®f)c jlktfiotitst Church of Canaoa Benjamin Chappel , an immigrant who arrived on the Island in 1775, was a follower of the Wesleyan (Methodist) Movement in the British Isles. Mr. Chappel supported the same ideals when he arrived in Canada . As he and the new settlers arrived inside New London Harbour , it is said that he stood on a rock that resembled a chair. This has been affectionately called "ChappePs Chair". Today, no one is certain of its location. He inspired the pioneers to con¬ struct shelters, to share food supplies, and to use the imagination to make use of the good lum¬ ber supply. Mr. Chappel moved from one community to another telling the same story so that all would prosper. Mr. Chappel instilled in the settlers his ideals, which were represented by good morals, sound education, and good spiritual life. He taught these people how to build boats and to provide for themselves through their own initiatives. But it appears that his superior, Bishop Black, from New Brunswick , was displeased with Mr. Chappel 's efforts at saving souls. He notes in his diary that ".. .1 arrived.. .and tarried about a fortnight.. .1 preached.. .but alas! the people in gen¬ eral appear stupid, and senseless as stones, altogether ignorant of the nature of true religion..." Mr. Black didn't realize that survival, and not religion was their number one priority! Despite Bishop Black's opinion Mr. Chappel received the affectionate title of "Father of Methodism on the Island of St. John"! The first Methodist Church was built in Stanley Bridge in 1879, which was about five years before the Bible Mission Church had closed. It was located to the East of the bridge in the pre¬ sent Cemetery . The cemetery had been opened in 1870. The new church became part of the , and at that time encompassed the Districts of Granville, Stanley, Wheatley River , Hunter River , and Pleasant Valley . It was a massive job to visit all res¬ idents of these areas! 144