on the integration of new families. New hymnals were needed to replace the old ones that were gradually breaking down, something that happened every few years, from normal wear and tear in an active church. There were a number of new hymnal options on the market and much consideration was given, mostly by the Music Committee, organist and choir director. The new over 800 page Celebration Hymnal was ordered, providing the First Baptist congregation with one of the finest hymnals available. The cost of the 500 new hymnals was entirely underwritten as memorial gifts. The other new item in music was the regeneration of the Handbell Choir under the direction of Helen MacRae . For over 50 years, Helen MacRae was in the background of music at the Charlottetown Baptist church. She began in 1947, when as Helen Stewart she organized and led the Junior Girls Choir. Helen served as church organist for three years, from 1947 to 1950, and although serving other churches and local music interests in the area, always seemed available to assist or supply when needed. Helen MacRae now had the handbells ringing again. Pastor Kathy Neily , with the assistance of Bob and Darlene Acorn, formed a Refugee Sponsorship Committee, involving members of the congregation, to assist an immigrant family to settle in Charlottetown . Hajriz and Igball Murseli and their children had suffered the horrors of Kosovo, Serbia and on arrival were provided with accommodations, a used vehicle, medical assistance and help in breaking down the language barrier. It was a genuine Christian outreach and seeing the immigrant family in the congregation warmed the hearts of many who played even a small part in their relocation. Youth and Christian Education programs at First Baptist had been in a steady growth pattern for a number of years and were the basis on which most future planning and considerations were being made. No one associated with these programs was prepared in July 1999, when Pastor Chris Austin announced he was leaving to accept a call to the New Minas Baptist Church, in Nova Scotia . Chris Austin was the backbone of the Christian youth training efforts at the church, and although everyone understood the importance of God's call, it didn't make the thought of his departure any easier. Pastor Richard Coffin perhaps summed it up the best when he said, "Chris has done his task well in our midst for eight years, preparing others as leaders."Jhe Austin family left Charlottetown in August, and to fill the void, Associate Pastor Kathy Neily 's status changed somewhat, and her hours of service were increased. Karen Howard , a long time youth and Christian Education leader, was appointed Youth Coordinator. Long time trustee Bob Nicholson, who had also been a member of the building committee when the church was built 40 years ago, passed away on November 21, 1999. His wife Margaret died in 2001. Their passing is significant, because it took the Nicholson name from the membership list at Baptist, where it had existed for almost the entire life of the church. First Baptist was in need of expansion, but no one was sure exactly which way to go. An effort was made to turn the cramped foyer of the church into a "Welcome Centre", by adding more visitor information and brightening the colors. It certainly looked better, but in the long run the lack of space and cramped after- service conditions prevented much of the intended sociability. An ad-hoc Spatial Planning Committee was formed under chairman Charlie Scranton to once again look into building requirements. Important infrastructure needs like space and 155