DIAMOND JUBILEE. 
 
 
 Presbyterian IBM 
 
 • ••111**** 
 
 PUSUNCII. 
 
 DUFF'S AND KNOX CHURCHES 
 
 1839-1899. 
 
K^ ^ ^^=\\ 
 
 AUG 23 1938 
 
 THK MERCURY JOB DKPARTMBNT, 
 OUHLI'H, ONTARIO. 
 
PREFACE 
 
 TIT the annual congregational nicct.ngs of East 
 Ji and West I'nslincb Churches, held in January, 
 1899, the observance; in some formal way, of the 6()th 
 anniversary of the organization of the congregations 
 was recommended. Committees were appointed, con- 
 sisting of the pastor, the Rev. W. Robertson, with 
 Messrs. Jas. E. McLean, Geo. J. Meldrum, Daniel Mc- 
 Farlane, and Daniel McNaughton, from Duff's Church, 
 and Messrs. Wm. McCormick, jr., Allan Stewart, and 
 Angus Stewart, from Knox Church. The committees, 
 on meeting, appointed the pastor chairman, and Mr. 
 McNaughton secretary. Their plan of observance, 
 when su()mitted, was approved by the congregations. 
 The prepa'-ation of a souvenir volume was considered 
 expedient. The pastor, on being reciuested to prepare 
 the volume, agreed to do so, if the joint committee 
 would assist in providing and selecting the material ; 
 and, approving of the contents, would share the respon- 
 sibility of what was published. This they agreed to do, 
 and in issuing it, they believe it will help to preserve in 
 sacred memory the worthy pioneers who laid the 
 foundations of Presbyterianism in Puslinch, and hope 
 it may stimulate their successors to noble efforts in 
 promoting the prosperity of the spiritual heritage with 
 which the Master has intrusted them. 
 
CONTENTS. 
 
 l^UFF'S CHURCH. 
 
 CHAP. I-ACK 
 
 I. Organization and Pastorate of the Rev. William Meldrum . 9 
 
 II. Pastorate of the Rev. Alexander McLean 28 
 
 111. Pastorate of the Rev Kenneth McDonald 38 
 
 iV. Pastorate of the Rev. Alexander McKay, D. D. 46 
 
 V. Pastorate of the Rev. William Robertson, B. A. 57 
 
 VI. Departments of Church Activity— 
 
 1. Board of Management f>9 
 
 2. The Sabbath Schools of the Congregation 7? 
 
 3. The Service ot Praise 81 
 
 4. The Woman's Foreign Missionary Society 85 
 
 KNOX CHURCH. 
 Vli. Separation of the West Church from the East Church, and 
 
 Pastorate of the Rev. Andrew McLean 88 
 
 VIII. Pastorate of the Rev. Neil McDiarmid 96 
 
 IX. Pastorate of the Rev. Evan MacAulay, B A 08 
 
 X. Reunion with Duff's Church, and Pastorate of the Rev. 
 
 William Robertson, B. A 101 
 
 XI. Departments of Church Activity— 
 
 1. Financial Management 109 
 
 2. The Service of Praise no 
 
 3. The Sabbath School in 
 
 DUFF'S AND KNOX CHURCHES. 
 
 XII. The lubilee Services 114 
 
PRESBYTKRIANISM IN PUvSLTNCH. 9 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 ORGANIZATION AND PASTORATE OF THE 
 REV. MR. MELDRUM. 
 
 UNTIL about the year 1830 the Township of J'us- 
 Hnch \v^as ahnost an unbroken forest. Then a 
 few settlers estabHshed primitive homes and be^an hiy- 
 in^ the foundations of future prosperity. In 1834, Mr. 
 Thomas Wardrope, a licentiate of the Church of Scot- 
 land, who had for many years been parish school- 
 master at Lady Kirk, in Berwickshire, settled with his 
 fan)ily on lot 35, concession 9. It was not long till 
 the people began to have religious services in houses, 
 barns, and in the open air; conducted chiefly by Mr. 
 M ardrope, and by others, cis occasion oft'ered. Soon 
 the iinmber of settlers had so greatly increased that 
 hopes were entertiiined of having a church property. 
 Accordingly, a large petition was presented by the 
 Preslnterians to the Crown Lands Department, for a 
 grant of land to be set apart for religious and educa- 
 tional purposes. This petition was graciously granted, 
 and the front half of lot 28, concession 8, was reserved 
 as the i)roperty of the Presbyterians of Puslinch. 
 
 These i)ioneers, who had enjoyed great religious 
 jirivileges in their niitive land, and were inspired by 
 religious ambition to worship the God of their Fathers, 
 now entered enthusiastically upon the work of erecting 
 a church. Without the counsel of an architect, the wis- 
 dom of the times decided upon the erection of a log 
 
10 PKESnYTKKIANISM IN PUSLINCH. 
 
 churcli. Messrs. Malcolm McNau^hton and Alexander 
 McLean, who are still with us,bailt two of the corners. 
 The unpretentious church was soon completed, and, 
 though rude in structure, was in perfect harmony with 
 l)rimitive surroundings, and was indeed a temple of the 
 Lord, where, for years, God's faithful ones worshi'pped 
 Ilim in sincerity and in truth. With similarly con- 
 certed action, an acre of groinid was cleared around the 
 church, to be the sacred resting place of their departed 
 dead. Having now a church property and church 
 building, with a considcr£d)ie po])ulation nearly all 
 Presl)yterian,the desire for regular church organization 
 and a permanent ministry became general. Ai)plica- 
 tion was made to the Presbytery of Hamilton, then 
 extending from Lake Erie to the Georgian Bay, for 
 organization as a congregation, with the view of ob- 
 taming a minister of the Gosjicl. This re(|uest was 
 granted, and organization eficeted in the regular way ; 
 but we have found no one who can remend)er the cir- 
 cumstances connected with this imjjortant event. The 
 congregation now earnestly looked for a jjastor to be 
 settled over them ; but ministers were few and the fields 
 many and needy. A Mr. Gordon, living in the lower 
 end of Badenoch, being accjuainted in vScotland with 
 Mr. Wm. Meldrum, who had just com])leted his college 
 counse, recommended him ; and through the willing 
 assistance of the Kcv. John Bayne, afterwards Dr. 
 Bayne, minister in Gait, the ciders, Messrs. Peter Mc- 
 Naughton and Neil McPhaLter, sent him a jjctition to 
 come to be their minister. Mr. Meldrum was not un- 
 mindful of their urgent invitation, aral hailed the oppor- 
 tunity of crossing the ocean to begin his ministerial 
 labors among a people ])()ssessing those sterling 
 
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EAST AND WEST CHl'RCH. 11 
 
 qualities so prophetic of ^rcat and glorious possibilities. 
 Mrs. Kenneth McKenzic, then Miss Christina Cameron, 
 being present at the first service conducted by Mr.- 
 Meldrum in Puslinch church, remembers that his text- 
 was I Cor. 2: 2, " Oir chuir mi romhan gun colas a 
 ghabhail air ni sani bith 'nur measg, ach air losa 
 Criosd,agus esan air acheusadh." • 
 
 The Session Records until after the Disruption 
 are not preserved, so, for the history of the first 
 five 3^ears we are de])endent upon a short historical 
 vsketch, which, by resolution of Session, was incor- 
 ])orated in the ]:)ermanent records of 1845, in the fol- 
 lowing terms :— " The Kirk Session of the Puslinch 
 congregation in connexion with the Presl)yterian 
 Church of Canada, being met was constituted with 
 prayer. Seclentnt.— The Kev. Wm. Meldrum, Modera- 
 tor, and Messrs. Peter McNaughton, Neil McPhatter, 
 Roderick Cameron, Gillies McBean, John McDiarmid, 
 Alexander McKenzic, and Lauchlan Kennedy, elders. 
 Inter a lift, —It was moved and unanimously agreed to, 
 that, as it may a])i)ear satisfactory and interesting 
 to the congregation in time to come, it is ex])edient to 
 record: — "That the congregation was organized in the 
 year 1889, when one elder was inducted and another 
 ordained. That the sacrament of the T^ord's Supper 
 was dispensed that year by Mr. Smith, then minister of 
 the gospel in (luelph, and Mr. I'\'rguson, of Ks(piesing, 
 when as appeareth from the Comnumion Roll tiie num- 
 l)cr of comuHtnicants was 81. That during the summer 
 and harvest of that year, the congregation was princi- 
 p'ally sui)plicd with tlie means of grace by the Rev. 
 Thomas Wardrope, a licentiate of tlie Church of 
 
12 PRESBYTEKIAXISM IN PITSLINCH. 
 
 Scotland, residing in the neighborhood, and by others 
 occasionally; till, in the month of November, in accord- 
 ance 'vith the recjuest of the congregation and in 
 obedience to their call, their present pastor came from 
 Scotland, then a licentiate of the Church of Scotland, 
 who, at the unanimous call of the con^re^.ition and in 
 their prcvsence, was ordained to be their minister by the 
 Presbyter\' of Hamilton, on the 11th day of March, in 
 the year 1840, That previous to the dispensation of 
 the Lord's Sup])er to the conjj^re^ation in 1840, it was 
 agreed to by the Session that, in as far as possible, that 
 solemn ordinance should be dispensed in future among 
 the congregation annually on the third Sabbath of 
 Ju:ie, which, it may be remarked, has been observed 
 hitherto. That before the celebration of the Lord's 
 Supper in 1841, two additional elders were ordained, 
 and other four l)efore its celebration in 1842 ; and that 
 from June, 1840, to June, 1844, inclusive, the average 
 yearly increase of the communicants was eighteen, of 
 whom ten were received by the Session into church 
 fellowship by certificate and eight by examination. 
 Resolved, also, that the Sessitm do continue to hold 
 their monthly ])rayer meeting, as formerly, on the first 
 Wednesday of every month ; and that as formerly, all 
 Sessional business shall l)e transacted rdter the jM-aycr 
 meeting is clOvSed, that in as far as i)()ssible Sessional 
 1)usiness may not ii>terfere with the sanctity and other 
 solemn duties of the Lord's day." I'^rom other inci- 
 dental references in the Session records, and through 
 information received from those still living, it is be- 
 lieved that Mr. Peter McNaughton, of Last Puslinch,. 
 who was an elder in Scotland, was the one inducted at 
 the organization of the congregation, and that Mr. Neil 
 
EAST AND WEST CHURCH. 13 
 
 Mcrhatter, of the west ]:>art of the township, wrs the 
 one ordained and indneted then. The order in whieh 
 the other members of Session were ealled to the offiee 
 eannot be ascertained. In achlition to the seven whose 
 names are mentioned, Mr. Archil )ahl Watson was 
 ordained, and served in that capacity until, rer'^zin^^ a 
 preference for the doctrines of another denomination, 
 his official relationship to the con^rc.u^ation necessarily 
 terminated. Tradition declares that excei)tion was 
 taken to the ordination of Mr. Lanchlan Kennedy, as 
 he was then unmarried ; and it was ((uoted : " an elder 
 must be the husband of one wife." The pastor is 
 reported to have sugj^ested that another interi)retation 
 of this passa,u:e was i)ossible. Mr. Kennedy was, how- 
 ever, ordained, and the dou1)ts vanished, as he soon 
 entered the more blessed state, and became duly 
 ([ualihed. 
 
 Soon after the or^janization of the conJJ:re^^'ltion, 
 many of the extreme west thoujj^ht a church mi^dit be 
 built in their neighborhood for c(mvenience. The pro- 
 posal seemed feasible, and willir;^ efforts were jnit forth. 
 Mr. Neil McPhatter gave the site on the front half of lot 
 15, concession 1. The strong men met to erect the log 
 church and Messrs. Matthew McIMiatter, his brother 
 James, Archibald McCormick, and Neil Thompson 
 i)uilt the lour corners. Whatever hnnber was used was 
 cut by a whip-saw, the logs being rolled over a i)it ; 
 then with one man above and one below, a drag-saw 
 was o])erated from end to end of the log. The church 
 was completed and dedicated to the worship of (lod in 
 the year 1S4(). These were not the days of luxury and 
 convenience, but were times of courage and conquering 
 
14 PRESBYTERIANISM IN PUSLINCH, 
 
 liopc, raid for fourteen years in this holy temple, made 
 of rude material, God met His true worshippers and 
 blessed them with His ])resence. 
 
 The Presbyterians of Canada early realized the 
 neeessity of having a eollege for the training of a native 
 ministry. As early as 1S;J2, the Church of Scotland 
 Synod apjjointed a committee "to ])re])are an humble 
 memorial to His Majesty, craving His Majesty's Govern- 
 ment to endow, without delay, an Institution or I'ro- 
 fessorshijjs, for the education and training of young 
 men for the ministry in connection with the S^-nod." 
 For .several years in succession similar resolutions were 
 adopted ; but as the Government was influenced in the 
 Legislative and Executive Councils verv largely by an 
 exclusive Kpiscopalian oligarchy, no assistance could be 
 obtained. Becoming resolute through continuous dis- 
 ap])()intments, and encouraged 1)3' promises of assist- 
 ance from the parent cluu'ch, the Synod determined to 
 est.ablish a college independent of Government aid. An 
 ap 3cal was made to the Presbyterians of the two Pro- 
 vinces, and great enthusiasm was awakened. The Rev, 
 Dr. Bayne visited the congregation in the interests of 
 the i)roposed college on a week day. A large congrega- 
 tion was present, who were dccpl}' moved by the claims 
 of college interests as presented in the forceful ehxpicnce 
 of the speaker. At the close of the service a subscrip- 
 tion list was opened, and many went forward and sub- 
 vScribed, i truly primitive liberality, the sum often shil- 
 lings eac ])ayable in five annual instalments. Others, 
 in lesser nmotuits, contril)uted according to their 
 ability. Dr. Bayne expressed himself as greatly pleased 
 with their interest and liberality. All were delighted 
 
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EAST AND WEST CHURCH. 15 
 
 with the address of Dr.Bayne, hut especially one yoiinir 
 man, Thomas Wardrope, now the Rev. Dr. Wardrope, 
 felt that, as the possibility's of a college were presented, 
 there was a message to him different Irom and more 
 than to any other one present. As he listened with 
 breathless interest, he beheld in mental vision the pro- 
 bability of an educational training within its walls; 
 and the inspiring peroration of the speaker was accom- 
 panied with the young man's resolution that, by the 
 grace and help of the Lord, he would be at that college 
 on the day of its oi)ening. To Mr. Wardrope's great 
 deliirht, he was enabled to carry out his resolution. 
 
 The college was opened at an abnormal season, in 
 the month of March, when there \^'as no navigation and 
 no sleighing. He, with two fellow students, secured the 
 services of Mr. Peter Idington, who drove them all the 
 way to Kingston in a farm wagon. Their trunks were 
 their only seats, and if tired they were unconscious of 
 it. The college, ever since designated "Queen's Col- 
 lege," was formally opened for the reception of students 
 on the 7th of March, 1842, and Puslinch congregation 
 has the honor of contributing one of her members to 
 the first classes for the academical training of TVesby- 
 terian ministers in this country. Others followed Dr. 
 Wardrope in the holy ambition to be ministers of the 
 (i<)si)el, and East and West Puslinch ha\e an honored 
 roll of worthies, upon whom they look with pardon- 
 able pride. 
 
 In the year 1843 the Disruption took place in the 
 Church of Scotland, and the inlluence of th'it terrible 
 eonvidsion crossed the seas and reached Presbytcrianism 
 in other lands. Representatives of both parties visited 
 
10 PKKSnYTRRIANISM IN PUSLINCH. 
 
 Canada and created intense excitement through the 
 cl()(iuent and vehement defences of the ])rinciples and 
 actions they res])ectively represented. The pubhe press 
 joined vigorously in the discussions, and Presbyterianism 
 became so inlhimed that when the Synod of the Presby- 
 terian Church of Canada in connection with the Churcli 
 of Seothmd met in IS^^ at Kinji^ston, all were fully 
 aroused to ])articipate in a remarkable conflict in 
 defence of principles and sym])athies of supreme im])ort- 
 ance. The momentous (|uestions were debated Jit ^reat 
 length, with s^reat ability, with languaj^^emost vigorous, 
 and with interest most intense. A series of resolutions, 
 on motion of Rev. Dr. Cook, of Quebec, seconded bvMr. 
 (icorge, with an amendment of resolutions by the Rev. 
 John Bayne, of Gait, seconded by the Rev. Mr. Gale, of 
 Hamilton, brought the Synod to a decisive vote. The 
 motion of Dr. Cook prevailed by a vote of fifty-six to 
 forty. On the following day Mr. Bayne, on behalf of 
 himself and others, among whom was Mr. Meldrum, 
 laid on the table their reasons of dissent from the deci- 
 sion of the Synod, and their protest declaring they 
 could no longer hold office in the Presbyterian Church 
 of Canada in connection with the Church of Scotland. 
 After fruitless attempts at reconciliation, the dissenting 
 party organized themselves as a Synod, assuming the 
 name of "The Synod of the Presbyterian Church in 
 Canada," but which was usually called "The Synod of 
 the P^rec Presbyterian Church of Can.ada." We must 
 ever revere the memory of those who seceded from the 
 parent enurch for their zeal for the glory of Christ the 
 Head of His church, and the SjHritual independence of 
 the members, and for their courageous fidelity to their 
 convictions ; but looking back over half a century in 
 
EAST AND WEST CHURCH. 
 
 17 
 
 the union spirit of Christian sympathy, we cannot fully 
 realize, as they did, the necessity of such division ; and 
 we rejoice that many who were then prominent in 
 effecting a separation lived to be helpful in effecting a 
 union of the divided Presbyterians in 1875, and to par- 
 ticipate in the wonderful blessings of peace the united 
 church has since enjoyed. 
 
 The ministers and represent a dve elders who had 
 organized themselves as the Synod of the Presbyterian 
 Church in Canada, now presented the matter to their 
 congregations ; and in regard to Puslinch, the restilts 
 of conference are embodied in the minutes of Session 
 with the date of the 14.th of July, 1844. Mr. Meldrum 
 was Session Clerk, as well as Moderator, and has re- 
 corded in unmistakable language the uncompromising 
 spirit of himself, the elders, and members, who were 
 enthusiastically united in separation from the Church of 
 Scotland, and in the reorganization of the congregation 
 in connection with the new Synod. The minute of Ses- 
 sion in regard to this important event is of great 
 historic interest, and is as follows : — 
 
 " The Session having considered that the congrega- 
 tion on the 17th day of Jun<- last, being the Thanks- 
 giving Day after the dispensation of the Lord's Supper 
 in this place, had expressed their anxiety of being no 
 longer identified with the Established Church of Scot- 
 land by the continuance of the unnecessary and un- 
 meaning appendage to the designation of the Presby- 
 terian Church of Canada "in connexion with the Estab 
 lished Church of Scotland," because she. the Established 
 Church of Scotland, hath sold her birth-right, and be- 
 come so low and despicable as not to hold Christ as her 
 
18- PRESBYTKKIANISM IN PUSLINCII. 
 
 Head, as her actions do clearly prove, though her 
 language at times denies it. The SeSvSion having also 
 considered that the congregation, after hearing, as they 
 have done this day, of the steps which have been taken, 
 and the measures adopted by the I'rotesting Party of 
 the Synod of the Presb3'terian Church of Canada, in 
 connexion with the Established Church of Scotland, now 
 designated " The Synod of the Presbyterian Church 
 of Canada" did cordially approve of the same, and 
 expressed their willingness to loecome part and parcel 
 of said church. It was moved, and unanimously agreed 
 to, that the Session should express and record, as they 
 hereby do, their gratitude to God for the united and 
 harmonious testimony which the congregation, with- 
 out any exception, have been led to bear against the 
 vsins of the Established Church of Scotland, and the 
 agreeable and cheerful manner in which they have ex- 
 pressed their willingness to be identified with the Pres- 
 byterian Church of Canada, but more especially for 
 their expressed attachment to the crown rights of the 
 Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ, tne alone Sovereign 
 and sole Head of His church." 
 
 Although there was no apparent change in the 
 membeiship of the congregation through the Disrup- 
 tion, yet it was deemed necessary to make up a new 
 roll of communicants, and the following constituted 
 the roll in 184-4- : — Rev. William Meldrum, Moderator; 
 Peter McNaughton, Neil McPhatter, John McDiarmid, 
 Lauchlan Kenned^^ Alexander McKenzie, Roderick 
 Cameron, and Gillies McBain,- elders ; Rev. Thomas 
 Wardrope (father of Dr.Wardrope) and Mrs.Wardrope, 
 Mr. and Mrs. John Idington, Mr. and Mrs. Alex. Nicoll, 
 
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EAST AND WEST CHURCH. 19 
 
 Widow Logan, Mr. John McFarlane, cooper, and Mrs. 
 McFarlane, Mr. John McFarlane, tailor, and Mrs. 
 McFarlane, Mr. and Mrs. John Marshall, Mr. and Mrs. 
 James Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Donald McShennack, Mr. 
 and Mrs. Alexander McShennack, Mr. and iClrs. William 
 Reid, Mr. and Mrs. William Graham, Mr. and Mrs. 
 Malcolm McPhatter, John McRobbic, vlr. and Mrs. 
 Charles Watson, Mr. and Mrs. Neil Thompson, Mr. 
 and Mrs. Thomas Edmunston, Mr. and Mrs. George 
 Taylor, James Low, Mr. and Mrs. Peter McLean, Mr. 
 and Mrs. Dugald Campbell, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Iding- 
 ton, Eliza Idington, Widow McRobbie, Grace Douglas, 
 John McLean, Mr. and Mrs. Hugh McNaughton, Mal- 
 colm McNaughton, Mr. and Mrs. John McCallum, 
 James McRoljbie, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew McRobbie, 
 Lewis McRobbie, Mrs. Hector Smith, Mr. and Mrs. 
 Charles Borthwick, Anne Cameron, Widow McNeilage, 
 Adam Darling, Mrs. Duncan McEdward, Catherine 
 Stewart, Mr. and Mrs. Archibald McMaster, Peter 
 McLaren, Alexander McKenzie, Agnes Idington, John 
 Black, Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Smith, Widow Patrick, 
 Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Campbell, Widow Eraser, Wil- 
 liam Stephenson, Nell Currie, Widow McLennan, Mr. 
 and Mrs. James Thompson, Widow McCaig, Mr. and 
 Mrs. Lauchlan McBain, Mr. and Mrs. Archibald Cam- 
 eron, Mrs. Donald McLean. Alexander McLean, John 
 McLean,, Anne MrLcim, John Thompson, Mr. and Mrs. 
 Duncan McFarlane, Mr. and Mrs. Archibald Little, Mr. 
 and Mrs. Gilbert Cochrane, Mr. and Mrs. Alexander 
 McDonald, Air. and Mrs. Hugh McColl, Widow Win- 
 ters, Mrs. John Cameron, John Campbell, Mrs. Dun- 
 can McColl, Mr. and Mrs. Archibald Ramsay, Alex, 
 ander Ramsay, Widow McAllivSter, Mr. and Mrs. 
 
PREvSBYTERIANISM IN PUSLINCH. 
 
 Neil Wilkinson, Mr. and Airs. Robert Stewart, Widow 
 vStewart, Widow McCormick, Alexander Wilkinson, 
 Mr. and Mrs. John McColl, John McPherson, Mr- 
 and Mrs. Duncan Cameron, Mr. and Mrs. Donald 
 McCaig, Mr. and Mrs. Patrick McPherson, Mr. and 
 Mrs. John Thompson, Hu^h McDonald, iMr. and Mrs. 
 James McCai^, William McKenzic, John Martin, Rod- 
 erick Cameron, John McBain, James Wardrope, Mary 
 Fraser, Christina Cameron, Isabella Cameron, Widow 
 McMillan, Mr. and Mrs. Archibald Blair, Mrs. Daniel 
 Cnrrie, James Reid, Mrs. Malcolm Mclntyre, James 
 McMeeken, Mr. and Mrs. Malcolm Currie, Mr. and Mrs. 
 William McCormick, Mrs. Lauchlan McDonald, Flora 
 McMaster, Mary McLennan, Mts. P^j^ter "McNaughton, 
 Mrs. Roderick Cameron, Mrs. Alexander McKcnzie, 
 Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Black, Mr. and Mrs. Robert 
 Parries, Widow Paterson, Mr. and Mrs. Matthew 
 Elliott, Margery Stewart,- Aj^nes Paton, Mr. and Mrs. 
 John Fraser, David Wardrope. 
 
 The congregation by their secession had volun- 
 tarily forfeited their right to the church property ; but 
 as there was no one to take exception, so conpletc was 
 the unanimity of sentiment, they continued to use the 
 church and pro])crty without interrui)tion for a number 
 of years. 
 
 The Free Church vSynod, having forfeited Govern- 
 ment aid by renouncing all connection with the Church of 
 vScotland, and her clair to a share of the proceeds of the 
 Clergy Reserves not being honored, proceeded to con- 
 sider means of su])|)orting her own ministry. Resolu- 
 tions were framed by the vSynod in reference to a vSus- 
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EAST AND WEST CHURCH. 21 
 
 affairs through the institution of a Deacons' Court in 
 every congregation. These were brought before the 
 congregation on the 1st of Januar.v, 1845, and the Ses- 
 sion records their action in the following sentences : - 
 
 " The Session having heard and considered the con- 
 flicting views of the congregation anent the Sustenta- 
 tion Fund scheme and some of its accompaniments, 
 such as the power conferred on the Deacons' Court over 
 the congregations, and the individuals proposed to 
 hold some prominence and to have special influence in 
 its sederunts, as the minister and elders of every congre- 
 gation, &c., deem it inadvisable, for the present, to 
 press the adoption of said scheme any further on the 
 congregation, fearing it might be the means of sowing 
 discord among them, and thus weake, the cause that 
 reciuircs to be strengthened and nourished. But when 
 the Session regret that any of the provisions of said 
 scheme are such as to meet the disapprobation of any 
 congregation, they do hope that it may be so altered or 
 amended as to meet the cordial approval not only of 
 the congregations that now belong to our infant 
 church but of all the congregations that will in time 
 to come rally round the standard of the Presbyterian 
 Church of Canada. Resolved also, that the Session do 
 record their approbation of the readiness with which 
 the congregation, though opposed to the presently pro- 
 posed Sustentati(m Fund scheme, have exprCvSsed their 
 willingness to contribute for the supi)ort of weak con- 
 gregations, and the unanimity with which they have 
 renewed their former declaration of adherence to the 
 I resbvterian Church of C.'inada." 
 
22 PRESBYTERIANISM IN PUSLINCH. 
 
 The action of this congregation was similar to 
 most of the congregations of the Synod, for we find in 
 1849 " the Synod was constrained to record its deep 
 regret that the resolutions adopted had not been 
 carried into effect, except by a few congregations, and 
 that it was evident that the church as a whole was not 
 prcjjared to sustain a general scher'c for providing for 
 the support of the ministry." Each congregation was 
 thus left to assume the responsibility of supporting 
 ordinances from its own resources, 
 
 Christmas Day, 1845, was an eventful day, as it 
 records the happy marriage of Mr. Meldrum to Miss 
 Anna McLean, youngest daughter of the late Peter 
 McLean, Badenoch, which relationship has been 
 crowned with very many great family blessings, and 
 brought the pastor into very intimate and enduring 
 association with a large and prominent portion of the 
 congregation. 
 
 The Session desiring to utilize the services of Messrs. 
 Angus McPherson and Hugh Rutherford, who had 
 been ordained elders of the Free Church of Scotland, 
 recommended them to a congregational meeting, and 
 no objection being made, they were regularly inducted 
 into the office of the eldership, in the ])rcsence of the 
 congregation, on the 23rd day of Febru?«ry, 1847. 
 
 The Session Records >vere first examined by the 
 Presbytery eleven years after the organization of the 
 congregation, while now, and for many years, the I'res- 
 bytery regulations call for such examination every year. 
 The finding of the Presbytery's Committee was, "At 
 Hamilton, the Dth dav of Mav, 1850, the Presbvterv of 
 
MKvS. MELDRTTM. 
 
,- / /> 
 
 KHV. \VM, MlvKDKU.M. 
 
EAST AND WEST CHURCH. 
 
 23 
 
 Hamilton being met and constituted, Inter aim— The 
 committee appointed to examine this Record reported 
 that they found it orderly and correct." 
 
 John G. MacGregor, Moderator. 
 
 The question of having a Deacons' Court was again 
 considered by the Session, and the records of the 7th of 
 May, 1851, contain the following minute: "It was 
 then moved and agreed to, that, for the better regula- 
 tion of the congregation, in so far as temporalities are 
 concerned, the minister shall take an opportunity of 
 once more addressing the congregation respecting the 
 desirableness and necessity of choosing from among 
 themselves seven men at least, that may be ordained 
 as deacons, to take charge of the temporalities of the 
 congregation instead of the former managers." The 
 Moderator, according to appointment, presented the 
 proposition to the congregation, and the treatment it 
 received is recorded in characteristic language: "Not- 
 withstanding the earnest appeal of the Moderator, and 
 the cordial sanction of the elders, the congregation, 
 with very few exceptions, would not agree to have such 
 a Court ordained among them, being afraid that they 
 would have too much power and authority over them- 
 selves, and that they would not yield to their requests, 
 nor be responsible to them in particular for the trans- 
 action of their business in their Deacons' capacity. 
 Whereupon, the Session agreed to urge the case no 
 further for the present, trusting that, by and by, the 
 congregation may be led to see their error, in having a 
 Board of Managers, the invention of men, serving in 
 the Church of Christ, instead of a Court of ordained 
 Deacons, the institution of the Holy Ghost." Whatever 
 
24 PKESnYTERIANISM IN PUSLINCH. 
 
 may be the Scripture authority for a Deacons' Court in 
 contradistinction to a Board of Management, and the 
 relative merits of these instrumentahties for financial 
 prosperity, these congregations have never approved of 
 ordaining men to serve a life-term upon a financial 
 Board ; but have ever entrusted their financial affairs 
 to collectors, special committees, trustees, or managers 
 elected by the members at the annual congregational 
 meetings to hold ofiice only for a specified time. 
 
 It is of historic interest to notiv e the extreme cau- 
 tion and conscientious suspicion of the Session towards 
 applicants from the Church of Scotland desiririg to 
 unite with the Free Church of Canada. At the meeting 
 of Session in October, 1851, "Mr. MePhatter stated 
 
 that Archibald , lately from Scotland, was 
 
 anxious to be received into congregational fellowship, 
 and appearing before the Session presented a certificate 
 of church fellowship with the Established Church of 
 Scotland ; and having been interrogated, as is invariably 
 done by the Session in such cases, why he was now for- 
 saking the fellowship to which he adhered so long after 
 the Disruption, he simply replied that it was from the 
 fear of man which bringeth a snare, more than from 
 choice, he continued there, and that he was now glad 
 to be relieved of the bondage. Having been strictly 
 examined respecting his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ 
 as the alone Head of His Church, and His spiritual 
 Head in particidar, his answers were such as to induce 
 the Session with cordiality to grant him his request, 
 and ordered his name, and that of his wife, who fully 
 acquiesced in his confession, to be added to the Com- 
 munion Roll." 
 
KAST AND WKST CIirKCH. 25 
 
 The sacred reverence for the ])r()])er ohsL'rvance of 
 the Sabbath and the entire unconsciousness of modern 
 temperance views are ])resente(l in the follo\vin<:,- incident: 
 
 "The Moderator stated that Donahl liad 
 
 been ap])lyin^ for baptism to his child ; and that during 
 his (the Moderator's) conversation with him respect- 
 ing his appheation, he came to understand that the 
 applicant was a professed transgressor of the Lord's 
 day, inasmuch as he was a ])rofcsse(l maltmaker. h'or, 
 according to his own declaration, malt, to the extent in 
 which he was engaged, cannot l)e made without violat- 
 ing the Lord's day. Therefore, it became the duty of 
 the Session to consider whether they would sanction 
 the continuance of either of the sacraments of the New 
 Testament to such a jjresumptuous violator of the law 
 of Ciod. Whereupon, he was called to ap]iear before tiie 
 Session, and after much reasoning with him respecting 
 the inconsistence of his profession as a Christian, and 
 his ])ractice as a breaker of the fourth commandment, 
 he was told in very solemn manner, that until he should 
 at least confess his guilt, and condemn his former prac- 
 tice, and ])romise for the future to forsake his wicked 
 ways, and to attend upon the private and ])ul)lic means 
 of grace with his family, they could not consider him 
 but as an enemy to Christianity, and conse(|uently 
 must refuse him the precious jn-ivilcgcs of Christ's 
 followers." 
 
 The Session reci)rds in Septend)er, 1852, that in ' 
 considering the roll "no known change had taken i)lace 
 among the connnunicants since the roll w^as ])urged in 
 last June, with the execptitm of the lamented death of 
 Mr. I'eter McNaughton, the oldest member of Session." 
 
26 r»KKSHYTKRIANISM IN PUSLINCH. 
 
 Mr. McNau^hton was bom in rcrthshire, Scotland. He, 
 and his t'atnily can indeed he regarded anion^ the 
 pioneers who endured the trials and ])rivations of the 
 new settlement in the early thirties. He was reared 
 amid the strong reii.u^ious influences of his native land; 
 and, early manifesting^ an earnest, active interest in the 
 religious life of the congregation with which he was 
 connected, he was called, ordained, and inducted to the 
 office of the eldershi]). Coming to this country, his pro- 
 nounced Christian character soon became known; he 
 gladly opened his house for public worshi]) when oppor- 
 tunity offered ; he took so [)rominent a part in religious 
 work, that at the organization of the congregation he 
 was inducted its first elder. He was a kind, humble, 
 courageous servant of the Lord ; and, after serving as 
 an elder here for thirteen years, was called to higher 
 service above on the 18th of June, 1852, at the advanced 
 age of 74 years. 
 
 The following kindly reference to one, who, not- 
 withstanding his great age and ])hysical infirmities of 
 many years, is still with us, should be noted. In Ai)ril, 
 1853, the Session records: "The Moderator mentioned 
 that Charles Blair had been applying for a certificate of 
 character, having in view to visit his native land for 
 the benefit of his delicate health. The Session, in agree- 
 ing to grant his rccpiest, ex])ressed their regret, that the 
 health of a member so devoted to the cause of the Re- 
 deemer, and so useful as a Sabl)ath School teacher, as 
 Mr. Blair has been, should re(|uire him to leave them 
 for a season, but at the same time, ho])ed and wished, 
 that He alone who can wound and heal will accompany 
 him, and having soon restored his health, restore him 
 
EAST AND WEST CHURCH. 27 
 
 again to them refreshed and strengthened in soul and 
 body to fight the good fight of faith." 
 
 The last meeting of Session, with Mr. Meldrnm as 
 Moderator and Session Clerk, was held on the r)th of 
 November, 1858. Soon afterwards he resigned, having 
 been the pioneer pastor for fourteen years. He entered 
 syninathetieally into the struggles of the early settlers, 
 and took a eonspieuous part in laying the foundations 
 of rresbyterianism in their midst. With the courage of 
 a brave heart, and by an uncompromising fidelity to 
 what he believed to be right, wC, as a true captain of the 
 Lord's hosts, led the ])eople on to many a victory dur- 
 ing the early years of their critical history. 
 
'^^ I'KHSnVTRRIANISM IN PUSLINCH, 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 PASTORATE OF TIIK KK V. ALKXANDEK MCLEAN. 
 
 SOON after the rctircmcn:: of Mr. Meldrum, the Enst 
 Pushneh conij:rei>ation wa.s forced to face a very 
 ^rave (lifficnlt^. . At the time of the secession from the 
 Church of Scotland no one in connection with the con- 
 gre.uation remained connected with the ])arent clun-ch, 
 so no one conhl take exce])tion to the occni)ancy of the 
 clnn-ch and property l)ytlie new or;.i^anization; hut.in the 
 course of a few years, anion^- tlie settlers came a small 
 number who were connected with the Church of vScot- 
 land, and who had no sym])athy with the ])rinciplcs 
 and actions of the Free Church i)arty. These, who 
 were called the Kesiduaries, thou-ih few, were deter- 
 mined to i)rcserve the interests of the church to which 
 they l)el()nt;ed. So, by enccmraij^ement from the Rev. 
 Dr. IIo^x. minister of St. Andrew's Church, Oueli)h, 
 who ^ave them occasional service, the few were able to 
 claim chm-ch organization and appr()])riate the pro- 
 perty, the right to which thecon«,M-c|^ntion h.-id forfeited 
 by their secession from the Church of Scotland. The 
 congrcji^ation felt very keenly their ejection from the 
 church and property, not only because of the value of 
 the property, which had become considerable, but be- 
 cause tiiey had become sacredly attached to their 
 chmch home, and the buryinognmnd where rested from 
 their labors many of their loved ones. 
 
KA.ST CrilTRCH. 29 
 
 When the coiijj^rcjTfation re?ilized the necessity of 
 vacatini>- the church and property they had used so 
 many years, severrd pro])ositions were made and con- 
 sidered. Many, in both East and West, were of the 
 ()])ini()n that erectinj;^ a church soniewliere near the 
 centre of the Presbyterian portion of the townshi]) 
 would i)e the l)est sohition of the ])roblem, and woidd 
 form a congregation of ahnost unparalleled strength, 
 avoiding- a separation into two charges, and consolid- 
 ating the I'resbvterianism of the coninumity. Several 
 meetings were held to consider the projiosition of build- 
 ing a clnu'ch on lot 2(>, rear of the 1st concession. It 
 was found, however, that the majority were not favor- 
 able to this proi)()Scd arrangement, the territory being 
 regarded as too extensive to be j)r()fitably centralized. 
 The advisability of dividing into two se])arate charges 
 became apparcrt, the necessary arrangements were 
 completed and an amicable divSsolution of the tic that 
 had united them for sixteen years was effected. 
 
 The Ivast IhKdir.oh congregation realizing the inevit- 
 able, now with commendable resolution, negotiated 
 with Mr. John llaist and purchased an acre on the 
 north-west corner of lot 2S, rear of the 7th concession, 
 ojipositc the old church. A religious and)ition to erect 
 a church worthy of their numerical and financial 
 strength inspired them to a noble ciTort. A committee 
 consisting of Messrs. John Marshall and R. B. Morison 
 was sent to see the Christie Church, then near Diuidas, 
 and found it to be just what was desired. The neces- 
 sary architectural work was soon done, the contract 
 let. and the well-built, and for the time, elegant struc- 
 ture, with a seating capacity of 500, was dedicated in 
 
30 PKESBYTEKIANISM IN TUSLINXII. 
 
 1854 to the worship of the Lord amid the devout j^rati- 
 tiide and holy expectations of a deeply impressed con- 
 jj^re^ation of \v()rship])ers. 
 
 Al)oiit the same time the conc^re^ation, bein^ anxi- 
 ous to provide a ])ermanent home for their minister and 
 family, purchased, also from Mr. John Haist, a part of 
 lot 27, rear of the 7th concession, consisting of ,'U) acres. 
 A large ])rice was i)aid for this i)r()pcrty, althou,!j:h the 
 hou.se and l)arn were loi*" l)uildin<j^s, and not at <all com- 
 fortable. P^iu'thcr reference will be made to necessary 
 iniprovemcnts in later years. Much good wood was 
 found on the lot, which has made many a cosy fire in 
 the manse; but now when it is gone, the rear hall, with 
 hills and glens and romantic ruggedness, may well be 
 com])arcd with the romantic wildness of the Highlands 
 of Scotland. TJie front half being level, and having 
 excellent soil, has been ])rofitable in the ])roducti()n of 
 good cro]is, and in cultivating in the i)astor a spirit of 
 congeni.'d sympathy towards those engaged in hus- 
 bandry, ol whom his congregation is so largely com- 
 posed. 
 
 During these per])lexing cxpc " nccs, Mr. Alcxnnder 
 McLean, a student of Knox College, conducted services, 
 and ministered to the people during the vacation 
 months with such ctViciency and acceptability that the 
 congregation desired to have him ns their perinanent 
 pastor. Accordingly, when he had completed his col- 
 lege course on the following year, they extended to him 
 a unanimous and hearty call. This call was as heartily 
 accci)te(l, and his ordination and induction took place 
 on Wednesday, the 14th day of Xovend)er, 1855, 1)v the 
 Presbvterv of Hamilton. 
 
EAST CHURCH. 31 
 
 The conjj^re^ation, having- w()rshi])i)ed in two 
 churches, heini? now two independent charges, has no 
 longer a single roll of coninuinieants and a single 
 Session, 'Init each charge has necessarily its own inde- 
 pendent existence. The Session of Hast ruslinch is com- 
 posed of the Rev. Alexander McLean, Moderator and 
 Session Clerk, with Messrs. John McDiarniid, Lauchlan 
 Kennedy, and Alexander McKenzie, elders. 
 
 Up to this time i)recedence had always been given 
 to the Gaelic language with a service in luiglish follow- 
 ing, but the relative importance of the two languages 
 having been greatly modified as social life had rapidly 
 changed, the majority favored a reversal of the order 
 giving precedence to the English service. So radical a 
 change, though no dishonor to thedaelic language was 
 contemi)lated, covdd notbe made without intense regret 
 on the part of tluKSe who, with chanicteristic fondness, 
 were attached to their ])arent language, conse(|uently 
 a murmur of dissatisfaction was heard which continued 
 for many years. 
 
 In A])ril, 185G, we have the following; minute : " The 
 Session, taking into consideration the fewness of elders 
 in the congregation, agreed to take the lawful and 
 Scriptural way of m.aking an addition to the eldershij) 
 without delay." So we find that Messrs. John Cock- 
 burn, Andrew McKobbic, ,'ind Duncan Cameron were 
 regularly ordained as elders of this congregation on 
 Sabbath, the 1st of June. 
 
 It is worthy of note that at the first eonununion 
 after Mr. McLean's ordination, held in June, LSHO, the 
 membership was increased by the remarkable addition 
 of 58 by certificate and 20 by profession of their faith. 
 
32 PKHSHYTIiKIANISM IN PUSLINCII. 
 
 Foreign mission interest was greatly inereased in 
 Canada hy a visit, in 1854, from the Rev. Dr. Alexander 
 Duff, the pioneer mission.ary of the Free Chureh of Seot- 
 land, in Caleutta. He deHvered addresses of burninu;- 
 eh)(|nenee in the ehief eities of Canada, and not only the 
 vast nudtitudes who had the privilege of hearing him, 
 but the whole Canadian ehureh seemed roused with a 
 holy and)ition to take ])art in the evangelization of the 
 heathen. This eongregation felt the new missionary 
 pidsation so keenly, so wished to preserve the memory 
 of the great missionary, and were so anxious to inspire 
 eoming generations with a sense of the glorious ])riv- 
 ilege of having a i)art in the universal extension of the 
 Redeemer's Kingdom, that at a eongregational meeting 
 held in ISoT, it was unanimously agreed that henee- 
 forth they should be designated " Duff's Chureh." The 
 ehureh has ever sinee borne that hcmored name, and, no 
 doubt, this permanent memorial of l)urning missionar\^ 
 zeal has been powerful, in preserving somewhat vividly, 
 its responsibility to the heathen world. 
 
 In August, 1857, "The Moderator submitted to 
 the eonsideration of the Sessi<»n whether it wa.-. not de- 
 sirable to have the saerament of the Lord's Supper 
 dispensed half-yearly in the eongregation instead of 
 onee in the year as hitherto. Various diflieulties being 
 in the way of aeeomplishing the objeet, from the faet of 
 there being two languages to ])reaeh on that oeeasion 
 as usual, the further eonsideration of the matter was 
 put oif till a future meeting of Session." The Session 
 and eongregation have ever been conservative in their 
 religious life, and have been slow to ai)preeiate imiova- 
 tions; but Mr, MeLean was fearless in proposing what 
 
duff's chi'rch. 33 
 
 he rej^artk'd as i)r()fital)le chaiii^es, and was not dis- 
 couraged !)>' a pronounced unwillingness to adopt his 
 suggestions when first proposed, so the Session was 
 obliged to re-consider this ciuestion, and the result is 
 preserved in the records of September, ISG'J. "As 
 hitherto the sacrament of the Lord's Supjjcr was dis- 
 pensed only once in the year in the congregation, and 
 as the Session considered it very desirable to have a 
 half-yearly communion, it was unanimously agreed 
 that' the Lord's Sup])er would be dispensed in this 
 church on the third Sabbath of October." The difHcul- 
 ties which were feared when this change was first sug- 
 gested were not realized, or were overcome, and the 
 half-yearly communion was observed for a great many 
 years. 
 
 At a meeting of Session in May, 1859, " The Mod- 
 erator ex])ressed his desire to have xMr. Robert Kennedy, 
 lately an elder in the Free Church congregation, 
 Badcnoch, Scotland, added to the eldership, in which 
 the Session unanimously agreed. Mr. Kennedy, who 
 was i)resent, ac(iuiesced in the proposal. It was further 
 resolved that, after the usual forms are gon. through, 
 Mr. Kennedy shall be received or inducted as an elder 
 in the Ktist Puslinch congregation." 
 
 In the yearlS45, one year after the secession, the 
 vSynod of the Pre-ibytcrian Church of Canada entered 
 into negotiations for union with the Missionary Synod, 
 which in 1S4-7 assumed the name of the Synod of the 
 United Presbyterian Church of Canada. Committees 
 were appointed to confer with each other on points of 
 agreement and difference. The results of their labors 
 
34 PRESBYTERIANISM IN PUSLINCH. 
 
 were brouj^ht year after year before i he Synods, Pres- 
 byteries, and conjTjregations, of the two ehurehes. Dis- 
 cussions full, earnest and keen, took place ; literature 
 controversijil, explanatory, and conciliatory, was cir- 
 culated ; difficulties in course of time were removed, and 
 on the 6th of June, 1861, in the City of Montreal, the 
 long looked for union was very happily consummated. 
 The Session has preserved their deliverance on this 
 question in the following terms : — " The Session having 
 taken into consideration the Basis of Union with the 
 Presbyterian Church of Canada adopted by the Synod 
 of the United Presbyterian Church in Canada, it was 
 moved by Mr. John Cockburn, seconded by Mr. Alex- 
 ander McKenzie, and unanimously agreed to, that the 
 Session approve of the basis of union as upon the whole 
 satisfactory, and one upon which the two churches may 
 safely and honorably unite." The Synod formed by 
 this union had on its roll the names of 226 ministers, of 
 w^hom 68 represented the United Presbyterian Church 
 of Canada, and 158 the Free Presbyterian Church of 
 Canada. 
 
 At the October meeting of Session in 1862, it was 
 recorded that the number on the communion roll was 
 204-, and the following obituary minute was recorded : 
 "The Session feel called upon to record the loss they 
 have lately sustained in the removal by death of Alex- 
 ander McKenzie, who was over twenty years an elder 
 in the congregation. Mr. McKenzie always maintained 
 a walk and conversation becoming the Gospel of 
 Christ, and was endowed with more than ordinary gifts 
 and graces, which he humbly and cheerfully devoted to 
 the advancement of Christ's kingdom in the church of 
 
'vy-'' 
 
MRS. Mcl-IvAN. 
 
KHV. AUKXANDBK McLBAN. 
 
duff's church. 35 
 
 which he was an office bearer. The Session further 
 have pleasure in recording the deep interest their de- 
 jiarted brother always took in the affairs of the church 
 in general, but more particularly in the welfare of this 
 congregation, which he served so long and so faithfully, 
 and that during an eventful period in its history, a 
 period full of trials and changes, and which proved him 
 to be its unflinching and constant friend. His prema- 
 . ture death is much lamented b}' the Session and congre- 
 gation, and has caused a vacancy among us which is 
 not likely to be filled in a hurry." 
 
 In May, 1863, " The Session, having the mind of the 
 congregation, expressed their desire to receive Mr. 
 James Wardrope, who was for many years an elder in 
 Nairn Church, Flaniboro, into the eldership of this con- 
 gregation, and resolved, after the usual forms are gone 
 through, to receive him as a member of Session." "Mr. 
 James Wardrope having been duly and regularly induct- 
 ed to the eldership of this congregation, it was agreed 
 to add his name to the roll of Sessicm, and minute his 
 induction in the Session records, which is hereby done." 
 The last meeting of Session, with Mr. McLean as 
 Moderator and Session Clerk, was held on the 12th of 
 April, 1864. 
 
 The congregation had become very strong, the work 
 was greatly prospering, and exalted hopes were enter- 
 tained of continuous success, when Mr. McLean's tragic 
 death put a sudden termination to his short and very 
 promising lite. Was it a premonition that directed him 
 to select as the text of his lavSt sermon, " In my Father's 
 house are many mansions"? Was it only a coincidence 
 
36 PKESBYTERIANISM IN PUSLINCH. 
 
 that he took a similar subject for the weekly prayer 
 meeting following, closing with the hymn, 
 
 " The hour of my departure's come ; 
 I hear the voice that calls me home." 
 
 Should we note Divine ]ireparation for his departure, 
 leading him to call, after the prayer meeting, to inform 
 a sympathetic Christian friend, with whom he had 
 often conversed on the mysteries of the resurrection, 
 that a new-found light had dispelled the darkness, and 
 something of the eternal glory had fdled his heart with 
 unspeakable gladness? Good night was spoken, the 
 door was closed, into the darkness he went, and s(mie 
 timeafter he was found, helpless, on the ground, near 
 the high i)latform leading from the door of the house. 
 Loving hands removed him to the manse, the i)hysi- 
 cian's skill was employed without cfleet, brother 
 clergvmen ministered in holy consolation, and the next 
 evening, May 25, 1804, the unfettered si)irit soared on 
 high, to do the will of God with ecstasy, and experience 
 tlie fullness of joy given to all in His presence. 
 
 Mr. McLean was possessed of strong endowments, 
 was an extensive reader, hnving a remarkable library 
 for a few years' collection; was fearless and alarming 
 in denunciation, almost prodigal in hospitality, zealous 
 and masterful in all his relationships. He seemed to 
 have a great future here, but the Master vVho doeth all 
 things wisely, took him in the vigor of his powers, 
 when ;{S years of age. The funeral services were very 
 solemn. All the neighboring ministers, and some from 
 a distance, were present, and loving tributes t)f regard 
 were spoken by his brethren; while a very large con- 
 gregation, deeply impressed, followed the remains to 
 
duff's church. 37 
 
 their restin«^ place in the Crown cemetery. Upon the 
 monument erected by his sorrowing widow and con- 
 gregation are inscribed the significant words, " I have 
 declared unto them Thy name," John 17: 26. After a 
 few months, Mrs. iMcLean, with her three young 
 children, returned to Scotland, and made their home in 
 the land of her nativity. 
 
38 PREvSBYTERIANISM IN PUSLINCH. 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 PASTORATE OF TH?: REV. KENNETH MCDONALD. 
 
 TiFTER a vacancy of several months the congrcga- 
 Jm tion moderated in a call in favor of the Rev. John 
 McTavish, of Woodville, on December 6, 1864. The call 
 was signed b^' 195 members in full communion and 279 
 adherents, nnd forwarded to Mr. McTavish in the regu- 
 lar way. On July 11, 18G5, Mr. McTavish conducted 
 service in the church, and "intimated in respectful terms 
 that circumstances beyond his control prevented him 
 from accepting the cordial call which the congrv^gation 
 had given him to liecome their pastor." 
 
 On the 27th of September, 1805, a unanimous call 
 was moderated in to Mr. Kenneth McDonald, a licen- 
 tiate, who accepted the call, and was ordained and 
 inducted by the Presbytery of Guelph on October 25, 
 18()5. This call was signed by IGvi members and 840 
 adherents. The stipend ])r()miscd was seven huncb'ed 
 dollars per annum, with use of manse and glebe. 
 
 At the communion of June, 18()(), it is recorded that 
 49 were added to the communion roll, seven by certifi- 
 cate and forty-two by examination, the largest nund)er 
 bv ])rofe.ssion of faith that ever united at one time in 
 the history of the church. Mr. McDonald was evan- 
 gelical in his public and private ministrations, and was 
 the first minister to introduce special evangelistic ser- 
 vices ; and although these methods did not meet with 
 
KK\. KUNNHTII Mt IK )N A 1,1 >. 
 
.-' 
 
 DUFF S CHURCH. 
 
 39 
 
 general approval, being regarded with siispieion by 
 some, and as unpresbyterian by others, yet miieh per- 
 manent good seems to have been aeeomplished, and 
 many still delight to refer to those seasons of true 
 revival. 
 
 The finaneial interests of the eongregation are now 
 brought before our notiee in a eomplaint of Mr. James 
 Me Lean, treasurer of the congregation, to the Session 
 on September 4,1866, in reference to "remissness on the 
 part of managers in collecting pew rents, which was 
 the cause of delay in the ])ayment of stipend for so long 
 a time after it has become due. The Session agreed to 
 instruct Mr. McLean to write to defaulting directors, 
 urging them to an immediate attention to the matter." 
 
 It is noticeable that this financial embarrassment 
 accompanies the indications of remarkable spiritual 
 revival, teaching that neglect on the part of thovSe 
 entrusted with this important department of church 
 work can only imperil the church's truest spiritual 
 prosperity. 
 
 At a meeting of vScvSsion held in December, 1866, 
 after the introdi.ct()ry 1)usincss, it is recorded " The 
 Session entered upon the consideration of the cpicstions 
 submitted by the convener of the committee on the 
 state of religion in this Presbytery, to which (piestions 
 the Session agreed to give the following answers : 
 
 O. 1. Do the mend)ers and adherents of the con- 
 gregation regularly attend the stated ordinances of 
 Divine worship ? They do with a few exceptions. 
 
 O. 2. Have you anything interesting to report 
 regarding the gathering in of the careless, and the edili. 
 
40 PRRSBYTEKIANISM IN PUSLINCH. 
 
 cation of believers during the present year ? A con- 
 siderable number of heads of households applied for 
 and received the rite of baptism for their families, who 
 for various reasons and from different causes had not 
 attended to the matter when their children were in 
 infancv. Also some sixteen or seventeen adults applied 
 for and received the same rite to themselves, who 
 through prejudiee or neglect on the part oi their, 
 parents were not baptized in childhood. About fifty- 
 three came forward to apply for admission into lull 
 communion with the church, and were admitted. This 
 number included persons of different ages from lifteen 
 years to nearly eighty. 
 
 y. 3. Are there hopeful indications in connection 
 with praver meetings, bible classes, and Sabbath 
 schools in 'vour congregation ? These are, on the whole, 
 well attended, and ccmsiderable attention paid to the 
 instructions imparted. 
 
 O. 4. Is your congregation divided into districts 
 for the convenience of the ciders in visiting, and are the 
 elders faithful in discharging this department of their 
 duty? Yes. 
 
 O 5. What is the state of family religion, as 
 asccTtained through the otlieial labors of pastcn- and 
 elders? Ordinary. 
 
 Q. 6. Arc there any forms of vice specially appar- 
 ent and prev.'dent in the neighborhood ? None, except 
 it be over indulgence in ardent spirits. 
 
 Q. 7. Have you any remarks to offer on the state 
 of religion generally in your locality ? No. 
 
DUFF vS ClirKCll. 
 
 41 
 
 The Session next entered upon the eonsideration 
 of the (luestions submitted to them 1),y the eonvener oi 
 the Synod's eommittee on Psahnodv, to whieh they 
 a^'reed to return the following answers :— 
 
 Q. 1. What psahuody is now in use in your eon- 
 grei,ration— the Psahns of David ; the P.^alms with the 
 Paraphrases and Hymns usually bound up with the 
 Psalms, or, if any other hymn book, give its title? 
 Only the Psalms of David, with the Parajihrases and 
 Hymns usually bound together. 
 
 O. 2. Do you, as a Session, eonseientiously object 
 to the use of any songs of ]3raise in public worship 
 except those contained in the Book of Psalms ? We, as 
 a vSession, object to the use of any songs of praise in 
 l)ublic worship except the Psalms and Paraphrases. 
 
 O. 8. Do you, as a vSession, a])])r()ve of and desire 
 a revisal of the Paraphrases and Hymns now usually 
 bound up with the Psalms, together with a limited 
 nund)er of hymns, to be used in public worship? We 
 do not. 
 
 O. 4. Will ycm kindly transmit to the Committee 
 anyliuggestions in reference to the selection of hymns, 
 or in regard to the whole subject of Psalmody of the 
 Church? We have none to transmit. 
 
 Up to this time the Session had recorded the names 
 of members in full communion in the Session minute 
 book, but by resolution the Session now agreed to 
 have them preserved in a separate book. 
 
 On the IDth of February, IHGS, at the call of the 
 Trustees, a congregational meeting was held, when it 
 was "moved by Mr. Robert lM)rbcs, and seconded by 
 
42 PKKSHYTKKIANISM IN PUSLINCH. 
 
 Mr. William Sim])S()n, that in the opinion of this meet- 
 in «>■ it is (lesiral)le and neeessarv that a new Manse be 
 built." This motion was carried unanimously. On 
 motion of Messrs. Ck-ors^e McLean and D. Cameron, 
 Messrs. Hu;j^h Cockburn, John Smith, J... nes McLaren 
 and. the mover were appointed a buildin<^- committee. 
 At a subserpient mcetinsj^ iMr. Malcolm McNaughton 
 was a])i)ointed a member of the committee, in place of 
 Air, John Smith, who declined to act. The committee 
 reported havin^y- en<4a«»ed Mr. Hu^h Mclvin to canvas 
 the congregation for sid)Scri])tions to the new manse, 
 and $1,590. 00 had been promif-ed. Mr. John Howe 
 presented a ])lan, prepared at the su.ujj^estion of the 
 committee, which was adopted, and the connnittee 
 was "cm]K)wered to proceed with the erection of a 
 manse according to their discretion and the means at 
 their dis|)osal." Messrs. Andrew Kennedy and William 
 Stratton were chosen contractors, and the work w£is 
 c()m])lcted with very little alteration from the original 
 plan. ,, 
 
 The Session records in Sei)tember, ISOS, the follow- 
 ing minute : "As the number of elders composing the 
 Session was found to be too small to overtake the 
 duties of elders in the congregation, the Session decided 
 to take the necessary stei)S forthwith towards the 
 enlargement of the Session by the a])p()intment of more 
 elders." Messrs. Walter Cowan, Alexander McLean, 
 Hugh McNaughton, and James McLean, were foimd to 
 1)e elected by the congregation. Mr. Alexander McLean 
 could not see his way clear to accept the olhce, and the 
 others having signirted their acceptance of the call to 
 the ollice were regularly ordiuned and inducted to the 
 
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duff's church. 43 
 
 eldership on the 14th of February, 1SG9, and their 
 names added to the roh of ehlers. 
 
 In many Sessions, that the reeords may 1)e properly 
 kept, the Minister nnist be Session Clerk, as well as 
 Moderator ; bnt when an eflieient elder can be found to 
 undertake the duties of Clerk, there are imiK)rtant rea- 
 sons why he should be ap])ointed. Such an efheicnt 
 elder is now found in the Session, and in the minutes of 
 May, 1S()1), it is recorded that "On the request of the 
 Moderator, Mr. James McLean was elected Session 
 Clerk." Mr. McLean continued to act in this capacity 
 for many years; and his beautiful penmanshi]), ac- 
 curacy in detail, judicious use of language, and his 
 reverential conception of his high duties, ever reveal a 
 pleasing justification of his appointment. 
 
 In January, 1870, " The vSession divided the congre- 
 gational bounds into eight wards, in order that his 
 own ward may be assigned to each elder." Such a 
 division gives a definitencss to the work of the elders, 
 and wdien properly dcme cannot fail to be attended 
 with good results. 
 
 .\t the May meeting, 1S7(), "A moti(m made by 
 Mr. James McLean, seconded by Mr. Walter Cowan, to 
 alter the lunir and order of holding Divine service on 
 Communi(m Sabbaths was ordered to lie over as a 
 notice of motion." At the October meeting of the same 
 year, we find recorded " The motion introduced into 
 the Session on May 3rd, anent altering the time and 
 order of holding Divine .'rvice on Communion Scab- 
 baths, was, after mature deliberation, dropped for the 
 l)resent." Thus we notice that changes proposed by 
 even the most conservative were not readily agreed to. 
 
44 rRKSHYTKKIANISM IN ITSLINCH. 
 
 At the same meeting, the Session also reeorcis an ex- 
 ])ressi()n of feeling towards two of its members reeently 
 removed by death: "The Session, in entering" upon their 
 reeords a minute in referenee to their brother, the late 
 Mr. Dunean Cameron, of liast I'land)()ro, who has 
 been ealled to exehange the eomnnmion of the ehnreh 
 below for the solenm realities of eternity ; while ex- 
 pressing their sorrow at his removal, would also 
 express their respjet for his exem])lary piety and Chris- 
 tian liberality, as well as his integrity and urbanity as 
 a member of this Session. In the removal of their 
 lamented friend and brother, the mend).M-s of the vSes- 
 sion feel that there eomes home to them, with a Sjieeial 
 foree and meaning, the solemn admonition, ' Wateh, 
 for in sueli hour as ye think not the Son of man . 
 e:)meth.' Under this dispensation the Session feel 
 called upon to record the loss they have lately sus- 
 tained in the removal by death of Mr. John Coekburn, 
 who was over twelve years an elder in the congrega- 
 tion. Mr. Coekburn was endowed with more than 
 ordinary gifts and graces, which he devoted to the ad- 
 vancement of Christ's caUvSe and kingdom in the church 
 of which he was an office-bearer. lie took a deep 
 interest in the affairs of the church in general, but espe- 
 cially in the welfare of this congregation, during an 
 eventful period, wdiich i)rove(l him to be its constant, 
 faithful, and unflinching friend." The minutes of Ses- 
 sion for Octol)er, 1871, were the last signed by Mr. 
 McDonald as Moderator. 
 
 In the winter of 1872 a call was presented to Mr. 
 McDonald irom the Thamesford congregation. The 
 Presbytery fully considered the (piestion in the light of 
 
duff's church. 45 
 
 remarks made hy the reijreseiitatives of Thamesford 
 and Duff's ehureh, and as Mr. MeDon.ald eould not see 
 his way elear to accept the call received, the Presbytery 
 declined to transfer him. Soon after, a second call from 
 Thamcsford was i)rcsented to Mr. McDonald in the 
 probability of his acceptance, considering the new 
 circnmstances that had arisen. This call, presented at 
 the meeting of Presbytery on March 19, 1872, was 
 accepted, and the transference soon took place. The 
 Presbytery, by resolution, fittingly recorded their great 
 regard for their brother, bore willing testimony to his 
 zeal in the Master's service, and the gratifying 
 success that had attended his labors, and expressed the 
 hope that he would be abundantly blessed in his new 
 field of labor. 
 
 In October, 1872, a forward movement was made 
 bv the Session in the consideration of the Missionary 
 schemes of the Church. "The members of Session 
 severally agreed to attend to the matter in their 
 rcsi)ective divisions, to maintain the organization, and 
 to see that collectors are ap])ointc(l." Attention was 
 also given to a circular from the Presbytery in reference 
 to supporting weak congregations, and raising the 
 minimum stipend of ministers to $600. As individual 
 ccmgrcgations have more and more ap])rcciated their 
 relationship to the united kingdom of Christ, these 
 (jucstions have received increasing attention, and the 
 Divine principle of the strong helping the weak, by 
 bearing one another's burdens, and so fulfilling the law 
 of Christ, has been correspondingly honored. 
 
46 PRRSBYTERIANISM IN PUSUNCTT. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 PASTOKATK OF THK KEY. AT.EXVNDER M( KAY, M.A. 
 
 ClUl congregation having now been without a ])astor 
 for eight nu)nths, a mceti ig was hehl on Deceniher 
 a, 1S72, for moderation in a call to a minister, with 
 the result that the Rev. Alexander Tniuhart, proba- 
 tioner, received the highest number of votes eavSt. A 
 motion put to the meeting to make the call unanimous 
 was but feebly responded to. The call was prei)ared, 
 signed, and commissioners to the rresbvtery api)ointed 
 to i)rosecute the call. A special meeting of the congre- 
 gation was called, when an earnest attem])t was made 
 to secure unanimity, but the probability of harmonious 
 action in the call was not obtained, and this unsatis- 
 factorv condition of affairs prevented the settlement of 
 Mr. Unpdiart as minister of the congregation. 
 
 A second nuxleration was proceeded with on the 
 Istof luly, 1S7:*.. the Rev. Robert Torrance presiding. 
 Now with perfect unanimity, a call was moderated in 
 to the Rev. Alexander McKay, M.A.,of lilmira, Illitu)is. 
 The call was signed by H)!** mendicrs and 175 adher- 
 ents. The regular mode of procedm-c was observed, 
 and Mr. M.'Kav, having signified his acceptance of 
 the call, was inducted on the :5()th of October, 1S7:?. 
 The Rev. Robert Torrance, interim moder.Mtor, pre- 
 sided, inducted and addressed the minister; the Rev. 
 I). McLctman, of South Luther, ])reaehed, and the 
 Rev. Thomas Wardrope a(l(h-esscd the people. 
 
MKvS. McKAV. 
 
KHV. am; XANDIvK .\UkA\, It. D. 
 
duff's cmiKCn. 4«7 
 
 At a nieetin.u^ held on January 1, 1S74, "The 
 Session at^reed to hold the union prayer meeting during 
 the iirst week of the New Year in the ehureh, eoniniene- 
 ing every evening at seven o'clock." This is the first 
 notice of the observance of the Week of Trayer, as 
 arranged by the Evangelical Alliance. This method of 
 consecration by continuous services during the first 
 week of the year has been i)r()ductive of great good in 
 cultivating the s])irit ot kindlv symi)athy among Chris- 
 tian denominations, and in c(msecrating individual life 
 to the duties and responsibilities of social and religious 
 relationships. 
 
 On New Year's Day, 1H74, the vSession had the 
 privilege of considering a subject of very great interest 
 and importance, which had been remitted to Sessions 
 and congregations by the superior courts. 
 
 In ISTO the Rev. Dr. Ormiston addressed a letter to 
 the Kev. Dr. Jenkins, Moderator of the vSynod of the 
 rresbvterian Chrch in Canada in connection with the 
 Church of vScotland, stating that *' after much earnest 
 thought and private consultation with brethren, he 
 deemed it proper to address him with reference to the 
 incor])oration of all the I'resbyterian churches in the 
 Dominion under one C.cneral Assend)ly." He suggested 
 that the Synod might appoint a committee to confer 
 with committees that might be ai)pointcd by the other 
 Synods. Before this time there had been si.\ unions 
 effected between diiVcrent branches of the Presbyterian 
 Church in British North America, which resulted in the 
 formation of four Synods— the Synod of the Lower 
 I'rovitices, the Synod of the Maritime Provinces in con- 
 neeti(m with the Church of Scotland, the Synod of the 
 
4.S i»ki'SI{vti-:kianism in i'I'smncii. 
 
 CaiKula rrcsbvterinn Church, and the vSyiiod of the 
 Canada I'rcsbvterian Church In connection with the 
 Church of vScothand. Dclcjj^ates from the iour vSynods 
 met in Montreal in September, 1S7(), as a joint com- 
 mittee, and after earnest and prayerful eonsideration 
 reached the eonclusicm that a General Union was both 
 desirable and practicable. A Basis of Union was iorm- 
 nlated, and in the regular way transmitted to Sessions 
 and eonorco-ations for their eonsideraticm. This vSes- 
 sion and cono-re-ati.m, by a large majority, approved 
 of the Basis of Unicm as on the whole satisfactory. Ihe 
 spirit of union se:mcd to have powerfully inllucnccd 
 Uresbvterianism throughout the Dominion, and on the 
 ir,th ofIutie,lS75, in theCity of Montreal, the Supreme 
 Courts of the four negotiating churches met m \ ictoria 
 Hall and happilv amsummated the unicm which lor 
 five years thev had been considering. This was a scene 
 of impressiveness unparalleled in the history ot I'resby- 
 terianism in this or anv other ccmntry. This was com- 
 pleting a union which reveals a spirit that leads the 
 Uresbvterianism of the wcndd, and is a religious object 
 lesson which leads and edifies all the Christian denom- 
 inations that have felt the destructive power ot inter- 
 nal strife Memories of sad struggles were that day 
 recalled ; venerated fathers who had fought manhil 
 battles and had reached the lan<l of united hearts, were 
 remembered ; God's goodness in the past was gratelully 
 acknowledged; and the future appeared a vision of 
 surpassing glorv, as thousands, in hopeful anticipation, 
 appropriated the promises made to those who seek the 
 peace and prosperity of Zion, and delight to dwell 
 together in Christian unity. The high anticipations of 
 
duff's ciiukch. 49 
 
 that iiicniorablc day have been abundantly realize(] in 
 the continued progress of an undividet! Church. 
 
 In April, 1874, the Session noted : " The nund)er of 
 elders composing the Session being few, and inadecpiate 
 to overtake the duties of elders over the extensive 
 bounds of the congregation, the Session decided to take 
 the necessary ste])S to increase the number." These 
 having been observed, it was found that the congrega- 
 tion had called Messrs. Alexander MeCormick, Peter 
 Stewart, John Clark, jr., Robert Beattie, Hugh Cuck- 
 burn, and Malcolm McNaughton to this sacred office, 
 and on invitation aiJjjearing before the Se-'^ion, the call 
 was formally presented to them and accepted by them. 
 " The Session being satisfied in regard to their religious 
 knowledge, piety, and prudence, and their knowledge 
 of the government and discipline of the Church, and the 
 duties of their office, ordered an edict to be read to the 
 congregation appointing S.nbbath day, the 25th of 
 July, for their ordination." On the day appointed, 
 they were regularly ordained and inducted, .and their 
 names added to the elders' roll. 
 
 On June 9, 1875, the honorary degree of Doctor of 
 Divinity was conferred on the pastor by the Senate of 
 Trinity University, U. S. In the Annual Calendar of 
 the Uiiiversitv for that year, the following reference is 
 made to conferring this degree: "The Degree of D. D. 
 has been conferred upcm the Rev. Alexander McKay, of 
 Canada, a graduate of a Canadian University, a bright 
 theologian, and an admirable proficient in the (Gaelic 
 language. Testimonials of a high order received from 
 Canada have perlectly satisfied the faculty that this 
 le.'irned reverend gentienuui richly deserves the honor 
 
50 PKKSBYTEKIANISM IN PUSLINCU. 
 
 which they have conferred." This was a signal mark of 
 (Hstinction, as Mr. McKay was the first GaeHc j)reach- 
 in^j;^ minister in the western section of the Presbyterian 
 Church in Canada, ui)on whom this highCvSt academical 
 dej^ree had been conferred. No notice of this excep- 
 ti(^nal honor is found in the Session records, and it 
 woukl seem that the Session with surprising modesty 
 had failed to mark a recognition of the supreme dis- 
 tinction associated with the honor conferred on their 
 Moderator. It is prohtable, as well as courteous, for a 
 Session and congregation to manifest appreciation of 
 the honorable recognition of their ministers. 
 
 In April, 1876, Dr. McKay informed theSessi-n that 
 for a long time he had been anxious to go on a visit to 
 Scotland, and if ])roper arrangements ccmld be made 
 for pulpit supply in his absence, and the consent of Ses- 
 sion and Presbytery obtained, he would go that sum- 
 mer. The Session expressed ^heir cordial assent to the 
 pastor's ])roposition, and their desire to do everything 
 possible to facilitate the necessary arrangements for his 
 temporary absence. Satisfactory arrangements were 
 made, and the pastor enjoyed a delightful visit to the 
 land of his nativity. 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Meldruni, who had retired from the 
 active duties of the ministry, returned to reside at Mor- 
 riston, and became permanently associated with the 
 Session as a corresponding mend)er in 1870. Though 
 now advanced in life, he still manifested a deep and 
 active interest in the congregation. He was a con- 
 genial friend of the pastor, and delighted to render him 
 assistJince. So long as he was able he addressed the 
 communicnnts after the elements were served at the 
 
 /i^''^?\ 
 
duff's CHURCH. rSl 
 
 communion table. For about a year liefore his decease, 
 he was unable to attend the sanctuary regularly. He 
 suffered a stroke of paralysis, from which he never fully 
 recovered, and the once stroni^ frame yielded rapidly. 
 On the ni>2^ht prccedinu^ his translation he, unable to 
 join his family, called them all into his room for wor- 
 shii). They sang a psalm, his son George read the 
 chai)ter, and the voice of the aged saint was heard for 
 the last time in prayer at the family altar to which he 
 had been so lovingly attached by a holy, pure devo- 
 tion. In a few hours that voice was silenced, and the 
 next day his spirit rose from the noon-day glory of 
 earth to the glory that excellcth in heaven. His depar- 
 ture was on the 19th of November, ISSl), in the S4th 
 year of his age. His funeral was attended by a very 
 large number, who sympathetically manifested their 
 regard for him who had been so intimately connected 
 with the religious life of Puslinch for half a century. 
 The services were conducted by the Rev. Alexander 
 McKay, D.D., assisted by the Kev. Th(mias Wardrope, 
 D. D. ; the Rev. G. Smcllic, I>. D. ; and the Rev. R. Tor- 
 rance, D.D. His remains were interred in the Crown 
 Cemetery, n')t far fro:n the place where stood the 
 primitive church in which, as the pioneer minister, he so 
 long an:l so faithfully prodaime.l the gospjl. The pro- 
 minent monument, erected ni'ar the entramv t() the 
 cemeterv, recalls the more enduring monument of con- 
 secration and noble purpose which his couragetms life 
 and untiring .".ctivity had formed in Puslinch, Zorra, 
 and other places. 
 
 About this time a sect, commonly called "The 
 Brethren," became a factor in the religious life of Pus- 
 
52 PRESBYTERIANISM IN PUSLINCH. 
 
 liiich. Bv characteristic energy they made known their 
 distinctive doctrines and rehgions practices, and so 
 commended themselves that aconsiderable nnmber who 
 had])een regarded as excellent nuMnhers of the Presby- 
 terian Chnrch, united with them, and the Session had 
 the implcasant duty of removing their names Irom the 
 comnninion roll. 
 
 The following obituarv minute was adopted by the 
 Session on October 20, 1878: "The Session desire to 
 put on record the loss they sustained since then- last 
 meeting in the removal by death of one of their number, 
 namely. Mr. Alexander McCormick, who died on the 
 15th of this month. Mr. McCormick had been ordamed 
 and inducted as an elder of this congregation, 25th July 
 1875. Owhig to severe and protracted illness, he was 
 not able to attend vSession meetings for over two years. 
 Though suffering intensely at times, he very seldom 
 complained ; those who visited him came away feehng 
 that he was receiving consolation and support from 
 the true source. While health permitted, he was very 
 attentive and regular in his attendance at public 
 worship; though he was six miles irom church he w^as 
 very seldom absent. He was very affable in his manner, 
 and always took a deep interest in the temporal and 
 spiritual 'pi-osperitv of the congregation of which he 
 was so long a member. He was a solid, faithful and 
 reliable man, a wise counsellor, whose ailvice was 
 alwavs taken with much respect. He made the Bible 
 his dailv studv, and found much pleasure in the com- 
 pany of God's people. In the removal of their beloved 
 friend and brother, at the age of fifty-six, the members 
 of Session feel more than ever the force of the admoni- 
 tion, ' Prepare to meet thy God, O Israel.' " 
 
duff's church. 53 
 
 "Application havino^ been made by the IVcsbytery 
 of Hamilton to the Presbytery of Ouelph for leave to 
 establish a new eontjreii^ation at " MeCrae," n station 
 on the line of the Credit X'alley Railway, the eon^re^n- 
 tion was duly cited to ap])ear before the Presbytery of 
 Ouelph to defend their interests in the matter. The 
 Session took the mntter into consideration, and tlie 
 Moderator, in a carefully i)repared paper, embodied the 
 suggestions made. The paper was read and adopted 
 and the reprcvscntatives of the congregation were auth- 
 orized to present it to the Presbytery and to sustain it 
 before that venerable body." After considering .all the 
 interests concerned the Presbytery of Ouelph declined 
 to approve of the organization of a new congregation 
 at the proposed station. 
 
 At its meeting of October IG, 1SS5, the following 
 minute is noted : " The Session feel called upon to record 
 the loss they have sustained in the removal by death of 
 Mr. Hugh McNaughton, a ruling elder of the church for 
 the last sixteen years. For over five vears Mr. Mc- 
 Naughton suffered from a severe stroke of paralysis 
 until on Sabbath, the 2Gth July, the messenger of peace 
 released him from the wrecked earthly tabernacle at the 
 age of 70 years. Mr. McNaughton was one of the 
 original i)ioneers of Puslinch and a member of Duffs 
 Church from its inception. He always maintained a 
 walk and conversation becoming the Oospel of Christ 
 and was endowed with more than ordinary gifts and 
 graces, which he hund)ly and cheerfully devoted to the 
 advancement of Christ's kingdom in the clmrch of which 
 he was an office bearer. He was beloved by all who 
 knew him on .account of his gentle .and .'imi.able charac- 
 
54) PRESIIYTERIANISM IN PUSLINCII. , 
 
 tcr. With pleasure the Session record their sense of the 
 deep interest taken bv their brother in the affairs of the 
 church in general, but more especially in the welfare 
 of the congregation with which he has been identified 
 from its genesis. Through all the vicissitudes, trials 
 and changes of the eventful history of the congregation, 
 Mr McNaughton proved himself to be a faithful ser- 
 vant, and an unllinching friend. His departure caused 
 a vacancy in the Session and congregation not easily 
 filled." 
 
 At the same meeting, "The Moderator was ap- ■' 
 pointed to consult with Mr. Allan McDiarmid, an elder 
 from another congregation, now resident within our 
 1)ounds, with a view to have his name submitted to the 
 congregation for re-election to the office of elder m Duff's 
 church " At the following meeting Mr. McDiarmid 
 was present, and "signified his acceptance of the office 
 of elder to which he was recently elected by the Session 
 and congregation," and on the first day of January, 
 1886, his induction took place. 
 
 The Session is again called upon to chronicle the 
 death of one of its members: "The Session would 
 record with regret the death of Mr. Andrew McRobbie, 
 which took place at his residence, at Puslinch, on Nov- 
 ember 28th, 1885, after a long and painful illness, at 
 the age of 71 vcars. He was a ruling elder in this con- 
 gregation for'nearlv thirty years. At the time of his 
 Tlcath he was a member of Session, Presbytery, Synod, 
 and General Assemblv,an incident that seldom happens 
 at the decease of a ruling elder. Mr. McRobbie took an 
 active and warm interest in all the affairs of the church. 
 He was verv regular and conscientious in his attend- 
 
duff's CHIIKCH. r f);) 
 
 ance at the services of Duffs cluirel . Often, in the days 
 of his activity, he walked there, a distance of five miles 
 from church, when the roads were bad, or not conveni- 
 ent for him to take ont his conveyance. He was in 
 connection with the congregation since its organization 
 more than half a century ago. The Session will miss 
 verv much his wise and judicious counsel in their 
 deliberations as a Session, but their loss is his eternal 
 gain." 
 
 In the month that the Session adopted the minute 
 in regard to the death of the late Mr. McKobbie, they 
 sustained another loss in the removal by death of Mr. 
 Walter Cowman, and the obituary record is as follows : 
 " The Session is called upon to mourn the loss of one of 
 its most prominent members in the person of Mr. 
 Walter Cowan, who died at his residence on Sabbath 
 day, June 20th, in the sixty-ninth year of his age. Mr. 
 Cowan suffered for a long time acutely from cancer, 
 which resulted in his death. He bore his affliction with 
 great ])atience, fortitude, and Christian resignation, 
 and yielded up his spirit in the faith andho])c of a glori- 
 ous immortality. He was connected with the congre- 
 gation of Duff's Church for about forty years, for seven- 
 teen of which he filled the office of ruling elder. Mr. 
 Cowan was oi a quiL't, unassuming disposition, genial, 
 affable, and kind; always ready to take his share of 
 congregational duties, and to co-operate with his 
 brethren in every good work. Mr. Cowan is the third 
 member of Session translated within twelve months, 
 thus repeating to us the solemn injunction, ' Be ye also 
 ready, for in such hour as ye know not the Son of man 
 cometh.' " 
 
50 riilvSilYTKRlANISM IN PU^LINCH. 
 
 The i>\-sion, in October, ISSG, "agreed to invite 
 Mr. William McEachern, an elder from Harriston, now 
 resident within the bonnds of Duff's ehureh, to become 
 a member of v^ession." The electi(m took place on the 
 IHth of November, and his induction on the 1st day of 
 
 January, 1887. 
 
 In the records of June, 1887, we find a reference to 
 the Gaelic services: "Hitherto, (m sacramental occa- 
 sions, the Cache service was held in the Town Hall, 
 Morriston. It was su1)mitted to the vSession that mem- 
 bers attending the riaclic service were so few that the 
 Session house would afford them sufficient aeconnnoda- 
 tion, the service in both languages to proceed simultan- 
 eously in the church and Session house, at the close of 
 the English service the Gaelic communicants to enter 
 the church and occupy the vacated seats at the com- 
 numion table. The Session agreed that the proposed 
 arrangement shoidd becarried into effect, and the result 
 ])roved to be (piite satisfactory." This arrangement 
 lias l)een observed until the present time. 
 
 The congregation, for a number of years, had 
 suffered severely from removals, deaths, and other 
 eauses. and the reduction of families had caused much 
 jjcrplcxity and financial embarrassment. Many con- 
 llicting opinions existed concerning the causes of 
 congregational decline, and much urwholesomc discus- 
 sion led up to an unsatisfactory condition of affairs, 
 which culminated in the retirement of Dr. McKay from 
 the pastorate on August 11, 1881). Dr. McKay was 
 minister of the congregation for sixteen years, his 
 p.'istorate being the longest in the congregation's 
 history. He has fre(|uently visited the congregation 
 since (in communion seasons, and many are ever pleased 
 to see him. 
 
duff's CIIIKCH. 57 
 
 CIIAI'TI-K V. 
 
 PASTOR ATli OF TllF KFV. W. KOHKkTSON, U. A. 
 
 TIl'TIvR the retirement of Dr. MeKay the proposition 
 XI ofunion with Knox Church, West Tuslineh, was 
 eonsidered. Much opposition was manifested for a time; 
 hut after mature consideration, the interests of both 
 coni^re.nations seemed to re(|uire it, and a basis of 
 1 lion was a.ureed upon, and the conditions ratified by 
 the interested parties. After various unsuccessful 
 attempts at the harmonious selection of a pastor, the 
 eonp-e.!^^'ition met on the Dth day of vSeptember, ISDO, 
 and moderated in a unanimous call to the Kev. 
 William Robertson, B. A., who had been minister of 
 the Waterdown charue. The regular mode of l)ro- 
 cedure was observed. an»' Mr. Robertson acceptipg 
 the call was inducted on ctober 21, ISDO. T'.ie Rev. 
 Robert Torrance, 1). I)., Moderator of vSession,/>/o. tciii. 
 presided, and addressed the coiip-CK-ition, the Rev. A. B. 
 Winchester, ii.A., of Berlin, preached, and the Rev. j. C. 
 Smitli, B. 1)., addressed the minister. On the same day 
 the v^ession read an address to the Rev. Dr. Torrance, 
 exprcssiuL^ their ai)preciation of his sympathetic, kind, 
 and courteous care over them durin^^ the lon^ vacancy, 
 ai.d assurin.u him that "hist .nposure and paliencc 
 under irritating circumstances had contributed not a 
 little to harmonize and heal eonllietin<> opinion, and to 
 enlist the co-operation of all to accelerate the aus- 
 l)icious settlement culminatinj; to-day in the induction 
 
58 PRESBYTERIANISM IN PUvSLINCH. 
 
 of the Rev. William Robcrson, B. A., to the pastoral 
 oversis^ht of the eongregation." 
 
 The ])astor, in a few weeks, avsked the Session to 
 eonsider the advisability of organizing a Y. P. S. C. E. 
 The Session a])proved of the suggestion, and n strong 
 soeiety of young ])eo])le was organized. Mueh good 
 work was aeeoniplished for a few years, but loeal 
 eireunistan(X's ehanged, similar Soeieties were formed in 
 Morriston and Aberfoyle, some of the workers devoted 
 their energies to the ehureh Sabbath Sehool whieh had 
 been organized, and similar work in the other seetions 
 of the ehureh ealled for the eoneentrated attention of 
 some of the bevSt workers, so the diseontinuance of the 
 Soeiety was with regret agreed u])on. 
 
 For a number of years there had been a pronouneed 
 desire on the part of many to modernize the' ehureh life, 
 l)ut in a eongTegati(m so eon ervative, and unaeeus- 
 tomed to ehanges, innovations eannot be etfeeted speed- 
 ily, or without frietion and intense regret on the part 
 of tho^e who eling to the old ])aths so dear to them. 
 The present seemed, however, an ()])]K)rtune time to 
 move, so at the meeting of Session held on the »Jrd of 
 Jamiary, 1891, "a eommunieation from the President 
 and Seeretary of the Y. 1*. S. C.E. was read, exi)ressing 
 a desire to have the Presbyterian Hymnal introdueed 
 into the serviee of the ehureh and of the society, and 
 recjuesting the Session to bring the subjeet before the 
 congregation at the .'imuial tneeting. The Session 
 agreed to lay the eommunieation before the aimual 
 meeting, with the ujiderstanding that the introduc- 
 tion of the Hymnal should not have precedence of the 
 Psalms and Priraphnises, but be used in addition 
 
MRS. KOHIvKTSOy 
 
Axv. 
 
 ■ i 
 
 Kiev. \VM. ROBIJRTSON. B. A. 
 
duff's church. 59 
 
 thereto." At the annual meeting, on motion of Messrs. 
 George Meldriim and Alexander MeCaig, it was greed 
 that "in addition to the Psalms and Paraphrases the 
 Presbyterian Hymnal be introduced into the services of 
 the Chureh and the Christian Endeavor Society." 
 
 As several members of Session, on account of the 
 infirmities of age, were no longer able to take an active 
 part in the Session work, it was deemed advisable to 
 have an increased number of elders. The Session made 
 the necessary arrangements for an election, and an 
 examination of the votes cast found that Messrs. John 
 D.Clark, John A. Cockburn, Wellwood Cowan, Andrew 
 Munro, Alexander McCaig, James E. McLean, Duncan 
 McKenzie, and William Stratton, jr., were the choice of 
 the congregation. On appearing before the Session by 
 request, the elders elect were formally notified of their 
 call to the office. Mr. Jolin D. Clark could not be pre- 
 vailed upon to accept the oflice, but the other seven 
 consented to the call of the congregation, and were 
 ordained and inducted on Sabbath, the 10th day of 
 May, 1891. 
 
 At the first meeting after the addition to their num- 
 ber, "The Session took into consideration the most 
 feasible and best way of dividing the congregation into 
 visiting districts, and giving th oversight of the 
 families in each district to the resident elders. It was 
 mutually agreed to adopt the limits of the School Sec- 
 ti(uis within the bounds of the congregrition for divid- 
 ing lines, and to aj^point the resident families to the 
 oversight of the resident elders." 
 
 At the March meeting of Session, 1892, "The 
 Moderator read a comnuuiication irom Mr. Hugh Mc- 
 
GO rRKvSBYTEKIANISM IN PUSLINCIl. 
 
 Diarmid and the choir, prayinjj^ the Session to suhniit 
 the introduction of the or<j^an into the church service to 
 a vote of the conj^re.ti^ation. Mr. Hujz:h Cockburn, 
 seconded by Mr. Stratton, moved that the introduction 
 of the organ into the church ser\ ice be submitted to a 
 vote of the congregation. Mr. James McLean, seconded 
 bv Mr. Stewart, moved in amendment that the motion 
 be postponed for the i)rcsent. The amencbnent was 
 carried." The element of opposition to the use of 
 instrumeiitrd music, so pronounced in former years, 
 seemed still to be strong in the Session, and as the 
 convulsions of revolution in connection with innova- 
 tions are always injurious, those in favor of the 
 lirojiosed change submitted to the decision of the 
 Session, believing that the (piiet force of natural evolu- 
 tion would bring about, in a few years, the desired 
 result. 
 
 Although no Sabbath School had ever been held in 
 the church, many of the mend)crs had fully appreciated 
 the importance of this department of church activity, 
 and had been engaged in the work in connection with 
 the Union Sabbath School in Morriston, and district 
 schools in diiferent parts of the congregation, but, in 
 June, 1S1)2, the Session noted, "A proposition being 
 submitted in regard to opening a Sabbath vSchool in 
 the church, the following members of Session were 
 appointed to ascertain the views of parents and other 
 interested parties in the matter, viz.: Messrs. J. A. 
 Cockburn, Munro, McCaig, McDiarmid, McEachern, J. 
 E. McLean, and Stratton." This committee seems not 
 to have rej^orted formally, but the question again 
 comes before the SeSvSion on January 31, 1S93. "A 
 
duff's CIIITRCH. 01 
 
 pro]ioscal to open n Sn1)l)fiL]i School in the ehureh was 
 submitted by Mr. Strntton. After some eonsiderntion 
 and (hsenssion, Mr. Ihisj^h Coekburn, seconded by Mr. 
 xMcDiarmid, moved that the o[ enin«>- of the Sch )ol be 
 deferred for fnrther consideration. Mr. John Coekbm-n, 
 seconded by Mr James ]\. McLean, moved in amend- 
 ment, that the Session (\n now give consent to have tlie 
 Sabbath School opened in the church in connection 
 with the coni^retj^ation, but that no steps be taken to 
 or<^anize the School until the latter part of March. The 
 amendment carried." It will ever remain a mystery 
 that exce])tion should be taken to the orixanization of 
 a Sabbath vSchool in the church. The Church has an 
 inalienable ri<.iht to instruct her own youth under her 
 own immediate superintendence. The attendance at a 
 Union Sabbath School and the Sabbath Schools of 
 other denominations should not ])reclude the Church 
 from the privilel^e and duty of makinti: Sabbath School 
 prt)Yision for her own children. The Sabbath School 
 was orc^anized, notwithstandin*>- stronj^ ojjposition 
 from some mend)ers of Session and others, the attend- 
 ance has fully justified its existence, and much good has 
 been accom])lished. 
 
 At the meeting when the (piestion of Sabbath School 
 organization was decided, Mr. James McLean tendered 
 his resignation of the office of Session Clerk, which 
 resignation was ordered to lie on the tal)lc. At a su))- 
 sequent meeting his resignation was considered, the 
 Session expressing deep regret at the prospect of losing 
 the services of so valued an officer, and asking him to 
 reconsider his decision. Mr. McLean, however, adhered 
 to his resignation, wliieh was consecpiently accepted, 
 
02 PRKSBYTKRIANISM IN PUSTJNCII. 
 
 the sincere thanks ot the Session were tendered him for 
 his long and faithlnl service, and acommittee appointed 
 to pre])are a minute expressive of the mind of the 
 Session, to he engrossed in the Session records. At the 
 next meeting the committee submitted the following, 
 which was adopted by the vSession : " In accepting the 
 resignation of Mr. James McLean, the Session resolves to 
 ])ut on record their gratitude to the great Head of the 
 Church for sparing the life of His servant for so many 
 years, and would sincerely thank Mr. McLean for his 
 careful, painstaking, and efficient service during the 
 long period of twenty-live years, when he acted in the 
 capacity of Clerk of the Session ; and their prayer to 
 God is that he may yet be spared many years to lal)or 
 for his Saviour in the Session and in the church he loves 
 so well." 
 
 On May 23, 1S93, Mr. John A. Cockburn was 
 elected by the unanimous vote of the Session to the 
 office of Session Clerk, and has continued to perform 
 the duties faithfully till the present time. 
 
 For many vears temi:)erance principles, tuore or less 
 advanced, have been advocated, and not a few have 
 had pronounced views against the use of fermented 
 wine at the communion services; so the Session, in 
 January, iS94, reasonably decided that, as no injury 
 was likely to be connected with the discontinuance of 
 fermented wine, and the substitution of unfermented, 
 the latter should henceforth be used in the sacred 
 ordinance. This change seems to have given entire 
 satisfaction. 
 
 After waiting somewhat impatiently for more than 
 two vears, the choir again communicates with the Ses- 
 
,c '/*, 
 
 p. STEWART. 
 
 \. MINKO. 
 
 I. A. CiJCKIUKN. 
 
 Present Elders. 
 
II .\kki:nxii-; 
 
 \V. STKATTON. 
 
 rUHSKNT El.DKKS. 
 
DIFF'S CHURCH. 63 
 
 sion in September, 1S1)4: "A conimunieation was read 
 from Mr. Get)rge Meldriini, seeretary of the choir, ])ray- 
 ing the Session to reeonsider the i)etition sent by the 
 choir some years ago, in reference to submitting the 
 organ c|ncstion to a vote of the congregation. After 
 due consideration it was mov(?d by Mr. McNaughton, 
 seconded by Mr. J. A. Cockl)urn, and unanimously re- 
 solved, that we submit to a vote of the congregaticm 
 the (|uestion of introducing the use of the organ into 
 the church services; the Modenitor and Clerk to pre- 
 pare ballots for the same." Soon after the vote was 
 taken the Session met to consider the (juestion in the 
 light of the ballots cast for and against the use of the 
 organ. It was found that S4 members had voted for 
 the use of the organ, and 17 against, with ^9 adherents 
 for and 7 against. The total number for was found to 
 be 148, and the full number against 24. "The follow- 
 ing resolution was then moved by Mr. John A. Cock- 
 burn, seconded by Mr. J. E. McLean: That, after care- 
 fully cor.sidcring the ballots cast for and against the 
 organ, rind nil circumstances connected th;M-ewith, we 
 unanimously agree that it would not be in the best 
 interests of the congregation to introduce the organ 
 into the church services at present." The (|uestion of 
 instrumental music in the church service was thus again 
 disposed of, only to be revived at some future time, as 
 the feelin" in the congregation was now known to be 
 so strong in favor of the use of the organ that the 
 majority must be recognized. Two years later, Mr. 
 Hugh McDiarmid sent the vScssion his resignation as 
 leader of the choir. The Session, anxious to ^rtain his 
 services, ai)pointcd a committee to confer with him, 
 with the view of having him continue leader of the 
 
G4 PKKSIJYTEKIANISM IN TUSLINCH. 
 
 service of praise. This committee rei)ortccl that, having 
 had a conference with Mr. McDiarmid, they had failed 
 to ^ct him to withdraw his resisj^nation. The Moder- 
 ator and Mr. James B. McLean then agreed to wait on 
 him. They assured him of the eaniei^t desire of the 
 Session and congregation to have him continue as 
 leader of the praise service, and sought to remove any 
 difficulties that he had experienced. After some con- 
 sideration, Mr. McDiarmid said he w^ould continue as 
 leader of the choir, if the Session would give their 
 consent to the use of the organ in the church service, 
 although the absence of the organ had not been the 
 cause of his resignation. Tliis was rej)orted to the 
 Session in March, ISDG, and, "after due consideration, 
 it was moved by Mr. Jas. E. McLean, seconded by Mr. 
 J. A. Coekburn, that we defer the consideration of intro- 
 ducing the organ until the hrst of June." This motion 
 was carried. On the iirst of June, "the (piestion of 
 introducing the organ into the public worship of the 
 sanctuary was taken U]) and considered, and after due 
 deliberation, the following conclusion was arrived at : 
 Whereas the congregation have recorded a majority 
 vote in favor of instrumental music, we, as a Session, 
 are agreed to give our consent to the introduction of 
 the same, and hand the matter over to the Hoard of 
 Managers to make further provision therefor." When 
 the (picsti<ni came before the Managers they agreed to 
 canvass the congregation for sul)Scrii)tions to inirchase 
 an organ, but stii)ulated that unless the amount 
 ])romised be sufficient for the purchase they would not 
 proceed. The linancial resi)onse of the congregation 
 was found to be inadctpiate to meet the sti])ulations of 
 the Maagers, who declined to incur any financial 
 
duff's ciiukcii. 65 
 
 obli.i^ation ; so, by resolution, they left the matter over 
 till the annual meetini"^ of the eonu^regation, in Ja;n'ary. 
 At that meeting the ehairman, Mr. Hugh Coekh-.irn, 
 found this (juestion on the doeket of busine^^^i, and giive 
 the ()])i)()rtunity for its consideration ; bu^, no one 
 seemed desirous of dealing with it, so no aetior. vvas 
 taken. At the elose of this meeting, Mr. Hugh MeDiar- 
 mid again resigned the leadership of the choir to ixvo 
 of the elders, who reported it to a meeting of Sessi(m in 
 February, 1897, "when, on motion of Mr. A. Munro, 
 seeonded by Mr. James E. McLean, his resignation 
 was accepted. An application for the position of choir 
 leader was then read from Mr. John M. Fre> \fter 
 due consideration it was moved by Mr. A. Munro, 
 seconded by Mr. John A. Cockburn, that the applica- 
 tion be accei)ted for the ensuing year. This motion 
 carried unanimously." There was a re-organization of 
 the choir under the leadership of Mr. Frey, and the 
 organ (jucstion was again considered. Mr. Geo. J. 
 Meldrum, the Secretary, interviewed the Board of Man- 
 agement and requested them to permit the choir to 
 assume all responsibility in the purchase of a suitable 
 instrument. As the Managers' proposition had failed, 
 and the ccmgrcgation showed no disposition to exert 
 itself, the request was willingly granted. The choir, 
 with commendable energy, sought subscriptions, re- 
 ceived encouraging response, and, although obliged to 
 assume, for a short time, a small indebtedness, pur- 
 chased an excellent organ, and set at rest a (jucstion 
 that had caused a good deal of irritation for a con- 
 siderable time. 
 
 The(|uestion "To whom is Baptism to be admni- 
 istered," has always been a perplexing one in practical 
 
66 PRESBYTERIANISM IN PUSLINCH. 
 
 administration. Sonic years ago the General Assembly 
 took action regarding what may be termed special 
 cases, and the nature of their action as contained in 
 the words of the Rev. I'rincii)al Caven, was as follows : 
 "The Assembly declared that Christian ])arents should 
 not neglect the observance of the Lord's Supper, nor 
 su])pose that the spiritual attainments re(iuired in 
 order to discharge the vows laid on them in receiving- 
 baptism for their children, were lower than those re- 
 quired of commmiicants ; and the pastors of persons 
 who had not attained clear views on this subject were 
 exhorted to do all in their power to remove the miscon- 
 ception referred to. Nevertheless, Sessions should be at 
 liberty, in the mean time, to allow baptism in the case 
 of parents who seem to be followers of Christ, and 
 who could he trusted to bring up their children as 
 Christian |)arents should do, though they were not 
 actually communicants." Acticm similar to the General 
 Assembly's deliverance has been observed throughout 
 the Session's history in dealing with special cases. Al- 
 though a narrower interpretation of the answer in the 
 Shorter Catechism has caused perplexing difl'ereiices of 
 opinion, yet individual members have not the privilege 
 of taking action, in their official capacity, contrary to 
 the decision of the Supreme Court of the Church. To 
 avoid recurring difficulties the Session has sought to 
 make specific regulations concerning the Sacrament of 
 Baptism in harmony with the deliverance of the Gene- 
 ral Assembly, which are here presented in the following 
 extracts of Session minutes: January 30, 1894, "The 
 ((uestion of baptism was taken up and considered, 
 when it was agreed that when the Ordinance of Bap- 
 tism was to be administered outside of the public sane 
 
duff's church. 67 
 
 tllar^^ notice of the same is to be ^iven from the 
 pulpit ; and in cases where neither parent 's a member 
 of the church in full communion, at least one of the 
 parents must come before the Session to make personal 
 application for baptism for their children." On De- 
 cember 20, 1898, "It was moved by Mr. Huj?h Cock- 
 burn, seconded by Mr. James E. McLean, and resolved, 
 that any person or persons applying to this Sessi(m for 
 himself or herself, or for their children, for the sacra- 
 ment of Baptism, be required to stand the same exam- 
 ination as persons uniting with the Church in full 
 communion ; and that the c|uestions found in the Book 
 of Forms be put by the Moderator, before the Session, 
 or a 'deputation of the Session. If then the Session is 
 satisfied that they are proper persons to receive bap- 
 tism, for themselves or for their children, the Modera- 
 tor may proceed to administer the sacrament, and the 
 names of the parties shall be placed on a roll kept for 
 the purpose; the Session then to have the same over- 
 sight over them as persons in full communion. Should 
 such persons have any scruples, doubts, or fears, in 
 coming to the Lord's table, to commemorate His dying 
 love, they shall be left to the freedom of their o^ni will 
 and be kindly sjioken to, from time to time, oy the 
 Moderator, or any member of Session." 
 
 An important feature of the congregation, and re- 
 garded with peculiar interest, is the large number who, 
 born in the congregation or for a time prominently con- 
 nected with its activity, have entered the ministry of 
 the church. The following are their names and date of 
 ordination : — 
 
 1. Francis W. Farrics, '68, for many years in Knox 
 Church, Ottawa; 2. Francis R. Beattie, M.A., D.D., 
 
68 PRHSnVTHRIANISM IN PUSLINCH. 
 
 '78, Professor in Louisville, Ky.; 3. Daniel M. rk'attie, 
 M.A., R.D., '80, (leeensed; 4. James Little, 'GG, Birr; 
 r>. Gilbert O. MeRobbie, IMi. D., '74, Kenible; G. John 
 Morrison, '()G, Cedarville; 7. Thomas Wanlrope, D. D., 
 '45, ex-Moderator of the General Assembly, Guelph; 
 8. Donald C. MeKenzie, M. A., deceased; 9. Peter J. 
 MeLaren, H.A.,'91, Belwood ; 10. James M. MeLaren, 
 B.A., '90, Blenheim; 11. John Little, '98, Chatsworth; 
 12. Robjrt T. Coeklnirn, '98, Kimball; 13. WilHam E. 
 Beattie, B. A., '97, Woodlawn, Ala., and Charles M. 
 Wvse, '99, Petrel. 
 
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duff's church. 69 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 DHrARTMHNTS OF CHURCH ACTIVITY. 
 
 1. — Board of Mnnagcmeut. 
 
 ON the 1st of Jnnunry, 1845, the congregation con- 
 sidered a proposition for the estahHshnient of a 
 Deacons' Court whose functions over the financial 
 affairs^ of the congregation would be similnr to that of 
 the Session over the spiritual interests. The members 
 of the Deacons' Court would be ordained to the office 
 and be intrusted with a life service. The proposition 
 met so much opposition that it was deemed advisable 
 to urge it no further. In 1S51, the Moderator, with 
 the cordial sanction of the Session, again called upon the 
 congregation to consider this question, and after fully 
 explaining the powers and duties of the ]iroposed court, 
 and the advantages expected, the congregation almost 
 unanimously decided against the introduction of such a 
 court. From the inception of the congregation, man- 
 agers chosen by the mend)ers had been intrusted with 
 the financial matters. Their duties seem not to have 
 been defined, and they had little administrative power 
 besides collecting stipend funds from a system of ])ew 
 rents determined by the congregation. Their authority 
 terminated when they handed over the collected 
 amounts to the treasurer of the congregation. This 
 
TO PRKSRYTERIANISM IN PUSLINCn. 
 
 ^-systcMTi seems to have been operated with dissatisfac- 
 tion, more and more pronoimeed, until at a conjj^re^a- 
 tional meetin^^ held in January, 1S07, on motion of 
 Messrs. Robert Forbes and D. Cameron it was dceided 
 "that the system of collecting pew rents by managerjs 
 be abolished ; and that three trustees be annually 
 elected, on the i)rinciple of and vested with the same 
 ])owers as school trustees have, to manage the temporal 
 affairs of this congregation." Messrs. Robert Forbes, 
 Hugh Cockburn, and John Smith were then elected the 
 hrst trustees of the church. The ])lan of operating the 
 financial affairs by three trustees, with well defined 
 powers, vScems to have been ca])able of improvement as 
 the finances are again in an imsatisfactory state ; so at 
 the annual congregational meeting held in January, 
 18S7, a Board of Managers composed of Messrs Wm. 
 Beattie, John A. Cockburn, John D. Clark, Archibald 
 Marshall, Alexander McLean, Jr., James McLean, 
 
 ' Daniel McFarlane, Daniel iVIcNaughton, and Wm.Strat- 
 ton, Jr., was a]i]iointcd to act conjointly- with the 
 Board of Trustees, then composed of Messrs. Alexander 
 McLean, Sen., Wm.Stratton,Sen., and Andrew Munro. 
 This united Board of three trustees and nine managers 
 constitutes the system of financial management that 
 has obtained till the ])resent time. It took several 
 years to clothe the Board of Managers with the author- 
 ity and responsibility reconnnended for guidance in the 
 Book of Forms. The best of regulations arc not ap])re- 
 ciated l)y those who feel disturbed by new modes of 
 procedure, yet gradually the true position of the man- 
 agers was recognized. The Chairman and Secretary- 
 Treasurer are a])pointed annually from among the 
 members of the Board. The congregation is divided 
 
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duff's church. 71 
 
 iiito districts and irufiiagcrshavc charge of the hnancial 
 interests of the sei)arate districts. Receipts are tjiven 
 to all who contribute to the support of ordinances, the 
 Sabbath offerings are counted and marked l)y a com- 
 mittee before being handed to the treasurer, a de- 
 tailed hnancial statement with the total receipts and 
 expenditures is printed annually and distributed, giving 
 satisfactory information concerning all the hnancial 
 affairs of the congregation. In addition to the ordin- 
 ary revenue for the sii])port of ordinances, the congre- 
 gation came into possession of over $1,000 accruing 
 from the sale of 80 acres of the church lot a few years 
 ago. By petition through the Presbytery to the Legis- 
 lature a special enactment was obtained for the srde of 
 this property, the recei])ts of which were to be ap])lied 
 (mlv for permanent improvements in connection with 
 the Presbyterian congregations of Puslinch. With this 
 money the church was repaired, horse sheds built, 
 fencing done, and a ])latform en'cted. The manse was 
 also made more comfortable; a barn, stables, driving 
 shed, &c., were built, the glebe fences im])roved, and 
 much general imi)rovement made on the church ])r()- 
 perty. 
 
 Mr. David McParlane was ai)poinLed Treasurer in 
 1843, and continued to hold the ollice for sevend years. 
 His house was burned while he was in office, and as very 
 little was saved, it is likely that all church records held 
 by him at the time were destroyed. Mr. James McLean 
 was appointed vSecretary-Treasurer in 18(53, and con- 
 tinued in the office 30 years, and on resigning in 1893 
 the thanks of the congregation were tendered him for 
 
t2 PKKSBYTKKIANISM IN PUSUNCII. 
 
 the faithlul and efficient manner in which he had dis- 
 charged !iis (Uitics lor so many years. Mr. T. U. Day 
 was api)ointed his successor, and Mr. Daniel McNaiigh- 
 ton became his successor in 1897, and is the present 
 occupant of the position. The present members of the 
 Board of Manaj^cment are Messrs. Daniel McParlane, 
 chairman ; Daniel McNaui^hton, secretary treasurer ; 
 John D. Clark, Christopher McBcath, Daniel McKenzie, 
 Malcolm Kennedy, Geo. J. Meldrum, Duncan McKenzie, 
 John W. Kerr, Hugh Koss, Thomas D. Day, and Peter 
 McKenzie, who has removed to British Columbia. 
 
 II— The SiibhaUi Schools of the Congregation. 
 1 .—Ikulcnoch Snbbath School. 
 
 When Mr. Meldrum was pastor of the congrega- 
 tion, and had his home in Badenoch at the residence of 
 Mr. Peter McLean, sen., he was accustomed to invite 
 the i)e()ple for Sabbath instruction after the regular 
 service of the sanctuary. Although there was no 
 formal organization, yet these Sabbath classes may be 
 regarded as the origin of the Sabb^ith vSchool which 
 has now existed for more than half a century. When 
 the old log school house stood on the 9th concession, it 
 was too far from the centre of the section, so a summer 
 Sabbath vSchool was held near the Badenoch black- 
 smith's sho]), in the open air beside a large pile of 
 logs, arranged for seating accommodation. Mr. 
 Angus Clark, an earnest Christian, usually opened 
 and closed the meetings with i)rayer. With him 
 as co-workers were Messrs. Peter Grant, Dutton, 
 
duff's church. 73 
 
 and James MclA'an, then public school teacher, who 
 tau^Hit a class of boys in the Gaelic lati.uua^a'. The first 
 superintendent, so far as can be learned from authentic 
 sources, was Mr. Lauehlan Kennedy, who is now nearly 
 a centenarian, bein.'i in his DOth year, the oldest person 
 in the townshi]). He was faithful in his duties as sup- 
 erintendent of the school, and long continued to have 
 a willin;^^ interest in the instruction of the younj^. 
 Althouj^h he had excellent command of the Enjj^lish 
 langua.LCc, he always used the Gaelic in i)rayer ; and it 
 will not soon be forgotten how strangely reverential 
 were the prayers in this venerable language, when all 
 the other services were in English. Many, particularly 
 in Badenoch, have feelings of very great regard for this 
 aged servant of the Lord. The next superintendent 
 was Mr. Robert Goudy, an earnest evangelical man, 
 who introduced the singing of hymns in the Sabbath 
 School. His term was short, as the Master called him 
 to a higher service above. The next to hold this im- 
 ])ortant olhce was Mr. James E. McLean, who con- 
 tinued for a number of years to discharge the duties 
 with great earnestness and elhciency until business 
 engagements prevented his regular attendance. He, 
 however, has been able to do a great deal as Bible Class 
 teacher, which position he still holds. He also takes a 
 leading part, as circumstances permit, in conducting 
 Sabbath evening meetings during the winter season, 
 and in promoting all other religious interests in the 
 neighborhood. Mr. McLean was succeeded by Mr. 
 Dugald McDonald, who was an active, painstaking 
 officer, but remained in the neighborhood onlv a short 
 time after his appointment, so his relationship to the 
 Sabbath School soon t minated. 
 
74 PKESnYTEKIANISM IN PUvSLINCII. 
 
 The next supcrintcnclent was Mr. William Stratton, 
 an edicicnt oHiccr, whose niikl, pleasing manner won 
 him miieh favor, and it was with nnieh regret the 
 sciiool learned that Sabbath vSehool interests in his own 
 seetion neeessitated a diseontinuanee of the happ_v rela- 
 tionship. 
 
 His sueeessor was the present superintendent, Mr. 
 Wm. F. Patterson, who, with ])ronoimeed energy and 
 with an excellent staff of teachers and ofheers, has 
 brought the school to the present high standard. 
 
 The present staff are : 
 
 Supcrintcnclent Mr. Wni. F. Patterson. 
 
 Assistant " Mr. John W. Kerr. 
 
 Secrctnry-Trcas Mr. D. Manning. 
 
 Assistfuit " Mr. John Gilmour. 
 
 Librarian Mr. John Bickley. 
 
 Organist Miss Lizzie Kerr. 
 
 Names of Teachers — Mr. James E. McLean, Mr. John 
 W. Kerr, Mrs. J. R. Clark, Mrs. Geo. Hanning, Miss 
 Jessie McLean, and Miss Lizzie Kerr. 
 
 Number of scholars on the roll at present 75 
 
 Average attendance of scholars this year GO 
 
 Average attendance of teachers this year 5 
 
 2.— Sabbath School in School Section No. 5. 
 
 The Sabbath School in vSchool Section No. 5 dates 
 back to the year 18v57. The Kev. Alex. McLean was 
 accustomed to hold a service occasionally on Sabbath 
 afternoons in the school house. Mr, John Morrison, 
 now the Rev. John Morrison, of Cedar villc, was the 
 
duff's church. 75 
 
 teacher of the public school then, and sugj^^ested the 
 organization of a Sabbath School. He acted as Su])er- 
 intendent until the autumn of 1858, when he returned 
 to Knox College to continue his studies for the minis- 
 try. He was succeeded by Mr. Francis W. h^arries, 
 afterwards well-known as the Rev. F. W. Farries, of 
 Knox Church, Ottawa, who continued to keep U]) the 
 interest in the Sabbath School. Then we find that Mr. 
 Arthur Oliver, a tinsmith of Morriston, taught the 
 Sabl)ath School in the year 1861. He was succeeded 
 by Mr. James Little, now the Rev. James Little, of 
 Bethel and Bryanston. We find also that Mr. Alex- 
 ander Warren was public and Sabbath school teacher 
 in 1804-, but how long before or after is not remembered. 
 During Mr. Warren's vacations Mr. Alexander McCaig 
 took charge of the Sabbath School, and when he left 
 the section Mr. McCaig continued in charge, assisted 
 by Mr. Peter Stewart. This arrangement continued 
 for many years and a pleasing and profitable interest 
 was maintained. Increa.sing infirmities prevented Mr. 
 Peter Stewart's regular attendance, but other earnest 
 workers willingly assisted. After man v years of faith- 
 ful service Mr. McCaig felt constrained to retire from the 
 school in the year in 1895. Mr. Andrew Munro then 
 in 1896, at the unanimous recpiest of the section, ac- 
 cepted their invitation to be Superintendent. He con- 
 tinued to conduct the school with encouraging success 
 for two seasons; then removing from the neighborhood, 
 his connection necessarily terminated. 
 
 Mr. William Stratton, Jr., then received an urgent 
 refjucst to become Superintendent, and although Sujier- 
 intendent of another Sabbath School, was prevailed 
 
76 I»RESnYTKKIANISM IN PUSLINCII. 
 
 upon to accept the position in 1S9S, and continues the 
 exeellciTt work of his predecessors with harmony and 
 success. 
 
 An or^an has been purchased this year and its use 
 is accompanied with a marked imi)rovement in the 
 praise service. 
 
 Tlie school is kept open six months of the year, but 
 Sabbath evening services are hehl monthly by the 
 pastor with a gratifying attendance. 
 
 The present staff are : 
 
 Superintendent, Mr. Wm. Stratton. 
 
 Secretnry-Trensnrer, Mr. James McCaig. 
 
 Librnn'nn, Mr. Neil Stewart. 
 
 Orcrnnist, Miss Mary Jane Smith. 
 
 Tencliers^Mr. Wm. Stratton, Miss Mary Stewart, 
 Miss Katie McCaig, and Miss Jennie Patterson. 
 
 Number of scholars on the roll this year 45 
 
 Average attendance of scholars this year 27 
 
 Average attendance of teachers this year 5 
 
 3.—Snhbnth School at No. 10. 
 
 The Sabbath School in Section No. 10 had its origin 
 in the old stone school house, in the year 1860. Mr. 
 Peter McLaren, who had just begun his work as public 
 school teacher, realized the importance of Sabbath 
 School instruction, and withtmt any formal organiza- 
 tion, gathered the people together for a Sabl)ath class. 
 For several 3'ears there was no division of classes, and 
 Mr. McLaren was the only teacher, keeping the school 
 open during the summer months. The increasing 
 
•I. 
 
 V. 
 
 O 
 o 
 
 X 
 
 X 
 
 > 
 V. 
 
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 O 
 
 ij 
 
 > 
 
 cd 
 
 » 
 o 
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duff's crirKcii. 77 
 
 attcnd.'incc nccessitntcd division into classc-' Mr. Mc- 
 Laren taking the older clnss of ))oys, and was assisted- 
 by the hite Andrew MeKohhie. F". K. Beattie, Miss 
 Catliarine MeKohhie, the hite .vliss Ann Meh'^arlane, 
 and Miss Maj^^ie McKeraeher (now Mrs John Doug- 
 las), who may be regarded as the first staff of teaehers 
 in the school. Mr. McLaren continued to work faith- 
 fully as Sui)crintendent and teacher until sevcrin;^ his 
 connection with the Section, in ISSO, It is of special 
 interest to note that vSeveral younj.^ men who havt; 
 entered the ministry of the Church received their early 
 training in classics from Mr. McLaren, and look back 
 upon his pronounced religious influence with enduring 
 gratitude. Few sections in Canada have a record for 
 religious and educational re«Mlts to beeompared with 
 that of No. 10, and Mr. McLaren has with pro])riety 
 been designated the " I'rofessor of Puslinch." During 
 the summer of 1881, without any regularly a])])ointed 
 superintendent, the school was led by Mr. (now Kev.) 
 Jt)hn Little, and Mr. John A. Cockburn, alternately. 
 In the spring of 1882, Mr. Cockburn was asked to lead 
 the school, and has been elected superintendent cA-cry 
 year since that time. During all these years the best of 
 harmony has prevailed. The energetic su])crintendent, 
 and a willing staff of teachers and officers, have had 
 much encoiu'agement, and their efforts have been 
 crowned with marked success. 
 
 It is worthy of special mention that from this 
 school have gone forth to enter the ministry the follow- 
 ing:— G. G. McRobbie, Ph.D., F. R. Beattie^ D.D., D. M. 
 Beattie, B.A., (deceased), W. E. Beattie, B.A., D. C. 
 McKcnzie, M.A., (deceased), K. Watt, P. J. McLaren, 
 B.A., J. M. McLaren, B. A., J. Little, and R.T. Cockburn. 
 
78 PKESnYT2RIANISM IN PIJSLINCH. 
 
 The present vStaff arc : 
 
 SuiK-rinicmicnt A4r. John A. Cockburn. 
 
 Assistnnt Mr, Neil McEachern. 
 
 Sec-Trcnsiircr Miss Mary Jane Ilardie. 
 
 Orgnnist Miss Christina McKenzie. 
 
 Asst. Organist Miss Grace iMnrray. 
 
 Lihmrmns Mr. M. O'Ncsto and Miss 
 
 Janet Hardic. 
 
 The present teachers are:, Mr. John A. Cockburn, 
 Miss Christina MeKcnzie, Miss Janet Gilchrist. Miss 
 CaSvSie Stephenson, Mr. Duncan McKenzie, and Mr. 
 Neil McEachern. 
 
 Number of scholars on the roll at present 60 
 
 Averap^c attendance of scholars this year 40 
 
 Average attendance of teachers this year 5 
 
 A few years ago a Bible class for the winter months 
 was formed, and the meetings held on Sabbath even- 
 ings. As the Sabbath School is alwnys closed for the 
 winter, these meetings have been well attended, and 
 partake largely of a Young People's Society, when the 
 Sabbath School lessons for the day are regularly 
 studied. 
 
 This school, which for many years held the foremost 
 place in the townshii), has, on account of heavy losses, 
 through removals and social changes, been considerably 
 reduced in numbers, but its high standard is well 
 maintained. 
 
 4.— The Church Sahhnth School . 
 
 The Sabbath vSchool which meets in the church was 
 organized on the 27th of March, 1898. In response to 
 
duff's church. 79 
 
 an invitation from the piil])it, a consi(lcra1)le nitnihcr 
 who were interested met, and after full eonsideration 
 djeided to organize a Sahhath School in the ehureh. 
 Mr.Wm. Stratton was eleeted sui)jrinteiiilent, Mr. John 
 McDonald, secretary-treasurer ; and Mrs. T. I). D'ly, 
 on^anist. The following were the first teachers : — Mrs. 
 W. Robertson, Mrs. Joan D. Clark, Miss Hlijcabeth 
 Meldrum, Miss Penel()]X' McLean, Miss Hannah 
 McLean, Miss Nicklin, and Mr. John A. Cocklnirn. 
 
 The school met for the first time on the i)th of A])ril, 
 at 9.80a.m., with a hopefnl attendance. In the winter 
 months the attendance is somewhat reduced ; but it is 
 considered ])rofitable to continue without intcrrujjtion 
 during the whole year. 
 
 A special feature of this school is the Home Depart- 
 ment, which was organized three years ago. Miss 
 Elizabeth M'.ddrnm. as delegate to the Provincial Con- 
 vention held in Toronto, heard of the work of Dr. W. A. 
 Duncan, of Syracuse, the originator of the Home De- 
 partment of the Sabbath School. As his plans were 
 presented, his success noted, and the great possibilities 
 portrayed, she became so impressed with the practica- 
 bility of the scheme for increased Sal)bath School use- 
 fulness, that, with a zeal worthy of a good cause, she 
 recommended its introdiiction. She and two others 
 were ai)pointed a committee to corsider the question, 
 and prepare a plan, if deemed advisable. Recommend- 
 ations were made to the school and ado])ted; Miss Mel- 
 drum was appointed Superintendent of this Home De- 
 partment. She, and the Superintendent of the main 
 school, were empowered to (hvide the territory of the 
 Sabbath School into districts, ai)point a visitor over 
 
80 PRRSIJYTEKIANISM IN PUSLINCII. 
 
 each district, and complete the orcranhatum. Miss 
 Mckh-uni, with the visitors appointed for each district, 
 then called upon all the families, exi)huned the plan and 
 ])uri)ose, and met with nuich encfmragement. Some of 
 the aged, heads of families, and very yoimg children, 
 who cannot attend the Sabbath School, have the privi- 
 lege of studying the Sabbath School lessons regularly 
 at home. In some homes the daily readings of the In- 
 ternational Bible Reading Association are regularly 
 read, giving a jjrofitable course of Bible reading, and 
 bringing the whole family into vital sympathy with 
 Sabi)ath vSehool work. Great possibilities will yet be 
 reaHzed by this new department of Sabbath vSehot)l 
 extension. A very strong devotion and abiding interest 
 have characterized the workers in this school. The first 
 secretary, although in British Cohimbia for years, con- 
 tinues to show his interest by sending liberal contribu- 
 tions for special improvements. 
 
 The present staff are : 
 
 Supenntcmlcut Mr. William Stratton. 
 
 Assistant " Mr. Daniel McKenzie. 
 
 SccrctRrvTrciisurcr Mr. T. D. Day. 
 
 Orgmiist Mrs. Day. 
 
 Assistant Orgnni'st Miss Gretta Kol)ertson. 
 
 Lihrnrinn Miss Bella Moffat. 
 
 Sitpt. of Home DepnrUnent Miss Elizabeth Meldrum. 
 
 The Teachers arc Mr. William Stratton, Mrs. W. 
 Robertson, Mrs. John D. Clark, Mrs. T. D. Day, Mrs. 
 I). McKenzie, Miss Nicklin, Miss Gretta Robertson, and 
 Mr. Daniel McKenzie. 
 
duff's church. 81 
 
 The Visitors of the Home Departnient are Mrs. W. 
 Robertson, Mrs. John D. Chirk, Miss Nieklin, and Miss 
 Gretta Robertson. 
 
 Number of sehoh'irs on the roll 54 
 
 Average attendance of scholars »i«5 
 
 Average attendance of teachers 7 
 
 Number of members of the Home Department 55 
 
 This school, although recently organized, is a 
 strong factor in bringing the vSabbath School work into 
 intimate ccmnecticm with the congregation, and in cul- 
 tivating that ])ractical interest which members of the 
 church should have towards this important depart- 
 ment of Christian activity. 
 
 ///, — The Service of Praise. 
 
 The first Precentor was Mr. Lachlan Kennedy, who 
 led the i)raises of the peoi)le in both Gaelic and English 
 services during the whole of Mr. Meldrum's pastorate. 
 He continued to lead in the Gaelic services until they 
 were discontinued, and even a few years ago, when 
 nearlv 90 years of age, at the communion seasons, he 
 led tlie praises in that venerable language. Mr. Robert 
 Stewart led in English praise for a short time, and Mr. 
 Adam Darling officiated occasionally. Mr. Wm. Hyslop 
 then led as the regular prece tor for a number of years. 
 When he was suffering from the misfortune of losing an 
 arm Mr. David McFarlane relieved him, but when he 
 recovered he resumed, and continued to lead with much 
 acceptance until his accidental death, in December, 
 ISCU, caused a mournful termination of usefulness. 
 Mr. David McFarlane was then regularly appointed, 
 
82 PRESnYTKKIANISM IN PUSLINCH. 
 
 hut at this time continued only i'or one year, while his 
 hrother Rohert was an occasional prc-entor. Mr. 
 James Wardrope and a Mr. Smith each iield the posi- 
 ti(m for a short time, and then Mr. David McFarlane 
 was a^ain called to the position and continued faith- 
 fully to discharge the duties for about four years. On 
 his retirement, Lieut. -Colonel Wm. Nicoll was ap- 
 pointed, and continue! until leaving for the Military 
 School in 1872, when his resignation was reluctantly ac- 
 ce])ted. Mr. McFarhmeand Lieut. -Col. Nicoll had excel- 
 lent choir., and took a great interest in seeking a high 
 standard of efficiency. Mr. Charles Cockburn was 
 then appointed choir leader, and continued a worthy 
 conductor of praise until January, 1875, when Mr. W. 
 G. Stephenson carried on the good work successfully 
 for three years, and was succeeded by Mr. Archibald 
 Marshall, whose fine voice cind fondness for music and 
 social life led to £in efficiency which was much appreci- 
 ated, and his retirement in 1891 was much regretted. 
 Mr. Hugh McDiarmid was then recommenfled by the 
 choir, and his a])])()intment was ratified. A strong 
 choir was formed, and the introduction of the Church 
 Hynnial into the service of the sanctuary led to a new 
 interest in the service of ])raise. The work was enthu- 
 siastically undertaken and continued for a number of 
 3xars, when Mr. McDiarmid felt constrained to resign. 
 Being urged to continue he yielded to persua.sion for a 
 time, but on declining to continue any longer, his resig- 
 nation was accepted in I'ebruary, 1897. Mr. John M. 
 Frey, wdiosc. musical ability was well known, on apply- 
 ing for the position, was appointed by the Session. 
 The choir leader and the pastor, after consultation, 
 invited all the members of the choir to a meeting, and 
 
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 ft 
 
 
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 t/3 
 
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duff's church, 83 
 
 after mature consideration, the followinj^r choir consti- 
 tution was adopted : 
 
 1, The Choir shall be an organization of the church, 
 to lead the service of praise, under the direction of the 
 Session, and subject to its control, 
 
 2, There shall be a Cabinet, composed of the leader, 
 the pastor, ex-ofRcio, a member of the choir chosen by 
 the leader, and a member of the choir chosen bv the 
 choir themselves, 
 
 3, The officers shall be — {n) The Leader, whose ap- 
 pointment vshall be made or approved bv the Session, to 
 whose authority he is subject, and whose orders he is 
 l)ound to obey, {h) The Secretary-Treasurer, who 
 must be a member of the Cabinet, and appointed by 
 them, 
 
 4, All matters of choir business nnist be referred to 
 the Cabinet before being brought to the choir for 
 consideration. 
 
 5, The Leader shall have complete control of the 
 choir during practice, but he may confer with members 
 of the Cabinet whenever he desires, and the members of 
 the Cabinet can make suggestions to him at any time, 
 but, in presence of the choir, only privately. 
 
 (5. Meetings shall 1)e called by the leader, the pastor, 
 or on rec[uisition by three or more members of the choir. 
 
 7. A re-organization of the choir must be held at 
 the beginning of each year, 
 
 8, At each annual re-organization, the Calwnet shall 
 not invite any one into the choir again to whose voice 
 the leader has any objection, or that, in his o])inion, is 
 unsuitable for choir singing. 
 
84 PRESnYTERIANISM IN PUSLINCIT. 
 
 9. Immediately after the annual meetin<j^ of the 
 congrejj^ation, at the first regular ])raetiee, the members 
 of the ehoir, so far as they have been ehosen, shall com- 
 plete the new Cabinet, according to Section 2 of this 
 Constitution. 
 
 The Cabinet, at leisure, can consider matters of 
 business that arise from their own motion, or suggested 
 by members of the choir, and, having only advisory 
 power, can take recommendations to the choir, who 
 have final authority, thus economizing tim.: in consid- 
 eration and preventing needless discussion. The intro- 
 duction of the organ was a great assistance to the 
 choir, and its benefit has been quite noticeable. The 
 manv earnest members, with excellent voices well 
 trained, have enabled the choir to attain a proficiency 
 worth V of very high commendation. The present 
 members are : 
 
 Sopranos.— Mr. John M. Frey, with the IVIisses 
 Katie McFarlane, Maggie Nicoll, Christina McKenzie, 
 Maggie Clark, Mary Nicoll, and Maggie McNaughton. 
 
 Altos. — The Misses Minnie McNaughton, Gretta 
 Robertson, Hannah McLean, Emma Russell, and Eliza- 
 beth Meldrum. 
 
 Te/;ors.— Messrs. Stew^art Nicoll, Daniel McNaugh- 
 ton, and Alexander McKay. 
 
 Bass. — Messrs. George J . Meldrum, Alexander Nicoll, 
 and David McNaughton. 
 
 Orgnnist— Miss Elizabeth Kerr. 
 
 The members of the Cabinet are: Mr. John M.Frey, 
 chairman; the Pastor, Mr. Daniel McNaughton and Mr. 
 George J. Meldrum, Sec-Treasurer. 
 
X 
 
 'J. 
 V. 
 
 n 
 
 X 
 
 o 
 
duff's churcit. 85 
 
 JY^—Tlic Wonmn's Foreign Missiomiry Socictr. 
 
 The Auxiliary of the W. F. M. S. was or^^-mized in 
 the pastorate of the Rev. Alexander MeKay, D. D., with 
 Mrs. MeKay, the i^astor's wife, as President. Mrs. 
 Hugh Clark was Secretary and Treasurer. The work 
 was carried on (juietly and faithfully by a small number 
 of ladies, but speeihe information is not now obtain- 
 able, and when Mrs. MeKay retired from the eonj^rejjfa- 
 tion the work was discontinued. A meeting was called 
 from the pulpit for re-organization in September, 1891. 
 Mrs. D. MeCrae, "Janelield," President of the (iuelph 
 Presbyterial, and Miss McWilliams, a returned mission- 
 ary, were present on invitation, and addressed the 
 meeting, giving much useful informaticm concerning the 
 work. There was but a small number present, but 
 sufficient interest was awakened to undertake re- 
 organization. Mrs. Robertson, the pastor's wife, was 
 appointed President, to which position, by the desire 
 of the members, she has been re-elected every year since; 
 Mrs. C. Morison was elected Vice-President ; Miss 
 Hannah McLean, Secretary ; and Miss Emma Morison, 
 Treasurer. 
 
 It was agreed that monthly meetings should be 
 held, and that the membership fee would be 25 cents 
 per annum. A difficulty was soon experienced in 
 regard to attendance, as few ladies cared to drive alone, 
 and many lived too far away from the Session room 
 where the meetings were held, to walk. This difficulty 
 was overcome by having a series of meetings held every 
 year in the different sections, which was accompanied 
 bv increased interest and activity. An effort was made 
 
86 PRESRYTERIANISM IN PUSLINCH. 
 
 to increase missionary information, and manv were 
 indueed to snl)seribe for the Missionnry Lcnflct. Other 
 Hteratnre has also been circulated. Annual (|uiltin^ 
 bees have been held in the difFerent districts, when the 
 Vice-Presidents resident there have assisted in making 
 the necessary arrangements. Ouilts, clothing, yarn, 
 &c., have thus been sent, chiefly to the Indians of 
 Manitoba and the Northwest. Annual jniblic meetings 
 have been held, when ]irofitable addresses have been 
 delivered by the Revs. R. P. McKay, Secretary of the 
 Foreign Missionary Committee; Dr. Ward rope, J. W. 
 Rae, J. B. Mullan, and the following who have been 
 presidents ot the Ouelph Presbyterial Society : Mrs. 
 Dickson, Mrs. Thomas Goldie, Mrs. Kenneth Maclean 
 and Mrs. James Watt. The interest has been steadily in- 
 creasing as the membership has increavscd, the last year 
 being the most successful in its history. The amount 
 realized in mone}- and clothing was $106. 
 
 In March, 1S94, the members showed their appreci- 
 ation of the President's interest and labors, by present- 
 ing her with a certificate of Life Membership in the W. 
 P. M. S. of the Presbyterian Church in Canada — which 
 token of regard was necessarily accom]janied with the 
 membership fee of $25, devoted to the General Society, 
 In June, 189S, the Societ\' again revealed itself in an 
 address to the president and the pastor, beautifully ex- 
 pressive of love, and appreciation of their hearty co- 
 operation in the work, accompanied by a valuable silver 
 tea service and study chair. Much Christian sympathy 
 has been cultivated by this Society, and the Church at 
 home as well as abroad has benefited by its labors. 
 Mrs. John D. Clark, the Secretary-Treasurer, has been 
 
87 DUFF S CHURCH. 
 
 unl'ailinjj^ in her interest and untiring in her aetiv- 
 ity, and has eontributed niueh to the sueeess that has 
 been aehievcd. 
 
 The membership is now thirty-fo'ir, but many more 
 have assisted in the work. The present offieers are: 
 
 President— Mrs. Wm. Robertson. 
 
 Vice Presidents— Miss C. McRobbie and Miss 
 Annie MeKenzie; Mrs.T. D. Day and Mrs. A.Ord; Mrs. 
 Maleolm Kennedy and Miss C. MeLean; Mrs. James 
 Steele and Miss J. Patterson; Mrs.J.L). Clark and Miss 
 A. Munro; Mrs. R. Watson and Mrs. Geo. W.MrTrshall. 
 
 Secretnrv-Trciisiirer— Mrs. ]ohn D. Clark. 
 
88 PRKSHVTICKIANISM IN PUSUNCH. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 SEPARATION OF THE WEST CHURCH FROM THE EAST 
 
 CHURCH, AND PASTORATE OE THE REV. 
 
 ANDREW MCLEAN. 
 
 77 1 HEN Mr. Meldriim retired from the ehar<^e, so 
 W large had beeome the eongregations that 
 many believed the arrangement for serviees whieh 
 had obtained from the organization might l)e im- 
 proved. The charge had been regarded as one congre- 
 gation, worshipping two Sabbaths in the East Church 
 and every third Sal)bath in the West Church. There 
 was only one Session presiding ovei tiie religious 
 interests of the people Vvdio worshipped in two churches. 
 Many of the East never worshipjx'd in the West Church, 
 and many of t'lc W^ist never went to worshiji in the 
 East Church. Regular service was thus not » bserved 
 by a considerable number, while not a few attended 
 regularly wherever the service was held. As the ])ro- 
 ])osition to erect a church near the centre, convenient 
 for both East and West, to meet together every Sab- 
 bath, was not adopted, after mature consideration the 
 organization of two separate and in(le])endent congre- 
 gations was effected. The first church in the West, 
 which had been used for 14 vears, seemed inadecpiate 
 for the requirements of the congrcgaticm, and the (|ues- 
 tion oi building a new church was agitated. The selec- 
 tion ol a church site was most i)erplexing. Somereeom- 
 mended the site of the first church; some advocated the 
 
WEvST CHITRCII, 89 
 
 offer of Mr. Donald Stewart, lot 20, rear of the gore ; and 
 others were in favor of the offered lot of Mr. Alexander 
 Fraser on lot 26, 1st eoneession. The final meeting 
 held to deeidc this important cjiiestion found most to 
 favor building on lot 26, 1st eoneession. 
 
 A building eommittee was in eourse of time aj)- 
 pointed, arrangements made to obtain subseriptions, 
 plans adopted for the ereeticm of a frame building, Mr. 
 Robert Stew£irt was chosen contractor, the peo])le 
 assisted in preparing and drawing material and the 
 building was completed in 1854. Then, in a new loca- 
 tion, in a Uirge church with a seating capacity of 400, 
 with increased congregational comforts, and with ex- 
 alted hopes for the future, the new church, filled with 
 devout worshippers, was dedicated to the glory of God 
 and the spiritual well-being of the c(mimunity. 
 
 There was, h ;. wever, a note of discord heard . A con- 
 siderable number of excellent families on the west never 
 felt favorably disposed to the new location ; and in 
 course of years found their way to worship in Gait and 
 Hespeler, and not a few became sad ly irregular in 
 attendance upon the public means of grace. Mr. Mel- 
 drum was invited to return and conduct the first 
 communicm in the new church, and it is still reinembered 
 that on the Thanksgiving Monday he baptized 24 
 children. 
 
 About this time there were connected with the 
 congregati(m, more or less directly, about 140 families, 
 of whom about 70 were from Argyleshire, Scotland; 
 the rest were from Perthshire, Ross-shire, and Inverness. 
 The Gaelic-speaking people were largely in the majority. 
 
90 PKESBYTEKIANISM IN PlISLINCH. 
 
 Atone of the regular English services, 16 years after 
 the organization, curiosity i)ronipterl one to count the 
 number, and consider the relative proi)ortion of wor- 
 shippers representative of the two languages, when it 
 was found that, of 120 jiresent, only 20 were unable to 
 speak the Gaelic language. 
 
 Precedence was always given to the Gaelic services, 
 but kindly consideration was also shown to the few 
 unfortunates who did not understand the language 
 most ai)])ropriate for worship; so an English service 
 followed the main service of the day. 
 
 After the retirement of the first pastor, Mr. Alex- 
 ander McLean, then a student of Knox College, 
 conducted the services in both East and West during 
 his vacation. When he com]jleted his college course on 
 the following year, he received a call from each of these 
 congregations now separated into two charges. The 
 calls were both unanimous and hearty, but on his 
 accci)tance of the call from East Puslinch, the larger 
 congregcition, the west congregation began to look 
 elsewhere for a pastor. 
 
 Being unable to decide upon a minister, Mr. John 
 McMillan, a student of Knox College, afterwards the 
 Rev. John McMillan, of Mount Forest, took charge of 
 the congregation during part of his college vacation, 
 and conducted the work with encouraging success. 
 After two or three ^ears of luirest, and through the 
 kind interest of the Rev. Dr. Bayne, then on a visit to 
 Scotland, the Rev. Andrew McLean was induced to 
 accompany him on his return; and, on appearing as 
 their probable minister, made so favorable an impres- 
 sion, that they extended him a unanimous call, which 
 
KKV. ANDKBW McLKAN. 
 
WEST CHURCH. 91 
 
 he willingly accepted, and became the first pastor of the 
 separate charge of West Puslineh in the 3'ear 1857. 
 
 The Session is now composed of the Rev. Andrew 
 McLean, Moderator and Session Clerk, with Messrs. 
 Neil McPhatter, Angus McPhcrson and Gillies McBean, 
 elders. The first change in connection with the services 
 noted by the Session is that, " It was agreed that here- 
 after the Sacrament of the Lord's Sui)per should be 
 dispensed twice a year instead of once as formerly, the 
 next dispensation to take place on some day to be fixed 
 upon at next meeting of Session." 
 
 We notice also that the Session made provisi(m for 
 the collections a])pointed by the Presbytery in aid of 
 Home and Foreign Mission Funds; and it would be 
 interesting to know the amounts then contributed, but 
 the data for this and many other things that now 
 seem of historic interest are not preserved. 
 
 In the Session records of May, 18v58, we note: "The 
 Session, having been for some time back impressed with 
 the necessity of being strengthened by the addition of a 
 few members to their number, authorized the Modera- 
 tor to give intimation to that effect on Sabbath next 
 from the pulpit, calling upon the members to jirocecd in 
 the usual way to nominate three men for the office of 
 the eldership in the congregation." 
 
 At a meeting soon after held it was found that 
 "the largest number of votes was in favor of Messrs. 
 Donald Currie, Alexander Frazer, and Archibald (iil- 
 christ. The Moderator was instructed to serve the 
 edict on Sabbath, the 8()th inst., the Session to meet on 
 Tuesday, the 1st day of June, for the ordination of the 
 
92 PRESFJYTERIANISM IN PU.SLINCH, 
 
 ])arties nominated, if no inijK'dimcnt would occur." On 
 the first of June the Session met. "The Rev. Alexander 
 McLean, of Nairn and Cuniminsville, having been ])res- 
 ent, was asked to sit with the Session and take part in 
 the ])r()eeedin<2^s. The Moderator having called for ob- 
 jections a,u;ainst the life and doctrine of the i)arties 
 nominated as ciders, and none havinu^ been produced 
 they were declared duly elected and solemnly set a])art 
 in the usual form, Mr. McLean, of Nairn and Cummins- 
 ville, conductin<j^ the services throughout. The other 
 members of Session having ^iven them the ritj^ht hand 
 of fellowship, it was moved by Mr. McBean, and 
 seconded Iw Mr. McPherson,that their names be added 
 to the Session roll." 
 
 The presence of the Rev. Alexander McLean, of Stra- 
 l)ane, as noted here, su^jj^ests the interesting fact that 
 there were then three ministerial McLeans in close ])rox- 
 imity, who were popularly designated accordin^^to their 
 characteristics: Kind McLean, of West Puslinch ; Good 
 McLean, of Strabanc, and Fearless McLean, of East 
 Puslinch. Larly in the pastorate of Mr. McLean the 
 conijre^ation felt thenecessity of providing^ a])crmanent 
 home for their minister. A convenient lot of four acres 
 near the church was purchased from Mr. Allan Stewart. 
 The house and other buildings on the lot were old and 
 unsuitable, so the people exerted themselves to build a 
 new manse. Mr. Neil MePhatter was specially ener- 
 getic in soliciting subscriptions and urging on the work. 
 Mr. Wm. Stratton, sen., was contractor, and in the 
 year 1862, the congregation rejoiced with their minis- 
 ter in the increased comforts of the fine new house. 
 Soon afterwards Mr. McLean induced Miss Catherine 
 
WKST CIIUKCH. 93 
 
 C. Cameron, sistcM- of the Rev. James Cameron, of 
 Chatsworth, to 1)ecome his Hfe ])artner in the joys and 
 sorrows of ministerial Hfe; and Mrs. MeLean reeeived 
 a true Hi^diland welcome fioni the ijcople amon<2^ whom 
 her husband was laboring'. 
 
 At the meetinc: of Session held in July, ISoS, "The 
 Moderator stated that it would be desirable to appoint 
 an elder to attend the meetings of Presbytery and 
 Synod. Mr. (lillies MeBean was elected as a suitable 
 person to represent the Session in the higher courts of 
 the church, and the Moderator v.ms accordingly in- 
 structed to grant him a commission." Mr. McBean 
 thns became the first representative elder of the se])arate 
 ch^irge of West Puslinch. 
 
 At a meeting held in March, 1800, "Mr. Currie 
 drew the attention of the Session to the propriety of 
 calling Mr. Charles Blair to the office of the eldership 
 as he has recently settled within the bounds of the con- 
 gregation and would be likel\' to strengthen the hands 
 of the Session and prove useful to the cause of true re- 
 ligion in the congregation." Notice of the Session's 
 desire was given to the congregation, no objection was 
 offered, the edict for ordination was read and he was 
 ordained to the office of the eldership on the 15th day 
 of April, 1800. 
 
 The Session and congregation suffered a great loss 
 in the death of Mr. Neil Mcl^hatter, which took place 
 on the 21st of May, 1807. He was a man of consincu- 
 ous jiiety when the congregation was organized, and 
 was ordained, at that time, one of the two first Holders. 
 He entered enthusiastically upon the duties of his high 
 office, was characterized by conscientious fidelity to 
 
94 PRKSnYTERIANISM IN rUSLINCII. 
 
 what he hehevcd to be ri^ht, had ^ood exeeutive ability 
 and strong powers of management, was fearless in 
 eorreetin<>^ abuses, a zealous defender of the faith, and 
 a stronu^ U])holder of the ])rinei|)les of godliness. He 
 reaehed the advaneed age of 85, having served as an 
 elder for 2S years. His remains lie buried in the Kil- 
 lean Cemetery. 
 
 In June, 1S7(), the Session having under eonsidera- 
 tion " the desirableness of adding additional mend)ers 
 to the Session, resolved to take steps towards the 
 attainment of that object and accordingly ap})ointed 
 Thursday, the 28rd of this month — Communion Fast — 
 for the nomination of persons suitable to act asclders." 
 Messrs. William McCormiek, Sr., Duncan McDonald 
 and Laehlan McMillan were nominated and duly 
 elected, and no objection being offered, they were 
 regularly ordained to the high office, on the 17th of 
 July, 1870, and their names added to the Session Roll, 
 The last Session records signed by Mr. McLean as 
 Moderator and Clerk, were those of the meeting held 
 in June, 1S72. During the latter part of that year his 
 health began to decline rapidly, and with great difficulty 
 he labored on until the following February, when he 
 was com])elled to cease from his labors. He passed 
 away somewhat suddenly on the 20th of April, 1878, 
 at the age of 53 years. His funeral was attended by a 
 vcr}' large number who mourned the premature death 
 of one so earnest in the Lf)rd's work. The service of 
 sorrow was conducted by the Revs. Dr. Torrance, Dr. 
 VVardrope, Mr. Ball, Mr. Aches{m, U. P. minister of 
 Gait, and other clergymen. The remains were interred 
 on the face of the hill, near the corner of the church ; and 
 
WEST CHURCH. 95 
 
 as the many look U])on the sacred mound, and road the 
 inscrii)tion on the monument, they recall in loving 
 memory the laithl'ul servant of the Lord, and by faith 
 behold Him Who is the Resurrection and the Life. Mrs. 
 McLean and her two youn.i< sons soon removed to 
 reside in Durham and continue to be tiffectionatcly 
 remembered. 
 
 The lonjj^ i)astorate of Mr. McLean, extending over 
 16 years, made a great imjH-ession u]jon the congrega- 
 tion, and it is pleasing to remember still his kindliness 
 of manner, his saintliness of character, his fidelity in 
 pidpit ministrations, and his accuracy find method in 
 all business relationships. During his pastorate, the 
 Session were called upon to deal with many irregular- 
 ities in social and congregational life, and some of these 
 caused intense feeling among the membership, language 
 vigorous find unwarranted was often employed, and 
 the extremest bitterness was often manifested, but 
 amidst it all, the truly kind and spiritual dignity of 
 the moderator was jirescrved. His memory is still 
 regarded with very great interest and reverence. 
 
96 PRESHYTKKIANISM IN I'USLINCII. 
 
 chapti:k VIII. 
 
 PASTOKATK OF Tllli KliV. NlilL Mi DIAKMII), 
 
 jni'^'i BR the death of Mr. McLean, service was con- 
 J I ducted by Mr. Alexander Fraser, student of 
 Knox College, dinin.n the vacation niontlis. Mr. Fraser, 
 who was many yea-.s minister at Orono, is still affec- 
 tix)nately remembered. Probationers and other candi- 
 dates continued the work, until in 1875 the Rev. Neil 
 McDiarmid, of Vv'allieetown, was called to be their 
 ])astor. Mr. McDiarmid acce[)ted the call and was 
 inducted by the Presbytery of (jiielph. 
 
 On June 5, lS70,the followinij^ were ordained elders, 
 viz.: James Wiu^ht, Kenneth Cameron, and James Rae. 
 "All preliminary meetinj^s in connection with the above 
 were conducted in strict accordance with the Book of 
 Forms, which meetings and intimation extended over 
 the time of live weeks. No objection being offered, the 
 ordination was proceeded with, everything being agree- 
 able." 
 
 The cpiestion of employing evangelists for special 
 services in connection with congregation^d work was 
 submitted to the Session by the Presbytery for their 
 consideration, and after free and full discussion, the fol- 
 lowing minute, under date of December 4, 1878, records 
 the mind of the Session: "Whereas, the (|ualifications 
 for the discharge of the duties of elders, as defmed in 
 the Apostolic writings, are one and the same, this Ses- 
 sion is of opinion, that all have the right to teach and 
 
.-^it; 
 
 REV. NEII. McDlAKMID. 
 
WEST ciirucH. 97 
 
 to rule, and is also of opinion that the cniplovmcnt in 
 evangelical work of men not set ai)art l)y the ehnreh is 
 contrary to both the letter and spirit of Apostolic 
 teaching, therefore this Session resolves that the em- 
 ployment of such men is a usuqiation of the elder's 
 office and tends directly to brinj^ it into contempt." 
 Special evangelistic services can be held with very great 
 profit; but great care should always be exercised in the 
 employment of accredited hel])ers, and the whole man- 
 agement should be under the supervision, direction, and 
 control of the Session. 
 
 The pastorate of Mr. McDiarmid was not long a 
 comfortable one. Families, estranged on account of the 
 church location and other causes, withdrew their sup- 
 port, and financial embarrassment greatly disturbed the 
 pL'aceand prosperity of the congregation. Mr. McDiar- 
 mid, in a moment of sensitive discouragement, without 
 the counsel of friends, and regardless of conse(|Ucnees, 
 presented his resignation to the Presl)^'tery, in the hope 
 that the i)erplexing diihculties would be adjusted, but 
 this expectation not being realized, his resignation was 
 jicceiJted in March, 1879. 
 
 The pastorate of Mr. McDiarmid terminated in little 
 more than three years. There was not much eventful or 
 of historic interest in so short a time, and his infiuence 
 could be only i)roportionately enduring; but many still 
 testifv to the fidelity with which he labored in the 
 exercise of the gifts and graces thai the Creator had 
 bestowed upon him. 
 
98 PKESBYTEKIANISM IN PUSLINCH. 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 PASTORATE OF THE KEV. EVAN MACAULAY, B. A. 
 
 DURING a somewhat prolonj^^ed vacancy the Rev. 
 Donald vStrachan, of Rockwood, was Interim 
 Moderator of Session. Probationers and other can- 
 didates supplied the pulpit according to the regular 
 arrangements during vacancies, until the congregation 
 felt constrained to unite in extending a call to the Rev. 
 Evan MacAulay, B. A. Mr. MacAulay accepted the 
 call and was inducted by the Presbytery of Guelph, on 
 the 8rd of August, 1880. The Rev. J. K. vSmith, I). D., 
 preached at the Induction Service, the Rev. R.Torrance, 
 D. D., presided and addressed the minister, and the Rev. 
 Alexander McKay, D. D., addressed the i)eople. 
 
 The frame church built in 1854 never seemed to be 
 satisfactory. It was nnich larger than was rctiuired, 
 and being difficult to heat, was often uncomfortable. 
 
 The congregation l)ecame convinced that if the 
 building were torn down, the timber and lumber in it 
 might be used in the construction of a church on a 
 better model. A special effort was made to raise the 
 necessary funds, which was libjrally responded to, Mr. 
 Duncan McPherson was chosen contractor, the work of 
 re-ecmstruction was begun; and the new brick church 
 completed in 1882, being beautiful and confortable, 
 stands a permanent monument of wisdom and congre- 
 gational enterprise. The new church was designated 
 "Knox Church," and the religious principles of the 
 
KlvV. liVAN MacAUUAY, IJ. A. 
 
KNOX CHURCH. 99 
 
 great Reformer will long be honored by the congrega- 
 tion that worships there. 
 
 As years rolled by the Gaelic language had more and 
 more fallen into disuse, the number attending the Gaelic 
 services had been gradually reduced, the relative im- 
 portance of the two languages seemed to be reversed; 
 so the pastor and others favored a change in the order 
 of service, giving precedence to the English service with 
 the Gaelic following. This arrangement gave great 
 offence to a large numlier, who were jealously guarding 
 the interests of their parent language, which was sacred 
 by the heroic memories of centuries, and through which 
 the truth as it is in Jesus had been most profitabh^ 
 comnmnicatcd to them for many years. 
 
 This congregation, like many others in rural com- 
 munities in Ontario, had suffered greatly from removals 
 to the western provinces and elsewhere ; and as it had 
 been declining for several years, the former strength 
 could not be maintained. The Augmentation I^\md 
 rendered assistance for a time, but an unnecessary mis- 
 understanding having arisen concerning the terms of 
 such assistance, what seems a mutual unwillingness to 
 know the true state of affairs, and consequent resent- 
 ment, caused an unpleasant termination of thr.t rela- 
 tionship. The ]mstor and congregation realizing now 
 their financial inability to maintain ordinances as an 
 independent charge regretfully faced the inevitable con 
 dition of affairs. Mr. MacAulay resigned the charge Ik 
 had labored in for nearly eight years, and the resigna- 
 tion was necessarily accepted on the 17th of January, 
 18S8. Mr. MacAulay is remembered as an attractive 
 preacher of remarkable fluency, with keen social in- 
 
100 
 
 PRKSHYTKRIANISM IN rUSLINCII. 
 
 stincti^, which made him a sympathetic and cc)mt)ani()n- 
 al)le tVieiid ; and the ciixmmstances necessitating the 
 discontinnance of an independent charge were deeply 
 
 regretted . 
 
 ^vc /: 
 
o 
 
 n 
 
 » 
 n 
 
 o 
 
 X 
 00 
 
 to 
 
KNOX CHURCH. 
 
 101 
 
 CHAPTIvK X. 
 
 REUNION WITH DUFF'S CHURCH, AND PASTORATE OF 
 THE REV. W. KOHERTSON, H. A. 
 
 llFTBK the retireniLMit of Mr. MacAnlay the Home 
 j\ Mission Committee, at the request of the Tres- 
 Ijytery, appointed Mr. James M. MeLaren, a student of 
 Knox Colle.i,^t. to supply during his summer vaeation. 
 Mr. MeLaren entered enthusiastieally upon the work 
 w hich was the bei^nnninjj: of his ministerial eareer, and 
 through sinj^^ing classes and other meetings did much to 
 interest the young in the services of the sanctuary. 
 When he deiiarted to prosecute his studies the Rev. D. 
 B. Cameron, for many years minister of the Presby- 
 terian Church in Acton, gave continuous supply with 
 nuich acceptance, for a considerable time. 
 
 The congregation, with an unprohtable disctmragc- 
 ment, l)egan to see before them reduction to the status, 
 of a mission station, when Duft''s Church, experiencing a 
 similar decline, began to make informal overtures for 
 union. After a good deal of informal consideration, the 
 union sentiment seemed to increase and being ripe for 
 formal consideration, a joint meeting of the elders and 
 managers of West and P^ast Fuslinch convened in the 
 Session house of Duff's Church, on the 17th day of 
 December, 18S9, to consider the necessity and propriety 
 of uniting the congregations under one pastoral over- 
 sight. A series of resolutions was passed and a com- 
 mittee appointed to formulate a basis of union to be 
 
102 PKKSnYTKRIANISM IN PUSLINCII. 
 
 sul)mitte(l to both congregations for tlicir approval and 
 adoption; and linally to the Presbytery for its apjiroval 
 and sanction. The committee consisting of Messrs. 
 James McDonald and Angus Stewart with Messrs. 
 James McLean and Daniel McNaughton, met and agreed 
 upon the following basis of Union: 
 
 1. That under present circumstances, a union of the 
 congregations of East and West Puslinch under the 
 pastoral oversight of one pastor is desirable. 
 
 2. That the united congregation shall offer and 
 pay to their Pastor annually the sum of one thousand 
 dollars with manse and glebe, DufTs Church shall pay 
 six hundred dollars with manse and glebe, and Knox 
 Church shall pay four hundred dollars. Each congrega- 
 tion shall be held responsible to the ]iastor and 
 Presbytery for the payment of their allotted portion, 
 without one having recourse on the other. 
 
 3. That in regard to members and adherents of 
 either congregation contrilmting to pay the ])astor's 
 stipend, the present stntus quo shall be strictly main- 
 tained and conserved ; and that the church East and 
 West shall be open to members and adherents of either 
 congregation for public worship. 
 
 4. That except at communion services in West Pus- 
 linch, the morning service shall be held in Duft''s Church, 
 and the afternoon service in Knox Church, the evening 
 service to be at the disposal of the pastor, as may seem 
 to him good. 
 
 The basis of union was adopted by both congrega- 
 tions, but subsequently the stipend obligation for West 
 Puslinch was reduced from $400 to $350 per annum. 
 
KNOX CHURCH. 103 
 
 The terms of the i)roposed union were next submitted 
 to the Presbytery tor ratifieation. Tlie representatives 
 of the eonj.;re^ati()ns were heard, the eireumstanes fully 
 explained, the propriety of sueh a union was reeoj^^- 
 nized; then the neeessary arrangements beinj^^ t'(mi- 
 pleted,the proposed union was efifeeted in the early part 
 of 1890. Candidates for the united eharge were heard, 
 and on the 9th day of Septend)er, 1890, the eonJ;reJ,^•l- 
 tion moderated in a eall to the Rev. W. Robertson, B.A., 
 wdio was also the ehoiee of the East Puslineh eonj^^rej^a- 
 tion. Mr. Robertson aeeepted the eall addressed to 
 him, and was indueted in Duffs Chureh on the 21st oi 
 Oetober, 1890. 
 
 Soon after the induetion the eon}j^rej.(ati(Mi sustained 
 a loss in the death of one of their elders, Mr. Dunean 
 MeDonald, who passed to his reward in the autumn of 
 1890. He had for many years been a mendjer of the 
 ehureh,had been an elder for twenty years; w^as a kind, 
 peaee loving, intelligent and deeided Christian, whose 
 influenee had been powerful for righteousness ; and 
 while his memory remains saered and his blessedness 
 eternal, his departure was a serious loss to the eongre- 
 gation and eommunity. 
 
 The eongregation, under the hopeful inspiration of 
 the union with the East Puslineh eongregation, began 
 to realize that something should be done to remove the 
 eloud of diseouragement and indiflferenee whieh had 
 overwhelmed them for years. A radieal re-organization 
 seemed neeessary. A meeting of the congregation was 
 called when Mr. James McDonald was appointed secre- 
 tary, Mr. John McAnineh, treasurer, and the following 
 were chosen Managers: Messrs. Angus Stewart, John 
 
104 rKKSHVTIJKIANISM IN PUSLINCII. 
 
 Mc'irtin, John McOeachy, Win. McCormick, Jr., John 
 Cameron, and Donald McGcachy. 
 
 Ncj^^otiations were soon entered into with tlie 
 Kast ehureh for a share of the ])roeeeds arising from 
 the sale of part of the clnireh i)roi)erty; and when the 
 necessary le^al and Presbyterial recjuirements were ful- 
 filled the sum of $S()() was handed over to the congre- 
 gation for permanent improvements in recognition of 
 their claim ui)on the pro]>erty. With ])art of tliis money 
 horse sheds were built, some assistinij with skilled and 
 others with unskilled lalior, thus supplying a lonjj^-fclt 
 want. A vestry, also considered almost in(lis])ensal)le, 
 was erected ; and its correct proportions, beautiful 
 finish, and ])leasing comfort, rellect great credit u])on 
 the committee and Mr. John McMillan, th? contractor. 
 In course of time the church was greatly improved in 
 comfort and a])])earance by upholstering, &c. 
 
 After the death of Mr. McDonald, there were only 
 two elders, Mr. Wm. McCormiek and Mr. Lachlan 
 McMillan, both reaching advanced age, so it was 
 considered advisable to have an additional number to 
 overtake the duties of the SCvSsion. The necessary con- 
 gregational meeting was held in May, 1891, a list 
 prepared, ballot j^apers distributed ; and when the 
 Session met to count the ballots returned, it was found 
 that Messrs. John Martin, William McAllister, John 
 McAninch, Hugh Mclntyre and Henry Keid were the 
 choice of the congregation. The Session having con- 
 ference with the memliers elected, found Messrs. John 
 Martin, William McAllister and John McAninch eon- 
 strained to accept ordination to the sacred oflice, 
 looking to the Lord to make them useful in His service ; 
 
JOHN MARTIN. 
 
 \VM. Mccormick. 
 
 JOHN MCANINCH. WM. McALLISTKR. 
 
 Present Elders. 
 
KNOX CMUKCII. 
 
 105 
 
 but Messrs. Hugh Mclntyrc and Henry Keicl eould not 
 see their way elear to aeeepttheeall of the eoni,n-es;ation. 
 The edict tor the or(linati(in of Messrs. Martin, Me- 
 Alhster and MeAninch was read the foUowing Sahhath, 
 and as no vahd objection had been given to the Moder- 
 ator, he, after preaching a sermon bearing directly upon 
 the subject, onhuned and intUicted them to the holy 
 office of the eldership in the regular way, and addressed 
 the new elders and the congregation upon theu" 
 resiK'ctivc duties in their relationship to each other. 
 
 Due respect was always manifested towards the 
 senior niend)ersof Session, and their exi)enenced counsel 
 was greatly appreciated l)y the new members; but then- 
 increasing infirmities, on account of advanced .-igc, pre- 
 cluded tiie activity that formerly characterized their 
 lidelity to the sacred office ; so the new members were 
 soon called U|)on to enter into the full responsibility ol 
 the eldership, and have ever manifested an active, i)ru- 
 dent, and wise fidelity t() tlicir high trust. 
 
 The importance of collecting regularly for the 
 schemes of the church was realized by the Session, and 
 after full consideration the congregation was divided 
 into districts, and lady collectors appointed, whose 
 willingness to undertake the duties, and whose hdelit.\- 
 in performance, have been greatly a])preciate(l. 
 
 It is worthv of historical reference that at the com- 
 muni(m of October 2, 1SI)2, the two congregations had 
 a visit from the Rev. Murdoch McKcn/.ie, of the city ol 
 Inverness, Scotland, who is designated the " (>aelic 
 Spurge(m," and who at this time was a delegate to the 
 ran-Presbyterian Council then convened in Toronto. 
 Large ccmgrcgations were present, who will not soon 
 
106 PRESBYTERIANISM IN PUSLINCH. 
 
 for^j^ct the vigorous and profitable sermons and 
 .'Kldresses of this distinij^itished visitor. 
 
 On the 9th of September, 1893, Mr. Laehkm 
 McMillan passed peacefully away from the seen to the 
 unseen world. He came from Scotland in the year 
 1847, and at once became associated with the congre- 
 gation. He was elected to the eldership in the year 
 1870, and for twenty-three 3'ears acted in that capa- 
 city, lie reached the ripe age of seventy-seven, and 
 id'ter iin illness of a few months was taken to his 
 eternal reward. He was interred in theKillean burying 
 ground, and his remains were followed by a large num- 
 ber of i)eople, which marked the estimation in which he 
 was held Ijy the congregation and community. 
 
 According to the terms of union between East and 
 West Puslinch, on the Sabbath that the sacrament of 
 the Lord's Supper would be observed, the service might 
 be intermitted in one church, and a union service held in 
 the other; but the present pastor, realizing the necessity 
 of having the assistance of a minister who could con- 
 duct the Gaelic services at the communion, seeing the 
 small number that embraced the opportunity of a 
 union service, and believing that with little inconveni- 
 ence the communion could be held in both churches on 
 the same day, suggested it to the Sessions, who saw no 
 dilliculty in the ]jroi)osed arrangement except over- 
 taxation of the pastor and the assisting ministers. 
 Informal assent was thus given by each Session, and 
 each congregation had instead of two communion sea- 
 sons at their own church with the jjrivilegc of attend- 
 ing two others in the other church, the convenience of 
 having four communions during the year. - 
 
KNOX CHURCn. 107 
 
 This arrangement continued for three years, and 
 seemed to be practicable and satisfactory, when a 
 suspicion arose that a return to the former order was 
 desired. A joint meeting of the two Sessions was held 
 in December, 1893, to consider the question, and after 
 a free interchange of opinion, it was found that the 
 number who favored a return to the okl order was 
 inconsiderable, and no difficulties seemed to exist ; so it 
 was mutually agreed to continue the order of services 
 without any change, and to have three communion 
 seasons in the year instead of four, viz., on the second 
 Sabbath of February, and the last Sabbaths of May and 
 September respectively. This arrangement has since 
 been faithfully adhered .to and has been regarded as the 
 best possible under present circumstances. 
 
 As, according to the decision of the Supreme Court 
 of the Church, onb one representative elder is permitted 
 for one charge, though two or more congregations 
 compose that charge, it was agreed by both Sessions, 
 that every third year the representative elder should 
 be from the West Vuslinch Session. It was the privilege 
 of Mr. John Martin, their representative elder, to receive 
 the Presbytery appointment of Commissioner to tlie 
 General Assembly, which met in the city of St. John, 
 N. B., in 1S94. As the pastor was also a commissioner 
 that year, they travelled together, were billettcd to- 
 gether, and enjoyed such delightful fellowship amid 
 scenes of very great interest, that that Assembly became 
 an event in their experience never to be forgotten. 
 
 In February, ISOO, and in February, 1S9S. the 
 Session arranged to hold special evangelistic services. 
 On the first occasion the pastor was assisted by the 
 
108 I'KKSHVTKKIANISM IN I'USLINCH. 
 
 Kcv. V. M. Mclvachern, of Waterdown, and the mcet- 
 iiii^s continued a little more than a week. On the 
 second occasion, the assistance of the Rev. John 
 McInnis,orh:iora, and the Rev. IInj>h A. MelMierson, of 
 Acton, was obtained, and the service continued for a 
 fortni.olit. The nieetinu^s were well attended, were 
 characterized by much earnestness, deei) soleuniity, and 
 manifest appreciation; and althou.uh there was no 
 noticeable addition to the membership, it is believed 
 uuieh spiritual benelit was derived from them. 
 
 At the May and vSeptember Communions Gaelic ser- 
 vices are held, which are greatly appreciated, about 
 thirty being the average attendance of worshippers. 
 Among the ministers who have recently assisted are 
 the Revs. Gustavus Munro, so long of Ivinbro, now of 
 Ridgetown, Lachlan Cameron, of Thamesford, deceased, 
 John McMillan, of Mcnuit Forest, V. M. McBachern, 
 Waterdown, Alexander McKay, I). I)., now of Toronto, 
 John An lerson, Tiverton, and I). vStraehan, Rockwood. 
 The following, who were born in the congregati(m 
 or as UKMubers were actively engaged in the work of the 
 church, have become ministers of the Gospel and are 
 regarded with a very great degree of interest. 
 
 (1) Willi.'im C. Armstrong, Ph. D., Thessalon, 
 ordaiued 1S77. 
 
 (2) John Currie, Helnumt, ordained 1S82. 
 (:i) Neil Currie, Tnmt River, ordained 1S79. 
 
 (4) Win. M. Kannawin, B. A., Omeniee, ordained 
 1899. 
 
 (5) Archibald Rlair, B. A., Nassagaweya, ordained 
 1885. 
 
 (()) Donald Currie, Wallaeeburg, ordained 1875. 
 
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KNOX CmiKCII. 
 
 109 
 
 CIIAPTHR XI. 
 
 DKPAKTMKNTvS OF CIU'KCIl ACTIVITY. 
 
 I.—Finnncinl Mnnn^cmcnt. 
 
 mk. DUNCAN Mcdonald was the first trc.'isiircr, 
 and succeed in.ii; him in order were Mr. John Scott, 
 then Mr.DonaUl McCormick, while his father, Mr. Wm. 
 McCormick, sen., was treasurer of the Sabbath collec- 
 tions. Mr. John McAninch was appointed in ISDO, 
 and after serving for a few years Mr. Angus Stewart, 
 the present officer, was appointed. 
 
 The first managers were Mr. John Thompson, called 
 "Little John," Mr. John Thomson, known as "Big 
 John," and Mr. Matthew Me Thatter, son of elder Neil 
 McPhatter. In later days the collection of funds was 
 chiefly in the hands of Messrs. Donald Stewart and 
 Wm. McCormick, sen., west of the church, and Mr. 
 John McGcachy, on the east side. For a time nearly 
 the whole responsibility of the financial affairs rested 
 upon Mr. McGcachy, who, with surprising energy, and 
 often at great inconvenience, called ui)on the people lor 
 the payment of their subscriptions towards the support 
 of the church ordinances. 
 
 The present Board of Management is composed ot 
 Messrs. Walter S. Cowan, chairman, Donald McMillan, 
 John Martin, Archibald McMillan, Wm. Easton, and 
 James Tennant. Mr. Donald vStewart is secretary of 
 the congregation. 
 
110 PRKSIIYTEKIANISM IN PUSLINCH. 
 
 //. — The Service of Praise. 
 
 The first precentor who led the praises of the sanc- 
 tuary by apjiointment was Mr. John Thomson, who 
 led in both Gaelic and English during the occupancy of 
 the first church, and for a time in the .second. His suc- 
 cessor was Mr. John McOregor, who also led in both 
 languages ; then Mr. Robert Stewart, who could lead 
 only in the English services, while Mr. Neil Currie 
 officiated as leader of praise in the ancient language. 
 Mr. Wm. McCormick, sen., began to lead in both 
 languages in the year 1864, and after a few years ' c 
 was relieved of the English by Mr. Alexander Easton, 
 who had an excellent voice, Mr. Alexander Murchison, 
 who was assisted by a choir, and others occasionally. 
 Mr. McCormick continued to lead in Gaelic until a few 
 years ago, and when nearly ninety years of age his voice 
 of remarkable sweetness and power was often heard in 
 leading the ])raises of the aged worshippers with solemn 
 and patriarchal impressiveness. Such a sight is seldom 
 witnessed, and when once seen can never be forgotten. 
 Mr. Wm. McCormick, jr., began to lead in the English 
 service about the year 1870. He organized a choir, 
 and his passion for music made it a pleasure to train 
 them with great proficiency. They obtained consider- 
 able prominence, and often received invitations to 
 provide music for neighboring church entertainments. 
 He still continues to lead in both languages, having 
 been precentor for nearly 30 years, and his recently 
 organized choir gives promise of a good degree of pro- 
 ficiency. The present members are: 
 
 Sopranos — Mr, Wm. McCormick, Misses Aggie 
 
KNOX CHURCH. 
 
 Ill 
 
 Martin, Katie Martin, Annie McAllister, Lizzie McAl- 
 lister, Jane McAninch, and Jennie Cowan. 
 
 Alto— Miss Maggie Cowan. 
 
 Te/jors— Messrs. James Armstrong, Alex. Cowan, 
 R. D. McRobbie. 
 
 Bc'iss— Messrs. Donald Stewart, Archibald McMil- 
 lan, Duncan McAllister, and Charles Martin. 
 
 in— The Sabbath School. 
 The Sabbath vSchool in the West Church was 
 organized many years ago in the old log church, when 
 Mr. Meldrum was the pastor. Mrs. Neil McPhatter, 
 who took a great interest in the school, was the chief 
 worker and was Superintendent. She is remembered 
 still as a remarkable woman, well ciualified for the 
 position, and for years efficiently conducted the Sabbath 
 School services. Her husband, unaccustomed to yield 
 to any man in religious activity, was quite satisfied to 
 take a second place with becoming meekness in theSab- 
 l)ath School, in presence of this mother in Israel. The 
 perplexing ciuestion of " Woman's place in the Church," 
 seems not to have caused any trouble then. Perhaps 
 thev had not then reached, as we have now, the con- 
 ception that the Sabbath School is a lundamental 
 department of church organization with important 
 opportunities for Christian activity. Many ladies have 
 been very efficient and successful Sabbath School teach- 
 ers and officers, and no doubt many of them would l)e 
 efficient Superintendents if appointed to this high and 
 responsible position. During xMr. McLean's pastorate, 
 he conducted the exercises of the vSchool and taught the 
 Bible Classes. In the vear 180,6, Mr. Wm. C. Arm- 
 
112 PRKSHYTKRIANISM IN PUSLINCH. 
 
 strongs now the Kcv. W. C. Armstrong, Ph. D,, of 
 ThessfUon, when teaehin^ the CrietT PnhHe Sehool, took 
 an aetive interest in the Saljhath Sehool and aikled 
 mueh to its prosperity. Mr. John Currie, now the Rev. 
 John Currie, of Pehnont, was also a prominent worker 
 in the Sabb.'ith Sehool and eontrilnited nuieli to its 
 suceess. The subsetpient pastors eontinued to take an 
 active sni)ervision of the Sehool, until durinii^ the pro- 
 tracted vaeanev preceding the present pjistoratc, when 
 Mr. W. M. Kannawin, who was the teacher in the 
 Public School, nianif:jsted a great interest in the 
 spiritual welfare of the young people, and kept the 
 Sabbath Sehool in operation, while other departments 
 of church work had almost ceased to exist. Mr. Kan- 
 nawin continued Superintendent and Bible Class 
 teacher, until he left the section to pursue his studies for 
 the ministry of the church. His successor was Mr. John 
 McAninch, with the new Public School teacher, Mr. 
 J. M. McDonald, in charge of the Bible Class. Mr. 
 McAninch and others urged Mr. McDonald to be Su])er- 
 intendentas well as Bible Class teacher on the following 
 year. He yielded to their i)ersuasion and continued to 
 act until the terminatit)n of his relationship to the 
 section, when he retired to ]jrosccute iidvanccd studies. 
 Then Mr. John Martin wiis called to superintend the 
 School and Mr. James Armstrong, the jircsent teacher 
 of the Pid)lic School, on manifesting, like his predeces- 
 sors, an interest in religious life, was invited to be Bible 
 Class teacher. At the re-organization on the following 
 year, Mr. Armstrong was urged by Mr. Martin and 
 others to accept the Superintendcncv of the School, 
 and also continue to be Bible Class teacher. Mr. Arm- 
 strong eoidd not see his way clear to t)ccu])y both 
 
■I , 
 
KNOX CIIUKCn. ^^'^ 
 
 „„sili.,ns, as he iKlicvcl that the l-cst ...torc^t of he 
 kchool would he eotiserve.! hy a >nore e<,ua <hvisio « ol 
 responsibihty.lmt was wilhng to take either ,,os> urn 
 th< ugh n.,t l.c.th. The Itible Class expressed their 
 stroi^K <lcsire to retah, hin, an.l their re„uest was 
 e'uittcl Mr. Martin was then asked to eontinue 
 Su eriiiUMKlent, whieli arr.nnKeinent still exists, while a 
 gratilvinK prosperity ami very pleasing ''='""""> l""; 
 v-iils " The Sehool is open al.out eight months of the 
 ■ea;: an,l for the winter months all the younger ones 
 vt, ean attend the Dible Class, The present staff <jre . 
 Mr lohn Martin, Superintendent; Mr. Duncan Mc- 
 A ister, Seeretarv-Treasurer; the teaehers are Messrs. 
 J^les Armstrong, John MeAninch, Walter Cowan 
 Misses Aggie Grey, Maggie MePherson and L^.m 
 McAllister- Organist, Miss Maggie Cowan, and Le, der 
 ^f SM i ng. Miss Aggie Martin. The number of scholars 
 on the vol this vearis.sr>; the average attemlancc of 
 scholars is +8, and the average attendance of teachers 
 and officers is 9. 
 
 The congregation appreciate very hiRhly the pro- 
 nounccl Christian influence of the --"* I'"';^- ^^f^^" 
 teachers, who have been so actrvc in the work of the 
 Sabbath sehool, and have done so nnich.by precept and 
 example, in the formation of true character among the 
 young. 
 
114 PRESBYTERIANISM IN PUSLINCH. 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 THE JUBILEE SERVICES. 
 
 CHE services in connection with the o1)servance of 
 the 60th Anniversary of the organization Ijcjj^an 
 on Sabbath, the 18th of June. The Rev. J. K. vSniith, 
 D. D., whose name is permanently associated with 
 Knox Church, Gait, conducted th morning service in 
 DufiTs Church and the afternoon service in Knox 
 Church. Th<? evening service in Duff's Churcli was 
 conducted by the Rev. Thomas Wardrope, D. D., who 
 was one ol the first members of the congregation. It 
 was peculiarly appro])riate that these two venerable 
 Fathers, enjoying the cjuiet evening of a successful day 
 and endeared by many years of intimate relationsliip 
 with the congregations, should conduct these memor 
 able services. There were very large congregations 
 present, many fnsn a distance visited again the ])laces 
 of hallowed memories ; and many words re£i(., spoken, 
 and sung, were cx])rcssive of (rod's great goodness lor 
 the extended period of mercies. It was indeed a day oi" 
 sacred interest to the aged who still survive. Fond 
 memory seemed to call back into loving felK)wshi|) the 
 sainted dead, whose heroic labors their grateful suc- 
 cessors wi'I continue to remember. .Many reali/ced in 
 special powei the ties that distance ne'er ciu sever, <'ind 
 thought of loved ones absent, some in (>ther laiuls; .'ind 
 as the imagination crossed o'er l:in is and sens, hearts 
 .separated seemed again to be united, fellowship pure 
 
duff's and KNOX CHURCHES. 115 
 
 and sweet was felt, and the sv^- its of the dead and 
 living, the f;ir and near, 1)lendcd together around one 
 eomnion throne of l)lessing. The next vSabbath the 
 Rev. K. Atkinson, of East Chnreh, Toronto, eondueted 
 the serviees, and in alile and elociuent sermons referred 
 in appropriate terms to the Jubilee, eongratulating the 
 eongregation on the event; and in words of encourage- 
 ment he exhorted the young people to put forth efforts 
 for the church, in the future, as their fathers had done 
 in the past. 
 
 The eonnnittce of arrangement recommended the 
 observance of ca "Children's Day," that the young 
 people might have a prominent part in connncmor- 
 at'.ngso great an event; so the representatives ot the 
 Sabbath Schools rc(iuested the pastor to conduct a 
 special service for the young. Tliis re(|uest he gladly 
 honored on the third Sal)l)ath; and the many young 
 people who attended will not soon forget the part 
 they had in services so special, so interesting, and so 
 prolitable. 
 
 On I<ridav afternoon, the 2ard of June, a platform 
 service was "held in Duff's church. The church was 
 bcautifullv decorated for the occasion. The pastor pre- 
 sided ; dcvoticmal exercises, full of thankfulness for the 
 blessings of the past, and of earnest petitions for a con- 
 tinuance of blessings for the future, were conducted. A 
 clu^rt hJ'itorv of the congregation was then given by 
 the chairman, and Kindly addresses of interesting 
 reminiscences were delivered by the Kev. Dr. Wardrope, 
 Mr James Laidlaw, ex-M.P.D.. Mr. James Anderson, 
 the Laird of Diislinch, Lt.-Col. D. McCrae, once a nicm- 
 V)ei of the congregation, representing the Presbytery; 
 
116 PRESBYTERIANISM IN TUSLINCH. 
 
 Rev. P.J. McLaren, one of PtisHnch's worthy .sons; Mr. 
 Peter McLaren, the honored teacher, and the Rev. Mr. 
 Couch, Methodist minister, of Aberfoyle. Loving tri- 
 butes were spoken of all the ministers connected with 
 the congregation for 60 ye^irs. The ])revSence of Mrs. 
 Meldrinn, widow of the first minister, was referred to 
 with sympathetic tenderness. It was stated that Miss 
 Kate A. McLean, daughter of the second minister, had 
 come to Canada on a visit, and though unable to be 
 present that day, would visit Puslinch in a short time. 
 It may here be recorded that the anticipated visit was 
 soon realized, and a considerable number, accepting a 
 ])ulpit invitation to attend a reception at the Manse, 
 had the ])rivilege of spending a few hours with the 
 interesting visitor. Miss McLean's portrait api)ears in 
 the group at the Manse, which is rei)resentative of five 
 ministers. The names of many who have ])assed away 
 and of some who still survive were also mentioned with 
 reverential remembrance. An excellent programme of 
 a])pr()priate music was well rendered by the choir. 
 Reasons for absence were received from the Revs. Dr. 
 McKav, Dr. Torrance, Mr. Strachan, Major Mutrie, 
 M.P. P., Lt.-Col. Nicoll, and others, and ccmgratula- 
 tory messages from many friends at a distance. 
 
 At the conclusion of this impressive service, the 
 people were arranged outside, where a photograph of 
 the church and congregation was taken by Mr. Charles 
 Burgess, for incorporation in the volume. An adjourn- 
 ment wr.s then made to the Manse grounds, which were 
 beautifully attractive. Tlie early evening hours were 
 devoted to a social tea. The ladies < ;)ntributcd an 
 ample sui)ply of choice provisions, and with perfect 
 arrangement royally entertained the great nundjcrs 
 
duff's and KNOX CHURCHES. 
 
 117 
 
 that gathered from far and near. Mrs. Robertson's 
 Tubileecake was a special feature, and by means of it 
 many of the aged, unable to be present, realized they 
 were not forgotten. The programme of the evening 
 was all that could be desired. The pastor was chair- 
 man ; the choir, in solos, duets, ([uartettes and choruses, 
 delighted the audience; soloists from Waterdown, and 
 a local orchestra, were much appreciated ; elocutionists 
 from Guelph increased the interest; and addresses, elo- 
 cpient, instructive, humorous, pathetic, all appropriate, 
 were given by the Revs. Jas. M. McLaren, R. J. M. 
 Glassford, representing the Presbytery; Lt.-Col. D. Mc- 
 Crae, Mr. Hugh Guthrie, and Dr. Jas. Stirton ; and thus 
 concluded the exercises of an eventful day. 
 
 On Tuesday, the 4th of July, the concluding services 
 in connection with the Jubilee, were observed at Knox 
 Church, West Puslinch. In the aftern(K)n, a picnic was 
 held in the grove near the church and arrangements 
 made, chiefly for the entertainment of the young, whose 
 interests were specially considered; and their large 
 attendance and apparent enjoyment revealed an appre- 
 ciation of such thoughtfulness. The ladies as usual 
 contributed an abundance of good things, and all par- 
 taking revealed a state of normal healthfulness. Just 
 before sunset, all repaired to the church, where Mr. 
 Burgess, on invitation, was ready to take the happy 
 expressions of "fair women and brave men." They 
 were arranged in proper order beside their place of 
 worship; and the picture of the church and people is 
 preserved on an interesting page, as a memento of the 
 t)Ccasion 
 
 The evening meeting in the church, which was 
 charmingly decorated, was a most important one. 
 
118 PKESBYTERIANISM IN PUST^INCH. 
 
 Although there had been no special advertisement, yet 
 the church was filled to its utmost ca])acity ; and 
 voimg and old soon felt the solenni impressiveness of 
 the hour. The Pastor presided, and after devotional 
 exercises, the Rev. Dr. Wardroi)e gave an address. He, 
 who had known Puslineh for 65 years, took the audi- 
 ence in retrosjvective vision to the earliest days, and 
 thev could almost hear the wolves and other denizens 
 of primeval forest; they almost suffered the hardships 
 of i)ioneer life, or got lost with him amid the uncertrun 
 blazes that sometimes bewildered travellers, 
 religious life of more than half a century was Iso 
 traced, and memories of other days acknowledged the 
 Good Shepherd's constant care. He exhorted all to 
 renewed consecration, and ho])e(l the services now clos- 
 ing would cement the two congregations in increasing- 
 fellowship, progressive activity and abiding prosi)erity. 
 
 The Rev. A. Blair spoke of his relationship to them. 
 He was born in the congregation, baj^tized there, and 
 though leaving in early life had retaincJ an interest in 
 them. He referred sympathetically to the ministers of 
 the congregation and recalled i)rofitable reminiscences. 
 He then spoke of the strt)ng theology c'.rd vigorous 
 religicm of a former generation; and while acknow- 
 ledging the glory of the ])rogressive age, which is 
 closing the century, and inspiring the young to efforts 
 worthy of their i)rivileges, he I .minded them that they 
 sh(mld revere the memory of their fathers and that they 
 could learn much from their wholesome Christianity. 
 
 Mr. Allan Stewart, Warden of the County of Wel- 
 lington, of whom the congregation is justly proud, was 
 next called upon. He si)oke as a worthy rci)resentative 
 
WM. Mccormick, jr. 
 
 ANGUS STEWART. ALLAN STEWART. 
 
 Knox Chcirch Juijilek Committee. 
 
duff's and KNOX CIIUKCIIFS. 119 
 
 of the conservative school of rehgious Hie, and made 
 some happy h)cal references whicli were much ap])re- 
 ciated. 
 
 The chairman called on Mr. Wm. McCormick, jun., 
 to lead the congregation in sinsj^iiifj^ the two first verses 
 of the 103rd Psalm, in Gaelic, as follows: 
 
 O m'anam, l)eanaich thus , nis 
 
 an Dia lehobhah mor: 
 Moladh <rach ni an taobh stigh dhiom 
 
 'ainm naomha mar is coir. 
 O m'anam, beannaich fcin a nis 
 
 lehobhah mor do Dhia: 
 Na diclmindmich na tiodhlaean 
 
 a dhconnich dhnit an Triath. 
 
 With his rich, sympathetic voice i\Ir. McCormick 
 sang this majestic I'salm, lining it, in the Gaelic fashion 
 approved by centuries. Many visitors had never be- 
 fore heard ])raise in Gaelic, but the aged present, and 
 several of the ymng, were able to join in the (Mice 
 general form of praise. 
 
 Messages, ex])lanatory of unavoidable absence, 
 were received from Kevs. John Curric, Dr. Dickson, K. E. 
 Knowles, Hugh A. McDherson, and others. 
 
 The choir of Duff's church rendered an excellent 
 programme of music. 
 
 The audience, deeply impressed by the evening's 
 service, sang, devoutly, " Praise God, from Whom all 
 Blessings flow," and retired with the benediction, pro- 
 nounced b\^ Rev. Dr. Wardrope. 
 
-J 20 PKKSnYTP:KlANISM IN PUSI.INCH. 
 
 AcknowleclKcmcnt should be made of the full and 
 excellent reports of the Jubilee services in the " Guclph 
 Mercury," whose representatiyes attended several ot 
 the meetings, thus gratifying local interest and carry- 
 ing Jubilee news to eager readers far removed from the 
 associations of earlier years. 
 
 The committee of arrangements would also grate- 
 fully acknowledge the encouraging interest and wilhng 
 assistance of both congregations in making possible 
 such successful services. 
 
 "God of our fathers ! be the God 
 of their succeeding race." 
 
 " O may we stand before the Lamb, 
 When earth and seas are fled. 
 
 And hear the Judge pronounce our name. 
 With blessings on our head !"