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- 230 REMINISCENCES OF OLD VICTORIA
" The three Protestant denominations then established in Victoria were represented by the Rev. Edward Cridge, as already stated; Rev. Dr. Evans, of the Wesleyan Methodists, and the Rev. W. F. Clarke, of the Congregational Church. Of the laymen mentioned, there was Judge Pemberton, father of Mr. Chartres Pemberton; J. T. Pidwell, father of the late Mrs. D. W. Higgins; Judge Cameron, C.J.; Captain Prevost, father of Charles J. Prevost, of Duncans, who was a very prominent naval officer, and later an admiral, who was an indefatigable Christian worker. Mr. Sparrow, of the post-office, whose son is a respected resident to-day, and also William H. Burr, master of the Colonial School, of which I was then a pupil. Mr. John F. Damon, on second thoughts, may be in the land of the living, and a resident of Washington. The society must have fallen into disuse in later. years, for I understand the present institution is about twenty-six years old. I do not know that I can say anything more on this interesting subject but to wish it every prosperity.
" And believe me ever, yours truly,
" EDGAR FAWCETT."
From Victoria Colonist of September 5th, 1859:
" Pursuant to public notice the Supreme Court room was filled on Saturday evening by a large and respect-able audience for the purpose of organizing a Young Men's Christian Association.
" Colonel Moody, R.E., on taking the chair, requested the Rev. E. Evans, D.D., Superintendent of the Wesleyan Mission, to open the meeting by prayer; after which the chairman explained the object of the Association, and urged with great cogency the importance
VICTORIA'S FIRST Y. M. C. A. 231
of scientific and historical knowledge to young men, and the immense advantages which they would derive from Divine assistance in pursuing those various branches of study which were essential to the good citizen and Christian.
" The Rev. E. Cridge, pastor of the Victoria Established Church, then moved the following resolution :
" ` That this meeting, recognizing the usefulness and importance of Young Men's Christian Associations, is gratified to find that steps have been taken to establish one in this town.'
" He supported it at some length with many pertinent illustrations, and expressed himself warmly in favor of the institution.
" T. J. Pidwell, Esq., seconded the motion. He adverted to the good results from similar institutions elsewhere; passed some strictures upon the alarming in-crease of saloons, and concluded that the organization of a Christian Association with its Library, and the opportunity which it would afford for the discussion of general theological and political questions would have a powerful tendency to guard the young men of this colony from falling into habits destructive of good morals.
" The Rev. Dr. Evans, with an eloquent and forcible speech then moved :
" ` That this meeting pledge itself to encourage and support by every means in its power this the first Young Men's Christian Association established in Vancouver's Island.'
" His remarks exhibited the greatest degree of tolerance. All narrow views in the organization and working of the Association were undesirable. To cherish the great essentials of religion as laid down by the founder
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