Following Rev. Smith , there was a short time without a rector when there were two baptisms by Rev. Dr. Jenkins and Rev. Swabey of St . Paul * s. In 1865 the Rev. John Herbert Read, D.D. became the rector and held the position, with the exception of two years, until 1884. During this period of about nineteen years, the parish made much progress, recording six hundred and sixty-four baptisms. There are records of whole families being baptised at one time, for example, the family of William and Phoebe (Carson) Darke on September 4, 1867. Dr. Read must have had charge of many outlying districts as there are baptisms recorded from New London to almost Georgetown and from St. Peter 's Road to Crapaud . In 1878, Dr. Read visited England and during his absence Rev. Thomas B . Reagh, who had just been ordained, had charge of the parish. The parishioners, by voluntary subscription raised $75.00 to buy a bell for the church at Milton. Dr. Read again visited In 1884 and Rev. William Thomas was rector in his absence. Rev. A.C. Jones was rector from 1886-1887 and was followed by the Rev. William H . Sampson in 1888 who served until March, 1890. During the summer of 1890, Rev. R.L. Slogett was curate at Milton-Rust ico and in December of that year Rev. T.B. Reagh was elected rector, which office he held until September, 1911, a period of almost twenty-one years. It was during his tenure that the present St. John's Church was erected. At a special meeting held on the first day of May 1897, the following resolution was moved, seconded and carried. That North Milton , May 1, 1897 we build a new church at Milton as