*Excerpt from Reuban Butchart's "The Disciples of Christ in Canada Since 1830", Part 2, "The Churches of Christ in NS"*
*This page needs additional information and history. If you would like to contribute information to this project, please email info@restorationhistory.ca*
In the year 1839, in Hants County, a 'co-operation' was first effected amongst some churches there. Before that time there had been preaching by Benjamin Howard, and likely also by George Garraty. In 1840 Garraty founded the church at Milton, in Queens, and that church sent him abroad to evangelize, as was the habit in those days, for the period of settled pastorates had not begun. The land had to be developed first by ploughing for the gospel.
Kempt was founded by Garraty, according to W. H. Harding, in his "Beginnings in the Maritimes", where he calls it a strong church. It had a long history before much seems to have been published about it. In convention, September 20, 1879, a membership of one hundred and ten was reported. The shepherding evangelist, Howard Murray, found it on January 25, 1884, "enjoying a red-letter day, with forty at the Lord's table, two being baptized and three taking fellowship, one being restored and others taking their places at the Lord's table" (evidently a sort of restoration day). Bro. White was the beloved elder then.
Another later visit found things in an encouraging fashion with a sewing circle in operation by the sisters (The Christian, January, 1886). In much of this the 'mothering' of nearby Milton church must have been present. H. E. Cooke reports in November, 1888, that the church had been coming through trials: he referred to Rev. 2:14; "It was a wonder any church was left". In The Christian, November, 1888, Bro. H. Murray had rendered great spiritual aid.
On August 19, 1889, a young sea captain began his very long Christian ministry at Kempt. He was the beloved H. E. Cooke. He remained but seven months and was called to Westport; but he returned in September, 1891, and preached, when nineteen were brought into the fold. About this time the church was actively co-operating with other groups, at Grafton, at Harmony and Lake May (four miles distant). At Lake May there were sixteen additions, which must have been encouragement in the rural scene.
Howard Murray was the active promoter for a time and the church would have died without his help". His brother, Wm. Murray, became pastor in December 1889, speaking at the various points. The faithful I. C. Cushing reports in February, 1890, that a church house was under construction at Lake May, Elder White having given land for it and a cemetery. He thanks the mission board for its help. Meantime the sisters had been hard at work, with their sewing circle, and in May, 1894, Mrs. Grace W., Dukeshire reported the organizing of an auxiliary of the C.W.B.M. Yet, in February (The Christian) there is yet no preacher, but H. Murray is encouraging with the statement that the outlook is good, for the Endeavor Society in Grafton had been found and was a means of developing their energies.
In August, 1896, it is seen that W. H. Harding had been sent down to do some preaching, with encouraging results (The Christian). By September, 1897, the membership had gone to sixty-five. From The Christian January, 1889, it is found that F. C. Ford was preaching on alternate Sundays; but whenever a preacher was absent, the elders carried on the worship, as they were qualified. This continued mainly until 1902, when E. Freeman and Z. W. Freeman were the elders.
The church loyally held on as long as leadership was available. In August, 1906, the church had the joy of entertaining the Maritime Convention. But Kempt church, with all its possibilities and usefulness, was destined to end its days. In October, 1908, the faithful Bro. Cushing reported that Bro. J. H. G. Hamilton, also A. M. Lambert, had been preaching for them. W. P. Doliver and A. M. Lambert were deacons.
The causes that worked against the continuance of the church, and the date of its closing, are unknown to the writer; but the church has always been spoken of with respect. The Maritime Christian Missionary Society aided extensively. No doubt, some souls touched by its ministry, still remain in the Maritimes, if not elsewhere. "I know thy works"--Rev. 2:2.