CHAPTER IV.

The Ministry of Joseph Churchill Cox

William Meek was asked to return to New London from Syd— ney Mines to fill the vacancy, but he refused. Probably late in 1867, a Nova Scotian in his late twenties, a graduate of King’s in deacon’s orders, Joseph Churchill Cox, was chosen to succeed Mr. Richey. The parish encouraged him by presenting him with a new sleigh in his first winter, and by repairing the parsonage. Services were taken with regularity in the parish church and in Irishtown. Sunday Schools were organized in connection with both congre- gations. The people of Burlington — the name is used for the first time —— bought a Sunday School library, and they also cut and drew wood for him. On his first anniversary Mr. Cox held a dona- tion party at the parsonage, and on another occasion Mrs. Cox served tea. Despite this promising beginning the Coxs left for a Massachusetts parish in the summer of 1869. The Summerside Journal, September 2, 1869, tells of the Bishop’s visit to Irishtown, where nine were confirmed, and also tells of affectionate addresses of farewell being given to the Coxs. The Irishtown address was signed by Richard Profitt, John Profitt, W. J. Profitt, W. P. Evans, John Champion, Richard Paynter, James W. Connors. An address from New London was signed on behalf of the congregation by James Pidgeon, Warden. The replies of Mr. Cox to both were also printed.

But, pleasant to relate, the wanderers returned within a year. Mr. Cox’s report to the C. & 0.0.8. in 1871 is worth reprinting:

Of my congregation at Burlington (formerly Irishtown) I have a very favourable report to make. They seem to be in many respects very excellent people. It was mainly

J. A. RICHEY J. C. Cox

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