Section 15
Berwick
Its People and Institutions as I knew them about Sixty Years ago.D. O. PARKER.
Wednesday, June 16, 1897
MRS. WM. CHIPMAN.
I now record a cherished name,
Obscure, unsung, unknown to fame,
Who while she wears a crown above,
Is here enshrined in hearts of love;-
A name to many very dear,
For deeds of love while toiling here,
Most helpful in her humble sphere.She was the pastor’s faithful wife;
The inspiration of his life,
Whose pioneering toil and care,
She brightened by incessant prayer,
Within the veil with God alone,
She agonized, unseen, unknown
And reached and moved the heav’nly throne.Devoted in maternal love,
Discrete and gentle as a dove,
Her children were her care; at play,
She scattered roses on their way;
And in the Saviour’s peaceful school,
She taught them there the golden rule.
Beside Bethesda’s healing pool.She made her home a welcome rest,
The weary ones were always blest,
And many a youth of former years,
There bowed beneath her melting tears,
And felt an angel’s presence near;
Her life and words were so sincere,
No other one was half so dear.And oft Acadia’s students there,
Were welcomed to her home and fare
Where with sweet words of love and cheer,
She chased away the homesick tear,
And warmed their hearts with zeal anew,
To keep the higher life in view,
And only lofty things pursue.Where hearts were pained with sense of sin,
She poured the gospel healing in;
Where hearts bereaved, wept sorrow’s tear,
With few to love, and none to cheer.
An angel’s mission she fulfilled;
She spoke and every grief was killed,
And every plaintive word was stilled.Where Mary sat she oft communed,
And had her heart to joys attuned;
The joys she felt she sweetly sung,
And praises melted on her tongue;
And while her sun was in the sky,
She sung herself to joys on high,
And sweetly singing, said, "Good-bye."NOTES:- Mrs. Chipman was the daughter of Deacon Homes Chipman of Cornwallis. She experienced religion in early life. At the age of sixteen she commenced keeping a journal which was a well kept record of the most interesting events in her religious and domestic life. It was published after her death, and has been a source of comfort to many sorrowing hearts. The following tribute to her memory given by her family physician, Dr. VanBuren, is the truthful story of her character in miniature. "She was indeed and in truth a most estimable woman. As a Christian most exemplary; as a wife, affectionate and kind; as a mother indefatigable in contributing to the happiness and comfort of her children, imparting Christian instruction, and all other necessary information in regard to domestic and social habits; as a friend, she was warm and sincere, never losing sight of her professions, attachments, or predilections; as a member of society she was absolutely a pattern to all who felt inclined to act consistently." Her home was near the old Valley Meeting House, and during the periodical seasons of those old time "protracted meetings" she always kept an open house, where her hospitality was always abundant and welcome, and enjoyed by multitudes, both day and night, who came from the mountains and other distant places. Her generous acts, and helpful words won many to the Saviour. Her maternal affection for her step-son, the late professor Isaac Chipman, who was but a child when she was married and moved to the Valley, was equal to that of her own, and in after years she entered with all her heart into sympathy with him in his arduous efforts to build up Acadia College. Her home was a favorite resort for the students from Wolfville, who always found in her the kind words, and the tender sympathies of a ministering mother.
On the 25th October, 1853, the Rev. T.S. Harding preached her funeral sermon from Colossians 3;3, 4, - "For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory."