This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1899 Excerpt: …the occasion. They stretched a tarpaulin from wall to wall. In this rough but, we think, cherished building they sang their hymns For Believers Fighting
and For Believers Eejoicing. Here earnest prayer was offered, and the gospel gave no uncertain sound. The first preacher to conduct service in the embryo chapel was John White. The Methodists have the credit of erecting the first stone House of God in the city. From a book published in England about 1838 by one of the early emigrants we take the following: – There is also a Methodist chapel, built by Edward Stephens, the manager of the South Australian Company’s Bank, but, as yet, no regular minister has been appointed. Mr. M'Laren preaches in it in the morning, and it is occupied by the Methodists in the afternoon and evening. When a small garrison is holding the fort against numerous foes, with what joy they hail the advent of reinforcements! In October 1837 such was the joy of our early Methodists. During that month three emigrant vessels arrived–the Lady Emma, Katherine Stewart Forbes, and the Hartley. They brought a large contingent of settlers, amongst whom were several Methodists who had credentials from the Old Country. These vessels also brought the tidings of the death of William iv. and the accession of Queen Victoria. We can imagine with what heartiness John White and Jacob Abbott would give to the incoming Methodists the right hand of fellowship. Edward Stephens and his godly wife would not be lacking in Christian courtesy. The first Sunday after dropping anchor, what a strange experience theirs must have been! We see them meeting in the embryo chapel on the site of a city that was yet to be built. No doubt some of them had come from the large English towns…