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Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la mAthode. 1 2 3 32X 1 2 3 4 5 6 I'rs'"^:^ h* ' 'V^ MANUAL OF THE orthem S,mrt (Qational ^]mc\i, 'r* ■ TORONTO. s ■ 1875. \ TORONTO: • COPP, CLARK ft CO., PRINTERS, COLBORNB STREET 1875. ^. i CHURCH MANUAL, 1875. yastar: Rev. J. A. R. Dickson, 41 Alexander Street. JDeaconf : Mr. George Hague, Deer Park. Mr. William W. Copp, Isabella Street. Mr. Charles Page, Stanley Crescent. Mr. Henry J. Clark, Sherboume Street. Mr. George Thomas, Gloucester Street. Mr. William Revell, Walton Street. Mr. Edward Bach, Grosvenor Street. Church Secretary—M.T, William Revell. Church Treasurer— lAx. W. W. Copp. i^ru0tec0: Messrs. G. Hague, W. W. Copp, C. Page, H. J. Clark, G. Thomas. •AUXILIARY COMMITTEE : Messi^. H. L. Thompson, E. J. Joselin, T. Webb, C. J. Page, J. Christie, C. Joselin. J. C. Copp, Chairman. Geo. W. Hodgetts, Secretary, PENNY-A-WEEK SUBSCRIPTION : Mrs. A. N. BuELL, Treasurer, FELLOWSHIP fund; Mr. George Thomas, Treasurer. BUILDING FUND : Mr. George Hague, Treasurer. CHURCH SERVICES : Lord's Day. Young Men's Prayer Meeting at lo o'clock a.m. Public Service at ii o'clock a.m., and at 7 o'clock p.m. Sunday School at 3 o'clock p.m. Weekly Prayer Meeting every Wednesday evening, at 7.30, from 1st September till ist May; and 8 o'clock from 1st May till ist September. y PASTOR'S REPORT. By the good hand of the Lord upon us we have been enabled as a Church of Christ to walk together in the fellowship of the Gospel through another year. And it is with joy and thank8£[iving that we meet to-night to recount his goodness and to render to him the praise — to whom alone all praise belongs. The past year has been one of unbroken peace in our brotherhood, and of marked progress in our Church life. Peace has dwelt within our walls, apd prosperity has been enjoyed within our palaces. Xhe spirit of love and brotherly kindness has abounded. The family feeling of the Church, on which so much depends, hasjppeived a large development. There may be ingpmtffmiaembeT- ship, and no increase of strength ; th^re IHI^be enlarged contributions to Church fiind^, and no .rcAlJpMlWth ; but there cannot be an increase of spiritiiiril^^wer, which ever has as its manifestations love, kitiiteess, sympathy, desire to do good as the Master did, without there being progress — progress of the highest and best kind. And this kind of progress we have had in a large degree, for which, I am sure, we are all deeply grateful to-night. It has been a source of great encouragement to me to learn that the Ministry of the Word has been attended with blessing to many hearts The attendance upon all the services of the Church has been good. During the winter there was much sickness among the families of our fellowship, and the places of many were therefore empty. Against this no provision can be made. But we feel more and more that the presence of every member at all the services of public worship is an important source of strength and influence— shall we say, of great influ- tumimm ;i'ilii*-ifii . rtMili •MMmm ence ! We trast that every one will realize this, that we may not forsake "the assembling of ourselves together." -— Heb. X. 25. The weeklv prayer meeting has been well sustained all through the year. Let us all sacredly set aside the Wednesday night for united public prayer and confer^ ence, and thus make for ourselves a Sabbath in the middle of the week. The Pastor's Bible Class has also been well attended, and has been to him a very profitable and delightful work. Themonthly Communion of the Church has been a fountain of joy and strength to all the members, who have with notable fidelity met together, with very few exceptions, on these occasions. During the year, twenty-nine have been added to our membership, all, excepting two, on profession of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. One has gone to be with Christ, four have received letters of transference, and one has been ^xcommmiicated. Our membership at this time is one hundred and eighty. I would remember to-night with feelings of deep gratitude the many kind acts of the Church and congregation to me and my family during the year ; these, together with the cordial cooperation and S3rmpathy I have had in Christian work, has ren- dered the past year one of the happiest years of my ministry. I look forward to this year with anticipations of great blessing upon our fellowship, through our united faith aud prayer and work for the Lord. * Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abun- dantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the Church by Christ Jesus, throughout all ages, world with- out end. Amen. James A. R. Dickson, Pastor. \k ' >»; i^ t we SECRETARY'S REPORT. It is a cause for devout gratitude, that from the 28 persons who in 1868 banded themselves together as the neucleus of this Church, we have so many still amongst us. It is also a matter for thankfulness and encourage- ment that the Lord has blest the efforts of his servants here by adding to the Church. In its history we do not find any sudden increase, but rather a steady growth. In 1 87 1, when Mr. Dickson commenced his pastorate amongst you, the Church numbered 119. It has been subject to all the changes incident to church life in this country, where population is to a certain extent migratory. Many have been removed from us to distant parts, and some, by death, have joined the Church above ; it there- fore became necessary to revise the Church Roll, that we might know who are now in fellowship with us. At our last Church meeting 21 names Were submitted to the Church for erasure. They were chiefly names of members who had long ago left the city and never communicated with the Church as to their whereabouts or intentions. There are now on the Church Roll rSi members, and it is gratifying to know that of this number 125 have united with us during the ministry of our present pastor. It is also a source of pleasure, that on our Roll we have 23 scholars and several teachers from our Sunday Schools, Since May last, there have been admitted to fellowship 27 on profession of faith and two by letters of transfer making a total of 29. During the same period»four have received letters of dismissal to other Churches ; one has been removed by death, and by excision and erasure 22 have been taken from the Church Roll. In June last, it being thought desirable to fill the vacan- cies in the Diaconate caused by the removal of the Rev. Arthur Wickson, LL.D., and Mr. George Goulding, the Church elected Messrs. Edward Bach and William Revell to that service. William Revell, Secretary, ttmmmmm''^ "msmmsmBmi* 8 STATEMENT OF " PENNY-A-WEEK " SUBSCRIPTION. — ♦— — Before the close of the year 1874, Mrs. Buell was urged to make an effort to have the subscriptions in- creased. A meeting was called for the purpose. A list of Church members was obtained. More collectors were engaged with a view of reaching every member of the Church, which, as far as possible, she believes has been done. The result cannot be realized until the next anni- versary, when she hopes that a larger sum will be paid over through the efforts of the ladies who so earnestly take up this work, and to whom many thanks are due. The amount collected for the past year was $95.03, which has been. paid over by her to Mr. Hague, the Treasurer. The following is a statement of the amounts collected by the different collectors, making up the above sum paid over : — Miss Howe $26 85 ** Gearing ^7 75 " Page 17 73 Mrs. Hodgetts 17 49 Miss Winsor 12 01 ** Thompson 2 35 " Copp o 85 ' Total $95 03 Respectfully submitted. A. E. Buell, Treasurer. Toronto, 12th May, 1875. r j» I was IS in- V list were >f the been anni- paid nestly J due. 2, the lounts above isurer. S 6 V g lA * « o CA *f5i <5 •I r t55 i m QO y^ ON 00 10 ON 00 00 -^ 00 CI S/ate. a; 4> *- S (U d s t« y «= 3»i»a**»'*<^ *'***'*"'""" »■ . . y by »s • several Ministers and Sunday School men one of the best Sunday School rooms in the city. We should be glad to speak as satisfactorily of the financial part of the work, but that has very far exceeded our original limit. The necessity of substituting brick for rough-cast in the rear, the painting of the front of the Church, and other unforeseen expenses, have swelled the amount, as will be seen by the Treasurer's report, to more than $2,200. Of this sum $900 has been borrowed, which we have under- taken to clear off in two years ; the School to raise $100 per year, the young ladies $100, the young men $100, while it is expected that the penny a week subscription will give the balance. Of the spiritual building, while it is not so easy to speak positively, we have great reason for thankfulness ; our work is foundation wonc ; we endeavour to dig down and lay deep the precious truths of God's Holy Word, and we believe that in many hearts it will prove the foundation of lives of Christian faith and usefulness ; and beyond this, we have been cheered during the past year by several instances of decision for Christ in the School. Thirteen have been added to our own Church, built up as living stones, into the living, growing temple, of which Jesus Christ is at once the comer stone and the top stone. We thank God and take courage. Our School continues, as it has been from the first, a platform of Catholic unity and labour.. In addition to the fact that the parents of many of our scholars belong to other denominations, we have on our staff of teachers a member of the Baptist Church, of the English Church, and of the Methodist Church, while two members of our Mother Church, Zion, continue to give us their valuable aid ; one of these, Mrs. Higgins, in the post she has so well filled for many years, teacher of the infant class. In consequence of the delicate health and frequent ab- sence of our old and tried teacher, Miss Copp, it was thought well to reorganize the class of young ladies she had taught, and make it a mixed Bible class. This was an i6 ! done, and Mr. ReVell has taken charge of it with much acceptance and success. The Officers and Teachers for the present year are : — Superintendent — Mr. H. J. Clark. Secretary — Mr. James Christie. Treasurer— Mr. G. W. Hodgetts. Librarians — Messrs. Josiah Page and W. Gouldinci. Teacher of Bible Class — Mr. Revell. Teacher of Infant Class — Mrs. HiGGlNS. Teachers of the Boys^ Classes : Mr. Dyson Hague, *' Alfred Haynes, " G. W. Hodgetts, ** Erastus Snarr, " H. L. Thompson, " T. Webb, Miss Emery, WiNSOR. (( < I Teachers of the Girls' Classes : Mrs. Anderson, Miss E. Copp, M. Gearing, H. How, Lockington, Lewis, McCORD, Mrs. Pritchard, ' Miss Roberts, E. Roberts, Sims, ' Thompson, Williamson, Wilson. Roll, 249 ; Attendance, 201. if It 17 tnuch e :- )ING. During the year we have been called to mourn the loss of one of our dear scholars, Eliza Winsor, who, after a long, protracted illness, fell asleep in Jesus on the 24th of January. We shall meet again in the land where the inhabitants shall no more say, *' I am sick," and where death alone shall die. We continue to hold a prayer meeting every Friday evening at 7. 30, which is generally well attended, and a large amount of interest manifested in it by the scholars. We have also a study meeting for teachers after the close of the prayer meeting. We commend our work to the affection and prayers of the Church. Henry J. Clark, Superintendent. rr i8 TRACT REPORT. \\ In giving a report of our Tract Work, we feel that we cannot speak as favourably as we would wish ; neverthe- less we have reached some thousands of persons with an offer of a free salvation through a once crucified but now risen Saviour. Several of the lady distributors dropped their work during the past winter. In some instances this was caused by sickness, and in others bv the unusual severity of the weather ; but we trust that they will soon be able to resume their visits. We have loaned during the past year 7,3CX) tracts, and given away 7,900 ; the latter have m part been distribute by other agencies than that of our own Church. Our prayer is, that this may be a fruitful year, wherein many souls shall be brought to Jesus, and that we who are tract distributors may know this same Saviour of whom these tracts speak, and at all times look up to him in faith. C. Page, Chairman, ^ S D JiJ N A J3 A A A Ja Jv Jv M N N O 1^ ^Ijpfl^abitual fist ol Pmbtrs. I (Corrected up to June, 1875.) Sept. ^68 June " Feb. Feb. Jan. Jan. 68 68 68 68 Sept.'6Q Dec. '68 July 73 July '73 fl %\ Nov. *72 April '68 Jan. '68 Aprir74 April'74 April '74 Jan. '7? June '60 June '68 Mar. '75 Nov. '71 Nov. '71 Oct. '73 Mar. '69 Anderson, Rosina Ashdown, — Bach, Emily Bach, Edward Binstead, John Binstead, Emma Dii|Bt 8i id| johii i jun . . .. Binstead, Thomas Binstead^essie Braiser, Tiiomas Braiser, Mary Brimer, Mary A ^aeHrAsiira 3umside^ John T. M. . . Bumside, Mary £ Bamside, Janet Bartram, Kobt. J Campbell, Jessie , Campbell, Jessie Campbell, Bella Ch p i B ti e i Canah Charters, John Charters, Margaret . . . . 45 Alexander Street 29 Maitland 3treet 9 Grosvepor Street 9 Grosvepor Street HamiltoQ Hamilton 331 Yonge Street 331 Yoi^e Street 16 Davepport Pl^ce 331 Yonge Street 331 Yonge Street 92 Hayter Street 92 Hayter Street 93 Bond Street 74 Carleton Street 38 Alexander Street 38 Alexander Street 38 Alexander Street 90 Wood Street 90 Wood Street 90 W004 Street 15 Maitland Street 15 Maitland Street ^teaton ViUage Seaton Village ill 20 Alphabetical List. — ( Continued. ) Date. f Mar. '75 Feb. *74 Feb. '74 Jan. '68 June '68 July 'n an. '68 an. '68 Nov. '70 Oct. '74 Jan. '68 Jan. '68 Jan. '68 Feb. '68 Feb. '69 May '73 May '73 June '75 May '71 Nov. '71 July '68 Feb. '69 Jan. '68 Sept. '71 Aug. '72 Aug. '72 Oct. '73 April '75 Jan. '72 Jan. '72 Jan. '68 Jan. '68 July '73 Namb. Charters, Maggie Charters, John, jun Charters, Elizabeth .... Clark, Henry J Clark, Maria '. . . Cobb, George Copp, Wm. W Copp, Caroline Copp, Ethel Copp, Rowena ^•ppf44mgaPi^4Ci . . . . Copp, John Charles .... Copp, Mary Copp, Sarah Cowper, Ida Coleinan, Catherine. . . . Coleman, Jennie Cooper, Joseph Dickson, J.A.R. {Pastor) Dickson, Isabella £ . . . . Downing, Sarah Evans, Miss Gray, Carrie Graham, Sarah OeftHMg J c lm. C sawngi Biii>1i8>h Ciftiingi Bi^aiji Gould, Eleanor Gianili Ji C I Cu a n d f M a ig aw e t 'NgMV)"^PW^gC ........ 4iflfl«ef"^;FiMi Rbsidbncb. Seaton Village 469 Yonge Street 469 Yonge Street Sherboume Street Sherboume Street 331 Yonge Strpet 76 Isabella Street 76 Isabella Street 76 Isabella Street 76 Isabella Street Carleton Street 65 Grosvenor Street 65 Grosvenor Street 12 Alexander Street Tonawanda, N.Y. 362 Church Street 362 Church Street 387 Jarvis Street 41 Alexander Street 41 Alexander Street Charles Street East 139 Bleeker Street 228 Terauley Street {ames Street ames Street James Street 387 Church Street Queen's Park Queen's Park Queen's Park 21 Alphabetical List. — ( Continued. ) Dec. '74 Nov. '71 Nov. '71 July '73 May '73 Dec. '68 Jan. '72 May '73 April'es June '68 Feb. '69 Sept. '68 July '68 Feb. '68 Aug. '71 July '71 Oct. '68 Aug. '71 July '73 April '73 Aprir73 Jan. '68 Feb. '73 Jan. '68 Jan. '68 June '69 April '69 Mar. '69 Oct. '68 Oct. '68 Dec. '74 Dec. '74 Jan. '74 H«iiNSf^Aff#h«v UmmmH^mniIi* VUmtsf^^Mnii Hart, William Hart, Isabella Harthill, W. B Hiscocks, Joseph Hiscocks, Mary Hodgetts, George Hodgetts, Susan Hodgetts, Thomas . . . . H o dgrttcj G i8 Mg t W . . . Haiiigflttirj Jtniiit Hi W j Th iii i M F How, Catherine Ho?v, Hessie HoW, Sarah How, Thomas James, Silas James, Jane S Joselin, Edward J Joselin, Elizabeth Joselin, Henry Joselin, Elizabeth Joselin, Charles Knight, Mary Knight, Eliza Laidlaw, John Laidlaw, Catherine A . . Laidlaw, Maggie Laidlaw, Catherine .... Lockington, Elizabeth J. Queen's Park 502 Yonge Street 502 Yonge Street 502 Yonge Street Seaton Village Seaton Village 241 Yonge Street Davenport Road Davenport Road 285 Yonge Street 285 Yonge Street 285 Yonge Street Bloor Street Bloor Street 428 Church Street 428 Church Street 428 Church Street 428 Church Street 428 Church Street 521 Church Street 521 Church Street 39 Charles Street 39 Charles Street East Street East Street 139 Bleeker Street North St., Yorkville North St., Yorkville 57 Maitland Street 57 Maitland Street 57 Maitland Street 57 Maitland Street 24 J Yonge Street •¥'.- 22 Alphabetical List. — ( Continued. ) Dec. '74 Feb. '73 Feb. '68 Feb. '68 May '73 June '75 April '68 Aprir69 Sept. '69 Jan. '68 Jan. '68 Jan. '68 April '70 Nov. '71 Dec. '74 Dec. '74 Dec. '74 April'68 Mar. '75 Jan. '74 Jan. '74 Aug. '71 Aug. '71 Jan. '68 Jan. '68 Mar. '75 Sept. '71 Mar. '69 Sept. '74 Sept. '74 May '72 May '72 Aprir68 Martin, Emma Merritt; Julia Muir, William Muir, Ann Mcintosh, Ann Mcintosh, Ada McKinlay, Archibald . . Nichols, Benjamin Nichols, Kate Page, Charles Page, Harriet Page, Elizabeth H . . . . Page, Charles John .... Page, Sarah Page, John Page, William Page, Alfred Parker, Emma L Passinore, Maria L Ptae e eh, Fgederiek W . . V i nao g lij Sno a nna Hbttttiiiwp o ; Char. Phillim e i ' ei Mawa , Pimi IIcHi ' y Pim, Jane Pitman, Sarah Ann . . . . Prince, Mrs Philips, Mary Rennie, James Rennie, Elizabeth . . . . Revell, William Revell, Katherine Richardson, George 302 Yonge Street 41 Edward Street 75 Carleton Street 75 Carleton Street 347 Church Street 347 Church Street 94 Gloucester Street 13 Maitland Street 13 Maitland Street Stanley Crescent Stanley Crescent Stanley Crescent loi AlexanderStreet loi AlexanderStreet Stanley Crescent Stanley Crescent Stanley Crescent 485 Yonge Street 56 Wood Street Yorkville Yorkville Charies Street East Charles Street East 485 Yonge Street 485 Yonge Street 92 Hayter Street Cleveland, O. Caerhowell Street 272^ Sherbourne St. 272^ Sherbourne St. 56 Walton Street 56 Walton Street Carleton Street D 23 Alphabetical List. — ( Continued. ) Date. I' n « Dec. *70 Dec. *^o Aug. '71 July '73 Oct. '74 Sept. '74 Aug. '71 Feb. '74 Mar. '75 Dec. '69 Nov. *7i Dec. *74 Aprir73 April '73 July '73 Jan. '68 June '68 Jan. '74 Jan. '74 Feb. '69 April '68 Mar. '69 Mar. '69 July '73 Jan. '75 Dec. '74 Feb. '74 Aug. '71 June '75 Jan. '68 Jan. '68 July '73 Jan. '75 Name. ri s ln i MtOi Cainud E Roberts, Margaret S. . . Roberts, Margaret E. . . Rubului iiklfrod i 1 1 Roberts, Emily Rodgers, Sarah Rowland, Emily Rowsell, Lavinia Rowsell, Lavinia €iwm4cw ; EliiiubLlh . . . . i Bih e looi Cw B anna h S i hol i o j Elii ft b a t h GcoU^ Gft cg ge . . . • • • • f • • • S iil t ; C 8 Qlg 8; JU I I , Sims, Elizabeth . Sims, Sarah Sims, Amelia . . . Sims, Samuel . . . Skaith, Clara Ann Skaith, Phoebe Skaith, Sarah J Skaith, Sarah Jane . . . . Smith, John Smith, Henry Smith, Charlotte B Southcombe, Mary A . . Spiller, Mary A Stamms, Louisa Thomas, George E Thomas, Jean Thomas, Arnold Thomas, Maud Residence. Carieton Caneton Caiteton Carieton ^\ Carieton 25 Gould Street Wood Street 25 Gould Street 25 Gould Street Kingston Road 517 Yonge Street 517 Yonge Street 40 Yonge St.,Yorkv. 40 Yonge St.,Yorkv. 40 Yonge St.» "Adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things." III. — Duties to the Church. Love your fellow members as brethren. "Keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace." Attend regularly on the means of grace, and seek to profit from them. Zealously cooperate in the schemes of usefulness undertaken by the Church. Give liberally and cheerfully for the support of religion and the spread of the Gospel. Regulate your giving by what you owe to Christ, and the ability which God gives you. Fervemly and habitually pray for your Pastor. IV.— Duties to the World. "Be not conformed to this world." "Let your light shine before men." Do all you can for the spiritual good of your fel- low men. Follow those things which are true, honest, just, pure, lovely, and of good report. V. — Public Worship. Forsake not the assembling of yourselves together. "Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God." " Bring an oflFering and come into his courts." Do not absent yourselves from paltry and insuffi- cient reasons. Be not satisfied with one service when you can attend two. ^7 Endeavour to be in your place a few minutes before the appointed hour. Let nothing but unavoidable causes of delay detain you. Spend a few moments before and after service in silent prayer. Bear your part in the woi-ship, mentally in prayer and vocally in praise. Let your deportment throughout be grave as be- cometh worshippers. Let there be no indecorum of haste either as you enter or leave God's house. Be careful lest by frivolous words lightly spoken you may dissipate good impressions made on another's spirit. Take heed lest by listening to trifling discourse you may obliterate your own good impres- sions. VT.— Week Night Services. I earnestly urge you to attend these services as a means of maintaining and promoting spiritual life. Jas. a. R. Dickson, Pastor. rVl Mi ' 1 28 HISTORY OF THE CHURCH. In the fall of the year 1858, Toronto was visited by some gentlemen from the States, Mr Woodruff and other-, who gave very interesting details of the work of planting Mission Scho Is and Churches in the spiritually destitute parts of the great cities of the neighbouring Republic. It wa> evident t'> some who heard them that we had the same evil to contend with here, if on a smaller scale ; tl e same practical heathenism, and con- sequent immorality, and the same urgent call for active effort on the part of all who loved the Lord Jesus Christ. This was strongly impressed on the mind of a member of Zion Congregational Church, who at that time resided on Ann Street, a lew hundred feot from the present Church building, and who had been much pained to see a number of children roaming about on the Lord's Day, no man caring for their souls, growing up m the practice of vice and crime. He con^^ulted with three other mem- bers of Zion Church, and the result was that they deter- mined to open a Missio > School in the neighbourhood, and endeavour, by the blessing of God, to bring in these wa- derers, teach them the saving truths of the gospel, and lead them to the Cross of Christ Accordingly, the brick cottage. No. 311 Church Street, was rented, some necessary changes were made in it, and the School was opened on the nth October, 1858. The attendance was not very large at first, but gradually grew until, at the expiration of two years, the house became too strait, and more room was urgently needed. One much more commodious than the first was obtained, which was entered upon on the 12th August, i860. The number which had filled the former room appeared but few in the new one, and some even half doubted if it would ever 29 be filled, but the ^neral feeling was one of devout grati- tude and expectation of larger things. An increase was soon apparent, the average attendance grew steadily, rising from about 40 to 80. After about two years it was felt that the maximum of increase in that building had been reached, and those who were engaged in the enterprise began very earnestly to look for a larger build- ing ; this they failed in obtaining, and after n uch con- sideration it was resolved to erect a place specially for the purpose. It being, however, found difficult at that time to raise the funds for the purpose by subscription, the same kind friend to whom the undertaking owed — under the Divine blessing — its existence, offered to build a suitable place and rent it to the School. This offer was gladly accepted, the building was erected, and entered upon the second Sunday in August, 1863. With the new building the number of scholars again increased rapidly, and has continued to increase to the present time, and it is a matter of congratulation and devout thankfulness that the attendance is so large (the present average is 200 scholars and 27 teachers and officers), while it is a matter of still deeper gratitude, that from among the elder scholars many have been found to give themselves to the Saviour, and making public profession of their faith in Him to cast in their lot with the people of the Lord. From the very first, those who carried on the Sunday School work felt that it was desirable to make it as complete a missionary organization as possible, and to accomplish this they commenced at the same time the work of Tract distribution, a Sabbath evening preaching service, and a week evening prayer meeting : this latter was continued regularly for about five years, being con- ducted a considerable portion of that time by the late Rev. John Roaf. At his illness and death it was not regularly resumed until the beginning of 1867, but the preaching has been continued with greater or less regu- larity the whole time, the ministers of the Congregational ir body in the city, not having a pastoral charge, having usually supplied. In the early part of 1867, providential indications appeared that it was right to take a more formal and decided step in the work than had hitherto been done, and after much thought, conference, and prayer, five members of Zion Church, heads of families residing in the neighbourhood, resolved, at the expiration of the year, to withdraw from that church, and with any others like-minded who might join them, organize them- selves into another church of the same faith and order, to be known as the Northern Congregational Church : this decision was communicated to the mem- bers of Zion Church at their monthly meeting before the first Sabbath in February, 1867. Steps were then taken to secure a suitable site for the erection of a new building, and it was finally decided to purchase two lots adjoining the one on which the School stood ; this was done, and the School building removed a few feet, to the spot it now occupies, early in July the same year, and the memorial stone of the new church was laid, in the presence of a large number of friends, on the 14th August following, by the Rev. Adam Lillie, D.D., Principal of the Congregational College of British North America, at MontreaJ. Mr. Richard Thomas, who had pas-ed through his probationary course in this College, was invited by those who had the matter in hand to minister to the congrega- tion when the building should be opened for diviiie worship, until the church should be organized and choose its pastor : this he consented to do, and commenced preaching in the school room on the evening of Lord's Day, 17th November, i86y, and continued to do so until the close of the year. On the first Sabbath in the year 1868 the first morning service was held, Rev. Dr. Wickson preaching, and on the Wednesday evening following, those who had agreed to join in fellowship met for the organization of the Church. After devotional exercises, the following I IX,. 3« having ridential a more hitherto ce, and tamilies :piration vith any X them- order, lTIONAL le mem- ifore the ;n taken luildingy djoining >ne, and spot it and the in the he 14th , D.D., h North >ugh his by those sngreea- r diviiie d choose imenced f Lord's [> do so mornmg ng, and irho had zation of ollowing solemnly united themselves to form the Northern Congregational Church. The names are given in the order in which they signed the Church Covenant :— + Margaret Thomas, Henry Pim, J. Pim, £. Sims, Henry Joselin, E. C. Joselin, e. j. joselin, Carrie Joselin, Henry). Clark, * Harriet Clark^ + Clara J. Clark, 4 Mary Anne Wickson, J. WiGHTMAN, Geo. E. Thomas, J. B. Thomas, A. E. BUELL, t Frances C. Thomas. + Arthur Wickson, + R. T. Thomas, G. Hague, Sarah Hague, . W. W. Co?p, C. A. Copp, C. Page, H. 4. Page, E. H. Page, J. C. Copp, M. M. H. Copp, Margaret M. Copp, ,W alter B. Copp, Sarah French, Mary Thomas, Thomas Baker, Mary Jane Baker, t Fred. C. Thomas, On the following Lord's Day the building was formally opened for divine worship by the Rev. Dr. Wilkes, of Montreal, who preached nioming and evening, and after the latter service administered the Lord's Supper to the newly formed church, some members of each of the sister churches in the city breaking bread with them in the fellowship of love. The next evening the opening Soiree took place, and was largely attended, and on Tuesday, the 13th, Mr. Thomas was ordained to the pastorate of the Church, the following ministers taking part in the services : — Rev. T. PulLar, " F. H. Marling, * Dead. t Transferred to other churches or withdrawn. \\H Im 32 Rev. H. Denny, * W. F. Clarke, John Wood, Robert Hay, Thomas Baker, A. WiCKSON, LL.D., E. T. Bromfield. The opening services were continued for two more Sab- baths, the Rev. W. Stephenson, Wesleyan, and the Rev. G. A. Macnutt, Baptist, each taking a service. Mr. Thomas continued his pastorate until the fall of the following year (1869), when his health failing, he went for a trip to England ; when there, finding that the climate of England suited him, he resolved to remain, and sent his resignation to the Church. This was accepted, and from November, 1869, until May, 1871, the Church was without a pastor. During this long interval the pulpit was supplied by ministers of various denominations in the city, who cheerfully lent their aid, and by Congregational ministers from a distance. Cor- respondence was opened with the Colonial Missionary Society of London, with a view to obtaining a pastor from England, but in the meantime the attention of the Church was drawn to the Rev. J. A. R. Dickson, of London, Ontario, and after hearing him and giving the matter most earnest and prayerful consideration, a hearty invitation was extended to him to accept the pastorate ; this was declined, but the Church again and yet more earnestly pressing the matter, Mr. Dickson finally accepted, and entered upon his duties in May, 1871, and by the good help of the Lord, has continued to this day. 33 FAITH AND ORDER. This Church has adopted for its basis the "Declaration of Faith and Order " put forth by the Congregational Union of England and Wales,* and while not insist- ing upon an absolute uniformity in the non-essentials of faith, requires that all who are admitted to its communion shall receive and profess the following, which this Church regards as the foundations of our faith : — I. That through the sin of our first parents all are born into the world depraved and sinful, having that carnal mind which is enmity against God. II. That God the Father, in his infinite love, sent his well beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, who in his own great love to our common race, voluntarily came into the world, suffered and died for us, and by his death made atonement for our sins, the one full, perfect offering for the sins of the world. III. That by faith in his death — belief in the Lord Jesus Christ — we are saved from the guilt and condemna- tion of sin, pardoned and justified in the sight of God. IV. That except a man be born again, by the Holy Spirit, he cannot enter the Kingdom of God ; that the Spirit quickens into newness of life all who believe, and continually sanctifies them to the end. V. That there shall be a resurrection both of the just and the unjust, who shall be judged by the Lord Jesus Christ, when the righteous shall be received into ever- lasting life, and the wicked shall be punished with ever- lasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the Glory of his power. * This is too lengthy to insert in this Manual, but can be seen in the "Congregational Year Book." 34 ff ![ ORDER. This Church is Congregational and Independent. It recognizes every company of believers in the Lord Jesus, meeting in one place, as a Church of Christ, and holds that each such Church is free from any external control except that of the Lord Christ, who reigns over his churches continually. It claims freedom from the authority of every earthly power — civil or religious — sovereien, magistrate, bishop, council, synod, presbytery or conference ; not seeking to interfere with the rights of any other church or congregation, and guarding its own as a sacred trust from God, yet at all times anxiously dei^iring and seeking the fellowship of all other churches built upon the same blessed foundation, the Lord Jesus Christ, especially of churches of the same order, with all their officers and membets. ADMISSION TO TH£ CHURCH Is either by letter or profession. Those who bring letters of dismission from other churches of the same faith and order,* will present them to the Pastor, or in his absence to one of the Deacons ; the letter will be read to the Church at its following meeting, and if no objection appears, the holder will be received into full fellowship, of which he will be informed by the Secretary of the Church. If by profession, the applicant must see the Pastor upon the occasion of his regular weekly appointment for that purpose, who will, if the profession is in his judg- ment sincere, lay the name before the Church ; if no objection is made, the Visiting Committee will see the applicant during tihe ensuing month. If the result of the interviews and enquiries is satisfactory, a report in accord- ance is given at the next Church meeting, and the appli- * No letter can be received more than six months old unless satis- factory reasons can be given for its non-delivery earlier. 35 cant received by the vote of the Church. On the follow- ing Sabbath, bein^ that on which the Load^s Supper is celebrated, a public profession of fai^h is made by entering into covenant with the Church, the Pastor addressing the new members as follows : * "Beloved Friends,— -The Church having heard testi- mony as to your faith, from myself and brethren |n whom they had confidence, haye resolved with joy to receive you into their fellowship. But that you mav rightly appreciate the privileges ai^d obey the responsibilities of tne solemn relations into which you are about to enter, it is expedient that it be made known to you on what foundation this Church rests. The foundation of the Church was a mutual covenant on the part of its members with one another, and with the Pastor, in the name of the Father, the Son, an4 the Holy Ghost J •To continue in that Faith of our l^ord Tesus Christ wherein we stand, and to maintain haoits of daily watchfulness, prayer, and reading of the Word of God; To pray for a blessing on the Word, as preached and taught in this place ; To love one another fervently, to care for each other's welfare, and to guard each other's good name ; To sympathise with one another, in sorrow and in joy, and to care for the sick and poor amongst us ; To do service in the Church as opportunity may be found, and to contribute of our substance for its maintenance ; To hold up the hands of the Pastor by a diligent attendance on ordinances, and to do what in us lies to promote the peace and purity of the Church ; To honour the Lord in our families ; To cultivate loving affection to all who love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity ; and to labour for the pro- * This is an abridged form of the Covenant in the Church Book, and signed by Members. nil 36 motion of his Kingdom in the City, in the Land, and throughout the World ; "You have heard, dear brethren, the covenants and obligations devolving upon you : in your own strength it is impossible to fulfil these, but in humble dependence on Christ and by the aid of the Holy Spirit, grace suffi- cient for your day will be given you, and you shall be saved unto the end, even unto everlasting life. **Do you consent to these covenants, are you willing to take upon you the yoke of Christ, to labour for him, to spend and be spent in his service while life shall last ? You will signify your assent by rising. ( The Candidates will rise. ) ** And now, on behalf of this Church, I heartily wel- come you into our fellowship ; may the union of to-night be blessed alike to you and to us, and may its results stretch far away into the glories of a heavenly eternity. Will the members rise to signify their assent to the Covenants with these now admitted. ( The Members will rise. ) "And now to each of you, in the name of the Church, I give the right hand of fellowship. (The Faster shall give the right hand of fellowship to each candidate while the Church remains standing.) "And now, beloved, you are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God ; "And we, standing in the presence of God, do all welcome you with joy ; "All the covenants we have entered into with one another, we extend to you ; "We will love you — we will care for you, in sickness and in health, in prosperity and in adversity, in wealth and in poverty — ^we will pray for you, work with you, and if need be, warn and admonish you. You and we ^ the Land, tenants and I strength it dependence grace suffi- ou shall be you willing ur for him, shall last? eartily wel- of to-night its results ly eternity. lent to the he Church, ^hip to each angers and and of the od, do all with one in sickness in wealth with you, )u and we 37 shall henceforth be one in Jesus Christ, and together we will show forth his death until he come." Prayer for the members just received. (Hymn.) After which the Lord's Supper shall be administered. SUPPORT OF THE CHURCH. This is purely voluntary. There are no pew rents, nor iny special sum demandai in any shape. For conveni- ence and order, parties worshipping in the church have sittings or a pew allotted to them as they may desire. The amount they will give for the support of the work is left to themselves, but as it is necessary that the Deacons should know as nearly as may be the amount they may expect week by week, contributors are expected to inti- mate the sum they propose giving weekly. They are furnished with envelopes numbered, in which the amount is to be enclosed and put into the collecting plate every Lord's day. It is believed that this plan combines New Testament simplicity with regularity and order : it im- poses a tax on no one, makes no demand that the poorest is not able to meet, and enables those whom the Lord hath blessed to give out of a full heart into the treasury of his house. WORSHIP. The worship is of the usual Congregational character. The Psalmody of the Church throughout is such that the congregation can take an audible, active part in that portion of the exercises. "The service of song" is the privilege of all, and those who are silent when the praises of the congregation rise to heaven, not only neglect a duty, but miss a joy and a blessing. The Hymn Book used in the service is what is known as "The Leeds H)rmn Book." Strangers will always be furnished with books. ^ I" /^ 38 ORDINANCES. The Lord's Supper is observed by the Church on the first Sabbath Evening in each month. Members of other Evangelical Churches who love the Lord Jesus Christ, and desire to remember his death, are always welcome to participate. Baptism. — This Church holds that the children of those who believe should be baptized ; the ordinance is administered by the Pastor, in the Church on the Lord's Day, at the Week Evening Service, or at the residence of the parents, as may be convenient to them. MISCELLANEOUS. The Pastor is in the Vestry, generally one day every week, to meet with any who are desirous of religious conversation or who wish to join the Church. The exact time is announced from the pulpit on the Lord's Day. In case of sickness, it is requested that the Pastor be informed as early as possible. It is his desire to visit all such cases, and therefore desires that information be at once given to him. Visitors will always be welcomed. A seat and a hymn book furnished to all. ^ Church on lembers of -ord Jesus ire always hildren of dinance is the Lord's residence '' day every f religious The exact s Day. Pastor be o visit all ion be at i a hymn h