in the kitchen. Being compassionate and generous, they saw no reason why it should not be sent off to the Manitoba church. Within a few days it was packed and on its way, with a wire advising the Baptist church in Minitonas to watch for it. This was a kind gesture, and it was some time before it was realized that the gift they had sent was one of the Charlottetown Baptist Church's most treasured artifacts. It was the silver Communion set from the early 1800s, which had been used to serve the Lord's Supper during the days of the wooden chapel on Great , and had somehow survived the 1888 fire. It had been used once again to serve the Lord's Supper on the church's 100th anniversary, in 1936. It is a common fault to consider anything that is old as useless, and unless there is appreciation for historical treasures, things like this can unfortunately happen. The intention could not be questioned, but the action cost the Charlottetown Baptist Church one of 'ts treasured links to another century. Perhaps, just perhaps, a future effort may Silver Communion Set A Charlottetown baptist treasure in Manitoba 95