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CENTENNIAL
ST. andrp:w's
NIACzARA
1794
1894
BY
JANET CARNOCHAN
V
> s
--♦•-•♦♦-
^Toronto
WILLIAM BRIGGS
"895
'<^-
--^z
^^<cy C^C
V
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Be^ication.
* * *
^- O the present and former members of
J St. Andrew's Church, Niagara,
some of them in distant parts of
the American continent, but all
cherishing the memory of the church
in which they once worshipped and
the lessons learned there, this humble
volume is dedicated by the writer.
Niagara, 1895.
<*> ^-i fr ^'f'r
3nu6tration0.
St. Andhkw's Ch(R( h
PrM'FT .\NI» ()R(; AN .
Rkv. Robkrt Mrdiri,, i). |).
Rkv. John C'KricKSHANK, I) I).
Rkv. .J. R M,,\VAT, M.A., I). I).
Rkv. ("haki.ks ('ami'mkij.
Rkv. Wm. ("i.ki.and .
Rkv. J. \V. Bki.l, M.A.
'^-KV. Nathamki, Smith
Wm. 1)1 kk Mnj,KK. Ksy.,
•Iamks L(t( khaki, Esq.,
Rkv. ,J. H. Mcuvat, M.A.,
•John R(j<;krs, Ks*^,
<JKOK<iK Da\VS(»N, K.s<^
William Clarkk, Ks^.,
RoBT. N. Ball, Esg.,
James McFarlanh, Esq.,
l)H. a. Mri.LKK.
I' AGE
)
)
Front i-i/uere
. 33
. 23
47
58
. 38
. 39
•
. 40
•
41
i^wroup)
{f'foup)
64
29
preface.
Two yciirs ;igf» tho writei' proparod a record of the
Centenniiil of St. Murk's, Niagara. Stran<^e, indeed, would it
seem, if such were done roti aitiore for another Church, if
Tiothing of a simihir kind should be attempted for her own.
The favor with whicli the first volume has ])een received encoui--
ages the issuinjf of the present, hopini,' that it may he kindl}'
treated and its faults pardoned, and that this little work may do
its share in awakening interest in tiie history of our country
and of our Church.
There are so few churches iji Ofitarit> which can boast
of a century's existence, that it would certainly be wrong
to allow the occasion to pass o\er withf)ut some permanent
record. Attempts have been made to procure the portraits
of the formei' ministers, and also of the otiice- bearers who
had the most extended periods of service ; and many, n(» doubt,
in different parts of 'tur country will welcome the faces of
those whom they remember in St. Andrew's, Niagara. The
work has been a labor of love, and the writer hopes that the
book may in its perusal give to the reader as much pleasure
as in its compilation it has given to her, and that the profit
of the work may be some benefit to the Church which its.
present and former iij^inlieriji i\\V iy>ve. He.ii'ty llianks ;in; luTe
extended to ♦^\u)se wlifj,:. hav©*' Icindly fui-nislied illustriitions
wliioli now appeal' for tlie first time in print.
Mufli of wliat appeared in the paptM-, "'I wo Krontier
Cliiirches," read before the Canjtdian Institute in 1S!M), is
necessarily repeated, but so much has lieen added tliit it is
almost a new woi-k. It may be exphiined, witii regard to th»>
selection of papers read or address''s given, that ,^.> all c<tuld not
app(?ar, the preference has been given t<» those specially
relating to St. Andrew's, to the exclusion of ofhcrs, however
valuable.
iOy.-^^'-i*'
1794
St Hnbvew 8
IRtaciara
1894
L'l"H()r(«H ill tliis companitively new land we
have no i-oniantic remains nf cathedrals hoai'V
with anticjuity, no abbeys where "each shafted
oriel glimmers white," no fanes whei-e "through
-^^^^ the long-di'awn aisle and fretted vault the peal-
ing anthem swells the note of praise," still wv are c<»mmencing
to look back with pride on the beginnings of our country, and
are trying tt) piece together the almost forgotten tale of the
past, <»f which, if only that of a hundred yeais, it is almost as
difticult to su})ply the missing links as some countries find it to
recall the history of a thousand years ag<:>. Tn Ontario there
have been several centennial celebrations in the last decade,
notabl}' that of the settlement of Upper Canada, held in 18!S3 ;
that of the first Parliament, in 1892; that of St. Mark's, in the
same year, and that of the settlement of Glengarry, in 1894. Of
these gatherings, three took place in Niagara, and now to these
may be added a fourth, the commemoratifm of the one hundredth
anniversary of the organization of the congregation of St.
An(h'e\v's, and the building of the first cliurch in Niagara.
Previous to the date of 1791, we are only sure of the erection
of the Indian cha})el at Hrantford, 17H6, and the Presl)yterian
church at Williamstown, 1787. In all ages man lias been a
worshipping being, in buildings as different as the Temple at
Jerusalem, St. Peters at Rome, Mi4rose Abbey, or tiie .Mos(jue
of St. Sophia, or as when " tlie groves were Gixl's first tenn>ies."
That we should record the primitive attempts in this direction
of our young nation is rij^lit and fittinij.
While this church cannot boast of the romantic suri'ound-
ings of St. Mark's, or of stones mutilated by the hand of wai",
of memorial windows ''throwing a dim religious light," still the
history of St. Andrew's, with its solid uncompromising sti'ucture.
with the solenm belt of dark pines, will be found no less inter-
esting. As the fii-st century of its existence approached c<»m-
pletion, the subject was ofteti discussed whether there should
be a,ny celebration of the event, and at the annual congregational
meeting in January, 1894, it was decirled bv a vt)te of the
congregation that there should be some sctrt of commemorative
service, and a committee t)f three was named, with power to add
to its number. In May a preliminary meeting was held, and
an outline indicated of the shape the celebration would prob-
ably take. It was finally decided to have the Centennial on the
18th, 19th and 20th of August. Though meeting with some
disappointments and discouragements the members of the com-
mittee have reason to congratulate themselves that the printed
programme was carried out almost to the letter, and that not
only as regards attendance, but also interesting services, pro-
pitious weather, everything united to help in the success of the
celebration. In sending out invitations with programme, an
lO
attcnipt was made to reach all whose atkh'esses were known who
had formerly hehin^ed to the Clinrch, now scattered o\er the
lenj^th and l)readth of the land, and many, very many gathered
at the call, renewing friendships and rejoicing to see the church,
insteaci (»f being old and dilapidated as they feared, renovated
and ^^'-'ght in appearance.
t n Saturday afternoon, long before the hour at which the
services were to conunence, groups of people were seen in the
graveyard exchanging gi-eetings. At four o'clock the church
was well tilled, and the proceedings were opened by singing
Hymn 2.').'i, the pastor, Rev. N. Smith, being in the chair.
Psalm xc. was ivad, Kev. C Campbell engaged in prayer, and
the ceremony i»f unveiling the commemorative tablet was per-
formed by Ke\. Pr'of. Mowat in a few ap})ropriate word<. He
read aloud the inscription on the grey marble tablet, placed in
the rear of the chui'ch directly opjiosite the [)ulpit :
1794 1894
Tn grateful commemoration of the one hundredth anni-
\ersary of the organization of this congregation, this tablet is
erected by the members of St. Andrew's Church, Niagara. The
first building, begun in October, 1 794, and erected on this spot,
was burnt in the war of 181 2-1 +. The coni'resration met in
St. Andrew's school-room, on the north corner of this block,
for some years. The present church was built in 18.^1. The
ministers have been : Rev. John Dun, Rev. John Young, Rev.
John Burns, Rev. Thomas Fraser, Rev. Robert McGill, D.D.,
Rev. John Cruickshank, D.D., Rev. J. B. Mowat, M.A., D.D.,
Rev. Charles Campbell, Rev. William Cleland, Rev. J. W. Bell,
M.A., and the present pastor, Rev. N. Smith.
II
After this ceremony an anthem was sung by tlie choir,
^' O Praise the Lord ! '" and an historical paper, prepared by the
writer, was read l)y Rev. J. W, IJell, M.A., of Newmarket.
Tt shouhl have been mentioned that the old churcli, so
familiar to its present and former members, but looking (juaint
and old-fashioned in many respects, with its Doric pillars and
graceful steeple, its lofty, handsome, old-fashioned pulpit and
squ.are family pews, had now put on a holiday aspect, being decor-
ated with flowers ; while across the galler}' in large figures were
the numbers 17i>4 1894, the deep windows being full of Howers
in pots and vases, and suspended between each pair of pillars
was a beautiful hanging basket of Howers. A cit}' paper speaks
thus of the occasion in appreciative terms : '* The ceremony was
peculiarly in keeping with the lofty and stately gravity of the
noble church. A deep and tender interest in the historical
associations of the old church was manifested and a full
realization of the mighty changes which a century had wrought,
but there was throughout the conscious recognition of the fact
that it was a Christian ccjngregation whose anniversary was
being kept ; and the devotional side of the devout thanksgiving
to God for His mercies, the deep consciousness that it was to
glorify Him that the congregation existed, was never lost
in a merely historic interest."' Among those present were Sir
Oliver Mowat, and with him his brother, Rev. J. B. Mowat,
M.A., D.D., Professor of Oriental Languages in Queen's
University ; Hon. Beverley Robinson, Rev. Charles Campbell,
Toronto, a minister of St. Andrew's for twenty 3'ears ; Rev.
J. W. Bell, M.A., Newmarket : Rev. William Gregg, D.D.,
Knox College ; Rev. John Young, St. Enoch's, Toronto ; Rev.
J. C. Garratt, Rector of St, Mark's ; Rev. Canon Arnold,
Rev. J. W. Orme, Miss Rye, and Miss Creen. Among
12
former attendants niiv be mentioned Hon. J. (t. Currie
and wife, of St. Catharines ; A. U. Christie, Toronto, a memb(^r
sixty veai's a«x<> ; Mrs. Hamilton, Toronto, a daughter of Mr.
.I(»hn Ci'ooks, one of the first su{)erintendents of the Sunday-
school ; Miss CanipV)ell, <;randdaughter of Rev. John Burns, one
of the first pastors ; Mrs. Cohjuhoun, Toronto, daughter of the
Treasurer of sixty years ago : Mrs. Wilson, dauglitei- of the late
W. J). Millei-: Mrs. Davidson, of Xewmarket : Mr. and Mrs.
Forbes, (Jriinsln- ; Misses Cleland and Dell, daughters of former
pastors ; Mr. Herbert Mowat, son of Professor Mowat ; and it
was much regretted that Mrs. I'^i'cjuhart, daughter of Dr.
McClill, was unable to be present. There were also present
Mr. and ^Irs. Carnochan, Niagara Falls, marriefl by Dr. McCTill
fifty years ago; Mrs. Sjdvester, Misses Thorold, Toionto ; and
Mi.ss \Vhit(;law.
The historical paper was as follows :
St Bn^rcw*0 Church, H^tacjara
1704*1894.
Having been asked t<j prepare an historical paper for this
occasion, my love for the old church induced me to consent,
lioping that its deficiencies may V>e pardoned. When, four 3'ears
ago, the paper, "Two Frontier Churciies," was read l)efore the
Canadian Institute, I had little idea that 1 should be able to-
utilize the information then gathered for the centenary of St.
Andrew's Church now held. Since that time T have been fortu-
nate enough to gather several more strands of the chain then woven
together, and am now glad to use tliem for the purpose of the day.
The history of St. Andrew's forms an ample refutation of
the charge often sneeringly made, that Canada has no history l
13
for it has been said, and well s.iid, tliat were one to study the
history of this church and its surroundings, its old record l)ook,
and the history of all that may be seen from its spire, he would
be tolerably familiar with the history of LTpper Canada. These
pages give an ever-shifting kaleidoscopic view of pioneer life,
of military occupation, of strenuous efforts for religious liberty,
of bright days and dark daj's, of lighttiing stroke and tornado, of
debt and difficulties, of liberal gifts, of " conflagration pale," while
the surroundings tell of boomin" cannons and blazing roof-trees
almost a century ago of French occupation two hundred years
ago.
Afar, the lake spreads like a sea,
And near, the river broad, l)lue, deep,
Its waters flowing silently,
As resting from their frantic leap ;
Nur distant far the mountain, crowned
With columns pointing to the sky,
Willie all forget the huml)ler mound
Wliere other heroes mouldering lie.
Beyond, the fort and beacon light.
Old Mississagua's si^uare grey tower.
On either side churcli spires rise bright
O'er stately home or humbler bower.
Of the value of the record book here referred to, it may be
said that a gentleman skilled in such lore, who saw it lately,
thought it worthy to be printed in full. In the paper previously
referred to I went back to the year 1794, but now can, on the
highest authority — that of the Archives of Canada, prepared
carefully by the distinguished Archivist, Douglas Brimner, and
consisting of original State papers — by these roll back the page
of history to 1792. In the volume for the year 1891, page 85,
is a letter dated Newark, 12th October, 1792, from Richard
Cartwright, probably the grandfather of the present Sir Richard
14
(Jjirtwright, relating to the marriage law of Upper Canada, and
state of the Church of England in Upper Canada. After .some
preliminary remarks, he goes on to i-efer to what he calls Sec-
taiies and Dissenters, complaining oi" the poor condition of the
Church of England in the Eastern District, there being no
Church clergyman, " but there is one Presbyterian minister, the
chaplain of the S+th Regiment." (This must be the Rev. John
Hethune, who oi'ganized the cluinli in Williamstown, 1787, and
also preached in Cornwall.)
He goes on to say, " there is one clergyman settled here from
July." This we know to have been the Rev. R. Addison who,
sent as a missionary, became the first incumbent of St. Mark's.
Following this, come these words : " The Hcots Presbyterians
who are pretty numerous here, and to which sect the most
respectable part of the inhabitants belong, have built a meeting-
house and raised a subscription foi- a minister of their own who
is shortly expected among them. "
In the old record book of which we are so proud, there is
copied the agreement between the congi-egation and Rev. John
Dun : " Know all men by these presents, that we, the under-
signed subscribers, aiv held and firmly Ixmnd, our heirs, etc., in
the sum of three hundred pounds of N.Y. c'y, with house
room for thi-ee years. The condition of the above obligation is
sucli that the undersigned do jointh^ and severally obligate
themselves, to pay to the Rev. J(jhn Dun, the above sum, his
salary as a Presbyterian clergyman, he obligating himself to
officiate as such, to the Presb3'terian congregation of Newark,
commencing on the 1 3th June, 1794.
"John Young.
" Witness, u }^^j p^. Clench.
"Samuel Shepherd.
" Wm. Dunbar."
15
It is evident from this that the c<jn<(re<^ation was in exist-
ence before the date of this agn^ement, 1st r)etober. 1794,
hut whether tlie word h"rp. in the re{)ort of Mr. Cartwright
refers to iho tt>wn of Newai'k, or to the Home District where
they have built a meeting-house, and if in Newaik, \\\\\ this
was not considered sutiicient, and ste[)s are next taken to build
a church, otters a field to those interested in the early history of
(»ur town, the present writer not presuming to decide tlie
matter, [(referring accuracy to loose statement.
The earliest date in the old lecord l)ook is the copy of an
agreement, 2. "ird September, 1794: ''We, the undersigned sub-
scribers, do severally promise to pay the sums opposite our names
for the j)Ui'poseof building a Presbyterian church in the town of
Newark," — there being eighty names affixed, with sums varying
from Ss. to .£'1(), while the amounts promised for the support of
the clergyman are about the same pei' year. The whole amt)unt
subscribed was £'1\'), of which £1<)() is marked j)aid- -John
Young, Andrew Heron, A. (Jardiner giving £10 each, and
Samuel Street, whose name was sn well known afterwards,
giving £S. The first page of the old leather-covered book with
thick }>archment-like paper is dated Newark, .■K)th September,
1794, and reads thus: "A numbei- of people met this day at
Hinds hotel and resolved that as I'eligion is the f((undation
of all societies, and which cannot i)e so strictly adhered to
without having a place dedicated solely to di\ ine j)urposes, that
a Presbyterian church should be erected in the town of Newark,
and that subscriptions should be immediately set on foot, as well
as for the support of a clergyman of the same persuasion.
Signed, John Young, B'our-Mile Creek, chairman : Ralfe Clench,
clerk : Andi'ew Heron, Robert Kerr, Alexander (iardiner,
Wm. McLellan, Alexander Hemphill, all of Newark, any three
i6
t(» f(trm ii (luoruni in trivial matters, hut in matters of
importance the whole lo be assembled." No time is lost, for the
next day (1st October) the cluireh fathers meet, when a subscrip-
tion list is drawn up for the support of a cler<;yman. There
appears here a hill oi lumber for the new church, enal)ling us to
judj^e <»f its size and solidity being 40 x 32, the timbers S x 12,
e*^c., and also a petition to the Land iJoard for hmv town lots in
.)ne simare. Next, l'~)th October, agieement with regard to
doors, windows and window shutters. It was not, however, till
the 1 1th December, 1794, that the })lace for the erection of the
church was decided on — lots loT, loS, IS.'?, 184 — -the church to
l)e built on the rear line of lots 157 and 1S4, facing the street.
From this we see by referring to a plan of the town, that the
old building stood exactly on the site of the present building,
although many who remember meeting in the school-house in
the interval after the first church was burnt, regard that as the
site of the original building. It is certain that this was the first
church built in the town, as from the archives of Canada we
learn that the £100 granted by the Home Oovernment for
Niagara was not claimed b\' the Church of England till 1802,
the conditions being that the money be not given till church
wardens were appointed, or • iiid bought, or some similar steps
taken.
Mr. A. Heron was appointed treasurer, and this to be
made public, as "the frame is shortly expected down, and the
money will be needed for the purpose of paying for the same."
On the 4th of November, 1794, it was proposed to erect the
church on the lot granted to John Camp, the lot being situated
near to the front part of the town, the committee to inspect,
and, if vacant, to apply for the whole square, in place of the
square before applied for. The wish to pay just debts is shown
B ly
by the words, "as it is the wish of the committee to have the
first yeai's sahuy ready a^^'ainst the time due." We do not
know when the congregation met in the new l)uildin<,' ; hut
tliere is a notice of a business meeting in the Presbyteriati
church, September 24th, 179'). Tlien follow receipts from Rev.
John Dun of yearly salary. This clergyman is believed to have
been from tlie Presbytery of (Glasgow, and to have come to them
from Albany, N.Y. He gave up the ministry and became a
merchant in tlie town, a>id was drowned in 1803, in the banjue
Speecbj, in Lake Ontari(').
Plans are brought forwa.'d for seating and pewing the church,
casing churcli windows, and putting on tlie single architrave.
Thus, step by step, the work of preparing a house in which to
worship Gofi as theii' fathers had done goes on. Tn March,
179(3, James McLaughlin is to be paid £G (New York currenc}')
for his services as sexton for the future ; also, pews to be let to
the highest l)idder, largest not to be less than £•'), and lowest
X3 ; but the results far exceeded this, as A. Heron, John
Young and A. Thompson paid £10 each. Here appear the names
of those holding pews, the full amount being £150 for the
twenty-four seats. That of Colonel Butler appears, the name so
well known as the organizei' of Butler's Rangers. Many of the
same names appear on the registers of St. Mark's and St.
Andrew's, they holding pews in both churches. We see here
the names of many wjiose descendants still live in the
vicinity : Peter Ball, Daniel Servos, Archibald Thompson,
and a name found in earh'^ State papers, William
Johnson Chew, and others. The last receipt from Mr.
Dun is dated 8th May, 1797, and thenceforward his name
appears among the pew-holders. On 16th February, 1795, it
had been arranged that " Rev, John Dun is to officiate anywhere
i8
north of a lino from Mv. Froman's, l)ein<j; division betwoen
contrrcL'ation of Mount Dover and Newark.'' Tliere was a
congregation at Stamford, sometimes called the congregation of
"the Mountain." TIh' next business meeting is September 2nd,
1802, when the Rev. .Fohn Y<»ung, of Montreal, is engaged, and
to have the privilege of teaching a school. We find, as the
years go on, that the work of secular education goes hand in
hand with religious training, there being a school under the
direction of the Church till 1^45. The same day (September
2nd, 1H02) the thanks of the meeting are given to Mr. John
McFarliind for tne bell which he had been pleased to present to
the Church, and we find a subscription set on foot for building
a belfrv and furnishing the liouse ; and at this time we find an
interesting list of prices of lumber, glass, putty, stoves, stove-
pipes, rope for bell, rum for raising (showing the difference in
times then and now), expenses for covering and foundation of
steeple, charge for ringing bell, etc., rope wetted — whatever
that may be, I leave for wiser heads to explain. It is to be
regretted that we have no picture of tlie old church, but from
what w^e know of it, one could easily be drawn, as we know the
.size of building, number of windows, and panes in each, there
being two Venetian windows, one on eJich side of the pulpit, a
Ijelfry and steeple comjjleting the structure.
Next follows the agreement with Ilev. John Young for
jGIOO Halifax currency, with a dwelling-house, salary to be paid
every three months. Again we find in the pews let the names
of William and John Crooks, John and Colin McNabb, James
Muirhead, the heirs of the late Col. Butler who died in 1796,
John Swayzie, John Templeton, John Crier, and Bernard Frey.
In 1804, a meeting was held, .at wdiich twenty -eight were pre-
sent, John Young being moderator, and John Young, minister,
19
j)resent. Tlieie are three John Young's mentioned. Five
rneinhets of trustees were to meet with trustees of Presbyterian
conyreji^ation <»f the mountain (Stamford), at l)rake'.s tavern,
Queenston. This shows to the student of hist<»ry another stiik-
ing difjerefiee Ijetween then and ixju: We find as phi.ees of
meeting, Hinds hotel, Hartnum's tavern, Richard's cott'ee house,
and once is inentictned Mr. Heron's li(»use. The llev. Jolin
Youn,^ mentioned, came from Montreal, having come from
Lieith, Scotland, and an interesting bit of history in connection
with him throws a curious light on other days, showing that in
the midst of dencjminational differences, acts of kindness and
courtesy have been extended by Protestants and Catholics alike.
While Mr. \''oung was the minister in Montreal, in 171)1, the
Sacrament of the Lord's Supper was administered by him to
his congregation in the l^<'Collet Roman Catholic church, tlie
use of which had l)een kindly aIlow<'d the congregati(»n while
their own was being built. Th«^ Kecollet Fathers j)olitely
refused any pecuniary compensation, V)ut accepted a present of
two hogsheads of Spanish wine and a box of candles ; and the
manuscript (piaintly saj's, " were (piite thankful for the same."
At this time the clergyman in St. Andrews, Niagara, was
to have the privilege of teaching thirteen scholars — if he wished
— Ijjitin, Greek and mathematics, for the additional sum of X50,
and now, in ISO"), subscriptions were received to pay a Presby-
terian clergyman, according to the Established Church of. Scot-
land, and also to pay the Rev. John Burns to preach to them
every third Sunday. The gallant struggle made by this little
congregation to keep up the public worship of God is worthy of
all praise. With no allowance from any society, no endowment,
no help from Home Government to build or pay salary, as St.
Mark's was fortunate enough to have, it may be cjuestioned if,
20
but for the interest shown by Andrew Heron, and his Hhenility
in adviincin*; money when needful, the Htru<,'<;le ini<;;ht not have
been al)an(lnned. \W find, in 17*J'), "a hir^e Ijalance unpaid,
and a j^reat deal to be done to make tne ehureli eonvenient and
comfortable," and an obli<,'ation is (b'awn up re(|uestin<; " loan
of moiu'V, fi'om those who are able to loan any, to this laudable
purpose, that the l)uildinJ^' be not impeded." Tn April, 1S05,
Andrew Heron became clerk, as well as treasui-<'r, and hence-
forward for some time the writi.n<,' is more ditticult to read. In
1H04, he had present«'d an account of £170 of lawful money of
Upper Canada, inspected and a])proved, as is also the account of
John Young for £'27. In ISO") S we find the name of Mr.
Burns as preaching, also in ISO!), MO, 11, '16, '17, IS. He also
preached in Stamford church, as we find a sei-mon of his has
Ijeen reprinted by the Lundy's Lane Historical Society. It
was given during the war of 1S12, and is a solid exposition
of duty to (Jod, king and country. The Rev. John Burns
came from New York State, and belonged to the Secession
Church of Scotland. He was one of the first teachers of the
Niagara District (rrannnar School founded in ISOS, and was
taken prisoner and preached to his captors, it is .said, in the
war of 1S12-U.
Here is a notice which seems to show friction of some sort :
" Rfsolved,- - That this church is under the direction and control
of tlie majority of the trustees, and not subject to the direction
of the clergyman." " Resolved, — That the pulpit being part of
the church is subject to the majority of the trustees." Provision
seems to have })een made, even at that early date, for the share
of the minority in government, of which oui- politicians ma}'
take note. "Resohyd, — That in case of a division of the Society,
the church shall be held alternately by each party ; that is, one
21
week to one party and one week to the othei'. The key of
the church to be left at all times with the trustee residinj;
nearest to the church, in order that the niaj(»rity of the trustees
may know where to find it when they may see fit to admit a
preacher."
Different atteirpts seem to have been ma<le to obtain a
minister of the Established Church of Scotland. In 1H06, a
letter is sent t<^> Kev. .James McLean, of (}las<j;ow, ji<,'reeinf^ to
pay his expenses out, and we find that he pi'eached here in June,
July and August, but the church to be open to llev. J{)hn Burns
when it did not interfere with any otlier engagement of trus-
tees. In 1808 occurs the name of Rev. — McLearn, the pews
being let at one-third the rate of 1795, the Rev. John Burns to
preach every third Sunday, and in 180U, at one-half the old rate,
Mr. Burns to preach every seccmd Sunday. There is a curious
tabulated statement t>f number of pew, number of sittings,
amount paid to church, amount tc clergyman. From 1812 to
1816, not a lino records the stirring events of those years, and
the record goes on without the interval of the space of a line to
tell of the flame and sword alternating in possession of the town :
when St. Mark's was used as a hospital and barracks by friend
iind foe; when a crescent of hostile boats surrounded the harbor ;
when our town was for seven months in the hands of the enemy,
or of that black night in December when miles distant might be
seen the glare of the flames consuming the town, and when the
citizens stood in the streets gu.arding what few treasures they
had saved from the flames. There is no one now to tell us of
how St. Andrew's, with its heavy timbers, fell a swift victim to
the devouring element, or of how saddened the hearts of the
worshippers must have been when they .saw the building that
they had struggled to erect and maintain thus rising to heaven
22
HKV. ROBKHT MXiILL, D.U.
in smoke uiid flume, or how hopeless now seemed the task in the
poverty caused 'oy these two years of war, of aji;ain building a house
of (lod, with a j)eople scattered and a congregation ))roken up.
Tt is believed that parts of houses were left unl)urnt in the liaste
of the retreat, and that the school-room was not wholly consumed,
for we find an entry, unfortunately without date, "that a collec-
tion be taken up at divine service in the school-room to repair
windows and building as far as necessar}' for comfort of congre-
gation." This must have been done, for in ISIS we read of a
meeting in the school-house, and in 1S19, there iV an agreement
of town and township with Kev. Charles James Cook to be paid
in advance, any difference to be referred to the Presbytery of
Canada. In the Glcawr newspaper, publishefl by Andrew
Heron, 1S19, in Niagara, is an advertisement of annual meeting
(tf Presbyterian Church to be held in the school-house. "The
account of moneys i-eceived and expended in building school-
house will be produced "
While saying there are no entries from iSl2 to ISIG, an
exception must l)e made of one division not yet referred to, viz.,
the baptisms; which are from August, ITDo to 1S02; and later,
two daughters of A. Henm recorded in his own peculiar hand-
writing, L'^OO, and Novem})er 27th, IS 14, the latter nearl}' a year
after the burning of the chui'ch, in connection with which a
pathetic story is recalled. It is, that the mother and infant
child were carried out to the street from the burnina: buildinir.
The infant must have been this same Cathei'ine Heron. The
baptisms are by the i-egular ministers n,nd others called \isiting
clergymen. One in 171)2, is P^v. John McDonald, from Albany,
U.S.; another, Kev. — Mars, a visiting clergyman in 1801. The
children of Ebenezer Colver, Louth, are entered as baptized
1781, 1783, 1792, but the officiating clergyman is not mentioned.
23
-.V .■ '.
In 18:20 is u petition to the E;irl of Dalliousie for a sum
of money to build a church in town, and give title to land on
which former church stood. T have read somewhere that this
claim of the church for .£400 damages from the (Jovernment
was resisted on the plea that its steej)le was used as a place for
observation, to tell of the apj)roach of the enern}'. This was, no
doubt, the reason why St. Mai-k's obtanied nothing from the
Canadian CJovernment, that church having been used for war
purposes, although they did oV)tain £()00 from CJeorge III.
Finally £400 was granted to St. Andrew's, but in small instal-
ments, extending over many years. In 1820 is a letter asking
for the services of Rev. Thomas Creen, who had preached for
them a few weeks, and with whom they were })leased. He
was a catechist from (Glasgow University, and afterwards taught
a classical school, joined the Church of England, and l)ecame
Rector of St. Mark's.
At a meeting in the schoctl-house held in 1821, "Resolved
to put themselves under the Presbytery," and in 1821, six elders
are chosen, viz., Andrew Heron, W. D. Miller, John Crooks,
John Wagstaff, John Grier, and John Munro. The Rev. Wm.
Smart, from Brockville, was appointed their commissioner, the
Rev. John Barns presiding. During this period — when for
.some years we have no record of anv settled minister — to St.
Andrew's Church behmgs the honor of having had the first
Sunday-school in the town. There are at pres<>nt living in the
town several who attended, and the}^ have gi^■en me the names
of several faithful teachers, who little thought while working, no
doubt, often in the midst of many discouragements, thnt to-day
their names would be rememljered and quoted as wor-thy of
praise. The superintendent (who was also an elder) was John
Crooks, a merchant in the tt)wn, wh<t, in the absence of a
24
clergyman, often conducted divine worship, which was directly
after the 8unda3'-school (2.. '50 p.m.) ; and he often urged the
children, who were of all denoiniiiatidiis (there heing no other
Sunday-school in town), to remain foi* service. Among the
teachers were Mrs. and Dr. Millei-, Miss Young, Rev. T. Creen,
Mr. Heron and his daughters. A pleasing rfMuiniscence of this
faithful superintendent was given me a few days ago by a lady,
a former inhabitant of the town, now visiting here. It is that,
as a child, she remembered his funeral as the first which took
place in the graveyard, all denominations previous to 1831
having used St. Mark's. She remembers the unusual circum
stance of the church being open, anfl of peeping through a west
window at the grave close to the church; and returning after
forty years found an inscription to a .Tolui Crooks, bui'ied
in 1833. This grave nmst be the spot where in the spring the
pure white lih' of the valley peeps out from the broad green
leaves, the whole plot being a mass of fragrant bloom. Would
it not be a graceful act for the children on Decoration Day, now
l)ecoming an annual observance, to lay a wreath upon the spot
in memory of a faithful Sunday-school superintendent ? Of Dr.
Miller, another early superintendent, buried in St. Mark's, a
curious reminiscence has been gleaned latel}'. His daughter,
an old lady of eighty-fc^ur, has in her possession a copy of
a curious sort of acrostic of the names of Christ, which she
says the children of the Sunday-school conuiiitted to memory,
and it ma}- surely be given as an incentive to our children to
commit to memory (Jod's words in their youth, when the
memory is retentive, that in her sweet (puivering voice she
could repeat the whole of these verses composed by her father,
a line for every letter of the alphabet, and a text of Scripture,
each one representing a name of our Saviour. How little did
25
those teachers think then that their deeds would thus be le-
c'orded now ! It coniniences thus :
" I iiiii ^lj)lia ami Omega, the first and the last."' — Rkv. i. 1 1.
A was an Angel come down from the sky. - Is.\. Ixiii. !t.
B is the Jiramh, v.as exalted on high. — Zkch iii. S.
C was tlie (Tounselloi, good counsel wlio gave. -ls.\. ix. (i.
D tlie Deliveier from death and the grave. — RoM. xi. 'Hi.
In 1821, a petition is sent to the Presbytery of Broekville,
showing " That they hiid for many years assembled for the
purpo.se of divine worshij), the reading and hearing of the
Word, but have not been organized into a church in coiniection
with tlie Church of Scotland, whereby the ordinances (if the
Lord Jesus Christ are to be administered to the professing
people and by which they are built up in the knowledge, faith
and holiness of the (iospel, convinced that the cause of the
Redeemer has suffered much in tliis part of the Province for
want of tliis, and praying for assistance from your l^everend
body by ajipointing someone," etc. And yet, little notice of
this pathetic a})peal seems to have been taken.
The records of these years seem to be very scanty. In 1824
is presented the account certified as correct, in 1804, of A. Her<m,
for i/20.'i, with interest for twenty years, £21 1, making tlie whole
sum i/399, a small sum having been ])aid. There seems to have
been no settlement t)f this claim till 18.3.3, when in small clear
writing, almost like copper-plate, of W. I). Miller, is a state-
ment signed b}' James Muirhead, Robert Dickson and William
Clarke, who had probably been appointed arbitrators, w^ho state
this to be their decision : "Amount due the two persons named,
£203, with interest for 9 years' 4| months, from 1804 till the
church was burnt, Dec, 1813, £114, making the whole £317,
26
the commissioners not ailowinji; interest after that date." Mr.
Heron must certainly have l)een a staunch su]){)orter of his
church, faithful and lil)eral, and not jtione to take offence, for
we find his name contributing to the l)uilding fund in 18.'}1, and
as late as \)<M). Some interesting items occur in the bill pre-
sented : "Paid for deed of church, £C) 14s. (id.; passage to
York and ))ack, £\ : detention there, two days, 10s. ; postage
2s. Oid.
In ISl'7 is an agreement with Ilev. Thomas Fraser, for
,£100 sterling, and house rent. Mr. Fraser was fi-om the Relief
Church, Dalkeith, Scotland, and afterwards joined the Dutch
Reformed Church in the United States, and still later came to
Lanark. Ontai'io.
In 1829, a call was sent to the Presbytery of (Slasgow, offer-
ing ^inO, and the Rev. Robert McGill was ordained th.ere to
the otiice of minister of St. Andrew's, Niagara. All the business
rlocuments are carefully copied out in the beautiful hand of
\V. 1). Miller, viz., the call to the Presbytery of (Glasgow, the
bond to the same, and the Act of Ordinaticjn at Glasgow, and a
letter signed by the Moderator to that effect. On the 15th of
October, there arrived by the steamboat Canada, Rev. }\.
Mc(iill, accompanied from Kingston by Rev. John Machar.
Now come copies of another series of documents, which
form part of the history of Canada, as letters bearing on the
vexed (juestion of the Clergy Reserves, status of Presbyterian
ministers, share of money allotted for support of ministers of the
Church of Scotland, petitions to the Queen, to the Governor, all
showing the stern determination of this people to have their
rights, not by violence, but by strictly constitutional means.
In 1830 is a certificate to obtain proportion of money for
support of ministers of Church of Scotland. It is not to be
27
wondered at that a dignified man like Dr. McGill coming from
Scotland, where he had been a minister of the Established
Church, on finding that he was not allowed to perform the
ceremony of marriage even between his own people, should
feel indignant, and write in the curt and dignified terms which
follow :
"Sir,— I understand it to be required by the law of the
Province that a minister in connection with the Established
Church of Scotland must yet submit to request of the General
Quarter Sessions, authority to celebrate marriage even among
members of his own congregation. Although I regard this as an
infringement of those rights secured to the Established Church
of Scotland by Acts of the Imperial Parliament of Great Britain,
it seems expedient that 1 should conform to it, until that Church
to which I belong shall })rocure its abrogation as an illegal
violation of its rights. T therefore recjuest that you will give
notice to all concerned that T intend to apply," etc.
Singularly enough, the Hon. Archibald McKellar told me
he was married by Dr. McGill after this permission was ob-
tained, having been })revious to this for two years a student at
the Niagara District Grammar School, then taught b}' Dr.
Whitelaw, a member of St. Andrew's. He was kind enough to
send me a t3'^pe-written copy of the Act which made such mar-
riages legal. To 1831 belong the communion tokens bearing
the inscription, "St. Andrew's Church, 1831. R. McGill,
Niagara, U.C.," ar inspection of which is frequently asked for
by numismatists.
In 1830, a subscription was begun for a new churc";
seventeen years after the town was burnt, the congregation
having worshipped in the interval in the school-room, some-
times called the meeting-house. There had been an attempt
28
7\flM
WILLIAM CLAKKE, KSQ.
ROUT. N. HALL, KSg. JAMES McFARLAND, ESQ,
UH. O. MILLEU.
to raise money for a new church before Mr. McClill cunie.
In lS;iy, also, a subscription was begun to procure silver sac-
ramental vessels which cost £'J0. In the old record lMK)k is a
plan of the church, giving numbers of pews, showing platform,
pulpit, elders' pews, etc. Tn the list of subscribers of 1)^3U, in
all immbering eighty, of vaiious sums, 10s., £10, £50, the name
of not tttie person now living is found though many familiar
naiiH's occur, such as Robert l)i(;kson, W. H. 1 )ickson, Lewis
Clement, Antlrew Heron, sen. and jun., W. S. Servos, Thomas
Creen, E. C. Campbell, Robert Hamilton, D. McDougall, K.
Melville, .lohn Crooks, John Claus, .J. Stocking, W. Telfer, M.
Cathline, John Wagstaff and (i. McMicking, the two largest
contributors being .James Lockhart and Robert Hamilton (£50
each). The whole sum subscribed was £7f)0, the church to seat
(500. The salary of the clergyman was to be £175, witli allow-
ance from Ctovernment and promise of manse as soon as possible.
The list of those who purchased seats is given, of whom in the
church now are repre.sentatives of six. In \X'V2, the name St.
Andrew's occurs for the first time in the record. Then the
incorporatitm of the church, the names of six trustees, minister
and elders are all in the Letters Patent.
To the zeal of the Rev. Robert McCiill is due the Congre-
gational Libraiy, as through his influence many books wei-e
presented from friends in Scotland, and many were purchased
here. In the old library register are 214 names, and in looking
over the list of books, numbering almost a thousand, we find
many of very great specific gravity, but these were taken out and
evidently read. In the list of names of those taking out books
are many now almost forgotten. There was a printed catalogue
costing 7 Ad., and it was agreed to give the curators of the
library the old church in trust for five years to raise a fund for
29
the extension of the library, and in 1834, the meetinghouse
was rented for £12 lOs. ; also, in iJS.'Vt, one liundrcd t-opies of
report of fijiuncial affairs were printed. fn lS,"{(i, directions ate
given to advertise for a j)recentor in the newspapers of the town,
and we find a sahiry of !?")0 was given. The vexed <|Uestion of
the Clergy Reserves is brought up in the form of a petition to
Sir Francis Jiond Head for due support from lands appointed,
and a rectory {x'tition to Sir John Colborne. Now that the
softening touch of time has smootlied away all the bitterness
and rancor caused by this subject, we may (juote without
wounding anyone the words of the petition : "They feel
aggrieved by an Act* of the Lieutenant-Governor establishing a
rectory by which their rights are infringed and which is incom-
patible with })rivileges granted by the treaty between England
and Scotland, privileges belonging inalienably in a British
colony to subjects of Scotland as well as subjects of England.
The institution of the I'ectory, it is said, recognizes the incum-
bent as sole spiritual instructor of all residing within its bounds,
and places them in the same relation to the Established Church
as Dissenters of England are to the Church established there."
To this are signed 128 names, of whom the <mly ones now living
are A. C. Currie and James McFarland. Ajijiended to this is :
"N.B. The establishing of a rectory at Niagara took place on
^londay, 2nd May, 1836, by Archdeacon Strachan, placing the
Rev. Thomas Creen as incumbent thereof."
On 6th February, 1838, we find traces of another treasurer
who also had advanced his own money for the church. A vote of
thanks is given to Wm. Clarke. Esq., "for his having performed
the duties of treasurer for so many years, immediate steps to
be taken to liquidate the debt due him as he is leaving to take a
military situation." His period of treasure rship was an import-
30
Hilt one and the duties arduous, as the eliurch was huilt and
hirge sums of money were collected and paid out. In I8."i7, he
had heen appointed delej^ate to represent the congregation at
Cohourj^j.
Another glimpse of the history of our country is giv«'n in an
entry, 18.S8, annual meeting, <)th Fehiuary, "as the mc^eting has
been defei-red on account of the disturbed state of the country
from late insurrectionary movement and piratical invasion from
fr(»ntieis of United States, the membei's being <'ngaged in
military <luty." It will be observed that though the rebellion
is thus characterized, there is no reference whatever to the wai'
of 181 -J.
in 1838 comes the appointment of John llogers as
treasurer, which position he honorably held till his death, in
1883, almost forty-six years. It may be noticed that St.
Andrew's has had the benefit of three faithful and efficient
«»rticer.s, whose term of othce, if taken continuously, reaches 120
yeai's, viz.: Andrew Hej'on, thirty-two years ; W. 1). Miller,
forty-two yeai's, and John Rogers, forty-six years ; while in later
years, Geo. Dawson forty-three years as elder, Robert Ball forty-
three years as elder and Sunday-school superintendent (this last
at Virgil), aid James McFarland thirty-four years as elder,
makes another period of 120 years — six otfice-bearers, with
a period of 240 years. It may be questioned if any other
church can produce such a record. It may also be men-
tioned that a present teacher in the Sunday-school has held
the position for twenty-five years. In I'^SO, in acknow-
ledgment of sacrifices made by Rev. R. McGill, by remaining
in Niagara instead of accepting a call to Glasgow, a sub-
scription is set on foot to raise the sum of £300 as a New
Year's gift from his congregation. Even in these days this
31
would \)i; eon.si(lere<l a handsome present. Tn 1S40, there is a
reference to the school kept by Jaujes VV'eljstcr (who was also
precentor) in the school-room under the conti-ol of the church,
in lS42 called St. Andi'ew's 8ch(tol, and "to avail themselves of
the Act passed in Parliament in re;;ard to common schools." iiy
all these references to schools and librar ies, we feel proud to see
that St. Andrew's, in tho.se early da -.s, was doinj^ her share to
jjive an education to her people, lM)th secular and reli<;ious, for
from 1S02 there are references to a school in connection with
the church. In the Sunday-school all denominations came
to<^ether to study God's Word, and no doubt also that brief
and Comprehensive statement oi Hil)le truth, the "Shorter
Catechism."
A late discovery of the existence of a Public Library in
Niaj^'aia, from ISOO to 1820, with the same Andrew Heron as
librarian, secretary and treasurer, shows on its pages many of
the names with which we are familiar on the pages of St.
Andrew'.s record book, thus proving conclusively what has been
asserted before, that the nationality and denomination repre-
sented in St. Andrew's, are generally found taking steps for edu-
cation, for obtaining sound and useful reading, for improvement of
these our God-given minds. Among the trustees of one wo find
many names mentioned as trustees of the other : Heronr
McLellan, McKie, Kerr, Kemp, Crooks, Dorman, Hamilton,
Young, Dickson, Butler, and Wagstaft'. In the " Documentary
History of Education in Upper Canada previous to 1840," soon
to appear, no doubt the name of St. Andrew's Church School
will be found.
Some years ago a parchment copy of a petition to the
Queen, 1842, came into my hands, which I copied before
returning. Singularly enough it is not found in the record
32
^ "'''■'«•'
i i t ii riW iii r . rTi-MWi i i i .l
PULPIT AM) <)I{<;AN.
book, and now helps to eke out the history of St. Andrew's. It
is to the effect that, in consequence of mistakes made in the
census of 1839, members of the Presbyterian (Church were
underrated in settlement of Clergy Reserves in 1840, anfl
praying that relief be granted for this wrong. Tt is signed only
by heads of families, 142 names, giving number in each iamily,
making Q'lH altogether. This was in the palmy days of Niagara,
when the church was crowded above and below. In 1844. only
one seat and two half seats were not taken in the church —
during the days of ship-])uilding at the dock. Of the names
signed to this petition, f)nly one person is now living, Alexander
R. Christie, Escj. , of Toronto. There were giants on the earth in
those days who gave of their means liberally to the Church. A
legacy of ,£750 was left by John Young, and a statement is
made that part of it is invested in the Montreal harbor loan.
The disinterestedness of the Rev. Robert McGill is shown by the
fact that he reports having received £52 10s. in interest for the
balance, which, by condition of the will, he could use for
himself, but which the minutes go on to say, he generously
allows to the Cliurch.
The t)nly tablet in St. Andrew's previous to the one unveiled
to-day is that in the southei'n \' estibule, reading thus : " Sacred
to the memory of John Young, Es(i., long a merchant of Nia-
gara. Returning home in pain and infirmity, he was drowned in
Liike Ontario, where his body rests awaiting the hour when the
sea shall give up her dead. In his last illness, concerned for
the spiritual welfare of coming generations, he ordained a
bequest for the perpetual maintenance of divine ordinances in
this church. He met death, July 29th, 1840, aged 73. ' Pray
for the peace of Jerusalem ; because of the house of the Lord
I will seek thy good.' " This is the John Young from whom
^ 33
the village on the opposite side of the river is named Youngs-
town.
It is rather reniarkabh' that there is no reference whatever
in the heated times of the Disruption 1S43-44 to the loss
sustained, for a number of fa)nilies separated and formed the
Free Church. Xt>t a word of the loss of members or otticers
occurs. A gallant battle, which we cannot but admire, they
fought to support the views they held. T)iey met for a time in
what was called the Temperance Hall, then built the substantial
brick edifice in the centre of the town n<tw owned by the Meth-
odist Church. The pastoi's were the Rev. Jos. Harris, Rev. John
Alexander, Rev. Jas. Pirie, Rev. F. McCuaig, in intervals supplied
by students from Knox College, the last minister who preached
being Rev. J. McCaul, of Lewiston, N.Y. The first elders were
Mr. AVilliam Servos and Mr. James Munro, afterwards George
Blain, Peter Christie and James Robinson ; anfl still later R. N.
Ball and John Fulton. When the union of the Presbyterian
churches took place in 1875, the Rev. C. Campbell, pastor of
St, Andrew's said : " This is not a (jUHstion for us to settle now ;
to all intents and purposes it is a union long since consummated,
for we have been united for some time and need no ordinance
of union."' The church was sold, as before mentioned, foi-
$1,G00, the mcmey being used for the renovati<m of the present
building with the co-operation of Mr. R. N. Ball, who, having
been an elder of the Canada Presbyterian Church, l)ecame a
zealous member and elder of St. Andrew's. Mr. John Fulton,
also an elder of the Free Churcli, joined heartily in the union,
iis did others. Long ere this, and before the Free Church was
closed in 18G9, both churches had lost many members and
adherents from the decadence of the town.
Belonging to the days of Dr. McGill is a book of devotion,
34
prepared by him for the use of his people in conducting family
worship, as also a book of sermons. The statel}' jieriods and
classical language form a contrast to the sli})shod style of some
preachers of the present day. In 1845, there is the account of
a presentation to Rev. Dr. McGill, of breakfast and tea set of
massive silver, on the occasion of his leaving for Montreal. To
this are signed sixty-four names, of whom are now living, Thos.
Elliot, Andrew Carnochan and Jas. McFarland. It is singular
that, while Montreal gave a minister to Niagara in its earlier
<lays (Rev. John Young), the chief cit}' of Canada should now
be indebted to Niagara for an able preacher, gracing the pulpit
of St. Paul's for manv vears. Many still living remember the
stately commanding presence, the rich full voice, the dignified
bearing of this distinguished divine. The present manse was
built by Dr. McGill, and purchased from him with the legacy of
Mr. Young, as the handsome pulpit was the gift of Mr. Young
also. The Rev. John Cruickshank was inducted in October,
1845, but going on a visit to Scotland foi* his health he did not
return, havitig accepted the charge of Tui-riflf, Banffshire, the
Rev. J. W. Bavne acting as missionai'v from Julv, 1848, to
April, 1849. Dr. Cruickshank, previous to coming to Niagara,
had been tutor to Sir Oliver Mowat in his youth, who visited
him in Scotland, when, an old man of eighty, he was per-
forming his duties as a clergyman without assistance.
A call was given in 1849 to Rev. John B. Mowat, fresh
from Queen's College, who, however, was engaged in ministerial
work in Kingston, but the members of the congregation were
so anxious to secure his services that thev willingly waited
for him, although he had not bound himself to come to
them even after this lengthened period of waiting : but their
patience was rewarded, for of him it may be said, he loved
35
his people and his people loved .and revered their pastor. It
is one of the strange coincidences of life that the daughter
of the manse, Miss Mc(iill, horn and having spent her childish
days there, should return as the pastor's wife, and that there
her life shoukl close after ojie short happy year of married life.
Many here living yet remember hei- as their faithful Sunday-
school teacher, and as a leader in a ladies' aid society which
did much to clothe the destitute of the town. Among the
names signed, in IS.jO, to the call to Kev. J. B. Mow-it, now
livin<;, are onlv Jas. G. Currie and Andrew Torrance. The
faithful j)reaching and deep interest in the ycjung of the flock
bore much fruit, for to this period many date the first
promptings to the higher life. In \H'y2, the first reference to
laflies collecting is made, and in the same year is purchased a
bell. Having enjoyed the use of one for nine years, from 1804
to 1813, the congregation was without one for almost forty years,
and now after another ft)rty years the same deep, rich, full note
is yet heard calling — calling us to-day to the house of prayer.
Showing the zeal of the i)astor in all good works may be
mentioned the fact that during part of his pastorate he
preached every Sunday afternoon to the colored people of the
town in their church, now fallen into decay, and at another
pericxl drove to Queenston to preach there in the old church. A
faithful Sunday-school superintendent at this time was Mr.
John Barr, who afterwards studied at Queen's University and
l)ecame a minister, and in this connection may be mentioned
that from the walls of this church have gone forth four to preach
the everlasting Gospel, three of them going to Queen's Univer-
sity, viz., Rev. John Barr, Rev. Alex. Dawson and Rev. David
Niven, while another, Rev. \V. S. Ball, was a graduate of Knox
College. In 1851 is noticed the hantlsome sum paid to the
36
support of the church by iion-coiiimisHioiied otticers and privates
of Royal Canadian Rifles who attended St. Andrew's. This is
another pebble in the Mosaic of history. In 1S.")2 is noticed the
present <»f 850 from Jas. Cooper, an elder of the chui-ch, and
later thanks to Mr. Jas. Lockhart, for, as is (juaiiitly said, his
" civilities " to ministers in supplyinj^ the vacant pulpit. In
1854, a glebe is purchased with £150 offered b}' Clergy Reserve
Commissioners, £50 being raised l)y the jieople to complete the
purchase. During this period, the Church twice suffered serious
loss, a tornado unroofing the church and a stroke of lightning
rloing equal damage again. Tn the incumbency of Rev. J. B.
Mowat the Congregational Lil)rary was inci'eased, the writer
remembering the pleasure derived from reading many of the
Harper's Family Library, and Dr. Cummings' sermons, etc.
With great grief our people saw the departure of their
dearly beloved pastor consequent on his acceptance of the
congenial position of the chair of Oriental Languages, Biblical
Criticism and Church History, the parting present being a
valuable addition to his library.
In a review of the names signed to the call to the Rev.
Chas. Campbell, in 1858, we have a startling connnentary on
the gradual joining " the silent majority," as of the sixty^-eight
names signed only three are now living, viz., John Blake, Thos.
Elliott and Robt. Murray. During the twenty years' pastorate of
the Rev. C. Campbell, from Glasgow L^niversitv, who preached
such scholarly sermons, and whose kind heart was constantly
prompting him to help the poor and those in trouljle, occurred
the union of the two great Presbyterian bodies, the intnMluction
of an organ as a help in the musical services, and the death of
one of the most respected oflice-bearers in the church, William
Duff Miller. Like his predecessors, Mr. Campbell took a deep
37
interest in tlif srhuols «»t" the lt»\\ ii, and nvjis tor many yeai's
chaii-iiian of the Pul)lic Schou] as well as of tiie Hiyh SeluMtl
IJuai'd, and to whose juTsisteney is chieHy owing the erection of
the present Hi.ijh School building.
The decease of Mr. Miller is n'coi'ded in the Minutes in
ssately periods thus: "Who for the long j)eriod of half a
century had been a most valuable member, taking on all occa-
sions a deep interest, and acting a faithful part in the temporal
and sj)iritual affairs of the Church, being one of that little
company of excellent Christian men (himself the last survivor)
that, dui'ing a lengthened probation of tiial and suffering arising
chiefly from the want of regular ministerial ser^ ices, managed
and kept together the Presbyterian congregation of Niagara,
when, in the year of our Lord c»ne thousajid eight hundred and
twentj'-nine, theii- laudable efforts were at hist rewarded by the
CMiurch of Scotlan*' ordaining and inducting a mini.ster to the
pastorate, the deceased the following year, on the com])letion
of the ecclesiastical organization of the congregation to church
ordinances, was ordained to the eldership, which office he
worthily and actively filled to the day he rested from his
labors." To this period am^>ng the faithful and valued elders
of the Church belong the names of James Lockliart, John Mc-
Farland, (Jeorge I)aw«on, Andrew Martin, Robei't Daw.son and
Thomas P. Blain. When the Rev. CMiarles Campbell resigned
and removed to Toronto, the Rev, William Cleland was called
by the congregation. He had received a sound education in
Belfast College, and after removing to Toronto, wrote a iiistory
of Presbyterianism in Ireland, which hap. received much praise.
In this incumbency the present (»rgan was purchased. In this
connection it may l)e mentioned that frequent references are
made to the Psalmody, Precentor and choir ; sometimes a salary
I!i;\. CIIAlil.KS CAMl'HKr-l,
KEV. \V.V. ("LKL.\NI>.
is ;^ivf'M, and a;4iiii». tliaiiks reeorded to those who ;;av«> their help
<^'ratuitously in cun(hictinfj; the siii<jiiig. Tims at one time Mr.
I)uii,' was precentor, with salary, then thanks are ^'iven to Mr.
Harkness for instructinj,' the choir. Tw») sacred concerts in the
church conducted hy Mr. Harkness are mentioned. Aj,'ain,
thanks are given to Mr. Jus. Mai'r, Mr. James Carnochan,
Mr. Smither, Mr. William P. IJiain, each of these having led
the singing i»f the congregation.
The Jlev. J. W. Bell, M.A., a giaduate of Knox College,
became in 1SS4 the next pastor, whose pure g(»spel sermon.s
have not been forgotten. Tu this period was formed the L;idies'
Aid Society, which has done much for the improvement of the
church and manse. To the zeal of Mrs. Bell, the beloved wife
of our pastor, we owe the existence of the Auxiliary of the
Woman's Foreign Missionary Society, of whom it may be said
tliat, though .she rests fnmi her labors her works do follow her.
In this pastorate also was formed the Young Peoj)le"s Christian
I'^nion, which, formed by Miss Blake and kept alive by her
untiring zeal, still exists in her absence, and has done much in
encouraging Bible study and missicmary effort. Just pre\ious
t(» the coining of Mr. Bell occurred the lamented demise of Mr,
John Rogers, than who no more gentle, amiable spirit wor-
shipped within the.se walls — for almost fifty years the respected
faithful secretary, and treasurer of the church. For three-
tjuarters of a century attending St. Andrew's, sitting first in
the old church as a boy, then in the old meeting-liouse, and
then for fifty years in the same pew in this church till his
death, many of us still remember his serene face and gentle
dignity of manner. Mr. Rogers was succeeded by Mr. T. P.
Blain as treasurer, who held the position till his removal to
St. Catharines. During the pastorate of liev. J. \V. Bell»
39
atiotluT serious loss whs sustained in tlic death of Mr. H, N.
Ball, long an elder in tlie Canada Preshytei-ian (Miuieh, and
for many yeai-s a resj»eeted elder in St. Andrew's, lie had
done nohle work as a Sahhath-school teaciier and superintendent
at Vir<,'il toi- foity years. Many in different j>arts of the
countiy jodk back with j,'ratitude to his faithful Christian
teaehin^.
On the nuu'h-iegretted removal in ISSS of Ke\. .1. W. Hell
to Newmarket, lie was succeeded hy our present pastoi-, Rev. N.
Smith In this pastorate the chui'ch has l)een th(»rou;,ddy reno-
vated, and in this connection the name of Mrs. Milioy «leserves
special mention for tlie zeal and taste displayed, and the time
and labor given so ungrudgingly. At the present time we are
pleased to find on the Conuuunion roll a larger number than for
some time previous, also an increased Sabbath-school and larger
congregation. Dui'ing this pastorate tiie congregation sustained
a serious loss, deeply felt yet, in the sad and sudden death of
Mr. Flint Currie, Chairman of the Boanl of Managers. Of
the eleven clergymen whose nationalit}- is known, seven have
belonged to Scotland, one to Ireland, one to England, and
two were natives of our own loved Ontario. A small tablet
inserted in the north church wall has the words, "The
Ministers' burying-place." Is it not strange that in all those
hundred years no minister of the church died here, so that
but for an infant of a day this s(juare is unoccupied, Mrs.
Mowat who died here being buried beside her beloved father
in Montreal ? They rest in far different graves, one in the
depths of Lake Ontario, one in Montreal, another in Scotland.
On tlie south side of the church is a monument to Di-. Campbell,
late of Toronto, but a former member of St. Andrew's, who was
buried here by his dying wish " as close to old St. Andrew's as
40
Hi;\. .1. w. |{i:m., m.^.
UFA. NATHAMKL SMITH.
possible." The solemn pines sinj^ a recjuiem over the city of the
dead of different lands and colors, for of late many have been
buried here who followed the north star for freedom. All alike
await the hour when the trumj)et shall s(iund and the dead shall
be raised.
While we admire the courage and persistency of these early
pioneers in thus la^inj^ the foundati<»n of a church in ditticulties
such as would discouraj^e the stoutest heart, may we, in this
brighter day of the world's history -when in missionary circles
is done more in five years than in a century in former days — as
the poet has expressed it, "better fifty years of Europe tlmn a
cycle of Cathay '" — may we not prove degenerate sons of such
noble sires, ))ut may we tlo the duty that comes each da\' to
each one of us, striving to deserve that highest })raise given by
the Master to the poor widow, " she hath done what she could,"
humbly hoping that the rains from heaven and the fruitful
showers may descend on us that the work may prosper, knowing
well that " except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain
that build it, except the Lord keep the city the watchman
waketh but in vain "
After the reading of this paper the choir sang an anthem,
'' O Praise the Lord." A duet was sung by Mr. and Mrs. Sey-
mour, "Love Divine." Brief addresses were given, the first by
Professor Mowat, giving several reminiscences of his own incum-
bency of seven years ; one, that a visiting committee appointed
by the General Assembly had given St. Andrew's the most
4»
favorable report of all the churches in the Province. There was
no organ then, and the salary raised by the congregation was
only half that now given 'by them, there then being a Commuta-
tion fund. The r<»of falling in fi-oni a storn the architecture
was changed by Kivas Tully for greater safety and strength.
In conclusion, he paid a tribute to the \v(»i-k done by Miss
Carnochan and Miss l>lake in later years.
Uev. Charles Cani}»bell spoke of his connection with the
schools in the town during his pastorate, and of the U. E.
element in the town. Kev. J, W. Bell and Kev. John Young
also made short addresses. In the evening a large audience
assembled, notwitlistunding counter-attractions. The Rev. N.
Smith presided, Psalm xxiv. was sung, Rev. Professor Mowat
oflFered prayer, and the address ()f the evening was given by Sir
Oliver Mowat, who had kindly promised his help, and was now-
present to fulfil his pn^nise. The pastor in intrwlucing him
said Sir Oliver had been Premier the lojigest continuous term
()f years known to history in the British Emjiire.
It was no surprise that the address was interesting and
eloquent, but it was a surprise to many that the Premier could
supply so many links in the history- of the congregation, having
known so intimately some of its former ministers and members,
and thus the congregation felt that they were {)eculiarly fortu-
nate, not only in securing the presence of the Premier, but also
that his address was so peculiarly appropriate to the occasion.
The choir sang "Praise ye the Mighty God," and there was
also given a solo, "Jerusalem," by Mrs. Seymour.
The address b}'^ Hon. Sir Oliver Mowat was as follows :
I often wish to accept invitations which I receive to public
gatherings of various kinds, and which I am, notwithstaniling,
unable to accept. Were I to accept all that I should like tO'
42
accept, other aiul more necessary public duties would have to he
neglected, and my stren<;th and energy be spent prematurely.
There are occasions, however, which ai-e exceptional enough to
permit of my accepting, or even to make acceptance a duty. I
considered the great celebration here two years ago of the one
hundredth anniversary of the Province to be of that character.
That celeljration was followed by the centenary celebration of
the founding of the first congregation of the Church of
England here ; and now Presbyterians, in their turn, celebrate
the like anniversary of the first Presbvterian church in this old
historic town. Being a Presbvterian, as mv ancestors were for
T know not how many generations, 1 have considered this
occasion to be exceptional enough and interesting enough to
bring me to a Niagara gathering once more. It is interesting
to know that the Presbyterian lesidents of Niagara of one
hundred years ago loved the Presbyterianism of the fatherland
as much as we of the present day do. It is interesting to
know that they desired to set up in this new place a church in
which they and their children should worship (iod in the same
manner as in far-oft' Scotland ; that the same teaching should
come h'om the pulpit ; that the same psalms and paraphra^ es
and hymns should be sung, and to the same old tunes : that tl e
same forms in all the services shoukl be observed ; that the
same Shorter Catechism should be taught to their children ; and
that, though far away, they should feel themselves still to be
members of the Church in their fatherland. The population of
Upper Canada was then very small, and the Presbyterians in
the Province were very few ; the population has in the centur\'
which has passed become great, and the Presbyterians have
become many.
I understand that the occasion is considered one for
43
reminiscences of the congret,'jition, and perliaj)s ot" the locality
and the period. Others can give you more of such reminiscences
than T can, but there are some reminiscences of events which,
for personal reasons, it is interesting to myself to recall, and the
mention of some of them may be of more or less interest to
others who like to recall things past. My first knowledge of
Niagara, so far as I can recollect, I got when a very small boy
from the Niagara Ghdiwr. I remember how I enjoyed reading
that journal's stories and selectif)ns. About all that I knew of
Niagara at that time was that it was the place wliere the
Niagara Gleaner was printed, and from which the Niagara
Glemier came. \ knew nothing of the politics of the paper.
If it had any politics, \ am afraid, judging fiom my experience
of the old town since I became a public man, that its politics
are not likely to have been as good according to the judgment
of ray n^xature age, as its stories and selections were according
to the judgment of my early boyhood. I wonder if there is a file
of that old newspaper still in existence. If there is, I should
like, in memory of the pleasure it gave me in my early bo3'hood,
to see it again, whatever its politics were. I hope that if
anyone has a file he will deposit it in the Legislative Assembly
library, or in some other e<{ually safe place, for preservation and
public reference. But long before my boyhood had ripened into
manhood, T learned more of Niagara and the Niagara district
than the Gleatier taught me. I learned how rich the district
w^as, and is, in interesting historical associations, how grand in
local attractions, how advantageous in situation, how fertile in
soil.
As for soil and climate, the district was long regarded as
pre-eminently the garden and orchard of the Province. As for
local attractions, here is the great world's wonder, the Falls of
44
Niagara, and here ai'e the no le-s interesting rapids above and
below the falls. As for other advantages of situation, the
district is on one side washed by Lake Erie, and on the opposite
side by Lake Ontario, and forms a peninsula l)et\veen these two
great waters; while on still anothei' side it is locally separated
from the richest of the American States bv a narn)W river. As
for historical associations, the}-^ abound. The first settlers of
the district were men and women almost of romance. From
love of country most of them had, at the close of the war
of the Revolution, left their old homes ami possessions in the
revolted colonies and had come to Canada, preferring t<» l)egin
life anew in the wildei'ness rather than part with their British
citizenship. Then came the war of 1)^12, when so many valiant
deeds were done by the Niagara people and by those associated
with them in he defence of the country. Wliose heart has
not been stirred when reading or calling to remembrance the
accounts given of the liattles of Queenston Heights and Lundy's
Lane, and of the fighting at Fort Erie ? For eight}' years since
that war tlie two contending nations have been at peace, and it
is the desire and hope of all good men of both nations that tliat
peace may be perpetual. Assuredly our common Christianity
demands that it shall. Some of the loyal combatants in the
war were Presbyterians — and Presljyterians, Scotch and Irish,
have always recognized, and been faithful to, the duty which all
men owe to their country when it is attacked l)y a f( treign foe.
But there are reminiscences of persons connected with the
congregatit)n which give it to me a special interest. One of its
ministers, three-quarters of a century ago or more, the Rev.
John Burns, was the father of my friend and first partner in
business, Mr. Robert E. Burns. The son was born in Niagara
in 1805, and f<3rty-five years afterwards he became a judge of
45
the Court of Queen's Bench, lie died on the 12th of January,
1863. I know but little of the father. Judge Burns was, T
believe, his eldest son. He was a most estimable man, upright
in all his dealings. As a judge lie was painstaking and con-
scientious — -no judge was ever more so. In every capacity he
was esteemed by all who knew him.
The Rev. !Mr. Burns was for some years master cf the
(iranimar School, while he performed clerical duty for the Pres-
byterian congi-egation. Another of the early teachers in Nia-
gara was, like Mr. Burns, a Presbyterian, and him I personally
knew in mv early boyhood. T mean Dr. John Whitelaw. He
was appointed master of the District Grammar School in 1830,
and held that post until 1851. He was a very able and very
learned man. He had previously practised medicine in King-
ston, and I knew him from his being the physician who was
emploj'ed in my father's family, and also from his having given
in Kingston a course of popular lectures on chemistry, which
were attended by a considerable number of the educated men
and women of the town, and by a few boys, of whom I hap-
pened to be one. Chemistry was a favorite study with him. I
believe he afterwards delivered lectures on chemistry in Niagara.
The earliest minister of the Niagara congregation whom I
knew personally in any sense was Rev. Dr. McGill. I saw him
first when I was ten years old. That (shall I confess ?) is sixty-
four years ago. He became minister of the congregation in
1830, the same year that Dr. Whitelaw became master of the
Grammar School. Travelling was performed slowly in those
days, and I think it was while Dr, McGill was on his way to
Niagara from the seaboard that I first heard him preach in
Kingston. I recollect my boyish admiration for him, by reason
of at once his taking appearance and his interesting sermon.
46
IJKV. .lOITN rHrirKSHAXK. II. I).
While liis discourse no doubt coiituiiu'd inuih more than I under-
stood or {ii>|»reei!ited, it was at the same time so simph* and so
cleai' as to he in great part interesting even to a lx)y — a boy, at
all events, who listened with the knowledge that beloved parents
expected him to listen, and were not unlikely t<> catechise him
afterwards as to his knowledge of the sermon. Dr. Mcdill was
an able man, and was recognized in his day as one of the best
preacliers in i he Province. Ho was an earnest Christian and a
diligent pastor. Nor did he confine himself to congregational
work. I recollect that he started, and carried on for some time,
a useful and well-c»mducted religious magazine in the interest of
the Canadian Church. I recollect, also, that he took an active
part in vindicating the equal rights of his Church in Ui)per
Canada as one of the established churches of (Jreat Britain.
Happily, not only are the two established churches of Great
Britain now in all respects ecjual before the law in Ontario, but
the law gives equal rights to all churches, and to the ministers
and members oi all. The rivalry among them now is, who shall
do most for the Master. The memory of Dr. McCxill ought not
to be forgotten by Canadian Presbyterians, and will not be.
The Rev. John Cruickshank was another eminent miniser of
the congregation whom I personally knew. It is nearly half a
century ago that he was minister liere. He succeeded Dr.
McGill in 1846, and was minister until 1849, when he returned
to Scotland. After having been engaged there for a time at one
of the universities as an assistant professor, he was presented to
the Parish of Turriff, in Aberdeenshire. He died on the 12th
of June, 1892, at the good old age of ninety. He was a cultured
man, a good preacher and a good man. My acquaintance with
him arose from his having been one of my early teachers in
Kingston. He came there from Scotland in 1828 to take charge
47
of a school which the principal Scotch residents of the town^
with some others, wished to establish in consequence of being
dissatisfied v/ith the Government (Jrammar School or its nian-
agei's. He was V)ut two years in char<jte when he accepted a call
to a con;;rei(ation in iJytown (as Ottawa was then called), pre-
ferring' ministerial work to scholastic. 1 recollect that he was
accompanied to his destination by Rev. Dr. Machar, ^Ii-. (ieorge
Mackenzie and my father. Mr. Mackenzie was a Kin;:;ston
barrister of great promise. He was taking steps to enter parlia-
mentaiy life when he was carried off by cholera. Tf he had
lived he would probably have had a first place in politics, as he
already had in his profession. Sir John A. Macdonald began
his legal studies under him. Mr. Cruickshank (he obtained
his doctorate subseijuently) was a good teaclier according to
the methods then in use, though Adam's Latin Grammar, some-
body's "Select Latin Sentences," Stewart's Geography as then
used, and Walkingham's Arithmetic were rather hard fare for
boys eight or nine years old. Adam's Cirammar was a relief,
however, after the Eton Grammar which I had been made to
struggle with under a previous master.
Mr. Cruickshank was much respected and liked by his
pupils. They were mostly boys, but some of the Scotch sub-
scribers or shareholders who had daughters and no sons sent
their daughters to the new St. Andrew's Grammar School. This
was the first grammar school in the Province at which co-educa-
tion was tried. One of my classmates, and my greatest friend
amongst them, was neither Scotch nor Presbyterian — Walter
Stennet, who afterwards became Principal of Upper Canada
College, and finally rector of Cobourg. Two other of the boys
attained great distinction in after-life — John A. Macdonald
and Hilliard Cameron. They were amongst the big boys. Dr.
48
Cruickshfiiik in {iftcr-life used to speak of both of them with
pride as having' been pu[»ils of his. fn a speech elsewhere 1
;^ave some leniinisceiices of Sir .John Macdonald. What 1
chiefly recoUect of Hilliard Cameron at school is that he was a
kind, <,'enial fellow, and a special favorite with us junior lx)ys.
He was a most ititc^restinj,' narrator of stories, knew a great
many, and was always willin;,' to tell us one. T recollect that
(»n one occasictn, in ordei- to punish or correct the offence of
talking in school, he was made to sit for a few days with the
boys of the junior Latin class. He managed to tell us many a
good story there notwithstanding the keen eye of the master
T never ceased to have a very warm feeling toward the always
kind and genial Cameron.
When I was in England, ten oi- eleven years ago, I trav-
elled from London to Turriff — it took two days — in order to
pay my old teacher, Dr. Cruickshank, a visit and to hear him
preach once more. He was then about eighty years old but
was still hale and vigorous. There was a large congregation at
both services on the Sunday that T was there, and T learned
that there were nine hundred names on his Communion roll,
and that, old as he was, he still discharged all liis duties as
minister of his large parish, without an assistant. I had the
pleasure of hearing two sermons from him on this occasion,
both of them evangelical, edifying, eloquent and elegantly ex-
pressed.
My bi'other was another of the congregation's ministers a
long time ago. His term v/as from 1850 to 1857, when he was
appointed a professor in Queen's College, the position he still
holds. During these seven years I made not infrequent visits
to the manse with my wife ;• d family, then young, and saw
more of Niagara and its neigiiborhood and of its Presbyterian
D 49
c'lmrch and people, than I have done in the thirty-seven years
which have passed since.
But T have said enough of these congregational and
personal reminiscences.
The century which has elapsed since the congregation
was formed, has been an eventful one in human history. The
progress made, in all that concerns a people has been vastly
greater than in any previous century known to history. It has
been so in regai'd to every department of human knowledge,
and especially in regard to the application of science and
learning to practical uses. So also in I'egard to education and
its diffusion amongst the whole body of the people. The
railways which have been built thioughout the world during the
century, the steamships which traverse every sea, the telegraph
lines over land and ocean, and innumerable mechanical inven-
tions of every kind are among the striking wonders of the
century, which distinguish it from all other centuries. One of
the valuable results of the progress made is the great increase in
the comforts of all classes since the begiiming of the century.
To all who recognize and appreciate the common brotherhood of
all men, it is specially gratifying to know that the condition
generall}'^ of what are usually spoken of as the working classes
has greatly advanced, though their condition is still far from
being what all Christian men, who appreciate the teachings of
the Master, must desire it to be, and what there is good ground
for hoping and expecting it will become. Politically, also, and
in other departments, there has been like progress amongst the
nations of the earth.
But while there has been throughout the world excep-
tional progress in the respects I have referred to, it is fitting on
an occasion like the present to remember that, happily, progress
50
has not been less as regards the appliances of philanthropy and
charity than as regards other matters, and not less as regards
the Christian religion generally, which is the greatest spring of
philanthropy and charity. If there has been, or if there seems
to have been, more of avowed agnosticism and infidelity than m
some former centuries, there has, at the same time, been more of
religious life and activity : and the certain facts show that these
have increased in an immensely greater ratio than agnosticism
and infidelity. Thus, tlie Christian population of the world a
century ago is estimated to have been less than 200,000,000 ; its
Christian population now is estimated at more than double that
number. It took eighteen centuries for the Christian population
of the world to reach 200,000,000 : it has taken but this one
century to add another 200,000,000 or more to the number.
There has been like increase in the contril)utions t(» religious
objects throughout the countries of the world generally — a very
good indication of the earnestness of the contril)utors. The old
churches and the old religious organizations have shown greatly
increased zeal and activity, and new Christian organizations of
various kinds have sprung into existence during the century,
and have exerted and are exerting immense influences for good.
The British and Foreign Bible Society has been said to be the
greatest agency ever devised for the diflFusion of the Holy
Scriptures, and it had no existence a century ago. Nor had the
Tract Society ; and the Tract Society has in eighty years sent
out 75,000,000 copies of its issues, these comprising translations
into almost all the languages .spoken in the world.
So, it is only about a century that modern evangelical
missions have been in operation, and now two hundred great
missionary societies are at work, and their operations extend to
all parts of heathendom. They have a force of six thousand
SI
foreign missionaries and twenty thousand native missionaries.
The mission stations numl>er twenty thousand. This great
army of church workers have five hundred thousand children
in Sunday-schools, and administer to a million of actual conmui-
nicants, while the native Chi'istians anu)ngst peoples previously
heathen now number some four millit)n. These figures are great
as compared with matters a century ago. If they strike any as
otherwise when compared with the work not yet accomplished,
there is the assuring fact to be added from experience, that
where Christianity once takes root in a heathen land, and
begins to bring forth fruit, the ratio of increase in the num}>er
of Christians becomes thenceforward much great«i- than the
ratio of increase in the whole population. What has been
done so far by foreign missions has thus l)een })ut the sowing
uf the seed. The christianizing of a country previously heathen
may be said to have been already accomplished or almost accom-
plished in the case of Madagascar, the Sandwich Islands, the
Friendly Islands, and most of the New Hebrides.
There are, of course, many other well-known new agencies
of great Christian power which the century of your congre-
gation's existence has proa^ced. Among these are the Young
Men's Christian Associations, Women's Christian Associations
of various kinds, the Societies of Christian Endeavor, the
Epworth League, and the Salvation Army. These societies
in most instances are connected with the churches, and are
composed of persons l)elonging to various churches. There is
nothing more remarkable in the history of the century than
the growing disposition of men and women of all evangelical
denominations to unite in Christian work, and to recognize the
common Christianity of churches to which they themselves do
not belong, and the common Christianity of the members and
52
adherents of those churches. While all Christian churclies
justly assi«rt the necessity of a belief in Christianity and its
Divine Founder, they do not teach, if they ever taught, that
all the truths or supposed truths contained in their church
standards are of equal importance ; and that belief in them all
is essential to salvation, or essential to inter-church communion,
or (as regards the laity at all events) essential to church mem-
bership. There are essentials, and there are admitted non-essen-
tials, though every Church may hold its non-esftentials to be
important and to be capable of sufficient proof. But fdl agree
that belief in essentials must be accompanied by the proper
fruits of belief, and that belief not so accompanied is good for
nothing as respects either this world or the next ; all agree
that as regards character and conduct and sentiment, an essen-
tial characteristic of every man and woman must be love for
God and for our fellow men, a love manifested practically in
the daily life ; and all agree in the main as to what that prac-
tical life must include. The Christianity taught by all the
churches commands every virtue and forbids every vice and
crime. Tt requires everyone to do justly, and love mere}*, j-"s
well as to walk humbly before God. It gives emphasis to the
golden rule " Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you,
do ye even so to them." At the same time Christianity presents
to the mind and heart inducements and influences to righteous-
ness, which are the most pcjwerful that the human imagination
can conceive. Christianity is thus, as the result of its teachings
and through the influence of the Divine Spirit, the greatest
pcjwer for good that the world has ever known, or (as Christians
believe) ever can know. Eminent non-Christians have recog-
nized the value to the world of such a religicm, even though
tliev do not believe it to be divine. To Canadian Christians it
53
is deli<jhtful to perceive that tlie churches and people of Canada
are not behind the cliurches and people of other lands in what-
ever constitutes or manifests the Christian character. Indeed,
the desire for Christian unit)n is even stron<(er here than else-
where, as has been shown l)y the happy union of the various
Presbytei'ian bodies of the Dominion into one Pi-esbyterian
Church, and the like happy union of the vaiious -Methodist
bodies of the I)omini(m into one Metliodist Church. As united
Presbyterians, it is delightful for us to know that our Church
in Canada is not the least alive, or the least active, or the least
jiroj^'ressive, of the churches of the Dtmiinion.
VVhile, therefore, we gladly recogni/e and appreciate the
g(»od that there is in every other branch of the Church Uni-
versal, and while we rejoice with all our hearts in the well-being
and well-doing of every other branch, our own feeling as Pre.s-
byterians is to stand by the Church of our fathers, which has
ahso been the Church of our own choice. Presbyterian churches
have had in the {>ast a grand history of Christian heroism in
many Lands, and are making more of such history from gener-
ation to generation. Presbyterianism has accomplished and is
still doing great things in every land in which it has taken root.
Its clergy everywhere are learned and faithful, laborious and
self-denying. It has always been, and always will be, the
Church of the poor as well as the rich, of the leai'ned and the
unlearned. It concerns itself with the earthlv well-being of
men as well as with their eternal ccmcerns. In view of all its
influence f*)r good, the founding of its congregations in this new
world is well worthy of all remembrance. And let us all, my
fellow-Presbyterians who have joined in the present celebration,
endeavor henceforth to \ie better Presbyterians than ever before,
and thereby we shall be better men and better Christians, of
54
more service to the world, and more acceptable to the (Uxl of
heaven and earth, and to Jesus Christ His eternal 8on, the
(»o<l-man, the Saviour of mankind.
Seated hesid*^ Sir (Oliver \It»wat was the Hon. Beverley
Robinson, t'ornierh' Lieutenant-(ji()vernor of Ontarit), and it
seemed a strange anomaly that here in this old Presbyterian
church should meet on the same platform two speakers of opp<^»-
site political views and of ditierent denominations. The chair-
man, in introducing Hon. Beverley Robinson, said that a pleasant
feature of the occasion was that the gentleman about to speak
was a member of the Anglican Church ' ■ emphasizing the
brotherhood of the tvvtt <*hurches. The .. ^..ss was bi'ief but
happy and well expressed, explaining that he had not «Apected
to be here, but going to Queenst<m to ascertain the condition of
Brock s monument he had enlisted the sympathy of Sir Oliver
Mowat, and now had accompanied his friend t(» this church
celebration to show his sympathy. He paid a tribute to the
memory of Brock and his juljutant, McDonnell, of Clengarry,
and recalled the fact that his own father, Chief Justice Robinscm,
had fought at the battle of Queenston Heights, also that his
grandfather had been one of the U. E. Loyalists in the Niagara
District. He also paid a tribute to a Roman Catholic Bishop
(Rev. Alexander McDcmnell), whose integrity and Christian
character so endeared him to his fellow-citizens that the Orange-
men of Kingston . "esented him with an address, and the Rev.
Dr. Urcjuhart was the prime mover in erecting a monument to
him, showing the good feelings between Catholics and Protest-
ants, and so it should ever l)e, concluding, after some kind and
humorous words for the Premier and g(K)d wishes for the Church,
55
by calling upon all Canadians to follow, if necessary even to
death, the example of the great men of whom he had spoken,
Thus cUised the first day of the Centennial services, and the
opening promise was abundantly fulfilled in the succeeding days.
Sunday morning dawned clear and bright ; a large congregation
assembled, the church being filled above and below, chairs being
placed in the aisles. The service was ct)nducted entirely by
Professor Mowat, wearing the gown as in days of yore and
ascending to the lofty pulpit unused for yeai-s. The past was
thus vividly recalled to the old members oi the congregation.
The opening prayer was remarkaV)le for its comprehensiveness,
humility, pathos and power. A Centennial hynm, written for the
occasion by the present writer, was then sung, progranmies
having been ])laced in each pew.
Centennial Ib^mn.
{Wriffeii for the orra-sioii.)
With grateful hearts we come to Thee,
Our fathers' God to praise in song,
Who, through a century's slow course
Hast watched and guarded us so long.
Througli tire and sword, through grief and fear
A sure defence, a firm strong tower
Foi days of gloom, and days of cheer
Have proved Thy love, have proved Tliy power,
Pardon we ask, with contrite heaits,
Hund)Iy from Thee who ne'er denied ;
Assured of those whose pra3^eis heie rose,
One Lord, for them, for us, has died.
56
As for of ol<l tiiy people dear,
The cloudy pillar glided slow,
Or fiery coluinn lit their path,
So he our guide while here lielow.
As thro' the mist of tears we see
The forms of lovetl ones gone hefore.
Who now thro' Christ are safe with Thee,
Help us to meet them on tliat sliore.
Accept, Lord, the homage meet.
Grant that we greater heights attain ;
With glad thanksgiving at Thy feet
Anew we consecrate this fane.
An<l now we ask that as of yoix*,
Thro' paths to us unknown, untrod.
Do Tliou direct, protect and guide,
God of our fathers, be our God.
'Then followed i-eading of the Holy Scriptures, 1 Kings viii.
22-61, and then that j^rand psalm the one hundredth was
sung, the time-honored words wedti'd to the same old tunes
that ha<l been used by their Covenanting forefathers in very
different circumstances, a volume of sound not often heard
reverberated through the old church, and proceeding, no
•doubt, from many glad and grateful hearts. Reading Mark
xi., and a sermon followed which we regret very much cannot
be reproduced, the well-known modesty of the reverend
speaker and his aversion to publicity preventing this. It was
listened to with breathless attention, and was an eminently
practical, evangelical discourse, a pure gospel sermon, so
simple that a child could understand it, and yet profound and
fur-reach in J,' in its appeal to tlie conscience. " These ije liani
truths," we thought while listening ; " oli, who of us lives up to
this ideal, to this loftv standard." The text was 1 John ?ii. 2 :
" Beloved, now are we the sons of (iod." The sermon was a
practical outlining of tlie jiecessary characteristics of all who
are Christians. The marks of a ti'ue Christian are, first, love of
the study of (iods Word, not mere perfunctory reading, but
practicjil searching: secondly, a ]o\ of prayer; thiid, the
taking a decided stand for Christ, the living of a Christian life
at home as well as abroad, among his foes as well as among his
friends ; fourthly, a pure and holy life ; and fifthly, earnest and
active Christian work, particularly in the way of l)ringing
others to the Master. As an example of the sim})le, plain, but
far-reaching, heart-searching style : " Do you read Cod's Word
daily, do you study it so as to understand it? Many wrong
meanings have been taken from it : for instance, the verse,
' Charity covereth a multitude of sins.' How many have
made that the reason for connnitting sin, thinking that large
sums given in charity wf»uld hide their sins not only from men
but from the sight of the all-seeing Cod. But it does not
mean that at all. Tt is the sins of others to which the apostle
refers. He means not that charity will atone for- our own sins,
that it will keep us from talking unnecessarily about the
sins of others. Again, do you pray every day, morning as
well as evening'.' How many are there who, at night — when
the hours of darkness and danger- come, when in the silent
watches of the night — when sleep seals them in its embrace —
pray for God's protection, knowing that they are powerless to
protect themselves, but who, when the bright day comes, go
forth without once kneeling to ask the protection which is so
much more needed in tlie daytime, when we meet with
£ \
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f 1
H ■ .,,, i ' • "' m M
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REV. .1. n. MOWAT, M.A., D.D.
temptation and trial, and are exposecJ to the thousand snares by
which we may fall into evil."
A peculiar feature, more noticed by strangers than by those
familiar with the revered speaker, was the voice in its varied
intonations, not loud, but yet every word heard distinctly, with
a p(;culiar, low, clear, penetrating force, reaching to every corner
of the church with a distinctly pathetic touch in its perfect
modulations. To many the sermon and prayer formed the most
striking feature of the services, the special point of the latter
being its humility.
The closing prayer was made by Hev, J. \V. Bell, M.A.
Madame (Jramm, of New York, sang a solo, " Hope thou in the
Lord," accompanied by her husband, Herr Emil (iranun. The
congregation then sang the 2nd Paraphase with words so appro-
priate to the occasion, it having been a favorite of Dr. Mowat
when here. What a cloud of witnesses do the words bring up —
"God of our fathers, be the God
Of their succeeding race."
The choir sang, " The Lord is my Shepherd,"
In the afternoon the Sunday-school, numbering about
seventy, and many others, assembled to hear addresses from Rev.
N. Smith, Rev. J. W. Bell, Dr. Gregg, and Mr. A. Samson, of
Toronto. A duet was sung by Mr. and Mrs. Seymour, "Blessed
Assurance," and the clear joyous voices of the children united
in several hymns.
In the evening a still larger congregation than that of the
morning assembled. There must have been over 700 present,
as the aisles were again full and every available seat occupied.
Rev. N. Smith made the opening prayer and read Rev. xxi. The
59
sermon was by Rev. Win. (rie<,% 1), !>., Professor of Church His-
tory in Knox Collej^e, the text hein^ l)eut. iii. 7, ^'iving a sketch
of Preshyterianisiu in Canada. Ma(hinie (iranun aj.(ain sang a solo,
"Calvary," and her nuigniHcent voice will long be reinenil)ered.
The hymns 2^7, 248, and Psalm cxxii. seemed peculiarly appro-
priate. Dr. (Jregg's closing words were solemn and his prayer
affecting. The text was, "Remember the days of old." This
admirable t'eannu' of the historj' of Presbyterianism in Canada it
is impossible to give in full It was printed in tlie I'rexby-
terian Hievieu', August .SOth, Iju" a few of the interesting
facts are given, and the elocjuent and touching closing words.
" These words form part of the song of Moses in which he
recounts GodV: dealings with His Church in ancient times. They
suggest the propriety of reviewing the history of the Cljurch in
later times, I propose, therefore, in connection with this Cen-
tennial celebration, to sketch the history of the Presbyterian
Church in this province, hoping that by the blessing of God a
brief retrospect ma}' serve to awake, gratitude for the past and
inspire confidence ft)r the future. I would like, also, to say
something respecting our Church in the Maritime Provinces,
respecting the Nova Scotia colony of the Huguenots who were
the first Pres'r)yterians in British North America, respecting the
Dutch Reformed, Secession Church, Burghers and anti-Burghers,
but this will be impossible. Soon after the capture of Quebec
in 1759, a Presbyterian congregation was organized in that city
which met for worship in the Jesuits' College. The pastor, the
Rev. George Henry, who was a minister of the Church of Scot-
land, had been present at the capture (ti Queljec, having been a
military chaplain. The first Presbj'terian minister of Montreal
was Rev. John Bethune, who had been imprisoned during the
Revolutionary war, and suffered many hardships. He removed
6o
next year, 17)^7, t<» Williiiiustown, iind miiiisteird to .se\tMal
cimirreuiitions in that viciiiitv. One son became a Dean and
ancttlier a Bishop of the Church of EM;;lan(l. A ^'ran(is(»n is
Presbyterian minister of lieaverton. lie was succeeded in
Montreal by Rev. John Youn^', who, in ISOl', came to this St.
Andrew's con<,M'e^Mtion in Nia^'ai-a.
" Fn I7!n, tlie only Presbyterian ministei- in tiie l'i){)er
Province was Rev. Jolm Rethune. (jleneral Simcoe invited
Rev. .jabez Collver, and next came Rev. John Dun, the first
minister of this con;rej;ation. Tn ISOO, there were only four
Presbyterian ministers in Uj){)er Canada, six Methodists, four
Baptists, three Church of En;(hind, of whom Rev. R. Addison,
the first minister of St. Mark's in this town, was one. The
Rev. John Burns preached here at intervals from lf<04 to IS'22.
During the war of 1S12 14 he was taken captive, but was
permitted to preach to his captors. He is described as an
earnest, scholarly and effective preaclier." After referring to
the disruption, the colleges, the missionary stations, connimni-
cants (174,000), contributions ($2,000,000), six colleges, and three
missionary colleges respectively in Formosa, Tndore and Trinidad,
the reverend speaker concluded thus : " I hope that this brief
sketch is fitted to awaken gratitude for the past and confitlenoe
for the future. But whatever may be the state of the Church
at the end of another century, let me ask you to consider, as
a matter of infinite importance to each of us, what are our
own personal prospects for the future. It is almost absolutely
certain that before the close of another hundred years, not one
of us, not even the youngest, will be ali\'e on earth. Far sooner
our summons from time into eternity may come. The snows
even of the coming winter may fall on our new-made graves.
The earliest beams of to-morrow even may shine upon some of
6i
our faces pale and cold in death. What shall be our condition
when the change shall cornel Blessed be God, it is my privilege,
as a minister of the Gospel, to hold out to you the offers of
mercy. God has sent His Son into the world to obey, suiFer
and die for our salvation. I know not what your sins may be,
what their number and what their aggravations, Ijut whatever
they may be, God is willing to grant to you pei?.ce and eternal
life, . only, in the exercise of sincere repentance and genuine
faith, you cast yourselves at the feet of the gracious Saviour,
whose blood can cleanse from all sin. God Almi^fhtv, <jrant
that we all may be found among the company of those who,
having washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb, shall be
permitted to pass through the pearly gates, to tread the golden
streets of the New Jerusalem, and to drink of the crystal stream
that ever flows from the throne of God and of the Lamb."
The choir sang the anthem, "O be joyful in the Lord," and
as we looked over the sea of faces and thought that never again
in this world, in all human probability, would the same people
meet on earth together, the thought occurred, how shall we all
meet again ?
On Monday another beautiful day dawned, and the ladies
who were busy preparing for the afternoon congregational re-
union were rejoiced to see that the weather on which so much
depended for an open-air meeting, was so propitious ; and cer-
tainly every thinjif united with the weather to make still more
auspicious the scene on which that summer sun looked down.
Here was indeed a large family gathering — people of all religious
denominations, the present congregation and old members come
from distant homes — all enjoying the abundant hospitality of the
ladies of St. Andrew's. The tables, groaning under the weight
of good things, sparkled with china, glassware and silver, it
62
having been a happy thought to bring their own silver and china
instead of hiring it. Mrs. Smith, tlie pastor's wife, and other
hidies of the congregation, welcomed the guests as they entered
the grounds. An artist from Toronto had requested permission
to photograph the groups, and was trying to accomplish his
purpose. Sir Oliver Mowat gave his presence, as did Dr. Laing,
Mrs. Pattard, Miss Kye, Canon Arnold, Mrs. Alma, Mrs.
Garratt, and hundreds of others. The interchange of Christian
greetings was pleasant to behold, and many look back with
great pleasure on that pleasant sum ner afternoon when sun and
sky and fragrant flowers and waving trees all lent their aid.
In the evening the Centennial meetings were brought to a
olose with a number of addresses. Letters of congratulation
were read from Rev. John Porteous, (Jalt ; Mr. Frank Ball,
Woodstock ; and others were referred to, containing remittances
for the Fund, as Mrs. Logie, Hamilton; Rev. J. Gauld, Hamilton;
W. Gibson, Esq., M.P., Beamsville. On the platform were repre-
sentatives from the different churches of the town, both lay and
clerical. The Rev. N. Smith, the pastor of the church, presided,
and Hymn 244 was sung, Psalm Ixxxiv. was read, and Rev. J. W.
Rate lift offered prayer. During the evening the choir sang, " 1
will praise Thee," and Mrs. Seymour gave a solo, " Angels ever
bright." Dr. Laing, Dundas, was first called u^on, who gave a
masterly paper on Presbyterianism, profound in its logic and
clear in its statement, which was said by many to be the most
lucid statement of the case for Presbyterianism which they had
ever heard. This was followed by the speerV .";^ the evening, an
address from Rev. W. S. Ball, who, having attended the church
as a boy and knowing much of its early days, was listened to
with close attention and evident delight. After saying how
much he enjoyed speaking to a Niagara audience, he gave many
63
interesting,' reminiscences, peopling the pews in regular order
with their former occu[)ants, so that they seemed to be restored to
life once more. "Here sat Mr. Clarke"' (and, singularly enough,
after an interval of fifty years, here sat his daughter, ]Mrs. Col-
tjuhoun). Here sat Judge Campbell, six feet two in height, a
man of integrity, the son-in-law of Rev. John Burns, one of the
first ministers. There sat \V. 1). Miller, that pillar of the Church,
and his son, Richard Miller, afterwards Q.C. Here sat Hon.
John Hamilton, another tall, stately man, honoral)le by name
and lionorable by nature. In that corner sat James Lockhart,.
the genial-hearted, with his family around him. There sat Jared
►Stocking, who seemed never to grow old, and we would not be
astonished to see him now in that pew, youthful as ever. Time
will not permit, for others are to follow me, to tell of old John
McFarland, and James Cooper, and Andrew Heron, and John
McPherson, and \Vm. Barr, and many othei's, whose forms seeir
to rise before me." The witty and pathetic remarks were highly
appreciated.
An announcement was made that the offering at the difTer-
enc meetings was almost !?l200, and that ihis church, which was
almost uni(iue in having so small a debt, would now very shortly,
it was hoped, be entirely destitute of that common appendage.
The greetings of the Presbytery were conveyed by the Rev.
J. W. Mitchell, of Thorold, who, in a few well-chosen w^ords,
wished the congregation increased prosperity, it being explained
that the Synod had appointed Dr. Cochrane, Brantford, and
Dr. Battisby, Chatham, but the former was absent in Europe,
and che latter prevented by sickness from conveying these
greetings, and Rev. Geo. Burson, St. Catharines, was away for
his holidays. Rev. J. C. Garratt, rector of St. Mark's, would
64
\VM. DUFF MILLKH, KSy. .lAMKS LCKKMAHT. KSQ.
RKV. J. H. M(»\VAT, M.A.
JOHN ROGERS. KSg. (iEOR(;E DAWSON, ESg.
not take up the time at this late hour, but had ah'eady in his
own church expressed his feelings oi sympathy and his wishes
for the welfare of St. Andrew's. Dr. Mowat recalled several
incidents of his pastorate, showing the deep love he had for his
flock and the interest he still took in them. Revs. Ratcliff,
Bell, Orme, and Jas. Hiscott, M.P.P., followed briefly. Canon
Arnold, introduced by Mr. Smith as " alert and vigorous though
almost ninety," showed the truth of this by his huuKjrous and
thoughtful remarks. Thus was brought to a close this memor-
able historical event, the people of St. Andrew's thankful to
Almighty God that they had been permitted to hold this
commemorative service, that in all respects this celebration had
been so successful ; for whether it be viewed in its array of
talent, of distinguished men, the crowds of old members, or of
strangers almost as much interested, the carrying out of the
programme so that scarcely a break occurred, the success of the
ladies' share of the Reunion, the beautiful weather which lasted
all through this festive season, the Christian spirit of kindness
and courtesy shown by all denominations, it was felt that each
and everyone of these united to make this a season long to be
remembered, and a subject of gratitude to Almighty God that
He had so overruled.
To make this record more complete the names of the
present officials of the Church may be given. Session : Rev. N.
Smith, Moderator ; Elders, Messrs. Jas. McFarland, Jonathan
Niven, Alexander Mclntyre, Henry Skelton.
Managers, Messrs. F. B. Curtis, Wm. J. Campbell, J. H.
Benn, Wm. Acton, James Robinson ; Secretary and Treasurer,
B 65
John Carnochan ; Conductor of Choir, W. F. Seymour, B.A. ;
Organist, Miss lihike ; Sexton, William Elliot.
Sunday-school — ^Superintendent and Teacher of Bible Class,
Rev. N. Smith ; Teachers, Misses Carnochan, Davidson, Smith,
Samson, A. Mclntyre, K. Mclntyre ; Librarian and Secretary,
W. F. Seymour ; Treasurer, Miss Carnochan.
Auxiliary Woman's Foreign Missionary Society — President,
Mrs. Ball; Secretary, Mrs. Stuart; Treasurer, Miss Davidson.
Young People's Christian tJnion — President, Miss Smith ;
SecretJiry, Miss Creed ; Assistant Secretary, Miss Elliot ; Treas-
urer, Miss Davidson ; Assistant Treasurer, Mr. James Samson.
The committee for the purpose of carrying out the Centenary
celebration consisted of Rev. N. Smith, James McFarland, John
Carnochan, with power to add to their number. To these were
first added Wm. J. Campbell, Jonathan Niven, Miss Carnochan,
and afterwards William Acton, W. F. Seymour, A. Mclntyre,
William E. Lyall, At the first meeting, Rev. N. Smith was
made Chairman, and Miss Carnochan, Secretary. There were
four sub-committees formed of one each, viz., Entertainment,
William J. Campbell ; Music, W. F. Seymour, B.A. ; Programme
and Invitation, John Carnochan and Janet Carnochan.
The ladies of the church met in committee and formed the
following sub-committees, and it must be acknowledged their
work was carried out well : The Decoration Committee consisted
of Mrs. Taggart and Miss Belle Mclntyre ; the Re-Union Com-
mittee, Mrs. John Blake, Mrs, Currie, Miss Mclntyre, Mrs.
Wright and Miss Harrison ; the Invitation Committee for Re-
Union being Mrs. Ball, Miss Belle Mclntyre. The ladies who
were appointed to preside at the tables were Mrs. Smith, Mrs.
Ourtiss, Mrs. Winnett, Mrs. Ball, Mrs. Milloy, Mrs. Acton,
Mrs. Mclntyre, Mrs. McFarland, Mrs. Niven.
66
The Invitation Pro;,'r;unmo was as follows, and of these one
tliousand were distributed: —
"Niagara, Juhj 31.s7, 1894.
"Dear Sir, — With the following order of services of the
Centenary Celebration of St. Andrew's Church, to be held on
the ISth, 10th and 20th of August, we hereby extend to you a
most cordial invitation to be present.
" The offerings will be devoted to the li(|uidation of the
church debt and to needful repairs.
" Yours faithfully,
" N. Smith, " J. Carnociian,
"/*a6"^or." " Secretary Committee.
Iproorammc,
Services to be held in 8t. Andrew's Church, Niagara, on
the 18th, 19th and 20th of August, 1894, to celebrate the One
Hundredth Anniversary of the organization of the congregation,
and the building of almost the first, or perhaps the first church
in Western Ontario. The Synod of Hamilton and London
appointed Rev. W. Cochrane, D.D., Brantford, and Rev. Dr.
Battisby, Chatham, as their representatives, and the Hamilton
Presbytery similarly appointed Rev. George Burson, St. Cath-
arines, and Rev. J. W. Mitchell, M.A. Thorold. All the
former pastors of the congregation now living have been
invited to take part in the services, viz. : Rev. Prof. J. B.
Mowat, D.D., Kingston; Rev. Chas. Campbell, Toronto; Rev.
William Cleland, Toronto; and Rev. J. W. Bell, M.A., New-
67
niarkot. Tn addition to tliese, Sir Oliver Mow.it, has kindly
consented to give an address.
Saturday, August 18th, 4 p.m.
Praise, Hymn '2'Mi,
Reading, Psahn xc, Rev. N. Smith.
Prayer, Rev. C. ('anipl)ell.
Unveiling Tablet, Rev. Prof. Mow at, D.D.
Praise, Choir, "0 Praise the Lord."
Historical Paper.
Biief Addresses — Reminiscent, Rev. Prof. Mowat, Rev, C. Campbell,
Rev. J. W. Hell, M.A., ami others.
Ottering. Duet, " Love Divine,'' Mr. and Mrs. Seymour.
Evening at 7.30.
Praise, Psalm xxiv.
Reading.
Prayer, Rev. Prof. Mowat, D.D.
Addresses by Sir Oliver Mowat and Hon. B. Robinson.
Praise, Choir, " Praise ye the Mighty God."
Short addresses by Clergymen present.
Offering. Solo, "Jerusalem," Mrs. Seymour.
Sunday, August 19th, 11 a.m.
Praise.
Opening Prayer, Rev. J. B. Mowat, D.D.
Centenary Hymn.
Holy Scriptures, 1 Kings viii. 22-61.
Praise, Psalm c.
Reading, Mark xi.
Offering. Solo, " Rest Ye," Madame Gramm.
Sermon bv Rev. Prof. Mowat, D. D.
Praise, Choir, "The Lord is my Shepherd."
Prayer, Rev. J. W. Bell, M.A."^
Praise, Paraphrase 2nd.
Benediction.
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Afternoon at. •>.
Praise, Paraphrase 20th.
Prayer, Rev. J. W. Bell, M.A.
Reading, Luke xviii.
Duet, " Blessed Assurance."
Ten-minute addresses to Sunday School l,y Clergymen present, inter-
aspersed with Sunday School Hymns.
Offering.
Evening at 7. SO.
Prayer
Praise, Hymn 248.
Reading, Revelation xxi., Rev. N. Smith.
Prayer, Rev. N. Smith.
Praise, Psalm cxxii.
Offering. Solo, "Calvary," Madame Gramm.
Sermon, Rev. W. Gregg, D.D.
Praise, Choir, "O be joyful in the Lord."
Prayer, Rev. W. Gregg, D.D.
Praise, Hymn 247.
Benediction.
Monday Afternoon.
Congregational Reunion from 5 to 7.
Evening at 7.30.
Praise, Hymn 244.
Reading, Psalm Ixxxiv., Rev. N. Smith.
Prayer, Rev. J. W. RatcliflF.
Addresses from resident Clergymen and others, interspersed with
music by the Choir, anthem " I will praise Thee."
Offering. Solo, " Angels ever briglit."
Hymn 232.
Benediction.
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In what more fitting woi-ds tlian those of (Jeorge McDonald,
in describing an old church in the aS'^^ Board Parish and cjuoted
by the writer l>efore in the record of St. Mark's, can this sketch
of an old church be concluded : " And when I saw it 1 rejoiced
to think that once more I was favored with a church that had
a history, but to the full idea of the building it is necessary that
it should be one in wliich the hopes and fears, the cares and
consolations, the loves and desires of our forefathers should have
been roofed, where the hearts of those through whom our country
has become that which it is — from whom not merely the life-
blood of our bodies but the lifeblood of our spirits has come
down to us, whose existence and whose efforts have made it
possible for us to be that which we are. Therefore I would
far rather, when I may, worship in an old church whose very
stones are a history of how men strove to realize the Infinite,
compelling even the powers of nature into the task."
And again come appropriately the words of the same writer
in another work : "I delighted to think that even by the temples
made with hands, outlasting these bodies of ours, we were in a
sense united to those who in them had before us lifted up holy
hands without wrath or doubting, and with many more, who
like us had lifted up at least prayerful handrf without hatred or
despair. And I thought how many witnesses to the truth had
sat in these pews. I honored the place ; I rejoiced in its history ;
it soothed me, tuned me to a holy mood.'
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