One is led to believe that both Rev. H. W. Prince and Rev. S. F.
Cove preached during these early days of the Church.  In most
instances the churches had part-time pastors who preached once or
twice a month.  For example, the 1890 Indian River Baptist
Association minutes show S. F. Cove as the pastor of Eau Gallie,
Fort Pierce, Merritt Island and Oak Hill.  From the research
available, it seems likely that Cove was the official pastor
after the Church was officially organized in March 1889, but that
Prince, who lived in Eau Gallie, looked after the Church in
Cove's absence, both preaching and serving as Superintendent of
the Union Sunday School.

The official minutes of the First Baptist Church,  Eau Gallie,
Florida for March 1889 record the actual dedication of the Church
and show that S. F. Cove was the moderator.  They read as
follows:

         "Record of Eau Gallie Baptist Church of Christ"

         "Public service was held on the third Sunday in March, 1889.
         Dedication sermon was preached by Elder W. N. Chaudoin
         prayer by Elder H. M. Prince. Present - Elders W. N.
         Chaudoin, H. M. Prince and missionary S. F. Gove.  After the
         service an informal organization was made, the following
         persons participating:  H. M. Prince, John H. Mellor, Sister
         E. E. Prince, Sister Eliza Miller, Sister          Valentine,
         Sister May Valentine.  Conference was duly  held and an
         invitation to all members of Baptist churches in good
         standing invited to be seated.  Doors of the church were
         opened and Thomas Mann presented himself as a candidate.
         After due examination he was named for baptism.  On motion,
         adjourned.  S. F. Gove, Moderator."

         "Second Sunday in April Bro. Thomas Mann was baptized.  No
         other business. S. F. Gove, Moderator

A better understanding of W. N. Chaudoin is provided by a report
on obituaries in the minutes of the Indian River Baptist
Association for 1904 and reads as follows:

         "Your committee beg leave to report the death of Dr. Wm. N.
         Chaudoin, which occurred at his home in LaGrange, Florida on
         January 22, 1904.

         "Dr. Chaudoin was born on August  10th,  1829 in Roberson Co.,
         Tenn.  Entered the ministry in 1845 in  his sixteenth year.
         Married, May 6th 1850.  Moved to Macon, Ga.  to take charge
         of blind school in 1857.  Moved to Florida in 1881, settling
         in LaGrange.  It is a sad duty for your committee to report
         the death of our beloved Bro. Chaudoin, the former Moderator











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