The Gospel Wagon Mission was organized on May 29, 1896 with the purpose of “sending the Gospel to the more isolated and neglected sections of Nova Scotia.” David Herd, Hanisworth, and Thomas Turnbull operated the wagon.
The Wagon team visited communities all over Nova Scotia during the summer months, handing out Bibles and other Christian tracts, conducting church services, and visiting individual homes. The Mission was willing to help all churches, regardless of denomination. Interestingly enough, one brochure produced by the Gospel Mission Wagon promised that staff would also have information on the advantages of settling in the Canadian North-West as opposed to moving to the USA since
The Gospel Wagon Mission parked at residence of Dr. Hibbert Woodbury. Mr. Turnball is on the left and Mr. Herd is on the right
“Nova Scotia young men and women are the most desirable settlers.”
The Gospel Wagon Mission ran huge deficiencies each year but this was made up by a “few men who are pledged to meet all liabilities of the Mission.” It is unclear when the project was ended but it ran until at least 1903.
This was money that was left over from the Gospel Wagon Mission project when it was discontinued. The money was put in a safe and eventually ended up in the Maritime Conference Archives.
Gospel Wagon Mission brochure, 1903
