5 files changed, 685 insertions, 0 deletions
diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d7b82bc
--- /dev/null
+++ b/.gitattributes
@@ -0,0 +1,4 @@
+*.txt text eol=lf
+*.htm text eol=lf
+*.html text eol=lf
+*.md text eol=lf
diff --git a/75602-0.txt b/75602-0.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0711a98
--- /dev/null
+++ b/75602-0.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,315 @@
+
+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 75602 ***
+
+AN HISTORICAL SKETCH
+OF THE
+FIRST HILLSBORO BAPTIST CHURCH
+
+Read before the N. B. Eastern Association, July, 1893, and published
+by request of that body.
+
+In May, 1763, a few years after the taking of Quebec by the English
+and in the same year in which the “Treaty of Paris,” was signed at
+Paris, which marked the close of “The Seven Years’ War,” six German
+families left Pennsylvania to settle somewhere in a northern climate.
+“They sailed in a sloop commanded by Capt. Hall. After a long and
+wearisome passage, they arrived at a place now called Hillsboro, July
+1, and landed at a small creek on the north side of Gray’s island.”
+
+Among these adventurers was a family by the name of Steeves. Hendrick
+Steeves and his wife, Rachel, had seven sons—Jacob, John, Christian,
+Frederick, Lutrick, Henry and Matthias—names still cherished among
+the Steeves and given to present generations.
+
+Mr. and Mrs. Hendrick Steeves, with their seven sons, stopped at
+Hillsboro, built a log house and made this their headquarters.
+
+The sloop after landing the Steeves family, proceeded up the
+Petitcodiac to a place afterwards called “The Bend,” and later
+Moncton. Here the remainder of the party was landed. The names of
+these families were Jones, Trites, Ricker, Lutz and Somers. After
+this the sloop left on her homeward voyage promising to return the
+next spring.
+
+The Steeves family at Hillsboro began to clear land and make for
+themselves a home. As the season was too late when they arrived to
+sow grain they planted a few turnips, and contented themselves by
+fishing and hunting and making preparations for the coming and
+untried winter. When the winter came it was cold and stormy, and
+seemed extremely severe to those accustomed to a warmer climate. They
+looked forward to the coming of the spring with great hopefulness.
+Soon the snow and ice began to melt, the forests were clothed in
+green robes and June, with her warm and gentle breath stirred new
+life in this lonely and discouraged family. Eagerly did they now look
+for the returning sloop, but were doomed to disappointment. The
+summer passed, the autumn with its beautifully tinted leaves came,
+and the winter with its biting blasts returned, but no vessel arrived
+to cheer these isolated settlers. After the first winter the most
+trying times in their experience came. Their provisions were about
+gone, and there was no place to procure more; the remainder of the
+seed they brought with them they had just planted; and no vessel came
+to supply their growing needs.
+
+What they passed through the second summer and winter, hoping against
+hope that the sloop would return; and then at last giving up all
+hopes of her coming back. Manfully and heroically meeting the
+difficulties which arose when they had only a few turnips and such
+fish and game as they could procure—all this can be better imagined
+than the stern facts can be recorded.
+
+But meeting isolation, loneliness, cold winters and scarcity of food,
+this noble family struggled on with a cheerfulness, a perseverance, a
+hardihood and a heroism that characterize only the truly great. Such
+manly conduct in the face of discouraging and trying surroundings
+deserves a place in the history of the early settlers of this
+province. And be it known that these pioneers building houses,
+clearing lands and constructing dykes to keep out the Petitcodiac
+from their marches did not toil without the inspiration of a preached
+gospel. Henry Steeves, the sixth of the seven sons, began, about
+1795, to preach the gospel to the people. Thus until the organization
+of the church he kept alive in the hearts of those who came to hear
+him the fires of faith and love towards Jesus, and made their lives
+all the brighter and nobler by holding up to them the inspiring and
+helpful life of Christ.
+
+At the close of the Revolutionary War many of the troops came from
+Fort Cumberland and settled along the Petitcodiac river. Among them
+was a man by the name of Jacob Beck, known as the “king’s baker.”
+Henry Steeves married Mr. Beck’s daughter and settled on his father’s
+farm. He wrought with his hands six days of the week, tilling the
+ground, and on the Sabbath read from his German Bible and expounded
+the Word of God to his hearers. Thus until 1822 this man taught the
+people the love of God in Christ. An old man now living informs the
+writer that he, when a lad, heard Mr. Steeves speak to the people the
+precious things of the gospel. There was a house of worship standing
+on the same spot where now the village church stands. It was here
+Henry Steeves preached or exhorted from Sabbath to Sabbath. Some time
+after the First Hillsboro Baptist church was organized this building
+was removed and came into the possession of the Methodists. Another
+large building was put on the spot. This in time was removed and a
+third still larger edifice built here. This is the present beautiful
+structure which commands the old and memorable hill. Until the arrive
+of Father Crandall, in 1822, Mr. Steeves was the only minister in
+this neighborhood, save, perhaps, an occasional itinerant preacher.
+Mr. Crandall, directed by God, visited what is now known as
+Hillsboro. Shortly after his coming the Spirit of God began to move
+upon the people.
+
+Mr. Peter Janah, now an octogenarian, gives the writer a vivid
+picture of a baptism which took place on the 6th of October, 1822. He
+claims to have been present at the organization of the church. He was
+then a boy of 18 years. On the banks of Weldon Creek, about three
+miles from the village, there gathered, one Sabbath day, a few
+settlers to witness the sacred ordinance of baptism administered to
+several candidates. It was not the first baptism the people had seen.
+There may have been one or two scenes like this before. What is now a
+pleasant half hour’s drive amid beautiful trees and along beautifully
+cultivated fields, and by neat and pretty houses, was then a tedious
+journey over stumps and stones. And where now in Hillsboro and Salem
+are large farms with delightful and pleasant homes then there were
+isolated clearings with here and there a dwelling.
+
+The octogenarian above referred to says that at this time,
+seventy-one years ago, there were but five houses at the ‘Bend;’ and
+from Edgett’s Landing to McLatchey’s in Weldon only fourteen houses.
+But to return to the scene on the banks of the Weldon Creek. It was
+the 6th of October, 1822. Rev. Joseph Crandall stood with several
+happy converts who were about to follow their Saviour in His own
+appointed ways. And there amid autumnal foliage, with God, and angels
+and men as witnesses, this little band of believers put on Christ by
+public obedience to His commands.
+
+After this service was completed they went to a barn a short distance
+from the spot and there organized the First Hillsboro Baptist church.
+This barn was owned by Henry Steeves, grandson of the preacher and
+one of the first deacons of the church. A man by the name of Robert
+smith, a good singer, who was present from the Salisbury church and
+whose home was in Pollet River, at Mr. Crandall’s request read the
+articles of the Baptist faith: and those who were baptized that day,
+together with others who had been baptized previously—perhaps ten or
+twelve in all—formed themselves into a New Testament church. The name
+of some of them were: Michael Steeves, Patrick Duffy, John Steeves,
+Peggy Steeves, Jennie Gross, Vinnia Taylor, William Gross, Mrs. Peter
+Hopper, and perhaps others.
+
+Christ was born in a manger and cradled upon straw. If the barn was
+not too low for the son of God it was not too mean and human a place
+to witness the organization of a church His. What a quaint scene! On
+the barn floor, surrounded by fragrant hay, solemn obligations were
+assumed and sacred pledges given, which are now recorded in God’s
+Books. One can imagine the love and affection which bound together
+that little band of pioneer men and women, who could conquer the wild
+forests and compel the earth to yield her increase, all the more
+heroically and successfully by cherishing in their hearts the
+religion of Christ and maintaining a visible church of our Redeemer
+in their midst.
+
+To the unconcerned this must have appeared as a delicate plant soon
+to wither and die; but the sturdy nature of the pioneer was in the
+organization, and it soon proved itself to be no “reed shaken in the
+wind,” for toward Christmas this little band had grown to
+seventy-seven—thirty-seven of these bearing the name of Steeves.
+
+It is but fair to state that no church record has been preserved with
+reference to the place of the organization of the Church, and that
+some of the members hold that the tradition I have described and
+verified from the memory of an old man is incorrect. Those who do not
+think the church was organized at Salem believe the organized at
+Salem believe the organization took place in the village in the first
+building standing where now the village church stands.
+
+The writer has presented what he believes to be the facts. It is
+recorded that an association was held with this church the next
+summer after its organization, i.e., in 1823. “In 1824 one of the
+member, James Wallace, was licensed to preach. He had to improve his
+talents without the aid of schools and colleges and with but a few
+books. Towards the close of 1834 there seemed to be a subsiding of
+the first enthusiasm. Doubtless the truth was penetrating beneath the
+surface, effecting a work of which they were hardly conscious. Memory
+says that the first deacons were Henry Steeves, David Steeves and
+Elijah Milton. Joseph Steeves was clerk in 1824, and Isaac Gross was
+appointed to that office in 1832.”
+
+In 1834 Rev. Wm. Sears became pastor of the church, giving
+three-fourths of his time. He had preached to the people before, but
+now became their regular pastor. From 1834 to 1838 no remarkable
+events occurred, but the work of God continued. Members were received
+and baptized—not many at a time, but a few frequently. In 1840
+Pastor Walker, from the Hopewell church, visited them. This sister
+church was organized in 1818. After this visit the church seems to
+have gained a new life. The country all about felt her influence. In
+1841 a sister comes all the way from Middle Coverdale to confess her
+Lord and to receive baptism. In 1848 Patrick Duffy was licensed to
+preach. In 1844 James Wallace became pastor of this church. In 1845
+William Gross was elected as a deacon of the church. For a few years
+the church seems to have been in a depressed state. But in 1848
+Alexander McDonald and John Francis arrived from Wales and for a time
+preached and labored with good success. Many were converted, the work
+extending to Baltimore. Among those converted at this time was James
+Irving, who afterwards became a preacher of the gospel, and who for
+some eighteen years held the pastorate of the Baltimore church,
+leading many precious souls to Christ.
+
+Little is known of the church’s prosperity from 1848 to 1860. These
+are proofs, however, to show that this was not an uneventful period.
+During these twelve years no less than three churches sprang from the
+First Hillsboro. The Second Hillsboro was organized at Dawson
+Settlement in 1852. The Third Hillsboro at Demoiselle Creek in 1855,
+and the Fourth Hillsboro at Baltimore in 1857. Mr. James Newcomb, a
+graduate of Acadia College, taught a high school and preached for the
+churches of Hillsboro for some little times. Afterwards, in May,
+1849, he and Patrick Duffy were ordained to the gospel ministry. Both
+of these men did valiant work for God and died loved and honored by
+all who came under their kind and Christian influence.
+
+In 1852 Rev. John Hughes became pastor of this church. Before his
+coming among the people the church was threatened with division.
+Under his able and wise ministry the different opposing elements were
+brought together and the work of the Lord carried forward with great
+success. He remained until about 1861.
+
+In 1860 steps were taken to provide for the first instrumental music.
+Record is also made of a gracious revival during the winter of ’61,
+when many souls were led to Christ as the result of special meetings.
+No less than twelve ministers assisted in this work. The name Salem
+was given to what was then called “The Back Settlement” in 1861.
+
+In 1862 Rev. Levi Marshall had charge of the church for a short time.
+
+In 1863 Rev. James Austen Smith accepted a call to this church, and
+for four years continued his indefatigable labors with the people.
+“During his ministry at Hillsboro, a revival of mighty power aroused
+the church and called a large number to participate for the first
+time in the blessings of redeeming love.” In the winter of 1863 this
+revival took place, when there were added to the church 155 by
+baptism and thirteen by letter, making in all 168—the largest
+in-gathering at any one time during the history of this church. In
+1865 the Salem house of worship was opened. About this time the
+present edifice in the village was built—it being the third building
+standing on this spot. In 1867 Rev. W. T. Corey was called as pastor
+of the church. During his pastorate of some seven years, the village
+church building was finished and dedicated. Mr. Corey’s pastorate was
+a successful one. Many were added to the church and the Work of God
+prospered.
+
+It was during this pastorate that regular preaching services were
+held in Weldon, where now there is an “upper room furnished” and set
+apart for the worship of God, and where regular prayer and preaching
+services are held.
+
+In 1876 the Valley church, the fourth and last child, was organized.
+A church building was already built in that part of Hillsboro, and
+services had been held here. Now this became the home of one of the
+most active churches in the county. And be it said with gratitude to
+God, that these four daughters have, from the very first, maintained
+a character worthy of a New Testament church. They have cherished the
+pure gospel and built up a strong membership, and have done a work
+for God that eternity alone will reveal. And so they have given their
+mother church every reason to be grateful for their existence and
+proud of their useful career. And now she looks upon them as loved
+children who have grown up to womanhood and settled for themselves,
+and rejoices that they have settled so well.
+
+In 1878 Rev. C. B. Welton became the pastor of this church. During
+his pastorate a large and burdensome debt was removed and many souls
+added to the church.
+
+In 1880 the convention of the Maritime Provinces was held in this
+church. These meetings are still cherished in the memories of a large
+part of the church members.
+
+Rev. J. C. Bleakney was called to the pastorate in 1883. His stay,
+though short, was one of great helpfulness to the cause. During the
+summer of 1884 Evangelist Chubbuck visited Hillsboro and held special
+services. Some eighty were converted and united with God’s people.
+
+The present pastor, Rev. W. Camp, began his labors with the church
+March, 1886. During these past seven years the church has greatly
+prospered. About 153 have been baptized and 38 received by letter.
+Large sums of money have been raised to purchase a parsonage, repair
+and paint church buildings, and remove indebtedness. The benevolent
+offerings of the church have more than doubled in these years. The
+church is united and prosperous. The people have every reason to
+thank “God and take courage.”
+
+Last October, 1892, the church celebrated her seventieth anniversary.
+For four days religious services were held. On the evening of October
+sixth, after devotional exercises, a short historical record of the
+church was read. Then followed addresses from former pastors. On the
+evening of the seventh addresses were delivered by pastors of the
+invited churches. October eighth there was held an old-fashioned
+conference meeting. The ninth being Sunday, three services were held.
+Preaching services morning and evening. In the afternoon was the
+“roll call” and special “thank offering.” On this occasion 202
+answered to their names, and $91 was taken as the thank offering.
+These services were much enjoyed by the people and the life of the
+church was quickened.
+
+Beginning with ten or twelve members the church has grown until
+twelve hundred and twenty-five have come into our fellowship. It has
+become the mother of four living, active and flourishing churches.
+Many of those who were baptized into the fellowship of this church
+are now laboring for Jesus in different parts of the world. There are
+at present 436 members, and hundreds have gone triumphantly to
+heaven. Only the faintest outline of the history of this people has
+been given in this summary. Facts interesting to the church members,
+but not so interesting to this body, are withheld. Only the briefest
+record has been kept from time to time, and unfortunately part of
+that is gone. But form what facts are available and from what memory
+can furnish we have many reasons for believing that the First
+Hillsboro Baptist church has done a great and good work for God and
+perishing souls. Only eternity can reveal all that has been
+accomplished.
+
+What inspiration is afforded by the study of the history of God’s
+people! How we see His hand in all the years moving, guiding and
+overruling all things to His glory and for the good His people. What
+an inspiration to every church to make a good record—to live in
+harmony, fellowship and love! And what an inspiration to every member
+to live for the glory of Christ and the highest good of one another!
+
+To the church and to the members of the church God is calling all
+generations for earnest, God-fearing, consecrated and holy living.
+
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 75602 ***
diff --git a/75602-h/75602-h.htm b/75602-h/75602-h.htm
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8f2dd3f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/75602-h/75602-h.htm
@@ -0,0 +1,353 @@
+<!DOCTYPE html>
+
+<html lang="en">
+<meta charset="utf-8">
+<title>ONE HUNDRED YEARS WITH THE BAPTIST OF AMHERST, N. S. | Project Gutenberg</title>
+<style>
+body {
+  background-color: white;
+}
+
+h1 {
+  text-align: center;
+}
+
+h2 {
+  text-align: center;
+}
+
+h3 {
+  text-align: center;
+}
+
+p {
+  text-align: left;
+  text-indent: 30px
+}
+
+.quote {
+  text-align: center;
+}
+
+.signature {
+  text-align: right;
+}
+
+</style>
+</head>
+<body>
+<div style='text-align:center'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 75602 ***</div>
+
+<h1> AN HISTORICAL SKETCH <br>
+OF THE <br>
+FIRST HILLSBORO BAPTIST CHURCH </h1>
+
+<h2> Read before the N. B. Eastern Association, July, 1893, and published
+by request of that body. </h2>
+
+<p> In May, 1763, a few years after the taking of Quebec by the English
+and in the same year in which the “Treaty of Paris,” was signed at
+Paris, which marked the close of “The Seven Years’ War,” six German
+families left Pennsylvania to settle somewhere in a northern climate.
+“They sailed in a sloop commanded by Capt. Hall. After a long and
+wearisome passage, they arrived at a place now called Hillsboro, July
+1, and landed at a small creek on the north side of Gray’s island.” </p>
+
+<p> Among these adventurers was a family by the name of Steeves. Hendrick
+Steeves and his wife, Rachel, had seven sons—Jacob, John, Christian,
+Frederick, Lutrick, Henry and Matthias—names still cherished among
+the Steeves and given to present generations. </p>
+
+<p> Mr. and Mrs. Hendrick Steeves, with their seven sons, stopped at
+Hillsboro, built a log house and made this their headquarters. </p>
+
+<p> The sloop after landing the Steeves family, proceeded up the
+Petitcodiac to a place afterwards called “The Bend,” and later
+Moncton. Here the remainder of the party was landed. The names of
+these families were Jones, Trites, Ricker, Lutz and Somers. After
+this the sloop left on her homeward voyage promising to return the
+next spring. </p>
+
+<p> The Steeves family at Hillsboro began to clear land and make for
+themselves a home. As the season was too late when they arrived to
+sow grain they planted a few turnips, and contented themselves by
+fishing and hunting and making preparations for the coming and
+untried winter. When the winter came it was cold and stormy, and
+seemed extremely severe to those accustomed to a warmer climate. They
+looked forward to the coming of the spring with great hopefulness.
+Soon the snow and ice began to melt, the forests were clothed in
+green robes and June, with her warm and gentle breath stirred new
+life in this lonely and discouraged family. Eagerly did they now look
+for the returning sloop, but were doomed to disappointment. The
+summer passed, the autumn with its beautifully tinted leaves came,
+and the winter with its biting blasts returned, but no vessel arrived
+to cheer these isolated settlers. After the first winter the most
+trying times in their experience came. Their provisions were about
+gone, and there was no place to procure more; the remainder of the
+seed they brought with them they had just planted; and no vessel came
+to supply their growing needs. </p>
+
+<p> What they passed through the second summer and winter, hoping against
+hope that the sloop would return; and then at last giving up all
+hopes of her coming back. Manfully and heroically meeting the
+difficulties which arose when they had only a few turnips and such
+fish and game as they could procure—all this can be better imagined
+than the stern facts can be recorded. </p>
+
+<p> But meeting isolation, loneliness, cold winters and scarcity of food,
+this noble family struggled on with a cheerfulness, a perseverance, a
+hardihood and a heroism that characterize only the truly great. Such
+manly conduct in the face of discouraging and trying surroundings
+deserves a place in the history of the early settlers of this
+province. And be it known that these pioneers building houses,
+clearing lands and constructing dykes to keep out the Petitcodiac
+from their marches did not toil without the inspiration of a preached
+gospel. Henry Steeves, the sixth of the seven sons, began, about
+1795, to preach the gospel to the people. Thus until the organization
+of the church he kept alive in the hearts of those who came to hear
+him the fires of faith and love towards Jesus, and made their lives
+all the brighter and nobler by holding up to them the inspiring and
+helpful life of Christ. </p>
+
+<p> At the close of the Revolutionary War many of the troops came from
+Fort Cumberland and settled along the Petitcodiac river. Among them
+was a man by the name of Jacob Beck, known as the “king’s baker.”
+Henry Steeves married Mr. Beck’s daughter and settled on his father’s
+farm. He wrought with his hands six days of the week, tilling the
+ground, and on the Sabbath read from his German Bible and expounded
+the Word of God to his hearers. Thus until 1822 this man taught the
+people the love of God in Christ. An old man now living informs the
+writer that he, when a lad, heard Mr. Steeves speak to the people the
+precious things of the gospel. There was a house of worship standing
+on the same spot where now the village church stands. It was here
+Henry Steeves preached or exhorted from Sabbath to Sabbath. Some time
+after the First Hillsboro Baptist church was organized this building
+was removed and came into the possession of the Methodists. Another
+large building was put on the spot. This in time was removed and a
+third still larger edifice built here. This is the present beautiful
+structure which commands the old and memorable hill. Until the arrive
+of Father Crandall, in 1822, Mr. Steeves was the only minister in
+this neighborhood, save, perhaps, an occasional itinerant preacher.
+Mr. Crandall, directed by God, visited what is now known as
+Hillsboro. Shortly after his coming the Spirit of God began to move
+upon the people. </p>
+
+<p> Mr. Peter Janah, now an octogenarian, gives the writer a vivid
+picture of a baptism which took place on the 6th of October, 1822. He
+claims to have been present at the organization of the church. He was
+then a boy of 18 years. On the banks of Weldon Creek, about three
+miles from the village, there gathered, one Sabbath day, a few
+settlers to witness the sacred ordinance of baptism administered to
+several candidates. It was not the first baptism the people had seen.
+There may have been one or two scenes like this before. What is now a
+pleasant half hour’s drive amid beautiful trees and along beautifully
+cultivated fields, and by neat and pretty houses, was then a tedious
+journey over stumps and stones. And where now in Hillsboro and Salem
+are large farms with delightful and pleasant homes then there were
+isolated clearings with here and there a dwelling. </p>
+
+<p> The octogenarian above referred to says that at this time,
+seventy-one years ago, there were but five houses at the ‘Bend;’ and
+from Edgett’s Landing to McLatchey’s in Weldon only fourteen houses.
+But to return to the scene on the banks of the Weldon Creek. It was
+the 6th of October, 1822. Rev. Joseph Crandall stood with several
+happy converts who were about to follow their Saviour in His own
+appointed ways. And there amid autumnal foliage, with God, and angels
+and men as witnesses, this little band of believers put on Christ by
+public obedience to His commands. </p>
+
+<p> After this service was completed they went to a barn a short distance
+from the spot and there organized the First Hillsboro Baptist church.
+This barn was owned by Henry Steeves, grandson of the preacher and
+one of the first deacons of the church. A man by the name of Robert
+smith, a good singer, who was present from the Salisbury church and
+whose home was in Pollet River, at Mr. Crandall’s request read the
+articles of the Baptist faith: and those who were baptized that day,
+together with others who had been baptized previously—perhaps ten or
+twelve in all—formed themselves into a New Testament church. The name
+of some of them were: Michael Steeves, Patrick Duffy, John Steeves,
+Peggy Steeves, Jennie Gross, Vinnia Taylor, William Gross, Mrs. Peter
+Hopper, and perhaps others. </p>
+
+<p> Christ was born in a manger and cradled upon straw. If the barn was
+not too low for the son of God it was not too mean and human a place
+to witness the organization of a church His. What a quaint scene! On
+the barn floor, surrounded by fragrant hay, solemn obligations were
+assumed and sacred pledges given, which are now recorded in God’s
+Books. One can imagine the love and affection which bound together
+that little band of pioneer men and women, who could conquer the wild
+forests and compel the earth to yield her increase, all the more
+heroically and successfully by cherishing in their hearts the
+religion of Christ and maintaining a visible church of our Redeemer
+in their midst. </p>
+
+<p> To the unconcerned this must have appeared as a delicate plant soon
+to wither and die; but the sturdy nature of the pioneer was in the
+organization, and it soon proved itself to be no “reed shaken in the
+wind,” for toward Christmas this little band had grown to
+seventy-seven—thirty-seven of these bearing the name of Steeves. </p>
+
+<p> It is but fair to state that no church record has been preserved with
+reference to the place of the organization of the Church, and that
+some of the members hold that the tradition I have described and
+verified from the memory of an old man is incorrect. Those who do not
+think the church was organized at Salem believe the organized at
+Salem believe the organization took place in the village in the first
+building standing where now the village church stands. </p>
+
+<p> The writer has presented what he believes to be the facts. It is
+recorded that an association was held with this church the next
+summer after its organization, i.e., in 1823. “In 1824 one of the
+member, James Wallace, was licensed to preach. He had to improve his
+talents without the aid of schools and colleges and with but a few
+books. Towards the close of 1834 there seemed to be a subsiding of
+the first enthusiasm. Doubtless the truth was penetrating beneath the
+surface, effecting a work of which they were hardly conscious. Memory
+says that the first deacons were Henry Steeves, David Steeves and
+Elijah Milton. Joseph Steeves was clerk in 1824, and Isaac Gross was
+appointed to that office in 1832.” </p>
+
+<p> In 1834 Rev. Wm. Sears became pastor of the church, giving
+three-fourths of his time. He had preached to the people before, but
+now became their regular pastor. From 1834 to 1838 no remarkable
+events occurred, but the work of God continued. Members were received
+and baptized—not many at a time, but a few frequently. In 1840
+Pastor Walker, from the Hopewell church, visited them. This sister
+church was organized in 1818. After this visit the church seems to
+have gained a new life. The country all about felt her influence. In
+1841 a sister comes all the way from Middle Coverdale to confess her
+Lord and to receive baptism. In 1848 Patrick Duffy was licensed to
+preach. In 1844 James Wallace became pastor of this church. In 1845
+William Gross was elected as a deacon of the church. For a few years
+the church seems to have been in a depressed state. But in 1848
+Alexander McDonald and John Francis arrived from Wales and for a time
+preached and labored with good success. Many were converted, the work
+extending to Baltimore. Among those converted at this time was James
+Irving, who afterwards became a preacher of the gospel, and who for
+some eighteen years held the pastorate of the Baltimore church,
+leading many precious souls to Christ. </p>
+
+<p> Little is known of the church’s prosperity from 1848 to 1860. These
+are proofs, however, to show that this was not an uneventful period.
+During these twelve years no less than three churches sprang from the
+First Hillsboro. The Second Hillsboro was organized at Dawson
+Settlement in 1852. The Third Hillsboro at Demoiselle Creek in 1855,
+and the Fourth Hillsboro at Baltimore in 1857. Mr. James Newcomb, a
+graduate of Acadia College, taught a high school and preached for the
+churches of Hillsboro for some little times. Afterwards, in May,
+1849, he and Patrick Duffy were ordained to the gospel ministry. Both
+of these men did valiant work for God and died loved and honored by
+all who came under their kind and Christian influence. </p>
+
+<p> In 1852 Rev. John Hughes became pastor of this church. Before his
+coming among the people the church was threatened with division.
+Under his able and wise ministry the different opposing elements were
+brought together and the work of the Lord carried forward with great
+success. He remained until about 1861. </p>
+
+<p> In 1860 steps were taken to provide for the first instrumental music.
+Record is also made of a gracious revival during the winter of ’61,
+when many souls were led to Christ as the result of special meetings.
+No less than twelve ministers assisted in this work. The name Salem
+was given to what was then called “The Back Settlement” in 1861. </p>
+
+<p> In 1862 Rev. Levi Marshall had charge of the church for a short time. </p>
+
+<p> In 1863 Rev. James Austen Smith accepted a call to this church, and
+for four years continued his indefatigable labors with the people.
+“During his ministry at Hillsboro, a revival of mighty power aroused
+the church and called a large number to participate for the first
+time in the blessings of redeeming love.” In the winter of 1863 this
+revival took place, when there were added to the church 155 by
+baptism and thirteen by letter, making in all 168—the largest
+in-gathering at any one time during the history of this church. In
+1865 the Salem house of worship was opened. About this time the
+present edifice in the village was built—it being the third building
+standing on this spot. In 1867 Rev. W. T. Corey was called as pastor
+of the church. During his pastorate of some seven years, the village
+church building was finished and dedicated. Mr. Corey’s pastorate was
+a successful one. Many were added to the church and the Work of God
+prospered. </p>
+
+<p> It was during this pastorate that regular preaching services were
+held in Weldon, where now there is an “upper room furnished” and set
+apart for the worship of God, and where regular prayer and preaching
+services are held. </p>
+
+<p> In 1876 the Valley church, the fourth and last child, was organized.
+A church building was already built in that part of Hillsboro, and
+services had been held here. Now this became the home of one of the
+most active churches in the county. And be it said with gratitude to
+God, that these four daughters have, from the very first, maintained
+a character worthy of a New Testament church. They have cherished the
+pure gospel and built up a strong membership, and have done a work
+for God that eternity alone will reveal. And so they have given their
+mother church every reason to be grateful for their existence and
+proud of their useful career. And now she looks upon them as loved
+children who have grown up to womanhood and settled for themselves,
+and rejoices that they have settled so well. </p>
+
+<p> In 1878 Rev. C. B. Welton became the pastor of this church. During
+his pastorate a large and burdensome debt was removed and many souls
+added to the church. </p>
+
+<p> In 1880 the convention of the Maritime Provinces was held in this
+church. These meetings are still cherished in the memories of a large
+part of the church members. </p>
+
+<p> Rev. J. C. Bleakney was called to the pastorate in 1883. His stay,
+though short, was one of great helpfulness to the cause. During the
+summer of 1884 Evangelist Chubbuck visited Hillsboro and held special
+services. Some eighty were converted and united with God’s people. </p>
+
+<p> The present pastor, Rev. W. Camp, began his labors with the church
+March, 1886. During these past seven years the church has greatly
+prospered. About 153 have been baptized and 38 received by letter.
+Large sums of money have been raised to purchase a parsonage, repair
+and paint church buildings, and remove indebtedness. The benevolent
+offerings of the church have more than doubled in these years. The
+church is united and prosperous. The people have every reason to
+thank “God and take courage.” </p>
+
+<p> Last October, 1892, the church celebrated her seventieth anniversary.
+For four days religious services were held. On the evening of October
+sixth, after devotional exercises, a short historical record of the
+church was read. Then followed addresses from former pastors. On the
+evening of the seventh addresses were delivered by pastors of the
+invited churches. October eighth there was held an old-fashioned
+conference meeting. The ninth being Sunday, three services were held.
+Preaching services morning and evening. In the afternoon was the
+“roll call” and special “thank offering.” On this occasion 202
+answered to their names, and $91 was taken as the thank offering.
+These services were much enjoyed by the people and the life of the
+church was quickened. </p>
+
+<p> Beginning with ten or twelve members the church has grown until
+twelve hundred and twenty-five have come into our fellowship. It has
+become the mother of four living, active and flourishing churches.
+Many of those who were baptized into the fellowship of this church
+are now laboring for Jesus in different parts of the world. There are
+at present 436 members, and hundreds have gone triumphantly to
+heaven. Only the faintest outline of the history of this people has
+been given in this summary. Facts interesting to the church members,
+but not so interesting to this body, are withheld. Only the briefest
+record has been kept from time to time, and unfortunately part of
+that is gone. But form what facts are available and from what memory
+can furnish we have many reasons for believing that the First
+Hillsboro Baptist church has done a great and good work for God and
+perishing souls. Only eternity can reveal all that has been
+accomplished. </p>
+
+<p> What inspiration is afforded by the study of the history of God’s
+people! How we see His hand in all the years moving, guiding and
+overruling all things to His glory and for the good His people. What
+an inspiration to every church to make a good record—to live in
+harmony, fellowship and love! And what an inspiration to every member
+to live for the glory of Christ and the highest good of one another! </p>
+
+<p> To the church and to the members of the church God is calling all
+generations for earnest, God-fearing, consecrated and holy living. </p>
+<div style='text-align:center'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 75602 ***</div>
+</body>
+</html>
+
diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6312041
--- /dev/null
+++ b/LICENSE.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,11 @@
+This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements,
+metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be
+in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES.
+
+Procedures for determining public domain status are described in
+the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org.
+
+No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in
+jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize
+this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright
+status under the laws that apply to them.
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..daa9e7b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,2 @@
+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #75602 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/75602)