The following information was transcribed from NB Archives film Number F961 topic is "History of Campobello Free Baptists". This information was first published in the Saint Croix Courier in September and October 1967, in three parts. This section was published in October 1967. The series was written by Dr. Charles M. Smith.

Note: Some of the film was very hard to read due to dark copies of the original article and overlapping. As a result, there may be a number of words missing and indicated by ----. Transcribed and converted to html by Heather Waddingham, with permission of the Saint Croix Courier. )

History of Campobello Free Baptists Part 5

Rev. Samuel James Perry

1912-1914

In 1912 the Church called the third "Perry" - Rev. Samuel J. Perry , brother of William. Samuel is described by those who affectionately remember him as "a giant of a man and a giant for God." He could "preach like a gale of wind" having a most powerful voice. He was more than audible in his public prayers fairly "shaking the auditorium" with his strong and appealing voice - praying with great carnestness and "tears" as he would lead his people to the throne of divine grace.

Rev. Samuel Perry was born at Perry's Point, Queen's County; began preaching in 1889 and was ordained at Cornhill NB in 1892; and continued in the ministry until about 1928 when he retired and took up residence in Moncton, NB. Even after his retirement he continued useful in Evangelistic work and was even on call as a most desired speaker.

During his ministry at Wilson's Beach a revival broke out and (in 1914) Rev. Perry baptized 63 converts. (He was assisted in these meetings by Rev. Powers.) Also in this year the Board of Deacons was ---------by the appointment of Edgar Anthony and Burden Brown to its membership (as far as this writer has been able to uncover these two appointments were the first additions to the Board in 20 years). The Board had lost Deacon Charles Savage (1911) and possibly Deacon Nathaniel Phinney around 1903 or 1904).

It is said of Rev. Perry's ministry that more members were added to the Church during his service than had come into its fellowship in some 20 years - when Rev. Daggett was sweeping the Island with his message and energetic evangelistic fevor. The Perry family will long be remembered in the anals of Baptist history. Rev. Samuel James Perry died August 17, 1933 at the age of 77.

In conclusion therefore, we find that the Church to 1914 has had about 19 Pastors or supply Pastors as far as available records are concerned. A few ministers served more than once; two or three lived permanenetly on the field later serving as interim pastors; there may well have been others whose names are not left to us in all they were a noble and dedicated band putting Christ first others next and themselves last. Their continuing work on Campobello is a living and lasting tribute to all they essayes to do in Master's name.

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Rev. Dr. Charles M. Smith is Pastor of "Central Baptist Church" in Saint John, NB; is Lt. Colonel U.S. Army (Retired) and owns a home in Rollingdam, N.B. - where he spent some of his childhood years. Of recent date he has been engaged in a study of "Charlotte County Backgrounds" and having served as Pastor of the Baptist Church Wilson's Beach (1950-1963), he hereby submits a brief historical sketch on some of the Pastors and people who have helped make that Church the influence it is today.

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