Rev. Campbell Boyd Dudley

On Christmas Eve of 1905, Campbell Boyd Dudley was born to Seth and Catherine Dudley. His mother faithfully read the Bible and taught the family what she knew about Heaven and Hell. Sadly, however, Campbell chose to walk away from her teaching. When winter snow, sometimes six feet deep, made walking to school impossible, he dropped out. By the time he was seventeen he had started drinking and smoking.

Campbell married Margaret McKenzie on July 26, 1930. He continued to live his sinful life, but one day while he was out in the shed sorting potatoes, a sudden sense of guilt and conviction swept over him. He began to cry out to God for mercy, praying, “Lord Jesus Christ, if You will do something for me, I’ll do something for You.” Moments later, he knew something had happened to him, for now he no longer desired to drink, smoke, or curse. He was a changed man! On October 4, 1936, he was baptized in Jesus’ name and, a few days later, he received the Holy Ghost.

With his newfound salvation, he dedicated himself to sharing the message of Acts 2:38 with everyone who lived along the Miramichi River. He was known for his anointed preaching, and he saw thousands baptized in Jesus’ name. Even during the cold Canadian winter, he would cut a hole through several feet of ice on the river to baptize people. Although many people mocked, no one caught pneumonia. He also spent many nights praying with people until they received the Holy Ghost. Many will remember hearing his early morning call to prayer throughout the old Harvey Campground. While ringing an old cow bell, he would shout, “Talk all night; sleep all day! Why don’t you get up and pray?”

C. B. Dudley served as pastor in Gray Rapids for many years while simultaneously pastoring a church in Upper Blackville, New Brunswick. He also opened the church in Chatham (now known as Miramichi), and later pastored in McNamee. He was privileged to preach in many churches, camp meetings, and conferences throughout Canada and the United States, as well as in Colombia, South America.

Unfortunately, while on an evangelistic endeavour to Newfoundland, he was involved in a serious car accident. He was eventually taken home to McNamee where his wife, Margaret, who was a nurse, could care for him. Sadly, about a month later, Margaret passed away. This was a difficult time for Campbell, but he regained his strength and was soon back in ministry.

On January 13, 1973, he married Margaret O’Donnell, and they served at the United Pentecostal Bible Institute (now known as Northeast Christian College) for two years. They then went to Gray Rapids to pastor. He finally retired back to McNamee near his beloved Miramichi River, where they enjoyed their final years together. With his life’s work for the Master now completed, C. B. Dudley was promoted to glory on October 7, 1996.