SYNOPSIS OF PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH HISTORY

COVERING 100 YEARS AT WELLANDPORT

[The Welland-Port Colborne Evening Tribune, 26 November 1931]

This synopsis of Presbyterian church history covering a period of one hundred years was prepared by the present minister, Rev. Donald H. Currie, for the Centennial of the Wellandport Presbyterian church, observed on Sunday, October 25^th, 1931, by special services in the church, and on Monday, Oct. 26^th, by a supper served by the Ladies’ Aid in the “Tourists Inn,” followed by a reunion and program in the church. The sketch is dedicated to the memory of the pioneers who came into the forest to hew out homes for themselves, and build schools and churches that their children might be provided for materially and spiritually.

My sources of information are from Dr. Gregg’s History of the Presbyterian Church in Canada, and from the session and congregational minute books of Wellandport church. The church in Gainsboro on the Twenty Mile Creek was organized by the Rev. D.W. Eastman in 1809. From its organization this church at St. Ann was under the care of Mr. Eastman, something like twelve years, and he was succeeded by the Rev. Mr. Goodell. In 1831 there were two Sabbath  schools, and Mr. Goodell divided his labors between St. Anns and another congregation six miles distant in the same town.

Organized in 1831

I have before me the original Church or Session Record, from which the following is copied:

“This church was organized in December, 1831, at the close of protracted meetings conducted by the Rev. A.K. Buell and others, and which was originally owned and blessed of God. At the time of its organization it consisted of twelve members. In July, 1832, another protracted meeting was held in this place, at the close of which 29 more were added, making in all 41.

On the 1^st of January, 1833, Rev. G.W. Goodell was employed to dispense to us the bread of life, preaching to us one-half of his time.

The following persons were set apart to the office of Ruling Elders, viz: William Dils, Samuel Darragh, Peter Sammons and Jesse Henry. Confession of faith and covenant the same as adopted by the first Presbyterian Church of Hamilton, U.S.

The above gives us an authentic account of the beginning of a Presbyterian Church in the vicinity of Wellandport.

The first church building was erected on the property which is now the Presbyterian cemetery, and was called the Chippewa Church. On acre of land was purchased from Benjamin Canby of the township of Canboro for the sum of five shillings, the receipt for this payment being attached to the deed. This extensive document was made at Canboro, in the county of Haldimand, district of Niagara, and province of Upper Canada, on the tenth day of July, in the year of our Lord one thousand, eight hundred and thirty-four. Signed, sealed and delivered in the presence of George Humphrey and Thomas Ferguson, and signed by the first trustees, whose names are on the deed, viz: William Dils, Andrew Wilson, Jesse Henry, Peter Sammons and Abram Angle. This deed is dated July 10^th, 1834 and is made to these trustees and their successors forever.

First Church

The first Presbyterian church was the congregation until the present building was erected in the year 1868. Rev. J.W. Goodell remained as minister until some time in the year 1835, and Rev. D.W. Eastman acted as Moderator of the Session in the old church after Mr. Goodell’s departure. Rev. R.H. Close followed Mr. Eastman as minister and Moderator of Session for a short period, about the year 1843.

It should be noted here that this church, as well as the one at St. Anns was under the Presbytery of Niagara, organized in 1833 in connection with the American Presbyterian Church. The rebellion of 1837 affected the work of these churches, and the disruption of 1844 brought about changed conditions. All the churches in Upper Canada founded by the American Presbyterian ministers laboring on this side of the line, except the one in Montreal, united with some branch of the Presbyterian church in Canada. The church records available show that about the year 1845 visits were made to Wellandport by ministers of the Presbyterian Church of Canada, in connection with the Church of Scotland. The congregation became a part of this branch of the Presbyterian family, under the ministry of Rev. Mr. Jamieson of Dunnville, and was ministered by him till his resignation took place on account of ill health.

These congregations of Dunnville and Wellandport then gave a call to Rev. John Rennie, and he was the minister here until January 1^st, 1865,  when he was relieved of the Wellandport church on account of the distance and bad roads between the two places.

The Presbytery, after relieving M. Rennie, united this church with St. Anns to form a charge. This took effect February 1^st, 1865. Rev. James Malcolm, a graduate of Queen’s College was called, ordained and inducted, as minister of St. Anns and Wellandport on 21^st December, 1865. It was during his ministry that the present church was built. The first meeting to consider building a church in the village was held on April 30^th, 1866. Rev. James Malcolm was chairman. The meeting decided on the need of a new and more commodious church building, and that it should be in the village when the deed of a lot could be secured. A committee appointed to canvas for funds consisted of James G. Sutherland, W.D. Jeffrey, Walter Cavers, Elliot Henderson and James Rice.

It appears that a Mr. Fox had promised to give a lot for a church, but when Gavin Robertson, the secretary, wrote to him, Mr. Fox gave no reply. Mr. Robertson has the following in his minute book: “Deceived in their hopes of obtaining a site, the canvassing committee suspended the operations,” and during the rest of the year 1866, and the whole of the year 1867, no steps were taken to provide for the erection of the new church.

Decide on New Building

At the annual meeting of the congregation held January 16^th, 1868, the question was again taken up, and on motion of Elliott Henderson and Alexander Young, it was decided to proceed with the new church. Alexander McKeague, Alexander Young and Abram Angle were added to the building committee. Alex McKeague was appointed permanent chairman and Gavin Robertson secretary. At the meeting of committee held on 21^st January it was decided to accept an offer from Mr. Folinsbee to sell them the lot on the east side of Mr. Jeffrey’s shop on Main street for $80 for a church site. The deed was made out from John Fox of the city of Baltimore and James Jackson of the city of Lockport, joint owners, to James Rice of the township of Wainfleet, lumberman; Alexander Young and Gavin Robertson, both of the same township, yeomen, trustees of the Presbyterian Church, Wellandport, and their successors forever. Estimates were secured for both frame and brick, and it was decided in favor of brick. The building was finally completed after many meetings and much discussion during the year, and on Sabbath, February 21^st, 1869, it was opened and dedicated to the worship of God. A soiree was held on the Tuesday evening following. The building cost $2,000 and was all paid for but $500, which was borrowed from Samuel Priestman on a mortgage. Mr. Malcolm resigned from the charge on September 5^th, 1870 much to the regret of the congregation.

A call to Rev. Malcolm McKenzie on the 23^rd of March, 1871, was declined. The vacancy extended until February 6^th, 1872, when Rev. George F. Stevens was inducted as minister. He remained only a little over a year, and left in the spring of 1873. Students supplied for the summer, Mr. Thyme and Mr. Henry being mentioned.

First Organ

Rev. James Frazer was the next settled minister, and was inducted at St. Anns February 8^th, 1876. Sheds were built that year. The first organ was brought into the church in the year 1878, costing $135, and Miss Lydia Henderson was appointed organist. Gavin Roberson, who had been the church secretary for 20 years, resigned, and was given a vote of thanks. The next minister was Rev. S.R. Warrender, of whose induction there is no record made here, but he was chairman of the annual meeting held in January, 1879. The seats were set apart for families, with the privileged having their seats cushioned.

In 1883 Wellandport and St. Anns were separated. St. Anns was united with Smithville, and Wellandport stood alone. The Presbytery of Hamilton agreed to supplement the stipend by $250 a year when the congregation called a minister. The order of service was changed, and on motion it was agreed to stand up and sing, and sit during prayer. A Ladies Aid Association was organized this year.

A student, Mr. Snider, was sent and remained for some time. Rev. Mr. Peatchell was called and inducted in February, 1887. A manse was purchased in the village in 1889. Mr. Peatchell resigned in 1891, and the next minister was Rev. Mr. Cruikshank. J.R. Goring was elected church treasurer in1894, and a resolution of condolence was sent to Mrs. Alexander McKeague and family from the annual meeting held February 6^th, 1894.

At the annual meeting in 1895 Elliott Henderson was appointed to look up the trust deed of the old church property. The annual report was printed for the first time. The annual meetings were held in the month of February in those days, no doubt for the reason that this church was opened that month and the deed calls for election of any vacancies in trustees at this meeting. At the meeting in 1896, on motion of J. Dalrymple and Abram Angle, it was agreed that the burying ground should be enlarged.

At the annual meeting of 1898 it was approved by Rev. Mr. Cruikshank, seconded by Dr. Collver, that Elliot Henderson and John Dalrymple wait on Mr. Holmes to congratulate him on his generosity in giving a plot of land for an addition to our cemetery. The new book of praise was introduced. There was a change of ministers in 1902. Mr. Cruikshank left, and Rev. Mr. McNab was inducted January 6^th, 1903, but apparently he remained only until the spring or winter of 1904, as a re-arrangement of the churches was made by the Presbytery. Wellandport was put back with St. Anns and Rev. D.M. Robertson was inducted in the charge of St. Anns and Wellandport on 9^th August, 1904.

Managers Elected

At the meeting held February 8^th, 1905. the managers were elected for one, two and three years for the first time. A motion was passed to ask Presbytery for permission to sell the manse, and use the proceeds to repair the present church or build a new one. Permission was granted, and the committee consisting of J. Dalrymple, A. Angle and J. Gorjng was given power to sell. This sale met with some difficulties, but at a meeting held June 27^th, 1906, the sale was ratified, and Dr. Oliver was given one month’s notice to vacate the premises.

A meeting of the congregation was held January 23^rd, 1907 at ten o’clock in the forenoon. Rev. Dr. Fletcher of Hamilton was at the meeting to advise the congregation to raise the minister’s stipend from $750 to $800.

Rev. Mr. Robertson left that year. Rev. W.S. Wright was the next minister, and was chairman of the annual meeting in 1908, when the church repair was reported. Mr. Wright received a call in 1911, and Rev. Mr. Davidson was called and settled in St. Anns about the 1^st of January, 1912. In 1914, Wellington Brown was elected church treasurer in place of Mr. Goring, who had moved away. At the congregational meeting in 1915 a note of thanks was given to Elliott Henderson for his long and faithful services in this congregation.

There is no minute of the resignation of Rev. Mr. Davidson or the induction of Rev. A.E. Hannahson but the latter was the chairman of the congregational meeting held January 12^th, 1920. Mr. Hannahson therefore was inducted some time in 1919. A special meeting of the congregation was held February 3^rd, 1926, to elect trustees for the church and cemetery property. For the church- J.A. Dalrymple, Thomas Freure and Walter Collver. For the cemetery- A.J. Dalrymple, S.W. Freure, W. Gilmore and J.F. Dockstader. This is the election of trustees held to date. The resignation of Rev. A.E. Hannahson, B.A., was regretfully accepted November 1^st, 1923.

Church is Closed

This church was closed on account of the difficulties at St. Anns. The Presbytery of Hamilton not being able to get the question settled, there seemed to be no alternative but to leave us without a regular church service. This continued until the church union vote was taken. Arrangements were made for this at a meeting here, May 24^th, 1925. When the votes were counted, there was a large majority to remain out of the United Church to be formed June 10^th, 1925, and continue as a Presbyterian church. The church at St. Anns passed into the United church by Act of Parliament, no vote being taken by the congregation on the question within the time limit stated in the Act. The Smithville church having voted to remain out of the United church and continue Presbyterian. Sabbath supply for Wellandport was arranged by Presbytery in connection with Smithville, as their former afternoon appointment at Grassies was cut off by the latter entering the Union. Candidates were heard and a call was given to Rev. H.J. Scott, lately from the United States, and he was inducted at Smithville early in October.

Rev. Mr. Scott accepted a call to become minister of Calvin church, Hamilton, in the latter part of September, 1927. A joint meeting was held at Smithville on October 17^th, 1927, presided over by Rev. Dr. Banks Nelson, when the subject of a prospective minister was discussed. Dr. Nelson asked for a vote to be taken whether or not to accept F.B. Allan, who was laboring for our church in Nova Scotia. The vote resulted in favor of  inviting Mr. Allan, and he was accordingly placed over the two congregations as stated supply, as he was not eligible for a call and induction. Part of the church sheds not being used were sold, and some necessary repairs made to the church building, and at a meeting held January 26^th, 1928, a vote of thanks was passed to Abram Angle for his generous donation towards payment of the balance if repairs not covered by the proceeds of sale of sheds.

F.B. Allan’s removal took place about the 1^st of February, 1930. Pulpit supply was arranged by the Presbytery, and we had T.G. Paddon from the United States for six months that summer with Rev. H.S. Graham of Grimsby as Moderator. Reverend D.H. Currie was invited to preach which he did on the 16^th of November, 1930. A joint meeting was held at Smithville on December 1^st and a call was given to Mr. Currie, which was accepted, and he was inducted at Smithville on January 8^th, 1931.

Spirit of Optimism

A splendid spirit of optimism now prevails, and the loyal and hearty support given to the present minister marks the beginning of a revival of interest in the church, and a return to the steadily increasing spiritual progress that marked the major portion of its history is assured. The Kirk Session consists of Rev. D.H. Currie, moderator; Walter Collver, clerk ; John Dalrymple, Mrs. Thomas Freure and J.F. Dockstader, elders.

The Board of Managers at present are: Harris Robins, Winfield Brown, M.A. Morrison, Chas. Freure, Geo. Holmes and Hugh Collver. H. Robins is chairman and W. Brown is secretary-treasurer.

A fresh interest has been taken in the original cemetery which occupied the land purchased by the first settlers in 1834, and in which so many beautiful monuments mark the resting place of the mortal remains of the pioneers of the church and community. At the request of the minister, a meeting of the congregation was held on the 16^th of October, 1931, for the purpose of electing trustees for this property, when the following were elected for a term of five years: Walter Collver, Charles Freure and J.F. Dockstader. W. Collver was elected treasurer of the board, to hold the funds on hand, and to whom any monies for care of the plots must be paid.