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History of Bartlett Mills Church 1888-1958

Brief History of Church, written by a "Bartlett"
and updated by Mrs. Theresa Giles
PANB Roll #F740 - Transcribed 7 Sept 2000 by Marilyn Maxwell Strout
Page Mounted 22 Sept 2000

Previous to July 1888, the Baptist People of Bartlett Mills were connected with the Bayside Church of which C.W. Williamson was pastor and except for occasional services held in the schoolhouse, were obliged to drive eight or more miles to Bayside to worship.  As this was not always convenient, the members in this district requested the parent church to call a council to investigate the possibility of organizing themselves into an independent Baptist Church.

The requested council met at Bartlett Mills and from it resulted the formation of a new church which united with the Oak Bay field.  At this time Rev. F.S. Todd was pastor of the Oak Bay group of churches and therefore became the first pastor of our church.

There were 22 charter members in this new church.  They were:

Of these 22 there are still 2 living:  Lilla Little, now Mrs. John Haines, who lives in this community and Ida Richardson, now Mrs. Frank Gilman of St. Andrews.

The first deacons were Robert Richardson, Hosea Little and William Murray.  E.H. Bartlett was first clerk and served faithfully in that capacity until his death in 1928.  In October 1888, it was decided to build a house of worship which was erected the following year and dedicated in November of 1889.

Rev. F.S. Todd continued pastor until 1892 during this period, 14 members were added to the Church.

In the next few years, 2 pastors:  Rev. W.G. Corey and Rev. J.R. Skinner, carried on the good work.

Rev. W.H. Morgan came in 1896 and his untimely death, while attending a church supper the following year, brought to an end a very successful pastorate.  Rev. H.D. Worden took up the work from 1897 to 1903 followed by Rev. W.J. Gordon also Rev. Chas. Sterling.

Rev.A.H. McLeod was a well-loved pastor of little more than a year. Rev.S.A. Greenlaw served the Church faithfully for 3 years and was succeeded by Rev. C.A. Bell, from 1916-1920. Rev. K.M. Vallis was then pastor until 1923 when Rev. Joseph Griffiths came on the field.  Mr. Griffiths was ordained while here and carried on a very successful pastorate during which time the spiritual life of the church was reawakened and a number of names were added to the rolls.

Mr. Grifffiths was followed by Rev. C. E. Strothard and during his pastorate of six years, new church officers were appointed.  Deacons Cecil Greenlaw and ? Hollis Bartlett, Clerk  Mrs. L.V. Bartlett and Treasurer Mrs. Dan Thomas.  The membership increased and sabbath school reopened and for the first time in the history of the church was carried on the year around.  Mr. Strothard was succeeded by Rev. E. Stephens in 1934.  He carried on the work of grace until his sudden death in April 1936.

Rev. F. R. Currie became our next pastor. It was during his pastorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the church was celebrated and in the fall of 1939, the District meetings were held here.

The names of eight young people  were added to the membership of the church during his ministry here, which closed in 1942 when Rev. J.H. Copeland took up the work.  He served faithfully until his retirement in 1948.  For the two years following, Rev. A.M. Rogerson was pastor.  During the time, church membership increased and the S.S. enrollment continued to grow.

In March 1951, Hubert Bartlett, one of our members, was granted a church license and last year he was ordained into the ministry after ??? and is now pastor of the new United Bay Church at Nashwauksis.
 
Many others who have gone out from this church and united with sister churches elsewhere are contributing greatly to the work of God's Kingdom.

Mr. Rogerson was succeeded by Rev. J. G. Green who began his ministry here in Sept 1951.  He was ordained shortly after in the same year and remained our pastor until Dec. 1954.

The  S.S. attendance steadily increased that more classroom was required.  In 1952, the adjoining vestry was created where the beginners and primary classes were taught.  Four classes are held there.

In 1953 the church and vestry were wired for electricity and the lights were dedicated Dec 6th.

We were without a pastor on the field from Jan until June 1955.  During these months, Rev. L.E. Davis came from St. Stephen and held service every two weeks.  Then Rev. Donald Draper came on the field.  Services were held weekly.  ?? was carried on and prayer meetings started, the four churches uniting for weekly prayer service.  Mr. Draper was ordained while here and was a loyal servant during the brief time he was able to carry on the work.  Ill health forced him to give up services in Feb 1957 and his death occured in July.

Carl Price, a bible school student, carried on the Sunday services through the summer months.

As we celebrate the seventieth anniversary of the founding of the church, we have our twentieth pastor, Rev. K.M. Hughes carrying on the good work.  Mr. Hughes has been with us just a little over a year.

During the past summer, the interior of the church was entirely redecorated, a new carpet laid and the vestry painted, also one side of church roof and the steeple were shingled.

On Oct. 2 and 3rd, the District meetings convened here, large numbers attending from all parts of the seventh district.  Several visitors from outside districts were also welcomed.

The present church membership enrollment is 46.  Resident members numbering 39.

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